Lin Tian was not aware of Yan State's actions beforehand.
For the past few days, he had been consolidating the Yan State cities he had captured, while also keeping an eye on Han Fang.
He was waiting for the opportune moment to directly attack the Yan capital.
Therefore, when Yan State submitted their surrender plan to Lin Tian, he was greatly surprised.
"Yan State is going to surrender? And they want to present their troop distribution map?"
"Huh? The leaders are Jing Ke and Qin Wuyang??"
Upon seeing this information, Lin Tian's expression immediately changed.
Others might not know what these two individuals represented, but Lin Tian was very clear.
These were the historical figures famous for Jing Ke's assassination attempt on the King of Qin.
Although the King of Qin did not die in this assassination attempt, he did hover on the brink of death, and it gave rise to the idiom "the King of Qin绕柱" (staggering around a pillar).
For the King of Qin, this was undoubtedly a huge embarrassment.
Thus, upon learning this, Lin Tian immediately summoned Zhang Han, Li Mu, Wang Wu, and others.
"Yan State is surrendering. I need to return to Xianyang for a while. You all guard the Yan State cities here and do not let Yan State seize any opportunity!"
"What? General, you want to return to Xianyang? Isn't this a bit hasty? His Majesty hasn't issued any orders!"
Under normal circumstances, a general could not return to the country without orders.
Especially for a general like Lin Tian, who commanded a large army, his every move affected the safety of the troops.
Therefore, they felt that Lin Tian's decision to return to Xianyang was inappropriate.
However, Lin Tian did not give them a detailed explanation, only stating:
"This matter is of great importance, and it is not convenient to explain it to you now! You only need to guard these cities and wait for my return!"
"Do not move troops rashly, nor should you trust the Yan people easily, before I return!"
"General Wang Wu and General Li Mu will be in charge of military affairs!!"
With that said, Lin Tian prepared to depart for Xianyang alone.
However, before leaving, he still gave instructions to the Black Ice Guard.
"Keep a close watch on Han Fang. Do not let him leave the military camp, and absolutely do not let him escape!!"
"Yes!!"
Although the Black Ice Guard did not know who Han Fang was, they could clearly sense Lin Tian's emphasis on him.
Therefore, they dedicated their full effort to his supervision.
Lin Tian was very satisfied with this.
Subsequently, under everyone's gaze, Lin Tian left the military camp.
As soon as he left, Zhang Liang's expression changed.
"What is going on? Has Lin Tian already discovered something? Why would he choose to leave the military camp at this time?"
Although Zhang Liang had not contacted Prince Dan of Yan since then, upon hearing that Yan State was going to present a troop distribution map, Zhang Liang understood that Prince Dan of Yan had acted according to their plan.
He had already sent someone to assassinate Ying Zheng.
Upon this, Zhang Liang felt a surge of joy.
As long as Ying Zheng died, and then he killed Lin Tian, his revenge would be complete.
But he never expected that Lin Tian would leave the military camp at this time.
This unexpected variable made Zhang Liang's heart uneasy.
He wanted to send people to assassinate Lin Tian, but he also knew that with his current preparations, his men would be incapable of killing Lin Tian.
Therefore, Zhang Liang could only hope for the best in his heart.
"I hope Lin Tian does not disrupt this assassination plan!!"
Afterward, he, like everyone else, waited for news.
A few days later, Jing Ke and Qin Wuyang arrived at the Xianyang Palace first.
They brought the troop distribution map, the head of Fan Yuqi, and a large amount of gold and silver, and began to seek help.
Given their status, it was impossible for them to meet King Ying Zheng of Qin so easily.
However, with the guidance of Qin officials, the situation would be different.
Therefore, they spent a day bribing people, which allowed them an opportunity to be introduced.
Tomorrow, during the court session, Ying Zheng would meet them.
Upon learning of this outcome, Jing Ke and Qin Wuyang were both very pleased.
They had repeatedly practiced the assassination many times.
The next day, they were brought to the Qin King's Palace.
This was Jing Ke and Qin Wuyang's first time at the Xianyang Palace, and also their first time seeing the Qin King's palace guards.
Jing Ke showed no great reaction. He had traveled extensively over the years, seen many grand scenes, and participated in many battles.
Therefore, these things had little impact on him.
Although Qin Wuyang had killed people and was the descendant of a general, he had never been on the battlefield, nor had he seen the truly powerful Qin army.
Seeing the majestic palace and the formidable guards, and thinking about having to assassinate King Ying Zheng of Qin here,
Qin Wuyang's legs and hands began to tremble.
At this moment, his mental fortitude was revealed.
Especially when King Ying Zheng announced their entry into the hall, Qin Wuyang's hands and feet trembled, making him appear strange, which made Jing Ke sigh even more.
"Alas! Why didn't we wait a little longer? If we had waited, Ge Nie would have arrived!"
"Then this time, I would have definitely killed King Ying Zheng of Qin!!"
Having a helper was different from not having one.
Not to mention, at this time, Qin Wuyang was not a helper, but more like a burden.
Many people could sense that Qin Wuyang was not right.
However, as soon as they entered the hall, someone spoke and asked.
"What is wrong with him? Why is his behavior so suspicious??"
"Speak, do you have any ill intentions?"
Someone felt that Qin Wuyang was acting strangely and immediately questioned him.
Such questioning almost made Qin Wuyang collapse on the spot.
He was too afraid; he even felt that the gazes of those people could flay him alive at any moment.
Therefore, the more people asked him, the more afraid he became.
He was just on the verge of revealing himself.
Fortunately, at this moment, Jing Ke resolved the situation.
"I beg Your Majesty to forgive us!"
"My subordinate is a country bumpkin and has never met any important figures, so upon seeing Your Majesty and the might of Qin, he was simply stunned!"
"However, we have come with sincerity this time!"
"We have not only brought our Yan State's troop distribution map, but also the head of the Qin traitor Fan Yuqi!"
"Therefore, we beg King Qin to spare our Yan State a way out, so that our Yan people can rest and recuperate!"
After speaking, Jing Ke opened the box containing Fan Yuqi's head.
Everyone in the hall immediately saw Fan Yuqi's head.
This caused them to whisper amongst themselves.
"It really is Fan Yuqi! He has come to this day?"
"The King placed a heavy bounty on him, and he thought he could escape? This is all his just deserts!"
"Yan State has indeed come with sincerity this time!"
The appearance of Fan Yuqi's head did make the Qin ministers feel their sincerity.
At this moment, Ying Zheng appeared extremely pleased.
Yan State's willingness to seek peace and surrender would bring great prestige to Qin.
Therefore, Ying Zheng, overjoyed, walked over.
...