Book Synopsis
Book Tags
Donation Rankings
Comment
0 Comments
You May Also Like
墨書 Inktalez
Due to the certainty that the Qin State would take military action in the Shangdang Region, logistics were being expedited to transport supplies to the front lines. Construction on the Heavenly Road, which was based on rammed earth layers, also commenced ahead of schedule, aiming to reach Wild King City in the shortest time possible. Consequently, the number of conscripted laborers from the rear had already reached five hundred thousand, and even prisoners held in the Prison were released early to participate in road construction.
The cavalry led by Luzi was headed for Wild King City, where the Qin Army had established a base in the rear Granary. From that location, heading west along the road would lead directly to Xianyang City via the Heavenly Road.
According to the design philosophy at that time, this ancient highway was required to be straight. The shortest distance between two points could only be achieved through a straight line. Therefore, it was stipulated that unless encountering high mountains or steep ridges along the way, unauthorized modifications to the engineering plans were prohibited.
The design plans were not as simple as imagined; they could not be drawn by experts sitting at home with a ruler on a map. If that were the case, the Ministry of Works under the Winter Palace would be held accountable by King Qin.
To ensure rigor and avoid any oversights, the Ministry of Works had its own comprehensive work plan. In the initial stages of project planning, an engineering team led by the Winter Palace—later referred to as the Minister of Works—would conduct on-site research and inspections with experts. The term "research" was used because there already existed an extremely detailed Huaxia Map within the Qin State's engineering department.
This large-scale Huaxia Map was created by high-level surveyors dispatched by the Qin State. Since it was completed under secrecy, support and protection were provided by Luzi's unit.
There were two reasons for this: first, those responsible for assisting and protecting the surveying team were mostly locals, which provided many conveniences for the surveyors; second, expert surveyors were secretly dispatched, especially since there were still several feudal states at that time.
What was their intention in bringing an army onto someone else's territory for field surveying!?
Among this civilian-clad surveying team were future generals or promising young officials. Their mission focused on participation while also taking this opportunity to familiarize themselves with local road conditions and surrounding environments.
The final completed map of China nearly covered one wall of the Qin Palace in length, width, and height. This palace housing the Giant Map was heavily guarded and strictly monitored; intruders would be dealt with mercilessly.
Based on this comprehensive map, a copy was hidden in a place known at that time as the Winter Palace, which later became known as the Ministry of Works. After all, with the Heavenly Road project underway, it was necessary for the Ministry of Works to have a copy of Huaxia Map. The only difference from the Giant Map within Qin Palace was that this replica map was divided into dozens of pieces. For safety reasons, each piece was guarded by designated personnel.
Whether it was precautionary measures or an early ambition for unifying China, this map had already designed a prototype of Heavenly Road that essentially covered all of China. If anyone saw this volume containing maps of Qi State, they would surely be astonished. The planning for Heavenly Road had already extended all the way to the eastern coast, which later became known as the End of Heaven.
According to the planning and design scheme at that time, it would take less than a month to travel from Capital Xianyang to Mountain Peak in Qi State. Such a long-distance journey in such a short time was unimaginable back then, primarily because people overlooked the existence of the Heavenly Road.
The Ministry of Works' Winter Council conducted field surveys based on the preliminary planning of the Heavenly Road as designed on the map, in order to rectify any potential engineering difficulties. When encountering mountains, they would open paths; when meeting water, they would build bridges. At that time, this meant striving for the shortest straight-line distance between two points.
However, some practical issues also needed to be considered, such as how construction could alter the terrain and easily cause landslides at Mountain Peak, as well as the frequent mountain floods in the area. The very essence of constructing the Heavenly Road was to shorten distances and save time. The roads along the way were either blocked by mudslides or washed away by floods, which rendered this route devoid of its intended practical value.
To enter the Engineering Department of Qin State, one must possess at least basic qualifications. Becoming an official in the Ministry of Works meant being among the elite. Coupled with Qin State's advocacy for Legalism and strict accountability systems, no one dared to be negligent.
This led to rigorous engineering quality assurance and a pursuit of excellence in work attitude. Later, experts found the long-abandoned old site of the Heavenly Road based on its records and discovered that not a single tall plant had grown along this road that had endured for thousands of years.
Only after confirming the engineering blueprints could work commence. The Engineering Corps of Qin State would then complete the construction of the Heavenly Road based on survey results. The Engineering Department would assign personnel to supervise different sections, allowing for timely reporting and modifications when encountering significant geological issues during construction.
Under this effective management mechanism, progress was evident. The team of craftsmen stranded in Pinglu County Town due to heavy snow had not yet completed their work on the Heavenly Road. However, they had already crossed Pinglu County and were steadily extending toward Wild King City. Moreover, with the Qin Army about to launch their Spring Offensive, the construction pace of the Heavenly Road was gradually accelerating.
When Luzi's cavalry encountered a Sentinel from the Qin Army, Li Xin approached with a General Token to announce their presence. After a review by the Patrol Team, they respectfully made way for them. According to regulations, lower-ranking officers were not allowed to mount their horses when meeting higher-ranking officers. Thus, they lined up on both sides, standing tall and saluting as Luzi's victorious cavalry passed by.
The young men in Military Uniform stood there holding spears and halberds, exuding an impressive aura. This sight left those who had left the army yearning; if one could experience such valor in life, it would not be in vain!
Seeing everyone so excited, Luzi couldn't help but smile and shake his head. What is passion? One could see it clearly at this moment. Among the good men of Huaxia, who wouldn't want to don military attire?
If wearing this uniform could lead to merit and noble titles, such claims might just be external legends. The true reason was far from that! It was about how wearing this uniform allowed people to find that exhilarating feeling of passion!
In a lifetime, how many opportunities are there to feel this enthusiasm? It maximizes courage and belief in victory, making every participant's memories worth cherishing no matter when or where they are. It is even worth shedding tears just to experience those perfect moments of life and death!
Everyone's small bundles actually contained Military Uniforms, which were prepared for entering the Shangdang Region. Since there was already a plan in place, it was time to begin! Luzi, riding on horseback, raised his hand to signal the cavalry to stop and shouted loudly, "All units, listen up! Change uniforms!"
"Long live! Long live General Lu!"
The personnel, who had been eagerly anticipating this order, finally got their wish. They raised their weapons and shouted loudly. Then they exchanged smiles, jumped off their horses, and took out their Military Uniforms.
Comment 0 Comment Count