As soon as Zhao Feng finished speaking, the curtain was lifted.
Han Fei strode in with confidence.
"Brother Zhao, it's been a while!"
Han Fei greeted him with a familiar smile.
"It looks like the governance of Zhao territory has been more or less settled. You have the time to come to Wei territory," Zhao Feng said with a grin.
"Why do I feel a bit of sarcasm in your words?"
"What?"
"You think I abandoned my duties to come to Wei?"
Han Fei said jokingly as he casually took a seat beside Zhao Feng.
"You're overthinking it."
"Now that you've completed your governance of Zhao territory, once you return, a position among the Nine Ministers is surely yours."
"But since you're here at just the right time, I have a huge number of refugees under my command hundreds of thousands of mouths to feed. As someone in charge of the military, managing them is quite troublesome for me. But since you're here, I'll leave it to you."
Zhao Feng smiled, making it clear he had no intention of handling the matter himself.
"You are trying to push this off on me."
"I just took a look on my way here. The refugee camps are well-organized, without any signs of chaos," Han Fei observed.
"That's because of strict military regulations and an iron-fisted approach to governance."
"But that doesn't mean there are no underlying issues."
"That's why someone like you, an expert in administration, is needed," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
"Fine."
"You're just openly trying to hand this off to me," Han Fei chuckled.
"So, will you take it or not?" Zhao Feng asked with amusement.
Han Fei grinned. "Of course, I'll take it!"
"This is a golden opportunity for a great achievement. If I manage this well, my position among the Nine Ministers will be even more secure."
Han Fei was candid with Zhao Feng he was determined to secure a seat among the Nine Ministers.
Of course, that ambition was backed by his qualifications.
Moreover, he could tell that Zhao Feng's decision to hand over the refugee governance to him was an act of goodwill. The camps were already well-organized under military control, and the situation was stable.
Zhao Feng simply didn't need this particular political achievement.
At this moment, Zhao Feng turned his gaze toward another man who had entered the tent with Han Fei but had remained silent.
Feeling Zhao Feng's eyes on him, Yan Bing quickly stepped forward and bowed. "Subordinate Yan Bing greets the Supreme General!"
"Governor Yan, how is it working under Lord Han?" Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
"The Lord's prestige shakes the world. To serve under him is my greatest honor."
"Had it not been for the Supreme General, I would never have had this opportunity," Yan Bing said, his tone filled with gratitude.
He was aware that his position under Han Fei was due to Zhao Feng's recommendation.
As a governor, Yan Bing had previously overseen a small and unremarkable county. Without the right connections, he would never have had the chance to serve in the capital.
However, because he had looked after Zhao Feng's mother and sister over the years, Zhao Feng recognized his efforts and provided him with an opportunity.
Zhao Feng had specifically recommended Yan Bing to Han Fei, suggesting that he be appointed to assist in governing Zhao's territory.
When Han Fei eventually returned to the capital, Yan Bing would go with him transitioning from a county governor to a high-ranking official in the imperial court.
For a former county governor, such a leap in status was invaluable.
"This is your ability at work," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"Speaking of which..."
"There are so many refugees and surrendered soldiers here, yet military rations are insufficient. I doubt the imperial court will allocate much more food either."
"After all, to many in the court, these refugees are expendable," Han Fei commented.
"I've already submitted a report to Xianyang. The first batch of relief grain should arrive within half a month, and we won't need to worry about future supplies either."
"Wei Wuji stockpiled vast amounts of grain in the Wei capital, and 60% of it survived the flood."
"That alone will be enough for the refugees," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"After the flood, 60% of the grain was still intact?" Han Fei asked in surprise.
"Wei Wuji anticipated that Qin might try to use fire attacks against Wei's food supplies, so he stored the majority of the grain in sealed underground vaults, preventing them from being destroyed by the flood," Zhao Feng explained.
"Well, that certainly worked in our favor!"
"Wei Wuji stockpiled a lot of food. With this, the refugee crisis is solved," Han Fei laughed.
This also meant that the credit for solving the crisis would be his.
Since food was no longer an issue, he no longer had to rely on the court's slow and uncertain supply distribution.
"Brother Han."
"Take a look at this map."
Zhao Feng gestured toward a map in front of him.
Han Fei composed himself and stepped forward.
On the map, Zhao Feng had drawn a circle around a specific location.
"You plan to build a city here?"
Han Fei immediately understood Zhao Feng's intention.
"These refugees can't live in tents forever."
"They need a proper settlement."
"Furthermore..."
"We need to put the able-bodied among them to work."
"They can contribute labor in exchange for more food and necessities while building the new city."
"Additionally..."
Zhao Feng proceeded to explain his entire plan to Han Fei how the city would be built, how the refugees would be managed, and how they would be integrated into society.
As Han Fei listened, his eyes widened.
His admiration for Zhao Feng grew with every word.
"Labor-for-relief programs?"
"Brother Zhao, how does your mind work?"
"You're just as adept at governance as you are at military strategy."
"You already had this entire plan figured out you're just handing me a guaranteed achievement," Han Fei said with a laugh.
"This administrative achievement is useless to me."
"Besides, I have no allies in the court, except for you."
"With this achievement in urban planning and refugee resettlement, your place among the Nine Ministers will be secured," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
Han Fei also became solemn.
Then
He bowed deeply to Zhao Feng and said, "Han Fei will remember this always."
"Enough with that scholarly tone, just move aside." Zhao Feng waved his hand impatiently.
"Hahaha!" Han Fei laughed heartily, clearly in high spirits.
Meanwhile, standing to the side, Yan Bing watched with a look of astonishment in his eyes.
"I never expected such friendship to exist within the imperial court. Such a great achievement and the Supreme General just gives it away without hesitation," Yan Bing thought to himself.
At that moment
Zhang Ming hurried inside and bowed respectfully. "Supreme General, the Imperial Guards have entered the camp."
"If they've entered, they've entered. What's with that expression?" Zhao Feng glanced at him.
Normally, whenever the Imperial Guards arrived with an imperial decree, Zhang Ming remained composed. Why was he so serious today?
"Supreme General," Zhang Ming said solemnly, "this time, a large number of Imperial Guards have come at least several thousand."
"That's quite the display," Zhao Feng's expression grew slightly more serious.
"If this were just a simple decree delivery, a hundred men would suffice. Why so many this time?" Han Fei pointed out the key issue.
"Let's go."
Zhao Feng stood up and walked toward the entrance of the hall.
Not far from the camp's outer gates, on the training grounds
Five thousand Imperial Guards stood in strict formation, all mounted on warhorses.
Leading them was Ren Xiao.
As Zhao Feng strode forward
Zhang Ming raised his voice and shouted, "The Supreme General has arrived!"
Instantly
The Imperial Guards, who had been on horseback, all dismounted in unison.
They bowed and saluted Zhao Feng. "Greetings, Supreme General!"
Although the Imperial Guards were distinct from the elite soldiers of the main battle divisions and served as the King's protectors
A Supreme General was one of only four in all of Qin.
Their status in the military was unparalleled.
Anyone with a military rank was required to pay respects upon seeing them.
That was the iron rule of the army.
Zhao Feng strode forward and raised a hand. "At ease, everyone."
"Thank you, Supreme General," the Imperial Guards responded in unison.
At that moment
Zhao Feng's gaze fell on Ren Xiao, who stood at the forefront.
"Commander Ren," Zhao Feng said, a hint of surprise in his voice, "what brings you here in person today?"
"Supreme General," Ren Xiao replied, "I am here under the King's decree, escorting Grand Physician Xia Wuqi and the physicians of the Grand Medical Hall to prevent a possible plague outbreak."
He gestured behind him
Beyond the five thousand Imperial Guards
Dozens of carriages stood in formation.
Physicians, young and old, were stepping down from them, each carrying a medical kit.
From the foremost carriage
Xia Wuqi slowly emerged.
"Grand Physician Xia himself has come?"
Seeing him, Zhao Feng was visibly surprised.
"Grand Physician Xia personally petitioned His Majesty for this assignment," Ren Xiao explained respectfully.
"A major epidemic could break out due to the flood devastation in Daliang. He is deeply concerned about its spread and chose to come in person."
"A physician's benevolence knows no bounds."
"Even knowing a plague might erupt a disease almost certain to be fatal in this era he still dares to come." Zhao Feng couldn't help but admire Xia Wuqi's courage.
Without hesitation, he stepped forward to greet him.
"Grand Physician Xia," Zhao Feng said with a slight smile, clasping his hands in salute.
The two had already become acquainted back in Shaqiu.
But in the presence of others, Zhao Feng still addressed him formally.
"Supreme General Zhao Feng," Xia Wuqi smiled kindly, his aged eyes filled with warmth.
"It has been quite some time."
"Indeed, it has," Zhao Feng nodded with a smile.
"How have you been on the battlefield?"
Xia Wuqi scanned Zhao Feng with a concerned look in his aged eyes.
"Everything is fine," Zhao Feng assured him.
"Soon, Wei will be completely subdued."
He could sense Xia Wuqi's genuine concern
But he had no reason to suspect anything, given their previous interactions.
Not to mention
His mother and Xia Wuqi shared the same medical lineage.
Their connection was naturally close.
"As long as you're unharmed, that's all that matters," Xia Wuqi nodded in relief.
"Supreme General,"
"Supreme General Huan Yi has arrived."
Just then
A personal guard hurried over.
"Huan Yi?"
Zhao Feng murmured to himself but wasn't particularly surprised.
On the battlefield in Wei, the two had been competitors
Each vying for the first merit in the conquest.
But ultimately, Zhao Feng had claimed victory.
As the campaign neared its conclusion
Huan Yi's forces had gradually merged with the Wu'an army, so it was only natural for them to meet.
Zhao Feng turned his gaze toward the approaching figure.
Huan Yi strode forward, flanked by his guards.
"Supreme General Zhao Feng," Huan Yi called out with a hearty laugh.
"We last met in Xianyang. How have you been?"
"Supreme General Huan Yi is too kind."
"Since our parting in Xianyang,"
"You remain as imposing as ever," Zhao Feng responded with a polite salute, exchanging pleasantries.
Huan Yi approached Zhao Feng's side.
When he noticed Xia Wuqi and Ren Xiao, a trace of surprise flickered across his face.
"I never expected Grand Physician Xia to personally come to Wei," he remarked.
"The floods in Daliang have submerged the city."
"If left unchecked, a plague could spread."
"A plague would bring catastrophe to the entire realm."
"As a physician, I must bear this responsibility," Xia Wuqi replied with a gentle smile.
"Grand Physician Xia's righteousness is admirable," Huan Yi said with respect.
Then, he turned to Ren Xiao.
"Commander Ren, what decree does His Majesty bring?"
Ren Xiao wasted no time
He reached into his robe and retrieved two imperial edicts.
"I was originally planning to visit Hangu Camp afterward," Ren Xiao stated, "but since both Supreme Generals are here, I shall proclaim them together."
Then
He opened the first decree.
"The King's Edict!"
In his words
Everyone present immediately bowed.
"Edict from the King of Qin!"
"To Hangu Camp's Guardian Commander Huan Yi"
"For leading troops in the conquest of Wei, achieving great merit in battle, expanding Qin's borders, and annihilating countless enemy forces."
"For these achievements"
"You are hereby promoted by one rank and granted the noble title of Da Liang Zao!"
"You are also awarded one thousand pieces of gold, ten thousand coins, and fine jade artifacts…"
Ren Xiao's strong voice resonated as he read aloud.
Hearing the promotion of two ranks, a look of excitement appeared on Huan Yi's face.
"Minister Huan Yi thanks His Majesty for his great favor," Huan Yi responded excitedly.
Ren Xiao stepped forward and handed the royal decree to Huan Yi.
"His Majesty has ordered,"
"Once the war in Wei is completely settled,"
"The Supreme General shall lead the army to garrison Wei territory."
"When Wei is fully stabilized, further discussions will be held regarding the movement of the army," Ren Xiao added.
"Your servant accepts the decree," Huan Yi immediately responded.
"Stationing Hangu Camp to guard Wei territory is a good decision."
"That way, Wu'an Camp can return to Zhao territory," Zhao Feng thought to himself.
Compared to staying in Wei,
Zhao Feng could achieve more in Zhao territory, particularly in cultivating Yan Ting's forces.
"Royal decree of Qin!"
Ren Xiao then took out the second royal decree.
"Your servant respectfully listens to the royal decree,"
Zhao Feng immediately stepped forward and bowed.
"By the decree of the King of Qin,"
"Wu'an Camp's Deputy General Zhao Feng, for his meritorious service in annihilating Wei, deserves great rewards."
"In the first battle at Yanggao City, he ensured minimal losses for the Qin army and annihilated 150,000 enemy troops in a single battle this is a primary achievement."
"The flooding of Daliang saved Qin troops from heavy casualties and preserved the strength of the Qin nation this is an even greater merit and a supreme achievement."
"Now,"
"Zhao Feng is granted a promotion of two ranks and is conferred the title of 'Sìchē Shùzhǎng' (Seventeenth Rank)."
"He shall receive the corresponding noble stipend and the right to form a personal guard."
"He is awarded ten thousand gold pieces, one hundred thousand copper coins, one thousand jade artifacts, and one thousand servants."
"His principal wife, Wang Yan, is formally granted the title of 'Furen' (Madam)."
"In addition to the noble stipend, he is also granted ten thousand acres of unclaimed fertile land."
Ren Xiao read aloud in a resounding voice.
Upon hearing the rewards,
Everyone including Han Fei, the generals, and Zhao Feng's guards was utterly stunned.
"Promoted two ranks?"
"His Majesty is truly generous to the Lord General!"
"After the first battle at Yanggao, His Majesty already promoted him by one rank."
"And now, another two ranks?"
"Does this not make him the highest-ranking noble in Qin?"
"Seventeenth-rank nobility, 'Sìchē Shùzhǎng'..."
"Could it be that Zhao Feng is being groomed for the position of State Guardian in the future?"
…
Hearing the royal decree, everyone was astounded by the unprecedented double promotion.
Even Huan Yi,
Who had expected Zhao Feng to be promoted by only one rank at most, was dumbfounded.
"His Majesty's favor toward Zhao Feng is truly shocking."
"Though the merit of annihilating Wei is great, he was already granted a promotion before."
"And now, another two ranks?"
"It seems that His Majesty is deliberately paving the way for Zhao Feng to become the State Guardian..." Huan Yi pondered, deeply shaken by the king's favor toward Zhao Feng.
Among everyone present,
Perhaps only Xia Wuqie remained calm.
Observing the scene, he smiled inwardly, "Feng'er, your father is setting the stage for you."
"When you hold military power in your hands when your reputation shakes the world, and when no one in court can suppress you, then, when the world is unified, your identity can be revealed to the world."
"At that time, your mother can finally return home with dignity."
"His Majesty's favor is indeed profound."
"'Sìchē Shùzhǎng' the highest-ranking nobility in Qin."
"Among the four Supreme Generals, only I now hold the highest rank." A trace of excitement appeared on Zhao Feng's face.
For him,
Power was already within reach.
But he desired nobility for the sake of the Qin nation's destiny.
With noble ranks and official positions, he could obtain treasure chests from the national fortune, thus enhancing his strength.
And also for his long-term plans regarding the Qin Dynasty's eventual downfall.
With greater authority, he could better implement his strategies when the Qin Dynasty eventually collapsed.
Although he had already achieved a high status,
He had meticulously planned for the future.
Once the Six States were vanquished and China was unified,
Zhao Feng was requested to lead an expedition to conquer Baiyue and garrison it.
After all, Zhao Tuo had already been reassigned to fortify the northern frontier and build the Great Wall he could no longer become the future King of Nanyue.
This was an opportunity Zhao Feng was determined to seize.
"Your servant Zhao Feng thanks His Majesty for his immense grace."
Coming back to his senses,
Zhao Feng immediately bowed.
"His Majesty has also stated,"
"Once Wei is fully conquered,"
"And the epidemic in Daliang is under control,"
"The Supreme General may return Wu'an Camp to its original station."
"Meanwhile, the Supreme General may return to Xianyang with Grand Physician Xia," Ren Xiao added with a smile as he handed over the decree.
"Your servant accepts the order," Zhao Feng nodded.
His wife, Wang Yan, was nearing childbirth.
Having missed the last occasion, he did not want to miss this one.
Thus, Zhao Feng would expedite the final matters of Wei and return to Qin as soon as possible.
At this moment!
Huan Yi stepped forward.
"General Zhao, congratulations."
"'Sìchē Shùzhǎng,' the highest-ranked noble in Qin," Huan Yi remarked with a touch of admiration.
"General Huan is too kind."
"This is all due to His Majesty's grace I never expected to receive such a promotion," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
Indeed,
Zhao Feng had never anticipated being promoted by two ranks.
When he sent his war report back, he only expected His Majesty to grant him one additional rank.
After all, the higher the noble rank, the harder it was to advance.
Otherwise, why had the highest rank remained at the fifteenth level for so many years?
That was the difficulty of climbing the noble ladder.
If one reached the point where there were no higher titles to grant, it could spell danger for them.
However,
Zhao Feng had no such concerns.
If ever he reached the pinnacle of noble ranks, he would promptly request an expedition to conquer Baiyue and garrison it.
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