I traveled back to the Qin Dynasty, and the First Emperor begged me to become his empress.

Chapter 286 Visiting Cao Can

Upon hearing this, the servant frowned slightly, racking his brains for the name. It sounded vaguely familiar, but he couldn't quite place where he had heard it before. However, since the other party claimed to be visiting his young master, he dared not be negligent and quickly nodded in response, "Oh, please wait a moment." With that, he turned and ran towards the depths of the courtyard.

The servant trotted along and soon arrived at Cao Can's study. He stopped to catch his breath, composed himself, and then gently knocked on the door. A deep, gentle voice responded from inside: "Come in." With permission, the servant carefully pushed open the door and quickly entered the study.

At that moment, Cao Can was sitting upright at his desk, engrossed in reading a book. Seeing the servant rush in, he looked up, a puzzled expression on his face, and asked, "What's the matter that you're in such a hurry?"

The servant took a deep breath to calm his rapid breathing, and then said, "Young master, there is a woman outside the door who calls herself Ying Wuyou and says she wants to pay her respects to you."

Upon hearing the name, Cao Can's heart skipped a beat, and he nearly dropped the scroll in his hand. He quickly stood up, a hint of surprise and anticipation flashing in his eyes, and muttered to himself, "So it's her!" Then, without hesitation, he strode forward, moving like the wind towards the gate.

As the heavy door slowly opened again, Cao Can and Ying Wuyou's eyes met instantly. Cao Can bowed slightly, performing a standard curtsy to Ying Wuyou, and said softly, "This humble subject Cao Can greets Your Highness Princess Jiayang."

At that moment, the servant who had been standing quietly to the side suddenly felt a jolt in his heart, realizing with a start that the elegant woman before him was none other than the legendary Princess Jiayang! No wonder her name sounded somewhat familiar before. Realizing this, the servant dared not be negligent in the slightest and quickly followed Cao Can's example, bowing and greeting Ying Wuyou.

Ying Wuyou smiled and gently raised his hand, saying, "Please rise, sir. There were so many trivial matters in the palace before the New Year that I really couldn't find the time to visit you. I hope you won't mind. I wonder if you had a pleasant New Year?"

Cao Can straightened up and replied expressionlessly, "Your Highness, Xianyang City is brightly decorated and filled with joyous celebrations. It's a very lively and festive occasion. This year's New Year celebrations are quite interesting. Your Highness, please come inside." As he spoke, he stepped aside to make way for Ying Wuyou to enter first.

Ying Wuyou moved gracefully, turning to Cao Can as she walked inside, saying, "It was my rudeness that I failed to pay my respects to you earlier. To express my apology, I have specially selected a fine steed to present to you. I hope you will not refuse." As she spoke, a servant behind her led the brightly colored, majestic steed to the door.

Upon hearing Ying Wuyou's words, Cao Can quickly turned his gaze to the horse behind Ying Wuyou. The horse was tall and imposing, its coat as glossy as silk, shimmering with a captivating sheen. With just that one glance, Cao Can's eyes lit up instantly, and he inwardly exclaimed: This horse is certainly no ordinary steed!

Cao Shen's gaze was fixed on the magnificent horse. He couldn't help but take a step forward and gently stroke its soft, smooth coat. Just then, the horse seemed to sense Cao Shen's affection, rearing up and neighing loudly, its clear, resonant sound echoing through the air. Cao Shen exclaimed in admiration, "Truly a peerless steed!"

Seeing this, Ying Wuyou smiled slightly and said softly, "If you like it, that would be wonderful."

Having obtained such a coveted horse, Cao Can's slight resentment at Ying Wuyou for not summoning him for so long instantly vanished. With a broad smile, he bowed to Ying Wuyou and said, "Thank you, Princess, for bestowing such a fine steed."

Ying Wuyou waved his hand gracefully and replied, "A fine horse deserves a hero. When I first saw this horse, I felt that it was a perfect match for you, sir. I expect you will love it very much."

Upon hearing this, Cao Shen nodded with delight and replied, "I am indeed very fond of this horse."

Despite his deep reluctance, Cao Can summoned a servant and instructed him to lead the horse away and settle it properly. Once everything was settled, he turned around, smiling, and led Ying Wuyou into the courtyard. Passing through the courtyard path, the two finally arrived at an elegantly decorated reception room.

Upon entering the room, Cao Shen first invited Ying Wuyou to take a seat, then sat down himself in the main seat. After a brief pause, Cao Shen asked, "The princess summoned me here earlier. I wonder what specific arrangements the princess has for me in the future?" He then looked at Ying Wuyou expectantly, awaiting her reply.

Ying Wuyou looked at Cao Can with a smile and said slowly, "I've heard that you are very interested in military affairs?"

Cao Can nodded slightly and replied, "That is indeed the case, but I am unwilling to start as a lowly soldier and rise through the ranks by killing enemies and beheading them."

Ying Wuyou nodded in understanding, indicating his agreement, and then said, "Yes, I understand such thoughts. You must also know the current situation. Our Great Qin has ceased hostilities with Chu, Qi and Wei, and the focus has now shifted to the development of the economic zone. Under such circumstances, it will not be easy for you to stand out and gain a foothold in the army."

Cao Can nodded slightly in agreement. In fact, he had already considered the current situation before coming to Xianyang. While Qin appeared powerful and invincible on the surface, it was actually surrounded by enemies on all sides. However, Princess Jiayang had come up with the brilliant idea of ​​establishing economic zones, causing several states to temporarily cease hostilities. At first glance, it seemed that Qin had made concessions, failing to seize the opportunity to unify the six states in one fell swoop. However, after deeper reflection, Cao Can actually thought Princess Jiayang's plan was extremely ingenious.

Firstly, due to years of continuous warfare, the people of Qin had long suffered greatly and were filled with resentment. Choosing a truce and period of rest would allow them a respite, thus alleviating internal conflicts and stabilizing public sentiment. Secondly, a thriving economy would inevitably lead to increased national strength. This economic zone was initiated by Qin, and it wasn't a collaboration with just one state, but rather a joint effort with Chu, Qi, and Wei. Nevertheless, in the long run, the economic zone was undoubtedly the most advantageous for Qin. Given time, after several years of significantly increased national strength, unifying the six states would likely be much easier.