Hearing this suggestion, Zhao Feng turned his head and said sharply, "If you're not afraid of military discipline, then go ahead."
The Qin army was renowned for its strict discipline. Without orders from their generals, acts like looting, pillaging, or committing atrocities were strictly forbidden.
King Qin aimed for a legacy that would last for ages, not just temporary gains. Therefore, even before the campaign against Han, he had issued an edict:
The elite Qin soldiers could only target enemy combatants. Surrendered soldiers and civilians were not to be harmed under any circumstances.
The people kneeling in the palace square concubines, palace maids, and eunuchs had already surrendered. Although their futures were bleak, with most likely becoming slaves or servants, the military code left no room for misbehavior.
If such chaos were allowed, where would discipline remain?
The Qin army was not a band of bandits.
Hearing Zhao Feng's words, Zhang Han chuckled awkwardly. "Consider it unsaid."
Zhao Feng glanced at him, disinclined to say more. Instead, he turned to the five commanders behind him and issued orders:
"Zhang Han, you and your unit stay here to maintain order.
"Luo Hua, Liu Wang, Zhuang Wei you three will spread out and search the palace thoroughly.
"Wei Quan, you're coming with me to continue deeper into the palace."
The commanders all responded promptly: "Understood!"
They then moved according to their instructions.
"Wei, find someone from the Han palace who knows where the treasury is located. This matter is crucial and leaves no room for error," Zhao Feng said to Wei Quan.
"Understood." Wei Quan saluted and immediately led two soldiers to find someone. Soon, they returned, bringing an elderly eunuch.
"Commander, this old fellow seems to know his way around. He looks experienced," Wei Quan said with a grin, pointing to the eunuch.
"What's your position in this palace?" Zhao Feng asked directly.
"T-this servant is the Chief Steward of the palace," the elderly eunuch replied nervously.
"Then we've got the right man." Zhao Feng smirked. "You know where the treasury is, don't you? Lead the way."
"Yes, yes, of course. Please follow me, generals." The steward bowed repeatedly, trembling as he led the way.
The palace, once bustling with life, was eerily quiet. Under the steward's guidance, Zhao Feng and his men encountered no obstacles.
Eventually, the steward brought them to a large hall.
The hall's main entrance was a thick, imposing bronze door, its craftsmanship sturdy and daunting.
"Generals, this is the royal treasury. However, the key is under the king's control, and without it, the door cannot be opened," the steward said, bowing deeply and speaking with trepidation.
"That's not a problem. We'll just use a battering ram to break it down," Wei Quan suggested, eyeing the bronze door.
"Wei, have the soldiers stand guard around the perimeter. No one approaches without my orders," Zhao Feng instructed.
"Got it." Wei Quan nodded.
"All units, listen up! Spread out and secure the area. No one approaches without the commander's permission!" Wei Quan bellowed.
Immediately, the 700 soldiers under his command fanned out, securing the surrounding area.
Zhao Feng turned to the eunuch. "What's your name?"
"T-this servant's name is Han Xi."
"Do you know what fate awaits those who remain in the palace?" Zhao Feng asked.
At this, Han Xi's face turned pale, his voice trembling as he replied, "At best, we'll be enslaved. At worst, we'll be sentenced to hard labor."
Zhao Feng said nothing, simply fixing Han Xi with a penetrating gaze.
Understanding the implication, Han Xi dropped to his knees and pleaded, "This servant is willing to serve you faithfully. Please spare me, Commander!"
"Wei, this one seems useful. Take him with you and discreetly release him into the city tonight. Find a safe place for him," Zhao Feng instructed.
Though puzzled by Zhao Feng's intentions, Wei Quan trusted his judgment and nodded.
"Thank you, Commander! Thank you, Commander!" Han Xi kowtowed repeatedly, his gratitude evident.
Zhao Feng's decision wasn't arbitrary.
As the Chief Steward, Han Xi was highly familiar with the palace and the city of Han. With the kingdom now fallen, Zhao Feng intended to capitalize on the situation.
The chaos of Han's fall provided an opportunity for Zhao Feng to leverage his resources, such as the gold in his personal storage space, to establish his network and power base.
With instructions given, Zhao Feng turned his attention back to the treasury's bronze doors.
Inspecting the door, Zhao Feng noted its heavy construction and firm locks. Without the key, brute force seemed the only option.
But fortunately, there was a gap between the two doors.
Drawing his Longquan sword, Zhao Feng slipped the blade into the gap and applied a slight force.
Clink!
The connecting lock was severed cleanly.
With a gentle push, the massive bronze doors creaked open.
"Wei, keep watch outside. I'll go in and take a look," Zhao Feng said with a grin.
"Zhao, listen. Don't do anything reckless. Looting the treasury is a serious offense under military law. With your recent achievements, your future is bright don't ruin it over this," Wei Quan warned.
"Relax, I couldn't carry anything out even if I wanted to. I'm just curious," Zhao Feng replied with a smile, casually gesturing to the bloodied heads tied at his waist proof of his military merits.
"Alright, just be careful," Wei Quan said, finally reassured.
Inside the treasury, Zhao Feng was greeted by a chaotic sight.
"It looks like this place has already been looted," he muttered, surveying the disarray.
Large chests lay open, their contents seemingly emptied, while the room itself was a mess.