Chapter 123: Chapter 96: Zhao Ying: Mother, Brother Is Alive and Well! Mrs. Zhao Is Shocked!_3
I must say, Li Si’s words truly carry a double meaning. He is indeed worthy of being a minister who navigates the Court.
Hearing this, a hint of dissatisfaction flashed in Wang Wan’s old eyes, but he dared not be too conspicuous in front of the King of Qin.
"Perhaps what the Shaofu says is reasonable, but it will take time to prove," Wang Wan said, glancing at Li Si.
At that moment, Wang Jian, who had been silent, finally spoke. Since the topic concerned military strategy, he and Meng Wu were naturally included in the council.
"I second Zhao Feng’s strategy," Wang Jian stated directly. "I have served in the army for many years. This plan is feasible."
Hearing this, Ying Zheng smiled faintly. "The Senior General speaks sense. Zhao Feng’s strategy is indeed viable."
"This strategy is designed to pull the rug out from under them; psychological warfare is paramount."
"First, all the surrendered Han soldiers have lost their motherland. They have nowhere to run, and their families are under our Qin’s control. If they rebel, their entire clans will be executed."
"Second, Zhao Feng offers them the chance to become true Sharp Warriors of our Qin. By killing enemies and earning merit, they can achieve this rank, giving every surrendered soldier an opportunity. I believe not a single one of them could refuse. This is another application of the military merit system, tailored for these soldiers," Ying Zheng explained slowly.
Though it appeared he had summoned his high officials for a consultation, Ying Zheng’s words revealed he had already made up his mind to approve Zhao Feng’s strategy.
"The Great King is wise," Yu Liao was the first to concur.
The other ministers in the hall echoed, "The Great King is wise."
"Senior General."
"Issue my decree granting Zhao Feng permission to implement this strategy."
"I will give him time. If he can truly forge these surrendered soldiers into a fighting force for our Qin, I will reward him handsomely," Ying Zheng declared solemnly.
"Your servant accepts the decree," Wang Jian responded immediately.
"A report for the Great King."
"I wish to discuss a matter concerning the Zhao state."
It was Yu Liao who spoke up.
"Speak," Ying Zheng said, turning his gaze to him.
"I have received some intelligence."
"It seems the Zhao state intends to mobilize troops against another nation. Their most elite Frontier Army is already on the move, and it appears that Lian Po and Pang Xuan are heading toward Handan," Yu Liao reported gravely.
"Zhao Yan."
The mention of the Zhao state brought Zhao Yan to Ying Zheng’s mind, and a chill entered his expression.
"He ascended to the throne illegitimately, and talk of it is endless, both in the court and among the people. If Zhao Yan wants to change this, his only option is to expand his borders."
"It is no surprise that he intends to deploy his troops," Ying Zheng said with a faint smile, having already seen through Zhao Yan’s motives.
"The Great King is absolutely right."
"Zhao Yan is desperate to expand his territory to prove himself, but though he has the desire, he dares not act on it."
"This is because our Qin exists. What he fears most right now is our Qin; he fears the Great King."
"If he mobilizes his army, his greatest worry will be that our Qin will seize the opportunity to strike. Therefore, until he is certain that our Qin will not attack, Zhao Yan will not dare to make a move," Li Si said with a smile.
"I, however, want the Zhao state to mobilize its troops," Ying Zheng stated seriously, his gaze sweeping over his ministers.
"The King of Zhao likely feels the same way and is eager to sign a non-aggression pact with our Qin to create an opportunity to mobilize his forces."
"I believe we should send an envoy to Zhao to declare our Qin’s sincere desire for a non-aggression alliance," Yu Liao immediately proposed.
"The Zhao state wishes to ally with our Qin so it can attack other nations and expand its territory. What reason should our Qin give for seeking this pact?" Ying Zheng asked Yu Liao.
Yu Liao bowed deeply and smiled. "Instability in Yingchuan! We will also spread rumors that remnants of Han are causing ceaseless turmoil throughout Yingchuan, draining our Qin’s national strength and exhausting our military!"
"Furthermore, we will intentionally create the impression that our Qin fears an attack on the Great Qin Border from Zhao in support of Han. This will surely make Zhao Yan lower his guard and form an alliance with us."
Hearing this, Ying Zheng’s eyes lit up. He laughed and said, "Worthy of being my Guiguzi strategist. This plan is excellent."
"As long as our Qin feigns weakness, Zhao Yan will surely take the bait."
"Deep down, he is more eager than anyone to form an alliance with us to prevent an attack from our Qin from behind. We will let him sign the pact and march against another state. Once he is too deeply engaged to retreat, our Qin will march directly on Zhao. We will surely be able to capture many of their cities."
At these words, all the ministers bowed to Ying Zheng, fully grasping the young king’s ambitions.
"The Great King is wise," the ministers declared in unison.
"The implementation of this stratagem shall be left to Yu Qing."
"This matter is known only to me and you, my ministers. If word leaks, I will show no mercy," Ying Zheng said sternly.
"We understand," the ministers immediately replied.
Yu Liao readily accepted the command.
"After the rumors have spread, we will need a capable minister to go to the Zhao state and request the alliance."
"Do any of you have a recommendation?" Ying Zheng asked again.
"A report for the Great King."
"I recommend Minister Yao Jia. His rhetorical skills are exceptional. Since joining our Qin, he has been desperate for a chance to serve the Great King. Now that the opportunity has arrived, I believe he will not disappoint," Li Si immediately proposed.
Upon hearing the name Yao Jia, Ying Zheng grew thoughtful. His mind drifted back to the past.
Years ago, Yao Jia had been a minister of Zhao. Acting on the former King of Zhao’s orders, he had united the states of Chu, Han, and Wei for a four-state assault on Qin.
He was certainly capable.
But after serving as an envoy to Qin, he was subsequently expelled from Zhao.
After coming to Qin, Yao Jia’s eloquence and ability earned him a measure of Ying Zheng’s favor, who then appointed him as a Senior Minister with a fief of a thousand households.
Yao Jia’s arrival in Qin naturally sparked much debate. The renowned Han Fei had even commented with the line: "The great thief of Liang, the expelled minister of Zhao."
The sarcasm in that statement was palpable.
Perhaps that is why, in the annals of history, Yao Jia would collaborate with Li Si to poison Han Fei to death.