Mythical Qin: I, Gao Yao, will never be a eunuch!

Chapter 1119 Discussion, Planning, and Taking a Multi-pronged Approach!

Zhuge Liang nodded in approval: "Lord Zhang is well-versed in economics. When I governed Shu, I also used trade to replenish military funds. This economic war may seem invisible, but it is actually very ruthless and no less brutal than fighting on the battlefield."

Although the strategy focuses on economic infiltration, a necessary show of force is also indispensable.

Lu Bu stood up, his nine-foot height almost touching the roof of the palace: "Your Majesty, I understand that it is not advisable to wage a large-scale war now. However, without armed protection, caravans traveling between the two sides may be oppressed by local bandits or even the government."

Xue Rengui agreed, saying, "General Lü is right. I suggest that each caravan be equipped with guards, ostensibly hired bodyguards, but in reality, elite soldiers. This will not only protect the caravan's safety but also allow us to demonstrate our strength and deter troublemakers when necessary."

A sharp glint flashed in Ran Min's eyes: "More importantly, through sparring with local martial artists, we can gain a practical understanding of the martial arts level of the world below, collect the characteristics of various schools of martial arts, and prepare for possible conflicts in the future."

Di Renjie added, "This matter needs to be handled with caution. Sparring is fine, but it should not be too ostentatious, and our true strength should not be revealed. It would be best to disguise it as an accidental event, or that the caravan guards acted in self-defense."

Han Xin pondered for a moment: "I can select three hundred skilled warriors from the army. These men must meet several conditions: First, they must be highly skilled in martial arts, at least able to contend with a sixth-rank martial artist from the lower world; second, they must be resourceful and adaptable; and third, they must be loyal and reliable, and would rather die than reveal any secrets."

Gao Yao pondered for a moment and said, "The selection of personnel will be jointly decided by General Han and General Lü, while the training will be overseen by General Yue and General Xue. Remember, the primary task of these people is to protect the caravan, and their secondary task is to gather intelligence on martial arts techniques. They must not provoke anyone unless absolutely necessary."

Lu Bu clasped his hands and said, "This subordinate obeys! I will select the most suitable men to protect the Shang without revealing our strength."

Cao Shen unfolded an organizational chart, which detailed the responsibilities and relationships of each department.

"To ensure the smooth implementation of the plan, I suggest that the 'Otherworld Management Division' be formally established, with six departments under it."

"The first is the Department of Commerce, which is responsible for the planning and execution of all commercial activities and is concurrently managed by Lord Zhang Juzheng."

"The second is the Intelligence Department, which is responsible for intelligence collection and analysis, and is overseen by Lord Di Renjie."

"The third is the Guard Department, which is responsible for the safety of all personnel and supplies. It is jointly managed by five generals: Han Xin, Yue Fei, Lü Bu, Xue Rengui, and Ran Min."

"The fourth department is the Research and Development Department, which is responsible for researching the special products and martial arts of the world below, as well as developing products suitable for local sales. It is composed of skilled craftsmen selected by the Ministry of Works."

"The fifth department is the Logistics Department, which is responsible for the allocation of materials, the transportation of personnel, and the management of funds. It is jointly managed by the Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of War."

"The sixth department is the Supervision Department, which is responsible for auditing accounts, supervising discipline, and evaluating results. It reports directly to His Majesty and is headed by Lord Xiao He."

Zhuge Liang lightly waved his feather fan and added, "In addition to the Six Ministries, a General Headquarters should also be established to coordinate and oversee the work. Your Majesty should appoint a senior official to be in charge, and the General Headquarters should report the progress to the Cabinet regularly."

Gao Yao scanned the crowd, his gaze finally settling on Xiao He: "Prime Minister Xiao is mature, prudent, and far-sighted. He is the only one suitable to be in charge of the General Headquarters."

Xiao He bowed and said, "This old minister accepts the decree. I will do my utmost to live up to Your Majesty's trust."

"Di Renjie is in charge of intelligence, Zhang Juzheng is in charge of commerce, Han Xin and other generals are in charge of protection, and Cao Can, you will assist Prime Minister Xiao in handling daily affairs."

"Zhuge Liang served as the chief strategist, advising on all confidential matters."

Everyone agreed in unison.

Of all the issues, acquiring martial arts manuals is of paramount importance and is one of the fundamental objectives of this infiltration plan.

Ran Min said in a deep voice, "Your Majesty, I believe that the collection of martial arts manuals must be handled with extreme caution. In that era, the world regarded its own martial arts as treasures and was extremely vigilant. If we were to purchase or forcibly seize them, it might arouse suspicion, which would be counterproductive."

Zhuge Liang asked, "General Ran, what are your thoughts?"

"I suggest a two-pronged approach," Ran Min said, a glint of wisdom in his eyes. "On the one hand, we can have our guards observe and record the techniques and methods of force application when they spar with local martial artists; on the other hand, we can hire down-on-their-luck martial artists or those who have betrayed their masters from the younger world at great expense, using the guise of hiring them to actually collect them."

Di Renjie nodded and said, "This method is reliable. In addition, we can also obtain information indirectly through commercial means. For example, we can open martial arts schools or escort agencies, attracting local martial artists under the guise of teaching martial arts, and obtaining information through exchanges; or when purchasing medicinal materials, we can pay special attention to those rare medicinal materials used for cultivation, and infer the characteristics of the cultivation method from the uses of the medicinal materials."

Xue Rengui added, "According to reports from our spies, all countries in the world have official or semi-official collections of martial arts classics, such as the Wenyuan Pavilion in Nanqing, the 'Wujinglou' in Beiqi, and the 'Baijia Academy' in Dongyi City. These places are heavily guarded, but not without flaws. We can send ordinary servants to try to sneak in and investigate."

Gao Yao cautioned, "Martial arts manuals are important, but we must not sacrifice the greater good for the sake of one or two manuals. All actions must be subordinate to the overall situation; we cannot jeopardize the entire infiltration plan for the sake of one or two manuals."

“Your Majesty is wise,” Ran Min said. “I will exercise discretion. In the early stages, we will focus on observation and communication. Once we have established a firm foothold, we will consider more in-depth actions.”

The meeting had lasted for six hours, and the sky outside was gradually darkening. Gao Yao concluded by saying:

"What you have discussed today is very thorough. I would like to emphasize a few points further."

"Firstly, this operation is not for the purpose of destroying a country or seizing territory, but for the purpose of acquiring martial arts manuals, strengthening the national power of China, and extending the lifespan of the people. All actions must be aimed at this goal."

"Secondly, economic infiltration should be the primary approach, with military deterrence as a secondary measure. The military should not be used unless absolutely necessary. Even if it is used, it must be disguised as a caravan conflict or a bandit attack, and its Chinese background must never be exposed."

"Thirdly, we should proceed steadily and gradually. The first batch of personnel will focus on intelligence gathering and establishing strongholds, not on making a profit, but on gaining a foothold. Within three years, I do not expect to see much profit, but only detailed intelligence and solid strongholds."

"Fourth, personnel safety is the top priority. All dispatched personnel are talents carefully cultivated by our Great Qin. If there is any risk of exposure, we would rather abandon the mission than let the lives of our personnel be compromised."

"Fifth," Gao Yao said, his gaze sweeping over each of the high-ranking officials, "this matter concerns the fate of the nation and must be kept strictly confidential. The content of today's discussion is only to be known by those present here. Anyone who leaks information, whether intentionally or unintentionally, will be treated as a traitor."

The officials stood solemnly and said in unison, "Your Majesty, we obey your decree!"

Gao Yao slowly rose, walked to the palace window, and looked towards the Kunlun Mountains in the west: "This opportunity is a divine gift. With such an opportunity, China will surely rise to a new level and forever forge its glory."