"Since you know the King of Qin wants me alive and delivered to Xianyang, aren't you afraid I'll tell him about how you threatened me?" Han Fei asked angrily as he ate, glaring at Zhao Feng.
"Go ahead, by all means."
Zhao Feng cast a sidelong glance at him, responding nonchalantly.
Han Fei was infuriated by Zhao Feng's dismissive attitude. Was this man treating him like a child playing a petty game?
Seeing Zhao Feng's indifference, Han Fei could only curse again, "You're nothing but a crude and unruly man!"
"Thank you for the compliment," Zhao Feng said with a grin. "I am indeed a crude and unruly man. Let me tell you something else your Korean general and his son, I killed them. I'm the one who broke through the gates of Han's capital. Your cowardly king? I captured him myself."
He leaned closer, his tone laced with mockery. "So? Pretty impressive accomplishments for a 'crude and unruly man,' wouldn't you say?"
"You... it was you?!"
Han Fei's eyes widened in shock.
He had heard that a Qin logistics officer had killed General Bao Yuan and his son. He knew someone had led the charge to break the city gates and capture the king of Han. But it never crossed his mind that one person had accomplished all of this.
Zhao Feng simply smiled, not bothering to explain further.
"Alright then," Zhao Feng said, straightening up. "I won't waste my breath on you. Once I deliver you to the border, your life or death will no longer concern me. But until then, I'll personally make sure you eat your meals. Refuse, and I'll force-feed you."
Without waiting for a response, Zhao Feng turned and walked away, his mission in mind.
To recruit Han Fei? The thought never crossed his mind.
Han Fei was no ordinary man he was a prince of Han, a figure of immense prestige, whose intellect and reputation were well-regarded among the nations. Any kingdom would gladly entrust him with high office. Even the King of Qin, Ying Zheng, valued Han Fei for his extraordinary abilities, seeing in him the kind of minister Qin sorely needed.
Zhao Feng knew his place. It would be laughable for him to try to recruit someone like Han Fei.
"Qin truly has no shortage of remarkable talents," Han Fei murmured as he watched Zhao Feng's retreating figure.
He then sank into deep thought, Zhao Feng's words replaying in his mind:
"Is it better for the people of this world to live in a fragmented land, endlessly at war, or in a unified empire under one rule?"
"A unified Hua Xia, a peaceful and united land..."
"Could it truly happen? Could Qin truly achieve such a vision?" Han Fei whispered to himself. "If that day ever comes, what would the world look like?"
He found himself yearning to see that day, to witness the grandeur of such an unprecedented era.
Perhaps Zhao Feng's indifference and bluntness had struck a chord in him. When others had cared about his life or death, he had remained obstinate. But faced with Zhao Feng's apathy, he found himself uncertain, shaken.
Time passed quickly.
In just four days one day earlier than expected Zhao Feng and his men reached the camp of Wang Jian, who had established his base at the former Qin-Han border. With Han now annexed, the border no longer existed.
As they approached the camp, a military officer came out to meet them.
"Military orders," the officer demanded loudly.
Zhao Feng pulled out the command letter issued by Li Teng and handed it over.
During wartime, proper documentation was essential to prevent infiltration by the enemy. Without it, the guards would not hesitate to attack.
The officer examined the letter, noting the seal and orders stamped upon it.
"Ah, so this is the prisoner transfer ordered by the general," the officer said, bowing respectfully.
"Are the prisoners to be handed over directly to you?" Zhao Feng asked, gesturing toward the convoy of carriages behind him.
"Yes, leave them to us," the officer replied with a smile before turning to his subordinates. "Men, take charge of the prisoner convoy and escort them into the camp for holding."
"Yes, sir!"
The soldiers moved quickly to take over the prisoner transport.
"Captain Zhao," the officer said, addressing Zhao Feng, "have your men rest outside the camp for now. Food will be sent over shortly."
"Thank you," Zhao Feng replied with a nod.
"One more thing," the officer added. "General Wang Jian has instructed that once you've delivered the prisoners, you are to report to him immediately."
"Understood," Zhao Feng said.
It seemed Wang Jian had specifically requested his presence. Perhaps this was why Li Teng had chosen Zhao Feng for the task in the first place.
"Perfect timing," Zhao Feng thought to himself. "I'll take this opportunity to discuss my proposal to marry his daughter."
He knew the request would face resistance, but Zhao Feng was determined. He would not shy away from taking responsibility for what had happened between him and Wang Yan.
If he avoided the matter out of fear, he would be no man at all.
As the prisoners were led into the camp, the cart carrying Han Fei passed by Zhao Feng.
Zhao Feng could feel Han Fei's gaze fixed on him, filled with a mixture of curiosity and something unspoken.
Zhao Feng walked up to him with a slight smile.
"I've delivered you safely," he said. "From now on, whether you choose to eat or starve to death is none of my concern. Hopefully, I'll see you alive again someday."
Han Fei snorted, glaring at Zhao Feng. "Even if you die, I'll live just fine."
Yet his tone lacked the anger it once carried. He seemed almost friendly as if he now regarded Zhao Feng as a kindred spirit.
Over the past few days, Zhao Feng's jabs and provocations had chipped away at Han Fei's resolve, steering him away from thoughts of suicide.
Perhaps, deep down, Zhao Feng had a hope however faint that Han Fei might live, to see what changes such a brilliant mind could bring to Qin.
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