Chapter 51: Renowned Across the Lands

What a pity! So many intricate twists and turns! Lord Yan Chun was troubled as well; though he knew the Mohist School was guilty, they had no choice but to turn a blind eye. They could not even punish the Mohists, lest it jeopardize their upcoming cooperation.

“I hereby strip him of his position and confine him to the small pavilion, forbidding him from leaving. This is no minor punishment!”

Upon learning it was the Black Knight’s fault, the King of Yan’s hatred for Yan Dan diminished considerably. If he could depose, he could also restore; being locked in a small pavilion was hardly like being thrown into a dungeon. Such a punishment, Lord Yan Chun could not accept.

“Brother King, the Northern Army has risen in the desert; henceforth, the northern border will know no peace! We must mend relations with the State of Zhao and form an alliance to resist the threat from the north together!”

Lord Yan Chun had already devised a proper way to deal with Yan Dan.

The King of Yan sighed bitterly. “I fear the King of Zhao despises me most of all; how could he consent?”

For decades, Qin and Zhao had repeatedly clashed, and Yan always sought opportunity amid the chaos. Were it not for the Qin army’s looming presence, Zhao would have wished to annihilate Yan entirely.

Lord Yan Chun knew well how difficult this would be. Precisely because it was difficult, it was perfect for Yan Dan.

“Brother King can send Yan Dan as a hostage to Zhao, and at the same time let him seek a chance to repair relations between the two countries. When the King of Zhao recognizes the threat from the Northern Army, he will surely agree to an alliance. If Yan Dan can help the two states unite against the north, his offenses may be absolved.”

The King of Yan’s eyes sparkled—brilliant, absolutely brilliant!

“Very well! Let it be so! Tomorrow at court, you may bring it up again. When the Mohists complete their deployment in the north, I shall then expose their crimes.”

Lord Yan Chun frowned, but quickly acknowledged the order. It seemed his brother King still felt soft-hearted toward that useless Yan Dan.

After the following day’s court session, Yan Dan received his verdict. Not ideal, yet not dreadful; at least he now saw a chance to redeem himself through merit.

...

The Yin-Yang School, able to control souls, could naturally command birds to deliver messages as well. Within three days, Donghuang Taiyi received a secret letter from Lady Yan.

“What! The Northern King actually—!”

“Excellent! As expected, blinded by lust and wine! Such a debauched man, his glory will not last!”

This time, the most capable hands were needed. Donghuang Taiyi promptly summoned Lord Chu Nan.

Chu Nan’s true form was that of a handsome elderly man, but he too had mastered Donghuang Taiyi’s art of disguise. His decrepit appearance was but a facade; among the Yin-Yang School, only Donghuang could see through it.

After reading the secret letter, Chu Nan regretted not retreating somewhere to meditate for a year or two.

“The Northern Army’s cavalry will escort you partway; you only need to intercept at Zhao’s border.”

Donghuang understood his old comrade’s worries. In that case, it should be manageable—so long as he steered clear of that man and his carriage.

Chu Nan nodded calmly. “Then you may rest assured, Donghuang.”

“Good! I’ll have the four elders accompany you, then most will disperse back to Yan separately.”

Donghuang Taiyi was uncertain how many factions knew about the bronze box, but sacrificing disciples for it was justified; otherwise, what was the use of nurturing them?

...

Earlier, only the Xiongnu cared about the rise of the Northern Army. But since Yan ceded Liao North, the name of the Yanhuang Northern Army spread across the Seven States.

At the end of Zhao’s era, the divine general Li Mu now guarded the region of Yanmen and Shang County. Though Zhao’s main enemy was the Xiongnu, the Donghu territory also touched Zhao’s border.

He hadn’t been too worried, since the Xiongnu still bore the brunt of the new Northern Army. Yet upon seeing two fortresses at the frontier, he realized the Xiongnu would not hold out much longer.

When news of Liao North’s defeat arrived, he couldn’t help but pick up his brush once more.

After checking the sealed sheepskin letter, Li Mu handed it to his personal lieutenant. Hearing the hoofbeats fade into the distance, Li Mu sighed, “The situation grows ever more urgent! Qin presses closer with each step, and now the northern desert is restless as well!”

The deputy could not help but frown. “General, what do you mean? With you commanding, haven’t the Xiongnu and Donghu suffered defeat time and again?”

To avoid unsettling the troops, Li Mu always burned secret reports after reading. “This new Northern King is of the Yanhuang bloodline, claiming the title of Emperor! The Northern Army unites the desert tribes, builds cities, and in one battle swallowed Liao East and Liao West—Yan was terrified into seeking peace!”

“This is no ordinary foe like the Xiongnu or Donghu! In two or three years, they’ll either sweep south or west, and we will surely face them!”

Li Mu wondered: could he defeat them?

Were it not for the tiger-wolf of Qin, Li Mu would have confidence against the Northern Army’s threat. But now, he lacked the troops to even drive off the Xiongnu.

...

The troubles of Yan reached Lü Buwei at once. After much deliberation, he spoke to the empty air.

“Order all branches of the Net to withdraw missions against Jingni and Xuan Jian.”

“As you command, Prime Minister.” The hidden man in black did not object; he knew well the terror of their opponent.

Net’s spies, upon approaching that man, were always discovered! Many assassins had already defected to Jingni’s side. Mysteriously losing dozens of men, Net became fearful.

The doctrine of distant alliances and nearby attacks could now be used to let the northern kingdom restrain Yan and Zhao. Lü Buwei did not want two assassins to disrupt Qin’s grand strategy.

The young King of Qin, Ying Zheng, had not yet officially ruled, but already oversaw the royal shadow guard system. Upon seeing the words “Yanhuang Empire,” Ying Zheng was furious.

“Hmph! Ignorant fools! A mere barbarian land dares insult the name of Yanhuang! Who is this Northern King to claim the imperial title?”

Zhao Gao was somewhat hesitant, but knew nothing of Yan’s recent war.

With no one else available, only Zhao Gao could discuss matters; so he explained briefly.

“Sire, this Linbei King is but an arrogant man, destined not to last. The savage tribes are difficult to tame, unlike the people of the Central Plains; this northern kingdom will likely be but a fleeting flower.”

After hearing him, Zhao Gao voiced his opinion.

Ying Zheng was pleased, but he knew more than that.

“Zhao Gao, great or small, no state should be underestimated. Perhaps, in a few years, the Qin army will witness the Yanhuang Northern Army firsthand!”

Zhao Gao did not believe it, though his words said otherwise.

“Under your command, sire, the Qin army would dedicate their lives. In a few years, we could sweep north and annihilate that audacious kingdom.”

Ying Zheng smiled, sighing inwardly at how power had slipped away—how could he lead his army north now!

Zhao was already crippled, and could be destroyed in a year or two; Yan’s national strength was now greatly weakened, so conquest would not be difficult.

Ying Zheng’s gaze swept the realm—how could he tolerate any who claimed Yanhuang as their nation, and only Qin was worthy of the imperial title!

Alas, though his heart was strong, the King of Qin was powerless.

With pent-up ambition, Ying Zheng continued to express his talents and imposing spirit.

“Zhao Gao, though Linbei King is proud and ignorant, his ambition and cunning must not be taken lightly! I predict that in a few years, even the Xiongnu will be conquered by him. Then, the Qin army will meet the mighty Northern Army of the desert.”

Zhao Gao frowned and nodded; if even the Xiongnu were subdued, their power would rival old Zhao.

“Sire, if the Northern Army tries to take Yan first, I doubt they could advance westward.”

The King of Qin nodded in affirmation; this little eunuch had both courage and wit—that was why Ying Zheng valued Zhao Gao.

“Though Yan has recently suffered defeat, their national strength remains robust. Once Yan rises to avenge their shame, the Northern Army will not easily breach Liao Sea Pass!”

“If they fail in Yan, lacking supplies, the northern kingdom can only turn on the Xiongnu—and the Xiongnu will surely lose!”

So that’s how it is! Zhao Gao realized, his gaze even more respectful.

The young King of Qin smiled faintly—an apt pupil! Alas, his ambitions were known to so few in the world.