"An urgent report from Zhao Feng?"
Before Ying Zheng could react, Wang Jian stepped forward and immediately said, "Speak!"
"General Zhao has led 700 of his elite guards in pursuit, successfully intercepting the Zhao royal nobles. He has also slain over a thousand of the Zhao imperial guards and is now returning to camp," the messenger reported loudly.
Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng's face instantly lit up with a smile. "Excellent!"
Meanwhile, Wang Jian felt a surge of joy in his heart. Zhao Yan was captured by Zhao Feng! The King's promise the position of Guard Captain.
And the youngest Grand General in the history of Qin.
Thinking of this, Wang Jian tried hard to suppress his excitement. His son-in-law is about to become a Grand General!
"Zhao Yan has been captured this is a cause for great celebration in Qin," Wang Jian said, bowing deeply to Ying Zheng. "Your Majesty, I offer my congratulations!"
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!"
Tu Sui, Zhang Han, and the other generals echoed in unison.
Ying Zheng raised his hand slightly, unable to hide the joy on his face.
"Zhao Feng," Ying Zheng said softly. "He is a valiant general of Qin, a blessing to our empire."
Tu Sui and Zhang Han exchanged glances, their faces beaming with satisfaction. They were Zhao Feng's trusted subordinates and loyal followers. Hearing the King praise him so highly, they couldn't help but feel that their master might rise even higher.
"By the way," Ying Zheng said with a smile, "I am curious. What kind of person is Zhao Feng? You two have followed him on campaigns. Can you tell me about him?"
"Your Majesty," Tu Sui replied solemnly, "I dare not speak presumptuously about the General. However, there is one thing all of us who serve under him know well."
"Go on," Ying Zheng prompted, intrigued.
"Following General Zhao, we always win," Tu Sui said firmly.
"Back when the General commanded 10,000 soldiers as a subordinate officer, those troops followed him without question. When he was a deputy general leading 50,000, they trusted him completely. Now, as the main general, 100,000 soldiers willingly serve under him," Zhang Han added with equal conviction, his gaze filled with respect.
Hearing their words, Ying Zheng's expression grew serious. "A soul of the army?"
To a monarch, ruling the nation, commanding officials, strengthening the state, and expanding territories were paramount goals to leave a legacy as a wise ruler.
But for a military commander, forging an army with a true "soul" was a rare and monumental achievement.
Now, from Tu Sui and Zhang Han's words, Ying Zheng seemed to glimpse the makings of such an army a force imbued with a singular, unshakable spirit. And this spirit was created by one man.
"A single man is the soul of an entire army," Ying Zheng murmured. "This is Zhao Feng's strength?"
"For him to stand out among Qin's million elite warriors, he truly is a man of extraordinary talent," Ying Zheng thought silently. "Even compared to the legendary General Bai Qi, Zhao Feng surpasses him in some ways."
"Such a remarkable individual is certainly worthy of great trust and responsibility," Ying Zheng concluded inwardly.
"To have such a son-in-law, the Grand General's family must have excellent judgment," Ying Zheng said with a faint smile, turning to Wang Jian.
Wang Jian immediately responded with a grin, "Your Majesty flatters me. Perhaps it was fate that brought my daughter and Zhao Feng together."
"When Zhao is fully conquered, I will personally officiate their marriage," Ying Zheng said, laughing. "It will be a celebrated union within our military ranks."
"Your Majesty," Wang Jian said, as if suddenly remembering something. He stepped forward and presented a box, opening it before Ying Zheng.
"The royal seal of Zhao."
"Zhao Yan was so desperate to flee that he even forgot this," Wang Jian said with a smirk.
"Ridiculous," Ying Zheng scoffed coldly as he glanced at the seal.
He immediately called out, "Ren Xiao."
"Present!"
Ren Xiao stepped forward and carefully took the seal from Wang Jian, ensuring its safekeeping.
A royal seal, the symbol of sovereignty, would naturally become part of Qin's collection.
Just as the royal seal of Han was stored in the palace treasury after their conquest, this seal from Zhao would soon join it. These relics would stand as a testament to Ying Zheng's future unification of the realm.
At that moment, Wang Ben and Yang Duanhe arrived in the hall.
"Your Majesty, we salute you!" The two generals bowed deeply.
Hearing their voices, Ying Zheng looked up, smiling warmly. "You two have worked hard. Rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," they replied respectfully.
"Report on the situation in the city," Ying Zheng ordered.
"Your Majesty," Wang Ben began, "the battle within Handan is largely settled. The remaining Zhao forces in the city have surrendered and are being escorted outside for detention. However, some have escaped amidst the chaos, and others are hiding among the civilians in the city."
"We are currently conducting house-to-house searches for these fugitives. Any captured Zhao soldiers will be taken into custody immediately," Yang Duanhe added.
"We've also dispatched logistics teams to clean up the corpses in the city to prevent the spread of disease."
Ying Zheng nodded approvingly. "The soldiers at the Lantian camp have fought tirelessly without rest. Arrange for them to take shifts and recover. They are the brave warriors of Qin and deserve our gratitude."
"Your Majesty is wise," the generals said in unison.
Wang Ben and Yang Duanhe continued reporting on the situation in Handan, and time passed unknowingly.
Suddenly, a messenger arrived, shouting, "Report! General Zhao Feng has returned with the captured Zhao nobles. They are currently assembled in the plaza outside the Zhao royal palace!"
"Zhao Yan," Ying Zheng said softly, uttering the name. Without waiting for anyone, he began walking toward the palace gates.
By this time, the Zhao nobles and palace attendants who had fled Handan were mostly captured and gathered in the plaza outside the palace.
Once high-ranking aristocrats, they were now prisoners of war.
Most of them had been caught off guard when Qin forces attacked the palace, unaware of the betrayal by their chancellor, Guo Kai.
Even now, they struggled to understand how Guo Kai had failed to warn them let alone the possibility that he had defected to Qin. Such treachery from someone as high-ranking as a chancellor was unimaginable to them.
In the plaza, Zhao Feng stood at the forefront as his soldiers took charge of the captives.
"Everyone," Zhao Feng addressed them loudly. "Soon, your names and positions will be recorded. Cooperate fully. If anyone dares to lie or falsify information, the punishment will be death."
"After the registration, food will be distributed," he added, before gesturing for his subordinate Zhang Ming to begin the process.
At that moment, Wang Jian stepped forward and called out, "Zhao Feng!"
"What is it, Grand General?" Zhao Feng turned to ask.
"The King is here. Why have you not gone to greet His Majesty?" Wang Jian shouted.
"Ying Zheng is here?" Zhao Feng's heart skipped a beat as he looked up. Sure enough, on the steps above stood a figure in royal robes, exuding an overwhelming aura.
Ying Zheng appeared young and heroic, not yet forty. Even his gaze carried a suffocating pressure a natural authority that needed no anger to inspire fear.
As Zhao Feng looked at Ying Zheng, he couldn't help but marvel inwardly. This is truly the First Emperor of a thousand generations. His presence alone is unmatched. A real king through and through.
Compared to him, Zhao Yan is nothing but a disgraceful fool.
Behind Zhao Feng.
At this moment, Zhao Yan was trembling all over, not daring to lift his head. With just a fleeting glance, he saw the person he least wanted to meet in his entire life or rather, the person he dreaded encountering the most since his capture.
At this moment, Zhao Yan could only pray for the heavens to intervene, to strike Ying Zheng with thunder, or for some courageous minister to rescue him.
But all of this was just Zhao Yan's wishful thinking.
The Handan of today, the Zhao royal palace of today, was no longer his domain. It had been completely conquered by Great Qin.
He was nothing more than a prisoner.
At that moment!
Zhao Feng suddenly snapped out of it.
He immediately turned around and bowed deeply toward the figure standing on the steps. "Your subject Zhao Feng pays respects to Your Majesty."
Ying Zheng's gaze fell upon Zhao Feng and even someone as composed and commanding as him couldn't help but be taken aback upon seeing Zhao Feng's current state.
Zhao Feng was utterly drenched in blood. His hair was stained red, his face only distinguishable by his bright eyes, and his armor and robes were completely soaked in dark crimson.
At a glance, Zhao Feng looked as if he had just emerged from a mountain of corpses and a sea of blood.
The murderous aura emanating from him was enough to oppress anyone within several meters.
It was truly intimidating.
"General Zhao," Ying Zheng said calmly, "no need for formalities."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Zhao Feng immediately replied, standing upright.
"General Zhao, come forward."
Ying Zheng gave a faint smile.
"At your command." Zhao Feng didn't hesitate and, on the contrary, felt a bit excited.
After all, the person standing before him was none other than Qin Shi Huang, the First Emperor of China!
At this moment, Zhao Feng couldn't help but feel like he was meeting a superstar he had admired for ages.
Of course, Zhao Feng wasn't a fanboy in his past life, but how could anyone resist the awe of standing before Qin Shi Huang, a figure revered as the forefather of the Chinese nation?
Without him,
China might have remained fragmented for millennia, never achieving unification.
The unification of China all of it started with Qin Shi Huang, this awe-inspiring forefather.
As Zhao Feng ascended the steps,
he finally stood face to face with the King of Qin future Qin Shi Huang.
However, seeing Zhao Feng in his blood-drenched state, Wang Jian couldn't help but comment, "Young man, do you not know basic etiquette? Couldn't you have cleaned yourself up first?"
"General," Zhao Feng replied with a chuckle, "I was chasing down those fleeing Zhao nobles just moments ago. There wasn't even time to catch my breath, let alone clean up."
Indeed,
Apart from his eyes, his entire body was covered in filth and blood.
"Ah, you…"
Wang Jian shook his head, at a loss for words.
He also realized that Zhao Feng had no idea Ying Zheng would be present.
And this blood-soaked appearance, in a way, was a testament to Zhao Feng's valor in battle.
"General, say no more," Ying Zheng interjected with a smile. "General Zhao's current state only underscores the bravery of Great Qin's warriors. Seeing him like this would strike terror into the hearts of our enemies."
"I understand," Wang Jian replied immediately.
He hadn't meant to criticize Zhao Feng but rather to smooth over his apparent breach of etiquette.
"Where is Zhao Yan?"
Ying Zheng's expression turned cold, his earlier smile disappearing.
Zhao Feng didn't hesitate and shouted toward the base of the steps, "Bring Zhao Yan up!"
At his command,
two guards immediately hauled Zhao Yan up, dragging him step by step to the top of the stairs before throwing him to the ground.
Standing before Zhao Yan, Zhao Feng waved his hand.
"Kneel!"
One of the guards kicked Zhao Yan,
causing him to fall with a loud thud.
"Ah!"
Zhao Yan cried out in pain, collapsing to his knees.
"Zhao Yan," Ying Zheng said, looking down at him with a cold smile. "We meet again. Did you ever think this day would come?"
A year ago, Zhao Yan had personally traveled to Xianyang to sign an alliance treaty with Ying Zheng.
But from beginning to end, the treaty was part of Ying Zheng's strategy a ploy to make Zhao Yan lower his guard against Qin and focus his forces on attacking Yan. This gave Qin the perfect opportunity to invade and destroy Zhao.
Now,
the conquest was complete.
Zhao Yan, once a high and mighty king, was reduced to a prisoner, stripped of all his former glory, and left in disgrace.
Hearing Ying Zheng's words,
Zhao Yan's heart quivered, but he knew begging for mercy would be futile.
So,
he straightened his back, glaring at Ying Zheng with hatred. "Ying Zheng, if you have the guts, just kill me! I'm not afraid to die!"
"I hate you."
"I hate myself for trusting you, for being deceived by you into signing that so-called treaty."
"I hate that I didn't have you slaughtered back then along with Shen Yue, that girl, and that old man!"
Hearing Zhao Yan's outburst,
Ying Zheng laughed coldly in anger. "Zhao Yan, after all these years, you're still so naive. Do you think I'd let you die so easily?"
"As for your so-called hatred?"
"It's laughable in my eyes."
"You're nothing but an incompetent man, an incapable ruler."
"Zhao's downfall was destined to happen under my hands."
"And you'll witness every step of it with your own eyes."
"You, who dreamed of being a conqueror, will go down in history as a despised king who brought ruin to his nation."
"Our grievances will be settled, one by one."
Feeling the madness in Ying Zheng's icy gaze, Zhao Yan shuddered inwardly, but he forced himself to remain defiant. "I'm not afraid of you. Kill me if you dare! Don't expect me to beg for mercy."
"Let me tell you," Zhao Yan spat, "don't think your Qin will last forever just because you've destroyed Zhao. Your kingdom will fall, sooner or later!"
"I refuse to believe your luck will hold out forever."
Ying Zheng responded with a faint smile, completely unfazed by Zhao Yan's empty threats.
Leaning closer, Ying Zheng locked eyes with him. "Do you know why you lost?"
"In terms of national strength, Zhao is only slightly weaker than Qin. In terms of military power, Zhao's army rivals that of Qin. And in terms of generals, Zhao has three commanders who could match my three great generals..."
"But with all this national strength, you still lost," Qin Shi Huang said, his tone sharp and cutting.
"Utterly and completely," he added.
"In the end, it all boils down to one thing you're foolish, Zhao Yan."
"Li Mu's prowess and Lian Po's capability, you abandoned and cast aside them both. Worse yet, you drove them to their deaths," Ying Zheng continued, his gaze piercing.
"The reason my Qin forces were able to so easily breach your capital and stand here in your palace today is thanks to none other than you, Zhao Yan."
"Were it not for you forcing Lian Po to his death and removing Li Mu from command, it wouldn't have been this simple for me," he said with a faint sneer.
"Zhao Yan," Ying Zheng said coldly.
"You are not only the king who oversaw Zhao's fall but also the most incompetent ruler in the entire history of Zhao."
"When you die, I can't wait to see how you explain yourself to the ancestors of Zhao in the underworld," Ying Zheng mocked, his words dripping with disdain.
Zhao Yan's face turned pale, his mind spinning, unable to muster a single retort.
At that moment, the sound of hurried footsteps echoed through the hall.
A man appeared Guo Kai.
He had already removed his Zhao official robes, now wearing a simple yet elegant civilian outfit. He rushed toward Ying Zheng.
As he approached, Qin's guards blocked his path, their spears barring his way.
"Stop," they commanded.
"My lord!" Guo Kai called out urgently, kneeling even before crossing the threshold.
"I request an audience," his voice trembled with a mix of deference and desperation.
The sight of Guo Kai shocked Zhao Yan. He stared at the man he had once trusted most, his face full of disbelief.
Ying Zheng regarded Guo Kai with a faint smile, waving his hand to signal the guards to step aside.
As the soldiers moved, Guo Kai hurried forward, prostrating himself before Ying Zheng.
"Minister Guo Kai pays respects to Your Majesty," he said, bowing deeply.
"May Qin prosper for ten thousand years, and may Your Majesty reign eternally," Guo Kai flattered, his tone syrupy.
"Now that Your Majesty has claimed Handan, this humble servant has long awaited this glorious day," he added, piling on layers of flattery.
But Zhao Yan's reaction was far from calm.
"Guo Kai!"
"You… you traitor!" Zhao Yan roared, his voice trembling with fury.
"You scoundrel!"
Zhao Yan now fully understood the depth of Guo Kai's betrayal.
His once-trusted minister, the man who had stood beside him through thick and thin, had turned against him.
Guo Kai turned to Zhao Yan, his expression indifferent, though he remained kneeling before Ying Zheng.
"Zhao Yan," Ying Zheng said, his smirk widening.
"This is yet another reason why you failed."
"Guo Kai was mine from the very moment you sent him to Qin."
"After the Battle of Wei River, Guo Kai had already fallen into my hands," he revealed, his tone filled with icy disdain.
"Guo Kai!" Zhao Yan bellowed, his voice filled with disbelief.
"How dare you betray me?!"
"How dare you?"
"I treated you with kindness and trust, granting you the title of prime minister, elevating you to the highest position under me, and this is how you repay me?"
"You are ungrateful and without conscience!" Zhao Yan's voice was filled with bitterness and rage.
But Guo Kai was unmoved.
"My lord," Guo Kai began, his voice calm.
"You did indeed treat me well. I, Guo Kai, am no saint, but even a petty man knows gratitude."
"However," he said, his tone growing cold, "everything between us was a transaction of mutual use."
"Every task you assigned me placed my life on the line assassinating Mao Sui, stealing the throne..."
"I once thought I owed you my loyalty. But then you sent me to Qin to kidnap the Qin King's mother. That was the moment I realized your so-called benevolence was a joke."
"If it weren't for the Qin King's mercy, I would already be dead," Guo Kai said, his voice firm yet laced with bitterness.
"You scoundrel!" Zhao Yan roared again, his voice trembling with uncontrollable anger.
"You're a disgraceful traitor! Even if you serve Ying Zheng now, he will never spare you."
"Ying Zheng, do not trust him! The moment he loses his usefulness, he'll betray you just as he did me!" Zhao Yan spat venomously, trying to sow discord.
Ying Zheng chuckled coldly, his expression unwavering.
"Zhao Yan," he said dismissively.
"You think I am as small-minded as you?"
Turning to Guo Kai, he addressed him with deliberate gravity.
"Guo Kai."
"Your Majesty," Guo Kai responded immediately, bowing deeply.
"On that day, I promised you this: if you help me conquer Zhao, I will grant you a lifetime of wealth and comfort," Ying Zheng said solemnly.
"My word is my bond. I will not go back on it."
"In a few days, you will leave Zhao and live wherever you wish within Qin's territory," he continued.
"As long as you do not engage in corruption or oppress the people, I promise you a life free from worry."
"After today, Guo Kai, the Prime Minister of Zhao, will cease to exist," Ying Zheng declared firmly, his words final.
Hearing this, Guo Kai was overwhelmed with emotion.
"Your Majesty is most gracious. This humble servant is eternally grateful," Guo Kai said, his voice trembling as he bowed again.
To Ying Zheng, Guo Kai was indeed a treacherous man, but he was also a man of great utility. Without him, Qin would not have so easily dismantled Zhao's defenses or captured Zhao Yan.
For these contributions alone, Ying Zheng decided to spare him.
"Zhao Yan," Guo Kai said, turning back to the fallen king.
"This is the difference between Your Majesty and you."
"You used me like a dog only as a tool to be discarded. But His Majesty sees me as a man of value," Guo Kai said coldly.
"Guo Kai!"
"Ying Zheng!"
"I will not let you rest, even in death!" Zhao Yan screamed, his voice raw with fury and despair.
But Ying Zheng was indifferent to his outburst.
"I've heard enough," he said.
"Take him away. Guard him closely," he commanded coldly.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Ren Xiao responded, stepping forward to take Zhao Yan into custody.
Two guards approached, roughly dragging Zhao Yan away.
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