The rebel army had previously thought the Qin army was no longer effective. It wasn't that they were too arrogant, because it wasn't just the rebel army; even many officials and common people thought so.

The newly enthroned emperor, Huhai, was absurd in his conduct, as could be seen from the constant stream of unofficial anecdotes coming from Xianyang. All he inherited was the First Emperor's cruelty and bloodlust, without any of his grand talent or strategic vision. With such an emperor ruling the Great Qin Empire, its future was predictable.

The famous generals who had achieved glorious military merits for the Qin Dynasty, from Bai Qi in the distant past to Meng Tian, Meng Yi, and Wang Jian more recently, had either died of illness or been killed by Huhai. The vast empire was left with no pillar of a star general.

The emperor was incompetent, and treacherous sycophants ran rampant. How could such a country not fall?

Of course, many people had previously thought it was too dangerous for Zhou Wen's isolated army to advance so deep. But no one had expected him to be defeated so quickly, to the point of suicide and the annihilation of his entire army.

News from the front line came one after another.

The man who defeated Zhou Wen was named Zhang Han.

It was said that Zhang Han was not originally from a military background. Before leading troops, he held the office of Chamberlain for the Palace Revenues, which wasn't a particularly high position. It was only because Huhai had no one else to send and was making a desperate choice that he was sent out. Who knew that Zhang Han's performance would exceed everyone's expectations.

This man, previously unknown, became famous throughout the world because of this battle.

It was also said that the soldiers under Zhang Han's command were not all valiant and battle-hardened Qin soldiers. Their ranks were padded with many convicts and slaves temporarily assembled. Zhang Han had promised them that as long as they charged forward without fear of death, they would receive a pardon from the imperial court. Those who performed with exceptional bravery could even receive official titles and ranks, thereby escaping their lowly status. Great rewards bring forth brave men, and for this reason, the troops led by Zhang Han were so ferocious.

Some of this news was true and some false, making it difficult to discern the truth. It was even mixed with much hearsay from ignorant men and women.

For example, it was rumored that on the day Zhang Han broke through Mianchi and trapped Zhou Wen, a great storm raged with thunder and lightning. This led to rumors that Zhang Han and Zhou Wen were both celestial lords in their past lives, who were incompatible as fire and water due to their conflicting temperaments, and were destined to be mortal enemies upon their reincarnation in the human world.

Rumors like this were countless, some so absurd they could make Liu Zhen laugh her head off. But considering the superstitious nature of ancient people, it wasn't that no one believed these words. It was even possible that Zhang Han's side had sent people to spread them, with the aim of unsettling people's minds and launching a propaganda offensive for himself.

Once Zhou Wen was dead, Zhang Han did not pause or linger, but directly led his troops eastward.

At this, everyone began to panic.

Liu Yuan summoned everyone to the Governor's manor to discuss countermeasures. Among them were many who had originally been Qin officials but had now turned to serve under Liu Yuan. Liu Nan, being the eldest son, was also permitted to listen in. As for Liu Zhen, she certainly wouldn't miss such a major event. She had long since changed into men's attire and similarly managed to snag a seat to listen.

Of course, it wasn't that no one noticed Liu Zhen disguised as a man, but Governor Liu had always been accustomed to breaking the rules. Now was a critical time, and no one would be so tactless as to admonish him over such a trivial matter.

Xu Zhongfang had not yet returned from escorting Wei Bao to Xingyang, so Liu Yuan was temporarily serving as the County Commandant. The person briefing everyone was now Song Xie. The old gentleman, Mr. Song, was seen stroking his beard as he said gravely, "The latest news is that the Qin army has reached Gong County. In Gong County, they split into two forces. The main force is heading towards Xingyang, while another Qin army, led by Dong Yi, is heading south. I'm afraid they're coming for Yangdi!"

As soon as these words were spoken, everyone in the hall's expression changed.

As for why Zhang Han was able to lead a hastily organized army of convicts and, in a short time, successively defeat Zhou Wen and Wu Guang, and then fight all the way to Chen County, forcing Chen Sheng into a disastrous defeat, later generations have a very brilliant explanation.

Though Qin lacked virtue, its military was strong. Though the feudal lords were sharp, they were all but a motley crew.

A short sentence that revealed the secret within.

Liu Yuan not sending troops to reinforce Zhou Wen earlier couldn't be called a mistake. On the contrary, it was a cautious decision to preserve his strength, unwilling to throw an egg against a rock. The problem was, it wasn't just Liu Yuan; everyone, including Wu Guang and Chen Sheng, had the same idea, which happened to confirm the later generation's assessment—though the feudal lords were sharp, they were all but a motley crew.

A rotten ship still has three inches of nails. The formidable national strength that the Qin Dynasty had accumulated step by step since Shang Yang's reforms could not be squandered away all at once, no matter how much its unworthy descendants messed around.

In contrast, the rebel armies were scattered and lacked a strong organization. Although Chen Sheng initiated the uprising and everyone nominally followed him, in reality, he couldn't control anyone. When Liu Yuan arrived in Yingchuan Commandery, he immediately treated it as his private property. Others like Wu Guang, Wu Chen, and Han Guang were countless. Liu Yuan was not the first, nor would he be the last. Unorganized, undisciplined, loosely spread out, each governing their own territory and harboring their own ulterior motives—it was no wonder such a rebel army could not withstand the swift and powerful offensive of the Qin army.

Liu Zhen unfortunately discovered that she was now in the midst of such a "motley crew."

Someone asked, "How many people do they have?"

Answering him was An Zheng: "A rough estimate is around twelve thousand."

A force of ten thousand, slightly more than Yingchuan Commandery's, so the disparity wasn't huge. But the problem was, that was the Qin army.

Before the Qin army arrived, anyone could criticize and mock them. But when they were truly about to besiege the city, everyone immediately remembered the terrifying power that swept through thousands of troops when Qin conquered the six states.

Liu Yuan's gaze swept around. "Since my arrival in Yangdi, I have relied on all of your assistance to get to where I am today. Within Yingchuan, the people have rested and recuperated, and commerce has flourished. Your contributions are undeniable. Now the Qin army attacks, their momentum fierce. Thus, I have invited you all here to discuss this together. If you have any ideas, please speak freely."

"Governor, Zhou Wen led an army of tens of thousands stationed at Mianchi, yet still couldn't escape the fate of total annihilation. The might of the Qin army is not something our single city can withstand. Rather than fighting to the death and depleting our forces, it would be better to immediately retreat south. Perhaps there is a chance for survival."

The speaker's surname was Xi, the Chief Clerk of Yingchuan Commandery. Madam Zhang had previously tried to arrange a marriage with his son, but it was unsuccessful.

His words drew agreement from many. They hadn't even seen the shadow of the Qin army, yet many were already psychologically shadowed. If Zhang Han knew, he would probably die laughing.

Liu Yuan was noncommittal. "You want me to abandon the city and flee?"

Chief Clerk Xi faltered, then argued, "This is not fleeing, but adapting to the situation. This way, we can preserve our strength. South of Yingchuan, the Qin army's forces are weak. The Governor can seize a territory and start over. When the time is right, it might not be impossible to retake Yingchuan."

Liu Yuan asked, "Then will you all go with me?"

Of course he was unwilling; if he were, he wouldn't have suggested this idea. Chief Clerk Xi glanced at the people around him and forced a smile. "...This subject is willing to defend this place for the Governor."

In these times, there were many opportunists who wanted to have a foot in both camps, and Chief Clerk Xi was just one of them. His plan was quite clever: as soon as Liu Yuan left and the Qin army arrived, they could claim to be court officials who had been coerced and request clemency from the court. The Qin army was currently overwhelmed by rebels everywhere, so they certainly wouldn't severely punish these "unwilling accomplices." Then they could remain in their original positions, just with a new superior.

It was unclear whether he had failed to notice the man's intentions, but Liu Yuan actually nodded. "This plan is not bad. Does anyone else think like Chief Clerk Xi?"

Seeing Liu Yuan's approving expression, many others subsequently stood up to express their agreement with Chief Clerk Xi's idea, and their willingness, like him, to send Liu Yuan off to the south while they remained to defend Yangdi.

Liu Zhen noticed that while these people were all chattering and giving their opinions, Liu Yuan's staunch supporters—Song Xie, An Zheng, and Wu Yu—were all just watching from the side, silent.

Liu Nan, however, was eager to jump in and refute their arguments. Liu Zhen, sharp-eyed and quick-handed beside him, spotted this and directly reached out to give his waist a vicious pinch. Violently suppressed, Liu Nan grimaced in pain. If not for reason telling him not to lose his composure, he would have cried out.

He glared angrily at Liu Zhen, who gave him a stern look that said, "Don't get involved," causing him to quiet down resentfully, thinking to himself, 'I'll settle the score with you later.'

Just at this moment, a dissonant voice emerged from the crowd: "We absolutely must not retreat south!!"

The voice was so penetrating that the discussions came to an abrupt halt, and everyone turned their heads to look at its source.

A man of about thirty with a light beard under his chin spoke loudly. By the aesthetic standards of the time, this person's appearance was a bit shabby. His chin seemed too long compared to a normal person's, and his cheekbones were too high. To describe it in one phrase: what a horse face!

"Who is the speaker?" Liu Yuan asked coldly.

"Yangdi County Clerk, Meng Xing!" The other party sat up straight, his neck slightly raised.

"A mere County Clerk dares to be so presumptuous!" Chief Clerk Xi was the first to attack.

"No matter how small my office, it's better than a petty man!" Meng Xing retorted fearlessly, tit for tat. "Who was it that betrayed the former Qin, and now, upon hearing that the Qin army is coming, wants to shamelessly become a Qin official again? Don't tell me you really think the Qin court would want a fickle villain like you?!"

Chief Clerk Xi's face turned red with anger. "This is a stopgap measure! With Yingchuan Commandery's current military strength, how can we possibly contend with the Qin army?!"

Meng Xing sneered, tilting his neck up. "The number of Qin soldiers is comparable to Yingchuan's forces. The former have rushed here over a thousand li; their troops are tired and their generals weary. We, on the other hand, have ample provisions and are fully prepared. How can you say we don't have the strength to fight? You lot are advocating for the Governor to move south for no other reason than to preserve your own wealth and status!"

His thoughts exposed in a single sentence, Chief Clerk Xi was furious. Those who agreed with him also began to verbally attack Meng Xing, saying he had ulterior motives, deliberately inciting Liu Yuan to fight in order to deplete all of Liu Yuan's forces. In an instant, Meng Xing was depicted as a villain guilty of the most heinous crimes.

"According to you, what should be done now?" As soon as Liu Yuan spoke, everyone quieted down.

Meng Xing answered without hesitation: "Station troops, fortify the city, wait at ease for the weary enemy, and fight with all our might!"

"Well said!" Liu Yuan slammed his hand on the desk and shouted, "Guards! Seize Xi Yun, Chu Yong, Yang Wei, Hua Yi, and the others for me!"

At his command, the guards waiting outside the Governor's manor immediately rushed in, surrounded those few men, and without another word, grabbed their arms and dragged them out.

Everyone was stunned by this scene. Those who had been fanning the flames immediately fell silent, not daring to jump out and speak again.

Liu Yuan was heard saying, "A great battle is imminent. I hope that all of you, from top to bottom, will be of one mind and face the enemy together. Anyone who shrinks back before the battle or spreads rumors will meet the same fate as these men!"

"We will naturally do our utmost!" The first to react was not An Zheng or Song Xie, but Meng Xing, who had just challenged Chief Clerk Xi and the others.

Liu Zhen couldn't help but glance at him a few more times. This man was not her father's confidant, yet he was able to make the right choice at the right time. Assuming they could repel the Qin army this time, and if her father wasn't an idiot, this man would definitely be heavily relied upon.

After Meng Xing, the crowd inside the main hall immediately responded in a roar.

"We shall obey the Governor's command and will do our utmost!"

Having dealt with the internal dissenters, Liu Yuan's next step was naturally to station troops and fortify the city, as Meng Xing had said. Liu Zhen did not participate in these specific matters. She was clueless about them and certainly couldn't do a better job than people like Song Xie and An Zheng who were well-versed in political affairs, so she didn't pretend to know what she was doing and go cause trouble. Instead, she stayed quietly in the mansion, sending people out to gather news on one hand, so as not to be completely ignorant of the situation in Yangdi City, and on the other hand, temporarily helping Madam Zhang manage the affairs of the household.

It was more learning than helping. Ever since they had Steward Jiang, Madam Zhang basically didn't need to handle anything personally. She only needed to review and approve major decisions. Of course, more often than not, it was Steward Jiang who influenced Madam Zhang's decisions, but this person was loyal enough, so there had been no mistakes so far.

Ever since hearing that a war was coming, Liu Nan had been in a state of excitement, running around all day until he was nowhere to be seen. It was said that he had repeatedly asked Liu Yuan to let him go to the city walls to fight the Qin army, but he was suppressed by Liu Yuan every time. Undeterred, he went to pester Song Xie and An Zheng, but at such a critical juncture, basically no one had time for him.

"Is there any news from outside recently?"

In her own boudoir, there was no need for many formalities. Liu Zhen sat cross-legged on the couch, letting Gui Xiang comb her hair.

However, the person she was asking was not Gui Xiang, but Ah Jin, her other maidservant.

"There is, but it's infuriating to hear," Ah Jin said.

"For example?"

"For example, people outside are all saying that the Governor doesn't have much chance of winning this battle, and that it's very likely, very likely..."

"Hm?" Liu Zhen uttered a single syllable to urge her on.

"They say he will likely repeat Zhou Wen's fate..." Ah Jin finished hesitantly. If Liu Zhen hadn't insisted on asking, she would never have said such inauspicious words.

Liu Zhen wasn't angry, she just asked, "What kind of people are saying this?"

Ah Jin said, "It's being said in all the streets and alleys. Very few people think Yingchuan can be defended. Those merchants stranded in Yangdi, unable to leave, are complaining in the taverns!"

Hearing this, Gui Xiang said indignantly, "If the Governor hadn't lowered the business tax and permitted trade, how could those merchants have made such huge profits in Yingchuan? Now that they've benefited, they don't remember the Governor's benevolence and have become ungrateful in the blink of an eye!"

Liu Zhen was unconcerned. "To seek profit and avoid harm is human nature. What they are doing is understandable."

Gui Xiang said, "But the common people who don't know the inside story will definitely be swayed by them..."

Pa!

Before she could finish her sentence, she was startled by the crisp sound of Liu Zhen clapping her hands.

"Thank you, Gui Xiang, you've reminded me!" Liu Zhen jumped off the couch, put on her shoes, and ran out the door in a few steps, disappearing in the blink of an eye.

"Hey, hey, Young Mistress, your braids aren't done yet!" Gui Xiang called out anxiously.

Liu Zhen's current appearance was a bit comical. One side of her hair was in a topknot, while the other side was still disheveled. She hurried through the courtyard and ran into the main hall.

Only Song Xie was in the main hall. The former Governor looked up at her, chuckled in spite of himself, and gently chided, "Your clothes and hair are a mess. To lose your composure in front of others... as the Governor's daughter, what sort of behavior is this?"

Song Xie was now not only Liu Yuan's teacher but also Liu Nan's future father-in-law. As Liu Zhen's elder, he naturally had the right to lecture her.

Liu Zhen stuck out her tongue and grinned. "Please don't be offended, Teacher. I have urgent business with Father!"

Song Xie said, "The Governor just went out."

Liu Zhen pressed, "Does Teacher know when he will be back?"

Song Xie shook his head. "On the eve of a great battle, the city is restless. There are even officials trying to flee with their families. The Governor has gone to deal with this matter. At this critical time, it would be best for you to also stay put in the mansion and not go out."

He knew that Liu Yuan valued his eldest daughter and that Liu Zhen's previous performance had been good, which was why he said a few more words to her.

Liu Zhen chuckled. "If Father isn't here, Teacher will do. The city is full of rumors and the people's hearts are unsettled. When the fighting starts, there will surely be chaos. I have a plan to overcome this current difficulty. I wonder if Teacher would like to hear it?"

Song Xie raised an eyebrow. "I would like to hear the details."

Liu Zhen gave a cunning smile. "Use their own methods against them."