"Generals," Li Teng began, "while Zhao Feng has earned the greatest merit in this battle, there remains the matter of identifying who conquered the outer city and killed Han's newly appointed general, Cao Yi. Furthermore, I hear that Prime Minister Zhang Ping of Han has also been slain by our soldiers."
"We must ascertain who accomplished these feats. These are significant achievements, and His Majesty will not overlook any meritorious deeds." Li Teng addressed the group with a firm tone.
At that moment, a voice echoed from outside the hall, "Reporting! Central Army Commander Kuai Pu has arrived!"
Moments later, a man clad in armor strode briskly into the hall, smiling broadly. "Congratulations, General Li, on achieving such a monumental feat breaking through Han's capital and extinguishing the Han Kingdom!"
Kuai Pu, as the Central Army Commander, held the authority to oversee military discipline and award recognition. Though his rank was lower than Li Teng's, his position made him answerable only to Wei Liao, one of the Nine Ministers, and Wang Jian, the Supreme Commander of the Bluefields Army.
"Commander Kuai," Li Teng greeted him warmly, cupping his fists in salute.
Kuai Pu laughed heartily. "General Li, you have a formidable warrior under your command! A single man breached Han's city gates, led his troops valiantly into battle, and personally slew both General Cao Yi and Prime Minister Zhang Ping. It's remarkable!"
Li Teng's initial smile turned into a perplexed expression. "Wait… what did you say? Zhao Feng killed both Cao Yi and Zhang Ping?"
Up to this point, Li Teng had been searching for the soldier responsible for these notable kills, intending to ensure their contributions were recognized. While breaking through the city gates was undoubtedly the primary merit, killing Cao Yi and Zhang Ping were still notable achievements worthy of recognition.
"You didn't know?" Kuai Pu asked with a grin. "The heads of Cao Yi and Zhang Ping have already been sent to the Military Merits Office. Zhao Feng is the one who took them!"
Li Teng, still processing the revelation, admitted, "I was unaware of this. I've been trying to identify the person responsible for those feats. To think Zhao Feng did it all!"
"No wonder General Wang Ben argued in front of the Supreme Commander to have Zhao Feng transferred to his command. Such talent is rare who wouldn't want him?" Kuai Pu mused.
The generals in the hall exchanged astonished looks. Zhao Feng's contributions in this battle had left them in awe.
"I've already reported these three achievements to the Supreme Commander. He will make the final decision on appropriate rewards," Kuai Pu informed them.
Li Teng nodded. "Thank you for your efforts, Commander."
In Qin's military structure, achievements were first recorded by the Merit Officers, then reported to the Central Army Commander, who submitted them to the Supreme Commander and, ultimately, Wei Liao. This ensured fairness and transparency in the recognition of military accomplishments.
Kuai Pu then turned his attention back to the assembly. "By the way, where is Zhao Feng?"
"Commander, Zhao Feng is not present here. He is stationed at one of the palace outposts," General Chen Tao quickly replied.
At that moment, another voice rang out from outside, "Report! Deputy Zhao Han from the Garrison Command seeks an audience!"
"Enter," Li Teng commanded.
Zhao Han strode into the hall and saluted. "General Li, I have news to report."
"Speak," Li Teng prompted.
"Zhao Feng discovered a hidden passage while exploring Han's treasury. He suspects that King Han might have used it to escape and has already entered the passage to investigate. He sent me here to relay this information," Zhao Han reported.
"A hidden passage?" Li Teng exclaimed, his face lighting up with excitement. He turned to Kuai Pu. "According to surrendered Han officials, King Han disappeared without alerting his court or drawing any attention. This suggests he did not leave the city through conventional means. If Zhao Feng has found a secret passage, it might truly lead to King Han."
"That is quite possible," Kuai Pu agreed with a nod.
"Where is Zhao Feng now?" Li Teng asked.
"He has already entered the passage. Additionally, Commander Wei Quan has taken five hundred men to follow him," Zhao Han replied.
"Five hundred men aren't enough. If King Han escaped with elite guards, they could be in grave danger," Li Teng said decisively. "Assemble all my guards immediately. We will enter the passage and pursue Zhao Feng."
"Yes, General!" Zhao Han responded.
Li Teng wasted no time, quickly mobilizing a thousand of his guards and leading the way into the treasury.
Upon entering the treasury, they found the area in disarray. Shelves were empty, and the treasures had been removed.
"Damn that King Han! He must have moved everything!" Li Teng cursed under his breath.
"General," Zhao Han interjected. "While most items have been taken, some weapons and an entire room of elixirs remain in the passage."
"What kind of elixirs?" Li Teng asked.
"Medicinal pills. The scent of herbs fills the air," Zhao Han replied honestly, pointing toward the entrance to the passage.
Li Teng approached the passage entrance, a door-sized opening hidden behind a movable rack.
"How many men went with Zhao Feng?" Li Teng inquired.
"Zhao Feng ventured ahead alone, but Commander Wei Quan took five hundred men to follow him," Zhao Han reported.
"Then we must act quickly," Li Teng said firmly. "Deploy my entire personal guard into the passage. We cannot let King Han escape!"
With that, the guards were dispatched into the passage, with Li Teng and his officers following closely behind. Reaching the three main chambers within the passage, they found the herb room empty, the weapon room partially cleared, and the elixir room untouched.
"It seems King Han didn't have enough time to take everything," Li Teng observed. "These elixirs and remaining weapons are valuable. Guard this place carefully."
"Without my direct orders, no one is to approach these chambers!" Li Teng commanded sternly.