"This battle's merits…"
"Every elite soldier and general who fought against Chu has made great contributions."
"How could I not recognize that?"
Ying Zheng chuckled.
With Zhao Feng's return, the smile on Ying Zheng's face became even more pronounced.
In the past, he had always maintained a stern expression in court, only showing some satisfaction when hearing news of victory. But now, that had changed.
"Huan Yi."
Ying Zheng called out in a commanding voice.
"Your subject is present."
Huan Yi immediately bowed.
"For your great merits in the campaign against Chu…"
"I grant you a promotion of two noble ranks, a reward of a thousand pieces of gold, a hundred thousand coins, a thousand servants, and a hundred jade artifacts."
Ying Zheng's voice was firm and authoritative.
"Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your immense grace!"
Huan Yi bowed deeply, filled with excitement.
Originally holding the fourteenth noble rank, his two-rank promotion now placed him on equal footing with Wang Jian.
Of course…
Receiving such a grand reward, Huan Yi naturally cast a grateful look toward Zhao Feng.
If not for Zhao Feng, the Hangu Camp would have likely faced total annihilation, and there would have been no great merits to claim.
"Your Majesty."
"In this war against Chu, the Hangu Camp only played a supporting role. The true credit for our victory belongs to Lord Wu'an and the Wu'an Camp."
"At the beginning of the invasion, if not for Lord Wu'an's warning about Mi Qi's betrayal, I would have been caught completely off guard, leading to certain defeat. This is Lord Wu'an's first great merit."
"Then, Lord Wu'an led the troops to crush Chu's northern defenses, annihilated their armies, stormed the capital, and personally slew Xiang Yan."
"Lord Wu'an is the true hero of Chu's downfall."
Huan Yi declared loudly.
Seeing Huan Yi speak so highly of Zhao Feng, Ying Zheng's smile deepened.
He understood…
Huan Yi's gratitude toward Zhao Feng was genuine.
Without Zhao Feng, Huan Yi would not be celebrating his achievements but rather facing punishment for failure.
"Lord Wu'an's great merits how could I not recognize them?"
Ying Zheng smiled before his expression turned solemn.
"Zhao Feng."
"Your subject is present."
Zhao Feng immediately bowed, anticipation evident in his eyes.
To be appointed as State Commandant would mean another step forward, another high-tier reward.
This was the pinnacle for military officials.
"Zhao Feng, for leading the Wu'an Camp in the conquest of Chu…"
"For slaying the King of Chu and Xiang Yan, your contributions are extraordinary and deserving of the highest honors."
"Today…"
"I appoint Zhao Feng as the State Commandant of Great Qin, the supreme leader of all military officials, entrusted with half of the four great camps' tiger talismans, and the authority over Great Qin's military forces!"
Ying Zheng announced in an unshakable tone.
Upon hearing this decree…
Zhao Feng immediately knelt and declared, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your boundless grace!"
Meanwhile, in the court…
The ministers' expressions varied.
"So the day has finally come…"
"Prime Minister Wang, Zhao Feng has fully risen to power. As the head of the military, he is now the most powerful man in Great Qin's court."
"We should not have opposed him in the past. If we hadn't, you might not have met such a tragic end."
"Going forward, the Crown Prince's path will be increasingly difficult…"
Wei Zhuang sighed inwardly, feeling a deep sense of bleakness.
The political landscape had drastically changed.
Without realizing it…
Zhao Feng had ascended to the pinnacle of military power, surpassing even the highest-ranking generals.
Moreover, the Chancellor, Han Fei, was a close friend of Zhao Feng.
Unnoticed by many…
Zhao Feng, at just twenty-six years old, had become a dominant figure in both court and military affairs.
With this kind of momentum who would dare oppose him now?
Not to mention Han Fei…
Even Wei Liao, the most trusted strategist of the Qin King, and Li Si, the Chief Justice, appeared to lean toward Zhao Feng's side.
The fact that Ghost Valley Master had invited Zhao Feng to meet him personally was a clear indication of his close ties with Wei Liao.
As for Li Si…
His son served as a general in the Wu'an Camp. That fact alone spoke volumes.
And what of Fusu?
His situation was increasingly dire.
Due to Mi Qi's betrayal, Fusu's mother's family had been completely eradicated, leaving him with no political backing in Ying Zheng's eyes. Many officials had already abandoned their support for him, dealing him a crushing blow.
Meanwhile, Hu Hai seized the opportunity to consolidate his influence, becoming the highest-ranked prince in court.
With Qin's unification imminent…
The future was looking grim for Fusu.
"The Great Qin Empire is about to be united."
"If we want to secure a future for the Crown Prince and ourselves, the only viable path may be through a feudal system after unification."
"Though the Crown Prince lacks military achievements, he is still the King's eldest son. If he cannot become the heir, he may still be granted a fiefdom as a king. At that time, following him to his domain might be the safest option for our survival."
"As for Zhao Feng, if the feudal system is reinstated, he may very well become a king in his own right."
Many of Fusu's remaining supporters secretly contemplated their next move.
With Chu's fall…
The prospect of Qin's total unification was no longer in doubt, and many officials were already thinking about what would come next.
A feudal system…
It was something that many ministers strongly supported.
After all…
Their interests were at stake.
If a feudal system were implemented and territories were granted to nobles, court officials could leave the capital to serve as high-ranking ministers or military commanders in these fiefdoms.
They could become the most powerful figures within their domains.
"Bring forth the tiger talismans!"
Ying Zheng waved his hand.
In response,
Zhao Gao respectfully picked up a box from the imperial desk.
Then, with great care, he walked towards the center of the hall.
Respectfully, he presented the box containing the Tiger Tally to Zhao Feng.
Zhao Feng took the box with both hands.
"Minister receives the Tiger Tally!" Zhao Feng responded loudly.
This Tiger Tally was essential for military command.
During peacetime, all Tiger Tallies were held by the king.
Once the war began, the King of Qin would grant the Tiger Tally for troop deployment.
Military regulations recognized only the Tiger Tally as authorization.
And now,
Inside this box were the Tiger Tallies of the Four Great Camps.
However, each tally was only half; the other half remained with the King of Qin.
This meant that, from now on, if troops were to be mobilized, the commanders of the Four Great Camps had to first report to Zhao Feng, who would then request approval from the king.
From this moment forward,
Zhao Feng was the supreme leader of the military ministers.
"The leader of the military ministers, grant him a seat."
Ying Zheng waved his hand.
Immediately, several palace attendants brought in a cushion and a small table, placing them at the forefront of the military ministers.
Previously, civil and military officials were seated separately.
The Prime Minister had the privilege of being seated, but now that the position was divided into two chancellors, neither had this honor.
Thus,
Only Zhao Feng had this privilege.
"Minister thank the great king," Zhao Feng expressed his gratitude.
Then, he directly took his seat at the head of the military ministers.
This was not just a symbol of authority it was a symbol of status.
Among the entire court,
Only he and the King of Qin were seated, demonstrating his prestige.
As Zhao Feng took his seat,
Many ministers in the court looked at him with admiration and awe.
"Ministers, let us continue with court affairs," Ying Zheng said with a wave of his hand.
"Your Majesty,"
"Now that Lords Xiao He and Meng Yi have gone to govern the Chu territories,"
"Due to the war, there are many displaced refugees in Chu, and with winter approaching, we will need to allocate food and supplies for disaster relief," Han Fei reported.
"Chancellor Han, draft a plan detailing how much grain and supplies are needed,"
"Then submit it to me." Ying Zheng commanded.
"Understood," Han Fei respectfully replied.
The court discussions continued,
Focusing primarily on matters concerning Chu's newly conquered territories.
An hour passed.
"Ministers, are there any further matters to report?"
Seeing that the court was growing silent, Ying Zheng asked.
"Your Majesty, we have nothing more to report," the ministers responded in unison.
"Very well, the court is dismissed."
"Zhao Feng, come to Zhangtai Palace for a discussion."
Ying Zheng smiled and waved his hand before rising and leaving the hall.
"Another visit to Zhangtai Palace..."
Zhao Feng sighed helplessly.
Every time he was summoned to Zhangtai Palace, he had to engage in long conversations with the King of Qin, delaying him for hours.
For most people, this would be an incredible honor, but Zhao Feng simply wanted to return home and spend time with his wives and concubines.
"Lord National Commander, congratulations!"
Meng Wu and Huan Yi approached Zhao Feng, smiling as they offered their congratulations.
Before today,
They might have held the same rank, but from now on, Zhao Feng was their direct superior.
Even though they were twice his age, their ranks were now lower than his.
Not just in official positions but also in noble titles.
"Generals, you are too kind,"
Zhao Feng responded with a respectful clasp of his hands.
Now, among the court officials, only his father-in-law had yet to return. Everyone else was already present.
"From now on, we will be relying on your leadership, National Commander," Meng Wu said with a smile.
"Indeed," Huan Yi nodded in agreement.
"Lord National Commander,"
"Congratulations."
At that moment, Han Fei also approached with a grin.
"Chancellor Han, as the leader of the civil ministers, your congratulations mean a lot," Zhao Feng responded, patting Han Fei on the shoulder.
"Enough of that,"
"I'm coming to your residence tonight,"
"Don't try to avoid me," Han Fei smirked.
"Do you think I would ever turn down a drink?" Zhao Feng shot him a glance.
"Fine, fine,"
"But don't keep the king waiting,"
Han Fei waved dismissively, unwilling to banter further.
"I'll head to Zhangtai Palace now."
Zhao Feng smiled at Meng Wu and Huan Yi, then turned and walked towards Zhangtai Palace.
Watching Zhao Feng's departing figure,
Meng Wu and Huan Yi's eyes were filled with emotion.
"How many years has it been?"
"That young boy from back then has now become the foremost military minister of Great Qin."
"Comparing oneself to others is truly frustrating."
"We originally thought Wang Jian had the best chance."
"Who would have expected it to be his son-in-law instead?"
"Wang Jian must be laughing himself awake in his dreams."
"From now on, Lord Wu'an will be our superior. We can no longer speak so casually around him."
Meng Wu and Huan Yi left the court together, but as they reflected on Zhao Feng's rise, they also pondered his future.
In the past,
They could still regard Zhao Feng as a junior, but now they could only address him as their superior.
The saying "One rank higher crushes all beneath" has been held since ancient times.
"Sigh…"
Fusu watched Zhao Feng's retreating figure, his expression complex and unreadable.
Meanwhile, Hu Hai merely observed, making no effort to win Zhao Feng over.
Because he knew Zhao Feng could not be easily swayed, and in the current situation, he was perfectly content with that.
Inside Zhangtai Palace
"Minister greets Your Majesty."
Zhao Feng bowed respectfully.
"Be seated."
Ying Zheng waved his hand.
"It's rare for Your Majesty not to be reviewing memorials today truly unusual."
Noticing Ying Zheng sitting without handling any documents, Zhao Feng teased him.
"Today, our Great Qin's Lord Wu'an has returned. Naturally, I must properly reward you." Ying Zheng said with a smile.
Looking at Zhao Feng's youthful yet commanding presence,
Ying Zheng felt a growing sense of pride.
His son was truly exceptional.
If not for his plan to acknowledge him only after unifying the realm, Ying Zheng might have already told him:
"Child, I am your father."
However,
If Zhao Feng were to hear this, he would probably be utterly bewildered
Even if Ying Zheng was the king, Zhao Feng might still curse aloud in shock.
"Your Majesty,"
"Let's skip the formalities just reward me with more gold and silver." Zhao Feng said with a grin.
"You own the Wine Immortal Tavern, earning fortunes daily, and yet you still ask me for money?"
"Even my treasury isn't as rich as you."
Ying Zheng scoffed.
"Hahaha, just joking." Zhao Feng chuckled.
"Now that you are Great Qin's National Commander, do you have a recommendation for the Grand General of Wu'an Camp?" Ying Zheng asked.
"Your Majesty, you're asking me about this?"
"Aren't you afraid I'll play favorites?"
Zhao Feng was slightly surprised by the question.
The selection of a Guard Commander was something he had not considered.
After all, if he were given the power to appoint even this, it would be too great a responsibility.
"If I tell you to recommend someone, just do it. Why waste words?"
"Besides, other than the current leading general in Wu'an Camp, who else in the army could command it?"
"If we bring in a general from another camp, do you think the troops would accept them?"
Ying Zheng smiled faintly.
After a moment of thought, Zhao Feng replied, "If Your Majesty allows me to recommend someone, then I choose Tu Sui."
"Why?" Ying Zheng asked.
"Compared to Zhang Han, he has stronger strategic leadership. Zhang Han is skilled in charging into battle, but Tu Sui is better at commanding troops."
"As for Li You, his military achievements are insufficient. If not for earning some merit, later on, few commanders would respect him." Zhao Feng explained.
He had evaluated the three generals of Wu'an Camp thoroughly.
"Li You…"
"The truth is,"
"His father personally came to the palace to plead with me, so I allowed him to join Wu'an Camp as a general."
"Li Si has been my right-hand man since he entered Great Qin. His contributions are immense. It was the first time he ever asked me for a favor I could not refuse him." Ying Zheng said slowly.
"But now it doesn't matter anymore."
"Li You has grown enough to stand on his own." Zhao Feng smiled.
"Since that is the case,"
"From now on, Tu Sui will serve as the acting Guard Commander of Wu'an Camp. Once he proves himself capable, I will officially promote him."
Ying Zheng decided immediately.
"Minister accepts the decree." Zhao Feng responded at once.
"If I hadn't sent Ren Xiao ahead,"
"Were you planning to personally lead the army to Qi?" Ying Zheng asked with a knowing smile.
"That was indeed my plan."
"Against Qi,"
"Psychological warfare is best. The King of Qi is already a frightened bird he wouldn't dare resist Great Qin."
"As long as we station troops at the border and exert pressure, Qi will surrender." Zhao Feng stated with certainty.
Of course,
This judgment was based not only on his knowledge of history but also on the current situation.
During Chu's crisis, the King of Chu had repeatedly sent envoys seeking aid from Qi,
But the King of Qi had not dared to send troops.
This alone proved how weak and incompetent he was.
Now that Chu had fallen and the war was decided,
Qi had no chance of reversing the situation.
"You are correct."
"The King of Qi will surrender."
"However,"
"Winter is approaching, and Great Qin's military resources cannot afford further consumption."
"Come spring next year, I will allocate supplies and send you to Qi."
"You will be the one to destroy Qi."
"Then, the Six States will all have fallen by your hands."
Ying Zheng laughed heartily.
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