Qin Dynasty: Starting with clinging to Zhao Ji's thigh

Guo Kai was the prime minister of the State of Zhao, and he was known for his insatiable greed.

In the eyes of many, Guo Kai was a treacherous minister who was of no benefit to the country.

However, Guo Kai remained deeply favored by King Daoxiang of Zhao.

He eliminated dissidents through various means, and his power in the Zhao state was extremely stable.

In this respect, Guo Kai and Lü Buwei were somewhat similar, both serving as prime ministers and wielding immense power.

Of course, comparing these two people would be an insult to Lü Buwei.

Lü Buwei was power-hungry and unwilling to relinquish it, but at least he was actually doing something worthwhile.

He worked diligently for many years and made significant contributions to the development of the Qin state, sincerely striving to make Qin stronger.

In contrast, Guo Kai had already been involved with the Qin state and accepted a large amount of bribes as early as the reign of King Zhaoxiang of Qin.

In the Battle of Changping in the past, people only saw Bai Qi massacre 400,000 Zhao prisoners, but they ignored the counter-espionage scheme behind it.

Thanks to the efforts of Guo Kai and others in the imperial court, the veteran general Lian Po was replaced in the midst of battle, which also earned Zhao Kuo the infamous reputation of being a strategist who only knew how to talk about war on paper.

However, what is poison to one is sweetness to another.

Guo Kai's existence was undoubtedly a malignant tumor that needed to be eradicated for the Zhao state, but for the Qin state, he was a great contributor.

Of course, the benevolent Jing Dashan wanted to meet such a meritorious official.

Two carriages slowly arrived in front of the largest mansion in the center of Handan.

This is the mansion of Zhao Xiang Guo Kai, located in the most prosperous area of ​​Handan, covering a vast area and extremely luxurious.

"Please inform them that Lord Changxin of Qin has come to visit."

Gan Luo and the gatekeeper's servants were already old acquaintances, and they had come quite often these past few days.

Although Guo Kai was greedy, he was also very particular.

Guo Kai felt that Gan Luo was just a deputy envoy and not important enough, so he didn't show his face at all, leaving Gan Luo with several closed doors.

"My master has already given instructions that if Lord Changxin of Qin comes, he may enter the mansion directly without being informed."

Despite this, one of the two guards led Ying Jing and Gan Luo into the mansion, while the other immediately ran inside to report.

Clearly, Guo Kai was well aware that Gan Luo had been repeatedly turned away, and that Lord Changxin would eventually intervene personally.

Led by a servant, after about the time it takes to drink a cup of tea, Ying Jing finally crossed the front yard and arrived at the living room of the Prime Minister's residence.

"Haha, I've long heard that a prince of Qin presented me with the miraculous techniques of papermaking and printing, and the King of Qin was overjoyed and bestowed upon him the title of Lord Changxin. Today, I've finally met him!"

Guo Kai looks to be in his forties, or perhaps even younger.

He wore a jade thumb ring on each hand and a long silk robe that exuded nobility.

In this era, Guo Kai's ability to learn about papermaking and printing techniques in such a short time demonstrates his power and influence.

To seize the initiative?

Ying Jing smiled faintly: "Prime Minister Guo has always been on good terms with my Qin state, and he pays so much attention to news from Qin. I am truly ashamed. I have been indulging in beauty for several days and have neglected the Prime Minister. This is really wrong of me."

Guo Kai was slightly taken aback. This Lord Changxin was no ordinary man!

He had never seen Ying Jing speak so directly before.

Given Guo Kai's current status in the Zhao state, Ying Jing's delay in visiting him, instead sending Gan Luo in his place, naturally displeased him.

But now, with Ying Jing's simple words, he can no longer talk about this matter.

To be frank, I was so captivated by beauty that I neglected my duties; I truly apologize!

What else can I say?

Moreover, Ying Jing also mentioned his friendly relations with the Qin state.

This began during the reign of King Zhaoxiang, when he accepted numerous bribes from the Qin state and instigated the replacement of Lian Po, which led to the tragedy of the Battle of Changping.

Even though he is now the Prime Minister of Zhao and enjoys the favor of the King of Zhao, he absolutely cannot bear this blame.

In the vast state of Zhao, in the great city of Handan, every household was dressed in white mourning clothes.

This kind of national humiliation is something that can never be reversed, no matter how small the connection is.

"Haha, Lord Changxin was young and admired love, and I, having been through it myself, can understand."

Guo Kai gave a dry laugh.

He sensed that the man before him, Lord Changxin, was difficult to deal with.

"Although I am now in a high position with great power, there are many eyes watching me, which makes me feel pressured and like I am walking on thin ice. I am not as carefree as Lord Changxin."

Although I accept bribes, there are requirements. There are too many eyes watching, and I don't trust ordinary people of low status.

It's not that I'm being disrespectful, but you're just being carefree. Sending just any deputy envoy won't do!

Ying Jing disliked dealing with old foxes because they always spoke in roundabout ways, and one might not understand their deeper meaning if one wasn't careful.

"I have heard of Guo Xiangbang's contributions to the State of Zhao, even while I was in the State of Qin. It is inevitable that some people are jealous of him."

"Today, Jing finally left the comfort of his home and hurriedly came to visit Prime Minister Guo. On the way, one of his carriages broke down. I wonder if the Prime Minister's residence has a replacement?"

We all know you like to accept bribes. It doesn't matter if people are watching you. I brought a cart full of valuables. Let's switch carts and we'll make sure no one notices.

Seeing that Changxin Jun could perfectly understand and respond, Guo Kai also laughed out loud with joy.

He just loves this kind of thing!

This is how the Prime Minister accepts bribes!

"Haha, Lord Changxin is truly a kindred spirit of mine. Although I don't have much wealth in my mansion, I can still afford to buy Lord Changxin a new carriage!"

Lord Changxin understands me. My household is short of money. I have accepted everything you sent. You can tell me what you need now!

Ying Jing smiled slightly: "Then I will thank Prime Minister Guo in advance."

"The Book of Songs, in the Greater Odes, says, 'Give me a peach, and I will repay you with a plum.' Since Prime Minister Guo has shown me such kindness, I, too, must present him with a great gift."

"Oh? What is this great gift?"

Having received a cartload of valuables, Guo Kai is now very cooperative.

"Having heard that the states of Yan and Zhao are at war, I have brought along Prince Dan of Yan, who is being held hostage in Qin, on this trip. I hope that when Prince Dan meets the King of Zhao, they can communicate and reach a mutual understanding, so as to prevent the war from escalating and affecting more innocent people."

Jing Da is a kind and compassionate man. He brought Yan Dan with him so that the war could be stopped and innocent people could suffer less!

Unlike Guo Kai, whose eyes lit up immediately upon hearing the news!

"Lord Changxin, where is Yan Dan now?"

The war between the states of Yan and Zhao has reached its most critical moment. If the crown prince of Yan could be captured at this time, it would be a great achievement.

"Ugh!"

Lord Changxin sighed deeply: "Crown Prince Dan said he wanted to go out and experience the scenery of Handan, but he has not returned. I wonder if he has encountered bandits. In order to spare the people of Yan and Zhao from the suffering of war, I beg Prime Minister Guo to send people to search for him. I am extremely grateful!"

Protons certainly can't be given away casually, but he got lost.

For the sake of the people of both countries, I have no choice but to ask Prime Minister Guo for help in finding it.

"Please rest assured, Lord Changxin, this matter can be left to me."

Guo Kai certainly wouldn't refuse such a good opportunity!

He continued, "Lord Changxin is a man of great benevolence and righteousness, and he cares deeply for the people. I cannot allow Lord Changxin to monopolize the credit."

“I know that Prime Minister Lü of Qin has repeatedly instigated the King of Qin to attack Zhao for his own selfish reasons. In order to avoid war between the two countries and suffering for the people, I will definitely advise the King to cede those insignificant places in order to maintain peace!”

Jing Dashan was deeply moved, realizing that there was a great philanthropist in the world who shared his sentiments!

"Everything is for the people."

"Indeed, everything is for peace, for the sake of all the people of this world. So what if my true self is misunderstood by the world?"

Prime Minister Guo, the world has misunderstood you!