236 BC.
Three years earlier, the Marquis of Changxin, Lao Ai, had been discovered by King Zheng of Qin to be having an affair with the Queen Dowager Zhao Ji. This had also implicated Lü Buwei, the Chancellor of Qin and Marquis of Wenxin. Under King Zheng's wrath and iron rule, Lao Ai had been torn apart by chariots, while Lü Buwei had been exiled south of the Yellow River. From then on, the power of Qin had returned to King Zheng's hands.
And now—
"Do you remember when I asked you years ago whether you would make a trip to the Yin Ruins for me?" King Zheng of Qin, already beginning to show his commanding presence, had grown a beard. His expression was solemn, but there was a trace of amusement in his eyes as he looked at his friend. "Now that so many years have passed, I'll ask again. Brother Chao, are you willing to make a trip to the Yin Ruins for me?"
King Zheng of Qin was twenty-four this year, in the prime of his life, tall and broad-built, with a nine-tasseled crown upon his head.
Another man stood beside him. Slightly shorter than King Zheng and appearing much younger, he was King Zheng's secret retainer, Ji Chao—also known as Xiang Chao.
"Then I shall give the same answer again." Ji Chao smiled. "At my lord's command, Chao will obey!"
King Zheng nodded and patted Ji Chao on the back. "I need to stabilize Qin's situation. All the generals are currently away on campaign, attacking Ye County, so I cannot go with you. Be careful."
"My lord need only focus on the Central Plains. Matters beyond the borders shall be borne by Chao alone." Ji Chao cupped his hands in salute.
"You..." King Zheng shook his