After filling his stomach, Han Xin slowly left the table and bowed solemnly, saying: "Your Excellency gave me a meal, Han Xin is grateful and has no way to repay. But although I walk with a sword, I will never kill easily!"

Xiao He shook his head slightly. This Han Xin must have heard too many stories about Nie Zheng. He thought he should learn from Yan Zhongzi of Han State and treat him with kindness and righteousness, hoping that he would help him kill people. He smiled and said, "From what you said, what you learned is neither the art of assassination nor the courage to defeat ten people, but the strategy to defeat ten thousand people. Then I have a question for you..."

Then, Xiao He asked a series of questions, and Han Xin answered them fluently without being humble or arrogant.

Xiao He smiled slightly, looked up at the sky outside, pondered for a moment, reached out and took something out of his arms, and gently placed it on the table.

When everyone looked closely, they saw the black ribbon and the bright red copper seal shining brightly in the sun.

The clerk's eyes widened in shock. Han Xin was also stunned, and then he bowed quickly: "I didn't know you were a Qin official!"

The copper seal with a black ribbon is the symbol of officials above 600 shi. His official rank is higher than that of the Huaiyin County Magistrate!

Xiao He looked solemn and said in a clear voice: "I am Xiao He, the commander of Guanzhong. I am here under the order of the Shaofu Zhao to gather talented people. Han Xin, are you willing to go with me and realize your ambitions?"

"Mr. Zhao? Could it be that he is the sworn brother of the 'God of Craftsmanship', the former Minister of the Imperial Chariots, Zhao Gao?"

Seeing Xiao He nod, Han Xin was excited. After thinking for a moment, he bowed again: "Thank you for your appreciation, sir. Han Xin is willing to serve you."

...............

Xianyang Palace.

In March, the warm sun shines down, casting a soft glow on the ancient palace. In Hualin Garden, the flowers are blooming like brocade, colorful flowers are blooming, and bees and butterflies are flying happily among the flowers.

In Qingyan Pavilion, melodious piano sounds filled the air like the gurgling of flowing water, subtle and captivating.

Yu Shu sat quietly in front of the piano, gently plucking the strings with her slender fingers.

After a while, the sound of the zither gradually stopped. Yu Shu gently stroked the strings of the zither, and her eyes slowly passed through the window lattice, gazing at the peach blossoms in full bloom outside the window. Looking at the brilliant peach blossoms swaying gently in the breeze, she was mesmerized for a moment.

"My Lady, are you thinking about Master Yi again?"

Xiaoyue asked softly, with a hint of worry in her eyes. Looking at Concubine Li's beautiful profile, her heart was full of pity. She knew that Yu Shu could never forget Yi Xiaochuan in her heart.

Yu Shu did not answer, but sighed quietly, her slightly furrowed brows seemed to hide endless sorrow. She continued to stroke the strings gently, but her thoughts had already drifted far away.

The time she had spent with Yi Xiaochuan slowly emerged in her mind. Every moment was like a bright star, illuminating her world.

"I wonder where Master Yi is now? How has he been doing this year?"

Xiaoyue looked at Concubine Li's longing look and couldn't help but sigh. She understood that the knot in the Empress' heart was not so easy to untie. Perhaps, only Yi Xiaochuan's reappearance could untie Yu Shu's sorrow.

The breeze blew gently, and a few peach petals fell, like pink snowflakes. Yu Shu raised her hand slightly and caught a petal, with a touch of tenderness in her eyes.

"Your Majesty, the weather today is really pleasant, with soft sunshine and gentle breeze. Shall we go out for a walk?" Xiaoyue whispered softly, her voice as pleasant as the melodious song of birds.

"……it is good!"

Yu Shu nodded slightly, a faint smile appeared on her beautiful face. She stretched out her jade hand, and Xiao Yue carefully supported her as she slowly walked out of the attic. Her figure was graceful, like a fairy descending to earth.

The sun is just right.

The two of them strolled in the peach garden, and the pink petals fluttered in the wind like snowflakes, dancing lightly. The fragrance of the flowers filled the air, refreshing the heart, and Yu Shu closed her eyes slightly, feeling this beautiful moment.

Xiaoyue stood quietly by, looking at Yu Shu's peaceful face, her heart filled with joy.

Suddenly, a butterfly fluttered over and landed on Yu Shu's shoulder. Yu Shu opened her eyes, revealing a hint of tenderness.

Xiaoyue smiled and said, "My lady, this butterfly must be attracted by your beauty."

Yu Shu smiled gently, stretched out her fingers and gently touched the butterfly's wings. The butterfly flapped its wings a few times and flew away leisurely.

The two continued to move forward, the sunlight shone through the gaps in the leaves onto the ground, forming patches of light. Looking at those patches of light, Yu Shu felt an inexplicable emotion in her heart.

After a while, they came to the depths of the peach garden. There was a pavilion surrounded by various flowers.

Yu Shu and Xiao Yue walked into the pavilion and sat on the stone bench. Xiao Yue took out a handkerchief and gently wiped the sweat off Yu Shu's forehead.

Yu Shu looked at Xiao Yue, her heart was filled with emotion, she held Xiao Yue's hand and said:

"Xiaoyue, it's great to have you by my side these days."

Xiaoyue said softly: "My lady, Xiaoyue will always be with you."

"Hahaha~, Concubine Li is here admiring the flowers?!"

A burst of hearty laughter suddenly rang out, and the palace maids and guards at the gate all knelt on the ground, shouting respectfully: "Greetings, Your Majesty!"

"Be flat!"

Ying Zheng smiled widely, and strode towards Yu Shu with the gait of a dragon and a tiger. He was wearing a black dragon robe and a crown on his head, showing the majesty of an emperor. The sunlight shone on him, as if covering him with a layer of golden glory.

"Yu Shu, Xiao Yue, meet your Majesty!"

Yu Shu looked at Zhao Gao behind Ying Zheng, and a trace of hatred flashed across her eyes. The hatred was as fleeting as a meteor, and she concealed it skillfully. She bowed at the same time as Xiao Yue, her figure graceful, like a willow swaying in the wind.

"No gift!"

Ying Zheng hurriedly helped Yu Shu up and said gently, "My beloved concubine, how can you be in the mood to appreciate the flowers here today? The flowers in this garden are as beautiful as brocade, but they are not even one ten-thousandth as beautiful as mine."

Yu Shu lowered her head slightly and responded softly:
"Your Majesty, thank you for your praise. I saw the flowers in full bloom and was delighted, so I came here to admire them."

Ying Zheng laughed and took Yu Shu's hand: "Then I will enjoy the flowers with my beloved concubine."

Yi Huawei stood aside, lowering his eyes, making it difficult to see his expression. But Yu Shu could feel his eyes falling on her from time to time, which made her feel disgusted. Thinking of Zhao Gao's past evil deeds, she secretly clenched her fists.

Ying Zheng was completely unaware of the undercurrent between the two of them. His eyes fell gently on Yu Shu and he asked softly:
"My beloved concubine, why did you look so sad looking at a peach blossom just now?"

Yu Shu lowered her head slightly and responded softly: "Your Majesty, I am just feeling emotional. The peach blossoms are beautiful and charming, but as short-lived as a flash in the pan. The more charming something is, the faster it withers." After saying this, she sighed slightly, with a hint of melancholy in her eyes.

Hearing this, Ying Zheng also cast his gaze towards the peach forest. A breeze blew by, and petals fell one after another.

Ying Zheng laughed loudly and said proudly: "I am now feeling high-spirited. However, time flies and years are pressing. I think about it day and night, longing to seek the art of immortality to help me achieve my eternal ambition. Fortunately, the goddess appeared and the elixir of immortality is hopeful. My beloved, when I get the elixir of immortality, you and I will take it together, share immortality, and watch the prosperity of this world hand in hand."

As he spoke, he held Yu Shu's hand tightly. Yu Shu felt the warmth of Ying Zheng's palm, but a complex emotion rose in her heart. She raised her head slightly, looked at Ying Zheng's determined eyes, and said softly: "Your Majesty, I am willing to pursue immortality with Your Majesty and never leave you."

"Hahaha... I have been busy with many political affairs recently and have no time to come and visit my beloved concubine."

Ying Zheng gently patted the back of Yu Shu's hand, his eyes full of apology: "My beloved concubine feels lonely because of this, and it is inevitable that she is sentimental. After thinking about it, it would be better for my beloved concubine to go hunting again to relax. However, General Meng Tian is not here, Zhao Gao..."

"I'm here!" Yi Huawei responded quickly and respectfully.

Ying Zheng nodded slightly, turned to look at Yu Shu, and said softly: "My beloved, let him accompany you on another hunting trip. What do you think?"

Yu Shu wanted to refuse, but her eyes touched the shape of Yi Huawei's mouth, and her heart moved. She gritted her teeth and said, "Thank you very much, Your Majesty, for your favor. It's all up to Your Majesty to arrange."

After saying this, Yu Shu lowered her eyes, feeling mixed emotions. Yi Huawei looked respectful, quietly waiting for the next instruction.

Looking at Yi Huawei, Ying Zheng said:

"During this hunting trip, please make sure my beloved concubine is safe. If anything goes wrong, you will be held responsible."

Yi Huawei hurriedly said solemnly: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will do my best to protect the queen."

Ying Zheng nodded slightly, then looked at Yu Shu and said softly, "My beloved, go and relax. When you come back, I will share happy times with you again."

Yu Shu bowed slightly and said softly, "I'll take my leave."

...............

Deep in the majestic Qinling Mountains, Cuihua Mountain is like a piece of flawless jade, firmly embedded in the vast land. In Shanglin Garden, famous trees and exotic plants gather here like bright stars, rare animals live safely, and the landscape layout is so exquisite that it seems like a masterpiece of nature.

In spring, the earth wakes up from its long sleep, and everything is reviving vigorously. Wild flowers are spreading all over the mountains like colorful brocade, red like fire, pink like clouds, and white like snow. Birds sing happily on the branches, and the clear and melodious songs echo in the valley. The rich fragrance of flowers is everywhere, and the whole Shanglin Garden presents a vibrant and beautiful scene.

The warm sunlight gently shines through the lush treetops and falls on Cuihua Mountain, forming patches of mottled, dreamy light and shadows.

The hunting team moved forward slowly, the horses' hooves making rhythmic sounds on the ground, passing through the dense forest that looked like a green ocean, crossing the clear, sparkling stream, and going up the mountain.

As we went deeper into Shanglin Garden, the surrounding scenery became more and more quiet and beautiful. It seemed like a mysterious paradise isolated from the world, and the passage of time became slow and peaceful.

Princess Li, dressed in hunting clothes, rode on a tall and majestic horse, with a dazed look in her eyes, absent-mindedly looking at the surrounding scenery. Her soft hair fluttered gently in the breeze, and her beautiful face was filled with a hint of sadness.

Xiaoyue followed closely behind, with a concerned look on her face, always paying attention to Concubine Li's every move.

Yi Huawei, riding a majestic black horse and wearing a tight shorts, followed behind.

The accompanying soldiers were well-trained and dispersed. Some of them moved swiftly to drive the small animals over, or quietly shuttled through the grass, or cleverly used branches to make noises, trying to drive those timid rabbits, clever squirrels and other small animals to the direction of the hunting team.

When the small animals fled in panic, the soldiers shouted excitedly, adding a lot of tense and exciting atmosphere to the hunting activity.

The other part was guarding behind Concubine Li and the others, looking around vigilantly. Holding weapons in their hands, their eyes were focused and resolute, ready to deal with any possible emergencies at any time.

A soldier came running over in a hurry to report: "Madam, a pheasant was spotted not far ahead."

Yu Shu nodded slightly, without much expression on her cold face, and uttered two words softly: "Bring the bow and arrow!"

Yi Huawei handed over the bow and arrow. The moment Yu Shu reached out to take it, a complex emotion suddenly surged in her heart. A mixture of anger, helplessness, and a subtle sadness. She suppressed the urge to shoot Yi Huawei to death with an arrow. She raised the bow steadily, and the bowstring made a slight "buzzing" sound in her hand.

Yu Shu's beautiful eyes were fixed on the pheasant in front of her which was unaware of the approaching danger. The breeze blew gently, lifting her hair.

He released his fingers, and with a "whoosh" sound, the sharp arrow flew off the string, cutting through the air like a flash of lightning, and flew straight towards the pheasant, hitting it accurately. The pheasant struggled for a few times and then stopped moving.

"My lady shot it! Quick, go get it back!"

Xiaoyue cheered excitedly, and the clear sound echoed in the empty hunting ground. The soldiers immediately rushed over after receiving the order, and soon picked up the colorful pheasant and respectfully presented it to Yu Shu.

Yu Shu lowered her eyes slightly and looked at her prey. The pheasant's feathers sparkled with brilliant colors in the sun. However, she did not feel the slightest joy in her heart. There was a hint of sadness in her eyes. She waved her hand gently and said lightly, "Put it away."

Then, Yu Shu gently lifted the reins, and the horse seemed to have a telepathic connection with its master, instantly sensing his subtle emotions. It moved its hooves obediently and moved forward slowly, its hooves making rhythmic sounds on the hunting ground.

The breeze blew gently, lifting Yu Shu's silky hair, and that beautiful figure looked particularly lonely in the vast hunting ground.

"Whoosh-!"

Suddenly, a sharp arrow came like lightning, hitting the white horse under Yu Shu squarely. The white horse felt pain, let out a sharp neigh, and then ran away.

"There are assassins!!"

"Protect the empress!!"

The soldiers were horrified and shouted one after another. They looked around in panic, holding their weapons tightly in their hands, with nervous expressions.

"The assassin is over there! ... Follow me!"

At this time, Yi Huawei reacted quickly, commanding his soldiers to chase the assassin, and he led a team of knights on horseback to chase Yu Shu.

"what!!!"

Yu Shu was riding the galloping horse, trying to keep her balance, her heart filled with fear. Her hair was flying wildly in the wind, and her face was as pale as paper. The white horse was running faster and faster, as if it had lost its mind. Yu Shu held the reins tightly, not knowing what to do.

Yi Huawei was getting closer and closer to Yu Shu, and he stretched out his hand and shouted, "My lady, grab my hand!"

Yu Shu looked at Yi Huawei, a glimmer of hope flashed in her eyes, and she stretched out her hand and tried to grab Yi Huawei's hand. At this critical moment, a cluster of sharp arrows whistled at her...

(End of this chapter)

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