"Qin's army."
"They dare to march directly against my Wei Kingdom?"
"Are they seeking to declare war on us? Attacking two countries at once? How dare they?"
The Wei King's expression shifted dramatically.
Though Wei Wuji had been defeated, the King had assumed that with Qin currently attacking Zhao, there was no immediate threat to Wei. But now, the situation seemed far different from what he had anticipated.
"Uncle?"
The Wei King turned his gaze toward Wei Wuji.
"Your Majesty, do not panic," Wei Wuji reassured, raising a hand. His aged face remained calm and composed.
"Bring me the map of Wei," Wei Wuji commanded.
At his words, several palace guards quickly fetched a map of Wei and unfurled it before him.
"Show me the cities that the Qin army has captured," Wei Wuji instructed the messenger.
"Yes, sir."
The messenger stood up immediately and pointed out the locations on the map one by one.
As the soldier marked each point, Wei Wuji's expression grew increasingly grave.
"The Qin army's target is not Wei, but Zhao," Wei Wuji concluded, his finger resting on Zhao's border.
"Is this Qin army attempting to carve a path through Wei to reach Zhao?" the Wei King asked, quickly grasping the situation.
"This Zhao Feng... truly a remarkable talent," Wei Wuji muttered, his tone heavy with admiration and wariness.
"He has the audacity and resolve to launch such an offensive."
Wei Wuji's eyes reflected a deep apprehension toward Zhao Feng.
"Uncle, what should Wei do?"
"Can we stop this Qin force?" the Wei King asked, his concern apparent.
Unfamiliar with military strategy, the King could only rely on Wei Wuji.
"Judging by the speed of their advance, the Qin force is no less than seventy thousand strong perhaps even more."
"The garrison troops in these cities cannot possibly stop them."
"The only way to halt the Qin army is to immediately reinforce Lincheng. It is the largest city along the route to Zhao, with sturdy defenses. With tens of thousands of troops, it can hold off even an army of a hundred thousand," Wei Wuji explained, his eyes scanning the map.
"Uncle, you are familiar with Wei's current troop and supply situation. Do as you see fit."
"No matter what, the Qin army must not reach Zhao. That would spell disaster for us," the Wei King said solemnly.
If not for Wei's dependence on Zhao to counter Qin, the King might have considered abandoning the border cities altogether.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty. This Qin force must not be allowed to reach Zhao. If they do, Zhao will face enemies on both fronts," Wei Wuji said gravely.
"I will immediately deploy fifty thousand troops to garrison Lincheng. Its sturdy defenses and strategic position will block the Qin army," Wei Wuji declared.
"Will fifty thousand troops be enough?" the Wei King asked, still anxious.
"After my defeat at Weicheng, Wei's national strength has suffered greatly. Fifty thousand is the most we can spare. Any more, and we will leave the kingdom defenseless," Wei Wuji sighed, his expression filled with guilt.
The defeat at Weicheng had tarnished his once-glorious reputation.
"Then do as you see fit, Uncle."
"This Qin force must not reach Zhao," the Wei King affirmed.
"Besides reinforcing Lincheng," Wei Wuji continued, "the most critical factor is Zhao withdrawing their troops from Yan to defend their homeland. Only with Zhao's thirty thousand elite soldiers returning can we counter Qin's advances."
"The situation must be communicated to Zhao's king. I believe he will understand the gravity of the situation," Wei Wuji said decisively.
A Captured Wei City
"General," a scout reported.
"There has been a development. This city's garrison had fewer than a thousand troops. Upon questioning, I learned that it originally housed four thousand, but a recent order redeployed them to Lincheng," Tu Sui reported respectfully to Zhao Feng.
"It's clear," Zhao Feng said with a faint smile.
"Wei Wuji has realized my intention."
"Does he plan to block us at Lincheng?" Tu Sui asked, catching on immediately.
"Lincheng is a border city between Wei and Zhao, with high walls and strong defenses. Deploying troops there is indeed a solid strategy to block our advance," Zhao Feng explained.
"Judging from the number of Wei soldiers encountered along the way, their forces in Lincheng are no fewer than thirty thousand. If Wei Wuji deploys additional troops, the garrison there could be much larger."
"It seems breaking through Lincheng to enter Zhao won't be easy," Wei Quan said with a hint of worry.
"True, Lincheng won't be easy to conquer. But consider this originally, capturing these Wei cities would have taken us two months. Now, with Wei withdrawing troops, we can capture all but Lincheng in just half a month by dividing our forces," Zhao Feng said calmly.
"Even if we can't breach Lincheng and enter Zhao, we haven't lost anything."
"At this point, we're striving for further victories, not salvaging a defeat," Zhao Feng added with a smile.
His words brought a wave of realization to the gathered generals.
"That's right."
"Even if Wei troops hold Lincheng, the burden is on them, not us."
"At worst, we'll have captured dozens of Wei cities. That alone is a great accomplishment."
"The initiative is in our hands, not theirs," the generals agreed, their earlier worries vanishing.
After all, their original orders were merely to defend Weicheng. This offensive into Wei was Zhao Feng's initiative, not a direct command from Xianyang.
The extent of their achievements and when to stop were entirely up to Zhao Feng.
"Report!"
"A royal envoy has arrived from Xianyang!"
Zhang Ming's voice rang out.
"They're finally here."
"General, you're likely to be promoted to commander-in-chief this time," Tu Sui and the others said excitedly.
"Not only that," Zhao Feng said with a slight smile.
"Many of you acting as deputy commanders might receive official promotions as well."
Hearing this, Wei Quan, Liu Wang, and the other generals couldn't hide their excitement.
"Let's not keep the royal envoy waiting," Zhao Feng said, heading down from the city wall with a smile.
The envoy, a commander of Xianyang's palace guards, arrived with a group of soldiers.
"General Zhao," the envoy greeted respectfully with a salute.
"It seems we're fated to meet again," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
The last time he received a royal decree, it was from this very same commander.
"To deliver the decree to General Zhao is my honor," the commander replied courteously.
"What decree does His Majesty bring this time?" Zhao Feng asked, cutting to the chase.
The envoy produced the royal decree from his robe.
"General Zhao Feng, hear the King's decree," he announced.
Zhao Feng immediately bowed. "This humble servant Zhao Feng hears the decree."
The other generals also bowed. "We humbly hear the decree."
The envoy began to read aloud:
"The King's decree:
Deputy General Zhao Feng successfully defended Weicheng, dealt a great defeat to the Wei army, and triumphed over Wei Wuji. This is a great merit.
Zhao Feng is hereby promoted to the rank of Commander-in-Chief, with the rights and privileges thereof.
He is granted five hundred personal guards for his command.
Additionally, he is rewarded with one thousand gold coins, fifty thousand silver coins, one hundred servants, one hundred pieces of jade, one thousand bolts of fine cloth, and fifty bodyguards.
All rewards shall be delivered to Zhao Feng's registered residence.
The King hopes that Zhao Feng will continue his efforts and achieve even greater merits for Qin.
When Zhao is conquered, further rewards will be bestowed based on merit."
Hearing the decree, Zhao Feng stepped forward without hesitation.
"This humble servant Zhao Feng thanks His Majesty for his great favor."
Behind him, his generals beamed with pride.
Especially Zhao Feng's close confidants they knew that his promotion would elevate their positions as well.
The envoy handed Zhao Feng the decree.
"Congratulations, General Zhao," the envoy said warmly.
"From today forward, you are the youngest Commander-in-Chief in Qin, and perhaps the entire world. Your name will echo throughout the land for defeating Wei Wuji."
"Such achievements are only possible through His Majesty's grace," Zhao Feng replied modestly.
"General Zhao," the envoy added, "this decree also grants you authority over five thousand logistical troops, in addition to your current forces."
The commander of the Imperial Guard presented another decree.
"I accept the edict," Zhao Feng immediately replied, taking on the command.
Being promoted to the rank of main general was a significant leap in status. Not only could he command his two deputy generals and ten ten thousand commanders, but he also had authority over a fifty-thousand-strong logistics army.
The structure was clear: one hundred thousand soldiers made up the main combat force, while fifty thousand served as the logistics support army.
Such was the power of a main general.
"Now that I've been promoted to main general, am I entitled to appoint two deputy generals?" Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
"As a main general, Zhao Feng, you are indeed entitled to have two deputy generals. As for the candidates..." The Imperial Guard commander chuckled. "The king has decreed that all promotions will be based on merit."
"Where is the middle army's adjutant?"
The commander of the Imperial Guard scanned the area and called out loudly.
"Present!"
Kuai Pu immediately stepped forward, his expression full of reverence.
"The king's decree!"
The commander of the Imperial Guard presented yet another royal edict.
"I humbly receive the king's command," Kuai Pu said, bowing deeply.
"The king's decree:"
"In the defense of Wei City, the soldiers under General Zhao Feng's command fought valiantly and achieved great merit."
"The king is greatly comforted."
"Now:"
"All promotions and rewards will be based on merit. Middle Army Adjutant Kuai Pu will oversee the execution."
"As for the appointment of deputy generals under Zhao Feng's command, the decision is entrusted to Zhao Feng himself, based on military achievements."
"Additionally, Zhao Feng's request for compensation to the families of all penal soldiers who died for Qin has been granted by the king."
"I accept the decree," Kuai Pu responded loudly.
"Truly worthy of being Qin Shi Huang," Zhao Feng thought with a sense of relief.
As for this request he had only dared to make it because it was Qin Shi Huang. If it had been any other muddle-headed monarch, the request would likely have been denied outright. After all, providing compensation for all the fallen penal soldiers would require a significant amount of money.
"Adjutant Kuai, take the decree," the commander of the Imperial Guard said.
"I accept the decree," Kuai Pu immediately responded.
"With all the royal decrees delivered, I shall take my leave," the commander of the Imperial Guard said respectfully.
"Thank you for your efforts," Zhao Feng replied with a cupped fist salute.
Once the commander had left, Zhao Feng turned to Kuai Pu.
"Adjutant Kuai," he said. "Based on merit, shouldn't the four acting ten-thousand-commanders under my command be formally promoted?"
"The generals who defended Wei City without losing it have indeed earned great merit. Naturally, they can be promoted. As for rank advancements, I'll also submit them to the Ministry of Revenue," Kuai Pu replied immediately.
"As for my deputy generals, I recommend Tu Sui and Zhang Han," Zhao Feng continued. "Both of them are highly capable of commanding troops and are well-suited for the role."
"Tu Sui and Zhang Han are indeed qualified to serve as deputy generals," Kuai Pu nodded in agreement.
The king's decree granted Zhao Feng the authority to recommend his deputies a testament to royal favor.
"Thank you for your efforts, Adjutant Kuai," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
He had chosen Tu Sui and Zhang Han for two reasons: first, Tu Sui hailed from Yong City and was already deemed loyal and trustworthy, making him an ideal candidate. Second, Zhang Han had proven his worth during Zhao Feng's recent surprise attack, which Zhao Feng had orchestrated to secure military merit for him.
"General Zhao," Kuai Pu said, "with the king's decree in hand, I must attend to the promotion and rewards process."
"Go ahead, Adjutant Kuai. I, too, have military affairs to handle," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
Once Kuai Pu had left, Wei Quan stepped forward, his face full of excitement.
"General," he exclaimed, "we've finally become proper ten-thousand-commanders!"
"Haha, indeed," Zhao Feng replied.
"Who would have thought?" Wei Quan said. "We used to be logistics soldiers, with the highest rank being a hundred-commander. Now we've become ten thousand commanders!"
"Following you, General, we've finally made it," Liu Wang and Zhuang Wei added, equally elated.
Particularly Wei Quan, who had witnessed Zhao Feng's journey firsthand. Two years ago, Zhao Feng had been a mere logistics soldier. Now, he was the main general of Qin's main combat forces, with the authority to command an army of 150,000 men.
"General, we are eternally grateful for your kindness and will serve you to the death," Tu Sui said, his face filled with emotion.
He, too, had started as the commander of 5,000 guards in Yong City. While the position seemed promising, there had been few opportunities for merit. Yet now, within such a short time in Wei City, he had been promoted to two ranks.
"No need for unnecessary words," Zhao Feng said firmly. "Return to your respective units and inform all soldiers: from today onward, there are no more penal soldiers in my army. Every one of them is a soldier of Qin, granted full military status. Those who have earned their way out of servitude through combat will be rewarded according to merit."
"For all penal soldiers who have died in battle for Qin, compensation will be issued as for any other soldier of Qin."
"Tu Sui and Zhang Han are promoted to deputy generals. As for any vacant ten-thousand-commander positions, ensure they are filled by deserving captains."
"Make sure everything is just and fair."
"Dismissed!" Zhao Feng commanded.
"Yes, General!" the officers replied enthusiastically, visibly energized.
After the officers had departed, Zhao Feng stood on the city walls, gazing into the distance before finding a place to sit. Turning to Zhang Ming, he said, "Zhang Ming."
"Here, my lord," Zhang Ming responded immediately.
"Now that I've been promoted to main general, I'm allowed to recruit 500 personal guards."
"You know the drill select loyal veterans. I'll personally review them to finalize my guard," Zhao Feng instructed.
"At once!" Zhang Ming replied, leaving to carry out the order.
Once Zhang Ming had gone, Zhao Feng finally allowed himself a moment of calm, faint anticipation flickering in his eyes. "With the rank of main general, the Fortune Seal can be upgraded again."
He summoned the upgrade interface for the Fortune Seal.
"Promotion to main general achieved. You now bear the fortune of a main general of the dynasty. Would you like to upgrade the Fortune Seal?" the interface prompted.
"Upgrade!" Zhao Feng confirmed without hesitation.
As his command was issued, the Fortune Seal changed. The words Deputy General were replaced with Main General.
"Equip the seal," Zhao Feng said immediately.
He checked the attributes of the Fortune Seal.
[Main General's Fortune Seal]: Allows the bearer to command an army. When leading troops into battle, the bearer's presence doubles the morale and combat strength of all soldiers under their command. Additionally, when the bearer personally participates in post-battle burial rites, they receive 40% of the attributes of all buried soldiers.
"An attribute boost by another factor of two," Zhao Feng noted, satisfied. "Not bad."
"Though it's a pity it hasn't evolved to collect attributes from slain enemies yet. That would've been a true game-changer."
Still, with this doubling of combat strength, even his logistics troops could rival elite soldiers. Moreover, these attributes were directly tied to Zhao Feng himself. As long as he led his troops, they would benefit from the seal's enhancements. However, if Zhao Feng merely issued commands from the rear, these enhancements wouldn't apply.
At Quyang City:
After several days of fierce battle, the area was littered with the bodies of Qin and Zhao soldiers.
Although Quyang had been a fortress under the command of Lian Po, the formidable Qin general Wang Jian had breached its gates, forcing Lian Po to retreat with his forces.
Standing on the city walls, Wang Jian personally tore down the Zhao banner and replaced it with the Qin flag.
"This battle was a tough one. Lian Po is a crafty opponent," Yang Duanhe remarked grimly. "Even though we've taken the city, all the supplies have been taken by Lian Po, and there isn't a single prisoner left. The defenders all fought to the death."
"Lian Po commands immense loyalty among his soldiers," Wang Jian said calmly. "It's no surprise that none surrendered."
"We previously received intelligence suggesting that Lian Po would hold Quyang to the last man. Yet he has retreated. Could the intelligence have been faulty?" Yang Duanhe asked, puzzled.
"The answer is simple," Wang Jian said with a cold smile. "The King of Zhao has no intention of withdrawing his troops from Yan."
"To think, even now, the King of Zhao refuses to pull back his forces," Yang Duanhe sneered. "What a foolish ruler. It's a shame that someone like Lian Po serves such a king."
At that moment, a soldier approached hastily. "A report from Zhao Feng, my lord!"
"It must be the casualty report from the Battle of Wei City," Wang Jian said with a faint smile. "Read it."
"Yes, my lord." The soldier opened the letter and began to read. "From General Zhao Feng: In the defense of Wei City, ten thousand soldiers defended the city. Our forces suffered a total of 43,000 casualties, including 28,000 dead and 15,000 wounded."
"We have annihilated close to 100,000 enemy troops."
"This battle is a decisive victory!"
Hearing the numbers, Wang Jian's eyes lit up.
"It seems I've underestimated Zhao Feng," he remarked. "With half the numbers, he managed to crush Wei Wuji, eliminating nearly 100,000 enemy troops while sustaining only 43,000 casualties."
"This battle, achieving victory despite being at a disadvantage, is truly remarkable," Wang Jian praised, his tone carrying a hint of admiration.
Had this battle been defended entirely by Qin's elite soldiers, without any recruits or surrendered troops, and had resulted in such casualties just from defending the city, Wang Jian would never have called it a major victory?
However, Zhao Feng's army comprised only about thirty thousand veteran soldiers and over twenty thousand recruits, and the rest were surrendered troops. Achieving such results under these circumstances was nothing short of a great victory.
"After routing the Wei army, General Zhao continued leading the troops, slaying General Gongsun Xi of Wei, eliminating eight thousand Wei elite soldiers, and advancing deeper into Wei territory. He has already captured eight cities…" The personal guard commander continued reporting.
As soon as those words were spoken, Wang Jian's expression changed. He stared at the guard commander in stunned silence.
General Yang Duanhe, standing to the side, was equally surprised.
"Zhao Feng is leading an offensive against Wei?" Yang Duanhe exclaimed in disbelief.
"When I met General Zhao that day, he had already captured eight cities. By now, he must have taken even more Wei territory," the guard commander added.
Wang Jian snapped out of his daze, his astonishment giving way to a broad smile. "This kid he's truly daring."
"Isn't General Zhao afraid of a counterattack from Wei?" Yang Duanhe asked, his tone tinged with concern. "Though Wei has lost a hundred thousand troops, they still have hundreds of thousands in reserve. If they mount a full-scale counterattack, General Zhao's forces might be annihilated."
"You overestimate Wei," Wang Jian said with a faint smile. "The Wei state is no longer what it used to be. When Wei Wuji launched his campaign with two hundred thousand troops, that was already the extent of their mobilizable strength. It won't be easy for them to launch a counteroffensive against Zhao Feng."
"But General Zhao is venturing deep into enemy territory with only about sixty thousand soldiers after the Battle of Weicheng. If Wei retaliates, he won't have any reinforcements. That's very dangerous," Yang Duanhe said, still puzzled. "What could Zhao Feng possibly be planning with just sixty thousand men?"
Wang Jian chuckled, his mind already grasping Zhao Feng's intentions. "Bring me the map," he commanded.
In response, the guard commander quickly unfolded a map.
"Are these the cities Zhao Feng has captured?" Wang Jian pointed to several locations in Wei territory.
"Yes, General," the guard commander confirmed.
"General Yang, these cities form a line. Don't you see it?" Wang Jian said with a smile.
Yang Duanhe looked at the map and immediately understood, though his expression grew strange. "Is General Zhao trying to carve a path through Wei territory to connect to Zhao? That seems almost impossible."
"Indeed, it's not something easily done. If we can discern his goal, so can Wei Wuji. All it would take is for Wei Wuji to station tens of thousands of troops in one city, and Zhao Feng's forces wouldn't be able to break through," Yang Duanhe concluded with certainty.
"Whether Zhao Feng succeeds or not, his actions will disrupt Wei. If he breaks through, it will hurt Wei's position against Zhao. If he fails, at the very least, Wei's forces will be tied up, preventing them from assisting Zhao. This benefits us, Qin, regardless of the outcome," Wang Jian said firmly.
"It seems I understand now," Yang Duanhe nodded, though he still found the situation peculiar.
"The king has granted Zhao Feng full authority over the Weicheng military affairs. Since he dares to make such bold moves, let's see what he can achieve," Wang Jian concluded, his tone resolute. "The Wei army is already in disarray. They won't pose a threat again. No matter how it ends, it won't be a disaster."
"I understand," Yang Duanhe acknowledged.
"Good." Wang Jian's expression turned serious. "Lian Po has fled, but we cannot relent. Order Wang Ben to continue the pursuit. Press the attack!"
…
In Xianyang, at the General's Residence
"Ah… ah…"
Painful cries echoed from within Wang Yan's room.
Maids hurried in and out, their movements frantic.
Outside, Lady Wang stood anxiously, worry etched across her face.
"Grandmother," young Wang Li called out curiously, "what's wrong with Aunt?"
"She's about to give you a little brother or sister," Lady Wang replied, her face full of concern.
"Why does it hurt so much to give birth to a little brother or sister? Aunt sounds like she's in so much pain," Wang Li said worriedly.
"Yes," Lady Wang nodded softly.
But just then, Wang Li seemed to think of something and looked up at his grandmother. "Grandmother, is my mother gone because of what happened when I was born?"
Lady Wang was taken aback, her face briefly flashing with panic. She quickly reassured him, "Li'er, don't think like that."
She scooped him into her arms as she spoke.
Time passed slowly.
Finally, the cries of a newborn broke through the air.
"Congratulations, Madam! The young lady has given birth to a boy!" a maid announced joyfully as she rushed out of the room.
"It's good that the baby is born safely. How is Yan'er?" Lady Wang asked her worry slightly alleviated.
"The young lady is still in labor she's carrying twins," the midwife suddenly called out from the room.
Hearing this, Lady Wang's face paled.
In these times, childbirth was already life-threatening, and carrying twins was even more dangerous.
"Heaven, please protect Yan'er," Lady Wang whispered, her hands clasped in prayer. "You must keep her safe."
Moments later, another infant's cry rang out.
"Congratulations, Madam! The young lady has given birth to a girl!" another maid announced. "It's a pair of dragon and phoenix twins!"
At this, Lady Wang could no longer hold back her emotions. "Watch over Li'er," she instructed the steward before hurrying into the room.
Inside, the scent of blood lingered heavily. The cries of the twin infants filled the air, their sounds echoing each other.
Lady Wang glanced at the babies before quickly rushing to Wang Yan's bedside, her expression full of worry.
"Yan'er, are you all right?" she asked anxiously.
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