Zhao State, Handan.
Bang!
Qin Zheng crashed heavily to the ground, a trickle of blood seeping from the corner of his mouth. Dust from the ground settled on his body and face, leaving him looking thoroughly bedraggled.
Yet his face was full of defiance and an unyielding resolve.
He was exceedingly handsome, having inherited his mother's beauty.
But paired with his deep-set gaze, his features carried a hint of darkness.
It was not repellent. On the contrary, it added considerably to his charm.
"The Qin people killed hundreds of thousands of Zhao people. All Qin people deserve to die.
"When we grow up, we'll storm through Hangu Pass, break into Xianyang, and slaughter every last one of you Qin people to avenge that blood debt."
Children spoke most directly. This was naked hatred, and although Qin Zheng was young, he knew he could not engage with this subject.
"Your father was afraid to die, so he fled back to Qin State. He doesn't want you anymore. You're a stray child."
Qin Zheng wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and declared loudly, "I belong to Qin State's Ducal House. Qin State is the strongest in All Xia, stronger than the Seven States of Shandong combined."
Hearing that Qin Zheng actually dared to talk back, the children immediately shouted, "Without a clan, you're just a wild man! You're a wild man without a surname!"
Only after the children left did Qin Zheng slowly get up and limp home.
When his mother, Zhao Ji, saw the state he was in, she held him and wept.
After Bai Qi buried the Zhao soldiers alive, relations between Qin and Zhao deteriorated sharply.
Although the King of Zhao had yet to make trouble for Yiren of Qin, Yiren was already terrified beyond measure.