For the soldiers under Liu Wu's command, watching the lively scene from the neighboring camp filled them with envy.
This sight did not escape Liu Wu's notice.
At that moment, he was sitting with bandages wrapped around his upper body, and his injuries only just stabilized.
"Sigh…"
Liu Wu let out a deep sigh, his face filled with helplessness.
Although the entire vanguard battalion had contributed to the victory, everyone knew whose credit was the greatest.
If Zhao Feng hadn't broken through the city gates, Liu Wu's life would have been forfeit.
Just then, Chen Tao approached slowly. Seeing the defeated look on Liu Wu's face, Chen Tao understood immediately.
"What's this? Feeling a bit unwilling?" Chen Tao said with a meaningful smile.
"General!"
Seeing who it was, Liu Wu quickly stood and bowed.
"No need for that." Chen Tao waved his hand dismissively.
"In the army, merit speaks louder than anything. I've let you down, General. I failed to breach the city gates," Liu Wu said with a look of shame.
"True, merit is everything in the army," Chen Tao replied. "From the looks of this battle, it's clear not just you, even I cannot compare to Zhao Feng."
"He earned his promotion from the logistics unit to the main combat forces because of real ability. His future achievements are beyond what we can imagine," Chen Tao said with a touch of admiration.
"General," Liu Wu hesitated before asking, "previously, you made me the lead attacker while assigning Zhao Feng a secondary role. Do you think he might resent you for that?"
During the attack, Liu Wu had arrogantly declared that Zhao Feng would be cleaning up after his success. In hindsight, recalling his own words made Liu Wu's face burn with embarrassment.
"I assigned you the lead role partly out of personal bias, but also for practical reasons. I know your capabilities well. Zhao Feng, on the other hand, was new to the role of commander. How could I have known his potential?"
"Even if the Supreme General were here, he wouldn't fault me for this. And Zhao Feng isn't the type to dwell on grudges," Chen Tao said with a smile.
"That's a relief," Liu Wu nodded.
"Come on, Zhao Feng has made great contributions to Qin today. We should go and offer our congratulations," Chen Tao said.
"Yes, sir." Liu Wu didn't hesitate. He knew very well that if he didn't acknowledge Zhao Feng's achievements now, it would only create trouble for him later.
While Qin's laws were strict, particularly in the military, Zhao Feng's talent and success were already widely acknowledged. Offending such a rising star was a mistake no one could afford to make.
Meanwhile, in Zhao Feng's camp, the mood was jubilant.
"Drink!"
"Cheers!"
The soldiers were enjoying themselves immensely.
At that moment, Chen Tao and Liu Wu arrived.
"Commander Zhao," Wei Quan approached Zhao Feng quietly and whispered, "General Chen and Captain Liu are here."
Zhao Feng put down his wine jar and stood up.
"Keep drinking. I'll go see them," Zhao Feng said, making his way toward the two visitors.
"Brother Wei, what do you think Chen Tao and Liu Wu are here for?" Zhang Han asked with a grin.
"What else? They're here to get on Commander Zhao's good side or maybe even apologize."
"You saw how arrogant Liu Wu was yesterday during the attack, acting like the city was as good as his. But without Commander Zhao breaking through, Liu Wu and his men would have been wiped out," Wei Quan said, taking a sip of wine with a knowing smile.
"You're sharp, Brother Wei," Zhang Han chuckled. "The army only respects strength. Sure, they're praising Commander Zhao now, but plenty of people are also jealous."
Zhao Feng approached Chen Tao and Liu Wu.
"Subordinate Zhao Feng greets General Chen," he said with a polite salute.
"Commander Zhao, no need for formalities," Chen Tao said warmly. "With your achievements today, you'll likely outrank me soon."
"You're too kind, General," Zhao Feng replied with a faint smile.
At that moment, Liu Wu stepped forward, bowing deeply.
"Thank you, Commander Zhao, for saving my life. Without you breaking through the city, I would've perished at the hands of the Han soldiers."
"You're too generous, Captain Liu. As soldiers of Qin, we must fight and protect. Even if it wasn't you, I would've charged in regardless," Zhao Feng said with a calm demeanor.
"Regardless, Commander Zhao, your act of saving my life is a fact. Please accept my gratitude."
With that, Liu Wu knelt and saluted Zhao Feng.
Chen Tao stood by silently, making no move to stop him.
"Captain Liu, this isn't necessary," Zhao Feng quickly stepped forward to help him up, but Liu Wu remained on his knees.
"This bow isn't just for saving my life. It's also to apologize for my arrogance earlier. Please forgive me, Commander Zhao," Liu Wu said sincerely.
"Among comrades, there's no need for such formalities," Zhao Feng said, finally pulling Liu Wu to his feet.
"Thank you, Commander Zhao."
Although Zhao Feng maintained an indifferent expression, he saw through Liu Wu's actions clearly. Liu Wu was simply trying to avoid future retaliation.
However, since Liu Wu hadn't done anything truly harmful and had now humbled himself, Zhao Feng saw no reason to hold a grudge. If Liu Wu had plotted against him in secret, it would have been a different story entirely.
"General Chen, Captain Liu," Zhao Feng said, changing the subject with a smile. "Since you're here, why not join us for a drink?"
"Haha, today is a celebration for your battalion, especially rewarded by Commander Li. We've only come to offer our congratulations. We won't impose any further," Chen Tao said with a laugh, taking his leave with Liu Wu.
Zhao Feng didn't insist on making them stay. After all, he wasn't close to them, and forcing the issue would only make things awkward.
Late that night, Zhao Feng returned to his quarters and lay down on his bed. Despite all the drinking, he wasn't drunk. Instead, he was full of anticipation.
"Four first-tier treasure chests."
"And I haven't yet collected the attributes my soldiers gathered today while burying corpses." patreon.com/LordoftheReader