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墨書 Inktalez
In the year 260 BC, during the second month of the lunar calendar, it was the 47th year of King Zhao of Qin.
A mobilization meeting, initiated and presided over by King Zhao of Qin himself, was secretly convened within the Qin Palace. It was ultimately referred to as a mobilization meeting because the Qin State had decided to take military action against the Joint forces.
During the agricultural conference, King Zhao of Qin attentively listened to reports from various states and counties regarding the harvest situation in 261 BC and this year's work reports. The main leaders of the various army groups subsequently reported on the status of their stationed troops at the military conference, expressing their firm support for Zhao Xiang Wang's decision to deploy troops.
Representatives from the new generation of Qin State, led by Bai Qi, actively spoke at the meeting, requesting to personally lead 150,000 main forces to rush to the Shangdang Region for support. The older generation of famous generals from Qin State, represented by Wang Ling, also eagerly anticipated that the king would allow them to participate in this century-long battle, which already had a total number of participants exceeding one million.
At this time, there was still Old General Wang He at the front lines; changing generals temporarily could be detrimental to the overall situation. This battle was crucial for the future of Qin State, and a steady approach was deemed wise. King Zhao of Qin believed that young people tended to act too rashly and decided that no mistakes could be allowed at this moment. Furthermore, he was well aware that Bai Qi, as a representative of the younger generation, had achieved remarkable military accomplishments and might not sincerely cooperate with the Left Chancellor. Therefore, he suggested that Wang Ling lead the 150,000 main forces transferred from various regions to march towards Shangdang.
Fortunately, Qin State had always based its governance on Legalism, and King Zhao of Qin naturally practiced what he preached. The war was fought for Qin State, not for anyone's personal glory. Opinions regarding the army's expedition were always aimed at finding the best solution; thus, he would never act unilaterally. If it were not for this principle, his words would naturally be considered final.
Most participants in the military conference were generals who had long been leading troops in battle; they understood well the deceptive nature of warfare. Depending on battlefield conditions, it was sometimes necessary to take risks for victory. For those fighting on the front lines, war results were simply either victory or defeat! In other words, there has never been a notion of playing it safe in warfare!
Great Qin had reached a critical juncture for survival; only Bai Qi could lead this mission! The generals who learned about the frontline situation assessed their circumstances and naturally hoped that Wuan Jun would be chosen for this expedition. However, such a suggestion could be seen as going against the king's wishes; if they won, everyone would rejoice, but if they lost...
At this moment, Fan Ju, as a prime minister of the state, noticed that everyone’s gaze turned toward him and immediately understood that they were urging him to represent them in vetoing the king's proposal. He felt a sudden jolt in his heart and lowered his head to ponder how to handle this matter.
According to Qin Law, if a recommended candidate performed well in their role, the recommender would also receive equal rewards. The law also stipulated that if a recommended candidate failed in their duties, the recommender would share responsibility with that person. This meant that King Zhao of Qin's recommendation of Wang Ling would naturally not concern the other generals regarding winning or losing.
If someone were to step forward and recommend Bai Qi now, then Bai Qi’s expedition would keep that recommender awake with worry until the war concluded!
Fan Ju knew that these generals were not considering their own interests but understood that their identities did not carry enough weight. Once the king made a decision regarding Wang Ling's expedition, there would be no room for reversal. At such a critical moment, it was best for someone who held significant weight in the king's eyes to come forward with suggestions. As long as discussions could still take place, there remained hope for changing generals for this expedition.
Fan Ju clearly understood Bai Qi's abilities, and he also knew that Wuan Jun was the best candidate for this expedition. The outcome of this battle was crucial for the Qin State and the future of the Unified War.
It is well known that Fan Ju ultimately rose to the position of Chancellor in the Qin State by undermining the previous Chancellor, Wei Ran. Wuan Jun's master was Wei Ran, which means that Bai Qi was connected to Wei Ran through this relationship.
If they were to defeat the Joint forces in this battle, Wuan Jun would surely return in glory. Knowing that a single word could change the current situation, Fan Ju made up his mind to follow the king's orders and let Wang Ling lead the expedition. He pretended not to notice the eager expressions of the generals and stepped forward to speak, "Your Majesty! I believe..."
Fan Ju did not voice his support for Wang Ling's leadership because he had just seen the elderly Zhao Xiang Wang gazing at him intently. For some reason, he felt a deep pain in his heart. In that moment, memories of the past flooded back.
He recalled how he had once been in such dire straits when he approached King Zhao of Qin, who had never abandoned him and entrusted him with important responsibilities. Ever since the old man learned that their Chancellor had been bullied by Wei Kingdom's Chancellor, he had devised a plan for revenge. This incident had also led to the disappearance of the Crown Prince of Qin, who remained missing until now. Just recently, the old man had taken him by the hand to see the beautiful landscapes of Qin's World...
The scenery back then was truly beautiful!
Deeply moved, Fan Ju took a deep breath and finally decided to set aside all personal motives and recommend capable individuals for the Qin State. "Please forgive me, Your Majesty! This battle concerns the future of Great Qin! I dare to recommend Wuan Jun as commander!"
His powerful words echoed throughout the hall, leaving all the generals stunned. Even Bai Qi was taken aback by Fan Ju's sudden change of heart and stood there speechless.
What? This narrow-minded fellow has changed his temper today? King Zhao of Qin was slightly taken aback and looked down at Fan Ju, who was kneeling on the ground. Despite their significant age difference, they had long been close friends, almost like family.
Since Fan Ju joined Qin State after surviving a near-death experience, this combination of youth and experience had allowed them to govern Qin State effectively. They expanded territories and incorporated vast lands within just a few years. The increase in national strength and population ensured that citizens could live and work in peace, attracting many heroes from various regions.
Numerous talents in agriculture and water management flooded into rural areas, leading to significant improvements in crop yields across different regions. At this time, Qin State's territory was larger than that acquired by any previous kings. The prosperity of the nation gave Qin State considerable strength to contend for supremacy in Central Plains. To say that this had nothing to do with Fan Ju would be pure nonsense.
One reason that cannot be disclosed to outsiders is that as soon as Fan Ju arrived in Qin State, he helped King Zhao of Qin gain absolute power over it. What does it mean to be a king? It means having whatever one desires! With an experienced elder like Wei Ran around, who had many followers, one would have to consider his thoughts before making decisions. How could one exert any real authority under such circumstances?
It was precisely because Fan Ju managed to eliminate the stumbling block that allowed King Zhao of Qin to reach the peak of power that their relationship became exceptionally close. Take the matter of who would lead the expedition, for instance; the old man had actually given it considerable thought. He did not want to create another veteran from the Qin State, and he even held some disdain for Bai Qi due to Wei Ran's influence.
"Fan Ju! You must think carefully! If the general you recommend cannot handle this battle, even if he dies in combat, you will not escape responsibility!"
Hearing the warning, Fan Ju remained unfazed and knelt, saying, "Your Majesty! I may not understand military affairs, but I know that this battle can only be led by Wuan Jun! If General Bai performs poorly in the expedition, I am willing to take full responsibility!"
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