Xianyang – The Court Assembly Hall
Inside the grand assembly hall, the ministers were reporting affairs of the state.
Although the Qin army was currently engaged in the conquest of Chu, the annexation of Han, Zhao, Wei, and Yan had already led to a vast expansion of the Qin empire.
With most of the Central Plains now under Qin's rule, the empire's population had surged to seventy to eighty million. (Note: This population count does not follow historical records, as in this setting, the Huaxia people of the Central Plains exceed one hundred million.)
With such a massive population, it was easy to imagine the sheer volume of administrative affairs pouring in from every corner of the empire. As King of Qin, Ying Zheng was burdened with an overwhelming workload.
Many major state matters required his judgment.
Only the most complex issues, those that could not be fully explained in written reports, were brought to court for discussion. The rest were handled by Ying Zheng himself in Zhangtai Palace.
As a ruler, Ying Zheng left no room for doubt.
Since assuming personal control of the government, he had been diligent in all matters, personally reviewing and handling memorials.
It was exhausting work.
But it had to be done.
For he was determined to be the first ruler in history to unify all under heaven the greatest monarch of all time.
"Your Majesty," Minister Han Fei stepped forward and addressed the court.
"Lord Wu'an has sent word that over a hundred thousand surrendered Chu soldiers have been taken in."
"Our Qin army is already strong, and we no longer need penal battalions."
"Thus, this matter is submitted for Your Majesty's decision."
Ying Zheng looked at Han Fei and asked, "Prime Minister Han, what is your opinion on this matter?"
Han Fei responded, "Your Majesty, these surrendered soldiers are strong and able-bodied men we must not waste them."
"Furthermore, we can implement the benevolence and appeasement policy that Lord Wu'an once proposed. The surrendered soldiers can serve labor duties for Qin for five years. Those who perform exceptionally well may be pardoned from their servitude and allowed to return home."
"At present, our Qin empire spans vast territories, but our roads remain inadequate. Military movements and logistical transport are constantly hindered by these limitations."
"Moreover, the roads of the former states we conquered differ in standard from Qin's roads. I propose that we standardize all roads in our newly acquired territories to match Qin's infrastructure. Additionally, we should continue expanding the roadways into Shu (modern-day Sichuan)."
"If Qin's roads become interconnected across the empire, it will greatly facilitate troop deployments, grain transport, and disaster relief efforts."
Han Fei's words sparked a glint of approval in Ying Zheng's eyes. He nodded in agreement.
"Prime Minister Han speaks wisely."
"In that case, I shall grant this proposal."
"The allocation of surrendered soldiers shall be placed under your management."
"You may mobilize troops from various commanderies to transport them as needed."
"I am honored to accept Your Majesty's command," Han Fei responded, bowing in acknowledgment.
At that moment
Hurried footsteps echoed from outside the hall.
The ministers turned their heads toward the entrance, watching as an urgent messenger rushed into the assembly hall.
Within the Qin Empire, only these urgent messengers were granted the privilege of entering the hall without prior summons.
"Your Majesty!"
"Great victory in Chu!"
"A high-priority report has arrived from the central army command of Lord Wu'an's camp!"
The messenger bowed deeply and presented the urgent bamboo tube from his back.
"Has the Chu capital fallen?"
Ying Zheng's expression shifted slightly, a smile appearing on his lips.
At his words, all eyes in the court turned toward the messenger.
If this was true, then Zhao Feng had accomplished the feat of annihilating an entire kingdom.
"Could it be that the Chu capital has fallen?"
"If so, the pace of the campaign is astonishingly fast!"
"It has only been five months since Lord Wu'an launched his attack."
"We originally estimated that even in the best-case scenario, it would take at least half a year to reach this stage. Yet, he has once again outpaced expectations by a month?"
"This level of military command is truly unstoppable!"
Many ministers were shocked by the speed of the conquest.
The report had already confirmed a major victory.
If it wasn't the fall of the Chu capital, then what else could it be?
"Present it immediately and read it aloud!" Ying Zheng laughed heartily, waving his hand.
Every time he received a battle report from his son, Ying Zheng could not suppress his joy.
Since the first time Zhao Feng's name had reached his ears, it had only ever been attached to good news never bad.
Upon hearing Ying Zheng's command, Zhao Gao swiftly stepped forward, taking the battle report with both hands.
Under the watchful eyes of the entire court, he unsealed the bamboo tube and extracted the document inside.
Then
Zhao Gao stepped forward, unrolled the report, and read aloud:
"Memorial from Kuai Pu, Central Army Commander of Lord Wu'an's Camp"
"From the Battle of Qu City onward"
"Under the command of Lord Wu'an, our forces advanced swiftly, reaching the Chu capital in just fifteen days."
"With Lord Wu'an personally leading a day-long assault"
"The Chu capital has been breached. Tens of thousands of enemy troops have been slain, with an equal number taken captive."
"The Chu capital has fallen."
"Lord Wu'an led his forces into the Chu royal palace, surrounding the grand assembly hall."
"The King of Chu, though young, displayed the resolve to stand with his nation."
"After surrounding the palace, Lord Wu'an personally attempted to persuade the Chu King to surrender. The King refused and drew his sword in defiance."
"To fulfill the Chu King's wish to perish with his country and to preserve the dignity of a monarch"
"Lord Wu'an engaged him in battle and slew him with a single sword strike."
"The Chu King was granted an honorable burial, ensuring his legacy as a ruler who stood with his nation to the end."
"As of now"
"The Chu King is dead."
"Lord Wu'an's forces continue their advance, capturing cities throughout Chu's territory. Soon, the entire Chu kingdom will be no more, and its lands will be fully incorporated into Qin."
"The three noble families of Chu; Qu, Jing, and Zhao"
"Attempted to surrender after the fall of the capital."
"However, given their previous resistance and their efforts to obstruct our army's advance"
"Lord Wu'an ordered their complete extermination. Their estates were confiscated and transferred to the national treasury."
"The noble families of Chu have been utterly wiped out."
Zhao Gao's voice echoed through the grand hall.
Upon hearing the news of this victory and the fall of the Chu capital the ministers in the court, though surprised, did not display excessive shock. After all, Zhao Feng's military prowess and the formidable advance of the Wu'an Army were well known to all.
However, when they heard that Zhao Feng had killed the King of Chu, the expressions of several ministers subtly changed.
Killing a king even if it was the ruler of an enemy state was no small matter.
Even for a vanquished monarch, the final judgment should have been left to the King of Qin.
Zhao Feng had anticipated that someone in court might step forward to impeach him.
However, after what had happened to Wang Wan, the entire court remained utterly silent. Not a single person dared to voice opposition.
Even Chunyu Yue, once known for his fierce and unyielding stance, did not utter a word.
It was clear Zhao Feng had demonstrated, through his methods, that he was someone who never forgot a slight. Anyone who dared to oppose or challenge him would have to be prepared for the consequences.
At that moment
After reading the victory report, Ying Zheng smiled slightly and declared loudly:
"Wu'an Jun is truly a pillar of our great Qin!"
"To breach the Chu capital in such a short time truly the God of War of our Qin!"
"As for the King of Chu"
"Though young, only of a similar age to Wu'an Jun, compared to the rulers of other states we have conquered"
"He was exceptional."
"To perish with his nation that is the duty of a king."
"If a kingdom falls and its ruler still lingers in disgrace, that is a humiliation."
"Since the King of Chu sought death, Wu'an Jun granting his wish was only ensuring the dignity of a sovereign."
As Ying Zheng's words fell, the entire court resounded with shouts:
"His Majesty is wise!"
Those who had been contemplating impeachment instantly breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank goodness I didn't speak up, or I would have brought trouble upon myself and offended Zhao Feng."
"This Zhao Feng never forgets a grudge unless necessary, it is best not to cross him."
"The downfall of Wang Wan's entire clan is a lesson learned."
"Fortunately, I held my tongue…"
Many thought to themselves as cold sweat dripped down their backs.
"Chu's Three Noble Families the Qu, Jing, and Zhao Clans"
"They cared nothing for the survival of their nation. Their elimination is a good thing."
"This way, our Qin will have one less future threat." Ying Zheng mused inwardly.
In truth, even without Zhao Feng's actions, had he accepted their surrender, Ying Zheng would never have allowed such powerful and influential families to exist.
For the sake of the empire, such figures were too dangerous.
Even within Qin itself, families of such stature could not be permitted to rise.
"The Chu capital has fallen."
"Chu is as good as finished," Feng Quji said with a smile.
"No."
Wei Liao shook his head. "Though the capital has fallen, and the King of Chu is dead, there is still one last force left in Chu that must be eradicated."
"Minister Wei refers to Xiang Yan?" Ying Zheng asked calmly.
"Xiang Yan is a capable general of Chu, and he is also a man committed to restoring his state. Though the capital has fallen and the King of Chu is dead, he will never willingly admit defeat, nor will he surrender. He still commands an army of over one hundred thousand soldiers."
"Moreover, Mi Qi remains in his hands."
"If my assessment is correct, Xiang Yan will certainly declare Mi Qi the new King of Chu, making him a puppet ruler while he continues to resist our Qin." Wei Liao spoke firmly.
"The unification of Qin is inevitable."
"We will not tolerate such defiance."
"Chu is finished. Xiang Yan is merely prolonging the inevitable."
"Issue my decree."
"The Wu'an and Hangu armies are to mobilize in full force and annihilate Xiang Yan." Ying Zheng declared resolutely.
"His Majesty is wise!" The court resounded with unanimous acclaim.
"Your Majesty."
"Once Chu is fully conquered, its vast lands and nearly twenty million people will need governance."
"With most of Chu already under military rule, we require capable administrators to take charge," Han Fei suggested at an opportune moment.
"Hm."
Ying Zheng nodded, deep in thought.
"What does Prime Minister Han suggest? Who should be appointed to govern the lands of Chu?" Ying Zheng asked.
"Your Majesty."
"The territory of Chu is vast, and its population is immense."
"I believe it should be temporarily divided into two regions for administration, each overseen by a competent official."
"I recommend my subordinate, the Director of Agriculture, Xiao He. He is a man of great talent and should be appointed as one of the principal governors of Chu." Han Fei immediately put forth his candidate.
"Your Majesty."
"During the conquest of Han, Minister Yao Jia demonstrated exceptional ability. I recommend Yao Jia as the second principal governor," Li Si quickly stepped forward to present his own choice.
Seeing this, Kui Zhuang could no longer remain silent and also spoke up:
"Your Majesty."
"Minister Meng Yi is a man of great talent and is fully capable of undertaking this important role."
Han Fei proposed appointing two chief governors to oversee the administration of Chu for a reason.
First, the territory of Chu was far larger and more populous than any of the other conquered states of Qin.
If a single person were to govern it all, the task would be excessively difficult, and the concentration of power would be too great a situation undesirable for the stability of royal authority.
"Xiao He."
After a moment of thought, Ying Zheng called out.
At once, Xiao He stepped forward from among the civil officials, his heart filled with both anticipation and nervousness. He bowed deeply before Ying Zheng and said, "Your servant is here."
It was the first time Xiao He had stood in the great hall, directly facing the King of Qin.
Though he was already serving as a high-ranking official in the capital, overseeing matters of grain and taxation, the attention of the entire court especially being personally named by the king naturally made him anxious.
"Your bearing is quite decent."
"Since Prime Minister Han took office as Left Chancellor, you have been managing the duties of the Minister of Agriculture."
"I have read your reports. They are well-organized and methodical."
"You are indeed a man of great talent," Ying Zheng praised with a smile.
"As a subject of Great Qin, I must serve," Xiao He replied immediately.
"I trust in your abilities. Since Prime Minister Han has recommended you"
"You will temporarily set aside your current responsibilities and travel to Chu to take charge of its administration. If you govern it well, upon your return, I shall promote you to the rank of the Nine Ministers."
This was not just an order but a promise.
If Xiao He succeeded in governing Chu, he would receive an even greater reward upon his return.
Hearing this, Xiao He's face lit up with excitement. He immediately bowed and declared, "Your servant shall not fail Your Majesty's command."
"As for the other candidate"
Ying Zheng turned his gaze toward Kui Zhuang and Li Si, who had each put forward their recommendations.
"Meng Yi."
After careful deliberation, Ying Zheng chose Meng Yi.
Meng Yi was undeniably capable, and his family background made him a trustworthy choice.
Li Si's expression darkened slightly upon hearing the decision.
"Your servant is here," Meng Yi promptly stepped forward and bowed deeply.
"You and Minister Xiao shall go together to Chu, each governing a separate region as chief magistrates." Ying Zheng spoke with authority.
"I shall not fail Your Majesty's great expectations," Meng Yi responded with a respectful bow.
"Your Majesty."
"Now that the chief governors have been decided, they will still need deputy officials."
"Chu is vast, and although our army has captured and accepted the surrender of many Chu officials, they must be carefully selected before they can be put to use."
"These selections must be personally approved by Your Majesty," Han Fei advised.
"Prime Minister Han, you will oversee the selection of deputy officials. Once the candidates have been chosen, present a record to me. I trust you to handle this matter." Ying Zheng smiled.
Han Fei immediately bowed and said, "I am grateful for Your Majesty's trust. I shall not disappoint you."
"Very well."
"This court session is now adjourned."
"Minister Wei."
"Issue my decree."
"Zhao Feng is to swiftly pacify the remaining forces of Chu. Upon his return to the capital, I shall appoint him as the Grand Marshal of Great Qin, granting him supreme command over the military." Ying Zheng declared with a hearty laugh.
"I receive and shall carry out the decree," Wei Liao responded with a smile.
Chu Capital
Under Zhao Feng's divine sense, his small world was beginning to take shape with human inhabitants.
Hundreds of wooden houses had already been erected at its center, forming a vast village of over a thousand dwellings.
Those who had entered this world were working diligently
Plowing fields, planting crops, cutting wood, building houses.
Everything was progressing in an orderly manner, all under the careful direction of the hidden agents of Yan Court.
It was developing precisely as Zhao Feng had envisioned.
"With this mid-grade spiritual vein integrated into the world, the concentration of spiritual energy should surge once again."
"As for the spiritual spring, I wonder what effects it holds. I will have to test it later."
With that thought, Zhao Feng immediately activated the rewards obtained from the treasure chest
.Directly placing them into the small world.
In the next instant
Just like when the high-grade spiritual vein had been added before
A dragon-shaped aura shot into the small world.
The ambient spiritual energy within the world began to surge dramatically.
However, ordinary people within the small world could not perceive this transformation.
Only the hidden agents of Yan Court could sense the sudden increase in spiritual energy.
"Next"
"I must integrate the spiritual spring and the spiritual stone mine."
With that thought, Zhao Feng shifted his divine sense once more.
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