Knowing history and understanding what was about to unfold, Zhao Feng naturally began to make plans.
Of course, this way of thinking only emerged after he officially joined the main battle camp. Perhaps this was because opportunities differ depending on where one stands.
In the logistics corps, there was no chance to seize power.
Zhao Feng's rise began when he killed Bao Yuan and his son. It was an opportunity that never would have come his way in the logistics corps. Perhaps it was truly a stroke of luck.
"It's good that you've figured it out," said Wei Quan, gazing intently at Zhao Feng. Determination filled his eyes as he continued, "I used to have no hope for the future. But now, I do. You brought me out of that despair, and you saved my life. No matter where you go, I will follow you."
Hearing this, a genuine smile spread across Zhao Feng's face. "I couldn't ask for more."
To Zhao Feng, Wei Quan was a true brother someone willing to shield him with his own life. Naturally, he wanted him as part of his team.
"After we finish this mission, I have a surprise for you," Zhao Feng added with a smile.
"A surprise?" Wei Quan was taken aback, but his face quickly lit up with expectation. "Now I'm looking forward to it."
At that moment, Zhang Han approached quickly, his expression one of helplessness.
"What's wrong?" Zhao Feng asked.
"You told me to keep a close watch on Han Fei, didn't you? Well, he's still refusing to eat. He's acting like he wants to starve himself to death. I've tried threats and persuasion, but nothing works. You'd better go see him yourself. If he dies during the transport, it'll be trouble for all of us," Zhang Han said with a wry smile.
Zhao Feng nodded. "I'll go take a look."
He then made his way toward Han Fei's location.
As someone specifically ordered to be brought to Qin by the king, Han Fei naturally received special treatment.
Unlike the other prisoners, who were held together in one place, Han Fei was guarded by several soldiers and wasn't shackled. In front of him was a plate of dry rations and some water.
"Prince Han Fei," Zhao Feng began as he approached, his voice calm. "Why aren't you eating?"
To be honest, Zhao Feng didn't care much whether Han Fei lived or died.
If he died, so be it but not during the transport under Zhao Feng's watch. That would bring unnecessary trouble.
"A broken nation and a destroyed home what's the point of living?" Han Fei glanced at Zhao Feng, his tone cold.
Zhao Feng didn't waste words. He simply sat down beside Han Fei.
"You all go eat. I'll talk to him," Zhao Feng instructed the soldiers nearby.
"Yes, sir," the soldiers replied, retreating obediently.
"About the Three Jin states," Zhao Feng began suddenly. "Do you truly think they qualify as legitimate nations?"
Han Fei's expression shifted slightly, and he looked at Zhao Feng with a mix of surprise and confusion. "What do you mean by that?"
"The Three Jin states founded by ministers who overthrew their rightful lords were born of treachery. Can such entities even be called nations?" Zhao Feng said with a faint smile.
"You…" Han Fei was momentarily at a loss for words.
After a moment of silence, he retorted, "By that logic, no nation is free of treachery! Didn't your Qin also overthrow the Zhou dynasty? How is that any different?"
"Exactly. Not just Qin before Zhou, Shang too rose through rebellion. Even Zhou itself came to power by overthrowing its predecessors," Zhao Feng replied calmly, his tone unbothered.
Han Fei was left speechless, staring at Zhao Feng with a complicated expression.
After another pause, he asked coldly, "What exactly are you trying to say?"
"Nothing much," Zhao Feng replied. "Just that from ancient times, the rise and fall of kingdoms has always been part of the natural order. Whether you live or die won't change a thing."
"Think about it: for the people of the world, is it better to live in constant warfare under fragmented states, or in peace and unity under a single rule?" Zhao Feng asked, his voice growing serious.
Han Fei fell silent again.
There was no doubt that the question hit him hard.
As a Han royal, the fall of his nation was a bitter pill to swallow. But for the common people, the end of endless wars and the promise of peace was undeniably a good thing.
"For the common people, it would naturally be better to live under a unified empire without war," Han Fei finally admitted with a sigh.
"If you understand that, then what's the point of all this?" Zhao Feng pressed.
"Will your death restore your nation? Will it stop Qin from continuing its campaign?"
"And honestly, why are you, a mere minister, making such a fuss? Before the city even fell, your king had already fled. That's disgraceful," Zhao Feng said bluntly, openly mocking the Han king.
Han Fei flushed with embarrassment and anger at the words.
"Whether I live or die has nothing to do with you," Han Fei snapped. "My king may have abandoned his nation, but I, Han Fei, will not."
"To be honest," Zhao Feng said with a smirk, "I couldn't care less whether you live or die. But since I'm tasked with escorting you, you better not die on my watch. Once we're done here, you can do whatever you want."
Han Fei was stunned by Zhao Feng's straightforwardness.
"There are four pieces of dry rations in front of you. Either you eat them yourself, or I'll shove them down your throat," Zhao Feng threatened, pulling the food tray closer with a menacing glare.
"Barbarian! You're rude and uncivilized!" Han Fei protested angrily.
"So, you're saying I should feed you myself?" Zhao Feng asked, his eyes narrowing as he placed a firm hand on Han Fei's shoulder.
The strength in Zhao Feng's grip was overwhelming. No matter how Han Fei struggled, he couldn't move an inch.
Realizing Zhao Feng wasn't bluffing, Han Fei relented. "I'll eat it myself."
Satisfied, Zhao Feng released his grip. "Good. While you're under my watch, you'll eat when I say so. After that, whether you live or die is up to you. Now, eat."
Reluctantly, Han Fei picked up the dry rations and began to eat under Zhao Feng's watchful eye.
Nearby, the soldiers couldn't help but admire Zhao Feng's methods.
"See? Only the captain could handle someone like that," one soldier remarked.
"Yeah. He finally ate something. The captains got a way with people," another agreed.
-support me in Patreon for more chapter, 220+ chapters
patreon.com/LordoftheReader