After a brief moment of silence, the court officials finally regained their composure.
"Your Majesty, congratulations!"
"With the great victory at Yuyang, the 300,000 elite troops of Yan have either been slain or captured!"
"Yan is no longer capable of resisting our Qin army!"
"The destruction of Yan is imminent!" Wei Liao was the first to step forward and speak.
"We offer our congratulations to Your Majesty!"
The entire court resounded with praise.
Of course, most of these congratulations were sincere. With the fall of Yuyang, the demise of the Yan state was now within sight, and the unification of the empire was just around the corner.
However, for officials like Wang Wan, their expressions carried a hint of coldness, and their hearts burned with resentment.
Had this great military achievement been credited to any commander other than Zhao Feng or Wang Jian, Wang Wan, and his faction would have no choice but to celebrate and request rewards on their behalf.
But the problem was that it was Zhao Feng.
With this victory contributing to the fall of Yan, Zhao Feng's noble rank would inevitably be elevated once more.
He would become the only Supreme General of Qin with a rank of nineteen.
And if he continued achieving military success, he would undoubtedly be appointed as the Grand Marshal of the Empire (Guowei).
At that point, nearly all military power in Qin would be under Zhao Feng's control.
The authority of a Grand Marshal was unparalleled every field army in Qin would be under his command.
The only forces he wouldn't control would be the regional garrison troops assigned to defend local territories.
If that day truly came, Zhao Feng's influence would be absolute.
Every time Wang Wan watched Zhao Feng accumulate military achievements and move closer to higher titles, it felt as if he were swallowing bitter bile utterly helpless yet filled with resentment.
He regretted not taking action against Zhao Feng before his rise to prominence.
Ying Zheng sat upon his throne, looking over the court with a composed expression. He shook his head with a faint smile.
"Zhao Feng... he still refuses to listen to me."
"I told him not to personally lead charges on the battlefield, yet he insists on doing so."
His tone seemed to carry a note of reprimand, but anyone could hear the deep affection beneath his words.
There was scolding, yes but there was also appreciation.
"Your Majesty,"
"Now that Yuyang has fallen, the Yan state's remaining forces including their newly recruited troops amount to no more than 200,000."
"Moreover, their elite troops have been wiped out."
"Yan is no longer a concern." Li Si stepped forward and spoke confidently.
"What of the Qi and Chu states? Any movements from them?" Ying Zheng turned to the court and inquired.
"Your Majesty,"
"Qi and Chu have continuously dispatched envoys to Qin, pleading for mercy on Yan's behalf and requesting that we cease hostilities."
"But this old minister has obstructed them at every turn and outright rejected their requests." Wang Wan reported.
"Inform the envoys from Qi and Chu,"
"The destruction of Yan is inevitable."
"No one can stop it."
"Yan attempted to assassinate me. They nearly took my life. If I were to forgive them now, then perhaps I should send assassins to kill the kings of Qi and Chu as well and see if they would be so forgiving!"
Ying Zheng's voice was filled with cold resolve.
The grand vision of unification was set in motion there was no room for hesitation.
Ceasing the campaign?
Even if Ying Zheng were to agree, his officials and his elite Qin soldiers would never allow it.
"I understand, Your Majesty." Wang Wan immediately acknowledged the order.
Ying Zheng then turned to the supreme general Wang Jian.
"Wang Jian, step forward."
"This minister is present." Wang Jian immediately stepped forward.
"In the Battle of Yuyang, more than 200,000 enemy soldiers surrendered."
"The Wu'an Army is continuously engaged in battle and cannot afford to divert forces to guard and transport these prisoners."
"It is time for the Lan Tian Army to move."
"Not just to take charge of the captives but also to exert pressure on the Qi and Chu states."
Ying Zheng's commanding tone left no room for doubt.
Wang Jian immediately responded, "Your Majesty, I accept your decree!"
"Present him with the tiger tally."
Ying Zheng gestured with his hand.
A tiger-shaped tally, a symbol of military authority, had long been prepared on his desk. Zhao Gao carefully picked it up and respectfully presented it to Wang Jian.
Without a decree, no troops could be mobilized.
Without the tiger tally, no troops could be commanded.
Though such regulations were strictly enforced, for a general of Wang Jian's prestige, the tally was more of a formality.
That being said, no one in Qin would dare mobilize troops without proper authorization doing so was a crime punishable by the extermination of one's entire clan.
No military movement without orders.
No troop deployment without the tally.
This was the law.
Ying Zheng glanced around the court.
"Do any ministers have further matters to present?"
Meanwhile, in the Yan state, within the borders of Chengyang
"General!"
"This battle was a great victory!"
"We have slain nearly 40,000 Yan troops and seized vast amounts of military supplies enough provisions to sustain our army for three months!"
"With this campaign, we have barely needed to use Qin's resources. Almost all of our supplies have been taken from Yan."
Zhang Han reported to Zhao Feng with an excited expression.
"The Yan state has been accumulating resources since the Zhao army withdrew years ago. Their ample supplies are no surprise." Zhao Feng responded calmly, unfazed by the information.
Among all the warring states, if any had the ability to provide for sustained military campaigns, it was either Qin or Yan.
The key lay in Dukang, the most fertile agricultural region of Yan.
Nearly 70-80% of Yan's grain supply came from Dukang.
Of course, much of it was controlled by the aristocracy.
But once Qin conquered Yan, this land would belong to Qin.
Within Qin, land could only be granted through noble ranks. While the policy had been fully implemented in Qin's core territories, it was still gradually being rolled out in the annexed lands of the Three Jins (Zhao, Wei, and Han).
The transition was delicate forcing it too quickly would cause widespread upheaval.
After all, the power of the nobility could not be underestimated.
All of this, however, would be properly dealt with once unification was complete.
Whether Qin Shi Huang (Ying Zheng) would ultimately carry out these reforms remained to be seen.
But Zhao Feng had already made up his mind.
When the Qin dynasty fell in the future, and he established his own empire, land would be nationalized.
Only through national control of land could widespread famine be reduced and the state's strength be maximized.
"General,"
"There are so many surrendered Yan troops, but we lack the manpower to guard them."
"Should we request additional forces from His Majesty?" Zhang Han inquired.
"What you've thought of do you think His Majesty hasn't already considered it?"
"Once word of the capture of 200,000 enemy troops reaches Xianyang, His Majesty will naturally dispatch reinforcements." Zhao Feng chuckled.
He had absolute confidence in Qin Shi Huang's foresight and decisiveness.
Although the king had granted battlefield commanders full autonomy, he would never neglect logistics and military coordination.
"I understand now," Zhang Han nodded, refraining from further questions.
"Alright, get some rest."
"Tomorrow, we continue our advance."
"While Yan is still weak, we will strike at the heart of their kingdom." Zhao Feng ordered firmly.
"Yes, General!"
Zhang Han bowed and withdrew.
"Send word to Tu Sui."
"Once Yuyang is secured, do not delay continue the offensive."
"Advance from Zhuo City and converge on Ji City!"
Zhao Feng said to Zhang Ming.
"Subordinate will immediately send someone to deliver the order." Zhang Ming bowed at once.
Immediately after.
Zhao Feng leaned against the couch inside the military tent.
"Settle the enemy kill attributes," Zhao Feng ordered.
"The great battle has ended."
"Calculating the attribute points gained from the host's troops killing enemies."
"Host's troops have killed 106,858 enemies, collecting 26,714 attribute points."
"Collected 2,883 points of True Qi."
"Collected 3,349 points of Strength."
"Collected 3,345 points of Speed."
"Collected 2,731 points of Spirit."
"Collected 2,973 points of Constitution."
"Collected 11,433 days of lifespan."
A notification appeared on the status panel.
"Thirty-one years of lifespan."
Seeing the final collected lifespan, Zhao Feng smiled.
This was exactly what he wanted.
Opening the attribute panel:
Host: Zhao Feng
Age: 21
True Qi: 17,578 points (The stronger the True Qi, the more energy in the dantian, and the more powerful its eruptions. Grandmaster First Level True Qi.)
Strength: 20,471 (The higher the number, the stronger the force that can be unleashed.)
Speed: 20,332 (The higher the number, the faster the speed.)
Constitution: 18,863 (The stronger the constitution, the faster the recovery from injuries, the more endurance, and the quicker True Qi replenishment.)
Spirit: 18,854 (Spirit power can extend for a thousand feet, absorbing the essence of heaven and earth within that range.)
Lifespan: 223 years plus 31 years and 16 days [Realm lifespan cap: 500 years, suppressed by unknown rules]
Merit: 1,125 points (Can be converted into free attribute points or skill points.)
Portable Space: 1,099 cubic units
Cultivation Method: Martial Dao Imperial Dragon Codex (Training for one day increases all attributes by 200 points.)
"The next time I kill more enemies, all attributes should surpass 20,000," Zhao Feng thought to himself.
"At that time, I should receive another treasure chest."
Previously, before reaching 10,000 in all attributes, he received a treasure chest for every 1,000-point increase.
Now, it seemed he would get a treasure chest for every 10,000-point increase. Of course, Zhao Feng could also guess that the rewards from these treasure chests would be of much higher quality.
"Master."
At this moment!
Zhang Ming entered the tent from outside.
"What is it?" Zhao Feng asked.
"A message has just arrived from Yan State."
"Please have a look, Master," Zhang Ming said, presenting a secret letter delivered by carrier pigeon.
Zhao Feng took it and glanced over it.
His expression became slightly more serious.
"Yan State has redeployed its border troops from the northern frontier," Zhao Feng said gravely.
"The border troops guarding the northern frontier are of utmost importance for defending against the Donghu nomads," Zhang Ming replied immediately.
"Yan's king likely believes that Great Qin is about to destroy his nation, so he recalled the border troops to defend the capital," he added.
"Do you understand the importance of these border troops?" Zhao Feng suddenly asked.
"Of course."
"They are there to guard against the nomads," Zhang Ming nodded.
"Then do you know how cruel these nomads are?"
"If the border troops are withdrawn and the nomads invade, do you understand what kind of disaster that would be?" Zhao Feng continued.
"Uh... I have never witnessed it myself," Zhang Ming admitted, shaking his head.
He was not from the frontier but from the heartland of Qin, so he was naturally unaware of the horrors brought by the nomads.
"Nomads have no sense of propriety, no humanity. They follow only the instincts of wild beasts."
"Slaughter is their nature."
"If they cross the border into our Hua-Xia lands, there will be nothing but burning, looting, and killing."
"That is why"
"Back when the various states coexisted, they established an agreement: if the nomads invaded, all states would unite to repel them."
"But as time passed, this so-called alliance became nothing but a joke."
"However"
"Each state still maintained border troops to prevent the nomads from taking advantage of any gaps."
"Yan's king has now broken this unspoken rule."
Zhao Feng spoke solemnly, his face already showing a trace of anger.
To Zhao Feng, who understood the great disasters that had plagued Hua-Xia throughout history, the scourge of the nomads was the greatest threat.
"General, this is a decision made by Yan's king. There is nothing we can do about it," Zhang Ming said anxiously.
Zhao Feng slowly stood up, his eyes filled with cold fury.
"Which is why I must hasten the march and breakthrough Ji City as soon as possible."
"Yan's king."
"Crown Prince Ji Dan."
"This father and son pair will stop at nothing to achieve their goals."
"They do not even care about their people."
"In that case"
"They both must die."
Zhao Feng had never felt such strong hostility toward any monarch before.
Not even towards Zhao Yan in the past.
But now, Yan's king had truly provoked his killing intent.
Northern Grasslands, East of the Border
To the north of Yan State
The Royal Court of Donghu.
"Greetings, King of Donghu."
Sima Lin entered the royal court and bowed respectfully.
The Donghu King sat on a throne covered with tiger pelts. He had a rugged and burly figure, exuding an aura of dominance.
On both sides of the court stood Donghu warriors, clad in fur and towering in stature.
In the steppe culture, there was no bureaucratic administration like in settled civilizations.
They revered brute strength.
Governance was considered a lowly role, while military leaders held the highest status.
The moment Sima Lin stepped into the court, the Donghu King showed no sign of surprise.
Instead, he laughed heartily.
"Sima Lord, it has been a long time!"
"Come, take a seat."
At his command
Two Donghu warriors immediately placed a cushion before Sima Lin.
Without hesitation, Sima Lin sat down and flatteringly thanked him, "Many thanks, Great King."
"What good news have you brought me this time?" the Donghu King asked expectantly.
"Great King."
"Yan's king has secretly sent me to seek your aid," Sima Lin replied, revealing his purpose without any concealment.
"It seems"
"That Qin State has beaten Yan quite badly."
"Otherwise, that old fox Yan King wouldn't have come to beg for my help," the Donghu King said, laughing in delight.
"Great King is indeed wise."
"Yan State is now on the brink of destruction," Sima Lin affirmed.
"So, under my mediation, the King of Yan had no choice but to send me to ask for your aid, Great King," Sima Lin immediately smiled and said.
"Continue."
"What price will the King of Yan pay?" The King of Donghu immediately asked.
"Great King."
"The King of Yan has no more price to pay, but under my suggestion, he has already withdrawn the 70,000 border troops stationed at the frontier back to Ji City."
"They have already been withdrawn, and now Yan's border has no defense at all."
"For you, Great King, this is a great opportunity, isn't it?"
"Everything in the northern frontier of Yan is now up for grabs."
"Wealth, manpower, resources."
"Everything is for your taking."
Sima Lin said excitedly.
Upon hearing this, the King of Donghu's eyes flashed with excitement.
The Donghu generals inside the tent also laughed loudly.
"Hahaha."
"Wonderful!"
"Yan State has no defenses this is a golden opportunity."
"Those Yan women are all very beautiful, and they have plenty of food and iron."
"If we get our hands on them, our national strength will surely grow immensely."
"Great King, issue the order quickly."
"We will march south and strike immediately."
"Great King, we Donghu warriors haven't been on an expedition for a long time, we can't miss this perfect opportunity..."
Before the King of Donghu spoke, his generals were already shouting excitedly, their greed unmasked in their eyes.
"Enough!"
The King of Donghu raised his hand, and the noise gradually quieted down.
Then, the King of Donghu said happily to Sima Lin, "It seems that saving your life back then really paid off. This time, you've done a great service for my tribe."
"If it weren't for you, Great King, I would have been dead long ago."
"I am willing to give my life in loyalty to you, Great King." Sima Lin immediately bowed with excitement.
"This time, you are indispensable."
"Whatever you want, just say it."
"As long as I can do it, I will grant it," the King of Donghu said, waving his hand generously.
Sima Lin's eyes flickered as he immediately said, "I wish to become a true Donghu man, to have my tribe, and govern a land."
Upon hearing this, the King of Donghu laughed loudly and then said, "Good, good."
"Then, I will certainly fulfill your wish."
"This time, I have decided to send troops south."
"You will accompany the army and offer strategies to my warriors. Once we return victorious, I will grant you a tribe of ten thousand people, making you a true Donghu warrior."
Hearing this, Sima Lin was overjoyed, and immediately bowed again, "I swear to serve the Great King with my life."
"Great King."
"Please allow me to go to battle."
"This time, no one is more suited than Wu Wu to command the army southward."
A sturdy man stood up and loudly volunteered.
"Wu Wu."
"You think too highly of yourself."
"Every time we go on an expedition, you command the troops. It's time for us to have our turn."
"That's right."
"It's our turn."
"Every time, your tribe takes all the spoils, this time it's our turn..."
The Donghu generals below began to argue non-stop.
The King of Donghu watched with amusement.
In the steppe, this was the kind of warrior they revered.
"This is a huge opportunity."
"Not only do I want the people and resources, but I also want Yan's territory."
"Wu Wu, Ba Xiong."
"Quickly gather 200,000 troops and head south."
"Take whatever you see, seize whatever you can."
"In short..."
"I want everything," the King of Donghu laughed and said to his two strongest generals.
Upon hearing this, the two Donghu generals excitedly responded, "Rest assured, Great King."
"We'll deal with those weak Yan people in the south, one by one."
"Great King."
"Yan State is no longer a concern."
"But we should still be cautious of Qin State."
"Their military strength is not weak."
"If we encounter the Qin army, we must be careful," Sima Lin spoke up.
"The Qin army? Aren't they just another so-called Hua-Xia tribe?"
"They're very weak."
"Rest assured, Great King. If we encounter the Qin army, I will make them understand what true Donghu warriors are capable of," Wu Wu said with great pride.
But the King of Donghu raised his hand, "We have no conflict with the Qin army. If we encounter them, we should avoid unnecessary conflict. What we want is the people and resources of Yan State."
"Of course..."
"If the Qin army dares to make a move, then we will kill them all."
A cold light flashed in the King of Donghu's eyes.
He also exuded a sense of confidence.
Qin State? He had no fear of them.
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