Hearing the anguished roar of King Chu,
The messenger kneeling in the grand hall trembled in fear as he reported, "Your Majesty, General Qu Zhang underestimated the Qin army. Instead of using his forces to defend Qu City, he led his troops out to engage the Qin army head-on. He was utterly defeated by Qin's Martial Lord Zhao Feng, and our 300,000 troops were annihilated."
The moment these words fell,
The court of Chu was struck as if by a thunderclap.
"What did you say?"
"He abandoned the advantage of defending the city and instead chose to battle the Qin army head-on?"
King Chu's eyes widened in disbelief.
"It is as I have reported," the trembling messenger confirmed.
At that moment, King Chu's gaze fell upon the Qu family, for Qu Zhang was his son.
Under the weight of the court's scrutiny, Qu Zhang's kin lowered their heads, not daring to meet anyone's eyes.
Abandoning the natural advantage of city defenses to fight the Qin army in open battle, especially against the Qin Martial Lord was such a foolish decision that they scarcely dared to acknowledge it.
The court fell into complete silence.
The Qu family held great power. Even though Qu Zhang had caused such a catastrophic defeat, no one dared to speak against them especially since he had already perished.
"With Qu City fallen, the Qin army is now less than two hundred miles from our capital."
"Ministers, what should we do?"
"Where do we have troops left to dispatch?"
King Chu anxiously scanned his ministers for a response.
"Your Majesty,"
"That army of 300,000 was the last force we could muster. It even included nearly 100,000 newly recruited soldiers."
"Now, aside from the 50,000 imperial guards and a few tens of thousands of city garrison troops, we have no other forces to send," Minister Zhao Wen reported with a grim expression.
"Then what are we to do?"
"Are we simply to watch as the Qin army marches upon us?" King Chu shouted in despair.
"Your Majesty,"
"The only solution left is to summon Grand General Xiang Yan to return and defend the capital," one minister proposed.
"Summon Xiang Yan back?"
"But then what will happen with the Qin army on our western front?" King Chu protested.
"Your Majesty,"
"At this point, we have no other option."
"If we recall Xiang Yan, we can use our forces to fortify the capital and engage the Qin army in a war of attrition."
"As long as we hold out, our great Chu will eventually repel the Qin forces," Zhao Wen argued.
"But if we let the two Qin armies join forces, wouldn't that put Chu in even greater peril?" Even though King Chu was not a wise ruler, he understood the danger of allowing the two Qin armies to merge.
"Your Majesty,"
"If you have another strategy, please enlighten us," Zhao Wen replied coldly.
All the ministers turned their eyes to the king.
A king in name, but in reality, a man under immense pressure.
"...Let it be as you propose,"
Faced with overwhelming urgency and no alternative solutions, King Chu had no choice but to yield.
For among the entire court, not a single minister could provide him with a better plan.
Chu City Frontline
"Grand General,"
"An urgent decree from His Majesty!"
"The Qin army has annihilated our 300,000 troops at Qu City. Now, the capital stands defenseless with only 100,000 soldiers remaining. If the Qin army reaches the capital, Chu will fall!"
"We beseech the Grand General to return immediately and defend the capital!"
A royal messenger knelt before General Xiang Yan, reporting the dire situation.
"Our 300,000 troops at Qu City were wiped out?"
"How could this happen?" Xiang Yan's brow furrowed in deep concern.
"General Qu Zhang did not defend the city. Instead, he led his troops into an open battle against the Qin army,"
"And suffered a devastating defeat," the messenger reported helplessly.
"He engaged the Qin army head-on?"
Xiang Yan's face darkened a flicker of rage in his eyes. "Foolish! Useless!"
"Does he wish to see our great Chu perish?"
Though Xiang Yan harbored his ambitions, as the Grand General of Chu, he had no desire to see his nation fall. His loyalty to Chu was unwavering.
"Grand General,"
"His Majesty has issued an urgent decree, commanding you to return to the capital at once!" the messenger urged.
"I understand,"
"Return and report that I will find a way to reinforce the capital," Xiang Yan replied in a solemn tone.
"Yes, General!" The messenger bowed deeply before quickly departing.
As soon as he left,
The officers surrounding Xiang Yan turned to him with dissatisfaction.
"Grand General,"
"Are we truly going to abandon the western front and return?"
"If we retreat, the Qin army before us will seize the opportunity to invade. If they join forces with the Qin Martial Lord, our situation will become even more dire," a deputy general argued.
"I am well aware of that," Xiang Yan replied gravely.
He was caught in a dilemma.
If he did not return,
He would be guilty of defying a royal decree an unpardonable crime.
Even if Chu were to fall, he would be remembered as a traitor who abandoned his duty.
As for surrendering to Qin?
That was unthinkable. Xiang Yan was determined to protect Chu at all costs.
"Grand General,"
"The Prime Minister of Chu, Lord Changping, seeks an audience."
At that moment,
A voice called out from outside the tent.
Xiang Yan turned to see Mi Qi (Lord Changping) hastily approaching, his expression urgent.
Upon seeing him,
Xiang Yan's eyes gleamed with an idea.
"Perhaps, there is another way…"
He locked eyes with Mi Qi, already forming a plan in his mind.
Qin Army Encampment at Hangu Pass
"Grand General!"
"We have just received secret intelligence!"
"Martial Lord Zhao Feng has utterly destroyed the Chu army at Qu City, wiping out 300,000 troops!"
"He must be advancing toward the Chu capital as we speak!"
General Li Xin reported excitedly.
Hearing this news,
Huan Yi showed no sign of surprise.
"As expected of Lord Wu'an."
"He is truly the god of war of our Great Qin."
"In just over four months, the majority of Chu's forces have been annihilated by Lord Wu'an."
"In less than three months, Chu will fall." Huan Yi laughed heartily.
"Then, Supreme General, shall our army attack Chufang City?" Li Xin's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
Over the past few months, the cities surrounding Chufang City had already fallen to the Hangu Camp's forces. However, Chufang City itself was heavily fortified and difficult to attack. Huan Yi had refrained from giving the order to assault it, instead choosing to keep the Chu forces pinned down, clearly intending to stall Xiang Yan.
"At this point, we must be even more patient."
"The one who is anxious now is Xiang Yan." Huan Yi sneered.
"Supreme General means…"
"With the Chu army at Qu City annihilated, Lord Wu'an's next move will be to attack the Chu capital. The King of Chu will surely summon Xiang Yan back to defend the capital?" Li Xin speculated.
"That is highly likely."
Huan Yi smiled.
"In that case, we shall wait for Xiang Yan to retreat."
"When he does, we will pursue and lock him down."
"He will be utterly defeated." Li Xin grinned.
"By now, the news should have reached Xianyang as well."
"Once Chu is destroyed, Lord Wu'an will surely receive another promotion."
"He will become the State Guardian of Great Qin the youngest in history."
"It's hard to imagine."
Huan Yi's expression was one of deep admiration.
There was a time when he considered himself a match for Zhao Feng, believing that given the opportunity, he could surpass him. But on the battlefield, Zhao Feng's outstanding performance left him in the dust.
Great Qin, Court Assembly Hall
"Your Majesty,"
"A war report has just arrived from Lord Wu'an's camp."
"Lord Wu'an led his elite troops in the Battle of Qu City and crushed the 300,000-strong Chu army."
"Over 100,000 enemies were slain, and more than 150,000 captured."
"A decisive victory."
"Now, Lord Wu'an is leading his forces straight to the Chu capital. Before long, Your Majesty shall receive news of his triumph and the fall of Chu."
Wei Liao, his face flushed with excitement, reported loudly.
Even as the one delivering the report, he could not contain his exhilaration. His voice trembled with enthusiasm.
Once Chu was conquered,
The dream of unifying the world would no longer be a mere fantasy it would soon become reality.
And he, too, would achieve the ultimate goal pursued by generations of Ghost Valley disciples.
He would accomplish what none of his predecessors had ever managed.
On the throne,
Ying Zheng's face bore a satisfied smile.
Spreading his arms wide, he laughed aloud.
"Excellent!"
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!"
"The fall of Chu is imminent."
"Our Great Qin is on the verge of unifying the world."
"Congratulations, Your Majesty!"
The court officials all shouted their congratulations.
"What of Qi? Have they made any moves?"
Ying Zheng turned to Wei Liao.
"Your Majesty,"
"Chu has indeed sent envoys to request aid from Qi, but Supreme General Wang Jian is stationed at the border with the elite forces of Lantian Camp. Should Qi dare to move, we will strike them immediately."
"The King of Qi is no wise ruler. Fearing Qin's might, he dares not send troops to aid Chu."
"So, though Chu's envoys plead for assistance, the King of Qi does not dare intervene." Wei Liao smiled.
"The King of Qi."
"After we destroy Chu, Qi will be next."
Ying Zheng sneered.
By now,
Great Qin's strategic plan had fully materialized.
The old policy of 'distant alliances and close conquests' had served its purpose.
Even if Qi did send troops now, Qin no longer feared them.
"Your Majesty is most wise!"
The officials once again proclaimed in unison.
"The fall of Chu is now inevitable."
"Ministers, how shall we reward Lord Wu'an?" Ying Zheng smiled as he looked upon the court.
His question,
Was not truly an inquiry it was a foregone conclusion.
With Wang Wan gone, there was no one left to object.
Thus, Han Fei stepped forward without hesitation.
"Your Majesty,"
"In the past, when Lord Wu'an was granted his noble title, Your Majesty decreed that if he rendered another nation-toppling achievement, he would be promoted to State Guardian."
"Now that Chu is about to fall, his military accomplishments more than justify this promotion."
"I hereby request that Lord Wu'an be elevated to State Guardian." Han Fei raised his court tablet and spoke loudly.
As his words fell,
Li Si, Wei Liao, and many other officials under their leadership also stepped forward, declaring in unison,
"We support the promotion of Lord Wu'an to State Guardian!"
Thus,
The decision was sealed without suspense.
"The ministers' proposal is reasonable and justified."
Ying Zheng smiled, immediately following through.
"I issue my decree!"
"Once Lord Wu'an returns after annihilating Chu, he shall be granted the title of State Guardian, holding supreme command over all Qin's military forces." Ying Zheng declared with authority.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Though some officials were displeased,
"State Guardian is only the beginning."
"When the world is unified…"
"I shall reclaim him as my son. You will be even more shocked then."
As he observed the unanimous voices of approval in the court, Ying Zheng chuckled inwardly.
Watching Zhao Feng ascend step by step to the pinnacle of military authority,
Ying Zheng was very pleased.
Now, in the army, Zhao Feng's prestige was unparalleled.
One day, he would extend that influence over the civil administration as well.
Ying Zheng was determined to mold Zhao Feng into the perfect heir.
No one else would have the chance.
Chu Capital
"Your Majesty!"
"The Qin army has arrived!"
"The capital is surrounded!"
"Xiang Yan… he did not return to reinforce us."
In the royal court, Zhao Wen's face darkened as he spoke.
"Has Xiang Yan betrayed the country?"
"Why hasn't he returned to aid us?" King of Chu's expression was grim.
So much time had passed.
Yet, Xiang Yan had not returned, nor had there been any news of reinforcements.
"He may have already betrayed us."
Zhao Wen sighed.
"What should we do now?"
"The Qin army is at our gates."
"Our great state of Chu is in grave danger!" The King of Chu's face grew even more distressed.
At that very moment
"Wind! Wind! Wind!"
"A great wind!"
The sound of battle cries roared across the Chu capital.
Even within the royal palace, the deafening shouts were audible.
The cries swept through the capital city of Chu.
The Chu soldiers in the city trembled, as did the civilians.
The ferocity of the Qin army was known throughout the land.
How could they not be afraid?
"The Qin army has launched their attack!"
The King of Chu's voice trembled.
Though he had the will to revive the state of Chu, he ultimately lacked the ability.
In the face of such a dire crisis, he was truly terrified.
Beyond the walls of the Chu capital
"The destruction of Chu shall be completed today!"
"All troops, hear my command!"
"Attack!"
Zhao Feng raised his Overlord Spear and roared.
As his command fell, countless arrows and boulders rained down upon the Chu capital, bringing death and destruction.
For half an hour, this relentless assault continued.
Under the cover of arrows and falling stones
"Follow me into battle!"
Zhao Feng bellowed.
He spurred his horse forward.
"Follow our lord!"
"Kill!"
Zhang Ming and two thousand elite bodyguards shouted in unison.
As the personal guards of the Lord of Wu'an, they led the charge on the battlefield.
"Kill!"
A deafening roar erupted from the ranks of the Qin soldiers.
The vanguard of the siege force advanced.
Zhao Feng sped towards the Chu capital.
Faced with a storm of arrows from the city's defenders
Zhao Feng raised his bow.
Infused with his true energy
Whoosh!
An arrow shot through the air.
In an instant
Boom!
The city gate was shattered by the single arrow, instantly killing and injuring over a hundred Chu soldiers.
To withstand Zhao Feng's arrow
Was beyond the ability of mere mortals.
With the city gate breached
The battle was already decided!
Despite the desperate resistance of the Chu soldiers
They stood no chance against the ferocity of the Qin army.
Dressed in black armor, the Qin warriors surged into the Chu capital like a raging flood, engulfing a city that had remained untouched by war for centuries.
The battle raged within the city.
The Chu forces were pushed back step by step.
In just over two hours
While the sky was still bright
The elite Qin soldiers had reached the gates of the Chu royal palace.
All across the city, Chu soldiers either fled in terror or surrendered.
Inside the grand hall of the Chu royal palace
"Ah… ah…"
"Please, don't kill me!"
"I surrender!"
"Spare my life!"
The palace echoed with frantic screams and desperate pleas.
The terrified expressions of the Chu officials and generals turned deathly pale.
Even though they carried weapons into court today
They could not overcome the fear in their hearts.
Finally
Bang!
The grand hall's doors were smashed open.
One by one, black-armored Qin soldiers stormed inside.
Seeing the gathered officials of the Chu court, the Qin warriors' eyes burned with excitement and bloodlust.
Killing even one of these high-ranking Chu officials would bring great merit.
However
They did not act immediately.
Instead, they cautiously observed the Chu court ministers and generals.
Capturing them alive would bring even greater rewards.
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