Chapter 99: The Furious Qin King! Zhao Feng’s Developments!
Amid Meng Jia's anguished screams, he was beaten black and blue. His once arrogant demeanor, rooted in his noble birth, was now replaced with sheer terror.
He never imagined that Zhao Feng would dare to have him beaten so mercilessly, showing no regard for Fu Su's status or the Meng family name.
When Meng Jia's cries grew weak, Zhao Feng finally spoke, "That's enough."
The guards delivering the beating immediately ceased their actions.
"If you were sent by Fu Su, then he, as the eldest prince, is far from qualified to be in power. Go back and tell him that if he wants revenge, he's welcome to try."
"And if you weren't sent by Fu Su, then tell whoever is behind you I'll be waiting."
Zhao Feng's cold words were directed at Meng Jia before he waved his hand dismissively. "Throw him out."
"Yes, sir."
The guards didn't hesitate, hauling the battered Meng Jia out of the camp and tossing him outside.
"In history, Fu Su may have been somewhat rigid, but he wasn't petty. He was known for his benevolence and wisdom in dealing with others. Sending someone to threaten and bribe me, especially a fool like this, doesn't seem like something he'd do."
"Meng family…"
"The Meng, Xi, and Bai clans, perhaps? They were once among the most prominent noble families of Qin. But under the current meritocracy, they've fallen from grace."
Watching Meng Jia's limp form being dragged away, Zhao Feng's mind raced with thoughts.
As far as Fu Su was concerned, Zhao Feng was aware of his historical reputation.
You could call him naive or accuse him of lacking ability, but you could never say he was small-minded.
This led Zhao Feng to believe that this fool wasn't acting on Fu Su's orders but was sent by one of the incompetents under him.
Outside the military camp.
Thud!
Meng Jia was unceremoniously thrown to the ground.
"Young master!"
"Are you alright?"
"How dare you treat our young master like this?!"
Several of Meng Jia's guards hurriedly ran to his side, helping him up while glaring furiously at the guards who had thrown him out.
But the guards merely cast indifferent glances at them before turning back to the camp without a word.
"Zhao Feng…"
"I will remember this day's humiliation!"
"I'll make sure you suffer!"
Meng Jia, filled with rage, stared at the military camp, his eyes burning with hatred for Zhao Feng.
But clearly, Zhao Feng couldn't care less.
In another country, perhaps Zhao Feng would have had to show some deference to the power of noble families. But in Qin, these noble families had long been suppressed by royal authority. Emperor Ying Zheng had even elevated numerous new aristocrats to strip power away from the old families.
Time passes.
Zhao Kingdom, Handan.
"Reporting to Your Majesty."
"The Qin envoy awaits outside the hall."
Lian Po stepped forward and announced in a booming voice.
"Summon him."
Zhao Yan gestured with his hand.
"By order of His Majesty, summon the Qin envoy for an audience," the royal steward announced loudly.
In response, two men in the official robes of Qin stepped into the hall at a measured pace. The one in the lead was the chief envoy, Mi Qi, followed by his deputy, Yao Jia.
Once they entered the hall, both men bowed deeply to Zhao Yan.
"Envoy Mi Qi of Qin greets King Zhao."
"Envoy Yao Jia of Qin greets King Zhao."
Their bows were deep, and their posture was exceedingly humble.
"I have no interest in wasting words with you Qin people. Just state your purpose. Why has Ying Zheng sent you?" Zhao Yan asked coldly.
"Your Majesty," Mi Qi replied loudly, "we have been sent under the orders of our king to propose a non-aggression pact between Qin and Zhao."
"Ying Zheng wants a non-aggression pact with me?"
Zhao Yan was momentarily stunned, his heart skipping with joy, but his expression quickly turned into a sneer. "The relationship between Qin and Zhao is no secret to either of us. Do you think I would believe such an offer without reason?"
"Does your king take me for a fool?"
Mi Qi quickly replied, "Our king's intentions are sincere. While Qin and Zhao have clashed in the past, those days are behind us."
"I don't believe Ying Zheng would make such an offer without ulterior motives," Zhao Yan retorted. "The matter will be discussed later. You may withdraw."
With a wave of his hand, Zhao Yan dismissed them, showing no signs of being moved.
Upon seeing this, Mi Qi and Yao Jia appeared visibly anxious. Mi Qi clenched his teeth and raised his voice, "Your Majesty, if Zhao agrees to this non-aggression pact, Qin is willing to exempt Zhao from one-tenth of all trade tariffs between our nations."
Hearing this, Zhao Yan's eyes flickered with surprise.
The ministers present in the court also exchanged curious glances.
"Could something have happened in Qin? Why else would they be so eager to make this offer?" Zhao Yan wondered silently.
But until he could confirm the situation, Zhao Yan dared not make a hasty decision. Although he was far from a wise ruler, he wasn't entirely foolish either.
"Escort the Qin envoys to the guest residence," Zhao Yan commanded.
Several guards entered the hall, gesturing toward the exit. "Envoys, this way, please."
Seeing this, Mi Qi and Yao Jia exchanged helpless glances but could do nothing but bow and leave.
"Your Majesty, could something have happened within Qin?"
"Otherwise, Ying Zheng would not be so desperate to secure an alliance," Zhao Yan said to his ministers after the envoys had departed.
"Your Majesty," an old general stepped forward, "I believe trouble may have arisen in Qin after they annexed Han."
This old general was Pang Yuan, one of Zhao's most experienced commanders and the only general who had steadfastly supported Zhao Yan's claim to the throne. The other great generals, Lian Po, and Li Mu, had originally backed Zhao Yi but eventually had no choice but to acknowledge Zhao Yan as king.
"Trouble in Qin?" Zhao Yan frowned.
Then he considered, "Could it be that our spies have succeeded? No, that's not right. If they had, the Qin envoys would have mentioned it."
"I believe the issue must stem from the Han territories Qin has recently annexed," Pang Yuan added.
Hearing this explanation, Zhao Yan slowly nodded.
At that moment
"Report!"
"A secret message from the Han territories!"
A Zhao messenger rushed into the hall, clutching an unopened letter.
"Bring it here!" Zhao Yan ordered.
A court attendant quickly retrieved the letter and presented it to Zhao Yan.
Upon reading the letter, Zhao Yan's earlier confusion vanished instantly, replaced by a burst of laughter.
"Hahaha!"
"I was wondering why Ying Zheng suddenly sought an alliance with Zhao. It turns out chaos has erupted in the Han territories!"
"Uprisings are breaking out everywhere, causing significant losses for Qin!"
"Even several granaries have been burned to the ground!" Zhao Yan exclaimed with glee.
"So that's it."
"Qin is worried we'll take advantage of their troubles and launch an attack, so they're seeking an alliance," Pang Yuan surmised.
"Exactly."
"While Zhao doesn't share a direct border with Han, Wei does. With a royal decree, Zhao can easily send troops through Wei to attack Qin."
"With unrest brewing in Han, Ying Zheng must be at his wit's end."
"Ying Zheng, you're finally afraid of me!" Zhao Yan laughed triumphantly.
"Your Majesty, we must not sign this alliance with Qin."
"This chaos in Han could be a ruse to deceive us into signing an alliance," cautioned an older general standing among the military ranks.
This man was none other than Lian Po, the legendary general of Zhao, whose military prowess was considered on par with Qin's great general Bai Qi.
Years ago, during the Battle of Changping, Lian Po had held his ground against Bai Qi. It was only due to a Qin scheme that Zhao's king replaced Lian Po, leading to Zhao's devastating defeat at Bai Qi's hands.
That battle marked the beginning of Zhao's decline and the loss of any chance at unifying the realm.
In that fateful battle, tens of thousands of Zhao's finest soldiers perished a loss deeply ingrained in Zhao's history and Lian Po's memory.
Hearing Lian Po's words, Zhao Yan frowned. "Do you think I'm so easily fooled, General?"
"Your Majesty, I would never dare suggest that. But Qin is a cunning adversary, and caution is warranted," Lian Po replied respectfully.
"This matter requires no further discussion. I'll make my own decision."
"That's enough for today. If there's nothing else, the court is adjourned."
"Pang Yuan, stay behind," Zhao Yan ordered.
The court dispersed, leaving only Pang Yuan in the hall.
"General Pang," Zhao Yan said with a smile as he descended the steps, "do you know why I asked you to stay behind?"
"The king wishes to be remembered as a wise ruler who expands the kingdom." Pang Nuan chuckled and spoke directly.
"Hahaha!"
"General, you truly understand me."
King Zhao Yan laughed heartily, his expression revealing a trace of ambition. "Ever since I ascended to the throne, there has been endless chatter in the court and among the people. To silence these voices, the only solution is to expand the kingdom."
"If Ying Zheng can annihilate the state of Han, then I too can conquer a nation and expand the territory of Zhao."
"General, I hope you will assist me in this endeavor."
As he spoke, King Zhao Yan placed his hand on Pang Nuan's.
"This humble servant pledges his life to serve Your Majesty," Pang Nuan immediately knelt in allegiance.
"I shall grant you an army of 300,000 to secretly deploy to the Yan border. When the time is right, you will launch an attack on Yan," Zhao Yan said, a cold gleam flashing in his eyes.
"Our campaign against Yan must carefully consider the threat of Qin raising arms against us," Pang Nuan cautioned. "Though this report came in secrecy, General Lian Po's concerns should not be ignored. If we move against Yan and Qin attacks us in retaliation, the State of Zhao will be in grave peril."
"Rest assured, General."
"I have been making preparations in secret. Once everything is in place, I can guarantee that your campaign against Yan will face no hindrance, and Qin will not march against us."
"Ying Zheng is destined to be trampled underfoot by me," Zhao Yan sneered, his expression brimming with confidence.
Qin Kingdom, Yong City
As the former capital of the Qin Kingdom, Yong City retained the scale and defenses of a royal city. Its prosperity was second only to Xianyang. Within its walls stood the former Qin royal palace, which served as a secondary palace whenever the king toured the region.
This night, under the cover of darkness, a shadowy plot was set in motion.
At the rear gate of the royal palace in Yong City, where patrols were sparse, the door quietly creaked open.
A eunuch dressed in official attire gestured toward the outside.
In an instant, dozens of black-clad figures slipped silently through the side gate, heading directly for the rear palace.
Their target was clear Dahua Palace, the residence of the Qin Dowager Empress Zhao Ji.
The palace was shrouded in darkness. A few maids tended to the residence, but they were fast asleep.
Six eunuchs guarded the entrance, standing watch as a precaution.
To the king, the harem was a sacred and forbidden place. No man, apart from the king himself, was permitted entry. After the scandal of Lao Ai's rebellion, security in the harem had become even more stringent. Only eunuchs who had undergone rigorous vetting were allowed inside.
As for Dowager Empress Zhao Ji, she had been a shadow of her former self ever since the Lao Ai affair. After the execution of her two illegitimate sons, she fell into madness, spending her days in delirium.
Despite this, as the Dowager Empress, she was afforded proper care. Physicians and maids were assigned to attend to her, and she relied on medicinal sedatives to sleep each night.
Now, under the cover of night, the black-clad assassins advanced, their cold gazes fixed on the six eunuchs.
Suddenly, the silence was shattered by the sound of arrows whistling through the air.
Before the eunuchs could react, sharp pain gripped their throats as arrows pierced through them. Struggling in agony, they collapsed, clutching at their wounds.
The assassins moved swiftly, their movements disciplined and silent. Two figures stepped forward to finish off the dying eunuchs with daggers.
Once the guards were neutralized, the leader gestured. Two assassins approached the door and carefully pushed it open.
Inside the palace, a maid stirred at the sound, her voice trembling as she called out, "Who's there?"
Before she could fully awaken, the assassins surged into the room with practiced precision.
The sudden onslaught of killing intent left the maid momentarily frozen, then a scream escaped her lips. "Assassins! There are assassins"
Her cry was cut short as a blade pierced her throat.
The other maids woke with a start, their panicked cries echoing through the palace.
"Assassins!"
"Help! Someone, save the Dowager Empress!"
"Guards! Guards!"
The assassins, however, moved with ruthless efficiency, cutting down the terrified maids one by one.
On the bed, Zhao Ji remained oblivious, still under the influence of sedatives.
"Is this the Dowager Empress Zhao Ji? Quickly, take her!" a eunuch commanded as he entered.
The assassins wrapped Zhao Ji, bedding and all, in a blanket and carried her out of the palace.
As they retreated, the commotion reached a group of patrolling eunuchs. Upon discovering the bodies, they were horrified.
"Alert the guards! We have intruders!"
"Quick, inform the royal guard!"
"Go, go now!"
Panic spread through the palace as the alarm was raised.
Nearby, in another grand palace not far from Dahua Palace, a regal woman rose from her bed, disturbed by the noise.
"What is happening? Why such commotion?" she called out.
Several maids rushed in, kneeling before her.
"Your Grace, the Hua Yang Dowager Empress, it seems there are intruders at the Dowager Empress Zhao Ji's residence," one of them reported.
"Assassins?" Hua Yang Dowager Empress furrowed her brows, rising swiftly. "An attempt on Zhao Ji's life?"
At that moment, a voice came from outside.
"Commander Tu Sui of the Yong City Guard requests an audience with the Dowager Empress."
"Enter," she commanded.
The maids quickly pulled back a curtain and lit the chamber.
"Her Grace grants you an audience," one of the maids announced.
Tu Sui, clad in battle armor, entered and bowed deeply. "Your Grace, I regret to report…"
He hesitated, his face pale.
"Speak!"
"Dowager Empress Zhao Ji… has been abducted."
Hua Yang Dowager Empress's expression darkened as she stood abruptly. "What did you say? Zhao Ji has been taken? You command 5,000 guards how could this happen?"
Tu Sui, trembling, explained, "There was an insider who knew the palace layout and patrol schedule. They opened the rear gate for the assailants during the guard shift. These intruders were highly skilled, leaving twenty men to stall us. Eleven of my guards were killed before we subdued them, despite our numerical advantage. Moreover, they were all trained to die rather than be captured two we apprehended took poison immediately."
Hua Yang Dowager Empress fell into deep thought.
"This was meticulously planned, with the sole objective of seizing Zhao Ji."
"But why? Zhao Ji holds no power. Why risk provoking the wrath of Qin for her?" Tu Sui asked, bewildered.
The Dowager Empress sneered. "Though she has no authority, she is still the birth mother of Ying Zheng. If she falls into enemy hands, they could use her to threaten him. This is no trivial matter."
Tu Sui's face turned ashen, and he dropped to his knees. "Your Grace, please save me!"
The consequences of Zhao Ji falling into enemy hands were dire, far beyond what Tu Sui could bear.
"First, dispatch a force to pursue them and seal off the city," she commanded.
"Second, report this immediately to His Majesty with a full account of what has transpired."
"Yes, Your Grace," Tu Sui replied, his tone resolute.
"Commander Tu," Hua Yang Dowager Empress said gravely, "this matter is of great importance. Should Zhao Ji fall into enemy hands, your guilt will be immense. However, if you can recover her, it will be your redemption."
Tu Sui, deeply moved, bowed again. "I swear I will not let the assailants escape!"
With that, he left the chamber in haste.
"Zhao Ji…" Hua Yang Dowager Empress muttered under her breath. "Even now, you bring calamity upon the kingdom."
"If not for Ying Zheng, I would have had you executed long ago."
As the grandmother of Ying Zheng and the former Dowager Empress of Qin, Hua Yang was consumed by both anger and contempt.
Lady Dowager Huayang was a shrewd individual and one who held the reins of power. Her decision to remain in Yongcheng stemmed from two reasons: firstly, she had no emotional ties left to bind her, and secondly, she intended to fulfill one final duty for her grandson to keep an eye on Zhao Ji.
Outside Yongcheng
In a secluded forest clearing:
"Milord."
"The mission is complete."
"We have successfully captured the Empress Dowager of Qin."
Wang Wei, the commander of Zhao's elite shadow guards, reported to Guo Kai. Soon after, the unconscious Zhao Ji was brought forward.
Guo Kai raised a lantern to inspect her.
Under the dim light, Empress Dowager Zhao Ji's exquisite beauty became apparent.
"As expected of the famed Empress Dowager of Qin, Zhao Ji. Such a stunning appearance," Guo Kai remarked with a smirk. "Once we deliver her to Handan, His Majesty will be most delighted. This will be a great achievement for all of you."
The ease with which this mission had been accomplished, capturing none other than the Empress Dowager of Qin, elated Guo Kai. Delivering Zhao Ji to Handan would undoubtedly elevate his favor with the King.
"Chancellor," Commander Wang Wei said solemnly, "we are still in Qin territory, in Yongcheng, which is nearly a thousand li from Zhao. Taking Zhao Ji back will be no simple matter."
"Rest assured," Guo Kai replied, stroking his beard with a smug expression. "I have planned everything. Five hundred of our shadow guards will split into five groups four as decoys and one main group under my direct command. Moreover, we will not travel by land but by water. We will take the Wei River and the Luo River into Wei territory and proceed to Zhao by land from there."
Guo Kai had spent months painstakingly crafting this plan. Being a man who highly valued his own life, he specialized in escape strategies.
"As you command, Chancellor," Wang Wei responded immediately.
"Ying Zheng," Guo Kai sneered, "just as His Majesty said, we once trampled you underfoot, and it seems we can do so again."
Outside Xianyang
"Make way! Urgent report from Yongcheng!"
A rider sped toward the royal palace.
Qin Palace, Hall of Governance
"What?"
"The Empress Dowager has been abducted from Yongcheng Palace?"
"She hasn't been recovered yet?"
"What were the palace guards doing? Incompetent fools!"
Ying Zheng roared in anger.
Since assuming power, Ying Zheng had rarely displayed his emotions publicly. But today, he could not contain his fury.
Years of resentment toward Zhao Ji were undeniable, yet how could the bond between mother and son be entirely forgotten?
For his mother to be abducted, in a Qin city no less, was a blatant insult.
"Your Majesty, please quell your anger," Wei Liao quickly intervened. "The Dowager Empress Huayang has sent a report stating that the abductors had an inside contact in Yongcheng Palace, which allowed them to exploit the guards' shift changes. These were not ordinary bandits but trained elite soldiers. A token was found on the abductors, bearing the mark of Zhao's shadow guard, the Wang Wei."
"Zhao, Wang Wei..." Ying Zheng's face darkened, his voice filled with cold fury. "Zhao Yan, so this is your doing?"
"Let it be known," he commanded, "none of them shall return alive. As for my mother, she must not leave Qin territory. If the enemy succeeds, severe punishment will follow."
After the court dispersed, Ying Zheng returned to Zhangtai Palace alone.
In the palace, Dun Ruo was already waiting.
"How could such a major event have escaped the Black Ice Terrace's notice?" Ying Zheng asked, barely suppressing his anger.
"Your Majesty," Dun Ruo replied respectfully, "the Wang Wei is akin to our Black Ice Terrace, a covert force loyal solely to the King of Zhao. Their movements are dictated directly by the King, bypassing official court channels, which is why the Black Ice Terrace failed to uncover their plans."
While the Black Ice Terrace's reach extended across nations, penetrating other states' covert organizations was another matter entirely, especially when such groups were composed of loyal, handpicked individuals.
"Mobilize the Black Ice Terrace. Hunt them down," Ying Zheng ordered. "Spare none of Zhao's Wang Wei. My mother must not be harmed."
"Your servant obeys," Dun Ruo said, bowing before quickly departing.
"Zhao Yan," Ying Zheng muttered to himself, "what audacity you have, daring to invade Qin to abduct my mother. I underestimated you. If only I had heeded my father-in-law's advice..."
He sighed deeply, regret flashing across his face.
Had he visited Zhao Ji as suggested by Xia Wuqi, or brought her back to Xianyang, this abduction might never have occurred. But Ying Zheng's priority had always been the future of Qin.
Now, should Zhao succeed, he would find himself in a precarious position. The abduction of the Qin Empress Dowager would not only damage Qin's prestige but also invite ridicule across the land. Should Zhao deploy Zhao Ji on the battlefield, it would place the Qin forces in an impossible dilemma: to advance or to retreat?
This matter was grave.
Gui Zhang Forest, Wei Territory
At Zhao Feng's covert training ground:
"Kill!"
With a low command, a group of boys and girls dressed in identical black uniforms sparred fiercely.
Their assassination techniques were vicious and precise, each strike aimed to kill.
Three months ago, these youths had been mere novices. Now, their demeanor was entirely transformed.
Of the original three hundred recruits, only two hundred seventy-eight remained the others were no longer alive.
"Impressive," Zhao Feng remarked. "Han Shuang, you've exceeded my expectations with their progress in just three months."
"Thank you, Master. With more time, they will become even stronger," Han Shuang replied respectfully.
"More time I can grant," Zhao Feng said. "But we still lack numbers. Han Xi, how is the recruitment?"
"Master," Han Xi answered immediately, "another five hundred recruits under the age of eleven have been enlisted at a second training site near Wei City. Training has already begun."
"Continue recruiting," Zhao Feng instructed.
"Yes, Master, but..." Han Xi hesitated. "Funds are running low. In just three months, nearly forty percent of the gold and silver you allocated has already been spent."
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