"Master!"
"What exactly has happened?"
"Why are we returning to the capital at such speed?"
Han Chenyan asked in confusion.
"The Yan State's emissary might be plotting an assassination." Zhao Feng spoke in a deep voice as he urged his horse forward.
"That's impossible!"
"Would the Yan State dare to attempt an assassination inside our Qin royal palace? That would be a death sentence!" Han Chenyan was utterly shocked, unable to believe such a possibility.
Not only him perhaps no one in the entire court would even consider it.
After all, using diplomatic missions as cover for assassination was both a grave offense and highly improbable.
Firstly, it was a great violation of diplomatic protocol. Secondly, the chances of success were nearly nonexistent.
It was almost impossible to get close to the King of Qin.
"You can't believe it."
"Neither can anyone else."
"Even His Majesty would not consider it possible."
"That is precisely why the likelihood of an assassination is so high." Zhao Feng's expression grew more serious as he continued riding at full speed.
If history followed its original course
During Jing Ke's assassination attempt, the King of Qin was in a dire situation, forced to dodge and run around a pillar before narrowly escaping death.
Under normal circumstances, the King of Qin would survive this assassination attempt unscathed. On the contrary, it would give him a justifiable reason to launch an attack on the Yan State.
As a result
Qi and Chu would have no grounds to aid Yan.
Since the Yan State had sent an assassin to kill the King of Qin, the King's wrath and subsequent military campaign would be entirely justified.
"Why is the Master so certain that the Yan State will attempt an assassination?"
"From any perspective, the Yan State wouldn't dare."
"After all, if they fail, it would mean the destruction of their entire nation." Han Chenyan still couldn't comprehend it.
"Because the Yan State has a self-righteous crown prince." Zhao Feng sneered.
Then, he snapped the reins. "Hyah!"
The five hundred elite guards followed closely behind.
A massive cloud of dust billowed up as the cavalry thundered down the official road, charging like they were heading into battle.
The Qin Capital Xianyang
The Yan State's diplomatic convoy, consisting of over a dozen carriages, moved slowly through the city.
Leading the way were the Qin State's imperial guards.
Many commoners stopped to watch, their faces filled with pride.
"The Great Qin is truly a mighty nation now!"
"The Yan State sending an envoy is a clear sign that they fear our power!"
"Indeed!"
"The might of Qin will soon unify the world!"
"No country can stop our Qin army now!"
"Heaven blesses Great Qin!"
The people of Qin were filled with national pride.
"The hearts of Qin's people are truly terrifying,"
"The Crown Prince's concerns were justified,"
Yan's chief emissary, Qin Wuyang, sighed deeply.
Though he sat inside the carriage, he could hear the resounding voices of the people outside.
"This mission is certain death."
"Qin envoy, are you prepared?"
Jing Ke looked at Qin Wuyang with a solemn expression.
"I am willing to die for the Yan State." Qin Wuyang responded quietly, his eyes firm with resolve.
"For the millions of people in Yan," Jing Ke murmured.
At this moment
Jing Ke recalled the farewell at the Yishui River. The Crown Prince of Yan had personally seen him off, and even the famed musician Gao Jianli had played a solemn melody for him.
"Your Highness, I will not let you down."
Jing Ke silently steeled himself.
This was their only chance.
If they failed
Not only would they die, but the Yan State would also face destruction.
The Yan diplomatic convoy slowly made its way toward the Qin palace.
Passing through checkpoint after checkpoint, the procession moved deeper into the royal grounds.
Qin Palace Grand Council Hall
The civil and military officials were assembled in two neat rows.
The scene was no different from a routine court session.
"Your Majesty,"
"The soldier recommended by General Zhao Feng, Yan Bing, has indeed proven to be capable."
"Under his governance, Wei territory is now well-organized, and all affairs have been handled properly."
Feng Quji, one of the Nine Ministers, stepped forward and reported to King Ying Zheng.
As a veteran noble, Feng Quji had always remained neutral and did not take sides in political struggles.
Yet, for him to give such praise showed just how well Yan Bing had managed Wei's territory.
"It seems Zhao Feng has good judgment in selecting men,"
Ying Zheng nodded approvingly.
First, he was pleased with Zhao Feng's keen eye for talent.
Second, he was glad to see Zhao Feng beginning to establish his loyal faction.
"Your Majesty,"
"The Wei territory is still recovering from the war."
"The previous Wei rulers had heavily taxed the land, and forced many people into military service."
"Now, Wei's able-bodied men have been severely reduced."
"I humbly request that Your Majesty reduce taxes in Wei for the next one or two years."
Han Fei stepped forward and made his plea in a firm voice.
"This matter..."
"I will consider it."
"The population registry of Wei has it been compiled yet?"
Ying Zheng asked.
"Your Majesty,"
"Before the war, Wei had a population of 13 million."
"After the war due to deaths, conscription, and migration less than 12 million remain, with nearly a million either perishing or fleeing into Qin territory."
"Many were forcibly drafted or escaped to other states."
Han Fei reported.
"Your Majesty,"
"There is another urgent matter regarding Wei that requires attention."
"After Wei's defeat"
"We have taken over 400,000 surrendered Wei soldiers, including militia forces."
"We need to determine their fate."
"Keeping them prisoner costs Qin a tremendous amount of money and resources daily."
"Please make a decision, Your Majesty."
Wei Liao also stepped forward and respectfully addressed the king.
"I am aware of these surrendered soldiers,"
"Some were captured in the western front of Wei, about 100,000 men. After the fall of Daliang City and Wuan Camp, we took in another 300,000."
Ying Zheng spoke with a deep voice.
However
Deciding how to handle these captives was a difficult matter.
Previously, Ying Zheng had already issued an order to restructure the army.
Aged and wounded soldiers were all discharged and sent home, while the remaining captured soldiers and criminal conscripts were reorganized into the army.
However, the impact of this reorganization was minimal there were still far too many captured soldiers.
"Your Majesty,"
"The criminal conscripts should not be reorganized into the army. I propose that we follow Qin's original method of handling captured soldiers demote them to slavery and send them to labor camps in the northern frontier and the Shu region." Wang Wan stepped forward and spoke loudly.
"I second this proposal,"
"If such a large labor force is utilized properly, our Great Qin can strengthen its national power while reducing expenditure and losses," Wei Zhuang immediately echoed.
"We agree!"
Many court officials followed suit, voicing their support.
Captured soldiers had always been treated as slaves, and since they were strong and able-bodied, in addition to being sent to the northern frontier, a large number of them would also be sold in private markets for profit.
Within the imperial court, the old aristocracy had always favored the slave trade.
After all, the profits were too lucrative to ignore.
This was why, when Zhao Feng first proposed the concept of a "criminal conscript army," the court erupted in opposition because it directly threatened their interests.
But in the end, Ying Zheng made the final decision and implemented Zhao Feng's proposal.
This forced many powerful nobles who had profited from the slave trade to abandon their lucrative dealings.
Now that another opportunity had arisen, they were naturally unwilling to let it slip away.
A Crucial Decision
"Minister Wei,"
"How do you view the handling of these captured soldiers?" Ying Zheng turned his gaze toward Wei Liao.
"Your Majesty,"
"General Zhao Feng has experience in handling captured soldiers,"
"I believe we should wait for the general's return before making a final decision on this matter." Wei Liao replied calmly and respectfully.
Hearing this,
Wang Wan immediately stepped forward. "Your Majesty, this matter is easily resolved. We should follow Qin's existing method this would both strengthen the state and reduce financial strain. No matter how one looks at it, this is the best course of action. I urge Your Majesty to decide immediately."
"We urge Your Majesty to make a decision!"
A chorus of ministers stepped forward in support.
Wang Wan feared Zhao Feng afraid that once he returned, he might introduce another new method, causing the slave trade to collapse once again.
"This matter…"
"Will be decided after Zhao Feng returns," Ying Zheng said slowly.
"Your Majesty, this" Wang Wan's face darkened.
At this moment,
"Your Majesty,"
"The envoy from the Yan Kingdom is waiting in the side hall. Would Your Majesty like to grant an audience?"
Meng Yi stepped forward and inquired respectfully.
"Since Yan has sent an envoy, it would be improper for me to refuse an audience,"
"Summon them," Ying Zheng waved his hand.
Concerns Over the Yan Kingdom
Regarding Yan, Ying Zheng was feeling a bit troubled.
On the surface,
Yan showed no hostility toward Qin. They outwardly demonstrated allegiance and goodwill toward Qin.
Because of this, Ying Zheng had no legitimate reason to wage war against them.
If Qin were to attack Yan without justification, Qi and Chu would not stand idly by.
They would undoubtedly send reinforcements to aid Yan.
In the past, when Qin attacked Han,
It was under the pretext of "border conflicts" and Han's "alliance with Zhao against Qin." These provided sufficient reasons to launch a swift and decisive attack before other states could react, resulting in Han's rapid downfall.
Later, when Qin moved against Zhao,
It was in response to Yan's "plea for assistance," which gave Qin the moral high ground.
Thus, the conquest was unchallenged.
As for the conquest of Wei,
There was even less to debate it was Wei who had first waged war against Qin. Qin's counterattack was entirely justified.
But now,
With only three states remaining,
If Qin attacked Yan without a valid justification, the other two states would not sit idly by.
The Yan Envoy's Audience
"His Majesty has decreed!"
"Summon the Yan envoys to the hall!"
Zhao Gao's sharp voice echoed through the grand court, reaching the outer halls.
Inside the side chamber,
"His Majesty has summoned you. The two envoys may enter the hall to present themselves," a Qin palace guard announced to the two envoys Qin Wuyang and Jing Ke.
At this moment,
Qin Wuyang's face was visibly pale with nervousness.
Jing Ke, on the other hand, remained utterly composed.
"Let's go,"
"We must not delay our audience with the Qin King." Jing Ke spoke solemnly.
"Understood." Qin Wuyang took a deep breath to calm himself. Holding the state letter, he stepped toward the grand hall.
Behind him, Jing Ke followed closely, carefully carrying a wooden box.
The two envoys from Yan proceeded with tense steps toward Qin's grand court.
"The envoys of Yan have arrived!"
Zhao Gao's piercing voice rang out.
Leading the way, Qin Wuyang entered first.
Jing Ke followed closely behind, walking steadily toward the great hall.
A Race Against Time Zhao Feng Returns!
At the same time, within Xianyang city…
"The Supreme General has returned to the capital with urgent business make way!"
Han Chenyan roared at the top of his lungs as he led the charge.
The guards stationed at the city gates hesitated for a brief moment when they saw Han Chenyan.
But when they spotted Zhao Feng behind him,
They didn't dare to delay.
"Move aside!"
"Quickly, clear the way!"
The captain of the city guards shouted an order.
The soldiers swiftly removed the barriers and opened the path.
Han Chenyan led the way.
Zhao Feng followed closely behind.
Behind them, five hundred elite soldiers surged forward like a tidal wave, charging toward the inner city.
This scene left the palace guards in shock.
"What's going on? Why is Supreme General Zhao Feng in such a hurry?"
"I don't know."
"For him to be in such a rush, it must be an urgent military matter. Could another state have invaded Great Qin?"
"Impossible."
"Our Great Qin is so powerful who would dare oppose us?"
"This is none of our concern. We have His Majesty and the supreme generals guarding the state."
The palace guards remained unconcerned.
Meanwhile, the citizens of the capital were also taken aback upon seeing Zhao Feng and his guards charging through the streets.
Discussions erupted among the people, all confused and curious.
Racing Against Time
Without any obstacles in his way, Zhao Feng sped straight to the gates of the royal palace.
"Halt!"
At the palace entrance, the guards immediately stepped forward to block his way.
"It's me," Zhao Feng stated firmly.
"Greetings, Supreme General!"
Recognizing him, the palace guards quickly bowed in respect.
"Have the Yan envoys entered the palace yet?" Zhao Feng asked sternly.
"They entered some time ago. They should be in the audience hall by now," the captain of the guards replied respectfully.
"There's no time!"
"Wait outside."
"Open the gates and let me through!"
"Quickly!" Zhao Feng barked, his face serious.
Seeing Zhao Feng's urgency, the guards dared not hesitate.
They immediately opened the palace gates.
His guards remained outside, unable to enter.
The moment the gates opened
"Hyah!"
Zhao Feng whipped his horse, and the warhorse bolted forward like an arrow, charging into the palace at full speed.
A Dire Warning
Watching him disappear into the palace, the captain of the guards turned to Han Chenyan, puzzled.
"If I may ask, what's wrong with the Yan envoys?"
"I've never seen the Supreme General so anxious before."
Han Chenyan's expression was grim.
"The Supreme General suspects that the Yan envoys intend to assassinate His Majesty."
At these words,
The surrounding palace guards' faces changed dramatically.
"What?!"
"An assassination attempt?"
"That's absurd!"
"How dare they attempt to assassinate His Majesty?"
"Are they not afraid that Great Qin will wipe Yan off the map?"
"That can't be true!"
The guards were both stunned and skeptical.
"The Supreme General would never be mistaken," Han Chenyan said gravely.
"We've ridden nonstop for five days and five nights from Shacheng to get here."
"If this was a false alarm, would the Supreme General be in such a rush?"
"Then what should we do?"
"The Yan envoys have been inside for quite some time."
"If they intend to assassinate His Majesty, wouldn't it be too late?"
"That's impossible."
"The palace is heavily guarded. They wouldn't have been able to bring weapons inside, and the imperial guards were stationed outside the hall. An assassin wouldn't stand a chance."
The guards tried to reassure themselves.
Inside the Royal Hall
In the grand audience hall,
Qin Wuyang held the state letter and spoke loudly:
"I, Qin Wuyang, on behalf of His Majesty the King of Yan, have come to present a tribute to Your Majesty."
"Here is the official state document listing the tribute gifts."
He respectfully offered the document.
"Skip the formalities and read out the tribute list directly," Ying Zheng waved his hand, his expression calm.
Compared to Yan's so-called tribute, what Ying Zheng truly wanted was the entire Yan kingdom.
Qin Wuyang took a deep breath and began:
"Yan's tribute to Great Qin includes:"
Ten thousand gold pieces
One hundred thousand coins
One hundred thousand bolts of fine cloth
A thousand jade artifacts
And what His Majesty desires most is the topographical map of the Dukang region."
"This map is presented as a token of Yan's utmost respect and loyalty to Great Qin."
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