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

Yang Ling then reminded him, "Your Majesty, this plan is ingenious, but we must be careful to keep it secret. If the enemy finds out, we may fail at the last minute."

Ying Zheng nodded in agreement: "Rest assured, Grand Preceptor, I will act with caution."

As Yang Ling had predicted, when news of the Qin army's feigned attack on Yan spread, both Chu and Qi sent troops to its aid. Meanwhile, the Qin army seized the opportunity to dispatch its elite forces to launch a surprise attack on Yingdu, the capital of Chu. Caught off guard, the King of Chu was captured alive by the Qin army, plunging the state into chaos.

When the news reached the State of Qi, the King of Qi was greatly alarmed. He immediately summoned his officials to discuss countermeasures. One minister stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, the State of Chu has fallen, and we are left to fend for ourselves. The best course of action now is to surrender to the State of Qin, which may save our lives."

Upon hearing this, the King of Qi slammed his fist on the table in anger and stood up: "Silence! I am the ruler of a nation, how can I surrender to traitors? I would rather die a glorious death than live a shameful life! Issue the decree: prepare the entire army for battle and fight the Qin army to the death!"

However, the Qi army suffered repeated defeats under the Qin army's iron hooves, and Qi was eventually destroyed by Qin. By this time, five of the six states had been conquered by Qin, leaving only the northernmost state of Yan struggling to survive.

Upon learning of the fall of the states of Qi and Chu, the King of Yan was devastated. He knew Yan had no chance of winning, but he still refused to surrender. Therefore, he decided to send assassins to Xianyang to kill Ying Zheng in an attempt to salvage the situation.

However, Yang Ling learned of this plan in advance. He immediately reported the situation to Ying Zheng. Ying Zheng sneered upon hearing this: "Hmph, the King of Yan has truly run out of ideas, resorting to such a scheme. Issue an edict to strengthen palace security and take strict precautions against assassin attacks."

Meanwhile, Ying Zheng also dispatched a large army to garrison the border of Yan to intimidate the Yan army, and sent envoys to Yan to persuade them to surrender. Knowing that the situation was hopeless, the King of Yan ultimately chose to surrender. With this, all six states were destroyed by Qin, and Ying Zheng finally achieved his great goal of unifying the six states.

In the days that followed, Ying Zheng began to govern this vast empire.

Ying Zheng sat upright on the dragon throne, his deep gaze sweeping over the assembled officials. After years of war, all six states had submitted to the rule of Qin. But Ying Zheng did not rest on his laurels; a far grander plan was already brewing in his mind.

"My ministers," Ying Zheng began slowly, his voice authoritative and powerful, "the six states are now at peace, and the world is now a unified whole, no longer fragmented, each ruling its own territory, or fighting against one another. But I believe this is not enough. What I desire is a truly unified, prosperous, and powerful Qin Empire!"

Upon hearing this, the courtiers perked up, straightened their backs, and stared intently at Ying Zheng. They knew that His Majesty was about to make a new and significant move.

Ying Zheng continued, "In order to achieve this goal, I have decided to gather troops and begin a new plan. What I want is not only the submission of the six states, but also their heartfelt obedience and their true integration into the Qin family."

Li Si stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty is wise! Now that the world has become a unified whole, it certainly needs further integration and governance. May I ask what specific plans Your Majesty has?"

Ying Zheng smiled slightly: "I intend to implement a series of policies and reforms to strengthen central authority and promote economic and cultural exchanges between different regions. At the same time, I also plan to build a highway connecting the capitals of the six states so that I can tour the country and understand the people's conditions."

Yang Ling's eyes lit up upon hearing this: "Your Majesty's plan is brilliant! Building the imperial highways will not only strengthen the connections between different regions, but also demonstrate Your Majesty's majesty and benevolence. I am willing to share Your Majesty's burdens and oversee the construction of the imperial highways."

Ying Zheng nodded: "I am naturally pleased to accept the Grand Preceptor's intention. However, the construction of the imperial road is not something that can be accomplished in a day, and it requires careful planning. The reason I have summoned the troops today is for another, more urgent matter."

Upon hearing this, the courtiers began to speculate, wondering what urgent matter His Majesty was referring to. Seeing this, Ying Zheng didn't keep them in suspense and said directly, "I have received secret reports that the remaining forces of the six states have not completely submitted; they are still secretly colluding, attempting to overthrow the rule of my Great Qin. Therefore, I have decided to send troops to wipe out these remaining forces to prevent future troubles!"

These words immediately sparked a flurry of discussion among the courtiers. They all knew that the remnants of the six kingdoms posed a threat, but they hadn't expected His Majesty to act so swiftly and decisively in sending troops to wipe them out.

A military general stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, although the remaining forces of the six kingdoms are not a threat, their hiding places are extremely well hidden and scattered in various places. If we were to wipe them out one by one, it would probably take a lot of time and manpower."

Ying Zheng sneered: "Of course I know their hiding place is well hidden, but I am confident that I can find them one by one! Issue an edict to appoint Wang Ben as general and lead an army of 200,000 to immediately set out and wipe out the remaining forces of the six kingdoms!"

Wang Ben, acting on Ying Zheng's orders, led an army of 200,000 to conquer the remaining forces of the six states. Along the way, he spurred his horse onward, weary from the journey, daring not to slacken his efforts. However, when he saw the people by the roadside, suffering from the misery caused by years of war, a feeling of pity welled up within him.

He stopped to observe and saw that the people were emaciated, poorly clothed, some begging, others selling their children, all for a bite to eat. This sight deeply saddened Wang Ben, and he couldn't help but wonder: was this war truly worthwhile?

With these questions in mind, Wang Ben decided to personally return to Xianyang to explain the people's suffering to Ying Zheng and persuade him to abandon the war. He knew that doing so might anger the emperor, but he believed that for the sake of the people's well-being, he was willing to risk his life to remonstrate.

When Wang Ben arrived at Xianyang Palace, Ying Zheng was discussing state affairs with Yang Ling, Li Si, and others. Seeing Wang Ben's sudden return, Ying Zheng was somewhat surprised: "General Wang, why have you suddenly returned to Xianyang instead of commanding the army at the front lines?"

Wang Ben knelt down and decided to first confess his "dereliction of duty" to show his sincerity: "Your Majesty, I am guilty! I failed to complete the task assigned by Your Majesty, and I beg Your Majesty to punish me."

Ying Zheng frowned: "General Wang, what makes you say that? You haven't even set out on the expedition yet, so how can you say you're guilty?"

Wang Ben took a deep breath and recounted to Ying Zheng everything he had seen and heard on the road. When he spoke of the suffering of the people, his voice trembled slightly: "Your Majesty, I cannot bear to see the people displaced and their families destroyed because of the war. I dare to ask Your Majesty, what is the purpose of this war? Is it merely to make the people continue to suffer?"

After listening, Ying Zheng remained silent for a long time, then slowly said, "General Wang, please rise. I know your intentions and the suffering of the people. But this war is not as simple as you imagine."

Wang Ben remained kneeling on the ground: "Your Majesty, I am willing to heed Your Majesty's teachings, but I still believe that war is not the best way to solve the problem. I implore Your Majesty to reconsider!" Ying Zheng sighed: "General Wang, are you aware of the threat posed by the remnants of the six states to our Great Qin? Although they outwardly submit, they are still secretly colluding and causing trouble. If we do not completely eliminate them, how can the rule of our Great Qin be secure?"

Wang Ben looked up at Ying Zheng and said, "Your Majesty is absolutely right, but I believe that war is not the only way. We can resolve these issues peacefully, such as by strengthening education and implementing benevolent policies."

Ying Zheng shook his head: "General Wang, you are too naive. The remnants of the six states are deeply entrenched and cannot be resolved without war. However, I promise you that this war will end as soon as possible, so that the people can live in peace again."

Wang Ben knew that further persuasion would be futile, so he could only sigh and say, "Your subject obeys the decree."

Wang Ben left Xianyang Palace, his heart heavy with sorrow and helplessness. He understood Ying Zheng's resolve and will, and knew he could not change the course of the war. However, he simply could not bear to see those innocent people suffer in the chaos of war.

On his way back to camp, Wang Ben saw more and more refugees, young and old, their faces haggard, their eyes filled with despair. These scenes deeply pierced Wang Ben's heart, and he felt he had to do something.

Back at camp, Wang Ben summoned his generals to discuss countermeasures. One general said worriedly, "General Wang, opening the granaries to provide relief to refugees without authorization is a serious crime! If His Majesty finds out, we'll all be in deep trouble!"

Wang Ben looked at him with unwavering eyes: "How could I not know the seriousness of this matter? But as generals, how can we stand idly by and watch the people suffer? I would rather risk His Majesty's punishment than fail to save the people from their misery!"

The generals fell silent. They knew Wang Ben's character and resolve, and understood the cruelty and ruthlessness of this war. Finally, one general stepped forward and said, "General Wang, we are willing to follow you! Even if we are punished by His Majesty, we will have no regrets!"

Therefore, Wang Ben secretly ordered the granaries to be opened and the food distributed to the refugees. When the refugees saw this, they all knelt down, crying out with tears of gratitude, "General Wang's kindness is boundless! We will never forget it!"

Wang Ben helped an elderly man up and said, "Please get up, sir! This is what we should do. Please rest assured and settle in here. We will do our best to protect you."

However, this period of good fortune was short-lived, as spies soon reported the matter to Ying Zheng. Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng was furious: "Wang Ben dared to open the granaries to provide relief to refugees without authorization! Does he even respect me?" He immediately ordered Wang Ben to be summoned back to Xianyang for questioning.

When Wang Ben received the recall order, he had already prepared for the worst. He knew his actions had crossed Ying Zheng's bottom line, but he did not regret his choice. He only wanted to do something for those innocent people, even at the greatest cost.

On his way back to Xianyang, Wang Ben saw more and more refugees being saved because of his good deeds, and his heart was filled with gratification and pride. He felt that even if he lost his life because of it, it would be worth it!

Upon returning to Xianyang, Wang Ben was immediately brought into the main hall. Ying Zheng, his face ashen, stared at him: "Wang Ben, how dare you! You dared to open the granaries to provide relief to refugees without authorization! Do you know what a grave crime this is?"

Wang Ben knelt down with a thud and said urgently, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger! I know my crimes are unforgivable, but I cannot bear to see the people suffer without doing anything. I am willing to bear all the blame myself, and I only beg Your Majesty to forgive those innocent people."

Ying Zheng gazed into Wang Ben's resolute and fearless eyes, and the anger in his heart gradually subsided. He knew Wang Ben was a loyal general who cared deeply for the people, and he understood his predicament and helplessness. Finally, he sighed and said, "Wang Ben, what should I do?"

At this moment, Wang Ben knelt in the main hall, prepared for the worst. He understood that his unauthorized opening of the granaries to distribute grain to the disaster victims had crossed Ying Zheng's bottom line, but he did not regret his decision. He only wanted to do his part for those innocent people, even at the greatest cost.

Ying Zheng looked at Wang Ben again, his anger subsiding. He took a deep breath and slowly asked, "Wang Ben, do you know what crime you have committed?"

Wang Ben resolutely raised his head and looked directly into Ying Zheng's eyes: "Your Majesty, I know my crimes are unforgivable. But I cannot stand idly by and watch the people suffer. I am willing to bear all the blame myself, and only ask that Your Majesty forgive those innocent people."

Ying Zheng was silent for a moment, then sighed: "Wang Ben, what should I do? Do you know what a serious crime it is to open the granary and release grain without authorization? But I also understand your good intentions and helplessness. You have always been a loyal general who cares about the people, and I don't want to ruin your life because of this."

A warm feeling welled up in Wang Ben's heart. He hadn't expected Ying Zheng to understand him so well. He quickly kowtowed to express his gratitude: "Your Majesty's kindness is boundless! I know that I am deeply guilty and have no face to face Your Majesty and the people of the world. I wish to go home and reflect on my mistakes, and never again set foot in an official career."

Ying Zheng nodded: "Very well, since you say so, then I will grant your wish. Go home and reflect on your actions, and never be allowed to enter officialdom again. But I will send people to secretly protect you and your family to ensure your safety."

Wang Ben, moved to tears, kowtowed once, deciding to secretly investigate the matter to alleviate the Emperor's burdens. He then silently left the hall. He lost his power and status, but he did not regret his choice. He felt he had done something worthy of his conscience, and left Xianyang without regret, returning to his hometown.

When Wang Ben returned to his hometown, the disaster victims he had helped came to see him off, their gratitude overflowing. They held Wang Ben's hands and said, "General Wang's great kindness will be forever etched in our memories! Now that you are leaving, we are truly reluctant to part with you!"

Wang Ben smiled at them and said, "Fellow villagers, please rise! How could I, Wang Ben, deserve such a great honor from you all? I have only done what I should do. Although I have left Xianyang City, my heart will always be with you all!"

The disaster victims wept upon hearing this, knowing that Wang Ben was a truly good official and a good person! They felt proud and honored to have such a general!

Wang Ben's life after returning to his hometown was peaceful and serene, as if all the strife and war had nothing to do with him. He worked at sunrise and rested at sunset, living harmoniously with his family and fellow villagers, enjoying this rare tranquility. (End of Chapter)