Chapter 279 - Ying Zheng's Reaction, Half the Benefits Belong to Me, Going to the Ming Dynasty? Easier Said Than Done

Qin Imperial Palace.

Ying Zheng looked down at Zhang Han, his expression as dark as water.

"I've received secret reports. Recently, a large number of Confucian scholars have fled the borders of the Qin Dynasty and gone to other dynasties."

"Do you know the reason?"

"Could it be that your Shadow Secret Guard and Net Trap have been too ruthless in killing these disciples of the Confucian School?"

Ying Zheng did want to resolve the troubles brought by the Confucian School, but he never intended for the Qin Dynasty to fall into chaos.

That could destabilize the internal foundation of the dynasty.

Such a thing must never be allowed to happen.

"Your Majesty, that is not the reason. It is because of the Ming Dynasty's Endless Sea of Learning Academy."

"Many Confucian scholars hope to one day appear on the Confucian Immortal Ranking."

"And now, the only path to qualifying for the Confucian Immortal Ranking is through passing the Endless Sea of Learning Academy."

"Compared to becoming a Confucian Immortal of Nine Provinces, even political power might take a back seat."

"Endless Sea of Learning Academy? What a name."

"Though I do not care for Zhu Houzhao of the Ming Dynasty, I must admit his ability is indeed extraordinary."

"Even such a small act reveals unmatched brilliance."

"Unfortunately, when it comes to being an Emperor, he still cannot compare to me."

"During this time researching Zhu Houzhao, I've discovered a fatal weakness of his."

"If used well, it could cripple the Ming Dynasty, and perhaps even lead to its destruction."

Ying Zheng spoke with immense confidence.

Although his Qin Dynasty had somewhat fallen behind.

He was not discouraged in the slightest. In fact, he was full of confidence.

Even when facing the mighty Ming Dynasty, he was confident he could win.

This made it clear that the Qin Dynasty was far from simple on the surface.

He still had many hidden cards and foundations.

If Zhu Houzhao wasn't careful, he could be caught in a deadly scheme.

"Your Majesty, what should we do about those Confucian scholars who fled?"

"Should we kill them or let them go?"

"No need to concern yourself with them for now."

"You only need to focus on the tasks I assigned you."

After dismissing Zhang Han, Ying Zheng's sharp gaze swept across the grand hall.

Only after a long pause did he finally let out a breath.

"Come out!"

"Greetings, Your Majesty! Long live the Emperor!"

"Hahaha, rise!"

"It's been years since we've last met, hasn't it?"

"If I hadn't summoned you personally this time, I'm afraid you would've never come to see me!"

"Your Majesty, I beg your forgiveness!"

"Enough, rise. I never intended to punish you."

"This time, I've summoned you for a task."

"This task is of utmost importance to the Qin Dynasty. Success is the only option. Failure is not allowed."

"Also, your opponent is more troublesome than you think. Do you have the confidence?"

"Is Your Majesty referring to the final battle between the Northern Song Dynasty and the foreign tribes of Liao Kingdom and Jin Kingdom?"

The visitor answered without hesitation.

"Good! As expected of the minister I value, you've never disappointed me."

"In that case, from now on, I grant you the title of Black Ice Platform Leader of the Qin Dynasty."

"Your first mission as Black Ice Platform Leader is to travel to the Southern Song Dynasty and bring great benefits to the Qin Dynasty."

"Over there, your enemies will far exceed your imagination."

"Their strength will also far exceed your imagination."

==========

Qin Dynasty, former site of the Little Sage Manor.

This place once held an orderly and elegant estate, now reduced to ashes by a blazing fire.

No trace of the former Little Sage Manor could be seen.

At this moment.

Two slightly disheveled figures emerged.

The two stared at the ruins before them with faces full of grief and hatred.

"Senior Brother, the Little Sage Manor is destroyed. What do we do next?"

"Uncle Xun Kuang is not here. We can only follow your lead."

"Yan Lu, right now, we are isolated and weak. We are no match for the tyrant Ying Zheng."

"We must find a way to leave the Qin Dynasty and reunite with Uncle and Zifang before making further plans."

"Also..."

At this point, Fu Nian looked up at the ranking in the sky, a gleam flashing in his eyes.

"If there's a chance, I want to visit the Ming Dynasty."

"I want to see for myself how powerful this Endless Sea of Learning Academy truly is."

"To have suddenly produced four Confucian Immortals, with one even reaching the God Demon Realm."

"Setting everything else aside, with a God Demon Realm cultivator as a protector, the Endless Sea of Learning Academy need not fear destruction by any other power."

The destruction of the Little Sage Manor by the Qin Dynasty's military was an eternal hatred in his heart.

His purpose in surviving was to avenge the disciples who died and to rebuild the Little Sage Manor.

The Confucian legacy must not end in his hands.

"Very well, I'll follow you. Let's head to the Ming Dynasty right away!"

"First, we'll try taking the entrance assessment for the Endless Sea of Learning Academy. If we pass, we'll join and study there."

They acted immediately, without hesitation.

The two moved cautiously, not daring to make the slightest mistake.

They fled quickly toward the borders.

==========

Han Imperial Harem.

Jiang Yuyan Chambers.

"Your Highness, the next stage of our plan is ready and can be executed at any time."

Zhang Liang handed a stack of white paper to Jiang Yuyan.

"Zifang, you truly haven't disappointed me!"

"Very well. Since you've worked diligently all this time, I won't drive you away."

"From now on, you, Zhang Liang, will be my military strategist and advise me in all major affairs."

"If I overlook anything or fall short in any area, you must make up for it with all your strength."

"This is my duty, Your Highness. You may rest assured."

"Fine. In that case, I will send you and your small squad into the Northern Song Dynasty."

"Who wins or loses among the dynasties is none of our concern."

"What I care about is how much profit we can gain from it!"

"The Northern Song Dynasty is a wealthy nation. I want at least 50% of the spoils."

"Zifang, can you manage that?"

Zhang Liang's mouth twitched hard.

Serving under this Demon Consort of the Han Dynasty was truly a bitter experience.

If not for needing to use her to oppose Ying Zheng.

He would have fled long ago.

Why would he willingly walk into this misery?

Still, he was quite excited.

At last, he was about to go up against the true powers of Nine Provinces.

Buzz!

Just then, high in the sky, within the ranking.

Golden light burst forth.

Radiating an aura of endless majesty.

Stroke by stroke, characters began to emerge.

The new ranking was out!!

Could Rank 2 again belong to the Ming Dynasty?

If it was again.

Then he would truly have to admire the Ming Emperor Zhu Houzhao.