As dawn suddenly broke, horses began to neigh. Fine steeds were washed, and splendid carriages were adorned.
"Keep it down. If you disturb our honored guest, you'll answer for it!"
Someone delivered a hushed reprimand, and the somewhat noisy bustle grew quieter.
As the sun gradually rose, the entire traveling lodge came alive with sound. The troops encamped there began gathering, preparing to depart.
The soldiers were imposing, their bodies strong and fierce, murderous intent lurking in their tigerlike eyes. One glance told of their passage through battlefields of bloody rain and reeking winds.
After washing under the palace maids' attendance, the First Emperor stepped outside. Rows of people bowed low. "May Your Majesty enjoy peace and health."
Zhao Gao came forward. "Your Majesty, the general has already stationed men throughout the several hundred li along our route to ensure your safety. We will soon reach the former lands of Luo State."
Ever since the unification of the Six States, their nobles' attempts to assassinate the First Emperor had never ceased. The most dangerous attempt had even struck his decoy carriage directly.
Yet the First Emperor had not remained in Xianyang Palace because of this. Instead, he continued touring All Under Heaven.
Several close ministers had, in fact, urged him otherwise, saying that a wealthy heir would not sit beneath precarious eaves. His Majesty's person was bound to Great Qin's safety; should he truly encounter danger, heaven and earth might collapse.
But the First Emperor merely said calmly, "All Under Heaven has only just settled, and the nobles of the Six States are still skulking about. Only by going out more often can I make these people behave.
"If I remained in Xianyang City, it would prove that I feared them. Would that not be the most ridiculous thing of