"It won't be long before he fights his way to Lincheng," Yu Liao said with a smile.

"Lincheng?"

Ying Zheng's gaze fixed upon Lincheng on the map, a border city that connected the states of Wei and Zhao.

"This kid," Ying Zheng mused with a surprised laugh. "He's young, but he certainly doesn't lack courage. He actually plans to carve a path straight from Wei to the Zhao state."

With Ying Zheng's strategic insight, he understood Zhao Feng's intentions at a glance.

"That's also the good news I wanted to report, Great King," Yu Liao said, his smile fading into a more solemn expression. "Thanks to General Zhao's military movements, the Wei state is effectively tied down. Even if General Zhao can't break through to the Zhao state, Wei won't have the strength to send reinforcements."

"What's more, General Zhao has indeed made significant gains. He is tying down Wei, deterring them, and paving the way for our eventual conquest of their state. General Zhao's military campaign serves two purposes at once."

Ying Zheng nodded. "It seems I must allocate more provisions and supplies to Zhao Feng."

"Great King, there is no need for such an allocation," Yu Liao said with a smile. "General Zhao has reported that Shangwei City held enough provisions to supply Wei Wuji's 200,000-man army for half a year. Now that these supplies are at his disposal, they can last for at least a year. And that is precisely why General Zhao dared to attack Wei with such a small force."

"Zhao Feng is certainly interesting," Ying Zheng said with a smile, yet his face bore a look of concern. "But I am still somewhat vexed."

"What vexes you, Great King?" Yu Liao asked, puzzled.

"I originally promised Zhao Feng that if he held Wei City, I would promote him to Main General. But given his exceptional merit, even that rank seems inadequate to honor him now. He has taken over a dozen cities from Wei, expanding our Qin territory by nearly a thousand miles, which is another great accomplishment. When the war is over, how should I reward him?" Ying Zheng said, his expression troubled.

Hearing this, Yu Liao chuckled. "Indeed! Looking across all of Qin, let alone the entire world, who has ascended the ranks faster than General Zhao Feng? A Main General at seventeen! Unlike Gan Luo in the past, his rise has been earned through solid military achievements."

Ying Zheng nodded, looking even more troubled. "That's why I am so vexed. Tell me, what if Zhao Feng truly opens a route to the Zhao state? What if he actually enters their territory and achieves even greater deeds? If he completes some grand feat, how should I reward him then?"

Yu Liao was not surprised by this. The official posts and noble titles within the Qin hierarchy were clearly defined. Zhao Feng was already a Main General with a twelfth-rank title of nobility. Above Main General was the rank of Protector-General, also known as Shangjiangjun, or Senior General. There were only three in all of Qin. To be bestowed such a title, one of the current holders would have to step down, which seemed unlikely. The three great generals of Qin—Wang Jian, Meng Wu, and Huan Yi—were all in their prime, at the peak of their abilities. It would likely be another decade or two before any of them retired.

Of course, there was another possibility: establishing a new major military command. However, for the current Qin, the national power required to do so would be considerable, making it an unfeasible option for the short term. Furthermore, becoming a Protector-General required more than just military achievements; many other factors came into play.

"Great King, you worry too much," Yu Liao said with a reassuring smile. "Although General Zhao doesn't yet have the seniority to be appointed as Protector-General, his noble rank can still be raised. Moreover, with your generous grace, you could simply ask General Zhao what he desires. Based on his current performance, a position as Protector-General will certainly be his in the future."

"Compared to Meng Tian and Wang Ben, Zhao Feng's performance is indeed stunningly brilliant," Ying Zheng nodded. "But you are right, Yu Qing. I am overthinking things."

"From the way you're thinking, Great King, can it be that you truly believe Zhao Feng can forge a path to the Zhao state?" Yu Liao asked with a hint of amusement.

Hearing this, a smile spread across Ying Zheng's face. "Who knows? If he really does manage it, I will be very interested to see what he can accomplish there."

Yu Liao chuckled. "The purpose of Zhao Feng's campaign is obvious, and Wei Wuji can surely see it. Wei and Zhao are allies. Wei Wuji will certainly not stand by and watch Zhao Feng carve a path into the Zhao state. Therefore, he must be gathering a heavy force in Lincheng to block his advance. Given Zhao Feng's military strength, breaking through would be very difficult."

"We shall see," Ying Zheng said with a confident smile. "I believe he can do it."

* * *

「Sha Village!」

"Zhao family! The Prefectural Governor is here again!" Wu Lizheng called out with a cheerful smile.

"Why is he here again?"

Inside the mansion, Zhao Ying was puzzled, and so was Mrs. Zhao.

At that moment, the Shaqiu Governor, Yan Bing, strode into the residence as if he knew the route by heart. Following behind him were a group of Prefecture Soldiers and servants.

"Mrs. Zhao. Miss Zhao," Yan Bing said, cupping his fist in greeting upon his arrival.

"Prefectural Governor," Mrs. Zhao and her daughter both replied, bowing in return.

"Governor, is something the matter with my son again?" Mrs. Zhao asked with curiosity. Whenever Yan Bing appeared, she instinctively assumed it was about her son. Otherwise, the governor would surely not come in person.

"Haha," Yan Bing laughed before cupping his fist again. "I am here once more to congratulate you, Mrs. Zhao."

"Has my brother achieved another great feat?" Zhao Ying asked, somewhat incredulous.

"Miss Zhao is indeed clever," Yan Bing laughed heartily. "General Zhao has performed another great service!"

"Was there another battle?" Zhao Ying asked, still a bit perplexed.

Living in this small village, news was not very immediate. Ever since learning that her brother was alive and well, Mrs. Zhao and her daughter had not been as anxious, so they didn't go out of their way to inquire about news every day.

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