In the beginning, he was ranked alongside An Shigeng as a spoiled brat.

They knew the Mohist leader's decision; aside from the Mohist interests, the fundamental reason was that this assassination attempt had absolutely no hope.

After all, if they knew about the quicksand, storming the Forbidden City would be tantamount to walking into a trap.

The power of ballistae and imperial crossbows is now enough to directly threaten even these experts.

In particular, the triple-bow crossbow is a super-powerful crossbow similar to the heavy anti-material sniper rifle of later generations. It is no problem to kill martial arts masters within 500 paces, snipe peerless masters within 100 paces, and pierce through the mechanical beast Vermilion Bird at low altitude.

With the Imperial Guards in full view, they would be surrounded and killed as soon as they got close.

After the Mohists slowly withdrew from Xianyang, the Mohist leader and Xiaoyaozi looked in the direction of Xianyang Palace with complicated expressions.

Their assassinations can be described as contradictory.

Previously, it was Zhang Xiaoshan who created an excellent opportunity for them, leaving the empire without a ruler for three days;

But just as Zhang Xiaoshan has now given them a desperate defense.

To get close to Ying Zheng within these three days, the outer defenses alone are impenetrable. As for internal strife?

The Imperial Guard numbered far more than 100,000, with at least 200,000 more stationed on the outer city walls. This was more than enough to keep the rebels out for three days.

As for those experts?

As Wei Zhuang said, the Yin-Yang School and the Luo Wang (Net of Heaven) are not to be trifled with.

With a member of the Zhang family protecting Qin Huangzheng, the Yin Yang School and the Luo Wang (Net of Heaven) have no need to worry about Qin Huangzheng's safety.

In this way, their plans naturally appear pale and powerless in the face of the empire.

The main reason was that Zhang Xiaoshan's methods were too ruthless, leaving them no chance to infiltrate the Imperial Guards.

Furthermore, for the aerial raid, they prepared more than a dozen triple-bow ballistae, targeting the Mo family's trump card—the mechanical beast Vermilion Bird!

As for the opportunity to poison him?

Even after Meng Yi drank a small bowl of the Ten-Ingredient Tonic Soup, he did not feel hungry for three days.

The 100,000 Imperial Guards ate, drank, relieved themselves, and did everything on the spot. Their food and water were all prepared in advance by the Net. Even disregarding the smell of freshly harvested grains, the mere stench of three days' worth of sweat was absolutely irresistible.

However, apart from the three shifts taking turns resting in place, they could not move or leave without permission before Qin Shi Huang left the pass.

After all, once out of sight, there is a possibility of infiltration and the transmission of messages.

"Previously, the Zhang family and the Empire were at loggerheads. I really don't understand why the Zhang family would want to prolong the life of the tyrant Zheng?"

"Heavenly Dao!"

Heaven?

Upon hearing this, the leader of the Mohist school, though not seeking a deep understanding, vaguely grasped something.

After all, the Daoist Way is unfathomable, and Zhang Xiaoshan's level of attainment is such that he could certainly come into contact with it, perhaps even more deeply than Xiaoyaozi.

"Actually, the giant shouldn't be surprised."

In any empire, as long as it's not a scheme against the Zhang family, the Zhang family will generally fulfill any "reasonable" request from the empire.

He never refused to treat the sick and save lives, whether it was Yan Nantian, masters from various sects, or even the Demonic Empress and the Underworld Emperor...

Therefore, it's not surprising that Qin Shi Huang was able to "rejuvenate."

Upon hearing this, the leader of the Mohist school nodded.

Indeed, the Pure Yang Finger is said to be incredibly powerful, simply because Zhang Xiaoshan saved too many masters who were otherwise beyond saving.

Even with Yan Nantian's bones and meridians severed, and even his heart meridian broken by the Tathagata Palm, he was still healed by the Pure Yang Finger; and there were also the dwarfism of the Child Granny and the Underworld Emperor...

Therefore, if Zhang Xiaoshan were to restore Qin Shi Huang's youth and prolong his life this time, it would be another terrifying myth.

···

"Reporting to the Prime Minister, a scout outside the city has reported..."

Lord Chang'an, Cheng Jiao, in league with Fan Yuqi, a subordinate general stationed outside the city, secretly assassinated Zhao Zhe, the commander of the left wing, and was preparing to assemble a large army to attack the royal city.

While seated in the Prime Minister's residence, Li Si received a report from the spies of the Luo Wang (Net of Heaven) and couldn't help but smile.

Although this is a huge crisis for the empire, it is also an opportunity to eliminate internal threats.

Therefore, these assassins only knew that if the empire were without a ruler within three days, the empire would inevitably fall into chaos.

Little did they know that this was also Qin Shi Huang's plan, aimed at eliminating hidden dangers within the empire.

For example, Cheng Jiao had always coveted the throne, but Qin Shi Huang Zheng was reluctant to take direct action against him.

For example, his political enemy, Lord Changping, was a big fish that Luo Wang was keeping a close eye on. He had close ties with the imperial rebels and had been under the surveillance of him and Zhao Gao.

For example, Lao Ai, who resided in the Lishan Palace, was an ambitious man who constantly recruited retainers...

These were all beings that Ying Zheng or he wanted to eliminate. Therefore, he took this opportunity to let these clowns jump out and wipe them out in one fell swoop.

Moreover, even Zhao Gao couldn't get his men from the Luo Wang organization to infiltrate and carry out assassinations within the royal city's defenses, let alone those clowns.

"Inform Wang Li to seal the city gates."

"Yes, Prime Minister!"

Wang Li is a young general from the third generation of the Wang family. He became famous at a young age and is also one of the young talents of the empire, second only to Meng Tian.

At the same time, he instructed the adjutant on one side:

"Go to the palace immediately and tell General Zhang Han that Cheng Jiao has rebelled. The palace should immediately be on high alert."

"Yes, Prime Minister!"

Li Si, who was in command, didn't take these rebellions seriously at all.

Besides the 100,000 Imperial Guards, the empire also has experts from Yin Yang, Zong Heng, and Luo Wang secretly watching. As long as these people dare to cross the line, they will surely suffer defeat and death.

The garrison guarding the capital city was only located within ten miles of the capital.

Therefore, no sooner had the city gates been closed than a massive army of 30,000 men had already besieged the city.

Meanwhile, after meeting a group of 'righteous men,' Changping Jun was forced to compromise with a knife to his throat, and (Ma Wang Hao) cooperated from within and without.

"Zhao Gao and Li Si conspired with the Zhang family to murder the emperor."

We are here on the orders of Lord Changping to purge the court of corrupt officials. We implore General Wang Li to open the city gates and execute the traitors!

"Pooh!"

On the city wall, Wang Li scoffed at what he heard.

"The Wang family has been loyal to the empire for generations. How could we possibly associate with such petty villains!"

Listen up, soldiers! Cheng Jiao and Fan Yuqi have secretly plotted to murder General Zhao Zhe and started a rebellion. Considering that you were deceived by the two, you can atone for your crimes by capturing the traitors.

If you continue down this dark path, given the severity of imperial military law, I think you should understand that this is a crime punishable by the extermination of your entire family!

Wow!

Upon hearing Wang Li's reprimand, the soldiers immediately panicked.

Compared to Fan Yuqi and Cheng Jiao, the Wang family is a family of famous generals, so Wang Li's words are naturally more effective than Fan Yuqi's.

Puff! Puff! Puff... clothes...

"Who dares to lay down their weapons?"

Fan Yuqi was not without his confidants. Seeing the soldiers wavering, several of his confidants took action at Fan Yuqi's suggestion.

"Wang Li, stop spreading rumors and misleading the public."

We are here to purge the court of corrupt officials and save the king; you, who imprison His Majesty, are despicable.

How about this, we wait here for half an hour. If the king comes out, even if we have been deceived by treacherous people, we are willing to accept our punishment and die.

If the king does not come out, then you are plotting to murder him and intend to overthrow the empire.

Chapter 568 The Empire Falls Through Internal and External Cooperation?

"You bastards!"

Chengjiao, you know perfectly well that His Majesty is currently recuperating in seclusion and cannot come out for three days, otherwise this recuperation will surely be in vain.

Now you are actually using this excuse to sow discord among the people; your intentions are despicable!

Wang Li shouted, and the soldiers hesitated, unsure of whose advice to follow.

One of them, Cheng Jiao, was Qin Shi Huang's half-brother; while Wang Li's family had four generals across three generations, pillars of the empire's army, and a distinguished reputation.

Faced with this dilemma, someone quickly emerged to break the deadlock—

"I am Lord Changping, Mi Qi!"

"The King has been imprisoned by Li Si and Zhao Gao, his fate unknown. You must hurry to his rescue and purge the court of these treacherous officials!"

"Changping Jun, how dare you!"

Wang Li looked at Changping Jun, who had betrayed him, in disbelief.

It should be noted that Lord Changping was the Left Chancellor of the Empire, and in terms of status and position, he was even above Li Si. After all, Lord Changping was Qin Shi Huang's uncle, and his mother was Qin Shi Huang's great-aunt!

Immediately, Wang Li glanced around at Changping Jun's surroundings, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, and his killing intent suddenly surged:

"A member of the Xiang clan? Lord Changping, how dare you collude with imperial traitors?"

As a family of imperial generals, Wang Li instantly recognized the identities of the 'righteous men' the moment he looked at them—they were traitors to the empire.

The Xiang family!

Upon hearing this, even the surrounding generals paled.

They followed Wang Li and naturally trusted him, especially since the matter itself involved Cheng Jiao's rebellion.

Behind Lord Changping, the whereabouts of the group were also extremely suspicious; it turned out they were members of the Xiang clan!

“Wang Li, your Wang family has colluded with Li Si and Zhao Gao, intending to overthrow my Later Zhou dynasty.”

Today, Mi Qi is clearing away the corrupt officials embroiled in the emperor's court, facing the national crisis. Even if it means sacrificing himself, he will expose your conspiracy.

"All generals, heed my command! Today, I, Lord Changping Mi Qi, and Lord Chang'an Cheng Jiao, both of us, acting as members of the imperial family, will purge the court of treacherous officials and eliminate the villains. Follow me and kill them!"

"kill!"

Mi Qi's words immediately caused the morale of Wang Li's camp to collapse.

After all, Wang Li was only a general, while Cheng Jiao and Changping Jun were both members of the imperial family. Naturally, the scales tipped in favor of Cheng Jiao and Changping Jun with an absolute advantage.

The first to make a move, attempting to open the city gate, were several skilled warriors surrounding Lord Changping.

While the soldiers hesitated, these imperial rebels, filled with absolute killing intent, pounced on the soldiers guarding the city gate like hungry tigers pouncing on their prey.

Although there were only a handful of people, each of them was a master of external martial arts, and at the peak of external martial arts, equivalent to a top-tier master.

In no time at all, the hundreds of soldiers who had been guarding the city gates had died at their hands.

Moreover, one of them lifted one of the gate pillars, which weighed several thousand kilograms, and smashed it directly onto the three-zhang-high city gate with overwhelming force.

boom!

With a deafening roar, the two city gates, each weighing tens of thousands of kilograms, not only detached directly from the city wall but were also swept away by the immense force of a single blow.

"What ruthless methods!"

On the city wall, Wang Li, who was unable to provide support in time, looked at the soldiers who had died tragically with bloodshot eyes.

"What are you still daydreaming about!"

That's the Xiang clan rebelling! Lord Changping and Lord Chang'an, Chengjiao, are plotting a rebellion! Why don't you help me capture these traitors!

Looking at the corpses below the city, the stunned soldiers finally realized that those ruthless methods were definitely not those of good people.

At this moment, Wang Li gave an order, and the soldiers who had gathered nearby quickly blocked the city gate.

"Lord Changping, you deserve to die!"

Leaving aside the hundreds of imperial elites, just the mere act of letting these rebels in would have had dire consequences. This was beyond what he could bear.

Driven by murderous intent, Wang Li's anger was directed directly at Lord Changping.

"You brat from the Wang family, your opponent is me!"

The wind howled, and Wang Li sensed something was wrong, so he quickly raised his sword to defend himself.

when!