Given this opportunity, how could Zhao Feng not take a gamble?
If he could annihilate Wei Wuji's army, it would be a significant achievement. If he could carve a path from Wei to Zhao and lead an invasion from Wei into Zhao, it would be an even greater accomplishment.
History had already shown that the fate of Zhao was sealed; it was only a matter of time before Qin would conquer it. Although it might take years, Zhao's fall was inevitable.
If Zhao Feng could accelerate this process, his forces would become a decisive strike, catching Zhao off guard.
As night fell, Wei City gradually quieted down.
The wounded soldiers were sent to the medical camps for treatment, while the guards on the city wall rotated, replaced by a fresh detachment.
After seven consecutive days of defense, Zhao Feng's command ensured that the two divisions under Chen Tao and Zhao Tuo remained rested, while others bore the brunt of the battles.
Zhao Feng was the kind of person who held grudges. Since some had opposed him, he saw no reason to let them earn merits under his command. Unless they found a way to be reassigned elsewhere, they would remain under his jurisdiction, perpetually relegated to their current roles.
"Open the first-tier treasure chest," Zhao Feng thought, recalling the reward for reaching 3,000 in all attributes.
"You have received [Hemostatic Powder] x10," the system announced.
"Speaking of which..." Zhao Feng mused, "I wonder if Han Xi has succeeded in producing the Hemostatic Powder."
This powder was miraculous for treating external wounds and was essential for military campaigns. Zhao Feng had previously obtained its formula and secretly handed it over to Han Xi to recruit medical experts for research. However, they had yet to yield results before the war began. This powder was far more challenging to manufacture than Bone Refinement Powder.
As Zhao Feng pondered, he suddenly turned his gaze toward the city outskirts.
"There's movement," he said.
The drowsy soldiers on the walls instantly snapped to attention, raising their bows as they peered into the darkness. Under the faint moonlight, silhouettes could be seen slowly approaching Wei City.
"General," a guard named Wei Quan said in surprise, "the numbers seem small. Are they attempting a sneak attack?"
Zhao Feng stood up slowly, staring intently ahead. He raised a hand.
"Archers, prepare," he commanded.
The soldiers atop the walls immediately readied their bows.
"Let them get closer. Once they're within range, unleash a volley and eliminate them all," Zhao Feng ordered coldly.
Mercy to the enemy was cruelty to oneself.
In the pitch-black night, over a thousand Wei archers approached Wei City in a scattered formation.
When they entered range, Zhao Feng shouted, "Fire!"
Arrows rained down from the walls.
"Ahhh!"
Screams erupted as the enemy fell, but they continued advancing, braving the storm of arrows.
Once they were close enough, they began shooting arrows into the city. However, these arrows were unusual.
After a prolonged exchange, the Wei forces retreated.
On the walls, many soldiers had been struck, but to their surprise, there was no pain or injury.
"Huh?"
"Are the Wei soldiers insane? These arrows don't even have heads!"
"Wait, something's tied to them fabric?"
"There's writing on this fabric. But what does it say? I can't read it."
"It looks like the old script we used before, but I don't recognize it."
"What nonsense is this?"
The soldiers murmured among themselves.
Wei Quan picked up one of the arrows and brought it to Zhao Feng.
"General," he said, "the Wei forces weren't trying to attack. They were using arrows to deliver these pieces of cloth into the city."
Zhao Feng took the cloth, unfolded it, and glanced at it. He chuckled.
"Wei Wuji, you're quite something," Zhao Feng said with a smirk. "Even psychological tactics?"
"Is it a letter of surrender?" Wei Quan asked curiously, leaning closer but unable to understand the writing.
Illiteracy was widespread in this era. Even among Qin's elite Bluefield Army of 300,000, fewer than 3,000 soldiers could read. Literacy was a privilege reserved for the nobility and scholars.
"These are written in the old Han script," Zhao Feng explained. "They're trying to incite the Han defectors in the city, claiming the Wei army is here to help them restore their nation."
Zhao Feng dismissed the ploy with a chuckle, tossing the cloth aside.
If the defectors had been treated as slaves under the old system, this psychological tactic might have been devastating. But under Zhao Feng's leadership, the defectors had been reorganized, and their futures secured. Betrayal now would only lead to their deaths and the extermination of their families.
As Zhao Feng expected, the ploy was ineffective.
"Don't bother reading them," a former defector-turned-soldier shouted. "These are just enemy lies. If you can't read them, don't worry. If you can, ignore them."
The soldiers began collecting the cloth to present to Zhao Feng. One of them, a defector named Han Chenyan, approached him with a large bundle.
"General," Han Chenyan said respectfully, "these are the enemy's deceitful words. I've gathered them for you."
Zhao Feng smiled. This man had a good sense of judgment.
"Rise," Zhao Feng said with a nod.
"Thank you, General," Han Chenyan replied gratefully.
"Do you know how to read?" Zhao Feng asked.
"A little," Han Chenyan admitted.
"What's your name, and what was your rank in the Han army?"
"Han Chenyan, formerly of the Han royal family," he said.
Zhao Feng's eyes narrowed with interest.
"You're a member of the Han royal family?"
"I was, but my family was demoted to commoners years ago due to my father's mistakes," Han Chenyan explained.
"Interesting," Zhao Feng mused. "You've shed your slave status now, haven't you?"
"Thanks to your benevolence, I am no longer a slave," Han Chenyan said earnestly.
"Do you wish to become a true elite soldier of Qin?" Zhao Feng asked.
"I do," Han Chenyan said without hesitation, his voice firm.
"Very well. I'll give you an opportunity," Zhao Feng said, patting his shoulder.
He signaled to Zhang Ming, who understood immediately.
"This way, brother," Zhang Ming said with a smile.
"Thank you, General!" Han Chenyan exclaimed, visibly moved.
This single act of initiative had earned him Zhao Feng's favor, a chance that many envied.
Meanwhile, in the Wei camp, Wei Wuji received a report.
"Lord, the letters have been delivered into the city. Whether they had any effect will be evident in tomorrow's battle," the officer reported.
Wei Wuji nodded grimly. "This is our best chance. Let's see how they respond."
"If the forces in the city are indeed the Han defectors reorganized into an army, then this letter of persuasion sent by Your Majesty will be a heavy blow. The city of Wei will undoubtedly descend into chaos," a Wei general immediately remarked.
"However,"
"I must admit, this Zhao Feng is truly formidable,"
"Though Wei City is not some great fortress or major city, it has withstood our army's relentless seven-day assault without revealing any vulnerabilities. For an army as powerful as ours to be blocked by such a small city is remarkable," another Wei general said gravely.
Hearing these comments, Wei Bo's expression darkened.
When he had arrived at Wei City, Wei Bo had boldly claimed that it would fall within five days at most. Yet, tomorrow marked the...
"Your Majesty,"
"I request permission to deploy the Wei Elite Troops," Wei Bo stood and loudly petitioned.
As soon as the words left his mouth, all the Wei generals turned their eyes toward him.
The Wei Elite Troops.
The most formidable force of Wei.
They were an elite army handpicked from hundreds of thousands, each a well-equipped and powerful warrior, carrying shields in one hand and spears in the other, their combat strength unparalleled.
This army had a reputation that resonated throughout the land.
The Wei Elite Troops were originally established by General Wu Qi of Wei, and since their creation, they have maintained an unbroken record of victories. They had even come close to annihilating the Qin State in the past. The unparalleled strength of the Wei Elite Troops was well known across the land. Though Wu Qi is no longer alive, his rigorous training methods have been passed down and preserved to this day.
The Wei Elite Troops still stood, hailed as Wei's ultimate line of defense.
In this battle for the nation's fate, Wei Wuji had naturally brought the Wei Elite Troops with him. However, he had kept them in reserve, hidden in the rear, never sending them into combat. This was a deliberate strategy by Wei Wuji to conceal the true strength of his army until a decisive moment.
"Tomorrow, we shall first see if psychological warfare proves effective. If it fails, then we will deploy the Wei Elite Troops," Wei Wuji declared after a moment's thought.
"If the Wei Elite Troops are to be deployed, I request the honor of personally leading them in the assault," Wei Bo spoke again.
Hearing this, Wei Wuji's brow furrowed. "Wei Bo, do you understand the principles of commanding troops?"
"The art of leadership lies in commanding and coordinating troops," Wei Bo immediately responded.
"If you know this, why would you make such a rash request?"
"Though our forces have suffered losses, we are far from the point where a vice general like you needs to personally lead a charge," Wei Wuji reprimanded coldly.
"But..." Wei Bo hesitated, still unwilling to back down.
He was eager to prove himself not only to match Zhao Feng but also to demonstrate his ability to protect Wei.
"Wei Bo,"
"You are not only my deputy but also my nephew, the brother of the current king."
"You must understand your position," Wei Wuji said earnestly, and with that, he ended the discussion.
The next day, at dawn...
Woo! Woo-woo!
The sound of horns echoed through Wei City.
Despite the battlefield being littered with tens of thousands of unburied corpses and strewn with shattered siege engines and broken arrows, the Wei army pressed on. To Wei Wuji, once the city was conquered, he would see to it that his fallen soldiers were properly buried.
It was fortunate that the weather was cold, as the winter season prevented the decaying corpses from spreading unbearable stench over the past seven days.
"Soldiers of Great Wei,"
"Today is..."
"Vanguard forces, heed my command: advance!"
"The first to breach the city will be promoted four ranks and rewarded with ten thousand gold coins!"
"Charge!" Wei Wuji bellowed, once again pointing his sword toward Wei City.
The Wei army advanced with their siege equipment, shield troops in the front, archers behind them, and the vanguard leading the charge.
By the end of the day, the Wei army had suffered over thirty thousand casualties. Even so, it was Wei Wuji's expertise in strategy that kept the losses from escalating further; if Wei Bo had been in charge, the casualties would have easily exceeded fifty thousand.
On the city walls...
Tu Sui and Wei Quan stood shoulder to shoulder.
Even Zhao Feng's guards were present.
Few, apart from Zhao Feng's trusted lieutenants, knew that Zhao Feng was no longer in Wei City.
"The Lord has ordered..."
"Under no circumstances must Wei City fall, or all of the Lord's plans will be ruined."
"General Tu, this is a personal decree from the Lord."
Zhang Ming stepped forward and handed a bamboo slip to Tu Sui.
Tu Sui immediately took it and read its contents.
"I am leaving the city. All military affairs in Wei City are to be directed by Tu Sui. Zhang Ming, captain of the personal guards, carries my royal edict: Anyone who disobeys General Tu's orders shall be executed!"
Tu Sui nodded solemnly after reading.
"I understand," he said with determination.
As the Wei forces advanced into firing range...
The sound of a blade being drawn cut through the air.
"All troops, hear my command,"
"Attack!" Tu Sui shouted.
Arrows rained down, and stones were hurled from above, igniting another brutal battle.
On the frontlines, the Wei forces found themselves once again locked in a grueling siege.
Wei Wuji, watching from afar, observed the battle with a glimmer of hope in his eyes.
"Compared to yesterday, the Qin army's counterattacks seem less fierce today," Wei Wuji remarked, the tension on his face easing into a smile.
"Your Majesty's psychological warfare must have worked,"
"The Han defectors in the city must no longer wish to fight us," a Wei general said excitedly.
"Send out my orders,"
"Today, we will break the city once and for all," Wei Wuji declared, his hopes reigniting.
Meanwhile, fifty miles east of the Wei River...
The river's waters raged violently.
Ordinary vessels could not navigate these treacherous currents. On the northern banks of the Wei River lay Wei's territory.
Wei Wuji, ever cautious, had stationed defenses along the land borders shared with Qin to prevent any surprise attacks. Patrols were also dispatched along the Wei River, prepared to intercept any Qin forces attempting to cross.
But at a particularly dangerous crossing point, where the currents were fiercest, Wei Wuji's defenses were minimal. Although Wei soldiers were patrolling, their numbers were limited.
A few miles from this crossing point...
A Qin force was stationed, eating dry rations.
After a night of forced marches, they had arrived here by dawn.
"General,"
"I scouted ahead just now,"
"There is a small Wei patrol on the other side of the river, likely a company-sized camp," a Qin scout reported to Zhao Feng.
"The waters at Hongze Crossing are treacherous. Many have drowned here over the years, and the site was eventually abandoned,"
"But Wei Wuji is indeed a cautious commander. Even at such a perilous crossing, he has stationed troops," Zhao Feng remarked, impressed.
"General,"
"When will we cross the river?" Zhang Han asked respectfully.
"Let the soldiers rest for half a day. When the time is right, we will cross and strike Wei," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
"General, what time will that be?" Zhang Han asked, puzzled.
"You'll see when the time comes," Zhao Feng said with a mysterious smile, his gaze fixed on the direction of Hongze Crossing, full of anticipation.
In Xianyang, at the Hall of Court Affairs...
"Your Majesty,"
"We have just received a military report from the Grand General,"
"Our twenty divisions stationed at Lantian have marched into Zhao territory, capturing six cities. The Grand General is now leading his troops to attack the Zhao military stronghold of Quyang,"
"This city is defended by Zhao's Grand General Lian Po. The Grand General has reported that the battle for Quyang may not be easily won," Wei Liao read aloud from the military report.
"Very well,"
Ying Zheng nodded calmly.
Then, turning to Wei Liao, he asked, "Wei must have taken notice of Qin's movements. Now that we've dispatched troops, has Wei made any moves toward Yingchuan?"
"Your Majesty,"
"Wei Wuji has indeed mobilized forces to attack our Yingchuan region. The hidden Korean nobles in Yingchuan have also gathered private militias to rebel against us, causing unrest throughout the commandery. General Li Teng has led his elite forces to suppress the uprisings,"
"This information comes from a report sent by General Li Teng," Wei Liao replied immediately.
"Has Zhao Feng requested reinforcements?" Ying Zheng asked with concern.
This campaign against Zhao had been meticulously planned, but the one thing that worried Ying Zheng was Wei City.
"We have yet to receive any request for reinforcements from General Zhao Feng,"
"He is likely still holding the city without issue," Wei Liao responded.
"Good,"
Ying Zheng nodded in satisfaction.
However, to ensure everything proceeded smoothly, he instructed, "Although we have committed significant forces to the campaign against Zhao, my primary concern remains Yingchuan Commandery. Wei Wuji is formidable and will not retreat without achieving some results."
"Minister Wei, keep a close watch on Yingchuan. Should there be any breaches in defense, report to me immediately, no matter the time."
Wei Liao bowed deeply, "Rest assured, Your Majesty, I have already made arrangements."
"Your Majesty,"
"With only fifty thousand elite troops and fifty thousand defectors defending Wei City against Wei wuji's army of hundreds of thousands, Yingchuan is at constant risk of collapse,"
"I believe it would be prudent to dispatch Grand General Huan Yi to reinforce the area," Li Si suggested.
"The Minister of Justice speaks as one who..."
"This time, our Great Qin has mobilized forces from two major camps. Including the young men transporting grain and provisions, as well as the logistics troops, we have mobilized over 600,000 men in total," Wang Wan stated sternly. "The daily consumption of provisions for this 600,000-strong army is immeasurable, and it is severely draining the national resources of Qin.
"If we open another front and add another 200,000 troops, along with the additional logistics personnel required to transport provisions, does the Chancellor truly believe that our Great Qin's national strength can sustain this?"
Seeing Li Si speak up, Wang Wan immediately stood to counter him.
"If Yingchuan is lost, our Great Qin's entire front will collapse," Li Si replied coldly.
"If Yingchuan is lost, Zhao Feng will be to blame," Wang Wan retorted sharply. "Long ago, His Majesty already allocated sufficient provisions and reinforcements to Wei City, including a garrison of 100,000 troops more than enough to defend a single city."
"I concur," Chunyu Yue interjected in agreement. "His Majesty has already granted Zhao Feng ample resources. If he cannot hold the city, the fault lies solely with Zhao Feng."
Chunyu Yue's voice carried a note of bitterness, as he had never forgotten the humiliation of his chief disciple being beaten by Zhao Feng. If Zhao Feng were to lose Wei City, Chunyu Yue was determined to memorialize him harshly.
"Grand Tutor Chunyu, you go too far," a calm yet firm voice interjected. It was Han Fei stepping forward.
"General Zhao Feng has already rendered great service in defending Wei City. And who does not know of Wei Wuji's reputation? His command of troops rivals that of Lian Po. This time, he leads tens of thousands of Wei soldiers in person. Do you think even veteran generals like Wang Jian or Meng Wu could easily withstand him, let alone a new general like Zhao Feng?"
"Your Majesty," Han Fei addressed Ying Zheng directly, "in my humble opinion, a time limit should be set for General Zhao Feng. As long as he can hold Wei City for that duration, he will have fulfilled his duty."
Han Fei's words were logical and persuasive, leaving Chunyu Yue momentarily speechless.
Once again, Chunyu Yue was reminded of Han Fei's formidable intellect. Every word Han Fei spoke was well-reasoned, making it impossible to refute.
"How long can the provisions sent to Wei City sustain the garrison?" Ying Zheng asked.
"Your Majesty," Wang Wan replied immediately, "the supplies are sufficient for 100,000 troops for three months."
"Very well," Ying Zheng declared. "I will give Zhao Feng three months. If he can hold Wei City for three months, he will be credited with success.
"At the same time, I give Li Teng three months to eliminate the rebels in Yingchuan. After three months, he will lead all the elite forces in Yingchuan to reinforce Wei City and ensure that Yingchuan remains secure."
"Your Majesty is wise," Li Si and Han Fei both declared in unison, bowing deeply.
Wang Wan and Chunyu Yue, on the other hand, could only silently accept the decree, unable to raise further objections.
Deploying Yingchuan's forces to quickly quell the rebellion and then sending reinforcements to Wei City was the most practical solution.
"Has the state of Zhao withdrawn its troops from Yan?" Ying Zheng asked with a faint smile.
The current situation was to his advantage. Ying Zheng hoped Zhao Yan would remain stubborn and continue attacking Yan. A withdrawal to defend their homeland would be far less beneficial to Qin.
"Your Majesty, the Zhao forces have not withdrawn from Yan and continue to press their attack. Yan troops are still putting up fierce resistance," Wei Liao reported with a grin.
"Good," Ying Zheng nodded with satisfaction. "Keep a close watch on Zhao's movements."
"Your servant obeys," Wei Liao said, bowing in acknowledgment.
After further discussion, the court assembly concluded.
As the ministers dispersed, Han Fei exited the hall at a measured pace. Li Si hesitated for a moment before quickly catching up.
"Brother Han, please wait," Li Si called out.
Hearing Li Si's voice, Han Fei's eyes flickered with cold amusement.
Since the incident in the dungeon, Han Fei has been guarded against Li Si. Were it not for Zhao Feng's warning, Han Fei would have had no inkling of Li Si's treachery. The day Li Si visited him in prison could have been his last.
While Han Fei outwardly maintained composure, inwardly, his trust in Li Si had shattered. The betrayal of a once-close friend left a lingering bitterness in his heart.
"What does Brother Li require?" Han Fei asked calmly, turning to face him.
Compared to their past interactions, Han Fei's tone now carried a noticeable chill.
"Today's discussion went exceptionally well, Brother Han. Suppressing Chunyu Yue's influence and gaining His Majesty's favor your words were truly masterful," Li Si said with a broad smile.
"His Majesty is a ruler of great wisdom, capable of discerning the truth. I merely spoke appropriately," Han Fei replied. "Now, if there's nothing else, I have official duties to attend to. Farewell, Brother Li."
Without waiting for a response, Han Fei offered a brief salute and walked away.
Watching Han Fei's retreating figure, Li Si couldn't help but notice the coldness and distance in his demeanor. A frown crept across Li Si's face.
Meanwhile, in Yingchuan.
"General Li," Sun Ting reported respectfully, "there are uprisings throughout the region. Following your orders, I have divided our 50,000 troops into five units to suppress the rebels. Judging by the current situation, it will take several months to restore order completely."
Li Teng nodded but remained troubled. "General Sun, has Zhao Feng sent any requests for reinforcements?"
"No reports have come in from Zhao Feng. Based on the intelligence we've received, Wei City remains secure," Sun Ting replied.
"Ah, Wei Wuji..." Li Teng muttered, his face heavy with concern. "He is a seasoned general. His attack cannot be something Zhao Feng can withstand for long. I fear Wei City might fall at any moment. If that happens, the Wei army will sweep through Yingchuan, and the entire region will be in grave danger."
"Our orders are to focus on quelling the rebellion in Yingchuan. Whether Zhao Feng succeeds or fails, the outcome of Wei City does not concern us," Sun Ting remarked cautiously.
Hearing this, Li Teng frowned. "What nonsense! The fall of Wei City would indeed be Zhao Feng's failure. However, Yingchuan is now part of Qin's territory. If Wei City falls, Yingchuan will be in jeopardy. How can I merely sit here and debate success or failure?"
Sun Ting immediately bowed and apologized. "Forgive me, General. I misspoke."
"At present, there is little we can do for Wei City," Sun Ting added. "Our priority must be the suppression of the Yingchuan rebellion. If Zhao Feng truly requires reinforcements, the Supreme Commander will surely make arrangements."
Reluctantly, Li Teng nodded. "Let us hope Zhao Feng can hold out."
At the same time, near the Hongze crossing, a vast Qin army was already assembling at the riverbank.
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