Before Ying Zheng could speak, a murmur rippled through the hall—the name "Privy Council" was new, but it instantly made everyone realize the weight of its power.

If such a military institution is indeed established, it will undoubtedly be above many generals and government offices, and may even unify the military power under the control of relatives of the empress and members of the imperial family. Its power is unimaginable.

Meng Can's eyes lit up. He had been silenced by Ying Zheng's reprimand earlier, but now he couldn't hold back and spoke up first: "If this Privy Council is really established, wouldn't that mean... it will be fully responsible for commanding troops and guarding the borders?"

Although he asked the question, there was clearly a hint of excitement in his voice. For the Grand Minister of Agriculture, if the military system were completely streamlined and unified, the allocation of funds and provisions would become more efficient, and he would no longer have to deal with the messy infighting among various departments.

The wicked man glanced at him, knowing what Meng Can was plotting again, but he didn't expose him. He simply replied loudly, "That's right. Although our Great Qin currently has His Majesty's decrees, military power in various regions is mostly dispersed among generals, border governors, and local officials."

"If we really want to carry out large-scale military operations abroad in the future, we must do it in one step, reduce redundancy at each level, and ensure that all parties give the same order and coordinate from one point. Only in this way can we strike with lightning speed."

His words were forceful and resounding, causing the group of military officers to exchange bewildered glances, their eyes flashing with a dazzling light.

Some experienced veterans can already sketch out a clear picture in their minds: if the Privy Council can truly unify military power and merge the military and civilian personnel, the efficiency of frontline operations will surely increase greatly.

At the same time, many people also felt uneasy about the fact that "power is concentrated in one place".

"Your Majesty!" Han Fei stood up and said calmly, "I am not against the establishment of the Privy Council, but the personnel in this council must be carefully selected."

"Such power, if held by only one or two military generals, may become too powerful to control... We need to have people who are both civil and military, loyal and selfless, to participate in the deliberations."

Wang Wan also cupped his hands in greeting: "I agree with what the Minister of Justice said. The military system is like a bowstring; its tension or loosening affects the entire country. If we only pursue speed, we may end up neglecting one aspect while focusing on another."

After he finished speaking, the hall fell silent for a moment.

Ying Zheng surveyed the expressions of everyone present, his eyes filled with domineering composure. "I am the ruler of Qin, and perhaps I am not capable of being perfect in every aspect. However, I have never made a mistake in recognizing and employing people."

"What I have done is the foundation for thousands of generations to come. There is no one like me before or after me. If you are worried that your great achievements will overshadow your superiors, you might as well stay in your small territory and live a peaceful life."

These words exuded boundless domineering confidence, accompanied by an overwhelming imperial aura.

A glint flashed in the eyes of the evil man. He knew that the First Emperor would not be worried about these things with his magnanimity, but he still explained: "The Privy Council can be established. It should be equipped with left and right Privy Councilors, as well as several major departments for military administration, military affairs, and military equipment. Only by checking and balancing each other and cooperating with each other can it last."

His gaze fell upon Huan Yi and the other generals. "The several generals should be the foundation for establishing the dynasty, and all those above the rank of lieutenant general should enter the Privy Council..."

"The affairs of the Privy Council should be decided with the King's approval, and the Privy Council should then refine them. It cannot act arbitrarily without orders. Military orders can be issued, but troops cannot be mobilized without the King's decree..."

The wicked man laid out his entire conception of the Privy Council's functions, which drew nods of approval from the assembled civil and military officials. Simply put, the Privy Council was the monarch's military advisor, strategist, and secretary, only more integrated for easier operation.

Today, Ying Zheng said he dislikes the barbarians who are living comfortably. The Privy Council should quickly come up with a comprehensive plan to devise a strategy for attacking them.

Tomorrow, if Ying Zheng says he wants to eat roasted monkey, the Privy Council will have to quickly mobilize troops and send them south to capture some monkeys.

The main features are ease of use and high efficiency, with decisions still in Ying Zheng's hands, so he doesn't need to spend too much energy planning.

His lengthy and eloquent explanation amazed all the civil and military officials in the palace. He even used the absurd scenario of "wanting to eat roasted monkeys" as an example, which made the generals burst into laughter.

Ying Zheng stood in the center of the hall, pondering for a long time, and had already approved of the general direction of the "Privy Council". It was not that he was afraid of delegating power. On the contrary, he had always had to make decisions on all matters, large and small, in the court and on military affairs. If there was such an institution to share his burdens, it would be just what he wanted.

"What the Grand Commandant said is practically liberating me from the quagmire of endless military affairs..." He chuckled, glancing around the hall. "The Privy Council's proposal is excellent, and I agree."

Upon hearing these words, the civil and military officials who had been observing secretly breathed a sigh of relief. Since ancient times, monarchs have been most wary of powerful ministers seizing power. If Ying Zheng were to suddenly turn against them, not only would the wicked husband be in trouble, but all the ministers who had just shown enthusiasm... would also be doomed.

“However—” Ying Zheng’s tone suddenly changed, and he said in a deep voice, “This function is a bit lacking. How can a loyal and righteous minister like the Grand Commandant not be included? The position of Chief Privy Councilor should be established, to be held by the Grand Commandant, who will lead the Privy Council.”

Han Fei and Wang Wan exchanged a glance, then clasped their hands in greeting and said, "Your Majesty is wise."

The others naturally had nothing to say. Even though the wicked man had many flaws in his behavior, no one doubted his loyalty and his ambition for the Qin state.

Ying Zheng nodded slightly, then looked at the wicked husband: "Grand Commandant, since you were the first to propose this plan, why don't we draft it today, and then sort out all the military equipment, military system, and mobilization matters, and settle this matter as soon as possible?"

The wicked man was not one to procrastinate. He immediately summoned the officials from the relevant departments, and the group, along with Ying Zheng, began a detailed discussion for the Privy Council.

...

By the time the emperor and his ministers had dispersed after discussing matters of the Privy Council, it was already late at night.

Outside Zhangtai Palace, lanterns are hung high, and the red walls stand majestically.

The wicked man and the civil and military officials filed out of the palace gate.

Perhaps it was the passion they were filled with, or perhaps it was the new hope they were carrying, but everyone's steps were much lighter.

Even the usually mature and prudent Han Fei seemed to be in a good mood at this moment, muttering to himself as he walked: "If this strategy can be implemented, the Great Qin can rest easy; the lands of the four seas and the territories of the ten provinces may also be gradually conquered."

Upon hearing this, Meng Can sighed heavily, "No matter how brilliant the plan, it still costs money! When the time comes, a single decree from you will put me in a lot of trouble..."

Meng Ao smiled helplessly and said jokingly, "The king's will is firm. If you still want to be a miser, you'll become a laughing stock of the world."

Meng Can wasn't annoyed. He flicked his sleeves, his face full of arrogance: "What do you know? It's precisely because I'm in charge of the money and supplies that I can make decisions at the most crucial moments and spend money wisely!"

The two exchanged words, which were quite amusing. The wicked husband chuckled silently to himself, sensing that the court was gradually becoming a cohesive unit.

If this lively atmosphere can continue, the rise of the Qin state will surely come even faster!