The morning light shines through the thick curtains onto the floor tiles of the hall, bringing with it the coolness of early autumn.

Ying Yuan came to the study early. In front of him was a thick memorial, which was full of reports submitted by officials from all over the court.

He frowned slightly, looking thoughtful.

"Neutral factions in the court, local aristocratic forces, and hidden dangers on the border."

"These problems must be completely eliminated within Daqin."

He whispered to himself, his eyes revealing endless calmness and determination.

Feng Quji's fall did not make Ying Yuan feel completely victorious.

He knew that Feng Quji was just the tip of the iceberg of the aristocratic family's power.

Those forces that have not yet emerged in the court are still secretly planning their chance to counterattack.

Chen Ping pushed the door open and walked in, holding several urgent reports in his hands, with a serious look on his face.

"Sir, last night, the Xiongnu on the border once again sent scouts to our border, seemingly intending to test our military strength."

Ying Yuan put down the memorial in his hand and his eyes turned cold.

"Sure enough, the Xiongnu on the border are ready to make a move."

"They want to take advantage of the instability within the Qin Dynasty and find an opportunity to take advantage of it."

Chen Ping nodded slightly, and then said: "I have ordered the border generals to strengthen their vigilance and closely monitor the movements of the Xiongnu."

"But sir, this time the Xiongnu seem to be more than just testing us. They may have already prepared for an attack."

Ying Yuan's gaze was cold, with a hint of murderous intent flashing in his eyes.

"If the Xiongnu really dare to invade Daqin, then let them see the military might of Daqin."

"Pass the order down. The generals on the border must be ready to meet the enemy at any time and never allow the Xiongnu to cross the line."

Chen Ping responded, "I will arrange it immediately."

"However, sir, there is a more difficult problem."

"The neutral faction in the court seems to be a little shaken recently, especially after Feng Quji's fall. They began to secretly communicate in the court, and some ministers have already made unusual moves."

Ying Yuan smiled coldly, his eyes filled with endless sarcasm.

"The neutrals are always looking for opportunities. These fence-sitters who change their stance according to the situation have become a cancer in my court."

“Not only did they not dare to support Feng Quji, they were unwilling to make a clear statement even when the family was destroyed.”

"These people will be trouble sooner or later if we keep them."

Chen Ping said softly, "Sir, I suggest that we give these neutrals one last chance."

"If they are willing to be loyal to Daqin, we can keep them for the time being."

"But if you continue to waver, there is no need to show mercy."

Ying Yuan looked at the memorial on the table coldly, and after thinking for a moment, he said, "We can indeed give them one last chance."

"But if they dare to hesitate even a little bit, they will pay the price for their choice."

"I will never allow any more wavering voices in the court."

Chen Ping nodded slightly, admiring Ying Yuan's decisiveness.

He knew that Ying Yuan's determination was unshakable, and if the neutral faction did not express its position, it would become the fuse of internal turmoil in the Qin Dynasty.

"I will immediately arrange personnel to closely monitor the movements of these neutral parties."

"We have to make sure their every move is under our control."

Ying Yuan nodded and said, "Very good."

“However, monitoring alone is not enough.”

"We must make them understand that no one is allowed to remain neutral in the court."

"Pass the order down and order the Royal Guards to secretly put pressure on these neutral parties and make them express their stance as soon as possible."

"I want them to know what the price of not taking a stand will be."

Chen Ping nodded in agreement, and then asked: "Sir, if they still don't want to express their stance, should we just take action?"

Ying Yuan sneered: "Of course."

"Since they won't choose sides, I'll make the decision for them."

"If necessary, let the Royal Guards take decisive action to remove these wavering obstacles."

"I have given them a chance. If they still don't know what to do, there is no need to show them mercy."

After hearing this, Chen Ping was full of admiration for Ying Yuan's decisive decision.

He knew very well that Ying Yuan was not only clearing the obstacles before him, but also conducting a thorough cleanup for the future stability of the entire Qin Dynasty.

The night in Xianyang was silent, but Ying Yuan's heart was uneasy.

He stood on the high platform of the East Palace, overlooking the entire city, his eyes deep and firm. "The storm in the court has not completely subsided."

“But this storm has gradually revealed its true face.”

Feng Quji's fall did not cause the entire aristocratic system to collapse quickly, but instead caused those forces hidden in the dark to begin to stir.

Ying Yuan knew that the real challenge had just begun.

Chen Ping walked slowly behind him, holding several urgent secret reports in his hand, with a serious expression.

"Sir, the Xiongnu in the border areas have been active recently."

"Their scouts have almost reached our defense line, and seem to be trying to find our weaknesses."

Ying Yuan turned around, frowned slightly, and there was a hint of coldness in his eyes.

"The Huns are always looking for opportunities."

"They thought that Daqin was undergoing changes, so they could take advantage of the situation and sneak in."

"But this time, I will never let them succeed."

Chen Ping nodded and said, "I have arranged for the generals on the border to strengthen their vigilance, but this is only a temporary defensive measure."

"If the Xiongnu really launch an attack, I'm afraid they will need more troops to support them."

Ying Yuan said coldly: "Pass the order down, let the border generals prepare for war with all their strength, and don't slack off in the slightest."

"At the same time, I will personally mobilize the central army to immediately reinforce the border if there is any unusual movement."

Chen Ping's heart tightened after hearing this, he knew that this meant Ying Yuan was ready to face the real challenge from the Huns.

"My Lord is wise. I will make arrangements immediately."

"However, I have one more thing to report."

Ying Yuan nodded and motioned for him to continue.

"The neutral faction in the court seems to have made some unusual moves recently. The fall of Feng Quji has put them under tremendous pressure."

"They began to frequently contact each other privately, seemingly trying to form some kind of new alliance."

Ying Yuan's eyes turned cold, and a hint of murderous intent flashed in his eyes.

"Neutralists... these fence-sitters are always looking for opportunities. They are afraid of losing power and status, so they always hesitate at critical moments."

"I won't give them any chances this time."

Chen Ping nodded slightly, and then said: "I have sent people to secretly monitor the actions of these neutral ministers."

"Although they have not taken any clear action, they are clearly planning something in secret."

Ying Yuan sneered.

"They thought that as long as they remained neutral, they could protect themselves from the storm."

"But they are wrong. This storm will not let go of anyone who wavers."

"If they continue to hesitate, they will be courting death."

Chen Ping hesitated for a moment, then asked, "Sir, if they continue to remain silent, should we take action in advance?"

Ying Yuan's eyes turned cold and his voice was icy and decisive.

"Give them one last chance."

"Let the Royal Guards secretly put more pressure on them to force them to take a stand."

"But if they still choose to wait and see, let them pay the price for their hesitation."

Chen Ping nodded and said, "I understand. The Royal Guards are already arranging this matter."

“I will ask them to step up their efforts to ensure that these neutrals have nowhere to escape.”

Ying Yuan nodded slightly, and then said: "These people are unwilling to join us when Feng Quji falls because they think they can still wait and see the situation."

“But now, there is no longer room for waiting and watching.”

"Let them understand that only by taking sides can they survive. Staying neutral will only lead them to destruction."

Chen Ping felt deep respect for Ying Yuan's decisive decision.

He knew that Ying Yuan would never allow any uncertain forces to exist in the court, whether they were opponents or those seemingly harmless neutrals.

"You are absolutely right, sir. I will immediately arrange for personnel to ensure that these people understand their situation."

Ying Yuan said coldly: "I have given them enough time."

"If they continue to hesitate, there is no need to show mercy."

“Let them know that the cost of not taking a stand will be something they cannot afford.”

After hearing this, Chen Ping admired Ying Yuan's decisiveness and calmness even more.

He knew that Ying Yuan's decision was not only about dealing with the current problem, but also about planning for the future of the entire Qin Dynasty. (End of this chapter)