Chapter 17: Cao Cao: Mere Two Taels of Flesh, Yet Dare to Claim Mastery?
In 247 BCE, at the age of thirteen, Ying Zheng officially ascended the throne as King of Qin. Due to his youth, the affairs of state were controlled by Lü Buwei and Lady Huayang.
After the death of Ying Yiren, Lü Buwei’s illicit affair with Zhao Ji grew increasingly reckless.
Behind Ying Zheng’s back, the two frequently met in secret. Later, in an attempt to extricate himself, Lü Buwei sent Lao Ai to Zhao Ji.
Old Lü was stunned upon seeing this on the celestial screen.
Just when I was formulating my plan, you exposed me outright? How am I supposed to get out of this now? Can I even enjoy myself anymore?
Meanwhile, Zhao Ji wept bitterly in the palace chambers, begging for Ying Yiren’s forgiveness.
Ying Yiren was nearly furious to the point of explosion.
“You... how could you do such a thing? How can I possibly tolerate this?”
Zhao Ji sobbed, “My lord... do you know how I have struggled to survive with Zheng'er all these years in Zhao?”
Ying Yiren was somewhat embarrassed upon hearing this, for after all, he had fled first... no, that wasn’t right.
“That... that is no excuse for you to betray me!”
His tone had clearly softened from earlier rigidity.
Among the Ying clan, no one but Ying Zheng paid him any heed. Were it not for Ying Zheng’s youth, they would have deposed Ying Yiren and enthroned Ying Zheng as King.
After all, this boy was destined to become an unparalleled emperor, the ruthless conqueror of the six kingdoms.
Who wouldn’t want to bask in his glory?
In the end, at Ying Zheng’s insistence, Zhao Ji was spared harsh punishment and confined to her chambers, but Old Lü was not so fortunate.
His power began to crumble.
At that moment on the celestial screen, Zhao Ji was complaining to Lü Buwei:
“Old Lü, I’m alone in this palace day and night, it’s suffocating... why don’t you keep me company?”
Seeing Zhao Ji’s seductive gaze, Lü Buwei knew she was restless again, eager for some intimate exchange.
But now that he controlled the government and sought to make a mark in history, he had to extricate himself quickly.
He replied, “Your Majesty, as the Empress Dowager said, to relieve boredom, I do have someone!”
Before Zhao Ji could respond, he called toward the guards at the door, “Bring my attendant here!”
Lao Ai knelt and saluted, “Your servant Lao Ai pays respects to the Empress Dowager!”
Lü Buwei looked at Zhao Ji and said, “Your Majesty, this is Lao Ai. He saved both me and the late king’s lives. He is loyal and brave. If you are pleased, speak to him a few words; if not, you can punish him to vent your anger.”
Zhao Ji was well aware of Lü Buwei’s meaning and was quite angered.
Once he called her his little treasure, now he seemed to disdain her as old and faded?
She glanced at the kneeling Lao Ai, who was quite handsome.
Her anger subsided a bit.
“Rise.”
“Yes!” Lao Ai stood, awaiting her questions.
Zhao Ji looked him over and nodded, “What skills do you have?”
Lü Buwei gave Lao Ai a subtle signal.
Lao Ai, understanding, recited the rehearsed lines: “Your servant is skilled in horsemanship!”
Zhao Ji smiled seductively, “Horsemanship... but there are no horses in this palace! Such talent wasted!”
Lü Buwei chuckled, “Your Majesty, his riding skills rival my own. You shall see in time!”
(Here, ten thousand words are omitted!)
That very night, Lao Ai climbed into Zhao Ji’s bed and demonstrated his horsemanship, instantly winning her heart.
According to her, his skills far surpassed Old Lü’s.
The next day, Lü Buwei arranged for Lao Ai to be disguised as a fake eunuch and sent into the palace.
...
Under the celestial screen.
In the state of Qin.
Ying Zheng watched the scene unfold, eyes blazing with fury, fists clenched so tightly his knuckles turned white.
The great hall fell silent; all present dared not raise their heads to glance at the screen.
Lao Ai’s flattering demeanor and Zhao Ji’s licentious posture filled Ying Zheng with overwhelming shame.
On the court, Ying Zheng struggled to contain his rage, silently cursing the celestial screen countless times in his heart.
Fortunately, the footage was limited.
In the Han dynasty.
Emperor Wu of Han, Liu Che, watched the Qin affairs on the celestial screen with great interest, secretly marveling at the palace intrigues.
Though the official histories mentioned these events, he never expected such explosive details.
His ministers whispered among themselves.
“Who would have thought Ying Zheng’s mother was so disgraceful? Just as the records say,” one murmured.
“Shh, say no more. The celestial screen is mysterious and unpredictable; it’s best to tread carefully,” another warned.
At that moment, the screen shifted, as if to reveal new content. All held their breath, eyes fixed on the display.
Liu Che straightened, curiosity shining in his gaze, ready to indulge as a spectator.
...
In the Three Kingdoms period.
Cao Cao gazed at the still-youthful Zhao Ji on the screen, eyes shining brightly.
Zhao Ji, originally a dancer, had an exquisite figure and, as a married woman without a husband’s family, held undeniable allure for Cao Cao.
“Horsemanship so-called mastery? Ha! The Prime Minister should have taken that role! Young man, you’ve missed an opportunity.”
Cao Cao wished he could replace Lao Ai and discuss horsemanship with Zhao Ji.
Beside him, Jia Xu and others looked on in embarrassment.
Their lord had two lifelong passions: loving Guan Yu and loving married women.
Guan Yu was forever out of reach—after all, he had taken the woman their lord desired.
As for married women... well,
At the battle of Wancheng, his lack of self-control cost him a beloved general, a son, and a horse... and as for that pimp nephew... well, he deserved what he got.
This flaw of Cao Cao’s was something he never overcame until death.
...
Liu Bei watched with wide eyes until he saw what was under Lao Ai’s saddle, then confidently shouted:
“Two taels of silver—how dare he claim mastery?”
“Brother Bei, you are unmatched in the world...”
Then, thinking of his third brother’s weapon-like hardness, he muttered grudgingly,
“Third brother is also unmatched!”
...
In the Tang dynasty.
Emperor Li Zhi watched with great delight, eating fruit as he enjoyed the spectacle, utterly pleased.
The historian beside him feverishly recorded every detail.
Such palace secrets would surely be passed down through the ages... In all the years of recording history for the Gou family, this was the first time writing something so thrilling.
Previously, everything was written in secret; this was the first time so openly... heh heh!
The secret protection of the Qin royal palace—unparalleled across the world in the future!
As the small book was opened and read further, it began with tales of the Tang royal family’s romantic scandals!
And there were titles like “The True Royal Wild History: Spicy Max Version,” along with a series of amorous exploits.
One could only say... this historian recorded not only history but also some damn juicy gossip.
His tenacity was truly remarkable.
...