In the original timeline of the Qin Empire, after conquering Han, it was difficult for the local people to submit to Qin's rule in the short term. At that time, Qin's conquest of Han was primarily due to geographical necessity and the need for Han's agricultural resources.
Han consistently produced abundant grain. Unless deliberate sabotage occurred, such as Ji Wuye's engineered famines, shortages were rare.
The rapid unification of the Six States by Qin required immense logistical support. Even though Ying Zheng had begun stockpiling resources years earlier, the limitations of the era meant supplies were still insufficient. Qin relied on the strategy of "sustaining war through war," using the resources of conquered territories to support its armies. This only further alienated local populations, making their acceptance of Qin rule unlikely.
But this time was different. With Daniel Davis's intervention, the empire's reserves were exceptionally abundant. Relief stations were established in every region to aid the poor. In such circumstances, the people had little reason to oppose Qin. For most, it didn't matter who ruled so long as their basic needs were met.
In remote villages, many residents were completely unaware of their rulers, knowing only the name of their state.
This realization alarmed Zhang Liang and the anti-Qin factions. If things continued this way, their ability to mount a rebellion would dwindle further with each passing year.
Han, the first to be conquered and where Daniel had once resided, received special attention. For example, New Zheng City became the second location, after Xianyang, to establish a school. Additionally, Zinu frequently ensured Han received extra care.
The people of Han now lived better than before. Even Han Fei, though still unable to fully let go of his grievances, felt much more at ease.
Han, Zhao, and Wei, being closer to Qin, received greater attention and support, so their people fared better than those in Yan and Chu. However, Qin's unification of the Six States had been so rapid that it was impossible to implement changes everywhere simultaneously.
In Qi, which had been spared from war, life remained much the same as before. But precisely because of this, Qin's reforms in Qi progressed more slowly. While war was never desirable, it was undeniably the fastest way to reshape a society.
"Rest assured, this time the Grandmaster of Qin won't escape unscathed. I hear the Peasant School has already issued a Shennong Command against him," said Fan Zeng of the Xiang clan, who had arrived at the Mohist Mechanical City.
Daniel's large-scale maneuvers had drawn the attention of the Xiang clan. Though Daniel himself showed little interest in Xiang Shaoyu, the empire's nationwide bounty for the young heir of the Xiang clan left him no peace.
"Speaking of the Peasant School, why haven't they sent anyone yet?" someone asked. The empire's campaign against the Mechanical City had drawn many factions from the Hundred Schools of Thought, but the Peasant School remained absent.
"No need to worry. The Peasant School suffered heavy losses recently, and their new leader has just taken charge. There are matters to attend to. But they've promised to send reinforcements soon," Yan Dan quickly explained.
Yan Dan's reasoning was credible. When the Peasant School's new leader, Tian Yan, ascended, the news was shared widely among the Hundred Schools. Many were surprised that a frail and sickly woman, though known as the "female Guan Zhong," had risen to leadership. This spoke volumes about the extent of the Peasant School's losses.
"Juzi," a voice called.
As Yan Dan, Zhang Liang, Wei Zhuang, and others discussed their strategy against the Qin army, Dao Zhi arrived hurriedly. Seeing his urgency, Yan Dan knew he bore critical information.
In the Mohist City's secure chamber, Dao Zhi relayed everything he had seen about the Hundred-Battle Shenji Ballista.
Yan Dan's expression grew grim as he listened. Despite his personal flaws, Yan Dan was highly capable. A master of mechanisms second only to Master Ban, he had once modified the Mohists' supreme weapon, Fei Gong, a feat that required unparalleled expertise.
"Thank you for your efforts. Unfortunately, we need you to go back and keep an eye on those weapons. I'll think of a solution," Yan Dan said after a moment of silence, his voice tinged with regret.
"For the Mohists, it's no hardship," Dao Zhi replied before departing again. The Hundred-Battle Shenji Ballista posed too great a threat to the Mechanical City to be ignored.
"Everyone, we've just received critical information. The Gongshu family has created a powerful new weapon using their Dominant Mechanisms," Yan Dan announced, gathering Zhang Liang, Wei Zhuang, Xiaoyao Zi, Fan Zeng, and Master Ban. He detailed the capabilities of the ballista.
"They dare create such a weapon? Have they no regard for heaven's will?" Master Ban roared in outrage.
"Qin has no concern for such matters. For the sake of the people, we must overthrow this tyranny," Xiaoyao Zi declared. The weapon's devastating power, though unseen, was clear from Yan Dan's description. Its effectiveness in battle left them deeply unsettled.
The group unanimously agreed that the weapons must be destroyed.
---
"It seems the enemy has learned about the Hundred-Battle Shenji Ballista. Master Gongshu, is everything secure?" Daniel asked.
"Rest assured, Grandmaster. Everything is in place, and Master Xinghun is stationed nearby," Gongshu Chou replied confidently.
The ballistae were heavily guarded, positioned at the center of the army and protected by elite fighters from the Yin-Yang clan, the Six Doors Organization, and mechanized constructs created by the Gongshu family. Without the power of a "Breaking Army"-level expert, infiltrating was impossible. Even if someone managed to get through, they would face overwhelming resistance.
---
High above the Qin army's camp, Mo Ya stood atop a black mechanical bird, smiling at Bai Feng, who stood on a white bird across from him.
"Give it up. You know you don't stand a chance," Mo Ya said.
Empire advancements in aerial defense, including Mechanical Vermilion Birds and hot air balloons, had nullified Bai Feng's aerial tactics.
---
"Advance!" Daniel ordered.
The Mohists had laid numerous traps along the path to the Mechanical City. Their mechanisms, built from wood and stone, turned the forest into a maze of hazards. However, Daniel had no intention of using soldiers as cannon fodder to clear the way, as Wei Zhuang had done in the original timeline.
Mechanical White Tigers and Snakes, combined with the Gongshu family's bomb arrows and other siege tools, plowed through the obstacles with ease, steadily advancing toward the city.
---
As night fell, three Mohist disciples patrolling the city spotted a shadow. Before they could react, a flash of cold light swept past, and all three collapsed, lifeless. The shadow, undeterred, pressed further into the city.
By morning, the bodies were discovered, spreading panic throughout the Mechanical City.
"What a swift sword. The assailant is undoubtedly a master swordsman," Wei Zhuang said, his expression dark as he examined the thin, precise wounds on their necks.
"Is it Han Guang?" someone asked.
"No. This attack was restrained, efficient—clearly the work of a top-tier assassin. If I'm not mistaken, it's one of Luo Wang's Heaven-grade assassins," Wei Zhuang replied gravely.
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