Hearing the furious words from Ying Zheng, the envoy from Yan, who was kneeling in the grand hall, turned pale and quickly pleaded, "Your Majesty, King of Qin, our Yan Kingdom has always been grateful to the Qin Kingdom. This incident was not the will of our king but rather the result of our crown prince's reckless actions.
"Our king has stated that Yan is willing to compensate Qin for this offense. Furthermore, if Your Majesty demands the life of our crown prince, Yan will comply without complaint. We humbly beg for your forgiveness."
As he spoke, the Yan envoy kowtowed in terror.
"Why did Qin deploy troops in the first place?"
"It was because your Yan Kingdom sought our assistance. Without Qin, would your Yan Kingdom still exist today? Without Qin, you would have long become prisoners of Zhao, and you wouldn't be standing here in my court speaking!"
"You betray the trust of Qin and still expect my forgiveness?" Ying Zheng's tone remained icy.
He had no intention of letting Yan off lightly. This was an opportunity he would not waste. Simply driving the Yan troops out of Zhao's territory would yield no significant benefit. But now that the crown prince of Yan was in Qin's hands, Ying Zheng was determined to leverage this situation for all it was worth.
Sensing Ying Zheng's overwhelming anger and the looming threat of war, the Yan envoy panicked completely. Gritting his teeth, he said, "Our Yan Kingdom is willing to double the resources we originally promised Qin. We plead with Your Majesty to show mercy."
Hearing this, Ying Zheng's expression softened slightly, though he remained silent.
"Your Majesty," said Wei Liao, stepping forward, "the Yan envoy's offer demonstrates sincerity. I believe that since Qin and Yan were once allied, we should allow Yan to amend their mistake."
"I second this," said Wang Wan, joining in. "In light of our alliance, I urge Your Majesty to grant Yan a chance for redemption."
"We concur," echoed the court officials.
The Yan envoy heaved a sigh of relief and looked to Ying Zheng with hope.
Faced with the collective appeals of his ministers, Ying Zheng feigned hesitation before finally nodding. "In light of the alliance between Qin and Yan, I will let this matter go for now. However, once the Zhao campaign concludes, Yan must deliver all the resources promised to Qin.
"Fail to do so, and there will be no forgiveness!"
The Yan envoy immediately prostrated himself, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your great mercy."
"Dismissed," Ying Zheng said with a wave of his hand.
The envoy bowed respectfully and exited the court.
After his departure, Wei Liao laughed heartily and said, "Congratulations, Your Majesty. Yan attempted to snatch Qin's victory, but they've ended up working for nothing and even have to compensate us handsomely!"
"Indeed," Wang Wan added with a smile. "The wealth and grain we extract from Yan will help replenish our treasury."
As the ministers offered their congratulations, Ying Zheng raised a hand, and the hall instantly fell silent.
"Two days ago, I received a report," Ying Zheng began. "The General-in-Chief has mobilized the entire army of the Lantian Camp to advance on the cities of Zhao.
"Within a month, Zhao's territory will belong to Qin."
He continued, "Once Zhao falls, only Dai will remain, and it will no longer pose a threat to Qin."
Wei Liao stepped forward, saying, "I propose that General Meng Wu shift from defense to offense and lead a northern campaign against Dai. At the same time, the General-in-Chief can lead the main army to join the attack, allowing us to eliminate Zhao in one decisive move."
"This proposal is sound," Ying Zheng agreed. "Issue the order: Meng Wu is to launch a full-scale assault on Dai."
"Understood," Wei Liao and Wang Wan replied in unison.
"Conquering Zhao," Ying Zheng declared, "will be accomplished within this year.
"My ministers, uniting the realm is not the effort of one man alone but requires the strength of all of you."
"We swear to serve Your Majesty unto death!" the ministers shouted in unison.
"In that case," Ying Zheng said with a solemn expression, "I have another matter to announce."
The ministers all turned their attention to the throne, their curiosity piqued.
"I will now read a war report for your consideration," Ying Zheng said, gesturing.
At his signal, Zhao Gao stepped forward, holding a prepared report, and read aloud to the court:
"In the war against Zhao:
"The Zhao army, numbering over 300,000, was stationed in Wu'an City under the command of General Pang Nuan. The defenses were impenetrable.
"Zhao Feng, the commander of the fourth division of the Lantian Camp, led the vanguard, personally stormed the city gates, and captured Wu'an City in a single day. Through bloody combat, he defeated the Zhao forces, forcing them to retreat to Handan.
"At Handan:
"Zhao Feng once again led the vanguard, fighting tirelessly for six days and nights. He slew General Pang Nuan, conquered Zhao's capital, and stormed the royal palace, delivering a crushing blow to the Zhao forces.
"By the end of this campaign, Zhao Feng had slain nearly 100,000 enemy troops, captured 200,000 and driven the Zhao king into flight. Zhao Feng pursued him with his guard, killed over a thousand royal guards, and captured the Zhao king along with more than a thousand members of the Zhao nobility.
"After securing Handan, Zhao Feng turned his attention to Yan.
"In response to Yan's betrayal, Zhao Feng decisively struck the Yan forces, killing more than 20,000 troops in a single battle, capturing the crown prince of Yan, and taking control of dozens of cities in Zhao territory."
As Zhao Gao concluded the report, the hall fell into a stunned silence.
Most of the ministers had been unaware of these developments.
"Your Majesty must be planning to reward Zhao Feng for his achievements," Wang Wan thought to himself. "However, Zhao Feng is already a senior commander. If he is to be promoted further, the only position left is that of General-in-Chief."
"Zhao Feng is truly extraordinary," another minister thought. "He has defeated legendary generals like Pang Nuan, Lian Po, and Bai Yuan, as well as the renowned Wei Wuji.
"With these accomplishments, he could ascend to the rank of General-in-Chief before he turns thirty a remarkable feat!"
On the throne, Ying Zheng broke the silence.
"Zhao Feng's achievements must be richly rewarded," Wei Liao said, stepping forward.
As one of Ying Zheng's most trusted advisors, he was quick to grasp the king's intent.
Everyone present understood that Ying Zheng intended to bestow a great honor upon Zhao Feng. However, few anticipated just how significant that honor would be.
After all, Zhao Feng was far too young.
"I intend to promote Zhao Feng to the position of Commandant of the Guards."
"What do you all think?"
Ying Zheng, with an authoritative tone, gazed down at the assembly of civil and military officials and posed the question.
As soon as the words left his mouth, they hit the court like a thunderclap.
The entire hall instantly erupted.
Whether it was Wang Wan, Wei Zhuang, or the other ministers, all of them stared in shock.
None of them had anticipated this move.
"My King,"
"This is unacceptable."
"While General Zhao Feng has indeed achieved numerous merits for Qin, he is still far too young and lacks the necessary seniority," Chunyu Yue immediately stepped forward to oppose the idea.
"I second this."
"Although General Zhao Feng possesses exceptional command abilities, he is not yet suited to bear the heavy responsibility of a general."
"This position is simply too important," Wang Wan quickly added.
Although Prince Fusu had personally gone to apologize to Zhao Feng in the past, a rift undoubtedly remained. If Zhao Feng were to be further promoted, it would make him even more susceptible to being drawn into alliances with other princes a scenario Wang Wan could not allow.
Moreover, Zhao Feng was the son-in-law of the Wang family. To win Zhao Feng over was effectively to win over the entire Wang clan. If they controlled military power, the influence of Zhao Feng and the Wang family would rival that of half the court combined.
For the sake of balance in the court, and for Fusu's position, Zhao Feng's promotion had to be delayed for as long as possible.
"We beseech Your Majesty to reconsider this decree."
"While Zhao Feng has indeed performed admirably for Qin, he remains too young. He needs more time to gain experience. Once he matures further and accrues more seniority, his promotion can be revisited in the future."
"For now, the titles and rewards he has received for his merits are sufficient," Wei Zhuang also chimed in.
Ying Zheng remained silent, simply watching the officials on the court with a calm demeanor.
"Fusu, what do you think?" Ying Zheng turned his gaze to his eldest son.
"Father, I believe Wang Xiang and Wei Xiang have made valid points."
"While Zhao Feng's accomplishments are remarkable, he is still young and would benefit from further experience."
"Once his character and temperament become more steady, he will undoubtedly be capable of assuming the role of Commandant of the Guards," Fusu promptly replied.
Hearing this, Ying Zheng nodded.
Then, with a wave of his hand, he picked up an official edict from the table before him.
"Read it aloud," Ying Zheng said in a deep voice.
Zhao Gao stepped forward respectfully, holding the decree, and read aloud in a booming voice:
"Edict from the King of Qin!"
"Zhao Feng, commander of Lantian, has rendered outstanding service in the campaign to conquer Zhao. He has exemplified himself as a model for Qin's warriors defending Weicheng to prevent territorial losses, advancing into Zhao, slaying Lian Po, killing Pang Nuan, and capturing King Zhao achieving remarkable feats."
"Upon the conquest of Zhao, Zhao Feng shall be promoted to Commandant of the Guards and bestowed the title of General."
"Furthermore, his nobility rank shall be elevated by two levels."
When Zhao Gao finished reading, the entire court fell into a stunned silence.
Everyone now understood.
Ying Zheng hadn't brought this matter up for discussion. He had already made up his mind, and the royal decree had been prepared in advance.
No amount of opposition from the court could change this decision it was the will of the King.
Once Zhao was conquered, Zhao Feng would ascend to the rank of General, becoming the youngest General in Qin's history.
One day, he might even rise to the rank of Grand Marshal, akin to Bai Qi of old, commanding all of Qin's forces.
The ministers who had just opposed the motion looked visibly displeased.
"My King," Wang Wan braved himself and spoke up, "Zhao Feng's lack of seniority may incite dissatisfaction among the soldiers if he is promoted to General."
"Dissatisfaction among the troops?"
"Wang Xiang, your words are most peculiar," said Wei Liao with a hint of amusement as he stepped forward.
"Is Wang Xiang unaware that in the military, every soldier regards General Zhao Feng as their role model and standard?"
"Not only that," Wei Liao continued, "Wang Xiang claims that promoting General Zhao would incite discontent in the ranks?"
"Does Wang Xiang not know that Qin adheres strictly to a system of meritocracy? For Qin's soldiers, merit is the sole basis for advancement."
"With General Zhao's contributions, who in the military could dare to object?"
"Let me ask you, Wang Xiang: who else has accomplished what Zhao Feng has?"
"Who else has slain Lian Po? Who else has killed Pang Nuan?"
"Who else has defeated Wei Wuji with inferior forces?"
"Who else could breach Handan, guarded by 300,000 soldiers, within six days?"
Han Fei also stepped forward to defend Zhao Feng.
"The Interior Minister speaks wisely."
"Wang Xiang, you should name those who are dissatisfied."
"Or could it be that you, Wang Xiang, are the one who's dissatisfied?" Li Si interjected, adding fuel to the fire.
Faced with their relentless questioning, Wang Wan's face flushed with frustration, yet he could offer no retort.
"Ultimately, Zhao Feng is simply too young."
"A General commands massive armies, often tens of thousands of troops. I suggest this matter be given further thought," Wang Wan argued again, returning to the issue of youth.
"To deny a capable commander his due promotion simply because of his age would be a grave disservice to Qin," Wei Liao replied solemnly.
At this moment, Ying Zheng raised his hand, and the heated debate in the court instantly ceased.
"To deny a Qin warrior promotion over something as trivial as age would cause our soldiers to lose faith in the meritocratic system."
"Age does indeed reflect a person's character," Ying Zheng said slowly.
"But I have personally observed Zhao Feng. He is steady in temperament, mature in personality, and fully capable of shouldering this responsibility."
"I trust he will excel as a General," Ying Zheng concluded.
With those words, the matter was decisively settled.
No one could challenge the decision any further.
Unless Zhao Feng committed treason himself, the position of General was now unquestionably his.
"I understand, my King," Wang Wan finally conceded, realizing the futility of further opposition.
"Minister Wei," Ying Zheng continued, "relay my orders to Wang Jian. Have him instruct Zhao Feng to release Yan Dan."
"Inform him that after stabilizing Zhao, he is to march north to Dai. It is best to conquer Zhao before winter sets in. Once winter arrives, everything will become more challenging."
"We obey," Wei Liao replied, accepting the decree.
"Zhao Feng..."
"This boy is truly unstoppable."
"To be appointed as Protector of the Army and a Great General of the state."
"And at not even twenty years old, he's already achieved this."
"Sigh..."
"Another Bai Qi," Wang Wan sighed deeply, his old face heavy with concern.
Perhaps it was because of his previous opposition that Zhao Feng's rise now filled Wang Wan's heart with an uneasy foreboding.
"We should try to maintain good relations with him."
"As long as he doesn't align himself with another prince, there's no need to suppress him too much. But if he chooses to oppose us, we will have to restrain him in the future."
"Although he is now a Great General, his future will mostly revolve around the court in Xianyang, which is very different from the battlefield," Wei Zhuang said thoughtfully.
At this moment, Fusu suddenly spoke, his expression tinged with doubt.
"Two chancellors, do you think Father is disappointed in me?"
Hearing this, both Wang Wan and Wei Zhuang were startled.
"Why would the prince say such a thing?" Wang Wan quickly asked.
"When I was sixteen, Father allowed me to participate in court affairs. But every time I proposed a policy, he would dismiss it. Every time I suggested a state strategy, he ignored it."
"His attitude, sometimes distant and sometimes close, leaves me completely baffled," Fusu sighed.
"Prince," Wang Wan quickly responded, "do you know what kind of person the King is?"
"He is a ruler of the state, a monarch of unmatched ambition and talent. His strategies for governance and methods of ruling officials are unmatched by anyone."
"As the eldest prince of Qin, you are naturally in a position far superior to the other princes. Apart from you, which other prince has been allowed to participate in court affairs?"
"This is precisely the King's way of treating you differently," Wang Wan comforted him.
As the prince they had chosen to support, Fusu was the hope of many court officials and aristocratic families.
Even the majority of the Ying clan held high expectations for Fusu.
Fusu's kindness and benevolence meant that the aristocratic families would stand to benefit more in the future.
A ruler like Ying Zheng, with his dominating wisdom and power, left little room for such families to thrive.
Listening to Wang Wan's explanation, Fusu nodded.
"Perhaps I am overthinking it."
"It's just that sometimes I truly feel Father is disappointed in me."
Wei Zhuang interjected, "Prince, you overthink. Allowing you to participate in court affairs is a form of training. With more experience, the King will surely see you in a different light."
"For now, the most important thing for you is to align your policies with the King's vision and approach governance in a way that resonates with him."
Fusu frowned slightly, showing some reluctance.
"Father is a wise ruler, and I am naturally not as capable as him."
"But no one is perfect. In my view, many of his policies are flawed, such as placing too much emphasis on the Office of the Court, the legal system, and strict measures against the people. If it were up to me, I would be more lenient."
Wang Wan advised, "Currently, the King rules the state. But once the Prince becomes Crown Prince, you will have the opportunity to implement your policies. The world is vast, and the future is long. Be patient, Prince."
In the Zhangtai Palace:
"Your Majesty's decision today truly shook the court," Wei Liao said with a smile as he sat to the side.
"On the court, seniority always seems to dominate."
"The civil officials demand seniority and prestige, as knowledge has long been controlled by the aristocratic families."
"I've tolerated that."
"But the military is the foundation of Qin's strength, and even there they speak of seniority? I won't indulge them."
"I will make Zhao Feng the benchmark, a standard for all of Qin's soldiers," Ying Zheng said with a faint smile, every move calculated.
"Your Majesty is wise."
"By setting the youngest Great General as an example, you will undoubtedly inspire and invigorate all of Qin's soldiers," Wei Liao immediately praised.
"But..." Ying Zheng hesitated slightly.
"I'm still considering where to station the army camp for Zhao Feng, and whether the troops should primarily consist of recruits or penal soldiers."
Wei Liao suggested, "I think it's best to wait until Zhao Feng returns to Xianyang. Then, Your Majesty can discuss it with him. For now, there's no rush."
"After all, the priority should still be the conquest of Zhao."
"You're right."
"I was being too impatient," Ying Zheng said, a trace of relief in his voice.
"Originally, I thought Your Majesty would only establish the new camp after the complete subjugation of Han, Zhao, and Wei. I didn't expect it to be brought forward," Wei Liao chuckled.
"Perhaps Zhao Feng's exceptional abilities compelled me."
"If I don't establish a camp, how could a mere generalship do justice to the accomplishments he's made for Qin?" Ying Zheng smiled.
"It's been years..."
"This is the first time I've seen Your Majesty hold such high regard for a general," Wei Liao remarked.
"I believe Zhao Feng will not disappoint Your Majesty."
After a pause, Ying Zheng shifted the topic.
"What are your thoughts on Wang Wan and the others in court today?"
"They are fixated on their interests, driven by self-serving motives. And the Crown Prince has already been completely controlled by them."
"Their faction permeates the court. Your Majesty should consider introducing a counterbalance," Wei Liao advised.
Ying Zheng nodded.
"It's indeed time to tip the scales."
"Fusu..."
"If this continues, how could he be a suitable heir to my legacy?"
Hearing this, Wei Liao remained unsurprised. He was well aware of Ying Zheng's ambitions.
Ying Zheng didn't merely aim for a unified empire in his lifetime he wanted the Qin dynasty to last for generations.
Naturally, he held extremely high standards for his successor.
But given Fusu's current performance, he was far from being ready for such a monumental responsibility.
Of course, Wei Liao refrained from commenting on the matter of the Crown Prince.
After all, once the empire was unified, he might choose to leave Qin entirely.
He had come to Qin to assist in unifying the world and ushering in a prosperous era.
But as for personal wealth and status, he cared little for such things.
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