From the tone of Yan Dan's words, it was clear that he was filled with hatred for Ying Zheng and was deeply wary of him.
In his view, Ying Zheng was an even more terrifying existence than Zhao Yan.
If the state of Zhao were to fall, the state of Yan, which would then directly border Qin, would face even greater danger.
"Your Highness," General Le Cheng voiced his concern. "But right now, our state of Yan is in an alliance with Qin. Qin has mobilized troops to save us. If we don't pursue and strike the Zhao army hard, might the King of Qin be enraged?"
"General," Yan Dan said coldly, "Ying Zheng and the state of Qin are more frightening than the state of Zhao.
"As for this so-called alliance, it came at the cost of our state's resources. Yan owes Qin nothing."
"Listen to me. Do not stubbornly pursue them. Let the Zhao army withdraw on its own. We'll gradually reclaim the cities they took until our borders are restored."
"If the state of Zhao faces extinction, then perhaps our state of Yan can also drive our forces into Zhao to seize their cities," Yan Dan said deeply, his eyes gleaming with ambition.
"Should this be reported to the King?" Le Cheng hesitated, still feeling Yan Dan's approach was reckless.
Yan Dan furrowed his brows and stared coldly at Le Cheng. "Follow my orders. Without my command, do not engage the Zhao army. Merely force them out of our territory."
Seeing this, Le Cheng had no choice but to nod. "I obey."
"Ying Zheng," Yan Dan muttered, clenching his fists with anger. "You broke your promises of the past and caused my state of Yan to pay such a heavy price. Countless people have perished because of you. I will never stand idly by as you destroy Zhao. One day, I will make you regret this."
In Dai Commandery, a Border City
In the Zhao stronghold, General Li Mu held the King's decree that had just arrived, his expression grim.
"General, what's wrong?" Deputy General Sima Shang asked upon noticing Li Mu's heavy demeanor.
"The King has decreed that I must defeat the invading Qin army within three months, or I will be stripped of my command," Li Mu said gravely, placing the royal edict down.
Sima Shang's face immediately changed. "How could the King issue such an order?"
"Doesn't he know who Meng Wu is?"
"Defeating Meng Wu in three months is impossible."
"Moreover, Meng Wu isn't even taking the offensive. He's advancing and retreating strategically. When we march out, he withdraws; when we return to the city, he attacks. How can we defeat him under such circumstances?"
"This is the King targeting you, General," Sima Shang said in a low voice.
"Targeting or not," Li Mu sighed deeply, "he is the King, and I am but a subject."
"But General," Sima Shang said angrily, "this is an impossible task, no matter how one looks at it! Changing generals on the eve of battle is a fatal mistake. Doesn't the King understand this?"
Li Mu shook his head. "Qin is using Meng Wu to contain our border forces. Whenever we deploy, they retreat. Whenever we withdraw, they press forward. It's an unsolvable dilemma."
"Then what should we do?" Sima Shang asked.
"Attack," Li Mu said decisively. "Since the King demands it, we shall meet his wishes."
"If Qin dares invade Zhao, then we shall face them in blood and fire. They encroach upon us, and we shall repay in kind," Li Mu declared, his voice filled with steely resolve.
In Qin: The Xianyang Palace
Fusu and Han Fei had returned to the capital.
"Have you met with Zhao Feng?" Ying Zheng asked from the throne as he reviewed memorials.
"Yes, Father," Fusu replied.
"And what are your impressions?" Ying Zheng asked, lifting his gaze to look at Fusu.
Although Zhao Feng's military achievements were renowned across the land, Ying Zheng himself had never met the man. His knowledge of Zhao Feng came solely from reports. Even so, Ying Zheng was curious about him.
"General Zhao is straightforward and carries a certain arrogance," Fusu said with a smile.
Though Zhao Feng had not treated him particularly warmly, Fusu chose to be honest and refrained from speaking ill of him.
"For someone as young as he is, with such talent and military achievements, it would be surprising if he weren't arrogant," Ying Zheng said with a faint smile.
Arrogance was a trait that, in his view, was permissible for capable individuals. Without ability, however, arrogance became mere folly.
"Father, you're right. Based on what I saw, General Zhao is a courageous and capable leader, a true asset to the nation. I believe he will accomplish even greater things for Qin in the future," Fusu said earnestly.
"Han Fei, you've met Zhao Feng before. Did you speak with him during this visit?" Ying Zheng then turned to Han Fei.
"Indeed, I did. While fulfilling your orders, I also caught up with him briefly. General Zhao was candid about his needs, but I must admit, what he asked for was... unusual," Han Fei replied with a smile.
"Unusual?" Ying Zheng's interest was piqued. "What did he ask for?"
"Blood ginseng," Han Fei said with a wry smile.
Hearing this, Ying Zheng raised an eyebrow in surprise. "He dares to ask for that? Blood ginseng is one of Qin's most treasured artifacts. We once had two. After King Wu of Qin was crushed by the cauldron, one was used to save his life, enabling King Zhaoxiang to ascend the throne. Now only one remains."
"General Zhao is indeed bold," Han Fei added with a grin.
"And what does he intend to do with it?" Ying Zheng asked.
"General Zhao said that after his mother gave birth to him and his siblings, her health was severely depleted. He wishes to use the blood ginseng to restore her vitality," Han Fei explained.
Ying Zheng nodded. "A filial son, it seems."
"If he has such intentions, I will grant his request," Ying Zheng declared.
"Zhao Gao," he called out loudly.
"This servant is here," Zhao Gao responded promptly.
"Issue my decree: retrieve the blood ginseng from the royal treasury. Dispatch the royal guards to escort it to Shacheng and deliver it to Zhao Feng's mother," Ying Zheng ordered.
"Father," Fusu interjected in surprise, "this blood ginseng is a priceless treasure. Are you truly willing to bestow it upon him?"
When Zhao Feng had made the request, Fusu had believed it would be denied. After all, the blood ginseng was a vital, life-saving resource a treasure of the royal family. Many officials had sought it in the past, but all were refused.
"Blood ginseng is but an object, lifeless on its own. Zhao Feng, however, is invaluable to Qin. Let him fulfill his filial duties so that he may serve with loyalty," Ying Zheng said calmly.
"Your wisdom is unparalleled," Han Fei said, admiration evident in his tone.
At that moment, Han Fei truly understood Ying Zheng's kingly resolve.
The blood ginseng, a treasure of unparalleled value, was something even foreign kings had sought unsuccessfully. Yet Ying Zheng was willing to grant it to a subordinate without hesitation.
"With such vision and decisiveness, how could Qin not unite the world under its banner?" Han Fei thought, deeply moved.
"Go carry out my orders," Ying Zheng instructed Zhao Gao with a wave of his hand.
"This servant obeys," Zhao Gao said, retreating immediately.
"Beyond Zhao Feng's matter," Han Fei continued, "I assume the King has already received the news. Jinyang has fallen."
"Qin's forces can now push further east. Even if the King of Zhao is unwilling, he will have no choice but to withdraw his troops from Yan," Han Fei added with a smile.
"Fusu," Ying Zheng said, turning to his son. "If Zhao's forces retreat from Yan, do you think Yan will pursue them?"
Understanding that this was a test, Fusu grew serious.
After a moment of thought, he replied, "Earlier this year, Yan sent envoys to Qin seeking our aid. With our intervention, the two nations are now allies. If Zhao retreats, Yan will not let the opportunity for revenge slip away. They will certainly pursue and strike Zhao's forces hard."
Hearing his son's answer, Ying Zheng's expression grew thoughtful.
Ying Zheng shook his head in disappointment.
"Father, did I say something wrong?" Fusu asked, confused.
"It's not that the prince's words were incorrect," Han Fei interjected, "but that he oversimplifies the nature of alliances."
"Our Great Qin dispatched troops under the pretense of aiding Yan. If not for Qin's intervention, Yan might have been destroyed by Zhao. Doesn't that make us allies in the eyes of Yan?" Fusu still held firm to his opinion.
"The prince is too naïve," Han Fei replied with a faint smile. "There is no such thing as an unbreakable alliance between nations. Before we aided Yan, the King of Qin and the King of Zhao also signed a treaty. These so-called treaties are nothing more than agreements based on mutual interests. Without conflicting interests, alliances can stand. But when interests clash, alliances are nothing but scraps of paper."
Hearing this, Han Fei's assessment of Fusu became clearer.
"The Crown Prince Fusu has been overly influenced by Confucianism, to the extent that it clouds his judgment. While his temperament is kind and benevolent, he is not suited to be a ruler. In a peaceful kingdom with no internal or external threats, he could perhaps be a just and virtuous sovereign. But to expand territories or quell internal strife, he falls far short." Han Fei silently mused to himself.
"Does that mean Yan would betray the alliance with Qin?" Fusu frowned.
"Not exactly betrayal," Han Fei explained. "Yan would likely allow Zhao's army to withdraw from its territory without interference, rather than pursuing or attacking them. To Yan, Qin poses a far greater threat than Zhao. If Qin were to truly destroy Zhao, Yan would find itself living in constant fear."
Fusu pondered for a long moment, his expression solemn, before finally responding, "Thank you for your guidance, Lord Han."
Ying Zheng then turned to Han Fei with another question. "Han Qing, what do you think of Fusu's talents?"
"Well..." Han Fei glanced at Fusu before replying, "The prince is indeed talented, but his learning has already been deeply rooted in the teachings of his current mentors, which differ from my approach."
Ying Zheng's question was clear to Han Fei he wanted Han Fei to teach Fusu. However, Han Fei was too astute to accept, knowing full well the risks of getting entangled in the political struggles for the throne.
The reason Han Fei had survived thus far and was willing to serve Qin was precisely because of Zhao Feng's vision of a unified China.
Seeing Han Fei's tactful refusal, Ying Zheng glanced at him but did not press the matter further. "Such a pity, then."
"Fusu has the guidance of Grand Tutor Chunyu Yue. Surely he will excel under his instruction," Han Fei quickly added with a smile.
In Xianyang, within the royal residence
Several months had passed since Wang Yan gave birth, and she was now able to get out of bed and move around. At the moment, she sat in the courtyard with a small cradle beside her, holding her newborn twins.
"Little Treasure, Second Treasure," she murmured gently, "you're already two months old. In a few more months, you'll be toddling around, and by then, your father might be back."
Wang Yan played with her two children, a tender maternal smile on her face. Ever since giving birth, she had fully embraced her role as a mother, a far cry from the person she used to be.
"Yan'er," her mother, Lady Wang, approached with a warm expression. "The escorts you requested have been arranged. Now, will you finally tell me where you're planning to go?"
"Mother," Wang Yan replied softly, "I plan to visit Zhao Feng's hometown, to meet his mother and younger sister."
"Then I'll accompany you," Lady Wang suggested after some thought.
"Mother, you need to stay here with Li'er," Wang Yan said with a gentle smile. "Even though Shaqiu County is far away, I'll have the escorts with me, and with the strict laws of Qin, there shouldn't be any danger."
"When do you plan to return?" Lady Wang asked, still concerned.
"It depends," Wang Yan said thoughtfully. "Zhao Feng hasn't been home in a long time. I'll take Little Treasure and Second Treasure with me to spend time with his family."
Lady Wang could only nod reluctantly. "Alright then. But promise me, as soon as you arrive, send someone back with a letter."
"Don't worry, Mother," Wang Yan replied obediently with a sweet smile. She then looked down at her children with a gentle gaze and said, "Soon, you'll meet your grandmother and aunt."
In Shaqiu County, Shacun Village
Despite the turmoil beyond its borders, the small village of Shacun remained peaceful. However, the village had grown far more prosperous than before.
All across Great Qin, Zhao Feng's name had spread far and wide as the youngest general of the state. His fame was particularly renowned in Shaqiu County, where he was born.
Because of this, many outsiders had flocked to Shaqiu County, some even settling in Shacun Village itself.
In the past, there was a saying that when one person rises to power, their entire household benefits. Now, that saying extended to Shacun Village.
"Look! What did I tell you? The county magistrate is visiting Shacun again," a villager pointed out excitedly.
"This must be the fifth time! Show me another village, not just in Shaqiu but in all of Qin, that gets this kind of honor. It's only possible because of our Shacun!"
"Exactly! Zhao Feng has made our village proud. He's the youngest general of Qin now that's a real official!"
"How much higher is a general compared to a hundred-man commander?"
"Are you serious? A hundred-man commander leads a hundred soldiers; a general commands ten thousand!"
"So Zhao Feng is that incredible?"
"Of course! Thanks to him, every household in Shacun now has farmland granted by the Zhao family, with rents at half the rate of elsewhere."
"That's amazing! The rent elsewhere is so high. Zhao Feng is so kind to his fellow villagers."
As a convoy of a hundred soldiers escorted a carriage into the village, the villagers, along with some visiting outsiders, couldn't stop talking about it.
The villagers took immense pride in Zhao Feng's achievements, often boasting about him to anyone who would listen. Meanwhile, the outsiders could only look on with envy.
For Shacun Village, Zhao Feng wasn't just a source of fame he had brought tangible benefits. The lands granted through his noble status directly supported the villagers, and even though rent was still collected, it was much lower than the rates elsewhere.
Zhao Residence
"Madam Zhao,"
"I'm here again with great news," said Yan Bing, walking into the residence with familiarity and speaking loudly.
"Lord Governor,"
Madam Zhao and her daughter came out with smiles on their faces, clearly more at ease after several encounters with him.
"This time, it's an extraordinarily good piece of news," Yan Bing said with a grin.
"Lord Yan, don't keep us in suspense. What is the good news?" Madam Zhao asked her tone no longer as reserved as before.
"Bring it in!" Yan Bing called out loudly.
At his command, a county guard stepped forward, holding an ornate brocade box. He placed it before Madam Zhao.
"What is this?" Madam Zhao asked, puzzled.
"Madam Zhao, have you heard of the Blood Ginseng?" Yan Bing asked with a smile.
"Blood Ginseng?"
Madam Zhao's expression changed slightly as her eyes widened. "Could it be that Blood Ginseng?"
"It seems Madam Zhao knows the origin of the Blood Ginseng," Yan Bing said, still smiling.
"I was born into a family of physicians. How could I not know of the Blood Ginseng? It's said to be a miraculous medicine capable of reviving the dying."
"Could this box truly contain the Blood Ginseng?" Madam Zhao asked in astonishment.
Without further ado, Yan Bing opened the brocade box. Inside was a vivid red ginseng with plump roots. The moment the box opened, a strong ginseng aroma wafted out.
"This... this is indeed the legendary Blood Ginseng! How did it leave the palace?" Madam Zhao was even more surprised.
"Madam Zhao, you've given birth to an exceptional son," Yan Bing said, chuckling.
"Though General Zhao is away on campaign, his concern for you has never wavered."
"He requested this Blood Ginseng from His Majesty specifically for your health and recovery, knowing how much your body suffered after giving birth to him and his sister."
"You must know how priceless this Blood Ginseng is. Many have begged for it in vain over the years, but when General Zhao requested it, His Majesty granted it without hesitation. It's a testament to how highly His Majesty values General Zhao."
Hearing this, Madam Zhao couldn't help but feel emotional as she looked at the Blood Ginseng.
She recognized it immediately it was indeed the one from the royal palace, as she had seen it before.
Back then, her "Zheng-gege" (a term of endearment for Ying Zheng) had shown it to her personally.
"Winter, look at this big ginseng. It's said to be capable of curing any illness and even reviving the dead," the young Ying Zheng had said, holding the Blood Ginseng with a tone of pride.
"A treasure is a treasure, but what's the point of us having it?" Xia Dong'er had replied, puzzled.
"It's simple. When Winter gives me a big, healthy son someday, her body will be weak. This ginseng will ensure she recovers completely," Ying Zheng teased, grinning.
At his words, Xia Dong'er's face turned bright red, and she ran off in embarrassment.
"Why, Winter? Don't you want to have a child with me?" Ying Zheng laughed as he chased after her.
Back in the present, Madam Zhao stared at the Blood Ginseng, her emotions surging.
"To think that after all these years, this Blood Ginseng has found its way back to me."
"Could this be fate?"
As she reflected on the past, she couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.
"Congratulations, Madam Zhao!" Yan Bing said with a laugh.
"Thank you for personally delivering this, Lord Yan," Madam Zhao said politely, though her tone was now more familiar.
"Madam Zhao, there's no need to thank me. This is my honor," Yan Bing replied warmly.
Just then
"Lord Governor!"
"A convoy has arrived outside. They claim to be here to see Madam Zhao. Judging by their escorts, they seem to be military men, not ordinary merchants," reported a hundred-man leader of the county guards.
"A convoy?" Yan Bing furrowed his brow in curiosity.
"Madam Zhao, do you know if General Zhao has any acquaintances who might visit?" Yan Bing asked.
"I knew some in the past, but ever since Feng'er joined the army, I'm not aware of who he might have befriended," Madam Zhao replied, shaking her head.
"Madam, someone at the gate requests an audience. She claims to be from the royal estate in Xianyang and introduces herself as your son's wife," the house steward reported, hurrying in.
"From the royal estate?"
"Could it be true?" Zhao Ying asked, looking at Yan Bing in surprise.
Madam Zhao's expression turned thoughtful as well. "Could Feng'er truly have formed a bond with the daughter of General Wang Jian?"
"Let's go out and take a look," Madam Zhao said decisively.
Since Zhao Feng wasn't home, Madam Zhao naturally managed the household affairs herself.
Yan Bing followed closely behind as the group made their way to the gate.
At the gate, a woman stood dressed in an elegant black and red gown, her hair pinned neatly with a jeweled hairpin a look befitting a married woman.
This was Wang Yan, who had given birth to Zhao Feng's twin children just months ago.
Today was her first time visiting Zhao Feng's family home and meeting her mother-in-law, and she couldn't help but feel a bit nervous.
The sound of approaching footsteps caught her attention, and she looked up to see Madam Zhao and her daughter stepping out.
"She's so beautiful," Zhao Ying thought to herself upon seeing Wang Yan.
"Could this be my sister-in-law?"
Zhao Ying, being a woman herself, couldn't help but marvel at Wang Yan's beauty and her refined demeanor, which exuded the grace of a noblewoman.
As Madam Zhao and her daughter observed Wang Yan, Wang Yan was also studying them.
"This must be Zhao Feng's mother," Wang Yan thought, noting Madam Zhao's elegant bearing, which seemed far from that of an ordinary village woman.
"And this must be Zhao Feng's sister. Her demeanor is nothing like that of a rural woman either."
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