Chapter 003: The Father of the First Emperor

It was already noon, the hottest time of the day, yet Zhao Kuo did not take a rest. He continued to stroll through the courtyard, wearing a smile. In his previous life, when he was bedridden, his greatest wish was to be able to walk around like this. Now, not only could he walk, but he could also run and jump. Zhao Kuo was extremely satisfied, which made him unwilling to stop and rest. He had almost walked through every corner of the courtyard.

The Zhao family owns three properties, one located in Handan and two in Mafu. However, one is near Mafu Mountain, while the other is close to Niushou Water, where Zhao Kuo resides. His mother, due to her advanced age, cannot withstand the heat, so during the summer, she moves to the residence near Mafu Mountain. This place is situated by the mountains and water, and there are also preserved ice blocks. Just as he stepped out of the house, he saw a cart, which was quite different from the carts depicted in films and television dramas.

Ge has a short stature, yet he sports three long strands of beard. If he had a tall physique like Di, these three long strands would undoubtedly make him appear exceptionally robust. However, for his frame, these three long strands are indeed too long, too lush, and quite peculiar. He is not young, and his beard has some gray in it. He raises his head and glances at Zhao Kuo somewhat rudely, snorting coldly and saying in a deep voice: "Young Master, the mistress requests to see you."

However, for reasons unknown, he gradually became wealthy again, became generous in his spending, attracted many followers, and his reputation soared.

Suddenly, Zhao Kuo sensed something was amiss. Ying Yiren? Wasn't it Zhao Yiren? As he pondered this, memories of Ying Yiren gradually surfaced. Ying Yiren was originally the son of the ruler of the State of Qin, bearing the surname Ying of the Zhao clan. In this era, a man would only be referred to by his surname in a context of disdain.

However, Ge chose to stay. It is said that he was the least favored retainer of Zhao She back in the day, lacking any notable abilities, which is why he was unable to go to the residence of Lord Pingyuan and remained here, ultimately becoming a retainer of Zhao Kuo.

I have heard that Ying Yiren has come to assassinate the young lord" Ge suddenly asked.

The original Zhao Kuo did not understand the reason behind this, but the current Zhao Kuo knows the reason... Rare goods can be kept... Rare goods can indeed be kept, Zhao Kuo felt somewhat excited. No matter how little he knew about history, he was aware of who Ying Yiren was... He is the father of Ying Zheng in the future! The father of the First Emperor!

Following a brash young man, or the renowned Lord of the Plains? For most people, this does not seem to be a difficult question

Zhao Kuo walked while contemplating the future. In his previous life, he was a liberal arts student and did not understand anything about brewing wine or making soap. The path of science and engineering was completely unfeasible for him; if he were to try his hand at it, he would probably not even be able to make a chair. As for being a literary copyist, he might be able to recite a few famous quotes and classic poems, but to memorize them completely and write them out from memory was something Zhao Kuo could not achieve.

To be honest, being able to convey a matter to Mafu Mountain, which is ten miles away, within a few hours is indeed a remarkable skill

Ge walked in. Ge was the oldest among his retainers, or rather, he was not his retainer but that of his father Zhao She. When Zhao She was still alive, he had more than a dozen retainers by his side. However, Zhao She never had a favorable view of his son. Before his death, he persuaded all these retainers to leave, stating in his own words: "You two or three have followed me for several decades. I do not wish for you to be buried with Zhao Kuo. Please go to Lord Pingyuan; I will write you a letter of introduction."

Just as Zhao Kuo was ready to settle down and live a comfortable life as a parasite of the Warring States, the gate of the courtyard was suddenly pushed open

Zhao Kuo thought for a moment, and in his recollection, his mother seemed to really enjoy eating dates. He waved his hand and said, "Ge, go buy some dates!" This time, Ge did not make any sarcastic remarks; he walked into the courtyard without looking back. Before long, he came out with some dates, handed them to Zhao Kuo, and went to drive the carriage. Zhao Kuo felt a bit awkward, as it turned out they already had some at home. He skillfully got onto the carriage, while Ge skillfully handled the fine horse, and the carriage quickly moved forward.

Zhao Kuo paid no heed to the old man's taunts. For this esports youth, who had once endured the relentless bombardment of Zuan, the old man was far from being a match. However, he still paused to accept Zhao Kuo's memories, including the feelings for this matriarch, which he inherited as well. This made him feel somewhat strange and uneasy. Nevertheless, it was indeed inappropriate to visit empty-handed, so he asked, "What should I bring with me?"

Due to not being favored, he was sent to the State of Zhao as a hostage. Given the poor relations between Qin and Zhao, the people of Zhao did not treat him well. For a period of time, Zhao Yiren did not have a carriage to travel in, living in difficult circumstances. It was during this time that Zhao Kuo became acquainted with Zhao Yiren. Zhao Kuo felt that this person greatly appreciated his talents, so he spent his days discussing military principles with him and occasionally provided him with financial support

No wonder, Zhao Kuo suddenly understood a lot. Why the Qin people would know of his existence, why they would be aware of his true talents and skills. This must be due to Ying Yiren playing a role in conveying the message. As his friend, he knew how capable Zhao Kuo was, and he also knew how arrogant and proud he was. He was the one who recommended Zhao Kuo to the main culprit on the Qin side!

The two courtyards of the Zhao family are not very far apart. Upon seeing Zhao Kuo's carriage, the gatekeeper opened the village gate from a distance, bowing and nodding as he saw Zhao Kuo off, without even asking a single question. In contrast, ordinary people do not enjoy such convenience when entering or exiting. After leaving the village, they drove westward.

Having come to understand these matters, Zhao Kuo's feelings towards Ying Yiren became somewhat complicated. To be honest, he greatly despised the feeling of being used. Moreover, he harbored thoughts of revenge, but then he considered the child in his concubine's womb. For a soul from two thousand years later, that child represented a figure worthy of respect or admiration, the one who unified the land of Huaxia and shaped the fundamental essence of Huaxia, the eternal emperor of ancient times. If he were to become adversarial with the child's father, and should that father eventually gain dominion over the world, would he not be in a dire situation?

What can one do by oneself

Zhao Kuo is still lost in thought here, while the carriage has already come to a stop

The greatest difference is that this carriage frame is uncovered, similar to the tricycles of later generations, which do not enjoy the pleasure of rolling up the curtains to privately visit the people's sentiments. Zhao Kuo was just about to get into the carriage when he heard Ge coldly say: "I have heard that when a son has been separated from his mother for a long time, it is unreasonable to go to see her empty-handed. Do you, young lord, not know this principle?"

Ge held the reins, standing to the side, glaring at Zhao Kuo with his nostrils.

"Hmm? How did you know?" Zhao Kuo asked with some surprise. This time, Ge did not respond, focusing intently on driving the car. Zhao Kuo let out a long sigh, instinctively recalling a name: Di

At this moment on the road, there are not too many pedestrians; occasionally, a few children are playing. When they see the horse-drawn carriage, they hurriedly dodge to the side, peeking out to observe Zhao Kuo. Zhao Kuo merely smiles slightly as he continues to drive. Suddenly, a flock of sheep appears ahead. Upon seeing the approaching carriage, the shepherd remains calm, skillfully cracking the long whip in his hand, causing the flock to naturally split into two groups, clearing a path for the carriage. Zhao Kuo cannot help but express his amazement.

As for history, he only has a general understanding of it, knowledge that he acquired from online literature, and he is unsure how much it is worth. Alas, had he known this earlier, he should have read "The Qin Official" a few more times. Zhao Kuo thought it over and finally found his own way out; it is better to stay at home in peace, ride horses, practice swordsmanship, and enjoy the life of a noble. Since he does not have to worry about food and drink, why should he engage in these matters?

Young Master, is it not that you wish for me to carry you down?

Zhao Kuo instinctively frowned. In his memory, he had always been at odds with this person. Ge was extremely harsh, not only towards Zhao Kuo but also had a very poor relationship with others like Xing and Di. This old man was not favored by the Zhao family. Zhao Kuo did not say much and walked towards the door, with Ge following closely behind him. The two of them exited the courtyard, where there were many similar courtyards arranged in this area.

Every time the matriarch summons me for an audience, she always instructs me to bring peaches, never forgetting what the young lord enjoys eating

Did the father of the First Emperor come to assassinate me

Zhao Kuo is just taking a look at the scenery of Hebei from two thousand years ago. Although this is a rural area, it is also surrounded by walls, similar to a city. The earthen yellow low walls encompass the entire village, and within the village, there is only one road. The road is quite narrow, allowing only one horse-drawn carriage to pass. On both sides of the road are courtyards, varying in size, but Zhao Kuo's courtyard is evidently the most spacious among these buildings