The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

After hearing this, Chen Sheng's face showed no obvious expression. He just nodded slightly and said, "Well, this matter is of great importance. Let me think about it."

After everyone dispersed, Chen Sheng returned to his tent and became angrier the more he thought about it.

He cursed, "Are these two still thinking of restoring the old system and letting the nobles ride roughshod over us again? We are rising up to break this injustice."

Zhou Wen, standing by, urged Chen Sheng, "General, Zhang Er and his men are from a prominent family in Wei and hold considerable prestige. We must not engage in direct conflict with them."

Wu Guang also echoed, "Yes, Brother Chen, at this moment, the great cause has not yet been accomplished. We cannot do it alone. I hope you will be patient."

However, Chen Sheng had his own ideas. "Are kings, princes, generals, and ministers born of different races?" was not just a saying. If Wei Ju was honored as the King of Wei, the various vassal states would soon introduce their own kings, especially the King of Chu. Chen Sheng could not allow this situation to happen.

Chen Sheng clenched his fists and said with a firm look, "Brothers, I have made up my mind. We will never allow the old nobles to regain power. Our army's morale is high, so why should we fear those who seek only fame?"

Zhou Wen and Wu Guang looked at each other with worried expressions.

Zhou Wen frowned and said softly, "Brother Chen, do we need to reconsider this matter? Respecting Wei Ju as king may help stabilize the situation."

Wu Guang also echoed: "Yes, Brother Chen, we can't take risks easily."

After hearing this, Chen Sheng smiled slightly. He walked to the window and looked into the distance, as if he saw the scene of the future.

He said slowly, "Brothers, have you ever thought about why we are rebelling? Isn't it to overthrow those princes and nobles who oppress the people? Now that we have the opportunity, how can we retreat?"

Zhou Wen and Wu Guang were silent for a moment, they knew that Chen Sheng had made up his mind.

Chen Sheng turned around, patted Zhou Wen and Wu Guang on the shoulders, and said, "I know you're worried, but we must believe in our own abilities. We come from poor backgrounds and understand the suffering of the people. Now that we have a large army, it's time to establish our own dynasty. Besides, we're already facing the death penalty. Rather than giving our heads away, why not join forces and give it a try? Maybe we can even win a chance of survival."

So, after the three of them discussed it, they instructed Cai Ci, Wu Chen and other powerful people.

Finally, with the support of the three elders in charge of education in Chen County and local heroes, he announced the establishment of the "Zhang Chu" regime, with Chen Sheng proclaiming himself "King of Chu", Wu Guang as the acting king, and Cai Ci as the Supreme Pillar of the State.

The uprising of Chen Sheng and Wu Guang received the support of the broad masses of people. People and powerful people from all over the country responded one after another, and the ranks of the rebel army grew rapidly.

The news of the riot spread quickly everywhere, like a spark thrown into a haystack, instantly igniting the long-suppressed anger of the people.

More people rose up and joined Chen Sheng and Wu Guang's team.

When the news of Wang Li and Feng Jie's defeat was reported back to Xianyang, the news of Chen Sheng and Wu Guang's uprising in Daze Township also came back like thunder.

In Zhangtai Palace, Hu Hai suddenly felt at a loss. His face was so cold that it seemed as if frost could condense.

All the civil and military officials in the hall were silent as a mouse.

In an instant, a heavy atmosphere filled the entire hall, making it hard to breathe.

Zhao Gao, upon seeing this, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, do not worry. These rioters are merely a mob. If we send a large army to suppress them, we will surely be able to wipe them out."

Yao Jia said worriedly, "Your Majesty, the troops of Marquis Wucheng have just been defeated. The court is now short of troops and food. It is really difficult to support the eastern expedition to quell the rebellion!"

After hearing what the two said, Hu Hai frowned and felt very annoyed.

Hu Hai paced back and forth in the hall, and every step seemed so heavy.

As he walked, he muttered to himself: "What should I do? What should I do..."

At this time, Feng Quji stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I think we should first recruit some of the rebels to divide their strength. At the same time, we should urgently mobilize troops from nearby counties and collect food and fodder."

Hu Hai nodded slightly and was about to speak when Zhao Gao said disdainfully, "Prime Minister Feng's plan is too slow. By the time we are ready, the rebels will be unstoppable."

Just then, a soldier came on horseback with a report: "Your Majesty, the rebels' 'fake king' Wu Guang is leading the main force and besieging Xingyang. Another force, led by the rebel Zhou Wen, is approaching Hangu Pass."

Upon hearing this, Hu Hai and all the civil and military officials in the hall were shocked.

For a moment, the hall fell into chaos, with people whispering and talking among themselves.

"What should we do? The rebels have already reached Xingyang and Hangu Pass!"

"Why is our army so vulnerable?"

"Your Majesty, we must come up with a solution as soon as possible!"

Hu Hai's face became even paler, his hands trembled slightly, and a thin layer of sweat appeared on his forehead.

He looked at the chaotic scene before him, and a sense of fear and helplessness rose in his heart.

Feng Quji said quickly, "Your Majesty, if Xingyang and Hangu Pass are lost, then the communication channels between the Qin court and the Shandong region will be cut off!"

Suddenly, a man stepped out from among the civil and military officials and said in a loud voice, "Your Majesty, I have a plan to suppress the rebellion."

Everyone's eyes turned to him. It turned out to be Shaofu Zhang Han.

Hu Hai's eyes lit up and he asked anxiously, "Zhang Han's family, please tell me quickly." His voice revealed his expectation and trust in Zhang Han.

Zhang Han bowed respectfully and said, "Your Majesty, there are many prisoners in Mount Li, many of them strong and able-bodied. If their crimes were pardoned and they were trained, they could form an army. With the support of our Great Qin warriors, we would surely be able to defeat the rebels. Furthermore, these prisoners already fear the imperial law. If given the opportunity, they would fight to the death to secure their future."

Everyone looked thoughtful when they heard this.

Zhao Gao snorted coldly, a hint of doubt in his voice: "These prisoners are already guilty. How can we trust them so easily? If they turn against us in battle, wouldn't that be a disaster?"

Zhang Han responded calmly, "Lord Zhao, the situation is dire. This is a temporary solution. If the prisoners rebel, they will die. Their only chance of survival is to follow the imperial court. They will surely understand the benefits and disadvantages. Moreover, with me personally leading the charge, there will be no chaos."

His eyes were firm and sharp as he looked at Zhao Gao without any retreat.

After weighing the pros and cons for a moment, Hu Hai suddenly stood up and said, "I approve, Zhang Han. I order you to immediately go to Mount Li to raise a new army. Regarding food and military supplies, I order all departments to fully cooperate with you. You must lift the siege of Hangu Pass and Xingyang and quell the rebellion."

Zhang Han thanked him and accepted the order: "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will fulfill my mission."

Then he turned and strode out of the palace, and began to prepare to form a new army.

The atmosphere in the entire court was tense and serious, and everyone's expression looked solemn and focused.

At this critical moment, everyone understood that Zhang Han's strategy might be the hope of the Qin court.

It turns out that it’s in Chen County.

Chen Sheng, Wu Guang and Zhou Wen discussed the next strategic layout in the tent.

"Everyone, the situation is now clear. We must send troops in multiple directions to expand our victory!" Chen Sheng said excitedly.

Wu Guang nodded and said, "The King of Chu is absolutely right. I am willing to lead an army of 20,000 to attack Sanchuan County and capture Xingyang!"

Zhou Wen continued, "King of Chu, I am willing to lead three thousand elite troops north to attack the old territory of Wei State and open up a new world for you, King of Chu!"

Finally, it was decided to make another layout and send troops in multiple directions.

Chen Sheng was stationed in Chendu and his troops were divided into six groups.

The first route, led by coach Zhou Wen, targets Xianyang.

The second route, led by Commander Wu Chen, targets the former territory of Zhao State.

The third route, led by coach Wu Guang, targets Rongyang, which was originally a strategic location of South Korea.

The fourth route, led by Deng Zong, targets Jiujiang County, in the old territory of Chu State.

The fifth route, led by Commander Zhou Shi, targets the former territory of the Wei State.

The sixth route, led by Commander Song Liu, aims to capture Nanyang and Wugu Pass. If all goes well, they will form a pincer attack on Xianyang from the south and east with Zhou Wen's army.

Afterwards, Chen Sheng discussed with Wu Guang how to control the residences of Wei Ju and Wei Bao.

"These two people have special identities. They can neither be killed nor reused. We must act with caution." Chen Sheng said with a frown.

Wu Guang thought for a moment and suggested, "Why not send a team of elite soldiers to secretly surround their residence to ensure that they cannot escape."

Chen Sheng nodded and said, "Good idea! Let's do it!"

Thus, a carefully planned military operation began...