bookbashuk Chapter 380 Zi Nu Takes the Initiative to Monitor Lord Changping
Chapter 380 Zi Nu Takes the Initiative to Monitor Lord Changping
More than a month later.
Meng Tian quelled the rebellion in Xinzheng.
After careful consideration, Ying Zheng accepted Xu Lin's suggestion to recuperate and rebuild his life.
Lord Changping frowned as he saw that Ying Zheng had actually begun to care for the people, and that fewer and fewer people in the former Zhao and Yan regions were rebelling against Qin.
This is not what he wanted to see.
He needs rebellions to break out in various places.
……
October.
Lord Changping, together with Tian Guang, the leader of the peasant chivalrous family, and Xiang Yan, the general of Chu, conspired to go to Ying.
So he went to Xianyang Palace in person and said that Ying was likely to rebel like Xinzheng, and he was willing to risk his life to go and appease them.
Because of Xu Lin's repeated reminders, Ying Zheng had been wary of Lord Changping all these years.
Even so, Ying Zheng still agreed to Lord Changping's request.
As the saying goes, you have to cast a long line to catch a big fish.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Your subject will certainly not fail in your mission!"
Lord Changping cupped his hands in greeting.
Ying was a city in the former state of Chu, very close to the present-day capital of Chu, Shouchun.
Xianyang not only had a net of intrigue, but also a secret guard of shadows. His journey to Ying was like a bird soaring into the blue sky or a fish entering the sea; from then on, he was free from all constraints.
At least that's what Changping Jun himself thinks.
Xu Lin and Yue Shen returned from Xinzheng after winter had arrived.
Xinzheng holds many memories for Xu Lin, much like Handan is for Ying Zheng, which is why Xu Lin stayed there for a few more months.
When Xu Lin left, it was snowing heavily in Xinzheng.
To prevent deaths in Xinzheng, Xu Lin wrote a letter to Meng Tian, who was in charge of Xinzheng, urging him to pay close attention to the heavy snow. Only by appeasing the common people of Xinzheng could more people be persuaded to surrender.
Understand that my Great Qin truly desires to save the people, not merely to expand its territory!
"I never imagined that you, sir, would love the people so much."
The moon goddess gave a cold, beautiful smile.
She placed her hands folded in front of her lower abdomen, as elegant as ever.
"Your position determines your perspective. Once upon a time, I was just an ordinary citizen."
"There is no difference between them."
Xu Lin pointed to the Qian Shoudao not far away.
"Water can carry a boat, and it can also overturn it."
Xu Lin added.
The reason why the Qin Dynasty only lasted for two generations was certainly due to factors such as the failure to establish a crown prince and Zhao Gao's usurpation of power, but it is also true that it lost the support of many people.
If the people's hearts were truly won over, how could the dynasty have perished after only two generations?
Therefore, after entering Qin, Xu Lin frequently instilled the idea of loving the people in Ying Zheng.
Not only Ying Zheng, but he also instilled a lot in Zhao Ji, and Zhao Ji had a great influence on Ying Zheng.
The Moon Goddess nodded and brushed a strand of hair behind her ear.
She is not a talkative person.
Therefore, although the two spent several months together during this trip to Xinzheng, their friendship remained as pure as water, expressing their feelings but stopping at the proper etiquette.
The moon goddess was both surprised and expectant of this.
People say that Xu Lin is a womanizer, but that's not actually the case.
Xu Lin prefers things to happen naturally; in his view, slow is fast, and fast is slow.
It won't be too late to go further with the Moon Goddess when we enter Chu next year.
……
Five days later.
Xu Lin arrived in Xianyang.
Many people along the way were discussing the destruction of Chu, because Qin rewarded soldiers with titles based on military merit, so how could they survive without fighting?
This made Xu Lin realize that once Qin's war machine was started, how easy would it be to stop it?
Fortunately, he had invented papermaking and printing beforehand; otherwise, without the imperial examination system, the Qin state would have completely blocked the upward mobility of the lower classes after unifying the country.
After spending a few days with Jingni, Yanlingji, and the others, Xu Lin went to Zilan Pavilion.
Snow Maiden bought a house near Purple Orchid Pavilion.
Upon learning of this, Xu Lin went to the Snow Maiden's house.
The Snow Woman was practicing her dance in the courtyard at that moment.
She loved dancing, just as Xu Lin loved engaging in deep conversations with beautiful women.
dong dong dong.
Xu Lin put his left hand behind his back, raised his right hand, and knocked on the wooden door a few times.
"Hold on!"
The Snow Woman's voice was cold and clear.
After speaking, she put down the ribbon, draped a vest over her shoulders, and walked unhurriedly toward the door.
Squeak.
The door opened with a click.
Xu Lin, dressed in a white robe, with dark, sword-like eyebrows, looked like a banished immortal.
After several months apart, Xu Lin had become even more handsome than before.
This made the Snow Woman not recognize her at first glance.
After a short while, Xue Nu came to her senses and led Xu Lin to the study.
"Sir, you just got back?"
"The Snow Woman asked."
She personally brewed a pot of tea for Xu Lin.
"Correct."
Xu Lin nodded.
Clearly, the snow woman was paying close attention to him.
After exchanging pleasantries, Xu Lin left the Snow Maiden's house.
Yuki-onna is good, but you need to wait in line. Next is Tsukuyomi, and then Murasaki-onna.
Then comes the Snow Woman.
So when the snow woman is happy, you can leave.
Xu Lin's sudden departure left Xue Nu slightly disappointed.
She had intended to invite Xu Lin to stay for dinner as a way of expressing her gratitude.
But she wasn't good at inviting others. Back in Yandu Jicheng, it was always men who invited her; she had never invited anyone else.
Therefore, the Snow Woman excels at refusing rather than inviting.
Before long, Xu Lin arrived at Zilan Pavilion.
The second Zilanxuan has already opened and business is booming.
However, Zi Nu was not as busy as before, and she handed over the management of Zi Lan Xuan to Hong Yu and Cai Die.
Doing everything personally is not what Zi Nu desires!
The main reason is that as she gets older, Zi Nu doesn't want to work as hard as she used to.
Time flies like an arrow, and before she knew it, Zi Nu was almost thirty years old. This made Zi Nu, who had never considered getting married, start to have some new ideas.
Whether she gets married or not doesn't matter; the key issue is that Zi Nu wants a child.
As Nongyu matured, Zinu had more free time, so she started to overthink things.
When she's not busy, she goes out for a stroll and sees other people enjoying time with their children, which is what she hopes for.
Previously, Zi Nu thought that even if she got married, she shouldn't have children, because children are a nuisance.
But now she feels that the child is a continuation of life, a part of her.
It would be even better if the child were a union between her and her beloved.
So when Xu Lin met Zi Nu, Zi Nu started to frantically pour wine for him.
Zi Nu brought out all the fine wines from Zi Lan Xuan and strictly ordered that no one was allowed to approach her bedroom tonight.
Xu Lin's alcohol tolerance was not as good as Zi Nu's to begin with, not to mention that Zi Nu was deliberately getting him drunk.
At midnight, Xu Lin was completely drunk.
Zi Nu was also a little drunk, and her cheeks were getting hot.
After a few breaths, Zi Nu helped Xu Lin to the soft couch.
Then, she followed the example of Mei San Niang and became completely proactive.
However, because she had no practical experience, Xu Lin felt very uncomfortable.
Actually, it wasn't just Xu Lin; Zi Nu also felt awkward, but the die was cast and she had no choice but to act.
Finally, Zi Nu blindfolded Xu Lin.
……
The next day.
Xu Lin slept until dusk.
When he woke up, he felt sore all over, especially his lower back.
How much did I drink last night?
Xu Lin sat up, rubbing his forehead, and asked.
He had some memory of what happened last night, but it felt like a dream.
The Zi Nu in the dream was completely different from the one in the present; she wished she could devour him whole.
"not much."
"Only two pots."
Zi Nu smiled sweetly.
Her cheeks were much rosier than before.
Actually, she was more tired than Xu Lin, but she was happy in spirit, so she didn't seem tired at all.
"Wine and women are indeed harmful to health."
"Starting today, I will abstain from alcohol!"
Xu Lin rubbed his waist with his hand behind his back.
He didn't like drinking to begin with.
"I agree." Zi Nu glanced down at her impressive chest and smiled.
She wasn't sure whether alcohol was more beneficial or harmful.
However, lust is clearly more beneficial than harmful, because lust not only brings pleasure but can also enhance one's cultivation!
Last night, no, to be precise, the series of battles this morning gave Zi Nu a feeling that she was about to break through.
next month.
Despite Ying Zheng's order for rest and recuperation, many people still sought war due to their reliance on the established routes.
Even Meng Yi and others, who were not originally advocates of war, felt that it was time to send troops to deal with Chu Qi.
If things are like this in the imperial court, what about the common people?
Therefore, after the court session, Ying Zheng allowed Xu Lin, Li Si, and Meng Yi to stay behind.
Although Li Si conspired with Zhao Gao to tamper with imperial edicts in history, this does not mean that he lacked ability.
Just like Zhao Gao, he was indeed a great villain in history, but that doesn't mean he was incompetent.
If Ying Zheng hadn't died, would Zhao Gao and Li Si have dared to rebel?
"More and more people are advocating for war. What are your thoughts on this?"
"There are no outsiders here, so please feel free to speak your mind."
Ying Zheng waved his sleeve and said.
He had a very good personal relationship with Xu Lin, Li Si, and Meng Yi, so he behaved very gently at this moment.
"Your Majesty."
"Now that the rebellions in Xinzheng and other places have been quelled, I believe it is time to continue our eastward advance."
"However, I suggest that when waging war against Chu and Qi, we should adopt a strategy of gradual encroachment."
Meng Yi was the first to step forward.
He was Meng Tian's younger brother. Although he was a civil official, he was influenced by military affairs from a young age because he was born into the Meng family.
"The method of gradual encroachment?"
Ying Zheng frowned.
This was the first time he had ever heard of the "nibbling away" method.
"Correct."
"Let's not talk about Qi, which is far from Xianyang, but about Chu."
“The capital of Chu, Shouchun, is very close to Ying. Our Qin warriors do not necessarily have to conquer Chu in one battle. We can gradually nibble away at it, for example, by first destroying Qin, Chengfu and other places near Shouchun.”
Meng Yi explained.
The State of Chu was vast, and a direct decisive battle would require hundreds of thousands of people.
Including those who transport the grain, it would probably require a million people.
How many people does my Great Qin have in total?
Several years ago, when our Great Qin Dynasty marched eastward, the first country we destroyed was Han. Even so, a rebellion still broke out in Xinzheng last year.
If my Great Qin were to assemble a million troops to wage war against Chu, would rebellions break out in the former Zhao, Wei, and Yan territories?
"That is one way."
Ying Zheng nodded.
If only one or two hundred thousand soldiers are sent to attack Chu, there is no need to specially conscript troops.
Rebellions broke out in places like Xinzheng, making Ying Zheng hesitant to rashly conscript soldiers or increase taxes.
"What is your opinion on this, Minister Li?"
After a moment's hesitation, Ying Zheng looked at Li Si.
Li Si was a student of Xunzi, and his talent and learning were no less than those of Lü Buwei.
Because Li Si was adept at quoting classical texts, Ying Zheng recently had Li Si lecture him on classics such as the Spring and Autumn Annals during breaks from reviewing memorials.
"I believe that it is not impossible to accomplish the task in one battle."
Li Si offered his advice.
He is already in his early thirties. If he follows Meng Yi's method, when will the Qin Dynasty be able to unify the world?
It's important to understand that in this era, many people don't live past forty.
King Zhaoxiang of Qin lived a long life, but that doesn't represent the majority of people.
Do you not know how old King Zhuangxiang of Qin lived?
Don't you see Han Fei nearing his death?
"To settle the score in one battle?"
Ying Zheng asked.
The State of Chu was not comparable to Wei or Yan. How easy would it be to defeat Chu in one battle?
Even if King Fuchu of Chu was not a wise ruler, it would still be extremely difficult for him to destroy the state of Chu in one fell swoop.
Indeed.
"The only one that the State of Chu relied on was Xiang Yan."
"Your Majesty may follow the example of the destruction of Zhao and sow discord between its ruler and his ministers."
"Send another large sum of money to Qu Jingzhao's three clans. If even one of them is willing to help Qin, then the great cause can be accomplished!"
Li Si nodded.
He was also well aware of the risks of conscription and increased taxes, so he suggested finding an alternative approach.
"good idea."
Ying Zheng clapped his hands.
Then he looked at Xu Lin, who hadn't said a word.
"I believe that only children make choices."
Xu Lin smiled.
The deeper meaning behind his words was self-evident: he intended to employ both Meng Yi's and Li Si's methods.
The methods of Meng Yi and Li Si may seem contradictory, but they are not actually contradictory.
The capture of cities such as Qin and Chengfu was for the purpose of destroying Chu.
"I am not a military strategist and cannot offer specific battle tactics."
"But I have two suggestions."
"First, before launching a military campaign against Chu, we must be wary of Lord Changping."
"After the death of Empress Dowager Huayang, the Chu faction followed the lead of Lord Changping, so he was both a hidden danger and a bait."
"If he does not take the opportunity to rebel against Qin, that would be best. If he does rebel against Qin, we can make use of him."
"Secondly, the two military commanders I admire most are Lord Wu'an, Bai Qi, and General Wang Jian."
"Destroying Chu is no small matter; I believe we must send the veteran General Wang Jian into battle."
Xu Lin said solemnly.
With the unification of the world imminent, he did not want any unexpected events to occur.
Historically, if it weren't for Lord Changping's sudden rebellion, the outcome for Li Xin would have been uncertain.
But to expect Li Xin to destroy the Chu Kingdom with 200,000 troops is a pipe dream!
As for persuading Wang Jian to fight without conscripting soldiers, that's Ying Zheng's business.
"I have learned your lesson."
Ying Zheng looked serious.
After Xu Lin and the others left, Ying Zheng immediately sent someone to summon Yao Jia, the high-ranking official.
Bribing foreign officials was Yao Jia's forte.
"As long as one of the three clans of Qu Jingzhao is willing to help, that will be fine."
"Money is not a problem."
Ying Zheng said.
"promise!"
Yao Jia clasped his hands in acceptance of the order.
Then he took a large sum of money and went to the State of Chu.
The Qu, Jing, Zhao, and their families were the three largest families in the State of Chu. Even the King of Chu had to consult with them before making important decisions, so it was extremely difficult to win them over.
Otherwise, would Ying Zheng have sent Yao Jia?
If it were simple, Ying Zheng would have sent Meng Yi.
Ying Zheng originally intended to send Li Xin and Meng Tian to attack Chu, but after listening to Xu Lin's words, he felt it was better to leave Meng Tian in Xinzheng in case something happened in the former Three Jin regions.
As for Lord Changping, to be honest, if Xu Lin hadn't kept saying it, he wouldn't have believed that Lord Changping would rebel.
Lord Changping was Ying Zheng's cousin, and he was very helpful to Ying Zheng when Ying Zheng first ascended the throne.
Lord Changping, Xiong Qi, was the son of King Kaolie of Chu, and his mother was the daughter of King Zhaoxiang of Qin.
The Qin and Chu states maintained a long-term marriage alliance, which lasted for four hundred years, or nearly twenty generations, starting with Duke Mu of Qin.
Therefore, Ying Zheng did not hate the State of Chu that much, even with the rebellions plotted by Chang'an Jun Chengjiao, Yangquan Jun, and others.
Looking up at the banners of Chu and Qi fluttering in the wind on both sides, Ying Zheng sighed helplessly.
As the King of Qin, he had no other choice.
So he sent Zhao Gao to Ying to monitor Lord Changping.
Lord Changping held a high position and wielded great power. Although he did not command any troops, he was not to be underestimated.
If he were to suddenly rebel, a rebellion would likely break out in Ying, and people in Xianyang and other places would probably respond.
……
The next day.
Ying Zheng personally went to Pinyang.
The King of Qin's personal arrival gave Wang Jian a clue.
If Ying Zheng had only written a letter or sent someone, he could have feigned illness and refused to come. But how could he refuse when the King of Qin came in person?
After lunch, Wang Jian said that without 600,000 men, they could not destroy Chu.
Ying Zheng then stated that the Grand Tutor said 400,000 men were sufficient.
"Did the Grand Tutor really say that?"
Wang Jian blurted it out.
He then immediately waved his hand to indicate that he was not questioning the king, but that it was simply too difficult to destroy Chu with 400,000 men.
"The Grand Tutor once told me privately that with General Wang's abilities, 400,000 men would be enough."
Ying Zheng lied.
He didn't want to lie, but if he didn't lie, Wang Jian insisted on having 600,000 people.
The army currently has only about 500,000 soldiers available for battle. Shouldn't tens of thousands of soldiers be left in Xianyang?
The newly conquered Wei Kingdom needs to retain tens of thousands of troops, right?
There's no need to leave troops in the former Zhao, Han, and Yan territories.
Therefore, without conscription, Ying Zheng could only provide Wang Jian with a maximum of 400,000 soldiers. (End of Chapter)