Qin Shi: I only work eight hours

Chapter 373 Jing Ke's Death

Thus, King Xi of Yan was forced to accept Yan Dan's plan.

Both Yan Chunjun and Yan Yi agreed, so how could he refuse?

Moreover, Yan Dan is right. If it really doesn't work, he can shift the blame to Yan Dan.

After leaving the palace, Ju Wu called out to Yan Dan.

Although he did not approve of Yan Dan's plan, since King Xi of Yan had agreed, he had some words to tell Yan Dan.

"Your Highness."

"A matter is accomplished in secrecy, and ruined by leaks."

"The fewer people who know about this, the better."

Ju Wu solemnly reminded him.

Fortunately, it wasn't today that the court officials were attending court; otherwise, this matter would surely have been leaked.

To be honest, he wasn't entirely at ease with Yan Chunjun, Yan Yi, and the others.

Is Yan Yi reliable?

"Your disciple will remember this."

Yan Dan nodded.

"A long night can lead to many unforeseen events."

"To take someone by surprise."

Ju Wu continued.

"it is good."

Yan Dan accepted.

He also felt that this matter had to be handled quickly.

"As far as I know, the King of Qin has a favorite minister, just like Guo Kai to the King of Zhao and Lord Longyang to the King of Wei."

"Once your trusted confidant arrives in Xianyang, he may be able to lend you a hand."

Ju Wu lowered his voice.

He didn't tell Yan Dan the person's name directly, but wrote it down.

"Thank you, teacher!"

"If this succeeds, Dan will grant you endless riches and honors!"

Yan Dan took the draft paper, her face beaming with joy.

Ju Wu shook his head, indicating that he was not interested in wealth and fame, and only hoped that Yan Dan could succeed.

This is extremely difficult. Even if the king agrees and successfully bribes the king's favorite minister, killing the king would be as difficult as ascending to heaven.

After returning to the Crown Prince's residence, Yan Dan finally opened the draft paper.

The words 'Meng Jia' were written on it.

Yan Dan had been a hostage in Qin for several months, and he hadn't really noticed Meng Jia. Wasn't Ying Zheng surrounded by Zhao Gao, Gai Nie, Meng Yi, and Xu Lin?

Who is this Meng Jia?

Meng Yi's elder brother?

Puzzled, Yan Dan summoned Jing Ke and Qin Wuyang.

Fine wine, delicious food, and beautiful women will all be served.

After several rounds of drinks, Yan Dan handed over the map of Ji City and the royal seal of the Yan Kingdom to Jing Ke.

"The future of Yan, the future of all people, depends entirely on Your Excellency!"

Yan Dan said in a deep voice.

This made Qin Wuyang somewhat unhappy.

He was the deputy, and his role in crucial moments might not be less important than Jing Ke's.

How can you say that we relied solely on Jing Ke?

"And Brother Qin."

Seeing that Qin Wuyang seemed displeased, Yan Dan quickly said.

"I will do my best."

Qin Wuyang downed the strong liquor in the bowl in one gulp.

He was young, not even an adult by modern standards, but he killed people at a young age, so his cultivation level was not low.

……

The next day.

On the banks of the Yi River.

Jing Ke bid farewell to Gao Jianli and went to the Qin state with Qin Wuyang.

"One should not put all their eggs in one basket."

"We cannot abandon the entire forest because of one tree."

Jing Ke said in a deep voice.

Gao Jianli outwardly agreed, but inwardly he was still thinking about Xue Nu.

He is quite similar to Wu Kuang; just as much as Wu Kuang likes Tian Mi, he likes Xue Nu.

Gao Jianli wanted to go to Xianyang with him to lend a helping hand, but Jing Ke refused.

Too many people and too much attention.

Assassination is not something that can be accomplished simply by having a large number of people.

Gao Jianli watched Jing Ke walk away into the distance.

……

Ten days later.

Autumn goes and winter comes.

Jing Ke and Qin Wuyang arrived in Xianyang.

Because they came as envoys, they stayed directly at the post station.

The temperature in Xianyang is similar to that in Jicheng, and it is also considered a cold place, far less so than Daliang and Handan.

The Qin Dynasty was founded on law, and there were laws governing everything, big or small. This made Qin Wuyang hesitant and fearful, afraid that he might do something wrong and break the Qin law, only to be imprisoned before even seeing the King of Qin.

Jing Ke, on the other hand, remained calm, because he knew that the law was inanimate, but people were adaptable.

After nightfall, Jing Ke went to Meng Jia's residence with a large sum of money.

Meng Jia's residence was not too far from the post station, and she did not ask Qin Wuyang to go with her for two reasons.

First, Qin Wuyang is a skilled killer, but his mentality is flawed; he is a completely different person after entering Qin compared to before.

Secondly, someone should be left at the post station to prevent the Qin people from noticing.

There was actually a third reason: Jing Ke wanted to take this opportunity to see Li Ji again.

Whether Li Ji marries someone else or has Xu Lin's child, she is still his fellow disciple.

Before long, Jing Ke arrived at Mengjia Prefecture.

After bribing the guards, Jing Ke was able to meet Meng Jia as he wished.

Meng Jia's study was very simple, not at all like the residence of a junior official.

After explaining his purpose, Jing Ke gave the money to Meng Jia.

Mong Jia was dressed simply and looked very much like a loyal subject.

This made Jing Ke somewhat worried that Meng Jia didn't want the money, so he told the King of Qin about it.

But as the saying goes, it's easy to know a person's face but hard to know their heart.

"No problem."

Meng Jia gladly accepted it.

Then he picked up the bowl and ate a few mouthfuls of vegetable noodles.

He ate very poorly, much like ordinary people.

Seeing that Meng Jia was not thin, Jing Ke guessed what was going on and turned to leave.

If Mong-ga really eats corn and vegetable noodles all day long, how could she have a belly?

Clearly, Mong Jia is faking it, pretending to be honest and upright.

Jing Ke smiled and wrote a letter to Li Ji.

There was a tavern not far from the Xu residence, and he wanted to meet Li Ji there.

……

Half an incense stick later.

The Xu residence.

Li Ji received Jing Ke's letter.

After confirming that it was written by Jing Ke, she did not read it, but went to her study.

Xu Lin was reading a book at that moment.

"Husband."

"Jing Ke wrote me a letter."

Li Ji was outspoken.

She didn't want to hide it from Xu Lin.

What did the letter say?

Xu Lin was not angry.

People with narrow minds are unlikely to achieve great things.

"I haven't seen it yet."

Li Ji shook her head.

Upon hearing this, Xu Lin frowned slightly, then moved aside to let Li Ji sit down.

Li Ji nodded slightly and knelt down beside Xu Lin.

She sat very dignifiedly, clearly a lady from a well-to-do family.

Under Xu Lin's gaze, she looked at the contents of the letter.

"He wants to see me."

After reading it, Li Ji said.

Her hair was much shorter than before, so she looked more dashing.

Do you want to see him?

Xu Lin asked.

He had a fairly good impression of Jing Ke.

However, he did not wish for his wife to stay up late to see her former senior brother.

"Do not."

Li Ji shook her head.

It's not that I don't want to, but that I can't accept seeing you like this.

She could accept meeting him at the entrance of the Xu residence during the day and chatting casually in public.

Going to a tavern late at night and spending time alone together is inappropriate.

Xu Lin nodded and then leaned down onto Li Ji's lap.

After obtaining Xu Lin's consent, she wrote a letter to Jing Ke, saying that she was very busy lately and it was inconvenient for her to go out. If he really wanted to see her, he could come to the Xu residence on a certain day.

Li Ji's legs were completely different from Madam Hu's; Li Ji's legs were very powerful, no less so than Jing Ni's.

Why do you think he suddenly came to Xianyang?

After the messenger had gone some distance, Xu Lin asked.

"do not know."

"Could it be related to the Yan state?"

Li Ji is unsure.

As far as she knew, Jing Ke had been in the State of Yan all these years.

"Madam is truly intelligent."

"How should I reward the lady?"

Xu Lin said loudly.

Before Li Ji could reply, he carried her to the bedroom.

Xu Lin doesn't really like short hair, so Li Ji's hair isn't very short; it can be worn down to her shoulders. But she doesn't have to tie it up.

After bolting the door and lighting the oil lamp, Xu Lin had Li Ji kneel before the bamboo window.

The next day.

Xu Lin went to the Qin King's Palace.

After meeting Ying Zheng, he told Ying Zheng that Jing Ke might assassinate the Qin emperor and that Meng Jia had most likely been bribed.

Ying Zheng was not surprised by this, because Zhao Gao had told him about Jing Ke yesterday, but not in as much detail as Xu Lin.

"What do you think I should do, sir?"

Ying Zheng humbly sought advice.

Although he had been in power for many years, he still treated scholars with respect.

"Cast a long line to catch a big fish."

Xu Lin suggested.

If Jing Ke doesn't take action, Qin's military campaign will lack a legitimate reason.

Don't underestimate the importance of having a legitimate reason for your actions.

"I also have this intention."

Ying Zheng nodded.

……

Three days later.

When Jing Ke met Meng Jia again, he spoke humbly.

Meng Jia pretended to be reluctant and agreed to Jing Ke's request.

This delighted Qin Wuyang, who frantically sharpened his knife.

"You're allowed to bring a knife into the palace?"

Jing Ke frowned.

Although Qin Wuyang's cultivation level was not low, he always felt that Qin Wuyang was a burden.

Before entering Qin, Qin Wuyang appeared very calm and decisive.

After entering Qin, Qin Wuyang appeared flustered, and his emotions were readily apparent.

"That probably won't work."

“But I can hide the knife outside the palace.”

"Once you kill that treacherous King Qin, I will draw my sword and help you."

Qin Wuyang spoke as he thought.

Actually, he was just feeling anxious and needed the act of sharpening the knife to calm himself down.

Saying you want to kill the King of Qin and actually killing him are two completely different things.

Xianyang was heavily guarded, with armored soldiers stationed at every post station, let alone the Qin King's palace.

Just as Qin Wuyang was thinking about where to hide the knife, someone suddenly knocked on the wooden door.

dong dong dong.

Upon hearing this, Jing Ke frowned and told Qin Wuyang to quickly hide the knife.

Then he opened the wooden door slowly and deliberately.

What came into view were Qin soldiers in black armor.

Who's sharpening their knife?

The Qin soldiers in black armor questioned him.

Qin Wuyang wanted to deny it, but Jing Ke stopped him.

Because the truth will eventually come out, lying will only arouse suspicion.

"I."

"The knife is a bit dull."

Jing Ke explained.

"Later I plan to go to the suburbs to hunt some chickens and rabbits."

"I'll use it to make soup, and send some to the two of you later?"

Jing Ke's face was full of smiles.

Acting is not difficult for him; he just doesn't like to act in his spare time.

"No need."

"But you must not sharpen your knife at the post station in the future."

The Qin soldiers immediately refused.

Then they left.

Watching the Qin soldiers gradually disappear into the distance, Qin Wuyang breathed a sigh of relief.

He was not afraid of the two Qin soldiers, but this was Xianyang, and he was not good at escaping.

"Go hunt chickens and rabbits."

Jing Ke said solemnly.

"Really going?"

Qin Wuyang frowned.

"You think I'm lying to them?"

Jing Ke said irritably.

He just said he would hunt chickens and rabbits, but he didn't. What will the Qin soldiers think?

"it is good."

Qin Wuyang nodded.

Then, reluctantly, he left the inn with the knife.

Jing Ke did not go along; he had other things to do.

More important things.

……

After nightfall.

Jing Ke disguised himself and went to Gai Nie's residence.

He couldn't disguise himself like the higher-ups of the Yin-Yang School, but he could still make himself unrecognizable.

The reason for wanting to see Gai Nie is that Gai Nie is the chief swordsmanship teacher of the King of Qin. If Ying Zheng can get Gai Nie's help, he will surely die!

As far as Jing Ke knew, Gai Nie was a disciple of Guiguzi.

Guigu was known for his strategic thinking and diplomacy. If Qin unified the world, where would Guigu have room to maneuver?

Jing Ke changed his identity several times, but still couldn't meet Gai Nie.

Gai Nie is a cautious person; how could he possibly meet Jing Ke so easily?

Left with no other option, Jing Ke wrote a letter to Gai Nie.

In his letter, he said that he hoped Gai Nie would not waste his talents. The world is bustling, and everyone is here for fame. Su Qin and Zhang Yi are remembered in history. Does Your Excellency not want to be like them?

After reading the letter, Gai Nie fell into deep thought.

He felt that Jing Ke's words made sense. If Jing Ke were given a few more months, he might actually be able to persuade him. But who would give Jing Ke that time?

……

Seven days later.

The main hall of Xianyang Palace.

The civil and military officials were arranged in two ranks.

On the left are the civil officials, with Xu Lin at the head.

On the right are military generals, with Wang Jian at the head.

Although there were setbacks in the former territory of the Zhao state, Wang Ben was able to handle them.

Wang Jian was a man who knew when to advance and when to retreat. After returning to Xianyang, he was enfeoffed as Marquis of Wucheng.

Historically, Wang Jian was not enfeoffed as Marquis of Wucheng until after the conquest of Chu. The appearance of Xu Lin caused a dramatic change in history, so history cannot be completely relied upon.

Today, Zhao Gao was the only one who should have been standing beside Gai Nie. Gai Nie guessed this, so he claimed to be ill and did not come.

With Qin's conquest of Han and Zhao, its sword pointed directly at Wei, Yan, and Chu, Ying Zheng and Gai Nie maintained a distant relationship.

Although Ying Zheng rarely killed people due to Xu Lin's advice, it is clear that he was not a virtuous ruler.

To put it bluntly, it's unlikely that Gai Nie and Ying Zheng will ever share the same pot again.

Seeing that Gai Nie was not coming for a long time, Ying Zheng looked towards Gai Nie's residence and sighed.

You can't force these things.

Perhaps Gai Nie could leave him at any time.

Perhaps Gai Nie will stand opposite him in the future, just like Jing Ke today.

Maybe……

Ying Zheng shook his head. As the King of Qin, he should deal with the immediate matters first.

Neither he nor Gai Nie could understand the other.

What's wrong with Ying Zheng believing that harsh punishments are necessary in chaotic times?

Gai Nie, on the other hand, believed in benevolent and virtuous governance, aiming to kill as few people as possible and use harsh punishments sparingly.

"Let them in."

Ying Zheng, his hand resting on his longsword, spoke.

"promise!"

Zhao Gao immediately accepted the order.

Then they had someone bring Jing Ke and Qin Wuyang in.

The main hall of Xianyang Palace was dark, solemn, and majestic.

Jing Ke held the map of Ji City, appearing very composed.

Qin Wuyang followed behind, his forehead beaded with sweat.

The Qin palace was vast; regardless of whether they could kill the Qin king today, neither he nor Jing Ke could escape.

Unless... unless we can capture the King of Qin alive.

Qin Wuyang winked at Jing Ke, signaling him to capture Ying Zheng alive if possible, otherwise they would all die.

Jing Ke remained silent and bowed respectfully.

Ying Zheng waved his sleeve, beckoning Jing Ke to come closer.

Jing Ke stepped forward slowly, and Qin Wuyang felt like she was sitting on pins and needles.

Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Jing Ke opened the bronze box and took out a map of Ji City.

Because everything was going too smoothly, Jing Ke had a bad feeling.

Meng Jia, who was not far away, gestured to Jing Ke not to be nervous.

Meng Jia was unaware that Jing Ke intended to assassinate Ying Zheng; otherwise, he would never have met with Jing Ke.

After more than ten breaths, the true intentions were revealed.

Ying Zheng took a half step back and handed over the task of killing Jing Ke to Zhao Gao.

Jing Ke was highly skilled, and the broken rainbow was coated with a potent poison, but Zhao Gao was prepared.

The Six Sword Slaves remained hidden in the shadows.

In less than ten breaths, Jing Ke was cut into several pieces.

Qin Wuyang also failed to escape.

After witnessing Qin Wuyang being cut in half at the waist, Meng Jia immediately knelt down.

Considering the Meng family's past favors to the Qin Dynasty, and that Meng Jia had been deceived, coupled with Xu Lin's persuasion, Ying Zheng ultimately did not implicate or even kill Meng Jia, but merely demoted him to a commoner.

According to Ying Zheng's will, Meng Jia must die.

But Xu Lin didn't think so.

"Your Majesty."

"Wei and Zhao have both become counties of our Great Qin."

"Yan, Wei, and Qi can be destroyed with a snap of the fingers; only Chu is somewhat troublesome."

"Therefore, Gai Nie is by no means the only one in the country who yearns for benevolent and virtuous governance."

Xu Lin said in a deep voice.

His voice wasn't quiet, but only Ying Zheng could hear it. (End of Chapter)