In an instant, everyone's gaze turned toward the source of the voice.
A young man, exuding an aura of commanding authority, approached on horseback.
Though not clad in armor, his black military uniform and piercingly sharp, stern eyes made everyone present feel a suffocating sense of oppression.
It was as if, with just a single move, he could unleash an overwhelming killing intent, obliterating everything in his path.
"General!"
Wei Quan turned around and bowed respectfully.
"General, I am the County Magistrate of Lingguan City. Your soldiers are acting recklessly. Please discipline them," the county magistrate protested indignantly as if believing that Zhao Feng, the man in front of him, might save him.
"Men!" Zhao Feng raised his hand.
"At your command, my lord!" The surrounding guards all looked toward Zhao Feng.
"Search the government office and retrieve the records of salary disbursements," Zhao Feng commanded coldly.
"Understood!"
Zhang Ming immediately obeyed, leading the guards to storm into the government office.
"What are you doing?"
"General, even though you are an officer, you cannot act so outrageously."
"The government office does not fall under military jurisdiction!"
"How dare you conduct such a search?" the county magistrate shouted, his voice trembling.
Slap!
Zhang Ming struck the magistrate across the face, knocking out several of his teeth.
"Watch your tone with the general," Zhang Ming said coldly.
"You... you..."
Blood dripped from the magistrate's mouth as he looked on in terror.
Zhao Feng dismounted and walked up to him. "I'll give you one last chance. Did you embezzle Wei Quan's salary?"
"Th-this is nonsense!"
"I... I'll report this to the Central Army Division! I'll appeal this..." The magistrate, still defiant, didn't realize he had no leverage.
"Was this the man who humiliated your sister and injured your family?" Zhao Feng turned to Wei Quan.
Wei Quan stepped forward, gritting his teeth as he glared at the magistrate. "He was an accomplice. The main culprit was the son of the Bai family, now the head of the Bai clan."
"Then what are we waiting for?"
Zhao Feng frowned. "No one stood up for you back then. Now I will deliver justice."
"Han Chenyan!"
Zhao Feng called out in a loud voice.
"At your service!" Han Chenyan quickly stepped forward.
"Arrest the head of the Bai family and all their kin. Do not spare even their servants."
"Today, I will reopen the case of that vile crime," Zhao Feng declared coldly.
"Understood!"
Han Chenyan immediately carried out the order, leading the guards toward the Bai family estate.
Seeing the unfolding scene, the crowd of bystanders grew larger, surrounding the government office almost entirely.
"This general looks truly formidable!"
"At last, the Wei family's suffering is coming to an end."
"This general is here to deliver justice for the Wei family."
"Indeed."
"Such a young general, and with so many personal guards!"
"Are you even paying attention? Didn't you hear someone say his surname is Zhao?"
"General Zhao? Could it be that Zhao Feng the one who slew Lian Po, killed Pang Nuan, and defeated Wei Wuji?"
"Who else could it be? No other young general in Qin commands such a following of elite guards."
"The legendary figure himself! I can't believe I'm seeing him in person today."
"Our Great Qin's most valiant general Zhao Feng played a decisive role in the destruction of Zhao. Now that he's returning to Xianyang to report his victories, the king will surely reward him handsomely."
"With General Zhao personally intervening, the Bai family and the county magistrate won't be able to cover this up."
"It's no wonder Wei Quan was able to summon such support. Serving under Zhao Feng has changed his fate."
...
The crowd murmured in excitement, their voices carrying far and wide.
As Zhao Feng's name spread among them, terror took hold of the guards and the magistrate held captive by Zhao Feng's men.
"Zhao... Zhao Feng?"
"He's Zhao Feng?"
"How is this possible?"
The county magistrate turned pale as a sheet.
He was nothing more than a lowly official. Compared to a military rank, his position was equivalent to that of a mere captain.
But standing before him was Zhao Feng, a rising star in Qin whose prestige rivaled that of the Three Great Generals.
For someone like him, facing Zhao Feng was akin to an ant standing before a dragon.
"General Zhao, I was wrong!"
"I'll confess everything! Please spare me..."
Unable to bear the pressure, the county magistrate broke down and begged for mercy.
"So, now you're willing to talk?" Zhao Feng glanced at him briefly before turning his attention to Zhang Ming, who had already returned with numerous records from the government office.
"General," Zhang Ming reported, "we've brought out all the salary records. The county constable and auditor tried to flee but were apprehended by our men."
Behind him, two officials in uniform were being dragged forward by the guards.
"Where is the record of Wei Quan's salary?" Zhao Feng asked, his gaze shifting past the magistrate to the county constable.
"It's... it's over there," the constable stammered, pointing to a specific document.
Zhang Ming picked up the record and examined it closely, his brow furrowing.
"General," he said, "this is Wei Quan's salary record from two years ago."
"How much was disbursed?" Zhao Feng asked.
After a closer look, Zhang Ming's expression darkened. "Two years ago, Wei Quan was a military marquis. Ninety percent of his salary was embezzled, and only ten percent was issued."
Hearing this, Wei Quan could no longer contain his fury. He charged forward and struck the magistrate repeatedly.
"You scoundrel!"
"You embezzled ninety percent of my salary!"
"Do you have any idea how much my family relied on that money to survive?"
"I'll kill you!"
With a loud clang, Wei Quan drew his sword, ready to strike the magistrate down.
"Hold your anger," Zhao Feng said calmly.
Hearing Zhao Feng's words, Wei Quan suppressed his rage and sheathed his sword.
"Where are the records for the past two years?" Zhao Feng asked, fixing his gaze on the county constable.
"General Wei...?"
The constable hesitated, glancing at Wei Quan in disbelief.
"Wei Quan has followed General Zhao since Korea fought in bloody battles in Zhao, defeated Wei Wuji, destroyed Han, and conquered Zhao. He has earned countless merits and is now a commander of ten thousand," Zhang Ming said coldly.
His words sent shockwaves through the crowd.
"Wei Quan... became a general?"
"How is that possible?"
"Wasn't he just a logistics officer?" The magistrate trembled in fear, his face ashen.
It finally dawned on him that he had crossed someone who could end him in an instant.
Even Wei Quan's wife and family looked on in astonishment as if they couldn't believe the transformation in his status.
"Incredible!"
"Wei Quan has become a general."
"A general's rank far surpasses that of a magistrate."
"No wonder General Zhao is personally delivering justice for Wei Quan. His status is entirely different now."
"This marks the end for the magistrate and the Bai family."
"Years of resentment are finally being resolved."
"Indeed. The magistrate and the Bai family brought this upon themselves. For years, they targeted the Wei family and embezzled Wei Quan's salary. That's a blatant violation of the law."
...
The crowd erupted in discussion once more, their admiration for Wei Quan growing with every passing moment.
"The records for Wei Quan no, General Wei's salary over the past two years were deliberately discarded," the constable stammered.
"As for the salary, it continued to be disbursed at just ten percent of the original amount," he admitted, trembling.
At last, he realized the full extent of the scheme. The unexplained surplus in funds back then had come from Wei Quan. As a general with a rank above the seventh, Wei Quan's noble title, combined with his officer's salary, represented a significant sum.
"It seems," Zhao Feng said, "you've embezzled more than just Wei Quan's salary."
If it had only been Wei Quan who was implicated, they might have launched an investigation. However, since they didn't even know Wei Quan's noble title or official rank yet still embezzled his funds without hesitation, it was clear that the corruption extended far beyond just one individual in the county office.
"L-Lord Official…"
The county constable stammered, trembling, unsure of what to say.
His gaze drifted to the county deputy standing nearby. Immediately, he shouted, "I am willing to report everything! All acts of embezzlement were orchestrated by the county deputy and the head of the Bai family!"
"The county deputy sought to curry favor with the Bai family, giving nearly all the embezzled funds to bribe them. The Bai family then used their connections to suppress any evidence of the county deputy's crimes."
"I have not embezzled a single coin! It was all the county deputy and the Bai family! As for the incident of assault and violation years ago, it was entirely orchestrated and covered up by the county deputy."
"This has nothing to do with me! I was forced by them! I didn't take a single piece of the embezzled salaries!" The county constable cried bitterly.
"Are you sure you want to report this?"
Zhao Feng looked at the constable.
"I am willing to atone for my crimes by exposing theirs," the county constable quickly nodded.
"Write down all the crimes of the county deputy and the Bai family," Zhao Feng said solemnly. "If you do, I can consider leniency in your case."
"I will, I will," the constable agreed without hesitation.
Meanwhile, the county deputy stood frozen, utterly terrified.
The laws of the Qin Dynasty were severe. Especially since the current Qin King assumed direct rule, embezzlement of salaries had become a matter of utmost gravity. Anyone caught embezzling state funds faced execution and the destruction of their entire family.
The audacity of the county deputy to collude with a local noble family to embezzle salaries in Lin'guan City was simply beyond reckless.
"Good," Zhao Feng nodded and signaled with his hand.
Zhang Ming immediately stepped forward, handing the county constable a blank bamboo slip and a carving knife.
At that moment
"Outrageous!"
"Who do you think you are?"
"How dare you treat me, the head of the Bai family, in this manner?"
"Who is your superior? How dare you act so recklessly?"
"We are from the Bai family. Have you gone blind?"
"Outrageous…"
Han Chenyang appeared, escorting nearly a hundred people into the room.
Even though these individuals were apprehended and brought to the county office, their arrogance remained unabated as they shouted and cursed loudly.
"General."
"All members of the Bai family have been captured. None were spared," Han Chenyang reported to Zhao Feng.
"Wei Quan, identify the man who assaulted your sister back then," Zhao Feng ordered, his eyes sweeping over the crowd.
Without hesitation, Wei Quan walked toward a well-dressed man among the Bai family members.
"Bai Zhong," Wei Quan growled through gritted teeth, his eyes filled with hatred. "Do you remember me?"
"Wei Quan?" Bai Zhong looked at him with surprise but showed no fear. "How dare you mobilize troops to storm my residence and arrest me? Who gave you the courage?"
"I did," Zhao Feng replied coldly.
Bai Zhong's expression changed drastically as his gaze shifted to Zhao Feng. "And you are…?"
"Commander of Lantian, Zhao Feng," Zhao Feng stated icily.
Bai Zhong froze, his face pale with shock. "You… you…" He was at a loss for words.
"Years ago, you assaulted Wei Quan's sister and grievously harmed his entire family. Do you remember?" Zhao Feng asked, his voice sharp.
"General Zhao," Bai Zhong quickly shifted his tone, speaking respectfully. "I was impulsive back then. I'm willing to offer compensation. Please show leniency. I am related to the Bai family in Xianyang. Lord Bai, the high-ranking official, is my uncle."
"According to the laws of Qin," Zhao Feng continued, ignoring Bai Zhong's plea, "what is the punishment for the crime of assault and violation?"
"Castration, followed by five years in prison," Zhang Ming declared loudly.
"And the penalty for grievously injuring others?" Zhao Feng asked again.
"It depends on the severity of the injuries. For severe injuries, three years in prison," Zhang Ming replied.
"And evading justice?" Zhao Feng added.
"That would call for a heavier punishment. An additional two years, bringing it to a total of ten years," Zhang Ming answered.
"General Wei, what are you waiting for? Execute the punishment for the crime of assault and violation first," Zhao Feng ordered coldly.
Upon hearing this, a chilling smile appeared on Wei Quan's face. He drew a dagger from his robe.
"Bai Zhong, do you know how long I've waited for this day?"
"When you assaulted my sister, I sought justice but had no one to turn to. When you attacked my entire family, I sought justice but had no one to turn to. Today is the day I, Wei Quan, take my revenge!"
Wei Quan's eyes were bloodshot as he approached Bai Zhong.
Two soldiers restrained Bai Zhong tightly, while another forcefully pulled down his trousers.
"What are you doing? You wouldn't dare!"
Seeing Wei Quan's frenzied expression, Bai Zhong was finally terrified. He struggled and screamed but was held firmly in place.
Wei Quan did not hesitate. With one hand gripping his dagger tightly, he swung it downward.
Slash!
"Ahhhhh!" Bai Zhong let out a blood-curdling scream as blood gushed from below.
The harrowing cry sent shivers down everyone's spine.
The members of the Bai family turned deathly pale.
"As for the county deputy," Zhao Feng declared coldly, "embezzling state salaries is a violation of Qin law. Today, I, Zhao Feng, will execute justice personally. Behead him in public as a warning to others."
Wei Quan stepped forward without hesitation, drawing the sword from his waist and approaching the county deputy.
"Mercy! General Zhao, please spare me!"
"This was all Bai Zhong's doing! It has nothing to do with me!"
"Mercy!" the county deputy begged, trembling.
But in the next moment
Slash!
Wei Quan's sword fell, severing the county deputy's head from his body.
The gruesome scene left everyone around utterly stunned.
Having done this, Wei Quan's face finally showed a sense of relief and satisfaction, as though a great weight had been lifted.
He turned to Zhao Feng, knelt on the ground, and said with deep emotion, "General, your kindness is beyond measure. I swear to serve you with my life."
Wei Quan understood clearly that without Zhao Feng, he would never have achieved this revenge. Without Zhao Feng, he would still be stuck in the logistics unit of the army, unable to dream of such a day.
"All those servants who participated in the violence back then must not be spared. Arrest them all and throw them into prison," Zhao Feng instructed.
"Zhang Ming, stay here and handle the rest," Zhao Feng ordered.
"Yes, sir!" Zhang Ming replied immediately.
"Wei, aren't you going to invite me to your home for a visit?" Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
"Please, General, this way," Wei Quan said gratefully. Turning to his wife, he added, "Let's head home quickly."
This act of vengeance on behalf of Wei Quan also fulfilled one of Zhao Feng's wishes.
He still remembered everything Wei Quan had told him years ago.
On the outskirts of the county town stood a modest house.
Though situated in the county, the shabby state of the house made it even less comfortable than Zhao Feng's old home in Sha Village.
As soon as they entered the courtyard, an elderly couple was sitting inside. They were Wei Quan's parents.
The family's shared characteristic was apparent: from the adults to Wei Quan's two children, they were all skin and bones, a testament to the hardships they had endured over the years.
"Father, Mother," Wei Quan called out, falling to his knees before the elderly couple with tears streaming down his face.
"Quan'er," his parents exclaimed, their faces lighting up with joy. It was as though a heavy burden had been lifted.
Zhao Feng stood quietly outside the courtyard, watching the joyful reunion of Wei Quan's family.
"I'm finally going home too," Zhao Feng thought, a warm smile spreading across his face. "It's been nearly four years. I wonder how my mother and younger sister are doing."
As the thought of returning home filled him with joy, he patiently waited for Wei Quan to finish catching up with his family.
After a while, Wei Quan turned his attention to Zhao Feng.
"Father, Mother," Wei Quan said, his voice full of emotion, "allow me to introduce someone to you. This is my commander. You must have heard of him before."
"This is Zhao Feng, the Great General of Qin."
"Zhao... Zhao Feng?" Wei Quan's parents widened their eyes in disbelief.
"The very same," Wei Quan confirmed.
"The man whose name resounds throughout the land?" his parents stammered, struggling to grasp the reality.
"There's no need to be so surprised, Uncle and Aunt," Zhao Feng said with a kind smile. "I came here specifically to ensure Wei Quan could reunite with you all."
"Thank you, General Zhao," Wei Quan's parents said cautiously, bowing deeply, their reverence for him clear.
Zhao Feng's gaze softened as he continued, "You don't need to stand on ceremony. Take this time to rest and enjoy your family. Wei Quan, stay home for a while and take care of your parents. I'll be returning to Xianyang shortly."
He turned to Wei Quan and added, "To ensure your safety, I'll leave Han Chenyuan and a hundred personal guards here. If you encounter any issues, consult with him directly. You have nothing to fear."
Wei Quan bowed deeply, his gratitude spilling from his words. "Master, your grace is beyond words. Wei Quan will never forget this kindness."
Turning to his two sons, Wei Quan gestured for them to come closer. "Kneel," he instructed.
Without hesitation, both sons obeyed, kneeling beside their father in front of Zhao Feng.
"I, Wei Quan, swear this day that the Wei family and its descendants will forever serve and remain loyal to our master. We will be his retainers for generations to come," Wei Quan declared solemnly, his tone unwavering.
The two sons followed suit, repeating their father's pledge with sincerity.
Zhao Feng chuckled lightly. "Such formality is unnecessary," he said with a gentle wave of his hand.
He motioned to one of his guards, who stepped forward carrying a prepared box. Placing it before Wei Quan, the guard opened it, revealing a dazzling array of gold inside.
"This is a small gift for your wife and children," Zhao Feng said warmly. "No need for thanks."
Without another word, Zhao Feng turned to leave the courtyard. His guards followed closely behind.
Watching Zhao Feng depart, Wei Quan knelt deeply in the direction of his benefactor. "Farewell, Master," he said, his voice heavy with gratitude.
Even after Zhao Feng's figure disappeared from view, Wei Quan remained kneeling for a moment before finally rising.
"Bring your aunt out," Wei Quan instructed his sons.
"Yes, Father," the two boys replied, running toward a small room.
"Gugu (Auntie), Father is back!"
A woman in simple clothing emerged from the room. Though her appearance showed signs of hardship, there was a glimmer of beauty in her features. However, her vacant expression betrayed a lingering trauma.
When she saw Wei Quan, her face lit up with joy, and she threw herself into his arms. "Brother!"
"Yes, I'm back," Wei Quan said softly, patting her back reassuringly.
Once she calmed down, Wei Quan turned to his parents and said with a serious expression, "Father, Mother, Master has avenged our family."
"The wretched county magistrate I executed him."
"And that vile Bai Zhong... He has been subjected to castration for his crime. As for those henchmen who harmed you, they are all in prison now."
Hearing this, Wei Quan's parents and sister were stunned, almost unable to believe what they were hearing. They turned to Wei Quan's wife for confirmation.
"It's true, Father, Mother," she said, her voice trembling with emotion. "I witnessed it myself. The great General Zhao sought justice for us."
At this, Wei Quan's parents could no longer hold back their emotions. They knelt in the direction Zhao Feng had departed. "Our savior! A great benefactor to the Wei family! We will never forget his kindness!"
"Father, Mother, please rise," Wei Quan said, helping them up. "You will no longer have to suffer. I am now a general of Qin, all thanks to Master's grace."
"A general?" his parents exclaimed in astonishment.
At that moment, Wei Quan's eldest son opened the box Zhao Feng had left behind, revealing the glittering gold inside.
"Father! There's so much gold!" the boy cried excitedly.
Wei Quan walked over, his face brimming with gratitude as he looked at the gold. "Master..."
Turning back to his sons, he said, "Bear in mind the vow I made just now. From this day forth, the Wei family will always be loyal to our master. From me to you, and from you to your children and grandchildren, we will forever be his retainers."
"If any descendant of the Wei family dares betray our master or his family, they will be condemned by heaven and earth, struck down by the heavens, and erased from the family records."
"This vow shall be our ancestral teaching, passed down for generations," Wei Quan declared with resolute conviction.
His sons nodded solemnly. "We will remember."
Time flew by.
In Xianyang, the capital city...
Crowds of citizens had gathered near the city gates, their faces full of curiosity.
The entire main road leading into the capital was guarded by the Imperial Guard, not the usual city garrison.
Such a grand display could only mean one thing something momentous was about to happen, and someone important was arriving.
The citizens, driven by curiosity, eagerly awaited what was to come.
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