Qin Dynasty: Starting with clinging to Zhao Ji's thigh

Chapter 116 Han Fei's Helplessness

In the elegant room of Zilan Pavilion, Ying Jing knelt before a small table, with Nongyu still holding his heavy hand beside him.

His gaze fell on Han Fei, who had just entered the pavilion. Han Fei was handsome and dressed in a purple robe. He did not exude much nobility, but he had a kind of inexplicable elegance.

Although he was the greatest synthesizer of Legalism, Han Fei had been studying under Xunzi, a Confucian scholar, for many years and was thus influenced by Confucianism.

"Last time at Qianlong Hall was far too rushed, and Han Fei hasn't even had a chance to thank Lord Changxin yet. Today, meeting him at Zilan Pavilion, I am fortunate to hear such resounding words..."

Han Fei looked at him with earnest admiration: "I will drink with Lord Changxin to express my gratitude."

Despite saying that, Han Fei's eyes were fixed on the orchid wine in front of Ying Jing.

Zi Nu originally planned to use Yaotai Liquid to entertain Ying Jing, but although Yaotai Liquid was very popular, it was originally produced in Henan, and Ying Jing still wanted to try something new.

Seeing Han Fei's serious expression, yet his eyes were fixed on the wine, Ying Jing was speechless for a moment.

There are people in this world with even thicker skin than Jing Dashan!

He actually managed to come up with such a reason to get his drinks for free, and he said it with such confidence.

"Is Ninth Young Master's gratitude just a pretense? He really just wants to get a free sample of Lord Changxin's orchid wine, doesn't he?"

Since his return, Han Fei has been a regular at Zi Lan Xuan. Even though Ying Jing ruined the test at Qianlong Hall, Zi Nu already knew about Han Fei's love of wine.

Even though Zi Nu had seen through his thoughts, Han Fei didn't feel ashamed at all. Instead, he laughed and said, "Miss Zi Nu, you are mistaken. Lord Changxin's reputation for benevolence and wealth has already spread throughout the seven kingdoms. Why would he care about such a small expense!"

Ying Jing has always been intentionally maintaining his image. Even though he was the Lord of Changxin in Qin, his reputation among the seven states was still quite good.

When he was sent as an envoy to the State of Zhao, he forced the King of Zhao to punish Prince Jia because of a dancer. Perhaps some nobles and high-ranking officials were not happy, but many common people and wandering knights who heard about this were very pleased.

With the gradual spread of papermaking and printing techniques, even though opinions on the so-called philosophy of mind varied among the various schools of thought, they at least maintained some respect for it.

Furthermore, Ying Jing's tireless promotion, the prosperity of Hanoi, and the peaceful and contented lives of its people serve as proof...

Lord Changxin still enjoys a high reputation among the people!

As for the nobles and high-ranking officials... he has already cooperated with Guo Kai, Ji Wuye and others, so what is there to worry about!

Although none of Ying Jing's partners were good people, each of them held immense power and influence in the court.

Apart from the Qin state, most of the nobles and high-ranking officials in the other six states relied on these few people.

It was just a little bit of fame, and Guo Kai and the others were naturally willing to give it face in front of Ying Jing, who could bring them huge wealth and income.

Moreover, since Ying Jing took control of the Luo Wang (Net of Heaven), there have been very few direct assassinations of officials and nobles from other countries. Instead, they have used spies to infiltrate their ranks or directly bribed them.

Even some nobles and officials who were hostile to the Qin state had a good impression of Ying Jing, the Lord of Changxin, praising him as "benevolent and kind."

Along with his reputation for "benevolence," Changxin Jun's "wealth" also spread throughout the world.

Although no one outside the city knows exactly how much wealth Ying Jing has amassed over the years, the highly sought-after paper books and various best-selling Hanoi products offer a glimpse into his fortune.

"Kindness and wealth..."

Ying Jing pondered for a moment, then slightly raised an eyebrow.

Han Fei truly possessed a unique personal charm; a few simple jokes were enough to create a more intimate atmosphere.

However, this joke also reminded Ying Jing that his reputation for benevolence was something he had deliberately cultivated. That was fine, as Zheng Ge's personality wouldn't be bothered by such a small matter.

But being called "wealthy" is not necessarily a good thing.

Especially now that Qin's warships, which are set sail to face the world, are about to set sail, even if Emperor Zheng speaks up, some people with ulterior motives will probably still try to take advantage of it.

"I need to keep a low profile after I return to China, and besides, my 'great wealth' needs to be shown off..."

With his eyes slightly narrowed, Ying Jing's thoughts drifted.

You have to give to receive; only by giving can you receive.

While Ying Jing was deep in thought, Han Fei was also somewhat bewildered by Zi Nu's retort.

“Lord Changxin may not care about this expense, but Zilanxuan, a small business, cannot afford to be.”

Ying Jing chuckled softly, "Young Master Jiu may not know this, but Miss Zi Nu just promised that all my expenses at Zi Lan Xuan will be permanently free."

Han Fei's expression froze instantly.

Now he understood why Zi Nu looked unhappy.

Since all of Changxin Jun's expenses were covered by the government, although he was essentially drinking Changxin Jun's wine, it was Zilanxuan who paid for it.

But Han Fei was indeed Han Fei; he didn't feel embarrassed at all, and instead smiled even more broadly.

"Then Lord Changxin, you should stay in Korea for a while longer, so Han Fei can enjoy more free orchid wine!"

"By the way, while orchid wine is good, it would be even better if we had Drunken King's Wine and Jade Terrace Liquid."

Not only do they have the audacity to ask for freebies, but they've also picked a fight?

Zi Nu narrowed her long eyes slightly, revealing a murderous aura: "Changxin-jun has been in Korea for many days, and this is the first time he has visited Zilan Pavilion. I'm afraid Ninth Prince will be disappointed if he tries to freeload a drink."

"It's alright. With Miss Nongyu here, Lord Changxin will definitely come to Zilan Pavilion often in the future."

Han Fei's observational skills are beyond question. He smiled and looked at Ying Jing and Nong Yu's hands, which were still overlapping.

"what!"

Nongyu blushed with shyness and hurriedly withdrew her slender hand.

Ying Jing knew she was shy and didn't want to push her too far, so he turned his gaze to another handsome young man who had come with Han Fei.

Compared to Han Fei, this young man was a few years younger, and he also possessed a refined and scholarly air.

"This must be Zhang Zifang from Prime Minister Zhang's household?"

Zhang Liang was immediately taken aback.

It's one thing that Lord Changxin knows him, but he even knows his handwriting so well?

Han Fei also couldn't help but suppress the smile on his face.

Last time at the Hidden Dragon Hall in the farmhouse, Ying Jing casually revealed all the information about Jing Ke, and Han Fei deeply felt how terrifying this Lord Changxin was.

Today, he recognized Zifang at a glance once again!

Although he was Zhang Kaidi's grandson and was intelligent from a young age, Zhang Liang did not have the reputation of a child prodigy like Gan Luo, and was now just a nobody.

Han Fei finally understood how Jing Ke felt that day; he suddenly felt a chill run through his body for no apparent reason.

"A net so tight it's truly all-pervasive..."

Han Fei smiled bitterly to himself. This was his country, his home, but it had been infiltrated and turned into a sieve.

Even if he uses all his knowledge, can he really save South Korea?