"Your Majesty."
"General Zhao Feng will surely be safe. There is no need for Your Majesty to worry too much."
"The Crown Prince of Yan has already been escorted to the palace."
"He awaits Your Majesty's judgment."
"Shall Your Majesty summon him now?"
Li Si stepped forward and respectfully reported.
Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng finally remembered Ji Dan.
As for Ji Dan, at this moment, Ying Zheng no longer held any past sentiments toward him.
If in the past, when they were both hostages in Handan, there had been some companionship, that bond had completely vanished after Ji Dan plotted an assassination attempt against him.
He had tried to kill him.
How could Ying Zheng still hold any affection for him?
At that critical moment, if Zhao Feng had not arrived in time, he might have truly lost his life.
"Summon him."
Ying Zheng's voice was cold.
"The King commands!"
"Bring the Crown Prince of Yan, Ji Dan, to the court." Zhao Gao's sharp voice rang out.
Upon hearing the order, a group of imperial guards immediately brought Ji Dan, dressed in prisoner's garb, into the court.
Ji Dan was no longer the man he once was.
His face was haggard, his spirit broken.
He looked utterly desolate.
For the longest time, Ji Dan's greatest wish had been to make Yan a powerful kingdom.
But now, the state of Yan was gone. His father was dead.
To him, he was no different from a walking corpse.
As he entered the grand hall
"Kneel!" Ren Xiao shouted sternly.
However, Ji Dan remained motionless, his eyes lifeless, not even glancing at the figure on the high throne.
Ren Xiao had no patience for him and delivered a swift kick.
Bang!
Ji Dan was knocked to the ground, collapsing limply. Yet, he still did not react, as if his soul had left him.
"Ji Dan."
Ying Zheng spoke slowly, his tone frigid.
The moment Ji Dan heard Ying Zheng's voice
His lifeless eyes suddenly widened in fury.
He glared fiercely at Ying Zheng on the throne, his gaze filled with hatred.
"Ying Zheng."
"I will kill you."
"You will die a terrible death!"
Ji Dan struggled violently, attempting to lunge forward.
However, two imperial guards swiftly restrained him, pinning him to the ground.
"Hate me?"
"What right do you have?" Ying Zheng sneered, his gaze cold and indifferent as he looked down at Ji Dan.
"Ying Zheng."
"You are a ruthless, ambitious wolf."
"You slaughter countless innocents."
"You will face retribution one day!" Ji Dan howled with resentment.
To him, there was nothing left but curses.
"Slaughter countless innocents?"
"Hahaha."
"Ji Dan, you were once a crown prince of a kingdom, yet you speak such childish words."
"How ridiculous."
"But."
"I must thank you."
"If not for your assassination attempt, how else could I have had the justification to destroy Yan?"
"Now, the entire Yan state belongs to Qin."
"As for you…"
Ying Zheng's eyes turned murderous as he stared at Ji Dan.
"You plotted regicide."
"What is the punishment for such a crime?" Ying Zheng turned to Li Si.
"Execution of the entire family."
"Dismemberment by chariots."
Li Si answered immediately.
"Then what are you all waiting for?"
Ying Zheng commanded coldly.
With a wave of his hand, several imperial guards dragged Ji Dan outside.
"Do any ministers have further matters to report?" Ying Zheng glanced over the court.
"We have nothing to report, Your Majesty." The ministers responded in unison.
"Court dismissed."
Ying Zheng waved his hand.
But as he rose, his gaze fell on Wang Jian, silently signaling him to meet in Zhangtai Palace.
Inside Zhangtai Palace
"Your son-in-law."
"He truly has no regard for his own life."
"Leading ten thousand cavalry deep into the northern frontier this is no different from courting death."
Inside the hall, with no outsiders present, Ying Zheng's tone was filled with anger as he spoke to Wang Jian.
Wang Jian, however, merely smiled and said, "Zhao Feng may be my son-in-law, but he is also Your Majesty's son."
"Moreover, I never trained him his talent is entirely innate."
His words were clear he was implying that Zhao Feng took after his father.
"Why does it sound like you're blaming me?" Ying Zheng scoffed.
"I wouldn't dare." Wang Jian immediately bowed.
"Enough."
"Sit."
Seeing Wang Jian's expression, Ying Zheng knew there was no point in blaming him, so he could only wave his hand helplessly.
"Thank you, Your Majesty." Wang Jian unceremoniously took a seat beside Ying Zheng.
"Have you figured out Zhao Feng's intentions?" Ying Zheng asked.
"If my guess is correct, Zhao Feng wants revenge for the people of Yan who were massacred by the northern tribes."
"This time,"
"Due to the invasion of the northern tribes, as many as three to four hundred thousand civilians in Yan were slaughtered."
"All at the hands of those barbarians," Wang Jian said solemnly.
"Is it just for revenge?" Ying Zheng frowned.
To him, Zhao Feng's actions were driven by more than just vengeance.
"Your Majesty must have seen it too."
"This time, the northern tribes suffered a disastrous defeat out of two hundred thousand troops, fewer than thirty thousand escaped."
"They suffered severe losses."
"And according to battle reports, the people, wealth, and grain they looted from Yan were all left behind. Even their supplies fell into our army's hands."
"This proves one thing"
"The northern tribes will never accept such a heavy loss. They will certainly return in full force."
"And when they do, Yan territory will be in danger."
"By attacking the northern frontier now, Zhao Feng aims to create chaos and prevent them from regrouping for another invasion." Wang Jian analyzed.
Ying Zheng nodded. "That's what I thought as well."
"But that boy is too reckless. Charging into the northern frontier with only ten thousand cavalry one mistake and he'll be surrounded by countless enemies."
"And all I can do is wait in Xianyang."
Wang Jian could hear the concern in Ying Zheng's voice.
It was clear that Ying Zheng had truly come to care deeply for this unacknowledged son of his.
"Your Majesty."
"At this point, all we can do is trust Zhao Feng."
"But I believe he will return safely." Wang Jian said with confidence.
"Hmm." Ying Zheng nodded.
At the same time,
Within Xianyang City!
Dozens of swift horses dashed out from the Prime Minister's residence, charging towards the outskirts of Xianyang.
Each rider carried an edict from the King of Qin, proclaiming his decree to the entire realm.
These edicts would first be delivered to the various commanderies, where they would then be further proclaimed, spreading the message throughout the land.
This was the method of public announcements in this era.
As the capital city, Xianyang was naturally the first to receive the proclamation.
At this moment, officials from the Jingzhao Office had already set out towards various announcement sites across Xianyang.
"The edict of the King of Qin!"
"All citizens of Great Qin, listen well!"
On the main road, an official held the decree in his hands, while behind him, yamen officers beat gongs and drums.
The crowd's attention was immediately drawn, and people began gathering at the designated announcement locations.
"It looks like something major has happened."
"I heard that a few months ago, General Zhao Feng led an expedition against Yan by royal decree. Word has it that every battle resulted in victory. Yan must be close to destruction."
"If the royal edict is being issued today, I suspect it's not just that Yan is on the verge of collapse it must have already fallen. The king must be announcing the good news to uplift the people of Qin."
"I think so too!"
"Our Qin warriors are mighty! And General Zhao Feng's command in battle is unparalleled. He is the strongest war god of Great Qin his army is unstoppable!"
"I bet Yan has already been conquered by General Zhao Feng!"
"If Yan has truly fallen, then our Great Qin now controls more than half of the known world!"
"With Yan gone, only Qi and Chu remain. The unification of the land is within reach!"
"Hurry! Let's go and see if it's true that Yan has fallen!"
"Yes, let's go! If it's true, I must celebrate today!"
With the officials marching forward, countless citizens of Xianyang gathered, heading toward the announcement sites.
In no time, the entire city converged at these locations.
Whether they were street vendors, merchants, aristocrats, or common folk, they all came together.
At this moment, every old Qin citizen was filled with anticipation.
At the announcement site
"The King of Qin proclaims!"
"Hear ye, all under Heaven!"
"Half a year has passed since General Zhao Feng led the army from the Wu'an Camp to wage war against Yan."
"After six months of conquest"
"The mighty Wu'an Army of Great Qin has destroyed Yan! From this day forth, all Yan territories shall be governed by Great Qin!"
As the decree was posted and read aloud, the entire city of Xianyang trembled with excitement.
"Yan has fallen!"
"Our Great Qin now rules over more than half the land! Only Qi and Chu remain!"
"This is incredible!"
"The dream of unifying the world is within reach!"
"I never thought I would live to see the fulfillment of our ancestors' greatest wish!"
"Great Qin shall reign forever!"
"This calls for a celebration!"
"Yan's downfall is a triumph for Great Qin! Let's drink to this joyous occasion!"
"Let's celebrate together!"
"Hahaha!"
...
The news of Yan's destruction filled every citizen in Xianyang with elation.
For the old Qin people, this was a momentous occasion.
"General Zhao Feng has pacified Yan this is one matter."
"But in addition"
"The King's decree declares"
"That the King of Yan colluded with foreign tribes, inviting them to invade our sacred land, leading to the massacre of tens of thousands of our people in northern Yan."
…
Hearing this, the joyous cheers suddenly fell silent.
Many people's eyes burned with fury.
To them, this was akin to announcing that a great traitor had betrayed their people and invited foreign invaders to slaughter their kin.
How could they not be enraged?
"The King of Yan"
"How dare he conspire with foreign tribes?"
"This is treason against our race!"
"He is unworthy of being king! He deserves death!"
"The King of Yan must die!"
One after another, the citizens roared in anger, openly expressing their contempt and fury toward the King of Yan.
Seeing this wave of national indignation, even the officials making the announcement were taken aback.
Though the land was divided into various states, all shared a common ancestry.
To betray one's race and collude with foreigners such a crime was condemned by all.
"Everyone, be at ease."
"The treachery of the King of Yan is despised by all in the land!"
"When General Zhao Feng reached Ji City, he denounced the King of Yan's crimes. The defending generals of Yan, upon learning of this treachery, surrendered and offered up the city."
"Upon entering the city"
"General Zhao Feng personally captured the King of Yan and executed him! The traitor has met his rightful end!"
"Furthermore"
"A force of 200,000 from the Donghu tribes invaded our northern borders, slaughtering tens of thousands of our people in Yan territory."
"General Zhao Feng, upon securing Ji City, was furious at this atrocity. Without hesitation, he led 100,000 cavalry northward to confront the invaders!"
"In just one month"
"The 200,000-strong Donghu army was utterly crushed, with 180,000 slain! Fewer than 20,000 managed to flee back to the northern wastelands!"
"This battle"
"Is a great victory for Great Qin!"
"General Zhao Feng led 100,000 cavalry into battle, suffering 40,000 casualties but annihilating 180,000 enemies!"
"A glorious triumph! A resounding victory!"
"Thus, the King of Qin proclaims this great victory to all under Heaven, rallying the spirits of our people!"
"And to warn the foreign tribes any who dare invade the sacred land of our race shall be utterly destroyed!"
The herald read the decree with fervor.
And the moment they heard it, the people of Xianyang were stunned.
Even the court officials had been left speechless when they first heard of this incredible victory.
"Is General Zhao Feng even human?"
"He faced an army of 200,000 with only 100,000 troops?"
"The enemy had an overwhelming numerical advantage, and they were masters of cavalry warfare!"
"And yet, General Zhao Feng managed to kill 180,000 of them while sustaining only 40,000 losses? This man is truly a god of war!"
"With such a battle record"
"General Zhao Feng is not just the greatest general of Qin he is the war god of the entire Huaxia race!"
"Who else could achieve such a feat?"
...
Countless citizens were awestruck by Zhao Feng's victory.
But more than anything, they revered and admired him.
At this moment
By issuing this decree, Ying Zheng was once again elevating Zhao Feng's reputation.
Zhao Feng's prestige would now reach an unprecedented level not just within Great Qin, but across the entire realm.
For any ruler, having a subordinate with such influence would be a grave concern.
But Zhao Feng was different.
He was the eldest son of the King of Qin the future Crown Prince.
All of this was, in truth, laying the foundation for the future.
It was now July, nearing winter.
At the border of the former Yan territory, the closest Donghu tribal settlement lay ahead.
Even under the cover of night, the settlement was illuminated by flickering torchlight, casting long shadows across the camp. Cart after cart of supplies was continuously transported into the settlement, arriving from the deeper northern regions.
But in the darkness, less than a thousand meters away from this Donghu encampment, the glow of their torches was visible.
At that moment
A dozen scouts rushed forward at full speed.
"Reporting to the General!"
"The settlement ahead is the Donghu tribe closest to the Central Plains."
"According to our reconnaissance, it appears that the settlement is receiving shipments of grain and supplies from further north."
"Even though it is late at night, the transport of supplies has not ceased."
"However, we have not observed any significant defensive measures in place."
The leading scout respectfully reported.
"They are stockpiling provisions in preparation for their invasion of Great Qin," Zhao Feng said slowly.
Having fought in countless battles, he could immediately infer the Donghu's intentions just from their supply movements.
This border settlement, being the closest to the Central Plains, was naturally the first place to stockpile provisions.
"General," interjected Zhang Han, his brows furrowed in confusion, "if this tribal settlement is so close to the Central Plains, shouldn't they have soldiers patrolling the perimeter?"
"It's rather strange that there's no sign of them."
When Qin forces invaded enemy territory and set up camp, thousands of scouts would be deployed in a five-mile radius to patrol and prevent surprise attacks.
Yet here they were, less than a thousand meters from a key Donghu settlement, and there was not a single sign of patrols.
It was absurd. Almost laughable.
"Because the barbarians have always believed that the Central Plains people are weak and submissive, unwilling to take the initiative to attack the northern territories," Zhao Feng sneered.
He fully understood why the Donghu were so lax.
To put it simply
They had grown arrogant.
The warring states of the Central Plains had always been consumed by their internal struggles, each dreaming of unifying the land under their own rule. As a result, they focused on defending their borders rather than launching aggressive campaigns against the northern tribes.
To the states of the Central Plains, the lands of the northern tribes were barren and impoverished, unworthy of conquest.
Compared to the rich and fertile lands of the Central Plains, no state had ever set its sights on the North.
"Enough," Zhao Feng turned to Zhang Han and the other commanders. "You all remember my orders, don't you?"
"We remember!"
"When we strike the barbarians, we shall show no mercy. Kill all in sight men, women, and children alike!"
The officers responded in unison.
"This is not cruelty on my part it is the barbarians who are inhuman," Zhao Feng said coldly.
"Tonight, we shall repay blood with blood, an eye for an eye!"
"They massacred our people in the Central Plains without a second thought so why should we spare theirs?"
"They never once considered whether the people they slaughtered were innocent."
"Since that is the case"
"Why should I show their kin any mercy?"
"As for their provisions," Zhao Feng continued, "bring torches and burn everything."
"In this battle, I want their entire world to be turned upside down."
"But remember!"
"Do not get bogged down in battle!"
"Follow my lead charge through the settlement, cut them down, and keep moving. Do not allow yourselves to be surrounded."
Zhao Feng gave one final warning.
The battle was imminent.
These orders had to be repeated
Because any hesitation could be fatal.
If his troops lingered in one place for too long, they would risk getting encircled and overwhelmed by the enemy.
After all, they were deep in enemy territory.
If the Donghu managed to muster enough forces to surround them, it would be disastrous.
Still, it was precisely because they were fighting in the open steppe that Zhao Feng dared to lead just 12,000 troops on this assault.
If this were a campaign in the Central Plains, such an attack would be impossible.
The walled cities of the Central Plains made direct assaults infeasible but the nomadic tribes had no such fortifications.
"Understood!"
The officers responded firmly, their eyes burning with determination.
"I cannot promise to bring every one of you home," Zhao Feng said solemnly, "but I will do everything in my power to lead as many of you back as possible."
"When this battle is over, let's all gather in Xiangping City and drink together."
Then
Zhao Feng raised his hand. "Mount up!"
The soldiers swiftly mounted their horses.
"Disperse the formation as much as possible!"
"Advance to within thirty paces of the enemy camp and release a volley of arrows!"
"Once the gates are breached, consolidate your forces and charge straight through do not linger!"
"Every unit will move in squads of five stay close to your officers!"
"No one is to break formation, and no one is to fall behind!"
"Await my command!"
"Attack!"
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