vstars Chapter 111 The storm is coming
Chapter 111 The storm is coming
Let's turn back time to a month ago. At that time, the Qin State was bustling and noisy, with people living in peace and contentment, and the city was prosperous.
However, on this seemingly ordinary day, Zhao Hai, the eldest prince of Qin, experienced a thrilling journey to the capital and is now anxiously embarking on his return journey.
He was dressed in an incomparably magnificent royal robe, embroidered with intricate and exquisite patterns, the gold and silver threads shimmering dazzlingly in the sunlight.
Despite his magnificent attire, his expression was solemn and resolute, revealing an innate dignity and composure.
He knew that he bore a heavy responsibility and had to inform his father, Emperor Qin Zhao Ying, of what he had seen and heard as soon as possible.
Along the way, Zhao Hai and his men rode at breakneck speed, galloping towards the capital of Qin.
He had no time to appreciate the beautiful scenery along the way; he had only one thought in his mind—to return to the palace as soon as possible to see his father and make the Ling Kingdom pay the price.
When Zhao Hai stepped into the capital of Qin, the bustling and prosperous scene immediately came into view.
The streets were bustling with traffic, the crowds were thronging, and the shops were overflowing with goods... However, at this moment, he had no heart to linger over these beautiful sights; he had only one goal in mind—the palace.
He dashed through the bustling streets and headed straight for the palace.
Soon, the magnificent palace appeared before his eyes. The vermilion palace walls soared into the clouds, and the golden glazed tiles shone brightly in the sunlight, appearing solemn and sacred.
Zhao Hai traveled swiftly without stopping for a moment, and finally arrived at the palace gate.
Upon seeing the Crown Prince return, the guards bowed respectfully and made way for him.
He had no time to say more, and went straight through the palace gates to the imperial study where the Qin Emperor was.
The Imperial Study is located deep within the palace, in a quiet and secluded environment, isolated from the outside world.
When Zhao Hai pushed open the door and entered the room, he saw that the candlelight was flickering and the dim light made the whole room appear somewhat dark and mysterious.
A solemn and dignified atmosphere filled the air, as if foreshadowing something significant about to happen.
Zhao Hai dared not be negligent in the slightest and immediately knelt down to pay homage to the Qin Emperor.
Qin Emperor Zhao Ying sat behind his desk, his eyes sharp as an eagle's, watching his son kneeling on the ground.
His expression was serious, but his eyes revealed a subtle hint of concern and expectation.
"No need for formalities, Hai'er."
The Emperor Qin's voice was deep and powerful, revealing a kingly majesty and benevolence.
"Was the trip to the capital successful?"
Zhao Hai stood up, took a deep breath, and began to report in detail to the Qin Emperor on his various experiences during his time in the court.
He recounted every detail he knew without concealing anything.
He then recounted how he was attacked by assassins and how he managed to escape.
He also expressed his deep concern and speculation about the incident.
The Emperor Qin listened quietly to his son's account without uttering a single word.
His expression grew increasingly serious as the story progressed.
After Zhao Hai finished recounting the whole story, he slammed his fist on the table and roared, "How dare you! A lowly commoner like you dared to assassinate the prince of my Great Qin!"
"This is utterly outrageous! You, a prince of this nation, cannot even protect your own safety, and you have the audacity to come back and tell me this?"
The Emperor Qin's words were full of blame and dissatisfaction towards Zhao Hai, but deeper down, there was a hint of barely perceptible worry and anxiety.
He knew full well that there must be a bigger conspiracy and scheme behind this incident.
Zhao Hai lowered his head and replied firmly and calmly, "Father, please calm your anger. Your son was fortunate to return safely this time."
However, the conspiracy and scheming hidden behind this matter cannot help but make me deeply worried.
The assassination attempt by that girl seemed sudden and accidental, but I believe that someone must have been behind it.
Your subject suspects that this might be related to the Spirit King of the Spirit Kingdom.
Upon hearing this, the Emperor Qin frowned deeply. He knew that what Zhao Hai said was true and that there must be a greater conspiracy and scheme behind this matter.
After a moment of contemplation, he softened his tone and said, "Hai'er, this matter is of great importance and we must handle it with caution. First, tell me in detail how that girl attempted the assassination, and then tell me your views on the Ling Kingdom."
Zhao Hai then recounted in detail the events surrounding Daya's assassination attempt, along with his own speculations and deductions.
He also expressed his views and concerns about the Ling Kingdom, believing that the Ling Kingdom might be plotting something detrimental to the Qin Kingdom.
He attempted to use this incident as a pretext to instigate a war between the states of Qin and Ling in order to gain more benefits and territory for the Qin state.
After listening to Zhao Hai's report, the Emperor Qin's expression became even more solemn.
He couldn't help but feel a sense of unease when he thought about the secret plot he had recently made with Liu Lingyu, the fourth prince of Ling Kingdom.
Thinking of this, the Qin Emperor suddenly stood up and shouted, "Guards!"
The chief eunuch who was waiting at the door hurriedly came in, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, this old servant is here."
"Summon General Sima Xin!" The Emperor Qin's voice was firm and powerful, revealing an unquestionable authority and determination.
"Yes, Your Majesty," the head eunuch replied, then went out.
Deep within the mysterious and profound royal palace of Gu Xuanchao, Wu Bailie returned weary from his journey. His face bore the marks of his travels, but even more so, it exuded an undeniable solemnity and sense of urgency.
He strode into the magnificent hall, his mind filled with what he had seen and heard during his expedition.
In particular, this incident involves a girl from the Ling Kingdom who dared to assassinate the eldest prince of the Qin Kingdom.
Ubaekhan, the king sitting on the high throne, his gaze seemed to pierce through layers of mist, discerning the world's most secret conspiracies and schemes.
He listened quietly to Wu Bailie's report, his brows furrowed like two towering mountain peaks, lost in deep thought.
"Oh? Such a thing actually happened. Zhao Hai will probably not swallow this insult so easily."
Wu Baihan's voice was deep and magnetic, as if every word contained endless profound meaning.
Upon hearing this, Wu Bailie's heart stirred, and he quickly revealed his thoughts.
"Father, I believe this may be our opportunity. Zhao Hai will surely use this opportunity to launch an attack on Ling Kingdom. Why don't we also take this chance to raise a large army and avenge our previous humiliation?"
Upon hearing this, Wu Baihan's eyes flickered, as if he were weighing the pros and cons.
He recalled the recent internal strife within the Spirit Kingdom, especially that ambitious fellow Liu Lingyu, who actually attempted to usurp the throne, and a sense of disdain and coldness rose in his heart.
He knew that if Liu Lingyu's conspiracy succeeded, the Ling Kingdom would inevitably fall into endless turmoil and strife.
This was undoubtedly a huge challenge for Gu Xuanchao, but also a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
A moment later, a cunning glint flashed in Wu Baihan's eyes, as if he had found a way to break the deadlock.
He spoke slowly, his voice firm and powerful: "Lie'er, immediately mobilize 20,000 troops."
If the Qin state takes any action, you should launch an attack on the Ling state under the pretext of assisting in quelling the internal strife.
Remember, this operation is not only meant to weaken the power of the Ling Kingdom's royal family, but also to lay the groundwork for the future expansion of our Gu Xuan Dynasty.
Upon hearing this, Wu Bailie was startled, but quickly regained his composure.
He knew what his father's decision meant, and he understood his own responsibilities and mission.
He bowed respectfully, accepted the order, and left, his heart filled with anticipation and determination for the impending war.
In the days that followed, Wu Bailie was extremely busy. He personally mobilized troops, selected elite soldiers, and prepared the provisions and weapons needed for the expedition.
At the same time, he secretly dispatched scouts to the Kingdom of Ling to gather intelligence on the enemy and make full preparations for the upcoming battle.
Under his meticulous preparations, Gu Xuanchao's army was soon fully equipped and ready to go, with high morale and fighting spirit, as if they could already see the dawn of victory.
Meanwhile, deep within the Qin palace, Emperor Zhao Ying sat upright on his dragon throne, his gaze sharp as he stared intently at the secret report in his hand.
This secret report details the Ling Kingdom's Liu Lingyu's intention to usurp the throne and Gu Xuanchao's attempt to interfere in the Ling Kingdom's internal affairs.
A barely perceptible smile appeared on Zhao Ying's face; he had already devised a bold and meticulous plan in his mind.
In his view, this was not just an internal conflict within the Ling Kingdom, but also an excellent opportunity to weaken the Ling Kingdom and expand the territory of the Qin Kingdom.
He must seize this opportunity to make Qin rise in the chaos of the world, become a true hegemon, and unify the world.
"Your Majesty, the Grand General is waiting outside." The chief eunuch's voice broke the silence in the room and interrupted Zhao Ying's thoughts.
"Let him in." Zhao Ying's voice carried an undeniable authority and power.
General Sima Xin entered in response to the call. He was tall and strong, with a resolute face, and exuded a calm and decisive demeanor that came from years of battlefield experience.
He knelt on one knee, respectfully awaiting the Emperor's decree.
"No need," Zhao Ying said calmly.
"Sima Xin, I have learned that there is constant internal strife in the Ling Kingdom, and Liu Lingyu intends to usurp the throne."
This is a golden opportunity! I have decided to seize this chance to attack the Ling Kingdom, weaken its strength, and expand the territory of my Qin Kingdom.
Upon hearing this, a glint of excitement flashed in Sima Xin's eyes.
He was well aware of Qin Shi Huang's ambition and wisdom, and also understood his own responsibilities and mission.
He bowed respectfully and said, "Your humble servant obeys! I will lead the army with unstoppable momentum and march straight to the capital of Ling Kingdom."
In the days that followed, Sima Xin quickly mobilized 30,000 troops, selected elite soldiers, and prepared the necessary provisions and weapons for the expedition.
He was well aware of the importance and urgency of this war, and therefore dared not be negligent or careless in the slightest.
At the same time, Qin's intelligence agencies began to operate at full capacity, gathering intelligence on Ling's military situation and terrain.
Sima Xin deeply understood the principle that knowing oneself and one's enemy is the key to winning every battle.
He had to ensure that his army gained the upper hand and took the initiative in the war.
With the Qin army fully assembled and all preparations for war completed, a war concerning the fate and future of the nation is about to begin on this ancient land.
In this war, the decisions and wisdom of Emperor Zhao Ying of Qin, as well as the bravery and loyalty of General Sima Xin, will be the key to determining the outcome.
However, the once glorious nation of Ling Kingdom is now facing an unprecedented crisis and challenges.
As the armies of Qin and Gu Xuanchao approached, Lingguo felt unprecedented pressure and threat.
Regardless of the outcome, this war will be a significant chapter in the history of the Gu Xuan Dynasty and the Qin State, forever etched in people's hearts and inspiring future generations to move forward and strive continuously.
In this conflict and war, who will emerge victorious? And who will perish in the torrent of history?
Everything is still unknown... but in any case, this war is destined to be a magnificent and thrilling epic battle.