Ch 10

While Qin's internal struggle continued, reports came from the borders—Han was mobilizing troops. Unlike Zhao, Han was a smaller state but one with a fierce reputation for its deadly assassins and elite warriors. Their military strategy was built on swift strikes and precision, and they had the ability to strike before anyone could react. If they attacked, it would be with a speed and ferocity that could overwhelm us before we even had a chance to mount a proper defense.

Ei Sei wasted no time. "We will not allow Han to strike first. Jake, you will lead the campaign to crush Han before they become a threat," he commanded.

I accepted the mission without hesitation, my mind already working through the logistics of such an undertaking. Han's warriors were known for their skill in close-quarters combat and their ability to execute ambushes with terrifying effectiveness. To defeat them, I would need to outthink them at every turn.

Using the AI system, I analyzed every battle Han had fought in the last decade, learning from their successes and failures. My strategy was set: we would rely on deception, feints, and diversionary tactics to lure their assassins and elite warriors into traps.

The war against Han was brutal, much different from the wars we had fought against Zhao or other states. Han's assassins struck under the cover of night, taking out high-ranking officers and sowing fear within our ranks. But we adapted quickly, setting up counter-ambushes in strategic locations. Every attack was met with a swift and calculated response.

The turning point came at the fortress of Wu Pass, a crucial stronghold that stood at the entrance to Han's heartland. We had already decimated a number of their key commanders, and their morale was waning. With careful precision, I led a direct assault on the fortress, and after a day of fierce combat, we cornered Han's remaining forces.

The final showdown came when I faced off against Han's greatest assassin, a masked warrior named Yin Xue. He was said to be a shadow of death itself, his speed and precision unparalleled. The duel was a spectacle of life and death—each strike aimed to kill. But with the AI system's guidance, I anticipated his movements, using his own speed against him. In the end, I delivered the final blow, ending his reign of terror.

With Han's military shattered, they had no choice but to surrender, and Qin absorbed their lands. It was another step toward the unification of China, and one more testament to the strength of our forces.

Upon my return to Kanyou, I found the court in an even deeper state of turmoil. Ryo Fui, not content with his growing economic power, had begun to make more overt political moves. He attempted to pass a series of laws that would limit the military's autonomy, effectively placing us under his direct control. It was a dangerous power grab that could not be allowed to stand.

I stood before the court, unwavering. "Without the military's strength, Qin would have fallen long ago," I countered, presenting evidence of our past victories and the pivotal role the military had played in securing the kingdom's survival.

Ryo Fui, however, was a master of political rhetoric, and he pushed back just as hard, arguing that a centralized government would bring peace and stability. The chamber was filled with tension, as every word seemed to further divide the court. But it was not just rhetoric we were fighting—Ryo Fui was playing for keeps. That night, my residence was attacked. Assassins infiltrated the compound, but thanks to the vigilance of my elite guards, they were swiftly repelled. It was clear that Ryo Fui had raised the stakes once again, and the conflict had escalated to a new level.

Ei Sei and I met privately to discuss our next move. "The time has come to end Ryo Fui's influence once and for all," Ei Sei said. "But we must be careful. If we move too soon, he will claim we are usurping power."

I agreed. The final political battle was approaching, and we had to be strategic. I expanded my intelligence network, uncovering evidence of Ryo Fui's illegal dealings, corruption, and secret alliances with various factions across the kingdom. With every move he made, we countered. I knew it was only a matter of time before his empire of influence would crumble.

As the political strife within Qin continued to unfold, a new report arrived from the eastern front—Qi had sent envoys proposing a temporary alliance. This was unexpected, as Qi had long remained neutral in the conflict between the other states. But sensing Qin's growing power and the threat posed by Zhao and Chu, they wished to avoid immediate conflict.

I traveled to Qi as an envoy to discuss the terms of the proposed alliance. The negotiations were delicate, as Qi had long been wary of both Qin's expansionist ambitions and Zhao's aggression. But with our recent victories and the growing threat from other states, I convinced them that siding with Qin was their best option.

After several days of tense discussions, an agreement was reached—a temporary truce in exchange for trade benefits. It was a victory for diplomacy, and one that would prove crucial in the coming years.

During my stay in Qi, I met with a former advisor to Zhao, a brilliant strategist named Xun Zhi, who had defected after falling out of favor with his previous masters. He was insightful and had a deep understanding of the strategies our enemies might use in the future. After discussing the political landscape and military tactics, I saw his potential. I convinced him to join Qin, knowing his expertise would be invaluable.