Chapter Two: The First Rule for Surviving Turbulent Times—Be Like Jia Xu

The Qin state of today is impoverished and beleaguered, beset by internal strife and external threats; one wrong step could mean its destruction.

Yet, debts of favor cannot be ignored. Zhao Zheng often felt that Guiguzi knew secrets he himself did not.

But in these perilous times, a single misstep could shatter one utterly.

With a heavy sigh, Zhao Zheng resorted to his first survival tactic in troubled times—better to be a cunning schemer like Jia Xu than a righteous but vulnerable Xun Yu.

Disrupting harmony? Hurting others? What concern is that of mine?

Better to keep my head down and avoid harm. Isn’t it sweeter to be a low-profile scoundrel who stirs up muddy waters?

Zhao Zheng resolved to stay in Qin and keep a low profile. Besides, bearing the identity of Guiguzi would certainly grant him influence.

If you say I am who I am, then so be it. If trouble comes, let Guiguzi take the blame—what does that have to do with me, Zhao Zheng?

That old rogue sure dug a pit for me.

Recalling the harsh words recently exchanged between Gan Long and Du Zhi, he hesitated and said, “Debts of favor must be repaid, but the internal instability makes entering Qin risky.”

Ying Qu Liang was momentarily stunned, utterly failing to grasp Zhao Zheng’s meaning.

So Zhao Zheng repeated the conversation he had overheard between Gan Long and Du Zhi.

Ying Qu Liang’s face instantly darkened, a mix of embarrassment, anger, and helplessness swirling in his eyes before turning into a heavy sigh: “Sir, forgive my poor judgment. I will do my utmost to ensure your safety.”

At that time, Ying Qu Liang lacked sufficient leverage to challenge the old aristocratic families of Qin. Besides, Liyang was also within the sphere of influence of those old clans.

This was precisely why one of Shang Yang’s first acts during his reforms was relocating the capital to Xianyang.

To escape the wolf’s den and survive!

Of course, even relocating the capital proved futile; the great Shang Jun ultimately failed to overcome the old aristocracy, meeting a tragic end torn apart by chariots.

At that time, Shang Yang was still in the state of Wei, not yet in Qin.

Speaking of Wei, it truly was a “talent export base.”

Political strife drove Wu Qi away, and soon after, Shang Yang was compelled to leave Qin due to neglect and political struggles.

Later figures like Zhang Yi, Fan Sui, and Wei Liao all greatly benefited Qin, dealing harsh blows to the six eastern states.

A commotion arose ahead. Looking up, the ministers were approaching Liyang Palace—it was time for the morning court.

Ying Qu Liang glanced at Zhao Zheng, who dusted off his sleeves: “Enough of that, let’s go together.”

At Zhanghua Hall, Ying Qu Liang sat on the dais.

The Qin ministers formed two lines, with Zhao Zheng standing beside Jing Jian on the left side.

The ministers on both sides eyed the newcomer curiously, whispering among themselves to inquire about him.

Suddenly, the officials on the right side fell silent.

Their gaze fixed on the palace gate, where Gan Long and Du Zhi entered in single file, heading straight to the front of the right-side line.

Gan Long’s sharp eyes swept across the hall, finally settling on Zhao Zheng beside Jing Jian.

Seeing his youth, a hint of disdain flashed in Gan Long’s eyes—they did not take Zhao Zheng seriously.

He cupped his hands and bowed to Ying Qu Liang, saying, “May the great king swiftly execute Gong Shu Cu to avenge the late Duke of Qin!”

“Swiftly execute Gong Shu Cu to avenge the late Duke!”

Behind him, his staunch supporters shouted in unison, their voices nearly shaking the roof.

Gong Shu Cu was the prime minister of the state of Wei.

In early 362 BCE, he led an army to invade Qin. The late Duke of Qin, Ying Shixi, rallied the Qin people in desperate resistance.

This clash became the renowned Battle of Shaoliang between Qin and Wei.

Ultimately, Qin won a great victory at the cost of fifty thousand soldiers, capturing Gong Shu Cu.

However, the late Duke sustained grievous wounds and, weakened by age and injury, passed away.

Ying Qu Liang’s head ached. So soon after the court session began, he faced a major crisis.

The old aristocracy was collectively pressuring the court to execute Gong Shu Cu!

“Senior Minister Gan Long, in my humble opinion, Gong Shu Cu cannot be executed,” Jing Jian stepped forward.

Gan Long snorted coldly, “Do you not wish to avenge the late Duke of Qin?”

Jing Jian’s face stiffened. “The late Duke’s grievance is a national shame. How could we Qin people ever forget such humiliation?”

“Since the Grand Historian says so, we urge the great king to execute Gong Shu Cu and erase this national shame!”

Gan Long eagerly awaited this exact response, immediately seizing upon Jing Jian’s words to strengthen his argument.

“Execute Gong Shu Cu swiftly to wash away our shame!”

His followers chanted in perfect harmony, their voices deafening.

Behind Jing Jian, the other officials exchanged nervous glances, like frost-bitten eggplants, none daring to breathe loudly.

“Tsk tsk... truly a pack of well-trained dogs,” Zhao Zheng clicked his tongue, observing the scene.

“You!”

The faces of Gan Long’s supporters twisted in fury as they glared at Zhao Zheng. “Impudent whelp! Insulting ministers in the court?”

“Great King, this man insults the court officials in the hall. We request punishment!”

“Yes! He called us dogs...”

This was the first time in a long while that anyone dared to publicly humiliate the old aristocracy in court.

Ying Qu Liang rubbed his temples, trying to quell the unrest, then looked to Zhao Zheng, signaling for an explanation.

Zhao Zheng shrugged nonchalantly. “I never said it—you're the ones who took it personally.”

“What a sharp-tongued young man,” Gan Long narrowed his eyes, scrutinizing the youth he had belittled. “May I ask your name?”

“I am Guiguzi, Zhao Zheng,” he replied calmly, unfazed, revealing the legendary name.

Gan Long was startled, studying Zhao Zheng closely.

What? Guiguzi? Ying Qu Liang really invited Guiguzi?

At that time, people did not know Guiguzi’s real name; the name Wang Xu was discovered by archaeologists much later.

Gan Long steadied himself and countered, “Sir, as the renowned Guiguzi, you must have a unique perspective on this matter?”

Granny’s dripping, now the ball’s in my court, huh? Fine, I’ll play along.

Zhao Zheng’s lips twitched: “Of course. May I ask, Senior Minister, who exactly is Gong Shu Cu?”

Gan Long sneered, “Naturally, a prisoner, a defeated general, the murderer of the sovereign.”

Zhao Zheng’s gaze swept over the faction pressing for execution, then his voice rose sharply:

“Senior Minister Gan Long speaks truly, but beyond that, he is also the Prime Minister of Wei and a trusted confidant of the Wei King!”

Pausing, Zhao Zheng continued:

“Tell me, if we kill Wei’s Prime Minister today, how will the Wei King react? Will the 200,000 troops in Hexi stand down, or will they mobilize the entire nation to avenge this grievous humiliation?”

At these words, the faces of the old aristocratic officials pressing for execution changed.

Zhao Zheng had accurately pinpointed the greatest risk they deliberately avoided—the furious retaliation from Wei.

Of course, this was not their risk as aristocrats, but the risk borne by the people of Qin.

When war breaks out, it will not be these noble families standing at the front but the common Qin folk who love their land dearly.

Zhao Zheng’s tone hardened as he pressed Gan Long:

“In the Battle of Shaoliang, though Qin emerged victorious, it was a costly victory. Fifty thousand Qin soldiers stained the battlefield with their blood; our strength was severely depleted, the treasury drained, and our armory weakened.”

“If Wei retaliates with all its might because their Prime Minister was killed, what fate awaits the people of old Qin?”

Gan Long was momentarily at a loss for words.

Seizing the moment, Zhao Zheng pressed on:

“Senior Minister, you claim to serve the nation and the people, to honor filial piety and righteousness. Are you proposing to sacrifice the tens of thousands of households in Liyang City, even the survival of western Qin itself, to appease a deceased sovereign?”

“Is this truly avenging a shame, or is it courting disaster and inviting destruction?”

A low murmur rose within the hall.

Gan Long’s face turned ashen, the first crack appearing on his cunning, weathered visage.