Rachel Lan had already gone upstairs to sleep. Before leaving, she told Xu Fu to keep a close watch on me and not let me escape. I just smiled and replied, "I'm staying here. I won't run."
"Sigh, I've never told anyone else this story before. It's a long one."
I nodded and looked at Xu Fu.
"So why do you want to tell me?"
"I don't really know, haha. Maybe because this story still feels vivid to me even now. It was the beginning of my dream, the origin of everything I did."
251 BC, the late Warring States period, Linzi, the capital of Qiland. King Tianjian was pacing in his room, frowning deeply. He had only taken over Qiland from his father a few years ago, and now the nation's strength was waning. Qin was growing ever stronger, already gearing up to challenge the other five great states, while King Tianjian hesitated, wanting to send troops but held back by years of war and natural disasters that had weakened Qiland further.
In these urgent times, King Tianjian's mother, Queen Dowager, had fallen seriously ill. Previously, she had helped him manage many affairs, especially the delicate relations with Qin, and her guidance with other feudal states had steadily improved Qiland's standing.
There hadn't been any wars for many years.
"Your Majesty, Doctor Xu has been waiting outside the hall for quite some time."
"Let him in, quickly."
King Tianjian waved his hand. Soon, an elderly doctor entered, carrying a large bag, accompanied by a handsome young boy.
"Doctor Xu, who is this?"
"My son, Junfang. His nickname is Afu."
King Tianjian smiled and beckoned. The young Xu Fu, well-behaved and sensible, walked over. The king placed his hand on the boy's head.
"Boy, do you know why you are here?"
King Tianjian noticed Xu Fu was very young, about five or six years old, yet he was carrying a box bigger than his own head. The king found it quite odd.
"Your Majesty, Xu Fu is here with his father to treat the Queen Dowager's illness."
"Oh? Haha. Do you know what will happen if you can't cure her?"
Xu Fu's father was already kneeling on the ground, pleading repeatedly for the king's forgiveness, saying children speak without understanding.
"Execution."