Qin Shi: I only work eight hours

Chapter 379: The Destruction of Wei, a Rebellion Breaks Out in Xinzheng

Xu Lin nodded.

"In that case, I will do my best."

Lord Longyang said solemnly.

He stopped referring to himself as "this gentleman" to show his sincerity.

Xu Lin nodded and left with Mei San Niang.

Hundreds of thousands of people were all under the control of Lord Longyang. To have his name recorded in history was Lord Longyang's wish.

Therefore, after Xu Lin left, Lord Longyang immediately took a carriage to the Wei King's Palace.

Upon meeting the King of Wei, Lord Longyang got straight to the point.

King Wei feigned that he was unwilling to surrender without a fight, thus incurring eternal infamy.

Lord Longyang suggested that fighting would only bring humiliation, and that it would be better to surrender directly and negotiate with the Qin state.

Is it more important to live or to have a good reputation?

What use is a reputation when a person is dead?

At Lord Longyang's urging, the King of Wei feigned surrender, but on the condition that Qin would not kill the royal family of Wei.

Furthermore, after Wei became a prefecture of Qin, the royal family of Wei was to receive preferential treatment.

"This matter concerns nearly a million people, and I will do my utmost to address it."

Lord Longyang promised.

Then he left with the fake letter from the King of Wei.

……

The next day.

After receiving the fake letter from the King of Wei, Xu Lin took a carriage to the military camp outside the city.

"The Grand Tutor has arrived?"

"Please come in quickly!"

Wang Ben was first taken aback, then overjoyed.

He wasn't too surprised by this.

Upon seeing the fake letter from the King of Wei, Wang Ben fell into deep thought.

If the Qin Dynasty were to award titles based on military merit, would the soldiers agree to it?

Xu Lin said he would write to the king to make military merits not only counted as heads, but also as cities.

"it is good."

Wang Ben agreed.

……

More than half a month later.

The rain subsided, but many people still died in Daliang.

Ying Zheng replied that he accepted Xu Lin's suggestion, and that cities and towns were also considered military achievements.

As for King Jia of Wei's claim that he would treat the royal family of Wei with preferential treatment, that is impossible. At most, he could only treat King Jia of Wei, Lord Longyang, and a few other individuals with preferential treatment.

When Pi Jiamen Dianqing and the others learned that the King of Wei was feigning surrender, their pupils trembled.

We were ready to fight to the death, why did Your Majesty surrender first?

"I will not surrender!"

"Me too! We men of the Great Wei would rather die than surrender!"

"Although the Qin dynasty has a numerical advantage, our Great Liang city walls are several zhang high. If we defend the city, we may not be without a chance of victory!"

There are many different opinions within the armored gate.

Finally, everyone turned their attention to Dian Qing, who had remained silent.

Although Dian Qing was taciturn, he became the backbone of the Armored Sect after his master's death.

"It is said that the king will not surrender until three days later."

"We can choose an opportunity in the next day or two to leave the city and meet the enemy!"

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Dian Qing spoke.

Unlike Mei San Niang, he was unwilling to surrender.

……

the other side.

Xu Lin guessed that Dian Qing was unlikely to surrender, so he entrusted the task of persuading him to surrender to Mei San Niang.

The Armored Sect was the elite force of the Wei Kingdom. Even though Mei San Niang went to the military camp in person, she could only persuade a few of the Armored Sect disciples. If it weren't for Dian Qing and the others taking their kinship into consideration, Mei San Niang would have been injured even if she had returned alive.

It wasn't that Mei San Niang had completely submitted to Xu Lin's control, but rather that the Wei Kingdom had no chance of winning, and resisting stubbornly would surely lead to their death.

The armored guards were the elite of the Wei army; their weapons, armor, warhorses, and even their daily rations were all of the highest quality.

After Lord Xinling, Wei Wuji, died, where would the State of Wei find the funds to support the Armored Gate?

Moreover, Daliang is located in a low-lying area.

……

Two days later.

into the night.

Dian Qing led his troops out of the city and headed straight for Wang Ben's command tent.

Xu Lin and Wang Ben guessed that Dian Qing wouldn't immediately bow down, so after Mei San Niang returned, they had Gongshu Chou send over many mechanical beasts.

The armored disciples did have an advantage against ordinary Qin soldiers, but they had no advantage against mechanical beasts.

If it weren't for Dian Qing's fearless spirit and willingness to charge ahead, the battle would have ended in half an hour at most.

"gentlemen."

"May I ask you for a favor?"

Seeing that there were very few disciples left in the Armored Sect, Mei San Niang, who was watching the battle from a distance, suddenly spoke up.

"You want me to show leniency and spare Dianqing's life?"

Xu Lin stood with his hands behind his back.

He knows Mei San Niang too well.

"The Qin Dynasty is founded on law. I know it shouldn't be like this, but..."

Mei San Niang said.

Xu Lin remained silent, letting Mei San Niang continue.

"But he once did me a favor."

"Several years ago, when I was still in Daliang, I was on a mission once. If it weren't for his help, I would most likely have died."

"so……"

Mei San Niang said.

She knew her request was unreasonable, but she felt even worse if she didn't say it.

After saying this, Mei San Niang felt a great weight lifted off her shoulders.

Whether Xu Lin agrees or not is Xu Lin's business; she has to speak up.

"can."

After a short while, Xu Lin spoke.

Although Dian Qing was loyal to the State of Wei, he quite liked Dian Qing.

Loyalty is a very important thing.

The reason why many people dislike Guo Kai is because he is disloyal and treacherous.

After speaking, Xu Lin took out a letter from his sleeve and had it delivered to Commander Wang Ben's tent.

Before he arrived, he had guessed that Mei San Niang would speak.

Xu Lin's immediate agreement surprised Mei San Niang.

She wanted to thank Xu Lin, but felt it was unnecessary. She was Xu Lin's woman, so why should she be formal with him?

……

After an incense stick has burned.

Of the ten disciples of the Armored Sect, only one in ten survived, and Dian Qing was seriously injured.

Wang Ben ordered Dian Qing to be captured alive and imprisoned in Xianyang Prison.

If Dian Qing is willing to serve Qin in the future, then he can be released. If he is not willing, then he will spend the rest of his life in Xianyang Prison.

Xu Lin only promised to spare Dianqing's life, but did not say that he would let Dianqing go.

……

That night.

After dinner, to express her gratitude, Mei San Niang took the initiative.

Xu Lin used his hand as a pillow, his sword-like eyebrows as black as ink.

Mei San Niang bent down and lit all the fire!

……

The next day.

King Wei feigned surrendering outside the city.

With this, the State of Wei was destroyed, and Ying Zheng established the Eastern Commandery and the Dang Commandery in Wei.

……

March.

The weather is warm one day and cold the next.

Former South Korean Prime Minister Jang Gae-ji has passed away.

His son, Zhang Ping, joined forces with former Korean nobles to rebel in Xinzheng.

While Qin law has many advantages, it is too harsh for Koreans who are used to a more relaxed lifestyle.

Therefore, many people responded to Zhang Ping's call.

Upon learning of this, Xu Lin immediately went to Zhang Liang's residence with Jing Ni.

If Zhang Liang is to stand with Zhang Ping, then there is no need to keep Zhang Liang around.

Zhang Liang is indeed very capable, but he cannot be used by me. What use is there in keeping him?

When Xu Lin and Jing Ni arrived at the Zhang residence, it was already empty.

"Do you think Zhang Liang had anything to do with Zhang Ping's scheme?"

Xu Lin asked.

"This possibility cannot be ruled out."

Jingni's voice was cold and clear.

She was clearly Madam Xu Lin, but in public she remained as aloof and elegant as she was in the Luo Wang organization.

Xu Lin sighed helplessly.

After entering Qin, Zhang Liang was treated well by the Qin state.

To be honest, Xu Lin didn't expect Zhang Liang to leave so suddenly.

Of course, Xu Lin was somewhat surprised that Zhang Liang agreed to enter Qin right away.

Perhaps Zhang Liang was merely feigning compliance from the beginning, and was not truly loyal to Qin.

Since that's the case, Zifang, don't blame me for being ruthless.

In fact, as early as last year, some people said that Zhang Liang, Han Fei and others were unreliable, but because Zhang Liang and Han Fei were recommended by Xu Lin, the matter was suppressed.

Recently, Xu Lin has been busy destroying Yan and hasn't had time to have in-depth exchanges with Mei San Niang and others, so he hasn't thought about it that much.

"Madam, you should go back first." After a moment's hesitation, Xu Lin spoke.

He hadn't seen Han Fei for several months and wondered what Han Fei's situation was now.

Before long, Xu Lin arrived at the Han residence.

Han Fei had just heard the news of Zhang Kaidi's death and Zhang Ping's rebellion in Xinzheng.

"I wonder if Zifang was involved in this matter?"

Han Fei thought to himself.

He hasn't been feeling well lately and has consulted many doctors, but none of them can help him.

Han Fei knew that this matter was related to the Reverse Scale Sword, so he devoted more energy to writing books.

He planned to integrate Shang Yang's "law", Shen Buhai's "techniques", and Shen Dao's "power", emphasizing that "the law should not favor the noble, and punishment should not spare ministers."

When Xu Lin met Han Fei, Han Fei was coughing as he wrote the story of "Waiting for a Rabbit to Fall into a Trap".

"Brother Han is ill?"

Seeing that Han Fei looked extremely unwell, Xu Lin frowned.

The current Han Fei is completely different from the one he was in Xinzheng; he seems to be in his forties or fifties now.

Everyone dies eventually.

Han Fei nodded.

His temples were already gray.

"If I'm not mistaken, the Grand Tutor has come for the matter of Xinzheng."

"I am not clear about the specifics of this matter, but it is most likely related to Zifang."

Han Fei continued.

"Brother Han has already consulted a doctor?"

Xu Lin asked.

Han Fei used to be carefree and irresponsible, so he didn't like Han Fei very much.

Now that Han Fei is nearing the end of his life and is also Honglian's own brother, Xu Lin gradually feels a sense of regret.

"Both Dr. Xia Wuqie and Mr. Nian Duan have examined me."

"I am already very satisfied to have lived to this day."

Han Fei nodded.

Then she entrusted Honglian to Xu Lin.

Xu Lin nodded, instructed the guards to take good care of Han Fei, and then went to Xianyang Palace.

After all, Zhang Liang was someone he had recommended, so he bears responsibility for this sudden incident.

Upon meeting Ying Zheng, Xu Lin went straight to the point.

Ying Zheng responded that there was nothing he could do about it; who could have predicted that Zhang Liang would rebel?

When Zhang Kaidi was in Xinzheng, he governed the city very well. When Zhang Ping suddenly rebelled, no one expected it.

Xinzheng is not too far from Xianyang, and Ying Zheng felt that this was a good opportunity for him to gain experience, so he entrusted the task of suppressing the rebellion to Meng Tian.

Xu Lin then went to Honglian's residence.

Honglian was as innocent and carefree as ever, and was currently drawing Xu Lin in the courtyard.

Xu Lin didn't tell Honglian about Xinzheng; he just spent the night with her.

Honglian's chick-pecking-like movements are quite charming.

……

Three days later.

Xu Lin and the Moon Goddess traveled to Xinzheng.

The Zhang family had served as prime ministers of Han for five generations, so they commanded great respect and influence in Xinzheng.

Zhang Liang didn't want to get involved, but Zhang Ping was his father, so he had no choice.

"Father, Xinzheng is too close to Xianyang. Let's go to Qi instead."

"My grandfather had some connections with Qi Xianghousheng, and they were both Confucian scholars."

Zhang Liang advised.

Although their family is very popular in Xinzheng, they don't actually have the surname Han.

And what's the use of having the surname Han?

Are they a match for the Qin state?

“I have already written to the King of Chu and the King of Qi, and forming an alliance is not difficult.”

"If you are really worried, go to the State of Qi first."

Zhang Ping said solemnly.

Now that only Chu and Qi remain of the six states of Shandong, they will be defeated one by one if they do not join forces. Therefore, he believes that the King of Chu and the King of Qi will both lend a helping hand.

Considering that we shouldn't put all our eggs in one basket, sending Zhang Liang to the State of Qi was a good choice.

Even if he lost in Xinzheng, the Zhang family and Zhang Liang would still continue to oppose Qin in Qi.

Seeing that Zhang Ping was determined, Zhang Liang sighed helplessly.

How did the Zhang family end up like this?

Wasn't my grandfather doing a good job governing Xinzheng?

Now that they have suddenly rebelled, if they fail, I'm afraid my grandfather will be exhumed and his corpse whipped.

……

That night.

Zhang Liang left Xinzheng and went to Linzi in the State of Qi.

Meng Tian personally led an army of 50,000 to Xinzheng to quell the rebellion.

Xu Lin and Yue Shen settled down in the suburbs of Xinzheng.

Why do you think Zhang Ping suddenly rebelled?

Xu Lin asked in a deep voice.

He couldn't quite understand what Zhang Ping was thinking.

What benefits would the Zhang family gain from such opposition?

"I don't know either."

"But one thing is certain: the Zhang family is doomed to lose."

The moon goddess shook her head.

She had divined that a rebellion would occur in Xinzheng, but she never expected it would be the Zhang family.

Zhang Liang had been in Xianyang, but Zhang Ping suddenly rebelled in Xinzheng. Wasn't he afraid that Zhang Liang would be killed?

This shows that Zhang Ping is a ruthless person.

"Come with me for a walk."

Xu Lin nodded.

Then he changed into casual clothes and went to the fields with the moon goddess.

With Meng Tian's army pressing in, the city was heavily guarded, making it difficult to enter.

They decided to bypass the patrol team and go in, but because of the tense atmosphere and the lack of people on the road, it would be better to stay in the fields on the outskirts of the city and see what the common people thought about the matter.

The Moon Goddess, dressed in a light blue gown, looked somewhat like Xu Lin's younger sister.

Should we address each other as brother and sister, or as husband and wife?

Xu Lin asked with a smile.

"A concubine is fine."

The Moon Goddess answered.

She didn't care, since it wasn't like she was going to take it too seriously anyway.

"Then let's go with the latter."

"If we're out together at our age, and we're like siblings, it'll easily arouse suspicion."

Xu Lin explained.

The moon goddess has a magnificent chest; she doesn't look like a younger sister at all.

"it is good."

The moon goddess agreed.

Then she awkwardly took Xu Lin's arm.

Xu Lin smiled and walked unhurriedly towards the ditch.

Many people are fishing in front of the ditch.

Xinzheng is not far from Daliang, so it rained heavily in Xinzheng a few months ago, and the soil in the fields is still wet.

The Moon Goddess didn't want to get her dress and shoes dirty, but she was now Mrs. Xu Lin.

"Shall I carry you over?"

Xu Lin asked with a smile.

"Need not."

The moon goddess immediately refused.

She couldn't accept being hugged in public.

Moreover, getting your skirt and shoes dirty is also an experience.

Xu Lin once said that life is about experiences, and she agrees with that.

So, despite her discomfort, the Moon Goddess walked towards the ditch with Xu Lin.

When they arrived at the river ditch, the moon goddess's skirt and shoes were covered in mud, losing her usual refinement and elegance and gaining a more down-to-earth feel.

Xu Lin enjoyed fishing in his later life, so he quickly became one of the common people.

According to the common people, Zhang Ping rebelled because the Zhang family used to hold high positions, but now they only nominally have the power in Yingchuan County, which is nothing compared to before.

Yingchuan Commandery not only had a governor, but also a military commander.

Moreover, how can a prefect compare to a prime minister?

After Zhang Kaidi's death, would the King of Qin allow Zhang Ping to continue serving as the governor of the prefecture?

Therefore, it would be better to take advantage of the popular support in Xinzheng and rebel directly!

The Zhang family used to have hundreds of servants. Before Ji Wuye rose to power, King Han could be said to have followed Zhang Kaidi's lead without question, and even promised to let Zhang Ping succeed him as prime minister.

The Zhang family now has only a few dozen servants, and their salaries and prestige are far less than before.

As the saying goes, it is easy to go from frugality to extravagance, but difficult to go from extravagance to frugality.

After listening, Xu Lin left.

He knew why the Zhang family rebelled, but why could he win the hearts of the people of Xinzheng?

Qin law was strict, but it also had many advantages.

Because Qin has been expanding recently and has not had time to rest and recuperate?

With this in mind, Xu Lin began to investigate the matter.

It turned out to be true. Except when Zhang Kaidi first became the prefect, the taxes of the common people of Xinzheng were not high. Recently, due to the war, the taxes were even higher than they were in Korea.

No wonder the common people of Xinzheng responded so enthusiastically!

Fighting a war requires not only soldiers, but also supplies and provisions, especially for long-range operations. But where do these supplies and provisions come from?

Increasing taxes is the most direct solution.

Shortly after, Xu Lin wrote a letter to Ying Zheng, suggesting that after quelling the rebellion in Xinzheng, they should rest and recuperate for a period of time before destroying Chu and Qi, otherwise rebellions might also occur in the former Zhao, Yan, and Wei territories.

These commoners are not considered lowly; rather, due to excessively high taxes and recent frequent rains, many are struggling to make ends meet. (End of Chapter)