The Qin Dynasty entered the game with love.

The people of Xianyang are now in a state of panic. After all, the fact that the ruler of the country is not of Qin royal blood is, no matter how the story is told, the beginning of a struggle.

The six states continued to send spies, spreading increasingly elaborate rumors, until finally the elders of each clan could no longer sit still.

Ying Xi was summoned to the clan, where the elders gathered to discuss how to resolve the messages circulating in the city.

“Young Master Xi, how credible do you think there is in the rumors circulating in the city?”

"Yes, King Zhuangxiang of Qin was held hostage for several years, and there was really a lack of information from the Zhao state, so this cannot be verified."

"Hmph, I told you, Ying Zheng is just a child, he hasn't even come of age yet and he's already committed such a disgraceful act. Why don't we just remove him from power and recommend Young Master Xi? This bloodline issue will be easily resolved."

"That's not all. Young Master Chengjiao plotted a rebellion in Tunliu a few days ago, and now he too has been beheaded. Who would have thought that even the late king's closest blood relatives would be killed... Alas..."

"If you ask me, Ying Zheng is still young and has never held power in the court. Lü Buwei is helping him so diligently. Maybe it's because that woman, the Empress Dowager Zhao, couldn't stand being alone and found him."

"That's right. The late king has been gone for several years, yet he can still have children. We are too ashamed to even mention such a sordid thing."

“That’s not what I heard. This Miao Ai is not a retainer of Lü Buwei. Not everyone knows that he was castrated, yet he still had an affair. If we expose Lü Buwei’s current power, wouldn’t the court be unstable?”

.......

While everyone was discussing for a long time without reaching a conclusion, all eyes were focused on one person. This person was about forty years old, with a dark complexion. One could tell from his physique that he had been practicing martial arts for many years, and he exuded an indescribable sense of authority.

Ying Xi stood up but did not speak directly. Instead, he invited some of the elders to a group and said, "Putting Ying Zheng's identity aside for now, how should we deal with Zhao Ji's affair and the rumored illegitimate child?"

Ying Kun, whose hair was already gray and who usually paid attention to cultivating his inner strength, was so angry upon hearing this that he glared and puffed out his beard: "How can such a woman who has corrupted the harem be worthy of being the mother of a nation? Kill her and abandon her in the wilderness."

The clan elders echoed the sentiment: "Young Master Xi, I suggest we be cautious about this bloodline issue. If the King of Qin is indeed not a descendant of King Zhuangxiang of Qin, Young Master Xi should make preparations as soon as possible."

Ying Xi remained silent for a long time before picking up his long spear and preparing to enter the palace to meet the emperor.

Yongning Palace

A woman dressed in luxurious clothes nestled on a chaise longue, with handsome men feeding her fruit and maids fanning her at all times.

What was originally a scene of leisurely enjoyment turned to the side, where Ying Zheng and Ying Xi were seen staring at each other in bewilderment.

Ying Xi wanted to confirm Ying Zheng's bloodline, but no one was in Xianyang Palace. After inquiring, he learned that Ying Zheng had been frequently visiting Yongning Palace recently. Thinking of the many rumors about Ying Ji, Ying Xi was on high alert.

The result was that the woman was having fun on one side, while the boy was studying on the other, neither disturbing the other and complementing each other perfectly.

Zhao Gao presented a cup of tea, and a fragrant jasmine aroma wafted over. Ying Xi was somewhat amazed by the princess's wealth, and the tea was also different from ordinary tea, being quite exquisite and fragrant.

Seeing that Prince Xi was not drinking, Ying Zheng took the initiative to ask, "Uncle, try my sister's tea. This jasmine tea has a unique freshness. The tea soup is fragrant and delicate, smooth on the palate, with a slightly refreshing bitterness, and a faint sweetness upon closer tasting."

It is only here with my elder sister that I can taste even a fraction of it.

Upon hearing this, Ying Ji casually picked up a grape and threw it at Ying Zheng, but someone noticed and dodged, grabbing it with their outstretched hand.

"Thank you so much for the grapes, sister."

The woman pouted without any regard for her image: "I didn't even share half of what I have with you. How could I have treated you so unfairly?"

When Ying Xi saw this scene, he felt that his worldview had been shattered—the rumors were not to be believed. It was said that the King of Qin hated his elder sister the most, but judging from today's scene, it was not something that outsiders had spread. It seemed that Ying Ji was also holding back.

"Your Majesty, I have come today not to reminisce, but only to inquire about one matter."

Ying Zheng picked up his teacup and took a small sip.

"Uncle Wang also thinks that there is doubt about the lineage of the lone bloodline."

Ying Xi hurriedly bowed and said, "Your subject dares not, but if there is no doubt about the bloodline, why does the King of Qin not clarify it? Now the people of Xianyang are in a state of panic, and there are countless factions. If it is not clarified quickly, the Qin Dynasty will be in danger."

"Uncle, don't worry, I will explain this matter clearly at tomorrow's court meeting."

Ying Xi did not leave, but knelt on one knee: "King of Qin, please explain to the various clans first. Not only do the clans need an explanation, but the people of the world also need an answer."

Seeing the two on the verge of exchanging blows, Ying Ji stood up and said, "Uncle, my Ji family has a secret technique that can guarantee that A-Zheng is definitely a descendant of the late king."

Ah Zheng has his own plans. We are all relatives, so we should support our own people.

Ying Xi glanced at Ying Zheng, expressionless, then at Ying Ji, his eyes gradually hardening: "Your subject takes his leave. May Your Majesty be well. I will discuss the matters of the clan with the elders."

Watching Ying Xi's departing figure, Ying Ji couldn't help but sigh, "Uncle made the right decision."

Ying Zheng looked at the woman: "What do you mean by that, elder sister?"

"Don't you know yourself? Why are you asking me? Those old fogies want to recommend Ying Xi for office if you can't prove your bloodline."

"Then it's already gone."

Seeing that Ying Zheng was completely calm and composed, as if nothing could arouse his interest, Ying Ji couldn't help but want to tease him on purpose.

"Ah Zheng is so boring, I don't even want to show you the good stuff."

Ying Zheng's interest was piqued; after all, it was rare for his elder sister to praise something so highly: "What is it? I've never seen it before?"

"Of course you haven't seen it." Ying Ji's expression was quite smug. If she were absorbing shock points, she would definitely make a fortune.

"Yuan Ge, bring me the jade pages."

"promise"

Yuan Ge carried a stack of papers and placed them in front of Ying Zheng.

Without needing any explanation, Ying Zheng picked up the jade page with great delight. It felt delicate and smooth to the touch, the paper was as thin as a cicada's wing, the scent was fresh and natural, and the weight was as light as a feather.

Ying Zheng picked up a brush that was placed to the side and wrote naturally and fluently, which could be described as a masterpiece. He buried himself in copying the Qin seal script and finished copying the chapter in less than a quarter of an hour.

Ying Zheng's eyes lit up: "Cai Cai Cai, elder sister, how much of this jade page did you make? Could you give me some?"

Ying Ji smiled, her eyelashes curving: "The raw materials aren't expensive, but the production process is complicated. If A-Zheng wants them, these are for you."

Ying Zheng was overjoyed. He had originally planned to eliminate Lü Buwei some time ago, but now, looking at the jade page in his hand, he felt that the key to controlling the powerful families was right in his grasp.

Thinking of this, he quickly got up and went to Xianyang Palace to plan the court meeting the next day.

Ying Ji calmly watched people come and go, without even seeing them off. The appearance of the paper shocked not only Ying Zheng, but also Bai Changchuan, who was serving nearby and had witnessed the whole thing.