"Even if Lian Po understands the situation, he has no strategies left," Wang Jian said with a faint smile.
For some time, he had studied how to deal with Lian Po. The method was simple: exploit his own strengths and Lian Po’s weaknesses. This was the key to defeating him.
"Lian Po is old. Facing the Senior General might just be his final battle," Yang Duanhe said with a smile.
"I wonder how the battle in Yingchuan is faring," Wang Jian suddenly remarked.
Compared to his confident and effortless campaign in the Zhao state, Wang Jian was more worried about Yingchuan. If Yingchuan fell, his accomplishments wouldn’t be enough to atone for the failure.
"Urgent news from Wei City!"
Just as Wang Jian was worrying, a messenger rushed into the tent.
Urgent news? Wang Jian’s heart skipped a beat, but his expression remained perfectly calm. He did not immediately assume Wei City had fallen, unlike Meng Yi and Li Teng.
"Bring it here," Wang Jian said in a deep voice.
The messenger immediately presented the military report. Wang Jian took it, broke the seal, and read it at once. Instantly, his expression became extremely odd.
After he finished reading, he roared with laughter. "HAHAHA! Zhao Feng, that young man has truly surprised me! I never imagined this, I truly never imagined it. To think that the renowned Wei Wuji would suffer such a defeat."
Shock gave way to hearty laughter, his voice filled with pride, excitement, and also a profound sense of relief.
Wei City! He no longer had to worry about it falling.
"Senior General, you seem so happy. Could it be good news from Wei City?" Yang Duanhe asked curiously.
"See for yourself," Wang Jian laughed, passing the report to Yang Duanhe. Throughout this, the smile on Wang Jian’s face never faded; if anything, it was tinged with deep satisfaction.
His son-in-law had not disappointed him. He had not only defended Wei City but had also taken a risky military gambit, crushing the Wei Army. The legendary Wei Wuji had been defeated at his hands.
Yang Duanhe took the report, and his expression immediately turned to one of pure shock. Content orıginally comes from NoveIꜰire.net
"General Zhao Feng crushed the Wei Army, and Wei Wuji has led his surviving troops back to Wei in retreat? In the battle of Wei City, we killed nearly 100,000 Wei soldiers, while our own casualties were just over 30,000? Wei Wuji... actually lost to General Zhao Feng? How is this possible? That’s Wei Wuji we’re talking about! He just lost like that?" Yang Duanhe exclaimed in utter disbelief.
Clearly, he had never anticipated such a victory. He had never imagined that a promising Deputy General from Qin could defeat the renowned Wei Wuji. It was like an unknown upstart defeating an ever-victorious general who had rarely tasted defeat.
"Before long, the name Zhao Feng will be known throughout the world," Wang Jian said with a genuine, hearty laugh. "Wei Wuji once had a momentous reputation. Who would have thought that in his old age, he would end up as a stepping stone for one of Qin’s rising stars."
"Indeed. Wei Wuji has become General Zhao’s stepping stone," Yang Duanhe nodded.
"Originally, all I hoped was that Zhao Feng could hold Wei City and contain the Wei Army’s advance. But in such a short time, he has given me such a magnificent surprise. That lad truly has not disappointed me. With Wei City secured and the Wei Army in retreat, no one in the Court will dare to criticize Zhao Feng or mention the drawbacks of the Penal Battalion again. This battle proves that the strategy of using the Penal Battalion is feasible and that Qin has found another measure to strengthen its National Power," Wang Jian laughed.
"Senior General, you are absolutely right. The Penal Battalion has truly shone in General Zhao’s hands. This victory will silence those in the Court who were so critical of it. Not only that, but the talk in the Court about your unwavering recommendation of Zhao Feng to defend Wei City will also cease," Yang Duanhe added with a smile.
"Send this military report back to Xianyang with the utmost haste and submit it to the Great King. With Yingchuan no longer in peril, it is time to ease the Great King’s mind," Wang Jian said, smiling.
"Someone! Immediately send this military report back to Xianyang with the greatest urgency, to be presented to the Great King!" Yang Duanhe ordered loudly.
In response, a messenger from the Senior General’s personal battalion strode forward, respectfully placed the report inside a bamboo tube, and promptly left the tent.
"Senior General," Yang Duanhe said, suddenly bowing to Wang Jian. "I, too, am guilty."
"What crime do you speak of, General Yang?" Wang Jian asked in surprise.
"Back then, I also said Zhao Feng was not fit for the duty of defending Wei City. I even thought he wouldn’t be able to withstand Wei Wuji’s attacks for long. It seems I was far too shortsighted," Yang Duanhe replied respectfully.
"General Yang, you are being too hard on yourself. It wasn’t just you; all the ministers in the Court were skeptical. Even I felt the same. But given Qin’s situation, we had no choice but to trust in Zhao Feng," Wang Jian said with a smile.
"This just shows the Senior General’s unique vision," Yang Duanhe complimented.
"Now that we’ve received the news from Wei City, I believe it won’t be long before the Zhao state gets word as well. Perhaps their 300,000-strong army will soon be recalled," Wang Jian said gravely.
"Therefore, before the Zhao state’s 300,000 troops are recalled, our army must crush Lian Po. Only then can we destroy Zhao," Yang Duanhe stated with equal gravity.
"Report, Senior General. A letter from home has arrived for you," Wang Jian’s Personal Guard Commander entered the tent, holding a letter on bamboo slips.
"A letter from home?"
Wang Jian was momentarily taken aback, then he quickly stepped forward and took it himself. As he opened it, a smile spread across his face. "In less than a month, Yan’er is due to give birth. This is certainly good news."