"Just now, you all heard what the royal envoy said."
"After the New Year, recruits will be enlisted."
"All five generals, prepare yourselves to receive the recruits and manage the reorganization," Zhao Feng instructed the five generals.
"General Zhao,"
"Our army in Wei City already numbers 60,000. If we add more troops, will it reach 80,000 or 90,000?" Zhao Tuo asked in astonishment.
"Since this is a decree from the King, His Majesty must have his reasons. As subjects, we must obey," Zhao Feng said calmly.
To Zhao Feng, the more soldiers under his command, the better. This would allow him to gain more attributes through his subordinates.
"I understand," Zhao Tuo replied, refraining from further questions.
"Very well."
"Generals, make your arrangements. If there's anything urgent, come directly to the military council hall," Zhao Feng said before heading there.
Zhang Ming followed, leading a hundred personal guards to secure the hall.
After entering the hall, Zhao Feng, as usual, took his seat at the main position, opened a military report, and issued an internal command: "Claim the reward."
"Host has been promoted to You Shuzhang (a Qin dynasty official rank). Reward: one Tier-1 treasure chest."
"Open the chest," Zhao Feng immediately ordered.
Although it was just one chest, Zhao Feng was full of anticipation.
"Opening Tier-1 treasure chest: you have obtained [Heavenly Fragrance Cardamom] one unit," the system interface displayed.
"Three Heavenly Fragrance Cardamoms now... is that a complete set?"
"A miraculous life-saving herb," Zhao Feng muttered, though there was a hint of disappointment.
This Heavenly Fragrance Cardamom was of no use to him.
"Could it be that I'll need it to save Qin Shi Huang someday?"
At that moment, a terrifying thought crossed Zhao Feng's mind.
Historically, Qin Shi Huang died in Shaqiu, primarily due to heavy metal poisoning from consuming too many alchemical pills, despite his old age.
At that crucial moment, if Zhao Feng were to give him the Heavenly Fragrance Cardamom, it could save Qin Shi Huang's life and possibly alter the course of history in this world.
The power to change or preserve history seemed to lie in Zhao Feng's hands.
However, just as this thought emerged, Zhao Feng shook his head. "Forget it. My relationship with the King is merely that of a subject and his ruler. My current rank and titles are the result of my struggles on the battlefield. If a royal decree comes down, they could be stripped away in an instant."
"Besides, the successors of the Qin King are too incompetent. I have no intention of sacrificing for them."
"Neither Fusu nor Huhai is worth my respect."
"I'd rather follow history and wait for the end of the Qin dynasty."
"Are lords and generals born superior?"
Zhao State, Handan!
"My King,"
"I've returned alive to see you,"
Inside Longtai Palace.
Guo Kai knelt on the ground, weeping profusely.
He was dressed in rags, looking like a beggar.
Seeing Guo Kai alive and standing before him, Zhao Yan had a mixed expression of shock and curiosity.
"Chancellor, how did you manage to return alive?" Zhao Yan asked gravely.
Although Zhao State's intelligence network couldn't rival Qin's, the events at Wei River where 500 royal guards were annihilated by the Qin army were well-known.
However, the Qin State hadn't publicly declared which state was responsible, nor did they reveal that the guards belonged to Zhao. They merely described them as bandits.
"My King,"
"I escaped from Qin," Guo Kai sobbed.
"How did you escape? Five hundred royal guards were wiped out by the Qin army. How could someone as frail as you survive?" Zhao Yan frowned.
While Zhao Yan lacked exceptional abilities, he wasn't entirely naive.
Naturally, he suspected Guo Kai.
"My King,"
"I wasn't with the royal guards. I stayed behind the scenes, organizing things. After losing contact with them, I disguised myself and begged my way back to Zhao," Guo Kai explained hurriedly.
Hearing this, Zhao Yan nodded.
This explanation aligned with Guo Kai's character. Guo Kai was skilled at self-preservation, and since the Qin State hadn't claimed to have captured him, it made sense.
Moreover, Zhao Yan knew how much Ying Zheng hated him and Guo Kai for their past deeds. If Guo Kai had truly fallen into Ying Zheng's hands, he wouldn't have been allowed to live.
With this in mind, Zhao Yan's suspicions gradually dissipated. To be cautious, he probed further:
"After you left for Qin, they sent envoys seeking an alliance. Should I agree or refuse?"
Upon hearing this, Guo Kai's face twisted in anger and hatred.
"My King, you mustn't agree! Qin's overtures are surely a trap!"
Seeing Guo Kai's vehement response, Zhao Yan's doubts were completely dispelled.
He rose and walked over to Guo Kai, gently helping him up with a smile.
"Chancellor, you've risked your life for me. Having a loyal minister like you is truly a blessing for me."
"But I failed my mission and lost 500 royal guards," Guo Kai said, feigning guilt.
"Your efforts were commendable. If not for an unexpected incident at Wei River, you might have succeeded. This isn't your fault," Zhao Yan replied warmly.
"Thank you, my King, for your forgiveness," Guo Kai said, bowing again, relieved.
"However, there's no deceit in the alliance proposal from Qin. I've already agreed to the Qin envoy's request to visit Qin and sign the agreement with Ying Zheng," Zhao Yan said.
"My King,"
"Qin surely has ulterior motives. Please reconsider. Ying Zheng would never propose an alliance without reason," Guo Kai urged, his expression changing.
"Rest assured."
"I've already investigated. The lands Qin captured from the Han are in turmoil. Their granaries have been burned, and their barracks destroyed. Ying Zheng is currently overwhelmed and has expended much national strength to control those territories."
"Fully stabilizing Han's lands will take at least a year and a half. If I further disrupt those territories, it'll take him two or three years to recover," Zhao Yan said smugly.
Seeing this, Guo Kai said no more.
Before returning, he had memorized Ying Zheng's instructions: as long as there was no royal decree, he was to remain Guo Kai and avoid any contact with Qin. Having regained Zhao Yan's trust, he knew the less he said or did, the safer he would be.
Sha Village
A troop of several hundred county soldiers escorted a procession toward Zhao Feng's residence.
"Someone from the Zhao family!"
"Governor Yan is here,"
Wu Lizheng (village chief) stood outside Zhao Feng's courtyard, shouting.
After so much time, Zhao Feng's family home had been completely transformed. Thanks to royal craftsmen and laborers, the new estate now featured rows of interconnected houses, walls, and courtyards.
This estate, granted by royal decree, was befitting of a vice-general. The wood, tiles, and even the stone paving were of the highest quality.
Yet, at Zhao Shi's insistence, their original wooden hut was preserved within the estate.
As the grand estate took shape, opinions among the villagers varied. Some were envious, while others grumbled. However, most remained simple and kind-hearted, especially since Zhao Feng had distributed farmland and reduced rents for villagers.
Naturally, a few malcontents felt Zhao Feng should provide even more, such as directly giving out money and food. The Zhao family ignored such demands.
Hearing the commotion, Zhao Shi and her daughter stepped out of the courtyard, puzzled.
They saw a contingent of several hundred soldiers accompanied by over a hundred attendants, both male and female.
Leading the procession was Governor Yan Bing of Shaqiu County.
"Greetings, Governor Yan," Zhao Shi and her daughter stepped forward and respectfully saluted.
Governor Yan quickly stepped forward, gently supporting them.
"Madam Zhao, there's no need for such formalities," Yan Bing said with a warm smile.
"What brings you here, Governor Yan? Has something happened to my son?" Zhao Shi asked anxiously.
She understood that such a visit from the governor was no small matter.
Beside her, Zhao Ying also looked worried.
"Madam Zhao, you're overthinking," Yan Bing reassured her with a smile.
"General Zhao is doing well in the army. Currently, he has been ordered to defend Weicheng, which shows the King's immense trust in him. I have come here to congratulate Madam Zhao because General Zhao has made another great contribution to Qin. I am also here with the royal envoy to read the King's decree," Yan Bing said with a smile.
At his words, a captain of the royal guard stepped forward, holding a royal decree in his hands.
"Another contribution?"
Madam Zhao and her daughter exchanged surprised glances.
"Hear the decree from the King of Qin!"
The captain of the royal guard held the decree aloft and declared loudly.
At this command, everyone without a title knelt to the ground and said, "We humbly await the royal decree."
"Deputy General Zhao Feng of Qin intercepted bandits at the Wei River, rescuing the Empress Dowager, who had been taken captive by the outlaws. For his great service to the nation, Zhao Feng is hereby promoted by one rank to Right Shu Chang and awarded 500 acres of fertile land, a thousand pieces of gold, ten thousand coins, one hundred pieces of jade, one hundred slaves, and ten spirit pills.
As General Zhao is stationed outside, all rewards shall be delivered to his hometown."
The captain of the royal guard read the decree aloud.
At that moment, everyone understood the remarkable achievement Zhao Feng had accomplished once again.
"My goodness," someone muttered.
"That young man from the Zhao family is extraordinary! He saved the Empress Dowager, the mother of the current King!"
"The Zhao family has truly produced a great talent. Zhao Feng was already a deputy general, and now he has saved the Empress Dowager. His future is limitless!"
"Unbelievable!"
"How long has it been? Zhao Feng has achieved yet another great accomplishment!"
"What incredible luck..."
The gathered villagers couldn't help but discuss among themselves. To the court officials, this event had been a shocking affair, so it was even more remarkable to the villagers.
"He saved the Empress Dowager?"
"His future is bright. He will surely receive even greater favor from the King."
"We should start visiting the Zhao family more often," Yan Bing thought to himself as he heard the decree.
Yan Bing, the governor of Shacheng, had followed the royal envoy here. Though unaware of Zhao Feng's recent achievements before, hearing this now made Zhao Feng's importance rise significantly in his eyes.
"Your brother saved the Empress Dowager?" Zhao Ying looked at Madam Zhao in a daze.
"The Empress Dowager..."
Madam Zhao murmured, and a scene from her memory surfaced.
A large group of men in black frantically pursued someone.
The leader tore off his mask, revealing a cold murderous intent as he said, "I, Fan Yuqi, acting under the Empress Dowager's orders, am here to claim the life of Lady Dong'er. I hope you will not hold it against me."
"Lady Zhao Ji," Madam Zhao murmured, her eyes filled with a complicated emotion.
At one time, things had not reached this point. But in the end, because of power and their entry into Xianyang, everything changed.
"Madam Zhao," Yan Bing's voice interrupted her thoughts.
"The royal envoy is still waiting for you to accept the decree."
Hearing this, Madam Zhao came back to her senses and quickly stepped forward to accept the decree with both hands, loudly saying, "This humble woman accepts the decree."
"Bring forward the rewards granted by the King to General Zhao!" the captain of the royal guard commanded.
The guards immediately brought forward several chests, containing gold, coins, and jade artifacts.
More notably, a hundred slaves were brought forward.
When the slaves arrived, they all knelt before Madam Zhao.
"Madam Zhao," the captain of the guard said respectfully, "these one hundred slaves are a gift from the King. Their lives are entirely at your disposal."
"Thank you," Madam Zhao nodded politely.
"The decree has been delivered, Madam Zhao. I take my leave," the captain of the guard said, bowing before departing with his men.
"Farewell to the royal envoy," Madam Zhao responded promptly.
Once the guards were out of sight, Yan Bing stepped forward and gestured. "Bring up the land deeds."
A large chest was brought forward, similar to the previous one. Inside were bamboo scrolls recording the deeds to 500 acres of land, now belonging to the Zhao family.
"Madam Zhao," Yan Bing said with a smile, "these are the deeds for the land. Please keep them safe."
"Thank you, Governor Yan, for delivering them in person," Madam Zhao replied with a faint smile.
"You are too kind, Madam Zhao. General Zhao is a pillar of our nation. He contributed to the conquest of Han and now has saved the Empress Dowager. It is my honor to serve as an official in his hometown," Yan Bing said, his tone filled with respect and even a hint of flattery.
Madam Zhao, fully aware of the ways of the officialdom, merely exchanged polite pleasantries without taking his words too seriously.
"Madam Zhao," Yan Bing continued, glancing at the surrounding villagers, "do you find it comfortable living here in the village?"
"I have lived here for many years and am accustomed to it. Why do you ask, Governor Yan?" Madam Zhao asked with a slight smile.
"Things are different now," Yan Bing said, "your status is no longer the same as before. People's hearts can be unpredictable, and anything could happen.
"In the county city, I have several residences. Today, I offer one to you. If life in the village ever becomes inconvenient, you can move to the city. The residence is large enough to accommodate hundreds of servants."
Before Madam Zhao could refuse, Yan Bing took a bamboo scroll from an aide and handed it to her, saying, "This is the deed to the residence. Please accept it."
"Governor Yan, I cannot accept this," Madam Zhao said, trying to decline.
But Yan Bing placed the deed at the Zhao family's doorstep and left no room for refusal.
"Madam Zhao, consider this a small token of my respect for General Zhao," Yan Bing said with a smile before turning and leaving.
"Mother," Zhao Ying asked hesitantly, "why does it seem so easy for Brother to earn these merits? First, he conquered Han and captured their King, and now he has saved the Empress Dowager?"
"Perhaps it's destiny," Madam Zhao sighed, her expression carrying a hint of sorrow.
Zhao Ying looked at her mother in confusion. Why did she seem unhappy even though her brother had achieved such great deeds and become a general?
Meanwhile, in Weicheng.
Unaware of the developments at home, Zhao Feng was looking at Tu Sui with some confusion.
"I request to serve under your command, General Zhao. Please accept me," Tu Sui said, bowing deeply with excitement.
"You want to serve under me?" Zhao Feng asked, puzzled. "You were the commander of the royal guards, a high-ranking position. Why would you come to me? Is this the King's decree?"
"General Zhao," Tu Sui replied earnestly, "this was my request to the King. After the recent incident with the bandits and the Empress Dowager, I realized my shortcomings.
"I also witnessed your exceptional abilities that day. Therefore, I requested to join your command and learn from you."
Hearing this, Zhao Feng understood. Tu Sui had indeed volunteered to serve under him.
"Since it is the king's decree, you shall serve under my command. Did the king assign you any specific position?" Zhao Feng asked.
Tu Sui immediately produced a military order from Wang Jian, holding it out with both hands. "This is the order from the supreme general," he said respectfully.
Zhao Feng took the order and, after reading it, understood its contents.
"Very well. Once the recruits arrive, I will organize a separate army for you," Zhao Feng said decisively.
"Thank you, General Zhao," Tu Sui replied, his voice filled with excitement.
Joining the elite core combat division filled Tu Sui with joy.
"You are new here. I will have someone arrange quarters for you and introduce you to the other generals in the army," Zhao Feng said with a slight smile.
"General Zhao," Tu Sui said hesitantly.
"Before that, I have a personal letter from the supreme general Wang Jian. He instructed me to deliver it to you personally." Tu Sui reached into his robes and retrieved a sealed scroll.
Zhao Feng accepted the letter without a word.
Since Wang Jian's triumphant departure from Yingchuan, Zhao Feng had received only routine military orders and no personal messages regarding Wang Yan or the arranged marriage. It was as if he had been deliberately sidelined.
This letter, however, was likely related to Wang Yan.
Opening the scroll, Zhao Feng's expression remained neutral at first. As he read, his heart gradually settled.
"So Fu Su will not have the chance to take my woman. There's no need for me to risk clashing with him or to plan for contingencies. I can focus on growing stronger, consolidating my power, and waiting for the end of the Qin Dynasty."
But when Zhao Feng read the final part of the letter, he abruptly stood up, his face filled with shock and a trace of indescribable joy.
"General, what's wrong?" Tu Sui asked, startled by Zhao Feng's sudden movement.
"It's… it's nothing," Zhao Feng replied, suppressing his excitement. He called out toward the hall's entrance, "Zhang Ming!"
"My lord," Zhang Ming promptly entered the hall.
"Arrange accommodations for General Tu Sui and help him familiarize himself with the camp," Zhao Feng instructed.
"Yes, my lord," Zhang Ming replied, nodding immediately. Turning to Tu Sui, he said, "General Tu, this way, please."
With that, Tu Sui bowed deeply and followed Zhang Ming out of the hall.
Now alone, Zhao Feng picked up the letter again. This time, he could no longer hide the smile on his face. "Wang Yan is pregnant with my child? Just one night, only a few times, and it happened? My vitality is truly incredible!"
At that moment, Zhao Feng couldn't help but marvel at his potency. One night of indulgence had resulted in such a remarkable outcome.
"Even without my father-in-law's intervention, I've already consummated the marriage with his daughter. With her carrying my child, even if the marriage had been arranged with Fu Su, the King of Qin would have no choice but to call it off."
"If the King learns that Yan'er is pregnant, he might even be relieved that no formal marriage with Fu Su was arranged. Otherwise, having my bloodline born into the royal family would be an unthinkable scandal."
Zhao Feng chuckled at the thought. This turn of events had resolved all his concerns.
"It seems I must submit a formal request to the court. I'll go to Xianyang to propose marriage."
"With Yan'er already pregnant with my child, I must marry her properly and bring her into the Zhao family," Zhao Feng resolved.
His character was such that he took responsibility for what he did. With Wang Yan carrying his child, there was no way he could abandon her.
Even though their initial night together was partly an attempt on her part to defy her fate, what was done could not be undone.
Time passed swiftly, and winter arrived a season of bitter hardship for the land of Shenzhou.
In the military camp, bonfires burned throughout the barracks. Groups of elite soldiers huddled around the flames, warming themselves and passing around wine. In these times, clothing was scarce, and most men wore layers of patched garments that provided little protection against the cold. Even by the fires, many shivered uncontrollably, a testament to the harshness of the weather.
If conditions in the camp were this severe, one could only imagine the plight of the common folk.
Every winter, countless people froze or starved to death across the land of Shenzhou. From the days of Xia, Shang, and Zhou to the present era of warring states, this has been an enduring and unsolvable problem.
The land's agricultural output simply couldn't support its population, and not every family had shelter to protect them from the cold.
Atop the walls of Weicheng, Zhao Feng stood in several layers of military uniform, a cloak draped over his shoulders. Gazing out, he saw a vast, snowy expanse stretching beyond the city walls.
"This snowfall will claim countless lives," he murmured.
"Only a unified China can change this."
"Without unity, the cycle of death by cold and hunger will never end," Zhao Feng sighed inwardly.
His knowledge of history, and his place within it, deepened his sense of urgency.
"My lord," Zhang Ming approached, holding a sealed military report. "A message has arrived from General Li in Xianyang."
"Read it aloud," Zhao Feng instructed.
"Twenty-five days ago, the King of Zhao personally visited our court and signed a non-aggression pact with the King of Qin. At the same time, General Pang Nuan of Zhao secretly mobilized forces to the Zhao-Yan border, deploying 300,000 troops along the frontier," Zhang Ming reported.
"Is that the entirety of the report?" Zhao Feng asked.
"Yes, my lord. It was delivered directly from the supreme general and remains unopened until now," Zhang Ming replied respectfully.
"A non-aggression pact with Zhao? Ha, a ploy to lull Zhao into complacency."
"No wonder we've been hearing scattered reports of unrest in various regions without seeing any real disturbances. This is the King's grand deception," Zhao Feng said, a knowing smile forming on his lips.
"My lord," Zhang Ming asked, puzzled. "What does this report mean?"
"Weicheng borders Wei, not Zhao. The Zhao-Yan conflict seems unrelated to us."
"Zhao and Wei are allies. If Zhao attacks Yan and becomes entangled in the conflict, it will be the perfect opportunity for Qin to strike Zhao. At that point, do you think Wei would stand idly by?" Zhao Feng explained.
Realization dawned on Zhang Ming, and he said, "Are you saying war is imminent?"
"When this snowstorm ends, Zhao will undoubtedly attack Yan. If Yan cannot hold, they will seek aid from Qin, and the King will issue an edict to mobilize our forces," Zhao Feng said confidently.
Knowing history, Zhao Feng was certain of the chain of events.
"As for the so-called non-aggression pact, it's just a scrap of paper, ready to be torn apart at any moment."
"If Qin moves against Zhao, Wei will seize the opportunity to act. Weicheng will bear the brunt of Wei's attack," Zhang Ming realized.
"Keep this to yourself for now," Zhao Feng ordered.
"Once the snow clears, the court will likely send supplies in preparation for the coming campaign," Zhao Feng said, a gleam of anticipation in his eyes.
War was coming.
The unification of Shenzhou under Qin would soon resume!
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