The Qin Dynasty entered the game with love.

When Han Fei returned to Xianyang, he put his arm around Zheng Guo's shoulder and sighed, "This is simply inhuman work. Ying Ji is treating us like dirt. She just dumped all the authority on us and made us push the farm tools and manage the local area."

Zheng Guo was much darker than before, but his eyes were unusually bright and confident: "Young Master Han, Lord Danyang trusts you and me. Who has the audacity to report the country's canal construction project directly to another country, especially since we are both from Han?"

Han Fei grinned: "Your thinking is dangerous. You're openly accusing others of treason. You're still Han Fei's official."

Zheng Guo grinned and said, "Then Young Master Han is the Imperial Censor of Qin, so we're in the same boat."

Han Fei pursed his lips, and upon seeing the city gate, he was somewhat shocked: "Is this the new city? Has the city wall been moved forward by a hundred zhang?"

Upon seeing Han Fei, the guards at the city gate immediately bowed and made way for him: "Grand Censor, the Lord of Danyang asked me to convey a message to you, inviting you into the palace to discuss important matters."

Han Fei's smile vanished. What urgent matter could the princess be in such a hurry to enter the city to bid farewell to the Zheng state, and then go straight to the palace after freshening up?

The scenery of Xianyang along the way was truly eye-opening: flat cement roads, neatly arranged houses, clean streets, paths for pedestrians and horse-drawn carriages, and even staff at intersections to guide passengers.

The elderly on the street mostly wore smiles, children played together, and old people leaned against the shade of trees to play chess and chat. Occasionally, you could see scholars in their robes crowding among the old people to watch them play chess.

There were many merchants on the street, and it was rare to see two similar things on the street. After rushing to the palace, I could only describe it with eight characters: "The times are peaceful and the year is bountiful, and the people are safe and the resources are plentiful."

(Meaning: Favorable weather and abundant harvests; a scene of social stability and economic prosperity.)

Han Fei could imagine what such a powerful Qin state needed: to defeat a country and to tear apart the alliance of the six states.

This trip to the palace was probably for this reason. Han Fei frowned, his mind a jumble of thoughts as he pondered a solution.

Yongning Palace

Han Fei handed over his nameplate to enter the palace. Ying Ji was just about to go to Xianyang Palace, so she took the opportunity to have a chat with him.

Three years had passed, and Han Fei had taken on a more worldly air about him. It wasn't that he was vulgar, but rather that he seemed to have seen through the ways of the world and become indifferent to right and wrong. However, his fair skin still made people envious: "You man, how come you never get a tan?"

Han Fei was embarrassed: "Your Highness, I don't know either, what important matter could be summoned at this time?"

Ying Ji led the person directly to Zifang Palace.

Zhang Liang had been waiting for a long time, and was overjoyed to see his old friend.

Ying Ji delivered the person, whispered something in Zhang Liang's ear, and then left, leaving the two of them staring blankly at each other.

Han Fei was somewhat confused about the situation: "Young Master Liang, what does the princess mean by this?"

Zhang Liang chuckled: "No need to be so nervous. There's nothing urgent. I just wanted to see you, so the princess had someone summon you to come in and chat with me."

Han Fei's expression froze; all his efforts along the way had been in vain: "The princess dotes on Young Master Liang."

Zhang Liang did not refute, his eyes full of confidence and pride: "Of course, and you don't need to call me Young Master Liang, just call me Zhang Liang or Brother Liang in private. This Yongning Palace is great in every way, it's just a bit boring."

Han Fei stared at Zhang Liang with some surprise, realizing that the young man in front of him had changed drastically compared to three years ago, not to mention his more astonishing appearance.

The wisdom that transcended worldly concerns was gone from his eyes, as was his ambition to fight for a great cause. Instead, he displayed a naivety and childishness that shouldn't have been seen in him.

A chill ran down Han Fei's spine: [The princess is cunning. Zhang Liang's heart is clearly no longer with Han, nor with Qin. Judging from his behavior, after being pampered for three years, his youthful admiration is completely focused on one person. Now, he's no longer Han's insurance, but its death knell.]

A thought quickly flashed through his mind. When he saw the milk tea Zhang Liang handed him, a smile appeared on Han Fei's face: "I can't drink this milk tea anymore once I leave Xianyang. I really miss it."

Zhang Liang beckoned, and without a word, the Yuezhi handed over the packaged tea: "Knowing you like it, I had it packaged in advance."

Han Fei took the letter and thanked him, saying, "Thank you, Brother Liang. How have you been these past years? I've been so busy that I forgot to send the letter. Please forgive me, Brother Liang."

Zhang Liang waved his hand, but just thinking about the wonderful time he had spent with Ying Ji over the past few years, a look of happiness appeared on his face. He took a sip of tea to calm himself down and said, "It's nothing. The princess told me everything about you. You went to a village with Zheng Guo and almost got forcibly married because of the language barrier. Is that true?"

Seeing Zhang Liang's curious gaze, Han Xin blushed with embarrassment: "Ahem, how did you find out about this? I told Zheng not to tell anyone."

Zhang Liang covered his mouth and chuckled: "The Bad Guys are in my hands. The princess will send them to me as soon as she gets the news."

Han Fei could sense the deeper meaning behind it, so he pretended to be embarrassed and covered his face, then composed himself and began to gather intelligence.

"Since the princess trusts Brother Liang so much, South Korea is finally safe. For our sake, she probably won't attack South Korea."

Zhang Liang did not respond directly. Instead, he ate the caramel pudding in front of him and waited until he finished eating before Yuezhi handed him a handkerchief to wipe his mouth before he spoke.

"There's nothing wrong with South Korea, as long as Brother Han Fei doesn't do anything underhanded. I heard that Wei Zhuang, a disciple of Guiguzi, has appeared in South Korea. I wonder what Brother Han thinks about that."

Han Fei's expression hardened, and he looked up at Zhang Liang's smiling face: "What Brother Liang said, Han Fei is not quite clear about. I have been busy these days and have not returned to Korea."

Zhang Liang did not press further: "There is no problem with Han, Brother Han can rest assured. The rumors in Xianyang are just a smokescreen. Brother Han, don't try to escape unscathed and let the princess end up with nothing."

Han Fei picked up his cup of milk tea and drank it all in one gulp, inwardly shocked: [Zhang Liang no longer cares about the state of Han.]

To put it simply, Han Fei solemnly declared: "Since I agreed to serve as the princess's guest minister three years ago, I have been wholeheartedly loyal to her, solely to obtain what I desire."

Zhang Liang smiled and said, "Brother Han, why are you making such a big deal out of this? It's just a casual conversation between friends, so don't be shy. The princess has been insisting on eating crab roe pastries lately. Not only is the process complicated, but the ingredients are also extremely hard to find. Now that you're here, you must have a good taste."

Han Fei smiled nonchalantly: "Even the princess thinks it's precious and delicious, so Han Fei must try it before he leaves."

The Yuezhi bowed and placed the exquisite jade tray on the small table; even the bowls and plates holding the pastries were made of different kinds of fine jade.

Han Fei became even more wary of Ying Ji, but he naturally made a crab roe pastry. One bite revealed a crispy outer layer and a delicious filling, with a rich and layered taste. It had the rich aroma of crab roe and the delicate texture of crab meat, leaving a lingering aftertaste.

Before you know it, you've finished a plate and still feel like you haven't had enough.