People in the Qin Dynasty, entertained during the Warring States period

Unless the leader runs over and jumps for him.

All he wants to do now is go to Feixue Pavilion.

Firstly, I wanted to see the Snow Maiden's Alluring Dance, which had amazed me throughout my childhood.

Secondly, Feixue Pavilion is the best place for fame and fortune in Handan, frequented by nobles and wealthy merchants, so one might get some good connections there.

After all, it wouldn't be easy for him to step onto the stage of the Zhao Kingdom with nothing but a humble background, and to stand out in the spotlight, making a name for himself throughout the seven kingdoms.

He didn't have much time left; he needed to find a shortcut through Zhongnan Mountain.

The broker said sullenly, "Then you can go by yourself, young man. I won't keep you company."

"Hey, bro, can you lead the way?"

The broker was both amused and exasperated. "Forget it, I still want to make a living in Handan."

On the surface, anyone who can afford ten gold coins can get in.

But in reality, once inside, if one's status is insufficient, it's just self-humiliation.

With princes and nobles on one side and high-ranking officials on the other, if anyone knew that a mere broker had entered the scene, they would all think...

The broker hurriedly bid farewell to Cao Ze and left, no longer daring to think about making money off Cao Ze, fearing that Cao Ze would lead him astray.

He couldn't hold on, his boss couldn't hold on either, and his boss's master was only fit to hold on a little.

Cao Ze smacked his lips. "Is it really necessary to make such a fuss about going to Feixue Pavilion to listen to a song and watch a dance?"

Night was falling.

As the saying goes, clothes make the man, so that one can avoid being looked down upon by others.

Before going to Feixue Pavilion to wade in the water, Cao Ze dressed up specially, exuding an air of nobility.

Of course, it's also because he's handsome.

It was just an exquisite garment used by ordinary nobles, but when he wore it, it was elevated several levels, and even Brother Donkey glanced at him a few more times.

Since Feixue Pavilion was not far from the Royal Palace, Cao Ze arrived at Feixue Pavilion after walking for about half a cup of tea's time.

I had imagined this place to be a vibrant, bustling, and opulent place.

There will probably be a few graceful young women at the entrance saying "Welcome" to add to the atmosphere.

Unexpectedly, this place was quite tranquil and elegant.

Occasionally, melodies with profound artistic conception would be played, revealing an elegant demeanor.

Moreover, all the architectural decorations are understated and unassuming, lacking many bright and vibrant colors.

It emphasizes understated luxury and sophistication.

That makes sense, after all, it's a place run by Zhao Wang Yan's sister, how could it be the same as those dance halls?

Cao Ze placed a small ticket on the maid's tray and walked in leisurely.

The gold tickets were jointly issued by the Iron Blood Alliance of various countries.

There were two types of gold notes issued: one with a face value of one hundred and another with a face value of ten.

Gold coins circulated mostly among nobles and wealthy merchants.

Gold notes were mostly used only by high-ranking nobles and wealthy merchants.

It is a symbol of status and identity.

It's also a valuable commodity within the Luowang organization, simply because it's easy to carry.

As for where this Iron Blood Alliance came from, we must mention the initial alliance.

When the six states first formed an alliance to attack Qin, they failed. Chu and Yan, not feeling threatened by Qin for the time being, were passive in their response and delayed sending troops, which led to their defeat despite their favorable situation.

Realizing that their people were not united, the royal families of various countries learned from their failures and, at the suggestion of Guigu Gongsun Yan, secretly formed the Iron Blood Alliance. They used the Iron Chain Fire Cauldron as tokens and made a pact: Iron is the bond of faith, blood is the bond of righteousness, and the Iron Blood Alliance will stand undeterred by life or death.

This led to the victory of the second coalition against Qin.

After that, the Qin royal family learned its lesson and joined the Iron Blood Alliance composed of royal families from various states, and voluntarily relinquished its imperial title.

As a result, the third alliance ended before it even really began.

Taking advantage of the Iron Blood Alliance, Qin began to incite the other states, and with Su Qin's brilliant maneuvering to sow discord in Qi, Zhao, Yan, Han, and Wei reversed course and launched a massive five-state war against Qi, nearly destroying the state.

For these reasons, during the fourth alliance, Lord Xinling, Wei Wuji, made timely changes, no longer relying on the Iron Blood Alliance for alliance, and allowing the Iron Blood Alliance to be governed autonomously by the royal families of various countries.

Therefore, after the victory of the fourth coalition against Qin, the Iron Blood Alliance was essentially defunct.

However, with the tacit understanding among the countries, the Seven Kingdoms Iron Blood Alliance still exists, but only its money lending business remains, used to collect money.

If it weren't for the fact that the Iron Blood Alliance now operates on a system of self-governance based on national boundaries, aside from money, the Luo Net would be nothing more than a weakling in their eyes.

Therefore, as one of the most powerful forces in the world today, the Iron Blood Alliance Bank, composed of the royal families of the seven kingdoms, has a very good reputation.

It was highly sought after by royalty, nobility, and wealthy merchants.

……

Cao Ze sat at a table, looking around at the interior furnishings of Feixue Pavilion and the nobles and dignitaries drinking and talking in hushed tones.

"Hey, sir, you look unfamiliar. Are you here to see the Snow Maiden's dance too?"

A very outgoing fellow sat down at Cao Ze's desk and became quite talkative.

"Hmm? The Snow Maiden is performing tonight?"

Cao Ze was somewhat surprised. He learned from the broker that Xue Nu, as Ya Fei's only and most outstanding student, had become famous in Handan since she graduated last year. She had performed dances at Fei Xue Pavilion no more than five times a year.

He hadn't had much hope of running into the Snow Woman, but he actually did.

"That's right, otherwise why would there be so many people tonight? Coming here once is really expensive!"

The young man said with great distress, "If you don't spend twenty or thirty gold coins to stay here all night, you won't even have any face."

Cao Ze chuckled lightly. That's how young people are; they always like to put on a brave face in front of beautiful women.

He's different; he'll take anything for free if he can. What's face worth?

"I still don't know how to address you, sir?"

"Cao Ze".

"My name is Li Zuoche, and my grandfather is Li Mu."

Upon hearing this, Cao Ze glanced at him a few more times, not because his grandfather was named Li Mu, but because this person had piqued his interest.

When I was accumulating material for Chinese composition in high school, I once quoted a line: "Even the wisest man can make a mistake; even the most foolish man can have a stroke of genius." This line comes from the military treatise "Guangwu Jun Lue" written by Li Zuoche.

This young man, only sixteen or seventeen years old, is the one who will one day fight against the military genius Han Xin. Although he was badly defeated, the fact that Han Xin took the initiative to ask him for advice shows his ability.

"I have long admired your name."

Li Zuoche chuckled, seemingly waiting for Cao Ze to exchange pleasantries.

"I feel an instant connection with you, sir. Why don't we share a table?"

Cao Ze smiled warmly and jokingly: "That won't do, I'm used to being single."

Want to get something for free?

Turn left after you leave!

……

Chapter 36 The Star-Chasing Boy, Cut Off for Permanent Cure

Li Zuoche was taken aback, somewhat unprepared.

After he came in, he observed for a while before locking onto Cao Ze.

Firstly, Cao Ze was a stranger, clearly an outsider who had just entered Fei Xue Pavilion.

Secondly, Cao Ze was looking around restlessly, either fidgeting or familiarizing himself with the surroundings and observing the situation.

Regardless of the type, if someone approaches them proactively, especially if they are the grandson of the highly respected Li Mu, they will not easily refuse. Instead, they will invite them, offer them delicious food, and enjoy drinks together.

In this way, he can gain benefits and save face for free.

The only reason to blame him is that his father and grandfather were too strict with him. He only managed to earn the ten gold coins for tea by taking on odd jobs for Lian Po's only grandson, Lian Cheng.

Give his Tiger Gang some advice on how to take down the Bear Gang, and incidentally put military strategy into practice.

But he dared not let his family know, for he would be hung up and beaten by his grandfather.

"Brother Cao, I'm short of money..."

When Li Zuoche saw that his first plan failed, he devised another one: he began to play the victim by claiming to be a third-generation general.

Cao Ze laughed and said, "What a coincidence, I'm also short of money, but it doesn't matter. We're here to watch the dance, why bother with all this formality? Don't fall for Fei Xue Pavilion's tricks."

"A routine? What is a routine?"

Li Zuoche humbly sought advice.

"In military terms, this is strategy. Tell me, if the enemy uses a honey trap on you, how would you deal with it?"

Li Zuoche said without hesitation, "They should be killed. The enemy uses beautiful women to suppress their ambitions, weaken their bodies, and increase their resentment. If we don't cut them off in time, we will be disturbed. The story of Xi Shi is still fresh in our minds. We must be vigilant about the chaos caused by King Fuchai."

Cao Ze blinked. Good heavens, he's going to cut it off for permanent cure.

Wow, that's impressive, my bro.

"Someone, bring a pot of wine."

Cao Ze personally poured a cup for this valiant warrior, saying, "How fortunate! Brother, you have embodied the spirit of Yongzhi; let us raise a large cup!"

Li Zuoche smiled, somewhat smugly.

"Of course. I have read military books extensively since I was a child and know them by heart. I know that human nature is most vulnerable to temptation."

"If you don't cut ties early, your mind and body will be corrupted, and then it will be too late to regret it!"

Cao Ze and Li Zuoche clinked glasses and drank it all in one gulp.

Suddenly, he pointed to the snow woman who came out in full dress and asked playfully, "So, did you cut it off?"

Li Zuoche glanced over and saw the Snow Woman. Before his smile could even appear, he froze.