The conspiracy succeeded

The morning sunlight filtered through the eaves outside the grand hall, casting a golden glow that illuminated the splendor of the Qin court. Yet, it could not dispel the tension thick in the air, a haze of intrigue and schemes.

Just as Ying Zheng raised his hand to speak, a commanding voice cut through the stillness.

"Your Majesty, please wait—allow this humble servant to speak!"

All eyes turned toward Lü Buwei as he stepped forward, hands folded in his wide sleeves, his expression calm and composed. His deep, measured voice carried an undercurrent of authority, arresting the murmurs that rippled through the court.

"Your Majesty, this matter requires further deliberation. Neither I nor General Wang have reached a consensus, and considering Qin Yi's direct involvement, it would be prudent for him to temporarily step aside."

As his words landed, Lü Buwei's gaze swept subtly across the assembly, a faint smile tugging at his lips. Behind him, Minister Cao Ning withdrew discreetly, his face bearing a trace of smug satisfaction after a whispered exchange moments earlier.

General Wang Jian's brows furrowed slightly, his sharp instincts already on edge. Lü Buwei's maneuver to exclude Qin Yi from the discussion was unexpected, yet the old general sensed a deeper ploy behind the façade of impartiality.

Then came the pivot. Lü Buwei's tone shifted dramatically, catching everyone off guard.

"I must admit, General Wang's proposal has merit! Qin Yi is indeed a young and promising talent, his merits on the battlefield exemplary."

The sudden praise caused a wave of confusion to ripple through the court. Whispers of speculation began to stir among the ministers.

"General Liu Yong, who oversaw the defense of Fancheng, failed to fulfill his duties and nearly cost us the city. Such incompetence must not go unaddressed," Lü Buwei declared, his voice cutting through the growing hum of voices. "I propose that Qin Yi take over as the commander of Fancheng, assuming full responsibility for its military and administrative affairs."

His words fell like a thunderclap, sending shockwaves through the chamber.

"Qin Yi? Commanding Fancheng?"

"What is Lü Buwei's true intent in making such a bold recommendation?"

Whispers and furtive glances spread among the court officials, their minds racing to decipher the chancellor's motives.

Standing firm amidst the turmoil, Wang Jian's eyes darkened with suspicion. The veteran general had supported Qin Yi's rise, recognizing his extraordinary potential, but he also understood the dangers of thrusting a promising young officer into the crossfire of political machinations.

Lü Buwei was far from finished. His next suggestion detonated like a powder keg.

"Not only should Qin Yi assume command of Fancheng, but I propose he also be tasked with forming a new military corps, expanding the strength of our forces!"

The hall erupted.

"A new corps? Entrusted to Qin Yi?"

"And under whose command would this new force fall—Qin Yi's or Lü Buwei's?"

The ministers' voices overlapped in a cacophony of disbelief and alarm. Meanwhile, Wang Jian stood motionless, his expression betraying nothing. Inside, his thoughts raced. Lü Buwei's offer appeared generous, even magnanimous, but Wang Jian could see the trap. By pushing Qin Yi into a prominent yet precarious position, Lü Buwei aimed to diminish Wang Jian's influence in the military while paving the way for his own loyalists, such as Cao Ning.

The dethronement of General Liu Yong—a staunch supporter of Lü Buwei—was another layer to the scheme. While it appeared that Liu Yong was being sacrificed, it was evident this move was a calculated step to tighten Lü Buwei's grip on power.

Seated high on the throne, Ying Zheng surveyed the court, his gaze piercing through the political theater unfolding before him. His face betrayed no emotion, yet his thoughts churned with the weight of his decisions.

At last, the king rose, his steady voice cutting through the din like a blade. "Approved."

The single word silenced the hall.

"Effective immediately, Qin Yi is appointed commander of Fancheng, granted full authority over its military and administrative affairs. He is promoted by three ranks and tasked with forming a new military corps. The designation of the new corps will be decided in due course."

Ying Zheng's tone carried a finality that brooked no dissent, and his sharp gaze swept over the court, silencing any lingering doubts.

Lü Buwei lowered his head in a deferential bow, though a faint glimmer of triumph flickered in his eyes. To him, this was a masterstroke—a pawn had been moved into place, ready to serve his broader designs.

Wang Jian also bowed but remained stoic. Beneath his calm exterior, his mind churned with countermeasures. This was no victory for Lü Buwei, merely the opening gambit in a larger game.

As Ying Zheng's regal figure disappeared into the shadows of the palace, leaving the court to disperse, an air of quiet unease lingered. The decision had been made, but the currents of ambition, loyalty, and betrayal continued to ripple beneath the surface.

The grand hall, once filled with heated exchanges and fiery debates, now stood silent, its marble floors reflecting the retreating figures of ministers deep in thought. In the aftermath of the decree, the stage was set for the next chapter of intrigue and confrontation in the ever-shifting power dynamics of the Qin court.