He's coming

The first light of dawn illuminated the majestic Xianyang Palace, its grandeur towering against the morning mist. Inside the grand hall, an oppressive silence reigned supreme.

Civil and military officials stood in solemn rows, their eyes fixed on an elderly general at the center of the hall. Though his hair had turned silver, his figure was as upright as a pine tree, and his gaze bore a sharpness honed by countless battles. This was Wang Jian, a seasoned commander of Qin.

"Your Majesty, I must assert that the Chancellor's decision is gravely misguided!" Wang Jian clasped his fists and spoke with a voice like rolling thunder. "General Qin Yi has fought valiantly at Fan City, achieving a monumental victory. To reward such merit with mere fields and gold—how can this not dishearten the soldiers who defend our great Qin with their lives?"

His words struck the hall like a thunderclap. The assembled officials exchanged glances, their expressions a tapestry of shock, contemplation, and quiet amusement. Some appeared stunned, while others smirked, stealing glances at Lü Buwei, the Chancellor.

Lü Buwei's once-smug demeanor froze. The faint smile on his lips faltered as his piercing gaze locked onto Wang Jian, his complexion shifting like storm clouds. "General Wang, what do you mean by this? Are you suggesting that my decision lacks propriety?"

Wang Jian's voice remained steady, and his posture exuded unyielding resolve. "Chancellor, my remarks are not a personal affront to you. However, General Qin Yi's achievements are unparalleled. Such dismissive rewards will undoubtedly chill the hearts of our soldiers. If their loyalty and sacrifices are disregarded, how can we expect them to shed blood for Qin in the future?"

His words echoed with conviction, each syllable hammering into the hearts of the audience. On the throne, the young King Ying Zheng observed the scene with a calm yet penetrating gaze. He did not interrupt, allowing the tension to build.

"Dishearten the soldiers?" Lü Buwei scoffed, his tone laced with scorn. "General Wang, you exaggerate. In my opinion, General Qin Yi is young and unseasoned. Lavish rewards might provoke dissent among the court. Or do you believe my judgment flawed?"

Before Wang Jian could respond, a thin, sharp voice cut through the air: "General Wang, could it be that you're proposing Qin Yi should be granted a marquisate?"

The words ignited murmurs across the hall. The speaker was none other than Li Si, Lü Buwei's confidant, his expression as cunning as his question was pointed. It was a deliberate provocation, baiting Wang Jian into an untenable position.

"A marquisate?" The murmur grew into a low rumble. In Qin, titles were strictly tied to military merit. Though Qin Yi's victory was remarkable, his youth and lack of seniority made such an honor contentious.

Wang Jian furrowed his brows but did not flinch. He saw through Li Si's ploy and responded with measured calm. "Minister Li, you jest. I merely advocate for rewards befitting Qin Yi's contributions. As for the specifics, I defer to His Majesty's wisdom."

With this, Wang Jian skillfully deflected the trap, redirecting the focus to Ying Zheng.

The young king's lips curved into a faint smile, his tone tranquil yet commanding. "General Wang's words carry weight. Qin Yi's valor and achievements deserve recognition. However, the precise rewards must be carefully deliberated to ensure fairness."

His statement, delivered with quiet authority, not only validated Wang Jian's stance but also left no room for Lü Buwei to retort. The officials chorused their agreement, "Your Majesty is wise!"

Lü Buwei's expression darkened. Beneath his composed facade, frustration simmered. He realized that he had been outmaneuvered in this exchange.

Suddenly, a sharp cry from outside the hall shattered the fragile calm. "Report! A resounding victory at Fan City! General Qin Yi has returned with his army and awaits at the city gates!"

The hall erupted into chaos.

"What? Qin Yi is back already?"

"Did he truly rout the Zhao army so swiftly?"

"This will be a spectacle to behold!"

Amidst the commotion, Ying Zheng's eyes gleamed with a flicker of intrigue. Rising from his throne with measured grace, he declared, "Summon General Qin Yi to the hall!"