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

Chapter 88 Returning to Xianyang, Meeting Ying Zheng Again

Along the banks of the Wei River, willows sway gently, and when the spring breeze stirs their branches, willow catkins flutter in the air.

The city of Xianyang stands like a monument, majestic and imposing.

More than four years later, Ying Jing finally returned to this city that symbolized the center of power in the Qin state.

"The flowers bloom the same every year, but the people are different year after year..."

Upon returning to Xianyang, Ying Jing couldn't help but sigh deeply.

I still remember that General Meng Ao once stopped Ying Jing from bestowing the title of king, and later showed goodwill, but now he has passed away.

At the beginning of that year, the three empress dowagers gathered at the grand court assembly, but Zhao Ji had gone to Hanoi, and Empress Dowager Xia had already passed away two years prior, leaving only Empress Dowager Huayang.

Cheng Jiao, who was tricked out of her jade thumb ring by Ying Jing, was also personally ordered to be executed by Ying Jing after her rebellion last year.

Four or five years is neither a long nor a short time, but as the wheels of history turn, it is enough for many things to happen.

"You all go to the young master's residence first. I will go see my brother alone."

Ying Jing's words were merely a spontaneous expression of emotion upon returning to his old haunts; there was no real sense of nostalgia involved.

Now that he has returned to Xianyang, the first thing he needs to do is to meet with Ying Zheng.

"Then... young man, I'll wait for you at your residence."

Yan Lingji gently stroked Ying Jing's face with her jade-like hand, her demeanor alluring. However, she knew her place and obediently followed Ying Jing's orders.

Of all the women, Ying Jing only brought Yan Lingji with him when he came to Xianyang this time.

Jingni and the other women stayed in Hanoi to take care of Xiaoyan'er.

However, these are all just excuses.

It's a man's inherent weakness that he's always a little unwilling to give up until he's completely satisfied!

Yan Ling Ji was mostly devoured, but she was still a little short.

Perhaps bringing them out separately would lead to some progress?

Passing through the continuous palace complex, Ying Jing knew the way well and headed straight for Zhangtai Palace.

The appearance here is no different from back then, simple yet solemn.

There were simply more guards, and their morale was much stronger. They were all positioned very carefully, forming a military formation.

"Lord Changxin, His Majesty has already given instructions that you may enter directly upon your arrival."

The guards didn't even need to announce their arrival before letting them pass.

Ying Jing strode forward without the slightest hesitation.

Several years later, he finally saw Ying Zheng again in this palace.

The surrounding decorations remained unchanged, and Ying Zheng was still bowing his head on the table. In a daze, Ying Jing seemed to have returned to the past.

The only difference was that there was now a man in white beside Ying Zheng.

He helped Ying Zheng organize various memorials, categorizing them and also bringing some important memorials to Ying Zheng for his review first.

When there is nothing to do, he stands quietly to the side, acting as a guard.

His gaze was sharp and his aura intimidating.

Like a sharp sword!

Guigu, Gai Nie.

This is a man who will one day be known as a sword saint.

However, he is still too young and in the early stages of his development.

People like Jingni and Xuanjian are usually able to perfectly conceal themselves and would never show such sharpness all the time.

"Your subject pays respects to Your Majesty."

Ying Jing bowed respectfully.

Ying Zheng finally raised his head from the desk, revealing a faint smile.

"Third brother, you're finally back! It's been so many years since we last saw each other."

His chiseled, handsome face looked somewhat gaunt, but Ying Zheng's eyes were like a deep, unfathomable spring under the moonlight.

Imperceptibly, the young king's majesty grew ever stronger, and his thoughts became increasingly unpredictable.

However, Ying Jing was now completely relieved.

Ying Zheng is still the same Ying Zheng; his attitude hasn't changed!

"Thanks to your trust, my brother, I have been able to govern Hanoi. Since then, I have been working diligently day and night and have not dared to return home without permission. I have not seen you for several years and I miss you dearly!"

Brother Zheng, I miss you too, but without your decree, I dare not come back!

Ying Jing's words were clearly effective, stirring up what little emotion Ying Zheng had left.

His once resolute and handsome face now seemed to have softened somewhat, and Ying Zheng's smile was warm.

"In just a few years, Hanoi has recovered its former prosperity under the rule of my third brother. The annual tax revenue alone has filled the treasury of our Great Qin."

"Third brother, I have already witnessed your abilities."

Ying Jing didn't deny the credit; he had indeed put in a lot of thought and effort over the past few years.

But we have to bring Ying Zheng along too!

"How could I not do my best to share my brother's burdens?"

"Without the trust of my brother, I would have no chance to make a difference."

Ying Zheng had heard many kind words over the years, but none of them pleased him more than what Ying Jing had said.

"It's been many years since we last met, but my third brother's words are still as delightful as ever. No wonder Mother..."

Ying Zheng initially chuckled, but when Zhao Ji was mentioned, he seemed hesitant.

"How has Mother been all these years?"

After a moment's hesitation, Ying Zheng asked.

Even though he wasn't betrayed, Ying Zheng still had some feelings for Zhao Ji.

It's just... a little bit, not much.

I might forget it when I get a little busy, and I won't even remember it.

He only asked about it today because it was mentioned.

Thinking of Zhao Ji's indifferent appearance, Ying Jing felt a headache coming on.

Being caught between this eccentric mother and son, and having to help maintain their meager relationship, is truly a difficult task for the philanthropist, Jing.

"Brother, please put your mind at ease. Although the Empress Dowager resides in Hanoi, she has not neglected any of her needs. Moreover, she is very fond of Xiaoyan and visits her often, so she is not lonely."

"Only occasionally does the Empress Dowager complain that my brother has not written a single letter in many years. However, considering that my brother is busy with state affairs, she does not wish to disturb him. Only after hearing that I have returned to Xianyang did she ask me to bring this letter to comfort the longing between mother and son."

It's impossible to tell the truth.

So what if you deceive the emperor? It's called a white lie.

Anyway, no one can expose her, and even if you ask Zhao Ji, she will only admit it for Ying Jing's sake.

Moreover, at least in this matter, Ying Zheng was willing to be deceived!

"That's wonderful,"

After receiving the letter from Ying Jing and reading it, Ying Zheng expressed his satisfaction.

It's all what he wants to see!

In fact, the letter was written by Li Si.

It must be said that Li Si was indeed very useful; he had no problem imitating Zhao Ji's handwriting and style.

When Zhao Ji saw it, she even doubted whether she had written it in her sleep.

"With my third brother taking care of things, I can rest assured about Mother's side."

Ying Zheng made no attempt to hide his joy.

Ying Jing could only say that it was an unspoken understanding.

Even a powerful figure like Qin Shi Huang had moments of self-deception.

Even if there were no mistakes in language style and handwriting, how could Ying Zheng not know Zhao Ji's personality?

But he showed no doubt.

Or rather, they simply don't want to doubt it.

The Zhao Ji in the letter, who cared for him and showed him warmth and concern, was the mother that Ying Zheng longed for!