After the armor and swords of both men were removed, Zhao Feng spoke coldly.
"Chen Tao, Zhao Tuo."
"Do you two recognize your crimes?"
"What crimes have we committed?" Zhao Tuo immediately retorted. "The reason we led our troops out of the city was entirely to protect the territory of our Qin state and ensure the stability of Yingchuan."
His rebuttal was nothing more than an excuse, though he knew full well that if these charges were solidified, severe punishment awaited him.
"What were the orders I gave you?" Zhao Feng asked sharply, cutting through Zhao Tuo's argument.
"You left Wei City, and we couldn't contact you for a long time. Naturally, we assumed you had deserted your post," Zhao Tuo argued stubbornly.
"You're still trying to deny it?" Zhao Feng shook his head, a hint of disappointment in his eyes. "It seems I overestimated you."
The Zhao Tuo of history was exactly this kind of person.
"Kwai Sima," Zhao Feng called to Kuai Pu. "Have the charges against Chen Tao and Zhao Tuo been recorded?"
"They've been fully documented and will be submitted along with the report of General Zhao's great victory over the Wei army," Kuai Pu replied immediately.
"Then read them aloud for everyone to hear. I'd like to see how they plan to defend themselves," Zhao Feng ordered firmly.
Kuai Pu nodded, holding a bamboo scroll as he stepped in front of Chen Tao and Zhao Tuo. Under their nervous and panicked gazes, he read aloud:
"General Zhao Feng, under the king's orders, defended Wei City against the fierce assault of the Wei army. After twenty days of relentless attacks, the city was held through the united efforts of the soldiers, ensuring Wei City remained secure.
"However, during this time, Commander Chen Tao and Commander Zhao Tuo disobeyed orders, abandoned their posts, and left the city.
"Chen Tao and Zhao Tuo are guilty of two charges: First, disobeying orders. Second, abandoning their duties, the territory of Qin, and their comrades in arms."
"These charges have already been submitted by the Middle Army Sima for judgment," Kuai Pu concluded loudly.
The moment these words fell, Chen Tao and Zhao Tuo turned pale as their confidence crumbled.
If Zhao Feng alone judged them, it would be a matter of military discipline. But now that the Middle Army Sima was involved and intended to escalate the matter to the Supreme Commander Wang Jian or even directly to the King of Qin in Xianyang the outcome would be dire.
At this moment, Zhao Tuo couldn't contain himself any longer. He struggled to his feet and furiously pointed at Zhao Feng, shouting, "Zhao Feng, you despicable villain! You deliberately suppressed us, denying us any chance to earn merit in battle. Even if I am convicted, I will accuse you of favoritism and treachery before the king!"
Zhao Feng remained silent but gestured lightly.
Two of his guards stepped forward without hesitation. One slapped Zhao Tuo across the face, leaving him stunned, while the other kicked him back to the ground.
"If you want to accuse me, go ahead. But from now on, there is no place for you under my command," Zhao Feng said coldly. "As for your claims that I suppressed you you're right. But so what? The king granted me full authority over Wei City's forces. Do I now need to follow your whims to allocate resources and manpower?"
His smirk carried a chilling confidence.
In this clash with Zhao Tuo and Chen Tao, as in any battlefield confrontation, the victor claimed all. If Zhao Feng hadn't turned the tide of battle if Wei City had been lost due to their absence he would have been the one punished.
Since they had chosen to oppose him, Zhao Feng saw no reason to show mercy.
"From today forward," Zhao Feng declared loudly, "Chen Tao and Zhao Tuo are stripped of their ranks as commanders. Their two units will now fall directly under my command. Guards!"
"Take Chen Tao and Zhao Tuo to the prison and detain them. Without my order, no one is permitted to visit them."
"Understood!" the guards responded in unison, promptly escorting the two out.
Chen Tao's expression was lifeless, his spirit utterly crushed. Zhao Tuo, however, continued to struggle and curse, shouting, "Zhao Feng, don't think you've won! I won't let this go!"
As Zhao Tuo's voice faded into the distance, Zhao Feng remained indifferent.
Watching the two being led away, the other generals exchanged glances of satisfaction.
"Serves them right."
"These two deserve harsh punishment."
"We fought to the death against the Wei army, while they abandoned the city with their troops. If the city had fallen, we would have all been doomed because of them," Tu Sui said angrily. His temper left him itching to execute them on the spot.
"Exactly. Let's hope the higher-ups impose even harsher penalties," another general agreed.
"For their selfishness, they abandoned the city and fled. It's disgraceful to have served alongside them."
The group voiced their approval of Zhao Feng's decision.
"Now that we have their two units, I can proceed with the next phase of my strategy," Zhao Feng said, his expression contemplative.
"General, do you still intend to attack?" Tu Sui asked, his eyes lighting up with realization.
The other generals looked at Zhao Feng in shock.
"From the beginning, I've said that defense was never my ultimate goal," Zhao Feng replied, a confident smile forming. "If I intended only to defend, I could've held the city walls indefinitely, and the Wei army wouldn't have broken through. But this war has always been about offense."
"General, how did you manage to outflank the Wei army and launch a surprise attack on their rear?" Qi Sheng asked curiously.
The other generals also perked up, eager to hear the details.
"More than a month before the Wei army's assault, I ordered General Zhang Han to secretly build boats and rafts, hiding them at Hongze Ferry," Zhao Feng revealed with a faint smile.
"No wonder General Zhang Han received orders to patrol the Wei River and took over ten days to return," Wu Yue remarked in sudden realization.
"But Hongze Ferry is infamous for its swift currents, capable of capsizing large ships. How did you cross with an entire army? And with Wei Wuji's caution, wouldn't he have stationed troops there to guard against such moves?" Qi Sheng asked.
"It seems General Qi understands Wei Wuji well," Zhao Feng remarked with interest.
Qi Sheng saluted. "To be honest, General, I've studied Wei Wuji extensively. His caution rivals that of Lian Po of Zhao. When he led the assault on Wei City, I had little hope for our chances under your command. Yet you not only defended the city but utterly defeated the Wei army."
His admiration was evident, and Zhao Feng nodded slightly.
"Indeed, Hongze Ferry is known as the most challenging part of the Wei River to cross. But during the early winter, it experiences a low-water season, which was precisely when I led my troops across."
"Though Wei Wuji stationed a battalion at the ferry, they never expected an offensive from us. After all, with their massive invasion force, they assumed we would focus solely on defense. Their guards were complacent and ill-prepared."
The explanation was straightforward, but it demonstrated Zhao Feng's exceptional foresight.
"Understood," Qi Sheng said with deep respect. "Your strategic prowess is truly remarkable, General."
"Enough talk," Zhao Feng said, turning to the group. "Those who have defended Wei City tirelessly should rest. Dismissed!"
"But General, you've worked the hardest of all," Tu Sui interjected.
"Rest, Tu Sui. Unless you're volunteering for additional duties?" Zhao Feng replied with a sly smile, seeing through Tu Sui's eagerness.
"General, if there's an offensive, I request to join!" Tu Sui immediately declared.
Hearing this, the other generals quickly followed suit.
"General, we request to fight!"
Zhao Feng's expression turned serious. "After days of relentless combat, our troops are exhausted. Pursuing the enemy without proper rest is a path to disaster. We must avoid recklessness at all costs."
"Understood," Tu Sui and the others replied, bowing respectfully.
"Of course," Zhao Feng continued. "I will allow the troops two days of rest. Afterward, only ten thousand soldiers will remain in Wei City to clean up the battlefield. The rest of the commanders will march out with their troops."
The assembled generals' eyes lit up with anticipation.
"Zhang Han has already made significant contributions to this campaign," Zhao Feng said. "He will be responsible for overseeing Wei City during this time. The rest of you will rest for two days and then lead your respective forces to join me on the offensive."
The moment he finished speaking, all the generals responded with excitement, "Understood, General!"
"May I ask, General," Tu Sui inquired curiously, "where do we plan to attack next in Wei? If we launch a large-scale offensive, I'm afraid we may not gain much, especially since Qin is currently engaged in the war against Zhao."
"Who said we will continue attacking Wei?" Zhao Feng said with a faint smile.
"Then, General, what are your plans?" Tu Sui asked, surprised.
"We're going to open a route from Yingchuan to Zhao. I intend to join the campaign to destroy Zhao. As for Wei, after this battle, they won't have the capacity to counterattack Qin for some time," Zhao Feng replied with a cold laugh.
"Open a route from Yingchuan to Zhao?" The generals were taken aback by Zhao Feng's ambition, their gazes instinctively drawn to the map in the hall. Although it wasn't as detailed as the map held by the King of Qin, the terrain of the Three Jin regions was clear enough.
"From Wei to Zhao is nearly a thousand li. How long would it take to open such a route?" Qi Sheng asked, unable to suppress his curiosity.
"Now that the crisis in Wei City is resolved, we have time one month, two months, even three months. Our supplies are sufficient," Zhao Feng said confidently with a smile.
Wei City was stocked with provisions and military supplies sent long ago by the Qin court, enough to sustain an army of 100,000 for three months. Additionally, Shang Wei City, a key logistical hub for Wei's army, held the supplies for nearly 200,000 Wei soldiers. These resources alone were enough for Zhao Feng to wage another successful campaign without concern for logistics.
"But, General, we lack a foothold for crossing the river. I fear the Wei army has already set up ambushes at Wei River," Tu Sui said, his concern evident.
"They wouldn't dare set an ambush there," Zhao Feng said with a calm smile. "We'll cross the river directly into Wei territory without taking the land route."
"General, do you have some hidden advantage in Wei territory?" Tu Sui asked in astonishment, and all eyes turned to Zhao Feng.
"Shang Wei City has already fallen to my forces. Without their supply lines, how could Wei Wuji possibly sustain his army?" Zhao Feng said with a cold smile.
The generals finally understood. While Zhao Feng's sudden offensive had forced Wei's army to retreat, it wouldn't have led to a full-scale withdrawal under normal circumstances. Wei Wuji would have regrouped after retreating. However, Zhao Feng's revelation clarified everything Wei's supply lines had been severed, leaving them with no choice but to retreat.
"Shang Wei City was Wei Wuji's logistical hub. He must have stationed heavy defenses there. How did you manage to capture it, General?" one of the generals asked, amazed.
"You'll see for yourselves when we arrive at Shang Wei City," Zhao Feng replied with a faint smile, saying no more.
After dismissing the generals, Zhao Feng exhaled deeply, a pleased smile appearing on his face.
"This was risky, but I achieved everything I hoped for," Zhao Feng thought to himself. "Wei Wuji is routed. Now, it's time to consolidate the gains, conquer Wei's cities, open the route to Zhao, and join the campaign to destroy Zhao. This is my chance to secure glory."
Although he had already exceeded the King's expectations, which guaranteed him promotion, Zhao Feng saw this opportunity as too precious to pass up. Having transitioned from logistics to frontline command, he intended to seize every chance to rise in rank and power.
"Status panel," Zhao Feng commanded.
A screen appeared before his eyes:
Host: Zhao Feng
Age: 17
Cultivation Level: Sixth Stage of Innate Realm
Strength: 4239
Speed: 3568
Constitution: 3678
Spirit: 3458
Lifespan: 155 years
Merit Points: 563
Portable Space: 39 cubic meters
Cultivation Technique: Dragon Elephant Art
Martial Skills: Dragon Subduing Palm, Exploding Fist...
"Once my soldiers bury the corpses in Wei City, my stats should exceed 4,000 across the board perhaps even reach 5,000!" Zhao Feng thought with a smile.
Half an hour later, Zhao Feng stood before the remaining troops outside Wei City. Mounted on his horse and armed with a spear, he addressed them:
"Chen Tao and Zhao Tuo have disobeyed orders and abandoned Wei City, committing a grave offense. As of now, their commands have been revoked, and all of you will fall under my direct leadership."
He continued, "Many brave warriors have fought and bled for the nation, earning merits to free themselves from servitude. But you, through no fault of your own, have yet to earn such merits because of their failures. I know your anger."
Zhao Feng raised his spear high. "Today, I allow you to rectify this. Follow me, pursue the Wei forces, and claim the merits you deserve! Are you willing to fight with me?"
"Follow General Zhao to the death!" the soldiers roared in unison.
"Good! Then we march!" Zhao Feng commanded.
Meanwhile, in the north of Wei City, scattered remnants of the Wei army fled, their formations shattered. Among them, Wei Wuji, guarded by his remaining forces, sat despondently in his war chariot, a picture of defeat.
The passage effectively portrays Zhao Feng's strategy and the psychological dynamics among the generals, soldiers, and Wei Wuji. The translation ensures natural readability while preserving the story's intricate details.
"The fate of Great Wei... is over."
"Now it depends on whether Zhao can withstand the might of Qin's army. If Zhao can resist, as long as Zhao survives, my Great Wei might still have a chance to exist in the world. But if Zhao falls, Great Wei will cease to exist," Wei Wuji lamented inwardly.
At this moment, a Wei scout hurriedly ran over.
"Report!"
"To the lord!"
"The Qin army is pursuing us!"
"They are currently hunting down our remaining forces," the scout reported anxiously.
"So soon?"
A flicker of fear appeared in Wei Wuji's eyes.
They had only just left the battlefield.
The Qin army had just finished their battle.
Yet they had already caught up.
"Zhao Feng..."
"This man is terrifying," Wei Wuji thought to himself, his heart gripped with unease.
"Lord, please leave quickly. I am willing to lead the Wei Wuzu to hold off the Qin army!"
A Wei general knelt beside Wei Wuji, loudly requesting permission.
As he knelt, the other Wei generals followed suit.
"Lord, please leave quickly. We will hold off the Qin army!" they cried in unison.
"Our army's morale has collapsed, and the troops are scattered."
"You won't be able to stop the Qin army," Wei Wuji sighed.
This defeat had also shaken his spirit. He was no longer the confident leader who had started this campaign full of ambition.
"We may perish, but the lord must not fall."
"Great Wei cannot survive without you," the Wei generals implored passionately.
"General Gongsun, are you truly resolved to do this?" Wei Wuji asked, his brows furrowed, his heart heavy with sorrow.
"My family has long benefited from the grace of the King of Wei. I am willing to give my life to defend Great Wei," Gongsun Xi declared loudly.
A descendant of the famed Wei general Gongsun Yan, Gongsun Xi was regarded as one of Wei's better commanders, but compared to the illustrious generals of Qin, he fell short of his ancestor's renown.
Seeing Gongsun Xi's firm resolve, Wei Wuji sighed deeply.
"Very well."
"Wei Wuzu, assemble and prepare for battle."
"Great Wei cannot lose the Lord of Xinling," Gongsun Xi commanded loudly.
"Yes, sir!"
The soldiers swiftly regrouped, forming ranks around Gongsun Xi.
"All non-Wei Wuzu soldiers, escort the lord to safety immediately!"
At Gongsun Xi's command, the remaining Wei forces quickly formed a protective escort around Wei Wuji, hastening his departure.
Watching the departing carriage, Gongsun Xi felt a wave of relief wash over him.
He then turned to face his soldiers, mounted his horse, and surveyed the Wei Wuzu surrounding him barely five to six thousand men.
"My five thousand Wei Wuzu... reduced to this."
"The Qin army is truly formidable," Gongsun Xi sighed, a deep sadness filling his heart.
This battle had taken a severe toll on the Wei Wuzu. During the assault, all fifty thousand Wei Wuzu had been deployed. Perhaps some remnants still survived elsewhere, but their numbers now likely did not exceed ten thousand.
As for the other ordinary Wei troops, if four to five thousand managed to survive, that would already be fortunate. However, most were now scattered, and whether they would return to Wei depended entirely on fate.
This battle had cost Wei dearly, with casualties likely exceeding one hundred thousand a devastating blow to the kingdom's strength.
As Wei Wuji continued his retreat northward toward Wei territory, Gongsun Xi led nearly six thousand Wei troops to stand in the path of the approaching Qin army.
Time passed how long, no one could say.
The earth began to tremble.
From the horizon, dozens of Qin banners emerged, carried by an overwhelming sea of black-armored soldiers marching toward the Wei forces.
At the forefront, Zhao Feng rode on horseback, leading twenty thousand Qin troops.
From a distance, Zhao Feng immediately noticed the defensive formation of the Wei troops.
"Shield wall and spears... Wei Wuzu."
Zhao Feng instantly identified the troops blocking his path as the famed Wei Wuzu.
Unfazed, he pressed forward.
As soon as the Qin forces entered bow range, Zhao Feng raised his hand and shouted a single command: "Archers!"
"Fwoosh, fwoosh, fwoosh!"
At the command, thousands of Qin soldiers unleashed their arrows, darkening the sky as a dense rain of projectiles descended upon the Wei forces.
"Raise shields!"
Gongsun Xi shouted.
The Wei soldiers quickly lifted their shields high, bracing for the barrage.
The arrows rained down relentlessly.
Many were deflected by the shields, but countless others found their way through gaps, striking and killing several Wei soldiers. Even so, the Wei formation held firm, maintaining their defensive stance.
Zhao Feng pressed closer. While his archers continued to suppress the Wei forces, the rest of the Qin army charged.
As they neared the Wei shield wall, spears emerged from behind the shields, forming a deadly phalanx.
"Kill!"
Zhao Feng roared, his Overlord Spear sweeping forward.
A wave of invisible force erupted from the spear, cutting through the enemy line like a blade through paper.
"Boom!"
"Argh!"
More than a dozen Wei soldiers, shields and all, were sent flying, their bodies lifeless before they hit the ground.
A breach was instantly torn open in the shield wall.
"Slain a Wei soldier. Gained +5 strength."
"Slain a Wei soldier..."
The system notifications echoed in Zhao Feng's mind as he tore through the ranks.
Without hesitation, he plunged deeper into the enemy formation, his Overlord Spear reaping lives with every swing, scattering the Wei troops.
"Chen General's defeat was not in vain," thought Liu Wu, once a subordinate of Chen Tao, as he observed Zhao Feng's unparalleled ferocity.
Now, he fully understood.
Zhao Feng's rise was entirely carved out through sheer might and determination.
Raising his weapon high, Liu Wu shouted, "The general is invincible! We swear to follow him to the death! Kill!"
"Follow the general!"
"Kill!"
Two thousand soldiers roared as one, charging after Zhao Feng with unyielding momentum.
Under the influence of the aura granted by Zhao Feng's command seal, their combat strength and morale doubled, overwhelming the Wei forces.
It was a massacre.
In less than an hour, the already fragile and disheartened Wei troops were utterly crushed. Gongsun Xi and fewer than a few hundred surviving Wei Wuzu were surrounded by the Qin army.
The Qin soldiers glared at them like hunters eyeing their prey.
"Zhao Feng..."
"You are truly formidable."
"This battle... Great Wei has lost," Gongsun Xi said, a trace of admiration for his adversary in his voice.
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