Mohist Pavilion Carries Artifacts to Hide Startling Thunder, Inch-Long Cold Edge Terrifies Court Officials

Ying Zheng's mouth twitched at his words.

Upon learning that it was a rule set by Zhao Cheng, much of his kingly majesty immediately drained away, turning into a helpless chuckle.

He shook his head, as though dealing with a mischievous junior relative against whom he had no recourse, and sighed. "Fine, fine. Since that boy said so... then go ahead and demonstrate it. I would like to see what he has come up with this time."

Guan Han did not move at once. Instead, he raised his eyes and surveyed the lofty, solemn main hall of Xianyang Palace, his gaze passing over the golden pillars coiled with dragons, the beaded curtains, and the jade walls. Slowly, he shook his head. "This place is unsuitable."

Ying Zheng was growing impatient. The vertical crease between his brows tightened once more. "What is unsuitable about it? Surely you do not expect me to take the entire court outside to stand in the cold wind in the middle of a court assembly?"

"That is precisely Lord Marquis's intention."

Guan Han's expression did not change, but his tone became increasingly grave. "Lord Marquis said this item can change Qin State's current foremost problem. He asks that Your Majesty move elsewhere to see it."

Ying Zheng stared at Guan Han for three breaths, then looked again at the mysterious little object covered in brocade. At last, he rose to his full height and swept his sleeve, his voice carrying a helpless mixture of irritation and amusement. "Go! I want to see just what this thing is that warrants such a grand fuss..."

He was the first to descend the steps. The court officials looked at one another, then could only straighten their robes and follow.

Several hundred people poured out of the hall in a