The Qin Dynasty entered the game with love.

Xianyang Palace

Ying Zheng received a message from Yao Jia: [King Zhao has died, and Zhao Yan has succeeded to the throne, demanding that Qin release the hostage Zhao You.]

He casually tossed the secret document to Ying Ji, who was reviewing memorials: "Hiss, the King of Zhao died so quickly. Logically speaking, he should have been fine if he had held on for a few more months."

Ying Zheng did not receive any further information, but he had some guesses: "King Dan of Zhao was probably killed by Zhao Yan. Zhao Yan was narrow-minded. He had previously sent the crown prince to Qin as a hostage, but now he voluntarily returned the hostage. There must have been a reason for this."

Ying Ji's eyes lit up: "Then we can take this opportunity to attack Handan?"

Ying Zheng shook his head: "Chancellor Lian Po is both brave and resourceful, and now he holds immense power in the court. The Zhao state is still stable, and there is also General Li Mu stationed at Yanmen. We can't get around him. Why not let Zhao Yan take charge and release Zhao You? There will surely be a good show to watch."

Ying Ji buried herself in the memorial again: "Compared to this, I still want to establish a department that can specifically review memorials as soon as possible. In recent years, you and I, Li Si, have controlled all matters, big and small. After the six states are destroyed, do we still have to personally review memorials? Just thinking about it makes me tired."

Ying Zheng scooped up the sleeping Tuanzi and stroked him a few times without much care. Tuanzi struggled to get away but couldn't escape: "No rush. When the new king ascends the throne, I will give him a big gift."

Yingji could only miserably continue working hard, oblivious to Tuanzi's pitiful little eyes, and even actively cut off Tuanzi's thoughts.

Ying Zheng looked at the information on the states of Zhao and Han and began to make careful plans.

Gai Nie knelt to one side, glancing at Tuanzi out of the corner of his eye with some curiosity, but he never showed it.

Once freed, Tuanzi angrily kicked Ying Ji a few times. Seeing the unfriendly gaze, its fox fur trembled slightly, and it scurried up onto Gai Nie's shoulder, sticking its tongue out at Ying Ji. Enraged, the woman grabbed a memorial from the side and slapped it at Tuanzi.

Gai Nie swiftly placed the memorial between his index and middle fingers, respectfully put it back on the table, and returned to his original position. He felt the soft, fleshy pads on his body and the fluffy fox tail brushing against his neck and face, his eyes slightly narrowed in comfort.

Seeing that Ying Ji couldn't do anything to it, Tuanzi would blame Gai Nie every time it caused trouble.

[Host, you're so stingy! Why aren't you saving me? Hehe, come on then!]

Ying Ji gave a forced smile: "[A certain guild still owes over four thousand gold. Want me to help you remember?]"

The little dumpling's tail stood up in a huff: [Host is so cunning! I took out a loan but ended up using my own name. The host has been blacklisted by the God of War! Waaaaah, host is so mean!]

Seeing Tuanzi curled up in a ball, truly heartbroken, Yingji felt a little embarrassed: "Don't worry, don't worry, I'll definitely help you pay it back within a year. I'll also give you the little stash I promised you later."

Tuanzi, weak and sorrowful: [The host just likes to make empty promises. The main god hasn't given us any missions for three years, not even daily missions. We simply can't pay back the debt. Just thinking about this huge sum of money makes my heart ache.]

Ying Ji, having suffered a setback in this part, quickly apologized: "It was my fault, but as you've seen, King Zhao ascended the throne, and Zhao Yan is the easiest person to deal with. Don't worry, Tuanbao."

Tuanzi forgave its host, jumped off Gai Nie, and rubbed against Ying Ji's leg.

The woman placed the dumpling on her lap and stroked the fox's fur while she continued to revise memorials.

Proton Institute

When Zhao You received the news from the State of Zhao, he was overjoyed: "Yan Zhen really said that. He is actually willing to exchange himself for me. I, as the eldest brother, am truly incompetent."

The scout smiled and said, "Don't be sad. When we return to Zhao, with you brothers working together, Zhao will surely grow stronger day by day."

Zhao You smiled bitterly: "If I weren't in Xianyang, I could still be so sure, but in these three years, the prosperity and strength of Xianyang have been etched into my bones. As long as the foundation of the Zhao state can be preserved, I am willing to die."

The scout knelt and bowed: "Young Master You is very righteous. Since that's the case, you should quickly pack your bags. An envoy from Zhao will come to pick you up in the next few days."

Zhao You hurriedly instructed his maids and servants to pack up, ensuring they could leave at any time.

While in the same hostage house, the hostages from the other four countries (Han Fei, the hostage from South Korea) wore sorrowful expressions, wondering when they would be able to return to their home countries.

Especially Yan Dan, who was a hostage in Zhao in his childhood and in Qin in his youth, never returned to Yan during the prime of his life. I wonder if his father and mother still miss their son.

Handan, Zhao State

Upon ascending the throne, Zhao Yan addressed the issue of how to welcome Zhao You back to the country at his first court assembly: "My elder brother has served as a hostage for three years, which has been a great service. Now, I, Zhao Yan, will fulfill the last wish of King Xiaocheng of Zhao and bring my elder brother back. Is Chancellor Lian Po willing to make a trip to Qin?"

Lian Po, burdened with a heavy responsibility and feeling trusted by the new king, naturally accepted the order: "Your Majesty's command, I will depart immediately and bring Prince You back."

Zhao Yan, with tears in his eyes, seemed deeply moved: "I know that the Prime Minister is loyal and righteous, so I will leave this matter to the Prime Minister."

The court officials found it absurd that a prime minister of a state was sent as an envoy to Qin. If he was on an envoy mission, to whom should he entrust political affairs?

Fortunately, Zhao Yan was not stupid. He took the opportunity to speak: "The Prime Minister is on a mission to Qin, but someone needs to manage the affairs of Zhao. Mao Sui will serve as Imperial Censor and temporarily take over the duties of the Prime Minister."

Mao Sui was overjoyed and quickly bowed in gratitude. Those who had any connection with Mao Sui, upon seeing this, also quickly bowed in gratitude and settled the matter.

After everyone left, Zhao Yan left Lian Po behind: "Prime Minister, you know how much I value you, but the matter of my brother is of great importance. No matter who I entrust it to, I feel it is inappropriate. Only by entrusting it to you, Prime Minister, can I feel at ease."

Lian Po was initially somewhat dissatisfied with Mao Sui taking over the administration, but seeing Zhao Yan's friendly attitude, he was relieved: "I understand that only a few court officials know about the matter of Prince You. They do not understand Your Majesty's thoughts. Your Majesty has not done anything wrong in order to stabilize the court. On the contrary, Lian Po respects Your Majesty very much. No one is willing to give up the throne to their elder brother."

Zhao Yan wiped away his tears and grasped Lian Po's hand: "I am counting on you, Prime Minister."

Lian Po was in high spirits and set off for Xianyang that very day.

The high minister Lin Xiangru stopped the man at the gate of Handan: "Brother Lian Po, what do you mean by this? Now that the new king is in power, it is the time for you to be in charge. But you are going to pick up Prince You. The king is digging a pit for you."

Lian Po laughed heartily: "Brother Lin, I have been entrusted by the late King to bring Prince You back. Once we return to Handan, we will welcome him as the new king. The late King has already left a will."

Lin Xiangru felt a chill run down his spine and quickly pulled Lian Po to a secluded corner, saying, "Brother Lian Po, what you say is true."

Lian Po nodded, his eyes full of admiration for the current King of Zhao.

Lin Xiangru sighed, knowing he couldn't persuade his close friend, and could only leave him with one sentence: "Brother Lian Po, if you encounter an assassination attempt on the road, do not hesitate to leave Handan and go to the State of Chu, where you will have a chance to survive."

Lian Po said impatiently, "Brother Lin, you are overthinking it. I am now highly trusted and the King of Zhao is also very magnanimous. This trip will be very simple. Brother Lin, just wait for my good news."

After saying that, he got into the car and left, with only a hundred guards by his side.

Lin Xiangru looked worried and knew that his dear friend's departure might be a final farewell. He even returned to his residence and cried for half the night.