The first sentence of the report read:
"The Korean capital has fallen."
Just this one line was enough to bring a glimmer of joy to Ying Zheng's face.
The fall of the Korean capital essentially signaled the end of Korea itself. Qin's path to the east had now been opened.
"This truly is good news," someone commented. "It seems Korea is finished."
Seeing the happiness on Ying Zheng's face, the ministers in the hall quickly caught on. Every official present in the grand hall was a seasoned statesman, adept at reading the monarch's expressions.
Ying Zheng did not immediately set the report aside but continued reading through it. As he read on, his expression grew more astonished.
"The officer who led the assault and achieved the first merit for breaking through the city was Captain Zhao Feng."
"He slew Korea's newly appointed General Cao Yi and Prime Minister Zhang Ping."
"It's him again!"
Ying Zheng, having finished the report, displayed a rare look of surprise.
Since Qin began its military campaign against Korea, one name has repeatedly surfaced in the reports. It wasn't Wang Jian or Li Teng, but Zhao Feng.
A man who had risen from the logistics corps to the main battle unit had now once again achieved remarkable results.
"It seems Qin is truly blessed by the heavens to be gifted with such a fierce general," Ying Zheng thought to himself, suppressing a smile.
After regaining his composure, he turned to the ministers before him.
"According to the report from General Wang Jian, the Korean capital has fallen," Ying Zheng said with a faint smile.
The hall fell silent for a moment, and then the assembled ministers broke into smiles and bowed deeply toward Ying Zheng.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!" they chorused.
"Korea was always the weakest of the states," one minister observed. "Over the years, Qin has steadily chipped away at its territory. The fall of its capital was inevitable."
Though pleased, Ying Zheng remained measured in his response. "The capital may have fallen, but there is one matter Wang Jian did not address in his report."
The ministers looked at one another uneasily.
Minister Wei Liao stepped forward cautiously and asked, "Your Majesty, is it regarding the whereabouts of the Korean king?"
"See for yourself." Ying Zheng handed over the report. Zhao Gao swiftly stepped forward, took the document, and presented it to Wei Liao.
Wei Liao read through it carefully, his expression shifting from calm to astonishment before furrowing his brows toward the end.
"What does it say?" asked Minister Wang Wan, his curiosity mirrored by the others.
"Your Majesty," Wei Liao said, "even if the Korean king has fled the capital, he can't leave the boundaries of Korea. With the fall of the capital, the surrounding areas are occupied by our Qin forces. Even an army of thousands could not break through, let alone a fugitive king."
"All that is needed is for General Wang Jian to intensify the search. The Korean king will be found," Wei Liao assured.
"The Korean king has likely anticipated such searches," Minister Li Si interjected. "If he manages to escape, it will become a serious threat to Qin. Should he find refuge in Zhao, and Zhao uses his name to justify mobilizing troops, the Korean territories we've conquered will not be secure."
Hearing Li Si's words, the ministers' expressions grew solemn.
"Father," Crown Prince Fusu stepped forward. "If the Korean king escapes, it would indeed bring trouble. I have a suggestion."
"Speak," Ying Zheng said, his gaze resting on his eldest son with a trace of expectation.
"Father," Fusu began confidently, "I believe the Korean king fled because he fears being executed by Qin. If we issue an edict promising leniency and protection should he surrender, he might come forward willingly."
Unexpectedly, Ying Zheng's expression shifted from anticipation to disappointment.
Minister Wang Wan's face also turned uneasy.
"This matter," Ying Zheng said calmly, "is something Wang Jian will handle appropriately. There's no need for me to intervene. He will ensure the Korean king is captured."
He turned to Wei Liao. "Once General Wang Jian sends another report, you are to present it to me immediately."
"Yes, Your Majesty," Wei Liao replied, bowing deeply.
Fusu, sensing that his proposal had been rejected, asked with a hint of confusion, "Father, does my strategy have flaws?"
"The promise of leniency and protection may work for Korean officials or commoners," Ying Zheng explained. "But for the Korean king, a ruler who has lost his nation, no offer of protection can outweigh the humiliation of his kingdom's fall."
Hearing this, Fusu's face changed slightly as he pondered the words. After a moment, he bowed respectfully. "I understand now, Father."
Ying Zheng nodded, his tone softening. "Prime Minister Wang Wan."
"Your Majesty," Wang Wan replied immediately.
"Fusu may study under Chunyu Yue, but his grasp of governance is still lacking. Guide him closely so that he can assist me sooner rather than later."
"Rest assured, Your Majesty," Wang Wan said earnestly. "I must teach the Crown Prince to the best of my ability."
Ying Zheng then turned to Wei Liao. "You've seen the report. Zhao Feng, credited with breaking the city, has also slain Korea's new general and prime minister. What do you propose as a reward?"
Wei Liao answered, "Your Majesty, the one who earns the first merit for breaching a city is typically promoted by one rank and two grades in nobility. However…"
"However?" Ying Zheng inquired, narrowing his eyes slightly.
Wei Liao smiled. "I believe it would be better to wait until Korea is fully subdued before granting rewards."
"Zhao Feng? Is that the same Zhao Feng who transferred from the logistics corps to the main battle unit?" Li Si asked, intrigued.
Upon confirmation from Wei Liao, the ministers exchanged knowing glances. Zhao Feng's name has become memorable ever since he achieved a significant feat in court by killing a Korean general during his time in logistics.
"This Zhao Feng… truly impressive. To think he achieved the first merit for breaching the capital," Li Si remarked in amazement.
"The military records are clear, verified by inspectors, and overseen by the central military division. There can be no fabrication," Wei Liao assured.
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!" Li Si said, cupping his hands. "This man is truly a rare talent."
Ying Zheng smiled faintly. "Indeed, Zhao Feng is a formidable general. In him, I see the shadow of a great Qin warrior from the past."
The ministers turned their gazes toward Ying Zheng, captivated by his words.
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