The summer heat has not yet dissipated, and autumn, symbolizing harvest, has quietly arrived.

In early April, there was a court meeting.

Ying Zheng announced his decision to send troops to attack Donghu next year.

The ministers in the court had basically no objection to this, and each of them looked calm and confident, without any worry.

Because, with the current military strength of the Qin Dynasty, it is a complete crushing situation against the Donghu tribe who are still using cold weapons.

As for the selection of the chief general, the ministers began to have a heated discussion, and some generals who wanted to make great achievements also recommended themselves.

Among them, Meng Tian was the most active.

He suppressed a colleague behind him who wanted to stand out, stepped forward first, and asked for orders with great righteousness.

"Your Majesty, the Donghu cavalry are good at fleeing, and the Northeast is full of mountains. If they were defeated and fled, it would be difficult to pursue them."

"I have led troops for many years and have successfully pursued tribes such as the Xiongnu, Yuezhi, and Wusun. I have quite a bit of experience."

"With the help of the divine chariot this time, I will surely be able to conquer Donghu in one fell swoop."

At first, Ying Zheng was pleased with his beloved general's loyalty to the country, but when he heard the last sentence, he instantly understood his little thoughts.

This old guy, with his thick eyebrows and big eyes, has a lot of little thoughts.

He must be itching to drive a tank again.

When he first saw it, Meng Tian walked around the tank, laughing excitedly and touching it all over.

Recalling the strange looks of the Mohist disciples, Ying Zheng felt so ashamed for the first time as his monarch.

As he thought about it, Ying Zheng's face became darker and darker.

He waved his hand and refused calmly.

"I know you are deeply committed to serving your country, but I already have someone in mind."

Tank manufacturing is time-consuming and labor-intensive, and their numbers are scarce, so they cannot be destroyed by him.

Moreover, the extraction and refining of its fuel oil is equally difficult.

Hearing His Majesty's polite refusal, Meng Tian's face fell and his eyes became somewhat resentful.

He hasn't stretched his muscles for more than three years.

He couldn't imagine how exciting it would be if he could drive a tank and sweep through the battlefield, invincible.

Alas~ Your Majesty, can’t you fulfill his little wish?

Ying Zheng ignored the big man's eye-catching expression, looked at Wang Ben, and spoke majestically and solemnly.

"Marquis Tongwu has guarded the border for many years and has made great contributions."

"Are you willing to lead the attack on the Donghu this time?"

Wang Ben was not surprised when his name was suddenly called. He knelt on one knee and saluted with his hands clasped in greeting. His rough voice was loud and steady.

"I will definitely live up to your Majesty's expectations!"

"Hahaha, my dear minister, you are brave and good at fighting, and your military achievements are outstanding. I can rest assured."

Ying Zheng laughed heartily, his words full of trust in Wang Ben.

Then, he narrowed his eyes slightly and changed the subject.

"How many troops do you need, my dear, to ensure absolute safety?"

"With Xuanwu's help, 300,000 troops are enough."

Wang Ben replied confidently.

If it weren't for the sake of safety, 200,000 troops would actually be enough given the battlefield dominance of armored tanks.

"good!"

Hearing the expected answer, Ying Zheng nodded slightly in satisfaction.

After pondering for a moment, he frowned slightly and made troop deployments.

"Then we will dispatch 200,000 troops from Jiuyuan Commandery, and conscript the remaining 100,000."

As soon as the emperor finished his words, which brooked no room for argument, voices of dissuasion were heard one after another in the court.

"Your Majesty, this war is of vital importance. Would it be too risky to employ new soldiers?"

"Our Great Qin has abolished the military service system. To reintroduce it now would be inconsistent and might lose the support of the people. Your Majesty, please reconsider!"

"Yes, instead of recruiting new soldiers, it would be better to dispatch 100,000 troops from Guanzhong."

“…”

The Qin Dynasty generally implemented conscription and had a strict military service system.

Men had to register with the government at the age of sixteen or seventeen, and then be drafted into the army at any time according to national needs. Those with titles were exempt from military service at the age of 56, while those without titles were exempt from military service at the age of 60.

In the early days of the Qin Empire, everything was in ruins and the country was weak.

The arduous military service, heavy corvee labor, heavy taxes, harsh punishments... and other systems made the people of the world miserable and full of complaints.

But since Chu Yuening brought sweet potatoes with an output of 10,000 kilograms per mu, the gears of fate began to turn.

Over the past ten years, corvée labor has been abolished and replaced with a mercenary system; taxes have been reduced and the Single Whip Law has been implemented; laws have been revised and penalties have been reduced...

Three years ago, in order to recuperate and develop the economy, military service was abolished.

From then on, the people of Qin were loyal to their country and the country became strong.

Officials who are loyal to the country and the people naturally do not want to disrupt such a prosperous situation.

In the face of the earnest advice from his ministers, Ying Zheng remained calm and showed no sign of wavering.

He raised his hand and pressed down, his aura of majesty without anger was as deep as the sea, which made people feel a chill in their hearts.

After the court was silent, he opened his thin lips and explained slowly in a deep voice.

"My great Qin army has been serving for many years. If we don't recruit new soldiers, won't we be in trouble for the rest of the year?"

"In addition, this conscription is mainly voluntary."

"My dear ministers, rest assured."

As soon as these words were spoken, all the officials breathed a sigh of relief.

Immediately, another civil servant looked worried, shook his head and sighed.

"Now that the world is at peace, I'm afraid not many people are willing to risk their lives on the battlefield!"

"Indeed, on the battlefield, swords are merciless. A single careless move could result in immediate death. Brave and fearless individuals are ultimately a minority."

"Alas, I'm afraid this recruitment will be difficult!"

Compared with the sighs and complaints of the civil servants, the military officers were more optimistic.

"Not entirely. We Qin people are martial and tough, and there are many good men who want to achieve great things!"

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