People in the Qin Dynasty sought good fortune and avoided misfortune.

Chapter 321: It's not that we shouldn't use it, but rather that we should use it slowly and deliberately.

"That's right. Because of Qin's military merit system, people and soldiers have the opportunity to rise to the top, so their loyalty to Qin is beyond question. As long as Your Majesty does this, you can easily gain the support of the army."

"The military is the key to your rule, while the people are the foundation of the nation's long-term stability."

“In times of chaos, force is the only means to maintain power. What maintains power is never morality or behavior, but violence, and the army is a part of that violence. But in times of peace, we should be gentle and appease the people, giving them hope for survival.”

"Chaos and peace, power and appeasement, are like yin and yang. Neither yang nor yin can exist in isolation; only through their interplay can lasting stability be achieved. This is what my teacher, He Guanzi, once said."

As Xu Qing spoke, he brought up the words that He Guanzi had taught him, such as the cycle of Yin and Yang and the strategies for governing a country.

Ying Zheng listened attentively to Xu Qing's teachings. He had been influenced by Legalist thought since childhood and was full of ideas about severe punishments. Such methods could indeed make the Qin state strong in chaotic times.

However, after Xu Qing's guidance and explanation, he realized that such methods did not seem suitable for governing the Qin state after it unified the world, and he was originally looking for a better way to govern the country.

It was simply because of a preconceived notion of Legalism that they believed only Legalism was suitable for the Qin state, regardless of the circumstances.

However, the Daoist philosophy of Huang-Lao non-action seems to be more suitable for the world after Qin unified China.

At this moment, Ying Zheng's idea of ​​Legalism as the sole dominant school of thought began to waver, and he began to consider what benefits the ideas of the various schools of thought among the Hundred Schools of Thought could bring to the Qin state.

After all, the other schools of thought cannot be ignored, but they must be used in conjunction with them. They should be used slowly and gradually, allowing those suitable for Qin to be used first. Only after the suitable ones are implemented can the schools that use them first drive the thought of the subsequent schools. Furthermore, each school should be used according to its specific circumstances.

After a long and detailed explanation, the carriage arrived outside the Wusui military camp, and Xu Qing stopped.

"I have learned a great deal. I hope that you will continue to advise me in a timely manner, so that I will not act recklessly and shake the foundation of the Qin state," Ying Zheng said, bowing.

"I dare not refuse Your Majesty's order. However, our primary concern right now is to capture the Pingyang Heavy Armor Army and make them your sharpest weapon to help you cut through the dark curtain hanging over the Qin court," Xu Qing said with a light laugh.

"Yes, I know what to do."

Ying Zheng's eyes brightened slightly as he looked at Xu Qing and nodded in response.

What he lacks most right now is a sword, a sword powerful enough to intimidate the entire court and the public.

As Xu Qing said, the king's power needs to be maintained by violence; a Qin king with a sword in his hand is the true Qin king.

The carriage stopped, and Xu Qing stepped out, standing shoulder to shoulder with Gai Nie as they looked at the slowly opening military camp gate ahead.

The enormous bronze gears were turning slowly, and the chains as thick as an arm were lowering the drawbridge.

"Are Qin Mo and the Gongshu family's mechanical skills really that powerful?"

Looking at the ingenious gear structure on the city wall and the rows of crossbows that could fire in rapid succession, Xu Qing couldn't help but think of the various high-tech devices of the Mohist and Gongshu families, such as mechanical hands, mechanical beasts, and tiger-shaped crossbows, which were things that should not exist in this era.

"Qin Mo originated from the Mo family. It was founded by some of the Mo family's most skilled craftsmen who came to Qin. As for the Gongshu family, they were as famous as the Mo family, and their domineering mechanical skills were unparalleled."

"The former was someone who went to Qin voluntarily, while the latter was someone who, after attacking the State of Chu and capturing the capital of Yingdu, captured the entire Gongshu family and brought them back to the State of Qin."

"It was precisely because of the two families' advanced mechanical skills that they were allowed to manufacture various armors and weapons specifically for the Qin army. In order to preserve their technology, they were not allowed to participate in other affairs."

Gai Nie explained to Xu Qing in a low voice, which also served to educate Xu Qing about the internal situation of the Qin state.

"A waste of talent."

After hearing Gai Nie's explanation, Xu Qing felt sorry for Qin Mo and the Gongshu family, so he complained.

It's true that wars are fought over armies and weapons, but what's truly fought is national strength, the economy, food supplies, and population.

If Qin Mo and the Gongshu family were allowed to develop civilian machinery or tools appropriately, the national strength of Qin would reach a new level.

Gai Nie glanced at Xu Qing in surprise, then said in a low voice.
"Sir, please be careful with your words. This was ordered by King Zhaoxiang, and it has maintained the strength of the Qin army to a certain extent over the years."

"The ancestral laws cannot be changed, right?" Xu Qing was utterly speechless at this statement, so he changed the subject.

“We are about the same age, and I have a good relationship with Wei Zhuang. You don’t need to call me ‘sir.’ You can call me Brother Xu or Xu Qing.”

“Brother Xu,” Gai Nie said without any formality, nodding in agreement.

Xu Qing looked at the open military camp gate and saw that only the previous scout captain had come to greet them. He immediately understood what Wang Yi was thinking, and said in a low voice...
"Yes, Brother Gai Nie, be careful once you enter the military camp. Wang Yi's attitude is already very clear."

"it is good."

The scout captain quickly ran across the suspension bridge, bowed slightly to Gai Nie, and then came to Ying Zheng's carriage, bowing respectfully.

Where is Wang Yi?

Ying Zheng looked out the window at the soldiers bowing in salute and asked in a deep voice.

"The general has instructed that Your Majesty's trip is confidential and must not be revealed. We must keep it a secret in case of any unforeseen circumstances. We beg Your Majesty's forgiveness and request that Your Majesty proceed to the military tent. The general has made all the necessary arrangements in the camp to ensure Your Majesty's safety."

The scout bowed respectfully and spoke. Ying Zheng frowned, then relaxed his brow. He sensed something was wrong and couldn't help but think of the worst possible outcome.

Xu Qing looked at Ying Zheng and nodded slightly, indicating that he and Gai Nie would handle everything well.

"Then let's do as he says and lead the way."

Ying Zheng said indifferently, his tone devoid of any emotion.

"Whoo~"

The scout breathed a slight sigh of relief, quickly got up, and began making arrangements.

The guards at the gate made way for the three carriages to enter. The soldiers training were not affected in the slightest and continued to brandish their long spears and shout battle cries.

"As Mr. Wang Yiru said, he did not come to receive me, and even deliberately concealed my identity. Is this because he has something to hide, or is he really being cautious?"

Ying Zheng's gaze darkened, his imposing presence radiating without anger. He looked at Gai Nie and Xu Qing and spoke coldly.

"Once we meet this veteran, we will know everything."

Xu Qing calmly observed the soldiers training and spoke slowly.

How could he not know what Wang Yi was planning? But that didn't stop them from getting involved. Compared to the outside world, Wusui, where 100,000 Qin troops were stationed, felt much safer.

Moreover, Ying Zheng also needed an army of his own. If he remembered correctly, when Wang Jian led troops to Yongcheng to rescue Ying Zheng, the army he led was not the army of the Lantian camp, but this Pingyang heavy armor army.

Thinking about this, Xu Qing felt even more manipulated. He felt that Wang Yi's assassination attempt on Ying Zheng was not simply about Lü Buwei killing Ying Zheng, but rather about Ying Zheng eliminating potential enemies and gaining control of the army.

"Very well, then let's meet him. I also want to see what this old general is up to."

Ying Zheng remained silent for a while before slowly speaking.

Xu Qing snapped out of his reverie and glanced at Ying Zheng, whose brows were furrowed once more. He knew that Ying Zheng still harbored some expectations for Wang Yi.

Wang Yi was an old general who had fought for the Qin state for decades, and one of the generals appointed by the Qin government. No matter what, Ying Zheng would certainly not believe that he would betray him.

After all, no one would have thought that the old general assassinated Ying Zheng entirely to avenge Lord Wu'an, Bai Qi. If this were to be said, probably few people would be able to understand it.

But this is also a new question. Xu Qing remembers that Lord Wu'an, Bai Qi, was assassinated by the peasants.

This is completely different from history.

"Damn it, I knew Qin was complicated, but I didn't expect there to be so many problems," Xu Qing thought helplessly.

However, he chose this path himself, so he naturally had to solve any problems that arose. Moreover, he believed that all his problems would be clear once he arrived in Xianyang, since Lu Buwei, the powerful Marquis Wenxin, was still waiting for him.

The carriage traveled in silence towards the military tent.
To conceal their whereabouts, the scouts even took a detour, leading Xu Qing and his convoy into the camp from the other side. The surrounding area was now extremely open, and apart from a few guards, the rest of the soldiers were nowhere to be seen.

When Xu Qing, Ying Zheng, and the others disembarked from the carriage, they were greeted by a vast, empty commander's tent, its surroundings eerily deserted.

It seems to have been deliberately arranged.

Gai Nie gripped his long sword tightly and moved closer to Ying Zheng.

Jing Ni, Yan Ling Ji, and Wu Shuang Gui also walked to Xu Qing's side. The strange and eerie scene made the three of them realize that something was wrong. The murderous atmosphere in the air was too obvious.

Xu Qing looked at the three of them and shook his head slightly, indicating that they should remain calm.

They cannot act before Wang Yi does, otherwise it could easily trigger a mutiny.

Yan Lingji blinked her beautiful eyes, a wisp of fire appearing from her fingertip, and asked Xu Qing if she should set the entire military camp ablaze if they were to take action.

Fire and water are merciless; fire and water are far more effective against armies than swordsmen like Xu Qing and Gai Nie.

Xu Qing shook his head again. This army was likely related to the future, so it was best not to let Yan Lingji set it on fire.

"Your Majesty, the old general is waiting for you in the tent. Please come in."

The scout lowered his head, lowered his voice, and respectfully led the way for Ying Zheng.

Ying Zheng didn't say anything more. Now that he was here, he could only wait and see what the other party wanted to do.

Xu Qing and Gai Nie followed Ying Zheng into the tent, while Yan Ling Ji, Wu Shuang Gui, and Jing Ni stayed outside, ready to provide support for Xu Qing and the others at any time.

Wushuang Gui stood outside the tent entrance, his imposing figure blocking the doorway. Coupled with his fierce face and the chains binding him, he exuded an aura of overwhelming power, as if he were a one-man army that could hold off ten thousand.

(End of this chapter)