Chapter 3: Parting Sorrows

The sound insulation of the cabin is excellent; within the cabin, one can hardly hear the roaring waters of the Yellow River. I sit by the table browsing through the list of the nobility of the Qin Dynasty. Knowing oneself and knowing the enemy ensures victory in a hundred battles. Although I am said to be going as a hostage, I must still have a thorough understanding of the various factions of the Qin.

Cai Xue suddenly let out a soft "Ying!" I looked up and saw her searching through my clothes, finding the cloud-patterned corset that the precious concubine had gifted me. Although she had her back to me, I could already see that her jade-like neck had turned red.

Your Highness, the King! Cai Xue was just about to pay her respects to me when I grasped her jade arm and said, "No need for that!" I turned around, closed the door to the room, and walked ahead into the courtyard

The precious concubine encircled my body: "Yun Kong, no matter where you go, you must remember that there is a woman named Yu Ying waiting for you in Shude Palace"

The military attaché at the port is directing the laborers as they orderly transport wooden crates of various sizes onto the ship, containing various gifts for the nobles of the Great Qin. A wave of inexplicable excitement surges within me; these wooden crates, each differing in size, may very well carry the fate of my future

I said to Prince Yong: "Your Highness! I have an old friend who lives just ahead; I would like to make a brief stop to bid her farewell"

Cai Xue held the blue flower satchel in her arms: "If it were not for Your Highness's righteous rescue, my innocent self would have already been shamed. Although the world is vast, I have no relatives to rely on; I can only use this remaining life to repay Your Highness's great kindness." Her beautiful eyes were filled with unwavering determination: "Since learning that Your Highness is about to go to Qin, I have already prepared my satchel, ready to follow Your Highness at any time. Even if Your Highness is unwilling to take me in, I will still go to the capital of Qin to seek you out."

Cai Xue remained silent throughout. I finished the cup of ginseng tea, stood up, and said: "It is getting late, and I should be on my way."

I gazed at her graceful silhouette, feeling a wave of confusion in my heart, yet I did not know what Cai Xue intended to give me

"What?" Cai Xue asked, puzzled.

I stood up and slowly walked behind her, embracing her soft and delicate body tightly in my arms

Dressed in a white translucent veil, Zhenfei appeared before my eyes, singing and dancing. Her lips emitted a delicate and beautiful melody, ethereal like clouds and water, ebbing and flowing like waves, seemingly lingering in a tender atmosphere, evoking a sense of reluctance to part.

The King of Yong got out of the car behind me. The significant temperature difference made him unable to suppress a sneeze. He took out a handkerchief and, with a loud voice, wiped his nose, exclaiming: "This cursed weather, does it intend to freeze people to death!"

I was at a loss for words, my gaze fixed on Cai Xue's charming face for a long time, and finally, I nodded.

Seeing my astonished expression, the young attendant smiled sweetly, truly a smile as beautiful as a flower; who else could it be but Cai Xue? I immediately understood what Cai Xue intended to give me

Eight snow-white steeds pulled a beautifully adorned carriage, departing from the palace in perfect unison. As we passed by Shude Palace, I seemed to hear the ethereal and sorrowful voice of Concubine Zhen once more. Even though I was inside the carriage, I could still see her standing in the snow, tears glistening, bidding a heart-wrenching farewell.

Yi An and Yu Su guarded outside the palace gate for an entire night, and everyone was tacitly aware of the situation between me and Concubine Zhen

Cai Xue softly said: "Your Highness, this time entering Qin, you are in a perilous situation, facing numerous dangers. Although Cai Xue is of delicate constitution, I am confident that I still possess the ability to serve Your Highness in matters of clothing and food"

I turned around, and to my surprise, Cai Xue did not avoid my gaze. The deep blue cotton robe appeared somewhat bulky, draping over her delicate figure, yet it could not conceal her innate beauty in the slightest

I followed Yusuo to Shude Palace, where the table was already filled with exquisite dishes and wines, each one reflecting the host's thoughtful intentions. I did not see Zhenfei; Yusuo softly said, "Prince Ping, please wait a moment, Zhenfei will arrive shortly." She turned and left, gently closing the door from the outside, which made me almost certain that she was fully aware of the relationship between Zhenfei and me. I did not see Zhenfei; Yusuo softly said, "Prince Ping, please wait a moment, Zhenfei will arrive shortly." She turned and left, gently closing the door from the outside, which made me almost certain that she was fully aware of the relationship between Zhenfei and me

I laughed heartily and said: "In the Great Qin, I am merely Long Yinkong. If you respect me, then address me as 'Young Master'!"

The ship set sail punctually at noon, and the little attachment I had was already cast aside within the imperial city. The Prince of Yong and I did not share much in common; after lunch, he retreated to his cabin with his * books * and two attendants, who I had already discerned from the moment we boarded were merely two disguised courtesans. Having been oppressed by the princess for so many years, the Prince of Yong finally found an opportunity to relieve his stress

I slowly sat down at the table, yet I heard a mournful voice singing: "In August, the butterflies come, flying together over the western garden grass. Feeling this, it pains my heart, sitting in sorrow as my beauty fades..."

The Prince slowly unfolded the secret edict and proclaimed loudly: "By the mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: The thirty-first son, Yin Kong, is to be enfeoffed as the Prince of Ping, granted the territory of Xuancheng, bestowed with a princely residence, forty-eight servants, one hundred and ten thousand taels of gold, three hundred bolts of silk, and a total of sixty-eight livestock including horses and cattle..." I couldn't help but chuckle inwardly; my father, the Emperor, crafted this secret edict to showcase his deep affection for me, yet he was unaware of how I would transport my territory and wealth back to the Great Qin.

This time, my father the emperor sent me to Qin on this ship, primarily to consider the face of Da Kang. Although I am going as a hostage, the pomp and circumstance must not be taken lightly. A grand nation like Da Kang cannot afford to lose face in front of the State of Qin

The fishing lights flickered in clusters, sometimes gathering and sometimes dispersing, while the distance to the boat grew ever closer. It was not only in the direction of the bow, but also on both sides and at the stern, where many dim yellow fishing lights had appeared. I suddenly became alert; this was certainly not an ordinary phenomenon

The royal brothers hurriedly sent off Prince An, and someone thought of me as well, merely passing along a notification. I had already seen through the matter clearly; rather than going and adding to my melancholy, it would be better to enjoy my final moments of tranquility in the Qingyue Palace

I sighed, took a silver ingot from my bosom, walked over to them, and gently placed the ingot beside them. If Father Emperor were to come here, he should be able to see what his grand nation has become.

All eyes were simultaneously focused on me; it was the first time in my sixteen-year career within the palace that I attracted such attention

The guard beside me forcefully pushed away a young child who attempted to approach and beg. The child fell heavily onto the snow, striking his forehead against a stone pillar by the roadside, and blood immediately began to flow. Not far away, a middle-aged woman rushed over, crying out in distress, and tightly embraced the child.

Cai Xue brings me fragrant tea, and while I drink, her delicate hands gently knead my shoulders. I comfortably close my eyes, and bringing Cai Xue along was truly the right choice

The jade arms and long legs of Zhenfei tightly entwined around me, tears dampening my temples: "Why must you leave?"

The voice of the Prince of Yong sounded weak: "Imperial nephew! Before my departure, the Emperor personally taught me a secret edict, which I am to read to you after boarding the ship!"

In the distance, several fishing lights flicker incessantly. I did not expect that fishermen would still be laboring hard in the deep of night. Everyone in the world is striving for their own fate, and I am no different from them in this regard

As we made our way back to Qingyue Palace, Yi An whispered, "Young Master, rest assured, the Chief Steward has already instructed Yan Ping and me to continue managing the affairs of the Cold Palace, and I will take care of Concubine Zhen's matters."

Cai Xue and I have just arrived on the deck, where armored warriors holding shields have formed a protective circle around us. The onslaught of rockets has begun to weaken, and the deafening sounds of battle are coming from the stern of the ship. Dozens of bandits have landed first from the rear, and the warriors tasked with ensuring my safety on the lower deck have already engaged in a fierce melee with them

His words are likely something he himself would not believe; perhaps the Prince of Yong pities my tragic and unknown fate, offering solace to my heart

Just past the hour of Si, the convoy arrived at the front of Bandung Port, and a heavy snowfall began to drift down from the sky. This winter's snow season is particularly long. Cai Xue helped me down from the carriage, and perhaps due to the warmth of the hand warmer, her delicate hand felt as warm and smooth as jade, causing my heart to flutter uncontrollably

I looked at her in astonishment; Cai Xue's insights left me in awe. Perhaps she truly is a gift bestowed upon me by the heavens.

Prince Yong solemnly remarked: "The gifts bestowed upon you by His Majesty are not to be casually passed on to others". He feigned a deep sense of loyalty: "Yin Kong, you are still young. Your journey to the Great Qin will last at most five years, and at least one year. Upon your return, not only may you possess these territories and fiefs, but it is also possible that His Majesty may even appoint you as the Crown Prince!"

My departure feels somewhat desolate. It is understandable that my father does not come to see me off, but it is disheartening that none of my royal brothers or nephews have come to bid me farewell. In the eyes of others, it may seem that my reputation among my brothers is too poor, leading everyone else to disdain associating with me

I pulled down the quilt from the bed, wrapped it around us, and rushed towards the hatch with Cai Xue. The hatch had already been destroyed by fire, and with a gentle push, it instantly collapsed.

The layout of the Prince Yong's cabin is not much different from mine, except that it has more wine utensils and fewer books. The air still carries the lingering scent of cosmetics, and from the Prince Yong's dry gaze, I can infer the fierce battle that just took place here

In the heart of the Yong Wang, there may be no such concept; I am merely one of his thirty-one imperial nephews. Regardless of how high my status may rise, I am ultimately faced with the inevitable fate of a prisoner beneath the throne.

A faint smile appeared at the corners of my lips. With Yi'an and Yanping by my side, Zhenfei's days should improve significantly. I looked up at the slate-gray sky, and a flock of birds happened to pass by. Perhaps this is the last time I will witness the dawn of the palace

The snow shows no signs of stopping, falling endlessly. The outline of the imperial city appears particularly hazy. I took a deep breath of the crisp air, feeling an indescribable sense of relief. I have spent sixteen years in this grand yet oppressive imperial city. After an hour, I will finally be able to step out of this long-suppressed cage

The maid, in a state of panic, said: "I dare not!"

I took the initiative to volunteer to go to the Great Qin as a hostage, and this news quickly spread throughout the entire palace. My royal brothers, who usually do not bother to pay attention to me, now regard me as a person destined to die, and they are even less inclined to pay me any heed.

On both sides of the road, ragged orphans and widows pass by from time to time. Bandung Port is the largest port in Kondo, with a multitude of cargo ships coming and going. The products from various regions converge here, naturally making it a blessed place for their begging

I revealed a faint smile; the lustfulness of Prince Yong is renowned throughout the capital. Unfortunately, he has a fierce wife. Princess Qi Ziru, known both inside and outside the court as a formidable woman, presents a tremendous opportunity for Prince Yong this time.

In front of a pier, there is a grand ship adorned with intricate carvings and paintings. The ship measures 25 zhang in length and approximately 10 zhang in width, with a total of three decks. This vessel was originally designated for my father, the emperor, during his travels, but later it was gifted to Prince Zhong, Longyin. After the death of Prince Zhong, it became a means of transportation for the various princes. Although I am one of the princes, I have never had the opportunity to board it.

A lit feathered arrow streaked across the night sky, whistling as it shot toward the bow of the ship, embedding itself deeply into the deck before me. I quickly stood up and turned to run toward the cabin. Just as I took two steps, a rain of arrows shot toward the ship from all around. Fortunately, the arrows did not injure my body

To my surprise, ever since the day I saw Concubine Zhen, she has not come to find me.

The charming face of Cai Xue turned slightly red: "Your Highness, Cai Xue's words are not well expressed, please do not take offense!"

The cold weather caused her beautiful nostrils to turn slightly red, while her lips took on a bluish-purple hue. My gaze was sincere and fervent, and under my scrutiny, Cai Xue finally directed her gaze towards the distance: "Cai Xue believes that Your Highness is certainly not someone who is content with the status quo. In places fraught with danger, there must exist opportunities that are both fortuitous and elusive. The cycle of cause and effect is interdependent; Your Highness's purpose in going to Da Qin is likely rooted in this..." Cai Xue, under my scrutiny, finally directed her gaze towards the distance: "Cai Xue believes that Your Highness is certainly not someone who is content with the status quo. In places fraught with danger, there must exist opportunities that are both fortuitous and elusive. The cycle of cause and effect is interdependent; Your Highness's purpose in going to Da Qin is likely rooted in this..."

I pulled Cai Xue's delicate hand and hid behind the bed, while the rockets continued to fire incessantly. The cabin had already begun to catch fire, and the thick smoke choked us, causing us to cough uncontrollably. If we remained in the cabin any longer, we would likely not only be burned to death but also could not escape the fate of suffocation from the dense smoke

As I rushed into the cabin and had just closed the door, two arrowheads pierced through the door panel, protruding into the room. I wiped the cold sweat from my forehead, still shaken. Cai Xue, who had already fallen asleep, hurriedly got up from the cotton couch upon hearing the commotion. I offered her a reassuring smile and said, "We might have encountered robbers"

Cai Xue softly said: "Although I am foolish, I understand that no matter what choice Your Highness makes, there are ample reasons for it!" She did not answer my question

When King Yong saw that I had brought back a young scholar, he merely opened his eyes to take a glance, and then closed them again to doze off. On this trip to Qin, I could have originally arranged for two maidservants to accompany me, but I later declined. Now, Cai Xue has naturally filled this vacancy.

I suddenly turned around, and in Zhenfei's beautiful eyes was filled with deep affection: "I have never felt life so vividly before; from you, I have for the first time understood what love truly is"

It was not until the night before my departure that Yusuo came to invite me

My eighth uncle, Prince Yong, Long Tianqi, is responsible for escorting me to the Great Qin. In fact, his original name was Long Tianqi, but after our father ascended the throne, he wisely changed his name. This is one of the reasons why he has remained steadfast during our father's long reign.

Cai Xue gently draped my fur coat over my shoulders, and I tightened the silk ribbon of the coat. I knocked heavily on the railing with both hands: "If you were me, would you give up a comfortable life to go to the Great Qin?"

Zhenfei pressed her piece of cloud-patterned brocade bra into my hand: "This is the only thing I own on my body. Wearing it feels as if I am always by your side..." Her voice choked, and she could no longer speak.

In terms of quality, Prince Yinxiang of the An State is in a much better situation than I am. At the very least, he will be going to the Hu Kingdom as a prince consort with a grand dowry. If fortunate, he may even marry a beautiful princess with golden hair and blue eyes

As soon as Emperor Xinde's words were spoken, all the princes and grandsons hurriedly lowered their heads one after another. The expression on Emperor Xinde's face instantly took on a layer of frost: "I will ask once more, who among you is willing to go?"

The Prince smiled at me and said, "Your Highness, we just set off from Bandung Port at noon. By calculation, we still have the entire morning to utilize. Do you have any personal matters to attend to?"

The cherry lips of Zhenfei quickly ignited my passion, and I almost violently pressed her to the ground, forcefully claiming her body. That night, we entwined in a fervent embrace until dawn, when we finally bathed and changed together

Father Emperor! I, your son, am willing to go to the Great Qin as a hostage! I am certain that no one has volunteered for this, which is why I boldly stepped into the palace.

I exclaimed, "I didn't expect you, girl, to be so well-read and knowledgeable"

As I turned around, I happened to meet Cai Xue's gaze, which was filled with emotion and reverence. I smiled faintly, and her long black eyelashes gently lowered, quickly evading my eyes.

I raised my head and looked at her tear-streaked face: "I will not forever be an unnoticed Thirty-First Prince, a prisoner within the palace!"

My fingers reached behind Zhenfei's corset, pulling apart the ribbons that held it in place. Her perfectly elastic breasts were fully revealed before my eyes, and my face gently pressed between her bosom, listening to her enchanting heartbeat

Several imperial brothers, out of fear, could not help but step back

Cai Xue smiled gently: "Your Highness, have you forgotten? Cai Xue is now your book attendant!"

The moonlight is like frost, illuminating the banks of the Yellow River after the snow has just cleared. It lacks a bit of grandeur, yet adds a touch of grace. Aside from the boatman who is responsible for rowing, perhaps only I am willing to stand at the bow of the boat in this frigid night. This is due to my long absence from freedom; such unrestrained and casual breathing is a rare pleasure for me

After reviewing the list, I stretched my arms. My memory has always been exceptional; among all the princes, only I possess the talent of photographic memory. I have kept this matter well hidden, and apart from myself, no one else would know.

The closer it gets to the time of departure, the more I feel a sense of desolation. Apart from Prince An, who shares my plight, no one else has come to visit me.

From my position, I can clearly see the situation on the battlefield. These bandits are advancing and retreating in an orderly manner, with a structured offense and defense, clearly indicating they have undergone good training. Although our warriors have the advantage in numbers, we do not hold the upper hand in the battle.

The light gauze slipped from Zhenfei's shoulders, and I could distinctly feel the delicate smoothness emanating from her body

Accompanied by six guards, I arrived at Yan Ping's old residence. I instructed them to wait at the door and gently knocked on the door knocker. After a long while, Cai Xue finally opened the door. She clearly did not expect my arrival at this time, and her beautiful eyes were filled with surprise

I continued, "Although the matter concerning King Mu has been resolved and His Majesty will not pursue it further, you are a courtesan, and sooner or later, someone will investigate your whereabouts. Kangdu is certainly not a place for you to stay long. Before I left, I instructed Yanping and the others that as soon as the opportunity arises, they will send you out of Kangdu"

"Yin Kong, I have never danced this in front of anyone..." Zhenfei said with a trembling voice. Naturally, anyone she referred to also included my father, the emperor

When the convoy entered Dongtiao Street, I suddenly thought of Caixue. She is still living in Yanping's old residence. Should I have said goodbye to her before leaving

I shook my head; in this country, I cannot recall anything else to do or anyone worth visiting

I pressed my lips firmly against hers, then turned and walked towards the door. In another hour, someone would come to take me away, and I could not stay any longer

The cold wind, mingled with the sound of waves, continuously reaches my ears. I raise my eyes towards the upstream direction. Today marks the fourth day of my slow journey. Ahead lies the boundary of Kangqin, and this place is already quite far from Kang. Apart from the lamenting Concubine Zhen in the deep palace, who else would miss me, this solitary traveler

Your Highness, please wait! Cai Xue has a gift to present!" Cai Xue turned and walked towards the inner chamber

Yi An and Yan Ping both appeared to be preoccupied with worries. According to the laws of Da Kang, they are unable to accompany me to Da Qin. Yan Ping tirelessly works day and night to make clothes for me, while Yi An prepares the classic texts and historical books that I frequently read

"Cai Xue! How is your complexion adorned?" This has always been a perplexing matter for me

Although Cai Xue is my book servant, she holds the status of a servant and can only ride outside with the coachman due to her position. Understanding her frail constitution, I quietly slipped my hand warmer to her while Prince Yong was sound asleep.

The lower cabin serves as the residence for the ship's crew. The first level is occupied by the guards and warriors, the second level by the accompanying civil officials, and the third level is the residence of the Prince and myself. Regardless of the country, position and status are equivalent. My transition from the Thirty-First Prince to the Ping Wang is not merely a simple numerical change; it signifies that the Prince and I can now stand on equal footing.

Snow Path: "This is a family secret recipe. By applying the juice of indigo grass onto the skin, it can darken the skin. Not only is it imperceptible to the naked eye, but it also does not fade even after enduring wind and rain."

The flames ignited on the tower ship illuminated the dim river surface, and more than ten long ropes tied with flying claws were securely fastened to the tower ship. Two dark figures crept along the ropes like phantoms, making their way toward the tower ship.

My gaze once again turned towards the direction of the imperial city: "From the moment I left Kangdu, the Great Kang has lost a prince, and the Great Qin will never have such a prince!"

Cai Xue keenly sensed my gaze, her back arched slightly, and then she paused there. After a while, she slowly turned around, her eyes consistently cast downwards. Approaching me, she knelt down, intending to remove my cotton boots: "The boat will only set sail at noon, Your Highness, it would be best for you to rest for a while."

Cai Xue was carefully tidying up my clothes beside me. The journey to the Great Qin is long and arduous, with the water route alone taking more than seven days. For these seven days and nights, the two of us will share a cabin, and I will constantly be able to hear the alluring scent of Cai Xue, which is indeed a delightful and enchanting affair

The King Yong stood not far from me, accompanied by his two singing girls, surrounded by eight armored warriors. He was engulfed in extreme fear, his lips trembling incessantly.

The Prince Yong handed me a gold-inlaid blue hand warmer, which felt warm to the touch, allowing one to temporarily forget the cold outside the carriage. He yawned lazily and said, "I have not left the capital for a full ten years. If it were not for my royal brother sending me on this mission, I would never be willing to part with my beloved wife at home."

Cai Xue persistently carried my book box to the cabin, fine beads of sweat continuously oozing from her elegantly curved forehead, clearly demonstrating her dedication to her role as a book attendant

King Yong nodded and said: "It is still early, you may go!"

At that moment, I pretended to be completely unaware. Cai Xue quietly glanced at me from the corner of her eye, ensuring that I was still focused on the list. Only then did she quickly fold the cloud-patterned bra and return it to its original place, not knowing whether she would perceive me as a lecherous libertine.

I laughed and said, "I want to take this opportunity to have one last look at Kandu. Are you really going to deprive me of this as well?"

I sit quietly on the brocade couch, which is more than five feet long, admiring the infinitely beautiful silhouette of Cai Xue.

Xinde Huangdao: "I appoint you as the King Ping. Seven days later, proceed to the Great Qin!"

Cai Xue, prepare for me a steaming cup of ginseng tea. I took a sip, and the rich warmth flowed down my throat into my chest and abdomen. I set down the teacup and took out a gold ingot of pure gold from my waist: "Cai Xue! Today I am to enter Qin as a hostage, and in the future, I fear I will have little time to care for you. This gold is enough for you to live on for two years."

The Prince of Yong conveyed a secret message to congratulate me, saying: "Your imperial brother truly bestows upon you great favor; no other royal nephews have ever received such generous rewards upon their conferment as kings."

I stood up laughing: "Cai Xue, do not forget your identity; you are clearly my book attendant, how could you suddenly become a servant?" I opened the cabin door and walked slowly towards the railing. From my position, I could see the entire view of the imperial city, which had always loomed majestically in my mind, now lost its former grandeur in my sight. No wonder Confucius said, 'Climb Mount Dong and you will see Lu as small; climb Mount Tai and you will see the world as small!' Just by ascending to the third level of the boat, I began to see the imperial city as small.

Accompanied by twenty-six guards, he and I walked slowly along the bluestone path leading to the dock, with Cai Xue laboriously carrying my book box behind me. When Yi An was packing my belongings, he surely did not expect that my book attendant would be Cai Xue

After waiting for the time it takes to smoke a cigarette, I finally saw a young scholar in a blue robe walk out from the inner room. I was secretly surprised, not expecting that there were others present in this old residence. Upon closer inspection, the scholar had a striking appearance, with features as beautiful as a painting, and a refined demeanor. He bore a resemblance to Cai Xue, though he was slightly darker in complexion

The Emperor Xinde angrily declared: "I, a hero throughout my life, have unexpectedly given rise to a group of cowardly and self-preserving individuals like you!"

Emperor Xinde gazed at me with his deep-set eyes for a long time before he sighed, "I still have a son who is not afraid of death." Everyone was mocking my foolishness; even if the Great Qin reached a peace agreement with the Great Kang, it would only be a temporary matter. Once war breaks out, the hostages from both countries would be the first to be eliminated. In other words, the situation of the hostages in Great Qin is far more dangerous than going to the Hu Kingdom for a marriage alliance. Even if the Great Qin reached a peace agreement with the Great Kang, it would only be a temporary matter. Once war breaks out, the hostages from both countries would be the first to be eliminated. In other words, the situation of the hostages in Great Qin is far more dangerous than going to the Hu Kingdom for a marriage alliance.

The white gauze sleeves gently unfurl, revealing her crystalline jade arms. Beneath the gauze skirt, she wears a red embroidered corset, which accentuates her enchanting beauty even more. As the dance comes to an end, Concubine Zhen cannot help but shed two lines of pearl-like tears.

In the world, for every entity, there exists another that counters it. If one wishes to restore the original skin color, one can easily remove the color of indigo by using sulfur dissolved in water

The Concubine carefully arranged my hair into a bun and tenderly kissed my forehead, saying: "Yin Kong! I will wait for your return!"

I laughed and said, "In that case, have you not sacrificed your beautiful skin?"

I will not forget! I answered with utmost certainty.

As she lowered her head to gather the snow, two lines of crystalline tears flowed down silently

I laughed and said: "After my uncle the emperor sent me back from the Great Qin, you may take over everything that my father the emperor has bestowed upon me"

I drew back the car curtain, and from the way the pedestrians on the roadside hurriedly avoided us, it was evident that my procession was quite grand. The Emperor has prepared not only me, a hostage for the Qin state, but also a variety of gifts for the noble lords and aristocrats.

I shook my head and said: "Cai Xue, as you mentioned, the Qin state is a land of tigers and wolves. I am leaving my homeland, and my own safety is already in jeopardy. How can I possibly ensure your safety as well?"

I respectfully stood up and knelt before Prince Yong in accordance with the court etiquette.

Your Highness, King Ping! King Yong requests you to come over for a discussion

In the eyes of everyone, the Great Qin is no different from a nation of tigers and wolves. Even if I were to escape the confines of Dakang, I would soon find myself entering another, even more stringent cage. However, no matter how oppressive and dreary that realm may be, it will undoubtedly provide me with a completely new experience.

I burst into laughter, and at that moment, a knocking sound came from outside the door