Hearing these words from Zhao Yan, even if Guo Kai wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed, he was stunned.
"Your Majesty," Guo Kai hesitated. "Even if Ying Zheng harbors resentment toward his mother, she remains his birth mother and, in name, the Empress Dowager of Qin. To abduct Zhao Ji from Qin how could that be possible? Yongcheng is also a heavily fortified city of Qin!"
"Chancellor, would you do anything for me?" Zhao Yan turned his head, his gaze sharp as he stared at Guo Kai.
Under this piercing look, Guo Kai became even more anxious. However, everything Guo Kai had his position, power, and life was granted by Zhao Yan. If his answer displeased the king, Zhao Yan could strip him of it all in an instant. On the court, generals like Lian Po and Li Mu already wished to see Guo Kai removed; even Zhao Yi wouldn't spare him.
"Your Majesty, everything I have is granted by you. I am willing to brave fire and water for your sake without hesitation!" Guo Kai quickly knelt to express his loyalty.
Hearing this, Zhao Yan stood up excitedly, walked over to Guo Kai, patted his shoulder heavily, and laughed, "Good, good, good! Guo Kai, you truly are my most loyal confidant. With you, I don't even need Lian Po or Li Mu!"
"Thank you for your praise, Your Majesty," Guo Kai flattered him.
"Signing a treaty with Qin is not hard; the hard part is ensuring that Ying Zheng is sincere about it. What if, after signing, I attack Yan, and Ying Zheng tears up the treaty and sends troops against Zhao? That would be disastrous."
"Therefore, Zhao Ji must be captured. With her in my hands, Ying Zheng won't dare act recklessly."
"If Ying Zheng dares break the treaty, I'll kill his mother," Zhao Yan said coldly, a twisted smile on his face as if he could already see his plan succeeding capturing Zhao Ji, threatening Ying Zheng, and putting him under his thumb once again.
"Your Majesty is wise."
Guo Kai echoed Zhao Yan's delight, his voice filled with flattery.
"So, I need you, Chancellor, to personally ensure this matter is done."
But Zhao Yan's words left Guo Kai completely stunned.
"Huh?"
Guo Kai looked at Zhao Yan in disbelief, his face pale as he knelt. "Your Majesty, I… I am but a weak scholar. How could I possibly accomplish such a task? I beg Your Majesty to entrust this mission to someone else."
Zhao Yan wasn't angry. Instead, he smiled, "Chancellor, when did I say you'd have to do it yourself? I simply want you to lead the elite forces I assign to you."
"The best royal guards of Zhao."
"I'll give you 500 men. Additionally, you'll have access to our spies stationed in Yongcheng. You'll personally head to Qin and execute the plan to capture Zhao Ji," Zhao Yan said with a grin, his expression full of confidence in Guo Kai's ability.
But such "trust" made Guo Kai feel utterly bitter.
"Your Majesty… I… I'm afraid I can't do it," Guo Kai said, his voice trembling.
Infiltrating Qin and abducting Zhao Ji? How could that be possible? If discovered, he'd face certain death.
Seeing Guo Kai's fearful expression, Zhao Yan frowned. "I've placed my utmost trust in you. Are you saying you're unwilling?"
"I… I'm willing!" Guo Kai's heart was gripped with fear, but under Zhao Yan's cold gaze, he understood that refusal would mean not only losing his position but also his life.
"Very well. You truly are my most valued minister."
"I believe you can bring Zhao Ji back."
"This matter is to remain between you and me no one else must know. Qin's intelligence network is formidable. If this leaks, you'll be in grave danger," Zhao Yan said with a laugh, clearly satisfied.
Guo Kai, however, could only suppress his despair and brace himself for the perilous mission ahead.
Linsha Village
Bang! Bang! Bang!
The sound of a gong echoed throughout the village, accompanied by the loud shouts of the village head.
"All families with men in military service, come to the village entrance! The officials have arrived to distribute the annual stipends!"
"Everyone with soldiers in the army, hurry to the entrance!" Wu, the village head, called out loudly.
Hearing the gong and Wu's voice, many villagers quickly gathered at the village entrance. Most were families with sons serving in the military, though many others came just to watch. In these times, apart from brothels and gambling, there weren't many sources of entertainment, so watching a commotion was considered a significant pastime.
In no time, the people of Linsha Village began congregating at the entrance.
At the entrance, a contingent of 500 soldiers escorted a cart loaded with annual stipends, a clear sign that many young men from Linsha Village had joined the army.
In the courtyard of Zhao Feng's family home.
"Mother, what's that sound? Is something happening? Should I go take a look?" Zhao Ying asked curiously, peering toward the courtyard gate.
Wu's shouts didn't reach their home, but the gong's sound did.
"Could it be the officials distributing stipends?" Zhao's mother asked, her face filled with hopeful anticipation.
Her hope, however, wasn't solely about the stipends she wanted news about her son.
"Possibly," Zhao Ying nodded.
"Then I should go have a look," Zhao's mother said as she stood up.
But Zhao Ying gently pushed her back onto the mat.
"Mother, you stay home. I'll go check. It might take a long time, given how many villagers here have sons in the army."
"Wait here, and I'll come back immediately if there's any news about my brother," Zhao Ying said with a smile.
Before her mother could object, she quickly turned and left, closing the courtyard gate behind her.
Watching her daughter leave, Zhao's mother could only sit in anticipation, her face filled with concern.
Meanwhile, outside the gate, Zhao Ying muttered to herself nervously, "Brother, you must be safe. Please, stay alive."
Zhao Ying had intentionally stopped her mother from going. If the news about her brother was bad, she'd bear it herself first to shield her mother from the shock.
At the village entrance, a crowd of hundreds had already gathered men, women, children, the elderly. Families with sons in the army were filled with nervous anticipation, while others came merely out of curiosity.
For military families, these stipends would make their lives slightly easier helping them buy wood for heating or other necessities, especially with winter approaching.
A local commander of 500 men, Chen Fen, addressed the crowd:
"Village head Wu, are all military families present?"
"Yes, sir. Everyone is here," Wu replied after scanning the crowd.
"Good. Then we shall begin distributing the stipends."
Chen Fen nodded and turned to the gathered villagers.
He was not part of the main battle force but a garrison soldier stationed in the county seat, responsible for defending against spies and ensuring local stability during wartime. In peacetime, his duties included assisting the Ministry of Revenue with stipend distribution.
Even in the Qin Empire, mountain bandits were a persistent threat. In the past, some had even dared to rob stipend transports. But since Ying Zheng's ascension to the throne, he had prioritized the military, issuing decrees declaring severe punishments for anyone who dared to steal from soldiers.
Now, only the most remote regions harbored remnants of banditry.
Chen Fen held up a written royal decree and proclaimed loudly:
"By royal edict of His Majesty, the King of Qin!"
The villagers quickly knelt, with a few bowing deeply in respect.
"Honored King's edict!" they chanted.
Under the Qin system, soldiers who had earned military titles were exempt from kneeling, enjoying the privileges of their rank. It was a reflection of the empire's emphasis on military merit.
Chen Fen read aloud:
"Due to the Qin army's campaign against Han, the quarterly distribution of stipends was delayed. Now, with the fall of Han, its territory annexed as Yingchuan Prefecture, all soldiers of Qin are hereby rewarded."
"Stipends for one full year shall be distributed to honor the valor of our troops."
"May this reward bring prosperity to Qin's warriors!"
At this, the villagers erupted in cheers:
"Long live the Qin Empire! Long live the King!"
For them, this was not just about the stipends but also a cause for celebration a reflection of the empire's power and stability.
Chen Fen continued, "Now, I shall call out the names. Step forward to receive the stipend for your household's soldier."
"I am Chen Fen, commander of 500 men stationed at Shacheng County, assigned by the Ministry of Revenue to oversee this distribution."
Chen Fen raised his voice.
Then, with a wave of his hand, he took a bamboo scroll from one of his men. On it was the roster for annual salaries.
Unrolling the scroll, Chen Fen announced loudly:
"In Shaqiu County, Sha Village, Wu Da, rank: Second-Class Soldier of Merit, position: Squad Leader, annual salary: 100 shi of grain, monthly position stipend: 3 shi, totaling 36 shi for the year. Combined total annual salary: 136 shi."
Hearing this, the Wu family immediately beamed with joy and rushed forward excitedly.
"We are deeply grateful to His Majesty for granting us this salary," they said, overwhelmed with emotion.
Meanwhile, several soldiers responsible for distributing the salaries handed over a sealed pouch of money to Wu Da's father.
"Place your fingerprint here to collect it," the distributing soldier said loudly.
"Understood," Wu Da's father replied, quickly pressing his fingerprint onto a cloth record.
With satisfaction, he received the pouch, broke the seal, and opened it.
After all, in this era, not everyone could read or had the opportunity to learn.
The reason Zhao Feng could recognize the characters of this era was due to their similarity to those of the future, combined with his mother's teaching.
Returning to the main topic:
The salaries were distributed in Qin coinage, and the value was tied directly to the purchasing power of grain.
The year's salary for Wu Da equated to the ability to purchase 136 shi of grain enough for a family to live comfortably.
After collecting their salary, Wu Da's family, brimming with happiness, retreated.
"Count the salary immediately. If there is any discrepancy, report it at once," Chen Fen announced loudly.
"Deliberately falsifying or hiding salary discrepancies is a serious crime," he added.
"We understand," the Wu family responded and moved to a corner to begin counting their money.
"Congratulations! Your Wu Da has been promoted again. Last year, he was just a Group Leader, and now he's a Squad Leader!"
"Haha, I don't care much about his promotions. As long as he comes back alive, I'm content."
"True enough," others chimed in.
Villagers surrounded Wu Da's family, offering congratulations.
"Be thorough when counting the money; don't make any mistakes," Wu Da's father reminded his family before they began counting.
The money had been carefully allocated beforehand, sealed into pouches, with each pouch labeled and sealed.
If the escorting soldiers embezzled or tampered with their salaries, they faced the death penalty, along with collective punishment for their families.
Such strict measures ensured no errors in the salary distribution, a policy Qin Shi Huang rigorously enforced.
On another note:
"Zhao girl, don't worry. You'll hear news of your brother soon," Wu Lizheng (the village head) comforted Zhao Ying.
"Okay," Zhao Ying nodded, though she still lowered her voice and pleaded, "Grandpa Wu, can I ask a favor of you?"
"Of course, Zhao girl. What do you need?"
"If there's bad news about my brother, can you please tell the villagers not to spread it? My mother's health is already poor, and she wouldn't be able to handle such a blow," Zhao Ying said anxiously.
Hearing this, Wu Lizheng thought for a moment and nodded. "I promise you."
He understood Zhao Shi's health condition well.
Years ago, he had pitied Zhao Shi and allowed her to settle in the village, quietly looking after her and her two children since then.
In many ways, Wu Lizheng had saved the Zhao family.
"Thank you, Grandpa Wu," Zhao Ying said, bowing in gratitude before looking nervously toward Chen Fen, who continued reading from the roster.
"Shaqiu County, Sha Village, Li Fu, rank: Third-Class Adorned Official, position: Centurion, annual salary: 150 shi, monthly position stipend: 4 shi, totaling 48 shi for the year. Combined total annual salary: 198 shi."
"Wow!"
"Li family, your eldest son has made quite the achievement. He's now a Third-Class Adorned Official and a Centurion. That's a great honor for our village!"
"Indeed, remarkable!"
The villagers exclaimed in admiration.
In a small village like Sha, having someone reach the rank of Centurion was no small feat. To the common folk, a Centurion was already an impressive officer, and being of Third-Class rank added to the prestige.
The Li family, smiling from ear to ear, walked toward Chen Fen with excitement.
Meanwhile, Wu Lizheng kept a close watch.
For salary distribution, it was crucial to confirm identities. Each time a name was called, Chen Fen glanced at Wu Lizheng for confirmation to ensure accuracy.
This was the village head's responsibility. In towns or counties, such distributions required household registries for verification.
"Place your fingerprint to collect the salary," the distributing soldier instructed.
When the Li family stepped forward, they were handed a larger pouch of money.
They received it with gratitude and moved aside to count their money, their faces brimming with joy.
As farmers with land to till they would spend their money on fabrics and household necessities rather than grain.
For families of soldiers stationed in cities, however, most of their salary went toward purchasing food.
This reflected a distinction between urban and rural lifestyles, both in this era and in later times.
"Shaqiu County, Sha Village, Luo Miao, rank: First-Class Soldier of Merit, position: Group Leader, annual salary: 50 shi, monthly position stipend: 1 shi, totaling 12 shi for the year. Combined total annual salary: 62 shi."
"Shaqiu County, Sha Village, Xiao Yi, rank: Second-Class Soldier of Merit..."
Chen Fen continued reading, one name after another.
Families of soldiers lit up with joy as they collected their salaries.
Even a First-Class rank offered a considerable income for a commoner family.
Sha Village might be small, but over the years, many of its eligible young men have joined the military. The village had more than sixty soldiers in service.
"Why hasn't my brother's name been called yet?"
Zhao Ying, who had been quietly listening, became increasingly anxious as more and more names were announced. Over thirty families had already received their salaries, but her brother's name hadn't come up.
This made her worry deeply.
Wu Lizheng had told her earlier that her brother had been transferred to a frontline unit. While she couldn't believe her brother had the skills to join such an elite group, the possibility terrified her.
She had grown up hearing stories of the Qin army's invincibility, but war inevitably meant casualties, especially in the frontline units.
"Zhao girl, don't fret," Wu Lizheng said, noticing her distress.
"Our village has over sixty men in the army, and fewer than half have received their salaries so far," he reassured her.
Having watched Zhao Feng and his sister grow up, Wu Lizheng cared deeply for them. As the village head, he commanded respect due to his seniority and the sacrifice of his three sons, who had all died in service to the state.
He was a recipient of government support and was held in high regard by the villagers.
"Grandpa Wu, could something have happened to my brother?"
"The other day, you mentioned he'd been transferred to a frontline unit. Could it be true?" Zhao Ying asked, her anxiety mounting.
Chen Fen continued calling names, while more families collected their salaries.
The village square was lively with joy and excitement.
But those who hadn't heard their family member's name shared Zhao Ying's growing apprehension.
Unlike previous distributions, this one followed a significant military campaign. The Qin army's conquest of Han likely meant casualties.
The longer the wait, the greater the fear of bad news.
Just as they feared, Chen Fen finished reading the roster. Closing the bamboo scroll, he declared:
"All living, uninjured soldiers and officers from Sha Village have now received their salaries."
This announcement sent shockwaves through the crowd.
Ten families who hadn't received salaries were overcome with panic.
"My son's name wasn't called! Does that mean he was killed in battle?"
"No, it can't be! My son is only seventeen and just joined two years ago!"
"My boy has to be alive. He just has to!"
"Sir, my son Wu Lin wasn't on the list. Does that mean...?"
"Sir..."
Panic spread as those who had been waiting anxiously now demanded answers.
Even Zhao Ying felt her heart sink. Her face turned pale, and she was on the verge of tears.
"Silence! Everyone, quiet down!"
Seeing the chaos, Wu Lizheng shouted firmly, regaining control of the crowd.
He walked over to Chen Fen and asked cautiously, "Sir, does this mean that those whose names weren't read..."
He didn't finish the sentence, but the implication was clear.
"All living soldiers and officers have received their salaries," Chen Fen confirmed solemnly.
"Those whose stipends were not issued are either wounded in service or have fallen in battle for the nation," Chen Fen said solemnly to Wu Lizheng.
Wu Lizheng nodded and turned to the villagers who had already begun to weep. In a steady, comforting voice, he said, "Do not panic yet. Let the officer finish reading the roster. Nothing is certain until the end."
With Wu Lizheng's reassurance, the chaotic scene calmed somewhat. However, the once joyful atmosphere at the village entrance had entirely dissipated. Even the villagers who had already received their stipends remained silent, respectful of the pain of their neighbors. After all, living together in the same village meant sharing in each other's joys and sorrows.
"Now, I will read the list of those wounded in service to the nation," Chen Fen announced, retrieving another bamboo scroll from one of his soldiers.
"The total number of wounded soldiers from Shazhou County's Sha Village is seven," he declared. "By the grace of the king, they are awarded double the stipends for their rank and position and will be assigned suitable duties in their hometowns. The King's decree is clear: Qin will never forget any soldier who serves the nation."
"Wu Er, the rank of second-class nobility, position of shichang. Annual stipend for rank: 100 dan of grain. Monthly stipend for the position: 3 dan, equaling 36 dan annually. With the King's double compensation, the total awarded stipend is 272 dan."
As Chen Fen's voice echoed across the village, Wu Er's family emerged in tears but with visible relief. Although their son was wounded, the thought of him surviving and returning home outweighed the sorrow.
"May I ask, officer," Wu Er's mother asked cautiously, "when will my son return home?"
"Wounded soldiers will return to their hometowns under the coordination of the Ministry of Works. It should be within the next month," Chen Fen replied.
"Thank you, officer." Wu Er's mother bowed respectfully before leading her family aside to receive the compensation.
For the other families who had yet to hear their loved ones' names, their anxiety only grew. At this moment, the hope of a wounded son returning home was the best possible outcome.
"Elder brother, you must come back," Zhao Ying whispered, her hands trembling as she clutched each other tightly. "Even if you're wounded, you must return. If you don't, Mother won't make it, and neither will I. You promised to look after us, to see me married. You can't break your promise."
Her voice quivered with desperation, her eyes fixed on Chen Fen.
"Cao San, the rank of third-class nobility, position of bai jiang..."
One name after another was read. Soon, the names of all seven wounded soldiers were announced, and their families sighed with relief.
But Zhao Ying's brother's name was not among them.
Zhao Ying's heart sank completely, and she felt her knees buckle beneath her. A kind woman nearby quickly stepped forward to support her, murmuring gentle words of comfort.
"Ying, don't lose hope," another villager urged, their tone heavy with concern.
By now, everyone assumed the worst for Zhao Ying's brother. His name wasn't on the list of living or wounded soldiers. The tears of desperation in Zhao Ying's eyes reflected the same hopelessness etched on the faces of other families.
At this moment, even Wu Lizheng sighed deeply. "Zhao Feng… Oh, what about his poor mother? She raised those two siblings alone. How could this have happened?"
For Wu Lizheng, Zhao Feng's death seemed inevitable. There was no other explanation.
Chen Fen's voice interrupted these thoughts. "Now, I will read the list of those who fell in battle for the nation."
He opened the final bamboo scroll.
Hearing this, the remaining families who had yet to hear their loved ones' names fell completely into despair. They collapsed to the ground, wailing and sobbing uncontrollably. The villagers tried to console them, but there was little comfort to offer.
"Wu Ke, the rank of first-class nobility. Annual stipend for rank: 50 dan of grain. By the King's mercy, three times the annual stipend is granted. Total compensation: 150 dan of grain. The local government will provide additional care and support for the family."
With each name read aloud, cries of anguish followed.
"My son! My son! How could you leave us like this?"
"Why? Why him?"
"Son…"
The sorrowful wails filled the air, each cry a testament to a family's unbearable loss. Even Chen Fen, who had experienced his share of grief as a military officer, could not conceal the sadness in his eyes.
The scene at the village was a tragic reflection of the times a nation at war, constantly paying the price of its ambitions. The mourning and tears here were mirrored in countless other villages throughout the land. War had no mercy, and human greed ensured its continuation.
At last, Chen Fen declared, "The names of all fallen soldiers have been read."
Six brave soldiers from Sha Village had fallen in battle. Six families were left in anguish.
But amidst the sorrow, a strange silence surrounded Zhao Ying. Tear-streaked and trembling, she stared at Chen Fen with a glimmer of disbelief.
Noticing the peculiar reaction, the villagers also fell into confusion. Zhao Ying's brother's name had not been read. Why was that?
Suppressing her trembling, Zhao Ying walked forward and asked softly, her voice tinged with both fear and hope, "Officer… Why wasn't my brother's name mentioned?"
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