Chu State, New Ying.
Years ago, Bai Qi had flooded Yan, leaving a million Chu soldiers, commoners, and slaves dead. Hanyang had fallen in a single battle, and the Ducal House had fled east in panic, escaping to Jiangdong and the region between the Great River and the Huai, where they established New Ying.
The King of Qin brandished his sword, and all six states fell. The Marquis of Luo bled dry, the King of Qi died in the catastrophe, and four kings were captured, as Qin eyed the world like a tiger.
Now it was Chu State's turn.
King Cheng of Chu addressed the hall full of ministers, asking in a trembling voice, "My esteemed ministers, who is confident he can stop the Qin forces' advance?"
Inside the King of Chu Palace, these ministers with their hereditary offices and stipends looked at one another without speaking.
When it came to struggles for power and profit or playing at conspiracies, every one of them was an expert. But actually governing the state or leading troops into battle? Better forget it.
Yet they could hardly sit and wait for death, surrendering outright like that shameless pack of nobles in Qi State, could they?
Every Chu minister now in New Ying, regardless of faction, bore a deep blood feud against Qin State.
Whose family had not lost elders in that great catastrophe years ago? Who would dare utter the word "surrender"?
Seeing that no one spoke, King Cheng of Chu could only turn his gaze toward the man who had remained silent in the hall with his eyes closed.
Chu State's Senior General, Xiang Yan!
He came from Chu State's Xiang Clan, a noble family that had held the position of Upper Minister for generations.
Moreover, he was the only one among