Before the gates of Jinyang City, in the Qin Army Camp:
Zhao Feng held his bow, six arrows nocked on the black iron bowstring. With his immense strength, he effortlessly pulled the bow something an ordinary person couldn't even budge into a full crescent.
Bang!
The black iron bow trembled.
Six arrows shot out like streaks of lightning, tearing through the air in an instant.
Almost simultaneously
Thud! Thud! Thud!
The bullseyes of six separate targets were pierced through at the same moment.
"Master's archery is unmatched! Six arrows in a row, and none missed!" Tu Sui said with a smile, standing nearby.
"Indeed," someone agreed.
"In comparison, my best is just two consecutive arrows," Zhang Han said with a wry smile.
"When you reach the Xiantian realm, and your internal energy transforms into true qi, your strength will increase significantly," Zhao Feng replied with a faint smile.
"Master, I'm already at the seventh level of the Houtian realm. Xiantian is not far off!" Zhang Han said excitedly, feeling the surging power of his internal energy, which granted him strength far beyond ordinary people.
"Keep cultivating. The Houtian realm is just the threshold of martial arts," Zhao Feng said calmly. "Strive to reach the peak of the Houtian realm before we annihilate Zhao. By then, I will assist you in breaking through to Xiantian."
"Thank you, Master!" everyone responded enthusiastically, bowing deeply.
"That said..." Zhao Feng continued, "The other two main Qin camps outside Lantian have been besieging Jinyang for nearly half a month, yet the city hasn't fallen."
"If Master had led the charge, the city would've been taken long ago," Tu Sui muttered, dissatisfied.
Since defeating Lian Po, nearly half a month had passed. Despite the relentless assaults, Jinyang's defenses remained intact, frustrating Tu Sui and the others. They were confident that, under Zhao Feng's command, the city would've fallen long ago.
Their trust in Zhao Feng was absolute. Every time they fought under his command, their morale soared, and even their combat strength seemed to increase. They couldn't explain it, but it was undeniable.
"If we claim the credit for breaking Jinyang this time, the generals in the Lantian camp will target us," Zhao Feng said with a chuckle, glancing at Tu Sui.
Hearing this, Tu Sui paused before nodding in realization. "That's true. Under Master's leadership, we've expanded Qin's territory by a thousand li and defeated Lian Po an accomplishment that must've already drawn jealousy. If we take credit for Jinyang too, they'll certainly conspire against us."
"The Qin military merit system rewards achievements, but it also breeds competition," Zhao Feng said with a faint smile. "So there's no need to rush. Zhao's lands are vast, and conquering them will take time. Let Jinyang go to them; the future battles will rely on individual skill."
Though Zhao Feng mentioned being cautious of other generals, he wasn't genuinely concerned. Back when he faced hostility from subordinates in his earlier years, he fought his way out and even surpassed Chen Tao.
Competition? It was meaningless in the face of absolute strength.
"Report!"
"Jinyang has been breached!"
"The Supreme Commander summons Master to the camp for a meeting," Zhang Ming reported, quickly entering the tent.
"Order the entire army to prepare for battle. It seems our turn has come," Zhao Feng instructed the gathered officers.
"Yes, sir!" Tu Sui and the others replied in unison.
As Zhao Feng, surrounded by his guards, approached the commander's tent, inside, Yang Duanhe and Wang Ben two senior generals were already present. Judging by their auras of slaughter, they had just returned from the battlefield.
"Supreme Commander," Zhao Feng said, bowing respectfully upon entering.
"No need for formalities," Wang Jian said with a wave of his hand.
"Zhao General," Yang Duanhe and Wang Ben greeted with smiles, returning Zhao Feng's salute.
"Congratulations to both generals on the successful capture of Jinyang! How was the battle?" Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
Jinyang was attacked jointly by Yang Duanhe and Wang Ben, each commanding one main camp. Thus, the credit for breaching the city belonged to them.
"Though our elite soldiers are still engaged in combat within the city, the Zhao forces are in complete disarray," Yang Duanhe replied with a grin.
"At first, we believed Jinyang's defenses were impenetrable and that Yan Ju was a formidable general," Wang Ben added with a hint of mockery. "But as soon as the city fell, the Zhao troops crumbled like a house of cards, and Yan Ju fled with his forces. He's not much of a threat after all."
"A Zhao general like that is certainly a blessing for our Qin," Zhao Feng remarked with a faint smile.
"Well said," Wang Jian laughed. "If all Zhao generals were of such caliber, conquering Zhao would be a simple matter."
"This victory, however, wasn't solely due to the bravery of our soldiers. Our success also relied on prior intelligence about the city's forces and defensive layout. Without that, it would've taken longer to capture," Wang Ben noted. "Though the troops defending Jinyang weren't elite, their numbers were considerable."
"Supreme Commander, aside from military matters, is there another reason you've summoned me?" Zhao Feng asked, cutting to the point.
"Indeed, there is some good news for you as well," Wang Jian replied with a smile. He waved his hand and said, "Bring in the royal envoy."
At his command, the guards outside the tent called out, "Present the royal envoy!"
Moments later, a group of royal guards entered, each clad in armor and armed with swords.
Seeing this, Zhao Feng was slightly taken aback. Though he had received royal decrees before, today's situation felt different. The presence of royal guards made it seem as though they were apprehending someone.
Then, two guards opened the tent flap.
A young man, elegant and refined in appearance, dressed in noble attire, entered the tent. Behind him followed someone Zhao Feng immediately recognized.
"Greetings to the Crown Prince."
"Greetings to Royal Envoy Han Fei," Wang Jian said, bowing deeply.
Although Fusu and Han Fei's ranks didn't surpass Wang Jian's, the latter still performed the ceremonial bow reserved for royal envoys.
"Fusu, huh?" Zhao Feng thought as he observed the young man. "He does match historical descriptions handsome and refined. Too bad he's a naive fool brainwashed by Confucianism."
His gaze shifted to Han Fei, and he couldn't help but smirk. "That guy's here too. Looks like life's been good to him in Xianyang."
"No need for formalities, Supreme Commander," Fusu said with a gentle smile, motioning for Wang Jian to rise.
"Thank you, Crown Prince," Wang Jian replied, smiling as he stood.
"Fusu's presence must mean a royal decree," Zhao Feng mused, feeling a surge of anticipation. "The Qin King's rewards must have arrived. I wonder what title or honor he'll bestow upon me this time."
Of course, Zhao Feng knew that his current position as a general left little room for promotion. The next step would be Grand Commander, a title reserved for the highest-ranking generals a rank he couldn't attain yet. The reward would likely come in the form of a noble title. After all, Qin's system of twenty ranks ensured that there was always room for advancement.
"Which one of you is General Zhao Feng?" Fusu asked, scanning the room. His gaze quickly settled on Zhao Feng, given his reputation as a young general.
"This is General Zhao Feng," Wang Jian said, gesturing toward him.
Without hesitation, Zhao Feng stepped forward, cupped his fists, and said calmly, "Greetings, Crown Prince."
Though Fusu was the Qin King's son, Zhao Feng showed little enthusiasm, his tone indifferent.
Fusu smiled warmly. "I've heard much about General Zhao's achievements in Xianyang."
"Zhao Feng is but a mere soldier. The Crown Prince flatters me," Zhao Feng replied, his tone still cold and distant.
Fusu, sensing the aloofness in Zhao Feng's demeanor, was momentarily at a loss for words. Even his presence as the Crown Prince seemed unable to break through Zhao Feng's indifference.
Wang Jian, noticing the tension, intervened with a chuckle. "Crown Prince, you've come to deliver the royal decree, haven't you?"
The question snapped Fusu out of his awkwardness. "Indeed," he said, retrieving the decree from his robes.
"Hear ye!" Fusu called, his voice resounding.
The tent fell silent as all the generals and guards bowed low.
Before a royal decree, it was as though the king himself was present.
"We humbly await the King's command," they intoned in unison.
Fusu unrolled the decree and began to read:
"Royal decree! To General Zhao Feng of Qin: You have led forces northward to conquer Wei, seizing a thousand li of territory and dozens of cities. You have opened the path between Yingchuan and Zhao, a feat of great merit…"
"After entering Zhao, he beheaded General Lian Po of Zhao, a truly great achievement."
"For these two outstanding contributions, he shall be richly rewarded and promoted to two ranks in nobility."
"He is conferred the title of You Geng."
"All officers under General Zhao Feng's command in Zhao, from captain upward, shall also be rewarded according to their merits, with senior officers promoted by one rank."
"General Zhao Feng, receive the royal decree," Fu Su announced loudly.
Zhao Feng immediately stepped forward, cupped his hands respectfully, and said, "This humble servant, Zhao Feng, thanks the Great King for his gracious favor."
Fu Su then handed the royal decree to Zhao Feng without delay.
"The Great King also said this: he hoped General Zhao Feng would continue to excel and bring further glory to the Qin. The Great King looks forward to meeting General Zhao Feng in Xianyang one day," Fu Su added with a slight smile.
"I will remember the King's words," Zhao Feng replied earnestly.
At this moment, Han Fei stepped forward with a smile and said, "The Great King also entrusted me with a message: General Zhao Feng's contributions are immense, especially in expanding Qin's territory. The King said that if General Zhao Feng has any wish, he need only speak it. If the King can grant it, he shall do so."
"Is that true?" Zhao Feng raised an eyebrow, suddenly intrigued.
"The King's words are, of course, true," Han Fei replied with a grin.
"In that case, I humbly request the King to bestow a marriage between myself and the daughter of the Supreme General," Zhao Feng immediately said.
At this point, Wang Yan had already borne him a pair of children. To have children out of wedlock was, after all, a source of gossip. But if the King granted a marriage decree, it would be an entirely different matter. Wang Yan would gain unparalleled honor, which was precisely what Zhao Feng had in mind.
Upon hearing this, Han Fei merely smiled.
Wang Jian also smiled, but his expression was one of paternal satisfaction. He, too, understood Zhao Feng's intentions: it was nothing more than wanting an official title conferred by royal authority for his daughter, allowing Wang Yan to hold her head high in the future.
"General Zhao, you may choose another wish," Han Fei said, still smiling.
"Why?" Zhao Feng frowned. Wasn't it said that anything could be asked for? Why was even such a simple request denied?
"The matter of marriage has already been promised by the Great King to General Wang Jian. Once the Supreme General destroys the state of Zhao, the King will bestow a marriage decree upon General Zhao Feng and the Wang family's daughter," Han Fei explained with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Feng felt a surge of gratitude toward Wang Jian.
"I see." Zhao Feng nodded, and his furrowed brows relaxed.
"Does General Zhao have any other wish?"
"This is a special favor from the King in recognition of your meritorious service. Such opportunities are rare," Han Fei reminded him.
"In that case..." Zhao Feng chuckled, his eyes gleaming. "I would like the millennium-old ginseng from Qin's treasury."
At these words, Fu Su, Wang Jian, and even Han Fei were all visibly shocked as they looked at Zhao Feng.
"The ginseng in the national treasury is one of Qin's most treasured possessions. It is said to have the power to bring the dying back to life, capable of preserving a sliver of vitality even in near death. General Zhao, you're truly bold to make such a request," Han Fei remarked with a mischievous grin.
"What do you need the ginseng for?" Wang Jian asked, curious.
Zhao Feng, without hesitation, explained, "When my mother gave birth to me and my younger sister, her vitality was greatly depleted. She has been frail and sickly ever since. I wish to use the ginseng to nurse her back to health."
Of course, Zhao Feng was also partly motivated by the thought of "if you don't ask, you don't get." With his increasing strength, he already had ideas for improving his mother's health, but the ginseng would undoubtedly be more effective.
"Your wish to use the ginseng for your mother's sake is a display of filial piety. When I return to Xianyang, I will report this to the King," Han Fei said with a smile. "Whether or not the King grants it will depend on his will."
"Thank you," Zhao Feng replied, clasping his hands in gratitude.
"General Zhao, may I have a private word?" Fu Su suddenly asked as he looked at Zhao Feng.
Zhao Feng glanced at Fu Su before calmly replying, "Since the Crown Prince has asked, I shall wait outside the camp."
With that, Zhao Feng turned and walked out of the tent.
Wang Jian watched their departing figures with a thoughtful expression, his eyes revealing a certain depth.
Outside the camp, in an open area, Zhao Feng turned to Fu Su and said evenly, "What business does the Crown Prince wish to discuss?"
Fu Su did not immediately respond. Instead, he suddenly bowed deeply and clasped his hands in salute.
"What is the Crown Prince doing?" Zhao Feng asked, raising an eyebrow but remaining calm.
"I have learned of the incident involving Meng Jia threatening you," Fu Su said sincerely. "This matter was not my intention, nor was I aware of it beforehand. The reason I came to Zhao, apart from delivering the King's rewards, was to apologize to you personally. Breaking up marriages is something I, Fu Su, would never do."
Fu Su looked up with a face full of earnestness.
Seeing this, Zhao Feng understood. It was as he had thought: the previous incident was indeed not orchestrated by Fu Su. After all, even if Fu Su were naïve, he wouldn't commit such foolishness.
"That matter is in the past."
"And besides, I already taught that so-called Meng Jia a lesson that day."
"Let's hope he doesn't stir up trouble again," Zhao Feng replied calmly.
Since Fu Su had apologized, and with his status as the Crown Prince, Zhao Feng had no reason to hold a grudge especially since he hadn't suffered any loss.
For Zhao Feng, the current era was about staying steady on Qin's ship of war, growing stronger. When the First Emperor passed and the world fragmented, that would be the moment Zhao Feng truly anticipated. He was determined to compete for kingship and power in that turbulent era.
Fu Su might be the Crown Prince, but in history, he was ultimately a tragic figure.
"Rest assured, General Zhao," Fu Su said. "Neither Meng Jia nor the Meng family will dare trouble you again. I will also issue clear instructions that no one is to offend you because of this."
"Since the Crown Prince has said so, I, Zhao Feng, have no reason to dwell on it further," Zhao Feng replied with a slight smile, his tone softening.
Fu Su smiled, visibly relieved. "That's good to hear."
"You likely have other matters to discuss with the Supreme General," Zhao Feng said. "I still have some duties in the camp, so I'll take my leave."
With that, Zhao Feng cupped his hands in farewell and turned toward his camp.
Fu Su did not stop him. At least the misunderstanding had been cleared up.
As for winning him over?
Fu Su could sense that Zhao Feng still harbored some reservations toward him, maintaining a certain distance. Moreover, he could feel a unique pride emanating from Zhao Feng an unyielding confidence that refused to bow, even in the presence of the Crown Prince.
"Zhao Feng... truly an extraordinary man," Fu Su thought with admiration.
Without dwelling further, Fu Su returned to the tent where Wang Jian awaited.
Meanwhile, back in Zhao Feng's camp, his officers quickly gathered around.
"General, what news did the Supreme General bring?" Tu Sui asked curiously.
Zhao Feng glanced at the officers and said, "Summon the entire army."
"The rewards have arrived?" Zhang Han, quick on the uptake, exclaimed excitedly.
"Summon the troops immediately," Tu Sui ordered.
Zhao Feng then led his officers to the command platform.
Before long, 50,000 soldiers were assembled on the parade ground.
After removing the over ten thousand soldiers who were stationed to capture Wei's cities, the rest of the troops remained here.
"The words of this general, repeat after me."
Zhao Feng stood on the command platform and spoke loudly.
"The general's words, repeat after us."
The soldiers in the training ground loudly echoed.
"Brothers."
"Today is a great day."
"Zhao Jinyang City has been breached by our Lantian Camp."
"And the royal envoy has arrived. With the royal envoy here, rewards will be given to those who have made contributions."
"As for the royal edict, I can't be bothered to read it out."
"In short, based on merit, all the soldiers who fought with me, regardless of whether they killed enemies or not, will at least be promoted by one rank. Those who killed more enemies will be promoted even higher." Zhao Feng said with a bright smile.
This radiant smile was completely different from the one he had when he saw Fusu earlier.
In front of his brothers, Zhao Feng was relaxed. But in front of unfamiliar people, no matter if they were nobility or powerful individuals, Zhao Feng didn't care.
He disliked being overly polite.
Of course, Zhao Feng had the capital to ignore others, and that was his strength.
As Zhao Feng made the announcement, the soldiers on the training ground all beamed with joy.
"Haha."
"Everyone will be promoted by at least one rank. That means I can be promoted by two ranks. I killed a military marquis of Zhao, a great achievement."
"You killed a military marquis? I killed a deputy commander. I'll be at least a third-rank knight."
"I never expected this. I was originally a deserter. After defending Wei City, I became a first-rank knight. Now, I'm about to become a third-rank knight."
"All of this is thanks to the general. If it weren't for the general's strategy to recruit convict soldiers, we would have always been slaves and never able to escape that fate. Everything we have is brought by the general."
"Exactly."
"In this life, being able to follow the general and fight enemies is an honor."
"I feel like as long as I follow the general, there's no enemy we can't defeat."
"I think so too. As long as I'm with the general, I'm not afraid to die. I'll charge forward with the general."
"Swear to follow the general to the death!"
"Swear to follow the general to the death..."
In their excitement, the entire training ground erupted into passionate cheers. Every soldier's gaze toward Zhao Feng was filled with fervor.
This army had already acquired its soul.
And that soul was Zhao Feng.
Unknowingly, Zhao Feng had become the soul of this main battle army, from a logistics unit to the military spirit.
For his subordinates, the former sharp soldiers had re-established their purpose and were promoted. As for the convict soldiers, there were no more convict soldiers under Zhao Feng's command. They had all been reborn in this war, becoming true elite soldiers of the Qin army.
"Except for all the soldiers under my command, all deputy commanders and above will be granted a promotion by one rank."
"Tu Sui, Zhang Han."
"Today is a great day for my entire army."
"Pass my order, have the kitchen camp prepare more food, and let the brothers fill their stomachs." Zhao Feng said loudly.
"Yes, general!" Tu Sui and Zhang Han immediately responded.
"Alright."
"Dismissed."
Zhao Feng waved his hand and didn't allow the soldiers to say anything more.
He had called them together just to let them enjoy the moment.
"General."
"Jinyang City has fallen. Should we mobilize the troops now?" Tu Sui eagerly asked.
"Wait for the order from the senior general."
"It should be soon." Zhao Feng smiled slightly.
"Alright." Tu Sui nodded in agreement.
"Such a pity we don't have any wine right now. Otherwise, we could drink and celebrate."
"Especially the wine from the Wine Immortal Pavilion," Zhang Han said, somewhat intoxicated.
But as soon as he spoke, Tu Sui immediately shot him a sharp look.
Cough.
Zhang Han quickly regained his senses, glancing around to make sure it was just their people. He then relaxed.
"You scared me," Zhang Han muttered.
"Don't say such things. If anyone finds out, it won't be good for the general." Tu Sui said sternly.
Zhang Han secretly glanced at Zhao Feng, then nodded, "My apologies, I misspoke."
"No harm from our people, but be cautious outside."
"If anyone else hears it, you know what to do." Zhao Feng glanced at them and said in a deep tone.
Zhang Han immediately responded, "Understood, general."
After giving the instructions, Zhao Feng dismissed Tu Sui and the others.
Zhao Feng then sat on the command platform, eager to open his rewards.
"Open treasure chest," Zhao Feng said impatiently.
"Host has been promoted by two ranks, rewards: two first-grade treasure chests." The system panel notified him.
"Open them all," Zhao Feng immediately instructed.
"Opening first-grade treasure chest."
"Received first-grade high-quality [Three-Legged Alchemist's Furnace]."
"Received second-grade low-quality [True Qi Pills] x1 bottle," the system panel informed him.
"Not bad this time."
"One first-grade high-quality item, one second-grade low-quality item," Zhao Feng smiled contentedly.
At that moment...
"Brother Zhao, looking quite leisurely," a voice came toward Zhao Feng.
Zhao Feng looked up and saw Han Fei slowly walking over.
But when he reached the steps of the command platform, several of Zhao Feng's guards blocked his way.
These were Zhao Feng's guards. No one could approach without the general's order.
Zhao Feng turned his head and waved his hand.
The personal guards stepped aside.
"Seems like life in Xianyang is treating you well," Zhao Feng teased. "You've put on some weight."
Han Fei couldn't help but glance at him, but like an old friend, he sat down opposite Zhao Feng.
"Sorry to disappoint you, I'm still alive," Han Fei replied grumpily.
"I thought you'd be dead in Xianyang, but you're still alive?" Zhao Feng teased again.
"This isn't the Han Fei I remember," Zhao Feng added with a smirk.
"That's thanks to you."
"If you hadn't reminded me, I probably would've died for real," Han Fei said with a smile. Though his tone was teasing, there was clear gratitude in his words.
Hearing this, Zhao Feng became interested and asked, "What happened? Was Li Si planning to poison you or bribe the jailer to kill you?"
Han Fei looked at Zhao Feng with a strange expression. "I'm curious, how did you know Li Si was going to kill me and use poisoned wine? You're thousands of miles away."
"I'm a god," Zhao Feng replied with a grin.
"Go to hell," Han Fei shot back.
"Seriously."
"When I saw the message you left for me, I didn't expect it, and I didn't think that a former classmate would try to kill me."
"If I hadn't been quick-witted and scared Li Si's rival into confronting him, I would've died in the imperial prison..." Han Fei spoke openly, recounting the incident.
"You did brush past death," Zhao Feng commented. "No wonder you seem to be enjoying life now. You've gained some weight."
"Go to hell."
"I'm not enjoying life," Han Fei said with a laugh.
Since he was with Zhao Feng, Han Fei couldn't help but relax. He wasn't as stiff as when he was in Xianyang.
"Did you come to Zhao State specifically to see me?" Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
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