As soon as those words fell, Han Fei's face was filled with shock. "General Li, why don't you keep your promise?"
"You are someone specifically named by His Majesty. If you were to die, how could I explain it to him?"
"So, please take care of yourself," Li Teng said calmly.
With a wave of his hand, a deputy rushed forward, snatching the sword from Han Fei's grasp.
"It seems the historical records are true. Qin Shi Huang held Han Fei in high regard. However, this very esteem sparked Li Si's jealousy, ultimately leading to Han Fei's assassination by Li Si," Zhao Feng mused to himself as he observed the scene.
The tragic fate of Han Fei was no secret to Zhao Feng. It was clear that Han Fei, harboring a death wish, had no intention of serving Qin, even without Li Si's interference. Zhao Feng knew it would be futile to try convincing someone like Han Fei an illustrious prince and renowned scholar to switch loyalties with just a few words. Simplifying historical figures to such an extent would be naive.
"Take Master Han and the other ministers into custody. Watch over them carefully," Li Teng ordered loudly.
"Understood!" The guards responded swiftly, escorting Han Fei and the remaining Korean officials away.
Turning his attention to the troops surrounding the palace, Li Teng issued further orders. "Reform your ranks and disperse!"
The army, under the command of their respective leaders, reorganized and scattered methodically.
"Pass on my orders," Li Teng continued. "Chen Tao will lead the garrison to occupy the royal palace and conduct a thorough search. Drive out everyone within the palace. If anyone dares to resist, kill them without mercy. All Korean soldiers are to surrender their weapons and exit the palace immediately."
"Understood," Chen Tao replied, then turned to his officers. "Zhao Feng, you lead your troops in first. Liu Wu, follow with yours."
"Yes, sir," Zhao Feng answered promptly.
In contrast, Liu Wu looked a bit weary, bearing multiple injuries from the fierce battle. His unit, once 5,000 strong, had dwindled to fewer than 2,000. Meanwhile, Zhao Feng's unit, despite all soldiers sustaining injuries, still had over 4,000 men alive out of an initial 5,000.
"All military officers, follow me into the palace," Zhao Feng commanded.
Internally, Zhao Feng was curious and eager. The royal treasury of an entire nation surely, there must be plenty of treasures. If they haven't had time to move them, wouldn't this be the perfect opportunity for me to take a look?
Excitement stirred within him at the thought. With his unique portable spatial storage a nine-cubic-meter void currently empty no one would ever know if he secretly took anything valuable.
With his mindset, Zhao Feng strode purposefully toward the palace gates, followed by his officers and troops.
"All other commanders are to secure the Korean capital. No one is to leave without my orders. Search every house and locate the Korean king. There will be great rewards for finding him," Li Teng declared coldly.
"We obey!" came the resounding reply from the generals.
Inside the Korean royal palace, soldiers who had long lost their will to fight were filled with terror.
As Zhao Feng and his troops entered, many Korean soldiers froze in fear, their faces pale.
"It's him... the Demon General," some whispered.
Recognition flashed in the eyes of many Korean soldiers who had either fled from the outer city or witnessed the Qin army's advance. Zhao Feng's reputation for relentless ferocity had preceded him, leaving a trail of terror among his enemies.
Sweeping his gaze over the trembling soldiers, Zhao Feng addressed them sharply: "Your king has fled. Crown Prince Han Fei surrendered the royal seal to Qin. If you wish to live, lay down your weapons and leave the palace immediately!"
Upon hearing this, the sound of clattering weapons filled the air as the terrified soldiers discarded their arms and bolted for the exit as if their lives depended on it.
"At least they're sensible," Zhao Feng remarked.
"Sir, didn't you notice how those soldiers looked at you? Like they'd seen a ghost," one officer quipped with a laugh. "You've scared them out of their wits!"
"Let them surrender if they wish. This area is for the second unit to handle. We're moving deeper into the palace," Zhao Feng replied, his thoughts returning to the treasury.
At the front plaza of the royal court, over a thousand palace maids and eunuchs knelt in submission. Among them were numerous royal concubines, their lavish attire and beauty still evident.
"It seems Han Fei is as clever as ever," Zhao Feng thought. "He must have prearranged this orderly surrender. Otherwise, the chaos of people fleeing the palace would've resulted in unnecessary deaths."
Observing the neatly assembled captives, Zhao Feng silently admired Han Fei's foresight.
"Commander," one of his officers, Zhang Han, spoke up, eyeing the concubines. "There are quite a few beauties among the royal consorts and princesses. Should we select a couple to send to your quarters tonight?"
Hearing this, Zhang Han's suggestion brought a mischievous grin to his face as he awaited Zhao Feng's response.