Li You shook his head and replied respectfully, "Nephew is not here to seek my uncle's forgiveness for my father. This act of apology is merely my duty as a son."
"After all,"
"Nephew understands my uncle well. If my father had not done something truly unforgivable, my uncle, as his former close friend, would never have been so cold."
Hearing Li You's words, a faint smile appeared at the corner of Han Fei's lips. He then said, "I still maintain my stance Li Si is Li Si, and you are you."
"Rise."
"Since you are here today, let us drink together."
Li You slowly stood up. "Thank you, Uncle."
"Alright, let's not talk about anything else today let's just drink."
"Tomorrow, we set out for Yunzhong." Zhao Feng said casually with a smile.
As for all the trouble Li Si had caused, Zhao Feng had no intention of meddling.
It was entirely up to Han Fei to decide how to handle it.
"Placing a military camp in Yunzhong serves two purposes: to intimidate the state of Yan and to deter the state of Wei."
"The King of Qin is truly a visionary. Establishing a camp in Yunzhong is a strategic move that accomplishes multiple objectives at once," Han Fei said with admiration.
"Yes, it certainly serves as a deterrent."
"But once Zhao territory is fully under control and Qin prepares to launch a campaign against Wei, I fear my camp won't get the opportunity to take part. Even the Lantian Camp might not be chosen," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"The Lantian Camp has already destroyed two states and even produced a top general like you. If Lantian is sent out again, do you think the commanders of the Beijiang and Hangu Camps would just sit by and watch?"
"So,"
"You should be satisfied." Han Fei teased.
"If I want the title of 'Lord Wu'an' to hold,"
"Then I must fight for it."
"If I do not, then I will not be worthy of a military man's ambitions." Zhao Feng grinned.
Now, he was only one step away from reaching the pinnacle of a military career.
"You're right."
"Everything must be fought for."
"This position governing Zhao territory I fought for it too."
"Speaking of which,"
"The King of Qin made this decision as a form of political balance. The influence of Wang Wan and his faction in court may have grown too strong." Han Fei smiled.
"By the way,"
"When I was in Xianyang, I even spoke ill of Wang Wan and his faction before the King."
"After that, the King arranged for Huhai to attend court sessions and observe governance." Zhao Feng said with a mischievous smile.
Hearing this,
Han Fei gave him a strange look. "You... If Wang Wan and his faction find out, they'll be furious."
"Besides, those old foxes have probably already guessed."
"Aren't you afraid of their retaliation?"
Zhao Feng sneered. "Retaliation?"
"Let them try if they dare."
"At the end of the day, they brought this upon themselves."
"At first, I had no grudges against them, but they repeatedly targeted me. If I don't retaliate, then what kind of man would I be?"
Han Fei chuckled and raised his wine cup. "That's exactly what I like about you fearless and unyielding. Come, let's drink."
"Haha!" Zhao Feng laughed heartily, lifting his cup to drink.
Li You, sitting beside them, quietly watched their conversation. Seeing how freely Zhao Feng and Han Fei laughed and talked, a hint of admiration flickered in his eyes.
State of Yan.
Ji City.
"Your Majesty."
"We have just received intelligence from the Qin state."
"The King of Qin has issued another edict to establish a new military camp, named the Wu'an Camp. The general commanding this camp is none other than Zhao Feng, the one who conquered Zhao." A Yan official reported loudly.
"Zhao Feng."
"A twenty-year-old Commandant of Guards, now a Supreme General."
"He is a great threat to our state of Yan."
"If only such a man had been born in our Yan state instead of Qin…" The King of Yan revealed a trace of regret.
Now that the states of Zhao and Han had fallen,
The nation most fearful of Qin's expansion was undoubtedly Wei, followed closely by Yan.
Of course,
Zhao Feng's fame had spread throughout the land along with his military achievements.
A Supreme General at the age of twenty--
This was even more terrifying than Bai Qi in his prime.
"Where has the Qin army set up this new camp?" the King of Yan asked.
"Your Majesty."
"The new Qin military camp, named Wu'an Camp, has been established in Yunzhong City." The reporting official answered solemnly.
"What?"
"Yunzhong City?"
The King of Yan's expression instantly changed. He knew exactly where Yunzhong City was it was once a border fortress of the state of Zhao, right next to Yan's frontier.
"The King of Qin has placed a military camp in Yunzhong City. This is clearly… an act of aggression against our state of Yan!" The King of Yan turned pale, a deep sense of unease settling over him.
"Your Majesty need not worry."
"Qin has no legitimate reason to wage war against Yan. The previous misunderstandings between our nations have been resolved, and Qin has accepted our explanations. If they attack Yan, they will be acting without justification, and the world will unite against them."
A Yan minister quickly stepped forward.
"I agree."
"There is no need to fear Qin."
"I believe that although this new Qin camp is located near our Yan border, it is even closer to Wei."
"This move is undoubtedly aimed at intimidating Wei."
"Your Majesty, there is no cause for concern."
"Qin and Yan are still allies. They would not break their word so easily."
"Your Majesty, please be at ease…"
One after another, the officials tried to reassure him.
Of course,
Some of these words were likely from Qin spies planted within Yan's court, while others came from ministers who sought personal benefit and wished to avoid conflict with Qin.
Listening to the court's words, the King of Yan remained deeply unsettled. However, he ultimately nodded. "The ministers speak wisely. Qin's establishment of a camp in Yunzhong is primarily aimed at Wei, not at Yan."
"General Qing Qin."
The King of Yan suddenly called out.
"Your subject is here."
A leading military officer stepped forward.
"Zhao Feng now commands a military camp in Yunzhong. Our state of Yan should offer our congratulations."
"You will personally travel to Yunzhong City to present a congratulatory gift on my behalf to Zhao Feng."
"Express my goodwill towards him." The King of Yan ordered.
"This subject obeys." Qing Qin responded immediately.
Currently, Yan lacked many capable generals.
If there were any,
Qing Qin was one. The second was Le Cheng, a general who had once defected to Zhao and later returned to Yan.
However,
As a traitor, Le Cheng had been allowed to reclaim military authority but was not fully trusted.
"The King of Qin."
"The state of Qin."
"As long as we deny them a justified cause for war, our state of Yan will survive."
"Nonetheless, we must send envoys to Qi and Chu."
"If Qin truly dares to violate all agreements and attack Yan, then with Qi and Chu's intervention, our state of Yan will endure." The King of Yan thought to himself.
As a ruler,
While he was not exceptionally wise or ambitious, he was at least pragmatic.
He understood the strategy of forming alliances.
As long as Qin had no justifiable reason to attack Yan if they dared to march on the state, Yan could call upon an alliance to resist Qin.
After the court was dismissed.
Yan King's Palace.
"Father."
"Your son requests an audience."
Yan Dan's voice rang from outside the hall.
Hearing Yan Dan's voice, the King of Yan's face showed a flicker of disgust. However, due to protocol, he still spoke. "Summon him."
"The King commands, summon the Crown Prince to enter."
An attendant relayed the order.
Yan Dan strode into the hall and bowed deeply. "Your son greets Father."
"Did I not order you to reflect upon your actions in seclusion? Why have you come?" The King of Yan frowned.
"Your son has heard that Ying Zheng has established a new Qin camp in Yunzhong. Does this not concern Father?"
"Yunzhong borders our Great Yan and is a border city. With a large camp set up in Yunzhong, it would mobilize at least 100,000 soldiers. If the Qin kingdom moves against us, how should our Great Yan respond?"
"The Qin army is powerful. Our Great Yan is simply no match."
"Father, we must consider this early."
Yan Dan said with a worried expression.
"This matter is none of your concern."
"Leave now," the King of Yan frowned and waved his hand, dismissing him.
"Father."
"Are you going to sit back and do nothing?"
"Your son has a great plan that can completely resolve the threat from Qin. If Father agrees, I will carry it out immediately," Yan Dan said seriously, seemingly confident in his plan.
Hearing Yan Dan's words, the King of Yan showed no intention of paying attention.
He knew exactly what kind of abilities and character his son had.
"Enough."
"I order you to return and reflect on your mistakes in isolation."
"From now on, without my summons, you are not allowed to enter the palace."
The King of Yan waved his hand coldly, reprimanding him.
Having said that, the King of Yan didn't even want to look at Yan Dan. He picked up the memorial and started reviewing it.
When Yan Dan strongly suggested attacking Zhao and capturing the city, the King of Yan believed him but repeatedly warned him not to engage with the Qin army under any circumstances.
What happened?
Yan Dan stubbornly fought the Qin army and lost miserably, which caused greater damage to the Yan state.
Now, the country's power had been depleted, and the people were dissatisfied. The King of Yan placed all the blame on Yan Dan.
If it weren't for the fact that they had just come from the battlefield and couldn't make any drastic moves, the King of Yan would have wanted to directly depose Yan Dan.
"Father, I..." Yan Dan said, his face full of unwillingness, wanting to say something more.
"Get out!"
The King of Yan shouted angrily and threw the bamboo slips from the desk.
Yan Dan, unwilling, left in frustration.
In the Crown Prince's residence.
"Crown Prince, what happened?"
"Did the King agree to your plan?"
A retainer of Yan Dan asked respectfully.
"My father is narrow-minded, afraid of Qin like a tiger, and didn't even let me finish speaking before sending me away."
"If this continues, our Great Yan is doomed," Yan Dan said angrily.
It was clear that he harbored deep dissatisfaction with his father.
In his view, only he could save the state of Yan, and no one else could do it.
"The Crown Prince's heart, the King doesn't understand," the retainer said with resentment.
"My father doesn't listen, but for the survival of Great Yan, I have no choice but to act."
"If we do nothing and watch Qin grow stronger, sooner or later, our Great Yan will be destroyed by Qin."
"Did you complete the task I assigned you?" Yan Dan asked seriously.
"Rest assured, Your Highness."
"I have secretly recruited personnel and am training assassins in secret."
"In about a year or so, there will be results," the retainer immediately replied.
"Besides the assassins, keep an eye on Fan Yuqi."
"He must not leave Yan, and he must not die," Yan Dan instructed with great seriousness.
"Your Highness," the retainer said hesitantly, "there is something I don't understand."
"Say it," Yan Dan said.
"Why do you place such importance on Fan Yuqi?"
"He is just a general who defected from Qin. His abilities are not exceptional. He doesn't deserve the care and attention you've shown him all these years," the retainer said, confused.
"Indeed."
"If it's just about ability, he doesn't deserve the luxurious life I've provided him."
"But he is someone that Ying Zheng wants," Yan Dan said with a cold smile.
"At the critical moment, he will undoubtedly play a significant role."
"The Qin king issued a warrant for the capture of Fan Yuqi, offering great rewards to anyone who captured him. For many years, that warrant has never been revoked."
"What has Fan Yuqi done to incur such hatred from the Qin king?" the retainer asked, puzzled.
Yan Dan smiled faintly but did not elaborate: "You'll understand in the future."
In his heart, Yan Dan sneered: "Ying Zheng, in the end, you're incompetent. Back then, Dong'er chose you, but you didn't protect her well. This Fan Yuqi is the one who harmed Dong'er. Don't worry, I will take his life, and your life will be the same."
Yunzhong City!
Not far outside the city.
A military camp was under construction, building barracks, training fields, and various facilities for training purposes.
Of course, this military camp was primarily built on the site of the original Zhao border camp.
Naturally, it was being expanded. Without this, it would be impossible to accommodate 100,000 soldiers for defense.
"General,"
"The camp has been under construction for more than a month."
"The basic barracks are nearly complete," Tu Sui reported respectfully.
Tu Sui was accompanied by Zhang Han.
"Have all the elite soldiers from my former main camp arrived?" Zhao Feng asked.
"They have all arrived in Yunzhong," Tu Sui respectfully replied.
"Gather all the elite soldiers for assembly at the training ground," Zhao Feng said, then walked toward the command platform.
"Yes, General," Tu Sui and Zhang Han immediately responded.
Soon, the sound of the assembly drum echoed through the camp.
Elite soldiers gathered from all around the barracks and made their way to the training ground.
On the command platform.
Looking at the gathered elite soldiers, Zhao Feng smiled slightly.
"I do enjoy life in the military camp."
"On the battlefield, bloodshed, and battle are the true paths of a man," Zhao Feng thought to himself, feeling a surge of ambition.
Although there was peace at home, the four years of military life had already become a part of Zhao Feng's nature.
When all the elite soldiers had gathered.
"General is here."
"Where are the elite soldiers of Great Qin?"
Tu Sui stepped forward and shouted.
"Pay respects to the General!"
All the soldiers shouted in unison, their voices full of fervor.
For the elite soldiers of Zhao Feng's main camp, Zhao Feng was undoubtedly the soul of the army.
Every soldier had fought alongside Zhao Feng through countless battles, and in the military, they followed him alone.
Now that their General had been promoted to a higher rank, they felt it was well deserved. And they believed that not only was he worthy of being the General, but he could even hold the title of the national commander.
"I have been away for two months, and yet you all maintain the same military discipline."
"I am proud of every one of you," Zhao Feng raised his hand and said loudly.
"We will follow General to the death."
"We will follow General to the death..."
The cheers echoed once again, filling the sky.
"Upon my return,"
"I am sure you all have heard the news that I have been promoted to the Chief Military Commander, and I am now the Supreme General."
"I will command a large camp, and under me will be three main generals."
"My camp is called the Wuan Camp," Zhao Feng said in a commanding voice.
"Congratulations to the Supreme General!"
The entire training ground once again erupted in voices of celebration.
"Tu Sui, Zhang Han," Zhao Feng took out a royal decree and called out in a commanding voice.
"We are here!"
Although they had already received word from their superiors, they were still extremely excited at this moment, knowing they were about to be promoted to the position of main general.
"Royal decree from the King of Qin."
"Generals Tu Sui and Zhang Han have rendered great service in battle for the nation. Now that the Wu'an military camp has been newly established, it is in urgent need of talented commanders."
"Upon recommendation by Supreme General Zhao Feng"
"Tu Sui is hereby appointed as a main general, commanding the First Main Camp of Wu'an, and is granted a two-rank promotion."
"Zhang Han is hereby appointed as a main general, commanding the Second Main Camp of Wu'an, and is granted a two-rank promotion."
Zhao Feng declared in a powerful voice.
"We humbly thank His Majesty for his great favor!"
Both generals shouted excitedly, their faces filled with joy.
For them, this was undoubtedly a moment of great honor.
At the same time, they felt even more grateful to Zhao Feng, their loyalty growing stronger.
They knew that if not for following Zhao Feng, they would never have achieved such prestigious positions at such a young age. Becoming a main general would have been nearly impossible.
"Li You."
After announcing the appointments of the two generals, Zhao Feng spoke again in a commanding voice.
"I am here!"
Li You, dressed in full military attire, stepped forward. However, he had never been on the battlefield before, so he lacked the aura of a seasoned warrior.
At this moment, being officially appointed as a general, he couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.
Compared to governing a country, entering the military world was an entirely different experience, one that made him somewhat nervous.
"Royal decree from the King of Qin."
"Li You, governor of Beidi Commandery, is both a capable administrator and a skilled military strategist. Therefore, he is hereby appointed as the main general of the Third Main Camp of Wu'an."
Zhao Feng announced in a solemn voice.
"I humbly thank His Majesty for his great favor! I shall not let His Majesty down!"
Li You responded with a respectful bow.
However, on the training field, many elite soldiers glanced at Li You with expressions of disdain.
A newcomer from civil governance, entering the military as a general many of them couldn't help but look down on him.
Of course, since this was an official military ceremony presided over by Zhao Feng, no one dared to voice their complaints openly.
But once Li You took command, whether he could truly lead a main camp would be entirely up to him.
After all
He had gained his position through connections.
Without proving himself through battlefield accomplishments, he would never gain the respect of his subordinates.
In the military, strength and merit were what truly mattered. And Li You, at the moment, had neither.
"Today,"
"All three main generals of Wu'an Military Camp have been appointed."
"Under the main generals"
"Step forward when your name is called."
Zhao Feng took out another royal decree.
Then, he raised his voice:
"Wei Quan, Liu Wang, Luo Hua, Zhuang Wei..."
One by one, names were called.
The generals who were named all stepped forward excitedly.
These appointments were for vice generals
Each vice general would command 50,000 troops, a position of great authority.
Unsurprisingly, many of Zhao Feng's long-time subordinates were promoted.
However, their promotions were not undeserved. Their accomplishments were solid, and they had fought in numerous battles, proving their worth.
Even if some had complaints, they had no valid reason to object.
Three simple words were enough to silence any dissent
Military Merit System!
Three main camps, and six vice generals.
Four of them were Zhao Feng's trusted subordinates, while two were directly appointed by Ying Zheng, the King of Qin.
No matter how much Ying Zheng trusted Zhao Feng, he would never allow the entire Wu'an Military Camp to be under his sole control.
As a ruler, he had to maintain a balance ensuring loyalty, but also keeping ultimate authority firmly in the hands of the throne.
"We humbly thank His Majesty!"
"We humbly thank the Supreme General!"
The vice generals all expressed their gratitude loudly.
Zhao Feng did not hesitate and spoke again:
"The previous main camp's Central Army Adjutant, Kuai Pu step forward!"
"I am here!"
Kuai Pu, who had previously served as the adjutant of the central army in Zhao Feng's main camp, stepped forward with a serious expression and bowed deeply.
"Royal decree from the King of Qin."
"Kuai Pu is hereby appointed as the Central Army Adjutant of Wu'an Military Camp, responsible for overseeing military discipline and recording battle merits."
"He will report directly to Supreme General Zhao Feng and the Minister of the Interior, Wei Liao."
Zhao Feng declared in a firm voice.
"I humbly thank His Majesty for his great favor!"
Kuai Pu bowed deeply, his face filled with excitement.
Although he had previously served under Zhao Feng, his duties were different he had been a central army adjutant, managing battle records and enforcing military discipline.
But now, he had been promoted to oversee the entire Wu'an Military Camp, a position equivalent to that of a main general.
Of course
Unlike other commanders, the Central Army Adjutant was not solely under Zhao Feng's command.
He also reported directly to the Minister of the Interior one of the key officials who ensured the king's control over the military.
"Below the vice generals, many other officers will also be promoted based on their military merits."
"Their appointments will be announced by their respective commanders later."
After reading the last of the royal decrees, Zhao Feng spoke again.
At that moment
"Supreme General!"
"When you returned home for your wedding, we brothers never got to drink your wedding wine!"
A bold and outspoken soldier shouted.
The moment those words were spoken
Many others immediately turned their gazes toward Zhao Feng.
"We want wedding wine!"
"We want wedding wine!"
…
The entire training ground erupted in excited cheers.
Hearing this, Zhao Feng smiled.
Raising his hand, he signaled for silence.
Only then did the training ground quiet down.
"How could I possibly forget my brothers?"
"Rest assured"
"Knowing I would return today, I have already arranged for plenty of fine wine."
"Brothers, you may drink to your hearts' content!"
"Besides the wine, there will also be an abundance of meat!"
"Tonight, we celebrate together!"
Zhao Feng declared with a hearty laugh.
"Supreme General is mighty!"
"Mighty!"
…
The entire military camp resounded with roaring cheers.
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