HCB Chapter 592 The Strategy of Conquering Qi
Chapter 592 The Strategy of Conquering Qi
Five thousand Qin soldiers, divided into hundred-man squads, swiftly took over the city's defenses, treasuries, and government offices. Their actions were orderly and incredibly efficient. In less than an hour, the black Qin banners were raised atop the walls of Daliang.
The work of opening the granaries and distributing grain began simultaneously. The Qin army moved grain from the government granaries—the last reserves of the Wei state's official granaries, originally intended for the garrison and officials. Now, it was being transported, bag by bag, to eight pre-arranged relief points in the city.
The porridge stalls were set up, the large pots were erected, and the aroma of rice filled the entire city.
People lined up in long queues, their eyes shining with hope. Holding their worn bowls, they carefully received each spoonful of thin porridge, as if they were receiving the whole world.
An old woman took a sip of hot porridge and suddenly burst into tears: "It's been a month... a whole month since I've had a hot meal..."
Those around them also wiped away tears.
Han Xin, riding through the city, witnessed this scene and was deeply moved. He recalled that before his departure for the campaign, Princess Ying Wuyou had summoned him and said the following words:
"General Han, it is easy to capture a city, but difficult to conquer it. The people of Wei are also citizens of China, and will be citizens of Qin in the future. Swords can conquer land, but only benevolence and righteousness can conquer hearts."
At the time, he was somewhat puzzled. A general should prioritize victory; why bother with such trivial matters?
Now he understands.
Looking at the people holding their bowls of porridge, tears welling in their eyes, he truly felt the weight of the words "the people's hearts" for the first time. These people didn't care who was king, or what flags flew over the city walls; all they cared about was a mouthful of food and a peaceful tomorrow.
And whoever can give them these things, they will support.
“General,” Vice General Wang Li rode closer, “the treasury has been inventoried. It contains 80,000 shi of grain, 50,000 guan of cash, and 3,000 bolts of silk. There are also some weapons and armor.”
Han Xin nodded: "As the princess instructed, all the grain will be used for relief, and the money and silk will be sealed and awaiting orders. The weapons and armor will be inventoried and then transported to Xianyang."
"Yes!"
After noon, snowflakes began to fall from the sky.
At first, it was just a few scattered snowflakes, but gradually it grew heavier and heavier. Pure white snowflakes drifted down from the leaden sky, covering the black roof tiles, the bluestone pavement, and even the brand-new Qin-character flag on the city wall.
King Wei stood by the window of the temporary post station, gazing at the snowy scene outside. He had changed out of his white robes and into the ordinary clothes sent by the Qin people—plain in texture, but clean and warm.
Snowflakes fell on the withered trees in the courtyard, on the stone steps, and on the shoulders of the Qin soldiers on guard. The soldiers remained motionless, letting the snowflakes accumulate.
"Your Majesty..." the old eunuch addressed him habitually, then quickly corrected himself, "Lord Marquis, it's time for your meal."
A simple meal was laid out on the table: a bowl of millet rice, a dish of pickled vegetables, and a bowl of meat soup.
He sat down and ate slowly. The rice was fragrant, and the meat soup was delicious. But as he ate, tears welled up in his eyes again.
He thought of the people who had starved to death and the officials who had abandoned him.
"My lord, you..." The old eunuch looked at him with concern.
"It's nothing," King Wei said, wiping away his tears. "I just feel ashamed of eating this meal."
Yes, his people were still drinking porridge, while he had meat soup. He traded an entire nation for his own sustenance.
Outside the window, the snow fell heavier and heavier. The entire city of Daliang was dyed white, as if draping a mournful elegy in white silk.
An era has come to an end.
Eight hundred years of history for the State of Wei, from a minister of the State of Jin to a regional lord, from dominating the Central Plains to ceding territory for survival, from the glory of Guiling and Maling to the humiliation under the walls of Daliang... all the history, all the glory, all the struggles, all came to an end on this snowy day.
Good news arrived in Xianyang.
January 20th, Xianyang.
The festive atmosphere of the Lunar New Year had not completely dissipated, and remnants of red paper lanterns could still be seen in the streets and alleys. A light snow had fallen a few days ago, and the snow on the palace walls had not yet melted, glistening in the sunlight.
Inside Zhangtai Palace, the charcoal fire was burning brightly.
King Ying Zheng of Qin and Ying Wuyou are playing chess. The black and white pieces on the board are intertwined, creating a delicate situation. King Ying Zheng plays black, launching a fierce attack; Ying Wuyou plays white, employing a strategy of defense with occasional offense.
“Jiayang,” the King of Qin placed a piece, “your playing style is becoming more and more like your grandfather’s.”
Ying Wuyou's grandfather, King Zhuangxiang of Qin, was known for his strategic planning and foresight. Ying Wuyou smiled and said, "Father, you flatter me. I am still far from being worthy of such praise."
In truth, she knew that most of her chess skills came from her memories of her previous life—in that era of information overload, where chess scores and theories could be easily learned. With the system's assistance, her chess skills improved rapidly.
However, when playing chess with her father, she always played defensively and never attacked, at most ending in a draw. Knowing when to stop was the first principle of survival in this era.
As the game of chess reached its middle stage, the hurried footsteps of the court official could be heard outside the palace.
"Report! Urgent report from Daliang!"
The chess piece in the King of Qin's hand hovered in mid-air: "Announce."
The official rushed into the hall, knelt on one knee, and presented the military report with both hands: "Your Majesty, news of victory from Daliang! King Wei has feigned surrender, and General Han Xin has taken over the city's defenses. The entire territory of Wei has been pacified!"
The hall fell silent for a moment.
The King of Qin slowly put down his chess piece and took the military report. He unfolded it, his gaze sweeping over the words. Although he had expected it, when he actually saw the five words "King of Wei feigns surrender," his eyes still gleamed with an undisguised light.
It was a complex radiance, a blend of ambition, achievement, and pride. Like a climber who had finally reached the long-awaited summit, able to look down upon everything below.
"it is good."
There was only one word, but Ying Wuyou sensed its immense weight.
The King of Qin raised his head and looked at his daughter. His eyes held scrutiny, satisfaction, and emotion: "Jiayang, your four strategies have succeeded."
At this time last year, Ying Wuyou presented the "Plan to Pacify the Four Kingdoms," which has now been implemented, and the Wei Kingdom has perished.
"It is thanks to Father's strategic planning, the soldiers' bravery, and the support of all the officials," Ying Wuyou said respectfully, rising to bow.
The King of Qin shook his head and looked at her earnestly: "Without your strategies, who knows how many more bones would have been added to the walls of Daliang."
He paused, then said in a deep voice, "This strategy of 'winning hearts and minds to conquer the state' should be recorded in history. Future generations will remember that you played a part in the conquest of Wei."
These words were extremely serious. Ying Wuyou's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately knelt down: "Your subject dares not take credit. Everything was decided by Your Majesty."
The King of Qin helped her up, a smile in his eyes: "Rise. I will remember your service." He walked to the window, gazing at the snow-covered palace gardens outside. "Wei has been destroyed, and the Central Plains will be pacified. What comes next..."
“Next up is the State of Qi,” Ying Wuyou replied.
The King of Qin turned around, a look of interest in his eyes: "Oh? Do you have any ideas?"
Ying Wuyou was prepared. She walked to the huge map and pointed to the territory of Qi: "Father, Qi is different from Wei. Wei is small and poor, and has lost the hearts of the people. Qi is different—it is vast and rich in resources, with hundreds of thousands of armored soldiers, and it has an economic zone with Qin, so the relationship is still acceptable."
"So it's not advisable to launch a full-scale attack?" the King of Qin asked.
“A direct assault could take the land, but the casualties would be heavy,” Ying Wuyou said. “Qi is a prosperous land, and the people’s hearts have not been lost. If a direct assault incites public anger, even if we take it, it will be difficult to govern. It would be better to… continue with the strategy of ‘winning hearts and minds,’ but the method must be changed.”
"How will it change?"