Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield Chapter 770 Chapter 314: Sealing the Chancellor Again! Zhao Feng Displays Authority! Recruitment Reform! Academic Palace System! (Part 3)

"Answering Father Emperor, yes, it is precisely this Tu'an."

Zhao Feng nodded as he responded.

"Humph."

"A trifling minor nation actually dares such arrogance, blocking the advance of Qin's troops."

"Seeking their own doom."

A cold snort escaped Ying Zheng, sharp killing intent flashing fiercely in his gaze.

"Father, please quell your rage."

"At present, our Qin focuses on steadying the populace's welfare and fortifying the Great Qin Divine Land."

"No rush for war right now. After our Qin Divine Land's reforms take full effect, our might will surge; wiping out these puny states will be child's play."

"Executing these reforms demands vast resources and wealth, so letting these two nations offer tribute isn't a poor idea." Zhao Feng chuckled lightly.

"You sly kid, planning to squeeze tribute from them first, then crush them later under some excuse, eh?"

Ying Zheng shot Zhao Feng a look and burst into laughter right away.

"Father understands me well." Zhao Feng answered with booming laughter.

Amid the warm rapport between father and son,

the Qin court's civil and military officials joined in with their own chuckles.

"Hahaha."

"The Crown Prince speaks true."

"Our Qin's reforms devour immense resources."

"The Academic Palace's building does too."

"Should these two nations donate some riches, it may not amount to much, but it'll ease pressing shortages."

"Our Qin forces can smash these insignificant realms with ease. When reforms complete, our realm's power hits new heights."

"Exactly."

...

The court ministers roared with laughter too.

"Very well then."

"Have these two nations dispatch envoys to our Qin."

"But for Tu'an State, deliver a stern warning." Ying Zheng declared gravely.

"I accept the order and shall direct border commanders to carry it out." Yu Liao grinned at once.

"Father."

"With Divine Land wars concluded and rival states vanquished."

"We used to conscript youths yearly into Qin ranks."

"Time to reform this policy now." Zhao Feng interjected aptly.

At these words,

Ying Zheng nodded thoughtfully in accord: "Feng'er has the right idea."

"Yearly conscriptions before kept armies replenished and Qin forces mighty, yet change is due now."

"Feng'er, share your thoughts?"

Ying Zheng turned his eyes back to Zhao Feng.

"Father."

"You truly wish to spare yourself effort, huh? Even this requires your son's input?"

Zhao Feng remarked with mild exasperation.

These words rang out,

court ministers stifled their chuckles.

Ever since Zhao Feng ascended as Crown Prince and handled state matters,

the court stayed solemn, yet its vibe had shifted for the better.

No era before witnessed such perfect harmony between sovereign and heir.

"The able shoulder greater loads." Ying Zheng chuckled.

"Your son devises plans, Father enacts them." Zhao Feng grinned.

"Of course." Ying Zheng nodded promptly.

"Recruitment persists, but not the old mass drafting of youths."

"Henceforth, Five Camps' Senior Generals report retiree counts to Shaofu, which forwards to Recruitment Hall; they pick elite youths from Qin lands to refill ranks. Once camps fill, surplus youths turn to agricultural soldiers."

"First, reclaiming barren lands across Qin; second, erecting chidao and fortifications."

"This counts as corvée labor."

"Two-year stint, paid yearly like regular troops. Post-term, they decide: enlist or depart."

"Qin must harness every able-bodied youth to bolster our empire." Zhao Feng proclaimed swiftly.

Listening to this,

court ministers nodded in unison.

Zhao Feng's scheme preserves Qin's enlistment framework while smartly redeploying extra manpower.

"Senior Generals, Shaofu."

"Hear the Crown Prince's words clearly?"

"The recruitment strategy and agricultural strategy must start implementation this year." A smile appeared on Ying Zheng's face.

"We shall adhere strictly to the Holy Decree."

Yu Liao and the high-ranking generals responded without delay.

"Very well."

"The meeting today draws to a close."

"But first."

"One final announcement remains."

Ying Zheng gazed sternly over the assembled court.

Solemnity spread across the faces of the ministers one by one.

"Huai Zhuang's failed assassination on the Crown Prince led to his family's execution, leaving the Right Chancellor post empty."

"After much deliberation, I've reached my decision."

Ying Zheng spoke deliberately and slowly.

His words hung in the air.

Anticipation quickened the breaths of the Nine Ministers' officials.

Li Si stood out especially.

Right now, his fists clenched tightly inside his sleeves, nerves on edge.

Back when Wang Wan's family faced annihilation, Li Si had dreamed of claiming the Right Chancellor role, yet Han Fei's sudden ascent dashed those hopes.

It took time for him to realize the truth.

Han Fei's promotion stemmed less from personal merit and more from Zhao Feng's influence; their bond secured Han Fei the Right Chancellor seat.

With all eyes watching, Ying Zheng's gaze settled upon Li Si.

"Minister Li Si."

"Your talents shine brightly. Since joining Qin, you've rendered immense service and pledged undying loyalty to me."

"Thus, appointing you as Right Chancellor is fitting."

Ying Zheng's declaration landed.

Ecstatic delight lit up Li Si's features.

Without hesitation.

He stepped forward, bowing profoundly to Ying Zheng and Zhao Feng: "This subject expresses deepest gratitude to Your Majesty for this trust, and to the Crown Prince as well."

"This subject pledges lifelong service to Qin."

Witnessing Li Si's demeanor.

Ying Zheng offered a faint smile: "I expect you to fulfill your Right Chancellor duties without fail."

"This subject shall never disappoint Your Majesty or the Crown Prince," Li Si responded at once.

"Mm." Ying Zheng gave a nod.

The reactions of every official in the hall lay bare before him.

"Qin has conquered the rival states and now rules the Divine Land."

"My rule grows intricate, overwhelmed by petitions flooding from every corner, too vast for me alone."

"Hence."

"I've summoned a skilled Qin minister, who also serves as my senior."

...