It was already March, the season when all grasses began to sprout and spring revealed itself.
At the Xiang residence, someone had finally returned.
"Zishu pays respects to Lord Xiang." The tall, powerfully built scholar bowed respectfully to Xiang Liang.
"Mm. Did you gain anything from this journey?" Xiang Liang asked Zishu with a smile.
The Hundred Schools of Thought had suffered devastating losses during the Warring States period, and not many remained. By chance, there was still a Confucian scholar serving as a retainer under him—this Zishu before him.
He extended a hand and pointed to the seat below his own.
Zishu bowed and took his seat, placing both hands on his knees.
"During this journey, Zishu did indeed see many things." Zishu's expression was full of emotion. "The realm today truly differs from how it was before. In merely two years, one can already see the shape of flourishing prosperity."
Xiang Liang fell silent for a moment, his gaze lowering slightly.
Only then did Zishu realize whom he served and hurriedly cupped his hands. "My apologies, my lord, I—"
"It's fine." Xiang Liang raised a hand to stop his apology and let out a long sigh. "That King of Qin truly has some skill."
"He swept across the Six States, governed the realm, defended the northern frontier, and attended to every aspect. Such a figure has never existed in all of history."
"Unfortunately, he stands opposite me. No—even saying that I stand opposite him is giving myself too much credit."
Xiang Liang's expression was unbearably bitter, so bitter that he could not control it.
When Qin destroyed the Six States, Chu had suffered the greatest injustice.
And Xiang Liang was the representative of Chu's last remaining strength.
Thus, admitting that one's enemy was stronger and greater than oneself