Chapter 287 Departure
Han Fei stood in his study, brows furrowed, looking at a scroll of bamboo slips on the desk.

The wind blows the bamboo shadows outside the window, making a rustling sound.

Ying Zheng’s invitation is by no means as simple as it seems.

He was either trying to test or taking action.

Either possibility harbours hidden dangers.

Han Fei took a deep breath and slowly closed his eyes.

This invitation was both a signal and a way for Ying Zheng to force him to express his stance.

Go, it’s the Hongmen Banquet.

Not going would mean a refusal and push South Korea into the abyss.

Han Fei knew very well that no matter which path he chose, it would be extremely dangerous.

But he knew better that Ying Zheng would never allow him to stay out of it.

At this time, Bai Jing walked in from the door with a pot of hot tea in his hand.

“Sir, you seem to be worried.”

Han Fei opened his eyes and looked at Bai Jing.

“Bai Jing, what do you think of Ying Zheng’s invitation?”

Bai Jing put down the teapot and slowly sat aside.

“The King of Qin invites you to Qin. On the surface, it is a courtesy, but in fact it is a test.”

“He wants to know if you can really be trusted.”

“If you go, he will observe your words and actions and judge your position. If you don’t go, he will consider you a threat to Qin.”

“Sir, you can’t refuse no matter what.”

Han Fei nodded slightly. Of course he knew this.

“But if I go, how can I avoid becoming a prey in Ying Zheng’s trap?”

Bai Jing smiled gently.

“Sir, the King of Qin may be powerful, but he is not a god.”

“He needs to test you, which also means he is afraid of you. If that’s the case, you can take advantage of it.”

Han Fei raised his eyebrows.

“You mean, I can turn this invitation into a counter-test?”

Bai Dot nodded.

“He wants to see through you, but why can’t you take this opportunity to see through him?”

“As long as you take the initiative, this trip to Qin may not be a dead end.”

Han Fei was silent for a moment, and a ripple surged in his heart.

Bai Jing’s words woke him up.

Ying Zheng’s power comes from his chess games.

But Ying Zheng is not the only one who can play chess in this game.

He, Han Fei, can also be a chess player.

Han Fei walked out of the study and stood in the courtyard.

The sky is blue, like a flawless piece of jade.

He must fight for a chance of survival in Ying Zheng’s chess game.

But how to do this?
“Ying Zheng, you want to test me, but am I not testing you?”

The next day, Han Fei brought his decision to the court.

The King of Han sat on a high platform.

“Han Fei, have you made a decision on the King of Qin’s invitation?”

Han Fei slowly walked to the center of the hall, stood still, and looked up at the King of Han.

“Your Majesty, I think I cannot refuse this invitation.”

As soon as these words came out, there was an uproar in the hall.

“Your Majesty, I know this journey is extremely dangerous.”

“But if I don’t go, it would be a rejection of the King of Qin, which is equivalent to directly pushing South Korea into the abyss.”

“I am willing to sacrifice my life in exchange for the peace of Korea.”

King Han frowned, a hint of hesitation flashed through his mind.

“Han Fei, you know that this matter concerns your life and death.”

Han Fei smiled slightly.

“I know.”

“But I know even more that if Korea falls into crisis because of me, even if I am still alive, I will not be able to face the king and all the civil and military officials in the court.”

King Han was silent for a moment and finally sighed.

“In that case, I will allow you to go.”

“But you have to remember, no matter what, you have to protect yourself.”

Han Fei bowed in greeting.

“I understand, sir.”

Ji Wuye, who was standing aside, raised the corner of his mouth slightly with a sneer.

Han Fei’s decision was exactly what he wanted.

Han Fei, you are really stupid.

Ying Zheng’s invitation was clearly a killing spree, and you still dared to go?
This time, you are dead.

I really overestimated you before.

Ji Wuye quickly put on a just the right expression of concern.

“Master Han Fei is indeed loyal. Even the King of Qin admires you.”

“If you can discuss the general situation of the world with the King of Qin during this trip to Qin, you will definitely be able to gain more opportunities for South Korea.”

Han Fei smiled slightly.

“General Ji, you are too kind. This journey is dangerous. If we can really win a glimmer of hope for South Korea, Han Fei will live up to everyone’s expectations.”

The two people’s eyes met in the air, like silent blades colliding.

Han Fei could see the pride in Ji Wuye’s heart.

This general, who commands a large army, could not wait to see him die in Qin.

But Han Fei sneered in his heart.

Ji Wuye, do you think Ying Zheng’s chess game can easily trap me?
The outcome of this game of chess is still undecided, so your complacency is too early.
The carriage moved slowly, and the wheels made a creaking sound as they rolled over the rugged mountain road.

Han Fei sat in the car, wearing a plain robe.

The night wind blew slightly through the curtains, bringing a chill, but it couldn’t calm him down.

I closed my eyes and the scene of King Han leaving came to my mind.

The King of Han had already placed the future of Korea on him.

You are everything to Korea.

The corners of Han Fei’s mouth twitched slightly, and a heavy burden rose in his heart.

Everything about Korea…

King of Han, King of Han, you have placed the fate of Korea on me, but if something happens to me, what will happen to Korea?
He took a deep breath and tried to calm himself down.

I have been away from Korea for too long. Will Ji Wuye take this opportunity to rebel?
He holds the military power. If he really has any ulterior motives, the King of Han will definitely not be able to stop him.

Han Fei clenched the folding fan in his hand.

Ji Wuye…if you dare to make a move, I, Han Fei, will never let you go.

Outside the carriage, Feng Quji was riding on a brown horse with a straight posture.

He turned his head to glance at Han Fei in the car, a sneer appeared on the corner of his mouth.

Master Han Fei seemed calm, but he was actually terrified.

Why does His Majesty Ying Zheng think so highly of you? You are just a scholar who is good at talking.

A hint of contempt flashed across Feng Quji’s eyes, but it was quickly replaced by caution.

However, if even His Majesty looks at you differently, then you must have some outstanding qualities.

Let’s see how you respond in Xianyang.

He pulled the reins and whispered to the attendant beside him: “Pay attention to the people in the car, and don’t miss a single move.”

The attendant nodded: “Yes, Lord.”

Before they knew it, the carriage had arrived in Qin State.

When Han Fei lifted the curtain of the car, the scene before him shocked him slightly.

The gate of Xianyang City is tall and majestic, and the city walls are built with huge stones.

The Qin army defending the city was fully armed, their eyes were fixed straight ahead, and the long spears in their hands flashed coldly.

The streets in the city are wide and straight, and there are ordinary people everywhere, but everyone seems to be very happy. It seems that their lives are not as bad as the outside world says.

Xianyang…

This is Ying Zheng’s capital.

A city of iron, blood and order, why are they so happy?
Feng Quji got off his horse and smiled slightly.

“Master Han Fei, does Xianyang still appeal to you?”

Han Fei smiled faintly: “Xianyang is indeed magnificent.”

“But, is this majestic wall for defending against external enemies, or for suppressing internal enemies?”

“Are all these seemingly happy people here actors?” Feng Quji’s smile froze slightly, but soon returned to normal.

“Mr. Han Fei is indeed eloquent. Please come into the palace and discuss the world with His Majesty.”

As night fell, the Xianyang Palace was brightly lit.

The glazed lamps in the palace emit a soft light, making the entire hall look like a dream.

On the high platform, Ying Zheng, wearing a black and gold dragon robe, sat on the throne.

Below him, there was a huge long table filled with delicious food.

Golden cups, jade vessels, fragrant aromas, and kabuki music.

Everything seems prosperous, but there is an invisible oppression.

Han Fei was led into the hall by his attendants. He looked up and saw Ying Zheng staring at him.

“Han Fei.”

“You’re here after all.”

Han Fei smiled slightly and bowed to Ying Zheng.

“His Majesty the King of Qin has invited me so kindly, how dare Han Fei not come?”

The corners of Ying Zheng’s mouth slightly raised.

“Han Fei, you are indeed different.”

He personally picked up a bottle of wine from the table, walked to Han Fei, and handed it to him.

“This glass of wine is for you.”

Han Fei was slightly stunned. He didn’t expect that Ying Zheng would personally pour wine for him.

All eyes in the hall were focused on him.

Han Fei took the wine jar, looked up at Ying Zheng and smiled slightly.

“Thank you, Your Majesty.”

He raised the bottle and drank it all in one gulp.

Ying Zheng laughed when he saw this.

“happy!”

After three rounds of drinks, Ying Zheng suddenly spoke.

“Han Fei, do you know why I invited you here?”

Han Fei was slightly startled, and suddenly became alert.

Ying Zheng continued, “In my life, the only person I admire is you.”

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the hall changed color.

All the civil and military officials of Qin State had expressions of shock on their faces.

Ying Zheng actually said that he admired Han Fei?
This has never happened before!

Han Fei was also shocked and bowed his head quickly.

“Your Majesty, I am deeply honored by your praise. Han Fei is ashamed to accept it.”

Ying Zheng waved his hand and said, “Han Fei, I am ashamed of my own intelligence.”

“I hope you will stay in Qin, assist me, and work together to conquer the world.”

Han Fei’s heart was suddenly filled with turmoil.

Ying Zheng actually wanted to recruit him?

He tried to calm himself down and whispered, “Your Majesty, I am grateful for your kindness, but as a minister of the Kingdom of Han, I dare not overstep my bounds.”

Ying Zheng smiled slightly.

“If you are willing to stay, I can promise that when I conquer South Korea in the future, I will let you be the King of South Korea. How do you think?”

As soon as these words were spoken, the atmosphere in the hall froze instantly.

The faces of Qin’s civil and military officials changed drastically.

“Let Han Fei be the King of Han?”

“Why…why would His Majesty be so kind to a Korean?”

Although everyone was dissatisfied, no one dared to refute. They could only lower their heads and forcefully suppress their emotions.

A huge wave of uproar rose in Han Fei’s heart.

Let him be the King of Han?
Although Ying Zheng’s words were a test, and not necessarily a real test, they hit his soft spot.

Han Fei quickly bowed his head and saluted: “Your Majesty, I don’t deserve your kindness.”

Ying Zheng was observing Han Fei’s every expression.

After a moment, he smiled softly and waved his hand: “It’s okay.”

“I just mentioned it casually.”

At this moment, the music in the hall suddenly became melodious.

The soft sounds of piano and flute interweave together, like the sounds of nature.

Just then, a woman slowly walked into the hall.

She was wearing a snow-white gauze dress, like a blooming white lotus, her skin was as white as snow, and her eyebrows and eyes were as beautiful as a painting.

Her eyes were as clear as spring water, yet they held a hint of enchantment.

Every step she took seemed to set the pace for the entire world.

She waved her sleeves gently and danced gracefully.

With that graceful figure and light steps, she is not a mortal at all, but a fairy that descended from the sky.

The eyes of the entire hall were attracted by her.

All the Qin officials, servants, and musicians were stunned.

Han Fei’s eyes froze slightly.

He had never seen such a beautiful woman.

Ying Zheng smiled slightly, pointed at the woman and said, “Han Fei, this is Zhao Ji, she is the most beautiful woman in the world.”

Han Fei’s heart was shocked.

Zhao Ji, she really is Zhao Ji!
Han Fei had long heard of Zhao Ji’s peerless beauty, but he never expected to see it with his own eyes today.

The title of the most beautiful woman in the world is indeed well-deserved.

Inside the hall, everyone seemed to hold their breath.

Every frown and smile of Zhao Ji makes people enchanted.

Han Fei was shocked, but also felt a little uneasy.

Why did Ying Zheng let Zhao Ji appear?

At the banquet, the singing and dancing gradually stopped, but the King of Qin and Han Fei were in high spirits. The atmosphere seemed harmonious as they toasted each other, but there were hidden waves.

At this moment, the King of Qin suddenly put down his wine glass, with a playful smile on his face, and turned his gaze to Han Fei.

“Han Fei, what do you think of Zhao Ji?” The King of Qin’s voice was low, but with a hint of majesty that could not be ignored.

Han Fei was stunned, and the wine glass in his hand paused slightly.

He raised his eyes and looked at Zhao Ji beside him.

At this time, Zhao Ji had already retreated, but her figure was like a painting, deeply imprinted in Han Fei’s mind.

Her beauty is impeccable, and her temperament that is a mixture of coolness and tenderness makes people unable to look away.

Han Fei was just thinking about the purpose of the King of Qin’s question when the King of Qin spoke again with a hint of mischief in his tone.

“Zhao Ji is the most beautiful woman in the world. Even I have to admit that she is indeed a rare beauty in the world.”

“Han Fei, do you like her?”

As soon as these words were spoken, the entire hall fell silent in an instant.

The Qin civil and military officials looked at each other with shock written all over their faces.

Does the King of Qin mean to promise Zhao Ji to Han Fei?
Han Fei was also stunned.

He didn’t expect that the King of Qin would suddenly ask such a question in front of everyone.

Han Fei calmed down, smiled slightly, and said, “Zhao Ji is the most beautiful woman in the world. Han Fei knows that I am insignificant, how dare I ask for more?”

The King of Qin laughed, with a meaningful look in his eyes.

“Han Fei, you are too modest.”

“Zhao Ji is now in my hands, but I have not touched her yet. She is still a virgin.”

“I left her for you a long time ago.”

As soon as these words came out, everyone in the audience was shocked.

The faces of Qin’s civil and military officials changed slightly.

Zhao Ji was a beauty from the State of Zhao. The King of Qin kept her in Xianyang as a form of show-off. Keeping a beautiful woman from a fallen country was a symbol of the power of the Qin State.

But now, the King of Qin actually said that he wanted to give her to Han Fei?

They were shocked, but no one dared to question the King of Qin’s decision. They could only lower their heads and drink in silence.

A huge wave of uproar rose in Han Fei’s heart.

Zhao Ji was a beauty from the State of Zhao, and the King of Qin had never touched her, which in itself was surprising enough.

What’s even more incredible is that the King of Qin actually said he wanted to give her to him?

Han Fei looked at the King of Qin.

He wanted to see signs of a joke on King Qin’s face, but King Qin looked extremely serious.

“Han Fei, what do you think?” the King of Qin asked again.

(End of this chapter)