Conspiracies on both sides

The Grand Hall of Xianyang Palace

 The assembled ministers bent low, their movements synchronized as they saluted, watching Ying Zheng's figure recede down the central aisle.

 As Ying Zheng disappeared into the inner chambers, the oppressive atmosphere in the hall visibly lightened. Freed from the weight of royal presence, the ministers exchanged hushed conversations, gradually dispersing in small groups.

 Lü Buwei strolled out of the hall, his steps unhurried. His sharp eyes scanned the courtyard and fell upon a cluster of military officers gathered around Wang Jian, deep in conversation. A faint smile tugged at his lips as he sauntered toward them.

 Drawing closer, the officers immediately ceased their murmurs, their gazes turning sharp and wary. The hostility in their eyes were palpable, like drawn blades aimed at Lü Buwei. He remained unfazed, shaking his head lightly as he addressed the silent Wang Jian with an air of casualness.

 "General Wang, indeed a raw gem has surfaced. Yet how it's carved depends entirely on the craftsman's skill!"

 Before the others could respond, Lü Buwei burst into hearty laughter and strode away, not sparing a glance at the murderous glares aimed at his retreating figure.

 The Bustling Streets of Xianyang

 Sunlight bathed the bustling streets of Xianyang, where a large four-wheeled carriage rolled forward at a steady pace, the rhythmic creaking of its wheels blending with the clamor of the crowd.

 Inside the carriage, a young man with a simple, earnest face let the curtain fall back over the window. Turning toward the older man seated across from him, he gazed curiously at his father, who had been resting with his eyes closed.

 "Father, you seemed displeased during court today. Did someone offend you?"

 The older man opened his eyes, their depths calm and unfathomable. This was Wang Jian, the renowned general who had just returned from court.

Wang Jian regarded his son—the one he held in the highest regard—with a faint sighs. "Ben'er, today during court, the topic of Qin Yi from Fan City was raised. I had intended to recommend him, hoping to promote a promising new talent…"

 He paused, his expression darkening slightly. "But Lü Buwei meddled, as always. It seems I am no match for his schemes."

 The younger Wang Ben frowned, his indignation flaring. "Father, Lü Buwei again! You command tens of thousands of Qin's elite soldiers. Why not march against him and rid us of his treachery once and for all?"

 Wang Jian's face hardened, his piercing gaze silencing his son instantly. "Reckless! Never speak such folly again!"

 Chastened, Wang Ben lowered his head, his rebellious energy momentarily subdued.

 The carriage fell into a heavy silence, the air taut with unspoken thoughts.

 After a long pauses, Wang Jian's gaze drifted to the window. His voice, though low, carried a weight of concern. "I wonder about this Qin Yi… What kind of man, is he? Will he pledge his loyalty to Lü Buwei's camp?"

 "Qin Yi… Qin Yi…"

 The name etched itself into Wang Ben's mind, an ember quietly kindling.

 Late Night at Prime Minister's Mansion

 The flickering candlelight painted shadows on the walls of the study as Lü Buwei stood with his hands clasped behind his back. His face was a storm of fury. With a sudden movement, he hurled a teacup toward the kneeling black-clad man before him.

 "Useless! The lot of you!" Lü Buwei's voice, low and venomous, seethed with barely restrained anger. "So many of you, chasing down an injured man—and yet you let him kill you off one by one! What am I even feed you for?"

 The man on the ground did not dare to lift his head, sweat beading on his brow as he endured Prime Minister's wrath.

 After a tense silences, Lü Buwei's rage cooled slightly. The black-clad man ventured to speak again, his voice cautious. "Prime Minister, we traced Xuan Jian to Fan City. Juesha led a team to corner him but was completely annihilated. Upon examination, we found that the victims had been killed by two distinct weapons—Xuan Jian's sword, and Qin military blades."

 The implications of this revelation hung heavily in the air. Lü Buwei narrowed his eyes, his mind rapidly turning over the possibilities. "Fan City, you say? It seems that place hides more secrets than I anticipated…"

 A shadowy young man standing nearby broke the silence. "Prime Minister, allow me to lead another investigation. But there's something else I don't understand—why did you suppress Qin Yi in court today, only to promote him later?"

 A cold smile touched Lü Buwei's lips. "At first, I intended to prevent Wang Jian's faction from growing stronger. But Cao Ning's words opened my eyes. Qin Yi is a newcomer, unaffiliated with any faction. If I can recruit him, he could become my bridge into the military—a chess piece under my command. If he rises through the ranks, I might even control an army of my own."

 The thought sent a glint of triumph through Lü Buwei's eyes. He laughed, his earlier frustration dissipating. Compared to the loss of Xuan Jian's sword, securing a foothold in the Qin military was far more significant.

 He turned to the two figures before him—a stern, brooding young man and a tall, graceful woman whose entire bearing exuded sharpness.

 The woman's slim figure was wrapped in a violet-and-white battle suit adorned with metallic accents, her legs and right arm shielded by mesh-like armor. At her waist hung a sword, its craftsmanship exquisite. Though her face was veiled, her luminous eyes and elegant curves hinted at stunning beauty.

 Lü Buwei's voice was calm but commanding. "Between the two of you, who should take charge of this mission?"

 Both bowed their heads in thought.

 The woman broke the silence, her voice clear and resolute. "Prime Minister, allow me to take on this task personally."

 The young man stiffened, his face tightening in protest. "Prime Minister, the Lady Swordmaster of Jingniu is essential to managing the affairs of the Web. She cannot leave her post lightly!"

 Annoyance flickered in the woman's eyes. She knew the man's true intentions—he simply wanted to keep her confined within the Web, hoping for a chance to court her. But she had no interest in him. Instead, her thoughts lingered on Qin Yi, a figure who piqued her curiosity.

 "This mission is critical," she continued, her tone brooking no opposition. "I will ensure its success."

 Lü Buwei studied her for a moment before nodding slowly.

 Bowing low, the woman hid a faint smile. It had been far too long since she left the Web—this mission was not only a chance to uncover secrets but also an opportunity to breathe free air once more.