coobybook Chapter 577 Han Xin and Ying Wuyou Meet
Chapter 577 Han Xin and Ying Wuyou Meet
"We've arrived." Lin Xi got out of the car first. "His Highness has arranged for Young Master Han to stay here. It's a quiet place, which will allow him to rest well."
Han Xin followed Lin Xi into the villa. The villa's design was ingenious, blending natural landscape with geometric patterns. The paths, paved with pebbles and cement, were both elegant and easy to navigate. Inside the guest rooms, bright glass windows replaced traditional paper windows, allowing ample natural light. The furniture was simple and practical, with details revealing a craftsmanship unlike anything seen in this era.
After bathing and changing clothes, he was dressed in a new style of deep robe prepared for him. The fabric was soft and crisp, and the dyeing was even, indicating that a new weaving and dyeing technique had been used.
Standing before the bright glass mirror, Han Xin gazed at his transformed self, feeling as if he had lived through another world. The sights and sounds of this short journey had a far greater impact than the sum of all the shocks he had experienced in the past twenty years. Cement roads, high-rise buildings, well-planned markets, magnificent academies, transparent glass… all of this silently testified to the extraordinary nature of Princess Jiayang and the dramatic changes taking place in this empire.
He was full of anticipation for the upcoming meeting.
Just as Han Xin was still lost in his thoughts, he heard light footsteps. Then, a servant dressed in a plain long robe with a handsome face appeared before him and gently placed a series of carefully prepared delicacies on the table.
Looking at the fragrant and tempting food before him, Han Xin felt a strong hunger pang rise in his stomach. Without hesitation, he stood up, walked quickly to the table, sat down, and eagerly picked up his chopsticks, launching a fierce attack on the steaming dishes.
His hands moved swiftly and skillfully, each bite ate quickly and efficiently.
This wasn't because Han Xin lost his composure; it was simply because he hadn't had a proper meal in a long time. Although Lin Xi had tried her best to take care of his daily needs during this long journey, resources were limited, and they often had to make do with what they had.
So at that moment, when Han Xin saw these sumptuous and delicious dishes, he couldn't help but devour them in no time.
However, since Han Xin was the only one dining at the moment, he didn't need to pay too much attention to etiquette and rules, and could enjoy the feast to his heart's content.
Han Xin ate until he was about 70-80% full, at which point he slowed down his eating pace and began to carefully savor the unique flavor of each dish.
Not long after the meal, Lin Xi reappeared, her face beaming with excitement: "Young Master Han, His Highness is currently free and wishes to see you at the Princess's residence. Please follow me."
We're finally going to meet! Han Xin took a deep breath, calmed his slightly agitated emotions, straightened his clothes, and said in a deep voice, "I'll trouble you to lead the way, sir."
They followed Lin Xi to the princess's residence. The security here was noticeably tighter, and an invisible pressure permeated the air.
Inside the hall, it was warm as spring. A figure stood with her back to them in front of a huge map. She was dressed in simple black casual clothes, her long hair was not tied up, but loosely held in place by a jade hairpin. Although her face was not seen, one could already feel an air of elegance that was different from that of ordinary young ladies.
Hearing footsteps, she slowly turned around.
Han Xin finally met the renowned Princess Jiayang—Ying Wuyou. She did indeed appear young, with a beautiful face, but her eyes were like deep pools, clear and profound, as if they could see into people's hearts and understand the ways of the world. Her gaze fell upon Han Xin, without scrutiny or arrogance, only a peaceful and focused inquiry.
"Your Highness, Han Xin has arrived." Lin Xi bowed.
Han Xin stepped forward and bowed deeply, following the simple etiquette Lin Xi had taught him on the way: "This humble subject, Han Xin, pays his respects to Princess Jiayang." His posture was respectful, but his back was straight, maintaining his integrity.
“Young Master Han, there’s no need for such formalities.” Ying Wuyou’s voice was clear and melodious, carrying a reassuring strength. “You must be tired from your journey. Minister Lin praised you highly in her letter.” She raised her hand in a gesture of support, her gaze never leaving Han Xin.
"Mr. Lin, you flatter me. I am unworthy of such praise." Han Xin straightened up and responded with neither arrogance nor servility. Facing this legendary princess up close, he felt a strange sense of encountering a "kindred spirit"—he could sense that this princess, like him, possessed a vision and mindset far beyond that of ordinary people.
Ying Wuyou smiled slightly, "Whether it's an overstatement or not, we'll find out soon enough. Please have a seat, young master." She sat down in the main seat and gestured for Han Xin and Lin Xi to sit down as well.
A maidservant quietly served hot tea.
"I've heard that you, my lord, are skilled in military strategy and have unique insights into the state of the world," Ying Wuyou said, getting straight to the point without any pleasantries. "Now, our Great Qin has destroyed Chu, and Qi and Wei are barely surviving. The unification of the world is imminent. However, conquering the world is easy, governing it is difficult, and maintaining it is even more difficult. To the north, we are surrounded by the Xiongnu, and to the south, the Baiyue are not yet pacified. There are still remnants of the six former states harboring rebellious intentions. In your opinion, my lord, how should Great Qin resolve these internal and external troubles and establish an unshakeable foundation for its lasting prosperity?"
This question is more ambitious than the one Lin Xi asked on the road, and it points more directly to the core strategy of the empire's future.
Han Xin's mind raced; he knew this was a pivotal moment that would determine his future. He hesitated for a moment, organizing his thoughts, then raised his head, meeting Ying Wuyou's gaze calmly. His voice was clear and steady, filled with absolute confidence:
"Your Highness is wise. I believe that governing a country is like waging war, and the most important things are 'momentum' and 'principle'."
"Oh?" A hint of interest flashed in Ying Wuyou's eyes. "What is power? What is the Way? Please explain in detail, young master."
"Power is the cohesion of national strength, the will of the people, and the manifestation of military might. The Way is the strategy for governing the country, the philosophy for managing the people, and the long-term plan." Han Xin spoke eloquently, "Your Highness's implementation of new policies, the revision of laws, the promotion of the imperial examination system, the establishment of schools, and the promotion of fine salt are all measures to 'build power.' Relaxing harsh laws and punishments will make the people fear power but not resent it; opening up a path for the poor to rise in society will win the hearts of scholars across the land; filling the national treasury will strengthen the military and promote water conservancy. This is the internal power."
He paused, then continued, his tone becoming increasingly resolute: "However, accumulating power must be combined with guiding it. Once the internal power is strong, there must be a way to release it; otherwise, if it stagnates internally, it will cause harm. This way of releasing power is the guidance of the 'Tao'."
"Young Master, what do you think is the best way to guide this situation?" Ying Wuyou leaned forward slightly, listening intently.
"Outward!" Han Xin declared resolutely, with an unquestionable determination. "We will redirect any potential internal conflicts and forces towards external expansion. Driving the Xiongnu north is not merely about eliminating border threats, but also a wise strategy to unite the forces of the various Xia states and divert attention. Pacifying the Baiyue in the south, expanding our territory, will bring us the benefits of grain and provisions, resettle displaced people, and enhance the prestige of the Qin state. This is the way to 'stop war with war' and 'pacify the internal through external means'."