Qin Dynasty: Starting with clinging to Zhao Ji's thigh

Chapter 283 Does Your Majesty not know of Bai Qi of Qin in the past?

The general dies on the battlefield, his body returned wrapped in a horse's hide.

For a military general like Li Mu, if he had to choose a way to die, it would definitely be to die on the battlefield, wrapped in a horse's hide.

Just as Ying Jing subdued Lian Po without expending much effort, the latter was not afraid of death, but simply unwilling to die an obscure old age.

Unfortunately……

Lian Po never got the chance to lead an army into battle again, and Li Mu was destined not to die on the battlefield.

In fact, Ying Jing admired Li Mu, a military genius who was like a pillar of strength, but ultimately their positions were different.

Given Wang Jian's abilities, if it were a direct confrontation with a large army, the Qin state would not be without a chance to win.

But that would inevitably lead to an extremely fierce and brutal battle, and even if we won, it would be a Pyrrhic victory, resulting in countless casualties.

Ying Jing also had some heroic sentiments, but he would never sacrifice the lives of Qin soldiers to help Li Mu out of admiration and respect.

……

The State of Zhao, Handan.

The secret chamber of the Prime Minister's residence.

"Lord Changxin is so generous, much more so than that old fellow Lü Buwei!"

Guo Kai was lying on a pure gold table, stroking the various jewels such as agate and jade with a fascinated expression.

The entire secret chamber was adorned with jewels, with numerous gold ingots stacked together, reflecting a golden glow under the bronze lamps.

Over the years, Guo Kai amassed countless riches, especially after Lord Changxin replaced Lü Buwei, which made him even wealthier.

Even this secret room is only a part of his vast wealth.

"Hmm, sending so many treasures just so I can add fuel to the fire when Sima Shang pleads for Li Mu..."

"This won't do!"

Guo Kai has always considered himself a very trustworthy person.

The amount of benefits received corresponds to the amount of work that must be done.

Mr. Changxin is a valued customer, always easy to please and generous with his money. It's rare for such a big customer to have something to do, so we can't be negligent.

"We need to find a way to make a big scene, preferably by killing Li Mu outright, so that we won't let down all the treasures that Lord Changxin gave me!"

As for what would happen to the State of Zhao if Li Mu were to die... such a thing was never in Guo Dashanren's consideration.

Without Li Mu, is the State of Zhao doomed?

The truth is, it's truly beyond saving, but Guo, the philanthropist, doesn't think so.

Without Li Mu, Zhang Mu and Zhao Mu will naturally take his place.

……

Heaven Prison.

Although Li Mu was a very famous military general, he was not particularly burly; he was just stronger than the average person.

Wearing only a thin prison uniform, he sat upright at a small square table, holding a book in his hands and studying it carefully, his expression very calm.

Li Mu's numerous victories over the years established his unparalleled prestige in the State of Zhao.

Even the prison guards and jailers held this pillar of the Zhao state in high esteem.

Even while in prison, he was able to eat and drink well, and even read books in peace.

Li Mu wasn't too worried about his situation.

He was still able to receive news from the outside world through the jailer, guards, and his subordinates outside.

The Qin state annexed the Han state without bloodshed, and the next one would inevitably be the Zhao state.

Under the threat from Qin, as long as the King of Zhao hasn't completely lost his mind, he will eventually release him.

only……

"General, I have good news!"

The jailer arrived excitedly outside Li Mu's prison, carrying a jug of wine and a roast chicken.

"Oh?"

Li Mu did not put down the book in his hand, but just smiled and looked at the jailer: "Could it be that you are about to be promoted, or have you found gold?"

Even though he was in prison, Li Mu didn't seem worried much, and he could even joke with the jailer.

This is exactly the demeanor of a great general.

"Hehe, General, this news has nothing to do with us. Is it good news for you?"

As the jailer spoke, he opened the cell door and placed the wine and roast chicken he was carrying on the small square table in front of Li Mu.

Ordinary prisons don't offer this kind of treatment, and he paid for the small square table himself.

"My good news?"

Li Mu was slightly surprised: "Could it be that His Majesty has changed his mind?"

The jailer nodded: "I heard that General Sima Shang has gathered many officials or former subordinates who are on good terms with you and they have signed a joint petition in blood. They are currently in the palace pleading with the king for your sake!"

"what?"

Upon hearing the jailer's words, Li Mu was so startled that his whole body swayed slightly, and the piece of roast chicken he had just torn off fell onto the table.

The jailer, however, remained oblivious to this and continued cheerfully, "General, you are an upright man, and there are few in Zhao who do not admire you. You have also made so many contributions. It is absurd to imprison you like this."

"Look, everyone thinks you're innocent. With so many people pleading for you, even the King will have to change his mind!"

The jailer excitedly brought the information he knew, feeling that he could release General Li Mu soon.

At this moment, Li Mu felt as if he had fallen into an ice cave, filled with chills.

"How could Sima Shang be so foolish?"

Li Mu, who hadn't panicked even when imprisoned, was now truly on edge.

He was well aware of the fundamental reason why the King of Zhao was suppressing him in every way: his achievements were too great and threatened the king's authority.

As long as he remains low-key and tolerant, he is confident that he can escape under the threat of Qin.

But now, this is just a matter of being imprisoned, and his subordinates are already planning a bloody remonstrance against the royal palace.

If he were really sentenced to death, wouldn't that lead to a rebellion?

Such an extreme way of pleading will only make the King of Zhao even more wary of him!

This time, getting out will be truly difficult.

……

The Palace of King Zhao.

"Your Majesty, Sima Shang and the others have been kneeling outside the palace for three hours. Would you like to see them?"

The queen gently massaged the shoulders and neck of the King of Zhao and spoke softly.

"Hmph, if you like kneeling, then keep kneeling!"

"The king of Zhao is me, not Li Mu!"

King Zhao Yan sneered, his slightly aged face filled with indifference.

They were already quite wary of Li Mu, and now that Sima Shang and others had brought a letter written in blood to the palace to plead for Li Mu, they had truly touched a raw nerve.

So many generals and important figures in the military knelt outside his bedchamber for a long time.

Aside from not carrying any weapons, what's the difference between this and a coup?

Even if all these people kneel and die outside, Li Mu absolutely cannot let them go!

Having understood King Zhao's intentions, Queen Chang smiled and said, "But Your Majesty, if they really continue to kneel here, it may damage your reputation."

"Does the Queen have any ideas?"

King Zhao frowned, realizing that the Queen's words had a hidden meaning.

The queen bowed slightly, pressing her ample bosom against King Zhao's back, her red lips already close to his ear: "Does Your Majesty not know of Bai Qi of Qin in the past?"

Bai Qi was also invincible in battle, and at his peak, his reputation in the Qin state was in no way inferior to that of Li Mu in the Zhao state today.

But where is Bai Qi now?

If the Qin state could do it in the past, why can't the King of Zhao do it today?