Chapter Nine: Subtle Affection

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This was inside the royal palace.

Li Yu reacted instantly.

In the current Great Qin, besides Lü Buwei, no one would dare overstep the bounds of feudal etiquette.

The architectural style here was distinctly different from that of ordinary places: dragons and phoenixes were carved and painted, with red and black interwoven, exuding refinement and elegance.

Within the classical palace hall stood a small, exquisitely wrought incense burner shaped like a dragon’s head, its surface carved with delicate, unknown floral patterns. Wisps of nameless white smoke drifted upward, diffusing into the air and filling the hall with a subtle, pure scent that calmed and soothed the heart.

All doors and windows were tightly shut; faint rays of light seeped in through the latticed panes.

As Li Yu admired the furnishings, the creak of a door opening broke the silence.

At the same time, a noblewoman entered, walking with unhurried grace. She was full-figured, alluring beyond compare, wearing a phoenix-embroidered robe. The crimson gown hugged her exquisite form, the curve of her chest so enticing one could hardly help but swallow. Upon her head was a gold and jade hairpin, adding to her stately bearing.

The visitor was none other than the Dowager Queen of Qin, Lady Zhao.

Li Yu, startled by Zhao Ji’s sudden appearance, instinctively sat up, gazing at her in astonishment as a thousand thoughts flashed chaotically through his mind.

“Li Yu, you’re awake? Did I disturb you?” Zhao Ji’s steps were slow and graceful, each movement radiating the charm of a mature woman. Her eyes glimmered with mischievous allure, and her gentle voice carried a tinge of intoxicating sweetness.

Who on earth could withstand this?

Li Yu had just finished drinking and awakened from sleep, his blood hot and restless—a reaction was inevitable.

“Ahem, Dowager, what brings you here? I… beg your pardon.”

Could she possibly be attracted to his looks?

But that was clearly impossible.

If Zhao Ji were truly a wanton woman, there would be no shortage of men vying for her favor. With her status, she could choose any man she wished, even a different one each day. Yet, over the years, aside from rumors with Lü Buwei, there had been no other scandals.

What did this mean? That Zhao Ji maintained at least some standards—not just anyone would do.

Of course, it was also possible that Lü Buwei had eliminated all other contenders.

But these were merely Li Yu’s conjectures; to truly know what kind of person Zhao Ji was, he would need more contact with her.

Their previous encounter had been too brief for any meaningful insight.

Li Yu dared not draw conclusions lightly.

Zhao Ji had also noticed Li Yu’s awkward state upon sitting up; her red lips pressed together, a sense of unspeakable emptiness flickering in her heart.

Li Yu shifted awkwardly, attempting to cover his embarrassment, and rose from the couch with feigned composure, formally bowing to welcome Zhao Ji, though he was inwardly puzzled as to her intentions.

Could this be the Ganquan Palace?

Then he remembered Zhao Ji’s preference for red—yet the architecture here was rather subdued, not to her taste.

Li Yu bowed and said, “Dowager, I am not properly attired. Please forgive my lack of decorum and permit me to excuse myself.”

The Dowager glanced at him, set a bowl on the bedside table, and said, “If you can’t hold your liquor, don’t drink so much! There’s no need for formality with me. This is hangover soup—drink it, you’ll feel better.”

With that, she sat down on the edge of the bed.

Li Yu instinctively shrank back, replying, “Thank you, Dowager! I’m truly uneasy. How could I trouble you to serve me?”

Zhao Ji shot him a glare. “Now you’re uneasy? You weren’t so reserved after drinking! You grabbed my hand and kept calling me ‘Mother,’ and no one could pull you away…”

Li Yu’s composure shattered—how could that be possible?

He had never drunk before and had no idea what he’d be like when drunk. Who would have thought his first experience would lead to such a farce?

He asked cautiously, “Is the Dowager serious?”

Zhao Ji replied, “Would I lie to you? If I hadn’t agreed to take you as my adopted son, you’d still be kneeling there.”

The Dowager was busy filling in the scene for him—a young man, drunk, kneeling before a noblewoman and making a scene, surrounded by a crowd of the most powerful figures in Qin, including the noblewoman’s own son. The sheer embarrassment was indescribable.

How could he face anyone again?

But the issue had to be confronted.

Li Yu asked, awkwardly, “How did His Majesty react?”

Zhao Ji replied with some exasperation, “Zheng was quite pleased. He made you his royal brother on the spot. The announcement should be made to the kingdom today.”

Li Yu was immediately displeased. “Dowager, what virtue or ability have I, to dare call the King my brother?”

Zhao Ji was curious. “You’re a strange one. You spoke your heart out when drunk, wept and pleaded, and now you’re sober and unwilling again?”

Li Yu scratched his head in distress, at a loss for words.

Zhao Ji continued, “A king’s word is law—it cannot be changed by the day. Accept your title as royal brother and don’t overthink it!”

Li Yu, with no other choice, steeled himself, looked Zhao Ji in the eyes, and said, “Dowager, do you know why I’m unwilling to call you my adoptive mother?”

“Do you remember the poem I gave you last time?”

“That was the voice of my heart—not flattery, but sincere feeling!”

“You should be the most honored woman in the world. Why should you suffer so? If he could abandon you once, he could do it twice, thrice…”

Zhao Ji hurriedly covered Li Yu’s mouth. “Enough, don’t say more!”

A waft of rose fragrance filled his senses, tickling his nose. Li Yu felt something trickle from his nostrils.

Seeing the twin trails of blood beneath his nose, Zhao Ji, annoyed, produced a silk handkerchief from her breast and tossed it to him. “Wipe it up. Such a bold child!”

She turned her face away, the skin of her neck flushing red.

She wondered what had come over her—had she gone mad? This boy was younger than Zheng and now an adopted son!

Mad, mad—she had to leave.

With that, she rose to her feet, but in her nervousness, her hand pressed down on a conspicuous mound under the covers. She jerked away as if shocked and nearly fell.

The whole world went silent.

Staring at Zhao Ji’s stunning face, Li Yu acted on impulse and kissed her.

“Aaah—”

Li Yu clutched his bloodied lips, grinning foolishly.

“Insolence!” Zhao Ji glared at him furiously, wanting to speak yet not knowing what to say. With a flick of her sleeve, trailing her scent, she strode away.

As he watched the Dowager’s departing figure, did Li Yu regret it? No—he simply wanted to express his feelings. If Zhao Ji were to one day lie with Lao Ai, that would be true regret! Was he afraid? Yes.

He silently counted to sixty in his heart; when he reached it, he knew he was safe. He’d made the right gamble.

He brought the silk handkerchief to his nose, inhaled deeply, and wore a look of utter bliss.

…

Lü Residence

Lü Buwei sat at his desk, two men standing before him, one being Li Si, who had accompanied Li Yu to the Wusui camp.

Lü Buwei addressed Li Si: “His Majesty has named Li Yu as Grand Craftsman and recognized him as a royal brother by adoption.”

“Li Si, from tomorrow on, you’ll serve at Li Yu’s side. This is not only my wish but the King’s command.”

Li Si bowed respectfully, though he could not hide his jealousy.

Lü Buwei waved him off. “Go.”

Li Si bowed again and left, closing the door behind him.

Lü Buwei turned to Lao Ai. “I’m planning to send you into the palace soon. The Dowager has been… difficult lately. I’ve been refused several meetings. I need eyes in the palace. With your skill in illusion, you should know how to ensnare her subtly and willingly. The details are up to you.”

The other man beside Li Si was Lao Ai, the very one Li Yu had been keeping an eye on since the Wusui affair, now appearing at the Lü Residence.

Upon hearing Lü Buwei’s words, Lao Ai’s mind was filled with the vision of a captivating woman—noble, alluring, mature, seductive, all in one. Her status only made her more irresistible, utterly enticing.

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His ambition grew wild and unchecked, impossible to rein in.

Bowing his head, he trembled as he vowed to Lü Buwei, “I will not fail you, Prime Minister!”

Lü Buwei waved him away, then closed his eyes and sighed.

Was this really worth it?

…

The moon hung over the treetops.

As Li Yu neared his residence, he spotted Xiao Tao peeking out by the gate. Upon seeing him, she ran over, shouting with laughter, “Master! Master! So many people came today—they brought gifts and left!”

Out of breath, she continued, “You wouldn’t believe it—the gifts are piled as high as a mountain!” She gestured to demonstrate.

Li Yu patted her head. “All these gifts must be recorded. Some will have to be returned in the future.”

Xiao Tao shrank back. “Sister Xiao He is keeping track!”

Looking at his own home, he felt it was becoming more like an inn—a mere place to sleep.

A life destined for toil.

Surveying the new Eight Immortals table and chairs, Li Yu nodded in satisfaction. The craftsmanship of the ancients was impressive—give them blueprints and they could make anything, even without modern machinery. The carving and choice of materials surpassed those of the modern world.

Since he had many maids, he’d had two tables made.

Watching the obedient Xiao Tao eat, Li Yu asked, “I only know you’re called Xiao Tao, but what’s your surname?”

She set down her chopsticks. “Master, we’re all orphans. We have no surnames. We were sent to the palace as children, many of us war orphans sold there and raised from a young age.”

Li Yu was silent, deeply moved—he too was an orphan, his name given by the orphanage director. He was originally Fang Yu, later adopted by the Li family and took their surname.

He set down his chopsticks. “My surname is Li. From now on, you all take my name.”

Pointing to Xiao Tao, he declared, “From now on, you’re Li Xiaotao.”

Then, to Xiao He: “And you, Li Xiaohe.”

He went through each girl, bestowing them with his surname.

As they expressed their gratitude, Li Yu felt a sense of legacy—for the passing down of a name was more than blood.

After dinner, Li Yu pulled Xiao He aside.

He asked, “Who among you is best at sewing?”

He’d been meaning to ask—there were no shorts before the Qin era, and he’d only brought one spare.

Xiao He replied, “Master! Xiao Lu does the best sewing. If you need anything, ask her!”

Li Yu looked over at the most demure of the girls, surprised it was her.

He beckoned. “Xiao Lu, come to my room later—I have something to show you.”

…

The sixth year of King Zheng’s reign, sixteenth day of the ninth lunar month.

The day was long, especially for Li Yu, who had just become Grand Craftsman—a momentous occasion.

Qin was the hegemon of the world—every detail here drew the eyes of all lands.

Since the era of Lord Bai Qi, it had been years since anyone had been named Grand Craftsman. Though not the highest rank, the title’s significance to Qin was immense—the impact was great.

Almost as soon as court ended, spies from the Six Kingdoms embedded in Qin began to learn the news.

Such an event could hardly be kept secret.

Qin did not try to hide it. In fact, the decree was posted publicly, drawing crowds of Qin’s people in Xianyang.

“Grand Craftsman? What merit did this youth have to be so honored?”

“You’re out of the loop! The news broke yesterday. At first, the ministers all opposed it, but now it’s settled.”

“You know nothing—I’m telling you, Mr. Li Yu is remarkable. He presented something at court seven days ago, and it was verified yesterday. It silenced all opposition, and a state banquet was held in his honor.”

“What could be so impressive?!”

“According to my second uncle’s wife’s eighth aunt’s husband, these things will make Qin mightier than ever—enough to sweep the world!”

“Is that true?!”

“How should I know? But since there was no opposition, it must be true!”

The streets buzzed with gossip. Events like this always captured the public’s imagination, even if they couldn’t participate. Taverns and tea houses were lively, the main topic being what, exactly, Li Yu had presented.

That particular detail was missing from the notice—clearly, it was a state secret.

After all, Li Yu’s inventions pertained not only to the people’s livelihood but to the fate of the realm itself. Such matters could not be revealed lightly. Not until Qin had fully mastered and implemented them.

But secrets could not be kept for long—not with so many officials present at court. It would not be hard to find out.

Almost as soon as the banquet ended—while Li Yu was sleeping—messages detailing his presentation were sent out from Xianyang.

Meanwhile, Qin’s shadowy assassination syndicate, Net, began to move as well.

Anyone attempting to smuggle out this information would pay with their lives—a convenient way to cull the spies of the Six Kingdoms.

Such purges occurred regularly.

But Li Yu’s name could not be suppressed.

Within three days, news of him would reach the rulers of every state…

Li Yu, carrying a wooden box, headed to Ganquan Palace.

With the Dowager’s personal jade token, he passed through the palace gates with ease.

This was his second visit—unlike his first, cautious approach, he now felt a twinge of excitement.

Seeing Zhao Gao standing outside, Li Yu greeted him warmly. “Brother Zhao! It’s been a while. How have you been?”

This time, Zhao Gao’s attitude was markedly different. He bowed low and spoke softly, “My lord, you overwhelm this humble servant.”

Li Yu patted Zhao Gao’s shoulder, and Zhao Gao did not dodge.

“Brother Zhao, have you ever considered rising higher? For instance, Chief of the Imperial Carriages? Or perhaps Net?”

“My lord, what are you suggesting?”

Compared to Net, Zhao Gao was more interested in the Chief of Carriages. Net, though powerful, was still a private organization.

“I’m a stranger here in Qin. Besides the King’s support, I need allies and friends. I think highly of you—you have talent, ambition, and courage. Your future is boundless.”

“Thank you for your kind words,” Zhao Gao replied, not denying it.

He had always believed he needed only an opportunity—a chance to soar.

Li Yu asked, “How much do you know about Net?”

“Net is divided into eight ranks: Sky, Killer, Earth, Absolute, and Demon, Spirit, Sprite, and Ghost. Sky, Killer, Earth, and Absolute are responsible for assassinations; Demon, Spirit, Sprite, and Ghost handle tracking and intelligence. The latter are commanded directly by the Prime Minister, while the former are overseen jointly by the Sky-ranked assassins and the Prime Minister.”

Zhao Gao’s slender fingers traced his own as he explained.

“Sky-ranked assassins?” Li Yu was dubious. From what he’d read, even high-ranking assassins like Jing Ni didn’t seem to hold much real power—just a strong killer with an impressive title.

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They were hunted nearly to death, not even granted a proper respite—hardly high status!

“The origins of Net are mysterious. In its heyday, each Sky-ranked assassin was a leader, especially those who wielded the Eight Swords of Yue, whose status was unique. Over time, only one master remains—Shadow Sun. Apart from that, the Prime Minister and Dowager are also in command of the organization; that is the price of its allegiance to Qin.”

Zhao Gao spoke calmly.

“And you?” Li Yu asked, curious.

“I am merely a servant at the Dowager’s side,” Zhao Gao replied, head bowed—a subtle way of saying he owed his position to her favor.

Like hell, Li Yu thought.

Zhao Gao’s words were as disingenuous as Li Yu claiming to be plain and unremarkable—utter nonsense. If not for knowing Zhao Gao’s future deeds, he might almost have believed him.

“The Dowager controls Net as well?” Li Yu was skeptical. He simply couldn’t see Zhao Ji as the mastermind—there had to be more to the story.

“It was the late king’s directive,” Zhao Gao replied smoothly.

Li Yu nodded, then asked, “Do you know who Shadow Sun really is?”

He was deeply curious about the true identity of Shadow Sun, the future leader of Net. Many had speculated, but none knew for sure.

“Shadow Sun—you have met him, my lord.”

Zhao Gao’s gaze flickered as he revealed this secret, a costly piece of information.

Perhaps Li Yu hadn’t been worthy before, but now he was.

“I’ve met him?” Li Yu was stunned, then a bold suspicion flared in his mind. His pupils contracted.

Everything suddenly connected in his mind… Lao Ai!

He was the only possible candidate. Li Yu had met few people since arriving in Qin—who else could it be? Li Si? Impossible.

He didn’t let his imagination run wild, but looked intently at Zhao Gao. “Lao Ai?!”

Zhao Gao said nothing, only nodded.

Damn, it really was that little bastard!

Li Yu’s heart pounded—suddenly, all the threads seemed to come together.

In the future, Zhao Gao would defect to Ying Zheng and seize control of Net—likely triggered by events involving Lao Ai. Understanding this, Li Yu couldn’t help but complain inwardly.

How could Lü Buwei, in the original history, dare allow Lao Ai—a Sky-ranked assassin of Net—into the palace?

It was sheer madness.

Allowing Lao Ai in was Lü Buwei’s greatest blunder—one misstep and his entire career was ruined.

His reputation destroyed in an instant.

A move that stank to high heaven.

Without Lao Ai, Lü Buwei might not have fallen so hard, but he made the mistake nonetheless.

Li Yu had to wonder if Lü Buwei was senile.

“Does the Prime Minister know about this?” Li Yu asked, glancing at Zhao Gao—he could only ask him these things.

“He knows. When Net entered Qin, it was the Prime Minister who took in Lao Ai and the organization. My lord seems very interested in Net?”

Zhao Gao regarded him with curiosity. Despite Li Yu’s efforts to hide his emotions, his words betrayed his intent.

“To know one’s enemy is to guarantee victory. To control Net, one must first purge the disloyal. As for Lao Ai—I don’t think he can be allowed to live. What do you think, Brother Zhao?”

Li Yu’s lips curled into a cold smile, his intent clear.

There was no hesitation—he intended to act against Lao Ai, even if it meant offending Lü Buwei. Such a calamity couldn’t be allowed to remain.

No matter his motives or plans.

The mere possibility that he might one day covet Zhao Ji was reason enough for Li Yu.

And for the sake of lasting peace in Qin.

Zhao Gao didn’t quite understand Li Yu’s sudden determination, but upon consideration, agreed—Lao Ai was indeed an obstacle that needed dealing with. After some thought, he said slowly, “Lao Ai will be difficult to kill.”

His strength was one thing, but his position made attacking him tantamount to confronting Lü Buwei.

Surely Li Yu understood this.

“Difficult doesn’t mean impossible. With the Six Sword Slaves and you, if necessary I’ll have Gai Nie help you. And if that’s not enough, I’ll seek out Yan Fei. I have contacts in the Yin-Yang School. As for the Prime Minister, leave him to me!”

Li Yu spoke without hesitation, giving Zhao Gao confidence.

He would shoulder the risks, but Lao Ai had to die!

Since he had decided, there was no need to hide it.

He refused to believe Lao Ai was truly invincible.

Unless Zhao Gao was in league with him, which seemed impossible—otherwise, Ying Zheng would never have risen in the original story.

Of course, nothing was certain, but Li Yu was willing to take the risk.

Lao Ai’s potential for trouble was too great—he couldn’t let Qin waste time cleaning up after him. Li Yu had too much to do, and time was precious.

“The Yin-Yang School…” Zhao Gao recalled Li Yu’s shamelessness at the Wusui border, and his mouth twitched.

After a moment’s thought, Li Yu said, “Keep an eye on Lao Ai for now, Brother Zhao. Watch him closely and report any news. This man is a disaster—wherever he goes, trouble follows, and not small trouble either!”

Li Yu looked at Zhao Gao earnestly, making it clear he was serious.

As a Sky-ranked assassin, Lao Ai was a killer—of course there would be blood wherever he went.

Zhao Gao wanted to retort, but his nature wouldn’t allow it. After a while, he managed to say, “…I understand.”

“Take me to the Dowager, will you?”

…