Hearing that the decree came from Xianyang, Huan Yi dared not show the slightest neglect. He immediately took the decree and quickly opened it.
Upon reading its contents, his expression changed dramatically, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.
"How is this possible?" Huan Yi's voice carried strong astonishment.
"General, has the King issued an important decree?" Li Xin asked in a low voice.
Huan Yi gave Li Xin a deep look before handing over the decree. "See for yourself."
Li Xin took it with both hands and opened it, and his expression also turned to shock.
"In just three days, Yanggao City was breached, and 150,000 Wei troops were annihilated."
"Wei's Grand General Long Zhang was slain."
"How is this possible?"
Li Xin's voice trembled.
Reading this decree, the confidence he had just shown was shattered. He could hardly believe that the Wu'an Army had achieved such a victory.
"150,000 Wei soldiers, completely wiped out."
"And in only three days."
"Moreover, Zhao Feng even saw through Wei Wuji's desperate scorched-earth strategy."
"Zhao Feng… I am no match for him." Huan Yi sighed in deep admiration, completely putting aside any underestimation of Zhao Feng due to his younger age or lesser experience.
Previously, Huan Yi, like Li Xin, had been extremely confident in this campaign against Wei. He firmly believed that the honor of destroying Wei and the first great victory in battle would belong to him.
He had never believed that the newly established Wu'an Army, composed mostly of surrendered troops, could surpass his battle-hardened, victorious Hangu Army.
But in the end, reality had proven him wrong.
Li Xin, still in shock, struggled to regain his composure.
After a long moment, he finally spoke:
"How did he detect Wei Wuji's scorched-earth plan?"
"The army had already breached the city. Logically speaking, they would not retreat."
"Moreover, Wei Wuji used over a hundred thousand troops as bait, without any flaws in his deception. This plan was built on a deep understanding of human nature no one would turn back after breaking through an enemy's defenses." Li Xin was puzzled.
"That is why…"
"I am not as good as Zhao Feng."
"If I had been leading the attack on Yanggao, countless soldiers would have been lost in the fire." Huan Yi sighed deeply.
After comparing himself with Zhao Feng, Huan Yi was certain he would not have withdrawn his forces, nor would he have detected the trap within Yanggao's walls.
Once an army was inside the city, how could anyone possibly realize they needed to retreat?
"Our Hangu Army has lost."
"The Wu'an Army has taken the lead and claimed the first major victory." Li Xin also sighed.
"Enough."
"No need to dwell on it."
"The Wu'an Army's success in Yanggao is a victory for our Great Qin. With Wei's northern defenses breached, the Wu'an Army will intensify their assault, and the remaining city garrisons of Wei cannot stop them."
"They have secured the first merit, but we cannot fall too far behind."
"Before tomorrow, this city must be taken."
Huan Yi regained his composure, staring at the city ahead, speaking in a firm tone.
"Understood!" Li Xin immediately responded.
Wei Kingdom's War Continues
With Yanggao City falling to Qin's Wu'an Army, Wei's northern defense was now in shambles. If an army of 150,000 could not stop the Qin advance, then the weaker county militias would stand no chance.
Yanggao City was less than a thousand li from Wei's capital. Within a month or two, the Wu'an Army would reach its gates.
As the war raged on in Wei--
Chu Kingdom, Yingdu
Inside the royal court.
King Xiong Han of Chu sat on the throne. Though middle-aged, he lacked any imposing presence, instead appearing timid and submissive.
Standing before him, positioned on the steps of the court, was an elderly minister dressed in regal attire. Despite being a civil official, he radiated an intimidating aura, exuding authority without needing to express anger.
This man was Lord Chunshen, Huang Xie. He held both military and political power in Chu, dominating the court.
Though he did not sit upon the throne, true ruling power lay firmly in his hands.
Had Zhao Feng been present, he would have immediately recognized this scene. According to historical records, King You of Chu, Xiong Han, was rumored to be the son of Huang Xie and a concubine from the royal palace. After Huang Xie's death, Xiong Han was soon assassinated by Li Yuan.
"Your Majesty."
"My Lord."
"This is Qin's response."
"The King of Qin has declared he will not withdraw from Wei and refuses to give our Great Chu any face."
The envoy who had been sent to Qin stood within the hall, his expression filled with righteous indignation.
His gaze naturally drifted toward Huang Xie.
"Qin… The King of Qin."
"His ambitions are boundless." Huang Xie spoke slowly. Though his tone remained calm, his apprehension toward Qin was evident.
In his heart, he sighed deeply.
"Mi Yue…"
"You have brought great trouble upon Chu, from the reign of Ying Ji to now, Ying Zheng."
"I should never have let you leave all those years ago."
"But in the end… Sigh."
Although many years had passed and he was now old, the past still lingered in his memories.
"The King of Qin is ambitious, having already conquered Zhao and Han, greatly strengthening his nation."
"If we continue to sit idly by and allow him to destroy Wei, then all of the Three Jin territories will belong to Qin. Our Chu Kingdom will be next."
"I beg Your Majesty to declare war on Qin!"
The Qin envoy's words rang through the hall.
As soon as he finished speaking, many ministers stood up, voicing their agreement:
"I second the motion!"
"We must not allow Qin to grow stronger, or we will face catastrophe!"
"Your Majesty, please order an attack on Qin!"
"We must not let Qin annex Wei!"
"Your Majesty, please act!"
One by one, Chu's officials spoke out.
To them, their stance depended on Huang Xie. The mission to Qin had been his initiative, a move to test Qin's response and justify military action.
As he listened to the chorus of ministers, Huang Xie turned his gaze toward the silent King Xiong Han, his eyes carrying a trace of concern.
Then, looking back toward the court, he spoke solemnly:
"The ministers speak the truth. We cannot allow Qin to grow unchecked."
"Minister Li Yuan."
"I am here."
A middle-aged man stepped forward, responding loudly.
"How are the preparations for provisions and troop mobilization?" Huang Xie asked.
"Rest assured, my Lord."
"Everything is in place, awaiting your command." Li Yuan answered without hesitation.
"Then I issue this decree."
"Bring forth the Tiger Tally. Appoint Xiang Yan as Supreme General, commanding 300,000 troops to march north and attack Qin."
"Our Great Chu shall answer Wei's plea for aid and denounce the unjust Qin!"
"Let the world bear witness!" Huang Xie declared.
"Your wisdom is unparalleled, my Lord!"
The ministers echoed in unison.
Facing Huang Xie's overwhelming authority, no one dared to oppose him.
Even King Chu, seated on his throne, had no objections to Huang Xie's decision, or rather, even if he did, it wouldn't change anything.
"Enough."
"The court is dismissed."
Huang Xie nodded and addressed the assembled officials.
"We take our leave."
The ministers of Chu bowed respectfully and gradually withdrew.
However, as Li Yuan and a few other officials glanced at Huang Xie standing on the steps, their eyes flickered with an indistinct expression, though they did not reveal anything outright.
Once everyone had left
"Zhongfu."
"Do we have to go to war with Qin?"
As soon as the ministers were gone, King Chu immediately turned to Huang Xie, his tone filled with concern.
"Han'er."
"Zhongfu is already old… Perhaps I only have a year or two left."
"If I were to die, what do you think would happen to you in this court?" Huang Xie sighed, his tone heavy with meaning.
"I am the King of Chu! Would they truly dare to harm me?" King Chu's expression changed.
"Everything remains stable only because I am here to suppress them. Once I am gone, everything will change."
"This war against Qin is a crucial step. Through it, we can reshuffle the military leadership and plant those who are loyal to you, ensuring your safety."
"For years, I have grown old, and my control over the court and military has weakened."
"They may not show it, but the moment I make a mistake, they will rise against me. I have kept them in check for too long." Huang Xie spoke slowly, his understanding of Chu's political landscape crystal clear.
Clearly
With age comes wisdom. Despite holding immense power, Huang Xie had long seen through the situation in Chu.
"Zhongfu…"
King Chu was deeply moved as he gazed at Huang Xie.
Though Huang Xie was dominant in Chu, wielding absolute authority, he had always treated King Chu well. And as for the rumors within the palace… how could King Chu not know?
The elderly man before him was likely his true father.
"Enough."
"Your Majesty, get some rest."
"Once the military arrangements are in place and the army marches north against Qin, I will also make preparations for the future. Even if I am gone one day, what I leave behind will be enough to protect you." Huang Xie patted King Chu on the shoulder, smiled, and turned to leave.
Watching Huang Xie's departing figure, King Chu suddenly felt an inexplicable unease.
"Zhongfu."
King Chu suddenly called out.
"Does Your Majesty have further orders?"
Huang Xie turned back with a gentle smile, his old face carrying the warmth of a father.
"No… nothing."
"Zhongfu, be careful." King Chu's heart trembled slightly as he spoke.
"Thank you for Your Majesty's concern." Huang Xie smiled, then left without hesitation.
At that moment
Outside the palace, an army had already been mobilized, concealed in various passageways. The palace walls had been manned with a fresh set of archers, and even on the ground, blood stains and scattered corpses lay as silent witnesses to what had already begun.
"My lord."
"Huang Xie's carriage is approaching."
On the palace tower, a general approached Li Yuan and reported.
"So… the day has finally come."
Li Yuan looked up at the sky, his eyes flashing with ambition.
Now
His gaze locked onto the only route leading out of the palace, watching coldly as events unfolded.
Finally
Under the escort of hundreds of guards, a carriage slowly moved forward.
As it passed beneath the palace tower
"Release the arrows."
Li Yuan gave the order in a cold voice.
In an instant
Archers hidden along the palace walls stood up and raised their bows, unleashing a rain of arrows upon the carriage and the guards.
Caught off guard, many of the guards fell to the barrage before they even had a chance to react.
The attack came from an elevated position, taking advantage of the element of surprise. The guards were caught in a deadly crossfire, and soon, most of them lay slain.
"Protect His Lordship! Retreat to the palace!"
"Hurry!"
The remaining guards shouted, attempting to turn back, but the horses had already been struck down by the arrows.
Then
From both sides of the road, waves of troops charged forth.
The air filled with the sound of war cries.
The enemy swarmed around Huang Xie's carriage, overwhelming his remaining guards in a matter of moments.
"Leave no one alive."
"Kill!"
The attacking soldiers roared as they slaughtered the last of the resistance, leaving a field of lifeless bodies in their wake.
Inside the carriage
Huang Xie remained calm, though a hint of bitterness appeared on his aged face.
"So, I miscalculated after all."
"They had been waiting for this moment all along."
"Han'er."
"Your father… can no longer protect you."
He murmured to himself.
Listening to the endless cries of battle outside, Huang Xie knew there was no escape for him.
He reached out and pulled aside the curtain. He wanted to see, with his own eyes, who had orchestrated this.
As the curtain lifted
The last of his guards lay dead, and all around him were men who eyed him with nothing but murderous intent.
"Who dares strike against me?"
Despite his age, Huang Xie's voice remained powerful.
In his words
Li Yuan stepped forward, standing tall and firm. No longer the humble subordinate of the past, he now carried himself with absolute authority.
At this moment
He had truly risen.
"My lord."
"It was me." Li Yuan met Huang Xie's gaze directly, without fear.
Seeing Li Yuan
A flicker of shock appeared in Huang Xie's eyes.
He had never expected it to be him.
"You… it's you."
"I have ruled this nation for decades, only to meet my end at the hands of a former subordinate."
"Hahaha…" Huang Xie laughed, his voice filled with both sorrow and irony.
Perhaps only he could truly understand the feeling of betrayal.
"Send Lord Chunshen on his way."
Murderous intent filled Li Yuan's eyes. Without hesitation, he waved his hand.
At once
Countless soldiers swarmed forward, charging directly at Huang Xie.
The Legend of Chu
Lord Chunshen, who had held supreme power over Chu for decades, had fallen.
Seeing Huang Xie dead before him, Li Yuan finally let out a sigh of relief.
"He's dead. That old man is finally dead."
"From now on, the military and political power of Great Chu will be under my control." A triumphant smile spread across Li Yuan's face.
It wasn't just Li Yuan who was thrilled
Everyone around him felt the same.
Huang Xie was a legendary figure in Chu, a name known in every household.
And now, his lifeless, bloodied body lay before them.
It was almost hard to believe.
"My lord,"
"Huang Xie is dead. What should we do next?" One of Li Yuan's subordinates asked, glancing toward the palace.
Li Yuan refocused, his eyes gleaming coldly.
"The current king's bloodline is impure he is merely a bastard born from Huang Xie's illicit affair with a concubine of the late king. He is unworthy to rule Chu."
"Pass down my order storm the palace and eliminate this illegitimate child. Wipe out his entire bloodline."
"Furthermore, we shall seek out the true heir of Chu to restore order to the court." Li Yuan unsheathed his sword and shouted.
"We swear to follow our lord!"
"Kill!"
The soldiers roared in unison and charged toward the palace.
Meanwhile
A pair of watchful eyes observed everything from the shadows.
"Chu…"
"Has fallen into chaos."
"Huang Xie, oh Huang Xie… Did you want to wage war against my Qin? You were never worthy."
"Now that Chu is in turmoil, they won't have peace for at least a year."
"It's time to report this victory to the king."
…
Within the borders of Wei
In an unknown city.
After half a month of warfare
The Wu'an army was advancing relentlessly.
Like a mighty flood, the elite troops of Wu'an swept across Wei's territories.
"Reporting to the General!"
"As per your command,"
"The cavalry has reached Liyang City and divided into five forces to strike at Wei's supply routes. As of now, we have severed supply lines for dozens of Wei cities. Meanwhile, our two main forces are engaged in assaults, and over ten cities have already fallen to our army." Zhang Ming reported loudly.
"Pass down my orders."
"Tell the three generals not to be reckless in pursuit of glory advance steadily and cautiously."
"Wei is already a spent force. Their regional troops will not be able to withstand our military might."
"Warn them if they recklessly pursue glory and cause unnecessary losses, I will not spare them." Zhao Feng said gravely.
"Understood!" Zhang Ming immediately acknowledged the order.
"General,"
"A royal envoy from Xianyang seeks an audience."
Han Chenyan strode into the command tent and respectfully reported.
Hearing the words "royal envoy," Zhao Feng did not dare delay and promptly walked out.
Outside
To his surprise, Ren Xiao, commander of the Qin royal guards, had personally led a contingent of elite soldiers to this place.
Zhao Feng was momentarily taken aback upon seeing him.
"Commander Ren, I did not expect you to come to Wei personally." Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"Greetings, Great General."
Ren Xiao first saluted Zhao Feng.
Though the commander of the royal guards held a high status, ranking above an ordinary general, he was still beneath the Great General.
The military protocol could not be disregarded.
"At ease," Zhao Feng smiled.
"I have come on the king's orders to deliver a royal decree of reward."
"General Zhao Feng, receive the decree!" Ren Xiao took out a scroll with a solemn expression.
Zhao Feng did not dare be negligent. He immediately bowed and said, "Your subject, Zhao Feng, awaits the king's decree."
"We await the king's decree!"
The generals and personal guards in the command tent also knelt.
"The decree of King Qin"
"Zhao Feng, Great General of Wu'an, led the army to break through Wei's borders, annihilated 150,000 enemy troops, and shattered Wei's defenses a great achievement."
"Now"
"You are hereby promoted by one rank and bestowed the title of Lesser Senior Officer (Shaoshangzao)."
"Awarded: 1,000 gold pieces, 10,000 coins, 100 pieces of fine jade, and 500 servants." Ren Xiao read aloud.
Upon hearing this
Zhao Feng remained composed, but the generals and guards behind him were visibly excited.
"Our lord has become a Lesser Senior Officer that's a fifteenth-rank title! This firmly secures his position as Great General. Among the three other Great Generals of Qin, only Wang Jian ranks higher now."
"This is incredible!"
"From now on, no one can challenge our lord's position as Great General."
"This battle destroying 150,000 Wei troops in just three days has earned the king's favor."
"Such a feat could only have been achieved under our lord's command. Without him, countless soldiers would have perished in the flames of Yanggao City."
The gathered officers and guards were overwhelmed with joy.
"Your subject humbly thanks His Majesty for this great honor!"
Zhao Feng bowed deeply and declared.
Ren Xiao stepped forward and respectfully handed the decree to Zhao Feng.
"Great General,"
"His Majesty has also given a special command."
"Regarding military actions in Wei, the king will not interfere he eagerly anticipates the day you lead the army to capture Wei's capital." Ren Xiao said with a smile.
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