Wandering Sword Seller's Life in the Qin Dynasty

Rather than saying that King Jian of Qi favored the State of Qin, it would be more accurate to say that Hou Sheng had long been aligned with the State of Qin. King Jian himself was an indecisive person. When his mother, Queen Jun, was alive, he listened to her. After Queen Jun died, he listened to his uncle, Hou Sheng.

When King Jian of Qi visited Qin years ago, Hou Sheng played a crucial role in persuading him.

Now that he has made up his mind, Hou Sheng needs to persuade King Jian of Qi again. The difference is that this time, he wants King Jian to surrender to Qin and lose his country.

As for whether the ancestral temples and altars of the State of Qi will be destroyed?

Hou Sheng didn't care; he wasn't a member of the Qi royal family.

“Very well, I will go and persuade the King of Qi!”

Hou Sheng's expression was resolute.

……

Once Hou Sheng was persuaded, the vast majority of the problems were solved.

For the next period of time, Xu Qing stayed at Hou Sheng's residence.

Although he left from here in the past, Hou Shengfu did indeed have many backup plans.

Or rather, in the past, he used Hou Sheng's power to plant many spies in the State of Qi. Most of those spies came from the Nightfall organization, and some were recruited by him.

Just like the blind man in the original story who wielded the Broken Water Sword.

In this world, the other party did not join the Luo Wang (Net of Heaven), but was recruited by Xu Qing. Naturally, the other party's name was not Duan Shui (Broken Water), but "Gu Jian" (Lone Sword).

When Xu Qing left Qi State several years ago, he did not take these people with him. Instead, he let them lie low within Qi State and develop in secret. Some of them followed Xu Qing's guidance and took root on overseas islands, hoping to create the "Sacred Ground for Sword Forging" that Xu Qing had envisioned. Others developed into an underground organization that was very similar to the former Nightfall and the current Net.

Although this organization is not as powerful as Luo Wang at the moment, it must be said that, thanks to its early establishment in Qi, the organization has developed quite well over the years.

Of course, it is also related to the fact that the Qin state successively destroyed five other states.

After the five states were destroyed, the remnants instinctively headed towards the states other than Qin, eventually gathering in Qi.

Among them are many talented individuals.

Many of these talents were recruited by the remnants of the Nightfall forces, such as the Tide Demoness.

Of course, there are also potential risks.

After all, Xu Qing had been away from Qi for several years. Although he occasionally directed things in Qi from a distance, Qin was quite far away from Qi, and Xu Qing was not very clear about the specific situation there.

The words of the Tide Demoness were credible, or rather, Xu Qing believed in the backup plan he had left on the other party.

But the others who accompanied her to the State of Qi in the past are not necessarily trustworthy.

However, for Xu Qing now, this is not a big deal.

After all, he had even killed Zhao Gao, who had once served as the head of the Luo Wang (Net of Heaven), and he knew the inside story of the Qin Luo Wang. After returning from his studies in Qin, dealing with a crippled Nightfall was a piece of cake for him.

This was also one of the things he needed to deal with during his trip to the State of Qi.

Overall, Xu Qing's trip to Qi was quite busy, as he had to finish up many things besides persuading Hou Sheng to surrender.

On the other side, Hou Sheng did not delay at all and quickly went to the palace.

Delaying even one more day would put them in a passive position, which is not the situation Hou Sheng wants to see.

Now the Qin army has been attacking cities and capturing strongholds one after another, and will soon reach the gates of Linzi. At that time, being driven into Linzi by the Qin army will be a different matter from surrendering voluntarily.

In the latter case, he would have the upper hand and be better able to negotiate with the Qin state, thereby preserving himself.

If it's the former, he will only become a lamb to the slaughter.

Therefore, persuading King Tian Jian of Qi was of utmost importance.

Inside the main hall of the Qi Kingdom's palace, Tian Jian, who was overweight, looked worried.

His once pampered face was now clouded with worry. He gripped the battle report on the table tightly with both hands, his knuckles turning white, and even his breathing was heavy.

"Uncle, you've come." Tian Jian saw Hou Sheng enter the main hall and spoke in a hoarse voice, his tone full of helplessness, "The Qin army has captured two more cities. Tell me, is there any hope for us?"

Hou Sheng stepped forward quickly, bowed, and walked to Tian Jian's side. He said earnestly, "Your Majesty, I have come for this very reason. The Qin army is now unstoppable, and Qi's military preparedness is lax. We are powerless to resist. If we continue to resist, it will only lead to the devastation of Linzi and the destruction of the Tian clan's ancestral temple."

Tian Jian was startled and looked up abruptly at Hou Sheng, a hint of panic flashing in his eyes: "Uncle, what do you mean?"

"Let's surrender!" Hou Sheng said in a deep voice, uttering a sentence that shocked Tian Jian.

He then recounted the benefits Xu Qing had mentioned, saying, "Your Majesty, surrendering voluntarily is not a disgrace to the nation, but a way to preserve it. Ying Zheng has always cherished his reputation. If Your Majesty opens the city gates and surrenders, he will surely protect Your Majesty's life and wealth, and will also preserve the Tian family's ancestral rites, preventing the Tian family from dying out. Moreover, in this way, the people of Linzi will be spared the suffering of war, and Your Majesty will also earn the reputation of a benevolent ruler."

Tian Jian, who used to obey Hou Sheng's every word, slowly shook his head, his face showing a rare hesitation and stubbornness.

He stood up, walked to the palace window, looked at the desolate scene outside the palace, and said in a heavy tone: "Uncle, I know you are doing this for my own good, for the good of Qi. But the Tian family has occupied Qi for so many years. Even if they usurped the throne from the Jiang family back then, so many years have passed, and we are now the true royal family of Qi. How can I personally bury the Qi state in my own hands?"

He paused, then a hint of fear flickered in his eyes: "Besides, we both know what happened to King Fuchu of Chu! He was captured by the Qin army and taken to Xianyang, where he died not long after. Who can guarantee that Ying Zheng will really let me go? Rather than surrendering and being slaughtered, it's better to fight to the death! Even if I am ultimately defeated, I can still face the ancestors of the Tian family without shame!"

Hou Sheng was anxious and hurriedly advised, "Your Majesty, you mustn't! The State of Chu only met such a fate because it resisted to the bitter end. If we surrender voluntarily, we will be doing a service to the State of Qin. How could Ying Zheng harm Your Majesty?"

"Moreover, our Qi state is militarily weak and utterly incapable of fighting. A desperate battle would only result in the death of the king and the destruction of the state, leaving us with no chance to even protect ourselves!"

"My mind is made up." Tian Jian turned around abruptly, his tone firm, his face no longer showing the weakness of the past.

Hou Sheng wanted to persuade him further, but seeing the determination in Tian Jian's eyes, he swallowed back the words that were on the tip of his tongue.

He knew that Tian Jian was blinded by the fear of national subjugation and his obsession with the Tian clan's ancestral temple, and any further persuasion would be futile.

Left with no other choice, Hou Sheng could only bow and take his leave, his face ashen as he left the palace. He hurriedly returned to the Prime Minister's residence and informed Xu Qing of the failure of his persuasion.

Xu Qing was somewhat surprised upon hearing the news.

"Even you can't persuade the King of Qi?"

"Mr. Qing, you don't know how resolute His Majesty's attitude is!" Hou Sheng said worriedly. "Right now, His Majesty is determined not to surrender. What should we do?"

Xu Qing was silent for a moment, then said, "There is actually a way."

"What method?" Hou Sheng looked at Xu Qing eagerly.

Xu Qing's tone was calm, yet carried a chilling undertone: "Tian Jian's refusal to surrender is the biggest obstacle preventing you from saving your life and gaining wealth. There is only one way to break this deadlock, and that is... to get rid of Tian Jian."

Chapter 371 Two Different Swords!

"what?!"

Upon hearing this, Hou Sheng was terrified, his face turning deathly pale. He waved his hands repeatedly, "Mr. Qing, you mustn't! Tian Jian is my nephew, the King of Qi. How could I lay a hand on him? This is an act of treason!"

In his mind, Tian Jian was his nephew and the King of Qi. Even though he coveted wealth and valued his life, he never thought of harming Tian Jian.

This not only violates ethics, but also carries the infamy of regicide and patricide, and once exposed, death is certain.

Looking at his flustered appearance, Xu Qing slowly spoke, each word piercing his heart: "So what if it's treasonous? Tian Jian insists on resisting Qin. Once the Qin army breaks through the city, as the Prime Minister of Qi, you will only end up with your death and the extermination of your clan. At that time, who will remember that you are Tian Jian's uncle? Who will care whether you are treasonous or not?"

He paused, then added, his tone somewhat enticing: "As long as Tian Jian dies suddenly, you can, in the name of the Prime Minister, take charge of the overall situation in Qi and directly surrender the city to Qin. At that time, you will be a meritorious official, and Ying Zheng will only reward you. Who will investigate the cause of Tian Jian's death? Better to die for a friend than for yourself. Compared to your life and wealth, what does Tian Jian's life or death matter?"

Hou Sheng stood there, trembling, his mind in turmoil.

On one side was his own nephew, the King of Qi, a matter of inviolable ethics and morality.

On one hand, there is their own life and wealth, which is the only way to survive.

Two conflicting thoughts tore at his mind, causing him immense pain.

Seeing this, Xu Qing quietly activated the secret technique he had left in Hou Sheng's body years ago.

Years ago, he cast an illusion on Hou Sheng, planting a seed within him. As time passed, the seed not only did not disappear, but gradually grew into a towering tree, constantly rewriting Hou Sheng's understanding.

In the underlying logic of Hou Sheng, Xu Qing's words are more important than his own subjective consciousness.

Under the influence of illusion, Xu Qing's advice had long since transcended ethics and morality; survival and wealth had become Hou Sheng's only obsession.

He recalled the tragic death of King Fuchu of Chu, the devastation caused by the Qin army after breaching the city, and the promises of wealth and glory made by Xu Qing. His ethical defenses gradually crumbled.

Yes, what does it matter to him whether Tian Jian lives or dies? As long as he can keep his own life and wealth, what does it matter if he bears the infamy of regicide and patricide?

After a long while, Hou Sheng slowly raised his head, all the struggle and hesitation in his eyes disappeared, leaving only determination and ruthlessness.

He bowed deeply to Xu Qing, his voice hoarse but firm: "Mr. Qing, I will listen to you! As long as my life and wealth can be preserved, I will kill Tian Jian!"

"Since you've made up your mind, let's get this over with quickly and avoid any unforeseen complications!" Xu Qing said calmly to Hou Sheng.

As he spoke, he raised his hand, and a sword landed in front of Hou Sheng.

This sword is ancient and simple, and it possesses an incomparably profound power.

Hou Sheng felt a shiver run down his spine just by looking at the sword.

"I'll lend you this sword!"

……

After his victory, he entered the palace again, intending to continue persuading Tian Jian to surrender.

The difference is that Hou Sheng has now made up his mind.

If Tian Jian is willing to surrender, that would be ideal; if he is not willing to surrender, then we can only sacrifice him.

In Xu Qing's eyes, King Jian of Qi was already a dead man.

After Hou Sheng left, Xu Qing also left the Prime Minister's residence again, heading to another place.

This is a spacious courtyard. Approaching the courtyard, one can faintly smell a medicinal fragrance.

Although there was some chaos in Linzi, the order was generally stable. So even though the Qin army was about to besiege the city, it remained exceptionally quiet and no one came to disturb it.

Of course, if there are any fools who want to disturb the people here, those who are here are not simple characters either.

This is because the person living here is called "An Qisheng," a renowned alchemist and a top-tier expert.

Xu Qing did not knock on the door; instead, he climbed over the wall to enter.

Inside the room, a woman was grinding medicinal herbs when suddenly a calm voice sounded in her ear, "Why are you the only one here? Where is An Qisheng?"

Upon hearing the voice, the woman instinctively became alert and turned her head to look.

A figure in plain clothes stood in the room, upright and composed, with the features of her eyebrows and eyes that she had never forgotten for many years.

The pestle in the woman's hand clattered into the stone mortar. The wariness in her eyes vanished instantly, replaced by shock and bewilderment. After a moment, she finally came to her senses. "It's you?!"

The woman was none other than Princess Hongryeon of Korea.

When the state of Han was about to fall, Honglian was filled with resentment. Xu Qing ignited the hatred in her heart and handed her the newly forged "King-Slaying Sword". Honglian then used this sword to kill Han Yu.

After the fall of the State of Han, Honglian chose to follow Xu Qing and travel to the State of Qi.

Later, through Xu Qing's introduction, he became An Qisheng's apprentice and has remained so ever since.