Chapter 40: Chapter 40

That night, the Governor's manor was brightly lit with candlelight.

The clamor outside was deafening, and no one could fall asleep under these circumstances, not even Liu Jin, who was just learning to speak. It was as if he too could sense the tense atmosphere around him; after being startled awake, he cried incessantly. The maidservant taking care of him had no choice but to bring him to Madam Zhang, who then held him and coaxed him for a long time.

Liu Wan and Liu Zhuang were older now, so of course, they couldn't receive the same treatment as their younger brother. They could only huddle closely together, as if they had returned to that night when Liu Yuan ran away and the Liu family fled.

At a time like this, Liu Zhen had to assume the responsibility of an elder sister. Even though she was only a year older than Liu Wan, her usual demeanor made it impossible to group her with Liu Wan. She settled her two younger sisters in a corner of the main hall and had someone bring them Spring Essence to drink to calm their nerves.

Madam Han had also come. Her expression was solemn as she sat upright and proper. Having personally experienced several wars, she was not panicked like the others. Madam Han came from the royal clan of the Han State; if not for the Qin State, her country would not have been destroyed and her family broken. Among those present, besides Madam Zhang and the others, she was likely the one who most hoped for victory.

Madam Zhang had been restless, which was understandable. As the matriarch of the household, her responsibilities and pressures were much greater than those of Liu Zhen and the others. Even at this moment, the thought "If we hadn't rebelled back then, we wouldn't have to be so scared and worried now" would still flash through her mind. However, this thought was quickly replaced by the matters she had to face.

Ah Lu hurried over and said in a low voice, "Matriarch, everything has been packed, including the young master's bedding and other things. But there's quite a lot, I'm afraid it will take an ox cart to transport it all!"

Madam Zhang stood up and said, "Take me to see!"

The two of them quickly walked out, one after the other.

Liu Zhen was nearby and overheard this conversation.

She opened her mouth, as if wanting to say something, but ultimately held her tongue. Ever since she was reprimanded by Madam Zhang for a difference of opinion last time, she had been careful to warn herself not to be too "talkative." Although she sometimes meant well, it often led to misunderstandings. As the matriarch, Madam Zhang had the authority to decide everything in the mansion, and no matter how mature her mind was, Liu Zhen was still a junior in status.

Just as Liu Zhen hesitated, Madam Zhang had already hurried out with Ah Lu. Seeing their mother leave their sight, the three younger siblings seemed to grow even more nervous. Liu Jin, in particular, pouted and began to whimper softly again. Liu Zhen had a maidservant pick him up and walk him back and forth in the hall, while she herself told Liu Wan and Liu Zhuang a few short stories to distract them.

The short stories Liu Zhen told were all from the Strategies of the Warring States. Of course, it wasn't called the Strategies of the Warring States at this time; that name wouldn't appear in the original history until the Western Han. For now, they were just a collection of anecdotes from the Warring States period.

However, Liu Wan and Liu Zhuang seemed uninterested in these kinds of stories. They started to lose focus after just a few sentences. The younger one looked around, wanting to tease her little brother Liu Jin, but Liu Jin was clearly not having it, shaking his head left and right to avoid her pestering. Liu Wan, on the other hand, simply looked impatient and interrupted Liu Zhen directly, "Elder Sister, I don't want to hear this. Tell us something else!"

Liu Zhen pulled her restless little sister back and said helplessly, "Then what do you want to hear?"

Forgive her poor storytelling ability; telling a story like Snow White to children in the Qin Dynasty would be anachronistic. What's more, Madam Zhang was also a stepmother, and Liu Zhen didn't want to cause any misunderstandings.

Liu Wan rested her chin on her hands, her upper body practically lying on the low table. Madam Han glanced at her—fortunately, since it was such a critical time, Madam Han leniently let it slide and didn't correct her.

"I want to hear Governess Han tell stories about the Han Royal Palace," Liu Wan said, tilting her head to look at Madam Han. "Governess, you've stayed in the Han Royal Palace. Were there many princesses living there? Were they all very beautiful?"

Madam Han was pulled from her thoughts by Liu Wan. Coming back to her senses, she wasn't annoyed, only saying blandly, "Those who could gain the King of Han's favor were all beauties. Naturally, such women were beautiful."

Liu Wan's interest in these old gossips far outweighed her interest in hearing Liu Zhen's stories of states vying for power and outwitting each other. Upon hearing this, her eyes widened. "Then where are they now? Did they also leave the Han Royal Palace like you, Governess?"

The faint smile on Madam Han's lips vanished in an instant. Her tone turned cold. "I don't know. Perhaps they died. Perhaps, like me, they are living in obscurity among the common people. Or perhaps..."

...they were captured by the Qin and taken to the Qin palace to become concubines in the Qin Emperor's harem.

Liu Wan stared at her blankly, not comprehending.

She and Liu Zhuang had always loved listening to Madam Han talk about her past luxurious life in the Han Royal Palace. Especially when she described the grand scenes of the King of Han holding all-night banquets, Liu Wan and Liu Zhuang would listen without even blinking, their hearts filled with yearning. But they had never heard Madam Han speak of what happened to these people afterward. Asking on a whim today, they had not expected this kind of result.

After this period of study, Liu Wan was not as ignorant as she used to be. She knew it was best not to press further at a time like this, but her curiosity urged her to find out the answer, so she couldn't help but ask, "Governess, after you left the palace, did you ever meet them again?"

Madam Han remained silent. Liu Wan's words had suddenly reminded her of some past events, of her best childhood playmate, Ziyin.

Ziyin was the youngest daughter of King Huanhui of Han. She had been doted on since childhood and was born enchantingly beautiful. Most princesses of the Warring States period were used for political marriages, but King Huanhui was reluctant to marry his daughter off. After King Huanhui's death, his son, Ziyin's elder brother, King An of Han, ascended the throne. He was also the last monarch of the Han State. After that, the Han State was extinguished, the royal clan scattered, and Ziyin, due to her outstanding beauty, was forcibly taken to the Qin State by the Qin people. At that time, Madam Han hid behind a palace pillar, watching helplessly as she was taken away in a carriage, never to be heard from again.

Many years had passed, but Ziyin's cries still echoed in her ears. Madam Han would never forget that unforgettable moment. On one hand, she was heartbroken over Ziyin's fate; on the other, she was secretly glad that her own looks were not outstanding, and that she was not a daughter of the King of Han.

"Governess!" Liu Wan urged her to answer.

"No," said Madam Han. "My childhood friend went to Xianyang, and I never saw her again."

Liu Wan let out a disappointed "oh," feeling dissatisfied that the story had ended so abruptly.

On the other side, Liu Zhuang asked, "What did she go to Xianyang for? Is Xianyang even better than the Han Royal Palace?"

"The Qin Royal Palace in Xianyang was expanded after the First Emperor ascended the throne. Its magnificence is unmatched in the world, so naturally, it is more beautiful than the Han Royal Palace." Madam Han gave a laugh of unclear meaning, a laugh that contained a sarcasm Liu Wan and Liu Zhuang could not detect.

The Six States were all extinguished, and their royal palaces fell into ruin during the Warring States period. With only the Qin Royal Palace in Xianyang remaining, it was naturally the finest in the world.

Liu Zhen answered the question in Madam Han's stead: "No matter how good other places are, none are as good as one's own home. If not forced by circumstances, who would willingly leave their homeland? If one's country does not exist, it's even harder to protect oneself."

Liu Wan pouted, showing her disagreement. "If you can live a better life in Xianyang, then why stay in your hometown?"

Liu Zhen couldn't help but roll her eyes. "Have you ever heard the saying, 'Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of a phoenix'?"

Liu Wan simply shook her head. "No!"

Liu Zhuang looked at her eldest sister, then at her second sister, not daring to get involved.

Madam Han looked at the three young girls with a complicated expression.

Liu Zhen was calm and steady, Liu Wan was flamboyant, and Liu Zhuang was timid.

The three had distinct personalities and would never be mistaken for one another.

She originally disliked Liu Zhen's competitive nature the most, but now it seemed that perhaps in these times, only Liu Zhen could survive the best. She was even more clear-headed than Madam Zhang, knowing exactly what she wanted and being able to pursue it steadfastly. Even though Madam Han rarely inquired about outside matters, she knew that Liu Zhen often went in and out of her father's Hall of Political Affairs and had contributed quite a bit.

What Madam Han found strange was that she had heard Liu Zhen's birth mother died when she was born and that she was raised by her stepmother. Yet Liu Zhen's behavior was not at all like Madam Zhang's; instead, she had much of her father's bearing. If she weren't a girl, she probably wouldn't be sitting here today.

Thinking of this, Madam Han couldn't help but speak up, "Ah Zhen."

Liu Zhen sat respectfully and replied, "Governess."

Madam Han: "In your opinion, can Yangdi be defended this time?"

Liu Zhen: "Yes!"

Madam Han expected Liu Zhen's answer, but she didn't expect it to be so decisive. "Why?"

Liu Zhen smiled faintly. "The attackers are not the main force of the Qin army, and we have ample provisions and grain. The officers and soldiers are united. With Heaven's timing, Earth's advantages, and human harmony all on our side, how can we not win?"

Madam Han didn't understand military affairs. Hearing her explanation, she frowned slightly. "But if we win this defensive battle, and the Qin army, enraged by the humiliation, dispatches even more troops, what then?"

This was not the first time Liu Zhen had explained this issue to someone, so she spoke with practiced ease. "Governess, you worry too much. The Qin army's attention is currently focused on the Xingyang front. Once Xingyang falls, their main army will surely strike directly at Chen County. To Zhang Han, Chen Sheng is the big fish; we are just small shrimp. Even if Chen Sheng is defeated, there is still Wei Jiu in the Wei territory, Han Guang in the Yan territory, and others. Father has not declared himself king. In Zhang Han's eyes, Yingchuan is merely a skin irritation, while they are the true hidden danger to his core!"

What's more, by the time Zhang Han finishes dealing with Chen Sheng, Xiang Liang and his nephew will soon emerge to draw the fire. In comparison, if handled properly, Yingchuan Commandery could secure several months of respite, and that's enough time to change many things.

After hearing her explanation, Madam Han finally breathed a sigh of relief. Everyone has a will to live on, even if it means compromising. No matter how much she had been through, it didn't mean she truly wasn't afraid of death.

As they were talking, Ah Jin came in from outside, leaned close to Liu Zhen, and whispered a few words in her ear.

Liu Zhen excused herself to Madam Han and hurriedly followed her out.

"What's going on?" she asked.

"Someone from the Ji Family has come. They said they were sent by the young master of the Ji Family to ask the Young Mistress to see them," Ah Jin said.

Liu Zhen frowned slightly. As far as she knew, although the Ji Family was an old noble family, it had long since declined and could not be considered wealthy. Only Ji Ci's grandfather had two servants who had served the Ji Family for generations. People like Ji Ci and his father handled everything themselves. At such a critical juncture, who would the Ji Family send?

Ever since Ji Ci had sent a letter explaining his difficulties and stating he couldn't come to Yangdi, the two had not met again. Although they occasionally exchanged letters, they mostly discussed literature and scholarship, rarely touching upon romantic feelings. To be honest, Liu Zhen had no idea how to write a love letter in this era. Should she attach a poem in the style of the Book of Odes? Just the thought of it gave her goosebumps. Ji Ci, likely due to shyness, had never done such a thing either. Thus, the interaction between them could be summed up in one sentence: this is how top students fall in love.

The visitor stood by the small gate with his back to them. His figure looked familiar, but he was wearing a bamboo hat, making him look mysterious.

"Ah Ci?" Liu Zhen asked, a little uncertain.

The other person turned around. It was indeed Ji Ci.

Liu Zhen was greatly surprised. "How did you get here?!"

Yangdi was now under total martial law. To prevent spies from flowing into other counties within Yingchuan Commandery to stir up trouble and spread rumors, the general rule was that people could enter but not leave. The only gate still open, a small one on the west side of the city, had extremely strict searches, even requiring proof of household registration.

Ji Ci gave a bitter smile. "I heard the Qin army was attacking the city and I couldn't rest easy, so I came to see you. In case... in case something happens, an extra person means an extra pair of hands to help!"

Liu Zhen sighed, a little touched, but also a little helpless. "Your father and grandfather don't know you came out, do they? You're going to be punished when you get back."

He had hit the nail on the head, and a look of embarrassment appeared on Ji Ci's face. He had considered his family's reaction before he left; this was perhaps the first time in his life he had gone against the wishes of his elders. But the moment he saw Liu Zhen, he felt that it had all been worth it.

"As long as I can see that you're safe and sound, I'm willing to be punished when I return." Ji Ci was a little shy. "If, just in case... something happens here, with me here, perhaps I can be of some help."

Honestly, Ji Ci's actions were completely impulsive, a spur-of-the-moment decision that was of no benefit to anyone and did him no good either.

In that instant, two little figures appeared in Liu Zhen's mind, fighting fiercely.

The soft-hearted little figure said: He knew Yangdi was dangerous, yet he came all this way alone just to see you. In later generations, how many men and women fail the test of money and illness? How many lovers who swore eternal vows part ways in the blink of an eye? And Ji Ci, although his actions were a bit impulsive and not to be encouraged, his sentiment was precious.

But the ruthless little figure said: He can't fight on the front lines, nor can he possibly play a decisive role in the war. Taking a step back, even if the city fell and they had to flee, a scion of a noble family like Ji Ci, with zero survival experience, would probably need Liu Zhen to take care of him instead.

Regardless, Liu Zhen couldn't bring herself to be harsh with him, because he had done this entirely for her, not for himself.

"Thank you, Ah Ci." Liu Zhen returned a warm smile, engraving this affection in her heart.

Ji Ci was brought into the Governor's manor to settle in. Liu Zhen wanted him to rest in a side room, but he refused, insisting on staying in the main hall with everyone else to wait for news. At a time like this, few people could fall asleep even if they were lying in bed.

Madam Zhang expressed surprise and welcome at his arrival, and even sent someone out of the city to inform the Ji Family, lest they panic over their eldest son's disappearance.

The Governor's manor was some distance from the city gates, but the sounds of shouting and killing could still be faintly heard.

Every time the commotion grew louder, it would make everyone tense for a long while.

By the latter half of the night, many people could no longer hold on. Liu Wan and Liu Zhuang had fallen asleep right on the table. The others also looked exhausted. To keep from falling asleep, Madam Zhang and Madam Han started chatting intermittently.

Liu Zhen paid no attention to what they were saying. She felt that time had never passed so slowly. Countless times, she was so mentally exhausted she was about to fall asleep, only to subconsciously tense up again. After a few rounds of this, she only felt more tired.

Looking at the others, they were in much the same state. Ji Ci was slightly better off; he sat beside Liu Zhen, holding a bamboo scroll, and was somehow still able to read.

Liu Zhen couldn't resist teasing him a little, so she suddenly reached out and snatched the scroll from his hands.

As a result, he slumped forward onto the table, his breathing steady and rhythmic.

Liu Zhen: "..."

Time trickled by.

As the sky began to lighten at dawn, Liu Zhen, who hadn't slept all night, was drowsy. Though she was barely maintaining a sitting posture, she was actually slumped over haphazardly, a sorry sight. If someone next to her gave a gentle push, she would probably end up just like Ji Ci.

Just then, a flurry of footsteps sounded from outside, followed by a loud shout: "Matriarch! Matriarch! A report from the front!!"

Liu Zhen jolted, instantly wide awake.

Looking over at Madam Zhang, she too had just snapped out of her dazed state, her expression still a bit vacant.

The messenger ran into the room from outside, not even bothering to take off his shoes, his face ecstatic. "We won! We won the battle! The Qin army was routed! Yangdi has been defended!!"