People in the Qin Dynasty, entertained during the Warring States period

……

Soldiers in black armor drilled in the military camp as the sun set, their intense, chilling aura reaching the sky.

Cao Ze watched from afar and couldn't help but sigh. These were only a few hundred armored soldiers, yet their aura was stronger than that of Donghuang Taiyi, who fought against Lu Goujian. No wonder the Yin-Yang School chose to enter Qin, and no wonder so many masters from various schools were chased like dogs in the original story.

No matter how powerful a person is, or how high their martial arts skills are, their strength is ultimately limited.

"As expected of the Pingyang Heavy Armored Army, which is known for its ability to pacify thousands of troops and its heavy armor, even just during their drills, one can feel the aura of killing intent."

The scout sergeant said proudly, "That's right. Otherwise, how could our Pingyang Heavy Armored Army be one of the four elite forces of Qin? I'm not bragging, but our Pingyang Heavy Armored Army has fought countless battles. If we were to fight Han this time, and if they didn't huddle in the city, their 100,000 men wouldn't be enough for us to kill off and cut off their ears for military merit."

Cao Ze smiled without saying a word. Even elite troops would have a headache when facing a siege.

That said, the reforms implemented by Lü Buwei regarding the military merit system did not seem to have been very effective.

This can be seen from the way this scout sergeant talked about fighting with great enthusiasm.

The Qin army remained eager for battle and firmly believed that military merit would earn them titles and rewards.

That makes sense; a system that has been in place for many years is difficult to change overnight.

Cao Ze pondered for a moment, wondering how he should reform the military system if he were in Lü Buwei's position.

He had too many choices and couldn't immediately tell which one was most suitable for the Qin army at the moment.

I had no choice but to put it aside for now and wait until I became Prime Minister Cao.

The scout squad leader showed his token and led Li Si, Cao Ze, and others into the military camp.

Ying Zheng lifted a corner of the carriage curtain. There were already many soldiers scattered around their convoy. If the convoy made any unusual movements, they could quickly surround it.

He nodded slightly, his eyes showing appreciation.

The Qin army was disciplined, and even though Li Si was an envoy, he could not move around freely in the military camp. He would definitely be monitored and prevented from doing so.

Li Si asked, "Is General Wang Yi inside the tent?"

The scout said, "Yes, sir, please follow me."

Li Si walked to the carriage and said respectfully, "Young Master Shang, General Wang Yi is inside the tent."

Ying Zheng lifted the carriage curtain and stepped down, one hand behind his back, and said, "Then let's meet General Wang Yi first."

Cao Ze paused for a moment, then remained silent.

He knew that Wang Yi had ill intentions and was very likely colluding with Lü Buwei to harm Ying Zheng.

But he also knew that if Wang Yi didn't take action, it would be difficult for them to control the Pingyang Heavy Armor Army, and Lü Buwei would have the support of a powerful general in the military.

The scout sergeant looked at Li Si with some confusion, "Sir, who is this gentleman?"

Li Si said calmly, "General Wang Yi will understand when he sees it; you don't need to ask any more questions."

Seeing that the scout squad leader was still hesitant, he said slowly, "Don't worry, General Wang Yi will not blame you. I will take full responsibility."

The scout sergeant clasped his hands in a fist salute and said, "Good."

As a scout, he was among the elite of the elite, and he had his own set of skills in recognizing people.

The man before them was clearly someone who had long held a high position, and was likely a nobleman from some family in Xianyang.

The scout squad leader led the way, and Gai Nie's eyes darted around. He whispered to Ying Zheng, "This place is poorly defended and separated from the central army. If we are ambushed, we may be in trouble."

Ying Zheng paused for a moment, then said, "It's alright, I have faith in your strength."

He knew that Gai Nie was implying that something was wrong here, but he also knew that with experts like Cao Ze and Gai Nie around, even if there was an ambush, it wouldn't be difficult to leave.

The scout sergeant entered the main tent first, and after a short while, came out.

He said respectfully, "Gentlemen, please follow me."

The main tent wasn't very large, and with the five scouts, plus Cao Ze, Ying Zheng, and others, it felt somewhat crowded.

An elderly man with white hair and beard, broad shoulders and a powerful presence, was pouring wine with his back to them.

Wang Yi turned around, his tiger-like eyes lingering on Ying Zheng for a moment.

Just as Lü Buwei had predicted, Ying Zheng did indeed come here.

He had seen Ying Zheng many times in the imperial court and would not mistake him.

Wang Yi, holding a bronze wine cup, laughed loudly at the five scouts: "You did a great job! Here, this is my toast to you."

The scout squad leader and the four scouts all looked excited.

They accepted the wine cups with respect and trepidation, held them with both hands, and drank them down without spilling a drop.

Military regulations prohibit drinking alcohol unless one has rendered meritorious service, or before a major battle, or after a great victory.

Drinking this cup of wine might just grant you a promotion in rank.

It seems this distinguished person is indeed extraordinary; perhaps he is a prince.

Wang Yi held his wine cup, his smile vanished, and his expression grew cold. While the scout was still drinking, his strong, powerful hand had already gripped his sword.

Knowing what Wang Yi was planning, Cao Ze darted forward with a light laugh and grabbed Wang Yi's hand as he tried to draw his sword.

"General Wang Yi, don't be nervous."

Wang Yi tried to shake Cao Ze's hand away, but found that Cao Ze's hand remained motionless.

He's a master, at least a top-tier player.

The thought flashed through Wang Yi's mind.

Ying Zheng witnessed everything and frowned, asking, "General Wang Yi, what is the meaning of this?"

Gai Nie watched Wang Yi warily. Wang Yi's movement just now clearly indicated that he was about to draw his sword, but Mr. Cao Ze anticipated and stopped him.

The five scouts, who had already finished their drinks, had no idea that they had just narrowly escaped death.

Wang Yi's expression softened, and he calmly said, "You may all leave. If today's events are leaked, you will be executed without mercy."

The five scouts were startled and respectfully put down their wine cups before stepping out of the main tent.

Wang Yi knelt on one knee and said, "This humble general has been presumptuous. Please forgive me, Your Majesty. There are many spies in the army. If Your Majesty's identity is exposed, it will be extremely dangerous. Therefore, the scout is innocent, and this humble general had no choice but to take action."

"This arrangement was made out of necessity."

Wang Yi's acting skills are extremely superb and realistic.

Cao Ze watched with great interest as Wang Yi, who seemed to be sharing the king's burdens, thought to himself, "He truly is a veteran actor."

If he hadn't known the plot, he would have really thought this was the loyal Left Chancellor of Qin.

Ying Zheng's brows relaxed slightly. He didn't quite believe that Wang Yi, a loyal minister who had served three dynasties and had been devoted to the Qin kings, would harm him.

He helped Wang Yi, who was kneeling on the ground, to his feet with one hand and said, "I was attacked by a snare in Han."

"General Wang Yi cares about me, and I understand. However, the scouts are ultimately my Qin people. Let's leave this matter alone for now, confine them for a while, and give them some rewards."

Wang Yi stood up and said solemnly, "The Luo Wang acts without restraint, and they will certainly not let this go. Your Majesty is probably still in great danger within the military camp."

Ying Zheng pondered for a moment and said, "In your opinion, General, how should I proceed?"

Wang Yi lowered his head and said, "This humble general is willing to share Your Majesty's worries. I have two plans, and I hope Your Majesty will consider them carefully."

Ying Zheng raised his hand and said, "General, please speak."

Wang Yi said, "Firstly, Your Majesty can write a personal letter and send it to a trusted confidant in Xianyang, so that he can bring men to meet you."

"Secondly, Your Majesty still needs to conceal your identity. I believe that Lord Li is an envoy from Qin. If Your Majesty does not mind, you may temporarily pretend to be Lord Li's attendant."

Li Si was startled upon hearing this, and bowed deeply, saying, "How could this be? I am terrified."

Ying Zheng put his hands behind his back and said, "It's alright, let's do as the general suggests."

Wang Yi's expression remained cold and stern, his thoughts unreadable. "Thank you for your kindness, Your Majesty."

Ying Zheng said slowly, "You may address me as Young Master Shang."

"Yes. The tents for Young Master Shang and Lord Li to rest in are ready, so you can rest as soon as possible."

"Ah."

As night fell, Cao Ze and Ying Zheng had a long talk by candlelight in their tent.

"Mr. Cao Ze, what do you think?"

Cao Ze asked, "What does Your Majesty want me to see?"

"Wang Yi, and Wang Yi's two schemes."

Cao Ze smiled and said, "I wonder if Your Majesty wants to hear the truth or a lie?"

Ying Zheng let out a soft "Eh?" and asked, "What is the truth? And what is the lie?"

Cao Ze said, "The truth is that General Wang Yi probably has ulterior motives, and his two schemes are just to mislead the king."

"And lies are..."

Cao Ze chuckled and said, "General Wang Yi is utterly loyal; Your Majesty need not doubt him."

Ying Zheng sighed softly: "Although I trust General Wang Yi, today's events inevitably arouse suspicion. I hope that what you say is true and what you say is true."

Cao Ze remained noncommittal. Anyone in Ying Zheng's position would find it hard to imagine that a loyal minister who had served three Qin kings and was willing to die for the country would have the intention to murder the King of Qin.

Ying Zheng said to Gai Nie, "Prepare some pen and ink, I will write a letter."

Gai Nie quickly prepared the necessary items.

Under the candlestick, Ying Zheng held the pen, looking at the blank cloth, thinking hard, but for a moment, he didn't know who to write to except his mother.

Lü Buwei's disloyal intentions were already obvious, and with Nie Chengjiao by his side, it seemed that no one in the entire palace could be trusted.

Ying Zheng took a deep breath and slowly began to write.

Cao Ze, standing close to Ying Zheng, glanced at the cloth.

When he saw the words "Empress Dowager," he knew that Ying Zheng was writing a letter to Empress Dowager Zhao Ji.

He couldn't help but wonder how far Lao Ai had fallen from grace.

We must see this Wheel-Turning King who will be recorded in history.

If possible...

Cao Ze's eyes darkened. Lao Ai was a key figure in bringing down Lü Buwei. If he found Lao Ai, it would be unreasonable not to add fuel to the fire.