Looking across the land!
Being able to strike simultaneously in Xianyang, Handan, and Weicheng this was not something an ordinary force could achieve.
These three locations were far apart. If it were during the time before Zhao and Han were conquered, they would belong to three different kingdoms, making the geographical span even more immense.
Thus, in today's world, only one nation could possess such an extensive covert network.
That nation was Qin!
Ying Bu raised his head, his tone solemn. "My Lord, the attackers were all dead soldiers. Even when captured, they bit down on the poison hidden in their mouths and died instantly."
"Looking across the land, only Qin could have orchestrated simultaneous assaults on my three Jiu Xian Lou locations."
"And the group responsible for this must be Qin's most mysterious and powerful covert organization Heibingtai."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Feng chuckled. "Just as I expected."
"My Lord."
"What should we do next?"
"Should we retaliate, or…?" Ying Bu cautiously inquired.
"My Jiu Xian Lou has spread throughout the land, emerging suddenly. Naturally, this would arouse Qin Wang's curiosity, prompting him to investigate."
"Furthermore…"
"The profits from Jiu Xian Lou are enormous."
"To the Qin court, there must be many who desire a share of this wealth. If they could obtain the recipe for my wine, it would be a goldmine."
"Even if Qin Wang himself isn't interested, those old foxes under his command certainly are." Zhao Feng smiled faintly.
That Heibingtai had made a move did not surprise him in the least.
As the mastermind behind Jiu Xian Lou, he was well aware of the vast sums of wealth it generated daily.
Because the fine wines of Jiu Xian Lou were far ahead of this era, anyone who tasted them would immediately realize how inferior the local wines were.
A monopoly. A massive, absolute monopoly.
"My Lord, do you mean to let Heibingtai be?"
"Actually…"
"We have identified many Heibingtai strongholds. If you give the order, Yan Ting can wipe them out at once." Ying Bu's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
He was eager to lead Yan Ting against Heibingtai.
However, before he could finish speaking
Zhao Feng frowned, his gaze locking onto Ying Bu.
"My Lord, please forgive my offense!"
"I overstepped!"
Ying Bu immediately dropped to one knee.
"In the end, I am still a General of Qin."
"Qin Wang has shown me great favor."
"Heibingtai operates under his direct control. To attack them would be to challenge Qin Wang himself I am not so ungrateful." Zhao Feng's voice was calm but firm.
"I understand." Ying Bu hurriedly nodded, looking somewhat anxious.
"This matter is over."
"At least, Yan Ting suffered no losses. If anything, Heibingtai did us a favor by testing our strength." Zhao Feng smiled slightly.
"If Heibingtai attacks again, what should Yan Ting do?" Ying Bu asked respectfully.
"Yan Ting must not take the initiative against Heibingtai. That is out of respect for Qin Wang."
"But if they dare to come again kill every single one of them."
"Show no mercy." Zhao Feng's voice turned icy.
Upon hearing this, Ying Bu felt a surge of excitement. He immediately responded, "Understood!"
Not taking the initiative against Heibingtai was a gesture of respect toward Qin Wang.
But that did not mean Zhao Feng would allow them to spy on Jiu Xian Lou or let Yan Ting's covert warriors suffer for nothing.
If Heibingtai dared to come again Yan Ting would not hold back.
Xianyang!
Zhangtai Palace!
Night had long fallen.
The timekeeping eunuch had already announced the hour twice.
Yet Ying Zheng was still reviewing memorials. Finally, as he finished the last one, he let out a breath of relief.
"It's finally done."
"With this batch complete, there will be fewer to handle tomorrow."
Just then
"Your Majesty."
A deep voice sounded beside him. Dun Ruo quickly stepped out from the inner hall.
"Is everything arranged?"
Seeing Dun Ruo, Ying Zheng immediately asked.
"Your Majesty."
"The covert guards are all in place. Once you depart, they will accompany you in secret." Dun Ruo replied respectfully.
"Good."
"Tomorrow, after the morning court session, I will announce my journey to Yongcheng."
"You will personally lead the covert guards and follow in secret." Ying Zheng instructed.
"I understand, Your Majesty. However, I have come not only to report this matter but also because I have erred." Dun Ruo's expression turned uneasy.
"Hmm?" Ying Zheng frowned, his gaze sharpening.
"I sent more men to investigate Jiu Xian Lou."
"And not just in Xianyang."
"I also dispatched covert operatives to Handan and Weicheng, where Jiu Xian Lou first appeared."
"I ordered them to infiltrate the establishments at night to uncover their secrets."
"But…"
"None of them returned." Dun Ruo's voice carried a hint of bitterness.
At these words
Even the composed and resolute Ying Zheng suddenly had a drastic change in expression.
"What did you say?"
"None of them returned?"
"How many did you send?" Ying Zheng's voice grew serious.
"A hundred elite operatives in Xianyang, sixty in Weicheng, and seventy in Handan."
"All of them were seasoned warriors who had seen real combat." Dun Ruo replied gravely.
"And none survived?" Ying Zheng asked, still unsure if he had heard correctly.
"Not a single one." Dun Ruo nodded.
"How could this be?" Ying Zheng's expression turned deeply grave.
Heibingtai.
This was not an organization he created it was founded by his ancestors.
With centuries of history, its reach extended across the entire realm.
No matter how secretive another nation's intelligence operations were, their reports would inevitably land on his desk.
And now?
Heibingtai's operatives had been wiped out completely?
Not a single one had escaped?
This was an extremely serious matter.
"The forces behind Jiu Xian Lou are far too mysterious."
"They must have overwhelming strength otherwise, my Heibingtai operatives would not have been annihilated." Dun Ruo said grimly.
He, more than anyone, knew just how formidable Heibingtai was.
Ying Zheng fell into deep thought, his expression unreadable.
"Your Majesty."
"I propose we send the army to surround and eliminate Jiu Xian Lou."
"That way, we can eradicate this hidden threat once and for all." Dun Ruo suggested respectfully.
Ying Zheng raised his hand, stopping him.
"Jiu Xian Lou has committed no crimes."
"On what grounds would I send the army?"
"Since entering my Qin realm, they have paid taxes and abided by the laws."
"Even Heibingtai's investigation was done in the shadows."
"If I were to take action against Jiu Xian Lou, forcing them into another country, that would mean a huge loss of wealth flowing out. That is unacceptable," Ying Zheng said in a deep voice.
Royal authority was indeed supreme and not to be defied.
However, the power of the monarchy was maintained through a hierarchical structure, with the legal system being a crucial component.
If a king were to ignore the law and act arbitrarily without justification, it would severely undermine his authority, setting a precedent for his subordinates to do the same.
Within Great Qin,
the law governed all.
The role of the Minister of Justice (Ting Wei) was to enforce and uphold the law.
Under the legal system established by Shang Yang, even royalty was subject to the same laws and punishments as commoners.
This was not just an empty statement.
"Must we simply swallow this loss?"
"This Jiu Xian Lou is too mysterious. As long as its true nature remains unknown, I cannot rest easy," Dun Ruo said bitterly.
Black Ice Terrace had always been a formidable force that exerted its influence across the entire land, with no nation able to escape its surveillance.
Yet now, a power had emerged right under their noses, and even Black Ice Terrace was helpless against it.
For Dun Ruo, this was not only frustrating but also deeply unsatisfactory.
"A loss is, of course, unacceptable."
"Formulate a more meticulous plan. We must uncover the truth behind Jiu Xian Lou."
"If we find solid evidence proving Jiu Xian Lou is involved in espionage for another nation, report it to me immediately," Ying Zheng commanded in a solemn tone.
"Understood," Dun Ruo responded respectfully.
With that, he withdrew.
Ying Zheng remained in deep thought.
"Jiu Xian Lou..."
"To be this powerful, it is unlikely to be controlled by a foreign nation."
"However, for such an organization to appear suddenly and rise so quickly is indeed highly suspicious."
"If it proves uncontrollable and attempts to spy on my Great Qin, I will have no choice but to destroy it."
"If there is no legitimate reason, then I will simply fabricate one," Ying Zheng thought to himself.
The Jiu Xian Lou incident had been a setback for Black Ice Terrace.
Perhaps, it was also a setback for Ying Zheng.
The Next Day
The court assembly commenced.
After the customary rituals were observed,
"Minister of Justice."
"Has the supply of provisions and military supplies for Yunzhong been arranged?" Ying Zheng asked Wei Liao.
"Your Majesty, rest assured."
"I have personally overseen this matter. The required provisions will be transported from the Zhao territories, and if there is a shortage, they will be sent from Guanzhong to ensure that Yunzhong City never lacks supplies."
"In addition,"
"the production of new uniforms and armor for the troops is already underway under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance."
"Within half a year, all required supplies will be delivered to Yunzhong City," Wei Liao reported.
As the Minister of Finance, Wei Liao held a highly significant position among the Nine Ministers, overseeing military logistics, supplies, and resources.
Since all military-related affairs fell under his jurisdiction, it was no mistake that Ying Zheng had entrusted him with such responsibilities.
"Minister Wei, well done."
"The establishment of Wu'an Military Camp in Yunzhong City is still in its early stages, and many matters require attention. You must continue to oversee military affairs personally," Ying Zheng said approvingly.
"Your Majesty need not worry."
"I am in frequent correspondence with General Zhao Feng. If there are any issues at Wu'an Military Camp, the general will report them immediately."
"Minor matters I will handle myself. For major matters, I will submit them to Your Majesty for deliberation," Wei Liao assured.
Ying Zheng was pleased with his attitude.
Many officials in court tended to escalate even the most trivial matters for imperial approval, unnecessarily increasing the burden of reviewing countless reports.
Despite repeated instructions from Ying Zheng to avoid such inefficiencies, they continued.
The reports submitted to the imperial palace did not just come from Xianyang but from all across the Qin Empire.
County officials would first compile reports and submit them to the governors, who would then forward them to the capital, where the two prime ministers would consolidate them before presenting them to the emperor.
This lengthy process resulted in an overwhelming volume of reports.
"Very well, let us proceed with the discussions," Ying Zheng said, signaling the ministers to continue presenting their matters.
After a long session,
as no more issues were raised,
Ying Zheng finally spoke.
"In one month, it will be the birthday of the Grand Empress Dowager Huayang."
"For the past two years, I have not been able to personally visit Yongcheng to celebrate her birthday."
"Therefore"
"I have decided."
"After today's court session, I will set off for Yongcheng."
As soon as these words fell,
it was as if a thunderclap had struck the court, leaving many ministers stunned.
However,
some of the more experienced officials quickly regained their composure.
Prime Minister Wang Wan immediately stepped forward.
"May I ask Your Majesty, since you will be in Yongcheng for a month, how will the affairs of the state be managed in your absence?" Wang Wan inquired.
Ying Zheng turned his gaze toward Wang Wan, a subtle smile forming in his mind.
"Prime Minister Wang, there is no need for concern,"
"If my father has already decided to depart for Yongcheng, he must surely have arrangements in place," Hu Hai interjected before Ying Zheng could respond.
Standing beside Ying Zheng, Zhao Gao smiled inwardly, satisfied.
As a close attendant,
Zhao Gao had already received prior knowledge of the emperor's plan.
Thus, he had advised Hu Hai in advance, telling him that he must seize this opportunity.
If the king were to appoint a regent to oversee affairs in his absence, missing this chance would be foolish.
On the imperial court, the two princes were present.
Whichever one was appointed as regent would effectively receive a public declaration of future succession.
Seeing Hu Hai step forward,
Wang Wan did not hold back.
"Prince Hu Hai, you misunderstand."
"As a loyal minister, I fully understand that His Majesty would have made necessary arrangements."
"But for the sake of Great Qin's stability, I must inquire."
"After all, His Majesty's absence from the capital is a matter of great importance."
"If matters are not properly arranged, it could lead to chaos," Wang Wan responded firmly.
Hu Hai chuckled.
"My father has not yet spoken, and you, Prime Minister Wang, seem overly eager."
"Are you perhaps trying to dictate my father's will?" Hu Hai asked pointedly.
The moment these words were spoken,
Wang Wan's face stiffened.
"How has Hu Hai suddenly become so sharp-tongued?"
"He was never this eloquent before. It seems Zhao Gao has been coaching him," Wang Wan thought, his heart sinking in anger.
At that moment,
Ying Zheng raised his hand.
Wang Wan immediately fell silent.
"After I leave the capital"
"Minister Wei shall take charge, assisted by Prime Minister Wang, Deputy Prime Minister Kui, and the Minister of Justice."
"If any matters arise that cannot be resolved, send a messenger to Yongcheng for my review."
"As for matters of lesser importance, Minister Wei may make decisions independently, with Prime Minister Wang and the other two assisting," Ying Zheng said slowly.
Hearing this, Wang Wan and Wei Zhuang exchanged glances, disappointment evident in their eyes.
Fusu, standing in front, shared their sentiment.
Meanwhile, Hu Hai sneered inwardly, thinking, "Trying to secure the regency for Fusu? Dream on."
"My teacher has already warned me under no circumstances should Fusu be allowed to act as regent."
His mind was filled with silent laughter.
He had spoken not to compete for the role himself Zhao Gao had already made it clear that Hu Hai lacked the qualifications to win. If a prince were to be named regent, it would undoubtedly be Fusu.
"Your Majesty," Wang Wan interjected, "Fusu has been involved in state affairs for many years. Perhaps he could be allowed to assist in governing?"
Hearing this, Ying Zheng appeared thoughtful for a moment before smiling. "Prime Minister Wang makes a valid point."
At this, Wang Wan's aged face lit up with excitement.
"Father still intends to train me!" Fusu rejoiced inwardly.
Meanwhile, Hu Hai's heart sank, and Zhao Gao, standing nearby, grew apprehensive.
At that moment, many ministers turned their gazes toward Fusu. Some officials who had pledged allegiance to Hu Hai began to feel a creeping sense of fear.
Participating in court factional struggles was a life-or-death gamble.
Choosing the wrong side meant ruin.
"Your Majesty," a minister supporting Hu Hai stepped forward, "the Eighteenth Prince has also developed unique insights into governance. I propose that Prince Hu Hai be allowed to participate in court affairs as well. This would help cultivate his administrative abilities."
"I second this proposal!"
Immediately, a wave of officials stood in support.
"I object!"
"Prince Hu Hai has only recently begun attending court sessions. His experience is far inferior to that of the Crown Prince, making him unfit for this role."
"I second this objection!"
"The Crown Prince alone is sufficient to assist the ministers in governing."
A faction supporting Fusu quickly voiced their opposition.
At that moment, the court became a battlefield without smoke, with ministers fiercely debating whether Hu Hai should be involved.
One side was determined not to let Fusu monopolize political affairs, while the other refused to allow Hu Hai any influence.
The argument grew increasingly heated, filling the court with noise.
A few ministers, however, remained indifferent to the chaos.
Among them were Wang Jian, Huan Yi, Wei Liao, and Li Si.
They simply watched the political drama unfold.
It was evident that despite the Qin court's outward unity, there were still many factions vying for power.
Deep down, Li Si also wanted to oppose Fusu's involvement in governance, but as one of the ministers officially appointed by Ying Zheng, he dared not speak up.
"Let them fight," Ying Zheng thought, his expression calm.
"If they can't control themselves even when I am here, what will happen when I'm gone?"
"Fusu, Hu Hai..."
"Heh."
"Let them struggle. I already have someone better in mind."
Ever since he discovered that Zhao Feng's mother was his long-lost love, Ying Zheng had come to see Zhao Feng and his sister as his children.
Zhao Feng's extraordinary talent was recognized throughout Qin and beyond.
With such a capable son, Ying Zheng believed Zhao Feng could one day continue his legacy and keep the empire thriving.
This struggle in the court only played into Ying Zheng's broader plans for the future.
After a long period of heated debate, Ying Zheng finally spoke:
"Enough."
His voice instantly silenced the court.
"Forgive us, Your Majesty," the ministers said, bowing.
"Fusu and Hu Hai may both participate in court discussions," Ying Zheng declared. "However, they will have only the right to propose suggestions. The final decision-making power remains with Minister Wei."
"That is all. Court dismissed."
Without waiting for further protests, Ying Zheng rose and left the hall.
Hearing this final decree, Wang Wan and his faction looked disappointed.
In contrast, those supporting Hu Hai were overjoyed.
"The battle isn't over yet!"
"Prince Hu Hai now has a say in governance as well!"
"This is excellent news!"
Many of Hu Hai's supporters rejoiced they had won this round.
"The king's strategy… Heh."
Wei Liao, having seen through Ying Zheng's true intentions, smirked slightly.
But of course, he remained silent.
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