The state of Zhao was destroyed. Lin Tian and others were cleaning up the aftermath of Zhao's defeat, reporting their spoils of war.
Once again, Lin Tian had achieved great success and secured a decisive victory.
Anyone seeing such a record would undoubtedly offer praise.
At this point, even Wang Jian proactively sought to establish a good relationship with Lin Tian.
"General Lin Tian has once again achieved a remarkable feat this time. I imagine the King will favor General Lin Tian even more!"
"Haha! It is all due to General Wang Jian's excellent guidance. We merely acted according to the General's commands!"
"No, no, no. General Lin Tian played a crucial role in the battles of Daicheng and Yanmen, and the idea to attack Handan city was proposed by General Lin Tian. I will truthfully report all these merits!"
Lin Tian was too young, only in his teens.
At this age, many were still mere soldiers.
Even Wang Jian's son, Wang Ben, at this age, was only a newly enlisted junior officer.
Yet, the current Lin Tian was already a sword god renowned throughout the world, capable of joining forces with Wang Jian to conquer Handan city and defeat the generals of Zhao.
Such a talented young man, Wang Jian had no choice but to cultivate a good relationship with him, even if he didn't want to.
Anyone could see that Lin Tian represented the younger generation of Qin generals.
Moreover, the status of this younger generation might even surpass that of the veteran general Wang Jian.
He was poised to become Qin's newest and most influential dignitary.
It was precisely for this reason that Wang Jian was so friendly.
If Lin Tian knew Wang Jian harbored such thoughts, he would undoubtedly find it both amusing and exasperating.
After all, Lin Tian's future was not to become a Qin general or a Qin dignitary.
He was destined to become the King of Qin.
Fortunately, neither Wang Jian nor Lin Tian delved deeper into this matter, thus avoiding any awkwardness.
However, when the news of Wang Jian and Lin Tian's great victory over Zhao reached Xianyang city, Qin King Ying Zheng reacted differently.
Qin King Ying Zheng actually issued an order to leave Xianyang city and travel to Handan in Zhao to personally inspect the grand victory.
This announcement astonished countless people.
Zhao had only just been pacified, and it was possible that many unreconciled Zhao remnants were still lurking within.
If Ying Zheng were to go to Zhao at this time, it would be extremely dangerous.
Therefore, many voices of dissent were raised to stop him.
"Your Majesty, absolutely not! Zhao has just been pacified. To go to Zhao now would be immensely dangerous!"
"Indeed, Your Majesty! The regions of Yan and Zhao are known for their chivalrous heroes. If they learn that Your Majesty is going to Handan, a large number of people will surely attempt to assassinate you!"
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
The King leaving the capital was already a matter of great importance.
Even more so, the destination this time was Handan city in Zhao.
Such a decision caused widespread concern and numerous appeals for caution.
However, once Ying Zheng made a decision, it was not something they could dissuade him from.
"Since we have already conquered Zhao, the entire territory within Zhao belongs to our Great Qin!"
"On our own Qin territory, do I need to worry about my own safety?"
"Furthermore, on this trip to Handan, I will have General Lin Tian accompany me!"
As he said this, Ying Zheng couldn't help but reveal a smile.
He wanted to personally visit Handan city for two reasons: firstly, to witness firsthand the city where he had once been a hostage now submit at his feet.
Secondly, it was to see Lin Tian.
He had not seen Lin Tian for a long time and had missed him greatly.
However, Lin Tian was a general, and he was the monarch. Neither of them could leave their respective positions at will.
Therefore, even though Ying Zheng missed Lin Tian before, he had no recourse.
Only after Lin Tian and his forces had triumphed over Zhao and achieved a great victory did Ying Zheng have a reason to travel to Handan city and see Lin Tian.
Thus, regardless of others' dissuasion, Ying Zheng was determined to go to Handan city.
Of course, a formidable expert would accompany him: Meng Yi, the younger brother of Meng Tian.
Meng Yi held the position of Minister of the Household and was Ying Zheng's personal official. Many of Ying Zheng's affairs, both major and minor, were handled by Meng Yi.
Ying Zheng's safety was also Meng Yi's responsibility.
Ultimately, Ying Zheng successfully traveled to Handan city as planned.
While other ministers worried about Ying Zheng's journey to Handan, some ministers were pleased.
Among them was Lord Changping, Mi Qi.
"His Majesty is going to Handan city this time, and with Lin Tian accompanying him. This is undoubtedly the perfect opportunity to strike!"
"If Lin Tian dies in Handan city, then Prince Fusu's claim to the throne will be as solid as a rock!"
"Even if His Majesty dies in Handan, Prince Fusu can immediately ascend the throne of Qin! Then I...!"
If Prince Fusu were to become the King of Qin now, then Lord Changping, Mi Qi, would not only become the maternal uncle of the Qin King but could also potentially control the entire Qin state through Prince Fusu.
Thinking of this, Lord Changping, Mi Qi, couldn't help but tremble.
His heart was filled with excitement.
He felt that the power of the Qin King had never been so close to him.
Such proximity also made Mi Qi truly covetous.
"Your Majesty, you made the first move against me. Since that is the case, do not blame me for being ruthless!"
"Everything I say and do is for the sake of Great Qin!!"
Subsequently, Mi Qi began to seek out people.
His subordinates no longer had suitable candidates to assassinate Lin Tian and Ying Zheng.
However, his surname was Mi, he was of the Mi clan of Qin, and also of the Mi clan of Chu.
This identity meant that he was inextricably linked to the state of Chu.
Since he lacked the power to deal with Lin Tian at hand, he naturally needed to enlist the aid of the Mi clan of Chu.
Because of this, Mi Qi directly requested assistance from the Mi royal family of Chu.
The royal family of Chu paid close attention to the state of affairs in all the surrounding kingdoms.
The fall of Zhao had caused them great unease.
Watching the increasingly powerful Qin, they had no idea when Qin would make a move against them.
Therefore, they were constantly filled with apprehension.
Upon receiving Mi Qi's message, they felt they saw a glimmer of hope for victory.
"Qin King Ying Zheng is actually going to Handan city in person. This is an exceptional opportunity for us!"
"Exactly! If the Qin King dies in Handan city, then the crisis for our Chu state will be completely resolved, and Qin will have no successor!"
"Hahaha! This truly is heaven sent for our Chu. Our Chu can completely seize this opportunity to eliminate the Qin King, annex Qin, and unify this realm!"
"Heh heh! It is also a misstep by this Qin King Ying Zheng. If he hadn't insisted on going to Handan city personally, how could we have had such a golden opportunity!"
Mi Qi's message spread the news of Ying Zheng's impending trip to Handan city throughout the land.
It also made Ying Zheng's journey fraught with immense danger.
...