Chapter 93: The Difficult Choice

Immigrants from the states of Zhao and Yan could not be concealed. Yet the other five states refrained from further inquiry, for Yan and Zhao had furnished plausible explanations. This convoy of settlers, much like the tens of thousands of women and children who had preceded them, was dispatched to the North Country.

Although the five states no longer paid close attention to the migration, they could not overlook the subjugation of the North Country under Yan and Zhao.

...

Crossing the sea was never simple, but landing midway for a day’s rest proved feasible, or else at least one or two thousand of the hundred thousand troops and civilians would have perished.

After halting and proceeding in stages, several days later they reached the Beidao Island of the Eastern Ocean.

“This… Lieutenant General, have we arrived?”

Even Duke Yan began to harbor doubts.

The vast city in the distance lay plainly in view, its stone houses clustered densely along the dock beyond counting.

Lieutenant General Shao had been equally astonished the first time he saw it, never imagining the sovereign would erect a county city for them.

“Duke of Yan, this is the main city of the Yan State. Several more towns lie farther inland, yet the dwellings must be built by your own artisans.”

Indeed! Yanhe rejoiced inwardly.

“Enough. Constructing houses is a minor matter; our craftsmen shall suffice.”

“Grateful beyond words for Your Majesty’s benevolence!”

The largest investment for any city was its walls, while houses were simpler still. The dense forests in the distance offered the finest timber.

Across the centuries of the Spring and Autumn and Warring States, the states had not merely waged war but had also cleared lands and broken earth.

Not only did Lin Shu furnish the cities, but he also supplied countless iron tools and agricultural implements, along with seeds of sweet potatoes, potatoes, and corn.

Yanhe was both shocked and gratified; the farmers who beheld the newly laid-out land cities were likewise at peace.

So long as they did not proceed to the North Pole, they could endure.

“Moreover, the wooden vessels at the dock are yours. The navy will leave men to instruct you in fishing.”

They must also collect the Zhao State contingent. Lieutenant General Shao saw no reason to linger and entrusted the shore handover to others.

“King’s grace is overwhelming!” Yanhe could not but submit. The two greatest difficulties—food and shelter—had been resolved by the sovereign!

In the span of a year at most, he could open new cities and settle new people. Ten thousand souls were few, yet the Duke of Yan refused to be content.

A dozen massive ships glided alongside the dock bridge, their disembarkation proceeding with remarkable speed.

Under the concerted efforts of more than one hundred thousand men, all manner of cargo reached the warehouses swiftly.

Once completed, the fleet departed at once. Sailors long accustomed to the open sea could remain at sea for a full month without touching land.

As the vessels vanished, the hundred thousand troops and civilians gazed after them in silence. On this unfamiliar island of the great sea, the empire’s fleet had become their sole anchor and reliance.

...

Time sped by, and in the blink of an eye the spring of the empire’s fourth year arrived.

Over these past two years the North Country had developed in quiet prosperity, yet the Qin State would not rest easy. Although Jing Ke’s diplomatic mission had expressly declared that no interference would be made in the Qin-Zhao conflict, the Qin court could scarcely believe such a promise.

Perhaps mindful of the Northern Army, the Qin State redirected its gaze toward Wei and Han.

Within two years the Qin forces had engaged the five-state alliance several times; after that final clash the last of Wei’s elite troops had been all but annihilated.

Once a great power of the Central Plains, Wei was now as frail and diminished as Han and Zhao.

...

Spring had come, yet the ice and snow of Liaodong remained unbroken.

In the small palace.

Early each morning Shao Siming arrived punctually to tend the king’s health, though she knew full well that his constitution now required no special care.

The moment Shao Siming entered, Yanfei rose at once and stepped out.

“Lord Lin, Sister Xinying tells me you intend to tour the feudal states?”

Lin Shu frowned. “Xinying, you have become far too talkative!”

[Commander, are you not the one who should be speaking of it?]

A faint, teasing laugh drifted from the air.

“Hmm, yes indeed.”

The king nodded in acknowledgment. Shao Siming ceased her movements and leaned against his chest of her own accord.

It was neither passion nor deep affection; Shao Siming had simply grown accustomed to his embrace. Yet this troublesome uncle had grown restless of late, his hands no longer so restrained.

Fortunately, the layers of clothing kept her from feeling truly disturbed.

“Alas! Let Xinying call the others over as well!”

Lin Shu found himself somewhat hesitant. He had endured for two or three years; it was time to depart.

The moment Xinying’s words reached him, the three queens who had been dressing at the dressing table in the great hall hurried to the Eastern Lord’s chamber.

“Ah! Mother, do not close the door!” Little Yan’er, clutching steamed buns and you-tiao, scampered over.

In the space of ten meters she crossed the distance in a single breath.

“Oh! You little imp! You’ve hurt your mother!”

Jing Ni turned sharply, nearly toppled by her.

Truth be told, Jing Ni envied her daughter. Over these two years the spiritual energy nurtured by the god carriage had seeped continuously into her very being; her current spiritual energy level already rivaled that of a third-rank martial artist. In ten years’ time, even the mightiest Eastern Lord would fall short of her.

Fortunately, Jing Ni’s old wounds had nearly healed; within half a year she would reach the master realm and catch up with the two Yin-Yang Sisters.

In these two years the carriage used to convey spiritual energy to the family had stored little energy of its own and sometimes still required coal to power.

The little daughter arrived, and Lin Shu rose quickly.

“My little treasure, let Father hold you!”

The twin arms of his father proved too tempting. Little Yan’er nearly gave in.

“Hmph! I won’t let you hug me! You never sleep with Baby, only with Fourth Sister!”

Little Yan’er’s large eyes grew suspiciously moist. Bad Daddy no longer loves me!

Lin Shu smiled, rose from the bed, and lifted the child into his arms.

“My little treasure, you are nearly four years old. You must learn to sleep alone.”

“See? You have already grown up. You could not stand before.”

For all his headaches with her, Lin Shu adored Little Yan’er. The child’s strength matched that of an adult, yet fortunately his own cultivation had already surpassed the second-rate threshold; otherwise he would be inferior to this tiny creature.

“Oh! Father, Baby does not want to grow up!” The little one suddenly realized that growing older did not always mean growing better.

While the child pondered life’s mysteries, Lin Shu let her drift.

“Husband, what urgent matter drives you?”

This was precisely the time for him and Shao Siming to exchange tender words. Jing Ni had never seen him waste such exquisite moments.

Shao Siming rose as well. She had become a young woman, yet still one size smaller than her sisters.

“I intend to tour the Seven States. Otherwise the Seven States will cease to exist.”

Because the North Country stood allied with Yan and Zhao, the Qin State was forced to hasten its unification. Its first target was Han and Wei; the far north would come last.

Alas! Jing Ni sighed and drew Little Yan’er back into her arms.

These past three years the family had been consumed by endless duties, with little time for travel.

“Husband! Let Yanfei remain behind!”

The Moon God stepped forward and gently tugged at Lin Shu’s sleeve.

What! The Eastern Lord looked distinctly displeased.

“Little Moon, last time you were away nearly two months before returning from the Eastern Sea. This time your turn has come.”

Three women together were more troublesome than a flock of ducks. Fortunately neither Shao Siming nor Jing Ni spoke, or else Lin Shu would have fared even worse.

Even with his body already infused with spiritual energy, he could barely manage three queens. That was also why he had not rushed to wed Shao Siming.

“I plan to pass through Yan State to negotiate the alliance treaty with Wei. It should take about two months. After returning I will proceed to Han; perhaps I shall only return after the New Year.”

Deciding whom to send left Lin Shu equally troubled.

“Then let Little Moon accompany the king to Wei State for now!” Yanfei watched the Moon God with a knowing smile; two months was easily borne.

“Or let the sister go first!” Moon God, who had no desire to speak, could not help but interject. She simply refused to let Yanfei enjoy any lighter burden than herself.

Shao Siming, who had remained silent, finally spoke.

“What of it? Little Sister will accompany the king to Han later. I have already reached the master realm!”

Jing Ni felt both delight and envy. Even Shao Siming had caught up with her!

Of course, the real reason was Xinying’s favoritism. The Shao Siming who slept beside her loved nothing more than chatting with Xinying deep into the night.