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

Zhao Ji stood in front of Cao Ze with a smile.

She didn't say anything, but watched Cao Ze write with her alluring eyes, her gaze occasionally narrowing slightly, revealing a strange sense of enjoyment.

Meanwhile, Cao Ze was writing Qin seal script on the bamboo slips, stroke by stroke, with a half-hearted attitude.

It wasn't that he wasn't focused; it was simply that the alluring beauties beside him were too captivating, causing his mind to wander and his heart to race.

He silently recited the "Qingjing Jing" (Scripture of Purity and Tranquility) often spoken by Lao Tzu in his heart while pondering deeply.

Based on these two encounters with Zhao Ji, could it be that Zhao Ji has some scheme against him?

It's not impossible.

After all, historical records clearly state that Lao Ai was given to Zhao Ji by Lü Buwei.

Before Lao Ai was granted a title and became so arrogant that he claimed to be Ying Zheng's stepfather throughout Xianyang, and even dared to collude with the Xianyang magistrate and other ministers to rebel, Lao Ai and Lü Buwei had a very close relationship.

Therefore, it's hard not to make him overthink.

If Lü Buwei really secretly arranged for Lao Ai to use Zhao Ji to deal with him, and if he dared to act recklessly with Zhao Ji, he might fall into Lao Ai and Lü Buwei's trap, and then he would be truly doomed.

However, judging from Zhao Ji's attitude towards her, she probably had no intention of helping Lao Ai.

Zhao Ji is not in cahoots with Lao Ai, so as long as she is careful, she will not be in any great danger.

With this thought in mind, Cao Ze made up his mind.

Before Lao Ai is exposed, he must not get too close to Zhao Ji.

Perhaps Lao Ai is secretly watching, and if he loses control under Zhao Ji's temptation, he might look up to find a large group of people catching him in the act.

Now that the enemy is in the dark while we are in the light, we need to be cautious and remain calm and composed.

Thinking of this, Cao Ze couldn't help but sigh, never expecting that one day he would have to learn from Liu Xiahui.

If only I knew what Lao Ai looked like, I could just find him and fish with a clear conscience.

The water clock in the main hall dripped water droplets, plunging the hall into an eerie silence.

Cao Ze kept amplifying his senses, trying to find Lao Ai's whereabouts.

Even after he finished writing two volumes of letters, he still didn't notice anything unusual about his surroundings.

Therefore, either Lao Ai was not in the palace, or Lao Ai was a first-rate master or a half-step grandmaster who was skilled in hiding.

He is more inclined to believe the latter.

If Lao Ai is indeed quite powerful, perhaps even at the level of a half-step Grandmaster, then he should be careful.

"Sir, you've been writing for half an hour now. Would you like to take a short break?"

Zhao Ji's seductive manner and coquettish voice captivated Cao Ze, causing him to momentarily lose himself in thought.

But seeing the charming and alluring beauty in Zhao Ji's eyes, Cao Ze took a deep breath.

This vixen is really hard to deal with.

"Your Majesty, it is almost dusk. Please forgive me for not being able to stay in the palace any longer."

Cao Ze glanced at the bronze water clock and realized he couldn't stay with Zhao Ji any longer.

When a man and a woman spend a lot of time together, it's easy for them to tighten the screws on the nuts.

Having just gained Ying Zheng's trust, if Ying Zheng found out that he had stayed overnight at his mother's place, wouldn't that be asking for trouble?

"Hmph!" Zhao Ji said with displeasure, her charming face turning rather cold and aloof.

"I am only giving you a short rest, not keeping you in the palace."

Women are so demanding... Cao Ze realized he couldn't beat the Empress Dowager right now, so he had no choice but to stay and live off her for the time being.

Zhao Gao stood aside, ignoring the scene of Cao Ze and the Empress Dowager eating and chatting together.

He keeps his eyes down, seemingly lost in thought, making it difficult for him not to overthink things.

Could it be that the Empress Dowager, who has been lonely for many years, has developed the idea of ​​keeping male lovers?

Zhao Gao couldn't help but wonder what would happen if Ying Zheng found out about this.

Based on his understanding of Ying Zheng, he valued Cao Ze highly, almost regarding him as a confidant, comparable to how Duke Xiao met Shang Yang.

He definitely couldn't accept that his mother was keeping such a talented man as a concubine.

Is he going to have the good fortune to witness the scene of the King of Qin and his mother fighting over a man?

"Zhao Gao, see the gentleman out."

Zhao Ji's face was radiant with spring, a blush naturally appearing on her cheeks.

She was completely captivated by the saccharine, cheesy love quotes from the Warring States period, adapted by Cao Ze in later generations.

It made her feel like she had wasted the first thirty years of her life, that she was blind to have met such a talented and charming man sooner.

Zhao Gao snapped out of his daze, banishing the absurd thought of the King of Qin and his mother vying for a man from his mind. If he dared to utter a single word, he would likely lose his head the next day, and his entire clan would be executed.

He hurriedly stepped forward and said in a soft voice, "Please, sir."

Cao Ze straightened his clothes and politely bid farewell to Zhao Ji.

His words were frivolous and undignified, yet they delighted Zhao Ji, making her reluctant to part with him.

Zhao Gao was already completely impressed by Cao Ze.

After he led Cao Ze out of the main hall, he couldn't help but say, "Hey, I've been by the Empress Dowager's side for so many years, and this is the first time I've seen her like this, just like..."

Zhao Gao suddenly shut up, realizing he had said too much.

Instead of picking a fight with Zhao Gao, Cao Ze smiled faintly and said, "Like a young girl experiencing first love, isn't she?"

Zhao Gao neither nodded nor shook his head, but his eyes already tacitly agreed with Cao Ze's statement.

"I have misspoke, and I hope you will forgive my rudeness."

"Brother Zhao, we are friends. Don't you know that I, Cao Ze, am not the kind of person who would slander others behind their backs?"

Zhao Gao breathed a slight sigh of relief and smiled, "Sir, you are benevolent and righteous."

Cao Ze said generously, "Brother Zhao, you're too kind."

"Oh, by the way, Brother Zhao, do you really not know about Lao Ai?"

Cao Ze jumped around in a very fast manner, just to catch Zhao Gao off guard.

"Who is Lao Ai?" Zhao Gao asked, bewildered. "Why are you so concerned about someone with such a lowly name, sir?"

Cao Ze smiled and said, "It's purely out of curiosity. I just want to learn some health and wellness techniques to strengthen my body."

“Oh…” Zhao Gao smiled knowingly: “If Lao Ai really can turn wheels as the rumors say, then that would be an amazing artifact.”

He suddenly changed his mind and said in a rather serious tone, "However, I should still remind you, sir, that the King and the Queen Mother are very close."

He believed that Cao Ze, seeing the Empress Dowager's interest, had developed thoughts that a subject should not have.

Cao Ze knew that Zhao Gao had misunderstood that he wanted to seduce Zhao Ji, and he couldn't explain, so he could only say, "I understand."

……

Cao Ze left the palace when the sun had already set.

He glanced back; the gates of Ganquan Palace were tightly shut.

Compared to the Han King's Palace, the guards at Gancheon Palace were quite strong.

From his careful observation, it can be concluded that there are at least three to five hundred royal guards in Ganquan Palace, all of whom are under the command of Zhao Ji.

In a palace coup, this was an absolutely formidable force.

Before Cao Ze returned to his residence, he encountered Cheng Jiao, who had come to visit him discreetly.

"Brother Chengjiao, what's wrong with you...?"

Cao Ze looked at Cheng Jiao, who was wearing a hat with a brim and acting mysteriously, and was somewhat speechless.

Upon seeing Cao Ze, Cheng Jiao immediately said, "Brother Cao, this time you've really messed up."

Cao Ze glanced around and said in a low voice, "Let's talk at the manor."

Upon arriving at the newly renovated mansion, Cao Ze found a secluded and quiet spot.

"What happened?"

Cheng Jiao quickly said, "I had someone create some hype the day before yesterday, and it spread throughout the city yesterday. I didn't think much of it, but I only found out today that Lord Changping helped me to make things happen."

Cao Ze let out a soft "Eh?" and said, "Isn't this pretty good?"

Cheng Jiao smiled wryly and said, "That's what I was thinking too. I just received news that Lord Changping has invited people from all the schools of thought to go to the west of the city tomorrow."

Cao Ze said thoughtfully, "These people from the Hundred Schools of Thought must have extraordinary backgrounds."

“Sigh…” Cheng Jiao said with a hint of bitterness, “The ones we know of are the leader of the Farmer’s School, the Moon Goddess of the Yin-Yang School, Gongshu Chou, the head of the Gongshu School, and Meng Wu and General Wang Ben, who represent the Military School. It is said that people from other schools will also be there. It’s really a pity.”

He knows his own limitations.

He might be able to intimidate ordinary disciples with his status, but he couldn't put on airs when facing these elite sect leaders.

If these guys raise questions and he can't answer them, revealing his rough and uncouth nature, even if he gets the money, his reputation will be ruined.

Unless you betray Brother Cao...

Cao Ze was somewhat surprised, "The leader of the Farmer's School of Chivalry is in Xianyang?"

Cheng Jiao said bitterly, "Yes, who knows how he ended up in Xianyang?"

The leaders of prestigious sects are like dragons, rarely seen in the martial arts world. Their status is comparable to that of nobles and kings, enough to command the respect of a king.

As for those who are not treated with courtesy, they generally have a bad reputation, forming a stereotype among scholars of the Hundred Schools of Thought that the ruler does not value talent, which in turn creates a chain reaction that pushes talented people to other countries...

Cao Ze patted Cheng Jiao on the shoulder and said calmly, "Don't worry, I'm here, I'll make sure you're alright."

With him present, as long as Chengjiao cooperates, nothing unexpected will happen.

Seeing Cao Ze's composure, Cheng Jiao couldn't help but smile: "With Brother Cao's words, I feel reassured."

“If we mess this up, it won’t look good for Brother Wang.”

After chatting for a while, Cheng Jiao quietly left.

Since Cao Ze had only been staying at the mansion for a few days, there were no servants or maids, so the large mansion was quite empty.