My Imperial Advisor is ChatGPT

The Great Qin Highway, like a giant gray python, winds its way through the vast Central Plains.

This should have been a grand eastern tour. According to past practice, when the emperor went on tour, he would be accompanied by a chariot of ten thousand chariots, with banners obscuring the sun and a procession stretching for dozens of miles. Along the way, counties and prefectures would be required to sprinkle clean water on the streets, pave the roads with yellow earth, and the people would give way, all to demonstrate the majesty of the empire.

But this time, although the team is still large, the core has changed.

The six-horse carriage, a symbol of supreme imperial power, continued its slow journey, surrounded by a large entourage. Its curtains hung low, making it impossible to look directly at it. However, no one knew that inside the carriage sat a mere double dressed in an imperial crown (a hapless eunuch with a similar build).

The real First Emperor was sitting in an inconspicuous two-horse carriage, the kind commonly used by merchants, mingling with the logistics and supplies.

The carriage was cramped and somewhat bumpy. Ying Zheng was dressed in a low-key dark purple casual robe, with the Tai'a sword still hanging at his waist, but in his hand he was holding a piece of "Qin paper" that he had just retrieved from the small window.

The paper records the actual data he saw during his "incognito" journey.

"shocking."

Ying Zheng looked at the hastily written record on the paper, a cold smile curling at the corner of his lips, but his eyes were filled with chilling coldness.

"The garrison commander of Sanchuan County reported that 'the new plow has been widely adopted, and the people are all praising its convenience.' But from what I've seen along the way, nine out of ten plows used in the fields are still those old, clumsy, straight-shafted plows. Occasionally, I've seen two curved-shafted plows, but they're locked up in the landlord's storeroom, treated as auspicious objects to be worshipped, and they're simply not used in the fields!"

"And then there's the 'travel permit' system. I had Zhao Gao change the laws to ease the passage for merchants. And what was the result? Not only did the number of checkpoints along the way not decrease, but three more were added! And each one of them charges a fee!"

Ying Zheng crumpled the paper in his hand into a ball.

This is his empire.

In the memorials submitted to the emperor in Xianyang Palace, it was a sophisticated machine that ensured peace and order and strict adherence to orders.

When he finally stepped down and peeled away the glamorous exterior, what he saw were rusty gears, sluggish chains, and countless parasites that gnawed at the body of the empire.

"Little G," Ying Zheng thought coldly to himself, "is this what you call an 'information cocoon'?"

In a corner of the carriage, a faint blue light flickered.

Yes, Your Majesty.

[The first law of management: The more layers there are, the more distorted the information becomes. When you sit in the Xianyang Palace, you only see the world that the officials want you to see.]

This method is now called "flying inspection" or "undercover investigation." Although the experience is extremely poor (it's so bumpy your butt hurts), the data accuracy is 99%.

[By the way, according to the navigation, Huaiyin County is about 50 li ahead. That's our destination for this card-drawing... oh no, I mean, talent-hunting trip.]

Ying Zheng took a deep breath, suppressing the killing intent in his heart.

He had made a note of all those disobedient prefects. Killing them now would alert them. He planned to wait until after his eastern tour and return to Xianyang before launching another large-scale "purge."

Our primary target now is that man named Han Xin.

"Han Xin..." Ying Zheng chewed on the name. "Bring out his file again so I can see it. I want to see just how capable this man, whom you call the 'God of War,' really is."

The screen flickered, and a simple portrait appeared, with his embarrassing life story noted next to it.

Han Xin (currently unemployed).

[Personality: Extremely arrogant, extremely insecure, low emotional intelligence, and exceptionally high IQ.]

[Current situation: Being rejected for a free meal, failing to catch anything while fishing, and just suffered a "humiliation" by being forced to crawl between someone's legs.]

[Danger Level: Five Stars. This is a peerless sword without a scabbard. If used well, it can cut through iron like mud; if used poorly, it will cut your hand.]

"You just suffered the humiliation of crawling between someone's legs?" Ying Zheng frowned, a hint of contempt flashing in his eyes.

The Qin Dynasty was a martial nation. The people of Qin rejoiced at the mention of war; though private duels were forbidden, their fighting spirit remained. Could a man forced to crawl between the legs of a street ruffian truly command an army of millions?

"If he is truly a coward, I will kill him with my sword to save my food supplies." Ying Zheng snorted coldly and closed his eyes to rest.

……

In Huaiyin County, the autumn wind is bleak.

This small town, located on the banks of the Huai River, appears particularly dilapidated. The city walls are mottled, and withered leaves and household garbage float in the moat.

Ying Zheng's carriage stopped at the riverbank outside the city. He was accompanied only by Meng Yi and two plainclothes Black Ice Guard assassins, and slowly walked towards the riverbank.

The river wind was biting, and the mournful cries of a lone wild goose echoed from the reeds.

A young man sat beside a patch of withered reeds.

He was dressed very thinly; the robe that should have been white had been washed until it was gray, and the cuffs were frayed. He was tall, but so thin that he looked emaciated, and he carried an ancient sword on his back that seemed completely out of place with his disheveled appearance.

He held a bamboo pole in his hand, staring intently at the water as if in deep meditation.

But strangely, his fishing hook was straight.

Ying Zheng stood not far away, not immediately approaching, but observing quietly like a tiger scrutinizing its prey.

[Target person detected.]

[Identity confirmed: Han Xin.]

[Status: Hungry (20 hours since last meal)]

Ying Zheng narrowed his eyes. This is the God of War? He looks more like a starving ghost.

He gave Meng Yi a wink.

Meng Yi understood, stepped forward, and deliberately kicked a pebble next to him to make a sound.

Han Xin remained completely still.

"Hey, you fishing!" Meng Yi shouted gruffly, "The fish in this river are under the government's jurisdiction. Have you paid your taxes?"

This was a poor attempt.

Han Xin finally moved. He slowly turned his head, and in that instant, Ying Zheng caught his gaze.

That wasn't the look of a beggar.

There was no humility, no fawning, not even fear of the "government" in those eyes. Only an unsettling, condescending indifference remained. It was as if, in his eyes, Meng Yi, this burly man in brocade robes, was nothing more than a talking stone.

"Fish live in the water, naturally raised." Han Xin's voice was a little hoarse, but his pronunciation was clear and resonant, carrying an inexplicable arrogance. "If the government wants to pay taxes, then let the magistrate go down into the river to catch them."

After saying that, he turned his head away and ignored him.

Meng Yi was furious and about to lash out, but Ying Zheng stopped him by raising his hand.

Ying Zheng stepped forward and stood three steps behind Han Xin. This distance was the optimal attack range for a swordsman, and also the safe line for psychological pressure.

"Young man," Ying Zheng spoke, his voice deep and powerful, "I... I see you carrying a sword. Although Qin law does not prohibit carrying swords, it is rare to see someone like you carrying a sword yet starving by the river."

Han Xin did not turn around, but coldly said, "How can a sparrow know the ambition of a swan?"

"A swan?" Ying Zheng laughed, a hint of mockery in his voice. "No matter how high a swan flies, it still needs to eat. I bet you, swan, are about to starve to death in the mud."

Han Xin's grip on the bamboo pole tightened slightly, his knuckles turning white. Ying Zheng's words had struck a nerve.

"Who are you?" Han Xin finally put down the bamboo pole and stood up.

Standing there, he was exceptionally tall, even half a head taller than Ying Zheng. Although his face was haggard, his inherent arrogance made him resemble a rusty iron spear.

"Who I am is unimportant." Ying Zheng, hands behind his back, glared at Han Xin, "What's important is, I heard you crawled between a butcher's legs in the city?"

The air froze instantly.

Han Xin's face turned deathly pale instantly, then flushed crimson. It was his lifelong humiliation, an unhealed scar on his heart. His hand instinctively reached for the hilt of his sword, his eyes blazing with murderous intent.

The two Black Ice Guards around him tensed up instantly, ready to pounce at Ying Zheng's command.

But Ying Zheng did not move, not even blink, and continued to stare intently into Han Xin's eyes.

"Want to draw your sword?" Ying Zheng stepped forward, not retreating but closing in on Han Xin. His imperial aura, long accustomed to the heights of power, pressed down like a mountain. "Draw it. Kill me, and you'll wash away the humiliation of crawling between someone's legs?"

"Or are you saying you didn't dare kill that butcher back then, but now you dare kill a passerby?"

Han Xin's hands were trembling.

He struggled between extreme anger and reason.

After a long while, he released his grip, let out a long breath, and the murderous intent in his eyes dissipated, replaced by a deeper sense of desolation.

"Killing a butcher is as easy as turning one's hand," Han Xin's voice returned to calm. "But if I kill him, I will pay with my life. Han Xin's life should not be used to exchange for a butcher's life."

"Oh?" A hint of appreciation flashed in Ying Zheng's eyes.

This was the answer he wanted.

If you can't even bear this much humiliation, and you kill someone just to save face, that's just reckless courage. Only by enduring what ordinary people cannot endure can you do what ordinary people cannot do.

[Congratulations, Your Majesty! You have passed the first stage of the interview: the test of patience.]

This kid may seem arrogant, but he's actually quite clear-headed. This is the ultimate manifestation of "utilitarianism"—calculating the input-output ratio.

"So you're saying you won't trade your life for mine?" Ying Zheng toned down his imposing aura, pointed to the sandy ground beside him, and said, "Since you think your life is so valuable, then prove it to me."

Ying Zheng untied a heavy money pouch from his waist and threw it on the ground. The sound of the gold coins clinking together was dull yet pleasant.

"Here is fifty gold coins. Enough for you to buy wine and meat and live the life of a wealthy man for the rest of your life."

Han Xin didn't even glance at the money pouch.

"What do you want me to do?"

Ying Zheng casually snapped off a reed and drew a simple circle on the sand.

"This is the Jingxing Pass of the Zhao state," Ying Zheng drew a line. "Suppose you lead 30,000 troops, and the enemy claims 200,000, guarding the pass. How would you fight?"

This is the famous "Battle of Back to the River" in history. Ying Zheng wanted to see if this military genius truly lived up to his name.

Han Xin glanced at the map on the ground, and the ashes in his eyes were instantly ignited. It was the light of a genius, even more fervent than when they had discussed life and death.

He crouched down, picked up the reed, and without much thought, drew a circle on the riverbank behind "Jingxing Pass".

"Put yourself in a desperate situation, and you will survive." Han Xin's voice became urgent and excited. "Ordinary people think that military strategy should leave a way out. But if I lead 30,000 weak troops, I must form a battle line with our backs to the river! Let the soldiers know that there is no way to retreat, so that each one can fight ten!"

"At the same time," he drew a line on the flank, "we need to send out two thousand surprise troops, carrying red flags, to circle around to the enemy's rear via a side path. Wait until the enemy forces come out in full force, then the surprise troops will plant their flags in the enemy camp. When the enemy turns around and sees their main camp has fallen, they will be thrown into chaos! At that point, we can attack from both sides, and our two hundred thousand troops will be nothing but chickens and dogs!"

Ying Zheng listened, his pupils contracting slightly.

As the mastermind behind the conquest of the six states, Ying Zheng understood military strategy. Wang Jian's approach to warfare emphasized "stability" and "overwhelming the enemy with force." But the young man before him employed a strategy focused on "risk," psychological warfare, and a masterful calculation of human nature.

This is a fighting style that is completely different from the traditional tactics of the Qin army.

madman.

This is a madman who is willing to gamble his own life and the lives of the entire army for victory.

But what the Qin Dynasty lacks now is precisely this kind of madman who can fight the Xiongnu, wage guerrilla warfare, and turn the tide in desperate situations.

"Not bad." Ying Zheng stood up, his expression still indifferent. "Theoretical strategist, still passable."

Han Xin was stunned. "At least acceptable?" This was a brilliant, unparalleled strategy! Did this man even understand military tactics?

"Your name is Han Xin, right?" Ying Zheng patted the sand off his hands. "Come with me."

Han Xin looked at him warily: "Where are you going? Who are you? Why are you taking me away?"

Ying Zheng turned around and looked at the Huai River flowing eastward.

"Who I am is not for you to know."

"As for why I'm taking you with me..." Ying Zheng turned around, his eyes revealing an undeniable domineering presence, "because your life now belongs to me."

"Didn't you say your life was valuable? I'll buy it."

Han Xin looked at the bag of gold on the ground, then at the distinguished middle-aged man before him. His intuition told him that this was his only chance to turn his life around.

But his damned pride resurfaced.

"I will not be a servant, nor a guard," Han Xin said stubbornly. "I have a million soldiers in my heart..."

"Shut up," Ying Zheng interrupted him impatiently. "A million armored soldiers? You can't even afford a pair of pants right now."

"Once we arrive in Xianyang, if you truly possess the ability, let alone a million armored soldiers, what harm could I do if I... allowed you to command the entire army of the realm? But if all you've got is empty talk..."

A cold glint flashed in Ying Zheng's eyes: "I'll throw you into a crack in the Great Wall and use you as a brick to fill it."

"Get on the bus!"

……

The carriage started moving again, and this time, there was one more person in the carriage.

Han Xin, clutching his sword, sat awkwardly in a corner. A faint scent of ambergris filled the carriage, a luxurious aroma he had never smelled before.

Opposite him, the mysterious middle-aged man was resting with his eyes closed, seemingly ignoring him completely.

Han Xin felt uneasy. He didn't know where he was going, nor did he know who this person was. But he knew he had made the right gamble. The way that person drew the map and their familiarity with geography were definitely not those of an ordinary merchant.

Those were soldiers, even... generals.

Meanwhile, Ying Zheng was having a heated debate with ChatGPT in his mind.

[Your Majesty, your recruitment method is highly incompatible with HR standards. You didn't discuss salary and benefits, didn't discuss social security and housing fund contributions, and you're even engaging in manipulative tactics. Han Xin's personality requires respect, the kind of gratitude shown to him like Xiao He chasing after him under the moonlight. Your approach will make him feel like he doesn't belong.]

"A sense of belonging?" Ying Zheng sneered inwardly.

"Little G, you don't understand human nature. Especially the human nature of a genius like him."

"Han Xin is an arrogant person who is proud of his talent. If I treat him with respect and praise him to the skies from the beginning, he will think that I am begging him and that he can hold his head high. If things don't go his way in the future, he will become resentful and may even rebel."

"To deal with a tiger, you can't feed it meat; you have to toughen up the eagle first."

"I want to crush his arrogance and make him understand that his talent is only real on my platform. Without me, he's just a starving fisherman."

"As for the kindness of being recognized and appreciated..." Ying Zheng opened his eyes and glanced at Han Xin, who was secretly examining the interior of the carriage.

"Once we reach Xianyang, I will show him what a true great power looks like, what a real steel torrent is. Then, I will give him a real sword."

"The kindness we felt back then is the one that is truly unforgettable."

Ying Zheng was not only a Legalist believer, but also a top-notch strategist. He didn't need friends; he only needed the sharpest tools.

"Oh, right, Little G." Ying Zheng suddenly remembered something.

Where is Xiang Yu now?

Now that we've captured Han Xin as our "spear," it's time to take a look at his "shield" as well.

[Navigation Update: Destination - Kuaiji Commandery, Wuzhong.]

Distance: 300 kilometers.

[Warning: Xiang Yu is a "high-combat-power" target, and his temper is a hundred times more explosive than Han Xin's. Your Majesty is advised against traveling incognito; it would be best to bring Meng Tian's army, or... perhaps even tanks (if Zhao Gao can build them).]

Ying Zheng's lips curled up slightly.

"I don't have tanks. But I have brains."

"Han Xin was meant to be used, while Xiang Yu... was meant to be killed, or to be 'disabled'."

The carriage sped eastward, bumping and jolting.

Inside the carriage, Han Xin finally couldn't help but speak: "May I ask, sir... your honorable name?"

Ying Zheng turned his head, looked at this military genius who would help him sweep away the Xiongnu in the future, and slowly uttered two words:

"Zhao Zheng".

(Note: Qin Shi Huang's surname was Ying, his clan name was Zhao, and his given name was Zheng. At this time, he used this name, which was both his real name and a cover for his identity.)

Han Xin was taken aback. Zhao Zheng? He'd never heard of him. Could he be an old nobleman of the Zhao state?

He had no idea that the person sitting opposite him was the very one who had destroyed his motherland and was cursed by countless people from the six kingdoms—the First Emperor.

……

Three days later, the convoy arrived in Kuaiji County.

The atmosphere here is completely different from that in the north. The water towns of Jiangnan have a more gentle and charming feel, but they also harbor a subtle and subtle danger.

Ying Zheng did not immediately enter the city, but instead camped at the foot of the mountain outside the city.

According to a secret report from the Black Ice Guard, the Xiang clan is to hold a secret sacrificial ceremony in Wuzhong today.

"Your Majesty, it's too dangerous!" Meng Yi knelt on the ground, desperately trying to stop Ying Zheng. "That's a gathering place for the remnants of Chu. If you go there alone..."

"Who said I was going alone?"

Ying Zheng changed into a large cloak to cover his face.

"Han Xin," he called out.

Han Xin, who was gnawing on a roast chicken, looked up blankly and asked, "Huh?"

"Are you full?"

"I'm...I'm full."

"Eat your fill and get to work." Ying Zheng tossed him a Qin army-standard longsword, forged from fine iron, a hundred times sharper than the broken copper and scrap iron sword on Han Xin's back.

"Come with me to see someone. If a fight breaks out, you'll take the hits for me."

Han Xin took the sword, twirled it, and his eyes gleamed: "Don't worry, sir. Once I've eaten your chicken, my life is yours."

Ying Zheng chuckled inwardly as he looked at Han Xin's eager expression.

Use the military genius of the future to block the overlord of the future.

This play, throughout history, is probably only one that I, the emperor, can appreciate.

"Walk."

Ying Zheng strode towards the mist-shrouded mountain forest.

On his retina, Little G was sending out a barrage of pop-up ads:

[High-energy warning! SS-class combat unit spotted ahead: Xiang Yu!]

[Strong "Conqueror's Haki"... oh no, I mean killing intent! ]

Your Majesty, please maintain distance! Maintain distance!

Ying Zheng ignored it.

He touched the Tai'a sword hidden in his sleeve, a weapon that could cut through iron like mud. It was the emperor's scepter, but also a deadly weapon.

"Xiang Yu..." Ying Zheng muttered to himself, "I want to see whether your strength or my 'power' is greater."