"Aside from General Zhao's salary and farmland,"
"I have also come under royal command to deliver a decree!"
At this moment, Yan Bing took out a royal decree sent from Xianyang from his robes.
Unfolding the scroll, he said, "The royal decree is here."
Hearing the words "royal decree," Zhao Shi's eyes flickered with emotion. However, she quickly composed herself, kneeling to receive it.
Beside her, Zhao Ying also promptly knelt.
Around them, the villagers, all commoners without titles, knelt as well.
Even the soldiers followed suit, kneeling in unison.
A royal decree was akin to the king being present.
To disobey it would be treason.
"Royal decree of the King of Qin,"
"Vice General Zhao Feng has rendered outstanding service to the state. With his mother left unattended in her rural home, craftsmen are hereby granted to construct a mansion for his mother, along with fifty servants, one hundred gold taels, ten thousand coins, and a fifty-year-old ginseng root."
"Additionally,"
"One thousand mu of farmland granted to General Zhao is exempt from tax for two years."
Yan Bing loudly proclaimed the decree.
Although the decree was short, it was filled with rewards for Zhao Feng.
"I humbly accept the decree on behalf of my son," Zhao Shi immediately responded.
Yan Bing stepped forward, helped Zhao Shi to her feet, and handed her the royal decree.
"Bring forward the king's rewards," Yan Bing commanded.
In response, fifty servants were escorted forward. Perhaps out of consideration for Zhao Feng's family being primarily female, all the servants were women, with no men among them.
Judging by their demeanor, these servants were all well-trained and bore slave status, ensuring they would not dare to defy their masters.
Apart from the servants, several soldiers carried numerous chests containing gold, coins, and the ginseng root.
"Madam Zhao,"
"The king's rewards are all here, including the servant registries. Like the land contracts, the registries have been transferred to the Sandhill County records. If any of these servants dare to escape or disobey orders, they may be executed at your discretion," Yan Bing sternly informed, casting a sharp glance at the servants.
This served as a warning, crushing any rebellious thoughts they might have.
"Thank you for the reminder, Lord Yan," Zhao Shi replied with gratitude.
Afterward, Zhao Shi invited Yan Bing and the accompanying officials into her modest home for a brief discussion.
Their conversation, though formal, hinted at underlying calculations.
After some time, Yan Bing departed with his subordinates.
"Mother, I'm amazed!"
"You could converse with the county governor for so long! I stood there not knowing what to say," Zhao Ying said, gazing at her mother with admiration.
"It's nothing but polite pleasantries. The governor is merely trying to curry favor with your brother because of his youth and potential."
"If your brother hadn't achieved great military feats or shown promise, let alone the governor, even a mere county magistrate wouldn't bother visiting us."
"If one day your brother loses favor, all these so-called honors will turn into jokes," Zhao Shi calmly remarked.
Hearing this, Zhao Ying nodded in understanding and then glanced at the fifty servants standing silently in the courtyard.
"Mother, what do we do with these people?"
Looking at the servants before her, Zhao Shi sighed with a trace of helplessness.
"Such a large group of people… it's indeed challenging to accommodate them."
At this moment, an older craftsman stepped forward respectfully.
"Madam, we are craftsmen from the county city, ordered by the governor to build a mansion for you."
Zhao Shi looked at the craftsman and asked, "How long will it take to complete?"
"Please rest assured, Madam,"
"The mansion will be completed within a month," the craftsman replied earnestly.
"Thank you," Zhao Shi responded with a slight bow of gratitude.
With so many servants, her modest home was far too small to house them, so she could only rely on the new mansion to accommodate them.
"Uncle Wu,"
"May I trouble you with something?" Zhao Shi turned to the village elder, Wu Lizheng.
"Just say the word," he replied.
"With so many people and mouths to feed, could you arrange for someone to go to the county city to purchase supplies?"
"And regarding the farmland, could you help oversee its management? My family can only tend to about ten mu ourselves. Please lease out the rest. For our fellow villagers, halve the standard rent; for people from neighboring villages, follow the market rate."
Wu Lizheng was taken aback.
"Are you sure you want to offer a 50% discount to fellow villagers?"
While the discount might not seem much for a few mu, the hundreds of mu in the Sandhill Village added up to a significant amount.
"This is our family's way of repaying the kindness and care of the villagers over the years," Zhao Shi said with a smile.
"Don't worry, Madam Zhao."
"I'll handle everything properly for you," Wu Lizheng promised before leaving the courtyard.
At this moment, an older servant among the group of maids stepped forward and knelt.
"Greetings, Madam,"
The fifty maids all knelt, their demeanor full of reverence.
Next came the task of organizing and settling these servants.
Though the mansion was yet to be built, Zhao Feng's income and the royal rewards were more than enough to support them.
"I never thought I'd see another royal decree in my lifetime," Zhao Shi murmured, holding the decree in her hands.
The familiar handwriting stirred a flood of emotions in her heart.
Wei City Military Camp
At the central drill ground,
Zhao Feng stood tall on the command platform, clad in the armor of a vice general, a dragon spring sword hanging from his waist.
With his towering height of nearly 1.8 meters, his well-built frame exuded an air of martial might. Combined with his youthful and determined face, the aura of a seasoned warrior, and his vice general armor, Zhao Feng commanded respect and awe.
Below the platform, 60,000 soldiers stood in formation, their ranks meticulously aligned.
Among them were five legions, each led by a commander overseeing over 13,000 troops, including newly integrated captives.
A glance revealed the stark difference between the regular Qin soldiers, donned in armor, and the captives, who lacked any protective gear.
"Soldiers of Wei City!"
Zhao Feng's voice boomed as he surveyed the troops.
"Wind! Wind! Wind!"
The soldiers roared in unison.
Yet, amidst their voices, the lackluster cries of the 30,000 captives stood out, dampening the overall morale.
The sight deepened the discontent of several commanders who had opposed integrating the captives.
Unfazed, Zhao Feng addressed the troops.
"From this moment, every word I speak will be repeated by the entire army."
The 100 personal guards surrounding the platform echoed in unison, "Understood!"
Zhao Feng declared loudly:
"I, Zhao Feng, have been entrusted with the command of Wei City."
"In the past, captives were rarely integrated into the army. Most were sent to the northern frontier to labor on the Great Wall or reduced to slaves building imperial roads."
"But today,"
"I, Zhao Feng, break precedent by incorporating all captives into the Qin army to serve the state!"
These words reverberated across the troops through the repetition of his guards.
Zhao Feng continued:
"I understand your concerns."
"As captives, you may think that even if enlisted, you will remain cannon fodder, forever bound as slaves with no hope of freedom."
"But today,"
"I bring you a decree that concerns not only you but also the future of all Qin captives!"
"From this day forward,"
"Any captive integrated into the army who slays one enemy in battle will be freed from slave status and granted the salary of an ordinary soldier."
"Slay five enemies, and you will earn a title and join the ranks of Qin's elite soldiers, entitled to all the privileges of military merit!"
The announcement was repeated by the guards, echoing across the field.
At this moment!
The surrendered soldiers who heard the news were utterly stunned. The numbness that had consumed them was replaced by a spark of hope. Those who had previously thought only of surviving one day at a time now found their minds shifting toward a new possibility.
"Could it be that the King has issued the decree? Did His Majesty approve General Zhao's proposal to reorganize the surrendered soldiers?"
Chen Tao, Zhao Tuo, and the other generals were also taken aback upon hearing this announcement.
When Zhao Feng had initially presented this idea to the King, they all thought it would be rejected outright. They assumed the surrendered soldiers would inevitably be thrown back into the fray as expendable cannon fodder.
"Is this for real?"
"We just need to kill enemies for Qin, and we can shed our convict status? We could even gain promotions through battlefield achievements?"
"If that's true, does that mean we might have a chance to return home? A chance to see our families again?"
"Could this Qin general be lying to us? If such a policy truly existed, why hasn't it been implemented before now?"
"I've never heard of surrendered troops being treated this way!"
For many of the surrendered soldiers, the prospect of earning freedom and advancement through battlefield service sparked cautious optimism. But a good number remained skeptical, their hearts still guarded against Qin.
"May I ask, General,"
"Is this true?"
A loud voice rang out from one of the reorganized soldiers, and many others turned their eyes toward Zhao Feng, standing on the command platform.
Faced with this question, Zhao Feng wasted no words. He immediately held up the King's decree, delivered urgently from Xianyang.
"What I just declared," Zhao Feng shouted, "has been approved by His Majesty himself."
"From this moment forward,"
"All reorganized surrendered soldiers will be collectively referred to as the Convict Army, signifying their status as bearers of guilt."
"Any convict soldier who kills one enemy for Qin will have their convict status removed and be returned to the ranks of ordinary soldiers, enjoying the base stipend of a regular soldier."
"Any convict soldier, after shedding their convict status, who kills five enemies will be awarded a first-level noble rank."
"This is the benevolence of His Majesty toward the Convict Army," Zhao Feng declared loudly.
As these words were repeated across the ranks, and as the soldiers gazed at the King's decree held high, the entire training ground was moved.
"If this is true, I will fight for Qin and earn my freedom through battle."
"Exactly. If we can truly leave behind our convict status and have the chance to see our families again, I will give my all on the battlefield for Qin."
"I feel the same."
…
Countless murmurs spread through the crowd, and a glimmer of hope lit up the eyes of the surrendered soldiers.
In the next moment, all the voices converged into a unified roar.
"Long live Qin! Long live His Majesty!"
"Long live Qin!"
At that moment, all the surrendered soldiers raised their voices in unison, filling the training ground with an overwhelming surge of morale and the nascent cohesion of the Convict Army.
The regular troops in the camp were deeply affected, watching these surrendered soldiers with astonishment before eventually joining in the fervent chanting.
The sound was earth-shaking.
"Could these surrendered soldiers truly be of use?"
"Could General Zhao's reorganization strategy work?"
Even Chen Tao and Zhao Tuo, who had initially opposed the idea, couldn't help but feel a sense of astonishment as they watched the surrendered soldiers display such fierce morale.
Judging by the enthusiasm and unity on display, Zhao Feng's strategy of reorganizing the surrendered troops, granting them freedom for battlefield service, and offering rewards for military achievements seemed viable after all.
At this moment, Zhao Feng glanced at the generals below the platform and smiled inwardly.
"The Convict Army strategy was historically employed by Qin during its conquest of the Six States. I've merely brought it forward. If it didn't work, it would mean denying the success of the Convict Army in history."
Then, Zhao Feng raised his hand, and the fervent chanting gradually subsided.
"The Convict Army policy is my initiative, granted as a favor from His Majesty to all surrendered soldiers," Zhao Feng proclaimed.
"But with favor comes rules."
"All reorganized surrendered soldiers, should any surrender again or rebel, they will be executed without mercy, along with their entire families."
"Any reorganized surrendered soldiers who desert in battle will be executed without mercy, along with their entire families."
"Any reorganized surrendered soldiers who betray their comrades will be executed without mercy, along with their entire families."
"This is the iron law. No surrendered soldier who violates it will be spared," Zhao Feng declared coldly.
As the troops repeated these words in unison, the surrendered soldiers felt a chill in their hearts, tempered with a new sense of awe and reverence.
Grace had been granted earlier; now came discipline.
"Generals," Zhao Feng continued.
"From today onward, all surrendered soldiers will train in the same manner as regular troops, practicing Qin's battle formations."
"We obey!"
Chen Tao, Zhao Tuo, and the other five generals immediately responded.
Back at the military headquarters in the barracks.
"General,"
"Here is the roster for rotation and patrols that I have prepared," Zhang Han said, respectfully handing over a bamboo scroll.
Zhao Feng reviewed it carefully and nodded in satisfaction.
"Rotating each camp monthly to guard the frontier is indeed a sound plan."
"The patrol roster has been reviewed by us as well, and we find it feasible," Zhao Tuo added.
"Since everyone agrees, implement it immediately," Zhao Feng ordered.
"Although Weicheng is a frontier city tasked with defending against Wei, a garrison of ten thousand should suffice for the border. In case of conflict, the remaining forty thousand troops stationed in Weicheng can swiftly reinforce the frontier," Zhao Feng noted with a smile.
"General," Chen Tao interjected, "the weather is growing colder. We will need ample charcoal and warm clothing for the troops to withstand the cold."
"I have already reported this matter. Supplies of charcoal should arrive within a few days, and as for warm clothing, I trust the court will arrange for their delivery," Zhao Feng replied.
At this time, cold weather supplies were scarce. Charcoal and thick fabric were the main options for keeping warm, as finer textiles like silk had yet to reach this part of the world.
"If I ever rise to power during the late Qin era," Zhao Feng thought to himself, "I must lead an expedition into the Western Regions to secure silk. That way, countless lives could be saved during the harsh winters."
Daily affairs in Weicheng were relatively mundane routine drills and occasional adjustments to military equipment.
Such was life in the Qin military during peacetime, not just for Zhao Feng but for other garrisons across the kingdom.
After the council dispersed, Zhao Feng mused to himself.
"Qin has only recently conquered Han, less than three months ago. There won't be any major campaigns in the near term."
"Historically, the next target should be Zhao, which was the toughest adversary in Qin's unification of the Six States."
Well-versed in history, Zhao Feng planned to leverage this knowledge to his advantage.
"Historically, General Wang Jian led the campaign to conquer Zhao. Though I'm stationed here in Weicheng, I still have a chance to earn merit on the battlefield."
"Compared to cultivating daily, gaining experience in battle is undoubtedly faster for improving my attributes."
With that, Zhao Feng opened his attribute panel:
Host: Zhao Feng
Age: 16
Realm: Innate Level 3 (The higher the realm, the greater the internal energy and combat prowess.)
Strength: 2,810 (Higher strength equates to greater physical power.)
Speed: 1,732 (Higher speed indicates faster movement.)
Constitution: 1,739 (Higher constitution means quicker recovery, better stamina, and faster energy regeneration.)
Spirit: 1,730 (Spiritual power extends 15 feet, enabling the absorption of energy within that range.)
Lifespan: 150 years (+5 years, 140 days)
Merit: 563 points (Can be converted into free attribute points or skill points.)
Portable Space: 19 cubic meters
Cultivation Method: Dragon Elephant Technique
Martial Skills: Dragon Subduing Palm, Explosive Fist, and more
"My recent cultivation has gone well. Each attribute has increased by nearly 300, and my internal energy has multiplied several times, greatly enhancing my strength," Zhao Feng thought with satisfaction as he reviewed his stats.
The numbers served as a powerful motivation, driving him to continue his relentless training. His dantian was now brimming with robust energy, a testament to his progress.
If Zhao Feng's physical attributes represented his external strength, then his internal strength was undoubtedly embodied by his true energy.
However, his physical strength far surpassed the level of his internal energy.
In just a short time, Zhao Feng's cultivation realm had risen by two levels, a testament to the abundant spiritual energy of this world.
At this moment
"General,"
"A man outside the barracks is asking to see you. He claims to be affiliated with the Crown Prince's entourage."
Zhang Ming, a centurion from the guards, entered and bowed respectfully toward Zhao Feng.
"The Crown Prince's entourage?"
Zhao Feng was taken aback, his expression tinged with intrigue.
"I have no connection with Fusu. Could it be that my father-in-law said something at court, and because of Yan'er, Fusu now seeks to trouble me?"
As this thought crossed his mind, Zhao Feng seemed to grasp the situation.
He couldn't think of any other reason.
So much time had passed, and Zhao Feng had no clue what had transpired in Xianyang, lacking any network of informants.
Once his influence was established and spread across the land, only then could he claim to have eyes and ears everywhere.
"Master, should we allow him entry?" Zhang Ming asked again.
"Bring him in," Zhao Feng waved.
He was curious to see what Fusu's intentions were.
Before long, a scholar stepped into the council hall.
When the man saw Zhao Feng, he glanced him over, his expression carrying a trace of arrogance.
"So, you're Zhao Feng?" the scholar asked haughtily.
Zhao Feng glanced at him, his face calm, though a trace of mockery flickered in his heart. "Is this the caliber of people Fusu surrounds himself with? Arrogant fools who look down on others."
"If you have something to say, speak. If not, get lost," Zhao Feng replied coldly.
Judging by the man's confrontational demeanor, he was here to cause trouble. Zhao Feng had no intention of indulging him.
"How dare you!"
"Do you know who I am? How dare you be so disrespectful to me?"
"I am Meng Jia, the eldest disciple of the Grand Tutor Chunyu Yue and a close companion of the Crown Prince," the scholar declared with an air of self-importance.
"Not only am I the eldest disciple of the esteemed Chunyu Yue, but I also share a bond of brotherhood with the Crown Prince himself."
"How dare a mere warrior like you act so insolently toward me?"
Meng Jia's pride was palpable as he invoked both Chunyu Yue and Fusu to establish his authority.
Listening to this introduction, Zhao Feng shot him a flat glance and replied with a single word: "Oh."
"You call this an attitude?"
"I represent the Crown Prince himself! How dare you treat me with such disrespect?" Meng Jia's brows furrowed as his anger grew.
"Let me make one thing clear: the Crown Prince holds no military rank and has no authority to command me."
"Now, state your purpose or leave," Zhao Feng said coldly.
As Meng Jia processed Zhao Feng's unyielding demeanor, his raised finger trembled with rage.
Realizing he was on Zhao Feng's turf, not in Xianyang, Meng Jia composed himself. He remembered the task entrusted to him by his teacher a task that, if accomplished, would earn him greater favor with the Crown Prince.
"Is it true you are betrothed to the daughter of General Wang Jian?" Meng Jia asked coldly, his tone accusatory.
"What's it to you?" Zhao Feng retorted icily.
"Do you realize that your so-called engagement has ruined the Crown Prince's marriage prospects?"
"Originally, the Crown Prince was to be engaged to the Wang family's daughter. Your interference caused General Wang Jian to reject this union, severing this great match. Do you understand the gravity of your offense?"
Meng Jia's accusations came as if Zhao Feng had committed an unforgivable crime.
Zhao Feng stared at Meng Jia with a mixture of incredulity and amusement.
"Is this guy for real? How does he come up with this nonsense?"
Zhao Feng and Wang Yan's engagement had been established long before, yet Meng Jia dared to claim Zhao Feng was the interloper.
"Are you sent by Fusu?" Zhao Feng asked with a mocking tone.
"Of course!" Meng Jia declared, his posture still arrogant.
"Fusu is truly blessed to have someone like you in his ranks," Zhao Feng said with a smirk, his words dripping with sarcasm.
This kind of "blessing" was more of a curse.
Listening to Meng Jia, Zhao Feng began to understand why Fusu, despite his advantages, had ultimately lost out to Hu Hai in the struggle for succession. With advisors like these, it was no surprise.
"Zhao Feng."
"I've heard of your exploits."
"You rose to the rank of deputy general in just one year, and I admit that's impressive. But you must understand, everything you have comes from the grace of the throne. If the King or the Crown Prince wills it, they can strip you of it all."
"The Crown Prince is the future heir, the future King of Qin."
"Opposing him is tantamount to seeking your demise."
"As for today, I'll offer you a chance. Inform General Wang Jian that you renounce your engagement to his daughter and declare that Fusu is the rightful match for her. If you comply, I will personally recommend you for a position under the Crown Prince."
Meng Jia spoke with a tone of magnanimity, as though he was bestowing a great favor upon Zhao Feng.
Zhao Feng said nothing at first. Rising from his seat, he slowly walked toward Meng Jia.
"What are you doing?"
Seeing Zhao Feng's tall frame approach, Meng Jia felt a sudden unease.
Smack!
A loud slap landed across Meng Jia's face, sending him stumbling to the ground.
"You…you dare hit me?"
Meng Jia clutched his throbbing cheek, staring up at Zhao Feng in shock and disbelief.
Born into the once-great Meng family, Meng Jia had never been treated like this before. Yet now, he had been struck by a mere deputy general?
"Guards!" Zhao Feng called out coldly.
"At your command!"
A dozen guards immediately entered the hall and bowed.
"Take him outside and beat him. Don't kill him, but make sure he remembers this day."
"Understood!"
The guards advanced toward Meng Jia without hesitation.
"Ah! Stop!"
"I am a disciple of Chunyu Yue! I am the Crown Prince's companion! Stop this madness!"
Meng Jia screamed and protested, but the guards showed no mercy.
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