Under the walls of Hangu Pass:
"Who goes there?"
"Do you have the pass documents?"
A military officer on the watchtower shouted down to the people below.
"Go on," Zhao Feng instructed Zhang Ming beside him.
"Understood," Zhang Ming replied, spurring his horse forward and galloping toward the gate.
When he reached the foot of the city wall, Zhang Ming raised the commander's official seal. "Zhao Feng, commander of the Fourth Main Camp of the Lantian Army, has completed his mission and is returning to Xianyang by the King's command to report."
Soon, a basket was lowered from the tower.
"Please place the official seal in the basket," the officer instructed from above.
Zhang Ming placed the seal in the basket, which was then raised back up.
The officer examined the seal. The words "Commander" were engraved, and the craftsmanship of the seal, a unique design of the Qin dynasty, was unmistakable.
"It's indeed Commander Zhao," the officer remarked, his expression turning to one of reverence as he looked toward the figures below.
Zhao Feng's name was renowned throughout the land.
As the youngest commander in Qin's history, who in the world had not heard of him?
"Shall we open the gate immediately, sir?" one of the soldiers beside him asked respectfully.
"Inform General Li Xin first," the officer ordered.
"Tell him Commander Zhao Feng is here, returning to Xianyang on official business. A man of Zhao Feng's caliber, I'm sure General Li would want to meet him."
"Understood."
The soldier quickly went to relay the message.
"Open the gate!"
The officer then issued the command.
The massive gate of the historic fortress began to creak open.
"Let's move," Zhao Feng called, spurring his horse forward toward Hangu Pass, followed by six hundred personal guards and Wei Quan at his side.
"Wei Quan," Zhao Feng turned to Wei Quan with a faint smile, "if I recall correctly, your hometown is in Hangu County, isn't it?"
"Yes," Wei Quan replied, his expression tinged with nostalgia.
"Perfect. Since it's on the way, I'll stop by to visit your wife and children."
Hearing this, Wei Quan's eyes glistened with emotion.
When Zhao Feng began his return journey, he summoned only Wei Quan to accompany him and granted him a month's leave.
This leave was Zhao Feng's way of giving Wei Quan time to handle personal matters.
Though nearly four years had passed, Zhao Feng still remembered Wei Quan's story.
To Zhao Feng, Wei Quan was not just a subordinate but the elder brother figure who had cared for him during his early days in the logistics corps. Even now, after Wei Quan had become part of his command, Zhao Feng continued to hold that gratitude in his heart.
"Wei Quan," Zhao Feng said, "I remember you once told me that in this world, without power and influence, survival is nearly impossible. Qin law may be strict, but it spares the powerful and the privileged."
"Now, I've gained both power and influence, and you've become a general of Qin as well."
"With our current status, it's time to settle past grievances and wrongs."
Zhao Feng's calm words brought tears to Wei Quan's eyes, brimming with gratitude.
"Enough. You're a grown man no need for this display. If others saw it, they'd have a good laugh," Zhao Feng teased with a chuckle, then turned his attention back ahead, urging his horse forward toward Hangu Pass.
As he watched Zhao Feng ride away, Wei Quan's heart was filled with unshakable loyalty.
"From the day you saved my life, my fate has been tied to yours. I, Wei Quan, vow to serve you faithfully for all my days. If I break this oath, may the heavens punish me."
Entering Hangu Pass, they were greeted by soldiers who had gathered in the inner courtyard.
"Salute Commander Zhao!"
The soldiers, stationed at Hangu Pass and part of its local garrison, bowed respectfully upon seeing Zhao Feng.
Though they had never fought alongside Zhao Feng, his fame as a warrior and leader was unparalleled.
"You've all worked hard defending Hangu Pass," Zhao Feng said with a slight smile.
"Compared to your exploits expanding Qin's borders, defeating formidable enemies our task is but a light one."
"Indeed," the officer from earlier added respectfully. "With the fall of Zhao, your accomplishments have inspired admiration from all Qin soldiers."
"Every Qin soldier is as fierce as a tiger and wolf. If it had been the Hangu garrison instead of the Lantian Army, the results would've been the same," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
"Well said, Commander Zhao."
A booming voice suddenly interrupted from behind.
Turning, Zhao Feng saw a towering figure, surrounded by guards, striding confidently toward him.
"Salute General Li Xin!"
The soldiers quickly turned and bowed to the newcomer.
Zhao Feng studied the man approaching him. His guards, too, showed their respect.
"I've heard much about you, Zhao Feng. You truly are as young as they say," the man said boldly.
"And you must be General Li Xin," Zhao Feng replied with a calm smile.
"Surprised you've heard of me," Li Xin remarked with a laugh.
"All Qin commanders are recorded, and you, General Li, are known as the defender of Hangu Pass. Of course, I'm aware of you," Zhao Feng replied.
"Returning to Xianyang to report, I presume?"
"Yes, I'm on my way to fulfill the King's orders," Zhao Feng answered plainly.
"Meeting the King in the capital how envious," Li Xin mused, his tone carrying a mix of admiration and ambition.
"You'll have your chance, General Li, once you've made your mark for Qin," Zhao Feng said.
Li Xin chuckled and nodded. "I'll take your words to heart."
"Zhao Feng, your leadership and courage on the battlefield are legendary. You've achieved victories where none thought possible. All Qin soldiers, myself included, look up to you."
"But mark my words," Li Xin continued, his tone growing serious. "One day, I'll prove myself your equal. On that day, we'll compete not as observers, but as rivals on the field of battle."
His words carried a challenge, almost like a declaration of intent.
Zhao Feng remained composed, his gaze steady. His guards, however, exchanged displeased glances.
"Very well," Zhao Feng said with a faint smile. "I look forward to that day. But for now, I must continue my journey. Farewell, General Li."
"Travel safely," Li Xin replied, making no effort to stop him.
For Li Xin, this encounter was simply a chance to size up the man who had stolen the spotlight.
As they left Hangu Pass, Zhang Ming finally broke the silence.
"Master, that Li Xin is so arrogant! How dare he speak to you like that!"
"His personality may be brash, but he means no harm," Zhao Feng replied, smiling. "At least he doesn't resent my success. He just wants to prove himself."
Li Xin, a renowned general of Qin, was undoubtedly talented. However, his ambition and arrogance had led to overconfidence in the past.
Historically, when Qin sought to conquer Chu, Wang Jian requested an army of 600,000 to ensure victory through overwhelming force.
Li Xin, however, boasted that he could achieve the same result with just 200,000.
The result was a crushing defeat.
At this moment, Li Xin seemed to share a few traits with Zhao Kuo impulsive and in need of tempering.
Of course, none of this had anything to do with Zhao Feng.
"Wei, my friend," Zhao Feng turned to Wei Quan with a smile.
"Now that we've left Hangu Pass, it's your turn to lead the way."
"Yes, sir," Wei Quan nodded immediately, his face alight with anticipation.
Ever since he joined the army, Wei Quan had barely had the chance to return home.
In his third year of service, he went home on leave for half a month, and another half-month passed without battles.
Once the war to conquer Han began, Wei Quan, like Zhao Feng, never had the opportunity to return home again.
Four years had passed since then.
Hangu County, Linguan Town
Linguan was a town with a population of about 100,000.
Being the closest settlement to Hangu Pass, it was the first stop for many merchants and travelers from other nations entering the region.
As such, this town boasted a thriving population and remarkable prosperity.
Unlike other eras that suppressed commerce, this period did not enforce heavy restrictions on merchants. While some nobles looked down on them as mere traders, the reality was that their wealth commanded considerable influence.
Moreover, the legacy of Lü Buwei, the former chancellor of Qin who rose to power as a merchant, had further elevated the status of merchants within the kingdom.
At the gates of Linguan Town, a few garrison soldiers stood lazily on duty, showing none of the discipline of elite troops.
Their primary responsibility was to collect entry fees.
This wasn't unique to Linguan.
In Qin, and indeed in any other nation, entering a city required paying an entry fee, with rates depending on the number of people and goods.
This was a key source of tax revenue for local governments.
Unlike other nations, however, Qin's powerful economy allowed it to charge lower entry fees, while weaker nations often demanded higher fees a vicious cycle that further hindered their development.
"Stop dozing off,"
"Stand up straight!"
"This looks like a big deal judging by their armor, they must be elite guards or personal retainers."
"And every one of these guards holds at least a fifth-grade title. This is no trivial matter!"
The soldiers on duty, catching sight of the approaching mounted guards, immediately snapped to attention, their casual demeanor replaced with nervousness.
As garrison soldiers, they'd seen their fair share of travelers and had developed a keen sense of observation.
To be accompanied by such a force implied one of two things:
A high-ranking general, or
A noble with a title above the tenth grade.
Judging by the size and discipline of the escort, they guessed it was a general.
"Could it be General Li Xin from Hangu Pass? They say he's strict with his troops. But why would he come to Linguan? For a drink, perhaps?" one soldier speculated.
"Unlikely," another replied. "If General Li wanted wine, he'd send someone to fetch it. There's no reason for him to come in person."
"This must be another high-ranking figure," the sergeant said. "Everyone, straighten up! If we offend someone like this, no one can save us."
The soldiers immediately adjusted their stances, anxiously watching as the cavalry approached.
As Zhang Ming rode forward, the sergeant stepped up and bowed deeply.
"May I ask which general you serve?"
"Our general is Zhao Feng," Zhang Ming replied in a deep voice.
"Zhao... Zhao Feng?"
The sergeant and his men looked toward the approaching Zhao Feng, riding tall and dignified on his steed.
Their hearts skipped a beat.
They hurriedly bowed, shouting, "Greetings to General Zhao!"
Around them, the townsfolk began to take notice.
"General Zhao?"
"Could it be Zhao Feng, the young general who has shaken the entire realm with his victories?"
"Who else could it be? He's the only one this young with such an entourage!"
"It is him! General Zhao Feng!"
Admiration gleamed in the eyes of the Qin citizens as they watched Zhao Feng ride by.
Foreign travelers, on the other hand, looked at him with fear.
Though Zhao Feng had never committed atrocities such as massacres, his reputation as an undefeated general inspired dread across the land.
Zhao Feng acknowledged the crowd with a nod.
"Clear the barricades. The general is entering the town for a rest," Zhang Ming ordered sternly.
"Yes, sir!"
The soldiers hurried to move the barriers, creating a path for the procession.
"Let's go," Zhao Feng said as he nudged his horse forward. The group entered the town at a steady pace riding fast was not allowed inside.
"Wei, my friend," Zhao Feng turned to Wei Quan.
"This is your hometown?"
"Yes, sir," Wei Quan replied, excitement evident on his face.
The bustling streets were a rare sight for a border town.
"It's quite lively for a town on the frontier," Zhao Feng remarked, slightly surprised.
"It's because of its location," Wei Quan explained with a smile.
"Being near Hangu Pass, merchants from Zhao, Chu, and other kingdoms must pass through here to enter Qin. That's why it's so prosperous."
"Let's not waste time. Let's go straight to your home," Zhao Feng said with a grin.
"Of course," Wei Quan said, his voice tinged with eagerness.
Meanwhile, in front of the county office, a commotion was brewing.
"My lord," a woman in her thirties pleaded tearfully to the guards outside the office.
"My husband's stipend hasn't been paid in two years. And even before that, the amounts were wrong.
"Our family begs to see the county magistrate for justice!"
One of the guards sneered.
"Madam Wei, we're not stopping you, but you know your family's situation. The magistrate won't see you."
"Why is the magistrate so set on withholding my husband's stipend? The past is the past why must he torment us like this?" she cried.
"Enough!"
Another guard stepped forward, drawing his blade.
"If you don't leave, we'll throw you in jail!"
"I won't leave!" the woman shouted, her voice breaking with desperation.
"My family depends on that stipend to survive! If you refuse to pay it, you may as well kill me now!
"I'll appeal to higher authorities the prefect, the Minister of Finance, anyone who will listen!"
Her cries drew a crowd of townsfolk, who began murmuring among themselves.
"Poor Wei family..."
"They were doing fine until their youngest daughter was assaulted by that Bai family scoundrel. They tried to seek justice but were beaten down instead."
"Yeah, the Bai family has ties to the Bai clan in the capital. Ordinary folk like the Weis never stood a chance."
"It's hopeless. Even though Qin law is strict, the officials here are all in it together. The Wei family can't win."
All they could do was sigh and watch from the sidelines, powerless to help.
After all, there was nothing they could do to change the situation.
"What's all this commotion?"
"How dare this audacious woman cause trouble at the government office!"
"Men, seize her immediately!"
At that moment, a furious voice echoed from within the government office.
More than a dozen officers stormed out of the building, marching aggressively toward Wei Shi.
"County magistrate! You finally dare to show yourself!" Wei Shi shouted angrily at the man who had just appeared. "For years, you've embezzled my husband's military stipend. Now, with so many people gathered here, are you still unwilling to give me an explanation?"
Hearing this public accusation, the magistrate's expression darkened, and he waved his sleeve dismissively. "Utter nonsense! Arrest this vile woman and throw her into prison. She must learn the cost of defaming an official!"
Following his command, several officers advanced, ropes in hand, ready to capture Wei Shi.
"Don't harm my mother!"
"Stop this at once!"
Suddenly, two youthful voices rang out from the crowd.
Two young boys dressed in coarse hemp clothing sprinted over, standing protectively in front of their mother.
"Good timing," sneered the magistrate. "Your family has been persistently accusing me for years. Today, I'll settle this once and for all. Arrest them all this woman and her sons!"
"Yes, sir!"
The officers moved in to apprehend them.
"Stop!"
A commanding voice roared, followed by the sound of approaching hooves.
A rider approached swiftly, accompanied by a group of armored guards.
All eyes turned toward the scene, astonished.
"Is that Wei Quan from the Wei family?"
"He came back?"
"And he's on horseback, wearing armor. He doesn't look like an ordinary soldier."
"Does he hold a military rank now? Could he be a sharp soldier?"
"I thought he was in logistics?"
"How did he become so distinguished?"
Many among the crowd recognized the Wei family and were shocked to see Wei Quan's unexpected return.
"He survived?"
The magistrate was equally surprised to see Wei Quan but quickly dismissed him as insignificant.
"Riding at full speed within the city violates Qin law," the magistrate declared coldly. "Wei Quan, you're quite bold. Even if you're in the military, once inside the city, you fall under my jurisdiction. How dare you act so recklessly? Dismount and prepare to face judgment!"
But Wei Quan ignored him, spurring his horse forward. He charged through the officers, stopping in front of the men restraining his wife. With a sharp flick of his whip, he lashed one officer, the strike drawing blood.
"Ah!"
The officer cried out in pain.
Before the second officer could react, Wei Quan lashed out again, leaving another screaming in agony.
The magistrate froze, completely caught off guard by Wei Quan's audacity.
"How dare you, Wei Quan!"
"Attacking people in broad daylight? You're out of control!" the magistrate bellowed.
Wei Quan dismounted without a word and rushed to his wife's side. Holding her close, he asked anxiously, "Are you all right?"
Seeing her husband again after so many years, Wei Shi finally broke down. She collapsed into his arms, sobbing uncontrollably.
"Dear husband, over these years, the majority of your military stipend was embezzled. Our family... we couldn't survive any longer," she cried bitterly.
"They withheld my stipend?"
Hearing this, Wei Quan's face turned ice-cold.
He turned and strode toward the magistrate, his expression murderous.
"What... what are you doing?"
"Do you intend to harm a government official?" the magistrate stammered, fear creeping into his voice as he saw Wei Quan's menacing approach. He frantically called out, "Guards! Protect me! Quickly summon the county troops!"
"You corrupt official!" Wei Quan growled. "Years ago, you shielded the Bai family, and now you embezzle my stipend, leaving my family destitute. You truly deserve to die!"
The magistrate retorted, "Nonsense! I am the duly appointed magistrate of this county. Why would I embezzle anyone's stipend? If there were any irregularities, wouldn't someone have reported them?"
"Whether or not you've been embezzling can be easily verified," Wei Quan said coldly. "Do you dare to bring out the official records from the Treasury for inspection?"
"'General,' you say?"
"You dare to call yourself a general, Wei Quan?"
The magistrate burst out laughing. "It's only been a few years, and you've grown this arrogant? You a mere logistics officer think you're a general? What a joke!"
"Is that so?" Wei Quan sneered.
He raised his hand, and suddenly the sound of hooves thundered through the streets again.
Over a hundred mounted soldiers began to arrive, one after another, their numbers growing by the minute.
"Brothers, take down this corrupt official and his lackeys!" Wei Quan commanded.
"Yes, sir!"
The soldiers obeyed immediately, dismounting and seizing the magistrate and his officers.
"How dare you!"
"Wei Quan, this is outrageous!"
"You're just a logistics officer how dare you lay hands on me, a government official? I am protected under Qin law! The military has no authority to arrest a magistrate!"
"Someone! Notify Young Master Bai! Summon the county troops! These are rebels traitors!" the magistrate shouted desperately.
But more and more soldiers gathered, surrounding the entire government office.
"The general has arrived!"
A loud voice announced.
Everyone turned their attention to the scene.
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