Looking at Zhao Feng's figure as he stepped up to the point commanders' platform, many soldiers in the army were astonished.
They never expected Zhao Feng to be so young.
Even more unexpected was that all these significant military achievements were accomplished by Zhao Feng alone.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Zhao Feng ascended the towering point commanders' platform and stood before Wang Jian.
"Commander reporting in," Zhao Feng said.
"Greetings, General Wang," he added, bowing respectfully.
"By order of the King!" Meng Yi said without hesitation, pulling out a royal edict and speaking loudly.
"Commander Zhao Feng, listen to the decree!"
Zhao Feng immediately responded, "I, Zhao Feng, humbly listen to the King's decree."
"By royal decree!"
"The Qin army has set forth to attack Han, and during the campaign, many valiant generals and soldiers have emerged."
"Among them, Zhao Feng stands out as the finest."
"From the logistics corps, he served the country with great dedication. In the face of adversity, he led the logistics troops to battle the elite Han army, never retreating, and never being defeated, demonstrating the fierce spirit of the Qin army, whether in logistics or main combat."
"It was thanks to Zhao Feng's determination that we thwarted the Boluan's surprise attack, cutting off their supply lines. I deeply appreciate this."
"Zhao Feng, a valiant son of Qin, a brave and fierce general!"
"Zhao Feng's achievements slaying the Boluan, breaking through Han's capital, beheading the Han Prime Minister, and capturing the Han King are incomparable."
"According to our military system, he shall be granted significant honors and rewards."
"I hereby promote Zhao Feng to the position of Vice-General, commanding fifty thousand soldiers and co-defending Yingchuan."
"I bestow upon Zhao Feng the title of Left Minister, granting him an annual stipend of five hundred stones, a thousand acres of land, and exemption from tax for two years. The full stipend will be passed to his family under the title of Left Minister."
Meng Yi's voice stopped here, signaling the end of the royal decree.
"Your Majesty, such great magnanimity!"
Hearing the decree, Zhao Feng was initially stunned, but soon a joyful expression appeared on his face.
Although the rewards seemed expected based on his military achievements, the military ranking system had many intricacies, especially above the rank of Commander. Such a promotion was rare.
Above Commander, one becomes a General.
To be called a General was a significant leap in status. Even if one no longer commanded troops, the rank of General alone could secure an important position in the local government.
Now, Zhao Feng had been promoted to Vice-General at the age of sixteen there was no one in the entire Qin Empire, no one in all of China, who could match this honor at such a young age. No one else at sixteen wielded such power.
Moreover, the ten-level title of Left Minister was hereditary, with land that could be passed down to future generations.
At this level, Zhao Feng had truly become a new aristocrat.
The ten-level title was a major milestone. Many people spent their whole lives without reaching this rank, but Zhao Feng had achieved it. From what Zhao Feng knew, many generals in the army were stuck at the eighth or ninth level, never crossing the tenth.
The weight of the Left Minister title was evident.
"General Zhao, why not thank His Majesty for the decree?"
Seeing Zhao Feng stunned with joy, Meng Yi smiled slightly and reminded him.
He then walked towards Zhao Feng, handing him the royal edict.
Zhao Feng snapped out of his reverie, bowed deeply, and then took the royal edict in both hands, loudly declaring, "I, Zhao Feng, thank the King for his great grace!"
"General Zhao, please rise."
Meng Yi smiled, helping Zhao Feng up.
He then grasped Zhao Feng's left arm and moved towards the edge of the platform.
He raised Zhao Feng's hand high, announcing loudly, "From today onward, General Zhao Feng will be the youngest general in the Great Qin army, and indeed the youngest general in the world. His valiant deeds will spread far and wide!"
"By the King's decree!"
"General Zhao rose from the logistics corps, demonstrating the courage of the Qin soldiers. He entered the main battle units and fought bravely, unafraid of death, with achievements unparalleled in the army."
"General Zhao's promotion follows the military merit system. His deeds will be known throughout the army, serving as an inspiration."
"Thus, General Zhao was promoted after less than a year of service, based purely on his merit in battle."
"Any soldier in the Great Qin army, regardless of background, as long as they kill enemies for the country and achieve merit, can be promoted to higher ranks and awarded titles."
As the words echoed, the whole army chanted in unison.
When everyone heard it clearly, the training ground erupted with cheers.
Every soldier's eyes were filled with fighting spirit as they looked at Zhao Feng, seeing in him the embodiment of their own goals.
"Long live the Qin! Long live the King!"
"Long live the Qin..."
The chants echoed through the sky, shaking the very air.
The might of the Great Qin army was on full display.
"Using me as a model, to inspire the entire army."
"Truly worthy of being the future Emperor Qin, understanding the power of symbolism."
"Using my military achievements to motivate the army, will surely make countless soldiers fearless and willing to fight for their future."
"The military merit system of the Great Qin is truly formidable." Zhao Feng couldn't help but marvel at King Qin's strategy.
Had he been the one in power, he would likely have done the same.
Zhao Feng, who rose from the logistics corps with no noble background, reached such a position in less than a year, making this a perfect opportunity to promote and motivate the entire army.
As the cheers gradually subsided, Wang Jian approached Zhao Feng.
"General Wang," Zhao Feng greeted, cupping his hands respectfully.
"I will do my best to help you, but if it fails, don't blame me," Wang Jian said meaningfully.
"I will never blame General Wang," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
"You understand," Wang Jian said, giving Zhao Feng a deep look. "But don't act recklessly."
The underlying meaning was clear, and only Wang Jian and Zhao Feng understood it.
"If General Wang succeeds, I will naturally follow him. If not, I will not stand by idly," Zhao Feng responded firmly.
A man who surrenders his woman out of fear of power can he still be considered a man?
Zhao Feng was not that type.
If something was his, he would fight for it, even if it meant defying the authority of the King.
Upon hearing this, Wang Jian looked at Zhao Feng, a mixture of concern and admiration in his gaze. Perhaps, as a father, he felt comforted knowing his daughter had such a man who valued her.
However, that concern lingered in his heart.
As a high-ranking general and an important official of Great Qin, Wang Jian had never felt such a heavy burden.
On the side, Meng Yi overheard their conversation, his expression curious. Though younger than Wang Ben, in his twenties, he held some influence in the court due to his family's status, yet he couldn't quite grasp the nature of their relationship.
"Never mind," Wang Jian said, shaking his head. He then turned to Meng Yi. "Do you know who this gentleman is?"
"No," Zhao Feng looked at Meng Yi, noticing his exceptional aura, but being a newcomer with no connections, Zhao Feng didn't recognize him.
"This is the son of General Meng Wu from the northern border, Meng Yi," Wang Jian explained. "He is now appointed as the governor of Yingchuan."
"From now on, Governor Meng will govern Yingchuan."
"Greetings, Governor Meng," Zhao Feng immediately cupped his hands.
"General Zhao, no need for formalities," Meng Yi smiled, returning the greeting. "I've heard of your name many times in the court. For such a distinguished figure in the army, I've long wished to meet you. Now, I am glad to have done so."
"Governor Meng is too polite."
"At the end of the day, I am but a soldier," Zhao Feng smiled in reply.
The governance system of the Qin Dynasty was clear and distinct.
Civil officials were civil officials, and military generals were military generals, with no overlap between the two. Although Meng Yi was a governor, he was not Zhao Feng's superior, so Zhao Feng did not need to refer to himself as a subordinate officer.
"Alright," Wang Jian said with a smile, interrupting their conversation. "There's no need to flatter each other any longer. You'll have plenty of time to meet in the future."
Wang Jian looked at Meng Yi with a hint of teasing in his eyes. "This time, as I lead the army on a campaign, I bet your father is really angry, right?"
Hearing this, Meng Yi smiled helplessly. "General, if you go back to Xianyang, you'll see just how upset my father is."
"Ha ha," Wang Jian laughed. "I imagine that old fellow must be furious. Now that we've defeated Han, I'll be curious to hear his excuse."
Meng Yi could only remain silent.
His father and Wang Jian didn't have any enmity between them, but rather mutual respect. Whenever either one led an army and returned victorious, they would always tease each other. This was perhaps part of the fun in their relationship.
"Now that the army is preparing to return to Lantian," Wang Jian's tone became more serious as he turned to Zhao Feng. "Meng Yi will be heading to Xinzheng for his new post. You should escort him well on the way."
"The situation in Yingchuan is still settling, and there are many remnants of Han forces. As the governor of Yingchuan, Meng Yi will surely be a target for them."
Zhao Feng immediately saluted. "I will take command."
"Good," Wang Jian nodded. He then took out a sealed scroll from his chest and handed it to Zhao Feng. "After you reach Xinzheng, give this to Li Teng."
"The orders regarding how to secure Yingchuan and deploy troops are all written inside."
Zhao Feng took the scroll and placed it carefully in his chest.
After the final instructions were given, Wang Jian stood at the command platform and looked around. The military tents were being dismantled, and soldiers were moving to new positions.
He had spent seven months here.
"Alright," Wang Jian said. "The battle is over, and it's time for me to return to Xianyang."
"Governor Meng, will you depart for Xinzheng immediately, or would you like to rest for a day?" Zhao Feng asked Meng Yi.
"We'll leave today," Meng Yi said with determination. "The war in Yingchuan has just calmed down, and there's still much to handle. A day's delay could result in deaths due to improper resettlement."
Zhao Feng nodded. "I understand."
"How many people did you bring with you, Governor Meng?" Zhao Feng asked again.
"Close to three hundred civil officials, plus two deputies," Meng Yi replied.
"I'll ensure their safety by placing them under my protection," Zhao Feng said.
"Thank you, General Zhao," Meng Yi nodded in appreciation.
Soon after, Zhao Feng's unit began the march back to Xinzheng. This time, however, they were transitioning from an offensive to a defensive position.
That night, after setting up camp, Zhao Feng retired early to his tent. But this was just for show now that he had been promoted to vice general and had earned six reward chests, he couldn't wait to open them.
"Promoted to 10,000-man general, received a tier-1 chest."
"Promoted to vice general, received a tier-1 chest."
"Rank increased by four levels received four tier-1 chests."
With the rewards from his promotion, Zhao Feng received six tier-1 chests.
"Seven tier-1 chests in total," Zhao Feng thought to himself. "I hope I get what I want."
He gave the order: "Open all chests."
"Open all chests."
"Received 1,000 gold."
"Received the formula for Bone Refining Powder."
"Received the technique for refining fine steel."
"Received a fragrant tea of medicinal herbs."
"Received 1,000 gold."
"Received advanced medical skills."
"Received a high-level Yellow Tier skill: 'Breath-Holding Technique.'"
Zhao Feng immediately focused on the rewards.
"Two thousand gold now I have six thousand in total. I need to figure out how to use it to build my forces."
"Fragrant tea of medicinal herbs this is a rare item that can bring the dead back to life."
"Fine steel refining technique this is more advanced than what is available in this era, as the weapons and tools of this time are not as sharp."
"Advanced medical skills if I integrate these, my medical abilities should be on par with my mother's. Let's see if Zhao Ying still says I don't know anything about medicine."
"Breath-Holding Technique a martial arts skill."
"As for Bone Refining Powder, what is this?"
Curious, Zhao Feng examined the formula for Bone Refining Powder.
Upon reading it, Zhao Feng immediately understood.
"This is just what I needed!"
"With this Bone Refining Powder, I can refine my bones, which will greatly aid in advancing to the later stages of martial arts, even if my natural aptitude isn't exceptional."
Zhao Feng was overjoyed. Although he had only five direct subordinates, he didn't know their aptitude for martial arts.
In this world, martial arts was a path that required strong physical foundations. Not everyone could walk this road, with the early stages of martial arts being a significant barrier.
Those with poor natural talent had almost no chance of entering the inner stages of martial arts.
But now, with the Bone Refining Powder, even those with subpar talent could make progress, making them elite warriors capable of handling a hundred enemies.
"Breath-Holding Technique is perfect for assassination. You can move silently without a trace ideal for training shadow warriors."
"I'll wait until I return to Xinzheng to see where Wang Jian assigns me," Zhao Feng thought to himself.
Five days later, they arrived in Xinzheng. Li Teng, leading his men, was already waiting outside the city.
When Zhao Feng and his troops arrived at the city gate, Li Teng immediately came forward to greet them.
"General Zhao, you must be tired. How is Governor Meng?" Li Teng asked, clearly having heard the news of Zhao Feng's promotion.
"Governor Meng is fine. All the officials from Xianyang have been safely escorted here," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
At that moment, Meng Yi stepped down from the carriage.
"Greetings, Governor Meng."
Seeing Meng Yi, Li Teng immediately bowed.
Zhao Feng observed this exchange and thought to himself, "I didn't expect Li Teng to show such respect to Meng Yi. It seems that Li Teng is part of the Meng family faction."
Zhao Feng was no longer naïve. He quickly realized the political dynamics at play.
The Lantian camp had three major divisions. Wang Jian's son led one division, and the other two divisions were likely not commanded by Wang Jian's close associates.
If all the divisions in Lantian were under Wang Jian's command, that would not sit well with the Qin Emperor. The Emperor sought to maintain a balance of power.
"General Li, there's no need for such formality," Meng Yi said with a smile, waving his hand.
"Governor Meng, the war in Yingchuan has just ended, and the King has made the right choice in sending you here to govern. I'll do everything I can to assist you," Li Teng said with respect.
"The King's trust is an honor, and as a minister, I must do my utmost," Meng Yi replied with a slight smile.
"How is General Wang doing?" Li Teng asked.
"My father is well in Xianyang. He specially instructed me to cooperate closely with you in the governance of Yingchuan," Meng Yi said with a smile.
Li Teng nodded. "Should Governor Meng require military assistance, I will be at your service."
"Good," Meng Yi said. "Let's not waste any more time. Let's head into the city."
Li Teng nodded and led the way, with Meng Yi following. Zhao Feng gave orders for his men to enter the city and then followed behind.
Meanwhile, the officers in the camp looked at Zhao Feng, who was walking closely with Li Teng.
"Who would have thought?" one of them murmured.
"In such a short time, Zhao Feng has gone from logistics to the main combat unit as a lieutenant. We all thought he had reached his limit, but now he's been made a vice general."
"At sixteen, a vice general Qin's youngest warrior, personally favored by the King. His future is limitless."
The generals had different thoughts.
Some felt envious, some were in awe, and some harbored jealousy.
As for Zhao Feng, he naturally did not care too much or pay much attention.
There is a saying: where there are people, there are disputes, interests, and entanglements.
Even within the same army, it was impossible to have a single unified voice; factions existed.
At the former Prime Minister's residence in Xinzheng City:
Meng Yi sat in the main seat, while Li Teng sat on the left.
There were other generals from Zhao Feng's side and civil officials accompanying Meng Yi in the hall.
"General Li, your governance in the city has been commendable. The order in the city has been restored," Meng Yi praised with a smile.
He had seen the situation in the city during the journey.
"Lord Meng, you're too kind," Li Teng replied with a smile. "I have simply enforced the laws of the Qin. Our soldiers do not harm the people, but when it comes to the rioters, we show no mercy."
At this moment, Zhao Feng took out a letter from Wang Jian from his chest.
"General Li,"
"Before the supreme commander returned to camp, he handed me this letter with instructions on how the army should be stationed. Please take a look," Zhao Feng said to Li Teng.
A guard immediately approached Zhao Feng, took the letter, and handed it to Li Teng.
Li Teng immediately opened it and read it.
Upon reading, he understood immediately.
"The supreme commander has issued an order."
"I will remain in Xinzheng and assist Lord Meng in governing Yingchuan."
"General Zhao will lead five ten-thousand-man camps to Wei City for the garrison," Li Teng said as he closed the letter and spoke slowly.
"Wei City?" Zhao Feng was startled.
He had expected to stay near Yangcheng or somewhere close to Xinzheng.
Though Zhao Feng was unfamiliar with other cities in Yingchuan, he was well aware of Wei City.
Even in history, there were references to Wei, such as the Wei River and the famous oath of the Wei River, which have endured through time. The Wei River, which originated during the Qin dynasty, flows through the states of Wei and Han and is the largest tributary of the mighty river, with Wei City located nearby.
"Could the supreme commander be preparing for defense against the State of Wei?" Zhao Feng immediately thought.
"Now that we have just annexed Han, our foundation is not yet stable."
"Five thousand troops inside, and five thousand troops outside for defense. This is the supreme commander's strategic thinking."
"General Zhao, your garrison at Wei City is first and foremost to guard against Wei. You must remain vigilant," Li Teng said to Zhao Feng.
"I understand," Zhao Feng nodded. After a moment of thought, he felt a sense of delight.
"Though Xinzheng is more prosperous than the borderlands, what use do I have for that prosperity?"
"Wei City is relatively remote. I can recruit more soldiers and train assassins there."
"The farther from the emperor, the better."
"As long as I'm cautious, Meng Yi and Li Teng won't know what I'm up to," Zhao Feng thought to himself with a smile.
"Wei City is a border garrison city. Not only does it face the State of Wei for defense, but it also faces our Qin Empire. The grain and supplies needed to sustain the army can be sent directly from our homeland," Zhao Feng thought.
The supreme commander's strategy was indeed brilliant.
Meng Yi also chuckled. "General Li, we don't know which five ten-thousand-man camps General Zhao will lead to Wei City."
"Please wait."
Meng Yi stood up and took out a decree from the king: "The decree of King Qin!"
Upon hearing this, everyone in the hall immediately stood up and bowed.
"The royal decree!"
"Qin's supreme commander, Li Teng, led the army to attack Han, and within less than seven months, successfully destroyed Han. His achievements are unparalleled."
"He is awarded an upgraded rank, five hundred slaves, one thousand acres of land, five hundred gold coins, five hundred thousand copper coins, a fine iron sword, and a new set of armor."
Meng Yi read aloud.
Li Teng, full of excitement, bowed deeply: "I, Li Teng, swear to serve the king and the Qin Empire with my life."
"Indeed, the higher one goes, the harder it is to get promoted, and the same applies to nobility."
"For Li Teng, although he is in his thirties, a prime age, his position as a supreme commander still seems somewhat unstable, but this battle has certainly secured his position," Zhao Feng thought inwardly.
Above the rank of general, the key to promotion, apart from family background, is military merit.
Zhao Feng, who didn't have a prestigious family background, had risen rapidly in rank due to his extraordinary achievements in battle.
"General Li," Meng Yi said with a smile, "Congratulations on your rank promotion and on earning the king's favor."
"Please accept the decree."
Li Teng, with great excitement, walked forward to receive the royal decree.
After the decree was read, Meng Yi took out a bamboo slip.
"General Kuai, this is a promotion and reward from the King after receiving a report from the Assistant Minister."
"Please read the reward list," Meng Yi said.
At the same time, General Kuai Pu stepped forward to carefully take the bamboo slip and open it in front of everyone.
"By the king's grace and the Assistant Minister's approval, today..."
"Here is the list of rewards for military achievements in battle."
The rewards were announced loudly.
Upon hearing this, the generals in the hall were all visibly excited. Every officer's rank was increased, and their pay would be several times higher.
"This battle has allowed the king to almost entirely credit me with the destruction of the city. Although Chen Tao was promoted twice, he did not reach the rank of deputy general, or perhaps that position is already filled for now."
"Former officials, now my subordinates. Heh heh."
"Even Zhang Han and the others, who fought alongside me, received rewards. Zhang Han was promoted to the rank of a ten-thousand-man general, probably to replace the position of a commander who died in the first battle. The others were promoted to the rank of commanding officer. Next, I'll have to distribute them to various armies."
Hearing General Kuai's declaration, Zhao Feng immediately noted the key points.
The five men under his command had all received rewards, and they were not low.
Zhang Han, in particular, had gained command of ten thousand soldiers.
The other four commanded five thousand soldiers each, which amounted to thirty thousand troops.
"Your Majesty, we thank you for your great kindness."
All the generals in the hall exclaimed in gratitude.
"The rewards above the rank of commanding officer are now concluded."
"The rewards for those below the rank of commanding officer are being compiled, and I will personally supervise them," General Kuai Pu announced loudly.
Other generals nodded in agreement.
"General Zhao, you just asked which five ten-thousand-man camps you will lead to Wei City."
"How about this," Li Teng said with a smile, trying to be amicable, "You can choose from your main camp."
"My original ten-thousand-man camp will remain. As for the other four camps, I'll wait until the military restructuring is completed to select them," Zhao Feng replied after thinking for a moment.
"General Zhao's suggestion is reasonable," Li Teng agreed.
"Han has been destroyed, but our army suffered considerable losses."
"After this battle, we lost over twenty thousand men, and it will take until next year to recruit new soldiers," Vice General Sun Ting said.
"Aren't there many surrendered soldiers?" Zhao Feng asked in surprise.
"Although we captured nearly fifty thousand surrendered soldiers in this battle, they are all slaves and will only be used as cannon fodder, not as soldiers," Li Teng replied slowly.
"Won't these surrendered soldiers be reorganized?" Zhao Feng asked, puzzled.
"Reorganizing surrendered soldiers?"
Everyone in the hall was surprised.
Then many of the generals started laughing.
"General Zhao, it seems you don't understand the issue with surrendered soldiers."
"When surrendered soldiers are incorporated into the army, it's common for them to defect or even create chaos in the camp," Sun Ting said with a smile. "They can only be reduced to slaves, tasked with building roads and walls, or used as cannon fodder."
"Reorganizing them into soldiers? That has never happened in our Qin dynasty," Sun Ting added with amusement.
"Are these surrendered soldiers going to be turned into slaves?" Zhao Feng asked.
"Now that Yingchuan is initially stabilized, these surrendered soldiers will be used to repair roads and fortify the city before being sent to the northern frontier," Meng Yi explained.
Zhao Feng nodded thoughtfully. After a while, he said to Li Teng and Meng Yi: "Lord Meng, General Li, I have a suggestion."
"Would it be possible for me to attempt to reorganize these surrendered soldiers into an army?" Zhao Feng proposed.
Hearing this, Meng Yi and Li Teng exchanged looks of surprise and confusion.
"General Zhao," they said, "In the past, both our Qin dynasty and other states have tried to reorganize surrendered soldiers. However, it led to defection and chaos in the army. Therefore, there is currently no policy of reorganization."
"There are many elite soldiers among the Han army. If we can use them for Qin, we can avoid further losses," Zhao Feng said confidently.
"I only need twenty thousand surrendered soldiers. If this works, it will increase Qin's combat strength," Zhao Feng declared with determination.
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