Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield

Chapter 369: Chapter 165: Court Assembly! The Establishment of the New Grand Camp! Zhao Feng the Onlooker! (Part 3)

It was clear that they were pushing Zhao Feng to speak.

"Although the Senior General is a Military Official and his proposed strategies might be somewhat unrealistic, we are nevertheless willing to listen with respect," Wang Wan said with a hint of a smile.

"Indeed," Huai Zhuang added immediately. "The Senior General may speak plainly."

From Wang Wan’s tone, it was evident he was expecting to see a farce.

Seeing this, Zhao Feng wasted no more words. "The nobility of the Zhao state is different from that of the many nobles in Qin," he stated. "They are from deeply rooted aristocratic families. Although they hold vast lands and great wealth, there are many talented and extraordinary individuals among them who can be employed by Qin to govern its territories. In my opinion, we can employ both an iron fist and benevolence. For the Zhao nobles willing to pledge allegiance to Qin, serve as our officials, and respect Qin Law, a portion of their lands can be preserved, with the amount depending on the individual. Of course, those who refuse to submit and intend to resist to the end must be suppressed with an iron fist. We must kill the chicken to scare the monkey."

Hearing Zhao Feng’s words, the ministers in the great hall looked at one another with surprise, clearly not anticipating that a Military Official like him could devise such a well-balanced strategy of strength and mercy.

Ying Zheng’s eyes also lit up. The previously conquered Han was not comparable to Zhao. Its territory was only a third of the Zhao state’s, and its population was less than half. Naturally, the methods of governance had to be different.

"Minister Zhao’s strategy is indeed feasible," Ying Zheng said with a smile. "What do you all think?"

"Your son concurs," Fusu immediately agreed.

"Your son concurs," Hu Hai also spoke up right away.

"We concur," the civil and military officials of the court echoed one after another.

Clearly, Zhao Feng’s strategy, which blended two extremes, was far more palatable than a policy that was either too benevolent or too severe.

"Yu Qing," Ying Zheng commanded, "issue an imperial decree to Han Fei, instructing him to implement Minister Zhao’s strategy. For those willing to pledge their service to Qin, their families may retain some of their lands, surrendering seven-tenths of the harvest. For those who refuse to submit, suppress them with an iron fist. Execute the ringleaders, enslave the rest, and confiscate their properties."

Yu Liao immediately accepted the command.

"Very well," Ying Zheng continued. "The matter regarding the disposition of the Zhao nobility has been settled. Next, we will discuss the establishment of the new grand camp. Minister Zhao has already been appointed as the Protector-General of Qin, honored as the Senior General. You may establish this grand camp. With Qin’s current national power, we can indeed expand with a new camp to defend the Zhao Territory and secure the realm. I shall establish three main divisions for this new grand camp. Regarding the choice of Main Generals, does Minister Zhao have any recommendations?" Ying Zheng asked, looking at Zhao Feng.

The moment this question was asked, disappointment washed over the faces of many ministers in the court. The formation of a grand camp with three main divisions meant there would be three Main General positions. A Main General commanded one hundred thousand troops and held significant military authority, a position many of them hoped to fill with their own candidates. Even within the army, many war generals had connections to these court officials.

"Reporting to Your Majesty," Zhao Feng declared loudly. "Regarding the new camp’s Main Generals, I recommend my former Deputy Generals, Tu Sui and Zhang Han. These two generals have followed me on countless campaigns, defeated Pang Xuan, slain Lian Po, and conquered Handan, earning immeasurable merit. They are worthy of the position of Main General."

With three main divisions, Zhao Feng knew he could not nominate his own people for all the positions, but he was determined to secure these two. Even if he did not get his way, he would ensure he controlled the Deputy Generals under them.

"Reporting to Your Majesty!" Chunyu Yue could no longer hold back and stood up to protest loudly. "Tu Sui and Zhang Han have too close a relationship with General Zhao Feng! I believe they should not serve directly under his command and should be transferred to another camp. For the foundation of the state and the authority of the throne, we must be cautious!"

As he spoke, Wang Wan’s eyebrows furrowed, but this time he remained silent, evidently not planning to intervene. After all, what Chunyu Yue said was true.

Zhao Feng merely gave Chunyu Yue a calm glance, though a chill went through him that he did not let show on his face. "I am merely making a suggestion. I will not overstep my bounds in how Your Majesty decides to appoint the Main Generals," he replied placidly, showing none of the argumentativeness or fury that Chunyu Yue had hoped to see.

"Tu Sui and Zhang Han are loyal to Qin and have earned great merit for the state. They are fit to be Main Generals," Ying Zheng stated slowly, paying no heed to Chunyu Yue’s words.

This sentence was the final, unassailable decision.

"Your Majesty is wise," Zhao Feng said with a deep bow. The two divisions were now in his grasp.

"Your Majesty, I urge you to reconsider!" Chunyu Yue pleaded, his face a mask of unwillingness.

"Grand Tutor Chunyu, you are a Civil Servant; you should stick to the duties of a Civil Servant. You can’t even manage your own affairs, so don’t trouble yourself with the matters of my army," Zhao Feng retorted. "His Majesty has already made his sacred decision. Do you intend to manipulate him? Oh, that’s right. Back when Wang Yan and I were engaged, you sent a disciple named Meng Jia to threaten us into calling off the engagement. Though the matter is past, I haven’t forgotten."

Hearing this, the ministers in the court exchanged strange looks.

"Is Grand Tutor Chunyu a fool? He actually sent someone to threaten General Zhao Feng and the Wang Family’s daughter to break off their engagement?"

"That’s far too audacious."

"It seems Grand Tutor Chunyu was indeed scheming to gain the support of the Wang Family for the Eldest Imperial Son."

"To ruin someone’s marriage... such an act is truly despicable."

Many ministers began to whisper among themselves. Fusu lowered his head, unable to offer any rebuttal, as the incident was true. The matter had been put to rest, but Chunyu Yue had brought this upon himself by targeting Zhao Feng again.

Wang Wan’s heart sank. It seems Zhao Feng still needs to be suppressed. His animosity towards Chunyu Yue is effectively hostility towards the Eldest Imperial Son. But he is now a Senior General and difficult to restrain. We must prevent him from having any opportunities to advance in the future.

The past affair had been dredged up again. Chunyu Yue was so shaken that his face cycled between red and white. Seeing Ying Zheng’s dark expression from his high throne, Chunyu Yue’s hand trembled as he pointed at Zhao Feng. "Zhao Feng, you..."

"You what?" Zhao Feng snapped coldly before turning his back on him. "I have no desire to waste words on the likes of you."

At this, Ying Zheng smiled to himself. This boy is truly relentless. He repays every last grievance.

"Your Majesty," Zhao Feng said, turning back to the throne. "I have recommended two Main Generals. The third is for Your Majesty to appoint. There are also many Deputy Generals and Military Judges that require Your Majesty’s appointment."

"I already have someone in mind for the third division’s Main General," Ying Zheng announced slowly, his tone firm and decisive.

All the ministers’ eyes focused on him.

"Li You, the Governor of Northern Territory. He is adept in both civil governance and military strategy and possesses the ability to lead troops. He shall serve as the third Main General of the new camp," Ying Zheng declared.

As his words fell, the expressions of Wang Wan, Huai Zhuang, and the others in Fusu’s faction changed. Their gazes all turned towards Li Si.

What a brilliant scheme! When did he speak to His Majesty about this?