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墨書 Inktalez
Zichu let out a satisfying burp after finishing his meal, casually breaking off a twig from a broom to use as a toothpick. Ever since King Zhao of Qin chose him from among thirty-two grandsons to serve as the Proton for Zhao, this once-disdained royal relative had been living a life worse than that of ordinary commoners.
At first, the promised living allowance from Zhao was somewhat fulfilled, but as time went on, it became increasingly sporadic. Eventually, it stopped altogether, and now even the servants had run away.
What was most infuriating was that the Qin State seemed to have completely forgotten about his existence. He had sent numerous letters back through intermediaries, but all had vanished without a trace. No one cared anymore; the days of having enough to eat and wear had long since turned into days of hunger and deprivation. He was now reduced to borrowing on credit and selling off furniture just to get by. The once-grand residence was now completely empty.
Having filled his stomach this time, he found nothing else left to sell, and it seemed he would soon be hungry again! The house he lived in was originally rented by the Qin State from Zhao. If it weren't for the fact that he didn't even have a land deed, he might have already mortgaged or sold it.
If all else fails, maybe he should just go to bed early? He had heard that this method was quite effective for dealing with hunger! As for what to do tomorrow, well, he would think about that when tomorrow came!
Having made up his mind, Zichu decided not to go out begging for food tonight; after all, dragging this out all day would tarnish the reputation of the Great Qin Kingdom! Yet, thinking of the Qin State made something in his heart twist painfully, almost making him double over.
Hadn't he promised himself not to think about it anymore? Zichu gritted his teeth and slammed his fist against a wooden pillar. Before he could curse under his breath, he suddenly heard a knock at the door from outside. It felt like he hadn't heard such a sound in years because no one would come looking for an abandoned pawn!
The reason for this belief was mainly that ordinary people could still live their lives peacefully. However, as the Proton Wang Sun, Zichu had no power to choose such a tranquil existence. Their fate was predetermined from birth; they didn't even have the chance to make choices.
The so-called Proton was essentially a pledge of mutual non-aggression between two states. If the pledging state unilaterally tore up the agreement, those serving as Protons would become victims and could even be sacrificed before an army went out to battle.
Since the treaty no longer existed, the Proton's existence lost its meaning.
Originally, Qin and Zhao coexisted peacefully and exchanged local specialties on significant occasions each year as tokens of their everlasting alliance. However, ever since Qin State appointed Fan Ju as Prime Minister, they began frequently waging war against neighboring Zhao.
The former treaty had become meaningless, and the role of Qin State's Proton appeared increasingly insignificant. Several ministers had suggested simply killing the Proton for sacrifice; there were always those who advised King Zhao against such actions. They argued that keeping the Proton served a greater purpose than outright killing him.
What is life, after all!? Perhaps it is just living well today, only to find oneself in a different state tomorrow. Live each day to the fullest, even if it means indulging in a carefree existence!
Having long come to terms with things, Zichu would don his best clothes upon hearing that Qin Zhao was at war again. He would then sit quietly in the hall, gazing at the shadow wall, waiting for hours. If the door behind that wall were to be kicked open, his life would officially enter its countdown. But no matter how fiercely Qin Zhao fought, that closed door had never been breached.
Could it be that the Zhao State had forgotten there was still a Wang Sun of Qin State here? Or had he been completely overlooked by both nations!?
This time, he heard that the armies of Qin and Zhao were locked in battle in the Shangdang Region, with the Zhao Army being utterly defeated by the Qin Army. The fight had dragged on for ages, yet no one came to seek him out. As he watched the sun rise again until after noon, he felt so pleased that he even considered dancing to celebrate another day of life.
Unexpectedly! A loud banging on the outer door echoed! What was meant to come had finally arrived; the moment of reckoning was here!
Zichu did not rush to open the door. He took a deep breath and looked at the desolate courtyard overgrown with weeds. He hadn’t felt much about living here before, but now that it was time to part ways, he realized he felt a bit reluctant. However, as a Wang Sun of Qin State, he would face death like a hero.
Farewell! My home! Farewell! My beloved Qin State!
Zichu carefully adjusted his official attire that he had worn many times before and styled his hair into a standard Qin State bun. Once he confirmed that his appearance was neat and tidy, he strode toward the door.
Sun Thirteen, who had come to deliver an invitation, initially knocked politely but waited for a long time without anyone coming to answer. He had just spoken with neighbors who confirmed that the master of this house was indeed home. Was he asleep!? If it weren't for Luzi's instructions, he would have already climbed over the wall to check. Just as he was about to knock again with more force, the creaky door opened.
Zichu, prepared to face death generously, was taken aback to see only one person standing outside. He had expected a group of fierce Zhao officials but instead found an ordinary Zhao citizen. Seeing the visitor peering into the courtyard made his face flush with embarrassment. He hurriedly explained that his servant had taken leave to visit family.
Sun Thirteen did not know who this Young Master truly was; Luzi hadn't informed him that this was the Proton of Qin State. Seeing the dilapidated state of the courtyard, he assumed Zichu was merely a bankrupt rich kid. This young man probably couldn't even afford food; how could he have spare money to support servants? Even if he once did, they must have long since left due to hunger!
He did not intend to embarrass him further; no matter how poor this young man might be, he was still a friend of Big Shopkeeper Luzi. So he bowed respectfully and asked, "May I inquire if you are Young Master Zichu?" After receiving confirmation, he presented a beautifully engraved copper plate with both hands. "I apologize for intruding and disturbing your rest. This is an invitation from my master for your entrance as a distinguished guest; please accept it."
"Hmph! What nonsense about being a young master!? That seems like a title from many years ago!"
Zichu looked down at the last piece of clothing he wore that had no patches and couldn't help but smile wryly, shaking his head. Regardless of whether the entrance ticket sent by the other party was real or just a joke, at least this copper medal didn't look like a replica. However, he did not immediately reach out to take the copper medal; instead, he asked, "May I ask, Brother, what is your master's name?"
Sun Thirteen kept his head down and replied upon hearing the question, "I wouldn't dare deceive you, young master. My master Luzi is the Big Shopkeeper of Prosperity Record. He has heard of your Daimyo for a long time but has never had the opportunity to visit and deeply regrets it. This time, by chance, he came to Handan, the capital of Zhao State, on business and happened to encounter Zhao State's triannual Selection. My master did not wish to enjoy this alone and specially instructed Scoundrel to deliver an entrance ticket to you."
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