However, having ancestors skilled in warfare does not guarantee descendants with great talent and grand strategies. The Southern Chu lineage had deteriorated generation after generation since Chu Mufeng, not only becoming sparse in population, but the rulers they produced were each more greedy, immoral, and indulgent in luxury than the last, with intelligence generally below average levels. It was said that when Chu Mufeng was deciding which of his three sons to pass the throne to, he truly racked his brains, studying the matter for over ten years without reaching a conclusion. In the end, it was Elder Yang, a senior court minister, who awakened the dreamer with a single phrase. The white-haired old man helplessly shook his head and sighed: “Since all three are equally foolish, what difference does it make who gets it?”

Thus, the Southern Chu Empire, which had once dominated the southern part of the Chinese continent, forcing Great Qin to retreat north and Xichuan to establish its capital outside the passes, and when Eastern Qi wasn’t even as large as one of its own provinces – this greatest empire on the continent actually decided its next heir through drawing lots. It was precisely for this reason that over three hundred years, Southern Chu’s territory had greatly shrunk and national power had gradually declined. By the time it reached the hands of Qin Zhiyan’s father, they already needed to survive by kowtowing to Eastern Qi.

Perhaps the heavens, after long disdaining one side, would suddenly remember them one day. In any case, by Chu Li’s generation, the blind-eyed heavens suddenly opened their eyes, and the scales of fate once again favored Southern Chu. The soul of founding emperor Chu Mufeng was reborn in Chu Li, the legitimate descendant of Great Chu. This Southern Chu Crown Prince, who had spent years as a hostage in foreign lands and endured countless hardships, completed the great undertaking that his ancestors had never forgotten even at their deathbeds – incorporating Eastern Qi’s coastal mainland into Southern Chu’s territory.

Within just one short month, Eastern Qi had already become history on the Chinese continent. The once prosperous dynasty that had covered itself in glory was now fallen overnight. Except for Prince Taiping Qi Yan, who was still struggling to hold on in the southeastern coastal regions, all the rest had died in the ancestral temple of the Lu family on Mount Luxian. Eastern Qi was also divided into seventeen prefectures and counties, all unified under the control of the Great Emperor of Southern Chu.

Unlike later eras when national and ethnic concepts were deeply rooted in people’s hearts, the hundreds of years of warfare had left common people with very little sense of belonging. In their eyes, who became emperor and whether the country was surnamed Qin or Chu didn’t matter much to them. What they cared about was what policies the new emperor would have to comfort the people after ascending the throne.

Thus, under the leadership of Grand Marshal Dongfang Li of Haishi, all the officials of Qi came out of the city to pay homage and present the national jade seal and documents. After this, Chu Li rightfully took over Eastern Qi’s territory of more than one million square kilometers with powerful military force, becoming the most powerful ruler among the three kingdoms.

The four-kingdom balance that had lasted for three hundred years was instantly shattered. In the southeast, winds and clouds changed color, and giant waves surged.

On the very day Chu Li received the letter, Qing Xia had already secretly infiltrated Haishi, the Eastern Qi imperial capital, under the custody of Qi’an’s subordinates. Compared to the free and prosperous commercial port atmosphere of Haishi, the imperial capital of Haishi appeared much more dignified and grand. Also because it was close to the coast, unlike Xichuan’s solemnity, Northern Qin’s majesty, and Southern Chu’s refinement, Eastern Qi’s architecture tended toward bold enthusiasm, with many foreign elements incorporated. Walking on the main streets, in front of some high-end shops, one could even see frosted glass of not-too-good transparency, which amazed Qing Xia and gave her a strange sense of familiarity. Unfortunately, she had no time to appreciate this unique scenery of Eastern Qi’s Haishi before being roughly dragged away to reside in a dwelling that looked unremarkable from the outside.

Here, Qing Xia unexpectedly met a man she should have been very familiar with but had never actually seen – Zhuang Qing Xia’s biological elder brother, Zhuang Qinglin.

Just one glance at his face, and Qing Xia guessed this man’s identity. She sat in the room, her hands and feet locked with long chains, leaning against the bedpost. Qi’an knew her abilities well, so the chains had no locks at all but were directly cast onto her wrists. No matter how she tried to manipulate them, they were very difficult to break free from.

When Zhuang Qinglin entered, it was already near dusk outside. He carried a large tray, his gaze slowly passing over Qing Xia’s indifferent eyes, wanting to speak but hesitating.

Qing Xia naturally took the food and began eating heartily. No matter what circumstances she was in, she would absolutely never mistreat herself by going on a hunger strike. Only by maintaining good physical strength could she possibly seize the opportunity in the best condition when the chance came and escape from her predicament. She firmly believed that no matter what kind of defense there was, there must be loopholes – she just hadn’t discovered them yet.

Zhuang Qinglin placed the items on the table and sat across from her. After thinking for a long while, he finally said in a low voice: “Xia’er, it’s been a long time since I’ve seen you. Are you well?”

“Didn’t your father tell you?” Qing Xia didn’t look up, eating while saying coldly: “I’m not your sister, nor am I the real Zhuang Qing Xia. So Qi’an shouldn’t expect to use some ridiculous family affection through you to influence me. I won’t obediently cooperate with you.”

Zhuang Qinglin was startled and slowly took a deep breath, saying: “Xia’er, I know we’ve wronged you, but now only you can help your elder brother.”

Qing Xia suddenly laughed lightly, slowly raising her head with a rather playful expression: “I’m really curious about what kind of position you’re taking. Zhuang Dianru is wholeheartedly devoted to sacrificing his life for righteousness, completing some grand unification kingly plan. You’re his son – there’s no reason for you to be dragging Chu Li’s feet at this time, right?”

“I won’t sacrifice my entire life for such ethereal ideals!” Zhuang Qinglin suddenly said angrily: “Father has been hiding things from me. I thought he truly favored Chu Li, which is why he disregarded the family and fled to Southern Chu. I never expected it was for such reasons. He also planned for me to reveal this matter to the Chu Emperor after his death and then assassinate him, making Chu Li lose heart toward this teacher who had shown him such great kindness. I’m not that stupid. But even if I don’t do it, people from the Great Way Mohist Society will do it, so I had no choice but to leave Southern Chu and defect to Eastern Qi. Xia’er, Chu Li has harmed you so terribly. Let’s go along with their plan and kill him. When Prince Qi ascends the throne in the future, we siblings will be greatly honored. What won’t we have? Just listen to your elder brother this once.”

Qing Xia looked coldly at this so-called elder brother, the corners of her mouth gradually curving into a mocking smile as she said in a clear, cold tone: “If Zhuang Dianru is a fanatical madman, then you are a complete scoundrel. When all is said and done, isn’t it still for your own glory, wealth, and bright future? Put away your fantasies. Even if Qi’an ascends the throne, he won’t trust a fickle, unprincipled scoundrel like you. You could follow Zhuang Dianru in betraying Eastern Qi once – couldn’t you betray them a second time? If you were Qi’an, would you be stupid enough to keep such a time bomb by your side, ready to bite you at any moment?”

Upon hearing this, Zhuang Qinglin’s eyes immediately filled with doubt, but in an instant he shook his head violently and said: “No, he already promised me, he said…”

“Don’t tell me any more of your nonsense!” Qing Xia said coldly: “If his words could be trusted, pigs could climb trees. Moreover, deceiving an idiot like you who has no brains requires absolutely no technical skill at all. Get out. I find the sight of you extremely nauseating. Don’t appear before me again. And don’t think that just because I’m locked up here I’m powerless to fight back. I could even kill Zhuang Dianru – what do you think you are compared to him?”

Qing Xia’s gaze was so cold and sharp, filled with chilling, keen edges. Zhuang Qinglin opened his mouth several times but couldn’t speak. Finally, he left sheepishly.

As soon as he left, Qing Xia slumped powerlessly against the headboard, her stomach churning. She almost vomited up everything she had just eaten. For several days now, she had forced herself not to think about the turmoil hidden behind this affair. If Chu Li was really being schemed against by Qi’an, how should she handle herself? The most urgent matter now was to escape from here immediately to prevent things from happening. Her gaze couldn’t help but scan around the room, searching for things that might help her. Her eyes landed on the candlestick on the writing desk, and a bold plan immediately arose in her mind. Weighing the heavy chains on her hands – since she couldn’t break free herself, she could only pin her hopes on the person who had locked her up.

That evening, a fire suddenly broke out in a civilian home in the southern district of Haishi. The fire wasn’t large and was brought under control promptly, so it didn’t alarm the authorities and aroused no suspicion whatsoever.

When Qi’an learned that the side building was on fire, he was preparing to sleep, wanting to rest well to deal with the important matter three days later. However, just then, his personal guard rushed in frantically, shouting loudly: “Crown Prince, the side building is on fire, and Miss Zhuang is still inside!”

Rushing out urgently, the fire had already grown quite large. People were still carrying water buckets to put out the fire. Qi’an flew into a rage, grabbing one person by the collar and shouting: “Go in! Quickly go in and save her!”

“Your, Your Highness, Miss Zhuang’s chain won’t open!”

Qi’an was furious. He drew his precious sword from his waist and handed it to him, shouting: “Cut it off!”

The guard rushed into the room. After several sharp, clear sounds, he ran out again with a mournful face, calling: “Your Highness, it won’t cut! The sword had already developed several notches and nearly broke.

“Fool!” Qi’an roared angrily, snatching the long blade from his subordinate’s hand. Carrying the blade, he charged in.

Inside the side building, everything was already red. Qing Xia had been made dizzy by the smoke and lay weakly on the ground, coughing loudly. When Qi’an saw her, he shouted and rushed forward, raising his blade to hack at the bedpost.

The pillar was quite thick – even after more than ten strikes, it hadn’t broken. Qi’an was furious. He straightened up and kicked with all his might. With a loud bang, the pillar completely broke. The long iron chain dragged on the ground. Qi’an ran forward, embracing Qing Xia and lifting her horizontally, saying in a deep voice: “Xia’er, don’t be afraid. I’ll rescue you.”

Qing Xia lay in his arms as soft as if boneless, weakly nodding her head.

However, the moment Qi’an’s front foot stepped out of the room door, a sharp bronze branch from a candlestick was pressed firmly against his throat.