Han Fei's voice echoed through the grand hall.
As the urgent report was fully read aloud, the expressions of every official in the court changed drastically.
This was a personal letter from Huan Yi, every word carefully chosen.
Even though he had not personally witnessed the battlefield in Chu, the urgency conveyed in Huan Yi's letter made the severity of the situation crystal clear.
Had they not received Zhao Feng's warning, the Hangu military camp might have truly been lost.
After Han Fei finished speaking, the entire court fell into a dead silence.
No one dared to utter a word.
Everyone could sense the unspoken fury radiating from Ying Zheng.
Mi Qi had betrayed the nation!
This was a slap to Ying Zheng's face.
If not for Zhao Feng's warning, alerting them in advance, the Hangu military camp might have been annihilated by the Chu forces.
Mi Qi's betrayal could have cost Qin a devastating loss.
Tens of thousands of elite soldiers could have died because of him.
Although the disaster had been averted, just hearing the report made it clear how close they had come to catastrophe.
The hall remained silent, no one daring to speak.
But at this moment
Han Fei broke the silence.
"This time, we truly have to thank Lord Wu'an for sending the warning to General Huan Yi. Otherwise, the Hangu military camp would have been doomed."
"Mi Qi had royal blood; who could have expected him to betray his own country?"
"General Huan Yi trusted him and entrusted him with managing the military supplies. This was truly a perilous situation." Han Fei sighed deeply.
"This matter,"
"was indeed dangerous," Wang Jian also spoke, his tone carrying a hint of regret.
Even he had not expected Mi Qi to defect to the enemy.
However
Deep inside, Wang Jian had other thoughts.
"After this, Fu Su is completely out of the race for the crown prince position."
"Of course, even without this incident, he was never going to be the heir. That position belongs to my son-in-law."
"Among all of His Majesty's sons, who can compare to Zhao Feng?"
Wang Jian felt an immense sense of pride.
His son-in-law was exceptional not just in his eyes, but in the eyes of the entire Qin state, even the whole world.
However
This time, Ying Zheng was truly furious.
Slowly, he stood up from his throne.
Without a word, he turned and walked toward the rear palace.
Clearly, at this point, he was so consumed by anger that he didn't even want to speak.
Not only had the officials been caught off guard, but even Ying Zheng himself had never imagined this betrayal.
He had bestowed immense favor upon the Mi faction.
He had even promised Mi Qi that, upon his return, he would be given the position of Right Chancellor.
Yet, Mi Qi the highest-ranking member of the Mi faction had betrayed him.
How could Ying Zheng accept this?
Watching Ying Zheng's retreating figure, Fu Su's face turned deathly pale.
He fully understood what his grandfather's betrayal meant for him.
"Big brother,"
"Your mother's family truly spares no effort in ruining you."
Hu Hai walked over, smirking as he taunted.
Every time Fu Su encountered a setback, Hu Hai never missed a chance to mock him.
Right now, Hu Hai felt triumphant.
Even without his intervention, Fu Su's faction had suffered a massive blow due to their actions.
After this, many of Fu Su's supporters in the court would likely abandon him, some even switching allegiances entirely.
How could Hu Hai not be pleased?
Inside Zhangtai Palace
Ying Zheng sat upon his throne, his face grim.
For the first time, he was not reviewing state documents but instead deep in thought.
It seemed even he had not foreseen Mi Qi's betrayal.
He had given Mi Qi a high position, great power, and royal status he had granted the Mi faction countless riches and honors.
Yet despite all of this,
Mi Qi had betrayed him.
"Have I been too lenient with them?"
"Have I indulged them too much?"
"I treated him so well, yet he still dared to betray me."
"How dare he!"
Ying Zheng clenched his teeth, his expression growing colder and colder.
Since taking full control of the state, he had always been firm in his principles if he chose to use someone, he would trust them completely; if he doubted them, he would not use them at all.
And until now, his officials had never betrayed his trust.
But now, Mi Qi's treachery had shaken his faith.
At that moment
"Your Majesty, I, Consort Mi, along with the entire Mi faction of Qin's court, humbly beg for your judgment on behalf of my father."
A sorrowful voice rang from outside the hall.
Hearing it, Ying Zheng slowly lifted his gaze.
Zhao Gao, who had been waiting quietly at the side, glanced at Ying Zheng cautiously.
But seeing no visible reaction from the king, Zhao Gao remained silent.
He was more than happy to see the Mi faction fall.
"We are guilty."
"We implore Your Majesty to pass judgment."
As Consort Mi's voice fell, dozens of voices echoed in unison.
Looking out
Fu Su's mother, Consort Mi, knelt at the forefront, with dozens of Mi faction officials kneeling behind her.
Some were court officials, others held various governmental positions throughout Xianyang.
This scene made it evident.
The Mi faction, descendants of Chu royalty, had flourished within Qin's political structure.
However
Inside Zhangtai Palace, Ying Zheng remained unmoved.
He had walked out of court earlier because he had not yet decided how to deal with the Mi faction's crime.
Mi Qi's betrayal according to Qin's strict laws meant his entire clan should be executed.
This was not a crime that could simply be erased or covered up.
Had Ying Zheng stayed in court any longer, the censors and ministers would have undoubtedly demanded that full punishment be carried out against Mi Qi and his family.
That was why Ying Zheng had retreated to Zhangtai Palace to deliberate in private.
The Mi clan was vast.
Punishing them all… would be an enormous decision.
"I fully acknowledge my father's crimes, crimes that cannot be forgiven."
"Therefore,"
"I am willing to take his punishment upon myself, in exchange for Your Majesty's mercy toward my family, who did not know of Mi Qi's treachery."
"I ask that you spare the Mi clan."
"I willingly vow to remain forever imprisoned in the inner palace, never to see Your Majesty again, never to see Fu Su again."
"Exile me to the harem for life."
Mi Shi's voice rang out again, tinged with sorrow but also firm with the resolve to atone for past sins.
She understood clearly.
If she did not bear this burden, the entire Mi clan would face disaster, and even Fusu would be implicated.
Only by taking this upon herself as both a daughter and a mother could she possibly quell Ying Zheng's fury and stop the court from further accusations.
Upon hearing Mi Shi's words, Ying Zheng's previously cold and indifferent expression finally showed a ripple of emotion.
For a mother, the greatest punishment was undoubtedly never being able to see her son again in this lifetime.
But even that was not enough.
"We, the officials of the Mi surname, are willing to demote ourselves and forfeit our salaries."
"We beg His Majesty for mercy."
A minister of the Mi clan, kneeling behind Mi Shi, cried out bitterly.
Inside Zhangtai Palace, Ying Zheng furrowed his brows tightly, his face showing a trace of emotion.
"Announce my decree."
"From this day forward, Mi Shi shall be permanently confined to the palace, never to leave."
"All Mi clan officials are to be demoted by one rank and have their salaries docked for one year."
Ying Zheng spoke slowly.
"I obey the decree."
Zhao Gao bowed deeply, then slowly retreated.
Yet, deep inside, he still felt that Ying Zheng's punishment of the Mi clan was too lenient.
As Zhao Gao withdrew, Ying Zheng also slowly stood up and walked toward the hall's entrance.
The moment Zhao Gao stepped outside, Mi Shi and the Mi clan officials raised their heads anxiously.
"The decree of His Majesty"
"From this day forward, Mi Shi is confined to the palace and may never step outside again."
"All Mi clan officials are demoted by one rank and will forfeit a year's salary." Zhao Gao announced loudly.
"Your concubine thanks His Majesty for his great mercy."
Mi Shi kowtowed.
"We ministers thank His Majesty for his great mercy."
The Mi clan officials followed suit, kneeling and bowing.
"Uncles, elder brothers"
"I hope you will take my father as a lesson."
Mi Shi said to the Mi clan officials before turning and walking away.
"From this day forth, the Mi surname holds no status in Great Qin and no place in His Majesty's heart."
All the Mi clan officials were filled with bitter regret.
"Mother!"
A voice rang out from the distance.
Fusu was rushing toward her.
But upon hearing his voice, Mi Shi quickened her steps even more.
"Mother!"
"Why are you avoiding me?"
Fusu shouted.
"Prince Fusu."
"By His Majesty's decree"
"The crimes of Mi Qi shall be borne by Mi Shi and the entire Mi clan."
"From this day forward, Mi Shi is confined to the palace and may never leave. You and she will never see each other again."
Zhao Gao stepped forward, blocking Fusu's path with an icy voice.
"Get out of my way!"
Fusu roared in fury.
But in the end, he restrained himself and did not resort to force.
Watching Fusu's reaction, Ying Zheng shook his head in disappointment.
If it had been him, he would have done whatever it took to meet his mother.
If it had been Zhao Feng, perhaps this scene would never have happened at all.
Ultimately, Fusu still fell short.
"Father!"
"I am willing to bear my grandfather's crimes alone!"
Fusu knelt outside Zhangtai Palace, pleading loudly.
Ying Zheng glanced at him but had no intention of responding.
Meanwhile, Zhao Gao entered Zhangtai Palace, seemingly seeking another decree.
"If he wants to kneel, then let him kneel."
"The crimes of the Mi clan are unforgivable."
Ying Zheng said coldly.
"I understand, Your Majesty." Zhao Gao bowed and stepped back, closing the palace doors behind him.
"Feng'er"
"This boy saved the Hangu Pass garrison this time."
"If not for him, the camp would have fallen to Mi Qi's treachery, leading to total annihilation."
Recalling the incident, Ying Zheng couldn't help but feel a chill of fear.
Though the Hangu Pass garrison was among the smallest of Qin's military camps, its soldiers were elite warriors. If it had truly been surrounded and wiped out by Chu, the kingdom's strength would have suffered greatly.
This time, thanks to Zhao Feng's warning, the damage from Mi Qi's betrayal had been minimized.
"Now it seems"
"Huan Yi alone cannot destroy Chu with just one garrison."
"Feng'er must be summoned back. No, he should go directly to Yunzhong City to command the Wu'an Army and lead the southern campaign against Chu."
Ying Zheng pondered silently.
His decision was made.
Immediately, he returned to his throne and picked up two blank decrees.
"The Hangu Pass garrison alone cannot defeat Chu. Zhao Feng is to head to Yunzhong City to lead the campaign southward."
Ying Zheng lifted his brush and wrote on both decrees.
"Dun Ruo."
Ying Zheng called out.
Soon, Dun Ruo arrived swiftly before him.
"Here are two decrees."
"One is to be delivered to Yunzhong City and given to Tu Sui."
"The other is for Zhao Feng, ordering him to depart for Yunzhong without delay."
Ying Zheng handed the decrees to Dun Ruo.
"I obey the decree."
Dun Ruo received them respectfully and swiftly withdrew.
Ying Zheng's order for the Wu'an Army to attack Chu was issued in secrecy, unknown to others.
Had it been a public announcement, the decree would have been delivered by the Ministry of Finance.
Instead, it was entrusted to the Black Ice Platform, ensuring a sudden strike against Chu.
"Now"
"It's up to Feng'er to annihilate Chu."
"As long as Han Fei prepares enough provisions, it will suffice."
"The supplies for the Wu'an Army can be drawn from the fertile fields of Yandi's Duguang region, which will be enough to sustain them."
Ying Zheng thought to himself.
In the Original Timeline
The first campaign against Chu was a disaster due to Mi Qi's betrayal. Qin's army suffered heavy losses, and in the end, Huan Yi and Li Xin surrendered themselves to the court, pleading for punishment.
But this time, due to Zhao Feng's intervention, such a disaster had been averted.
Though Qin's army suffered some loss of provisions since Mi Qi, upon realizing his betrayal was exposed, set fire to the stored grain before fleeing there was no other significant damage to the kingdom.
Because of Zhao Feng, Qin's losses had been reduced to a minimum.
Yunzhong City!
More than ten miles away from the city, deep within an extensive mountain valley.
When Ying Bu arrived with Zhao Feng's order
Zhang Han and Tu Sui had completely sealed off the valley under the pretense of military training. No one was allowed to enter or exit without a command.
At the same time, a steady stream of people continued to enter the valley.
At this moment
Outside the valley.
Zhao Feng approached alone, dressed not in battle armor but in a black long robe. He walked steadily toward the valley.
As soon as he neared the entrance
A sharp-eyed soldier immediately stepped forward.
"Halt!"
"Identify yourself!"
"This is the military training ground of the Wu'an Army. Any unauthorized entry will be met with execution!"
The soldier's voice had barely fallen when
Smack!
A hundred-man commander slapped him hard on the head.
"Commander, why did you hit me?"
The bewildered soldier turned around in confusion.
"Recruit, step aside!"
The commander scolded him before stepping forward, bowing deeply, and declaring, "Subordinate greets the Supreme General no, greets My Lord!"
"Supreme General?"
Upon hearing this title, the recruit looked up at Zhao Feng, his eyes instantly filled with fervor.
"Greetings, My Lord!"
All the guards stationed at the entrance bowed fervently in unison.
Zhao Feng smiled and waved his hand. "At ease."
"Thank you, My Lord!" The soldiers responded in unison, their voices brimming with devotion.
Within the Wu'an Army, Zhao Feng was regarded as a god of war.
Because of Zhao Feng
The Wu'an Army had become renowned across the land.
The 300,000 elite warriors and 100,000 logistical troops under the Wu'an Army all viewed Zhao Feng as their role model and their very faith.
"Where are Zhang Han and Tu Sui?"
Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
"Reporting to My Lord"
"The two generals are inside the valley."
The commander immediately replied.
"How many troops are stationed here?" Zhao Feng asked again.
"We have deployed 50,000 troops for training." The commander quickly responded.
"Hmm."
Zhao Feng nodded, then said, "Take me to them."
Feeling immensely honored, the commander nodded excitedly. "Please, My Lord, follow me!"
It was a rare privilege to accompany Zhao Feng personally.
However
The commander only led Zhao Feng to the outskirts of the valley.
Inside, the area was guarded by the personal troops of Zhang Han and Tu Sui only trusted elites, ensuring no leaks of information.
Inside the valley
A vast gathering of people could be seen. Numerous tents had been set up, men and women alike, entire families present. But none of them were over forty years old.
Those with valuable skills were granted exceptions to the age limit.
"How many people so far?" Zhao Feng asked.
"Reporting to My Lord"
"Han Xi has been continuously sending people in. We have gathered over 17,000 so far."
"However, the food supply is being consumed rapidly. I was considering distributing thin porridge for relief," Tu Sui replied respectfully.
"If we were searching for rare treasures, it might be difficult. But finding people? Given the chaos in the world, countless refugees wander. As long as we provide them with food, they will follow us," Zhang Han added with a chuckle.
"But, My Lord"
"Why are you gathering so many refugees?"
"They aren't like the elite dark operatives of Yanting. They are older, unfit for training."
"They don't hold much military value."
Zhang Han asked in puzzlement.
"I intend to use them to build another world to create a new civilization in a different realm," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
To his trusted lieutenants, he had no reason to conceal the truth.
"Another world?"
Zhang Han and Tu Sui exchanged a bewildered glance.
"You'll understand soon enough," Zhao Feng said with a knowing smile.
Then
He slowly walked toward the gathered refugees.
"Everyone, step forward."
"Form ranks."
Tu Sui immediately issued orders.
The elite guards swiftly sprang into action.
Before long
The thousands of refugees were assembled in an open space.
"What's happening?"
"Are the Qin soldiers going to kill us?"
"We haven't done anything wrong!"
"Don't panic if they wanted to kill us, why would they feed us?"
"If they hadn't fed us, we would've starved to death long ago."
"If you want to live, just follow orders!"
…
Hearing the gathering calls, the refugees quickly assembled.
The valley that Tu Sui had chosen was vast and well-suited for housing the displaced capable of holding even more.
Before long
The 17,000 refugees were all gathered.
"My Lord"
"Everyone is assembled."
Tu Sui approached and reported.
Zhao Feng nodded, surveying the gathered refugees.
Most had brought their families.
This time, Zhao Feng had not specifically sought out only young and able-bodied individuals. As long as they were under fifty, entire families were permitted entry into his small world.
"I won't waste words," Zhao Feng declared.
"Relax your minds. Offer no resistance."
"I will send you to a paradise, free from war, where you can survive through your labor."
"This opportunity comes only once."
Zhao Feng's voice rang out across the gathering.
Though they didn't understand what he meant
The refugees obeyed, doing their best to relax.
Zhao Feng immediately unleashed his divine consciousness
Opening his Small World.
In an instant
99% of the people disappeared into the realm, leaving only a few hundred behind.
These few had not let go of their tension they had remained wary of Zhao Feng.
Among the gathered refugees were both good and bad individuals.
Those who truly felt grateful had relaxed, trusting Zhao Feng after he had sustained them for so long.
"What's happening?"
"Where did they go?"
Seeing so many people vanish instantly, the remaining individuals panicked.
"I told you this was a one-time opportunity."
"If you don't cherish it, that's on you."
Zhao Feng shook his head.
Then, with a wave of his hand
The elite guards swiftly moved forward.
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