Martial Arts Crossover: It All Started with Hijacking Li Canghai

Qin Han then revealed the true purpose of his trip.

"I have received information through special channels that Yuan Chengzhi, the 'Golden Snake King' who entrenched himself in the Shandong area and commands nearly 80,000 troops, has been poisoned by someone and is now terminally ill. It is said that his days are numbered."

Qin Han was also surprised when he learned of this news, especially since the poison was called "Golden Wave Flower". He couldn't understand how Yuan Chengzhi could have been poisoned by it.

This is simply because of the world of martial arts, and some so-called protagonists are not completely immortal.

No matter how high one's martial arts skills are, one can still be killed by an unknown nobody if one is not careful.

Golden Snake Camp! Yuan Chengzhi!

This name was renowned throughout the Qing Dynasty in the north, and everyone present was shocked!

The Golden Snake Camp was a powerful anti-Qing rebel army in the north, a level stronger than the likes of the Heaven and Earth Society and the Mu Prince's Mansion.

Its leader, Yuan Chengzhi, the Golden Snake King, was a descendant of Yuan Chonghuan, a loyal minister of the Ming Dynasty, and enjoyed great prestige among the Han people in the north.

"With Yuan Chengzhi dead, the Golden Snake Camp will be leaderless. The various factions have long been dissatisfied with each other. Without Yuan Chengzhi's control, the factions will inevitably fall into internal strife in their struggle for leadership."

"My purpose in going here is threefold: first, to bring my mother back; second, to disrupt the Qing court and incite Ao Bai and Kangxi to fight amongst themselves; and third, and most importantly..."

He stood up, went to the map, and pointed his finger heavily at the location of Shandong.

"I will take this opportunity to meet the Golden Serpent King. If he truly doesn't have much time left... then, while the Golden Serpent Camp is in turmoil, I will seize control of Shandong and bring this immense power under my command!"

Take control of the Golden Serpent Camp!

Although it was a merger of various mountain strongholds and many underworld forces involved, it is undeniable that if this force could unite as one, even the Qing government would be helpless against it.

Once the Qing court mobilizes its large army, the Golden Snake Battalion can break up into smaller units and hide in the mountains. Moreover, the Qing Dynasty itself is not stable, not to mention external factors such as Wu Sangui at Shanhaiguan.

Even if Ao Bai were still alive, Kangxi would not have been able to control power and would be powerless to do anything about many things.

If Qin and Han succeed this time, their power will extend from the southwest to the heart of the Central Plains. If the world changes one day, they will form a combined attack from the north and south!

This... is aimed at conquering the entire Central Plains!

"Your Highness's foresight is truly admirable!"

The first to react was Xu Xingzhi.

I used to think it was inappropriate for the prince to take such a risk, but now it seems I was too narrow-minded.

Compared to the grand undertaking of controlling the Golden Serpent Camp, assassinating Ao Bai was indeed a minor matter.

There's no reason not to fight for a Qing Dynasty embroiled in internal strife and a northern power under our control!

"We, your subjects, second that proposal!"

Yang Xiao, Li Jing, and the others also realized what was happening.

Since no one had any further objections, the group began to discuss specific action plans around this core objective.

How to provide support, how to infiltrate, and how to stand out in the power struggles within the Golden Snake Camp...

One meticulous plan after another was formulated in the study.

Finally, Qin Han summoned A Zhu and spoke in front of everyone.

"A-Zhu".

"Master?" A'Zhu was a little confused, wondering why her husband had asked her to come over to discuss serious matters.

"This time, I cannot let outsiders know that Sichuan is outwardly peaceful, but inwardly turbulent, and many people are eyeing the Qin Prince's Mansion." Qin Han looked at A'Zhu, "With Cang Hai's instruction, your disguise skills are now good enough to fool the real thing."

"After I left, the lady disguised herself as the king and took charge of the palace to stabilize the people's hearts."

"And I went to the Qing Dynasty under the identity of the previous 'Han Feiyu'."

A'Zhu disguised herself as Qin Han and took charge of the Prince's mansion!

The idea was met with approval from everyone in the study, though they were unsure whether the disguise technique could truly deceive the eye.

Although Qin and Han are said to have more than 300,000 troops at their disposal, this is primarily due to the fusion of former Ming Cult disciples and former Sichuan Army soldiers. In total, they could actually have more than 500,000 troops.

The reason for having 300,000 troops was twofold: firstly, because generals like Li Jing, Xiao Feng, and Qin Qiong were keeping him in check and he needed to gradually take over military power in Sichuan; and secondly, because the treasures at Tianning Temple had been almost used up.

Even if we plunder the Wu and Wang families, the funds wouldn't be enough to support 500,000 people. We could only gradually convert them, not to mention equipping them with sophisticated gear.

If it weren't for Xu Xingzhi, Li Jing, Xiao Feng, Qin Qiong, and many other capable people, even if Qin Han conquered Sichuan, he wouldn't have been able to hold onto his Sichuan estate.

There are quite a few people in Sichuan now, both openly and secretly watching Qin and Han. They are from aristocratic families, the imperial court, and even spies from other countries. Everyone wants things to go wrong for Qin and Han.

If the Qin and Han forces lose control of the situation, internal strife will begin immediately.

The priority now is to stabilize and develop Sichuan, to generate more wealth, and to research new firearms and artillery. It is not advisable to resort to force again, and the plan is to maintain stability for two or three years.

"This...is this going to work?" Li Jing looked at Lady A'Zhu seriously.

"The prince's majesty and bearing are extraordinary. Miss A'Zhu's disguise skills are superb, but to imitate him perfectly, I'm afraid..."

He didn't finish his sentence, but the meaning was clear.

It's easy to resemble the form, but difficult to capture the spirit.

If a flaw is exposed, wouldn't it cause even greater turmoil?

"General Li is overthinking it."

Before Qin Han could speak, A Zhu smiled confidently.

"I wouldn't dare say I'm a perfect replica of your demeanor and spirit, but I could easily imitate seven or eight tenths of it and fool outsiders."

After saying that, he went to the side hall.

She took out a small leather pouch from her bosom and, following the techniques and energy flow that Li Canghai had taught her, quickly kneaded her face with her fingers.

In the short time it takes to drink a cup of tea.

When A'Zhu walked out of the side hall, a "King of Shu" who looked exactly like Qin Han appeared before everyone.

"hiss--"

A collective gasp filled the study.

so similar!

They look exactly alike!

"Ahem." A'Zhu cleared her throat, deliberately lowered her voice, and imitated Qin Han's tone as she said to Li Jing, "General Li, I know what I'm doing, you don't need to say anything more."

His expression, his eyes, and his authoritative tone were exactly like Qin Han himself!

Li Jing was dumbfounded. This... this...

He opened his mouth, but for a moment he didn't know what to say.

"Hahaha!!" Qin Han laughed loudly.

Xu Xingzhi waved his feather fan and exclaimed sincerely, "Lady A'Zhu's disguise skills are truly unparalleled! With you in place of the Prince, and with us assisting you, Sichuan is surely safe!"

At this point, no one had any further objections.

"Specific military and political affairs shall be discussed by Yang Xiao, Xu Xingzhi, Li Jing, and Xiao Feng when I am not present. If a decision cannot be made, then we shall consult the First Madam."

"If the lady is still in seclusion, then have 'Flying Snow' deliver the message."

The so-called flying snow was the white-feathered eagle that had delivered the message to Lin Shiyin before. It was just like the two intelligent birds that Huang Rong kept. However, the white-feathered eagle flew faster and higher, and could travel a thousand miles in a day. But it would take one or two months to recover after each round trip.

Feixue is not sent to deliver messages unless it is important.

"We will obey Your Highness's orders!" the four replied in unison.

P.S. Happy Labor Day everyone!