Time passed.
A month went by.
The snow-covered scenery gradually disappeared. As the snow melted, the temperature slowly rose as well.
Within the Qin Empire, everything was calm and stable.
However, outside its borders, the chaos in Yingchuan County had not subsided, which was keenly observed by Zhao's spies.
Zhao, Longtai Palace
"The time has come. The opportunity to expand our territory is now."
"Convey my decree. Grant the tiger tally, and command General Pang Nuan to immediately launch an attack on Yan."
Zhao Yan, full of vigor and confidence, loudly issued his royal edict.
Immediately, a eunuch stepped forward, holding a box containing the tiger tally, and approached the hall.
An old general stepped out from the ranks, respectfully receiving the tiger tally. "This minister, Zhao Cong, will accept the token on behalf of General Pang Nuan."
"Minister Zhao."
"When you reach the border, make sure to tell General Pang that this king eagerly awaits his triumphant return after the destruction of Yan."
"When he returns victorious, this king will personally greet him at the city gates," Zhao Yan said with a beaming smile.
"This minister will surely deliver your words," Zhao Cong replied loudly.
"Your Majesty."
"This minister has a petition to present."
At that moment, General Lian Po stepped forward.
Seeing him, Zhao Yan's eyes flashed with a hint of displeasure. However, Lian Po's prestige in the court was significant, and Zhao Yan concealed his feelings. "Minister Lian, what do you wish to say?"
"This old minister believes that our great Zhao should not recklessly wage war against Yan."
"First, we face the mighty Qin to the west. If Qin attacks us while we are engaged with Yan, it would spell disaster. Second, if we go to war without just cause, we risk alienating the other states."
"Therefore, this old minister requests that Your Majesty withdraw the command," Lian Po said firmly.
As his words fell, Zhao Yan's brow furrowed, and he glared coldly at Lian Po.
Zhao Yan had been preparing for this campaign against Yan for nearly a year. If he could destroy Yan and expand Zhao's borders, he would be remembered as a king who brought prosperity to Zhao. All criticisms, whether from the court or the populace, would vanish. Zhao Yan would be hailed as a wise ruler.
But now, Lian Po was once again trying to thwart his plans, making Zhao Yan deeply resentful.
"Our great Zhao has already stationed 300,000 troops at the border. General Pang Nuan is personally leading the army. Supplies and provisions are fully prepared. Now, you tell me we cannot act?"
"Minister Lian, do you not wish to see the prosperity of Zhao?" Zhao Yan said coldly.
Lian Po, unflinching, met Zhao Yan's gaze. "This old minister's only desire is for Zhao's well-being, with no personal motives. If I had known of Your Majesty's secret military preparations earlier, I would have advised against them."
"The alliance with Qin is unreliable. If Ying Zheng wishes, he can break it at any time."
As soon as Lian Po's voice fell, Zhao Yan's anger deepened. "Enough! Qin is currently unstable with internal strife, and Han is in turmoil. Ying Zheng cannot attack Zhao. He begged for the alliance with Zhao to ensure we do not attack him!"
"In this old minister's view, the unrest in Han might be a deliberate ploy by Qin…" Lian Po retorted immediately.
"Enough!"
Zhao Yan's roar interrupted him.
Lian Po's every word contradicted Zhao Yan, leaving the king in an embarrassing position. Zhao Yan's desire for war was driven by his ambition to expand Zhao's territory. The alliance with Qin was also his decision.
"Lian Po!"
"You are insolent!"
"Do not think that just because you are a veteran of three reigns, you can repeatedly oppose this king."
"Now that our troops are mobilized and the time is ripe, how dare you contradict the king?"
At this moment, Guo Kai seized the opportunity to step forward and rebuke Lian Po, showing his loyalty.
"This old minister's only concern is for Zhao," Lian Po said calmly.
His loyalty was to the state of Zhao, not to Zhao Yan as a ruler.
Perhaps this was why Zhao Yan disliked him so intensely.
"If it is for Zhao, then hold your tongue!"
"Minister Zhao, proceed immediately with the tiger tally and deliver the king's command to General Pang Nuan to advance," Zhao Yan ordered loudly.
"This minister obeys."
Without hesitation, Zhao Cong took the tiger tally and left the hall.
Watching Zhao Cong's departing figure, Lian Po's weathered face showed a trace of anxiety.
"Your Majesty."
"While General Lian Po's words may be harsh, they are not without reason. Qin must be guarded against. Ying Zheng is cunning and cannot be underestimated," said Zhao Yi, the former crown prince and now head of the Zhao royal family.
"No need to worry, elder brother."
"This king has already sent envoys to negotiate with Lord Xinling of Wei. Should Qin dare to attack Zhao, Lord Xinling will mobilize troops to strike Han directly."
"Moreover, since General Lian is so concerned, this king will assign him 100,000 troops to guard the border."
"If Qin truly dares to invade, let him see if he can defend," Zhao Yan said coldly.
"This old minister is willing to lead troops to defend the border," Lian Po immediately replied.
"So be it."
"Since the general is willing, this king shall grant your wish."
"But should Qin breach the border under your watch, the responsibility will be solely yours," Zhao Yan said with veiled menace.
"This old minister understands," Lian Po said without fear.
"Good."
"Court dismissed."
Zhao Yan waved his hand, ending the session.
Returning to his palace chambers, Zhao Yan fumed, smashing objects in his anger.
"That old fool! Always takes a condescending tone with me, relying on his status as a veteran of three reigns. Does he not know I am the king now?"
"Your Majesty, calm down."
"That old man is already in his twilight years. He won't last much longer," Guo Kai said with a sly smile, trying to soothe the king.
"What is your plan to get rid of him?" Zhao Yan asked.
"Should Qin truly invade and Lian Po fail to defend, would that not be the perfect excuse to dispose of him?" Guo Kai suggested his grin widening.
"This is unlikely. Besides, I don't believe Ying Zheng dares to make a move," Zhao Yan replied confidently.
Still, Guo Kai assured him, "I will keep a close watch on Lian Po. Should he make any misstep, I will inform Your Majesty immediately."
"It's good to have you in the court," Zhao Yan said, his mood slightly lightened.
Wei City, Qin Military Camp
As the harsh winter receded, Zhao Feng's soldiers resumed their drills.
Compared to the previous year, the camp had visibly grown, indicating the arrival of recruits after the New Year.
"General."
"This year, 13,000 recruits joined the ranks. Including the existing elite and penal soldiers, our total strength now exceeds 80,000."
"The troops have been reorganized into six battalions," Zhang Han reported respectfully on the command platform.
"Good." Zhao Feng nodded, his eyes scanning the soldiers training on the grounds.
"Who is currently patrolling the border?"
"General Chen Tao is leading the patrol," Tu Sui promptly replied.
"Send an order for the troops at the border to return," Zhao Feng said gravely.
"But General, their patrol rotation still has twenty days left," Zhao Tuo said, stepping forward with a salute.
"I know," Zhao Feng replied curtly.
"Zhang Ming, send someone to relay my order for General Chen Tao to return with his troops."
"Yes, sir."
As Zhang Ming departed, Tu Sui seemed to sense something amiss. "General, does this mean Wei is preparing to move against Qin?"
"Who knows?" Zhao Feng said with a faint smile.
The officers exchanged glances, their expressions turning serious.
"General."
"Would Wei dare to attack Qin?" Zhao Tuo asked incredulously.
Ignoring the question, Zhao Feng issued further orders.
"From today, fortify the defenses, repair the walls, and reinforce the gates."
"Tu Sui, you are in charge of this."
"Understood, General!"
"In addition, conceal all provisions sent by the court. Ensure we have enough supplies for three months."
The preparations hinted at an approaching storm, and the tension in the air was palpable.
"This period will see an allocation of arrows being transported. General Zhang Han, this task is assigned to you," Zhao Feng instructed.
"Your subordinate accepts the order," Zhang Han immediately responded.
"The rest of you generals, continue training the elite soldiers and prepare for battle at any time," Zhao Feng said solemnly.
"Your subordinates obey," Zhao Tuo and the other three generals replied in unison.
At that moment, a voice interrupted.
"Military intelligence has arrived from General Li," Zhang Ming returned, holding a report in his hand.
"Read it directly," Zhao Feng gestured with a wave of his hand.
"Zhao State has already mobilized troops against Yan State. Zhao's Grand General, Pang Nuan, has led an army to break through Yan's border cities. With unstoppable momentum, Yan's forces struggle to resist, losing nearly ten cities in just half a month," Zhang Ming read aloud.
As soon as these words fell, the assembled generals were all stunned.
Then, it seemed everyone understood Zhao Feng's reasoning behind the preparations for war.
"If Zhao State has moved against Yan State, our Qin State will undoubtedly seize this opportunity to strike against Zhao. Once Qin mobilizes, Wei State, allied with Zhao, will not stand idle and will raise arms against us," Zhang Han said immediately.
"General, you foresaw this long ago, which is why you've been urging us to prepare for war and strengthen our defenses," Zhang Han added.
"But our Qin State has signed a non-aggression pact with Zhao. Would His Majesty truly order an attack on Zhao?" Zhao Tuo asked.
Zhao Feng glanced at Zhao Tuo and said, "You're underestimating the king. If a so-called treaty could truly restrain nations, this world would have known peace long ago."
Zhao Tuo shuddered internally and quickly nodded in agreement.
"Alright, since you all understand why I'm preparing for battle, go and make your preparations."
"Once Wei launches its attack, it will be our army that faces them first."
"This is an opportunity to kill enemies for the nation and achieve military merits," Zhao Feng said with a wave of his hand, his tone deep and steady.
"Yes!" The generals responded in unison.
"This time, if Wei attacks, I must secure enough military achievements to ascend to the rank of commander and obtain the Commander's Qi Luck Seal," Zhao Feng thought to himself.
Over this period, Zhao Feng's strength had significantly improved.
Host: Zhao Feng
Age: 17
Realm: Fifth Level of Innate Stage (The higher the realm, the stronger the true energy and overall power.)
Strength: 3,510 (The stronger the strength, the greater the power output.)
Speed: 2,287 (The higher the number, the faster the speed.)
Constitution: 2,181 (A stronger constitution aids in quicker recovery from injuries, sustained stamina, and faster true energy recovery.)
Spirit: 2,185 (Spiritual power extends to 21 zhang, enabling absorption of the void's spiritual energy.)
Lifespan: 155 years
Merit Points: 563 (Convertible into free attribute points or skill points.)
Inventory Space: 29 cubic units
Cultivation Technique: Dragon Elephant Mantra
Martial Skills: Subduing Dragon Palm, Explosive Fist, and others.
After consistent training, Zhao Feng's attributes had all surpassed 2,000 points. Recently, he had acquired a treasure chest, which yielded some gold.
"I aim to exceed 3,000 points in all attributes after this battle."
"Wei State," Zhao Feng gazed towards the north, his heart filled with anticipation.
Xianyang, Qin State
In the Hall of Deliberation.
The Crown Prince of Yan, Ji Dan, knelt in the grand hall, holding a state letter. With a solemn bow to Ying Zheng, he pleaded, "Zhao State has acted unjustly, waging war against Yan. Our soldiers have fallen in droves defending the homeland, but we are no match for Zhao. In these dire times, I, Crown Prince Dan of Yan, under the orders of King Yan, earnestly request Qin State to dispatch troops to save millions of Yan citizens from peril."
Ji Dan's voice trembled, carrying a poignant and moving tone.
Facing the former friend he once knew during their time as hostages in Zhao State, Ying Zheng felt little emotion stir within him.
Since ascending to the throne, everything had changed people, circumstances, everything.
Even his mother had abandoned him, so what could one expect from a so-called friend?
"The Qin-Zhao non-aggression pact binds us. I cannot grant Crown Prince Yan's request," Ying Zheng said slowly.
"Qin King!"
"Have you forgotten the humiliation we endured in Zhao?"
"Back then, you swore that once you ascended the throne, you would destroy Zhao in retribution. Have you forgotten that vow?" Ji Dan's desperation led him to speak boldly.
Hearing Ying Zheng's refusal, Ji Dan became agitated, raising his voice in anger.
The Qin court ministers frowned at his brazenness.
"Presumptuous!"
"How dare you show such disrespect to the king in the Qin court!" Wang Wan roared.
"Prince Dan, this is crossing the line," Li Si reprimanded sternly.
"You dare behave so insolently before our king?"
The ministers directed furious glares at Ji Dan, their reprimands sharp and relentless.
Despite the outcry, Ji Dan remained defiant, glaring at Ying Zheng, as if his friend had betrayed a solemn promise.
Ying Zheng raised his hand, and the hall fell silent.
"The Qin-Zhao pact stands. Crown Prince Yan, you should return."
As Ying Zheng finished speaking, Ren Xiao arrived with several palace guards, standing behind Ji Dan.
"Prince Yan, this way, please," Ren Xiao gestured towards the exit.
Ji Dan rose, his face filled with indignation and bitterness. "King Zheng, I see it now. You've forgotten everything from back then."
With that, Ji Dan stormed out, his robes billowing in frustration.
"After all these years... still so naive," Ying Zheng murmured as he watched Ji Dan's retreating figure, a trace of disappointment in his eyes.
A vow? A childhood promise?
Naive.
Between nations, interests always come first.
What weight does a childhood promise hold?
In the Palace of Zhangtai, the rare gathering of Qin's three top generals Wang Jian, Meng Wu, and Huan Yi was underway.
"Your Majesty."
The three generals bowed in unison before Ying Zheng.
"Zhao State has moved against Yan, already breaching Yan's borders. I presume you're all aware," Ying Zheng said, gesturing for them to rise.
"Zhao amassed troops along its border with Yan. Although Yan's intelligence capabilities are lacking, under my secret instruction, they managed to prepare for defense."
"Yan King Xi issued an edict, assigning General Qin Qing to lead 200,000 troops to the border, with Le Cheng as his deputy. Yet, General Pang Nuan of Zhao routed Yan's forces with a single cavalry charge, forcing a retreat and heavy losses."
"Now, over ten Yan cities have fallen to Zhao," Wang Jian recounted calmly.
"Yan's generals are truly incompetent," Meng Wu remarked mockingly.
"Le Cheng, if I recall correctly, was once a Yan general captured by Zhao. After switching allegiance, he was nearly killed by his forces. How ironic that Yan would rely on him now," Huan Yi added.
Listening to the exchange, Ying Zheng chuckled softly. "I intend to mobilize troops to conquer Zhao."
The three generals showed no surprise but instead eagerly knelt, saying, "We request the honor of leading this campaign!"
It was evident they didn't want to miss the chance to achieve military glory.
"Hangu Pass also has 200,000 elite troops who can fully mobilize to help Your Majesty annihilate Zhao," Huan Yi said immediately.
"The Lantian camp has 300,000 elite troops ready to fight for Your Majesty at any time," Wang Jian naturally added confidently.
The merit of conquering Zhao.
It was undoubtedly greater than the campaign against the Han.
Whichever camp was selected for the mission would have the grand opportunity to achieve unparalleled glory.
"If our three major Qin camps all mobilize, the national treasury won't be able to sustain such expenditures," Ying Zheng remarked with a faint smile.
Hearing this, the three generals ceased their vying. "Everything will follow Your Majesty's decree," they said in unison.
"This time, Lantian and the Northern Frontier will act, while Hangu remains on standby," Ying Zheng declared, his expression growing serious.
"May I ask, Your Majesty, which camp will lead the main offensive?" Wang Jian promptly inquired.
"Lantian will spearhead the attack, while the Northern Frontier will be tasked with holding back Li Mu's 200,000 frontier troops of Zhao."
"General Meng, can you manage to stall Li Mu's 200,000 soldiers with 100,000 of our own?" Ying Zheng asked Meng Wu with a grave expression.
"Your servant vows to fulfill Your Majesty's command to the death," Meng Wu pledged with a bow.
Seeing this, Ying Zheng rose from his throne and walked toward the rear hall.
Wang Jian and the other two generals followed closely behind.
In the rear hall, flags representing the six states were planted in the center, surrounding a massive map that spanned several zhang (meters). The map depicted mountains, rivers, and distinct national boundaries.
To the three generals, who had entered this hall before, the map and flags of the six states were unsurprising.
"Do you recall when this hall was arranged in such a manner?" Ying Zheng turned to the three generals.
"It was after Your Majesty subdued Lao Ai and assumed full regency upon coming of age," Wang Jian replied respectfully.
"At that time, we witnessed Your Majesty layout this depiction of the world, plant the flags of the six states, and make a solemn vow before this map to unite the world and forge a singular Huaxia," Wang Jian added.
Recalling that scene from years ago, Wang Jian was deeply moved.
Back then, the king had just taken full control of state affairs. His commanding presence and kingly demeanor had profoundly inspired Wang Jian, compelling him to dedicate himself wholeheartedly to Qin's unification efforts.
"General Wang, your memory serves you well," Ying Zheng said with a slight smile.
He turned back to face the enormous map, his gaze sweeping over the various states. His eyes finally rested on the former territory of Han, now incorporated as Yingchuan Commandery.
"Of the states under heaven, Han has already been annexed by our Qin. But in the end, it was merely the weakest of them."
"Five states remain."
"Zhao, Chu, Yan, Qi, and Wei."
"Among these, Zhao is the strongest, boasting an army of 600,000 and holding a dominant position. To conquer Zhao would require the full might of Qin."
"The key to this campaign is clear to you all," he said.
"Zhao Yan has dispatched 300,000 elite soldiers to attack Yan, and they are now bogged down in that conflict. Meanwhile, the Dai region is defended by Li Mu with 200,000 troops, leaving only 100,000 soldiers within Zhao. This is a rare opportunity for Qin."
"Last year, I began laying the groundwork to make Zhao lower their guard and underestimate Qin, even signing an alliance treaty with Zhao, all for the sake of this critical moment."
"This is an opportunity that must not be missed."
"Generals, do you understand?" Ying Zheng's eyes burned with determination as he looked at the three top commanders.
"We understand," the three replied in unison.
"As for the key aspects of this campaign, do any of you have additional thoughts?" Ying Zheng asked, turning to the generals.
"Your Majesty," Wang Jian stepped forward, pointing to the map, "I have been planning for Zhao since my return."
"Zhao and Wei are allies. If Qin attacks Zhao, Wei will not stand idly by and will certainly mobilize troops."
"Therefore, General Wang, you've stationed a force at Wei's border," Ying Zheng said with a slight smile.
"Indeed, the troops defending Weicheng, led by Zhao Feng, were placed there under my arrangement," Wang Jian confirmed.
"It must be said that your deployment was skillful. Without it, the empress dowager might have fallen into Zhao's hands," Meng Wu remarked.
"Zhao Feng's rescue of the empress dowager was purely coincidental. My true purpose in stationing him at Weicheng was to guard against Wei," Wang Jian explained.
"Once part of the unified territory of the Three Jin States, Zhao, Wei, and Han have long been divided, with frequent skirmishes among them. But as Wei's power declined, it turned to Zhao for support, allying. While Wei is not as powerful as Zhao, it still commands over 300,000 troops capable of battle."
"If Qin attacks Zhao, Wei will inevitably mobilize, though not with its full strength."
"If Wei moves, Weicheng in Yingchuan Commandery will surely be targeted. Hidden within Yingchuan, remnants of the Han nobility and those disloyal to Qin will likely rebel."
"Therefore, I chose Weicheng as the focal point, ordering Zhao Feng to hold the line and assigning Li Teng to Yingchuan. Should unrest arise in Yingchuan, Li Teng will suppress it immediately," Wang Jian explained, pointing at the map.
"Zhao Feng may be brave, but he is still just a deputy general, commanding only 50,000 elite troops. Can he truly fend off an attack by at least 100,000 Wei troops?"
"If Weicheng falls, all of Yingchuan Commandery will be at risk," Huan Yi questioned with concern.
"You're mistaken," Wang Jian shook his head. "Zhao Feng commands 100,000 troops."
"Where did the extra troops come from?" Meng Wu asked in surprise.
Wang Jian didn't elaborate further and instead bowed to Ying Zheng. "I request permission to transfer an additional 20,000 surrendered troops in Yingchuan to Zhao Feng's command."
"Turning surrendered troops into soldiers, especially in a crisis, aren't you worried they might defect during battle and cause Weicheng to fall?"
Huan Yi frowned, puzzled by Wang Jian's strategy.
It seemed like a foolish move.
Even Ying Zheng hesitated upon hearing the request.
The 30,000 surrendered troops, already under the supervision of 50,000 elites, would now be nearly equal in number, especially in a defensive situation.
"Your Majesty," Wang Jian began, "I receive reports from Zhao Feng every ten days regarding the penal troops. Since their integration, they have proven combat-ready."
"This battle will be arduous, but I have faith in Zhao Feng's capabilities."
"If Weicheng falls, I am willing to bear the consequences," Wang Jian declared with solemn determination.
At these words, both Meng Wu and Huan Yi were taken aback by Wang Jian's resolve.
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