Seeing this, Zhao Feng glanced at Wang Jian's back and said no more. He turned and left the camp.
Today, Wang Yan's man, Zhao Feng had said all that needed to be said, and he meant every word of it.
"Once this battle is over..."
"I must hasten to cultivate a force of my own a loyal force that answers only to me."
At this moment, Zhao Feng became even more determined to build his faction of loyal warriors.
Although he possessed the strength to battle thousands and slay commanders amid armies, he was, after all, just one man. He needed greater support an army of his own, comprised of fearless warriors who wouldn't cower before royal authority.
As Zhao Feng reached the camp entrance, about to step outside, Wang Jian's voice called out from behind him.
"I will do my utmost to persuade His Majesty to change his mind. But if His Majesty refuses, there is nothing more I can do."
"The king's edict cannot be defied."
"Let us hope His Majesty, for the sake of your potential and my years of loyal service to the state, will allow you and Yan'er to be together."
Hearing this, Zhao Feng paused at the entrance, a faint smile appearing on his face.
"If Yan'er knew that you, General, were willing to go to such lengths for her, she would be overjoyed," Zhao Feng said, turning back with a smile.
"She once told me that she never thought you'd defy the royal decree for her sake."
"While the title of Crown Prince may be an honor, it's not what Yan'er desires," Wang Jian said with a slight smile, his expression one of resignation.
"Let this be my attempt, as her father, to fight for her happiness."
Zhao Feng did not say more. He respectfully bowed to Wang Jian and said earnestly, "Thank you, Uncle Wang!"
This form of address marked a shift in their relationship, bridging the gap between them.
"One more thing," Wang Jian added sternly.
"What you said earlier, those treasonous words must never be spoken again."
"If you dare repeat them, I will not consider Yan'er and will deal with you accordingly."
"Great Qin, His Majesty, cannot be defied."
Zhao Feng nodded slightly. Then, in a sudden movement, he vanished and reappeared before Wang Jian in the blink of an eye.
"How... how did you do that?" Wang Jian asked, utterly shocked.
He stared at Zhao Feng, as though his understanding of reality had been turned upside down. In the briefest moment, Zhao Feng had crossed the ten-zhang (approximately 30 meters) distance from the camp entrance to his side.
Was this even humanly possible?
"Uncle Wang," Zhao Feng said with a faint smile.
"You said earlier that attempting to steal Yan'er away would be suicide. But let me assure you this is my true strength."
"Not just stealing her away, but even facing an army of thousands, I can escape unscathed."
With that, Zhao Feng said no more. He turned and walked out of the camp slowly, step by step, leaving behind a stunned Wang Jian.
After a long moment, Wang Jian muttered, "How on earth did he do that? Is he even human?"
Recalling Zhao Feng's terrifying speed and resolute words, Wang Jian felt his heart sink further.
"If Yan'er is truly betrothed to the Crown Prince, this boy might try to take her by force. And with his abilities... if he chooses to assassinate instead..."
Wang Jian's unease deepened. "For Yan'er's sake, and the sake of Great Qin, it seems I must humble myself and plead with His Majesty. I can only hope he will agree."
After leaving Wang Jian's tent, Zhao Feng returned to his camp. A smile played on his lips.
"Let's hope this ends well. If not, I'll have no choice but to take her by force."
"Fusu," Zhao Feng muttered coldly.
"I don't care who you are. If you dare to take my woman, I'll make you pay."
His words were not idle threats. If Yan'er was truly forced to marry someone else, Zhao Feng wouldn't hesitate to act. He was not the type to tolerate such humiliation, nor was he afraid of confrontation.
"For now, the priority is to build my force. If His Majesty insists on giving Yan'er to Fusu, I'll need a loyal group of warriors to protect Yan'er and my younger sister."
As Zhao Feng returned to the barracks, Wei Quan immediately approached him, full of curiosity.
"Well? What happened? What did His Majesty say about your rewards?"
Several other officers, including Zhang Han, also turned to Zhao Feng with eager anticipation.
Seeing their expectant faces, Zhao Feng chuckled.
"Do you think Xianyang is just around the corner? Messages from the capital don't travel that quickly. This isn't an urgent military report. According to the general, it will take at least a day or two."
Hearing this, Wei Quan and the others looked disappointed.
But Zhao Feng added with a smile, "That said, the general did mention that, based on my achievements, I'll likely be promoted to vice general, commanding fifty thousand troops."
At this, their eyes lit up.
"Vice-general!"
"That's just one step away from becoming a main general commanding an entire division."
"Incredible!"
"With your achievements, this promotion is well-deserved."
"Soon, we'll all be calling you 'General Zhao!'"
Their excitement was genuine.
Wei Quan stepped forward with a grin. "I've made up my mind to follow you wherever you go. When you rise to power, don't leave me behind!"
The other officers echoed his sentiments, their eyes filled with fervor.
"We are willing to serve under you, too!"
The surrounding soldiers, drawn by the commotion, gathered around, their expressions equally eager. They shared the same sentiment they wanted to follow Zhao Feng.
Seeing their trust and determination, Zhao Feng was moved. He vowed, "I'll do my best to keep all my brothers together."
"Long live Commander Zhao!"
"Commander Zhao, long live!"
The soldiers erupted in cheers, their voices echoing across the camp and drawing curious glances from nearby guards.
Zhao Feng had won their loyalty, not only through his valor and leadership but also by offering them hope for a brighter future.
This is how loyalty is forged.
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