Xianyang, Chengming Hall.
"Grand Commandant," Ying Zheng said, looking at his wicked husband, "have you ever considered where the empire can expand to?"
The wicked man bowed and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that heading north is the most urgent task."
"Oh?" Ying Zheng became interested. "Tell me your reasons."
The wicked man walked to the huge map in the center of the hall and pointed north: "Your Majesty, please look. Although we have conquered the Xiongnu, there are still the Wuhuan, Xianbei, Dingling, and other tribes on the northern grasslands. Although these nomadic tribes are temporarily subjugated, they will surely seize the opportunity to rebel should our Great Qin be in trouble."
"Therefore, I believe we should press on and completely incorporate the northern grasslands into our territory. Only in this way can we permanently eliminate the threat from the north!"
Ying Zheng pondered for a moment, then nodded approvingly: "What you say is absolutely right, my dear minister. Recently, I also received intelligence that the Wuhuan and Xianbei tribes seem to be making unusual moves. In that case, you shall lead the army north to completely eliminate the threat to the grasslands!"
"Your subject obeys the decree!" The wicked man bowed and accepted the order.
Three days later, at the Grand Commandant's residence.
The wicked man summoned his generals to discuss matters concerning the northern expedition.
"Grand Commandant," Meng Tian spoke first, "The northern grasslands are vast, and the tribes are scattered. To conquer them one by one would require a great deal of manpower and resources..."
"That's precisely why a swift victory is needed!" the wicked man declared resolutely. "This Grand Commandant already has a plan. Although these nomadic tribes are scattered, they each have their own leaders. Once these leaders are captured, the rest of their people will naturally scatter quickly."
He pointed to several locations on the map: "According to intelligence, the Wuhuan tribe is mainly distributed east of the Yin Mountains, the Xianbei west of the Yin Mountains, and the Dingling further north on the shores of the North Sea. For this northern expedition, we will proceed in this order: first take down the Wuhuan, then destroy the Xianbei, and finally conquer the Dingling!"
The generals responded enthusiastically, finding the plan highly feasible.
"Send the order to assemble an army of 300,000 and prepare for the northern expedition!"
The order spread like wildfire throughout the army. The Qin army's conquest machine was set in motion once more, this time targeting the nomadic tribes of the northern grasslands.
A month later, the army had assembled in Jiuyuan.
Three hundred thousand Qin soldiers stood in a dark mass on the edge of the grassland, their banners fluttering, their killing intent soaring to the sky. Five thousand expeditionary chariots were lined up in neat rows, ready for the long march.
"Order the entire army to march!"
With a command given, the army marched north in a mighty force. Their first target was the main camp of the Wuhuan tribe.
On the fifth day of their march, the army reached the edge of the forest.
"Grand Commandant," a scout reported, "Wuhuan cavalry have been spotted twenty li ahead. They appear to have discovered our army and are retreating rapidly..."
"Chase them!" the wicked man immediately ordered. "Don't let a single one escape!"
Five thousand cavalrymen immediately set off to pursue the scouting party. Although the Wuhuan people were skilled horsemen, they were no match for the Qin army. Soon, the entire scouting party was captured and taken back to the main camp.
"Speak!" the wicked man said coldly, "Where is your tribe's main tent?"
The Wuhuan scouts looked at each other, unwilling to speak.
"Not going to talk?" the wicked husband sneered. "Then you'll taste what it means to wish you were dead!"
Under his orders, the Qin soldiers began to torture these scouts. Amidst the piercing screams, some quickly broke down and revealed the tribe's location.
"The main tent is located on the banks of the Blackwater River in the northwest, with 30,000 warriors and 5,000 elite troops under the Khan's command..."
"Very good." The wicked man nodded in satisfaction. "Cut off their heads and hang them on the flagpole. Let everyone know what happens to the Qin army!"
A flash of blade, and several heads fell to the ground. Blood stained the earth, a testament to the brutality of the Qin army.
Upon learning of the enemy's situation, the wicked man immediately adjusted his strategy.
"Send orders to the entire army," he commanded. "Wang Li will lead 50,000 elite troops to outflank the Wuhuan from the east, cutting off their retreat. Meng Tian will lead the main force of 100,000 to attack from the front, drawing the enemy's attention. The rest of the troops will follow me to the west, forming a three-sided encirclement!"
The order was quickly relayed, and the army began to move out according to plan.
Three days later, on the banks of the Blackwater River.
The vast array of tents belonging to the Wuhuan tribe came into view. Thousands of yurts were scattered along the riverbank, with herds of cattle and sheep grazing and wisps of smoke rising from their chimneys. Clearly, they were unaware that the Qin army had already besieged the city.
"Prepare for a surprise attack!" the wicked man ordered.
The Qin army quietly approached the Wuhuan camp. Thousands of soldiers, like a swarm of bees, had already set their sights on the felt tents, awaiting only their commander's order.
";put!";
A dense rain of arrows fell like a storm, turning the sleeping Wuhuan people into pincushions. The fire arrows ignited the dry yurts, sending flames soaring into the sky. Panicked, the Wuhuan rushed out of their tents, only to run into the Qin army's blades.
"Ah! The Qin people are coming!"
Amidst terrified screams, the Wuhuan camp descended into chaos. Their warriors attempted to organize a counterattack, but were met with a barrage of arrows, suffering heavy casualties.
The Wuhuan Khan rushed out of his tent and turned pale upon seeing this scene.
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