Chapter 89: Accumulating Strength! Mother’s Birthday!

Zhao Feng naturally understood that the strategy of forming a penal battalion would inevitably become a trend in the Qin army in the future. By proposing it now, when the penal battalion proved its worth, the credit would be his.

Seeing Zhao Feng's seriousness, Meng Yi and Li Teng were both astonished.

The other generals in the hall were equally surprised by Zhao Feng's proposal.

Everyone knew that reorganizing surrendered soldiers was extremely challenging almost impossible to turn them into a functional fighting force.

"General Zhao, are you serious?" Meng Yi asked, astonished.

"Governor, I am serious," Zhao Feng replied solemnly.

"If the reorganization of surrendered soldiers succeeds, it will provide our Qin army with a continuous supply of fresh troops for future conquests," he explained with unwavering determination.

"Do you realize the gravity of this matter?"

"If a mutiny or rebellion breaks out in the army, it will be a grave crime," Li Teng said sternly.

"I am willing to pledge my life on this. Give me 20,000 surrendered soldiers as a test. If there is indeed a mutiny or disorder, I will bear the full responsibility," Zhao Feng said, bowing deeply, his voice resolute.

While others viewed surrendered soldiers as a hot potato, Zhao Feng, with his knowledge of history, believed that surrendered soldiers could be trained, reorganized, and given hope. They could fight for Qin. More importantly, Zhao Feng could secretly recruit loyal followers from among them.

Seeing Zhao Feng's determination, Li Teng glanced helplessly at Meng Yi.

"General Li," Meng Yi said, "I think General Zhao may indeed have a way to transform surrendered soldiers into a capable force. Why not give him a chance?"

"Shouldn't this matter be reported to the King?" Li Teng hesitated.

Traditionally, surrendered soldiers were either enslaved or sent to the frontlines as cannon fodder. There had never been an attempt to reorganize them.

"The King has already given me authority over surrendered soldiers upon my arrival in Yingchuan," Meng Yi said with a smile. "If General Zhao is willing, let him try. If it fails, the army will suppress it."

"I'll decide for you, General Li," Meng Yi said decisively, turning to Zhao Feng. "I will give you 30,000 surrendered soldiers. Train and reorganize them however you see fit. General Li will not interfere. But remember the lessons of the Battle of Changping."

The implication was clear.

In the Battle of Changping, Qin had captured over 400,000 Zhao soldiers.

Why weren't they reorganized? Why were they all executed?

The answer was simple: surrendered soldiers could not be trusted or reorganized. They could not be used by Qin. Keeping them as slaves was a drain on resources, and releasing them would only strengthen Zhao.

If there had been another option back then, those 400,000 surrendered Zhao soldiers would not have perished.

"Please rest assured, Governor Meng," Zhao Feng replied solemnly.

"General Li, with the war concluded, the court's rewards have been issued. You should focus on reorganizing the army," Meng Yi said to Li Teng with a smile.

"Understood."

Li Teng nodded.

The conquest of Han had been a victory, but it had cost many elite soldiers their lives. Many had been wounded or rendered unfit for service.

The vacancies left by fallen officers, including military commanders and captains, had to be filled by meritorious soldiers. The army needed to be reorganized and strengthened for future campaigns.

As time passed, another day came to an end.

In the city's barracks, within the council hall, Zhao Feng sat at the head of the table. Five commanders of ten-thousand-man units and ten captains stood before him.

Among the commanders, Zhao Feng was most familiar with Zhang Han, while another was Chen Tao.

Previously, Chen Tao had been Zhao Feng's superior, but now he served under him.

Perhaps this reversal was unpleasant for Chen Tao, but there was nothing he could do.

Initially, before Zhao Feng captured the enemy king, his highest promotion would have been to the commander of ten thousand troops, with an elevation in rank.

Chen Tao had received the same reward.

However, Zhao Feng's capture of the enemy king changed everything. He took the position that would have been Chen Tao's, effectively sidelining him.

In Qin's military, everything was decided by merit.

Among the ten captains, Zhao Feng recognized four, including Liu Wu, who had previously been a fellow captain.

Perhaps for Chen Tao and Liu Wu, having Zhao Feng as their superior now was an unsettling prospect.

"Greetings, General Zhao!"

The officers bowed respectfully.

"Take your seats, generals," Zhao Feng said with a smile, gesturing for them to sit.

"Thank you, General."

The officers bowed again before taking their seats according to rank.

"After a day of reorganization, each of the five ten-thousand-man units under my command now has about 7,400 soldiers. Although we are short of manpower and the structure is incomplete, the arrival of recruits after the New Year will resolve this," Zhao Feng said.

"General," Zhang Han asked with a smile, "now that the war is over, when do we head to Weicheng?"

"When do you think we should depart?" Zhao Feng asked, leaving the decision open to his commanders.

"We will follow the general's orders," the other four commanders replied in unison.

"Moving the army requires preparation, especially with 30,000 surrendered soldiers in tow. The journey to Weicheng will take over half a month. Let us depart tomorrow," Zhao Feng decided after some thought.

"General Zhao," one commander stood and said seriously, "I believe the matter of reorganizing the surrendered soldiers warrants further discussion. Our army has less than 50,000 men. If those 30,000 mutiny, the consequences will be catastrophic. Even if we reach Weicheng, managing them will remain a significant challenge."

"I second this," another commander said.

"I third this," echoed another.

Apart from Zhang Han, all four commanders under Zhao Feng opposed the idea.

In their view and likely in the eyes of most officers Zhao Feng's plan to reorganize the surrendered soldiers was a reckless move, courting disaster.

Zhao Feng smiled faintly. "General Chen, would you introduce these three generals to me?"

Before Chen Tao could respond, the three introduced themselves:

"Zhao Tuo."

"Wu Yue."

"Qi Sheng."

Hearing the name "Zhao Tuo," Zhao Feng's attention immediately focused on the speaker.

"Zhao Tuo?"

"The Southern Yue King, Zhao Tuo?"

"The man who later seized control of 500,000 Qin soldiers and established his kingdom?"

Looking at Zhao Tuo, Zhao Feng felt a mix of emotions.

This man was undoubtedly shrewd a cunning and capable individual.

During the decline of Qin, Zhao Tuo had bided his time. When Qin fell, he declared independence and founded his kingdom.

"Managing Southern Yue during the chaos of Qin's fall and ultimately establishing a kingdom isn't that a fine role?"

"If I can secure the position of guarding Southern Yue after Qin unites the land, I'll be in the perfect spot to wait for the right moment. When Qin collapses, I'll rise with the army and claim all of China."

At the mention of Zhao Tuo's name, Zhao Feng had already begun formulating a plan for his future.

After all, the opportunity to oversee Southern Yue was too enticing.

As for whether Zhao Tuo could compete for that position?

Not a chance. With Zhao Tuo serving under him, Zhao Feng was confident he could claim the role for himself.

"Generals, your concerns are valid," Zhao Feng said, addressing the officers.

Hearing this, they looked at him expectantly.

But Zhao Feng's tone shifted. "Many believe that surrendered soldiers cannot be reorganized and will only become a liability or a rebellious force. I disagree. The surrendered soldiers we captured from Han are unlike those of any other state."

"In the past, surrendered soldiers had a homeland to which they were loyal, and they naturally couldn't serve Qin wholeheartedly. But things are different now."

"Han is no more. Its land has become Yingchuan Commandery of Qin, and its people are now citizens of Qin. The families of these surrendered soldiers are also Qin citizens."

"If they dare to mutiny or cause trouble, do you think they won't fear Qin law and the punishment of implicating their families?"

"Generals, this reorganization is crucial for Qin's future strength. Our goal is to unify the world. While Qin is strong, it must incorporate the strength of other states to become stronger."

"This is an innovative endeavor. I assure you, if any uncontrollable situations arise, I alone will bear the responsibility and not implicate any of you. But if this succeeds, the credit will belong to all of you who supported me."

Zhao Feng's words resonated deeply.

"Han citizens are now Qin citizens, and the surrendered soldiers have no homeland to return to."

The officers fell into thoughtful silence.

"General's words are reasonable," Zhang Han said, bowing. "I am willing to fully support you."

"Your orders will be followed," the other officers echoed.

With that, Zhao Feng instructed them to prepare for departure and dismissed them.

After the officers left, Zhao Feng remained in the hall, deep in thought. Soon, a man in the uniform of a Qin army cook approached.

"Korean eunuch Han Xi pays his respects to my lord," the man said, bowing deeply.

"Looks like you're taking these children away, but in truth, you're saving their lives," Han Xi sighed deeply.

"Why so pessimistic?" Zhao Feng asked, puzzled.

"Your Excellency," Han Xi began, "I have served by the side of the King of Han for many years, so I know certain things.

"Over the years, the King of Han, in his efforts to preserve the nation's foundation, has shifted allegiance between Qin and Zhao countless times, spending immense amounts of gold and silver in the process. All of this was extracted from the common people.

"The taxes in Yingchuan have already been collected for several years ahead. Winter is approaching, and countless people will starve or freeze to death.

"Even before the wars, people were dying of hunger and cold. Now, it's even worse," Han Xi sighed with sorrow etched on his face.

Though he was a eunuch and a servant of a fallen kingdom, he seemed to carry a trace of kindness in his heart. The thought of the grim future saddened him.

Han Xi's words painted a bleak picture in Zhao Feng's mind:

Amidst the snow and ice, corpses littering the ground, countless people frozen and starved to death a scene of human misery.

Their deaths would be far more agonizing than those caused by war.

"Sigh," Zhao Feng let out a deep breath. "My abilities are limited, and I cannot save so many people. Right now, we already have a few hundred people any more, and it would bring trouble."

"However," he continued, "once we reach Wei City, we can recruit more. For now, I can only do my best. The rest depends on the court's measures. I believe the King of Qin will not stand idly by."

Hearing this, Han Xi dropped to his knees and kowtowed. "Your Excellency is benevolent. This servant vows to follow you unto death."

"I am not benevolent," Zhao Feng dismissed the praise with a wave of his hand. "It's just mutual need. The recruitment is for plans, not for benevolence. That title, I cannot bear."

He understood his place. As a mere deputy general of the Qin army, he was but a small figure in the grand scheme of the land.

"If I were a king, I would seek ways to secure my people's survival. But I am not."

Turning to his subordinates, Zhao Feng said, "You've all heard what Han Xi said."

"Zhang Han," he called.

"At your service," Zhang Han responded immediately.

"Quietly integrate these recruits into the army and take them with us to Wei City," Zhao Feng instructed.

"Only a few hundred people it's a simple matter," Zhang Han replied. "I'll place them among the baggage transport unit and ensure they're surrounded by trusted men from our old command."

"Arrange it as you see fit," Zhao Feng nodded.

It was only a few hundred people. Even if discovered, it wouldn't cause much trouble they could simply be seen as servants.

Turning to Wei Quan, Zhao Feng addressed him, "Brother Wei."

"Your Excellency," Wei Quan replied quickly, visibly uneasy. "Now that I have pledged my loyalty, I cannot accept being called 'Brother.'"

This response evoked a strange feeling in Zhao Feng, but he let it go. "Now that I've been promoted to deputy general, I can have a hundred personal guards. Select a hundred loyal and capable soldiers from our old command to serve as my guards."

According to military regulations, only commanders could have personal guards, commanding five smaller units, totaling 500 men.

Deputy generals were not entitled to personal guards. However, Zhao Feng, holding a tenth-rank title, had privileges beyond ordinary deputy generals. Li Teng had explained this as a royal favor for meritorious officials, allowing Zhao Feng a hundred personal guards.

"We obey," Wei Quan replied respectfully.

Zhao Feng then turned to Luo Hua. "Tell me about the promotions among our brothers below the rank of captain."

"Your Excellency," Luo Hua began with excitement, "the battle to capture the Han capital was led by you, earning us the greatest merit. Capturing the King of Han also added to our glory.

"Our old unit had the most promotions in the entire army nine were promoted to military marquis, fifteen to company commanders, and eighty-nine to centurions. Many others gained rank advancements as well."

"Brothers from the same command should remain connected in the future," Zhao Feng said meaningfully.

"We understand, Your Excellency," the men replied in unison.

Turning to Han Xi again, Zhao Feng asked, "Are you familiar with Wei City?"

"I accompanied the King of Han there once," Han Xi replied.

"Good. Can you find secluded places there, far from people?"

"Such places are easy to find," Han Xi assured him.

"Excellent," Zhao Feng nodded. "Find a few locations where I can train an elite force in the future."

"I will see to it immediately," Han Xi promised.

At this moment, Zhang Han hesitated before speaking. "Your Excellency, I have a concern that may be out of line."

"Speak," Zhao Feng said.

"Now that you are a deputy general, you hold a high position in the army. Training a private force is a grave taboo. If discovered and reported to the court, it could bring disaster."

This warning caused the others to tense up.

It was indeed forbidden for officials to raise private forces, as it might suggest rebellion. The Qin court strictly prohibited it after past incidents, such as Lü Buwei and Lao Ai, who had each raised thousands of retainers, leading to instability.

"I understand the risks," Zhao Feng replied calmly. "But this is for the future, and the loyalty of these men will be clear to me. You need not worry about leaks. Even with you, I see through your loyalty."

This statement startled his men, but it also deepened their awe and fear. Recalling the mysterious techniques Zhao Feng had shared, they chose to trust his wisdom.

"Understood," Zhang Han bowed.

"That settles it. You are all dismissed to make preparations," Zhao Feng concluded.

After they left, Zhao Feng stepped outside, where a hundred guards stood on watch under the moonlight.

"Today is Mother's birthday," he murmured, gazing at the moon. "I wonder how she and my sister are doing."

At the same time, in Sha Village, under the same moonlight, Zhao's mother and sister sat in their courtyard. Madam Zhao was mending clothes, while Zhao Ying ground herbs.

"Mother," Zhao Ying said gently, "you should rest. It's your birthday today, and I made a nice meal for you earlier. Though not as good as Brother's cooking, it wasn't bad, was it? Go and rest now."

"I know you're thoughtful, Ying'er," Madam Zhao smiled warmly. "But I can't sleep."

"Mother, you've been weak lately. Staying up this late isn't good for your health," Zhao Ying said, concerned.

"I'm not that frail," Madam Zhao replied. Her gaze turned to the moon, her face filled with longing. "I'm just thinking about your brother.

"Every year, he made my birthday special. But this year, he's not here."

"Mother, he'll be back in a year. When he does, our family will be together again," Zhao Ying comforted her.

"Yes," Madam Zhao nodded. "When he comes back, we'll never part again."

As they spoke, a shadow approached the courtyard. Hearing the movement, Zhao Ying looked up and called out, "Grandpa Wu, why are you here so late?"

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