Hearing the words "victory report," the two ministers who had been gloating over Zhao Feng's misfortune suddenly felt a twinge of unease.
Zhao Feng had been defending Wei City.
To any observer, it seemed like an unwinnable battle, a hopeless defense against the famed Wei Wuji.
But now, something seemed to have changed!
"Great victory?"
When Ying Zheng (Qin Shi Huang) heard this, he was visibly surprised. He fixed his gaze on the messenger and asked loudly, "Are you certain it's a great victory?"
"Reporting to the King," the messenger said in a firm voice.
"The victory report comes directly from the military counselor of the Wei City Central Army. It has been reviewed by the Grand General and then presented to the court."
"A true victory report? Could it be that something happened in Wei, forcing Wei Wuji to retreat?" Ying Zheng speculated with some curiosity.
For the battle in Wei City, even the ambitious and brilliant King of Qin hadn't foreseen such an outcome.
"Bring it here," Ying Zheng commanded with a wave of his hand.
Zhao Gao promptly stepped forward, carrying the report with both hands. Kneeling beside the King, he presented it respectfully.
Ying Zheng took the report and unfolded it, and his expression instantly turned to one of astonishment.
Initially bewildered, his face soon lit up with a mixture of shock and delight.
After a moment of silence, having finished reading, Ying Zheng suddenly burst into laughter.
The resounding laughter of the King of Qin echoed throughout the grand court, filling the air with his joy and excitement.
The ministers in the court turned their eyes to him, fully aware that this was indeed a victory report.
"Could it be that something unexpected happened in Wei City?"
"A great victory?"
"Did Wei Wuji retreat?" Minister Wang Wan thought uneasily to himself.
"If the Wei army retreated, wouldn't Zhao Feng end up being rewarded?"
"After all, the King had decreed that if Zhao Feng could defend Wei City, he would be promoted to the rank of General." The thought made Chancellor Chunyu Yue even more displeased.
Zhao Feng was already an arrogant figure. If he were to be promoted, his influence would become even more formidable. Moreover, Zhao Feng was the future son-in-law of the great General Wang Jian. With that in mind, Chunyu Yue's discontent deepened.
"Your Majesty," General Wei Liao stepped forward, curious, "has Wei City achieved some kind of success?"
"Indeed, a great victory!"
Ying Zheng laughed heartily and then motioned with his hand, passing the report to Zhao Gao. "Read it out loud for the court!"
"At once," Zhao Gao replied, bowing low before stepping forward to address the ministers.
He opened the report and scanned its contents. As he read, even Zhao Gao, usually unflappable, couldn't help but show a brief moment of shock.
But he quickly composed himself and began to read aloud:
"The report from the military counselor of Wei City, Kuai Pu, is as follows:
'The Wei general Wei Wuji led 200,000 troops to attack Wei City, besieging it fiercely for 20 days. Under the command of General Zhao Feng, the soldiers of Wei City swore to defend the Qin borders to the death.
When the Wei army invaded with the intent to massacre our Qin territory, General Zhao Feng realized that unless the Wei forces were decisively defeated, Wei Wuji would never retreat.
Thus, Zhao Feng adopted a bold strategy. Personally leading an army of 10,000 troops, he crossed the perilous floods of the Wei River at the most dangerous location, penetrating deep into Wei territory.
They struck the Wei rear defenses by surprise, routing the Wei forces guarding the river and seizing the Wei fortress at Upper Wei City. By cutting off the enemy's supply lines and retreat routes, Zhao Feng created chaos in the enemy ranks.
Before Wei Wuji even received news of the assault, General Zhao Feng led 5,000 soldiers in a lightning attack on the Wei rear camp, forcing Wei Wuji to retreat in panic. Ultimately, the defenders of Wei City, seizing the opportunity, launched a pincer attack and crushed the Wei forces.
In this campaign, General Zhao Feng personally slew Wei Bo, the deputy commander of the Wei army, a prince of the Wei royal family, and younger brother of the Wei King, as well as Wei Wuji's chosen successor.
In total, the Qin forces inflicted nearly 100,000 casualties on the Wei army while suffering only 40,000 losses themselves.
A resounding victory!'"
As Zhao Gao finished reading, the court erupted in shock.
"Wei Wuji... lost like this?"
"And to one of our deputy generals?"
"Zhao Feng is only eighteen years old, yet he managed to defeat a seasoned commander like Wei Wuji?"
"With half the troops and weaker overall combat strength, Zhao Feng still triumphed. How did he achieve this?"
At court, the ministers buzzed with astonishment. Even the mighty Qin King and over a hundred ministers had not anticipated such an outcome.
Ministers Wang Wan and Chunyu Yue, who had been scheming against Zhao Feng, now wore grim expressions. They hadn't expected Zhao Feng to perform so remarkably.
"Zhao Feng is truly extraordinary."
"To defeat Wei Wuji, especially in such unfavorable conditions."
"With this potential, Zhao Feng could rival even Bai Qi of old," Han Fei thought to himself.
Han Fei was the first to react, stepping forward with his tablet in hand. "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Wei City is secure, Yingchuan is safe, and the Wei Kingdom is now too weak to launch another invasion. We can now redirect our forces to press harder against Zhao."
Encouraged by Han Fei, the entire court followed suit, shouting their congratulations: "Your Majesty, congratulations!"
Ying Zheng smiled broadly. "Now, does anyone still doubt Zhao Feng? Does anyone still question the convict army?"
At these words, those who had previously called for oversight or questioned Zhao Feng's abilities lowered their heads in silence.
"Zhao Feng has proven himself to be Qin's youngest and most promising general," Ying Zheng declared.
"This victory was beyond even my expectations."
"A figure as illustrious as Wei Wuji was defeated by Zhao Feng. After this, the entire world will know that Qin has yet another general of unmatched renown."
"This is a blessing for me and Qin," Ying Zheng exclaimed, laughing joyously.
The ministers echoed in unison, "Your Majesty is most fortunate!"
At this moment, a messenger stepped forward again. "Your Majesty, in addition to the victory report, there is another military report from the Grand General regarding disciplinary actions."
"Disciplinary actions?" Ying Zheng frowned slightly but waved his hand. "Present it."
Zhao Gao once again carried the report forward.
As Ying Zheng read it, the smile on his face vanished, replaced by a deep scowl.
"Outrageous!" he roared.
"To abandon the city and defy orders during a critical battle is unforgivable!"
"Five commanders and five deputy commanders were stationed in Wei City. Of these, eight upheld Zhao Feng's orders, defending the city with their lives and clashing with Wei's elite Wei Wu soldiers.
But two commanders defied Zhao Feng's orders, retreating with their troops. Their desertion left Wei City with 20,000 fewer defenders. Were it not for the remaining soldiers' valor, we would not have triumphed. On the contrary, the entirety of Yingchuan might have fallen, and Qin itself would be in peril!"
Ying Zheng's furious voice reverberated through the hall, casting a suffocating pall over the court.
"May I ask, Your Majesty, who were the two commanders who dared act so treacherously?" Minister Li Si stepped forward, his voice grave.
"Commanders Chen Tao and Zhao Tuo," Ying Zheng said coldly.
"Defying orders in such a manner is a crime beyond forgiveness!"
In an instant, the fate of these two men was sealed, their dreams of redemption crushed.
The Zhao Tuo who might have become the future King of Nanyue would never rise again.
He would no longer have the opportunity to lead an army for Great Qin, let alone command hundreds of thousands of troops.
Unknowingly, with the appearance of Zhao Feng, history had already shifted course.
"Disobeying the orders of a superior officer and violating military regulations."
"Privately leading troops away, abandoning the city, and fleeing this is a serious crime."
"I implore Your Majesty to punish them heavily."
"But before the punishment is dealt, I have a question," Li Si said loudly.
"Speak," Ying Zheng said coldly, his expression stern.
Li Si shifted his gaze to Kui Zhuang and called out, "Prime Minister Kui."
Hearing this address, Kui Zhuang felt a jolt in his heart. But under the gaze of the court and the scrutiny of the Qin King, he had no choice but to steel himself and respond, "What does the Minister of Justice wish to ask?"
"Prime Minister Kui, your network of eyes and ears is truly extensive. The city of Wei is a thousand miles from Xianyang. I only just learned of General Zhao Feng's daring river-crossing and surprise attack strategy through a classified report from Wei City today. Such actions must have been carried out in absolute secrecy. How is it that Prime Minister Kui was aware that General Zhao Feng had left the city?" Li Si questioned, his heart sneering even as his face remained solemn.
Clearly, upon hearing the report of victory, Li Si immediately recalled Kui Zhuang's accusations against Zhao Feng. Such an opportunity to suppress Kui Zhuang was not something he would let slip.
"This... this..."
Sweat began to bead on Kui Zhuang's face.
The sharp gaze from Ying Zheng, seated on high, made him feel as though he were sitting on needles.
"What is it?"
"Is it so difficult for you to answer, Prime Minister Kui?"
"When you accused General Zhao Feng of leaving the city without authorization in the court that day, you were so confident. Now, why is it so hard to name the source of your information?" Li Si pressed further.
At this moment, Han Fei also stepped forward and said, "I was present that day, and I remember the events clearly. From the Prime Minister's demeanor, it was evident that he had obtained definite information."
While Li Si's motivation was to suppress Wang Wan's faction, Han Fei was genuinely speaking up for Zhao Feng.
Han Fei, with his talent and pride, rarely held anyone in high regard. Zhao Feng, however, was an exception.
Without Zhao Feng's guidance, Han Fei might never have lived to witness the unification of China. Without Zhao Feng's timely reminders, Han Fei might already have met his end. He regarded Zhao Feng's assistance as a debt of gratitude.
Faced with the accusations from both men, Kui Zhuang was at a loss for words.
At this moment, Wang Wan glanced around and then stepped forward, saying, "Your Majesty, this matter has been explained to me by the Prime Minister."
"The Zhao Tuo mentioned earlier had some prior connections with Prime Minister Kui. The information regarding General Zhao Feng was secretly reported to the Prime Minister by Zhao Tuo. The Prime Minister's accusation in court that day was solely out of concern for the safety of Great Qin and the potential danger to Wei City."
"Prime Minister Kui had no intent to target General Zhao Feng, and there is no question of espionage. This must have been Zhao Tuo acting out of selfish motives to frame General Zhao Feng." Wang Wan immediately defended Kui Zhuang.
Once he stepped forward, Kui Zhuang quickly followed his lead, bowing low and saying, "Chancellor Wang's explanation is exactly what I was trying to convey. This was all due to Zhao Tuo's deceitful actions. I had no idea this man could be so malicious. I humbly ask Your Majesty to assign blame where it is due."
This move was undeniably clever.
Hearing Kui Zhuang's response, Ying Zheng gave him a deep look but refrained from further comment.
"Minister of Justice," Ying Zheng said after a moment, his voice steady.
"According to Qin law, what punishment should Chen Tao and Zhao Tuo receive?"
"Disobeying orders from a superior officer warrants a punishment of one hundred lashes, demotion in military rank, and reduction in the noble title," Li Si declared firmly.
"Acting without authorization and nearly causing Wei City to fall this is a grave offense. All military ranks and noble titles must be stripped, and they should be sent to the imperial prison for severe punishment."
These two sentences effectively condemned Chen Tao and Zhao Tuo to a lifetime of ruin.
Even if they escaped death, their fate would be lifelong imprisonment or servitude.
This was the price they paid for opposing Zhao Feng.
By leading troops out of the city, they had left Wei City short of 20,000 defenders. The impact was significant. Had Wei City fallen, Zhao Feng would have borne the blame, and his isolated advance would have ended in disaster.
This was why Zhao Feng had specifically instructed Kuai Pu to submit a separate report he intended to completely crush Chen Tao and Zhao Tuo.
Zhao Feng was a man who bore grudges and never let them go. Those who sought his life, he would repay in kind, no matter the cost.
"Proceed as the Minister of Justice recommends," Ying Zheng ordered coldly.
"Draft the decree: Strip Chen Tao and Zhao Tuo of all military ranks and noble titles and immediately escort them to the imperial prison in Xianyang for trial."
"Understood," Li Si responded with satisfaction.
The fate of these two men was sealed.
"Prime Minister Kui," Ying Zheng said, his tone sharp.
"This time, I will not hold you accountable, but there must not be a next time."
"Your actions have chilled the hearts of those loyal to Great Qin."
Kui Zhuang trembled inwardly but dared not argue, bowing deeply as he said, "Thank you, Your Majesty, for your magnanimity."
Had Wei City fallen and Zhao Feng failed, he would have seized the opportunity to strike Zhao Feng down.
But fate had not gone his way.
"Zhao Feng's merits," Ying Zheng continued, "in decisively defeating Wei Wuji and saving the nation from peril, deserve great reward."
"When Zhao Feng was stationed at Wei City, I promised him that if he could hold the city, I would promote him to a chief commander."
"Now, he has given me far more than I expected."
"This reward should be given in advance." Ying Zheng smiled, unable to hide his appreciation for Zhao Feng.
"Your Majesty is wise," Han Fei said immediately, "General Zhao has achieved extraordinary feats for Great Qin and is undoubtedly deserving of this reward."
"Draft the decree: Zhao Feng, for his meritorious service in defeating the enemy and resolving a national crisis, is promoted one rank to Chief Commander of Great Qin, commanding 100,000 troops."
"In addition, he is granted 1,000 gold pieces, 50,000 coins, 100 slaves, 100 pieces of jade, 1,000 bolts of fine cloth, and 50 personal guards." Ying Zheng declared with authority.
"Your Majesty is wise," the assembled officials echoed in unison.
"Your Majesty," Wei Liao stepped forward, "while General Zhao's achievements are remarkable, his success was also due to the tenacity of 100,000 soldiers who fought bravely."
"Before the battle," Wei Liao continued, "General Zhao made a request. I believe it is now time to present it to Your Majesty."
"A request from Zhao Feng?" Ying Zheng asked, surprised. "Why was I not informed?"
"This request was submitted on his behalf by the Grand General, but I felt it was not the right time to bring it up until now," Wei Liao explained, pulling out a scroll of cloth.
"Read it aloud," Ying Zheng ordered, "so that all may hear Zhao Feng's plea."
"Understood," Wei Liao replied. Without hesitation, he unfurled the scroll and read aloud:
"Your Majesty, I, Zhao Feng, stationed at Wei City with 100,000 troops, of which only 30,000 are battle-ready veterans, 50,000 are newly recruited, and 20,000 are prisoners conscripted into the army."
"If we fight conventionally, our forces will surely collapse, and Wei City cannot be defended."
"Therefore, I, as commander, request that prisoners who fight and die for Great Qin be granted the same compensation as regular soldiers."
"This request is made to honor the spirits of those who sacrifice for the nation."
Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng's expression softened with admiration.
"Prisoners fighting for Great Qin, if they die in battle, should indeed be compensated," he declared.
"Zhao Feng's request is approved."
"Your Majesty is wise," Wei Liao said. "If General Zhao learns of this, he will undoubtedly be overjoyed."
"In addition to Zhao Feng's rewards," Ying Zheng added, "all soldiers who defended Wei City should be appropriately rewarded."
"Draft the decree: All soldiers stationed at Wei City shall be rewarded based on their military merits. The specifics shall be decided by Zhao Feng and the Central Army Commander."
"Understood," Wei Liao replied promptly.
After issuing these commands, Ying Zheng surveyed the court. "Does anyone else have petitions to present?"
"We have none," the officials responded in unison.
Zhao Feng's unexpected victory had caught many off guard, leaving some with no spirit to present their prepared petitions.
"Then the court is dismissed," Ying Zheng announced.
"Long live Your Majesty," the officials chorused as they bowed.
In the Zhangtai Palace:
"Bring me a flask of wine," Ying Zheng said, his face lighting up with a rare smile.
"Today, I shall indulge in a small drink."
"If Your Majesty wishes to drink, would you like me to summon a concubine to accompany you?" Zhao Gao asked respectfully with a smile.
"This is not a drink for pleasure," Ying Zheng replied, shaking his head.
"With such a victory today, will Your Majesty visit Lady Hu tonight? After all, it happens to be the tenth birthday of the Eighteenth Prince," Zhao Gao said with a deferential smile.
"Today is Hai'er's birthday?" Ying Zheng asked, momentarily surprised.
"I had completely forgotten."
"With the kingdom waging war and Your Majesty burdened with state affairs, it is only natural," Zhao Gao said with a fawning smile.
"Prepare a birthday gift for me," Ying Zheng instructed. "Tonight, I shall visit Lady Hu's palace and celebrate Hai'er's birthday."
"Your servant will prepare immediately," Zhao Gao said with a nod.
He then bowed and slowly left Zhangtai Palace.
In the palace where Lady Hu resided:
"The Chief of the Palace Secretariat has arrived!"
A eunuch announced loudly.
Inside the palace, an extraordinarily beautiful woman heard this and immediately stood up.
Beside her was a ten-year-old child.
"Hai'er, stand up quickly. Your teacher is here," Lady Hu called out at once.
"Yes, Mother," the boy responded.
Hu Hai stood up with a confused look and glanced toward the entrance of the hall.
Moments later, Zhao Gao strode in.
"Lord Zhao, you're here," Lady Hu greeted him with a warm smile, clearly holding Zhao Gao in high regard.
"Madam, there's no need for such courtesy. I am merely a servant," Zhao Gao replied, feigning a humble demeanor as he saw Lady Hu rising to greet him.
"Lord Zhao, you are too modest," Lady Hu said in a tone laced with goodwill. "You are Hai'er's teacher, and thus part of our family."
She then turned to the boy and said, "Hai'er, why haven't you greeted your teacher yet?"
"Greetings to you, Teacher," Hu Hai said respectfully, bowing to Zhao Gao.
Seeing the mother and son's respectful attitude, Zhao Gao was very pleased. A rare smile spread across his face as he stepped forward and helped Hu Hai up.
"Young master, please rise," Zhao Gao said.
"Thank you, Teacher," Hu Hai replied politely.
"Madam," Zhao Gao addressed Lady Hu, "do you know the reason for my visit today?"
"The King will be coming tonight?" Lady Hu asked eagerly.
"I mentioned to His Majesty that today is Young Master Hu Hai's birthday. The King instructed me to prepare a birthday gift and said he would personally come to see you tonight," Zhao Gao replied with a smile.
"It's all thanks to you, Lord Zhao," Lady Hu said gratefully.
"The King has been so preoccupied with state affairs recently. He has visited Mi's palace a few times but has not come to see me. If it weren't for you, I don't know how long I would have had to wait," she said with a hint of resentment.
"Madam, it might simply be good fortune today," Zhao Gao said tactfully.
"There has been a victorious battle outside, and the King is in high spirits and mentioned wanting to have a small celebration. Only then did I dare to bring up your request," he added with a chuckle.
"I see," Lady Hu nodded, finally understanding.
"Speaking of which..." Zhao Gao began, but he glanced around at the other servants in the room.
"Everyone, leave and shut the doors," Lady Hu immediately instructed.
"Understood," a dozen servants bowed and left, closing the doors behind them.
Once the room was secured, Zhao Gao continued, "Given today's great victory, I must remind Madam of an opportunity that could greatly benefit the young master's future."
"What opportunity?" Lady Hu asked eagerly.
"Madam, have you heard of Zhao Feng?" Zhao Gao asked.
"Zhao Feng? I've never heard of him," Lady Hu admitted. "Though I have my family, it's nothing compared to Mi's clan."
"Zhao Feng is the youngest Deputy General of Qin. No, now he should be the General," Zhao Gao explained with gravity.
"He has earned the King's extraordinary favor and has limitless potential. He may even become the Supreme Commander in the future."
"Lord Zhao, are you suggesting that I send someone to win over Zhao Feng? But can he even be swayed? If I know about him, that wretched Mi woman surely does as well. Fusu also has Wang Wan and the others supporting him. They've likely already taken the initiative," Lady Hu said with concern.
"Madam, rest assured," Zhao Gao said with a smile.
"Zhao Feng and Wang Wan's faction are at odds. Zhao Feng would never align with them..." Zhao Gao then elaborated on the intricacies of court politics.
Lady Hu, upon understanding, nodded in agreement. "It seems Fusu's people have indeed tried to approach Zhao Feng but failed. Worse, it seems they now hold a grudge against him and are suppressing him at every turn."
"Exactly," Zhao Gao confirmed.
"Fusu is already Zhao Feng's enemy. Zhao Feng is a smart man. He knows that if Fusu rises to power, his future will be bleak," Zhao Gao said coldly, his plan well thought out.
"So aside from supporting Hai'er, Zhao Feng has no other choice. If he doesn't want to be eliminated by Fusu in the future, he must align himself with us," Lady Hu said, immediately grasping the implications.
"The King holds Zhao Feng in exceptionally high regard. If we can secure his support, Hai'er will gain the military power that Fusu lacks. Who can predict what the future holds?" Zhao Gao said with a cunning smile.
"Thank goodness for your advice. Without it, I might have missed a golden opportunity," Lady Hu said with gratitude, nodding repeatedly.
Meanwhile, little Hu Hai, oblivious to the scheming around him, crouched on the ground playing with his shoes, innocent and carefree.
Elsewhere:
At the residence of the Crown Prince:
"Teacher, Prime Minister, I don't understand. Why are you so intent on targeting Zhao Feng?"
"By doing this, aren't you pushing him to the opposing side?"
"Father holds Zhao Feng in such high esteem, yet we are suppressing him. This is not wise," Fusu said with a furrowed brow as he looked at Wang Wan and Chunyu Yue.
Hearing this, Wang Wan cast a reproachful glance at Chunyu Yue.
This matter was Chunyu Yue's doing in the first place.
Had Chunyu Yue not acted on his initiative, none of this would have happened.
"Your Highness," Chunyu Yue began, "I admit my mistake."
"Back then, because of an issue involving the Wang family's daughter, I sent Meng Jia to speak with Zhao Feng."
"But Zhao Feng refused to show the slightest courtesy. He even severely injured Meng Jia," Chunyu Yue said angrily.
Fusu frowned deeply upon hearing this. His compassionate nature immediately led him to notice the crux of the matter.
"Teacher, why did you send Meng Jia to Zhao Feng? Were you trying to threaten him?" Fusu asked, his expression serious.
Chunyu Yue responded frankly, "Not a threat more of a warning. But Zhao Feng refused to heed it."
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