Chapter 283 Licking Blood on the Tip of a Knife
The night gradually enveloped Xinzheng, and the lights of Zilanxuan were reflected in the streets.

Bai Jing sat in front of the long desk, holding the teacup in his hand, watching the tea leaves floating in the water. He was not very interested in Han Fei’s analysis.

Han Fei didn’t take it seriously: “Brother Bai, Ying Zheng’s test is definitely not just curiosity.”

“Although he did not explode in the court today, he has already put South Korea into a desperate situation.”

“Next, he will have two moves.”

Zhang Liang said, “If I’m right, Ying Zheng’s first move is to attribute Tianze’s death to Han’s inaction, and then use Li Si to put pressure on the King of Han to cede land and pay compensation.”

“The second move… is to make a layout with Brother Bai as the core. Whether it is recruiting or excluding him, it is all within Ying Zheng’s plan.”

Han Fei nodded: “If Qin cannot recruit Brother Bai, it will regard Brother Bai as a great threat.”

“By then, Qin’s actions in South Korea will not be limited to ceding territory and paying compensation.”

“You take Ying Zheng too seriously.”

Bai Jing put down the teacup and tapped the table with his fingers: “He wants to test me, but he doesn’t dare to provoke me directly.”

“Do you think this is the attitude of a strong man? In fact, it is just fear.”

“fear?”

Han Fei frowned.

Bai Jing smiled slightly: “Although Ying Zheng is the King of Qin, his power is not stable. The Lü Buwei and Lao Ai factions of Qin, as well as the clans within Qin and the old nobles of the six countries, are all eyeing him covetously.”

“He personally entered Han today. It seemed that he was intimidating, but in fact, he was trying to divert the internal conflicts of Qin.”

Zhang Liang nodded in admiration after hearing this: “Brother Bai, you see things clearly. Although Ying Zheng appears strong, he really cannot withstand a large-scale war. Otherwise, not only will the people of Qin not be able to bear it, but even his own throne may suffer.”

Bai Jing raised his lips slightly: “You just need to stabilize the situation in South Korea and prevent him from finding an excuse. I will handle Ying Zheng’s temptation myself.”

Han Fei said: “Brother Bai, what you mean is…if Ying Zheng comes to you in person, will you meet him?”

Bai Jing smiled but said nothing.

Wei Zhuang leaned on his sword and sneered: “It seems that Bai Jing wants to face Ying Zheng directly.”

Yan Fei stood by the window and said in a cold voice: “King Qin Ying Zheng is not an ordinary person.”

“Brother Bai, if you show up, you will be dragged into Ying Zheng’s chess game, and even become a reason for Qin to target South Korea.”

Bai Jing didn’t care: “In Ying Zheng’s chess game, maybe he thinks I’m a chess piece, but sooner or later he will understand that I’m the one holding the chess.”

In the guest hall of the palace, candlelight was dim.

Ying Zheng stood at the window and looked at the streets of Xinzheng.

Li Si stood behind him and whispered, “Your Majesty, Tianzong Daozi Bai Jing still hasn’t shown up. Han Fei used the excuse of ‘seclusion’ to shirk responsibility, which is clearly an intentional delay.”

Ying Zheng snorted softly: “Han Fei is a smart man, but his intelligence is only so good. Delaying will not change the outcome of South Korea.”

Li Si bowed his head slightly and said: “Your Majesty, if Bai Jing is not useful to the Qin State, should he be eliminated as soon as possible?”

Ying Zheng looked up at the night sky: “Bai Jing is a double-edged sword to me.”

“If I can use it, it will be a powerful weapon for the Qin Dynasty.”

“If you can’t be used by me, you will be a hidden danger to the Qin Dynasty.”

“But this man remained calm and composed. Even the Six Sages of the Farming Family were defeated by him, which shows how unfathomable he is.”

Li Si nodded: “Your Majesty is right.”

“If this man can serve my Qin, he will surely help you unify the six kingdoms. But if he refuses, I think he must be eliminated as soon as possible to prevent future troubles.”

Ying Zheng tapped the table with his fingers. “No hurry! He is afraid of me because he doesn’t see me, but his weakness is that he doesn’t dare to leave Korea.”

“Have someone keep a close eye on Zi Lan Xuan. If Bai Jing continues to refuse, I want to see how long he can hide.”

On the second day, Ying Zheng increased the pressure on the Korean court.

“The issue of South Korea ceding territory and paying compensation has not yet been finalized.”

Ying Zheng sat in the palace hall and said: “I don’t want to hear excuses for delay. If Han State is disrespectful, I don’t mind using Qin’s cavalry to wipe out Han’s territory.”

The King of Han was trembling with fear, and his lips kept shaking.

Zhang Kai stepped forward with gritted teeth: “King Qin, please be patient.”

“Han is already discussing the issue of ceding territory and paying compensation, but this matter is of great importance and needs to be carefully considered with the court. I hope the King of Qin will give us some leniency.”

Ji Wuye said coldly: “Ceding land and paying compensation is a small matter, but the King of Qin coming to visit is a big matter.”

“South Korea has no intention of offending you, but if the King of Qin insists on his own way, I’m afraid the princes of the world will misunderstand that Qin is a hegemonic country.”

Ying Zheng was a little angry: “So what if you are overbearing? Does South Korea have the ability to refuse?”

King Han was sweating profusely. He looked at Ji Wuye with wide eyes and both felt powerless.

At this time, Han Fei suddenly stepped out and said: “The King of Qin is pressuring the seven states, so Han naturally dares not disrespect them. But if the King of Qin uses this to force them, it would be impolite.”

Ying Zheng narrowed his eyes: “Etiquette? Are you teaching me how to behave? Do you want to die?”

Han Fei said calmly: “The King of Qin is a great ruler of the world, so he should be tolerant.”

“If the King of Qin doesn’t even have this much patience, he will only be looked down upon by the people of the world.”

Ying Zheng gritted his teeth in anger when he heard this.

How dare a tiny South Korea, an insignificant nobody, talk back to me?
The atmosphere in the entire hall suddenly became extremely tense.

Han Fei smiled and said, “As the King of Qin said, Han is powerless to compete with Qin.”

“But if the King of Qin continues to push forward, even if Han is destroyed, Qin will pay the price.”

“The six nations of the world will all unite because of this.”

Ying Zheng was silent for a moment, then suddenly chuckled.

“You are quite eloquent.”

“However, if the person I want to see doesn’t show up, no matter how eloquent you are, you can’t save Korea.”

After saying this, Ying Zheng turned away.

After the palace was dismissed, Han Fei stood alone outside the palace gate.

Zhang Liang came up from behind and whispered, “Sir, Ying Zheng’s patience is running out.”

“If Brother Bai continues not to show up, I’m afraid Ying Zheng will take action directly.”

Han Fei sighed: “I know! But we can’t interfere with Brother Bai’s decision. If he shows up, he must have his own plans.”

Zhang Liang nodded: “Sir, how should we deal with Ying Zheng?”

Han Fei said in a deep voice: “Ying Zheng’s temptation is unavoidable, but if he wants to move South Korea, he must first stabilize the country.”

“We can take advantage of this, delay time and seize the initiative.”

“Also, Quicksand’s men must be mobilized.”

Zhang Liang cupped his hands and said, “I understand.”

The lights in Zilanxuan are as dim as beans at night.

Yan Fei stood by the window and looked at Bai Jing: “Ying Zheng has already forced Han Fei into a corner, are you still not going to step forward?”

Bai Jing opened his eyes: “Ying Zheng’s chess game has not yet been fully unfolded, why should I be anxious?”

Yan Fei sneered: “But you are not an outsider. If South Korea is forced into a desperate situation, you will not be able to escape unscathed.”

Bai Jing smiled slightly: “In Ying Zheng’s chess game, the chess piece has never been me, but himself.”

Yan Fei was startled, as if she realized something but was not sure.

Bai Jing looked out the window: “You just have to wait. I will give Ying Zheng the answer to his plan.” In the early morning of Xinzheng, the palace bells echoed in the sky.

Han Fei stood outside the palace gate early.

“Young Master, it’s time to go in.” Zhang Liang reminded in a low voice.

Han Fei nodded, straightened his wide-sleeved robe, and walked towards the hall.

Today, King Ying Zheng of Qin came to the court in person to continue to put pressure on South Korea, but he was still alone facing the indifference of the entire court.

The King of Han sat on the high platform with a pale face.

Ying Zheng sat firmly in the guest seat.

“Today, I only want to ask one question… How will Han Guo explain Tian Ze’s death?”

The whole court was in dead silence, and no one dared to answer.

“I’ll give you one more day to give me an explanation, otherwise you will die!” The King of Qin was very impatient and strode out.

I don’t want to say anything more to these rubbish!

King Han’s throat rolled slightly, and finally turned his gaze to Zhang Kaidi: “Prime Minister Zhang, what do you think?”

Zhang Kai walked out slowly, bowed and said: “Your Majesty, I believe that the death of Qin envoy Tianze did happen in our country.”

“But Han has never been an enemy of Qin. I suggest that we cede territory and pay compensation to express our sincerity to Qin.”

As soon as these words came out, a sneer appeared on Ying Zheng’s lips.

“Cede territory and pay compensation?”

“Every time Korea encounters trouble, it has to cede territory as a price. This goes on and on. In the end, what will Korea have left? Are you good-for-nothings left?”

Ji Wuye smiled coldly and took a step forward: “King Qin is absolutely right.”

“But South Korea is weak now. If it does not cede territory, it will be difficult to appease the wrath of Qin. I think Zhang Xiang’s suggestion is the safest option at present.”

The two of them sang the same tune and put the strategy of ceding territory and paying compensation on the table.

After hearing this, Han Fei finally couldn’t help but said: “Such a bad plan can be discussed openly in the court? It’s ridiculous.” Although his tone was light, it was as loud as thunder.

Zhang Kaidi and Ji Wuye turned their heads at the same time and stared at Han Fei coldly.

“What do you mean, Mr. Han? Do you have a better idea?”

Han Fei calmly cupped his hands and said, “The strategy proposed by Prime Minister Zhang is nothing more than asking Han to cede territory in exchange for a chance to survive.”

“But have you ever thought about whether Qin will be satisfied with this? Every time we cede land, they will only become more aggressive and eventually force Han into death!”

Ji Wuye couldn’t stand this guy anymore: “Han Fei, you are just an idle young man, what qualifications do you have to interfere in the affairs of the court?”

“Although ceding territory and paying compensation is not a long-term solution, it can preserve the safety of South Korea. If you have a better solution, why not tell us so that everyone can hear it!”

Han Fei cleared his throat and said, “The safety of South Korea does not depend on ceding territory and paying compensation, but on self-strengthening!”

“Qin may not want to start a war. They are just using Tianze’s death as an excuse to test our bottom line.”

“If we can’t even keep our integrity, how can we make Qin afraid?”

Zhang Kai was full of disdain: “Sir, do you think that Han can still make Qin afraid? Our Han army is weak and small, even if we keep our integrity, what can we do?”

Han Fei’s voice suddenly rose: “Our Han army is weak, but it is not without a way out! Although Qin is strong, they are now facing internal and external troubles, and Ying Zheng’s power has not yet been completely consolidated.”

“If we use the contradictions in Qin as a breakthrough point, we may be able to delay the situation and buy time.”

“Nonsense!” Ji Wuye interrupted harshly.

“Qin is strong. If Han does not cede territory and pay compensation, it will only face the disaster of national destruction. Han Fei, are you qualified to bear such consequences?”

Han Fei laughed instead of getting angry: “If I am not qualified, then do you, General Ji, have it? You are offering to cede territory and pay compensation. If Qin continues to push its limits, Han will eventually perish. Who will bear the consequences then?”

Ji Wuye’s face darkened: “Han Fei, you are just quibbling!”

Han Fei stepped forward: “The strategy of ceding territory and paying compensation is ultimately nothing more than a manifestation of cowardice!”

“You don’t dare to fight, you just package your fears as so-called safe strategies.”

“How can you protect your country if you are so weak?”

These words were so powerful that a dead silence fell over the hall.

All the civil and military officials bowed their heads in silence, and the King of Han’s expression became extremely ugly.

Zhang Kai’s brows were tightly knitted, and Ji Wuye was furious: “Han Fei, you are just an idle young man, what right do you have to give orders here? Since you are so confident, why not go to see the King of Qin in person and see if he will listen to your illusory self-improvement strategies!”

Han Fei sneered and bowed to the King of Han: “Since General Ji and Prime Minister Zhang do not trust Han Fei, I am willing to go to meet King Qin Ying Zheng on my own!”

As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the court.

King Han was shocked: “Han Fei, are you serious?”

Han Fei held his head high and said, “Although I am not talented, I wish to do my best for the Kingdom of Han. If I can convince the King of Qin, it will be a blessing for the Kingdom of Han. If not, Han Fei is willing to sacrifice his life to apologize!”

The next day.

Han Fei came to the Qin delegation’s residence alone.

Ying Zheng sat at the table, playing with a jade pendant in his hand. “Master Han, I heard that you are willing to come to see me in person and persuade the Qin State to withdraw its troops.”

Han Fei smiled and said: “The King of Qin is so powerful that the whole world is shocked. Although Han Fei is not very knowledgeable, he is willing to give it a try.”

Ying Zheng raised his lips slightly and said, “What a willing person! I want to see what great truth you can come up with.”

Han Fei sat down calmly and looked at Ying Zheng. “Although the King of Qin came to Han for Tianze’s sake, Han Fei thinks that this is just an excuse for Qin to test Han.”

“The real purpose of Qin is not the murderer who killed Tianze, but the attitude of Han.”

Ying Zheng froze slightly when he heard this.

Han Fei continued, “The King of Qin entered Han with a strong attitude and forced the King of Han to cede land and pay compensation. In fact, he wanted to use Han’s concessions to announce Qin’s hegemony to the world.”

“But has the King of Qin ever thought that if Han really ceded land, the six countries would see Qin’s intentions and eventually unite to fight against Qin.”

Ying Zheng snorted coldly: “The six nations unite? Just relying on them?”

Han Fei remained calm and said calmly: “Although it is difficult for the six countries to unite, it is not impossible.”

“If Qin were to press forward and force Han into a corner, it would sow the seeds for a coalition.”

“By then, it will be very difficult for Qin to unify the world.”

Ying Zheng smiled coldly: “Han Fei, I have heard too much of your words.”

“The plan of the six countries to unite has already been shattered by me. Do you think South Korea is qualified to threaten Qin?”

Han Fei shook his head and smiled: “Han Fei has never thought of threatening the Qin State.”

“But if the King of Qin can take a step back, he can not only win the hearts of the people, but also use retreat as a means of advancement and eventually annex the six kingdoms.”

Ying Zheng narrowed his eyes slightly.

Han Fei took advantage of the situation and said: “If the King of Qin continues to put pressure on Han, the six countries will unite.”

“But if the King of Qin shows tolerance, South Korea will take the initiative to attach itself to him out of gratitude. This is the true way of a king.”

As soon as Han Fei finished speaking, the atmosphere in the hall froze instantly.

He frowned slightly, sensing a chill.

Ying Zheng was also stunned for a moment.

However, the next moment, a sharp dagger was placed on Ying Zheng’s throat!

“do not move!”

(End of this chapter)