Chapter 165: Bestowing the Name “Wu An”! Ying Zheng’s Shock: Is This Elixir Poisoned?

"Li Si, what a brilliant maneuver."

"In court, he serves as the Imperial Censor, and his son Li You, originally a civil official, was governing Beidi Commandery. But now, he has transitioned from civil to military, with one branch of the family in administration and the other in the army. Moreover, he has positioned his son under Zhao Feng's command as a general."

"This way, if anything happens in the future and the Crown Prince ascends the throne, Zhao Feng's influence could protect Li You and ensure the survival of the Li family."

"Li Si, truly a masterful strategist..."

Upon hearing Ying Zheng appoint Li You as the main general, many ministers in the court were stunned.

But upon reflection, it was clear this must have been Li Si's request.

If Li Si had not personally pleaded for it, the King would never have granted Li You such a prestigious position.

As Ying Zheng's words settled in, Li Si immediately stepped forward and bowed. "Your Majesty, on behalf of my son Li You, I humbly thank you for your immense grace. Li You will not disappoint you."

"The three commanders of the new military camp are now settled."

"As for the vice generals, Minister of War," Ying Zheng turned to Wei Liao.

"In Zhao Feng's current main camp, who is eligible for promotion to vice general? Who should be promoted to command a regiment of ten thousand? Make a list I will decide personally."

"Wei Liao, at once."

"I obey, Your Majesty." Wei Liao responded immediately.

"Your Majesty," Zhao Feng stepped forward and called out. "The new camp requires a location, as well as an official name."

"Please make your decree, Your Majesty."

The establishment of this new military camp was a significant undertaking. Currently, everything was being arranged in Xianyang, but once Zhao Feng returned to Zhao territory, the workload would become overwhelming.

"The camp's location…"

"It shall be set in Yunzhong City."

Ying Zheng declared.

The name "Yunzhong City" immediately stirred the minds of everyone present.

"Yunzhong City is a frontier stronghold bordering the Yan state. By establishing a new military camp there, His Majesty intends to deter the Yan kingdom."

"A fully operational military camp stationed at Yunzhong will surely unsettle Yan."

"His Majesty's foresight is truly remarkable. With just this one move, the Yan kingdom will not dare act recklessly."

…

Many court officials quickly grasped Ying Zheng's intent.

"As for the camp's name…"

Ying Zheng pondered for a moment before shifting his gaze toward Zhao Feng, a faint smile appearing on his lips.

Then, he declared: "The camp shall be named Wu An!"

The moment these words were spoken, the entire court fell into a stunned silence.

Both civil and military officials immediately recognized the profound significance behind this name.

It wasn't just the ordinary ministers who were taken aback even Wang Jian, Meng Wu, and Huan Yi, the three Supreme Generals of Qin, wore expressions of shock.

"Wu An Camp."

"A name derived from 'Wu An.'"

"His Majesty truly values Zhao Feng to this extent, bestowing such a name upon him."

"This is a clear message not only to Zhao Feng but to all ministers and the entire realm that Zhao Feng has the potential to one day inherit the title of 'Marquis Wu An.'"

"To be ennobled through military prowess."

"His Majesty's favoritism toward Zhao Feng is astonishing…"

The entire court was left in awe.

The title Wu An carried enormous weight.

Especially within the state of Qin.

Even though Bai Qi had been dead for many years, his reputation remained unmatched his name was synonymous with terror across the warring states.

Even now, stepping into Zhao's lands and mentioning Bai Qi's name could still instill fear.

"To be ennobled through military prowess is the greatest honor for a warrior."

"The King is sending me a clear message to continue striving forward."

Zhao Feng understood Ying Zheng's intentions perfectly.

Immediately, he bowed deeply. "Your Majesty, I humbly accept this name. Wu An Camp shall never bring disgrace to Your Majesty. We will sweep through the warring states and assist Your Majesty in unifying the realm."

He would bear the weight of the Wu An name.

From now on, the army under his command would be known as Wu An Camp.

However, to truly live up to the name, Zhao Feng needed to continue proving himself through countless victories. Only when he was officially granted the title of Marquis Wu An would this military camp truly be worthy of its name?

"I believe in you."

Ying Zheng's gaze was firm as he looked at Zhao Feng, his voice filled with conviction.

…

Inside Zhangtai Palace!

"The formation of Wu An Camp has been fully planned."

"When do you intend to depart for Zhao territory?" Ying Zheng asked, looking at Zhao Feng seated beside him.

"Since all matters have been arranged, I can set off for Zhao as early as tomorrow." Zhao Feng thought for a moment before replying.

Ying Zheng raised an eyebrow in surprise. "So soon? You won't stay a few more days?"

"I never said you had to leave immediately."

Zhao Feng chuckled. "Your Majesty has placed such trust in me how could I possibly disappoint you?"

"Besides, establishing a new military camp involves countless matters. I must handle them personally to prevent any future complications."

Seeing Zhao Feng's seriousness, Ying Zheng nodded approvingly.

Perhaps…

This was one of the reasons he valued Zhao Feng so highly his dedication to every detail.

"Very well. If you wish to leave tomorrow, so be it."

"In the early months, as the camp is being established, you will likely be unable to return to the capital for at least half a year."

"However, once the camp is fully operational, you may return to Xianyang for leave when no wars are underway." Ying Zheng said with a faint smile.

Zhao Feng had already anticipated this.

As a Supreme General, commanding an entire military camp, he could not remain stationed there indefinitely. Otherwise, he would hold direct and constant command over troops, which could be seen as a political risk.

Even though high-ranking generals' families were usually kept in the capital as a safeguard, there had always been ruthless individuals who disregarded their kin.

"How many troops remain in your original camp?" Ying Zheng asked.

"Approximately sixty thousand elite soldiers. The war against Zhao cost us dearly." Zhao Feng sighed.

Although his men had fought in countless battles, watching comrades die one after another never became any easier. Despite his hardened heart, he still felt the weight of their sacrifices.

"How many recruits do you require as reinforcements?"

"I can issue an edict instructing the Ministry of War to provide whatever numbers you need for your new camp." Ying Zheng offered.

"There are still over two hundred thousand surrendered Zhao soldiers and penal troops awaiting reassignment. Your Majesty, I request no recruits only these prisoners."

"Zhao is already conquered. These surrendered troops are like a tree without roots. Just as we assimilated Han's former soldiers, these men can also serve Qin."

"As long as they are properly subdued, their combat effectiveness will surpass that of fresh recruits. They only require minimal retraining before they are battle-ready." Zhao Feng explained.

"Two hundred thousand surrendered troops… Can your sixty thousand elite soldiers keep them under control?"

"Although the strategy of the penal battalion is feasible, if a mutiny were to occur, that would be disastrous," Ying Zheng said in a deep voice.

This move.

Ying Zheng still showed some concern.

"Rest assured, Your Majesty."

"The penal battalion has ties binding them internally, and within the army, they have hope."

"They are driven by military merit and restrained by their families as hostages they wouldn't dare act recklessly."

"And if they do, then we will make an example of them."

"I have the means to handle it," Zhao Feng said confidently.

"In any case, caution is key."

"The troops stationed in Zhao territory from the Lantian Camp have yet to be withdrawn. I will keep one main division in Zhao for now. Once the Wu'an Camp is fully established, I will have them return," Ying Zheng stated.

"Thank you, Your Majesty." Zhao Feng naturally would not refuse Ying Zheng's goodwill.

"Zhao Gao."

"Bring me the Tiger Tally," Ying Zheng commanded sternly.

In response, Zhao Gao approached with a brocade box in his hands, bowed, and presented it to Ying Zheng.

Ying Zheng slowly opened the box, revealing the grand Qin Tiger Tally inside.

"This is the Tiger Tally for the Wu'an Camp. Tomorrow, you shall depart for Zhao to establish the camp."

"I now bestow this tally upon you. When you return to the capital in the future, you will hand it back to me," Ying Zheng said, passing the box containing the tally to Zhao Feng.

Seeing the Tiger Tally, Zhao Feng's expression turned solemn as he received it with great respect.

"One more thing."

"When you arrive at the camp, military affairs will be incredibly busy. Before you leave today, go to the Alchemy Hall I will grant you some elixirs."

"Taking these elixirs will strengthen your body, keep you free of illness, and improve your alertness," Ying Zheng said with a look of admiration.

He was deeply convinced of the elixirs' effects.

Hearing the word "elixir," Zhao Feng furrowed his brows and then asked, "Your Majesty takes these elixirs every day?"

"I have to deal with so many memorials. Without elixirs to keep me awake, how could I endure?"

"Speaking of which, I must thank you. After you conquered the Han, you found a great stockpile of elixirs in the Han secret vault. Without them, my supply would have run out long ago," Ying Zheng chuckled.

Seeing how fervently Ying Zheng believed in these elixirs, Zhao Feng could tell that he genuinely regarded them as divine medicine.

"Historically, although Qin Shi Huang is said to have died of illness, the so-called elixirs played a significant role. Many believe he was poisoned by heavy metals."

"Should I warn him?"

"But if I do, will I change history?"

"Pah! What does changing history have to do with me? I'm not Yi Xiaochuan, and this world is probably not even the same Earth from my past life."

"Qin Wang treats me well, so if he lives longer, he lives longer. The fall of the Qin Dynasty is inevitable anyway, and his prolonged reign might even benefit me."

After thinking for a while, Zhao Feng made his decision.

Zhao Feng was a man of loyalty and principle. At first, he had assumed that the young and strong Qin King had not yet started consuming these so-called elixirs, but today he realized he had been mistaken.

He couldn't just stand by and watch Qin Wang unknowingly poison himself.

"Your Majesty."

"I have something to say, but I don't know if I should," Zhao Feng said hesitantly.

Ying Zheng glanced at him and chuckled. "You no longer stand on ceremony with me. Speak freely, or just spit it out."

"Your Majesty should stop taking these elixirs," Zhao Feng said.

"Why?" Ying Zheng looked puzzled.

"They're poisonous," Zhao Feng said plainly.

Hearing this, Ying Zheng was stunned.

"What did you say?"

"The elixirs are poisonous?"

"Hahaha."

"Zhao Feng, you worry too much."

"I have been taking these elixirs for years. If they were poisonous, I would have been dead by now," Ying Zheng laughed, looking at Zhao Feng as if he were ignorant.

"The poison in these elixirs is mild, but over time, it accumulates. If Your Majesty continues taking them, one day the toxicity will overwhelm your body," Zhao Feng said, feeling somewhat exasperated.

Was this kindness being mistaken for nonsense?

No it was ignorance.

"Aren't you exaggerating?"

Seeing Zhao Feng's serious expression, Ying Zheng started to have doubts.

After all, he knew Zhao Feng's character well.

"Your Majesty, if you wish to die young, then continue taking them."

"But if you wish to live a long life, then stop," Zhao Feng said gravely.

Hearing the words "die young," Zhao Gao, standing nearby, turned pale with shock.

He hadn't expected Zhao Feng to be so bold as to say such words directly to the king.

"What audacity!"

"How dare he speak to His Majesty this way?"

Zhao Gao was startled, but what shocked him even more was that Ying Zheng was not angry. Instead, he became more serious.

"How do you prove it?" Ying Zheng asked solemnly.

"Simple."

"Take a rabbit and feed it a few elixirs. Your Majesty will soon see whether they are poisonous."

"Of course."

"This won't be evident in just one day it will take several days to observe."

"After all, the poison in a single pill is not strong. It accumulates over time," Zhao Feng explained.

Hearing this, Ying Zheng nodded and immediately ordered Zhao Gao, "Go get two rabbits."

"Yes, Your Majesty," Zhao Gao swiftly left to carry out the order.

"Is it as serious as you say?"

Ying Zheng still had some doubts.

"Your Majesty can continue taking them if you wish," Zhao Feng said, glancing at him with mild annoyance.

"After what you've said, I dare not take them until it's confirmed," Ying Zheng shook his head.

"By the way."

"How many alchemists does Your Majesty have in the palace?" Zhao Feng asked curiously.

Back when Han was conquered, many alchemists fled from the palace. The same happened when Zhao fell.

"Not many, just about a hundred," Ying Zheng said calmly.

"And how many elixirs has Your Majesty taken over the years?"

"One per day nearly four hundred a year, just for keeping alert," Ying Zheng replied.

Zhao Feng's expression turned strange as he thought, "No wonder history records that Qin Shi Huang died at Shaqiu at just over fifty years old. With this kind of consumption, it's a miracle he even lived that long."

"But if these elixirs are poisonous, why do they have such potent invigorating effects and other mystical properties?" Ying Zheng still doubted.

"Who is the chief alchemist in the palace?" Zhao Feng asked curiously.

Because he had just thought of someone an infamous historical figure who had a significant impact on later generations, even influencing the destiny of China itself.

"The chief alchemist? Xu Fu."

"His alchemy skills are unparalleled," Ying Zheng said with a smile.

"It is him."

"The very Xu Fu who tricked Qin Shi Huang into believing in immortality."

"He deceived the First Emperor with tales of an elixir of life, set off to find the mythical Penglai Island, and eventually played a role in the rise of Japan's civilization leading to lasting consequences for China."

"This man absolutely cannot be allowed to remain."

"But..."

Thinking of Xu Fu, Zhao Feng immediately recalled historical records.

According to history, some believe Xu Fu became Japan's first Emperor Jimmu. Regardless, it was clear that Xu Fu's actions played a pivotal role in Japan's development.

However, at this moment, Zhao Feng was fixated on a different question.

"If this world follows historical events, then Xu Fu is merely a charlatan."

"But if this world is one of cultivation, then does the legendary Penglai Island exist?"

"After all, this world does have spiritual energy, but there is no cultivation."

Zhao Feng couldn't help but ponder in his heart.

For Zhao Feng, his current strength was still far from being able to explore such secrets.

As he followed the Qin army on expeditions, he traveled far and wide, visiting many places. However, he had never encountered another cultivator only himself. Yet, the existence of spiritual energy was undeniable.

A world with such abundant spiritual energy couldn't possibly lack cultivators. Perhaps they did not reside in the land of Shenzhou, or maybe they existed on a different level of existence.

Of course, this was only Zhao Feng's speculation.

At that moment!

Zhao Gao had already returned to the hall, bringing along two palace attendants, each holding a rabbit in their hands.

"Your Majesty,"

"I caught two rabbits from the palace."

Zhao Gao bowed respectfully.

Ying Zheng glanced at them, then picked up a bottle of so-called invigorating elixir from the table and handed it to Zhao Gao.

"Feed one rabbit two pills."

"No, make it three."

Ying Zheng said in a deep voice.

"As you command."

Zhao Gao immediately took the elixir and handed it to the two palace attendants to administer.

Very soon

The two rabbits were force-fed the elixir, and they instantly became highly energetic.

"They seem fine," Ying Zheng observed.

"Your Majesty, observe them closely for a few days before concluding," Zhao Feng said with a faint smile.

If this elixir wasn't poisonous, that would be strange indeed.

"Keep these two rabbits in a cage within the palace and take good care of them. I want to see for myself whether this elixir is truly poisonous," Ying Zheng ordered.

"As you command." Zhao Gao nodded immediately.

"I heard that your wife is pregnant again?" Ying Zheng asked with a slight smile as he looked at Zhao Feng.

"Indeed."

"It's been a month now."

"In this regard, Your Majesty is no match for me." Zhao Feng said proudly.

Hearing this, Zhao Gao's already pale face turned even whiter.

"He dares to speak like this?"

Zhao Gao was once again shocked in his heart.

"How am I no match for you?" Ying Zheng looked at Zhao Feng in confusion.

"I have only one wife, and she is already pregnant for the second time. But Your Majesty has countless concubines in the harem, and yet, how many offspring do you have?"

"If I had as many women as Your Majesty, I would have over a hundred children by now." Zhao Feng laughed smugly.

Upon hearing this,

Ying Zheng immediately understood and scolded jokingly, "You brat!"

"Your Majesty, I will depart for Zhao tomorrow. In the meantime, I ask that you take care of my household."

"As for my younger sister, I have already spoken with Master Chen. She will first study medicine at the Imperial Medical Hall before joining the military as a field medic." Zhao Feng spoke with a hint of request.

"Your sister wants to join the army?" Ying Zheng was slightly surprised.

"It was her request. She wishes to save lives."

"Naturally, I have no reason to refuse her." Zhao Feng said with a touch of helplessness.

Ying Zheng nodded in understanding.

On the final day before his departure,

Zhao Feng did not rush to leave Zhangtai Palace. Instead, he spent the time conversing with Ying Zheng.

Unusually, Ying Zheng put aside his official documents and engaged in conversation the entire time.

Meanwhile, Zhao Gao was completely stunned by Zhao Feng's demeanor.

He spoke so freely, saying things that would be considered highly inappropriate coming from any other minister. Yet, the King of Qin was completely unbothered by it.

They spoke as though they were close friends, chatting about everything under the sun.

That day,

Zhao Gao truly realized the extent of Zhao Feng's standing in Ying Zheng's eyes. He also made a firm decision he must never offend Zhao Feng. Otherwise, he wouldn't just doom himself but also bring ruin upon Hu Hai.

...

At dusk!

A carriage stopped outside the Zhao residence.

The guards at the entrance immediately stepped forward.

"Who goes there?"

One of the guards asked in a calm voice.

As he spoke, the surrounding guards all turned their gazes toward the newcomers, their eyes filled with caution.

For them, the residence of the Grand General was naturally under strict security.

At the sound of the inquiry,

Two men stepped down from the carriage.

"We request an audience."

"Li Si and his son seek to pay respects to the Grand General," Li Si said with a polite bow.

Upon hearing the name "Li Si,"

The guards immediately understood and bowed in return. "So it is the Grand Minister of Justice. Please wait a moment."

One of them quickly went inside to report.

"Father,"

"Isn't this visit a bit too abrupt?"

Li You, standing beside Li Si, asked with a hint of apprehension.

"You'er,"

"I have always taught you the ways of conduct and etiquette, but you have not yet experienced much of the court and the imperial administration."

"This visit serves two purposes one, for me to pay my respects, and two, for you to observe and present yourself as a subordinate."

"This courtesy must not be neglected."

"The future of the Li family rests on your shoulders." Li Si spoke in a tone of instruction.

Li You nodded in partial understanding.

At that moment!

"Grand Minister of Justice."

"The General will see you now."

The guard returned and announced in a loud voice.

Immediately,

The guards at the entrance stepped aside to clear the way.

"Much appreciated."

Li Si expressed his gratitude before stepping into the Zhao residence with Li You.

Inside the main hall!

Zhao Feng was already waiting.

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