As Zhao Feng noticed Zhao Yan in the crowd, he immediately rode his horse forward slowly.
"Raise your head," Zhao Feng said coldly.
Faced with Zhao Feng, a man who killed without hesitation, Zhao Yan dared not disobey. The so-called dignity of a king was nowhere to be found. Trembling, he slowly raised his head.
When Zhao Feng saw Zhao Yan, he couldn't help but laugh.
However, with his blood-covered face, Zhao Feng's laughter looked incredibly eerie, sending chills down Zhao Yan's spine.
"To think that the ruler of a nation would end up so pathetic and humiliated."
"If I were you, I would've ended my own life long ago," Zhao Feng mocked without mercy.
For loyal and righteous generals like Lian Po, Zhao Feng held some measure of respect despite them being enemies. But for a cowardly king like Zhao Yan, he felt nothing but contempt.
"How dare you insult me!" Zhao Yan roared. "I am the king! Even if I die, it is not your place to act so presumptuously!"
Zhao Yan, though terrified deep down, was provoked by Zhao Feng's taunts. He forced himself to stand and glared at Zhao Feng.
Seeing this, Zhao Feng chuckled and gestured to Zhang Ming, who immediately understood. Zhang Ming drew his sword and tossed it at Zhao Yan's feet.
Clang!
The sharp blade embedded itself in the ground in front of Zhao Yan.
"Don't say I didn't give you a chance."
"I'll give you three breaths."
"End your life yourself," Zhao Feng said with a sneer.
Zhao Yan looked at the sword before him, then at Zhao Feng's mocking expression. For a moment, it seemed like he had been provoked into action. He abruptly grabbed the sword and raised it to his neck.
But as the blade touched his skin, Zhao Yan hesitated. His hands trembled violently, unable to summon the courage to cut.
"Aah!"
With a loud cry, Zhao Yan tried again, but his arms shook uncontrollably. Ultimately, he only managed to leave a shallow scratch on his neck before the sword slipped from his hands and clattered to the ground.
Seeing this, Zhao Feng shook his head with a smile. "And you call yourself a king?"
"Even when I offer you an honorable way out, you won't take it."
"Pathetic."
With a wave of his hand, Zhao Feng signaled to his guards. Several of them stepped forward and bound Zhao Yan tightly with ropes.
Zhao Feng had never truly expected Zhao Yan to take his own life. Giving him the sword was nothing more than a way to humiliate him. Zhao Feng knew that a man like Zhao Yan who fled from his capital would never have the courage to die with honor.
A true king would stand firm in the face of adversity. When Qin faced the coalition of five states years ago, the newly enthroned Ying Zheng personally traveled to the frontier to rally his troops, inspiring countless Qin soldiers to fight and ultimately repelling the allied forces.
Zhao Yan had always thought himself superior to Ying Zheng, believing he could outshine him. But the reality was clear: Zhao Yan was utterly unworthy. He couldn't even measure up to his elder brother Zhao Yi, let alone Ying Zheng.
Zhao Yan was a failure, a usurper who had schemed his way to the throne, undeserving of the title of king.
"To be honest," Zhao Feng said, "if you'd chosen to die just now, you might have spared yourself some suffering."
"But since you've chosen to live, I can assure you that falling into the hands of our king won't end well for you."
His words were not merely to mock Zhao Yan but also to remind him of the harsh fate that awaited. Zhao Yan's face turned pale at the mention of Ying Zheng, as he imagined the torment that lay ahead.
"Listen up, all of you! Anyone who tries to escape will be killed!"
"If you obey and return quietly, you might still have a chance to live."
"Now turn around. We're heading back to Handan. Move!" Zhao Feng commanded loudly.
Under Zhao Feng's oppressive authority, the captured Zhao nobles dared not resist. Fearful and trembling, they had no choice but to comply.
By the end of the pursuit, Zhao Feng and his men had captured nearly 70 to 80 percent of Zhao's royal family and nobility. Only a small portion had managed to escape, and those who had wisely fled separately might still have a slim chance of survival.
Handan City.
The battle was still ongoing.
As the capital of a kingdom, Handan was vast. Of the Zhao army's 300,000 soldiers, only a small fraction had managed to escape through the rear gates. Most remained trapped within the city.
The Qin soldiers continued to sweep through the city, subduing the remnants of Zhao's forces. Those who surrendered were spared, while those who resisted were killed without hesitation.
On the walls of Handan, Ying Zheng stood alongside Wang Jian.
"Ten years ago, I would never have imagined that one day I'd stand here, overlooking Handan from its walls."
"And the people of Handan could never have foreseen that the former hostage they humiliated would return, leading an army to take their city," Ying Zheng said, his tone carrying a commanding aura as he surveyed the flames and chaos below.
"You are the ruler destined by heaven, my king," Wang Jian said solemnly. "First Korea, now Zhao. In the future, you will vanquish all the states and unite the land, becoming the sole sovereign under heaven."
"A great ambition shared by the kings of generations past, a dream held by countless Qin people."
"I will not forget."
"To unite the world, under the rule of Qin."
"I will achieve it," Ying Zheng declared, his voice filled with unshakable resolve as he gazed upon the war-torn city of Handan.
Conquering Handan meant the imminent fall of the Zhao state. With it, two of the Three Jin states would succumb to the might of Qin. Zhao, the strongest among the Three Jin, now teetered on the brink of destruction.
Looking across the land, only Chu could rival Zhao in strength if not slightly stronger, then at least evenly matched.
As time passed, Ying Zheng stood atop the city walls, arms crossed, refusing to descend.
Compared to staying in the war tent, Ying Zheng much preferred the feeling of standing over Handan, now firmly underfoot.
This sense of a victorious return, a king exacting his revenge, brought Ying Zheng immense satisfaction.
Roughly three hours later.
"Report!"
"We've just received an update from within the city!"
"General Zhao Feng has breached the Zhao royal palace. His forces have now taken full control of it."
The commander of the guards hurried to deliver the news, his expression brimming with excitement.
"Has Zhao Yan been captured?"
Ying Zheng's eyebrows lifted as he immediately inquired.
"Your Majesty, when General Zhao Feng's forces attacked the palace, Zhao Yan fled through a rear exit with his officials. However, General Zhao Feng has already set out in pursuit," the commander responded promptly.
"Zhao Yan," Ying Zheng muttered coldly, his tone dripping with disdain. "After all these years, he remains the same cowardly, useless man."
The mention of Zhao Yan stirred Ying Zheng's memories of the past.
Back then, due to a conflict with Zhao Yan, the latter plotted to kill him. Under the cover of night, assassins attacked, leading to the tragic death of Ying Zheng's teacher, Shen Yue.
That night, Ying Zheng held a sword to Zhao Yan's neck in his fury, nearly killing him without a second thought. Zhao Yan had been so terrified he wet himself. It was only his teacher who ultimately stopped him at the critical moment.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty," General Wang Jian said with a smile. "Zhao Feng will surely bring Zhao Yan back."
Ying Zheng smiled faintly, then turned to Wang Jian. "Wang Qing, after this successful campaign against Zhao, how do you suggest I reward Zhao Feng?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Jian's heart skipped a beat. He quickly replied, "That is a decision for Your Majesty alone. As both the Supreme Commander of Qin and Zhao Feng's father-in-law, it would be improper for me to comment."
Having navigated the Qin court for so many years, Wang Jian, though a military general, was adept at knowing when to speak and when to remain silent.
At this moment, Ying Zheng's tone carried an unmistakable hint he seemed to be considering granting Zhao Feng an even higher position.
If Zhao Feng were to be further promoted, what rank would he achieve?
He would stand alongside Wang Jian himself as a Grand Commander of the Qin military.
If that happened, Zhao Feng would become the youngest Grand Commander in the history of Qin and possibly in the entire realm.
Observing Wang Jian's careful response, Ying Zheng glanced at him but said nothing more.
"If he manages to capture Zhao Yan, then in both public and personal matters, I will ensure he becomes Qin's most honored Grand Commander," Ying Zheng said slowly, his tone making his intent unmistakable.
Wang Jian's heart trembled.
While he had speculated, he hadn't expected Ying Zheng to have already made up his mind.
If Zhao Feng succeeded, the Wang family would become the most distinguished family in Qin. Not only was Wang Jian already a Grand Commander, but his son-in-law would be one as well.
"But, Your Majesty," Wang Jian hesitated, "Zhao Feng is only nineteen years old. His qualifications are insufficient, and his promotion has already been the fastest in Qin's history. If he rises further, there will surely be opposition in court, especially since many other generals are vying for such a position."
Ying Zheng turned his gaze to Wang Jian, his tone commanding and resolute.
"Remember this, Wang Jian: Qin belongs to me. Military merit is the cornerstone of our kingdom.
No matter who achieves it, whether Zhao Feng or someone else, they will be rewarded for their accomplishments.
This time, who among all can claim greater merit than Zhao Feng?
Yes, he is young and lacks experience. But he is worthy.
As long as he brings Zhao Yan back, his merits will be recognized. When he returns to Xianyang, I will appoint him as Grand Commander without fail."
Hearing this, Wang Jian understood Ying Zheng's determination.
Indeed, Zhao Feng's contributions this time were unparalleled.
In public matters, capturing Zhao Yan was akin to capturing the king himself. Additionally, Zhao Feng had achieved victories in Wu'an, breached Handan, and seized the Zhao royal palace all exceptional feats. Any one of these merits would be enough to guarantee a promotion.
In personal matters, Zhao Yan was Ying Zheng's sworn enemy, the man who had killed his teacher a grudge Ying Zheng would never forget.
"Understood," Wang Jian replied respectfully, saying no more.
"The city should be pacified within a day," Ying Zheng said, smiling faintly.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Within a day, the remaining Zhao forces will be eliminated," Wang Jian replied immediately.
"Prepare a place for me to rest. I shall enter the city tomorrow," Ying Zheng commanded.
"Understood," Wang Jian answered deferentially.
To the north of Handan, less than ten miles from the city.
"General," one of the captives pleaded, "we really can't go on any further. Can we rest for a while?"
"Yes, my lord. Even if you intend to deal with us, at least let us rest. We're about to collapse!"
"Please, just a short break…"
It was nearing noon, and Zhao Feng had been marching with his captives for nearly two hours.
When they had been fleeing, they had rushed with all their might, but now they wanted to delay and drag their feet as much as possible.
"My lord," Zhao Feng's deputy, Zhang Ming, suggested, "most of these people are nobles, unused to hardship. If we push them too hard, they may die. Perhaps we should allow them half an hour's rest. After all, they represent merit to you."
"Fine," Zhao Feng nodded. He dismounted and sat down by the roadside.
"The general has ordered a rest. Anyone found beyond ten paces will be executed!" Zhang Ming shouted.
The seven hundred elite guards under Zhao Feng quickly spread out, forming an outer perimeter with their cavalry and positioning the infantry inside.
They were guarding over three thousand captives mostly Zhao nobles and their families, along with servants from the royal palace.
"I need to relieve myself!" Zhao Yan demanded angrily.
"Just do it in your pants," Zhao Feng replied coldly.
"How dare you humiliate me like this! I am still the king!" Zhao Yan roared in fury.
"A king? A coward who clings to life? You're nothing but a useless man," Zhao Feng retorted icily.
"Then kill me!" Zhao Yan shouted. "If you do, Ying Zheng will never forgive you."
Another captive, a former Zhao official who had earlier identified Zhao Yan, timidly spoke up, "General, I… I also need to relieve myself…"
"You traitor!" Zhao Yan shouted angrily, glaring at the official. "If not for you, how would I have been exposed?"
"Zhao Yan," the old official sneered, "we're both prisoners now. Besides, it was your incompetence that brought us to this.
And don't forget you're not even a legitimate king. The Zhao throne belonged to Chunping Jun, but you assassinated the envoy sent to bring him back, seizing the throne for yourself as a bastard son.
Do you think no one knows? You're not a king. You're a usurper, a traitor."
Zhao Yan's face turned ashen.
"You… You…"
Furious, Zhao Yan stared at the old official, but no words came out.
For everything the old official said was true.
The throne was indeed illegitimately claimed by Zhao Yan. When the late King Zhao was on his deathbed, he sent Minister Mao Sui to Qin to escort the crown prince, Zhao Yi, back to Zhao. However, Mao Sui was ambushed and killed en route an act orchestrated by Guo Kai. As a result, Zhao Yi never made it back, paving the way for Zhao Yan to ascend the throne.
"What's wrong?"
"Cat got your tongue?"
"Am I hitting too close to home?"
"Let me tell you, Zhao Yan, the assassins Guo Kai hired back then some of them might have been quietly dealt with by you, but not all of them. There are survivors."
"You, who are unworthy of being a son, a traitor unworthy of serving the state."
"You usurped your brother's throne, yet you dare to call yourself the ruler. Disgraceful!" The minister could no longer hold back his rage and launched into a tirade.
Zhao Yan hung his head in shame, speechless, unable to respond.
This scolding drew the attention of the surrounding onlookers, and their gazes towards Zhao Yan began to change.
With the truth of the throne's usurpation exposed, Zhao Yan's claim to the throne was no longer seen as legitimate. He became a man who had stolen his way into power.
In this era, legitimate succession and rightful inheritance were deeply valued. Zhao Yan's actions had undoubtedly cost him the support of the people, leaving him no chance of redemption.
"What a show watching the dogs turn on each other," Zhao Feng remarked with amusement at the scene before him.
Another dramatic moment unfolded.
"If anyone needs to relieve themselves, they can leave the crowd, but only within a ten-zhang radius. Beyond that, they will be executed," Zhao Feng ordered calmly.
"Thank you, General."
"Hurry! I can't hold it in anymore."
"Quick, to the latrine!"
One by one, the Zhao nobles stood and walked away to relieve themselves.
"Calculate the enemy-kill attribute points," Zhao Feng thought, issuing a command to his system.
"The battle is not yet over. Please wait," the system responded with a prompt.
Seeing this, Zhao Feng wasn't surprised.
The ongoing conflict within Handan City had not yet been completely resolved, as remnants of the Zhao forces remained.
"I wonder if Qin Shihuang has arrived in Handan yet."
"The First Emperor of Qin he's truly someone to marvel at," Zhao Feng thought expectantly.
Of course, Zhao Feng's reverence for Qin Shihuang stemmed from his knowledge of later historical accounts. Through this lens, he held profound admiration for the accomplishments of this legendary emperor, whose feats were unparalleled.
Inside Handan City
Surrounded by his royal guards, Ying Zheng walked through the streets of Handan step by step.
All around him were corpses. The ground was soaked in blood.
The city's residents had shut their doors and windows, refusing to step outside. Among them, there were undoubtedly hidden remnants of Zhao soldiers.
For now, the Qin army's logistics units had yet to arrive. The elite troops in the city could only clear a single main road, moving the corpses to the sides. Even so, the scene remained one of devastation a veritable hell on earth.
Handan City looked like the underworld itself.
"It's been over a decade."
"Not much has changed about the streets of Zhao," Ying Zheng said as he walked, a complicated expression on his face.
Years ago, during his childhood, he had grown up in this city, enduring humiliation.
"I once visited Zhao after the Battle of Changping," said Wang Jian with a smile.
"Since that battle, Zhao's national strength has been in decline. The kingdom has focused all its resources on recovery. They've had no funds to renovate their cities or homes."
"Zhao Yan is an incompetent ruler," Ying Zheng scoffed.
"Even with a weakened state, he dared to invade Yan."
"As far as I know, Zhao's taxes have reached 80%, eight out of every ten coins."
"For the people of Zhao, this burden is unbearable," Ying Zheng said coldly. "And now, their mess is left for us to clean up."
Wang Jian quickly responded, "With Your Majesty's benevolence and the structure of Qin's laws, I believe these burdens can soon be eased."
"Lowering taxes may ease the burden on Zhao's people, but it will weaken Qin's resources for at least a year," Ying Zheng said solemnly. "However, it's necessary for long-term stability."
"This destruction will pave the way for a new beginning."
Surrounded by his elite guards and personal army, Ying Zheng continued walking toward the city center.
As he progressed, especially near the outer and surrounding areas of the city, the devastation became increasingly clear.
"Casualties among our elite troops how many?" Ying Zheng asked as he surveyed the numerous fallen soldiers.
For Ying Zheng, who typically governed from Xianyang and only saw casualty reports as numbers, witnessing the battlefield in person was a shocking experience.
"This battle"
"Zhao Feng's main division has suffered over thirty thousand dead, with another ten thousand injured."
"As for the other two main divisions, total casualties are around thirty thousand, mostly injuries," Wang Jian reported immediately.
These figures were rough estimates. The precise numbers would only be known after the battle concluded.
"Remember this," Ying Zheng said firmly.
"All soldiers who died or were injured for Qin must not be treated poorly."
"They must be honored generously."
"No matter the cost to our national resources, I will ensure no delay in their pensions and benefits."
Wang Jian bowed and responded, "Understood."
"Let's go."
"To the Zhao royal palace."
"Years ago, as a hostage in Zhao, I was never allowed to set foot in the palace. Today, that changed," Ying Zheng said with a cold smile as he made his way to the palace.
Inside Longtai Palace
Ying Zheng stood before the Zhao throne. He ascended the steps, his expression cold.
"Zhao Yan."
"I'm here."
Ying Zheng fixed his gaze on the throne as if envisioning Zhao Yan sitting upon it his mortal enemy.
"Your Majesty."
"We have captured over thirty Zhao officials during this battle. They are currently detained."
"The Zhao palace is now fully under our control," Tu Sui and Zhang Han reported as they bowed to Ying Zheng.
"Tu Sui."
"Well done."
"Leaving the Yongcheng guards was the right decision," Ying Zheng said with a smile, looking at Tu Sui.
"It was all thanks to Your Majesty's grace. Otherwise, I would not have had this opportunity," Tu Sui replied humbly.
At that moment
"Report!"
"A Zhao general has sent an urgent message from north of Handan!"
A messenger hurriedly approached.
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