Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield Chapter 710 Chapter 290: Xiang Yu! Zhang Liang! Unification of the World! (Part 2)
Previously on Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield...
“Is there anything else?”
Every gaze turned toward the young man.
“The heir to Qin’s throne!”
Each word from the youth carried heavy emphasis and careful thought.
“That, I already know.”
“Even though the King of Qin remains in his prime with numerous sons, he has yet to name a crown prince.”
“His eldest son Fusu is known for benevolence and kindness, but should he take the throne, he might fail to lead the troops or govern the realm.”
“Is this our chance?” Xiang Liang’s eyes gleamed with intensity.
“Exactly.”
The youth nodded affirmatively.
“All men must face death eventually.”
“The King of Qin possesses unmatched talent, having united the world—a sovereign unparalleled in history, past or future,”
“—still, his end will come.”
“Lacking a proper heir, Qin’s downfall is inevitable.” The youth smirked chillingly.
In his declaration, it was as if he had foreseen and sketched out Qin’s destined ruin.
“Well spoken.”
“Zifang, your brilliant strategy guarantees we’ll one day topple Qin and revive our states.”
“Moreover, rumors say Zhao Feng and the Eldest Imperial Son Fusu clash bitterly—they stand in direct opposition.”
“Zhao Feng enjoys immense glory today and the King of Qin’s deep favor, yet who knows tomorrow’s twists?”
“A new ruler brings a new regime.”
“Zhao Feng might not fall to us, but to his own Qin kin.” Xiang Liang let out a icy chuckle too.
In their eyes, Qin’s collapse was certain—and Zhao Feng’s death foreordained.
“The vendetta for a father’s murder—cannot share the same sky.”
“Zhao Feng.”
“One day, I’ll pulverize your bones and scatter your ashes!”
Gazing out the window,
The youth fixed on Zhao Feng’s retreating figure, rage boiling in his chest.
Back when Zhao Feng first entered military service, he targeted Han.
Qin launched its campaign of total destruction against Han.
Amid those battles, Zhao Feng shone brilliantly; truly, Han’s fall marked the campaign that forged him into Qin’s legendary general.
From obscurity, Zhao Feng ascended to a commander dreaded across the lands.
In the war annihilating Han,
Zhao Feng breached the Han Royal Palace and slew Han’s Prime Minister Zhang Ping with his own hand.
And this youth was none other than Zhang Liang—son of Zhang Ping,
The figure history hails as the Sage of Strategy.
Zhang Liang, known as Zifang.
…
Zhao Feng’s voice, laced with faint mockery, echoed everywhere.
Not all held the cunning insight of Zhang Liang and Xiang Liang.
“Qin dogs!”
“I vow to slay you.”
“Slay the Qin dogs, behead Zhao Feng!”
“Revenge!”
Fresh surges of furious cries erupted once more.
Dozens more assassins, weapons in hand, exploded from the throng, vengeance blazing in their stares as they lunged at Zhao Feng.
“Kill!”
With a casual flick of his hand, Zhao Feng commanded.
Instantly, his loyal guards unsheathed swords and rushed forward to slaughter.
Those dozens charging ahead became lifeless bodies littering the ground in moments.
“Remnants of fallen states—ignorant fools blind to decorum.”
Zhao Feng chuckled softly.
Ignoring them completely, he pressed on toward the Qi Royal Palace.
The corpses left behind would surely be handled by Qi’s locals.
This spectacle delivered profound astonishment to the Qi onlookers.
For them, Zhao Feng’s debut in their capital that night embodied the utmost dread he unleashed.
Qi Royal Palace!
Morning Discussion Hall.
King Tian Jian of Qi stood waiting beyond the hall.
Flanking him were two peerlessly stunning young women.
As Zhao Feng advanced steadily,
“We humbly greet Lord Wu’an’s arrival.”
The King of Qi bowed low to Zhao Feng, showing complete deference.
“No need for such formalities, Your Majesty of Qi.”
Zhao Feng advanced with a mild smile.
Though inwardly he scorned those yielding so swiftly, etiquette demanded observance.
At minimum, Tian Jian’s capitulation averted vast bloodshed—saving myriad soldiers and innocents from death and disaster.
He yielded from terror, yet thereby preserved innumerable lives. Such achievement stands undeniable.
“I’ve long admired Lord Wu’an’s bravery and youth—before twenty-seven, already Qin’s Grand Commandant, rivaled only by the King.”
“Seeing you now confirms your famed prowess.” King Tian Jian smiled as he spoke.
“Your Majesty overpraises me.” Zhao Feng offered a subtle smile in return.
The King of Qi clearly grasped Zhao Feng’s intent in visiting.
Without delay,
He signaled with a hand.
A retainer approached, holding a chest.
King Tian Jian grasped it and lifted the cover.
Within rested the Royal Seal and the Carriage Map.
Staring at these symbols of royal authority—the Seal and the realm’s chart—Tian Jian’s gaze wavered with unwillingness and sorrow, finally settling into acceptance.
“Behold the Royal Seal and Carriage Map of Qi.”
“I, Tian Jian, King of Qi, willingly surrender myself, ten million subjects, and five hundred thousand troops to Qin.”
Clutching profound reluctance, Tian Jian held the chest overhead and prostrated before Zhao Feng.
Thereupon,
Zhao Feng took the chest reverently with both hands.
“On behalf of Qin’s King, I, Zhao Feng, receive the King of Qi’s surrender,” Zhao Feng proclaimed solemnly.
“This is the King’s Sword.”
“I present it as well.”
Tian Jian removed the blade from his waist and offered it with profound respect.
Zhao Feng received the items one by one.
Then passed them to Zhang Ming behind him.
“By yielding to Qin, Your Majesty has shielded your people from massacre and ruin—a monumental act.”
“My lord the King shall not overlook Your Majesty’s grace.”
“From now on,”
“Qi’s ancestral shrines will endure forever, and your royal lineage will thrive in wealth and prestige.” Zhao Feng pledged to Tian Jian.
In recorded history,
Tian Jian’s surrender did not bring him bliss.
After yielding, his sons still incited revolt and even rebelled anew.
Ultimately, Emperor Qin Shi Huang commanded his starvation.
“With Lord Wu’an’s pledge and the King of Qin’s benevolence, I naturally trust.” Tian Jian gave a wan smile.
He motioned toward the hall: “Lord Wu’an, please enter; the banquet awaits.”
“You honor me excessively.”
Zhao Feng nodded and proceeded inside.
Upon Zhao Feng’s entry,
Tian Jian shot a pointed glance at the two exquisite beauties beside him.
Nervous yet comprehending, the women hastened to follow.
Only then did Tian Jian relax contentedly.
At the hall’s heart,
The banquet stood fully prepared.
“Lord Wu’an, take your seat.”
Tian Jian indicated the cushion promptly.
Zhao Feng sat down casually.
Tian Jian settled into his position gradually.
“Having surrendered to Qin,”
“some doubts linger in my heart. I implore Lord Wu’an to dispel them.” Tian Jian appeared uneasy.
“Speak your mind, Your Majesty of Qi.”
“You’ve averted war for Qi and preserved Qin’s strength from depletion. This merits great reward. For small requests, I can approve; for weighty ones, I’ll relay faithfully to the King.” Zhao Feng stated firmly.
“Might I stay in Linzi?” Tian Jian asked.
“Your Majesty jests,”
“The King has selected a splendid city for you. Lingering in Qi would hinder Qin’s governance.” Zhao Feng answered with a soft smile.
At that,
Tian Jian’s eyes clouded with letdown: “I pondered too deeply.”
“Rest assured, Your Majesty.”
“My lord the King isn’t the sort to abandon allies once victorious.”
“Provided your loyalty holds true and you cut all Qi connections, should rebels arise elsewhere without your hand, you and your heirs will bask in fortune and status. Qin vows this.”
“Qi’s ancestral temples will relocate to the city bestowed upon your house by Qin.”
“There, you may conduct princely sacrifices.” Zhao Feng affirmed clearly.
Upon hearing Zhao Feng’s earnest assurances, Tian Jian nodded and continued: “These two are my daughters, both sixteen. The elder, Tian Ling; the younger, Tian Xun. What does Lord Wu’an think of them?”
Zhao Feng glanced over, face composed, tone even: “Their beauty is matchless.”
“I wish to offer both daughters to Lord Wu’an, should you consent?” Tian Jian pressed hopefully.
“This demands the King’s sanction.”
“High as my rank stands in Qin, I remain his subject.” Zhao Feng responded courteously.
But those words
Sparked delight in Tian Jian: “Have no fear, Lord Wu’an; I’ve secured the King of Qin’s consent. When Qin’s envoy arrived, I stipulated to His Majesty—beyond gold and safety pledges, the key condition was betrothing my daughters to you, Lord Wu’an.”
Zhao Feng stood astonished by this revelation.
…