Upon returning to his sleeping quarters, Zhao Yan furiously slammed items around. "That damned old fool! He treats me with a preachy attitude in every matter, parading himself as a so-called veteran official of three dynasties, so full of himself. I am the king now, how dare he act like this?"
Standing before him was Guo Kai, the man Zhao Yan trusted most.
"Your Majesty, please calm your anger," Guo Kai said, trying to soothe him while sneering inwardly. "That old man is aged and won't live much longer. Besides, this is a great opportunity to get rid of Lian Po."
"How can we get rid of him?" Zhao Yan immediately asked.
Lian Po held immense prestige throughout the Zhao state. If he were punished simply for speaking bluntly, it would surely cause a huge debate across Zhao, and the impact on Zhao Yan would be severe.
"If Lian Po's prediction comes true and Qin really does attack Zhao, his failure to defend against them would be the perfect excuse to punish him, would it not?" Guo Kai sneered.
"That's highly unlikely. Besides, I don't believe Ying Zheng dares to make a move," Zhao Yan said confidently. He had been planning the attack on Yan for a long time, and this preparation had made him incredibly self-assured.
"I will keep a close eye on that old man, Lian Po, for Your Majesty. If he steps out of line, I will be the first to deal with him," Guo Kai continued, professing his loyalty.
"I'm truly fortunate to have you in my court," Zhao Yan said, his face filled with relief.
「Wei City!」
Within the military camp, as the biting cold receded, the Sharp Warriors under Zhao Feng's command began their training drills.
Compared to before the new year, the number of Sharp Warriors in the camp was clearly larger. It was evident that new recruits had joined the ranks after the festive period.
"General," Zhang Han reported respectfully from atop the Dianjiang Platform. "The new recruits total thirteen thousand. Combined with our original Sharp Warriors and the Penal Battalion, our total strength is now over eighty thousand. This force of over eighty thousand has been reorganized into six Wanjiang Camps."
"Hmm," Zhao Feng nodded, his gaze sweeping over the Sharp Warriors training on the drill field. "Which Wanjiang Camp is currently stationed at the border?"
"Reporting to the General, it is the camp led by General Chen Tao that is on patrol," Tu Sui immediately replied.
"Relay my order: recall the army stationed at the border," Zhao Feng commanded in a deep voice.
"General Zhao," Zhao Tuo stepped forward and said, cupping his fist. "This unit has been on patrol for less than ten days. Their rotation isn't for another twenty."
"I'm aware," Zhao Feng glanced at him, then ordered, "Zhang Ming, send a messenger to order General Chen Tao to lead his troops back to camp."
"Understood," Zhang Ming immediately accepted the command.
Seeing this, Tu Sui, who was standing to the side, had a sudden thought. "General, could it be that Wei dares to make a move against Qin?"
"Who knows?" Zhao Feng chuckled.
"Wei is moving against Qin?"
Zhao Tuo and the other generals exchanged glances, their eyes filled with shock and concern.
"General," Zhao Tuo said, somewhat incredulous, "Does Wei really have the nerve to use troops against our great Qin?"
Zhao Feng couldn't be bothered to explain. "From today onward, fortify the city's defenses. Repair the walls and reinforce the gates. General Tu Sui, I'm leaving this matter to you."
"This subordinate accepts your order," Tu Sui immediately replied.
"Furthermore," Zhao Feng continued, "ensure all the provisions allocated by the Imperial Court are well hidden. We need at least a three-month supply for our army. During this time, shipments of arrows will arrive. General Zhang Han will be in charge of this matter."
"This subordinate accepts your order," Zhang Han responded at once.
"The rest of you will continue training the Sharp Warriors. Be ready for battle at any moment," Zhao Feng said solemnly.
"This subordinate accepts your order," Zhao Tuo and the other two generals replied in unison.
Just then, Zhang Ming returned, holding a military report. "A military report from General Li."
"Just read it aloud," Zhao Feng said with a wave of his hand.
"The state of Zhao has launched an offensive against the state of Yan!" Zhang Ming read loudly. "Senior General Pang Xuan of Zhao has led his troops to breach the border cities of Yan. The army is pressing forward with great momentum, and the Yan Army can hardly resist. They have already lost nearly ten cities in just half a month."
At these words, all the generals were startled.
Then, they all seemed to understand Zhao Feng's preparations for war.
"The Zhao state has attacked Yan, so Qin will surely seize this opportunity to move against Zhao," Zhang Han said at once. "Once Qin acts, Zhao's ally, Wei, will not stand by. They will attack us, and Wei City will be the first to bear the brunt. The General saw this coming, which is why he had us prepare for war and fortify our defenses."
"But hasn't Qin signed a non-aggression pact with the Zhao state? Would the king really move against Zhao?" Zhao Tuo asked.
Zhao Feng glanced at Zhao Tuo. "You underestimate the King. If a piece of paper, a so-called pact, was actually binding, there would be no more war in this world."
A shiver went down Zhao Tuo's spine, and he quickly nodded.
"Alright, since you all understand why we're preparing for war, get to it. Once Wei attacks, our army will be the first to face them. This is your chance to kill our enemies, serve your country, and earn glory," Zhao Feng said with a wave of his hand, his voice grave.
"Yes, sir!" the generals responded in unison.
When Wei attacks, I must use my military achievements to ascend to the position of Main General and obtain the corresponding Fate Official Seal. Zhao Feng thought to himself.
After all this time, Zhao Feng's strength had improved significantly.
Host: Zhao Feng
Age: 17
Realm: Innate Fifth Layer (The higher the realm, the stronger one's True Qi, and the more effectively one can wield their power.)
Strength: 3,510 (The greater the strength, the more power can be unleashed.)
Speed: 2,287 (The higher the number, the faster the speed.)
Constitution: 2,181 (The stronger the constitution, the faster injuries heal, the more inexhaustible stamina becomes, and the faster True Qi recovers.)
Spirit: 2,185 (Spiritual power can be projected twenty-one Zhang. Cultivation can absorb Void Heaven and Earth Spiritual Energy from a twenty-one-zhang radius.)
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