Zhao Gao immediately bowed and took the battle report.
Then, he stepped onto the stairs, opened the report, and read it aloud in a resounding voice:
"From the Central Army Scribe Kuai Pu of the Wu'an Great Camp, an official report to His Majesty!"
"The Wu'an Great Camp followed His Majesty's decree and launched an offensive against Wei on the scheduled date."
"The entire camp advanced against Wei."
"Within half a day, the Wei border garrisons, numbering 5,000, along with their outposts, were annihilated."
"Upon reaching Yanggao City..."
"Grand General Zhao Feng ordered the siege. Employing the Qin army's battle tactics, a relentless storm of arrows rained upon the city, suppressing the Wei forces."
"For half an hour, the city was bathed in blood under the relentless barrage of arrows. Then, Zhao Feng personally led the vanguard in the assault. Within a day, the outer city walls were breached, and fierce fighting erupted within the city."
"Meanwhile..."
"Wei forces had filled Yanggao with flammable materials, waiting for our Qin troops to push deeper into the city, leaving no retreat, before setting it ablaze."
"However, Zhao Feng, foreseeing their intentions, withdrew his troops as soon as the outer walls were breached. Just as expected, the Wei forces ignited the city in an attempt to trap the Qin army in the flames."
"Ultimately, the raging inferno consumed the entire city, burying more than 100,000 Wei soldiers and civilians in a sea of fire. General Long Zhang of Wei led his forces out, attempting to launch a surprise attack on our camp, but Zhao Feng had already ordered the cavalry to circle and ambush them, securing total victory in a single decisive battle."
"The 150,000-strong Wei army stationed in Yanggao City has been completely wiped out by our Wu'an Great Camp."
"Our casualties were less than 30,000, with approximately 8,000 dead and over 20,000 wounded."
"A resounding victory over Wei!"
Zhao Gao's hoarse voice echoed through the grand hall.
The report of the Wu'an Great Camp's victory sent shockwaves through the court.
For a brief moment, the entire court fell into complete silence.
No one had expected such a staggering outcome to unfold in just three days.
A Wei army of 150,000 had been utterly wiped out!
Moreover
Zhao Feng had seen through the Wei army's plan to burn the city in advance. Had he not, the consequences would have been catastrophic, with tens of thousands of Qin soldiers perishing in the flames.
"How is this possible?"
"Zhao Feng conquered Yanggao in just three days? Is Wei truly this weak?"
"Damn it! If the credit for Wei's destruction once again falls into Zhao Feng's hands, then he will become completely unstoppable! His military achievements will surpass all other grand generals. If this continues, could it mean that the future position of National Guardian will be his?"
"No! This cannot be allowed!"
"If he truly claims the position of National Guardian one day, it will be disastrous!"
Wang Wan and Kui Zhuang were both thrown into turmoil.
Before the battle report had arrived, they had tirelessly praised Huan Yi, laying the groundwork for his potential victory. If Huan Yi was the first to break through a Wei stronghold, then the subsequent victories could be credited to him as well.
After all, this war against Wei involved two major Qin military camps. But in the end, there would be only one ultimate achievement the destruction of Wei.
And in large-scale campaigns, everything was interconnected.
If Huan Yi was the first to breach a city, Wei would inevitably reorganize its defenses, and even if Zhao Feng later captured another city, his contributions would pale in comparison. This would provide Wang Wan and his faction with justification to diminish Zhao Feng's merits even if Zhao Feng ultimately captured the Wei capital.
But now, things had gone entirely against their plans.
Zhao Feng had taken the initiative, securing the first major victory.
As the court remained silent, Wei Liao was the first to speak:
"Grand General Zhao Feng is indeed unparalleled! Such mastery of strategy, keen foresight, and swift execution eliminating 150,000 Wei troops in just three days he is truly the greatest general of our Great Qin!"
"Indeed!"
"With Yanggao fallen, the remaining Wei garrisons will be no match for the might of the Wu'an Great Camp. Perhaps within a month or two, Zhao Feng will reach the Wei capital, Daliang." Li Si added with a broad smile.
"Your Majesty, congratulations!"
"In just three days, the Wu'an Great Camp has achieved such a glorious victory this is a blessing for Your Majesty and all of Great Qin!"
"The destruction of Wei is now only a matter of time."
"We humbly congratulate Your Majesty!"
"May Your Majesty live for ten thousand years! May Great Qin endure for ten thousand generations!"
The court erupted into jubilant cheers.
A bright smile spread across Ying Zheng's face.
Unlike his usual calm demeanor, he no longer concealed his joy.
"Zhao Feng has truly exceeded my expectations."
"Ever since our conquest of Zhao, Wei has been on high alert, with Wei Wuji reinforcing their armies at every turn."
"Under such circumstances, a force of 150,000 should have taken at least ten days or more to be defeated."
"But Zhao Feng annihilated them in just three days!"
"His merit is unquestionable."
"This is the first great achievement in the war against Wei."
Ying Zheng's voice carried across the hall.
His words immediately crushed Wang Wan's earlier arguments completely shifting all prior praise onto Zhao Feng instead.
"Your Majesty is most wise!"
"With the Wu'an Great Camp shattering the Wei defenses, it will determine the course of the entire war. Such merits deserve a great reward!" Li Si promptly supported the motion.
"Indeed!"
Ying Zheng responded with conviction.
Without waiting for the ministers to react, he waved his hand and declared with authority:
"Draft an edict!"
"Grand General Zhao Feng of the Wu'an Great Camp, for leading his army to breach Wei's defenses and annihilate 150,000 enemy troops shattering their defenses and paving the way for the conquest of Wei has earned great merit."
"Thus"
"Zhao Feng shall be granted a promotion of one rank and conferred the title of Lesser Shangzao !"
"A reward of 1,000 gold, 10,000 coins, 100 pieces of fine jade, and 500 servants shall be bestowed upon him!"
Ying Zheng's voice thundered through the court.
The suddenness of the reward left many ministers stunned.
A promotion to Lesser Shangzao, the fifteenth rank of nobility!
This placed Zhao Feng on par with Huan Yi and Meng Wu, second only to Wang Jian!
With this elevation, his authority as Protector-General would be firmly cemented.
"Your Majesty..."
"Wei has not yet fallen. Is such an extravagant reward truly necessary at this stage?"
Wang Wan stiffened and spoke hesitantly.
But Ying Zheng glanced at him coldly and replied indifferently:
"If Wang Xiang (Prime Minister Wang) can eliminate 150,000 Wei troops in three days, I will reward you just as generously."
That one statement shut Wang Wan down completely.
Ying Zheng's piercing gaze swept across the court.
Wang Wan had gone too far in openly opposing Zhao Feng.
Ying Zheng was already laying the foundation for his son's future, and military achievements and promotions were key.
Wang Wan's actions had sealed his fate.
"Minister Wei!"
"Ensure that this decree reaches the Wu'an Great Camp immediately!"
"Inform Zhao Feng..."
"That as far as the battlefield, the Wu'an Great Camp and the war are concerned I shall not interfere in any way."
"I eagerly await the day he returns in triumph, having conquered Wei!"
Ying Zheng's voice boomed with authority.
"Your servant shall carry out Your Majesty's will!" Wei Liao responded immediately.
Ying Zheng nodded slightly and then looked down at the court. "Now that our Wu'an Army has achieved victory in Wei, the war is turning in our favor. However, the allocation of grain and supplies concerns the lives of tens of thousands of my Great Qin's elite soldiers."
"Prime Minister Wang, Minister Feng."
"This matter is entirely entrusted to you two."
"I do not wish for any mistakes regarding the supply lines. If this issue affects the war effort, I will not forgive it," Ying Zheng said sternly, his words carrying immense pressure.
Clearly, after witnessing Wang Wan and the others in court repeatedly targeting Zhao Feng, Ying Zheng grew wary. If they tampered with the grain supply, it would be a major disaster. Therefore, he chose to issue this warning in front of the entire court, ensuring that they would not dare to act recklessly.
"We understand Your Majesty," Wang Wan and Feng Quji immediately responded.
It was evident why both of them were assigned to handle the grain supply mutual oversight. This was the way of royal authority.
"Your Majesty," a voice rang out.
"The burning of Yanggao City must serve as a warning," Wei Liao stepped forward and addressed the king.
"I believe that an urgent message should be sent to Grand General Huan Yi, instructing him to remain cautious and avoid advancing recklessly."
"Wei Wuji," Ying Zheng murmured.
"He is indeed a remarkable man."
"Sacrificing an entire city to gain an advantage... If Zhao Feng had not been vigilant, the Wu'an Army could have suffered devastating losses," Ying Zheng said with a sigh of admiration.
Although this strategy was merely described in the battle report, Ying Zheng could easily imagine the consequences if Zhao Feng had failed to see through Wei Wuji's ploy. Had the Qin army fully charged into the city and been trapped within, the casualties would have been catastrophic.
Furthermore
His son had always led from the front in battle, charging ahead in every confrontation.
No matter how many times he was advised otherwise, he never took heed. He would agree one moment and then go charging in the next.
Thinking of this, a trace of lingering fear flickered in Ying Zheng's eyes. "Luckily, this boy was cautious and uncovered Wei Wuji's sinister plan. If the Wei army had managed to set fire to the city, he would have been in grave danger."
This strategy
It was undoubtedly ruthless.
Wei Wuji had willingly sacrificed an entire city's worth of soldiers and civilians. Such a level of cruelty was beyond imagination.
"Wei Wuji's strategy was one of mutual destruction."
"He gambled on the fate of the Wei state itself."
"Unfortunately for him, he faced Grand General Zhao Feng, who saw through his scheme."
"If this plan had succeeded, our Wu'an Army would have been annihilated, and the Wei army could have launched a counteroffensive into Qin territory."
"In that case"
"Our Great Qin would have faced a grave crisis, and the other states would have undoubtedly taken the opportunity to act," Wei Liao stated with grave seriousness.
With his strategic foresight as a master of the School of Diplomacy and Warfare, he could see what Wei Wuji had intended.
Qin was currently the strongest state, and its military might was feared by all.
Therefore
Qi and Yan dared not make any moves.
However, if Wei gained the upper hand on the battlefield and even counterattacked Qin, it would inevitably trigger a chain reaction.
In other words
If Yanggao City had fallen, the consequences would have been far-reaching.
"This is why"
"Zhao Feng's contributions in this battle are immeasurable."
"Had we fallen into Wei Wuji's scheme of mutual destruction, Great Qin would have suffered a severe setback," Ying Zheng said solemnly, his tone making it clear how highly he regarded Zhao Feng.
"Minister Wei, you are correct."
"Send word to Huan Yi, instructing him to be cautious and to avoid falling for Wei Wuji's burning city strategy."
After regaining his composure, Ying Zheng immediately gave the order.
"I accept the decree," Wei Liao replied at once.
"Your Majesty," another official spoke.
"Since our Great Qin launched its campaign against Wei, the states of Qi, Chu, and Yan have all sent envoys requesting an audience."
"Does Your Majesty wish to receive them?" Huai Zhuang inquired respectfully.
"If they wish to see me, then let them come," Ying Zheng chuckled coldly and waved his hand.
Though he could already guess the reason for their visit, since they had come under the guise of diplomacy, it was appropriate to grant them an audience.
Upon hearing his decision
"The King has decreed."
"Summon the envoys from Qi, Chu, and Yan to the court!"
Zhao Gao raised his voice and announced.
Before long
Three men, dressed in the official attire of their respective states, quickly entered the grand hall.
They were the envoys from Chu, Qi, and Yan.
"Chu's envoy, Qu Yang, greets the King of Qin."
"Yan's envoy, Ji Chang, greets the King of Qin."
"Qi's envoy, Yan Xun, greets the King of Qin."
Upon entering the hall, all three envoys bowed respectfully before Ying Zheng.
"You may rise," Ying Zheng gestured with his hand.
"Thank you, King of Qin," they said in unison, then stood upright.
"The envoys of three states have come together. What is your purpose?" Ying Zheng asked calmly.
Hearing this
The envoys from Qi and Yan glanced toward the envoy from Chu.
It was clear
They were following Chu's lead on this matter.
Sensing their gazes, the Chu envoy showed no fear. Instead, he stepped forward, clasped his hands, and spoke with confidence. "I have come under the orders of Lord Chunshen to request that the King of Qin withdraw his troops from Wei."
"So this is why Chu has sent an envoy? And Qi and Yan as well are you all here for the same purpose?" Ying Zheng's voice revealed no emotion, but a terrifying pressure suddenly filled the hall.
Facing the king's words
The envoys from Qi and Yan lowered their heads, clearly unwilling to take the lead.
However, the Chu envoy lifted his head fearlessly.
"Enemies should be reconciled rather than remain at odds."
"Although Wei once waged war against Qin, they now recognize their mistake and have made multiple requests for an audience to atone for their transgressions. I implore the King of Qin to show mercy and spare Wei from destruction," the Chu envoy spoke in a tone laden with moral persuasion.
"If I refuse to grant forgiveness, what will your state of Chu do?" Wei Liao asked coldly.
"Wei attacked our Qin, slaughtered our people, and yet you expect us to withdraw simply because of a few words from your Chu? Do you take Qin's million-strong elite soldiers for nothing more than clay figurines?" Li Si added icily.
"If this is the purpose of your audience with His Majesty, then leave at once."
"Get out."
"Our great Qin does not welcome such people from Chu."
"We have already mobilized our troops against Wei. What will you do about it?"
"If you have the capability, let Chu send troops to aid Wei."
"Do you think our Qin fears your Chu?"
…
The ministers and officials all glared at the envoy from Chu, their scornful rebukes echoing throughout the grand hall.
Faced with such hostility, the envoys from Qi and Yan both lowered their heads, not daring to speak.
The Chu envoy, though his face bore a trace of anger and apprehension, remained steadfast.
After all, he had been sent on this mission under the orders of Lord Chunshen.
Thus, he stood his ground.
"If the King of Qin refuses to withdraw his troops, then perhaps my great Chu will indeed send forces to support Wei," the Chu envoy declared loudly.
"Then I shall wait and see," Ying Zheng retorted coldly.
With a wave of his hand, he ordered, "Escort them out."
At his command, Ren Xiao swiftly led a group of imperial guards forward, stopping before the three envoys.
"Gentlemen, this way, please."
Ren Xiao extended his arm in a polite yet firm gesture.
"I hope the King of Qin does not come to regret this decision," the Chu envoy sneered as he flung his sleeve and left with an air of defiance.
"Until we meet again, King of Qin."
"This matter is entirely the concern of the state of Chu and has nothing to do with my Qi," the Qi envoy hastily clarified.
"Nor does it concern my Yan. Our state and Great Qin are allies," the Yan envoy added quickly.
But Ying Zheng merely looked on impassively, showing no interest in their words.
Seeing his indifference, the two envoys from Qi and Yan departed anxiously.
Once they had left, Wang Wan immediately stepped forward.
"Your Majesty."
"From Chu's attitude, it is evident that they are considering hostile action against us. I firmly believe that we must strengthen our defenses against them."
"I second this motion," another minister concurred.
"The state of Chu has been uncivilized since its founding, its ways barbaric and crude."
"It is a nation that must never be taken lightly."
A chorus of ministers voiced their agreement.
Ying Zheng raised his hand, and silence fell over the hall.
"Chu is of no concern."
"You need not worry excessively about them."
"Our priority remains the conquest of Wei."
"Enough."
"If there are no further matters to be addressed, the court is dismissed."
With a wave of his hand, Ying Zheng dismissed the assembly.
"We have no further petitions, Your Majesty."
Having already discussed all pressing matters, the ministers had nothing more to add.
"Then the court is adjourned," Ying Zheng declared.
"Long live the King!"
The officials raised their voices in unison.
Inside Zhangtai Palace
Only Dun Ruo remained standing before Ying Zheng.
"Why was Wei Wuji's 'mutual destruction' strategy not detected?" Ying Zheng asked coldly, his expression stern.
"I have failed in my duty."
"Wei Wuji guarded this plan with utmost secrecy."
"The Black Ice Platform was unable to uncover it," Dun Ruo admitted fearfully, bowing deeply.
"This must never happen again."
"If not for Feng'er's vigilance, he might have perished in the flames of Yanggao City."
Ying Zheng's tone was severe, his face darkened with anger.
Had it been any other situation, he might have tolerated it, but this time, his son had narrowly escaped a fiery death.
Such a thing he would not allow it to happen again.
"I understand, Your Majesty."
"I will strengthen the Black Ice Platform's intelligence operations against Wei," Dun Ruo pledged, bowing again.
"Good." Ying Zheng nodded, his expression finally easing.
"The envoy from Chu has come."
"It seems Huang Xie intends to make a move against us," he muttered.
"Your Majesty is correct."
"Chu has already begun mobilizing its troops," Dun Ruo confirmed.
"Then what are we waiting for?"
"That old fox, Huang Xie, should have died long ago," Ying Zheng said coldly.
"I will dispatch our covert agents in Chu immediately."
"Huang Xie must die," Dun Ruo replied firmly.
"In Chu, there are many who wish for his demise."
"This time, he must not survive."
"If you fail, do not bother returning to face me," Ying Zheng warned with a flick of his hand.
Dun Ruo bowed once more before respectfully withdrawing.
"Huang Xie… Chu…"
"Once Wei is dealt with, Chu will be next."
"How dare they enter my Qin and attempt to threaten me into withdrawing my troops."
Ying Zheng's face grew cold, his aura exuding an oppressive might.
Just then…
"Grandfather!"
"We're here again!"
"Grandfather, we want something delicious to eat!"
Two childish voices called out from outside the hall.
At the sound of their voices, the icy expression on Ying Zheng's face melted away, replaced by a gentle, affectionate smile.
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