Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield Chapter 737 Chapter 303: The Crown Prince's Unprecedented Deed! Shaking the World! (Part 2)
Previously on Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield...
"I possess another suggestion to fortify Qin and render survival even more difficult for the Six States' remnants skulking in the dark." Zhao Feng declared in a chilling voice, edged with a faint mocking grin.
"Speak."
"I eagerly await it."
Ying Zheng burst into laughter right away.
"First."
"For unifying scripts, beyond inventing a common writing system, gather every book across the realm. Once the new script is ready, catalog them and spread it everywhere."
"Second."
"To prevent wars and curb disorder, seize all copper and iron along with armors and weapons. Forbid the populace from owning arms, armor, or crafting them."
"Severe penalties await any found guilty." Zhao Feng articulated deliberately.
"Excellent plan."
"This approach,"
"leaves rebel-minded holdouts from defeated states weaponless and armorless, ripe for crushing." Ying Zheng roared with laughter.
Ying Zheng greatly favored Zhao Feng's two proposals, particularly the seizure of arms and armor.
It effectively severs the Six States remnants' prospects.
"Crown Prince,"
"Gathering arms and armor nationwide is doable, yet a concern lingers."
"Copper and iron serve more than weapons; hunters, butchers, farmers need them for implements like plows."
"Banning all such items leaves ordinary folk unable to live?" Yu Liao voiced his hesitation.
"Well said by the Shaofu."
"On this point,"
"I have a contingency ready." Zhao Feng smiled lightly.
He then glanced over the gathered officials.
"Once weapons are collected realm-wide,"
"smithies can register with authorities, who will supply copper and iron for daily needs. Officials inspect allotments monthly; excess beyond civilian purposes triggers Tingwei probe."
"Root out every possibility for Six States remnants."
"All realm mines of copper and iron fall under Imperial Court oversight, barred from public trade." Zhao Feng proclaimed.
Hearing this,
Yu Liao nodded: "Crown Prince's foresight is praiseworthy."
"Thus,"
"it truly severs the Six States remnants' path to resurgence."
With Yu Liao's endorsement,
Ying Zheng laughed: "I endorse Feng'er's proposals completely."
"Issue my command."
"The four state policies, chosen by Crown Prince for four posts, enact them fully."
"Furthermore,"
"Proclaim nationwide: Qin seizes Six States books; noncompliance brings punishment, compliance earns rewards!"
"With the realm unified under Qin's rule."
"Huaxia folk endure war no more. As Qin troops conquered, Six States arms littered among people. Peace reigns now; civilians need no self-defense, Qin's elite guards the realm."
"Hence,"
"Qin reclaims all weapons, melts copper and iron to forge anew."
"From decree's issuance, one month for local notices. Thereafter, officials search; hiders of arms or armor suffer harsh justice."
"Civilian copper and iron goes to local forges via government."
Ying Zheng proclaimed resoundingly, as the edict was prepared.
"The First Emperor is sage."
Civil and military officials chorused together.
"Now."
"Ministers, resume deliberations."
Ying Zheng grinned, delighted by Zhao Feng's successive policies' profound value.
As court talks neared end,
Zhao Feng interjected: "Father Emperor, one more issue to raise."
"Speak, Feng'er." Ying Zheng beamed.
"As Crown Prince overseeing military and state matters."
"The Grand Commandant role feels redundant for me."
"Hence, I nominate General Wang Jian for Grand Commandant, leading Qin's four armies." Zhao Feng announced firmly.
At these words,
Officials showed no shock.
Wang Jian's impending Grand Commandant post had circulated since Zhao Feng's ascension.
Zhao Feng, as Crown Prince, required no such title.
Wang Jian's heart surged with fervor.
"The Crown Prince recommends."
"General Wang Jian merits this duty."
"Approved." Ying Zheng grinned, gesturing assent instantly.
"I won't fail the First Emperor."
"Nor the Crown Prince." Wang Jian advanced, kowtowing profoundly to Ying Zheng and Zhao Feng.
"Grand Commandant Wang Jian appointed, Feng'er, whom for Lantian Camp's Shangjiangjun?" Ying Zheng turned to Zhao Feng inquiringly.
Evidently deferring choice to Zhao Feng once more.
"Wang Ben excels in troop command, fit for the role," Zhao Feng replied swiftly.
This post stayed firmly within the fold.
Though courtiers yearned to object,
none voiced dissent.
Zhao Feng, now Crown Prince, commanded vast military esteem and realm-wide respect.
His presence secured,
the throne awaited him inevitably.
Opposition meant defying Zhao Feng—suicide!
"Agreed."
"Approved."
Ying Zheng nodded smilingly at once.
To Ying Zheng,
his son's power posed no rebellion threat; the future was Zhao Feng's, his prowess obviated plots.
Entrusting to Zhao Feng, Ying Zheng yielded maximal control, handing reins to him.
"Father Emperor's wisdom shines," Zhao Feng responded promptly.
Seeing Wang Jian and son bask in favor,
ministers gazed enviously at Wang Jian.
"Sigh."
"Wang clan's fortune astounds."
"Wang daughter weds Crown Prince unexpectedly."
"Who foresaw?"
"Had one befriended Crown Prince early in court, what fortune!"
"Wang Jian Grand Commandant, Wang Ben Protector-General."
"Wang power swells enormously."
"All thanks to Crown Prince..."
Envy consumed many, regretting missed alliances for such gains.
"Feng'er."
"Qin's Crown Prince now."
" fitting to visit Ancestral Temple, claim lineage, enter records," Ying Zheng smiled.
"By Father Emperor's will." Zhao Feng assented instantly.
"Excellent."
Ying Zheng nodded, eyeing Li Si: "Ying Xi's fate?"
"To First Emperor,"
"Ying Xi admitted every crime fully."
"Awaits execution per decree," Li Si answered promptly.
"Execute."
Ying Zheng commanded without pause.
"Minister obeys," Li Si bowed, retreating.
"No Zongzheng presently,"
"I pick a date,"
"In ten days, officials witness: Crown Prince, princess, his children to Ancestral Temple for lineage rites," Ying Zheng decreed forthwith.
"First Emperor sage."
Ministers acclaimed boisterously.
"This son obeys." Zhao Feng accepted joyfully.
Officials departed.
Morning Hall held only Ying Zheng, Zhao Feng.
"Feng'er,"
"Your governance prowess surprises me greatly."
"Today's four policies plus dual seizures."
"Father views you anew," Ying Zheng chuckled, deeply pleased.
"Soon, Six States remnants strike back."
"They know Qin uproots them."
"Plus,"
"Xianyang insiders may stir too," Zhao Feng smirked, eyes flashing murder.
"What intent?" Ying Zheng's face shifted.
"With me as Crown Prince, will Father think they idle?"
"Ambition corrupts."
"They must move," Zhao Feng sneered.
"Your counter?" Ying Zheng queried.
"They seek my death; I'll offer opportunity," Zhao Feng grinned.
...