HCT – Chapter 93 A Toast from Friends

The boarding bridge stretched from the tower ship to the city wall, a distance so short it bred despair.

The Qin soldiers were notoriously fierce, and many of the Chu troops had already been terrified by the strange explosions. Now, seeing the Qin soldiers charging across the bridge, they fled without a second thought, ignoring the hoarse reprimands of their supervising generals.

On the crowded city wall, a small group began to retreat, and panic quickly spread among the entire garrison.

The generals tried to restore order, but no matter what promises or threats they made, they could not halt the collapse of the Chu defenses atop the wall.

One general let his shoulders droop in helpless resignation.

“General, we must flee! Another city gate has already been opened—we can escape!” a household retainer urged him. “They arrived by ship, and have few cavalry. We have a chance!”

The general sighed, then gripped his longsword tightly and rejoined the fight.

Although the Qin soldiers had already breached the wall, there was still a chance to hold onto E City through street fighting. But he couldn’t afford to sacrifice all his men—if he lost them all, even if he held the city, he’d return home empty-handed and face ruin.

After Wu Qi’s death, unlike the other six states pushing reforms, most of Chu still clung to the feudal system. Nobles wielded enormous power, controlling both administrative and military affairs in their territories.

This was one reason why Qin’s conquest of Chu was more difficult than that of other states. With most countries, Qin only had to defeat the central army and take the capital. But with Chu, they had to subdue a patchwork of independent fiefdoms.

Currently, power in Chu rested in the hands of three great aristocratic clans: Zhao, Qu, and Jing. Beneath them were subordinate lords, like the defender of E City.

With tensions flaring between the Chu King and the Zhao-Qu-Jing clans—thanks to Li Mu’s schemes—the E City defender no longer believed the king would compensate him for his sacrifices if he stayed to defend the city.

More likely, the king would seize the opportunity to strip him of power.

However, if he could retreat with his personal troops largely intact, his clan would protect him. The king wouldn’t dare touch him.

After much internal conflict, the E City defender, though bitter, gave up the city’s last chance of survival and ordered a retreat.

The regional governor of E City sighed and fled with him.

He observed that Li Mu had brought relatively few troops, so perhaps the Qin would leave after taking the city. If so, the loss wouldn’t greatly affect Chu’s heartland.

Li Mu, though fond of fighting on the front lines against the Xiongnu, did not leave the tower ship this time. He simply issued orders while absentmindedly swirling an empty teacup, thinking about what to do after taking the city.

The cup was a porcelain one Zhu Xiang had fired out of boredom.

Firing ceramics required high temperatures. The temperature achieved during iron smelting—via charcoal and coal—was enough to fire ceramics, though no one had previously tried. Inspired by Zhu Xiang, the craftsmen quickly figured out the process and were now searching for better formulas.

Zhu Xiang had said he would give the technique to the old Qin king first—hoping it might earn him a few more years in the South. He truly disliked the oppressive atmosphere of Xianyang.

Once this land—which others called barren and vast but Zhu Xiang saw as fertile—was taken, the Qin King would likely leave him here to farm for a few more years.

“General, the Chu have opened the gates and are fleeing. Should we pursue?” a deputy general asked.

Li Mu set down the cup and said, “Take a cavalry unit and pursue them. Go no farther than a hundred li, then return.”

“Yes, sir!”

He then gave orders to another deputy: “Once they’re gone, shut the gates. Repair the defenses, restock weapons, and prepare to defend. Also, pass along my order: do not disturb the civilians. Prisoners of war count toward military merit—do not kill them. For rewards, we need not plunder; I’ll see they’re compensated.”

“Yes, sir!”

Before leaving, this deputy hesitated, then nervously asked, “General, can we really hold E City with so few men?”

Li Mu replied simply, “Yes.”

He didn’t explain, but the deputy left smiling with newfound confidence.

Li Mu rolled his shoulders and arms, then stepped out of the tower ship.

He stood on the blood-soaked wall of E City, looking out at the fires raging within.

Some wealthy families, fleeing with the Chu troops, had set fires to incite chaos before leaving.

Perfect—now the Qin troops would have a clear source for their plunder rewards.

War was like a fine-toothed comb. Growing up in the military, Li Mu knew full well that soldiers would loot after a successful siege.

If the rewards were insufficient, relying on strict laws alone wouldn’t stop them—and morale would suffer.

But he didn’t plan to leave the city after sacking it. Instead, he aimed to integrate E City into Qin’s territory immediately, restore its productivity, and reassure the people. Therefore, looting was out of the question.

To satisfy both officers and soldiers, he had set his sights on the city’s wealthy elite.

These households were undoubtedly tied to Chu’s aristocracy. They didn’t farm themselves and wouldn’t contribute provisions to Qin. Destroying them would not harm the city’s future.

The assets of those who fled would be confiscated. The wealthy who remained would likely offer generous tributes to buy their safety.

While pondering how to reward the troops and soothe the populace, Li Mu didn’t bother worrying about a counterattack.

When the city’s defenders and governor fled, his strategic goal was already achieved.

He hadn’t been idle while resting in Xianyang. Learning from two elders who had once been enemies—Bai Qi and Fan Ju—had taught him much.

Li Mu now thought beyond military tactics and into the realm of statecraft. That’s why he began this campaign with a scheme to sow discord.

The flight of E City’s leaders proved his suspicion: internal conflict between Chu’s king and feudal lords was sharp. Neither side dared risk all in a battle against Qin, for fear of being weakened and consumed by the other.

Thus, by advancing cautiously and avoiding deep incursions, he could chip away at Chu territory without uniting them against him.

Though strategically important, E City had lost its status when Chu moved its capital to Chen. With Chu’s core now near the Huai River, deploying troops to E City was difficult.

Meanwhile, Qin controlled the confluence of the Han and Yangtze rivers. As long as Li Mu held out for ten days, the king would send reinforcements by water.

With Zhu Xiang leading settlers here, this land would soon become a new grain-producing region for Qin.

So, Li Mu no longer cared what Chu would do next. The Qin king wouldn’t give them a chance.

“Send word to the king,” Li Mu said from the wall, waving away the smell of blood and burning flesh. “Tell him: I have taken E City. From now on, Chu’s lands lie open for the armies of Qin.”

“Yes, sir!”

The old Qin king had just finished sending troops to attack the Zhou royal court.

Crown Prince Zhu, newly skilled at abacus calculations, was busily clicking away, double-checking logistical estimates for his father.

A report arrived: urgent news from General Li Mu.

The crown prince’s head snapped up. “Zhu Xiang didn’t cause trouble again, did he?”

The king replied, “If he did, he’d report it himself. No need to worry. Unless… Li Mu was defeated and needs reinforcements? Let him in!”

The messenger knelt, joy evident on his face—easing the tension in both the king and crown prince.

Judging by that expression, it had to be good news. Perhaps Li Mu had taken a city—or even Yunmengze?

“Your Majesty!” the messenger announced, “The general has taken E City—the meeting point of the Han and Yangtze rivers! He sends his congratulations, and says the gates of Chu now lie wide open for our armies!”

The “Yangtze” was then also called “Jiang River.”

The messenger knelt again, awaiting praise.

But no reply came.

Puzzled, the messenger looked up—only to see the king stammer, “Where? He took where?”

“E City.”

“What’s E City?”

“E City… is E City…” the messenger said, equally confused.

The crown prince finally caught his breath. “E City? You mean… he already took Chu’s former auxiliary capital?”

“Yes! The general captured it in less than half a day! He’s already repairing the walls and preparing for defense!”

The old king sat in stunned silence.

“Did General Li provide written reports?”

The messenger finally handed over the documents.

The king unrolled them. Li Mu had recorded his entire campaign timeline, down to the precise hour of each action.

He had seemingly flown from the Yangtze’s rapids to E City, taken it within half a day, and captured tens of thousands of Chu troops—now employed repairing the city.

The king read the report again. Then rubbed his eyes and passed it to the crown prince.

 Crown prince Zhu read it over and over, stammering, “Th-this boat is that fast?”

“We equipped them with sails,” the messenger explained.

“What are sails?”

The messenger described them.

The king and Crown prince asked more about Li Mu’s new navy. When they heard about black powder on the battlefield and Zhu Xiang’s little tricks fooling local states into surrender, both clutched their chests—speechless once again.

This… this Li Mu…

“Ha! Hahahaha! Wu’an Jun, Wu’an Jun! No wonder Zhu Xiang called him that—he is another Wu’an Jun for me!” The king slapped the table, roaring with laughter. “Good! Now we can station troops and supplies at the river junction and eat away at Chu! Chu is already within Qin’s grasp!”

The Crown prince rose and, beaming with joy, bowed deeply to his father. “Congratulations, Father!”

“It is indeed time to celebrate, hahahaha.” The old King of Qin laughed and said, “Pass down my command: Meng Wu will lead an army of 100,000 to provide support. Once they reach E Yi, that force will be handed over to Li Mu. From then on, General Li Mu will handle the southern campaign as he sees fit.”

Crown Prince Zhu asked, “Will Meng Wu stay there?”

The old King of Qin replied, “Yes, let him stay there and keep an eye on Zhu Xiang. I’m afraid Zhu Xiang will return even later than expected. When I summon him back, he can return together with Zhu Xiang.”

Crown Prince Zhu sighed, “Zhu Xiang really makes one uneasy.”

The old King of Qin chuckled, “Now that you’ve seen how capable Li Mu is, you should feel at ease. He can protect Zhu Xiang. The Chu state’s greatest threat isn’t just our mighty Lord Wu’an anymore. Now, there’s going to be a ‘little Lord Wu’an’ too.”

The old King had no intention of immediately granting Li Mu a noble title.

Qin’s ennoblement was extremely strict. Even generals who had achieved far more than Li Mu had not been granted a title. Li Mu, clearly, could not be granted one for this single accomplishment.

However, the talent Li Mu had shown had already made the old King mentally reserve a noble title for him.

Bai Qi’s title of Lord Wu’an would not be inherited. Once Bai Qi passed away, the King of Qin would have Li Mu succeed him as the next “Lord Wu’an.”

Only, the one to bestow that title on Li Mu might not be the old King himself.

It could be Crown Prince Zhu, Prince Zichu, or even Prince Zheng.

But as long as Li Mu did not die prematurely, the title of “Lord Wu’an” would be his.

Qin had many talented generals, but ones like Li Mu, whose brilliance was immediately apparent and whose future was clearly dazzling—only Bai Qi, the Lord Wu’an, was comparable.

This is what it means to be gifted.

The old King ordered the heralds to stand down and rest, then returned together with Meng Wu.

Only then did the old King stand, pace a few steps, then clench his fist and swing it with joy, laughing heartily, “Zhu Xiang’s ability to recognize talent is truly outstanding. From now on, I will never doubt the people he recommends again!”

Crown Prince Zhu took advantage of his father’s good mood and joked, “We’ll know which talents Zhu Xiang values by seeing who he brings to teach little Zheng. It’s said that when he first met Li Mu, he encouraged little Zheng to call him ‘Teacher Li’. His sharp eye is incredible. I wonder how much Zheng will be able to learn from them.”

The old King laughed, “Zheng has so many talented people teaching him. If he learns a bit from each, that would be quite something.”

He sighed, “If Zhu Xiang had been born a few decades earlier… If I could live another 20 or 30 years, maybe I could have unified the world myself. Now, I can only leave it to you.”

A trace of envy for future generations rose in the old King’s heart.

Crown Prince Zhu said, “Zhu Xiang once said, a person who feels full after eating ten pancakes can’t say they only needed the tenth to feel full. Even if Zhu Xiang had appeared decades earlier and joined Qin, Qin still would’ve had to grow step by step and conquer the world piece by piece.”

The old King let out a long sigh, “Indeed.”

He smiled, “You’re getting better at speaking. You’re also becoming less afraid of me.”

Crown Prince Zhu said sheepishly, “If I don’t try harder, I’ll only disappoint you. Besides, both Xia Tong and little Zheng are so outstanding. As an elder, I don’t want to lose to them.”

“It’s good to have ambition.” The old King patted the crown prince’s shoulder, “I used to think you were mediocre. But now, I see a wise ruler in you. Though you’re different from me, as your father, I look forward to your achievements.”

Crown Prince Zhu, overwhelmed with emotion, said, “Yes! I will not fail your expectations!”

He was so moved he couldn’t help but cry.

It was the first time in his life that he had received such a straightforward affirmation from his father.

The old King gently wiped away his grown son’s tears and patted his shoulder again, saying nothing more.

He truly felt gratified.

And also, deeply regretful.

Had he unified the world himself, his son might have become a great ruler who could maintain peace and continue his legacy.

What a pity.

He could only hope Xia Tong and little Zheng would live up to his expectations—and that Zhu Xiang would live a long life.

Li Mu’s great victory and his march to E Yi quickly became the talk of Xianyang.

The Chu state’s royal relatives were filled with mixed emotions.

Under the old King’s immense pressure, they dared not show any visible reaction, which only made their feelings heavier and more complicated.

They looked coldly at Zhu Xiang’s villa (which was actually little Zheng’s), their gazes icy.

Bai Qi, who had burned the ancestral tombs of Chu, was close friends with Zhu Xiang. And now, Qin’s credit for attacking Chu had fallen to Li Mu—who was also Zhu Xiang’s friend. Why was Zhu Xiang always at odds with Chu?

Even Lady Huayang muttered a few words to Zichu.

But afterward, she said, “Forget it. Qin will destroy Chu eventually. Might as well get it over with so I don’t have to hear any more complaints.”

Zichu: “???”

Was this really something his “naïve” legitimate mother would say?

He was utterly shocked. After probing further, he learned that after becoming friends with Xue Ji, Lady Huayang had accepted her future position as the Empress Dowager of Qin, securing everlasting wealth for her clan and cutting ties with Chu.

Since Qin was destined to conquer Chu anyway, what was the point of worrying?

Of course she was firmly aligned with Crown Prince Zhu and Prince Zichu, determined to enjoy her life as a grand empress dowager.

Zichu was speechless.

Now he understood why his father was so fond of Lady Huayang.

His own mother, Lady Xia, was lacking in that regard.

Lady Xia tearfully asked Zichu whether Qin’s momentum to annex Chu would also extend to Han.

Zichu coldly replied, “Qin has the ambition to unify the entire realm.”

Lady Xia cried, “Even if Qin unifies the world, couldn’t it grant some fiefs?”

Zichu said, “You’re not of Han royal blood. Why worry about the Han royal family’s future? Even if fiefs were granted, they wouldn’t go to your family.”

Lady Xia’s sobbing stopped abruptly.

Zichu continued, “Mother, think about it. What’s the difference between your relatives being officials in Han or Qin? Must they be loyal to Han’s royal house?”

Lady Xia’s lips moved, but she said nothing.

Zichu said, “Mother, Han will fall by my hand.”

Lady Xia was stunned, “You…”

Zichu rose and bowed: “I will conquer the Three Jins, unify the realm, and pass the complete empire to Zheng. You, Mother, will be the Empress Dowager of Qin.”

He left, and Lady Xia sat dazed for a long time.

She thought of the Han women she had slipped into her son’s residence.

Her son had told her that even if he accepted those women, no matter how many children he fathered in the future, the crown of Qin would definitely go to Zheng.

Only Zheng.

In truth, Lady Xia had long realized that her actions might all be in vain.

Zheng was surrounded by too many extraordinary people.

But her family told her: precisely because Zheng was surrounded by so many elites, he might not tolerate him.

No king tolerates a young heir with a power base equal to his own. Her son would surely be the same.

That’s why Lady Xia held onto a glimmer of hope.

“Was what Yiren said true?” Lady Xia murmured. “Will he never change?”

She could only murmur to herself—there was nothing else she could do.

All decisions lay with her son.

When Zichu returned to Zhu Xiang’s little courtyard, Meng Wu was laughing uproariously—clearly drunk.

Zichu’s cold expression softened as he stepped through the gate.

“I could hear you laughing from far away,” Zichu said. “Is heading south that exciting?”

Meng Wu, face flushed with drink, rubbed his fists eagerly. “Of course! My father always said, to achieve the greatest merit, you must follow a great commander! If he’d followed Lord Bai, his fame would’ve been even greater!”

Lin Zhi jeered, “Can you have some ambition? You should see Li Mu as your rival and defeat him!”

Zichu sat beside Lin Zhi, picked up a bowl of wine and echoed, “Exactly, you should beat him. How can you just think of following him? You’re older than him and have more seniority in Qin. Don’t be so spineless.”

Meng Wu grinned, “I have great confidence in my ability to lead troops. I know how to shine the brightest.”

Lin Zhi and Zichu both made mocking gestures.

“Shameful.”

“Don’t tell people I know you.”

“Why can’t you be like Lord Bai?”

“Or General Lian—become Lord Bai’s rival.”

“Didn’t General Lian never fight Lord Bai?”

“They could fight now?”

Lian Po scolded, “You two brats looking for a beating?”

Bai Qi silently drank, ignoring them.

Fan Ju stroked his beard and said, “After you go south, look after Zhu Xiang. Don’t let him run off again.”

Meng Wu patted his chest, “If he dares run, I’ll tie him up!”

Xunzi said doubtfully, “You’d better keep that promise.”

Meng Wu pounded his chest again, “Of course!”

Lin Zhi grabbed Zichu’s shoulder, “Write it down!”

Zichu said, “You be the witness.”

They wrote it down, had Meng Wu leave a fingerprint, and planned to give it to him when he sobered up.

Zichu laughed heartily, all his worries forgotten.

In Qianzhong Commandery, Zhu Xiang held a hoe in one hand and a letter in the other. Tilting his head, he muttered, “Why are they all going to E Yi? Well, as long as it’s not Chendu, it’s fine.”

He looked up at the newly dug paddy fields, joy on his face.

The Jianghan Plain was excellent—perfect for farming. Since Dongting Lake had been taken, he should go oversee the eradication of the snails there.

Once the snails were eliminated, he’d dig channels to drain water, turning swamps into rice fields. He could even establish mulberry-fish ponds.

Li Mu probably captured many Chu soldiers—let them cultivate the fields in Dongting. Tough work, but better than losing their heads for someone else’s military merit.

“Should I bring Zheng here?” Zhu Xiang hesitated, then shook his head. “The environment’s too harsh. Better to wait.”

Far away in Chendu, little Zheng sat on the doorstep, resting his chin on his hands, staring blankly into the distance.

“Zheng, do you miss your uncle?” Li Bing approached, cloak draped over his shoulders, and sat beside him.

Ying Zheng pouted, “Did Uncle forget about me?”

Li Bing chuckled, “How could he? It’s just that Qianzhong is far, conditions are tough, and Chu soldiers still raid from time to time—he left you here for your safety.”

Ying Zheng let out a long sigh.

Of course he knew that. But it had been a long time since they were apart, and he’d grown unaccustomed to being alone.

Even when they were apart before, he had his aunt for company. Now, alone in Chendu—he was truly unhappy.

“Do you want to go?” Li Bing asked. “If you truly want to, it’s not impossible. I’m about to escort a shipment of grain to support Li Mu.”

Li Bing wasn’t comfortable leaving Zheng alone in Chendu. Traveling with the convoy would be safe. Even if Zhu Xiang wanted Zheng to return, at least he could see his uncle first.

Otherwise, the little chubby boy was going to waste away.