Qin Shi Ambitious

Page 130

In an instant, it seemed that the State of Zhao had fought another Battle of Changping...

Fortunately, Zhao Yi, a member of the Zhao royal family who replaced Sima Shang on the southern front, tenaciously held the Zhangshui defense line, so at least the southern part of Handan could hold out for the time being.

However, with the Qin army's southward advance from the north, this army needed to quickly fortify the capital and fight the umpteenth Battle of Handan...

The Yan army is preparing for military operations and cannot march south in the short term.

We have to wait for the results from Xianyang...

If King Xi of Yan is not made aware that Yan and Qin have become mortal enemies, he will not ensure stable logistics for the army's unauthorized deployment.

Handan City has been besieged so many times throughout history and has always managed to hold out. Hopefully, it can do the same this time...

"Your Highness, do not worry. It is currently winter, and even if the Qin army is at the gates of Handan, it will be difficult for them to launch an effective attack."

Ju Wu sat to Yan Dan's side and shared his personal views:

"Moreover, the city of Handan is well-fortified, and Zhao's army on the Zhang River has not suffered great losses. It is expected that they can hold out for a year or two."

"Once Jing Ke enters Qin, he only needs to be summoned by the King of Qin as soon as possible and carry out the assassination. Then, our Yan army can immediately march south, just like Lord Xinling stole the tally to rescue Zhao twenty-eight years ago and defeated the Qin army!"

Ju Wu spoke lightly, but the current reality is much worse than it was after the Battle of Changping.

Putting aside other things, back then, the King of Zhao was King Xiaocheng, and the ministers in the country still included Lord Pingyuan Zhao Sheng and Lian Po... But now, it's Zhao Qian and Guo Kai.

Yan Dan understood that his teacher was trying to comfort him, but he was the last person who needed comfort right now. He had to do everything in his power to ensure that the situation remained within his control.

"Teacher, how is the placement of our spies in the Qin and Zhao states going?"

"It's all taken care of. The Mohist disciples and Tian Guang's peasant disciples have all been dispatched. They will report back immediately if there's any disturbance."

"What has Tian Guangxia been doing these past few days?"

Yan Dan recalled her conversation with Tian Guang on the banks of the Yi River that day and asked a question in a low voice.

"He always stayed in his residence in the east of the city, rarely went out, and was never seen interacting with outsiders."

Ju Wu hesitated, "Luqiu Pavilion is also very honest."

"The farmers are allies after all, and the relationship shouldn't be too strained."

Stepping out of the top floor of the Golden Terrace, with his hands behind his back, Yan Dan looked down at most of Ji City and gazed westward: "Send a visiting card to Tian Guang. I will be holding a banquet here in three days."

"Send a copy to the Mountain Master of Luqiu Pavilion as well."

------

When news of the main force of Zhao in the north being routed reached Xianyang, the King of Qin was overjoyed. In contrast, Lord Changping was not so pleased.

"Where is the entourage of the Yan envoy?"

"We entered Hangu Pass yesterday and will definitely arrive in Xianyang before the end of this month."

The assassin bowed his head and reported to Xiong.

"Ah, very good.

"The destruction of Zhao is imminent, and Your Majesty is very pleased." Xiong Qi took out a gray cloth, wrote the five characters "Zhongshuzi Meng Jia" on it with his left hand, rolled it up and handed it to the assassin: "If Yan is willing to cede territory to Qin as a vassal state, it is even more joyous."

"At the New Year's greetings at the end of the year, the King will summon the Yan envoy."

"My subordinate understands."

The assassins understood Changping Jun's meaning and knew what to do when Jing Ke arrived.

"How are the preparations going in Jicheng?"

“Everything is in order, and Yan can proceed with its southward campaign as planned.” The assassin continued, “But Qi is not making progress. The Qin court’s efforts to win over Hou Sheng are being personally overseen by Wei Liao, and our people and the peasants are unable to reach the King of Qi.”

"Qi State, Qi State." Xiong Qi repeated these two words over and over. He was well aware of Wei Liao's long-term attempts to bribe Guo Kai and Hou Sheng, but he had been powerless to do anything about it.

Given that the Right Chancellor of Qin could not personally intervene, it would be difficult for him to influence the monarch of a country with only a little bit of influence from the underworld.

Moreover, that江湖 (jianghu) force was only going through the motions without actually putting in any effort.

"The farm hasn't moved yet?"

"Yes, all the hall masters are very quiet, and Tian Guang has been staying in Yan State all these years and has not returned to Daze Mountain."

"Tian Guang is old and has lost his edge. The Farmer's Clan has 100,000 disciples over the years, but its status in the martial arts world has not improved at all!"

After venting his anger, Changping Jun quickly regained his composure: "The Zhu family owes me a great debt of gratitude. I'll give a boost to the reputation of Zhu, the head of Shennong Hall, in the martial arts world."

Xiong Qi understood that his time in Qin was running out. The situation in Zhao had to be assessed based on the worst-case scenario, and the assassination plan also had to be based on the worst-case scenario. Therefore, the most feasible plan to inflict maximum damage on the Qin army still had to rely on his homeland: Chu.

Among the farmers, Xiong Qi only had time to infiltrate one Shennong Hall; the independence of the other halls was protected by Tian Guang.

His only option was to help Shennongtang to solidify the anti-Qin stance of this vast group of philosophers.

"Yes," the assassin then presented the final message: "The Quicksand are willing to cooperate in the operation in Xinzheng, but they want to know your identity."

"Wei Zhuang... I should show him some sincerity."

...

The Moon Goddess's journey back to Xianyang was much faster than Jing Ke's, who set off at almost the same time. As the Right Protector of the Yin-Yang School, she could use the Qin army's carriages to travel on the main roads.

The interior of the Yin-Yang School remains unchanged, from its architecture to its atmosphere, as if it has been the same since I was a child.

'Before I was born, His Majesty the Eastern Emperor was already His Majesty the Eastern Emperor. It is said that he has been the leader of the Yin-Yang School for thirty years, and he must be quite old by now.'

Before stepping through those two ancient bronze doors, the Moon Goddess was having purposeful, random thoughts.

"Your Majesty, Dongjun's revenge is a complex task."

Having walked along the star path, she stopped five zhang away from the black figure. The Moon Goddess finished recounting the Yanfei plan in Ji City in a measured manner, and at the end, she changed the subject, thus explaining the reason for her return:

"Yan Dan and Tian Guang plotted to send Jing Ke as an envoy of the Yan state to Xianyang to pay homage to the King of Qin. Such a choice of envoy indicates treacherous intentions."

Upon hearing this, Donghuang, standing on the high platform, unusually extended a jet-black arm from under his cloak, completely obscuring the original shape of his hand.

As he made this move, the Yin-Yang star patterns on the ceiling of the entire bronze hall began to rotate at an alarming speed.

'This level of Yin-Yang internal energy is truly unfathomable.'

'However, the amount of internal energy accumulated in Yin-Yang techniques does not necessarily represent the true level of one's mastery of Yin-Yang techniques!'

The moon goddess looked up at the movement of the stars, her face showing amazement, but at the same time, her thoughts became increasingly disrespectful.

"This is very important news, Moon Goddess."

The calculation of a hundred breaths or so was a bit too long. Donghuang clenched his fist and slowly pulled it back under his cloak: "You can attend the Qin King's Palace New Year's banquet next month."

"Yes, Your Majesty the Eastern Emperor." The Moon Goddess bowed and lowered her eyes. "Then what should I do at the banquet?"

"Just do what you want."

Donghuang stared at the respectful subordinate before him: "As for Dongjun's plans, you can arrange them as you wish."

"Yes, I understand."

The Moon Goddess turned to leave, and just as she stepped back onto the star path, the Eastern Emperor's voice, neither loud nor soft, rang out again:

"Your Yin-Yang skills have improved rapidly this year, not bad."

Chapter 151 Shennong Order

The news of Zhao Jun's crushing defeat not only caused a stir in the courts of various countries, but also sparked a discussion in the martial arts world.

Lu Wei, who was resting at a country inn with three horses, learned of this news and reacted indifferently. He had anticipated this outcome from the moment he plotted to get Li Mu involved in agriculture.

However, the fact that Zhao Yi, the "Little Lord of Pingyuan," was actually sent to take over Sima Shang's Zhangshui defense line and has been able to hold it until now, becoming the only remaining general of the Zhao army, greatly exceeded the expectations of the Hall Master.

Most of the farmers in Handan City had evacuated, leaving only about a hundred disciples who remained as retainers and confidants to accompany Zhao Yi to the front lines.

However, due to strict military management, these people had no opportunity to transmit information back to Dazeshan.

Lu Wei was well aware of Zhao Yi's military capabilities: they were extremely limited, practically nonexistent.

He must have had someone helping him to achieve his current level of performance.

And this candidate is not hard to guess: it can only be Sima Shang, who was dismissed from his post as commander of the army!

Zhao Yi's current success can be largely attributed to the assistance he received from the farmers and the guidance of Master Lu. However, his own strengths also played a role in his being able to rise to prominence.

Self-examination is clear, and one is good at listening to opinions.

Zhao Yi always understood that his abilities were truly limited, so he was very good at listening to others' opinions and doing them without thinking.

This wasn't actually a very good temperament, but due to various coincidences, reality made Lord Pingyuan the only reliable general left in the State of Zhao.

Zhao Yi had held Li Mu and Sima Shang in high regard ever since he began providing them with supplies four years ago at Lu Wei's urging.

Several months ago, after Guo Kai suggested to King Zhao that Li Mu and Sima Shang both harbored rebellious intentions, Zhao Cong and Yan Ju were sent to take over the military power of the northern route, while Zhao Yi was mistakenly assigned by Guo Kai to take over the military power of the southern route.

Upon receiving the military order, Sima Shang did not resist and surrendered without resistance. However, Zhao Yi did not send Sima Shang back to Handan afterwards, but kept him by his side as the de facto commander-in-chief of the Zhangshui defense line, and lied to the court that Sima Shang had escaped.

Since Li Mu had also escaped, Sima Shang figured it was better to continue secretly commanding the army for him than to go back and be imprisoned.

Zhao Yi thought this way, and he boldly did it.

He then simply sat in his main tent in the military camp, content with his daily leisure activities with his retainers, and ignored all other matters...

This act of resigning and delegating power ironically allowed Lord Pingyuan to reap the credit for repelling several Qin army attacks.

After the defeat of the northern army, King Qian of Zhao was both shocked and terrified. He did not want to be the ruler of a fallen kingdom, but with Li Mu, the former bulwark, gone, he could only regard Zhao Yi, who had performed admirably on the banks of the Zhang River, as his only savior and entrusted him with all the defense work for the defense of Handan...

Lu Wei was unaware of these details. The Hall Master, based on the situation and his understanding of several key figures, roughly guessed that Zhao Yi had received Sima Shang's help.

"Perhaps after I meet the chivalrous leader in Ji City, I'll have to make a trip to Zhao to plan something."

Pouring himself a bowl of tea, Lu Wei listened to the loud and heated discussion among the wandering swordsmen at the next table, his thoughts swirling with interwoven clues and information...

...

In Jicheng, a grand anti-Qin banquet organized by Prince Dan of Yan was held. Apart from several leaders and elite disciples of the Mohist school and generals who had pledged allegiance to the prince, only Tian Guang, an "outsider," was among the attendees.

Luqiu Pavilion also received an invitation, but after careful consideration, Lu Shan decided on the spot to arrange a gathering at Luqiu Pavilion on the night of the Crown Prince's banquet, and regretfully declined to attend the banquet on this reason.

Lu Shan could choose not to go, but Tian Guang could not. His identity and current circumstances dictated that his actions must be based on the greater interests of the farmers.

Changping Jun's assistance remains very important to the farmers. Regardless of their true intentions, they must at least put on a show of politeness.

Having roamed the martial world for many years, Tian Guang was adept at handling all kinds of situations, so he was able to smile and toast at the banquet, winning the approval of Yan Dan and several Mohist leaders.

However, when it comes to asking the peasant family to contribute manpower and resources to the upcoming war, I'm sorry to say that the peasant family has many entanglements, as well as internal strife among other families and the Tian family, so they really have no power to help them!