"Even if Lian Po understands the situation, he has no strategies left," Wang Jian said with a faint smile.
For so ti, he had studied how to deal with Lian Po. The thod was simple: exploit his own strengths and Lian Po’s weaknesses. This was the key to defeating him.
"Lian Po is old. Facing the Senior General might just be his final battle," Yang Duanhe said with a smile.
"I wonder how the battle in Yingchuan is faring," Wang Jian suddenly remarked.
Compared to his confident and effortless campaign in the Zhao state, Wang Jian was more worried about Yingchuan. If Yingchuan fell, his accomplishnts wouldn’t be enough to atone for the failure.
"Report!"
"Urgent news from Wei City!"
Just as Wang Jian was worrying, a ssenger rushed into the tent.
Urgent news? Wang Jian’s heart skipped a beat, but his expression remained perfectly calm. He did not imdiately assu Wei City had fallen, unlike ng Yi and Li Teng.
"Bring it here," Wang Jian said in a deep voice.
The ssenger imdiately presented the military report. Wang Jian took it, broke the seal, and read it at once. Instantly, his expression beca extrely odd.
After he finished reading, he roared with laughter. "HAHAHA! Zhao Feng, that young man has truly surprised ! I never imagined this, I truly never imagined it. To think that the renowned Wei Wuji would suffer such a defeat."
Shock gave way to hearty laughter, his voice filled with pride, excitent, and also a profound sense of relief.
Wei City! He no longer had to worry about it falling.
"Senior General, you seem so happy. Could it be good news from Wei City?" Yang Duanhe asked curiously.
"See for yourself," Wang Jian laughed, passing the report to Yang Duanhe. Throughout this, the smile on Wang Jian’s face never faded; if anything, it was tinged with deep satisfaction.
His son-in-law had not disappointed him. He had not only defended Wei City but had also taken a risky military gambit, crushing the Wei Army. The legendary Wei Wuji had been defeated at his hands.
Yang Duanhe took the report, and his expression imdiately turned to one of pure shock.
"General Zhao Feng crushed the Wei Army, and Wei Wuji has led his surviving troops back to Wei in retreat? In the battle of Wei City, we killed nearly 100,000 Wei soldiers, while our own casualties were just over 30,000? Wei Wuji... actually lost to General Zhao Feng? How is this possible? That’s Wei Wuji we’re talking about! He just lost like that?" Yang Duanhe exclaid in utter disbelief.
Clearly, he had never anticipated such a victory. He had never imagined that a promising Deputy General from Qin could defeat the renowned Wei Wuji. It was like an unknown upstart defeating an ever-victorious general who had rarely tasted defeat.
"Before long, the na Zhao Feng will be known throughout the world," Wang Jian said with a genuine, hearty laugh. "Wei Wuji once had a montous reputation. Who would have thought that in his old age, he would end up as a stepping stone for one of Qin’s rising stars."
"Indeed. Wei Wuji has beco General Zhao’s stepping stone," Yang Duanhe nodded.
"Originally, all I hoped was that Zhao Feng could hold Wei City and contain the Wei Army’s advance. But in such a short ti, he has given such a magnificent surprise. That lad truly has not disappointed . With Wei City secured and the Wei Army in retreat, no one in the Court will dare to criticize Zhao Feng or ntion the drawbacks of the Penal Battalion again. This battle proves that the strategy of using the Penal Battalion is feasible and that Qin has found another asure to strengthen its National Power," Wang Jian laughed.
"Senior General, you are absolutely right. The Penal Battalion has truly shone in General Zhao’s hands. This victory will silence those in the Court who were so critical of it. Not only that, but the talk in the Court about your unwavering recomndation of Zhao Feng to defend Wei City will also cease," Yang Duanhe added with a smile.
"Send this military report back to Xianyang with the utmost haste and submit it to the Great King. With Yingchuan no longer in peril, it is ti to ease the Great King’s mind," Wang Jian said, smiling.
"Soone! Imdiately send this military report back to Xianyang with the greatest urgency, to be presented to the Great King!" Yang Duanhe ordered loudly.
In response, a ssenger from the Senior General’s personal battalion strode forward, respectfully placed the report inside a bamboo tube, and promptly left the tent.
"Senior General," Yang Duanhe said, suddenly bowing to Wang Jian. "I, too, am guilty."
"What cri do you speak of, General Yang?" Wang Jian asked in surprise.
"Back then, I also said Zhao Feng was not fit for the duty of defending Wei City. I even thought he wouldn’t be able to withstand Wei Wuji’s attacks for long. It seems I was far too shortsighted," Yang Duanhe replied respectfully.
"General Yang, you are being too hard on yourself. It wasn’t just you; all the ministers in the Court were skeptical. Even I felt the sa. But given Qin’s situation, we had no choice but to trust in Zhao Feng," Wang Jian said with a smile.
"This just shows the Senior General’s unique vision," Yang Duanhe complinted.
"Now that we’ve received the news from Wei City, I believe it won’t be long before the Zhao state gets word as well. Perhaps their 300,000-strong army will soon be recalled," Wang Jian said gravely.
"Therefore, before the Zhao state’s 300,000 troops are recalled, our army must crush Lian Po. Only then can we destroy Zhao," Yang Duanhe stated with equal gravity.
"Report, Senior General. A letter from ho has arrived for you," Wang Jian’s Personal Guard Commander entered the tent, holding a letter on bamboo slips.
"A letter from ho?"
Wang Jian was montarily taken aback, then he quickly stepped forward and took it himself. As he opened it, a smile spread across his face. "In less than a month, Yan’er is due to give birth. This is certainly good news."
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