The next day.
Imperial Court Hall.
"We pay our respects to Your Majesty!"
"We pay our respects to the Crown Prince!"
The court officials performed their ceremonial bows before taking their respective positions.
"Your Majesty, Crown Prince," an official stepped forward and reported, "The envoys from Tu'an and Goguryeo are waiting in the side hall for an audience. Shall we summon them?"
Qin Chancellor Han Fei stepped forward and bowed as he spoke.
"Summon them," Ying Zheng commanded with a wave of his hand.
"By the Emperor's decree summon the envoys of Tu'an and Goguryeo for an audience!"
A loud proclamation echoed through the hall.
Moments later, the envoys of the two nations, feeling a mix of anxiety and apprehension, entered the grand Imperial Court Hall of Great Qin.
When it came to the mighty Qin Empire, these two neighboring nations could not help but tremble in fear.
Of the two, Tu'an was especially terrified.
Goguryeo, on the other hand, was not directly adjacent to Qin, as Tu'an lay between them. However, the Qin Empire and Goguryeo were separated only by the sea.
"Envoy of Tu'an, Jin Zhu."
"Envoy of Goguryeo, Li Shang."
"We pay our respects to the First Emperor of Qin!"
"We pay our respects to the Crown Prince of Qin!"
Upon entering the hall, the two envoys immediately dropped to their knees in submission, bowing humbly and reverently.
Before the overwhelming might of the Qin Empire the force that had swept across the lands of Shenzhou (China) they had no dignity left to uphold.
In this era, there were no international treaties, nor was there any concept of peaceful diplomacy.
The law of the land was simple the strong devour the weak.
"What business do you two nations have with me?" Ying Zheng asked, his tone calm and composed.
"Your Majesty," Tu'an's envoy Jin Zhu quickly responded, "We, Tu'an, have come to pledge our allegiance and offer tribute as a vassal state."
"As a token of our sincerity, we present our tribute: fifty thousand taels of gold, ten thousand units of copper and iron, five thousand slaves, a thousand pearls of snow ginseng, jade artifacts…"
"We, Goguryeo, have also come to offer tribute," Li Shang, the envoy of Goguryeo, followed.
"As per our king's wishes, we offer forty thousand taels of gold, one thousand beautiful women, five hundred stalks of snow ginseng…"
For the Qin Empire, these tributes were of little significance. However, for these two small nations, this was already a display of their utmost sincerity.
"You two nations have shown your loyalty," Ying Zheng said slowly.
"I will accept these tributes."
Upon hearing this, the envoys' faces lit up with joy and relief.
For them, this was the best possible outcome.
As long as they established a vassal relationship with Qin, they would not have to fear an invasion.
Moreover, with Qin as their protector, they would no longer have to cower before the threat of the Eastern Hu.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
"Tu'an is willing to pledge eternal allegiance to Great Qin!"
"As a symbol of our unwavering loyalty, our king wishes to offer the Tu'an princess to Qin, to be wed to the Crown Prince!"
"Princess Yushu of Tu'an is a woman of unparalleled beauty, a true celestial maiden. She has just turned sixteen this year. We believe the Crown Prince of Qin will be most pleased with her."
"May I ask if Your Majesty would accept this proposal?" Jin Zhu seized the opportunity and proposed boldly.
Hearing this, the envoy of Goguryeo's expression darkened.
However, he had no such leverage to offer.
"Feng'er," Ying Zheng turned to his son, Zhao Feng, with a smile.
"Would you be willing to take the Tu'an princess as a concubine?"
"I will follow Father's decree," Zhao Feng replied indifferently.
To him, an exotic woman from a foreign land was nothing more than a plaything.
Such a matter couldn't stir any emotions in him.
"In that case," Ying Zheng declared, "I accept this proposal on behalf of the Crown Prince."
"Upon your return, arrange for the princess to be escorted to Great Qin on an auspicious date."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Jin Zhu exclaimed with excitement, bowing deeply.
To him, and likely to the King of Tu'an, securing this marriage was akin to obtaining a protective talisman.
With a royal marriage binding them to Qin, they believed Qin would never turn its forces against Tu'an.
But in reality…
They were thinking too much.
Throughout history, the weak never had true diplomacy.
The only reason Qin had yet to act against them was that it was currently focused on stabilizing the newly unified Shenzhou and consolidating its rule over all of China.
Zhao Feng, too, was biding his time accumulating fortune and destiny to establish a divine imperial dynasty.
Once the empire was fully unified…
Qin would inevitably turn its gaze outward.
At that time, whether it was Tu'an, Goguryeo, or even the Eastern Hu and Xiongnu beyond the northern borders…
They would all fall into Qin's grasp.
"If there is nothing else," Ying Zheng said, waving his hand, "you may take your leave."
"Your Majesty!"
"Will there be no formal treaty?"
Jin Zhu panicked and quickly asked.
His mission here was not just about offering tribute his true objective was to secure a formal treaty with Qin.
Becoming a vassal state of Qin, even in name, would grant Tu'an a layer of security.
"What treaty do you seek?"
"A tribute treaty?"
Ying Zheng raised an eyebrow.
"Tu'an is willing to become an official vassal state of Great Qin," Jin Zhu declared.
"We pledge to offer tribute every year!"
"If you wish to become a vassal state of Great Qin…"
"That is not something that can be settled with just these offerings," Ying Zheng said meaningfully, his gaze sweeping over Jin Zhu.
Hearing this, Jin Zhu's expression changed.
He gritted his teeth and asked, "How much tribute does Your Majesty require? Tu'an will do everything in its power to meet the demand!"
"This matter…"
"Once the court adjourns, I will have the Prime Minister of Qin personally negotiate with you."
"Whether Tu'an can become a vassal of Great Qin"
"will depend on your sincerity."
With that, Ying Zheng waved his hand.
At once, the high-ranking general Ren Xiao entered the hall with several imperial guards.
"Please," Ren Xiao gestured toward the exit.
"We take our leave!"
Jinzhu and Li Shang could only withdraw unwillingly.
It seemed that they had not expected Ying Zheng's appetite to be this large. The tribute they presented this time had already cost them more than half of their national treasury. If they were forced to give more, their national strength would inevitably suffer a significant decline.
After all
Whether in Ying Zheng's eyes or Zhao Feng's
Tributes were never what they truly desired. What they wanted was to take everything from them.
That way, everything they possessed would belong to the Great Qin.
"Two small nations, yet their ambitions run deep."
"They think they can become vassal states of our Great Qin just by offering these so-called tributes?"
"Ridiculous." Li Si scoffed.
"Indeed."
"The Kingdom of Tu'an has a population of less than three million."
"The Kingdom of Jolbon is about the same."
"Even combined, these two small nations have fewer people than the former state of Han. Such tiny countries, with no resources to speak of, aside from their population, seem to have nothing else of value." Wei Liao chuckled.
"I've heard that the women of these two nations are particularly enchanting and skilled in seduction. When we conquer them one day, ministers, you should request a few from His Majesty and the Crown Prince to see for yourselves how these foreign women seduce men." Wang Jian spoke with a teasing smile.
At these words
"Hahaha!"
"Indeed, indeed!"
"In that case, we must trouble the Grand Marshal to personally lead the troops and bring back the beauties of these two nations!"
"I don't need too many, just one or two will suffice."
"I am quite strong five wouldn't be a problem for me…"
The entire court burst into laughter.
Clearly
None of the court officials took Tu'an and Jolbon seriously.
"Chancellor Han."
Ying Zheng smiled and called out to Han Fei.
"I am here." Han Fei responded.
"When you negotiate with these two small nations later, unless they agree to hand over at least seventy percent of their national tax revenue, there's no need to bother with them." Ying Zheng commanded.
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty."
"I understand." Han Fei confidently replied.
"Now then."
"The four national policies have already been implemented."
"It is time to reward merits."
"Chancellor Han, Chancellor Li."
"Minister of the Imperial Treasury, Minister of Agriculture."
Ying Zheng slowly spoke.
"We are here."
The four officials immediately stepped forward.
At that moment
Before Ying Zheng
The Heavenly Profound Mirror floated into the air.
By now, all the court officials already possessed their own Heavenly Profound Mirrors, so this was no longer surprising to them.
"The implementation of the four national policies has benefited the country and the people, strengthening the Great Qin a great merit indeed."
"After discussion with the Crown Prince"
"I hereby grant 5,000 Great Qin Contribution Points."
"I bestow the first level of the martial arts cultivation technique Mystic Martial Art."
"I grant each of you a bottle of Martial Foundation Pills."
"I permit you to unlock the Cultivation Space of the Heavenly Profound Mirror." Ying Zheng proclaimed.
The Heavenly Profound Mirror floating before him seemed to receive the command, and four beams of light descended upon Han Fei and the other three ministers.
This was a privilege granted by the high-authority Heavenly Profound Mirror.
"We humbly thank Your Majesty for Your boundless grace!"
"We thank the Crown Prince for Your benevolence!"
Hearing these rewards
The four were overwhelmed with excitement.
If it were mere worldly wealth, they would not have been so moved.
But this was a direct gift from the Crown Prince the opportunity to cultivate, rare elixirs, and the secret Cultivation Space of the Heavenly Profound Mirror.
This meant that they could now embark on the path of cultivation.
The court officials in the great hall were also filled with longing.
"Martial cultivation techniques…"
"The path to longevity…"
Every official wore an eager expression, full of anticipation.
"You may not yet understand the true value of Contribution Points."
"Let me explain."
"Contribution Points will become the future trend of our Great Qin."
"They can circulate through the Heavenly Profound Mirror."
"The Cultivation Space within the Heavenly Profound Mirror can help cultivators accelerate their progress, yielding twice the results with half the effort."
"However, once the Cultivation Space is opened, the mirror consumes energy and only Contribution Points can sustain its operation."
"One day of cultivation costs ten Contribution Points."
"A hundred days will require one thousand Contribution Points."
"For now, this is only a trial run."
"In the future, I will grant all civil and military officials of Great Qin access to the Cultivation Space."
"Contribution Points can be obtained through annual stipends, treasure exchanges, and military achievements."
"I have already established the rules."
"In the outside world, one gold coin can be exchanged for one hundred Contribution Points."
"If you have spiritual herbs, treasures, or other valuable items, you may estimate their worth and exchange them for Contribution Points via the Heavenly Profound Mirror."
"Likewise"
"While treasures can be exchanged for Contribution Points, Contribution Points will also be recognized as an official currency in Great Qin."
"Similarly"
"Contribution Points can be converted into Great Qin's money and gold."
Zhao Feng explained to the court officials.
After hearing the explanation
The ministers wore expressions of realization.
Everyone understood.
In the future, the Heavenly Profound Mirror would become Great Qin's true foundation, and everything in Great Qin would revolve around it.
At the same time
It was also the ultimate tool by which Ying Zheng and the Crown Prince would solidify their grip on the empire.
Contribution Points would function as circulating currency.
Salaries could be issued in Contribution Points, which could then be used in exchange for money, food, and all necessary resources.
Once this system was implemented
All financial power would be firmly controlled by the ruling authority of Great Qin.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness."
"I have a suggestion."
Lü Buwei stepped forward with a thoughtful expression.
"Please speak, Grand Chancellor."
Ying Zheng smiled slightly, anticipation gleaming in his eyes.
"The Heavenly Profound Mirror is a celestial artifact, the foundational treasure of Great Qin."
"The swift implementation of the Crown Prince's four national policies in less than a year was largely due to the Heavenly Profound Mirror."
"This artifact allows Great Qin to transcend geographical limitations and eliminates the risk of lost communications."
"Moreover, it can transmit items across vast distances be it military supplies, books, or records, all can be delivered instantly."
"Now that Contribution Points are being established as the official currency of the Heavenly Profound Mirror, they will inevitably become the mainstream currency of Great Qin in the future."
"I believe that a dedicated office should be established to manage Contribution Points and oversee all exchanges of goods and services."
"When exchanging Contribution Points for money, this office can distribute the funds; when exchanging treasures, gold, or silver for Contribution Points, it can ensure that these valuables are collected and stored in the national treasury." Lü Buwei declared loudly.
Hearing this, Zhao Feng couldn't help but glance at Lü Buwei.
"As expected of Lü Buwei truly a man of great talent."
Zhao Feng sighed inwardly in admiration.
At this moment, Ying Zheng smiled and said, "Zhongfu."
"The Crown Prince has already planned for this matter, and this department is currently being established. In the future, it will be specifically responsible for handling the nationwide exchange of contribution points, as well as all related transactions."
"In addition to this"
"Our Great Qin will continue to promote the Tianxuan Mirror."
"As of now, only court officials and officials above the level of county governors in the thirty-six prefectures of the Nine Provinces have access to the Tianxuan Mirror."
"But from today onward"
"It will be implemented across all of Great Qin."
"All government officials of Great Qin, whether central or local, regardless of rank, shall be granted the Tianxuan Mirror."
"From county magistrates to village headmen, all shall receive it." Ying Zheng declared in a commanding voice.
This policy aimed to make full use of the Tianxuan Mirror to unify control over the entire empire.
"His Majesty is wise, and the Crown Prince is wise."
"Once every official in Great Qin possesses a Tianxuan Mirror, governance will be unhindered."
"The remnants of the Six Kingdoms will have no place left to hide." Wang Jian spoke excitedly.
Across the territory of Great Qin
Even village headmen would have access to the Tianxuan Mirror.
This meant that messages could be transmitted without delay.
If a suspicious outsider was discovered, the matter could immediately be reported to the local county magistrate, and county troops could be dispatched accordingly.
With this, the empire would be completely seamless, centered around Xianyang.
Ying Zheng and Zhao Feng, seated in Xianyang, would wield absolute control over the entire realm.
This
was the key to fully implementing the Tianxuan Mirror.
"Implementing it among officials is only the first step."
"The final step is to extend it to all of Great Qin's citizens, making the Tianxuan Mirror their official identification." Zhao Feng smiled as he addressed the court officials.
"The Crown Prince is wise."
"With the Tianxuan Mirror serving as proof of identity, every citizen of Great Qin will be able to claim one based on their registered household record."
"In the future, entering a city will require the Tianxuan Mirror. Those without one must either be bandits hiding in the mountains, remnants of the Six Kingdoms, or foreign spies."
"With this, Great Qin will achieve total control over the Central Plains, and chaos will be eliminated." Han Fei exclaimed in awe.
"His Majesty is wise."
"The Crown Prince is wise."
The court officials all shouted in unison.
"Minister Wang."
"How is the military?" Zhao Feng turned to Wang Jian.
"Reporting to the Crown Prince."
"The Five Great Camps have fully adopted the Tianxuan Mirror, and the fundamental martial arts technique bestowed by the Crown Prince has been disseminated throughout the army. Now, all soldiers are training in martial arts, and our military strength has surged." Wang Jian replied with great enthusiasm.
"Good."
Zhao Feng nodded, then turned to Li Si. "How is the progress of the academies?"
"Reporting to the Crown Prince."
"The academies across the Nine Provinces are all under construction, but the state treasury has been heavily depleted."
"After half a year of effort, all county-level academies have been completed. They are only awaiting an imperial decree from His Majesty and the Crown Prince to begin enrolling students." Li Si immediately responded.
"How have the scholars of the Hundred Schools been settled?" Zhao Feng asked again.
Ever since the decree to recruit talent was issued
Numerous scholars from all over the land had arrived in Xianyang, seeking opportunities.
For these individuals
The initial screening had been done by Li Si, but Zhao Feng had personally presided over the final selection.
As long as someone possessed a skill or talent, Zhao Feng would put them to use.
After all, his vision for Great Qin was a grand era of contention among the Hundred Schools, rather than the dominance of a single school of thought.
Of course
Before implementing this, Zhao Feng had a private meeting with Chunyu Yue.
For one reason in particular
Although the Confucianists had many flaws in later generations, there were still aspects that were valuable in the present, such as loyalty to the ruler.
This principle was precisely what Zhao Feng needed.
The establishment of academies to educate the masses was outwardly portrayed as a means to enlighten the people, but in reality, it was meant to cultivate countless talents for the service of Great Qin with loyalty to the empire as the foundation.
Under Zhao Feng's arrangements
With Chunyu Yue's coordination, Confucian scholars were deployed to academies across the empire. At the county level, their primary task was to teach one core principle loyalty to the ruler.
To ensure the prosperity of Confucianism, Chunyu Yue decisively bound the doctrine to imperial authority.
Confucianism would henceforth be synonymous with loyalty to the ruler, instructing students across the empire to be faithful subjects.
Meanwhile
Hidden in the shadows, Zhang Liang's predictions were proved correct.
The academies were not only meant to cultivate talent for Great Qin but also to serve as a tool for assimilating the people of the conquered states.
A few years from now
As the national policies of Great Qin fully took root and the academies spread their teachings
The people of the former Six Kingdoms would no longer yearn for their old nations but would instead come to identify as subjects of Great Qin.
This was an open conspiracy one that was impossible to counter.
Even the surviving remnants of the Six Kingdoms, lurking in the dark, would be helpless.
They would be forced to watch as their last hopes withered away, until they, too, became mere relics of history forever erased.
"Crown Prince, please rest assured."
"The scholars of the Hundred Schools have been settled in various parts of the Nine Provinces."
"In county academies, only Confucian teachers are assigned. Scholars from other schools are stationed at the prefectural and provincial levels."
"In the future, after progressing from a county academy to a prefectural academy, students will be able to freely choose their field of study." Li Si reported.
"Since the county academies have all been completed"
"Then issue the decree."
"All students of eligible age across the Thirty-Six Prefectures of the Nine Provinces may enroll in the academies to learn literacy."
"In addition"
"Although county academies follow a two-year curriculum, exceptional students may take an early examination. If they pass, they may advance to a prefectural academy after just one year." Zhao Feng decreed after a moment of thought.
After all, the prefectural and provincial academies were still vacant and needed students to gradually fill them.
"The Crown Prince is wise." The court officials all proclaimed in unison.
"With the matter of the academies settled"
"And the Four National Policies steadily advancing"
"It is time"
"For a new policy to be enacted across Great Qin."
"Those who oppose shall be executed!"
Zhao Feng's expression turned extremely solemn.
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