"Father, you're comparing Zhao Feng to the former Lord Wu'an?" Wang Ben asked in shock.
He knew all too well who his father respected most among Qin's generals the War God of Great Qin, Bai Qi!
"Lord Wu'an began as a low-ranking soldier, rising through his brilliant victories to become the supreme commander of our Qin army," Wang Jian said with a heavy expression.
"But in the end…"
"He still couldn't escape the schemes of petty men."
"Father once learned the art of warfare from Lord Wu'an himself."
"To me, he's the one I respect most, and also half a teacher," Wang Jian said with barely contained fury.
Every time he thought of Bai Qi's fate, Wang Jian's heart burned with anger.
"Father," Wang Ben tried to console him.
"That was all many years ago. The petty men are long gone, and Lord Wu'an can now rest in peace."
"Lord Wu'an dedicated his life to the battlefield, bringing countless victories to Qin. He established the fearsome reputation of our Qin army, making all other states tremble."
"But in the end, he couldn't escape the treachery of court schemers."
"It's because of what happened to Lord Wu'an that I've always felt a sword hanging over our family," Wang Jian lamented.
"Ben'er, you must always remember the lesson of Lord Wu'an."
"Never involve yourself in courtly intrigues. Honest men are easy to guard against, but deceitful ones are not."
"In this position, even a moment's carelessness could lead to disaster," Wang Jian advised solemnly.
"I understand, Father," Wang Ben said earnestly.
"Let's leave that topic. It's in the past," Wang Jian waved it off.
"Transferring Zhao Feng to the main battle division was the right decision."
"He took the leading role in breaking the city. He deserves a generous reward."
"Promotions above the rank of captain must be approved by the royal treasury and ultimately decreed by the King," Wang Ben said.
"This battle report must be sent to the capital promptly for His Majesty to decide."
"Of course," Wang Jian nodded, handing the report to his son.
"Then I'll have it sent to Xianyang immediately," Wang Ben said, preparing to dispatch it.
"Wait," Wang Jian suddenly called out.
"Father, is there something else?" Wang Ben asked, pausing.
"How's your sister doing?" Wang Jian asked with concern.
"She should have already returned to Xianyang. Don't worry, Father," Wang Ben replied with a smile.
Hearing this, a look of melancholy crossed Wang Jian's face.
"I still feel like I owe your sister," he sighed.
"Father," Wang Ben tried to console him again.
"In the shadow of royal power, our family has no choice in such matters. I didn't get to choose, and as a daughter, she has even less freedom."
"Besides, I've heard that the Crown Prince Fusu is kind-hearted and about the same age as her. If she marries him, they could live in harmony. And as the King's eldest son, he's the heir apparent. One day, she might even become the Queen of Qin."
"This marriage is a good thing for her and our family," Wang Ben added with a faint smile.
"It's indeed beneficial for the family," Wang Jian said bitterly.
"But not for her."
"Forget it. There's no changing it now. It'll just be my debt to her as a father," Wang Jian sighed, his tone heavy with resignation.
"She'll come to terms with it," Wang Ben reassured him.
"After all, being born into a military family means having no choice."
"Enough. Let's speak no more of this," Wang Jian dismissed the topic.
"Send word to Li Teng: the Han King may have fled, but he's still within Han territory. Tell him to spare no effort in capturing him. No matter what, he must not escape, or the consequences will be dire."
"Understood!" Wang Ben replied with a bow.
The City of Xinzheng, Han Capital
In the Qin military camp within the city:
"Brothers!"
"As the vanguard that broke the city, we've received a reward from General Li."
"Tonight, there's plenty of wine and meat for everyone!"
"Drink to your heart's content!"
Standing at the center of the camp, Zhao Feng held up a large jug of wine and shouted.
"To the Captain!"
"Cheers!"
All the soldiers raised their jugs in unison, their laughter and voices booming across the training grounds.
Zhao Feng led by example, downing a hearty gulp of wine. His bold and carefree demeanor immediately invigorated the atmosphere.
"Ha! Today's drinks aren't bad. They're the royal wines from Han's palace," Zhao Feng said with a grin as he wiped his mouth.
"But honestly, they're still not strong enough for my taste."
"Captain," one of his lieutenants, Zhang Han, asked curiously, "are you saying you've had better wine than this?"
"That's right!" Zhao Feng laughed confidently.
"The wine I've had before is leagues ahead of this. It's the best in the world."
"What kind of wine?"
All the soldiers were now intently focused on Zhao Feng, their curiosity piqued.
"Ha! Even if I told you, you wouldn't have heard of it," Zhao Feng teased, deliberately keeping them in suspense.
"Just know it's amazing."
"Captain's bluffing!"
"Brothers!" one soldier shouted.
"Let's drink him under the table tonight!"
"Yeah!"
"Captain may be unbeatable in battle, but I doubt his drinking is as formidable!"
Laughter and cheers erupted once more as the soldiers swarmed around Zhao Feng, their spirits high.
That night, Zhao Feng's camp was alive with celebration, filled with the sounds of drinking, feasting, and camaraderie.
In contrast, the camp of Liu Wu, another captain of the same regiment, was much quieter.
Though his soldiers were also eating meat from the victory spoils, their spirits were noticeably lower.
They all understood that if not for Zhao Feng leading the charge to break the city gates, their unit might have been wiped out. They were only enjoying these spoils because of his achievement.
"Ah," one soldier sighed.
"I wish I were under Captain Zhao. His camp is so lively."
"Yeah," another chimed in.
"Captain Zhao treats his men like brothers. He leads the charge in battle himself. Our captain doesn't compare."
"Even though we were the vanguard, we couldn't break the city. What a shame," a third soldier muttered. patreon.com/LordoftheReader