Handan City, the Palace of the King of Yan.
Guo Kai knelt before Zhao Yan, tears streaming down his face.
"Your Majesty! Li Mu has embezzled military funds, and Yun Qingshu has embezzled with him!"
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yan frowned, then asked in astonishment, "That's impossible! Mr. Yun was able to return to help when Zhao was in its decline, let alone General Li. He couldn't possibly embezzle military funds!"
Unexpectedly, Guo Kai quickly cupped his hands and said, "Your Majesty, I have investigated thoroughly. The grain did not reach the people; instead, someone stockpiled it in advance, bought it all, and secretly transported it outside the city!"
"The men guarding Handan are Li Mu's men..."
Guo Kai's intentions were quite clear, and Zhao Yan, being no fool, naturally understood them.
"Prime Minister, is this true?"
Although Zhao Yan had finally regained his senses, his trust in Guo Kai had reached an outrageous level.
Because Guo Kai always considered things from Zhao Yan's perspective, he always managed to speak to Zhao Yan's heart and even take the blame for him.
"It is absolutely true, Your Majesty. I have been secretly investigating among the people for some time now. These people are buying grain in batches and transporting it all outside the city!"
Zhao Yan suddenly stood up, his brows furrowed, seemingly lost in thought.
How did Guo Kai know that someone was buying a large quantity of grain and transporting it outside the city?
Naturally, Chu Liu informed Guo Kai in advance, and Chu Liu was acting on Lu Li's instructions.
Once rumors begin to circulate that Yun Qingshu embezzled public funds, inform Guo Kai and have him present it to the King of Zhao.
The Qin state, Xianyang Palace.
"Sir, we have spent a lot of money, but Zhao has not made a move yet. This..." Li Si asked, somewhat puzzled.
Even Li Si couldn't understand what Lu Li's purpose was in doing this.
Ying Zheng also looked up at Lu Li. Although Qin was very powerful now, the grain they bought from Zhao was all paid for with real money. Most importantly, they bought it at an astronomical price!
Lu Li did not answer, but smiled and said, "Your Majesty, please issue a decree that all people from all countries may enter Qin, and whoever settles there shall be rewarded with one mu of fertile land and ten dan of grain seeds!"
Upon hearing this, Li Si was the first to react, but he did not rush to speak. Instead, he waited quietly for Ying Zheng to speak, but the excitement on his face was about to burst forth.
Ying Zheng pondered for a moment, then asked in bewilderment, "One acre of fertile land and ten dan of grain seeds—isn't that a bit too little? Who would come?"
Seeing that Ying Zheng hadn't reacted yet, Li Si couldn't hold back any longer and hurriedly said, "Your Majesty, the State of Zhao! The State of Zhao!"
Only then did Ying Zheng realize, "That's right! Zhao has no grain reserves left. If they don't leave Zhao, they won't even survive this winter."
Therefore, the people of Zhao will surely take the risk.
Ying Zheng dared not think any further. If all the people of Zhao were to move to Qin, the scene was simply unimaginable!
"Li Si, draft an edict and proclaim it throughout the land!"
At this moment, Lu Li smiled and said, "Your Majesty, please don't be impatient, please wait a moment."
"Wait a minute? Why?" Ying Zheng asked, puzzled.
"It's not too late to issue the decree after we've observed the King of Zhao's reaction."
This move is Lu Li's last trump card. Once it is played, the Zhao state will be plunged into an abyss of no return, but it will also be a considerable burden for the Qin state.
If his previous plan had succeeded, the Qin army could have easily conquered the Zhao state, which would have been the best strategy.
"What other good ideas do you have, sir?" Ying Zheng asked.
"I have people spread rumors that Li Mu and Yun Qing embezzled military funds in their letter."
This tactic of spreading rumors has been popular since the Spring and Autumn Period, and it has been very effective.
"But would the King of Zhao believe it?"
Now that Zhao is beset by internal and external troubles, it is precisely the time when it needs capable people.
"But King Zhao naturally wouldn't believe that."
"But if Yun Qingshu calms down, he will definitely find out where Zhao's grain went. So, I ordered someone to persuade Guo Kai in advance to frame the two of them for buying the grain!"
Upon hearing this, Li Si felt a chill run down his spine. Lu Li's move was truly ruthless!
The key is the order of events. If Li Mu and Yun Qingshu had told Zhao Yan first, and Guo Kai had reported it later, then Zhao Yan would basically not have believed what Guo Kai said.
But if Guo Kaixian said it!
Then Li Mu and Yun Qingshu are in for a world of trouble!!!
The Zhao Kingdom, the Zhao King's Palace.
Before Guo Kai had left, a eunuch came to report that Yun Qingshu and Li Mu were requesting an audience.
Zhao Yan gave him a wink, and Guo Kai immediately understood and quickly hid behind the screen.
"Announce!"
Before long, the two arrived at the main hall together.
"This humble general greets Your Majesty!"
Zhao Yan raised his hand and asked, "What urgent matter brings you two here so late?"
Li Mu glanced at Yun Qingshu, who then stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, General Li Mu and I have made a significant discovery and have come to report it to Your Majesty!"
After saying that, Yun Qingshu told Zhao Yan all the information and clues they had found.
Zhao Yan was stunned after hearing this. Good heavens, he hadn't quite believed Guo Kai's words before, but what Yun Qingshu said was exactly the same as Guo Kai's.
However, Yun Qingshu framed the Qin state for the person who did this!
Do you really think you're stupid? How could the Qin state possibly transport so much grain without anyone noticing? And right under the noses of you, Li Mu and Yun Qingshu, no less.
Moreover, how could the Qin state possibly know everything about the Zhao state? It would be absurd to buy up all the grain belonging to the aristocratic families.
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