Daqin arrests alchemists, what does it matter to me as a qi refiner?

Ying Zheng eagerly took the jade bottle, opened the cap, and was immediately drawn to the glittering, fragrant pill inside. He took a deep breath and felt refreshed, all his fatigue vanishing.

"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!" Ying Zheng praised repeatedly, "Senior is indeed worthy of his reputation, and has actually refined the Earth Milk Spirit Marrow into a top-grade pill! I really don't know how to thank you enough."

Yun Zhongzi smiled slightly: "Your Majesty flatters me. Since I have already promised Your Majesty, I will naturally do my best. Although this Earth Milk Golden Pill is extremely precious, it is not omnipotent. It can only enhance Your Majesty's cultivation and prolong life, but it cannot make people immortal."

Ying Zheng nodded after listening, "What you say is absolutely right, senior. I also understand that immortality is just a legend. Being able to prolong one's life and enhance one's cultivation is already a great blessing." He carefully put away the jade bottle and solemnly said to Yun Zhongzi, "I will remember your kindness this time. If you ever need anything in the future, I will do my best to help you!"

Yun Zhongzi smiled and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. I came here to assist Your Majesty in refining the elixir for two reasons: first, to repay a favor to my junior brother, the Imperial Preceptor, and second, to forge a good relationship. Now that the elixir is complete, my wish has been fulfilled, and it is time for me to take my leave."

Ying Zheng was startled upon hearing this: "Senior, are you leaving already? I was hoping to keep you here for a few more days to properly entertain you."

Yun Zhongzi shook his head: "Your Majesty's kindness is appreciated. However, I am used to a life of leisure and do not like to be disturbed by worldly affairs. Moreover, the way of alchemy requires fate and state of mind. Although this alchemy was successful, I feel exhausted and need to go back to seclusion for a period of time."

Ying Zheng was somewhat disappointed upon hearing this, but he knew he couldn't force Yun Zhongzi to stay. He immediately ordered people to prepare generous gifts for Yun Zhongzi and personally escorted him out of the palace.

"Please take your time, senior. I will definitely visit you another day," Ying Zheng said to Yun Zhongzi at the palace gate.

Yun Zhongzi smiled and said, "Your Majesty is too kind. If fate allows, we will meet again someday." With that, he drifted away and quickly disappeared into the horizon.

Ying Zheng gazed in the direction where Yun Zhongzi had disappeared, remaining silent for a long time. Yang Ling comforted him, saying, "Your Majesty need not be too sad. If my senior brother has time in the future, he will surely come to Xianyang to meet with Your Majesty again."

Ying Zheng nodded: "The Grand Preceptor is right. I am already extremely fortunate to have the help of a senior like you." He paused, then said, "Now that I have obtained such a treasure as the Earth Milk Golden Elixir, I should now plan how to unify the six kingdoms and establish a great cause for the ages!" As he spoke, a resolute and domineering light flashed in his eyes.

Yang Ling's heart skipped a beat upon seeing this, but he also knew that this was Ying Zheng's ambition. He immediately bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise and mighty, and has the world in your heart, which is truly a blessing for all people. Your subject is willing to serve Your Majesty, even at the cost of going through fire and water!"

Ying Zheng laughed heartily upon hearing this: "Excellent! With the help of the Imperial Advisor, how can I not unify the six kingdoms and establish a great dynasty that will last for millennia!" He paused, then said, "Issue the decree: tomorrow morning at court, I will discuss with my ministers the grand plan for unifying the six kingdoms!"

With Ying Zheng's command, the entire city of Xianyang erupted in excitement. Everyone knew that this brilliant and ambitious First Emperor was about to embark on his journey to unify the six kingdoms—a momentous event that would rewrite the course of history!
The following morning at court, Ying Zheng sat upright on his dragon throne, looking down at the assembled officials. The officials discussed amongst themselves, speculating about the reason why His Majesty had summoned them that day.

"My lords," Ying Zheng began, his voice loud and authoritative, "I have summoned you all here today to discuss an important matter."

The courtiers immediately fell silent, holding their breath in anticipation.

Ying Zheng surveyed his assembled ministers and slowly said, "Since my ascension to the throne, I have always upheld the ideal of 'unifying the world.' Now, the six states are constantly at war, each acting independently and attacking each other, causing people to be displaced and their cultures to wither. I cannot bear to see this chaos continue any longer, and have decided to send troops to unify the six states and establish a powerful and prosperous Qin Empire!"

These words caused an uproar among the courtiers. Although they knew that Ying Zheng had ambitions to unify the six kingdoms, they did not expect him to bring it up so directly.

“Your Majesty,” a minister stepped forward and said, “unifying the six kingdoms is certainly a good thing, but the six kingdoms are powerful and have many soldiers and generals. If we rashly send troops, we may be met with their united resistance.”

Ying Zheng sneered, "I know the six kingdoms are not weak, but I am confident I can defeat them one by one! I have obtained a treasure like the Earth Milk Golden Elixir, which can prolong life and enhance cultivation. With such assistance, what do I have to fear?"

The minister was stunned by Ying Zheng's domineering presence and was speechless for a moment. The other ministers also lowered their heads, not daring to voice any further objections.

Seeing this, Yang Ling stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty is wise and powerful, and unifying the six kingdoms will naturally be a piece of cake. However, I believe that we still need to make full preparations and plans before we send out troops."

Ying Zheng nodded: "The Grand Tutor is right. So, in the Grand Tutor's opinion, how should we plan?"

After a moment of contemplation, Yang Ling said, "First, we need to understand the strength and situation of the six states, so as to know ourselves and our enemies; second, we need to formulate detailed strategies and tactics to ensure victory in every military campaign; finally, we also need to strengthen domestic governance and development to provide a solid backing for the unification of the six states."

Ying Zheng nodded in satisfaction after hearing this: "The Grand Preceptor is quite right. Then let the Grand Preceptor and the Prime Minister handle this matter. I hope you can come up with a detailed plan for unifying the six kingdoms as soon as possible."

Prime Minister Li Si stepped forward to receive the order: "Your subject obeys! Your subject will certainly handle this matter well."

After the court session, Li Si sought out Yang Ling to discuss the specifics. Both were resourceful and intelligent, and they quickly devised a preliminary plan. They decided to first send spies to the six states to gather intelligence and understand the enemy's situation; then, based on the intelligence, they would formulate detailed strategies and tactics; finally, they would mobilize a large army and launch a decisive attack!
In the days that followed, Xianyang was bustling with activity. On one hand, spies were being sent to the six states to gather intelligence and prepare military supplies; on the other hand, domestic governance and development were being strengthened, and the living standards of the people were being improved. The entire Qin Empire was enveloped in an atmosphere of tension and excitement.

Days passed in a tense but orderly manner of preparation. After repeated discussions and revisions, Yang Ling, Li Si, and others finally produced a detailed plan for unifying the six kingdoms. On this day, they once again came to the palace to report to Ying Zheng.

"Your Majesty," Yang Ling said solemnly, holding the plan in his hand, "after careful planning by your ministers and servants, we have now formulated a detailed plan for unifying the six kingdoms. Please take a look."

Ying Zheng took the plan and began to carefully review it. He read it very attentively, nodding in approval from time to time. The plan detailed key information such as the troop deployments, strategic locations, economic conditions, and public sentiment of the six states, and formulated corresponding strategies and tactics for each state. It could be said to be a very comprehensive and feasible plan.

"Excellent! Excellent! Excellent!" Ying Zheng exclaimed repeatedly after reading it. "The Grand Tutor and the Prime Minister truly live up to their reputations, having devised such a brilliant plan. I am extremely satisfied!" Li Si humbly replied, "Your Majesty flatters us. This is our duty. We are willing to die for Your Majesty as long as we can alleviate your burdens!"

Ying Zheng nodded: "I am truly fortunate to have such loyal ministers as you to assist me. So, according to the plan, which country should we deal with first?"

Yang Ling pointed to a section of the plan: "Your Majesty, please look. This section mentions South Korea. South Korea is located among the six states, with a weak military and a stagnant economy. Moreover, its ruler is incompetent and tyrannical, and the people are full of resentment. Therefore, we believe that we should first send troops to South Korea and take it down with lightning speed!"

After listening, Ying Zheng pondered for a moment, then decisively said, "Very well! Let's start with Han! Issue an edict appointing Wang Jian as general, leading an army of 100,000 to attack Han immediately!"

With Ying Zheng's command, the entire city of Xianyang erupted in excitement once more. Everyone knew that the protracted war to unify the six kingdoms was finally about to begin!
In the days that followed, the city of Xianyang was bustling with activity. On one hand, supplies had to be prepared for Wang Jian's army as they set off; on the other hand, domestic security and defenses had to be strengthened to prevent the six states from taking advantage of the situation to invade. The entire Qin Empire entered a state of war preparedness.

Meanwhile, in Xinzheng, the capital of South Korea, a completely different scene unfolded. The King of South Korea was incompetent and pleasure-seeking, neglecting both domestic and military affairs. The people were filled with resentment and suffering, desperately hoping for a wise ruler to rescue them from their misery. Little did they know, a catastrophic disaster was already looming.

Wang Jian's army advanced with unstoppable momentum, quickly reaching the walls of Xinzheng. The King of Han was terrified upon hearing the news and hastily summoned his officials to discuss countermeasures. Unfortunately, they had neglected state affairs and military preparations, and were now utterly helpless, unable to devise any solutions. They could only watch as the Qin army breached the city walls and stormed inside.

And so, without any resistance, the state of Han was easily destroyed by the Qin army. When Ying Zheng learned of this news, he did not feel much surprise or astonishment.

News of the fall of Han quickly spread throughout the six states, causing a great shock. The rulers of the other five states summoned their officials to discuss countermeasures, attempting to unite against Qin's invasion. However, each harbored their own ulterior motives, making it difficult to form a genuine alliance.

In Handan, the capital of Zhao, King Zhao summoned his ministers to discuss countermeasures. One minister stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the fall of Han is a fait accompli. We must now take immediate action to prevent Qin from continuing its expansion."

King Zhao frowned: "Then, in your opinion, how should we respond?"

After a moment of contemplation, the minister said, "Your Majesty, I believe we should unite with the other four states and jointly send troops to resist Qin. Only in this way can we have a chance to defeat them."

Another minister, however, held a different opinion: "Your Majesty, I believe this is inappropriate. Qin is a powerful state, and if we rashly send troops, we may repeat the mistakes of Han. I think we should adopt a defensive posture, strengthen domestic defenses and governance, and wait for the right opportunity."

King Zhao fell into deep thought after hearing this. He knew both opinions had merit, but he found it difficult to choose. Just then, a messenger rushed in to report: "Your Majesty, the Qin state has sent an envoy to request an audience."

King Zhao was taken aback, then waved his hand: "Quickly invite the envoy in."

A moment later, the Qin envoy was led into the main hall. After bowing to the King of Zhao, he said, "This foreign envoy has come to pay homage to Your Majesty on the orders of the King of Qin, and to convey the King's message. The King of Qin says that he is willing to live in peace with Zhao, without aggression, and hopes that the two countries can establish friendly diplomatic relations."

King Zhao's heart stirred upon hearing this. He knew that Qin was testing their attitude, but it was also a rare opportunity. So he smiled and said, "Your Excellency has worked hard. Please go back and tell the King of Qin that I am also willing to live in peace with Qin and not invade each other."

The Qin envoy was overjoyed upon hearing this: "Thank you, Your Majesty! I will certainly convey Your Majesty's message to the King of Qin." After saying this, he took his leave.

King Zhao watched the envoy's departing figure, his heart heavy with worry. He knew that Qin's ambitions would not stop there, and peace was only temporary. He had to devise a countermeasure as soon as possible, otherwise Zhao might also face annihilation.

Meanwhile, in Yingdu, the capital of Chu, the King of Chu was urgently summoning his ministers to discuss countermeasures. One minister passionately declared, "Your Majesty, we cannot sit idly by and wait for our demise! If Qin continues its expansion, it will sooner or later endanger our safety. We should unite with other states to jointly resist Qin!"

After listening, the King of Chu nodded slightly: "What you say is very true, my dear minister. Then, in your opinion, how should we unite with other countries?"

After a moment's thought, the minister said, "Your Majesty can first send envoys to the states of Yan and Qi to persuade them to join the alliance; at the same time, send a large army to garrison the borders of Wei and Han to deter Qin; finally, the three states can join forces to attack Qin!"

The King of Chu deemed the plan feasible and immediately ordered its implementation. However, he was unaware that Qin spies had already discovered the plan and reported it to Ying Zheng. A far more intense battle was quietly brewing.

Thus, in a tense and complex atmosphere, the struggle between the six states and Qin officially began. This war would not only determine the fate of the six states but also reshape the entire world order. Who would have the last laugh? We shall wait and see!

Upon learning of Chu's plan, Ying Zheng sneered, "Hmph, the King of Chu has certainly played his cards well, but unfortunately, I have already seen through his plan." He then summoned Yang Ling, Li Si, and others to discuss countermeasures.

After a moment of contemplation, Yang Ling said, "Your Majesty, Chu's move seems clever, but it is actually full of loopholes. The three kingdoms are already riddled with contradictions, making it difficult for them to form a true united force. We only need to divide our forces to deal with them, and we can easily break their alliance."

Ying Zheng nodded in agreement: "The Grand Preceptor is absolutely right. So, in your opinion, how should we divide our forces to deal with this?"

Yang Ling smiled slightly: "Your Majesty, I believe we should adopt a 'feint to the east while attacking the west' strategy. First, send a large army to feign an attack on Yan, luring Chu and Qi to send troops to its aid; then, send an elite force to launch a surprise attack on Yingdu, the capital of Chu, and capture the King of Chu in one fell swoop; finally, march south and pacify Qi."

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng slammed his hand on the table and exclaimed in approval, "Excellent! This plan is brilliant! We shall proceed as the Grand Tutor has advised." He immediately ordered the mobilization of troops to prepare for the implementation of this plan. (End of Chapter)