The video takes us to ancient times; Li Er transforms into the Tongtian Emperor of Shu Han.

"Imperial power does not extend to the countryside..."

"It may sound ironic, but it's true."

Ying Zheng smiled wryly.

After unifying the country and issuing a series of decrees, he had already realized this.

The implementation of government orders was extremely slow. Standardizing writing, cart axles, and so on, took a long time to be truly implemented at the grassroots level.

Ultimately, the problem lies in the lack of officials at the grassroots level.

Officials who originally served only one country were suddenly tasked with managing the territories of seven countries after their swift and decisive conquest of six.

In this situation, it is absolutely impossible for grassroots officials to do so.

Releasing all the corrupt officials from prison would be of no use!

The only way to solve this problem is to appoint officials from the former six states.

But then, what is the significance of his unification?

You destroy someone else's country, and then expect them to manage their former homeland for you?

Even Ying Zheng thought it was bullshit just by hearing it.

Once this only possibility was rejected, there was no way to resolve the issue of lower-level officials.

He can only hope that if he perseveres for another two or three generations, the talent pool can be gradually replenished.

The premise is that the Qin Dynasty can survive.

Unfortunately, the outcome has already been recorded in history books.

It died after only two generations!

"So, what I'm saying is that you're too hasty. If you could be more patient..."

As Old Zhu was talking, he suddenly felt that something was not quite right.

It seems there's no other way to deal with this unless there's a rush.

"Have you figured out where the problem lies?"

Ying Zheng sneered.

"I cannot afford to support too many officials with the resources of the entire nation in advance; Great Qin cannot bear it."

Liu Bang's approach was the only answer.

First, enfeoff vassal states. Imperial power may not extend to the countryside, but at least each prefecture and county must have someone capable of governing it.

Those feudal lords played this crucial role in connecting the past and the future.

By the time of Emperor Wu of Han, the system of officials in various regions had matured, and the "Decree of Grace" perfectly resolved the drawbacks of enfeoffing princes.

Unfortunately, as the one who unified the seven kingdoms, he was destined not to do so, otherwise it would be tantamount to negating the efforts and contributions of countless Qin people!

"If he really grasps this point, I really don't have a good way to deal with him."

Turning his gaze back to the sky, Ying Zheng's tone was slightly disappointed.

Even if the immortals could extend his lifespan, he still had no way to deal with this problem.

Within the sky.

Li Er had clearly grasped this weakness of the Qin Dynasty.

"Third Brother, do you mean that imperial power doesn't extend to the countryside, and as long as we keep the news within Pei County, the imperial court won't receive it for a short time?"

"But the truth will always come out eventually. Are you so sure that the First Emperor is going to die?"

After a moment's hesitation, Xiao He asked.

He was naturally aware of the court's shortcomings; there were not many literate people in the entire Pei County.

Aside from their own men, there was only the county magistrate and his few henchmen.

If we really want to go all the way, we should take down the magistrate and his men, and then have someone else fill in for him.

Let alone one or two years, even if it takes longer, as long as the imperial court cannot solve the problem of personnel shortage, this matter will most likely not be exposed.

But all of this is based on the premise that...

The First Emperor really won't live much longer!

"Xiao He, if you trust me, then prepare to join me in this great undertaking; if you don't trust me, then pretend I never said anything today."

"The same goes for both of you."

"If you are afraid of being implicated by me, you can report me yourselves. I will not blame you."

Li Er was unwilling to explain further, mainly because it was difficult to explain to these people why he knew that Ying Zheng was going to die.

After all, this is a world created by immortals for the purpose of creating challenges. If we say too much, it will be easily regarded as the ramblings of a madman, and it will be difficult to gain their trust.

For a clever man like Xiao He, this was enough.

The scene remained silent for a long time. Cao Can swallowed hard, and his foot had already moved half an inch without him realizing it.

Just as he was about to say something, Xiao He suddenly grabbed his sleeve and then looked up at Liu Bang.

"Third Brother, this is a matter of great importance. We are naturally willing to help you, but we need some time to come up with a foolproof plan, is that alright?"

Upon receiving this answer, Li Er subtly removed his hand from his sword.

"Of course there is no problem. Even if you don't say it, I... will still not act rashly."

"Furthermore, I may be leaving Pei County for a while soon. If I have official business to attend to, I would appreciate your help in covering for me."

Leaving Pei County?

Xiao He was startled.

Now that everything has been laid bare, what else can we do after leaving Pei County?

They either flee or seek reinforcements.

Judging from Li Er's confident demeanor, it's most likely the latter.

"Where is Third Brother going, and who is he looking for? Perhaps I can make an introduction."

"Han Xin of Huaiyin!"

"Zhang Liang of Xinzheng!"

Since there was time available, Li Er naturally wouldn't let such an opportunity slip by.

While gathering the three heroes of the early Han dynasty around him in advance, he could also try to recruit other capable ministers and generals he could remember.

For example, Ju Chao Fan Zeng.

Emperor Taizong (Li Er) greatly admired many people from the early Han Dynasty.

Whether they're useful or not is another matter. Now that we have the opportunity, we should try our best to gather them all around us.

Whether it's stamp collecting or eliminating enemies in advance.

"I have heard of Zhang Liang's reputation."

"When Bolangsha was the site of the First Emperor's death, most people in the world should have heard of his name."

“He is the grandson of the famous prime minister Zhang Kaidi. Whether it is his family background or his abilities, he is extraordinary. Third Brother, are you really confident that you can recruit such a person?”

Although Xiao He was somewhat familiar with the name Han Xin of Huaiyin, it was far less well-known than the name Zhang Liang.

In his view, such a person is destined not to easily pledge allegiance to any power!

"If I really bring Zhang Zifang back, would you be willing to join me in killing the magistrate, seizing Pei County, and plotting something big?"

Li Er smiled and asked in return.

Xiao He: “…”

"Yes!"

Without much time to think, Xiao He nodded in agreement.

Given Zhang Liang's illustrious background and exceptional abilities, his vision must have been very high.

If Li Er could gain his approval and his loyalty, then Xiao He would naturally not hesitate in the slightest!

"A high five as a pledge?"

Li Er reached out his hand, and Xiao He, without hesitation, slapped him hard.

"Let's make a pact with a high five, Third Brother, it's all up to you now!"

After seeing Li Er and Fan Kuai off, Xiao He watched them walk away before returning to his room and closing the door.

Only then did Cao Shen dare to let out a low growl.

"Xiao He, have you gone mad?"

"This is treason!"

"Liu Laosan has gone mad, and you're going mad along with him?"

"Becoming an outlaw is one thing, after all, the imperial court is currently short of officials, and even if you are captured during the bandit suppression, you may be pardoned. But what crime is treason?"

"That's a crime punishable by the extermination of nine generations of one's family!"

Xiao He watched quietly, listening to Cao Can's low growls.

When he had almost finished shouting, Xiao He finally spoke coldly.

"If I didn't agree, do you think we'd still be alive today?"