In the Great Qin Dynasty, I, the Unruly Commander, begin by dual-cultivating with Yan Ling Ji.

Zilanxuan

Ying Ziqing was dressed in an ancient yet luxurious black and gold robe. His originally loose long hair was tied up high, and his handsome and aloof face was expressionless.

Yan Lingji stood behind Ying Ziqing, gently adjusting Ying Ziqing's clothes.

"Young master was truly valiant today. It's a pity I won't be able to witness your commanding presence in the court tonight."

Yan Lingji pouted and said with some regret.

Ying Ziqing turned around and gave her a light flick on the forehead.

"When did Ling'er learn to flatter?"

"Hmph, I didn't. I'm going to bed early tonight, so I won't wait for you, young master."

Ying Ziqing flicked her forehead again.

…………

The Zheng Palace, the main hall where King An of Han handled court affairs, hosted a state banquet of the highest standard tonight to receive the Qin envoy.

King Han sat on the central throne, with famous Korean dishes and wines laid out in front of him.

The two columns below each contain the same dishes.

South Korean civil and military officials are arranged on the left and right sides respectively.

Seated at the head of the right-hand side was naturally Ji Wuye, who held more than half of the military power in Han.

He wore a bright silver chainmail, with a bright red cloak hanging down his back, and his rugged and unrestrained face revealed a relaxed and casual demeanor.

The wine glasses on the table were filled with fine wine.

He would occasionally pick up his wine cup and take a sip, but King An of Han on the throne seemed oblivious to this, staring calmly at the door.

The first seat on the left was not occupied by Zhang Kaidi, the prime minister of Han; it was reserved for Ying Ziqing, the envoy of Qin.

The second person from the left had his face lowered, his wrinkled face revealing no emotion.

Facing the mocking glances that Ji Wuye occasionally casts, she clenched her outstretched hands, which were resting on her knees, into fists.

Because Zhang Kaidi had embarrassed the King of Han, the King had been intentionally or unintentionally ignoring Zhang Kaidi recently.

Faced with the King of Han's displeasure and the mockery of his mortal enemy Ji Wuye, Zhang Kaidi could only swallow his anger and remain silent, even when his own property was seized by Ji Wuye.

He blamed all of this on Ying Ziqing, the envoy from Qin. Although Ying Ziqing was unaware that Zhang Kaidi harbored resentment towards him, even if he had known, he probably wouldn't have cared in the slightest.

It is worth mentioning that Han Fei, who had just returned to the country, was also exceptionally allowed to attend the banquet by the King of Han because of his meritorious service in requesting the mission.

Han Fei, sitting upright, glanced sideways at the timekeeping device, a sense of unease creeping into his heart.

It's already this late, why hasn't Brother Ziqing arrived yet...?

Just as King Han and his ministers were growing impatient, the eunuch's shrill voice rang out from outside the hall:

"The Qin envoy has arrived—"

Everyone looked up.

A tall, imposing young man dressed in a black and gold robe, with a stern face, slowly walked into the main hall.

Looking at Ying Ziqing, who was young but exuded a powerful aura, Ji Wuye narrowed his eyes slightly.

“An interesting fellow… No wonder the King of Qin dared to send such a fellow as an envoy to the State of Han.”

Zhang Kaidi then cast a venomous glance at Ying Ziqing.

Ignoring the scrutinizing gazes from the Han courtiers, Ying Ziqing calmly walked to the center of the main hall.

He cupped his hands in greeting and said loudly:

"Qin envoy Ying Ziqing, on the orders of the King of Qin, has come to visit the State of Han."

Although King Han An was furious at having lost face in front of Ying Ziqing earlier, he managed a slight smile on his face at this moment.

"Hehe, the Qin envoy's trip to Han has truly demonstrated the close friendship between Qin and Han. I have prepared fine wine and delicacies. Let us take our seats and continue our discussion."

"Thank you, King Han."

Ying Ziqing calmly took her seat at the head of the table. When she saw Zhang Kai's resentful eyes, she responded with a faint smile.

"The Qin envoy is quite young and has already earned the trust of the King of Qin to be sent as an envoy to Han. He is indeed young and promising. But I wonder what purpose the King of Qin has sent you here?"

King Han An turned to look at Ying Ziqing, who was seated at the head of the table.

Ying Ziqing took a small sip of the wine in the cup and said:

"The King of Qin sent me here today to show the King of Han that Qin and Han are eternal allies, and that if any other country invades Han, Qin will certainly not stand idly by."

Ying Ziqing paused for a moment, then continued:

“However, I should increase the annual tribute that South Korea offers to my Qin state by another 30%.”

With this remark,

The King of Han and his ministers could no longer remain seated.

Zhang Kai stood up, pointed at Ying Ziqing, and said angrily:

"Your Qin state is truly going too far. We pay a considerable amount of tribute every year, and in recent years, my Han state has suffered from a severe drought. If you were to increase the annual tribute, where would you place the people of Han?"

King Han An also looked at Ying Ziqing with a gloomy expression, while the other ministers glared angrily.

Despite Zhang Kaidi's indignant accusations, Ying Ziqing's expression remained unchanged, showing no signs of emotion.

He picked up a piece of fish with his chopsticks, put it in his mouth, and chewed while muttering to himself:

"The fish prepared in Qi is much more delicious. It seems that the fish from Han needs to be deep-fried over a high flame to fully absorb its flavor."

"Qi State..."

Damn Qin envoy! He's threatening me that if I don't increase my annual tribute, Qin will turn around and ally with Qi, then invade my Han state... Damn it!

Thinking of this, the timid King An of Han gritted his teeth.

He said in a deep voice, "Very well! South Korea is willing to increase its annual tribute by 30% to demonstrate the goodwill between Qin and Han."

Ying Ziqing clapped his hands and smiled, "King Han is indeed a wise ruler, unlike some short-sighted people who claim to care for the people of Han but actually put Han in dire straits. King Han, your heart is truly despicable."

Upon hearing this, Zhang Kaidi was so angry that he seemed about to explode. Ignoring the signal from the King of Han, he strode forward and prepared to grab Ying Ziqing by the collar.

Ying Ziqing did not stop Zhang Kaidi's actions, but turned to look at King Han with a disappointed expression, and said:

"Is this how South Korea treats its guests?"

The King of Han overturned the table in front of him and shouted at Zhang Kaidi:

"Open your mouth! Are you trying to rebel?!"

Someone come!

"Take the Prime Minister to rest!"

Two guards immediately came from outside the main hall, grabbed his outstretched arms, and dragged him away.

After venting his anger at being humiliated by Ying Ziqing, King Han took a deep breath.

He smiled apologetically:

"Hehe, I'm sorry to have made you laugh, Envoy Qin. Please forgive me."

"It's alright. King Han is a man of great principle and will naturally punish his subordinates severely, right?"

Han Wang'an forced a smile.

"It's natural."

Ji Wuye, who was watching coldly from the side, curled up a meaningful smile.

Seeing his mortal enemy humiliated by this Qin envoy, he felt extremely pleased and even found the Qin envoy more pleasing to the eye.

A table of delicacies was once again placed in front of King Han An.

He said, sticking out his big belly:

"A little farce just happened, let's continue."

As he spoke, he raised the wine cup in his hand and looked at Ying Ziqing.

Ying Ziqing also raised his cup and clinked it with King Anyao of Han.

The King of Han clapped his hands with a smile, and more than ten scantily clad dancers entered the hall.

She began to sway and dance with graceful, alluring movements...

This world has always been like this: the strong prey on the weak, the strong control their destiny, and the weak can only accept it...

A deep voice echoed from the depths of Ying Ziqing's consciousness:

"You have been granted two fishing opportunities..."

PS:

The contract was successfully signed. Could I ask for a free little gift?