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

Like an irresponsible scumbag and conman, Cao Ze readily agreed, saying, "I dare not disobey the Empress Dowager's command. Whatever the Empress Dowager wants me to do, I will do it."

Zhao Ji smiled with satisfaction.

She wouldn't make things difficult for Cao Ze; she just wanted Cao Ze to show his attitude.

"You are unwell, I will go and get you some medicine to strengthen your body."

Cao Ze watched Zhao Ji's departing figure and clicked his tongue in admiration.

Zhao Ji was a mature and beautiful woman. Her full, round buttocks, like millstones, were hidden under her wide, flowing robes. As she moved, they swayed gracefully, revealing her plump and rounded figure.

That would be fine, but her waist is slender like a branch, and her graceful movements are rare in the world. This charm is extremely captivating.

After Zhao Ji turned and entered the inner hall, disappearing from sight, Cao Ze was still savoring the moment.

Women who possess the word "beauty" are considered to have top-tier looks and figures, each with their own unique charm.

When it comes to beauties, looks don't matter.

Instead, they look at bone structure, charm, and social status...

It's something only a man with enough experience and taste can understand.

As a certain painter surnamed Zhang once summarized based on his experience, taste, and the many women he had married:

All beautiful women are divided into four categories.

First Class: Wen, Xiu, Jiao

Second class: Fat, white, tall;

Third class: Ma, Yao, Sao.

Fourth category: shrewish, fiery, and cunning.

As for Zhao Ji, in his opinion, if Wen Xiujiao only accounts for three points, then Fei Baigao would be ten points. Although she has the three characteristics of being effeminate and seductive, fortunately she does not have the habits of being shrewish and unruly.

Cao Ze was lost in his lewd thoughts when Zhao Ji gracefully approached.

At this moment, all he could see were the alluring, white, and fragrant flesh swaying in front of him on both sides.

The swaying almost blinded him, leaving him stunned like a clay or wooden sculpture.

Zhao Ji couldn't help but chuckle, and said with a laugh, "What a lustful fool! I just don't know if he's even capable of it."

Cao Ze composed himself, took the pill from Zhao Ji's hand, and couldn't help but ask, "What skill is the Empress Dowager talking about?"

Zhao Ji sat casually on the table, crossed her long legs, and swung her fair feet back and forth.

"Sir, are you asking a question you already know the answer to? Would you like me to help you familiarize yourself with that skill?"

That would be great... Cao Ze regretted pretending to be a proper and honest person at the beginning, as it made him feel uncomfortable and unable to relax.

But honest people have their own ways.

He said, somewhat confused, "Then I'll have to trouble the Empress Dowager."

Zhao Ji suddenly clutched her lower abdomen, laughing so hard she couldn't straighten up.

Her silvery laughter was filled with alluring temptation, and Cao Ze thought of Zhao Ji's plump and fair body again, causing his blood to surge.

Fortunately, he has not given up cultivation over the years, and he can still control the five qi in his chest freely.

Otherwise, if he had encountered a noble and voluptuous beauty like Zhao Ji two or three years ago, he would have surely lost his composure.

With tears welling in her eyes, Zhao Ji smiled and said, "I really don't know if you're pretending to be a fool or if you really are."

Cao Ze said speechlessly, "Empress Dowager, could you please stop calling me... idiot?"

It makes him look like Pigsy from Journey to the West, even though he has already controlled the five qi in his chest.

Zhao Ji raised her head and said in a coquettish voice, "No, I'm going to call out anyway, what can you do about it!"

Cao Ze almost couldn't resist slapping Zhao Ji twice, but remembering that she was his boss's mother, he had to refrain.

Sooner or later, he'll have to keep Zhao Ji hanging and whipping her.

Especially those two big millstones, they must be really fun to use.

The sky was getting dark.

Cao Ze thought that foreign officials were not allowed to stay overnight in the palace, and realized that his progress in winning over Zhao Ji had increased significantly today. If he continued, it would be too much.

Adhering to the principle of making steady progress day by day, Cao Ze decided to choose another day to find a suitable concubine.

Before Cao Ze could speak, Zhao Gao's effeminate voice rang out.

"Your Majesty, the King is here. He will arrive in about half a cup of tea's time."

Sure enough, having the sensible Old Zhao watch the gate was a very reasonable approach.

In the Warring States period, half a cup of tea took about five minutes, which was enough time.

Cao Ze moved Zhao Ji's long legs down and touched them discreetly. Her skin was soft, smooth, and still exquisite.

Zhao Ji looked disappointed and complained, "Why is Zheng'er coming to my place for no reason?"

Despite saying that, Zhao Ji still consciously tidied her clothes and slightly straightened her somewhat messy hair.

Before long, Zhao Gao pushed open the palace door and said, "Empress Dowager, the King has arrived."

Zhao Gao was very glad that he had arranged for the six sword slaves to keep watch at the palace gate in advance; otherwise, it would have been too late by the time the king entered the palace.

Zhao Ji smiled as she watched Ying Zheng stride in, feeling very pleased.

"My son, what brings you to your mother's side?"

Ying Zheng smiled and said, "I heard from the palace servants that Mr. Cao Ze came to Mother's place, and before it got dark, he brought Mr. Gai Nie with him."

Cao Ze put down his pen and ink, stood up and bowed, "Your Majesty."

Ying Zheng waved his hand and said, "I have come only to ask you a question, sir."

Hmm~ Could it be asking him if he wants to marry his mother?

Cao Ze, somewhat agitated by Zhao Ji's antics, thought with a hint of fear.

"Your Majesty, please ask."

Ying Zheng, with one hand on the hilt of the King's Sword, said solemnly, "Lü Buwei just submitted a memorial in court, saying that the Three Jin states have been making frequent moves recently, sending envoys to each other, seemingly wanting to mend fences. He proposed that General Wang Jian lead troops to guard the borders of the Three Jin states in case of any unforeseen events."

"I have come here specifically to ask you, sir, how should Qin respond if the three Jin states form an alliance?"

Cao Ze pointed out incisively: "Your Majesty does not want to ask how Qin should respond to the alliance of the Three Jin states, but rather whether the person proposed by Lü Buwei is trustworthy. I wonder if what I say is correct."

The three states of Jin had long harbored resentment, and even if they formed an alliance under pressure from Qin, it would not cause Ying Zheng any great concern.

After all, not long ago, the Qin state was not afraid of the five states' alliance against Qin, and even managed to win a slight victory.

The only question is whether or not we can eliminate them; there is never a question of whether or not we can win.

Ying Zheng sighed slightly and said, "Sir, you guessed correctly."

"Last time, when the five states formed an alliance, Lü Buwei proposed that General Wang Jian be stationed at Hangu Pass, with General Meng Ao as his deputy, transferred to the rear to manage logistics. This time, Lü Buwei has again proposed General Wang Jian, which makes it hard for me not to have doubts and worry about whether General Wang Jian is..."

Cao Ze understood Ying Zheng's dilemma.

After all, Qin Shi Huang was not him and did not know the historical facts.

How many people can truly see the real figures in history, especially someone who is still a minor and has not yet reached adulthood, equivalent to Ying Zheng, who had just graduated from university in later generations?

It should be noted that the Wang family, as one of the two most prestigious clans in the army, was practically the most powerful clan in the army after Meng Ao died on the battlefield.

If the Wang family and Lü Buwei were to become entangled and achieve their goals, the difficulty for Ying Zheng to turn the tide would increase tenfold. Even with Lao Ai's divine assistance, he probably wouldn't be able to do anything to Lü Buwei.

"Your Majesty, is General Wang Jian present at court today?"

"exist."

"What did General Wang Jian say?"

Ying Zheng frowned. "Wang Jian... has not expressed his opinion, leaving it to me to decide."

Cao Ze then asked, "What does Your Majesty think?"

Ying Zheng said, "Although Wang Jian has not expressed his opinion, he is somewhat tempted, which is why I am uneasy."

Cao Ze smiled and said, "Your Majesty, it is normal for General Wang Jian to be interested. The position of Grand General of Qin is vacant due to the death of General Meng Ao, and General Wang Jian urgently needs a significant victory to become the Grand General."

It has to be said that the two most recent generals of the Qin state have been very unlucky.

Lord Wu'an, Bai Qi, was tricked to death, and General Meng Ao was hit by a hail of arrows. In retrospect, it seems that only Wang Jian had a peaceful end.

Ultimately, it was Wang Jian who was the most reliable.

The historical example of Qin Shi Huang demanding 600,000 troops to conquer the State of Chu illustrates this point.

It's no wonder that when Lao Ai rebelled later, he chose to side with Ying Zheng.

It's worth noting that Ying Zheng later chose to order Lü Buwei's execution on Wang Jian's advice.

It is likely that Lü Buwei invested heavily in Wang Jian, and Wang Jian sided with Ying Zheng. Fearing that Lü Buwei would rise again and retaliate against the Wang family, Wang Jian took advantage of the six states' persuasion to get Lü Buwei to serve in those states, and advised Ying Zheng to order Lü Buwei's execution to prevent him from launching a rebellion.

Of course, the above is Cao Ze's conjecture based on historical results and should not be taken as fact.

But one thing is certain: Wang Jian would not choose Lü Buwei, who was past his prime. Someone as experienced as him would not be blind to the ups and downs of officialdom.

Ying Zheng nodded and said, "What you say makes sense."

Cao Ze continued, "Instead of waiting idly and overthinking, we should take the initiative and seize control of the situation."

"Your Majesty, I dare to suggest that while General Wang Jian is still in Xianyang, you should have a frank and open discussion with him, and then send him to lead troops to garrison the border of Shanxi. I believe that with General Wang Jian's wisdom, he will not fail to understand Your Majesty's intentions."

Ying Zheng's eyes brightened slightly. "Mr. Cao Ze's words have truly awakened me from my dream. I was being too attached to appearances."

He was the King of Qin. Although he did not rule personally, he was not so timid as to be afraid of Lü Buwei and Wang Jian because of their close relationship.

He was confident that Wang Jian would choose to stand by his side.

Lü Buwei was merely a merchant; how could he be compared to him?

Ying Zheng solemnly bowed to Cao Ze, saying, "It is my good fortune to have you as my advisor. When I rule the world one day, I will surely appoint you as my national teacher."

Cao Ze readily agreed, saying, "A ruler treats his subjects with courtesy, and subjects serve their ruler with loyalty."

Although he knew that Ying Zheng was just making empty promises, he still performed a play with Ying Zheng, reminiscent of the ancient story of a ruler and his minister sharing a boat and water.

Zhao Ji's gaze unconsciously fell on Cao Ze, and she couldn't look away.