"You're right."
"Anyone bold enough to snatch meat from Qin's mouth must spit it out exactly how they took it."
"Yan State."
"Too audacious and reckless," Ying Zheng's voice turned commanding and cold.
The actions of Yan State had truly incited his anger.
It was as if countless Qin warriors had paid with their lives to conquer Zhao's capital, only for Yan State to swoop in and steal the fruits of Qin's victory, attempting to take food from Qin's mouth.
Not only Ying Zheng, but any Qin warrior would find this intolerable.
"I will petition the General-in-Chief to lead the charge against Yan's forces," Zhao Feng immediately requested.
"The General-in-Chief will approve."
"However, dealing with Yan is not urgent. For now, focus on conquering the remaining cities in Zhao territory."
"The General-in-Chief will handle the arrangements," Ying Zheng said with a faint smile.
"My King," Zhao Feng said tentatively, glancing at Ying Zheng.
"Speak your mind."
"Why the hesitation?" Ying Zheng chuckled softly.
"After the fall of Zhao, I would like to return home on leave and marry my wife," Zhao Feng finally said.
After Zhao's defeat, there would undoubtedly be numerous affairs to manage in Zhao's territory. However, thinking of his mother, his fiancée Wang Yan, and his two children, Zhao Feng felt a strong yearning to return home.
If he could obtain Ying Zheng's promise now, he could go home once Zhao was vanquished.
Seeing Zhao Feng's expectant and slightly nervous expression, Ying Zheng smiled faintly, "It's rare to see you so anxious. It seems you truly long to go home."
"It's been over three years since I've returned."
"I originally planned to serve for two years and then return, but plans couldn't keep up with changes," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
Hearing this, Ying Zheng chuckled, "It seems we have to thank Bao Yuan. If not for him, Qin might have missed out on one of its unmatched young generals."
"I owe him as well. If it weren't for Bao Yuan, I might have already retired," Zhao Feng laughed.
Back when he was in the logistics corps, Zhao Feng's only goal was to return home as soon as possible. However, after joining the main battle corps, his mindset shifted.
In the logistics corps, it was nearly impossible to rise to prominence.
Zhao Feng never even dreamed of reaching the heights of power and prestige.
But once in the main battle corps, everything changed. With the opportunity presented, Zhao Feng seized it. This change in mindset propelled him to where he is today serving as a main general and holding a twelfth-ranked nobility title.
Across Qin, and even the entire world, he was among the very elite and the most promising.
Ying Zheng and Zhao Feng exchanged smiles.
Then, Ying Zheng added, "After Zhao is defeated, I grant you leave to return home, marry, and rest."
"However, before leaving Zhao, you must first come to Xianyang."
"I have a surprise for you."
Seeing Ying Zheng's serious yet expectant tone, Zhao Feng's heart skipped a beat. "Judging by the King's words, does he intend to let me rise even further? Could he be considering promoting me to General-in-Chief?"
Although Ying Zheng didn't specify, the mention of a "surprise" was enough to set Zhao Feng's imagination running wild.
Currently, he was already a main general. For Zhao Feng, the only promotion that could truly be considered a "surprise" was to advance further to the position of Commander of the Guard.
However, Zhao Feng knew that while he desired this position, his current credentials were still lacking compared to many other main generals in the army. The battle merits he was earning now were all laying the groundwork for that next step.
"I humbly accept your command," Zhao Feng immediately replied.
With an opportunity like this, Zhao Feng naturally agreed without hesitation. Refusing would be foolish.
"I will set off for Xianyang tomorrow."
"When you return to Xianyang, we shall drink together," Ying Zheng said with a faint smile.
"You're leaving already? It's only been a few days," Zhao Feng said, slightly surprised.
"To be honest."
"I wanted to visit this land again, partly to fulfill a desire for vengeance."
"Now that revenge is taken, and Handan has fallen, my staying here serves no purpose."
"Besides, the person I wanted to find still hasn't been located," Ying Zheng said, his tone growing slightly disappointed as he reached the end.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Feng immediately offered, "If there's someone the King seeks, I can send people to search."
"In a sea of people, it's impossible to find them," Ying Zheng shook his head, unwilling to dwell on the subject.
"The reason I summoned you was to let you rest. I heard you spent all of yesterday in the infirmary with the wounded."
"You are not just a soldier; you are Qin's youngest and most capable general. You must not overwork yourself."
"If we lose you, not even an army of ten thousand can replace you."
"Alright, go rest now," Ying Zheng said with a faint smile to Zhao Feng.
It was clear his attitude toward Zhao Feng was especially warm.
Seeing this, Zhao Feng did not press further. Bowing, he said, "Your subject takes his leave."
With that, Zhao Feng turned and began walking away, while Ying Zheng remained seated, enjoying the rare tranquility as a gentle breeze brushed past.
Just as Zhao Feng took a few steps, Ying Zheng suddenly called out, "Zhao Feng."
Zhao Feng turned around sharply, asking, "Does the King have further orders?"
But at that moment, as their eyes met, Ying Zheng felt his heart tremble. "That look… it's so much like Dong'er's."
Staring at Zhao Feng, a trace of astonishment flickered across Ying Zheng's face.
"Does the King have additional instructions?" Zhao Feng asked again upon seeing Ying Zheng hesitate.
Regaining his composure, Ying Zheng shook his head, "No, nothing. You may leave now. Tell the General-in-Chief and the others to return as well."
"I wish to stay here alone for a while."
For a moment, Ying Zheng himself was unsure why he had suddenly called out to Zhao Feng. Smiling faintly, he waved him off.
"Understood," Zhao Feng said no more, though he left with a peculiar feeling in his heart.
After Zhao Feng departed.
"Alas."
"Dong'er, I must be overthinking this," Ying Zheng sighed after a long while. That fleeting glance, so reminiscent of his cherished one, had left Ying Zheng slightly stunned.
At the Tomb.
"Zhao Feng is back," Wang Ben noticed Zhao Feng at once.
"The King summoned you privately. What orders did he give?" Wang Jian immediately asked.
"He just had a chat with me and tested my sword," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
"Brother-in-law, getting private time with the King is an unparalleled honor."
"I'm so envious," Wang Ben teased with a hint of jealousy.
"That's all it takes to make you envious?" Zhao Feng laughed.
"Don't pay attention to him," Wang Jian chuckled before asking seriously, "Did the King have any other instructions?"
"He wants to spend some time alone on the mountain. He told us all to head back," Zhao Feng replied.
"I see," Wang Jian nodded.
"Zhao," Wang Jian suddenly said meaningfully, "you should work hard to earn more merits in the coming days."
"Father!"
"Hasn't my brother-in-law already earned enough?" Wang Ben exclaimed. "He captured Wu'an, conquered Handan, killed Pang Nuan, and captured the King of Zhao. Who in the entire Lan Tian camp can compare?"
"Your brother-in-law earned his achievements through skill."
"If not for him stepping forward when you and Yang Duanhe were scared stiff during the assault on Handan, we might still be outside the city," Wang Jian scolded, leaving Wang Ben speechless with his head lowered.
"During the King's first visit to Handan, he hinted at something to me."
"The King intends for you to rise even higher," Wang Jian said, his expression serious.
Wang Ben's face changed. "Brother-in-law is already a main general, with a twelfth-rank nobility one rank higher than me. If he rises further, wouldn't that make him the Commander of the Guard?"
Even Wang Ben was stunned by this revelation.
The idea of a nineteen-year-old Commander of the Guard was almost unimaginable.
No by the time Zhao was fully conquered, Zhao Feng would only be twenty.
A twenty-year-old Commander of the Guard?
Who else in the world could achieve this?
And this wasn't a civil official; this was a general who had fought his way up through military achievements, far harder than climbing the ranks as a civilian.
"In summary."
"The King values you highly, and that is a good thing."
"You must not let down the King's trust in you."
"Now that the Kingdom of Zhao has yet to be defeated, your priority is to achieve greater military accomplishments to solidify your position. This way, when the King truly decides to elevate you, the opposition in the court will not be as strong," Wang Jian said in a solemn tone.
"Rest assured, Father-in-law."
"I understand," Zhao Feng nodded.
Hearing what Ying Zheng said earlier felt like a subtle hint, but after listening to Wang Jian, it seemed more than likely almost certain.
All that remained was to conquer Zhao and bring it into Qin's fold.
Then Zhao Feng would have a great chance to ascend to the position of Chief Military Commander, or even Grand General.
A Grand General commands an entire military camp.
It would be a position on par with Wang Jian.
"If my brother-in-law truly becomes a Grand General, then our Wang family's influence in the Qin court will rise to new heights," Wang Ben said, his tone turning serious.
"The higher the position, the greater the scrutiny and opposition. The risks increase as well," Wang Jian said with a serious expression.
"One wrong step and it could all fall into ruin."
Wang Jian, despite holding a high position himself, remained exceptionally cautious.
"Father-in-law, there's no need to overthink it."
"The King wields absolute power and has unmatched vision. He won't be easily swayed by petty schemes."
"As for the future, we'll take it one step at a time. There's no need to be overly cautious," Zhao Feng replied with a faint smile.
Right now, he was simply a collaborator dependent on Qin's national strength to grow stronger. As for who might succeed Qin Shi Huang in the future, Zhao Feng had no concerns.
If they sought to suppress him, so be it. He was destined to head to the southern borders later. If they didn't suppress him, he could patiently wait for the eventual chaos at the end of Qin.
In short
Watch the storm rise, and stand firm in the flow of time.
Returning to Handan City.
After coming back, Zhao Feng once again threw himself into the infirmary for wounded soldiers.
This opportunity to both earn merit and save his comrades was something Zhao Feng didn't want to miss.
Time flew by.
Ten days passed.
Handan City had now been completely brought under the control of the Qin army.
The disruptions caused by the war were gradually subsiding, and order was being restored.
In the infirmary
The initial cries of anguish had mostly quieted down. Although there were still occasional cries of pain from soldiers during dressing changes, the situation was far better than it had been ten days prior.
"All those who could be saved have been saved."
"This time, nearly thirty thousand soldiers entered the infirmary."
"The lightly wounded were treated by attendants, while the severely injured were admitted to the infirmary. Over seventy percent of them survived," Chen Fuzhi said with a satisfied smile.
"Have the rosters for the wounded been compiled?" Zhao Feng asked as he looked at Chen Fuzhi.
"They've all been compiled and submitted to the Central Military Command," Chen Fuzhi nodded.
The army had its own set of rules.
Wounded soldiers eligible for retirement had to be certified by army medics in the infirmary to prevent any opportunists from falsely claiming injuries to retire.
Only then could they retire due to injury.
Additionally
Those with titles who retired due to injury were given two options: higher pension payouts or a minor official position in their hometown.
These policies had been revised after the current King of Qin, Ying Zheng, assumed power, benefiting the deserving soldiers of Qin.
"How do you feel, seeing so many severely injured soldiers receiving treatment?"
At that moment, Xia Wuqi approached with steady steps, smiling as he asked Zhao Feng.
"Saving lives feels more fulfilling than taking them."
"The feeling of bringing someone back from the brink of death is truly comforting," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
Xia Wuqi nodded in agreement, "This is the heart of a true healer."
"But healers can only save a few. If the entire world is unified, then millions can be saved."
"That would be the ultimate act of salvation for all people."
Zhao Feng chuckled, "Chen, did you hear that? This is the perspective of a master healer. You've got a lot to learn."
"Enough of that."
"I've memorized every word my teacher has said."
"And let me tell you some good news."
"After this campaign to conquer Zhao is complete, I'll be promoted to Master Healer," Chen Fuzhi said with a hint of pride.
A Master Healer of the state.
This was the pinnacle title for a healer. Across the entire Qin state, there was currently only one Master Healer, Xia Wuqi.
Achieving the title of Master Healer, while not granting power, meant having a status on par with the Nine Ministers.
"Being promoted to Master Healer? It seems you'll soon be heading to Xianyang, Chen," Zhao Feng said with a faint smile.
"Hahaha."
"Don't worry."
"Even if I go to Xianyang, I'll be sure to attend your wedding when the time comes," Chen Fuzhi said with a hearty laugh.
"General Zhao isn't married yet?" Xia Wuqi asked with interest.
"Teacher."
"Brother Zhao enlisted at the age of sixteen. It's been almost four years now when would he have had the chance to marry?"
"However"
"Brother Zhao is engaged in a marriage that many envy."
"General Wang Jian's daughter is betrothed to Brother Zhao. I've even heard she's given birth to twins for him," Chen Fuzhi said with a playful smile.
"Is that so?"
"Then, General Zhao, may I request a cup of wedding wine?" Xia Wuqi asked with a smile.
"Master Healer, are you serious?" Zhao Feng asked with a slight smile.
"What? You wouldn't welcome me?" Xia Wuqi teased.
"How could that be?"
"If Master Healer were to attend, it would be an honor for my Zhao family."
"But my hometown is far from Xianyang, located in Shacheng County."
"The journey would be long," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
"I feel a strong connection with General Zhao. Now that I have the chance to witness your wedding, I wouldn't miss it for the world."
"Make sure to let me know when the time comes," Xia Wuqi said with genuine sincerity.
Hearing this, Zhao Feng nodded, "Of course."
"My lord."
"A message from the Grand General," Zhang Ming hurriedly arrived.
"I must excuse myself for now," Zhao Feng said to Xia Wuqi and Chen Fuzhi, clasping his hands in respect.
"Brother Zhao, go ahead."
"The infirmary has already passed the most challenging phase. Things will be smoother from here on," Chen Fuzhi replied immediately.
With that, Zhao Feng turned and left.
In Handan City's former Prime Minister's residence, now the council chamber...
Wang Jian took the main seat.
The three primary camp commanders and their officers gathered.
Dozens of generals were assembled in the hall.
"The city of Handan is now completely under our control," Wang Jian began solemnly.
"The main camps have also been reorganized."
"Although ten days may not seem long, it has delayed our progress."
"While the Zhao King, Zhao Yan, has been captured and taken to Xianyang by His Majesty, many members of the Zhao royal family and court officials remain at large. Quite a few have escaped."
"Particularly the former Crown Prince of Zhao, Zhao Yi, who has fled to Dai Commandery. There, he was supported by local military leaders, declared himself King of Dai, and gathered forces to fortify the area. Additionally, Zhao's border cavalry controls the key routes connecting Zhao territory to Dai."
"Furthermore," Wang Jian continued, "the State of Yan has taken advantage of the situation. They have mobilized an army of 100,000 soldiers, invaded Zhao territory, and occupied several cities in the past ten days."
Upon hearing this, the gathered generals stood and bowed. "We request orders to march!" they declared in unison.
Wang Jian raised a hand to quiet the room.
"Handan has fallen, and the Zhao King has been captured," he said.
"The Zhao troops stationed throughout the region have lost all morale. Before we completely annex Zhao, we will encounter little resistance. They will either surrender to Qin or retreat to Dai."
"Do not block those fleeing to Dai. Let them go," Wang Jian ordered.
"The more people gather there, the more chaotic Dai Commandery will become, further undermining their morale."
"Our priority is to seize the remaining cities in the eastern part of Zhao territory as quickly as possible. Once that is accomplished, we can then focus on Dai."
"Currently, we have 230,000 troops ready for battle," Wang Jian stated.
"As before, we will split into three groups, with each primary camp attacking a different route. The three commanders will manage the deployments within their respective camps."
The generals saluted in unison. "We obey your command!"
In essence, Wang Jian's strategy was clear: swiftly conquer Zhao territory, then deal with Dai Commandery.
As for Dai, its forces were too shaken to pose an immediate threat.
The so-called King of Dai, Zhao Yi, along with the escaped Zhao officials, was more focused on fortifying their stronghold rather than launching any counterattack.
Wang Jian had calculated this perfectly.
Time passed.
In Zhao territory, a small city...
"Hahaha!"
"Zhao Yan and the State of Zhao!"
"They sought to destroy Yan, yet now it is we who have seized over a dozen of their cities. As the Crown Prince, I have expanded our borders!" said Crown Prince Dan of Yan, grinning with satisfaction.
However, despite his glee, the general standing beside him looked far less optimistic.
"Your Highness," the general, Le Cheng, said with a worried expression, "we have already captured over a dozen cities. We must stop advancing."
"We are likely to encounter Qin forces soon."
"Qin forces? Do you think they dare engage us in battle?" Crown Prince Dan replied arrogantly.
"If we do encounter them, we can stop our advance, but the cities we've taken remain ours. Qin has no claim over them," he added, brimming with self-confidence.
Le Cheng looked helplessly at the overly proud Crown Prince.
Perhaps it was this same arrogance that led Crown Prince Dan to hatch the plot to assassinate Qin's King Zheng, ultimately giving Qin a justifiable reason to attack Yan.
"But what if the Qin army attacks us?"
"Our forces cannot possibly match theirs," Le Cheng insisted, his worry growing.
He knew all too well the strength of their troops they had struggled even against the Zhao army. How could they possibly contend with the Qin forces that had defeated Zhao?
"They won't dare," Crown Prince Dan declared with a smirk.
At that moment, several Yan cavalrymen rode into the city, their faces pale with fear.
Their armor and weapons were gone, and they looked utterly disheveled as if they had just escaped a disaster.
"Your Highness, something is amiss," Le Cheng said, his face darkening.
Crown Prince Dan frowned. "Open the gates immediately."
The city gates were opened, and the ragged soldiers stumbled in.
"What happened? Where are your weapons and armor?" Crown Prince Dan demanded coldly as he glared at the kneeling soldiers.
"Your Highness!"
"The Qin army is here!"
"They captured us and forced us to surrender our weapons and armor!"
"They also sent a letter with us..."
The leading officer, a centurion, trembled as he held up a bamboo scroll.
Crown Prince Dan took it, his expression is icy.
Unrolling the scroll, he read:
"If you do not wish to fight, withdraw immediately from all Zhao cities."
"In half an hour, the Qin army will attack. Any who resist will be met with no mercy. Kill without pardon."
Signed, "Qin Commander, Zhao Feng."
Crown Prince Dan's face darkened with fury.
"Zhao Feng!"
"A mere Qin general dares to threaten me, the Crown Prince of Yan?"
Hearing this, Le Cheng's expression changed dramatically.
"Your Highness," he said urgently, "did you just say Zhao Feng?"
"Yes, Zhao Feng," Crown Prince Dan snapped.
Le Cheng's face grew even graver.
"Your Highness," he began, "I strongly advise an immediate retreat. Under no circumstances should we engage the Qin forces, or our army will face utter destruction."
"Zhao Feng..."
"He has already killed generals like Pang Yuan, Lian Po, and Pang Nuan."
"Even Wei Wuji, with an overwhelming advantage, fell to him."
"He is regarded as Qin's most promising young commander, said to be even more formidable than Bai Qi in his prime."
"It was Zhao Feng who led the assault that broke Handan."
Le Cheng's voice trembled slightly as he spoke.
Crown Prince Dan frowned, annoyed by Le Cheng's cautious tone.
"General, I know you have been defeated and surrendered in the past, but don't undermine the morale of our troops."
"Yan and Qin are still nominal allies."
"If Qin engages us, they will provoke Yan. I don't believe King Zheng of Qin is foolish enough to do so."
Le Cheng was both angry and frustrated.
"Your Highness, by invading Zhao, we have already angered Qin. Do you think King Zheng will tolerate this?"
"Enough!"
Crown Prince Dan barked, silencing him.
With a wave of his hand, he declared, "The cities we've captured now belong to Yan. I will not give them up."
"Besides," he continued arrogantly, "Zhao attacked Yan first. Our invasion is an act of justified vengeance."
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