Chapter 8 Innovation Two

  Fu Su said solemnly, "I've heard that Li Mu of Zhao is the most skilled in cavalry warfare. Although our great Qin has conquered all under heaven and is invincible, we have repeatedly suffered defeats at the hands of Li Mu. Is it because our Qin cavalry's equipment is not as good as the fine horses of Zhao? No! Or is it because our Qin cavalry is not as brave as the soldiers of Zhao? Also not! So is it because our Qin cavalry's training is not as good as that of Zhao? Of course not! But why have we repeatedly lost to Li Mu? Isn't it just because Li Mu is extremely skilled in cavalry warfare, and our great Qin still doesn't have a cavalry general who can match him? I think this point is a realistic one, Fu Su didn't speak alarmist words, did he?"

  The civil and military officials heard this and remained silent, especially the generals who showed a look of shame. The Qin army had swept across the land, but had repeatedly suffered defeats at the hands of Li Mu. Even Wang Jian, such a famous general, could only maintain a balance of not winning or losing. Therefore, when they heard Fu Su's words, although they did not dare to speak out in agreement, they also tacitly acknowledged it.

  Fu Su nodded and said, "It's precisely because of this that Li Mu is a person who cannot be tolerated. But if we want to get rid of him, we can't just talk empty words and drown him with saliva. Our great Qin may not have anyone who surpasses Li Mu in terms of cavalry tactics and strategy, but we can focus on the cavalry itself. As long as we establish an invincible elite cavalry that far surpasses Li Mu's troops, then even if Li Mu has extraordinary abilities, he won't be able to gain any advantage from us, and it's even possible that we can easily defeat him! That's why Fu Su proposed 'reducing chariots and increasing cavalry', establishing a powerful iron cavalry that can sweep across the world according to his secret plan. Of course, gentlemen may not believe that Fu Su has such abilities, so there's no harm in letting Fu Su try out with one of his elite cavalry units. Three months later, you can choose a top-notch cavalry general to compete against Fu Su, and Fu Su is confident that he can defeat him with absolute certainty! What do you gentlemen think?"

  All the civil and military officials were in an uproar, clamoring and making a big fuss. Fu Su was now only eleven or twelve years old, just like Gan Luo in his younger days. If it came to cleverness and quick wit, he might be superior to ordinary people due to his innate intelligence. However, when it came to the matter of leading an army into battle, without any actual combat experience, it would be easier said than done to defeat a seasoned general who had been through many battles! Therefore, all the civil and military officials did not quite believe what Fu Su had said, and even Qin Wang Ying Zheng, sitting high on his throne, wore a look of astonishment.

  But among the many ministers, Fu Su keenly noticed that from start to finish, Li Si had not expressed any opinion, his face was always smiling and calm, completely a picture of being in harmony with the world, sincerely fearful, and repentantly honest. Fu Su sneered in his heart: "It seems that after Li Si suffered a severe blow, he has become much more honest, and before he gains power again, he does not dare to speak recklessly!"

  Fu Su smiled and said loudly, "Everyone please calm down, regardless of whether you believe in Fu Su or not, but please think about it: if we allow Fu Su to try, even if he succeeds, our great Qin will have nothing to fear from any enemy under heaven; and even if he fails, our great Qin will not suffer much loss. So, what is lighter and what is heavier, I ask you all to consider!"

  Everyone was stunned for a moment: "Yes, if we succeed, wouldn't our Great Qin be truly invincible? Even if we fail in the end, it's just a waste of three months' training time for a few thousand cavalrymen! The losses from failure compared to the benefits of success are simply not worth mentioning!" But everyone couldn't make the decision, and could only look at King Ying Zheng of Qin together.

  Qin Wang Ying Zheng was also having a headache at this time: Zhao Guo, as the number one archenemy of Qin Guo, Ying Zheng must eliminate it. Li Mu, as the first trump card of Zhao Guo, made Qin Wang even more resentful. So when he heard Fu Su's boastful words, it was just to his taste and very attractive. However, Fu Su was still young after all, and whether he had the ability he claimed was unknown, so Qin Wang Ying Zheng also hesitated!

  Fusu glanced at Huo Hou, who was not enough, and made a gesture to Wang Jian and Feng Jie. Wang Jian understood, and with a slight nod, he stood up and said: "Your Majesty, Fusu Gongzi has always been wise, and today's bold words must be true! As the saying goes, 'Having ambition is not about age, having no ambition is empty living for a hundred years.' Why don't you let Gongzi take charge?" Wang Jian was now the de facto leader of the Qin army, and his words were like a thunderclap, suddenly stirring up the heart of the Qin King.

  Feng Ji also chimed in, "Exactly! If we can eliminate Li Mu, the thorn in our side, why not give it a try? Even if it means paying an even greater price, as long as we succeed in getting rid of Li Mu, it will be worth it!" Feng Ji's words added even more weight to Fu Su's burden. It seems that even a good sedan chair needs someone to carry it!

  King Zheng of Qin asked the national captain, Wei Liao: "Wei Liao, what do you think?" Although Wei Liao also had a good impression of Fu Su, he hesitated for a moment before responding: "I'll try it out, Your Majesty!" King Zheng nodded and made up his mind: "Very well, quickly select 3,000 elite cavalrymen to be under Fu Su's command, and have him lead the troops in training at the Upper Forest Park. Also ensure that there is sufficient food, supplies, and equipment. This must all be prepared within ten days! After three months, the National Captain's Office will choose a general to come and compete with Fu Su!" "Yes, Your Majesty!"

  The King of Qin looked at Fu Su, who was excited, and said: "Fu Su, the troops, food, and equipment have all been handed over to you. What else do you need? Just ask!" Fu Su replied respectfully: "Your Majesty, I need some special equipment for military training, which requires the cooperation of the Ministry of War. So, I beg Your Majesty to allow me to temporarily mobilize the central army's arsenal for the purpose of military training." The King of Qin wanted to see the results of Fu Su's military training and was willing to grant his request. He turned to Wei Liao and said: "Wei Liao, you are also in charge of the Ministry of War. You can arrange it!" "Yes, Your Majesty!"

  The King of Qin looked at Fusu again and smiled, "Does the prince have any other requests?" Fusu nodded, "I saw the bravest warriors of our great Qin's 'Trapped Array Camp' in the Hu Bao military camp a few days ago. They are indeed heroes with unique skills, but I also have some special methods to further enhance their combat effectiveness. Can you, Father King, temporarily put one team under my command?" The King of Qin thought for a moment and said to Wang Jian, "General Wang, the 'Trapped Array Camp' under your command will be temporarily placed under Fusu's command." Wang Jian replied respectfully, "Yes, Your Majesty!"

  The King of Qin asked again, "Fusu, do you have any other requests?" Fusu shook his head, indicating that he had none. The King of Qin nodded and said, "Very well, I will observe your achievements three months from now. Do not disappoint me. Dismissed!" With a rustling sound, the officials dispersed.

  Fu Su also walked out of the palace with an excited face, and couldn't help but feel secretly delighted: "Fortunately! Fortunately! The supporters of the chariot soldiers in the court are still quite many, after all, the Great Qin is a nation that is obsessed with driving. Moreover, the composition of the chariot soldiers also has a considerable number of noble personnel, who have close private relationships with the high-ranking officials in the court. However, fortunately, I have good eloquence, and with the help of Wang Jian and Feng Jie, I was able to get an opportunity to show myself. Now, I finally took the first step in grasping military power and seizing the hearts of the soldiers! Come on, I must be able to succeed!" When Fu Su arrived outside, he saw Wang Jian, Feng Jie, and Wei Liao standing at the foot of the stairs waiting for him.

  Fusu came out of the palace, and three people stepped forward to greet him. Wang Jian was somewhat worried and said in a low voice: "Young master, please stay! Today's matter, how confident are you? If it doesn't succeed, I'm afraid the king will be very dissatisfied with you!" Fusu smiled and said: "Don't worry, gentlemen, since Fusu dares to make a bold statement, he has 100% confidence! You'll just have to watch the show later! Haha, goodbye!" Fusu bowed to the three of them and left, leaving behind Wang Jian and the others with faces full of surprise, doubt, and incredulity. The three men looked at each other and smiled wryly, not knowing what kind of trick Fusu was up to again, so they could only bid each other farewell and return to their respective homes.

  At the same time, a eunuch who had been keeping his head down suddenly opened his eyes and looked coldly at Fu Su and Wang Jian, who were leaving in the distance. He then hastily went to report to Zhao Gao. It is clear that Fu Su, who has recently been drawing attention, has already caught the eye of Zhao Gao and Li Si. For these treacherous officials who love power, anyone who might threaten their power could be a potential enemy! If Zhao Gao and others discover that Fu Su has intentions to deal with them, then the struggle between Fu Su's royal faction and Zhao Gao's treacherous clique will officially begin!