Expansion and territorial growth are the greatest honors for an emperor. Although Tu An and Goguryeo are small countries, they add several thousand miles to Qin's territory and nearly eight million people to its population. These are resources, so how could Ying Zheng not be pleased?
"Convey my decree."
"General Li Mu has achieved great merit, appoint him as Protector-General and elevate him to Senior General."
"Rename the Northern Frontier army to [Northern Defense]."
"Promote Han Xin to Main General."
"Order General Li Mu to guard the territories of the two nations. Any rebellion shall be met with death." Ying Zheng declared with authority.
As the decrees were settled.
Like golden words, national fortune surged.
"The Great King is wise." The assembled civil and military officials shouted in unison.
Regarding Li Mu.
Before Qin unified Shenzhou, he was already famed throughout the land for his ability to command troops.
Later, he was won over by Zhao Feng, an undeniable member of the Crown Prince's retinue, thus no one opposed Li Mu's promotion.
"Your Majesty."
"Although Tu An and Goguryeo are small nations, their combined population is nearly eight million."
"Besides supporting autonomous governance for the foreign tribes, we must also dispatch officials to oversee them," Han Fei stepped forward to report.
"Let this matter be handled by Chancellor Han." Ying Zheng smiled and said immediately.
They are merely small nations, controlled by military power, and that's sufficient.
They are not significant enough for Ying Zheng to take seriously.
"Your Majesty."
"The Northern Frontier is newly established."
"Next in line is Baiyue."
Lv Buwei stepped forward to report.
"Baiyue, a land of wilderness, with miasma everywhere."
"General Wang Jian has been there for quite some time; now that we have the Tian Xuan Mirror, grain transportation is not a concern."
"Convey my decree."
"Order General Wang Jian to conquer Baiyue."
"Regarding Baiyue, do not massacre them. Once Baiyue becomes part of Qin, treat them as citizens." Ying Zheng immediately decreed.
"Your Majesty is wise." Lv Buwei replied immediately.
Baiyue land.
Originally part of Shenzhou.
The Baiyue tribes are related to the ancient war between the Emperor and Chiyou; after Chiyou's defeat, Jiuli retreated to outside Shenzhou, escaping to the Baiyue land.
That's the origin of today's Baiyue tribes.
Of course.
This is why Ying Zheng values Baiyue land and the Jiuli clan living there because they originally were part of Huaxia.
"Your Majesty."
"The academy has been established for over two years now."
"The academic palaces in various Qin counties are all full of teachings."
"The prefectural city academy now has students enrolled for nearly a year, and the next step is for the prefectural city academy to send students to the state mansion academy."
"Next year, the state mansion academy will conduct examinations in the capital." Lv Buwei smiled and said.
"Students from the state mansion academy receiving exams in the capital is a first for Qin; those who pass may enter the court as officials, and should be taken seriously." Ying Zheng said.
"Your Majesty."
"That is exactly what I intended."
"The capital city academy is already refurbished, awaiting students next year to conduct exams."
"As for what the exams entail, it's up to Your Majesty to decide." Lv Buwei said.
"Zhong Fu."
"You are entrusted with full authority over the examinations."
"As for the examiners, invite Xunzi, and other highly esteemed scholars from the Hundred Schools of Thought."
"I trust you." Ying Zheng smiled and entrusted Lv Buwei with the task.
"I shall not disgrace the Emperor's order." Lv Buwei gladly accepted.
Just then!