In the Great Qin Dynasty, I, the Unruly Commander, begin by dual-cultivating with Yan Ling Ji.

Chapter 170 Meeting the Prince of Pingyang, at a Time of Change

Li Bo stood on the hillside outside Handan City, gazing at the majestic city wall in the distance, his heart filled with mixed emotions.

Ying Ziqing's words still echoed in my ears:

"The State of Zhao is already doomed. If you want to save the people, the only way is to establish a new king."

As night fell, Li Bo quietly entered the city and, following the address on the list, arrived at a secluded courtyard in the south of the city.

Pushing open the courtyard gate, Zhao Kuo was sitting in the courtyard, holding a scroll of bamboo slips in his hand, his expression solemn.

"Lord Li, you're actually alright?"

Li Bo gave a wry smile and took out a secret letter from his sleeve.

"General Zhao, the story here is a long one, but our plan must be carried out as soon as possible..."

In the days that followed, Li Bo and Zhao Kuo secretly contacted anti-royal factions in the court.

The names of Grand Historian, Imperial Censor, Vice Minister of War... were linked together to form a hidden network of power.

However, the King of Zhao had eyes and ears everywhere, and they walked on thin ice with every step they took.

One night, Li Bo and Zhao Kuo discussed countermeasures in a secret room.

“Although the Prince of Pingyang is a member of the imperial clan, he has always been weak and may not be able to shoulder this great responsibility,” Zhao Kuo said, frowning.

Li Bo shook his head: "The Prince of Pingyang appears weak, but he is actually very shrewd."

I met him once. He is a man of great talent and strategy, but he dares not reveal his abilities due to the King of Zhao's suspicion.

After a moment's thought, Zhao Kuo finally nodded: "In that case, we need to make contact with him as soon as possible."

A few days later, through the introduction of Princess Pingyang, Li Bo secretly met with the Prince of Pingyang. In the secret room, the candlelight flickered, and the Prince of Pingyang sat calmly at his desk.

"Lord Li, what brings you here so late at night?" Prince Pingyang's tone was calm, yet it exuded an air of authority.

Li Bo bowed respectfully and spoke frankly:

"Your Highness, the State of Zhao is on the verge of collapse. The King of Zhao is incompetent, and the people are suffering. We wish to support Your Highness as the new king and revitalize the state."

A glint of shrewdness flashed in the eyes of the Prince of Pingyang, but he quickly regained his composure: "Lord Li, you are mistaken. I am but a leisurely member of the royal family. What virtue or ability do I possess to shoulder such a great responsibility?"

Li Bo stepped forward and said in a low voice, "Your Highness need not be modest. Ying Ziqing has promised that as long as Your Highness ascends the throne, the Qin state is willing to make peace with the Zhao state and jointly resist Qi and Chu."

Upon hearing this, the King of Pingyang finally revealed a slight smile: "In that case, I will reluctantly agree."

With the addition of the Prince of Pingyang, the anti-kingdom faction's actions became increasingly covert and swift. Li Bo and Zhao Kuo acted separately, contacting court officials and secretly mobilizing troops.

However, King Zhao seemed to have sensed something and began to frequently mobilize the imperial guards, making the atmosphere in the court increasingly tense.

One day, Li Bo was having a private meeting with several ministers in his residence when he suddenly heard hurried footsteps outside the door.

"My lord, something terrible has happened!" A servant rushed in, "The Imperial Guards have surrounded the Grand Astrologer's residence, and the Grand Astrologer has been arrested!"

Li Bo's heart sank, and he immediately stood up: "Quickly, inform General Zhao that the plan must be brought forward!"

That night, Zhao Kuo led his private army into the city and met up with Li Bo. The two held an emergency meeting in a secret room.

"King Zhao has already noticed our actions; we can't wait any longer." Zhao Kuo gripped his sword hilt tightly, his eyes filled with determination.

Li Bo nodded: "We will make our move at the morning court tomorrow. Prince Pingyang has already contacted an inside agent within the Imperial Guards. As soon as the signal is given, we can take control of the palace."

As night deepened, Li Bo stood by the window, gazing at the distant outline of the palace, his mind filled with countless thoughts. He knew that tomorrow's battle would determine the fate of the Zhao Kingdom.

Zhao Kuo pushed open the door and entered, holding a scroll of map in his hand: "The layout of the palace has been ascertained. The imperial guards' inside agents will open the west gate at dawn."

Li Bo took the map, examined it carefully, and suddenly asked, "Is there any news from the Prince of Pingyang?"

Zhao Kuo nodded: "He has already prepared the edict of accession, and is just waiting for us to take control of the palace."

Li Bo took a deep breath and said in a low voice, "If we lose this battle, neither of us will have a way out."

Zhao Kuo sneered: "Ever since the bloodbath in the study that night, I have had no way out."

The two looked at each other in silence, only the candlelight flickering in the wind. In the distance, the sound of a night watchman's drum could be heard; midnight had passed.

"Go and prepare." Li Bo put away the map. "The decisive battle will begin after dawn."

Zhao Kuo turned and left, his back looking particularly tall and straight in the moonlight.

Li Bo watched his retreating figure and suddenly remembered Ying Ziqing's words: "The State of Zhao is nothing but a chess piece, and you are my chess piece."

He clenched his fists, his nails digging deep into his palms. Whatever the outcome, there was no turning back.