Chapter 104: The God of War Returns to Qin! The King’s Edict of Grace

After Ying Zheng left, Xia Wuqi gave Zhao Ji a deep, lingering look. Seeing her still muttering the same phrase repeatedly, he hesitated for a moment before turning and leaving as well.

Meanwhile, in Zhangtai Palace.

Inside the grand hall, only two ministers, Li Si and Wei Liao, stood. Of the entire court, only they had been summoned, indicating that the King of Qin had an important matter to discuss.

"During the Wei River ambush, Zhao Feng saved the empress dowager and captured the mastermind behind the plot," Ying Zheng said calmly, looking at the two ministers. "Do you know who orchestrated this scheme?"

"The King's Guards of Zhao State, their elite shadow warriors," Li Si speculated after a brief thought. "If they were deployed, the leader of the Guards must be involved."

"The Court Chancellor is mistaken," Ying Zheng said with a faint sneer. "This time, it was orchestrated by Guo Kai, the prime minister of Zhao."

Li Si and Wei Liao exchanged startled glances.

"Guo Kai?" Wei Liao exclaimed, incredulous. "That man knows how to plot?"

"I heard he only gained the position of prime minister because of King Yan's favor. He's a talentless, cowardly, and greedy individual. To think he would dare orchestrate something like this against Qin!" Wei Liao was surprised.

"We underestimated his audacity," Li Si added.

Ying Zheng's expression remained composed as he addressed the two ministers. "Guo Kai is indeed a cunning scoundrel, as you both said talentless and cowardly. Killing him serves no purpose. But leaving him in Zhao could prove advantageous for Qin in the future."

Wei Liao immediately grasped the King's intent. "Your Majesty wishes to manipulate Guo Kai and use him as an insider in Zhao State?"

"Precisely," Ying Zheng confirmed. "He is greedy, self-serving, and fearful of death easily controlled. When Tu Sui captured him, he recognized the potential ramifications and kept it quiet. Zhao State likely doesn't yet know that Guo Kai is in our custody."

"You both understand what I mean," Ying Zheng said with a faint smile.

The two ministers bowed and responded in unison, "We understand. Guo Kai will surely serve Qin."

"Proceed," Ying Zheng instructed. "Deliver results swiftly."

"Yes, Your Majesty." Li Si and Wei Liao bowed deeply and exited the hall.

As Ying Zheng watched them leave, he mused, that Tu Sui had gone to Wei City, and Yongcheng Palace needed a new commander for its guards. Furthermore, the Xianyang Palace guard requires a thorough purge.

With this thought, Ying Zheng called out, "Zhao Gao."

Inside the Xianyang prison.

Guo Kai was confined in a solitary cell, dressed in prisoner's garb, his face pale with fear and unease.

From the moment he was captured, Guo Kai had been consumed by dread. He knew his fate would be grim. Whether it was his past involvement in bullying the young Ying Zheng with King Yan or his current role in abducting Zhao Ji, he was certain Ying Zheng would not spare him.

Under this growing fear, Guo Kai had become increasingly gaunt.

Suddenly, a commotion arose. Several prison guards arrived outside his cell and opened the door.

Startled, Guo Kai immediately tensed. When he saw the guards entering, his voice trembled as he asked, "What's happening?"

It was clear from his expression that he was utterly terrified.

"By order of the Court Chancellor, you are to be interrogated," one guard said coldly.

Without waiting for a response, two guards stepped forward, forcibly hoisted Guo Kai to his feet, and began dragging him out of the cell.

"Let me go! Let me go!" Guo Kai cried, struggling desperately.

His pleas were futile. The guards brought him to the interrogation hall in the prison.

Inside, Li Si sat in the main seat, with Wei Liao on his left.

When Guo Kai was brought in, a guard barked, "Kneel!"

One of the guards kicked Guo Kai's leg, forcing him to the ground.

"Guo Kai," Li Si said with a cold smile. "The mighty prime minister of Zhao never thought I'd see you here."

"Lord Chancellor," Guo Kai stammered in panic. "I'm the prime minister of Zhao! If you harm me, Zhao State will surely retaliate. Let me go, and I will ensure Zhao and Qin maintain peace. I swear!"

"Guo Kai," Li Si sneered. "Don't you think it's a bit late to say that now?"

"Lord Chancellor..." Guo Kai's voice trembled.

"You invaded Qin, abducted our empress dowager, and caused the deaths of countless soldiers. Do you think you can talk your way out of this?"

"By royal decree, you are to be tried for your crimes," Li Si announced. "For your unforgivable offense of abducting the empress dowager and causing mass bloodshed, you are sentenced to execution by dismemberment."

"Guards, prepare the document for his signature."

At Li Si's command, the guards pinned Guo Kai down, forced his hand onto the document, and pressed his fingerprint in red ink.

"Report to the Chancellor," a guard declared. "Guo Kai has signed."

Li Si inspected the document and smiled faintly. He waved his hand. "Take Guo Kai to the execution grounds."

Guo Kai collapsed to the ground, utterly limp, his face filled with despair. But the guards showed no mercy, dragging him to the execution site.

Outside the prison, the execution grounds were heavily guarded. Only Li Si's most trusted men were present to ensure the secret remained contained.

Guo Kai was bound to five carts, each tied to his limbs and headset for the brutal punishment of dismemberment, also known as "death by five carts."

"No! I don't want to die!" Guo Kai screamed in terror. "I'll serve Qin! Spare me, Your Majesty! Spare me!"

He was shaking so violently that he wet himself in fear.

Seeing this, Li Si and Wei Liao exchanged amused glances. It was clear Guo Kai's spirit was thoroughly broken.

Li Si signaled for the guards to loosen Guo Kai's bindings. Despite this, Guo Kai continued to writhe in panic, unaware he had been untied.

"Guo Kai," Li Si said mockingly as he approached. "Is this the dignity of a prime minister? To think a man in your position would be reduced to this."

Hearing Li Si's voice, Guo Kai slowly regained a semblance of awareness. Looking up at the two men, he saw their mocking expressions. Tears streaked down his face, mixing with the stains of his humiliation.

At that moment, Guo Kai resembled anything but a prime minister just a man utterly broken, consumed by fear, and stripped of all dignity.

Wei Liao spoke, "Are you truly willing to serve the Great Qin and His Majesty?"

"I am willing."

"Truly willing?"

At this juncture, how could Guo Kai not agree? Survival was his priority.

"Very well."

"As long as you divulge the secrets of Zhao and sign a pledge to serve the Great Qin, His Majesty will pardon you," Wei Liao continued.

"I am willing. I will confess everything immediately," Guo Kai quickly nodded.

"Good."

"Follow me," Wei Liao said with a satisfied smile.

The two had frightened Guo Kai for one reason to make him serve Qin.

And, naturally, to gain leverage over him, ensuring his submission even if he returned to Zhao.

For a person like Guo Kai, loyalty was nothing but a joke.

Soon after, in the grand hall of the prison:

Li Si handed Guo Kai some blank silk scrolls.

"Chancellor Guo, write down everything you know about the secrets of Zhao. The more, the better."

"Include details about yourself as well."

"Finally, write a pledge stating your loyalty to the Great Qin."

"In short,"

"Write it thoroughly to satisfy both the court and the royal treasury. Then, we will report to His Majesty to grant you clemency."

"But if your writing is deceptive or insincere, don't blame me for not giving you a chance," Li Si warned with a hint of menace.

"I will write sincerely."

"I will dedicate myself fully to the service of the Great Qin," Guo Kai said, nodding repeatedly.

Having been mere moments away from execution, Guo Kai now cherished his second chance at life.

To him, survival came before loyalty.

"Begin," Li Si commanded, taking his seat.

Time passed.

After about an hour, Guo Kai finally finished writing. As he wrote, Li Si and Wei Liao reviewed his work.

"I never imagined Zhao had so many secrets."

"If it weren't for Guo Kai, we would have been left in the dark," Wei Liao said with a smile.

"Indeed."

"Chancellor Guo has proven to be quite useful," Li Si remarked, also smiling.

Hearing this, Guo Kai returned a sycophantic smile. "Thank you for your praise."

"Guards!"

"Prepare fine clothing for Chancellor Guo. Take him to bathe and change. Afterward, we shall present him to His Majesty," Li Si ordered.

"At once," the guard replied.

Not long after, in Zhangtai Palace:

"Your subject Guo Kai greets Your Majesty."

"May Great Qin endure for ten thousand years, and may Your Majesty reign for ten thousand years."

The moment Guo Kai entered the hall, he knelt in obeisance, looking every bit the loyal subject of Qin, rather than the chancellor of Zhao.

"I've read your scrolls."

"They show great sincerity."

"Since you are willing to serve me, I will accept your allegiance," Ying Zheng said with a faint smile.

Hearing this, Guo Kai exhaled in relief, knowing his life was spared.

"Your subject pledges to serve Your Majesty unto death," Guo Kai declared loudly, bowing deeply.

Ying Zheng regarded his pledge with a faint smile.

"Guo Kai,"

"The King of Zhao is unaware of your capture by Qin. You will return to Zhao and resume your position as chancellor."

"If I need you to accomplish something, I will send word."

"Of course,"

"You may refuse."

"But if you do, the secrets you've revealed, along with your pledge of allegiance, will be made public."

"In such a case, Zhao will not spare you," Ying Zheng said, fixing his gaze on Guo Kai.

Guo Kai trembled. He understood that the things he had confessed left him with no way out.

If exposed, the King of Zhao would never forgive him.

He revealed military secrets, Zhao's vulnerabilities, and even Zhao's scandalous dealings, such as the theft of the crown prince's position by Zhao Ji.

Such revelations would not only bring death upon him but also bring shame and ruin to Zhao's royal family.

"Your subject pledges to serve Your Majesty unto death," Guo Kai replied submissively, fully aware of his predicament.

"Of course."

"As long as you serve me,"

"I promise you this: If you help Qin conquer Zhao, I may not grant you high office, but I will ensure you a life of wealth and honor, safeguarding your descendants' future," Ying Zheng said with a warm yet calculated smile.

Hearing this, Guo Kai was overjoyed. Wealth and status were his lifelong pursuits, and this promise made everything worthwhile.

"Your subject pledges his life to Your Majesty," Guo Kai said, bowing deeply in excitement.

"Minister Wei,"

"Arrange for Guo Kai's return to Zhao. However, he must return in a state of disarray, appearing to have barely escaped with his life."

"Guo Kai, remember,"

"All those who accompanied you on this mission have perished, leaving you as the sole survivor."

"Upon your return, do not speak favorably of me or Qin. Instead, display sufficient animosity. Do you understand?" Ying Zheng instructed.

"Your subject understands," Guo Kai quickly agreed.

After Wei Liao led Guo Kai away:

"Your Majesty,"

"This capture of Guo Kai is truly a great gain."

"With him, we can obtain more intelligence on Zhao. Furthermore, based on his revelations,"

"The King of Zhao dislikes both Lian Po and Li Mu, particularly harboring dissatisfaction toward Lian Po."

"We may have the opportunity to use Guo Kai to drive Lian Po out of Zhao's court, depriving them of a formidable general," Li Si suggested.

"Once Guo Kai has regained his footing in Zhao's court, begin pressuring Lian Po," Ying Zheng agreed.

"This old general is indeed troublesome."

"For now, our priority is to ally with Zhao, allowing them to focus on attacking Yan without fear of Qin," Li Si added.

"Let us plan this carefully," Ying Zheng said.

...

Time passed.

In Weicheng, a border city situated along the Wei River, bustling with commerce due to its strategic location and population of over a hundred thousand, a new tavern called Wine Immortal Pavilion opened ten days ago.

Initially unnoticed, the tavern had, in just ten days, become the talk of the town, drawing crowds daily.

"Dear patrons, we sincerely apologize,"

"All three floors of our tavern are currently full. We cannot say when seats will become available."

"However, if you wish to purchase wine to enjoy at home, that is certainly possible," the tavern's manager said with a bow and a broad smile.

"Ah, I can't believe I missed out on a seat again. Can't you expand the tavern, Manager? Three floors are just not enough!"

"Exactly, you should expand. Your wine is famous along the Wei River, and your food pairs wonderfully with it."

"If expansion isn't possible, at least increase the amount of wine you sell daily. I've been coming for days and still haven't managed to buy any!"

"Please brew more wine. Your tavern's drinks are incredibly fragrant and strong, truly top-tier!"

"You think that's strong? The three-hundred-coin-per-jug wine called Erguotou is fantastic, but I hear the thousand-coin wine called Drunken Immortal is even better. Too bad I can't afford it."

"You haven't even mentioned the best ones yet. I hear there's a five-thousand-coin wine and the ultimate brew, Wine Immortal, the tavern's signature product, priced at one hundred gold per jug. I can only dream of tasting it…"

As the crowd outside the tavern clamored, their admiration for its offerings was unmistakable.

Within the tavern, on the second floor in a private room:

"My lord," Han Xi said excitedly to Zhao Feng.

"The success of Wine Immortal Pavilion is astonishing. In just ten days, the profits are beyond belief. My lord, you won't believe it!"

"Tell me," Zhao Feng said with a faint smile.

"In ten days, this single tavern has earned seven hundred gold!"

"And with winter upon us, the demand for strong wine will only grow," Han Xi said, barely containing his excitement.

Hearing the figure, Zhao Feng smiled.

"There are indeed many wine lovers in this world. This is just one tavern. When Wine Immortal Pavilions spread across the land, earning thousands of gold daily will be a simple matter."

"Congratulations, my lord!"

"From now on, there's no need to worry about the financial burdens of Yan Court," Han Xi promptly offered his congratulations.

"Starting now, expand the recruitment efforts for Yan Court."

"Target individuals under the age of eleven, regardless of gender."

"Select a few hidden training grounds. Within three years, train an elite force of 4,000 dark soldiers for Yan Court."

"In addition to cultivating Yan Court's dark soldiers, recruit skilled brewers, blacksmiths, and swordsmiths. Anyone with ability should be brought in secretly. As for the exact numbers, you may estimate accordingly," Zhao Feng ordered Han Xi decisively.

"Understood, my lord," Han Xi responded immediately.

"Accelerate the establishment of other taverns as well. As long as the finances are sufficient and the brewery can keep up with the supply, continue opening more branches."

"However, as the reputation of my Immortal Wine Pavilion grows, there will undoubtedly be more complications attempts to steal recipes or engage in theft. Be cautious and handle these matters with care," Zhao Feng warned.

"Rest assured, my lord," Han Xi replied confidently. "The recipe is known only to me. Even the brewers don't know the full formula. Furthermore, the wine delivered for sale is diluted. Even if someone manages to steal it, they won't uncover the true recipe."

"All the same, handle this matter with caution."

"In the future, assign some dark soldiers under Han Shuang's command to guard the brewery. If anyone trespasses kill them," Zhao Feng instructed coldly.

From the current situation, it was clear.

As the Immortal Wine Pavilion continued to flourish, there would be no shortage of people targeting it. This was Zhao Feng's treasury, and he would never allow anyone to succeed in harming it.

"Understood," Han Xi nodded immediately.

At that moment

"My lord," a voice called out.

"News has just arrived from the military."

"The envoy of King Xianyang is here."

Zhang Ming knocked on the door and respectfully reported.

"Assign all matters regarding the Immortal Wine Pavilion to your full authority," Zhao Feng instructed Han Xi, giving him complete discretion over the business before departing.

At the military camp

A guard clad in distinctive armor waited outside the camp's discussion hall.

Inside, Zhao Feng's subordinates were already gathered, awaiting his arrival.

"Envoy of King Xianyang, I apologize for failing to welcome you earlier. Please forgive me," Zhao Feng said as he walked quickly toward the envoy, clasping his hands in salute.

Upon seeing Zhao Feng, the envoy a centurion of the imperial guards smiled and replied, "General Zhao, your military duties are pressing. There's no need for formalities."

"I am here under orders from the king to bestow a reward upon you."

Hearing this, Zhao Feng's heart stirred: "It seems the reward for saving Lady Zhao has arrived. If not a promotion, surely my title will be elevated by a rank."

Zhao Feng had already speculated about this outcome due to his unexpected achievement.

Leaping directly from deputy general to chief general was nearly impossible, even after saving the Empress Dowager. With no vacancies in the chief general ranks, an elevation to noble rank was the most likely reward.

Meanwhile, Zhao Tuo, Chen Tao, and the other four generals exchanged puzzled glances.

"A reward for General Zhao? Did he achieve another great feat?"

"Since we've been stationed at Wei City, there hasn't been any conflict just suppressing refugees and cutting down trees for winter."

"No idea. We'll know once we hear the king's decree."

The four generals shared their confusion silently through their expressions. Only Zhang Han, standing nearby, had a knowing smile as he looked toward Zhao Feng with reverence.

"Who would have thought that our lord would manage to save the Empress Dowager during a routine patrol along the Wei River?" Zhang Han mused inwardly.

Unable to contain himself, Zhang Han glanced at the four puzzled generals and, with a smug smile, said, "Gentlemen, General Zhao performed a major feat at the Wei River, which is why the king is bestowing this reward."

"A major feat?" The four were even more baffled.

At this moment, the envoy from Xianyang unrolled a decree, raised it high, and proclaimed, "Royal Decree of Qin!"

With those three words, everyone present bowed in unison, Zhao Feng included.

"We humbly receive the royal decree," they chorused.

"Royal Decree!"

"Recently, traitors infiltrated the capital of Yong City, colluding with internal spies to kidnap the Empress Dowager from the palace. After a fortnight of futile pursuit by the royal guards, the traitors nearly escaped along the Wei River. Thankfully, General Zhao Feng, leading his guards, intercepted the villains and rescued the Empress Dowager, foiling their plot."

"Thus, General Zhao Feng is granted a noble rank elevation of one level, to the rank of Right Shuzhang. He shall receive an annual noble stipend, 500 mu of fertile land, 1,000 gold coins, 10,000 copper coins, 100 pieces of jade, 100 servants, and ten spiritual pills."

The centurion's voice echoed powerfully.

Everyone present, except for those aware of the event, was left utterly stunned.

Especially Zhao Tuo and Chen Tao they were completely dumbfounded.

"When did General Zhao even go to the Wei River? And how did he end up saving the Empress Dowager?"

"I vaguely recall General Zhao leading his guards on a patrol near the Wei River. Could it have been that day?"

"Patrolling the Wei River and coincidentally rescuing the Empress Dowager?"

"That's incredible luck!"

"An elevation of one noble rank level eleven. Even General Li Teng, the chief general, holds only a level-ten rank."

The generals exchanged bewildered looks, overwhelmed by disbelief at Zhao Feng's extraordinary achievement.

"Your servant, Zhao Feng, humbly thanks His Majesty for his great kindness," Zhao Feng declared loudly.

The elevation in rank was something Zhao Feng accepted without hesitation.

The centurion then handed the royal decree to Zhao Feng with a respectful bow. "General Zhao, except for one bottle of spiritual pills, all other rewards will be delivered by the royal treasury to your home village."

"I appreciate your efforts," Zhao Feng nodded.

"This is the bottle of spiritual pills granted by the king," the centurion said, producing a small box from his robes and presenting it to Zhao Feng.

After a glance, Zhao Feng solemnly accepted the pills. Yet, inwardly, he couldn't help but lament:

"Sigh. These people treat spiritual pills like treasures when they're poison."

"I wonder if King Qin has started consuming pills yet. If he has, he's probably already poisoned." Zhao Feng thought to himself.

"In addition, the king has instructed General Zhao to prepare for the enlistment of new soldiers after the new year. The king hopes you will achieve even greater merits for Qin," the centurion added.

Zhao Feng immediately responded with a serious tone, "Please convey to His Majesty that I will do my utmost for Qin."

"The royal decree has been delivered. I shall take my leave," the centurion said with a smile, clasping his hands in salute.

"We respectfully bid farewell to the envoy," Zhao Feng and the others replied with a bow.

After the imperial guards departed, Zhao Feng turned back to face his men.

Zhang Han stepped forward first. "Congratulations, General, on your promotion."

"Congratulations, General Zhao!" Chen Tao, Zhao Tuo, and the others followed suit.

"There's no need for such formality," Zhao Feng said with a smile. "This accomplishment was nothing but luck."

Even so, Zhao Tuo and the other generals couldn't help but feel a mix of emotions.

A simple patrol along the Wei River had led to the rescue of the Empress Dowager.

It was almost too unbelievable to be true.

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