The Rear Hall of the General's Residence
Princess Wu Yang of Yan sat on the couch, dressed in red ceremonial attire, feeling somewhat apprehensive.
As the door opened, Zhao Feng stepped inside with steady footsteps.
Wu Yang cautiously lifted her head for a glance, and her anxiety deepened.
Zhao Feng, however, remained calm as he walked towards her.
"Lord Husband," Wu Yang called out timidly.
Zhao Feng gazed at her, his expression carrying a hint of scrutiny.
"The King of Yan has sent quite a generous dowry this time. He is not the type to suffer a loss without a response."
"Yet, under the pressure of Qin, he still handed over his daughter."
"Could this woman have been planted with some hidden scheme by the King of Yan? Perhaps she was given a mission to assassinate me?" Zhao Feng pondered.
Having spent years on the battlefield and experienced the treacherous politics of the court, combined with his extensive historical knowledge, Zhao Feng knew that things could never go so smoothly.
However, he quickly dismissed these thoughts.
Even if Wu Yang did attempt to assassinate him, her attack likely wouldn't even break through his defenses. And even if it did, his body would heal rapidly.
At this point, Zhao Feng's physical attributes had reached a level far beyond that of ordinary humans. His resilience, healing speed, and resistance to poison were unmatched. Though there had been no wars recently, he had never ceased training.
He opened his status panel and examined his current attributes:
Host: Zhao Feng
Age: 21
True Qi: 8,572 (The greater the True Qi, the stronger the energy within the dantian, leading to greater explosive power.)
Strength: 13,841 (The higher the value, the greater the physical power.)
Speed: 12,932 (Higher value means faster speed.)
Constitution: 11,523 (A stronger constitution results in faster recovery, boundless stamina, and quicker True Qi regeneration.)
Spirit: 10,534 (Spiritual energy can extend a hundred meters outward, enabling the absorption of spiritual energy from the surroundings.)
Lifespan: 197 years
Merit Points: 989 (Can be converted into free attribute points or skill points.)
Storage Space: 89 cubic meters
Cultivation Technique: Dragon Elephant Technique
Martial Skills: Dragon Subduing Palm, Explosive Fist
After contemplating for a moment, Zhao Feng turned his attention back to Wu Yang.
"What is your name?" he asked.
"Your concubine's name is Wu Yang," she responded softly.
"From now on, you are my concubine," Zhao Feng declared. "There is no need for excessive words. After tonight, I will arrange for you to be sent to Xianyang."
Wu Yang's expression changed slightly, and she asked anxiously, "Lord Husband, do you not wish to be with me?"
"This is a military stronghold; women are not allowed to linger here," Zhao Feng replied calmly. "My wife and children are in Xianyang. You will also be part of the household there."
Zhao Feng had no interest in keeping Wu Yang by his side. He did not trust her. And even if he did need female companionship, he had plenty of beautiful maidservants at his disposal.
Seeing Zhao Feng's serious demeanor, Wu Yang sighed internally and could only comply.
"Yes," she answered.
Zhao Feng did not waste any more words. He walked directly towards her.
What followed was a long and intense night.
The Next Morning
"Master, you're already sending the Fourth Concubine away?"
"There's no war at the moment, and Yunzhong City is peaceful. Why the rush?" Zhang Ming asked in confusion.
From his perspective, his master could have taken more time to enjoy the beauty of the Yan princess.
"I do not trust her," Zhao Feng replied flatly.
"Master suspects that the King of Yan sent her here with ulterior motives?" Zhang Ming was startled. "But… that doesn't make sense. She is already your concubine. If she betrays you, she has nowhere else to go."
"In theory, yes," Zhao Feng said. "But who knows?"
"If she is content to live as a pampered concubine, then fine. But if her heart still lies with Yan, then she will have no one to blame but herself," Zhao Feng stated indifferently.
Just then, a voice interrupted their conversation.
"General!"
"Two urgent messages have arrived from Xianyang!"
Zhang Han quickly ascended the city tower of Yunzhong.
"Bring them here," Zhao Feng ordered, his expression turning serious.
Zhang Han stepped forward and handed over the two sealed letters.
Zhao Feng opened one at random.
It was an order from the Ministry of Revenue, stamped with the official seal of the King of Qin.
"Effective immediately
All merchants within Qin's borders are prohibited from selling grain, copper, iron, and military supplies to Wei. Anyone caught violating this order will be imprisoned and severely punished.
Merchants from foreign nations are also prohibited from using Qin's territory to transport goods to Wei. Any violators will be turned back once. If caught again, their goods will be confiscated, and they will be expelled from the country."
"This is essentially an economic blockade," Zhao Feng muttered, a slight smile forming on his lips.
"Qin has already surrounded Wei. Previously, Wei had the closest trade ties with Zhao. Even though Zhao has been conquered, commerce has continued."
"But now, with this blockade, Wei will undoubtedly suffer. It is only bordered by Chu and Qi, and neither of those kingdoms will willingly part with their supplies."
"This measure will cause instability within Wei. And once that chaos reaches its peak… that will be the time for war."
Zhao Feng put down the first letter, his expression amused.
The implementation of this economic sanction confirmed one thing King Qin had already made up his mind to launch a campaign against Wei. And it would happen within the next month or two.
His curiosity piqued, Zhao Feng opened the second letter.
It contained only a single sentence.
It was personally written by King Qin.
"In one month, we march to destroy Wei."
"For this campaign"
"The Wuan Army will advance southward from Yunzhong City, while the Hangu Army will attack from Hangu Pass."
"Whoever captures the Wei capital first and seizes the Wei King shall claim the greatest merit."
Zhao Feng's lips curled into a smile.
The final battle was approaching.
After reading the reports, Zhao Feng's expression turned serious as he closed the secret letter.
"Master," Zhang Han asked respectfully, "has something major happened?"
"The State of Qin is preparing to take action against Wei," Zhao Feng said in a deep voice.
"That's excellent news!" Zhang Han immediately exclaimed in excitement, then eagerly asked, "Will our Wu'an army be deployed to attack Wei?"
"You will know in half a month," Zhao Feng said with a faint smile.
Although he did not explicitly confirm it, Zhang Han had followed Zhao Feng for many years and could easily read between the lines.
"I understand!" Zhang Han responded excitedly.
Zhao Feng's gaze turned cold as he looked in the direction of Wei.
"Wei's capital, Daliang."
"The first to breach the city will claim the highest merit."
"Huan Yi,"
"You may be older than me, but I won't lose to you."
"This time, I must claim the victory in the conquest of Wei," Zhao Feng thought, his eyes gleaming with battle fervor.
Having reached his current position with his power fully established, Zhao Feng had no intention of holding back.
If others wanted merit, they would have to compete for it.
Wei State, Daliang
Inside the imperial court, the atmosphere was heavy.
"Your Majesty, this is terrible!"
"The grain merchants from Qin have completely stopped selling grain to our Wei State. Not only that, but even those in the former Zhao and Han territories have halted all grain trade with us."
"Many payments made to the merchants in advance have not been refunded."
A minister of Wei reported anxiously.
"It's not just grain," another minister interjected urgently.
"Copper, iron, weaponry "
"Even fodder for livestock!"
"All Qin merchants have cut off their supplies to us."
"Why is this happening?"
"Could it be that Qin is preparing to wage war against us?"
Even as an incompetent ruler, King Wei immediately understood the implications.
If Qin had no intention of attacking, such a blockade would not have happened.
The court was soon filled with anxious discussions, with most ministers looking deeply worried and fearful.
Qin was too powerful if it truly launched an attack, Wei would not stand a chance.
Many officials were already considering escape plans in their hearts.
"Uncle," King Wei turned to look at Wei Wuji.
"In this situation, what should we do?"
At this moment, the only person he could rely on was the old general who had been the last pillar of Wei.
"Your Majesty," Wei Wuji said gravely.
"Now that Qin has fully annexed Zhao and stabilized the region, it can turn its attention to us."
"After Zhao's fall, our Wei State was always destined to face Qin's aggression."
"This outcome is inevitable."
Wei Wuji sighed deeply.
His old face was filled with helplessness, but also a firm determination.
"Does this mean our Wei State is doomed?"
King Wei's face turned pale.
He was well aware of the fates of the fallen monarchs of Han and Zhao.
King Han, perhaps, was still living in relative peace, but King Zhao Yan had suffered endless torment in captivity because he had once humiliated Qin's King Zheng.
The guards watching over Zhao Yan would not have shown him any mercy.
"Do not despair, Your Majesty."
"Long before Zhao fell, I had already begun preparing for Qin's eventual attack."
"We have been recruiting and training soldiers."
"At present, our Wei State has an army of 600,000, enough to contend with Qin."
"I have also made contact with the State of Chu. Lord Chunshen of Chu has assured me that if Wei can hold out against Qin's initial assault, Chu may send reinforcements to aid us."
Wei Wuji's voice was firm, trying to boost morale.
"Chu is willing to send troops?"
"That is wonderful news!"
"Only Chu has the strength to challenge Qin!"
"If Chu intervenes, Wei will not fall!"
Hearing Wei Wuji's words, King Wei finally felt a sliver of hope.
Just then, a messenger rushed into the court, panting with urgency.
"Report!"
"We have just received a secret decree from Qin."
"King Qin has officially issued an edict prohibiting all merchants from engaging in trade with Wei!"
"Grain, military supplies, copper, iron everything is banned from being sold to our country!"
"Furthermore, merchants from other states are also forbidden from transporting goods through Qin's territory to supply Wei."
Upon hearing this, King Wei sighed deeply.
"If there was any doubt before, now it is certain Qin intends to invade our state."
At that moment, Wei Wuji stepped forward toward the center of the hall.
Turning to face the assembled ministers, he addressed them in a solemn tone.
"My lords."
His voice, though aged, carried a commanding presence.
The officials of Wei immediately turned their attention to him, showing him due respect.
"Qin is about to invade. The survival of our state depends on our actions today."
"From this day forth, Wei shall enter a state of full military alert."
"I do not expect every one of you to be willing to sacrifice your lives for Wei, but I warn you anyone who dares to defect to Qin and betray our country will not be spared!"
"To ensure that you may fight without distraction"
"Starting today, you are permitted to send your families to safety in Chu."
His voice was steady and firm.
The court fell silent for a brief moment.
A minister, shocked, asked, "My lord, is this true?"
Wei Wuji turned to King Wei and bowed.
The king nodded.
"It is true."
"Not only may my loyal subjects send their families to Chu for safety, but I will send my royal heirs as well."
"However, I will remain here in Daliang with my uncle to defend our kingdom."
Upon hearing this, the officials of Wei collectively bowed in deep reverence.
"Your Majesty is wise."
"My lord is wise."
"We, your subjects, swear to serve Wei until the very end!"
"We vow to live and die with Wei!"
One by one, the ministers of Wei loudly declared their allegiance.
Wei Wuji's strategy had proven effective.
Because of this, the ministers could now fight without worrying about their families.
"From today onward!"
"We shall prohibit the outflow of grain and provisions from Wei!"
"We shall prohibit the outflow of military supplies!"
"All copper and iron from the nation's blacksmiths shall be confiscated and used to forge bows, arrows, and armor with full effort!"
"We shall prepare for war as a nation!" Wei Wuji commanded loudly.
"Your Excellency is wise!" the ministers shouted in unison.
Seeing this united front, a faint smile appeared on Wei Wuji's aged face.
"The survival of Wei…"
"Father, former kings…"
"This is my final gamble. If we can withstand Qin's assault, then perhaps Wei may yet endure."
"If not, then our nation will truly be doomed," Wei Wuji lamented in his heart.
Xianyang!
The Hall of State Affairs!
"Your Majesty!"
"The decrees concerning Wei have been issued to all local authorities."
"All trade with Wei has been prohibited, including the sale of grain and military supplies."
"The policies have been fully implemented."
"Furthermore, border garrisons have blocked and turned away foreign caravans attempting to transport goods to Wei."
"Due to this trade embargo, unrest has already begun to emerge in Wei."
Wei Liao raised his court tablet and reported loudly.
"Your Majesty!"
"In the past, Wei has repeatedly offended Qin, creating an unresolvable national feud."
"Now, by cutting off their supply lines, we can destabilize them."
"At this moment, Qin can use its military might to destroy Wei!"
"Your servant humbly requests to lead the campaign to annihilate Wei!"
Huan Yi stepped forward and declared loudly.
"We support General Huan Yi's petition!"
"Wei has defied the divine authority of Great Qin and must be punished!"
"By deploying troops from Hangu Camp, we can certainly crush Wei!"
Wang Wan immediately echoed the sentiment.
As he stood forward, the entire court followed suit in agreement.
"Your son believes"
"General Zhao Feng has recently established Wuan Camp, and this is a great opportunity to train soldiers and gain merit. I nominate Wuan Camp to lead the attack against Wei!"
At that moment, Hu Hai stepped forward and declared loudly.
"We support this motion!"
The ministers supporting Hu Hai echoed their agreement.
Hu Hai's support of Wuan Camp was not out of genuine goodwill toward Zhao Feng but rather to oppose Fusu, his rival.
Since Wang Wan and his faction were backing an attack from Hangu Camp, Hu Hai naturally pushed for the opposite choice.
Seeing the heated debate in the court, Ying Zheng remained calm.
Only when the voices gradually subsided did he finally speak.
"Prime Minister, is the national treasury well-stocked?"
"The treasury is full, sufficient to sustain a year of warfare."
"After the autumn harvest, we can continue supporting military campaigns," Wang Wan immediately replied.
"After the fall of Zhao"
"Wei Wuji has focused the entire strength of Wei on military buildup, and their forces now number no less than six hundred thousand."
"One camp alone cannot destroy Wei," Ying Zheng stated calmly.
"Your Majesty!"
"We can have Wuan Camp and Hangu Camp launch a two-pronged assault on Wei!"
"Wuan Camp will strike from the north!"
"Hangu Camp will advance from the west!"
"If the two forces work together, Wei will surely fall!" Wei Liao declared loudly.
"I support this plan!" Li Si immediately agreed.
His son was currently in Wuan Camp, making this an excellent opportunity for both merit and influence. Naturally, he had to advocate for it.
Wang Wan lifted his head, his expression fluctuating as he looked toward Ying Zheng on the high throne.
Originally, he had intended for Hangu Camp alone to lead the attack, preventing Zhao Feng from accumulating more military achievements.
But now, it was clear that Ying Zheng had already made up his mind.
"Wuan Camp and Hangu Camp"
"Two months from now, they will launch an offensive against Wei. Whoever breaches Wei's capital first, captures the Wei King, or kills Wei Wuji shall claim the highest honor!"
"Whichever force annihilates Wei shall be rewarded with a double-rank promotion, ten thousand mu of land, ten thousand gold, ten thousand silver, and a thousand slaves!"
Ying Zheng's voice was firm and commanding.
With his decree, the campaign was officially set the two great camps would march upon Wei.
However…
On the surface, Ying Zheng had publicly declared the invasion would commence in two months.
But only those who understood his intentions knew
This was deliberate misinformation.
Announcing the date in open court was no different from leaking the information outright.
Ying Zheng was not so foolish.
The real order to mobilize had already been issued.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Hearing Ying Zheng's decree, the ministers all bowed and shouted in unison.
The decision was now final nothing could change it.
"Prime Minister!"
"Minister Feng!"
"You two shall oversee the logistics of food and supplies."
"Let me reiterate"
"The soldiers of Great Qin may die in battle, but they must not starve!"
Ying Zheng swept his gaze across the ministers and issued a solemn warning, his voice filled with authority.
-support me on Patreon for more chapters, 375+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LordoftheReader