With the order to attack and destroy Zhao, the 200,000 elite Qin troops arrayed before Dai City surged forward, awakening like a monstrous slaughter beast.
Arrows rained down, and boulders hurled by catapults unleashed a wave of destruction, engulfing Dai City in a tide of death.
When these deadly barrages fell, countless Zhao soldiers were killed or wounded. Chaos reigned as soldiers fled in terror, and cries of agony echoed everywhere.
The Qin army's assault began with waves of arrows and catapult bombardments, even in this final decisive battle to destroy Zhao.
Under General Wang Jian's command, the Qin army adhered to strict discipline. No rush would lead to unnecessary casualties.
After nearly half an hour of relentless bombardment, Wang Jian gave the order:
"Attack!"
At his command, heralds spread the order throughout the camp.
"The main assault division, charge!"
General Yang Duanhe, leading the vanguard, directed his forces to advance on Dai City using siege engines in a coordinated attack. Having allowed Zhao Feng to take the glory in earlier battles, Yang Duanhe now seized the opportunity to distinguish himself in this final battle to eradicate Zhao.
The outcome of this battle was never in doubt.
Even without Zhao Feng leading the charge, the ferocious assault led by Yang Duanhe's forces steadily overpowered the defenders on the city walls. However, this came at a greater cost in casualties than when Zhao Feng led previous sieges.
Victory, after all, is built on sacrifice.
Neither Yang Duanhe nor Wang Jian showed hesitation they understood that wars are won at a cost, and casualties are inevitable.
As Yang Duanhe's forces breached the city walls, Zhao Feng gave his command:
"Advance!"
With his forces surging forward in support, Zhao Feng's army broke through the defenses and stormed into the city.
Time passed.
By the end of the day, the Qin army had swept through Dai City, encircling the royal palace.
The Zhao King's Last Stand
Inside the palace, King Zhao Yi stood before his remaining troops.
"Soldiers of Great Zhao," he declared. "I have failed you. I was unable to defend our lands this is my fault."
"But today, I will fight alongside you and die with you."
"Charge!"
With a furious roar, Zhao Yi led his troops in a desperate charge against the advancing Qin forces.
"Protect Great Zhao!"
"Zhao will not perish!"
The palace defenders, numbering only a few thousand, followed their king into battle, prepared to fight.
Amid this chaos, Zhao Feng, leading his forces with unmatched ferocity, stormed the palace first.
Spotting King Zhao Yi clad in royal robes and fighting with the resolve of a man who had nothing to lose, Zhao Feng's interest was piqued.
"I wonder what reward comes with slaying a king," Zhao Feng mused. "A king carries the fate of a nation it should yield quite the prize."
With that thought, Zhao Feng made his move, his target clear.
"All troops, hear me!" Zhao Feng commanded. "Anyone who does not surrender will be executed!"
Ignoring the command, Zhao Yi locked eyes with Zhao Feng. Though they had never met face-to-face, the Zhao king immediately recognized the man responsible for countless Zhao defeats and the loss of his kingdom.
"Zhao Feng!" Zhao Yi snarled, his gaze burning with hatred.
Though he had never met Zhao Feng personally, the general's exploits had been widely documented and circulated throughout the kingdoms. Zhao Feng's reputation as the next Bai Qi Qin's unparalleled military genius had made him the subject of fear and loathing among all who opposed Qin.
"For the people of Zhao," Zhao Yi roared, "I will die with you!"
The king charged at Zhao Feng, sword aimed at his heart.
But to Zhao Feng, Zhao Yi's movements were slow, almost laughably so.
"A king," Zhao Feng sneered. "I've never killed one before. You'll be the first."
With a cold laugh, Zhao Feng thrust his sword, Dragon Spring, forward.
The blade pierced Zhao Yi's chest with ease.
The king froze, his body trembling as blood spilled.
If Zhao Yi had been a legitimate monarch with the Zhao imperial seal, Zhao Feng might have spared his life. But this "king" had no such legitimacy, having been crowned in Dai City by surviving Zhao generals without the royal seal. Moreover, Wang Jian had given no orders to spare Zhao Yi.
Thus, Zhao Feng acted without hesitation.
"Great Zhao... will not fall!" Zhao Yi roared with his last breath, his voice filled with despair and defiance.
The Spoils of Victory
A system notification appeared before Zhao Feng:
"You have slain the King of Dai, Zhao Yi. Reward: +50 to all attributes, +100 days of life, and a Tier-2 Treasure Chest."
"Congratulations, Host. Total attributes have surpassed 8,000. Bonus: Tier-1 Treasure Chest."
"A pseudo-king, yet still imbued with the nation's fate," Zhao Feng thought with satisfaction. "It was worth killing him."
"If only I could kill the King of Han and Zhao Xian too," he mused. "The rewards would be even greater."
Yet Zhao Feng knew such a feat was currently impossible. Both kings were imprisoned in Xianyang, the Qin capital, heavily guarded.
Lifting Zhao Yi's lifeless body with one hand, Zhao Feng addressed the remaining Zhao soldiers:
"Your king is dead. Lay down your arms and you will be spared!"
Upon seeing their king's corpse, many soldiers who had been fiercely loyal to Zhao Yi continued to fight until they fell, while others dropped their weapons and surrendered.
The victory was assured.
Wang Jian Receives the News
Outside the city, Wang Jian waited in the Qin military camp.
"Report to the General!"
A messenger rushed to Wang Jian and saluted.
"General, news from inside the city General Zhao Feng has breached the royal palace and personally slain King Zhao Yi. Dai City is secured!"
"Excellent!" Wang Jian's face lit up with joy. "The Zhao kingdom is finished."
"Congratulations to the General for achieving yet another victory in the destruction of a kingdom!" the messenger exclaimed. "You have led Qin's armies to eliminate two kingdoms in succession. Your name will surely go down in history."
Wang Jian smiled faintly. "The next war may not see my Blue Field Army as the main force."
This campaign required coordination among Qin's three major armies. Wang Jian's Blue Field Army had taken the lead, while the northern border army and Hangu forces provided support. The war had been grueling, and Blue Field had borne significant losses.
In the future, Wang Jian planned to take a step back. To continue seeking the spotlight would be unwise for a loyal servant of the Qin court.
"Spread my orders," Wang Jian commanded. "Eliminate any remaining Zhao resistance in Dai City. Those who refuse to surrender are to be executed."
"Understood!" The messenger left to relay the orders.
Zhao Feng's Future
Wang Jian stood alone, a rare smile on his face. "Slaying Zhao Yi and capturing the royal palace Zhao Feng's promotion is now a certainty."
"My son-in-law is destined to become an Upper General."
"Great Qin's fourth Upper General... and the youngest in history. My daughter chose well; Zhao Feng is a son-in-law to be proud of."
Unbeknownst to Wang Jian, Emperor Ying Zheng had already announced Zhao Feng's promotion in Xianyang.
"Zhao Feng's appointment as an Upper General will bring him to the court," Wang Jian thought. "He must learn to tread carefully in the halls of power. The battlefield is not the same as the imperial court. If he doesn't adapt, he will face challenges."
The Blue Field Army continued its march, pressing forward in the campaign to secure Qin's dominance.
As Dai City fell, within a month, the entire Dai region would inevitably be conquered by Great Qin. When that day came, Zhao would be annihilated!
Time passed quickly.
Wei Kingdom, Daliang City
"Your Majesty!"
"Zhao has fallen."
"King Zhao Yi of Dai has been slain amidst the chaos of battle by Qin's forces. The Zhao army in Dai has been utterly defeated," a general anxiously reported to Wei Wuji.
Upon hearing this, the carving knife and bamboo slips in Wei Wuji's hands slipped to the ground. A grave expression appeared on his aged face.
"So, in the end, they couldn't hold on."
"The momentum of Qin cannot be stopped."
"Of the Three Jin States, only Wei remains," Wei Wuji sighed, his heart filled with indescribable sorrow.
"Your Majesty," the Wei general said with a trembling voice, "with Zhao's fall, once Qin consolidates its control over Zhao's territory, it will undoubtedly turn its forces against our Wei Kingdom."
"What course of action should Wei take?"
"Our course of action..." Wei Wuji murmured, momentarily at a loss himself.
"You may withdraw for now," he finally said, dismissing the general with a wave.
"Understood." The general bowed and left.
"Sigh," Wei Wuji sighed deeply, retrieving a silk scroll from beneath the table. On it were four characters: "Plan for National Revival."
The news of Dai being conquered by Qin and King Zhao Yi's death spread like a tide across the lands, naturally stirring unease in every nation.
Those further away were less perturbed, but for Wei, the tension was unbearable.
Xianyang
A messenger bearing a command flag galloped swiftly through the city gates.
The guards at the gates quickly removed the barriers, clearing the way.
The messenger charged into the city without obstruction.
"Victory for our Qin army in Zhao!"
"Dai City has been taken by our forces, and King Zhao Yi of Dai was slain by General Zhao Feng. Our army is advancing like a hot knife through butter!"
"The entire Dai region is now under the control of Great Qin, and Zhao has fallen!"
"Victory! Zhao has fallen, and its lands now belong to our Great Qin!"
"Victory!"
The messenger waved the command flag and shouted as he galloped toward the royal palace.
"Zhao has fallen?"
"Is this true?"
"The heavens bless Great Qin! Zhao has fallen!"
"Hahaha! First Han, and now Zhao! Great Qin has eliminated two of the Three Jin States in just under three years. Someday, Great Qin will surely unify the world!"
"The warriors of Great Qin are undoubtedly the strongest!"
"The great wish of generations of Qin people to unify the world is finally coming true!"
"With the fall of Handan and the demise of Zhao, even General Wang, who once took his life at Handan's gates, can now rest in peace."
"Our Great Qin has triumphed!"
"Come, let us go celebrate with a drink at the tavern!"
"Haha, I'll join you!"
"Too bad there isn't a Jiuxian Tavern in Xianyang. The wine there is truly unmatched. If only we could have their wine to celebrate properly!"
"Where exactly is this Jiuxian Tavern? I've heard many wine enthusiasts talk about it, but I've never seen it!"
"Ah, my friend, you're behind the times. Jiuxian Tavern is located in Yingchuan. I had the chance to visit while traveling along the Wei River, and the place was packed!"
"If it's that good, I must visit it someday."
"Enough talk! Let us celebrate the destruction of Zhao. The joy of conquest must be shared!"
"Indeed! As a former soldier of Great Qin, I believe every man of Qin should celebrate this!"
Throughout Xianyang, countless citizens, especially men, were filled with excitement. The joy of expanding the nation's borders ignited the spirits of everyone.
This might be the inherited ambition of the Qin people, a drive born from their bloodline. From their humble beginnings in the northwest, they rose to become the most powerful state of their time, thanks to the tireless efforts of generations of Qin people. The dream of unifying the world was not only the wish of successive Qin kings but also deeply rooted in the blood of every Qin citizen.
In history, even when the territories of the six states were lost due to the incompetence of Hu Hai, the Qin people, with their passionate spirits and enduring legacy, could have helped their king reclaim the world.
But what did Hu Hai do? Not only did he oppress the six states, but he also harshly treated the Qin people, losing their hearts entirely.
Returning to the present.
The messenger continued his gallop, soon reaching the royal palace.
With his command flag, he passed unimpeded through the palace gates and arrived outside the Hall of State Affairs.
"Reporting to His Majesty!"
"Great victory in Zhao!"
"Dai City has fallen, and the entire Dai region is now under our control!"
"Zhao has been annihilated!"
"Our Great Qin has destroyed the Zhao state!"
"Victory!"
The messenger bowed deeply and reported loudly.
Upon hearing the news, the entire court was astounded. Then, every minister's face lit up with joy.
"Your ministers congratulate Your Majesty!"
"Long live the King! Long live Great Qin!"
The civil and military officials bowed in unison and cheered in unison.
From his throne, Ying Zheng's expression showed a trace of emotion. Rising slowly, he revealed a joyful yet dignified countenance.
Under the ministers' congratulations, Ying Zheng spread his arms, exuding unparalleled majesty:
"The Mandate of Heaven is with Qin!"
"The Mandate of Heaven is with Qin!" the ministers echoed.
"Great Qin will surely unify the world!"
"Long live the King! Long live Great Qin!"
The ministers cheered again.
"Transmit my decree," Ying Zheng commanded.
"All captured members of the Zhao royal family and nobility are to be brought back to Qin!"
"All their officials and clans are to be taken to Qin as well!"
"Reduce them all to slave status and brand them as such."
"Upon their return, the Court of Judicial Review will record their names, and all slaves will be distributed as rewards to meritorious officials," Ying Zheng decreed.
"Your Majesty is wise!" the ministers exclaimed with excitement.
The destruction of Zhao had drained much of Qin's national strength, but the rewards for the officials would undoubtedly come. Historically, this had always been the case.
After the fall of Han, many officials received rewards from Ying Zheng.
"Your Majesty," one minister said, stepping forward. "With Zhao's fall, we now have a large number of surrendered soldiers. Their daily consumption of provisions is substantial. We must deliberate on how to handle them."
"Minister of Revenue," Ying Zheng addressed Wei Liao. "How many surrendered soldiers are there in Zhao?"
"Your Majesty, if we count the regional soldiers of Zhao, there are nearly 400,000 surrendered soldiers across Zhao's territories. This does not include deserters from the Zhao army," Wei Liao replied respectfully.
"Four hundred thousand is indeed a large number," Ying Zheng said gravely.
"Your Majesty," another minister, Wang Wan, suggested, "I propose that we adopt previous practices for handling some of the surrendered soldiers. Send them to the northern frontier as laborers or assign them as slaves throughout our lands."
"I second this proposal," echoed Kui Zhuang. "If we incorporate all these soldiers into our ranks, it would be too costly. We should screen them first and then reorganize them accordingly."
"What does the Court of Judicial Review think?" Ying Zheng asked, turning to Li Si.
"Your Majesty, the soldiers of Qin undergo rigorous evaluations before being classified as elite troops and granted ranks. However, the soldiers of other states lack such scrutiny and vary greatly in quality."
"We should indeed screen them first before reorganizing them as penal troops," Li Si replied decisively.
Though Li Si often clashed with Wang Wan, when it came to matters of national importance, he spoke with utmost seriousness.
This attitude was likely one of the reasons Ying Zheng trusted him so deeply.
"As all ministers have stated,"
"With so many surrendered soldiers, we must handle this matter with caution."
"Pass my decree to General Wang Jian, instructing him to screen the surrendered soldiers and select the young and strong among them. Those who meet the standards of Qin's recruits shall be retained. The rest are to be demoted to slave status and sent to the northern frontier or Shu regions." Ying Zheng immediately issued his decree.
"His Majesty is wise," the court ministers responded in unison.
Ying Zheng raised his hand. "Now that Zhao has fallen, aside from the screening and reorganization of surrendered soldiers, we also need capable officials to govern Zhao's territories."
"Your Majesty,"
"The Yingchuan Commandery has been under our Qin rule for over two years and is now fully integrated. However, governing Yingchuan as a single commandery is overly cumbersome. I propose dividing it into three commanderies for better administration, as was done with the former Han territories," Han Fei suggested, stepping forward.
"You have brought this matter up before,"
"Proceed as you suggested."
"Divide Yingchuan into three commanderies for governance. Determine the specifics yourself," Ying Zheng instructed Han Fei.
"I accept the decree and will not fail Your Majesty's trust," Han Fei responded immediately.
"Your Majesty,"
"I recommend Mi Li and Meng Shu for governing Zhao's lands. They are undoubtedly up to the task," Wang Wan suggested promptly.
"I recommend Lord Yao Jia," Li Si quickly added.
At this moment, Han Fei also stepped forward without hesitation. "Since entering Qin's service, I have handled numerous state affairs for Your Majesty. However, these contributions are far from enough to repay Your Majesty's grace. I humbly request to oversee the governance of Zhao's lands and ask for Your Majesty's approval."
Han Fei's words surprised Wang Wan and Li Si, who both turned their gazes toward him. They hadn't expected him to step into this matter.
Even Ying Zheng was somewhat taken aback.
Though Han Fei had been serving Qin, his attitude had always been leisurely, neither doing too much nor too little and simply fulfilling his responsibilities.
Yet, everyone in the court knew Han Fei's immense talent. He could effortlessly manage not just internal affairs but even the responsibilities of the Nine Ministers if required.
However, without significant accomplishments, further advancement for him was impossible.
Military generals compete for military achievements,
Civil officials strive for governance success.
This principle held across all eras.
"The Inner Historian possesses great talent."
"Since you have made this request, I trust you are fully capable of managing the governance of Zhao's lands."
"The territory of Zhao is vast, with a population of tens of millions. However, overseeing all of Zhao alone might be too taxing."
"I grant you the governance of Zhao's lands."
"However, someone else must manage the Dai region…"
Ying Zheng smiled slightly, agreeing to Han Fei's request but making it clear that the entire Zhao territory would not be entrusted to him alone.
"Father!"
"Your son requests the assignment to govern the Dai region," Fusu suddenly stepped forward and made his plea loudly.
At this moment, Fusu's eyes were filled with determination.
However, Wang Wan and Kui Zhuang, standing nearby, became visibly anxious, signaling desperately with their eyes for Fusu to hold back.
As the eldest son and crown prince, Fusu's primary focus should have been on solidifying his position and striving for further advancement. Managing a region was a task for officials, not for the heir apparent. His role was to strengthen his influence within the central administration of Qin.
Ying Zheng glanced at Fusu, his expression unreadable.
Then he turned and called out, "Feng Qing."
His gaze fell on Feng Jie.
Feng Jie's family was renowned, with his elder brother Feng Quji serving as one of the Nine Ministers. Though Feng Jie himself was not among the Nine Ministers, he held a high rank as a senior official.
"Your subject is here," Feng Jie promptly responded.
"The Dai region shall be entrusted to you," Ying Zheng declared.
"Thank you for Your Majesty's trust. I will not disappoint you," Feng Jie immediately accepted the assignment.
Everyone in the court understood that overseeing newly conquered territories was a golden opportunity for civil officials to achieve governance success, which could lead to promotions and rewards upon their return.
"Of course,"
"The officials recommended by the Prime Minister and the Minister of Justice can also be appointed."
"Mi Li and Yao Jia," Ying Zheng said as his gaze swept across the court.
"Present,"
The two officials immediately stepped forward from the ranks of the civil servants, their faces showing excitement.
"Mi Li shall assist Feng Qing in managing the Dai region."
"Yao Jia shall assist Han Fei in governing Zhao's lands."
"For now, Zhao's territory will be divided and governed separately. Once it is fully integrated into Qin's rule, we will deliberate further on splitting it into commanderies," Ying Zheng announced decisively.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your trust. We will serve to the best of our ability," Mi Li and Yao Jia responded.
"By the way,"
Ying Zheng suddenly smiled as something came to mind.
Fusu immediately looked at his father with anticipation.
"General Zhao Feng joined the army at the age of sixteen. Now nearing twenty, he has yet to return home even once."
"When we were in Handan, I promised him that he could take a leave of absence after the conquest of Zhao."
"Minister of Justice, after the decree is issued, send word to Zhao Feng that I grant him leave."
"However, he must wait until Zhao's cities are fully under control and the surrendered soldiers are reorganized," Ying Zheng said with a smile to Wei Liao.
"I understand," Wei Liao replied with a grin.
"That is all,"
"Do any of you have further matters to report? If not, the court is adjourned," Ying Zheng asked as he looked around the court.
With these words, Fusu's face showed a trace of disappointment.
He had hoped his father would give him an opportunity.
"If only Father gave me a chance, I would prove that I could govern Zhao with benevolence and achieve great success more so than with harsh legalist measures, and with greater public support," Fusu thought with firm resolve.
But even so,
Ying Zheng seemed to see through him and did not grant him the opportunity.
Benevolence?
The Zhao people's kingdom had just been destroyed. Speaking of benevolence at this time was meaningless.
Only harsh measures could establish authority and control this was the true path of a ruler.
"We have no further matters to report."
"Then the court is adjourned."
Ying Zheng waved his hand, turned, and walked toward Zhangtai Palace.
"We bid farewell to His Majesty," the court ministers said in unison, bowing deeply as they watched him leave.
Inside Zhangtai Palace, in the rear hall, Ying Zheng held the imperial seal…
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