Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield

Chapter 359: Chapter 162: Returning Home, Reuniting with Mother! Xia Wuqie’s Joy! (Part 2)

「Qin, within the territory of Shaoqiu County!」

After ten days of travel, they had finally entered Shaoqiu County.

"My Lord," Zhang Ming reported immediately, seeing the county boundary marker ahead. "We have arrived at Shaoqiu."

Zhao Feng lifted the curtain and stepped down slowly. Looking at the Shaoqiu stele before him, a smile touched his face. "Shaoqiu. I’m finally back."

However, at this moment, Zhao Feng’s mind drifted to a historical event.

In history, Emperor Qin Shi Huang Ying Zheng died of illness at Shaoqiu during his tour of the realm. His last edict was even altered by Li Si and Zhao Gao. I wonder if there will be a butterfly effect in this world. In the original historical world, I didn’t exist, or rather, my soul didn’t. If there really was a Zhao Feng, he probably would have died on the battlefield long ago. To die of illness at Shaoqiu... what a pity.

Seeing this place named Shaoqiu, Zhao Feng couldn’t help but fall deep into thought.

"My Lord," Zhang Ming asked, "it’s noon now. I was wondering, how far is your home, Sha Village? Can we arrive by evening?"

"Half a day will be enough," Zhao Feng replied with a smile. When he had first enlisted, he had passed through this very Shaoqiu checkpoint before entering the military camp. The Shaqiu Prefectural City was not far ahead.

At this time, Xia Wuqie also stepped out from the carriage behind them.

"So we’ve entered Shaoqiu County," Xia Wuqie said with a smile. "This is General Zhao’s home county."

"Yes," Zhao Feng smiled back. "Four years. I’m finally returning home."

"This old man is quite interested in General Zhao’s hometown," Xia Wuqie chuckled, his words a mix of truth and jest. "I’m eager to see what kind of place could nurture such an extraordinary man for Qin."

The more Xia Wuqie interacted with Zhao Feng, the more certain he became of his suspicion. Zhao Feng could be his grandson; Zhao Feng’s mother could be the daughter he had been searching for for twenty-one years. Thus, even though this was his first visit to Shaoqiu, Xia Wuqie felt an inexplicable sense of closeness to it.

"There’s only half a day’s journey left," Zhao Feng said. "Doctor Xia, you can have a good rest then. Let’s set off."

He smiled and returned to his carriage. Under the protection of his trusted aides, the convoy set off once more.

As they neared the Prefectural City, they saw a group waiting in the distance: a hundred Prefecture Soldiers and more than a dozen officials in the robes of the Qin government office. It seemed they had known for some time that Zhao Feng would be passing this way.

"May I ask if this is the homecoming procession of Senior General Zhao Feng?" Yan Bing stepped forward slowly, his inquiry full of respect.

"And you are?" Zhang Ming asked calmly, glancing at the man before him.

"I am the Prefectural Governor of Shaoqiu County," Yan Bing said with a smile. "Having heard of the Senior General’s return, I came specifically to welcome you."

"Wait a moment, I will go and inform him." Hearing that it was the Shaoqiu Governor, Zhang Ming didn’t refuse him outright but turned his horse around to make his report.

"My Lord, the Shaoqiu Governor is waiting ahead. Do you wish to see him?" Zhang Ming asked respectfully.

"He is the Shaoqiu Governor, after all. I heard he took good care of my family," Zhao Feng remarked.

A trusted aide drew back the curtain, and Zhao Feng stepped down, walking slowly toward Yan Bing.

When Yan Bing saw Zhao Feng, he noted that the general was not dressed in lavish attire but still wore the same black uniform of the Qin Army he would in the military. Although it was the same uniform as the ordinary Daqin Elite Soldiers, the overpowering aura and the grim killing intent that enveloped him were palpable.

He’s just as young as the rumors say. A Senior General at twenty. In the future, he might even become the Grand Commandant. If I seize this opportunity, perhaps I can become a Capital Official.

Watching Zhao Feng’s approaching figure, Yan Bing’s heart pounded with excitement. He knew this was his chance—an opportunity for further advancement.

"This humble official, Yan Bing, greets the Senior General," he said, bowing deeply.

"We pay our respects to the Senior General!" the assembled officials and soldiers of Shaoqiu County all bowed in unison.

"There’s no need for such formalities, everyone," Zhao Feng said with a slight smile, raising his hand.

He looked at these officials from Shaoqiu County. Four years ago, they were the top elite of the county, figures who had been completely beyond his reach. Now, he had risen to the rank of Senior General, a position second to almost none. The highest Prefectural Governor could not even compare to a Main General.

Across the land, only Qin could make such a thing possible. It was impossible in the other states, which were ruled by nobility and lacked a system of reform based on military merit. In those places, a soldier was just a soldier. It was incredibly difficult for one to become a general, let alone rise through the ranks.

"The Senior General returns to his hometown, bringing great honor to Shaoqiu," Yan Bing said with the utmost respect. "Since you have not been back for many years, this humble official has come specially to guide you."

Zhao Feng smiled and nodded. "Then I shall trouble Governor Yan."

"The Senior General is too kind! It is my duty," Yan Bing replied at once, his voice filled with excitement.

Being given this task naturally made Yan Bing’s heart surge. It meant that Zhao Feng was willing to accept his goodwill. It also seemed that word of his care for the Zhao Family over the years had reached the general’s ears; otherwise, Zhao Feng would never have treated him with such courtesy.

"Then let us be on our way," Zhao Feng said. "I intend to be home by evening."

"After you, Senior General," Yan Bing said, stepping aside respectfully. He then turned to the officials who had come with him. "I will make a trip to Sha Village. The rest of you may return. The Prefecture Soldiers will ride with me as an escort."

"Yes, my lord!" the soldiers promptly acknowledged.

「Sha Village!」

Night had fallen. In the village, however, every household had lit candles. Compared to the past, Sha Village now appeared much more prosperous and affluent.