Chapter 21: The Poisoned Plot Foils the Western Rong's Scheme

"Peace negotiations? How could that bunch led by Gan Long ever agree? They are counting on the war to line their own pockets."

Ying Quliang’s greatest worry remained the old aristocracy. He feared they would reject the peace overtures and instead clamor for an opportunity to reclaim lost territories. Reclaiming land would naturally vacate numerous official posts, allowing the old clans to install their own people and expand their sphere of influence.

Zhao Zheng, however, held a different view. "I actually believe Gan Long will not do that," he said. "In the Battle of Heilong Gorge, the old clans drained their coffers and donated their own property just to earn the reputation of a great victory. Yet, Brother Ying Qian’s campaign resulted in a two-to-one casualty ratio—it was a pyrrhic victory at best."

He paused for a moment before continuing, "That thousand-year-old fox Gan Long is no fool, and the old clans are not so shortsighted as to only see what is right in front of their noses. It is true they seek profit, but would they really squeeze the Qin state—their own plow ox—until it is bled dry just to grab an extra mouthful of grain? If they truly drain it dry, the power and wealth they cling to will ultimately vanish into thin air."

Ying Quliang found Zhao Zheng’s analysis sound and decided to propose the matter directly at the morning court session the next day.

Ying Quliang then asked, "So, how should we deal with the Western Rong tribes?" He continued without waiting for an answer, "Among the many Western Rong tribes, the most powerful are the Yiqu, the Ranrong, the Dirong, and the Wushi. The Yiqu are the strongest, and the others regard the Yiqu state as their superior. The Yiqu have been a state for a century; although they are an agrarian society, they reject cultural refinement and are nothing more than brutes relying on raw force. As for the other nomadic barbarians, they are even worse—they have no brains at all."

"To deal with them, we can adopt a three-pronged strategy: divide and rule, precision strikes, and cultural infiltration."

"Divide and rule, precision strikes, and cultural infiltration?" Ying Quliang looked deeply perplexed.

A cold smile tugged at the corner of Zhao Zheng’s mouth. "Divide and rule is, in essence, using the art of estrangement to drive a wedge between the various Western Rong tribes. The reason is simple: 'The unification of the Rong and Di is not in the interest of the Middle Kingdom,' especially when such a powerful force sits right before our borders. To put it another way, a state that is half-dead is the best neighbor to have. Just as the Three Families split the State of Jin, we must make them tear each other apart; that alone will grant the State of Qin a moment to catch its breath. We need only actively stir up conflicts between the various Rong tribes, forcing them into endless warfare. This will not only render them unable to harass our borders but will also deplete their strength against one another."

*Hiss...*

Ying Quliang gasped. Given the nature of these barbarians, once they began fighting each other, it would surely be a fight to the death. By the time they were done, half the Western Rong population would likely be wiped out. This scheme was truly ruthless.

"As for precision strikes... it means that whenever we can pinpoint their location, we strike with lightning speed without the need for prior reporting."

"The final strategy is the most important one. You must consider: why does the Western Rong pillage our state?" Zhao Zheng looked at Ying Quliang.

Ying Quliang pondered and said, "The Northwest is a barren land with a severe shortage of grain. The primary reason they raid us is for food."

"Exactly," Zhao Zheng nodded with satisfaction. "Since that is the case, we shall open border markets to trade for resources like warhorses, but we must limit the quantities to prevent any single tribe from growing too strong."

"Using food?" Ying Quliang’s expression shifted slightly. The State of Qin was already grain-poor; using their own food to trade for these necessities would indeed weaken the Western Rong, but it would cause great hardship for the people of Qin.

Zhao Zheng smiled mysteriously. "True, but not entirely. We can trade food, but we can also mix in some 'Guanyin clay'..."

"Guanyin clay? What is that?" Ying Quliang was becoming increasingly confused.

"Guanyin clay is actually a type of earth, and our Qin state is covered in it," Zhao Zheng patiently explained. "In truth, this is what the common people of Qin eat to stave off hunger during times of famine."

"Earth? You want to sell dirt to them?" Ying Quliang found it improper. He knew full well the consequences of eating such clay; it could fill the stomach, but eating too much would lead to an inability to excrete, eventually causing a person to die from blockage.

Zhao Zheng’s smile deepened. "A simple block of dirt won't work. But what if it were mixed with high-quality refined salt? Let them taste it for free first, so their tongues remember the flavor... and remember, this Guanyin clay must be strictly limited. Scarcity makes things valuable, after all."

If it were just plain dirt, this would be impossible, but adding refined salt changed everything. Once they tasted salt that was free of bitterness and could also fill their stomachs, they would surely promote it wildly, and it would become a hot commodity. By then, trading a horse for a block of Guanyin clay would not be beyond the realm of possibility.

*Hiss...*

Ying Quliang gasped again. This method was extremely devious. Was this truly a sage from Guigu? How could he be full of such wicked and ruthless schemes? Using a necessity like salt to bait those nomadic tribes? Or perhaps...

"Of course, never use this trick against the Eastern states. The Western Rong are fools, but the states to the east are not. If you treat them like fools, they will likely come to beat us up," Zhao Zheng said, immediately seeing through Ying Quliang’s thoughts and cautioning him.

"Ah... very well." Ying Quliang’s face flushed; he had indeed been thinking too simply. "Having you, sir, is truly a blessing for the State of Qin!" He could almost imagine the ministers at tomorrow’s court being struck dumb by this chain of poisonous schemes.

"Very well, these methods are enough to keep them busy for a while. If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."

Zhao Zheng finished the tea on the table in one gulp and walked toward the exit. Upon leaving the Yueyang Palace, he saw a familiar carriage parked outside.

"Damn it..." His heart sank; his worst fear had come true.

Just as he was about to ignore the carriage, a familiar figure pulled back the curtain.

"Hey, what are you hiding for?" Ying Shu looked at Zhao Zheng with a resentful expression.

Zhao Zheng sighed helplessly, then turned around and feigned surprise. "Oh, why does this carriage look so familiar? It is the Princess’s carriage! Greetings, Princess, it has been a long time..."

Ying Shu rolled her eyes and snapped, "Don't try to distract me with empty talk. Get in."

"This... very well." Knowing there was no escape, Zhao Zheng climbed into the carriage.

Inside, the previous maid was gone; only Ying Shu remained.

"Someone wants to see you," Ying Shu said, getting straight to the point.

"Who?" Zhao Zheng was stunned. He could not think of anyone he knew in the State of Qin. Could it be Zhang Yi? That was impossible; how could Zhang Yi know Ying Shu? Even if they did, that should be a matter for the future.

Ying Shu acted mysterious. "Don't worry about it. You will know when we get there."

Zhao Zheng asked no more. The carriage headed west and soon left the city of Yueyang. The two remained silent throughout the journey, and the carriage was filled with a subtle sense of awkwardness. Finally, Ying Shu broke the silence: "Are you not afraid that I might sell you off?"

Zhao Zheng gave her a side-eye. "Do you believe that if you sold me off, your brother would not give you a proper scolding the moment he found out?"

"You..." Ying Shu was rendered speechless. How dare this Zhao Zheng use Ying Quliang to silence her? She was so angry she stopped looking at him and instead lifted the curtain to watch the scenery outside.

Soon, the carriage stopped before a large mountain. Zhao Zheng stepped out and saw the words "Mount Moyuan" inscribed upon the mountain gate.