In the Zhangtai Palace, inner hall.
Ying Zheng held a jade seal in his hand not the seal of the Qin state, but the royal seal of Zhao. He walked slowly toward the inner hall.
On a table were six boxes, each labeled with a single character: Qi, Chu, Yan, Zhao, Wei, and Han.
Ying Zheng opened the box marked with "Zhao," placed the royal seal inside, and closed the lid. A faint smile appeared on his face as he removed the Zhao flags from the sand table map.
"Only four remain," he murmured.
"Ancestors and kings of Qin, the end is near. A unified world and a united Huaxia will soon be achieved."
In Dai Commandery, Dai City
The streets were heavily patrolled by Qin soldiers.
"If you spot any Zhao soldiers, apprehend them immediately."
"Anyone attempting to flee or resist execute them on the spot."
"Anyone harboring Zhao soldiers will be arrested."
The city was vast, having once been the capital of the former state of Dai. After the battle, the Qin army had seized countless captives, though many still fled and went into hiding.
With the city now under control, the Qin troops had sealed off all exits, conducting thorough house-to-house searches for Zhao soldiers and officials. Any who were found were arrested immediately.
This practice wasn't limited to Dai City it was occurring throughout the entire Dai region. For now, there were no officials sent by the central government to oversee these areas. Instead, military rule was in place, and strict enforcement of military laws ensured order. Although large-scale massacres did not occur, the streets were not free of bloodshed.
The Zhao people, having just lost their state, were far from willing to surrender willingly. The resistance and hostility toward Qin were palpable. This kind of hatred would not dissipate quickly; it required time, perhaps five, ten, or even twenty years, to fully heal.
As history later revealed, the remnants of the six states could still muster forces to oppose Qin during the late Qin era. This was evidence enough of how deeply the resentment ran. The reasons were twofold: the severity of Qin laws and the collective memory of their homeland's destruction.
The only solution to this was time and policies that could gradually win over the people. If five years wasn't enough, then ten or even twenty years might be needed.
As long as the common people could live, they wouldn't revolt. Across all ages, ordinary people desired little more than a peaceful and stable life. However, if the Qin Empire followed its historical trajectory, with Qin Shi Huang's death and Hu Hai's ascension, the dream of peace would become a joke.
Qin Ershi!
A tragic emperor!
Inside the Military Camp
Zhao Feng was seated in his tent, handling stacks of military paperwork.
With the battles concluded, he was responsible for reviewing various documents, including casualty lists, repatriation rosters, and commendations for military achievements. All of these needed his approval before being submitted to the central command.
Additionally, he had to compile reports on the rewards for officers ranked company commander and above, ensuring fairness and order.
Since the capture of Dai City, Zhao Feng has remained in the city to oversee its administration. He left the smaller battles across the Dai region to Yang Duanhe and Wang Ben, finding such engagements beneath his notice.
"From an initial force of 100,000 troops, we now have less than 60,000 left," Zhao Feng muttered as he sifted through the reports.
"The war to destroy Zhao cost us 40,000 soldiers."
"War is cruel."
The records revealed that of the 40,000 casualties, 38,000 soldiers had died in battle, while another 4,000 were so severely wounded that they had to be discharged from service. For Qin's army, discharging a soldier due to injury meant their condition was beyond hope crippled and unfit for further duty.
Beyond the rank-and-file soldiers, over 30 company commanders perished in battle. Seven battalion commanders and two generals of 10,000 men also fell in the campaign.
Had it not been for Zhao Feng's exceptional leadership and the 200% combat effectiveness boost of his troops, the 100,000-strong army might have been reduced to 20,000 survivors at most.
"General," came a voice from outside the tent. "The generals request an audience."
"Let them in," Zhao Feng replied.
The tent's curtain was pulled aside, and in walked generals Tu Sui, Zhang Han, and others.
"Greetings, General!" the group said in unison, bowing respectfully.
"Take your seats," Zhao Feng said with a slight smile.
"Thank you, General," the officers responded, taking their seats according to rank. Zhang Han and Tu Sui occupied the seats closest to Zhao Feng, while the other generals arranged themselves further down.
"How is the situation in the city?" Zhao Feng asked, turning to Tu Sui.
Tu Sui had been assigned the task of capturing any remaining Zhao soldiers and officials hiding within Dai City.
"We've arrested many," Tu Sui reported. "The city's prisons are already full."
"By rough estimates, we've captured 6,000 to 7,000 people. These include Zhao court officials, soldiers, and even some civilians who harbored them or resisted our soldiers."
"The people of this city harbor deep resentment toward us," Tu Sui concluded grimly.
"The hatred of a fallen nation's people is to be expected," Zhao Feng said with a faint smile. "Not just in this city the entire state of Zhao feels the same."
Public resentment. The hatred of losing one's homeland.
This was not something that could be resolved overnight. Healing such wounds required time and policies that could gradually win over the people.
"True," Zhang Han interjected. "The hostility from the Zhao people is undeniable. But what can we do about it?"
"As military officers, we must conquer and subdue, not to govern," Zhao Feng said calmly. "We've destroyed Zhao. Now it's up to the court to send officials to manage these lands."
"For now, our only task is to maintain order and prevent chaos. Don't overthink it."
Zhao Feng knew full well that the Qin Empire's governance and legal systems were riddled with flaws. Harsh laws might suppress rebellion temporarily, but they wouldn't win hearts.
Reflecting on the future, Zhao Feng thought that the military merit system, while effective now, would become a burden after unification. Changes will be necessary.
Moreover, Qin's method of appointing officials needed reform. The lack of competent administrators in newly conquered territories would eventually contribute to the empire's downfall.
In this era, literacy was not universal. Almost only members of the aristocracy had the opportunity to read and write. After Qin conquered the six states, countless officials and aristocrats of those states were killed, and many held deep grudges against Qin. This was one reason for the shortage of officials, compounded by the lack of a proper educational foundation.
Of course, none of this concerned Zhao Feng.
After all, Zhao Feng planned to address these issues after the end of the Qin dynasty, once he began his true quest for kingship and dominance. With Yan Ting by his side, Zhao Feng would gradually cultivated his talents and loyal followers.
"The general is right," Zhao Feng declared.
The assembled officers all nodded in agreement.
Indeed, they had been overthinking things. Governance truly had nothing to do with them.
For now, the territory of the Zhao Kingdom was still under military control. Once the court-appointed officials arrived, they could hand over full authority and step back entirely.
"That said," Zhao Feng continued, "while governance may not be our responsibility, we cannot allow any errors to occur before we transfer control.
"If anyone dares to disobey military law and refuses to heed warnings, execute them." Zhao Feng's voice turned stern.
"Understood!" The officers answered in unison.
"General," one officer, Tu Sui, spoke with excitement, "there's word spreading outside that you are to be promoted to senior general, and the rumor seems to have come from the Senior General's camp itself. There's a good chance it's true."
Hearing this, the officers present could barely contain their excitement.
All of them were devoted followers of Zhao Feng, everyone a battle-hardened commander who had fought alongside him.
If another general were promoted, they might feel dissatisfied. But if their general rose in rank, they wholeheartedly supported it.
Across the Lantian camp, or even the entire Qin military, which commander's battle merits could compare to those of their general?
"It's not decided until the last moment," Zhao Feng said with a faint smile. "Don't get your hopes up just yet."
"General," Tu Sui grinned, "if you're promoted, doesn't that mean we'll have opportunities to advance as well?"
"You don't hold back, do you?" Zhao Feng laughed and scolded.
"Hehe," Tu Sui chuckled sheepishly.
The officers all knew that with the merits they had achieved in this campaign to destroy Zhao, they were more than eligible for further promotion. However, that all hinged on their general advancing first; only then could their positions rise.
"Alright, let me tell you the truth," Zhao Feng said.
"When we were in Handan, I had a private audience with the King. He mentioned that when I returned to Xianyang, he would have a surprise for me.
"Can you guess what that surprise might be?"
Seeing the expectant faces of his officers, Zhao Feng decided not to hide it anymore.
Upon hearing this, the officers all broke into joyous smiles and bowed, saying, "Congratulations, General!"
"I've already tallied your contributions," Zhao Feng continued seriously. "From this campaign to destroy Zhao, each of you here is at least eligible for a promotion of two ranks. As for specific officer appointments, those will be determined after I return to Xianyang."
"Since the King has promised a surprise, we can wait patiently," Tu Sui said, smiling.
"Exactly. We'll know everything once the General goes to Xianyang," added Zhang Han.
"How many warhorses were secured from the Zhao Kingdom?" Zhao Feng turned to Zhang Han and asked.
"General," Zhang Han replied immediately, "during the battle of Handan, General Wang Ben managed to preserve over 10,000 warhorses. After advancing into Dai Commandery, where the main Zhao cavalry was stationed, we've now gathered over 50,000 warhorses. Additionally, Zhao's horse pastures are all under our control."
"Excellent, excellent!" Zhao Feng exclaimed.
"Over 50,000 warhorses that's the foundation for an army of 50,000 cavalry. Ensure that these horses are well-guarded. If I truly become a Senior General, these warhorses will be critical to forming my cavalry force.
"Not a single horse must be lost," Zhao Feng instructed with a grave expression.
"Rest assured, General," Zhang Han replied. "I've assigned 10,000 elite soldiers to guard them. There will be no accidents."
"Good," Zhao Feng nodded.
"The Qin military's three main camps only the Northern Frontier has 80,000 cavalry, making it Qin's strongest cavalry force.
"Meanwhile, the Lantian camp has fewer than 10,000 cavalry in total.
"These 50,000 warhorses will allow us to form a formidable cavalry force. If the General does take command of a camp, its strength will only grow," Tu Sui said excitedly.
Cavalry was undeniably the pinnacle of military power in this era. On open plains, they were devastating to infantry, often turning battles into massacres once they closed in.
However, warhorses were exceedingly scarce, and the Zhao and Qi kingdoms were the primary sources.
Now that Zhao had been annexed by Qin, all its horse pastures belonged to the Qin state.
"General, rest assured," Zhang Han vowed. "These warhorses will be closely guarded, and there will be no negligence."
"With the main battles over, those who are injured should focus on recovery, and those who aren't should rest well," Zhao Feng said, his tone lightening. "In a few days, I'll lift your alcohol ban and let you all drink to your heart's content."
"We eagerly await that day, General!"
"The last time, you drank us under the table. This time, we won't lose," Zhang Han joked.
"Me neither," chimed in another officer. "This time, we'll drink until we outlast the General!"
At that moment, a messenger arrived, announcing, "General, the Senior General requests your presence."
"Looks like there's a task for me. You all go about your duties," Zhao Feng said, waving them off before rising and leaving the tent.
"Understood," the officers replied, bowing before departing.
Zhao Feng then strode out of the camp, heading toward Dai Commandery.
"Everyone," Tu Sui said to the others, "it seems the General's promotion is all but certain. We absolutely cannot tarnish his reputation at such a critical moment."
"Agreed," Zhang Han added. "Make sure your subordinates are well-disciplined. No looting or burning. If anyone violates the rules, both the offender and their commanding officer will be punished."
In such a large army, it was impossible to ensure that every soldier was upright. During the aftermath of a city's fall, incidents of looting or worse were not uncommon, even with strict orders prohibiting slaughter and destruction.
Still, Zhao Feng and Wang Jian had made it clear that military discipline must be upheld.
"We understand!" the officers answered. "We will ensure discipline is maintained and enforce severe punishments for any violations."
At the Senior General's Camp:
"Senior General," Zhao Feng greeted, bowing as he entered.
"Take a seat," Wang Jian said with a faint smile.
"General Wang and General Yang are not here today?" Zhao Feng asked, glancing around.
"They're still campaigning in other parts of Dai Commandery and haven't returned yet," Wang Jian replied with a smile.
"It seems you have tasks for me, Senior General," Zhao Feng said directly.
In the military camp, Zhao Feng addressed Wang Jian with his official title, maintaining the decorum of their hierarchical relationship, despite their ties.
"This is a royal edict. Take a look," Wang Jian said, handing Zhao Feng a document from the table.
Without hesitation, Zhao Feng took it and quickly read through its contents.
"Selecting the elite and eliminating the unfit is indeed a sound strategy," Zhao Feng remarked. "After all, we captured 400,000 Zhao soldiers in this campaign, a number rivaling the infamous Battle of Changping.
"If we tried to integrate all of them, I fear Qin's resources wouldn't be able to sustain it."
Supporting a soldier required more than just a stipend; food alone was a significant burden. Though penal soldiers didn't receive stipends, they still needed daily rations equal to those of elite troops.
Slaves, on the other hand, were treated differently, often given just one meal a day while being forced to labor incessantly, leading to high mortality rates.
For slaves, it was enough to ensure the bare minimum for survival if even that. If they died, so be it.
"This matter will be handed over to you," said Wang Jian.
"The surrendered troops are currently distributed across five locations: Dai City, Handan, Wu'an, Lincheng, and Xucheng. Here is the official decree I've drafted. When the time comes, you can send people to conduct the selection."
"The court only has one requirement: the selection and reorganization of the surrendered troops must follow the same standards as recruiting elite soldiers," Wang Jian said solemnly, handing over a decree.
"So, the lives of nearly 400,000 surrendered troops are now in my hands?" Zhao Feng remarked with a faint smile.
"Yes, entirely in your hands life and death," Wang Jian confirmed with a nod and a smile.
"Wait, something's off."
"What's off?" Wang Jian asked, his expression curious.
"Back when His Majesty left Handan, he promised me that I could take a leave of absence after Zhao was conquered. Why hasn't that promise been fulfilled yet?" Zhao Feng asked, his tone tinged with complaint.
"Once you finish selecting the surrendered troops, you can take your leave," Wang Jian replied with a smile.
"Really?" Zhao Feng's expression lit up.
"And not just that. After you've completed this task, you'll get at least two months off. During that time, it's high time you and Yan'er formalized your marriage," Wang Jian added with a knowing smile.
"Rest assured, I'll give this task my utmost attention," Zhao Feng immediately promised.
Sorting out the surrendered troops was, in fact, entirely to Zhao Feng's liking. It presented the perfect opportunity to select a group of capable and battle-hardened elites to serve his ambitions, further strengthening Yan Ting's recruitment and training efforts.
This was nothing less than a golden opportunity.
"All right, go ahead."
"I've already deployed ten thousand soldiers to garrison Dai City. You can now lead your troops out," Wang Jian nodded and said.
"General, I have a request," Zhao Feng said, his face brimming with a sly smile as he looked at Wang Jian.
"Out with it," Wang Jian responded, sensing where this was going.
"After capturing the Dai region, I also took possession of those warhorses. They'll save me a lot of time," Zhao Feng said with a grin.
"You plan to take all 50,000 warhorses?" Wang Jian asked, visibly surprised.
"It's only 50,000 warhorses. Didn't you say I might be promoted to Grand General? If that happens, my new command will require a cavalry force," Zhao Feng replied, still smiling cheekily.
Wang Jian, hearing this, couldn't help but grow exasperated. "Get lost!"
"Those warhorses have already been on Wang Ben and Yang Duanhe's radar for quite some time. Most of the empire's horses are already concentrated in the Northern Border Camp. We finally managed to acquire this batch, and you think you can just take them all? You've got guts, kid," Wang Jian said, a mix of amusement and annoyance.
Unfazed, Zhao Feng grinned and said, "Father-in-law, I'm not negotiating with you. If you don't give them to me, I'll take this matter to His Majesty in Xianyang."
"You little rascal!" Wang Jian glared at him.
"Bluefield Camp is primarily an infantry command, so don't overthink it, Father-in-law," Zhao Feng continued, still grinning. "And don't worry I'll be taking those horses tomorrow. Goodbye!"
With that, Zhao Feng turned and left, not giving Wang Jian another chance to respond.
"That rascal…"
Wang Jian was left both angry and amused. Once Zhao Feng was gone, he chuckled to himself.
"This kid has no idea the horses were already meant for him. His Majesty gave explicit instructions. Let's see how he plans to repay me for this favor."
Returning to his camp:
"Zhang Ming," Zhao Feng called out.
"Send my orders: have all officers pack their belongings and prepare to move out tomorrow with all the horses. We're heading for Handan. As for Dai City, leave Liu Wang and Zhuang Wei with their troops to hold the fort," Zhao Feng commanded after returning to camp.
"Master, where are we going after packing up?" Zhang Ming asked curiously.
"The Grand General has assigned me to reorganize the surrendered troops," Zhao Feng explained. "Not just in Dai City but also across Handan and three other locations. All surrendered Zhao forces have been entrusted to our army for selection."
"I understand," Zhang Ming responded respectfully before leaving to carry out the order.
After sitting down, Zhao Feng's face softened with a trace of longing.
"Mother, little sister, it's been almost four years. I'm finally close to coming home to see you both."
"And Yan'er," Zhao Feng murmured with determination. "You've given me twins. I will never let you down."
Time flew by.
In Yan Ting's stronghold at Wei City in Yingchuan Commandery:
Hundreds of young men and women, dressed in black training uniforms, sparred with wooden swords. Every strike targeted vital points with lethal precision.
The group numbered 400 to 500 in total.
"Yan Ting's dark soldiers," an instructor wearing a Yan Ting mask paced among them, his voice cold and stern. "Every move is a life-or-death decision."
"Your techniques are all about staking your life against your opponent's."
"Remember this: your survival in this chaotic world is solely thanks to the benevolence of the Master."
"Your lives belong to him," the instructor declared.
"Your families have already received the Master's care and compensation. It is now your turn to repay him with your unwavering loyalty," he continued.
"Swear loyalty to the Master!"
"Swear loyalty to the Master!" the young recruits chanted, their voices resolute as they continued their grueling sparring.
"The Master has said: the more sweat you shed during training, the less blood you'll spill in battle."
"What you are learning here is the art of survival. A single moment of carelessness could cost you your life," the instructor barked.
"Every month, if you fail to meet your training targets, you'll be eliminated."
"Yan Ting has no use for the weak."
The instructor's words carried a chilling finality.
Elimination meant death a fact every member of Yan Ting was painfully aware of.
Such ruthless discipline was commonplace in elite covert organizations like Yan Ting.
However, amidst the intense training session, two figures stood apart from the crowd.
Clad in simple linen garments, they seemed entirely out of place among the black-clad recruits. Yet, their familiarity with their surroundings indicated that they had been there for quite some time.
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