Previously on Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield...
Zhao Feng successfully integrated new powers into his Minor World, causing it to expand and evolve. Meanwhile, Li Mu leads the Daqin army in a brutal assault on Tu'an Border City, shattering their defenses and initiating a bloody massacre.
The endless Qin Cavalry let out fierce roars, relentlessly slaughtering their foes. The entire Tu'an Border City became submerged in a sea of blood as the formidable Qin forces descended.
...
Tu'an Capital!
"Report!"
"Reporting to the Great King."
"Grave news has arrived."
"The border city has been breached by the Qin Army."
"The Qin Army is currently advancing on numerous Tu'an cities, and resistance is proving impossible. Within half a month, the Qin Army will undoubtedly reach the capital."
A Tu'an general reported in stark terror.
Seated upon the throne,
King Tu'an's face had turned ashen, etched with profound worry. His gaze, filled with simmering anger, shifted towards Jin Feng, who stood below.
"General Jin."
"At this critical juncture, do you still have nothing to say?" King Tu'an inquired, struggling to contain his fury.
"Great King."
"I absolutely did not dispatch dead soldiers to abduct the princess, nor did I order the killing of Qin soldiers. Please, Great King, perceive the truth."
"This is entirely Qin's fabrication and malicious framing."
Jin Feng immediately responded with a raised voice.
At this critical moment,
Jin Feng was unwavering in his denial. He reasoned that as long as he denied any involvement, given his esteemed reputation within the court, no one would dare to move against him, not even King Tu'an.
Observing Jin Feng's persistent refusal to confess,
Despite the internal rage churning within King Tu'an, he found himself without any viable options.
"With Qin's aggressive advance, what course of action should our Tu'an take?" King Tu'an surveyed his assembled ministers.
"Great King."
"Qin is clearly unwilling to receive our envoy and has genuinely been provoked."
"The Qin Army's might is overwhelming, and our Tu'an soldiers are simply no match for them. At present, apart from surrender, our Tu'an has no other recourse."
"Indeed, Great King."
"Our ten-thousand-strong army stationed at the border city could not withstand the assault for even a single day before collapsing."
"This time, the Qin Army is under the command of Li Mu, a general who once routed the Xiongnu; his strategic prowess is unparalleled. Our Tu'an is merely a small nation, incapable of contending with such a force. Please, Great King, make a clear assessment..."
Within the court, a significant number of Tu'an ministers voiced their inclination towards surrender. For them, the prospect of defeating Qin was utterly impossible, and they recognized that if Qin were to breach the capital, their survival would be highly uncertain. They understood that voluntary surrender and being captured after a city's fall were vastly different outcomes.
"Is surrender truly our only option?" King Tu'an's expression was one of deep turmoil, filled with a sense of helplessness.
"Great King."
"Our Tu'an still commands over a hundred thousand soldiers, and we share common ancestry and origins with Goguryeo. We could potentially seek assistance from Goguryeo."
Jin Feng spoke up promptly upon hearing the discussions leaning towards surrender. The directive to abduct the princess had originated from him, and he had already faced interrogation from the Qin Army. He knew well that if he were to surrender to Qin, his fate would be grim.
"If we do not surrender, then what alternative do we have?"
"Consider Li Mu and the invincible Qin Army."
"Over a hundred thousand soldiers? How can they possibly hold out?"
"Would Goguryeo even dare to dispatch troops?" King Tu'an questioned with a frown, clearly contemplating surrender, much like many of his ministers.
"Great King."
"Under no circumstances should we surrender!" Jin Feng continued his impassioned plea.
"To protect the Tu'an populace from a brutal massacre."
"Surrender remains the sole viable path."
"Issue my Royal Decree. Dispatch an envoy to meet with the Qin General and formally express our intent to surrender."
With a profound sigh, King Tu'an declared loudly.
"The Great King's sagacity is evident."
Upon hearing the decision to surrender, numerous ministers expressed their approval.
Jin Feng's countenance turned exceedingly grim.
...
Xianyang!
Morning Discussion Hall!
"Reporting to the Great King."
"General Li Mu of the Northern Frontier has transmitted a triumphant report."
"In five days of engaging Tu'an, our army has consecutively captured eighteen of Tu'an's cities, and within another five days, we are certain to reach the Tu'an Capital."
"However."
"The King of Tu'an, already gripped by fear, has dispatched an envoy to convey their intention to surrender," Yu Liao announced loudly, stepping forward.
In response,
Ying Zheng offered a slight smile, displaying no surprise. The current might of the Qin Army was a reality likely understood most clearly by their adversaries. It represented an absolute power imbalance. Not only a minor state like Tu'an, but even the formerly formidable Zhao state could be easily swept aside by Qin. Such was the present strength of Qin.
"Since Tu'an is amenable to surrender, then grant them this opportunity."
"Issue an order for General Li Mu to accept their surrender."
"Nevertheless, the Tu'an general responsible for dispatching dead soldiers to ambush our troops must be handed over by King Tu'an, and his entire clan must be exterminated," Ying Zheng stated coldly. The might of Qin could not be insulted. The sanctity of Qin could not be violated.
Those who dare to provoke the might of Qin shall face dire consequences.
"Your Majesty."
"I have devised a plan."
A sudden spark ignited in Yu Liao's eyes as a thought struck him.
"Proceed," Ying Zheng commanded, his gaze fixed upon Yu Liao.
"Inform Jin Feng that Qin intends to eradicate his entire clan." Yu Liao declared without hesitation.
"Your strategy is most insightful, Shaofu."
"While Jin Feng, the Great General of Tu'an, has had his influence diminished by the King of Tu'an, he surely possesses residual resources. Upon learning of Qin's intent to annihilate his kin, he will undoubtedly attempt to flee."
"As for the Donghu, Jin Feng has frequently clashed with them, making it an unlikely sanctuary."
"His only viable escape route would be to Goguryeo."
"This would then provide us with the pretext to eliminate Goguryeo," Li Si elaborated with a smile.
Ying Zheng's lips curved into a smile: "Approved."
"I shall dispatch an order to General Li Mu without delay." Yu Liao promptly affirmed.
"Tu'an, Goguryeo, these two nations."
"A combined population nearing eight million."
"Such a populace should be put to optimal use." Ying Zheng mused, deep in thought.
It was evident.
Ying Zheng harbored no benevolent intentions towards these foreign tribes, nor would he extend them the same leniency afforded to the Huaxia People.
Towards them, naturally, stricter measures would be enforced.
The future of the Great Qin Divine Land would inevitably be shaped by the dominance of the Huaxia People.
"Your Majesty."
"Perhaps we could employ the strategy of using foreigners to govern foreigners," Lv Buwei proposed after some deliberation.
"Zhong Fu, what are your thoughts on this?" Ying Zheng's eyes gleamed with interest.
"Given that King Tu'an has already surrendered, Qin could permit him to retain his royal title."
"However."
"His authority must be significantly curtailed, confining his responsibilities solely to governance, with no military command."
"All national tributes from his territory shall be remitted directly to Qin."
"Furthermore, when dealing with these foreign tribes, excessive favor should not be shown."
"Your Majesty and the Crown Prince, in their benevolence, have granted the Huaxia People a five percent tax reduction, with further concessions planned for the future. Yet, for these foreigners, an imposition of seven or eight percent tax is appropriate."
