"Do any of you have any thoughts on the matter?"

Ying Zheng did not immediately agree, instead looking toward the civil and military officials of Qin.

"Your servant believes that since the Zhao state has raised an unjust army, the world should condemn it. Although Qin has signed an alliance with the Zhao state, we will not be party to such a dishonorable pact."

"Since Yan pleads so earnestly, how can Qin not come to their rescue?"

"Your servant proposes we dispatch troops to attack Zhao and save Yan," Li Si declared, stepping forward.

"Your servant seconds the motion."

"The Zhao state is unrighteous. It is only right for Qin to attack them," Han Fei also stepped forward.

"Your servant seconds the motion."

"Yan is suffering a national calamity. How can Qin sit by and do nothing? We must send troops to attack."

One voice of agreement followed another. The scene was completely different from the day Yan Dan first came to Qin. Now, every single one of Qin's ministers was filled with righteous indignation at Zhao's unjust war against Yan.

Although the Qin court was rife with factions, none of them were fools. They all understood Ying Zheng's true intentions. Yan had offered a great deal of benefits, and Qin genuinely intended to destroy Zhao. This gave Qin a just cause for war and the added bonus of Yan's financial backing for the military expedition. It was killing two birds with one stone.

Listening to the Qin ministers speak up for Yan one by one, a look of joy spread across Yan Dan's face, completely unaware that he had fallen into Qin's trap. If he were a bit wiser and familiar with Qin's high command, he would have noticed that all three of the Shangjiangjuns were absent from the court. If no major military action was planned, why would all three Shangjiangjuns be missing?

"What you have all said is reasonable." At this moment, Ying Zheng finally spoke. The chorus of agreement in the court immediately fell silent.

Yan Dan looked at Ying Zheng with a pleading gaze.

"Chancellor Wang."

"Draft a Royal Edict and proclaim it to the world. The Zhao state is unjust, raising a dishonorable army to attack Yan. Now that Yan has requested aid from Qin, we cannot stand idle. Send a National Book to Zhao, ordering them to immediately cease their assault on Yan. If Zhao does not withdraw its forces, Qin shall dispatch its army to attack Zhao and rescue Yan," Ying Zheng declared with authority.

Yan Dan was visibly moved. "The King of Qin is wise and sagacious!"

"Our Great King is wise and sagacious!" the entire court cried out in unison.

「Handan, Zhao State」

In Longtai Palace, a sharp SLAP echoed as Zhao Yan threw a National Book from Qin onto the court floor.

"Damn that Ying Zheng! Who does he think he is, ordering me to withdraw my troops from Yan?"

"Preposterous!" Zhao Yan cursed in a rage. The ministers of Zhao all bowed their heads, daring not to speak.

"Your Majesty," Guo Kai immediately spoke up, offering obsequious flattery. "Ying Zheng's actions are clearly a threat to Zhao, but your servant believes we have no reason to fear. We should increase our military strength and annihilate Yan. Once Yan is destroyed, Zhao will grow even stronger under Your Majesty's command!"

"Prime Minister Guo, you are being far too optimistic," Zhao Yi stepped forward to say. "Yan has already requested aid from Qin, and the world now accuses Zhao of waging an unjust war. Ying Zheng's move is certainly intended to build momentum for an attack on us. As long as Zhao does not withdraw from Yan, Qin will have its just cause. Your servant believes we must dispatch a large army to defend the border and guard against Qin."

Zhao Yan glanced at him and said coldly, "Ying Zheng? Do you think I'm afraid of him? Isn't Lian Po already stationed at the border? With him there, the frontier is secure. Moreover, Zhao is allied with Wei, and I have already contacted Lord Xinling. If Qin truly dares to move against us, Lord Xinling will lead his army straight into Han Land. That region is already plagued by internal strife. I'd like to see how Qin can attack Zhao then," Zhao Yan scoffed.

He felt no fear of Ying Zheng or Qin. Or rather, in Zhao Yan's mind, the boy he used to bully and trample underfoot as a child was someone he could still dominate now. If Ying Zheng could destroy Han, then he, Zhao Yan, could destroy Yan. His Zhao state was in no way inferior to Qin. This was a kind of arrogance, perhaps.

"Your Majesty is wise and sagacious!" Guo Kai immediately piped up with another round of flattery. "Under Your Majesty's leadership, Zhao will surely unite the world!"

"Your Majesty," Zhao Yi persisted. "Relying on Wei is not a sound strategy. Your servant still believes we should dispatch more troops to guard the border. Only then can we ensure Zhao's stability."

However, his words were still grating to Zhao Yan's ears.

"Prime Minister," Zhao Yan ordered, ignoring Zhao Yi completely. "Relay my edict. Inform Lord Xinling of the news from Qin and tell him to be prepared. At the same time, send an edict to General Pang Xuan. Tell him to speed up his march and annihilate Yan as quickly as possible."

"This servant accepts the edict," Guo Kai replied, bowing.

「Wei」

"Your Majesty," Wei Bo reported with excitement. "We have just received word from Zhao. The King of Qin has sent a National Book threatening the King of Zhao to withdraw his troops, and it seems Qin is already showing signs of mobilization."

"The day has finally come." Wei Wuji sighed, his expression not one of joy. "When Zhao first mobilized its army, I knew Qin would not let this opportunity pass. After all, this is the perfect chance for the King of Qin to destroy Zhao."

"Your Majesty, you tried to persuade him, but the King of Zhao refused to listen. Now that Qin is attacking, Wei must honor its alliance and dispatch troops against them. This is Wei's opportunity! The Han lands occupied by Qin are unstable, and countless Han nobles wish to overthrow their rule. If Wei sends troops, we are bound to achieve extraordinary results. We might even be able to incorporate Han Land into Wei's domain! With the annexation of Han, Wei will surely be restored to its former glory," Wei Bo said, his face alight with ambitious dreams.

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