The departure of the Iron Eagle Guards did not elicit any obstruction from Lin Tian.
This was because Lin Tian sensed no hostility from them.
Moreover, he detected a familiar aura emanating from the Iron Eagle Guards, an aura akin to that of Uncle Gen.
"These should be the King's men. However, why does Uncle Gen's aura bear such a resemblance to the King's men? Could it be…?"
Previously, Lin Tian had never entertained this question.
But upon closer reflection now, there were many inconsistencies.
For instance, the Sui Hou Pearl, one of the world's most precious treasures, was not obtainable by ordinary individuals; it belonged exclusively to the royal family of Great Qin.
The Tai'a Sword was even more extraordinary, the sword of authority coveted by all lords in the realm. It was said to have been obtained by Xiang Yu in the end.
Coupled with the peerless Celestial's Kneeling Swordplay, Lin Tian felt he should seriously reconsider his mother's identity.
"Could it be… I am of the Great Qin royal family?"
Having a general understanding of Qin Dynasty history, Lin Tian did not even entertain the thought of being one of Ying Zheng's sons.
After all, the eldest son of Great Qin was Fu Su, a fact known to all.
And since he was older than Fu Su, it was unlikely he was Ying Zheng's child.
Therefore, only the Great Qin royal family could possess such items.
Yet, not many prominent figures were known from the Great Qin royal family.
With this thought, Lin Tian sighed.
"So be it. Regardless of my identity, I will do my utmost to change Great Qin!"
"Under no circumstances can I allow Great Qin to perish after just two generations!"
Following this, he immediately sought someone to handle the bodies of the deceased assassins.
Meanwhile, after the Iron Eagle Guards departed, they immediately relayed the news to the Black Ice Guard.
The Iron Eagle Guards of Great Qin were under the command of the Black Ice Guard, personally overseen by Ying Zheng.
Many of the Black Ice Guard's missions were carried out by the Iron Eagle Guards.
This was why the Black Ice Guard could be considered the foremost intelligence organization in Great Qin.
As the news reached the Black Ice Guard, Ying Zheng was also swiftly informed.
"My King, something momentous has occurred. General Lin Tian has been targeted for assassination!"
"What? What is Lin Tian's current condition? Is he injured?"
"According to intelligence from the Iron Eagle Guards, General Lin Tian is unharmed and single-handedly eliminated over a hundred assassins!"
"However, these assassins were no ordinary individuals. They were not only swift and decisive in their actions but also fearless of death. When General Lin Tian was about to capture them alive, they actually committed suicide by poison, leaving no survivors!"
At this point, the members of the Black Ice Guard were deeply disturbed.
They had not expected such a formidable assassination organization to exist within Xianyang City, under their surveillance.
This was undeniably a dereliction of their duty.
Not to mention, the target of this assassination was Lin Tian, whom Ying Zheng paid particular attention to.
"Have the Black Ice Guards ascertained the origin of these assassins?"
"We at the Black Ice Guard have investigated this matter immediately. According to leads, these individuals appeared to have come from Lord Changping's residence."
"However, we do not possess concrete evidence to definitively confirm whether these individuals originated from Lord Changping's residence, and thus cannot ascertain the truth!"
Lord Changping was currently the Prime Minister of Great Qin, Mi Qi. Although Mi Qi's actions were conducted with utmost secrecy, he could not withstand the powerful and extensive intelligence network of the Black Ice Guard.
Before the incident, perhaps no one paid much attention to this matter.
But now that an incident had occurred, whatever transpired at Mi Qi's residence became highly suspicious.
Merely hearing the name "Lord Changping" was enough for Ying Zheng to conclude that Mi Qi was indeed behind this affair.
This was because Mi Qi had both the absolute motive and the absolute capability to commit murder.
As for the Black Ice Guard's mention of a lack of evidence, for Ying Zheng, evidence was sometimes not required.
"Summon someone!!"
"Your Majesty!"
As Ying Zheng called out, Zhao Gao immediately appeared.
Zhao Gao was still very young at this time. Although he had followed Ying Zheng for several years, he had not displayed any ambition.
In front of Ying Zheng, he was more like a docile dog.
When Ying Zheng issued an order, he would faithfully execute it.
"Deliver an imperial decree!!"
"Prime Minister Mi Qi, having toiled day and night and unable to sleep due to excessive labor, is hereby granted a year of leave. The position of Prime Minister shall temporarily be assumed by Wang Wan!"
"Yes!!"
Ying Zheng's command, though greatly surprising to Zhao Gao, did not elicit further comment from him. He proceeded to carry it out without fail.
Meanwhile, Mi Qi was still awaiting the good news of Lin Tian's assassination.
However, what he received was the arrival of Zhao Gao.
Zhao Gao's appearance sent a tremor of dread through Mi Qi's heart.
He had a premonition that something bad was about to happen.
Indeed, the next moment, Zhao Gao directly proclaimed the decree.
"By royal decree: Prime Minister Mi Qi, having toiled day and night and unable to sleep due to excessive labor, is hereby granted a year of leave. The position of Prime Minister shall temporarily be assumed by Wang Wan!"
"Lord Changping, receive the decree!"
Zhao Gao looked at Lord Changping, awaiting his acceptance of the decree.
At this moment, Lord Changping's face turned ashen. Though he harbored thoughts of resistance, he was powerless to act.
Ultimately, he reluctantly accepted the decree.
After he received it, Zhao Gao cast him a glance, said nothing, and departed.
Mi Qi, holding the imperial decree from Ying Zheng, sat dejectedly on the ground.
It was only after a long while that Mi Qi regained his senses.
"Your Majesty, you are truly ruthless!!"
"I was a loyal subject who aided you in ascending the throne, and moreover, I am Fu Su's maternal uncle. Yet, you showed no regard for our past ties and directly stripped me of my position as Prime Minister!"
"In your heart, do our Mi clan and Fu Su combined not hold as much weight as that Lin Tian?"
Mi Qi had indeed contemplated whether Ying Zheng would move against him if his plan failed.
However, in his calculations, Ying Zheng would not impose any significant punishment on him.
Firstly, Ying Zheng lacked sufficient evidence to prove that he was responsible for the incident, thus having no suitable pretext to act against him.
Secondly, the Mi clan itself possessed considerable influence, not only within Great Qin but also in the state of Chu.
With such a vast combined force, Ying Zheng would surely be apprehensive.
Therefore, Ying Zheng would have reservations when acting against him.
Yet, to his surprise, Ying Zheng showed no hesitation, striking a fatal blow.
He was reduced from the esteemed Lord Changping of Great Qin to a mere title, devoid of any real power.
More importantly, Ying Zheng had used the flimsy excuse of excessive labor to depose him.
This was an immense blow to Mi Qi.
Simultaneously, Mi Qi realized that in the future, he would have to be even more cautious and discreet when dealing with Lin Tian.
Without absolute certainty, he must not act.
Because behind Lin Tian stood Ying Zheng, fiercely protecting him.
Should he fail again, he and his Mi clan could face a devastating blow from Ying Zheng.
With this realization, Mi Qi took a deep breath.
"Just wait. Fu Su will surely become the King of Great Qin!"
…