I traveled back to the Qin Dynasty, and the First Emperor begged me to become his empress.

Chapter 67 Gao Jianli

The King of Qin smiled and said, "Alright, enough with the banter. I recently received a memorial mentioning a person in Songzi County who is exceptionally skilled at playing the zither. I'm curious and would like to invite this person to the palace. The performance you put on for the last New Year was quite spectacular, so I'd like you to be in charge of it. If this person is indeed as excellent as the rumors suggest, let him rehearse the performance with your people."

Upon hearing the keywords "Songzi County" and "playing the zither," Ying Wuyou's mind raced like lightning, and he quickly began searching. Wasn't Gao Jianli the famous zither player during the Qin Dynasty's First Emperor's reign?

Ying Wuyou hurriedly called out in his mind: [System, could this highly skilled zither player from Songzi County be Gao Jianli?]

The system's cold voice rang out: "Yes, host."

Ying Wuyou pressed further: "Was Gao Jianli invited to the palace by the King of Qin, and because of his relationship with Jing Ke, the King of Qin harbored suspicions and ordered Gao Jianli to be blinded, then kept in the palace to play the zither? On one occasion, while the King of Qin was engrossed in the music, Gao Jianli threw a lead-filled zither at him with all his might, attempting to kill him, but missed. Ultimately, the King of Qin ordered his execution?"

The system replied: "Yes, host."

Ying Wuyou then asked, "System, do you think Gao Jianli should be allowed to enter the palace?"

The system replied: "Host, this system believes that it would be more appropriate to have him enter the palace."

Ying Wuyou asked curiously, "Why?"

The system replied: "Host, think about it. Gao Jianli already harbors resentment towards the King of Qin because of the Jing Ke incident. Even if he doesn't enter the palace, he will undoubtedly be constantly looking for an opportunity to assassinate the King. It's better to let him enter the palace and keep him under our watchful eyes than to have him suddenly appear out of nowhere."

Ying Wuyou nodded and said, "What you say makes sense, but wouldn't it be even more unsafe to let this person into the palace?"

The system said: [Host, this is the heavily guarded Qin Palace! Let alone a defenseless Gao Jianli, even a fly wouldn't be able to get close if the King of Qin didn't want it to.]

Ying Wuyou nodded and said, "You're right, System. I was worrying too much."

The system replied: [Host, I understand your concerns, but you really don't need to worry too much. Gao Jianli can't cause any trouble.]

Ying Wuyou replied: 【Yes, I understand.】

King Qin overheard Ying Wuyou's entire conversation with the system, and his face darkened, a surge of intense anger rising within him. He couldn't help but think to himself, "Why are there always treacherous subjects trying to harm me? These people deserve to die." However, he then remembered the system's comment about the Qin Palace being heavily guarded, which cheered him up considerably.

[The system is right. What trouble can a mere Gao Jianli cause? I'd like to see what Gao Jianli is capable of.] Thinking this, the King of Qin suddenly felt incredibly pleased. Without waiting for Ying Wuyou's reply, he said, "Alright, let that zither player enter the palace. I haven't heard anyone play the zither in a long time." Ying Wuyou's eyes widened, and she hurriedly said, "Father, you mustn't! We don't know this person's background. What if he harms you?" The King of Qin calmly replied, "It's alright. I fear no one." Seeing the King of Qin's domineering statement, Ying Wuyou could only say, "Whatever makes you happy, Father."

A few days later, in the Zhangtai Palace, a guard rushed in and knelt down to report: "Your Majesty, the zither player has been brought to the palace gate, but he requests that his eyes be covered when he sees Your Majesty." Upon hearing this, the King of Qin frowned slightly, puzzled, but then smiled and said: "Interesting, this person is quite special. Granted."

Then the King of Qin ordered his guards, "Summon Jiayang here immediately. Tell her that a remarkable zither player has arrived here. Let her come and see if his zither playing is as extraordinary as the rumors say." The guards obeyed and quickly left.

When Ying Wuyou arrived at Zhangtai Palace after receiving the imperial decree, Gao Jianli had already been brought inside by the guards. Looking at the blindfolded Gao Jianli, Ying Wuyou looked suspicious, while the King of Qin said nothing, only slightly raising his hand to gesture for Ying Wuyou to sit. Then, the King of Qin turned his gaze to Gao Jianli, who was clutching a worn-out zither tightly, his expression composed. The King of Qin asked with interest, "Are you the one who plays the zither? Why are you blindfolded?" Gao Jianli respectfully replied, "Your Majesty, I have been blind since childhood and am accustomed to the world in darkness. Only in darkness can I perform better." The King of Qin nodded in understanding, then ordered, "Begin."

Gao Jianli nodded slightly and gently plucked the strings of his zither, producing a melodious tune. His playing was skillful, and the music was plaintive, as if telling a tragic story. Both the King of Qin and Ying Wuyou were immersed in the music, their emotions rising and falling with it.

As the music ended, the King of Qin clapped and praised, "Excellent! What a wonderful piece of zither music! A truly rare and exquisite work." After Gao Jianli expressed his gratitude, the King of Qin asked curiously, "Where did you learn your zither skills?" Gao Jianli replied, "I have studied under a master since childhood, and it is through years of diligent practice that I have achieved my current skill." The King of Qin was full of admiration and asked again, "Do you have any other talents?" Gao Jianli smiled slightly and replied, "I am also skilled in swordsmanship." The King of Qin became interested and ordered someone to bring a sword so that Gao Jianli could demonstrate. Gao Jianli took the sword and began to wield it, his swordsmanship sharp and powerful. The King of Qin and Ying Wuyou watched in astonishment, secretly admiring him.

After the performance, the King of Qin was very pleased with Gao Jianli, rewarded him with many riches, and invited him to stay in the palace as a court musician. Gao Jianli was moved to tears and accepted the invitation.

Before Ying Wuyou could ask, the King of Qin summoned a guard and instructed him, "Go and find out when Gao Jianli went blind."

The guard obeyed and left. Ying Wuyou asked in confusion, "Father, is Gao Jianli just left in the palace like this? Shouldn't we send someone to monitor him?"

The King of Qin said slowly, "I have my own plan. Jiayang, you may step down now!"

Ying Wuyou nodded in agreement and turned to leave the palace. On the way back, Ying Wuyou said to the system: "System, I think Gao Jianli isn't actually blind; he's just pretending."

The system responded: "Or perhaps he is indeed blind, and he deliberately blinded himself to lower the King of Qin's guard."

Ying Wuyou nodded slightly and said, "[That's certainly a possibility. But I still can't rest easy. Should I send someone to monitor him?]" The system reassured him, "[Host, don't worry, the King of Qin certainly has his own considerations.]"

Ying Wuyou said helplessly, "Fine, that's the only way."

In the days that followed, the King of Qin frequently summoned Gao Jianli and asked him to play the zither. Soon, Gao Jianli became a favorite musician in the King of Qin's palace, and his zither playing and swordsmanship became famous outside the palace.