Just this one sentence.
Ying Zheng immediately understood.
"You're saying this was orchestrated by Ji Dan?" Ying Zheng's lips curled into a smile.
"Besides him, I can't think of anyone else," Zhao Feng replied faintly.
"After all, while the King of Yan is not a wise ruler, he isn't foolish either."
"An assassination attempt like this might seem like a way to throw Qin into chaos, but the price would be the destruction of Yan. He would never dare to take such a gamble."
"Conversely, his son, Prince Ji Dan, is arrogant and self-important. He believes he can make Yan strong, yet lacks the actual capability."
"He wants to prove himself, to show that he can protect Yan. So, for him to plot such a move is not surprising at all."
Jing Ke's attempt to assassinate the King of Qin.
Zhao Feng knew about it not only from the memories of his past life but also from his understanding of Ji Dan.
The historical records might depict Ji Dan's actions as an attempt to save Yan, but in the end
He made a grave mistake.
"Thinking about it this way," Ying Zheng mused, "Ji Dan indeed seems like the kind of person who would do such a thing."
"But I must say, your evaluation of him is quite fair."
"Arrogant, self-righteous," Ying Zheng chuckled.
Zhao Feng raised an eyebrow and quipped, "Your Majesty should be thanking Ji Dan. Without him, Qin wouldn't have such a justifiable reason to go to war."
"The Wu'an Army is stationed at Yunzhong City. We can't waste this opportunity."
"Tomorrow," Zhao Feng declared, "I will set out for Yunzhong City and catch the State of Yan off guard."
He formally requested permission from Ying Zheng.
"You want to leave this soon?"
Ying Zheng was momentarily taken aback by Zhao Feng's urgency.
The assassination attempt had just happened today. Even if they were to declare war on Yan, some preparation time was expected.
Zhao Feng was moving too fast.
"Speed is key in warfare," Zhao Feng answered immediately.
"But you've been traveling non-stop. Wouldn't it be wise to rest a little before setting off again?" Ying Zheng asked with some concern.
After all, Zhao Feng had just saved his life. Even if Zhao Feng wasn't his son, Ying Zheng would still treat him with the highest regard.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Feng glanced at Ying Zheng up and down, amusement in his eyes.
"What's that look for?" Ying Zheng said, feigning irritation.
"Your Majesty, unlike you, I am not weak," Zhao Feng teased.
"A few days and nights on the road are nothing. I've endured far worse on the battlefield."
"You little brat," Ying Zheng muttered, shaking his head.
"Speed is key in warfare."
"I will depart tomorrow. The best time to strike is before the news reaches Yan's capital, Jicheng."
"A sudden attack will leave them no time to react."
"This time, I'll claim yet another conquered nation for Qin." Zhao Feng grinned.
"If you can destroy Yan, I will promote you to another rank in the nobility," Ying Zheng declared.
"When you reach the twentieth rank, I will grant you the title of Guowei (State Guardian)."
At that moment, Ying Zheng had no hesitation in making this promise.
Zhao Feng's expression flickered with surprise.
He hadn't expected Ying Zheng to be so straightforward.
"Seems like my decision to rush back was right after all."
"Right now, the King of Qin must be extremely grateful to me."
"Guowei the highest rank for a military officer. He promised me that."
"This is fantastic!"
"I was just promoted today, making me an eighteenth-rank noble. Just two more ranks, and I'll be Guowei!"
"This is truly great news!"
Zhao Feng was filled with excitement.
Without any hesitation, he responded, "Your Majesty, I will hold you to that. I won't decline such an honor."
"As long as you continue to earn merit, I will never go back on my word," Ying Zheng assured him with a smile.
He admired Zhao Feng's genuine ambition.
He was straightforward in his desire for power and prestige.
But there was no deceit, no scheming, no unnecessary flattery.
"Then I will remember this promise," Zhao Feng said with a grin.
"Do you still have more of that elixir?"
Ying Zheng's eyes gleamed with interest as he looked at Zhao Feng.
Zhao Feng's pills had left quite an impression.
For a ruler constantly buried in state affairs, the energy-boosting pills were invaluable.
"Yes," Zhao Feng said with a smirk.
He rummaged through his robes and pulled out five bottles, placing them on the table before Ying Zheng.
"These are all for boosting energy."
"More than enough," Ying Zheng said, satisfied.
Just then
"Your Majesty!"
"Minister Li Si requests an audience!"
Li Si's voice rang from outside the hall.
"Enter," Ying Zheng commanded.
His once warm expression instantly turned authoritative.
The palace doors swung open, and Li Si stepped in, bowing.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
"Rise," Ying Zheng said with a wave of his hand.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Li Si replied respectfully.
He then reported, "All the Yan assassins have been executed by archery squads. Not a single one was left alive. The main culprits, Qin Wuyang and Jing Ke, were dismembered, and their bodies discarded at the mass burial grounds."
"Well done," Ying Zheng nodded, unsurprised by the outcome.
"Has the news been spread?" he asked.
"Rest assured, Your Majesty."
"The entire city has been informed. The people are enraged."
"Their fury can be used, both among the citizens and within the military," Li Si reported.
"Investigate."
"Find out how weapons were smuggled into the palace."
"Anyone involved punish them," Ying Zheng ordered coldly.
An event of such magnitude couldn't be brushed aside.
The royal guards had failed in their duty, and that could not go unpunished.
Even if some had been negligent without intent, they would still face severe consequences.
If their carelessness had cost Ying Zheng his life, the entire kingdom would have been thrown into turmoil.
This was the responsibility of the palace guards, and they could not escape it.
"I understand, Your Majesty," Li Si answered, bowing.
"If there is nothing else, you may leave," Ying Zheng dismissed him with a wave.
He wanted to take this moment to talk with his son.
Having just survived an assassination attempt, Ying Zheng felt shaken, and, more than ever, he only trusted Zhao Feng.
He still wanted to take this time to have a proper conversation with his son.
Having just experienced a near-death incident, Ying Zheng was feeling somewhat disoriented. At this moment, aside from Zhao Feng, he trusted no one.
"Grand General."
Li Si turned his gaze toward Zhao Feng.
"Tingwei*, what is the matter?" Zhao Feng smiled slightly.
(*Tingwei: A high-ranking official in charge of legal and judicial affairs in ancient China.)
Regarding Li Si, Zhao Feng regarded him merely as a fellow court official with no deep personal ties.
Moreover, because of Han Fei's situation, Zhao Feng had always kept his distance from Li Si.
After all, Li Si's past methods were far from honorable.
For his gain, he had betrayed his once close friend and classmate, sending him to his death.
Deeply associating with such a person was dangerous one never knew when they might be betrayed.
"How is Li You doing?"
"I haven't heard from him for more than a year now," Li Si said with concern.
As his only son, Li Si naturally cared about him greatly.
"He's doing well."
"He has now established himself in the army," Zhao Feng replied calmly.
He did not embellish his words.
After all, Li You had not risen through the ranks based on military merit. Truly earning the trust of his subordinates and establishing himself in the army would take time.
"That's good, that's good."
"Thank you, Grand General, for looking after him," Li Si said as he bowed.
Then, he turned to Ying Zheng, bowed deeply, and said, "Your Majesty, I take my leave."
Once Li Si had left the Zhangtai Palace Hall
"What do you think of Li Si?" Ying Zheng asked slowly.
"Highly capable, withdrawn in personality, selfish in nature he can be a colleague, but not a confidant," Zhao Feng replied without hesitation.
Hearing these five concise statements, Ying Zheng was slightly surprised.
"How do you know Li Si so well?"
Zhao Feng chuckled. "A natural talent."
Ying Zheng did not reprimand him for his casual response. Looking out of the palace hall with a thoughtful expression, he said, "Li Si, ah…"
"Leaving aside his nature, he is a good minister."
"If not for Li Si, it would have been difficult for me to consolidate control over the court."
"His abilities are truly outstanding."
"He desires power and fame, but he is loyal to me."
"And it is precisely because of his loyalty that whatever he desires, I can grant him."
"Even placing Li You in the army as a commanding officer after all, in all these years, this is the first time Li Si has made a personal request of me. I could not refuse."
"Do you understand?"
Ying Zheng looked at Zhao Feng expectantly.
These were thoughts he had never shared with anyone except Zhao Feng.
"Of course, I understand."
"Otherwise, Li You wouldn't have lasted a month in the army," Zhao Feng said with a faint smile.
Ying Zheng's decision to assign Li You to the army had two purposes: first, to monitor Zhao Feng and prevent the Wu'an Army from becoming entirely his force; second, to ensure Li Si's continued loyalty.
At least, that was what Zhao Feng had thought.
However, he had been mistaken.
The second reason was indeed valid ensuring Li Si remained devoted to Qin.
But the first reason? Surveillance?
It never even crossed Ying Zheng's mind.
Of course, even if it had been intended as surveillance, it would have been futile.
Zhao Feng's prestige in the Wu'an Army was unshakable not even the presence of a general or vice general could challenge it.
If Zhao Feng willed it, with just one command, the three hundred thousand troops would follow him without hesitation.
He was the soul of the army.
After hearing Zhao Feng's words, Ying Zheng's face revealed a hint of satisfaction.
"I knew you would understand."
Then, Ying Zheng picked up a memorial from his desk and handed it to Zhao Feng.
"Take a look at this memorial."
Zhao Feng took it and glanced at it.
"A report on the handling of surrendered Wei soldiers?"
He immediately understood.
"What do you think?" Ying Zheng asked.
"That depends on how Your Majesty wishes to handle it whether with swift and severe measures or a more lenient approach." Zhao Feng closed the memorial and responded.
"Wei no longer exists. If it does not weaken Qin's strength, then naturally, a lenient approach can be taken," Ying Zheng replied immediately.
"If Your Majesty opts for leniency, you could implement a civilian version of the penal labor army system," Zhao Feng suggested with a smile.
"A civilian version of the penal labor army?" Ying Zheng was slightly surprised.
"Convicts in the penal labor army serve Qin diligently because Qin gives them hope they are not condemned to lifelong servitude but are granted a chance to return home someday."
"Likewise, the same principle applies to surrendered soldiers."
"Even if they are reduced to slaves if they work diligently for Qin, they could be freed after five years and allowed to reunite with their families."
"Or, if they contribute to Qin by excelling in construction, city-building, or roadwork they could be rewarded with early freedom, even before five years have passed."
"Giving them hope will make them work diligently."
"If they are doomed to lifelong slavery, they will never give their full effort," Zhao Feng explained.
Hearing this, Ying Zheng's face showed admiration.
"I have heard from Han Fei that in Wei, you were responsible for city planning and even proposed a work-for-relief system."
"You are not only skilled in military command but also highly adept at governance," Ying Zheng praised.
"Han Fei was exaggerating."
"I am only good at commanding troops," Zhao Feng responded humbly.
Ying Zheng chuckled. "I will remember your proposal on handling surrendered soldiers."
"In a few days, I will hold a court discussion to formally announce this policy and have the officials draft the regulations to make full use of these surrendered soldiers."
"Even if they cannot fight on the battlefield, they can still serve Qin in other ways."
Ying Zheng had already made up his mind.
Qin had many projects that needed manpower.
Roads.
Cities.
The Northern Frontier wall.
The need for labor was endless.
"Does Your Majesty have any further matters?"
"If not, I will return to my residence to make preparations," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"You're in such a hurry?" Ying Zheng asked, slightly exasperated.
Most people would consider it a great honor to spend time with the king, yet this boy was eager to leave.
"Time is tight. If not for my guards needing rest, I would have set off overnight," Zhao Feng said with a laugh.
Just then
Footsteps echoed outside the hall.
"Your Majesty."
"Consort Mi, Consort Hu, and the other palace consorts request an audience."
Zhao Gao's hoarse voice came from outside.
Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng's brows furrowed slightly.
"Your Majesty."
"Your consorts have come to show their concern for you," Zhao Feng teased.
"Concern?" Ying Zheng let out a cold laugh. "Some of them are probably hoping for my death."
"If I were to die, they would have a chance at power."
Hearing this, Zhao Feng quickly raised his hands.
"Your Majesty, please don't tell me anymore."
"There are things I should know and things I shouldn't I would rather not hear more than I need to."
"You little brat…"
Seeing Zhao Feng's indifferent attitude and his clear effort to stay out of trouble, Ying Zheng couldn't help but laugh.
"You truly take after your father-in-law such caution must be his influence."
Very soon, Ying Zheng regained his composure.
"Enter."
Ying Zheng called out toward the outside of the hall.
The doors of the hall swung open.
A dozen or so elegantly dressed women, clad in luxurious palace attire, flooded into the grand hall.
The moment they entered, a heavy atmosphere of sorrow filled the air.
"Your Majesty, are you unharmed?"
"Your Majesty, we heard about the assassination attempt and have been deeply worried."
"Your Majesty, as long as you're safe, that's all that matters. I was scared to death!"
"Those damn assassins dared to attack Your Majesty..."
"Your Majesty..."
The concubines chattered anxiously, some even shedding tears as if they were utterly devastated.
Seeing this scene, Zhao Feng couldn't help but smirk, though he suppressed his laughter.
He glanced at Ying Zheng out of the corner of his eye.
At this moment, the king's face was as dark as storm clouds.
"I shall take my leave," Zhao Feng slowly rose, cupped his hands toward Ying Zheng, and turned to walk out of the hall.
Watching Zhao Feng's departing figure, Ying Zheng shook his head helplessly.
But as he looked at the tearful concubines before him, he waved his hand and said coldly, "Enough."
"I'm not dead yet!"
At his words, the concubines immediately fell silent.
"We were only worried about Your Majesty..."
"As long as Your Majesty is safe, that's all that matters."
"Indeed, Your Majesty's well-being is the most important..."
The concubines spoke one after another.
Seeing their behavior, Ying Zheng said nothing more.
Seated in this position, he was all too familiar with hypocrisy.
There was simply too much of it.
In the entire imperial harem, not a single concubine had come to him out of genuine affection.
They were all results of political marriages, drawn to him for power and status.
Throughout the entire world, the only one who had ever truly cared for Ying Zheng was Xia Dong'er.
Meanwhile, outside the palace, after Zhao Feng left the Epang Palace, Zhao Gao immediately stepped forward.
"General Zhao's sword strike today was truly awe-inspiring."
"Were it not for General Zhao, His Majesty would have been in grave danger."
Zhao Gao spoke with great respect.
"It was my duty as a subject."
"There is no need for such praise, Minister Zhao," Zhao Feng responded indifferently.
With that, he strode away.
Watching Zhao Feng's departing figure, a strange glint flickered in Zhao Gao's eyes.
"What a pity… If only he could serve Prince Hu Hai…"
"With his support, why would we ever fear Fu Su?"
At the Wang Residence!
"Father-in-law."
"What do you think of today's events?"
After leaving the palace, Zhao Feng headed straight to the Wang residence.
"Fortunately, you arrived in time, or His Majesty would have been in great danger."
"That assassin was highly skilled if not for your swift sword strike, His Majesty would have been wounded."
"The investigation afterward confirmed that the dagger was coated with a deadly poison one that kills instantly upon entering the bloodstream."
Wang Jian spoke with lingering fear.
"The state of Yan is finished this time."
"Father-in-law."
"I will depart for Yunzhong tomorrow."
"When Yan'er and the others return, I must trouble you to look after them."
Zhao Feng said seriously.
"You're leaving tomorrow?" Wang Jian was slightly surprised. He hadn't expected Zhao Feng to act so quickly.
"I must seize the opportunity before the news reaches the state of Yan and launch an immediate attack."
"I will strike before they can react," Zhao Feng said with a cold smile.
Wang Jian pondered for a moment, then nodded. "Has His Majesty approved this?"
"Of course."
Zhao Feng nodded.
"Then go."
"I will handle things in Xianyang," Wang Jian said decisively.
"I must trouble you, Father-in-law."
Zhao Feng bowed deeply.
Back at his residence
"Han Chenyan," Zhao Feng called.
"Master," Han Chenyan quickly stepped forward.
"Send a message by carrier pigeon to Zhang Han order him to lead his cavalry and attack Yan immediately."
"Tell Tu Sui and Li You to provide support."
"We will strike Yan before they can react."
Zhao Feng commanded coldly.
"As you command!" Han Chenyan swiftly departed.
"Carrier pigeons..."
"They will reach their destination in three days."
"No matter how fast Yan's spies are, they cannot outrun my birds."
"This time, the glory of destroying a nation belongs to me."
"Nineteen ranks of nobility, the title of Guowei (National Commander)."
"I must claim them!"
Zhao Feng's eyes burned with fierce determination.
For him, this was the foundation of his power.
"Only two ranks remain."
"And the position of Guowei."
"If I count everything together, there's also the title of Lord (Junwei)."
"That is an honorary distinction."
"I want them all."
Zhao Feng's thoughts raced as he plotted his next move.
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