Chapter 187: Ying Zheng – Father-in-law, I Have Already Met A’Fang

Zhao Feng immediately smiled and said, "Please convey to His Majesty that I, Zhao Feng, will not disappoint him. Within two months, the Wuan Camp will be at the gates of Wei's capital."

"I will deliver the general's words exactly as they are," Ren Xiao responded with a respectful bow.

"I appreciate your efforts." Zhao Feng nodded.

"The royal decree has been delivered. I will now take my leave and return to Xianyang to report back," Ren Xiao said, then turned and mounted his horse.

As Zhao Feng watched Ren Xiao's figure disappear into the distance, he glanced down at the royal edict in his hand, a faint smile appearing on his face.

"Congratulations, General!"

The surrounding officers and personal guards all bowed to Zhao Feng, their expressions filled with excitement.

"Wei has not yet been vanquished, and our efforts must continue."

"Pass down my command our main forces are to advance steadily."

"In two months, we will reach the capital city of Wei, Daliang!" Zhao Feng ordered with a powerful voice.

"Yes, sir!"

The officers responded in unison.

At that moment, Zhao Feng slowly unrolled the royal decree. The first thing he saw was the list of rewards he had received. However, gold and silver meant little to him. What he valued most was the elevation of his noble rank, the official recognition of his status, and the treasure chest rewards that came with it.

Zhao Feng was filled with anticipation.

When he had been promoted to general, he had received a second-tier treasure chest. Now that his noble rank had risen to the fifteenth level, the reward would undoubtedly be another second-tier chest.

"I claim my promotion reward," Zhao Feng instructed through the system interface.

"Congratulations, host, on your promotion to Shao Shang Zao. You have received a second-tier treasure chest," the system notification appeared.

Seeing the newly obtained second-tier treasure chest, Zhao Feng's anticipation grew. "I hope I get something good."

"Open it."

"Opening second-tier treasure chest…"

"Congratulations, host! You have obtained the Martial Dao Imperial Dragon Codex, a high-grade Heaven-tier martial art imbued with fate energy."

"A martial arts technique? And it includes fate energy?"

"Well, that's interesting," Zhao Feng mused.

It wasn't surprising that the treasure chest had yielded a martial arts technique after all, it could have even granted an immortal cultivation method.

But a technique infused with fate energy? That was something new.

Without hesitation, Zhao Feng extracted the technique.

In an instant, a profound martial art chant filled his consciousness. Compared to the Dragon Elephant Technique he had obtained before, this new codex was far more mysterious and intricate, revealing deep secrets of cultivation.

As time passed, Zhao Feng became entirely absorbed in it.

He sat in his war chariot, his guards forming a protective perimeter around him.

Noticing that their commander was meditating, no one dared to disturb him. The war chariot continued moving deeper into Wei's territory.

The Capital of Wei, Daliang

"Report!"

"Urgent dispatch from Liyang City!"

"The Qin cavalry has cut off all supply routes leading to our northern cities. Our grain shipments can no longer reach the front lines."

"Not only that, many of our provisions have been intercepted by Qin troops, and the soldiers guarding them suffered heavy casualties."

"Report!"

"Our cavalry attempted to disrupt the Qin supply lines but failed. The Qin army has cavalry guarding their routes, and their logistics are constantly shifting, making them impossible to track."

"Over twenty of our northern cities have fallen to the Qin army. We cannot hold them back…"

Inside the royal court of Wei, one disastrous report after another sent shockwaves through the assembly.

King Wei's face turned deathly pale, and the expressions of his ministers were equally grim.

"Our northern defenses have completely collapsed."

"What should we do?"

"With the Qin cavalry and infantry working in tandem, they might reach our capital in just a few months."

"Sigh…"

"Is there truly no way for our Wei Kingdom to resist Qin?"

A series of lamentations echoed through the hall.

"Enough."

A weary voice cut through the noise.

All eyes turned to the speaker Wei Wuji, standing atop the royal steps.

His face was pale, and his body visibly weakened. It was clear that he had not rested in many days as he grappled with the ongoing crisis.

"The latest news from Chu what is their position?" Wei Wuji asked.

"Your Majesty," a minister stepped forward.

"After our envoy returned, the Prime Minister of Chu, Lord Chunshen, expressed a clear intent to wage war against Qin. Furthermore, during our diplomatic visit to Xianyang, the Chu envoy offended King Qin."

"Chu will undoubtedly go to war with Qin."

Hearing this, a gleam of hope flickered in Wei Wuji's tired eyes.

"Chu… this is the one factor that may yet allow Wei to survive."

"If Chu enters the war, Yan may hesitate due to its weakened state, but Qi might also intervene."

"With such developments, Wei could endure." Wei Wuji spoke with conviction.

His words brought a slight sense of relief to the court officials.

"Uncle," King Wei spoke.

"The northern defenses have collapsed. How should we respond now?"

"It was my failure," Wei Wuji admitted solemnly.

"Our strategy to set fire to Yanggao City failed, and we can no longer use the same tactic against Qin's Hangu Camp. Beyond delaying their advance, our only hope is to wait for aid from other states."

"Rest assured, Your Majesty."

"I have already stationed 300,000 troops in Daliang. Additionally, we have 100,000 private soldiers from loyal nobles."

"Even if the Qin army reaches our capital, they will not take it easily."

"Our capital, Daliang, is a fortified stronghold, even more secure than Zhao's Handan. I have already ordered the gates to be sealed with massive stone blocks, making them impossible to open by human effort. The city's defenses are being reinforced, and our granaries contain enough provisions to sustain both the army and civilians for an entire year."

"For the next year, all we need to do is wait for the tides to turn."

At this desperate moment, Wei Wuji laid out his final plan.

It was their only option.

And he had already taken action.

Daliang's fortifications had been strengthened over the past two years it was not something built overnight.

"I trust Uncle's judgment," King Wei declared.

"Your Majesty," another minister spoke up.

"Since we have chosen to fortify the capital, should we recall the army stationed in Heluo City?"

"General Pang Wu still commands over 200,000 troops there."

Wei Wuji glanced at him before responding in a firm tone.

"The Qin army has deployed two military camps with a combined force exceeding 800,000. If we abandon Heluo and retreat those 200,000 soldiers, we won't just be facing Qin's newly established Wuan Camp we'll also have to contend with their reformed Hangu Camp."

"Even if I have made thorough preparations, Da Liang City alone cannot stop an army of 800,000."

"The defense of He Luo City must not be withdrawn."

Despite the current battlefield situation, which included losses, it was not yet a complete defeat. However, if the suggestion of that minister to withdraw the troops defending He Luo City was followed, then it truly would be a total defeat.

"I understand," the minister who had just proposed immediately stepped back.

"Although Qi and Yan are still observing the situation, our efforts to seek aid must not cease."

"Pass on my order," Wei Wuji commanded solemnly.

"Send more envoys to Qi and Yan to request military assistance."

"I shall carry out the order," the minister in charge of foreign affairs promptly replied.

Having given these instructions, Wei Wuji had nothing more to say. At this stage of the war, besides defending against Qin's attack, all they could do was wait for Chu to take action. Wei's only hope for survival was to hold out until Chu engaged Qin.

"Report!"

"An urgent dispatch from Chu!"

"The King must read it personally!"

A messenger rushed into the grand hall with great urgency.

Upon hearing that it was an urgent message from Chu, all the ministers of Wei's court immediately brightened with anticipation.

"Excellent!"

"This must mean Chu has declared war on Qin!"

"Chu's military action came swiftly! As long as we hold firm, we can push back Qin!"

"Chu is a powerful nation with an army of nearly one million. They have no reason to fear Qin!"

"This is wonderful news..."

The ministers of Wei rejoiced one after another.

Even Wei Wuji himself showed a rare expression of excitement.

"Hurry, bring it here!" Wei Wuji waved his hand repeatedly.

The messenger swiftly stepped forward, presenting the sealed dispatch with both hands.

This urgent report was unopened it had been sent directly to Wei's capital as soon as it was written.

Wei Wuji quickly broke the seal and unfolded the document.

However, upon reading the contents, his previously elated expression instantly turned deathly pale. His legs trembled on the steps of the hall as if he could barely support himself.

"My Lord!"

A nearby minister hurried forward to steady him.

The joyful atmosphere in the court was instantly replaced by deep unease.

"Uncle, what happened?"

King Wei asked anxiously.

Wei Wuji's face remained ashen as he replied in a trembling voice, "Chancellor Chun Shen is dead murdered by his retainer, Li Yuan."

"King Chu Han, along with his concubines and children, has also been slaughtered by Li Yuan."

"Chu... has fallen into chaos."

These words were like a thunderclap, shaking the entire court of Wei to its core.

At that moment, every minister understood a grim reality Chu was now in turmoil and could not possibly launch an attack on Qin.

It would take at least a year or more for Chu to recover from this political upheaval.

The power once held by Huang Xie (Chancellor Chun Shen) would have to be seized by Li Yuan. Those who had been loyal to Huang Xie would be purged, and with the death of the Chu King, Li Yuan would need to establish a new ruler.

With so many internal conflicts and power struggles, how could Chu possibly have the strength to wage war against Qin?

"Uncle..."

"What are we going to do now?"

"With Chu in chaos, can Wei still survive?" King Wei's voice trembled with fear.

Wei Wuji struggled internally, his voice shaking as he muttered, "Qin… What a masterful move..."

With his vast experience, he immediately recognized that this sudden coup in Chu had to be Qin's handiwork. Otherwise, how could such an event occur so suddenly, and so conveniently, right before Chu was about to declare war on Qin?

"My King, do you wish to surrender to Qin?" Wei Wuji turned and looked at King Wei.

This question cut straight into the king's soul.

But only for a brief moment.

King Wei immediately stood up and declared in a loud voice, "The kingdom of Wei has stood for hundreds of years! I am the rightful ruler of the royal lineage!"

"I swear, I will never surrender!"

As these words echoed throughout the hall, a look of relief appeared on Wei Wuji's face.

"This is the ruler of Wei!"

"I, an old minister, am proud to serve under His Majesty."

"I will stand with Wei until the very end!" Wei Wuji bowed deeply to King Wei.

Seeing this, many loyal ministers in the court also knelt, pledging their loyalty:

"We shall stand with Wei until the very end!"

"Excellent."

"Esteemed ministers!"

"I shall lead you all in facing Qin together. If Qin seeks to destroy Wei, then I shall make sure Qin pays dearly for it!" Wei Wuji's eyes gleamed with steely resolve.

Xianyang

Imperial Court Assembly

"Your Majesty,"

"We have received great news from Chu!"

"Huang Xie has been assassinated by his retainer, Li Yuan. Using the excuse that the Chu King was Huang Xie's illegitimate child, Li Yuan has exterminated the entire royal family of Chu."

"Chu is now in turmoil!"

Wang Wan announced excitedly.

Upon hearing this, the entire court erupted in joy.

"Hahaha!"

"Chu's envoy had just threatened us with war, and now their country is in chaos!"

"Huang Xie has always been an arrogant old fool. Who would have thought he would die at the hands of his followers? He had it coming!"

"With Chu in disorder, what other nation would dare oppose our great Qin?"

"Wei has now lost its only chance for external aid!"

The court erupted in joyous cheers.

However, Ying Zheng, seated on the throne, remained exceptionally calm.

He had already received this news beforehand.

Moreover, the incident involving Huang Xie had been orchestrated by the Black Ice Platform under his decree.

Ying Zheng raised his hand.

The court instantly fell silent.

"With Chu now in chaos, they are in no position to wage war against Qin in the short term."

"There is no need to be overly concerned about Chu."

"Our top priority remains Wei," Ying Zheng said slowly.

"The King is wise," the ministers proclaimed in unison.

"Your Majesty,"

"Before court began, I received word "

"General Huan Yi has successfully led his army to capture Heluo City," one official reported.

"With the fall of Heluo City,"

"The two defensive lines meticulously crafted by Wei Wuji have now completely collapsed."

"The fall of Wei is inevitable," Wang Wan declared loudly.

"Indeed,"

"Wei is now incapable of resisting our Qin forces any longer."

"Within half a year, Wei will be no more."

"The troops of Hangu Camp, truly the elite of Great Qin, have managed to break through Heluo City defended by over 200,000 troops in just half a month."

The ministers chimed in with their praise.

"Hmm." Ying Zheng nodded, his expression indifferent.

Though Hangu Camp had secured a victory, their performance still lagged behind that of Wu'an Camp.

No matter how much Wang Wan and the others lauded them, it failed to stir any emotion in Ying Zheng.

"With Chu in turmoil and Wei now without allies, instruct General Huan Yi to proceed with caution he must not grow reckless in his pursuit of victory," Ying Zheng commanded.

Wei Liao immediately acknowledged the order: "Your servant obeys."

Seeing that Ying Zheng did not grant any rewards, Wang Wan's eyes flashed with disappointment.

The court was dismissed.

Zhangtai Palace

"Your Majesty,"

"The Black Ice Platform still has a significant number of covert agents in Chu."

"Given the current chaos, we may be able to obtain Chu's military deployment maps, supply distribution charts, and other crucial intelligence," Dun Ruo reported respectfully.

"You have done well."

"With Huang Xie dead, Chu is now in disarray."

"This spares Great Qin the trouble of fighting on another front," Ying Zheng nodded in satisfaction.

Although Great Qin had the strength to counter a Chu invasion and had made the necessary preparations, if Huang Xie had survived, he could have mobilized all of Chu's forces to attack. That would have put Qin in a difficult position.

Therefore

With Huang Xie's death, all concerns were resolved.

"Your Majesty,"

"For Chu, this marks the beginning of national decline."

"Even if Li Yuan assumes control, Chu will never regain the strength it had under Huang Xie."

"This situation is advantageous to us in more ways than one," Dun Ruo added.

"With Chu settled, the Black Ice Platform's focus must shift to the Wei front."

"Target Wei's military commanders and those in charge of logistics and supplies kill them whenever possible."

"Disrupting Wei's operations is our top priority," Ying Zheng ordered coldly.

"Your servant obeys," Dun Ruo bowed before taking his leave.

At that moment

"Your Majesty,"

"Grand Physician Xia has arrived,"

Zhao Gao entered the hall, bowing respectfully as he reported.

"You are all dismissed. Without my decree, no one is to enter or interfere with Grand Physician Xia," Ying Zheng commanded.

"Your servant obeys," Zhao Gao bowed before retreating.

Soon, the figure of Xia Wuque appeared in the palace hall.

"Your humble servant greets Your Majesty."

Upon entering, Xia Wuque bowed deeply.

Zhao Gao withdrew, quickly shutting the palace doors behind him.

"Father-in-law,"

"You went a long way just to avoid me, didn't you?"

Seeing Xia Wuque, Ying Zheng sighed with feigned helplessness.

Hearing this,

Xia Wuque's heart skipped a beat, but he quickly explained:

"Your Majesty, I had no intention of avoiding you. I simply needed a change of scenery. Staying in Xianyang for too long becomes tiresome. Over the past six months, traveling as a wandering physician has been quite refreshing."

Seeing his father-in-law still pretending,

Ying Zheng's expression turned amused.

"Father-in-law, do you think I'm that foolish?"

"Your Majesty must never say such things!" Xia Wuque waved his hands frantically before forcing a smile:

"There is no one in this world who could call Your Majesty foolish."

But then Ying Zheng spoke again

"I have already met A'Fang."

A smile played on his lips as he uttered these words.

The moment he heard this,

Xia Wuque's expression shifted astonishment, disbelief, and an undercurrent of joy all flashed across his face.

By now,

Xia Wuque realized that Ying Zheng had indeed met her, and had seen through his intentions.

"Truly?" Xia Wuque asked, his smile widening.

"Truly," Ying Zheng nodded, also smiling.

Their gazes met, both filled with indescribable happiness.

"Good, good!"

"I'm glad you met her."

"All along, I had hoped you would."

"But I feared Dong'er would flee again, so I had no choice but to follow her wishes and keep you from seeing her."

"Because I knew that once you met, you would surely discover the truth."

Xia Wuque's voice carried genuine joy.

"In fact"

"Father-in-law, the more you stayed away, the more suspicious I became."

"Because I understand you."

"All these years in Xianyang, I've never seen you grow close to anyone except Zhao Feng."

"And then, after visiting Zhao Feng's hometown, you suddenly stopped returning to Xianyang. That was even more unusual."

"So, I had the Black Ice Platform investigate thoroughly examine Zhao Feng's family background. And sure enough, I found the truth," Ying Zheng said with a smile.

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