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

The ninth year of King Zheng of Qin.

South Korean water conservancy expert Jeong Guk admitted that the construction of the Lingqu Canal was a "plan to weaken Qin" aimed at economically crippling the Qin state.

King Zheng of Qin was furious and issued an order to expel all foreign guests from Qin within a specified period.

Lord Changxin, Ying Jing, submitted a memorial entitled "Admonition Against Expelling Foreign Guests," proposing that "a true king does not reject the common people, thus demonstrating his virtue," and that "the land has no boundaries, and the people have no foreign countries." He argued that by spanning the seas, controlling the feudal lords, and widely recruiting talented individuals, one could achieve imperial power.

King Zheng of Qin then withdrew the order to expel the guest and sent Lord Changxin as an envoy to Han to question him about his crimes.

……

Handu, Xinzheng.

Although it lacks the towering city walls and numerous palaces of Qin capital Xianyang, and the bustling markets and prosperous commerce of Wei capital Daliang, it possesses its own unique simplicity and tranquility.

The buildings in the city are mostly built with bluestone as the base, with white walls and black tiles, simple yet dignified.

With its upturned eaves and exquisite wood carvings, it exudes an understated luxury.

Ying Jing's convoy slowly drove into the gate of Xinzheng City.

But it wasn't long before they were stopped.

King Han An personally led civil and military officials to greet them.

King Han An had no choice but to take this seriously.

Although he was incompetent, he was still self-aware.

The Qin state is now thriving, while the Han state is in a state of complete decline, with little land left.

If Qin had waged war against Han, he might have become the ruler of a fallen state.

Ying Jing slowly stepped out of the carriage, and the Qin army accompanying him instantly formed a battle formation.

His gaze swept over the group of South Korean officials, finally settling on King Han An.

His oversized, elaborate clothes made him appear somewhat bulky.

He was heavily pregnant and looked uneasy; even with a crown on his head, he showed no sign of authority.

To compare this kind of king to Ying Zheng is to completely insult Ying Zheng.

It's no wonder that the vast country of Korea was completely shrouded in darkness, allowing Ji Wuye to seize power.

"King Han's grand display has made me somewhat apprehensive."

Despite saying this, Ying Jing remained calm and composed.

"Even though I am in the state of Han, I have heard of the benevolence of Lord Changxin of Qin, the two arts of papermaking and printing that have benefited the world, and the unique philosophy of mind that I admire greatly!"

"Even with Confucius before me, I would still like to address Lord Changxin as the Sage Jing, and it is only right to welcome him here!"

Upon meeting Han Wang An, he immediately showered him with praise, completely disregarding the demeanor of a king.

The South Korean civil and military officials also felt somewhat ashamed at this moment, but since it was the King of Han who was speaking, what could they do?

One by one, they could only unconsciously lower their heads deeply.

"Your Majesty flatters me. I am truly unworthy of the title of sage!"

Ying Jing simply smiled faintly, not taking it seriously.

While reputation is important, he is also aware of his own limitations and knows that such a reputation is undesirable.

Master Xun was only revered as a second sage; Ying Jing could not accept the title of sage.

To prevent the King of Han from continuing his boastful remarks, Ying Jing immediately spoke again as soon as he finished his sentence.

"I understand the King of Han's intentions, but Han Jing is also carrying out the King's orders this time, so it's better to make some things clear beforehand."

"Your country is using the construction of the Zheng Guo Canal as a pretext to weaken Qin. Last year, your secret support for Cheng Jiao's rebellion in Tunliu further enraged Your Majesty. If the King of Han cannot give Your Majesty a satisfactory explanation, war may be inevitable."

Although it's said that you shouldn't hit someone who's smiling, Ying Jing had to say those words.

This trip to South Korea is intended to intimidate others with overwhelming force.

Han Wang'an looked somewhat surprised.

He acknowledged the plan to weaken Qin, and that Han should also be held responsible for what the late king had done.

But what does Cheng Jiao's rebellion have to do with South Korea?

"This... I wonder how the King of Qin can be satisfied?"

Han Wang'an did not argue about Cheng Jiao's matter.

There's no point in arguing about matters between nations.

The military is the only reliable force; if you can't win, you have to accept it.

However, this would provide South Korea with another pretext to support Sung Kyung's rebellion, and the price South Korea would have to pay would likely be even greater.

Ying Jing looked at the pot-bellied king in front of him with some surprise. He had allowed Ji Wuye to seize power, but this King Han was not entirely useless.

At least, we can see the situation clearly and avoid making futile struggles.

Ying Jing calmly said, "Your Highness's request is very simple: the State of Han shall cede Nanyang as an apology."

King Han's expression immediately changed.

Knowing that Qin would have an extra reason to support Cheng Jiao's judgment, and that their appetite would be enormous, Ying Jing's words still made King Han An's heart tremble.

With only a small portion of territory left in Korea, ceding Nanyang and Xinzheng would leave it an isolated city, and Korea could practically declare itself extinct.

However, King An of Han did not immediately refuse.

"I understand what Lord Changxin has said, but this matter is of great importance. I ask Lord Changxin to give me and the officials some time to discuss it."

Whether to accept or refuse, or to bargain, these are not decisions that can be made in a short time.

Ying Jing wasn't in a hurry: "This is my first time in Korea, so it's fine to stay a while longer and experience the local customs and culture of Xinzheng."

Han Wang An was already quite satisfied with being able to delay the inevitable for a while.

King Han was overjoyed: "Lord Changxin, please rest assured, the people of Han are friendly and hospitable. During my time in Xinzheng, I will make sure you are satisfied."

Finally, someone couldn't stand the King of Han's attitude anymore.

As the king of a country, it would be too shameful for him to fawn over a mere Qin lord.

"Lord Changxin has come from afar and must be exhausted. Why don't we go to the inn to rest for a while, and then we'll go back to prepare a banquet and have a welcome dinner for Lord Changxin tonight?"

Ying Jing's gaze followed the direction of the sound.

This is a burly man in armor standing behind King Han An.

His appearance was rugged, his body was tall and strong, and his muscles were as bulging as the roots of an old tree.

The armor he wore did not cover his vitals; it was merely decorative. His bright red cloak billowed in the wind, exuding an air of majesty.

From the faint aura of menace emanating from him, one could tell that this was a master of external martial arts.

The identity of the general who could follow King Han An and possessed such an imposing presence is naturally obvious.

Ji Wuye, the great general of Korea.

"General Soo-kwan is the strongest general in Korea in the last hundred years. She single-handedly supported Korea and can be regarded as a pillar of the country. I admire her greatly."

"When I have the time, I will definitely visit the General's mansion to have a drink and a good time."

Upon hearing this, King Han An's expression immediately turned somewhat unpleasant.

Ji Wuye already wielded immense power in the court, so it was impossible for King Han An to completely trust him.

Is Lord Changxin of Qin going to have a drink and chat with Ji Wuye?

This one sentence kept King An of Han awake all night.

"Lord Changxin, you flatter me. I was merely doing my duty. If you were to visit my residence, I would certainly treat you to fine wine and delicacies."

Ji Wuye stepped forward and performed a standard martial arts salute, his voice loud and powerful.

Although she knew it was a divisive tactic, Ji Wuye still found it very effective.

He had heard similar words many times, but now it was Lord Changxin of Qin who was saying them.

What does the King of Han's dissatisfaction matter? It's more important to establish a relationship with Lord Changxin.

The butterfly effect of Ying Jing's actions may seem to have only allowed Ying Zheng to seize power ahead of schedule, but it has actually had a far-reaching impact on the state of Han.

South Korea is in even greater danger than in the original storyline; the Qin state is now a real possibility for sending troops.

Ji Wuye also rose to this position through military merit. He could see the danger in Han and wanted to leave himself a way out.

A smile appeared on Ying Jing's face.

The general's attitude was rather intriguing.

"The post station is not far from here. Left Sima Liu Yi will lead Lord Changxin there. Lord Changxin can give him any instructions if he needs anything."

King Han An clearly did not want Ying Jing to continue communicating with his general, and couldn't help but interrupt.

Since he was King Han after all, Ying Jing didn't refuse him and nodded with a faint smile.

Before returning to the carriage, he tilted his head slightly and looked at a pavilion that was about four stories high.