The younger brother of the First Emperor

Chapter 331: Chang'an is determined, the alliance fails, and the foreign invasion is temporarily stopped
After the rain, the city of Xianyang was shrouded in mist, and the puddles on the bluestone road reflected the leaden sky.

Ying Chengjiao stood in the courtyard of Bai Qi's mansion, crushing a fallen locust leaf with the sole of his boots.

He looked up at the century-old locust tree.

The rain dripped down the branches and leaves, splashing tiny water droplets on the stone steps.

"Mr. Bai." The young man's voice was a little hoarse, and he couldn't hide his grief: "The prince is dead."

Bai Qi had his back to him, his long white hair hiding all the emotions of this butcher.

The old man's slightly bent back drooped slightly, and his fingers holding the brass wine bottle tightened slightly, and the water droplets condensed on the surface of the wine bottle slid through his fingers.

"I know." Bai Qi's voice seemed to come from far away.

Meng Ao and Wang He were both his deputy generals.

In just a few days, all his lieutenants died, dying before him, who was already dead.

He had the power to stop it all.

Ever since the Battle of Changping, when more than 400,000 Zhao soldiers were killed in a pit and the thunderous howls were heard, Bai Qi always thought that he would never be touched by death again.

The butcher drank alone from the cup; he overestimated himself.

But he has no regrets.

If he had to do it again, he would do it again.

If you want to achieve great things, you must be patient.

The courtyard was silent for a moment, with the occasional sound of rain water accumulating on the leaves sliding down and hitting the stone steps.

The moist air was mixed with the smell of soil and locust flowers. Ying Chengjiao took a deep breath:

"Blame me, I didn't think of that"

"Put away your mercy!" Ren Tu smashed the bottle and interrupted abruptly: "Since you don't sit on the throne, you can't guide the general trend. The king keeps replacing officials and stepping on the spines of the old Qin nobles to suck their blood. Sooner or later, this will be the end! Political intrigues are your forte, not mine. Don't you understand?"

Ying Chengjiao said nothing and lowered his head slightly.

Of course he could see it clearly.

At this point, if Wang He doesn't die, Li He and Zhao He will also die.

Xunzi's disciples are a new force. The entry of a new force will squeeze out the old forces and require the old forces to give up their interests.

His elder brother, considering the merits of the Qin noble ancestors, did not want to wield the Qin sword and only wanted to replace the old with the new in peace and stability.

The old Qin nobles don’t think that the king is kind, they just think that the king is too bullying!
From ancient times to the present, no vested interests have ever willingly given up their interests.

They are bound to fight back.

Either you kill yourself or the newcomer.

Every transition from the old to the new is bloody.

Ren Tu sighed lightly, and his tone softened:
"I heard that the king wants those two Xiong brothers to investigate this case?"

"Yes, Xiong Qi has already taken action." Ying Chengjiao took two steps forward: "He framed Baili Sheng, hid the evidence in Baili Sheng's residence, and used Baili Sheng's mouth to expose the Meng family and the Xi family... Xiong Qi and Xiong Wen said that they conspired to send someone to assassinate the prince, but... they were actually tortured into confessing."

"What is a confession obtained by torture?" Bai Qi turned around. His three-dimensional face, which was carved by knives and axes, was still very charming even in his old age.

His eyes were slightly red, and there seemed to be a glimmer of light in them, but it disappeared in just a moment:
"You mean he captured Baili Sheng, burned his back with a branding iron, and nailed his nails with bamboo sticks? Do you think the king doesn't know?"

Ying Chengjiao was silent again.

He thought of the bloodstains he saw outside the palace gate this morning - the nobles who were dragged away left dark red marks on the bluestone slabs.

"Procedural justice... outcome justice..." Ying Chengjiao's voice was so soft that it was almost inaudible.

"What are you talking about?" Bai Qi asked in confusion. He could understand every word but not the whole meaning.

"Nothing." Ying Chengjiao shook his head and refused to continue.

Bai Qi snorted coldly, power struggle is really the dirtiest thing!
"Boy." Ren Tu's face was cold and hard, but his words revealed a sense of powerlessness: "If foreign countries come to attack at this time, Meng Ao Wang He will die in vain, and I will live in vain."

When these generals began to doubt King Zheng of Qin, facing foreign enemies, only Bai Qi could stand up and stabilize the morale of the Qin army.

But if he stood up, everything would be in vain.

"I heard that you and Yan Dan have an agreement. You send him back to Yan, and he raises an army to attack Zhao." Ren Tu's voice hid a glimmer of hope: "Will he keep his promise?"

If Yan attacked Zhao, Qin would not have to worry about an attack from Yan or Zhao.

The remaining powerful countries are Wei, Chu and Qi.

Qi and Qin were in their honeymoon period, and the Princess of Qi was still waiting for Ying Chengjiao to pick her up, so she was unlikely to participate in the siege of Qin.

Then only Wei and Chu are left.

These two countries...Bai Qi narrowed his eyes slightly.

If these two countries dare to attack Hangu Pass, they will never return!

If he still can't unify the world after killing a million people, then kill two million! Three million! Kill until other countries have no manpower left to resist!

"It is unlikely that Yan Dan will attack Zhao..." Ying Chengjiao shook his head and changed the subject: "But Lord Bai, don't worry. It is impossible to organize Zhao in this situation."

"Are you sure?" Bai Qi's eyes shone brightly: "What makes you say that?"

----

Zhao State, Handan, Zhao Palace.

In the brass lamp of King Zhao's bedroom, the burning mermaid oil made a slight popping sound.

Zhao Wangyan leaned against a carved table, playing with a Hetian jade disk between his left fingers. The Hetian jade disk turned between his fingers, reflecting the light and emitting a warm luster.

He reached his right hand into Guo Kai's open collar, caressing his skin, and said lazily:

"Beauty, is there any news from Yanmen Pass?"

Guo Kai leaned in Zhao Wangyan's arms and said:
"Your Majesty, Li Mu sent someone to deliver a military report saying that the Hu people at the border have made unusual movements again."

The jade disk in Zhao Wangyan's hand suddenly stopped:

"That excuse again!

"I asked him to return to Handan to discuss the attack on Qin, but he used the Hu people to hinder me!"

A gleam of sharpness flashed across Guo Kai's eyes, but it quickly disappeared, and he smiled charmingly:
"Your Majesty, calm down. After all, Li Mu had an agreement with the previous king. He will not return unless it is a matter of life and death for the State of Zhao."

"What a bullshit agreement!" Zhao Wangyan slammed the jade disk on the table, making a crisp sound. "Father summoned him! Didn't he come back in the end? He just doesn't take me seriously!"

The servant beside him took a step back in fear.

Zhao Wangyan tore open Guo Kai's clothes, with a flash of cruelty in his eyes:
"How is the situation in Yan State?"

"Yan refused to participate in the attack on Qin." Guo Kai hesitated and said, "As soon as our envoys entered Yan territory, they were expelled."

"Yan Xi is so brave!" King Yan of Zhao became even more furious.

King Xi of Yan, the dog who wagged his tail to beg for mercy and ceded land to him for peace, turned out to be so bold!
"Your Majesty, if Yan State does not participate..." Before Guo Kai could finish his words, King Yan of Zhao waved his hand and refused to listen.

King Yan of Zhao quickly got up from his comfortable position, walked to the hanging map, and stared at it for a long time.

Suddenly, his finger tapped heavily on the word "Ji" in the name of Yan State.

"Pass the order down." Zhao Wangyan's voice suddenly calmed down: "Put aside the plan to attack Qin for the time being."

Guo Kai grew like a vine, spreading from the bed and wrapping around Zhao Wangyan, and said in surprise:

"Kings?"

"If Yan State doesn't join the war, there's no point in fighting!" Zhao Wangyan sneered and drew a line on the map with his finger: "I don't want to repeat the same mistake and be attacked by Yan State from behind again."

----

Xianyang City, Huxiongfang, Meng family residence.

In a living room, Meng Tian was wiping his sword in the study. With only one arm, it was a bit difficult for him to do this.

In the candlelight, the cloud patterns on the sword flowed like water waves.

There were rapid footsteps outside the door.

"Young Master." The guard lowered his voice and said, "Lord Chang'an is here to visit."

[At this time?] Meng Tian frowned and quickly sheathed his sword.

He straightened his clothes:

"Please come in, my lord."

Soon, Ying Chengjiao walked in quickly wearing a cloak, his body still wet with the night dew.

The boy took off his cloak, revealing his slightly tired face.

"Brother Meng, sorry to bother you so late at night."

Meng Tian signaled the guards who had brought the young man in to leave. After the door was closed, Meng Tian spoke:
"Why did you come here, my lord?"

Ying Chengjiao took out a scroll of bamboo slips from his bosom:

"Yan will not participate in the attack on Qin. Yan has expelled the envoys from Zhao."

Meng Tian took the bamboo slips, glanced at them quickly by candlelight, and smiled:
“That’s good, but…”

After hesitating for a moment, he said:
"Why did you come to tell Tian?"

"Because my brother needs to know which general he can trust the most." Ying Chengjiao looked directly into Meng Tian's eyes: "Brother Meng, there are not many people who are friends with my brother."

Meng Tian straightened his back unconsciously, and swore solemnly:

"Tian swears allegiance to the king until death!

"If you break this oath, you will be punished by heaven and earth!"

Ying Chengjiao smiled and nodded.

The boy walked to the window and looked at the night sky in the north:
"Li Mu is keeping his troops at Yanmen Pass, Yan refuses to join the war, and Zhao has temporarily suspended its plan to attack Qin."

"Your Excellency is a master strategist." Meng Tian praised sincerely, and then changed the subject: "But if General Bai Qi was still here, we could have attacked him."

Ying Chengjiao turned his head, with a look of regret on his face:

"Mr. Wu'an is gone. There is no need to mention these words again."

Meng Tian nodded, as if he had just said something casually:

"Tian understands."

The one-armed young master of the Meng family often saw Chang'an Jun running to Wu'an Jun's residence too many times.

----

The early morning in Jicheng was broken by the sound of hurried footsteps.

Prince Dan of Yan stood on the terrace of the palace, looking at the sky gradually brightening in the distance, holding in his hand a secret letter he had just written, the ink not yet dry.

"Ju Wu." Prince Dan of Yan said in a calm and steady voice: "Send someone to secretly deliver this letter to Xianyang and make sure it is delivered to Ying Chengjiao."

Ju Wu took the letter and carefully put it into his sleeve:

"Prince... Crown Prince, do you want to mention the attack on Zhao in your letter?"

A sneer appeared on the corner of Yan Taizi Dan's mouth:
“I made it clear in the letter.

"Yan State is newly established and has a lot of work to do. It is difficult to fulfill the agreement to attack Zhao."

Turning to look south:

"But I specifically emphasized that Yan would never participate in the attack on Qin."

"Your Highness is wise." Ju Wu bowed and said, "This not only protects our country's interests, but also does a favor to Lord Chang'an."

Prince Dan of Yan gently stroked the sword at his waist:

"Chang'an Jun helped me return to my country. I naturally remember this kindness, but... the interests of Yan State are above all else!"

Yan Dan, who was willing to kill his father for the sake of Yan State, suddenly looked sharp:
"Order the border guards to step up their alert.

"If Zhao goes southwest, we will go west!"

To the southwest of Zhao is Qin, and to the west of Yan is Zhao.

The cold light in his eyes made the division commander Ju Wu unconsciously take a step back, but his eyes were filled with tears.

Yan has a wise ruler!
"I understand." Ju Wu bowed deeply and turned to leave.

Prince Dan of Yan stood alone on the terrace, looking towards Xianyang.

In the morning light, his face looked particularly resolute.

"Chang'an Jun, you are a gentleman." He whispered to himself: "Yan is a villain..."

Tears welled up in my eyes, but they didn't fall.

The wind blows and takes it away.

Patricide... He had never thought about it before returning to Yan.

----

Xianyang Palace, Fengtian Hall.

The flame in the lamp danced restlessly.

King Zheng of Qin slammed the bamboo slips heavily on the table, and the sound echoed in the empty hall.

"The Five-Nation Alliance?" His voice was as cold as ice: "I haven't even gone to look for them yet, but they came to my door first."

At the foot of the stairs, Xiong Qi stood with his back bent, beads of sweat on his forehead gleaming under the light.

He secretly raised his eyes, looked at King Zheng of Qin's expression, and quickly lowered his head again.

"Your Majesty." Xiong Qi's voice trembled a little: "I have already found out that Wang He's death was indeed caused by the old Qin nobles. They colluded with foreign enemies and intended to..."

"Really?" King Zheng of Qin suddenly interrupted him, his voice so soft that it was almost inaudible.

Xiong Qi felt a chill down his spine, and felt the king's gaze scraping across the back of his neck like a knife, and he couldn't help but shrink his neck.

"The evidence is irrefutable." Xiong Wen, standing by, gritted his teeth and lowered his voice, "Bai Lisheng has confessed..."

"We'll discuss this matter later." King Zheng of Qin suddenly stood up, and the gold embroidery on his black robe sparkled under the light.

He walked two steps and said:

"I just received news that Yan refused to participate in the attack on Qin."

The two ministers on the left and right looked up in surprise. This was indeed unexpected news. They had originally wanted to use their close ties with the State of Chu to break up this alliance.

"The one who relieves my worries and saves Qin from its difficulties is Cheng Jiao." King Zheng of Qin smiled naturally.

Xiong Qi was puzzled:

"Your Majesty, are you saying...?"

"Yan Dan was able to return home safely thanks to Cheng Jiao's help." Qin Wang Zheng's voice was filled with undisguised admiration: "Although Yan Dan did not attack Zhao as promised, at least..."

"At least Zhao State doesn't dare to act rashly." Xiong Wen pretended to understand something and said, "Your Majesty is wise."

King Zheng of Qin turned around, his eyes were sharp:

"Send an order to strengthen border defense.

"Ask Cheng Jiao to come see me."

----

Ten days later, Hangu Pass.

Ying Chengjiao stood on the city wall, holding the secret letter from Prince Dan of Yan in his hand.

In the morning light, his figure looked particularly tall.

"My Lord." Meng Tian's voice came from behind: "I just received urgent news from the border that the Zhao army has not moved."

Ying Chengjiao held the silk sent by Yan Dan, showing no joy:
“As expected.

"Here, it's from Yan Dan."

Meng Tian took a step forward and stood shoulder to shoulder with Ying Chengjiao:

"What did Prince Dan of Yan say in his letter?"

Ying Chengjiao unfolded the silk and whispered:
"Yan State is newly established and has a lot of work to do. It is difficult to fulfill the agreement to attack Zhao.

"But the friendship between Qin and Yan will be engraved in my heart and I will never betray you..."

After reading the letter, the young man handed the silk to Meng Tian and said with a smile:
"This item is not big, but it can be used to decorate Dan's face."

Meng Tian took it, read it, and thought:
"What is Yan Taizi Dan doing..."

"It not only gave us face, but also preserved the interests of Yan." Ying Chengjiao stretched lazily: "I didn't expect him to fulfill his promise. How could there be so many people in the royal family who keep their promises? As long as Yan doesn't participate in the war, Zhao won't dare to act rashly. Yan's reputation is very bad in Zhao."

"Master! The king summons you to the palace!" The voice came from a distance.

"Let's go, together." Ying Chengjiao called Meng Tian and said with a smile: "The external threat has been resolved for the time being, it's time to deal with the internal troubles."

Meng Tian couldn't laugh.

The murderous intent in the boy's eyes was so strong... so strong that it made him feel cold in his heart.

After the night of suppressing the rebellion, Meng Tian was very puzzled by the title of Chang'an Jun, a virtuous gentleman.

How can this young man who is so skilled in killing people be virtuous?

(End of this chapter)