Chapter 46: The Might of Qin’s Envoys Backed by a Million Elite Soldiers

Faced with Qin's army at their gates, it wasn't just the Korean soldiers who despaired but also the civilians within the city.

The Tiger and Wolf Army of Qin was feared throughout the land.

In an era where massacres during conquests were not uncommon, the people of Han were gripped by terror. They were not Qin citizens and had no idea how the Qin army would treat them if the city fell.

The news that Zhao and Wei were sending reinforcements reignited hope among the Korean troops, who had initially felt isolated and abandoned.

From the city walls, Zhang Ping watched as the Qin army gathered in formation in the distance, his brow furrowing deeply.

"Qin's army truly lives up to its reputation as the elite Tiger and Wolf Army of the world," he murmured.

"Our Korean forces lack morale, energy, and that sharp, unyielding edge. Without the advantage of our city's defenses, we are no match for them."

The sight of the Qin forces assembling with precise discipline and unshaken resolve only deepened Zhang Ping's sense of foreboding.

At that moment, a war chariot emerged from the Qin formation and sped toward the gates of the Korean capital.

The chariot halted a mere few dozen meters from the city walls.

"Who leads this city?"

Standing atop the chariot, Li Teng, clad in full armor with a sword at his side, called out sternly toward the walls.

Zhang Ping stepped forward slowly, his face calm as he replied, "I am Zhang Ping, Prime Minister of Han."

"So, it's the Korean Prime Minister."

Upon hearing the name, Li Teng smiled faintly before continuing. "I am General Li Teng, acting under the orders of the Qin King to bring royal justice and destroy the disobedient. Prime Minister Zhang, at this stage, does Korea still intend to resist?"

"If Korea surrenders, I can promise you this: the city will be spared from slaughter, the royal temple of Korea will remain intact, and the lives of the city's civilians and officials will be preserved."

Zhang Ping sneered coldly.

"Royal justice? What justice?"

"You call this a royal army? Qin raises its troops without cause, unjustly invading our lands. This is an army of treachery, deserving of condemnation by all nations!"

Li Teng smirked in return.

"An army of treachery, you say? A year ago, the King of Korea expelled our Qin envoy from Xinzheng. Even when Qin's Chief Minister Li Si himself traveled here, he was denied an audience and thrown out of the royal palace."

"Surely, Prime Minister Zhang, you understand that an envoy represents the dignity of their nation."

"By insulting our Qin envoy and disgracing our Chief Minister, Korea has insulted the entire Qin nation and its million elite soldiers!"

"Today's war is one of Korea's own making," Li Teng declared loudly.

Since ancient times, wars needed legitimate causes. Without them, a campaign would be considered unjust, affecting morale within the army and perceptions among other states.

Qin's decision to move against Han was not made lightly by King Zheng.

Years ago, during Qin's war with Zhao, the Qin army initially achieved great success, capturing numerous Zhao cities. However, when Zhao redeployed General Li Mu from Dai to the front lines, Qin suffered a decisive defeat.

In the aftermath, Han, which had been on the verge of submission to Qin, shifted its allegiance to Zhao. This shift began with the expulsion of Qin's envoys and culminated in the mistreatment of Li Si, who held a prestigious position as Qin's Chief Minister of Justice.

Qin's invasion of Han now served two purposes: retribution and a demonstration to the world of the consequences of opposing Qin.

"I, Zhang Ping, would rather die than surrender!"

"If you have the strength, show it!"

Refusing to continue the verbal exchange, Zhang Ping stood firm. He had supported the decision to expel the Qin envoys at the time, and he had no regrets.

Li Teng gave Zhang Ping a sharp look and stopped trying to persuade him.

With a wave of his hand, the warrior driving the chariot turned the horses around, and they returned to the Qin central formation.

Back in the ranks, Li Teng drew his sword, his gaze icy as he pointed it toward the Korean capital.

"Qin's elite soldiers!"

"Wind! Wind! Wind!"

The thunderous chant echoed across the battlefield, shaking the heavens.

The Qin army, known throughout history as the era's strongest force, unleashed a surge of disciplined might.

"Archers! Catapults!"

Li Teng shouted his next command.

The order was relayed by dozens of mounted messengers, who galloped through the Qin ranks to deliver the instructions.

"General's orders!"

"Archers, prepare!"

"Catapults, ready!"

"Attack!"

The messengers' voices rang out across the formations, and soldiers moved into action.

In Zhao Feng's unit, the instructions were received with solemn resolve. Gripping his heavy iron bow tightly, Zhao Feng felt a mix of tension and anticipation.

"This is war," he murmured to himself as he prepared to fire.

Behind him, 5,000 elite soldiers held their bows ready, their quivers filled with arrows. Unlike the frontline assault troops armed with spears and long pikes, these men had been tasked with suppressive fire.

From atop the Korean city walls, Zhang Ping shouted orders:

"General Cao, the Qin army is advancing! Do whatever it takes to hold them off. I will oversee the battle personally. Anyone who deserts their post will be executed without mercy!"

"Rest assured, Prime Minister!" Cao Yi responded loudly, drawing his sword.

Then he barked orders to his men: "Archers, ready your bows! As soon as the Qin forces are within range, fire at will!"

But when he looked out over the field, Cao Yi hesitated.

"They're still beyond our range, General," an aide reported nervously.

"Is it true, then? The rumors about Qin archers having greater range?" Cao Yi's unease grew.

Meanwhile, the Qin army had stopped advancing, halting about sixty paces from the city walls.

The archers spread out, creating a dense formation that blanketed the battlefield.

"Fire!"

Three Qin officers gave the command in unison.

"Wind! Wind! Wind!"

The chant rang out again as 30,000 Qin archers lifted their bows.

In the next instant, the sound of bowstrings snapping filled the air, a deafening symphony of war.

The sky above the Korean capital was darkened by tens of thousands of arrows as if blotting out the sun itself.