novelhk Chapter 797: Should we take Xianyang first or Nanjun first?
Chapter 797: Should we take Xianyang first or Nanjun first?
The palace door slammed shut, shutting out the cries of grief and indignation. Within the hall, after a brief moment of dead silence, the deliberately constructed atmosphere of fervor quickly returned. The ministers stepped forward, their flattering smiles reappearing, congratulating Wu Can with ever more flourishes on his "brilliance and prowess" and "divine blessings." Those few who could discern the danger bowed their heads, burying all their worries and fears in the shadows, remaining silent as a mouse.
Wu Can took a deep breath, trying to dispel the chill brought by Zhou An's words. He looked around at these "loyal" ministers, his heart slightly relieved. Imprisoning Zhou An and not killing him wasn't because he valued his talent or remembered their past relationship—Zhou An wasn't his confidant. It was simply a posture of the superior after weighing the pros and cons: First, Zhou An was someone "he" had promoted, after all. Killing him just after he had made some achievements would seem too harsh and ungrateful; second, he seemed to have a bit of cleverness, and keeping him alive might still be useful; third, and most importantly, killing him now would only make him look guilty, as if he had hit on his own secrets.
Imprisonment not only punished his "disrespect," but also temporarily silenced him, further demonstrating his own "magnanimity." As for Zhou An's life or death... a cold glance crossed Wu Can's lips. That depended on the value of this chess piece and his own mood. Right now, the most important thing was to savor this "victory," seize the moment, and utilize Gongzi Gao as a card to maximize his own gains. As for the potential for a catastrophic storm? He chose to ignore it.
At the border of Nanjun, Gao Yao's massive "capital relocation" contingent came to an abrupt halt. Banners fluttered in the slightly chilling wind, and the clamor of the wheels gave way to a tense silence. Gao Yao's orders were clear and cold: the elderly, the weak, women, children, and non-combatants were to continue their slow march toward Xianyang along the original route. Gao Yao, along with his most important civil and military officials and the most elite imperial guards, remained firmly anchored near Nanjun, setting up camp in a continuous line. The air was thick with the solemnity of impending storm.
Inside the central military tent, the atmosphere was oppressive, almost suffocating. A massive cowhide map hung in the center, its symbol for Nanjun circled in cinnabar. Civil and military officials lined either side, those in distinctive armor standing solemnly like a forest, while those in civil robes bowed their heads and held their breath. Everyone's eyes were fixed on Gao Yao, seated on the throne, waiting for him to set the tone for the storm.
Gao Yao's gaze slowly swept over the people in his tent. His eyes were deep and unfathomable, like a volcano about to erupt. He spoke, his voice low but filled with unquestionable determination, each word hammering home to everyone:
"This incident is extraordinary. Young Master Gao is imprisoned, and the brat Wu Can has gone so far as to insult me! How can I maintain my authority if I don't avenge him? How can I reassure the people of the world?" He paused, a cold glint flashing in his eyes as he spoke in a resounding voice, "I have made up my mind. I will personally lead the army and razze Nanjun to the ground! I will not return until Wu Can has been reduced to ashes!"
"Your Majesty, please think twice!"
Almost as soon as Gao Yao finished speaking, Prime Minister Xiao He stepped out, his brow furrowed, his words rapid but respectful. He was well aware of Gao Yao's current status—if Prince Gao were "persecuted," Gao Yao would be the undisputed new King of Qin! His status was so noble that it was no longer comparable to that of the former Prime Minister.
Gao Yao now commanded a vast army of brave generals and shrewd counselors, possessing both military and moral superiority. To have a soon-to-be-throne king personally lead the battle and penetrate deep into dangerous territory was, in Xiao He's view, not only risky but also unnecessarily reckless.
"Your Majesty, to wipe out the rogues in Nanjun, send a general commanding tens of thousands of elite soldiers. That is more than enough! Your Majesty's life is at the mercy of the nation, and your precious life is worth millions. How can you risk it lightly? This is not the way of a king, nor is it a foolproof plan!"
Xiao He's advice represented the sentiments of most of the civil officials and even some of the military commanders. If the king were to lead the expedition in person, even the slightest mishap would instantly shatter the newly consolidated power.
Gao Yao raised his hand slightly, stopping Xiao He from continuing to speak. A barely perceptible curve even curved up the corner of his mouth. It wasn't a smile, but a cold, all-knowing expression.
"How could I not know what Prime Minister Xiao said?" Gao Yao's voice was steady, with the confidence of being in control of the overall situation. "However, this matter is of no small importance. The matter of Prince Gao concerns the legal system of the Great Qin and my reputation! Wu Shen insulted me and killed my 'King of Qin'. This is an irreconcilable feud! If I simply send an army to attack, victory will be the general's achievement; defeat will be my failure to employ the right people. More importantly..."
His gaze suddenly became sharp, piercing the Nanjun mark on the map like a physical object. "This matter must be done perfectly, so that no one in the world can find even a single fault! Let everyone see how deeply I vengeance for Young Master Gao is, and how furious it is! Only by personally leading the troops, personally entering the battlefield, beheading Wu Can, and offering his blood as a sacrifice to Young Master Gao's 'spirit', can I demonstrate my 'righteousness' and 'sorrow'! Only then can I silence the gossips of the masses and leave those potential, ill-intentioned 'old Qin officials' speechless!"
Gao Yao's calculations were profound. Prince Gao's death was a carefully orchestrated scheme to kill someone with a borrowed knife. Now, he not only had to borrow Wu Can's knife, but he also had to personally play the tragic hero, avenging his "former master," bringing the drama to a climax, a performance that would move heaven and earth. His personal expedition was the final, most dazzling aura he would personally crown for his impending throne—the aura of a "benevolent lord," unparalleled in his loyalty and righteousness, avenging his sovereign!
"But Your Majesty!" Li Si's voice, even more worried, echoed. He stepped forward, his face etched with urgency. "Your Majesty's personal expedition to Nanjun is undoubtedly righteous. However, the new capital of Xianyang is not yet firmly established! If word gets out that Your Majesty's main force is stranded in the southern border, how could Xiang Yu, the Overlord of Western Chu, miss this opportunity? The Chu cavalry is formidable. If they seize the opportunity, unleash their elite troops and descend directly on Xianyang! North of Xianyang lies a thousand miles of flat plains, with few strategic locations to defend! Even if the troops left in the southern border repair the city defenses and construct a garrison, they can only hold out for a while, passively accepting attacks, and will have little power to initiate an offensive! By then, Xianyang will be in imminent danger. Even if Your Majesty sweeps Nanjun, the foundations will be shaken, and the gains will be greater than the losses! Please reconsider!"
Li Si's words were like cold water poured onto boiling oil, instantly stirring up a murmur of discussion and gasps in the tent. The military officers instinctively tightened their grip on their swords, while the civil officials nodded with worry. Yes, Xiang Yu, that was the real threat! His covetous gaze was far more threatening than Wu Can in Nanjun. Relocating the capital to Xianyang was for prestige, to facilitate future conquests, and to build up strength outside the Great Wall. If Xianyang were exposed to the Chu army because of the Nanjun incident, the consequences would be disastrous!
The atmosphere within the tent grew even more solemn due to Li Si's words. The eyes of the civil and military officials were once again fixed on Gao Yao, awaiting his final decision. Should he insist on leading the expedition himself, sweeping Nanjun with swift and decisive measures to vindicate himself? Or should he accept Li Si's advice, prioritize the overall interests of Xianyang, and dispatch a capable general?