Facing Zhao Ying, who stood before him with youthful beauty and a stunning appearance, Chen Fen, the commander of five hundred soldiers, couldn't help but be momentarily captivated. However, he quickly regained his composure and asked gently, "Does the name Zhao Feng appear in the records for Sand Village? Did your brother enlist?"
Chen Fen himself was slightly perplexed.
"My brother enlisted eleven months ago and was sent to the battlefield in Korea," Zhao Ying replied softly. "But his name isn't on any of the three lists."
At this moment, a glimmer of hope lit up in Zhao Ying's heart. If her brother's name wasn't on the lists of the wounded or the fallen, didn't that mean he might still be alive?
"What is your brother's name?" Chen Fen asked.
"Zhao Feng," Zhao Ying answered without hesitation.
"What did you say?" Chen Fen's eyes widened in shock as he stared at Zhao Ying. "Zhao Feng?"
"What's happened to my brother?" Zhao Ying's expression changed, sensing something unusual in Chen Fen's reaction.
"May I ask, how old is your brother?" Chen Fen pressed, trying to steady his emotions.
"He's sixteen," Zhao Ying replied earnestly.
"Please wait a moment."
Chen Fen immediately turned around, retrieving a separate record from a soldier behind him. This record was unique a single bamboo scroll, meant for one individual only. Opening it, Chen Fen's eyes scanned the text:
"Zhao Feng, age sixteen, native of Sand Village in Shacheng County. Rank: Tenth Grade, Zuo Shuzhang. Title: Vice General of Qin. Annual stipend: 500 shi. Monthly salary: 25 shi. Total yearly salary: 800 shi."
Chen Fen was stunned. This particular scroll had been specially marked for handling. It stipulated that after the distribution of all salaries in Shacheng County, this individual's stipend would be delivered by a higher-ranking official.
Every salary-distributing officer knew of this record, as it pertained to a person of significant note. And now, Chen Fen realized this individual hailed from the very village he was currently visiting.
"Zhao Feng, Vice General of Qin, equivalent in rank to a county governor," Chen Fen muttered, still trying to process the revelation.
While Zhao Feng wasn't yet a high-ranking official managing vast territories, he had already risen to a position of considerable authority.
"A sixteen-year-old Vice General… Is he the only one of his kind in all of Qin?" Chen Fen thought, his heart trembling with a mixture of awe and excitement.
As the details of Zhao Feng's exploits flowed through his mind defeating the Han general, capturing the Han capital, taking the Han king prisoner, and achieving countless military victories Chen Fen couldn't help but admire the meteoric rise of this young man.
His name had been decreed by the king himself, becoming a symbol of valor throughout the army. While the general public was yet unaware, Zhao Feng's story was already widely circulated among soldiers. It inspired countless men to strive for greatness while sparking envy among others who dismissed his accomplishments as mere luck.
Chen Fen returned to reality, closed the bamboo scroll, and turned to Zhao Ying, his gaze now filled with a reverence he hadn't shown before.
"Miss Zhao no, my lady please don't address me as 'sir,'" Chen Fen said, bowing slightly. His demeanor had shifted entirely, adopting the humility of a subordinate speaking to someone of higher status.
Zhao Ying was taken aback by the sudden change, as were the surrounding villagers.
"What's going on?" the villagers murmured.
"Why is this official being so respectful to Zhao Ying?"
"Could it be that the Zhao family has some hidden background?"
"I don't know… But something on that scroll must have changed his attitude."
"Could it be that Zhao Feng achieved something extraordinary? Did he become an official?"
"That's impossible. Zhao Feng's only been in the army for less than a year. At most, he'd be a squad leader. This man is a commander of five hundred; that's a significant rank."
"Exactly."
The villagers' curiosity grew, their whispers buzzing like a restless hive.
"My lady," Chen Fen addressed Zhao Ying directly, his tone filled with respect. "Your brother is alive and well and has brought great honor to Qin with his accomplishments."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Ying finally let out a sigh of relief, her face breaking into a smile of pure joy. "As long as my brother is alive, that's all that matters. Nothing else is important."
She barely registered the rest of Chen Fen's words. To her, nothing mattered more than knowing her brother was safe.
"Officer, if Zhao Feng is alive, why wasn't his name on the list? And why hasn't his salary been distributed?" Village Chief Wu stepped forward, his curiosity piqued.
All eyes turned to Chen Fen, waiting for his explanation.
"It's not that his salary won't be distributed; it's that I don't have the authority to distribute it," Chen Fen replied with reverence.
His words stunned everyone present.
"'Zhao General'?!" the village chief exclaimed in shock, his voice rising.
The surrounding villagers couldn't believe their ears.
"Zhao Feng became a general?"
"That can't be true!"
"He's only been in the army for less than a year! Even nobles struggle to rise to the rank of general. How did Zhao Feng do it?"
"A general… That's an enormous rank!"
The disbelief and astonishment spread like wildfire, everyone struggling to process what they'd just heard.
Zhao Feng had lived in Sha Village for 15 years. Naturally, every villager knew the Zhao siblings well. After all, the siblings' reputation for filial piety had long been celebrated in the village, and everyone envied the harmonious Zhao family, where the mother was kind and the children were dutiful.
But now...
It seemed Zhao Feng had made a name for himself.
"My brother became a general?"
"Impossible."
Even Zhao Ying, his younger sister, looked utterly incredulous upon hearing Chen Fen's address.
Her brother might have been handsome and clever, but with his less-than-robust physique, achieving merit on the battlefield and becoming a general? That notion completely overturned her understanding of him, leaving her in disbelief.
"Miss," Chen Fen said solemnly, "your brother's name is known throughout the army.
"Although I cannot personally deliver Zhao General's annual stipend, the county governor specifically instructed me that should I encounter any of Zhao General's family, I must immediately announce his rank, salary, and the merits he has achieved for our country."
Chen Fen's expression grew serious as he ceremoniously held up a bamboo scroll and, facing all the villagers, began reading loudly:
"Zhao Feng, aged sixteen, hailing from Sha Village, Shaqiu County.
"After joining the army, he completed three months of recruit training before being assigned to the logistics corps.
"By royal decree, our great Qin launched a campaign against Han. Zhao Feng's logistics unit was dispatched to the Han battlefield to clear the bodies. During this task, Han's General Bao Yuan's son, Bao Qiu, feigned death and ambushed our soldiers, killing several. To save his comrades, Zhao Feng stepped forward and slew Bao Qiu, earning his first merit.
"When our Qin forces captured Yangcheng, General Bao Yuan set an ambush during the night to counterattack our main army. In a critical moment, Zhao Feng led the logistics troops to resist the enemy, preventing our supply line from being severed.
"Later, joining forces with the main army, Zhao Feng successfully slew General Bao Yuan, earning a major distinction.
"After this battle, General Wang Jian transferred Zhao Feng to the main combat unit.
"During the siege of Han's capital, Xinzheng, our ten-thousand-strong elite assault unit failed to breach the city gates. In a dire situation, Zhao Feng was ordered to lead the attack. He successfully broke through the gates, earning the merit of capturing Han's capital.
"After entering the city, Zhao Feng killed countless enemies, including Han's newly appointed general and prime minister.
"Finally, Zhao Feng discovered a hidden passage in the Han palace, tracked the route, and captured the fleeing Han King, securing a great triumph.
"Zhao Feng's achievements have greatly pleased the King.
"By royal decree, Zhao Feng is granted a noble rank of 'Tenth-Rank Left Shu Chang,' with an annual stipend of 500 bushels of grain. He is also appointed as a deputy general of Qin, with a monthly salary of 25 bushels, totaling an annual income of 800 bushels.
"His noble title grants him land, which will be allocated by the county governor."
Chen Fen read the proclamation with reverence, his voice resounding.
The villagers at the entrance were stunned into silence, their minds reeling at Zhao Feng's remarkable achievements.
Not even the village elder, the headman, nor Zhao Ying could speak. Everyone stared, wide-eyed and slack-jawed.
The entire crowd was utterly silent.
It took a long time before anyone could react.
"Zhao Feng killed Han's general, captured Han's prime minister, breached their capital, and even captured their king?"
"Is this a joke?"
"I've heard of General Bao Yuan his name is renowned. I can't believe he was killed by Zhao Feng. That's incredible."
"Forget Bao Yuan he even captured a king. Zhao Feng has truly surpassed all expectations."
"We've never had a general from our small village. Incredible."
"Yes, the elder's eldest son was once conferred the rank of Military Marquis, which was the highest anyone from our village had achieved. But Zhao Feng has been appointed as a deputy general a true general, commanding tens of thousands of troops. This is unprecedented."
"Sha Village has produced a true hero…"
As the villagers processed the news, they grew more excited. At first, they doubted whether the 'General Zhao' mentioned could be Zhao Feng. After all, they had seen him enlist just 11 months ago not even a full year had passed.
But now, it was clear.
Zhao Feng had indeed become a general.
What's more, his accomplishments fully justified his rank.
"Do you realize that Zhao Feng was also granted a noble title? The rank of Left Shu Chang entitles him to a thousand acres of fertile land which can be inherited by his descendants. His eldest son will inherit not just the land but also the title."
"Exactly! Left Shu Chang is a hereditary rank it can be passed down as long as the lineage continues."
"Zhao Feng has truly made it big. Our Sha Village has produced a remarkable figure."
"Unbelievable. Zhao Feng, who always seemed so outstanding, has turned out to be even more extraordinary than we thought..."
The villagers continued praising Zhao Feng, their excitement growing with every word.
Even Zhao Ying, his twin sister, was stunned.
"My brother became a general? He killed Han's top general, captured their capital, and caught their king?"
"Is this… still my brother?"
As his closest sibling, she had grown up alongside him, sharing every moment. She had simply prayed for his safety, hoping he would return from the battlefield alive. She never imagined he would bring home such monumental news.
"If Mother heard this, she wouldn't believe it either."
"Did my brother do all this?"
Even with the government official reading the proclamation aloud, Zhao Ying struggled to accept the reality. It felt as surreal as someone suddenly announcing her brother had topped the imperial examinations.
But becoming a general, with such achievements, was far more remarkable than becoming a top scholar.
"Official," the headman asked cautiously, "is this true? Has Zhao Feng become a general? Could there be some mistake? After all, there are plenty of people with the same name in Qin."
"His registered birthplace and age all match. Moreover, this decree was issued by the Ministry of Revenue and verified personally by the court. How could it possibly be false?" Chen Fen replied with a smile.
"That young man has truly become a general," the headman muttered, still dazed.
"Headman, your village has produced an extraordinary man," Chen Fen added. "A sixteen-year-old deputy general of Qin such a figure is unique across the entire kingdom and the world."
"Our King himself issued an edict to spread Zhao General's achievements throughout the army, inspiring all our soldiers."
"While the common folk may not yet know of Zhao General's name, every soldier in the army reveres him for his bravery and accomplishments."
Chen Fen's tone carried admiration, and his attitude toward the headman had noticeably shifted to one of respect.
"Even His Majesty personally issued an edict for that boy," the headman murmured, still in disbelief.
"Miss," Chen Fen said, turning to Zhao Ying, "please accept this record of your brother's merits and stipend." He held out the bamboo scroll with both hands.
After receiving the headman's nod, Zhao Ying stepped forward and, with both hands, accepted the scroll that documented her brother's incredible achievements.
"Villagers," Chen Fen addressed the crowd, "the distribution of stipends and pensions in Sha Village is now complete. If anyone has any disputes, raise them now. Otherwise, I will proceed to the next village."
Hearing no objections, Chen Fen prepared to leave, his duty in the village fulfilled.
The villagers who had received their stipends shook their heads one after another, expressing no objections.
After all, they had already checked the amounts.
"In that case," Chen Fen said, "Chief Wu, I will take my leave for now."
He clasped his hands respectfully toward Chief Wu.
"Safe travels, sir," Chief Wu replied, bowing in return.
"Miss Zhao," Chen Fen continued, turning to Zhao Ying with a tone full of deference. "Once I return to the county seat, I will immediately report to the county governor. Within the next couple of days, the governor himself will visit in person to deliver General Zhao's stipend."
"Thank you for your efforts," Zhao Ying replied politely.
With that, Chen Fen smiled with satisfaction, mounted his horse, and led his soldiers away in the direction of the next village.
The five hundred county soldiers escorting the stipend carts gradually disappeared into the distance.
Once they were gone, all the villagers turned their gazes to Zhao Ying. Whether they were old acquaintances or those with whom relations had previously been lukewarm, their expressions now bore hints of flattery.
"Zhao girl, congratulations!"
"Your brother has become a general; your family is about to live the good life."
"I heard that the rank of Left Shuzhang is a truly high nobility title hereditary and perpetual. Plus, it comes with a thousand mu of fertile land. Zhao girl, my husband passed away early, and I only have one mu of self-cleared land. Could you lease me a few mu at a reduced rent?"
"Zhao girl, it's the same for my family. We have seven mouths to feed and only two mu of land. Could you lease us a few mu to farm as well?"
...
The villagers crowded around Zhao Ying with enthusiastic voices, each person stating their reasons and requests.
Many of them had one clear goal: to lease land for farming.
After all, not every family in the village had noble titles or their land to farm. For those without, the only options were to lease land from those who had a surplus, pay rent in return, or hope their sons achieved merit and earned land grants.
Throughout history, land consolidation has always been a recurring issue in every dynasty.
Why was the State of Qin so strong at the moment? It was because the reforms of Shang Yang had redistributed land from the nobles to the meritorious soldiers.
In other states, land consolidation had reached its peak. Ordinary people had to pay exorbitant rents to the nobles just to farm, perpetuating cycles of poverty.
Facing the overwhelming enthusiasm of the villagers, Zhao Ying was at a loss. She had never encountered such a situation before. Each villager had their reasons, and all of them were trying to obtain land from her.
At this moment, Chief Wu stepped forward and shouted, "Everyone, disperse!"
As the village elder and chief, his words carried authority.
Hearing his reprimand, the villagers reluctantly stepped back, though their desires lingered in their eyes.
Chief Wu approached Zhao Ying, casting a disapproving look at the crowd before turning to address them sternly.
"What is this behavior, everyone?"
"You all know the situation of the Zhao family. Zhao Feng and his sister are still young, and their mother is frail and sickly. Now that Zhao Feng has finally made a name for himself, you're all here demanding this and that? On what grounds?"
"Let me tell you this," he continued. "The fact that Zhao Feng became a general is a result of his life-and-death efforts. He earned his title and land. If he chooses to lease the land to you at low rent, that would be his kindness. But if he doesn't, that's entirely his right!"
"How much has the Zhao family helped this village over the years?"
"If it weren't for Zhao Ying and her mother's medical skills, how many of us would have died or suffered from illness? And how much did they charge for their services? Barely one-twentieth of what you'd pay in the county. And now, look at what you're doing!"
"Trying to pressure Zhao Ying to hand over her brother's land? Is this robbery?"
Chief Wu's anger was evident, and his words struck the villagers like a hammer.
Over the years, Chief Wu had been a respected elder in the village. He had lost all three of his sons to the battlefield, yet he bore no resentment. Zhao Feng, his sister, and their mother had survived thanks in part to Chief Wu's care and support. His righteous indignation at this moment was a reflection of his deep disappointment in the villagers.
Faced with his scolding, the villagers lowered their heads in shame, unwilling to meet his gaze.
"Enough," Chief Wu said at last.
"I've said my piece. As for Zhao Feng's land, I will discuss it with his mother. If there are truly families in dire need within the village, I'm sure Zhao Feng's mother won't ignore them. After all these years, hasn't the Zhao family shown their kindness and generosity enough?"
"Was it necessary to surround and pressure Ying like this?"
He turned to Zhao Ying. "Come now, Ying. Let's go home and share the good news with your mother. She's been worrying herself sick over your brother all this time. It's about time she hears something worth celebrating."
With that, Chief Wu cleared a path for Zhao Ying, leading her back toward the village.
The villagers reluctantly stepped aside, letting them pass.
Zhao Ying followed Chief Wu, her face still pale from the encounter, her eyes reflecting a lingering sense of unease. The villagers' behavior had genuinely frightened her it was so different from what she had known before.
As Chief Wu and Zhao Ying walked away, some villagers resumed their murmured discussions, though they dared not be too bold or loud this time.
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