Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield

Chapter 155: Chapter 104: The War God’s Return to Qin! Royal Edict and Rewards!

Zhao Feng’s face also broke into a smile. "There are many people in this world who love wine. Right now, we only have one tavern, but when the Immortals’ Liquor House opens all across the land, earning a thousand gold a day will be effortless."

"Congratulations, Master," Han Xi said at once. "From now on, you’ll no longer need to worry about Yanting’s expenses."

"Starting now, increase recruitment for Yanting," Zhao Feng immediately ordered Han Xi. "The requirements are eleven years old or younger, with no gender restrictions. Select several hidden training locations. As for the final numbers, train four thousand elite Yan Court Secret Agents within three years. Besides training Yan Court Secret Agents, you are to secretly recruit brewers, blacksmiths, swordsmiths—anyone with talent. You can determine the specific numbers yourself."

"This servant understands," Han Xi responded immediately.

"You can also speed up the opening of other taverns," Zhao Feng added. "As long as the funds are sufficient and the brewery’s production can keep pace, continue to open new branches."

"However, as the fame of our Immortals’ Liquor House grows, we will undoubtedly face many challenges. People will certainly covet our formula, perhaps even resorting to theft. You must be extremely cautious about this," Zhao Feng warned.

"Please rest assured, Master," Han Xi replied confidently. "Only this servant knows the complete formula; the brewers themselves are not privy to the entire recipe. Furthermore, every batch of liquor transported out is diluted. Even if it were stolen, they would never be able to obtain the formula."

"In any case, proceed with caution. In the future, have Han Shuang assign some Dark Guards to stand watch over the brewery. If anyone intrudes, kill them," Zhao Feng stated coldly.

As things stood, with the Immortals’ Liquor House continuing to thrive, there would be no shortage of covetous eyes. This was Zhao Feng’s money-maker, and he would absolutely not allow anyone to get their hands on it.

"This servant understands," Han Xi nodded at once.

Just then, there was a knock on the door. "Master," Zhang Ming reported respectfully. "A message just arrived from the military. The Envoy of the King of Xianyang is here."

"I’m leaving you in full charge of the Immortals’ Liquor House." After giving Han Xi this final instruction and granting him absolute authority, Zhao Feng departed.

「Inside the military barracks!」

An Imperial Guard in distinct battle armor waited outside the main assembly hall. All of Zhao Feng’s generals were already gathered there.

"The Royal Envoy from the King of Xianyang has arrived. This general failed to welcome you from afar; please forgive my transgression," Zhao Feng said, striding forward with a cupped-fist salute.

Seeing Zhao Feng arrive, the Royal Envoy—who was also a centurion of the Imperial Guards—smiled. "General Zhao is a busy man with military affairs. How could you be at fault? I am here under a royal decree, specifically to bestow a reward upon you."

Hearing this, a thought crossed Zhao Feng’s mind. It looks like the reward for rescuing Concubine Zhao has arrived. Even if it isn’t a promotion in rank, surely my title of nobility will be raised a level?

Zhao Feng had naturally made some guesses about this unexpected merit. Advancing directly from Deputy General to Main General was nearly impossible. Even for saving the Tai Hou, there were no vacancies for a Main General, so there was nowhere for him to be promoted. It had to be an increase in his noble rank.

Meanwhile, Zhao Tuo, Chen Tao, and the other three generals looked utterly perplexed. "A reward for General Zhao? Could it be he has performed some new meritorious deed? Ever since we were stationed in Wei City, we haven’t seen any combat—just pacifying some rioting commoners and chopping wood for the winter." "Who knows. We’ll find out when the Royal Edict is read."

The four generals exchanged baffled glances. Only Zhang Han watched with a faint smile, his gaze filled with reverence as he looked at Zhao Feng.

Who could have imagined the Master would happen to save the Tai Hou during a trip to the Wei River? Zhang Han mused to himself.

But Zhang Han didn’t keep it to himself. Seeing the four perplexed generals, he said with a slightly smug smile, "Generals, General Zhao performed a great deed at the Wei River. That’s why the Great King is bestowing a reward."

"A great deed?" The four men were even more confused.

Just then, the Royal Envoy from Xianyang produced a scroll, held it high, and proclaimed, "A Royal Edict from the King of Qin!"

At these words, everyone present, Zhao Feng included, immediately bowed. "We, your subjects, humbly await the Royal Edict," they all intoned.

"The Royal Edict! Recently, rebels infiltrated our great Qin’s Yong City and conspired with traitors within to abduct the Tai Hou from the Yong City Royal Palace. The Imperial Guard Army pursued them for half a month without success. Above the Wei River, the rebels nearly escaped. Fortunately, my loyal subject Zhao Feng led his trusted aides to intercept the traitors and rescue the Tai Hou, performing a great service for Qin and foiling the enemy’s plot."

"Therefore, I hereby promote Zhao Feng’s noble rank by one grade, enfeoffing him as Right Gentleman of the Household. He shall be entitled to the annual salary befitting his rank and is further granted five hundred mu of fertile land, one thousand gold, ten thousand cash, one hundred jade articles, one hundred servants, and ten Spirit Pills!" the Imperial Guard centurion announced loudly.

Upon hearing this, everyone who was not privy to the event was left dumbstruck, especially Zhao Tuo and Chen Tao. "When did General Zhao go to the Wei River? And he rescued the Tai Hou? I think there was one day he led his trusted aides to patrol the river. Could it have been then? Patrolling the Wei River and just happening to rescue the Tai Hou? His luck is unbelievable! A promotion of one rank makes him an eleventh-rank noble. If I recall, General Li Teng, the Main General, is only a tenth-rank noble." The generals exchanged shocked glances, clearly having never expected Zhao Feng to accomplish such a monumental feat.

"I, Zhao Feng, thank the Great King for his profound grace!" Zhao Feng immediately declared.

Afterward, the Imperial Guard centurion handed the Royal Edict to Zhao Feng and said respectfully, "General Zhao, with the exception of this bottle of Spirit Pills, the Shaofu will deliver all other bestowed items to your hometown."

"My thanks," Zhao Feng nodded.

"These are the Spirit Pills bestowed by the Great King." The centurion then took a small box from his robes and presented it to Zhao Feng with both hands.

Zhao Feng glanced at the box and solemnly accepted it. Yet, inwardly, he couldn’t help but scoff. Sigh. The people of this era treat Spirit Pills as priceless treasures, when they are, in fact, poison. I wonder if the King of Qin has developed a habit of consuming them. If so, he’s probably already been poisoned.

"Furthermore, the Great King wishes for you to prepare for the new soldier enlistment after the year’s end. He hopes you will continue to achieve great merits for Qin," the centurion added.

Zhao Feng’s expression turned serious. "Please convey to the Great King that I will devote my utmost efforts to Qin."

"The Royal Edict has been delivered. I shall take my leave," the centurion said with a smile, offering Zhao Feng a cupped-fist salute.

"Respectfully seeing off the Royal Envoy," Zhao Feng replied, returning the bow and salute.

Only after the Imperial Guard Army had departed did Zhao Feng turn around. Zhang Han was the first to approach. "Congratulations, General, on your promotion in rank."

"Congratulations, General Zhao!" Chen Tao, Zhao Tuo, and the other generals also came forward to congratulate him.

"There’s no need for that," Zhao Feng replied with a smile. "This accomplishment was merely a stroke of luck."

Hearing this, Zhao Tuo and the other three generals felt a complex mix of emotions. To save the Tai Hou simply by patrolling the Wei River... it was truly difficult to believe.