Ying Zheng's exceptional generosity toward Zhao Feng drew no objections from the court officials.
First, it didn't affect them directly, so they had no reason to oppose it. Second, the ministers in the court were no fools they could see that Ying Zheng was in high spirits, and to challenge him now would be tantamount to asking for trouble.
"Your Majesty is wise," the officials unanimously praised.
"Minister of War," Ying Zheng addressed.
"Let Zhao Feng's merits for the nation be spread across the entire army."
"I want every Qin soldier to know that our military merit system is transparent, fair, and devoid of favoritism."
"Anyone who fights for Qin and achieves victory can be rewarded and promoted, just like Zhao Feng," Ying Zheng declared loudly to Wei Liao.
Wei Liao immediately stepped forward and responded, "Your Majesty, I will ensure that Zhao Feng's brave deeds are widely circulated by the Ministry of War to inspire all our soldiers."
Zhao Feng's achievements not only shocked the court but also served as a powerful motivational tool for the army.
Zhao Feng's story was set to become a standard, a symbol of what could be achieved through merit a motivational tale for the entire Qin military.
In the wounded soldiers' camp in Xinzheng:
"Captain Zhao," a messenger announced, "General Li has summoned you."
Zhao Feng, who had been overseeing the injured, looked surprised. "What could the general want?"
"Something about escorting the captured Han officials," the messenger replied with a smile.
Zhao Feng nodded. "Understood," he said as he followed the messenger.
In the official residence within the city:
"Captain Zhao Feng reporting to General Li," Zhao Feng said, saluting as he entered.
"Haha! Our army's hero is here!" General Li Teng greeted him warmly. "Relax."
Zhao Feng straightened up and smiled. "What are your orders, General?"
"How are things in the wounded soldiers' camp?" Li Teng asked.
"Improving steadily, General. Most soldiers will survive, but we are short on medical supplies. Your assistance in securing those would be invaluable," Zhao Feng replied.
Li Teng nodded approvingly. "Don't worry about that Master Chen has already brought it to my attention. Additional supplies are on the way. You've done remarkable work in the camp, saving countless lives. Who would've thought you were skilled in medicine too?"
Zhao Feng chuckled. "My mother was a healer, so I picked up a few things growing up. I'm just glad I could help."
"Don't be modest," Li Teng said. "Master Chen has sung your praises to me more than once. Rest assured, your contributions to saving lives have been noted and reported. While they don't count as military merits, they will surely earn you greater recognition from the king."
Little did Li Teng know that Master Chen's mentor had already reported Zhao Feng's medical innovations to Ying Zheng himself.
"But that's not why I called you here," Li Teng said, his tone turning serious. "I have orders from the Supreme General. You are to oversee the escort of the captured Han officials."
"Didn't they already send the officials?" Zhao Feng asked, puzzled.
"The previous group was escorting the King of Han," Li Teng explained. "The remaining Han officials are still imprisoned in Xinzheng."
"I see," Zhao Feng said, understanding. "It seems the King of Han was given significant attention."
Li Teng nodded. "Even though Han has been conquered, some loyal remnants may still exist in secret. Ensuring the safe transport of the Han king was a high priority. We couldn't afford any mishaps."
"When do we depart, General?" Zhao Feng asked.
"Take my command to the prison and gather the captured officials. They are to be escorted to the border camp, where the Supreme General himself will take them to Xianyang," Li Teng said firmly.
"Am I also to travel to Xianyang?" Zhao Feng asked, his curiosity piqued.
Having lived for sixteen years in this world, Zhao Feng had only ever ventured as far as his hometown's county seat. He had never visited the legendary capital of Qin, Xianyang. His curiosity about both the city and Emperor Ying Zheng was immense.
Li Teng saw through his eagerness and laughed. "Don't worry. With your talents, you'll have plenty of opportunities to visit Xianyang in the future. For now, your mission is to escort the officials to the border. The Supreme General will handle the rest."
"I understand," Zhao Feng replied.
The Supreme General, Wang Jian, commanded thirty legions of Qin soldiers, a level of authority that could not be ignored. However, even he could not remain in the field indefinitely after the campaign. Once the war concluded, he would return to the capital to await further orders.
After receiving his orders, Zhao Feng and his men proceeded to the prison to take custody of the Han officials.
The journey from Xinzheng to the border would take five days on foot. Zhao Feng's mission was clear: escort the prisoners safely and hand them over to the Supreme General.
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