Regarding Li You
Zhao Feng didn't hold Li You in high regard.
At the end of the day, Li You had only been placed in the military at the request of Li Si, the Prime Minister of Qin. Emotionally, Zhao Feng had no connection with him. Logically, Zhao Feng had risen from humble beginnings, earning his current rank through military merit. It wasn't just the seasoned generals who looked down on Li You truthfully, Zhao Feng did too.
However, if Li You could prove his ability to command troops and earn the respect of the army through his own capabilities, then that would be his achievement.
"Master is right," Zhang Han nodded in agreement.
Zhang Han remained somewhat wary of Li You.
After all, Li You was an outsider, whereas he and Tu Sui were Zhao Feng's trusted subordinates.
The reason the King of Qin assigned Li You to Zhao Feng's camp was partially for balance and partially for surveillance. After all, Li You was the son of Li Si, the Prime Minister.
Zhang Han and Tu Sui made sure not to get too close to him.
For now, Li You remained an outsider to the true inner circle of generals in Wu'an Camp.
"Of course," Zhao Feng continued, "while those generals may not respect Li You, they must still obey his military orders. If anyone disobeys, I will not be able to protect them."
Zhao Feng issued this reminder for the sake of his old comrades.
"Rest assured, Master," Zhang Han replied. "Nearly ninety percent of the officers in the army are your old brothers-in-arms. While they may not respect him, they would never disobey orders."
"Has there been any unrest among the penal troops?" Zhao Feng asked.
This time, the reorganization of the penal troops was quite extensive, involving a staggering 230,000 men.
The number of penal troops even exceeded that of the elite Qin warriors.
However, Zhao Feng also had a 100,000-strong logistics force at his disposal.
"Master, you need not worry," Zhang Han assured.
"All the penal troops' records have been thoroughly documented not only within the army but also in the local prefectures."
"Nearly all of them follow orders without resistance. They wouldn't dare rebel, as they know it would cost their families their lives."
"Of course," Zhang Han added, "there are always a few who refuse to obey and harbor thoughts of escape."
"For those individuals, I made an example of them executing them publicly. Anyone who dares defy orders is killed, along with their entire family."
His voice was cold and unwavering.
Having followed Zhao Feng for years, Zhang Han had long learned when to rule with an iron fist and when to show mercy.
"Ensure Tu Sui implements the same policy," Zhao Feng instructed.
"Eliminate any who harbor rebellious thoughts."
He didn't press further on the matter.
These were tasks Zhang Han and the others could handle on their own.
The 230,000 penal troops required strict management.
Using their families' lives as leverage was a harsh but highly effective method.
After all, these men were once criminals or prisoners of war mere slaves. Zhao Feng was giving them a chance to reclaim their humanity. If they refused to cherish it, they had only themselves to blame.
Yan Kingdom, Jicheng
"Your Majesty."
"News has arrived from Zhao Feng."
"The King of Qin has granted him permission to marry our Yan princess."
"What should we do?"
Qing Qin looked at the King of Yan hesitantly.
At this moment, the Yan King's expression was dark and unreadable, clearly displeased.
"Zhao Feng..."
"He may be young, but he has managed to outmaneuver me."
"I'm forced to give away a daughter for nothing," the Yan King said grimly.
"We truly underestimated him."
"However, this may not be entirely bad."
"At the very least, our royal family will be connected to Zhao Feng by marriage. If something happens in the future, he may show some consideration," Qing Qin suggested hesitantly.
"Qing Qin..."
"You're overthinking it."
"Zhao Feng is ruthless."
"He is already known throughout the land as the 'God of Slaughter' as ruthless as Bai Qi, with methods just as brutal."
"Do you think a single woman will make him hesitate?"
"This time, we've suffered a loss."
"But there's no choice we have already made the announcement," the Yan King sighed as if he had completely seen through Zhao Feng.
"Your Majesty, which princess will you send to marry Zhao Feng?" Qing Qin asked cautiously.
"Ah… The only one of suitable age is Wuyang," the Yan King sighed again.
"Princess Wuyang?"
"But she is Your Majesty's most beloved daughter! She is also very close to the Crown Prince. If she is sent away, it could cause major unrest," Qing Qin frowned.
"My decree is not for that rebellious son to question."
"Besides…"
"Wuyang…"
A cold glint flashed in the Yan King's eyes.
Then, he spoke again.
"Summon Wuyang to the palace."
He ordered the eunuch beside him.
"As you command." The eunuch swiftly left.
"General Qing Qin, make the necessary preparations."
"Tomorrow, you will personally escort the princess to her wedding."
"Understood," Qing Qin bowed and withdrew.
A Short While Later
A young woman of extraordinary beauty, dressed in elegant palace robes, entered the great hall.
"Greetings, Father."
Princess Wuyang curtsied before the Yan King.
"Sit, Wuyang."
Seeing his daughter, the Yan King's gaze softened.
"Thank you, Father."
Wuyang sat gracefully to the side, her posture respectful.
Then, she spoke first.
"Father, am I the one chosen to be married?"
The Yan King sighed.
"Wuyang… I have failed you."
"Our kingdom is struggling with both internal and external crises. Our national strength has been severely weakened."
"If it weren't for the intervention of Qin, our Yan Kingdom might have already been destroyed by Zhao. Although our nation still stands, the treasury is empty, and our military is weak. Zhao may have fallen, but Qin has taken over its territory and grown even stronger."
"With the fierce and powerful Qin so close, your father finds no peace, neither day nor night."
"And within this formidable Qin, you must have heard of Zhao Feng's name."
"Though young, he is incredibly brave and skilled in commanding troops, no less capable than Qin's veteran generals."
"He is stationed in Yunzhong City, right beside Yan. This makes me even more uneasy," King Yan said with a sigh.
"Father, are you arranging my marriage to him in hopes of winning him over?" Princess Wuyang asked directly.
King Yan shook his head. "Winning him over?"
"This young man is deeply trusted by the King of Qin and holds a high position."
"Do you think someone like him can be swayed?"
Although he had never met Zhao Feng in person, as a neighboring adversary, King Yan had studied him extensively.
"Then what is it that you need me to do?" Wuyang raised her head and looked at her father.
She may be a princess, but she could tell that her father had a specific task in mind for her.
"Rest assured."
"I won't ask you to harm him at least not for now."
"I want you to do everything in your power to earn his affection and trust," King Yan said seriously.
Wuyang nodded slightly.
"If, one day, Qin truly moves against Yan… If, one day, it is Zhao Feng who leads the attack on our kingdom…"
King Yan's voice grew colder as he continued, "I want you to eliminate him for the sake of Yan."
Hearing this, Wuyang shuddered.
A flicker of fear appeared in her eyes.
She had never expected her father to ask such a thing. She was completely stunned.
Seeing her hesitation, King Yan stood up, placed a hand on her shoulder, and spoke with deep emotion, "Wuyang, I have loved and favored you more than any of your siblings. You have received more affection from me than all of them combined. I know that if you do this, you will certainly be killed by Zhao Feng's subordinates in the future."
"But for the sake of Yan, I am willing to die, and so must any true subject of Yan."
"Can you promise me this?" King Yan looked at her intently. His aged eyes were filled with both plea and coercion.
If Wuyang dared to refuse, he would not be so kind.
Feeling the weight of his gaze and the oppressive force behind his words, Wuyang, despite her inner fear, had no choice but to nod.
"Good."
"Wuyang, don't worry."
"If one day things turn out as I hope if Qin sends Zhao Feng to lead an attack on Yan, and you succeed then I will take even better care of your mother."
"I will never let her suffer," King Yan said with a satisfied smile.
His words, however, still carried an unmistakable threat.
This was his way of reminding Wuyang that her mother was still in the palace.
"Thank you, Father."
Though she fully understood her father's meaning, Wuyang could only bow and express her gratitude.
"That's enough."
"Go and prepare yourself."
"You are to be married tomorrow."
"I will make sure you have a grand wedding, and your dowry will be generous," King Yan said.
"Thank you, Father." Wuyang curtsied and then left.
Watching her depart, King Yan's expression turned cold once more.
"Though I suffered a setback this time, having Wuyang by Zhao Feng's side will allow me to deliver a fatal blow at the crucial moment eliminating this great threat to Yan."
"Zhao Feng."
"You may be clever, but you will still fall into my trap," King Yan thought coldly.
At the Crown Prince's residence:
"Disgrace! Utter disgrace!"
"A princess of Yan, forced to become someone's concubine!"
"Father is completely blinded!"
Upon hearing the news that his sister was to marry Zhao Feng, Crown Prince Yan Dan was furious.
"Your Highness, please be careful with your words."
One of his advisors quickly stepped forward to caution him.
Realizing that he had spoken too rashly, Yan Dan took a deep breath to calm himself.
"A princess of Yan is of the highest status. Zhao Feng may be barely worthy, but if she were to be his wife, it would be acceptable. But a mere concubine?"
"This is…" Yan Dan's face was dark with anger.
"The King has already made his decision."
"Tomorrow, the princess will be married off," the advisor said helplessly.
"If Yan is to be saved, my father cannot do it anymore. Only I can." Yan Dan's eyes burned with determination.
"Your Highness speaks the truth."
"Only you can save Yan," the advisor agreed immediately.
"Has Fan Yuqi made any moves recently?" Yan Dan asked.
"Your Highness, he continues to indulge in pleasures and shows no signs of taking action," the advisor replied.
Yan Dan let out a cold chuckle. "Let him enjoy himself while he can."
Beneath his smile, a chilling intent lay hidden.
Several days later, at the Yan border:
General Qing Qin led several thousand Yan soldiers, escorting a grand wedding procession. At the center of the convoy was an elaborate bridal carriage, followed by numerous carts carrying lavish dowries over a hundred in total.
A princess's marriage was no small affair.
King Yan had made it appear as if he wished to ensure his daughter would not be mistreated, preparing an exceptionally generous dowry.
At the Qin border:
Zhang Ming sat atop his horse, leading 1,500 elite guards.
Among them, 1,000 were Zhao Feng's troops as a Guard Commander, while the remaining 500 were his retinue as a noble.
The only general in Qin with a personal guard as strong as Zhao Feng's was Wang Jian.
Even the other two Supreme Generals had fewer guards than Zhao Feng.
Perhaps, this was a sign that the rising star had already surpassed some of the older generation.
At the border crossing:
Qing Qin rode forward, while Zhang Ming approached from the opposite side, meeting him at the border.
"I am Zhang Ming, the personal guard commander of the Supreme General. I have come to receive the bride by his order." Zhang Ming cupped his hands in greeting.
"I am Qing Qin, Supreme General of Yan, sent by my king to escort the princess to her wedding," Qing Qin replied, returning the salute.
"General Qing Qin, thank you for your efforts."
"Would you care to enter Qin and join the wedding banquet?" Zhang Ming asked with a smile.
"I have come only to escort the princess. Without an order from my king, I cannot enter Qin," Qing Qin replied.
"Then please convey to King Yan that my lord, the Supreme General, is an honorable man. He will treat the princess well." Zhang Ming spoke with respect.
"Then I entrust the princess to you."
"This is the official dowry list from Yan."
Qing Qin took a silk scroll from his sleeve and handed it to Zhang Ming.
"Thank you," Zhang Ming said as he accepted it.
With the formalities completed, Qing Qin waved his hand.
A luxurious bridal carriage, drawn by six horses, moved forward, accompanied by hundreds of attendants no fewer than five hundred in total.
It was evident that the slaves accompanying the princess as part of her dowry belonged to the state of Yan.
As the carriage reached the border
"Farewell, Princess Wuyang," General Qing Qin clasped his hands in a respectful gesture and called out loudly.
"Farewell, Princess Wuyang!"
Thousands of Yan soldiers echoed his words in unison.
Amidst this grand send-off, the carriage, guided by the driver, slowly crossed the border.
There were no obstacles or ambushes along the way.
Firstly, because it was the departure of a Yan princess; secondly, because the groom was none other than a great general of Qin.
Who would dare provoke such a force?
Riding his horse alongside the carriage, Zhang Ming cupped his hands and addressed the princess inside, "Your Highness, I am the commander of General Zhao Feng's guards. I will be escorting you safely to Yunzhong City."
"Hmm," a soft acknowledgment came from within the carriage.
"Personal Guard Regiment, return to the city!" Zhang Ming ordered in a loud voice.
"Yes, sir!"
Fifteen hundred elite guards shouted in perfect unison a formal military salute to welcome the Yan princess.
Soon, the procession set off, escorting the princess's carriage and the accompanying servants toward Yunzhong City.
Qing Qin remained on the Yan side of the border, silently watching. His expression was unreadable.
Only when Zhang Ming and his troops had disappeared did Qing Qin turn away and issue the order to withdraw.
"The crown prince did not act this time... That is unlike him," he mused to himself.
"But that's fine. His Majesty had instructed me to be on guard against the prince. It seems the king was overly cautious this time."
With that thought, Qing Qin spurred his horse and left the border.
Yunzhong City
General's Residence
Although this was merely a concubinage marriage, the bride was still a princess of Yan.
Thus, the general's residence carried a modest celebratory atmosphere.
It was nowhere near as grand as Zhao Feng's previous weddings in Xianyang or his hometown, but the occasion was still marked with appropriate decorum.
Inside the hall
Three commanding officers and several deputy generals were already present.
Seated in the main seat, Zhao Feng wore his military uniform, his expression calm and composed.
"Princess of Yan has arrived!"
Zhang Ming's voice rang out from outside the hall.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Feng smiled faintly and slowly stood up.
As he rose, all the assembled officers followed suit, turning their gazes toward the entrance.
Zhao Feng strode forward with confident steps, heading toward the courtyard.
Outside the hall
With several maids attending her, the Yan princess approached, holding a folding fan to conceal her face.
"We pay our respects to the General!"
As Zhao Feng stepped out, all the guards stationed outside the residence bowed deeply.
The maids accompanying the princess also knelt, their heads lowered.
None of them dared to look directly at Zhao Feng.
"What kind of man is this Zhao Feng?"
"Is he truly as ruthless as the rumors claim? Like a demon from the underworld?"
Inside the carriage, Princess Wuyang's heart trembled with apprehension.
She had now left her homeland and was about to marry Zhao Feng as a concubine.
Though she held a noble title as a princess, in front of Zhao Feng, that status meant little.
Naturally, she felt uneasy and fearful about her future husband.
After all
Zhao Feng's reputation across the warring states was far from kind.
Under the solemn atmosphere
Zhao Feng stepped forward and directly took Princess Wuyang's hand.
"Your Highness must be tired from the journey," he said in a calm voice, his face carrying a faint smile.
Compared to his previous marriage with Wang Yan, Zhao Feng felt far less excitement this time.
His emotions remained steady.
The reason he had agreed to marry the Yan princess in the first place was to outmaneuver King Yan.
After all, as a princess
Zhao Feng already had both a Zhao princess and a Han princess residing in his mansion in Xianyang.
With Yan's eventual downfall, this princess's title would become meaningless.
"Your humble concubine greets my lord,"
Princess Wuyang immediately curtsied.
Yet, without Zhao Feng's cue, she dared not lower her fan.
Seeing this
Zhao Feng reached out and gently lowered the fan himself, revealing her face.
Their eyes met.
"She is quite beautiful," Zhao Feng noted, slightly surprised.
"Zhao Feng… he looks so handsome?"
"This isn't what the rumors said at all!"
Princess Wuyang's heart skipped a beat.
Her expectations had been completely overturned.
Before she could regain her composure
Zhao Feng had already taken her hand and led her into the hall.
"Congratulations, General!"
"Welcome, Fourth Madam!"
The assembled officers stood up and saluted in unison.
"Generals,"
"For today's concubinage feast, there are no formalities."
"You may drink freely for half the day."
"As for me, I won't be keeping you company for long."
"Enjoy yourselves," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"Haha, we wouldn't dare disrupt the General's private time!"
"Indeed, General, take it easy…"
The officers chuckled and teased.
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