Chapter 10: King Zheng of Qin

At the age of 13, King Zheng of Qin ascended to the throne, and by the age of 22, he began to govern. This year, he is exactly 31 years old, in the prime of his life. Although he is kneeling on the couch, he still appears to be of great stature. At this moment, he is dressed in plain clothes, without a crown, and has his hair styled in a topknot. His face is square, with long eyebrows and large eyes, a high nose bridge, and a loud voice that carries a slightly sharp tone. He has a patch of short beard under his chin. In his gaze, there is a fierce and cunning light, revealing an extremely arrogant and resolute demeanor, embodying the qualities of a formidable leader who does not tolerate any questioning from others.

Li Si also nodded and said, "This concerns the overall situation of unification, so I ask the King to be cautious. I take my leave, Your Majesty." After Li Si took his leave, King Zheng of Qin looked at the memorials from the ministers for a while longer. After handling all official matters, he finally left the palace and returned to the inner palace. By this time, the sky had darkened. King Zheng of Qin stopped at the entrance of a palace, where the guarding maidservants and attendants immediately knelt and said, "We pay our respects to the King." After handling all official matters, he finally left the palace and returned to the inner palace. By this time, the sky had darkened. King Zheng of Qin stopped at the entrance of a palace, where the guarding maidservants and attendants immediately knelt and said, "We pay our respects to the King."

Oh! King Zheng of Qin was somewhat moved, for the quality of Qin swords had always surpassed that of the six eastern states. The swords he bestowed upon his subordinates were all exquisite pieces among Qin swords. If one were to be cleaved in two by the opponent, it could not be overlooked. The strength of the Qin army in battle was not only due to the system of military merit rewards but also significantly attributed to their sturdy and sharp weapons. Therefore, King Zheng of Qin picked up the broken sword from the plate and examined it closely. He noticed that the cut was straight and smooth, indeed having been severed in one stroke. The strength of the Qin army in battle was not only due to the system of military merit rewards but also significantly attributed to their sturdy and sharp weapons. Therefore, King Zheng of Qin picked up the broken sword from the plate and examined it closely. He noticed that the cut was straight and smooth, indeed having been severed in one stroke

The internal attendant hurriedly took out the map and spread it on the table. King Qin Zheng looked at the map and asked, "What about the situation along the Zhang River?"

Li Si hurriedly replied, "I shall obey your command"

King Zheng of Qin nodded. Regardless of whether the appearance of the star is true or false, if such casting technology were to be mastered by the Zhao state, it would undoubtedly be greatly disadvantageous for Qin. At this moment, there was a unified understanding within the Qin state: to eliminate the six states and unify the world. Moreover, it was widely recognized among both the leadership and the scholars that the greatest rival to Qin's unification efforts was Zhao. The combat effectiveness of the Zhao army was on par with that of the Qin army, and with a peerless general like Li Mu commanding, if the quality of their weapons surpassed that of the Qin army, then Qin's plans for unification would face significant uncertainties. Furthermore, it was unanimously acknowledged among both the leadership and the scholars that the greatest rival to Qin's unification efforts was Zhao. The combat effectiveness of the Zhao army was on par with that of the Qin army, and with a peerless general like Li Mu commanding, if the quality of their weapons surpassed that of the Qin army, then Qin's plans for unification would face significant uncertainties.

Up to now, King Zheng of Qin has not made a decision on which plan to adopt. The Battle of Changping resulted in the annihilation of over 400,000 Zhao troops, severely wounding the state of Zhao. However, the Qin state also suffered significant losses, with troop losses reaching 300,000. All males over the age of fifteen east of Xianyang were conscripted into the army. In reality, Qin only achieved a pyrrhic victory; yet, due to its strong national power, it was able to recover within a few years. Consequently, Qin harbored concerns about Zhao. Although Qin has been engaged in military actions against Zhao in recent years, the scale of these operations has not been large, and a full-scale war of annihilation against Zhao has not been initiated. This was also an attempt to gauge Zhao's current strength.

King Zheng of Qin pondered for a moment before saying: "What about our covert operations in Zhao? Is there no action being taken?"

King Qin Zheng placed the wooden tablet on the table, pondered for a moment, and then said: "Li Si, with the meteor falling from the sky and the star of destiny appearing in the world, do you think this matter could be true"

Upon hearing the inquiry from King Qin Zheng, Li Si immediately replied: "This matter was personally reported by General Huan, and according to General Huan, when the meteor fell from the sky, it produced a sound that resonated across the land, and the heavens shook the earth. In the main camp of the Qin army, over one hundred thousand soldiers could feel it and also witnessed flames rising dozens of zhang. After dawn, General Huan personally visited the site and found that the pit was over six or seven zhang deep, with a radius of several dozen zhang, and all surrounding trees were completely burned. The evidence is clear; I believe General Huan would never dare to deceive the King. Therefore, I think the meteor falling from the sky and the records in the books cannot be false.

As he spoke, Li Si gestured behind him, and two armored soldiers accompanied by a court attendant appeared, carrying a large tray and placing it before King Zheng of Qin. King Zheng glanced at it and saw two broken swords inside, asking, "What are these two broken swords?"

Qin Wang Zhengdao: "So, are the celestial generals coming into the world a falsehood?"

At this moment, Li Si said again: "I have commanded someone to test this broken sword, and it can still sever two swords. This sword, even in its broken state, remains a superior piece among the swords of Qin."

King Qin Zheng chuckled and said: "Since the people of Handan are not in a panic now, I shall show them a bit of severity. Issue my command to increase Yang Duan's troops by 100,000. Let us see whether Handan will be in a state of panic this time."

Qin Wang Zhengdao: "How is Hehua? Is she asleep now?"

King Qin Zheng nodded and said, "Then what about the arrival of the celestial star? Will it also be true?"

Xianyang, inside the Qin Palace

Li Si said: "We have exhausted all efforts in our covert operations in the Zhao state. King Zhao has issued five edicts in succession, summoning Li Mu to return to the army, and at least three of these edicts are the result of our covert activities. However, Li Mu is well-versed in military strategy and understands the principle that when one is in the field, the commands of the sovereign may not be heeded. In his early years, when he defended against the Xiongnu in the north, he had repeatedly rejected the orders of King Zhao. Moreover, our Qin army has made no achievements on either front, the situation on the battlefield is stable, and there is no sense of panic in Handan. Furthermore, after the Battle of Changping, the Zhao state would not dare to easily change commanders in the midst of battle."

King Qin Zheng said: "Indeed, I have also reviewed this plan, and it is truly brilliant. If it succeeds, it will not only avenge the humiliation of our defeat in the Fat War against the State of Qin two years ago, but it will also annihilate the State of Zhao in one fell swoop"

King Qin Zheng said: "Li Si, do you have anything else to say?"

Li Si said: "Your Majesty, I believe this matter should be thoroughly investigated"

A report to the king: "Your Majesty, the princess is now peacefully asleep and has been examined by the imperial physician. Her health is stable, and with a few days of rest, she will fully recover. Please rest assured, Your Majesty."

King Qin Zheng pondered for a moment before saying, "Very well, allow me to think it over."

Li Si let out a bitter laugh and said, "But Li Mu did not return to rescue Handan"

In the seventeenth year of King Zheng of Qin, a meteor fireball fell in Fanwu, with fire stones soaring dozens of zhang into the air, shaking the heavens and the earth, and the sound reverberating across the four corners

Li Si said: "Your Majesty, please wait."

Li Si said: "Although the Zhao army has only 30,000 troops along the Zhang River, their commander, Sima Wang, was formerly the deputy general of Li Mu and is also well-versed in military strategy. Moreover, to the south of Handan, the Zhang River and the Great Wall provide mutual support, making it difficult for our Qin army to break through the Zhao army's defenses in a short time"

King Qin Zheng nodded and said: "Since Hehua has already fallen asleep, do not wake her. I will come to see her again early tomorrow morning." As he spoke, he turned and left, returning to his own palace. The waiting maid and the inner maid hurriedly knelt on the ground and said: "We respectfully send off the king"

Li Si said: "I urge Your Majesty to think carefully. Rather than increasing troops to attack Zhao, it would be better to take advantage of the current situation where Zhao is unable to focus externally and send troops to destroy Han. Last year, the Han general Han Teng returned the territory of Nanyang to Qin, and now Han only has the land of Yingchuan left, covering merely a few hundred miles. The state is weak and its troops are exhausted, and with Han Teng being well-acquainted with the internal affairs of Han, an attack on Han would surely lead to swift success. Once Han is destroyed, the remaining five states will also not be able to endure for long."

Another viewpoint is that Han Fei proposed to the Qin state to first eliminate the Zhao state, reasoning that among the six eastern states, Zhao was the strongest. If Qin were to eliminate Zhao first, then the other five states would be unable to contend with Qin, and unifying the realm would naturally be achieved with ease. Although Han Fei's plan was considered from the perspective of the Han state, aiming to preserve Han, it also contained a considerable degree of rationality

King Zheng of Qin asked: "What is the situation of the battle at the front line now?"

Li Si nodded and said: "King Zhao Qian issued five edicts in succession, summoning Li Mu to return to the army to rescue Handan. However, Li Mu refused to mobilize his troops, instead sending Sima Wang to command an army of 30,000 to garrison the northern bank of the Zhang River, while he himself continued to lead 150,000 Zhao troops to fortify and defend Fanwu, leaving Huan Qi with no opportunity to exploit."

Li Si said: "Regarding this matter, I dare not speak recklessly. General Ju Huan mentioned that on that very night, a certain Bo Zhang Ying Chong led his troops on patrol and encountered a person whose attire was peculiar and vastly different from that of our Huaxia people. The remaining Qin soldiers also witnessed this. Subsequently, rumors spread in Li Mu's camp about the arrival of a star of generals. However, Li Mu has always been cunning and unpredictable, so it is possible that he fabricated this to boost the morale of the Zhao army"

King Qin Zheng was greatly surprised and said, "Li Mu did not come to the aid of Handan?"

King Qin Zheng said: "Even if one person can kill two hundred Qin soldiers, he is merely a brave man and not a cause for concern." Li Si replied: "I ask Your Majesty to look at something."

After hearing this, King Zheng of Qin fell into deep thought again. Although the strategy for the Qin Dynasty to conquer the six states had already been established, there were two differing opinions regarding the specific plan. One was proposed by Li Si, which suggested first conquering Han and then the other five states, as among the six eastern states, Han was the weakest and almost incapable of withstanding an attack. It is a military principle to first strike the weak enemy before confronting the strong. Moreover, after the fall of Han, the territory of the Qin state would greatly extend eastward, bordering the Qi state, and separating the southern Chu state from Wei, Zhao, Yan, and other states, preventing them from forming alliances against Qin. Therefore, this plan was very much in line with the actual situation of the Qin state.

King Qin Zheng frowned slightly and said, "Bring me the map"

Li Si said: "That is not entirely the case. According to Ying Chong, this person possesses extraordinary martial prowess, able to single-handedly slay over 200 of our Qin soldiers, appearing as if he were a deity or a ghost. The people of today fear him at the mere sight. Ying Chong remains a renowned warrior of our Qin state, and his words should not be taken lightly."

King Zheng of Qin said, "Very well, I will leave this matter to you to handle. As soon as there is any news, promptly inform me." The Qin state had spies and informants among the various states, responsible for gathering intelligence, sowing discord, and other related tasks, all overseen by Li Si. Therefore, King Zheng entrusted Li Si with the responsibility of obtaining this information.

Li Si shook his head and said: "The progress is not going smoothly. Our Qin state is dividing its forces into two routes to attack Zhao. Yang Duan leads an army of 100,000, advancing north from Ye, crossing the Zhang River to attack Handan, forcing King Zhao to recall Li Mu for reinforcements at Handan; meanwhile, Huan Qi commands an army of 200,000, taking advantage of the situation to advance from Shangdang through Jingxing, attacking Fanwu, and striking from the north of Handan, creating a pincer movement against Handan. Furthermore, apart from Handan, the other territories of Zhao are under the control of our Qin army. In this case, even if Li Mu were to be reborn as Sun Wu or Wu Qi, it would be difficult for him to turn the tide."

At his side knelt Li Si, the most trusted minister of King Zheng of Qin. He was approximately forty-five years old, with a fair complexion and a long white beard. His eyes were slightly elongated, giving him an appearance of great wisdom. At that moment, he wore a ceremonial cap and was dressed in formal official attire. Although he was kneeling, his back was straight and upright, presenting a stark contrast to the somewhat languid and relaxed demeanor of King Zheng.

Li Si said: "This is Ying Zhong's treasured sword, which was bestowed upon him by the king during last year's autumn hunt. It was broken in two during the battle with that man. According to Ying Zhong, the weapon used by that man is quite peculiar; although it is less than two feet long, its shape is curved and it is extremely sharp, having severed dozens of Qin swords in that battle"

King Qin Zheng pondered for a moment and said, "Li Si, what do you think should be done?"

King Zheng of Qin walked with his hands behind his back, pondering as he walked: the falling meteor and the emergence of the star, are these blessings or calamities for our great Qin?