"Build ships and rafts in secret—the more, the better. This matter must be known only to you; do not disclose it to anyone else."

"I will issue an order for you to lead troops to patrol the Wei City perimeter. That will be your opportunity," Zhao Feng said in a low voice.

"My Lord," Zhang Han said. He wasn't a fool and immediately grasped what Zhao Feng intended. "Are you planning to build ships to cross the river and attack Wei Territory?"

"Are we only allowed to remain on the defensive?" Zhao Feng smiled faintly, the ambition in his eyes completely unconcealed. "These defensive achievements are too minor. Since an opportunity has presented itself, why shouldn't I take the gamble?"

Upon hearing Zhao Feng's words, a look of eager anticipation appeared on the faces of every one of his trusted generals. They all understood the meaning behind his words: to invade the state of Wei and win greater military glory.

"The royal edict from the King of Qin not only entrusts me with the full command of Wei City's forces but also clearly states that as long as I can hold Wei City, a position as Main General is mine." Zhao Feng laughed. "If I can achieve even greater military victories, wouldn't I also have a chance at the position of Main General?"

In front of his confidants, Zhao Feng made no effort to conceal his ambition for the position of Shangjiangjun.

"Your subordinates swear to follow My Lord to the death," the generals immediately responded.

"Mr. Wei, and you, Zhuang Wei. You've just been made an acting Wanjiang. You two must place our old comrades into command positions. Promote those at the rank of Junhou to acting Capital Commandant. As much as possible, fill the positions under your command with people we can trust."

"Of course," Zhao Feng said with a smile, "everything will be based on military merit. That way, even if Chen Tao and the others want to complain, they'll have no grounds to do so."

Since the King of Qin had entrusted him with military authority, Zhao Feng naturally had to make arrangements for Wei City's stability. He wasn't the slightest bit afraid of what Chen Tao might report. As long as Chen Tao was under his command, Zhao Feng would ensure he would never get ahead. He was a Wanjiang now, and a Wanjiang he would remain. If he dared to oppose Zhao Feng, he would learn the true meaning of authority. Besides, this was a tactic Chen Tao himself had used before—appointing his own loyalists. If Chen Tao could do it, so could he.

"My Lord is wise," the generals immediately concurred.

"War will surely break out within these next two months. You must all strive to improve your own strength as well," Zhao Feng advised them. "The battlefield is intricate and complex. Even with my power, I cannot guarantee my own survival. Every bit of extra strength is another chance to live."

"We understand, My Lord," the generals replied at once.

"And Tu Sui," Zhao Feng said, waving his hand. A large packet of powder fell in front of the general. "This is Bone Tempering Powder. Prepare a bath with hot water, pour the powder in, and soak your entire body. It will allow you to begin your journey in the Martial Arts by strengthening your sinews and bones and augmenting your power. Of course, the process will be painful. But once you have absorbed all of its medicinal effects, your path in the Martial Arts will be much smoother."

"Thank you, My Lord, for this generous gift," Tu Sui said, immediately accepting it.

"Alright, you are all dismissed," Zhao Feng nodded.

...

「Xianyang, State of Qin.」

In the Morning Discussion Hall, Yan Dan stood once more. He had left in a fury over a month ago, but now he seemed much more composed, clearly having been reprimanded by his father, the King of Yan, upon returning home.

Looking at Ying Zheng on his high throne, Yan Dan's eyes held a deeply hidden hatred, though he did not let it show at the moment.

Holding a national book stamped with the Royal Seal, Yan Dan spoke in a heavy tone, "The Zhao state is rampant. It has already conquered more than a dozen of our Yan cities, and the Zhao Jun has slaughtered hundreds of thousands of our people. In consideration of the friendly relations between Yan and Qin, I humbly implore the King of Qin to dispatch troops to our aid.

"Yan is prepared to offer two hundred thousand gold and five hundred thousand bushels of grain as provisions for the Qin Army's march.

"If we successfully repel the Zhao state, Yan is further willing to offer another hundred thousand gold as tribute to Qin."

Three hundred thousand gold and five hundred thousand bushels of grain represented a substantial portion of Yan's national power—a heavy price to pay. If Yan were not in such a dire situation, the King of Yan would never have made such a painful concession.

Upon hearing Yan Dan's words, Ying Zheng's face betrayed little emotion. He simply waved his hand, and Zhao Gao, who was attending him, quickly walked forward. He took the national book from Yan Dan's hands and hastily presented it to Ying Zheng.

Ying Zheng glanced at the national book. It precisely detailed the provisions for the army's mobilization and the additional tribute following the repulsion of Zhao, all stamped with the Royal Seal. This would serve as proof. If Yan dared to renege in the future, Qin could use this document as justification to dispatch its army.

Of course, these offerings were exactly what Ying Zheng wanted, as they would lessen the strain on Qin's own treasury. If Yan did not pay, Qin's military action would be significantly delayed. If Yan paid, Qin could mobilize immediately. The opportunity to destroy the Zhao state was not to be missed, and Qin would absolutely not let it slip away.

"The King of Yan has indeed offered a generous tribute, but Qin and the Zhao state have an established treaty, signed by myself and the King of Zhao here in Xianyang. If I break the treaty, how can I face the world?" Ying Zheng said with a troubled expression.

Hearing this, a surge of anger welled up within Yan Dan. But at that moment, he was helpless, with no way to change the situation. He could only say, "The Zhao state has raised an unjust army; all the states under Heaven should join together to punish them. If the King of Qin is willing to send troops, in addition to these tributes, Yan is willing to offer five thousand warhorses. Furthermore, Yan will proclaim Zhao's injustice to all the other states, affirming that Qin's army is being deployed to save Yan. All blame for this should rightly fall upon the Zhao state."

Yan Dan knelt, pleading earnestly with tears in his voice, "I beg the King of Qin to dispatch troops and save my state of Yan!

"Yan will be eternally grateful."

He may have harbored resentment towards Ying Zheng for refusing to save them, but to rescue his kingdom, Yan Dan was willing to completely cast aside his dignity as the Crown Prince.

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