"That's right."
"If we want to break through Handan, we must rely on our Qin state's strengths."
"In addition to the advantage of our arrows, we also have the national strength of Qin to compete with Zhao."
"Moreover, we still have reinforcements available. Troops from the Hangu Pass camp can still be mobilized, while Zhao has no large armies left to deploy." Wang Ben said solemnly.
He, like Yang Duanhe, had little hope of breaking through Handan at this moment.
As for Zhao Feng's request, in his view, it was just an unnecessary sacrifice.
After the lesson from Wu'an City, with Pang Nuan establishing a supervisory force, it was bound to be a fierce battle. Using defeated troops to break Zhao's defensive line again would not be so easy.
Hearing their advice, Zhao Feng did not respond but instead fixed his sharp gaze on Wang Jian.
Since neither Yang Duanhe nor Wang Ben wanted this battle credit, Zhao Feng was determined to claim it for himself.
With the ability to easily breach city gates and double the strength of his elite troops, Zhao Feng was very confident.
This battle might be brutal, and many of his elite soldiers might perish. But this was an inevitable reality.
Even if Zhao Feng had not led the army, the Battle of Handan would still result in heavy casualties among the elite forces perhaps even more so. If Zhao Feng could breach the city, the losses would be reduced.
"A general's success is built upon the bones of thousands."
Having come this far, Zhao Feng still cherished the camaraderie of his elite soldiers, but his determination for conquest remained unwavering. There is no war without death.
Until this chaotic world is pacified, the conflicts will persist.
"Zhao Feng," Wang Jian said, gesturing for him to sit down.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Feng nodded and sat back down.
"Let's not talk about Handan for now. Let's talk about you." Wang Jian stared at Zhao Feng and began speaking slowly.
"What about me?" Zhao Feng asked, puzzled.
"Every time you lead an assault, you charge ahead yourself. Before you became a deputy general, I couldn't be bothered to say much. But now you are not only a deputy but also a commanding general. Why haven't you changed this habit?"
"After you defeated Lian Po last time, I specifically told you..."
"As a general, your life determines the fate of the entire army under your command. A general's duty lies in command, not in charging into battle like a warrior."
"But during the assault on Wu'an, you repeated your old mistake, leading the charge again."
"Tell me are you suicidal, or what?" Wang Jian scolded harshly, his voice full of anger.
It was clear that this time, Wang Jian was genuinely angry.
Not just because Zhao Feng was serving under his command but also because Zhao Feng was his son-in-law.
Whether in terms of emotion or logic, Wang Jian had every reason to reprimand him.
Emotionally, Zhao Feng was his family. Logically, Zhao Feng was one of Qin's most promising generals.
If Zhao Feng were to perish in battle, it would undoubtedly be a significant loss for Qin.
Faced with Wang Jian's stern rebuke, Zhao Feng felt no anger only a sense of warmth.
He could sense the concern behind Wang Jian's words.
"Please rest assured, General."
"I am not yet married, and I already have children. I will not throw my life away."
"My reason for leading the charge is to inspire the troops."
"It is precisely because of this that the troops under my command are invincible in battle," Zhao Feng said solemnly as he stood up to reply.
Since Wang Jian had spoken, Zhao Feng decided not to argue further. After all, charging into battle was essential for his growth, and he wouldn't give it up. Moreover, without him, no one else could breach the city gates.
For now, Zhao Feng would stick to his methods.
"You know you're not yet married, and you know you have children, yet you still act so recklessly?" Wang Jian frowned.
"Please trust me, General. I cherish my life too much to waste it," Zhao Feng replied, bowing deeply.
His respectful attitude conveyed his determination.
Wang Jian stared at Zhao Feng for a long moment before finally speaking.
"Fine."
"I won't waste more words on you."
"But don't make me have to collect your body on the battlefield." Wang Jian said, clearly irritated.
It was evident that Zhao Feng had truly exasperated him this time.
Zhao Feng chuckled and straightened up. "Please rest assured, General. I will not die on the battlefield, nor will I let the older generation suffer the tragedy of burying the younger one."
"Hmph." Wang Jian snorted coldly, unwilling to say more.
"General, let's return to the discussion."
Wang Ben smiled, steering the conversation away.
However, Wang Ben couldn't help but admire his brother-in-law's courage to talk back to his father.
After all, Wang Ben himself had never dared to argue with Wang Jian. He was terrified of his father.
Perhaps this was the hallmark of a military family.
Although many might think that the descendants of noble families were often arrogant and unruly, the reality was quite different.
True noble families with real capabilities placed great emphasis on cultivating their descendants. Those who were genuinely arrogant and undisciplined were often products of incompetent families.
The truly capable families raised accomplished and disciplined heirs, much like the royal family.
Wang Jian rose slowly and walked to a map that had been prepared in the tent.
He gazed intently at the location of Handan.
"Pang Nuan, despite losing over 100,000 troops at Wu'an, still managed to bring back a significant number of Zhao soldiers."
"At present, I estimate that there are about 300,000 Zhao troops in Handan. Add the 100,000 border troops, and that's a formidable force."
"If I were defending, I would station all the border troops' cavalry on the eastern side of Handan. Once we launched an assault, Pang Nuan would send his cavalry to attack us. The famed Hu Fu Qi She (Zhao's mounted archers) is unparalleled in the world. Against our infantry, it would be a massacre."
"To counter cavalry, we need long spears and archers. Our Qin's arrows are a match for Zhao's cavalry, and in close combat, our long spears are effective against them. Spears can counter cavalry."
"So, before the siege, we must prepare a force to deal with these tens of thousands of cavalry." Wang Jian spoke slowly.
"We can deploy 30,000 archers and 20,000 spearmen to counter the Zhao cavalry," Wang Ben suggested.
"Currently, our total force is less than 250,000. If we deploy 50,000 against the cavalry, we'll have only 200,000 left to siege Handan. The disparity in numbers is still significant," Yang Duanhe noted.
"How many trebuchets and ballistae do we have left intact?" Wang Jian asked.
The deputy in charge of military equipment immediately stood up. "Reporting to the General, we have about 300 trebuchets and 500 ballistae still operational."
"From today onwards, focus all efforts on gathering boulders."
"Ensure that the trebuchets can bombard Handan continuously," Wang Jian ordered.
"Understood," the deputy replied promptly.
"What about arrows?" Wang Jian continued.
"After recovering and reassembling arrows from the battlefield, we currently have about one million. The rear supply lines are also continuously sending more."
"When all the supplies arrive, we'll have 1.5 million arrows," Wang Ben reported.
Qin's arrows were superior to those of other states, as Qin had unparalleled craftsmanship in arrow production.
Arrowheads, shafts, and feathers were all separate components, allowing damaged parts to be replaced by the logistics troops.
The same applied to bows and ballistae.
This level of sophistication was unmatched by other states.
"How soon can all the supplies arrive?" Wang Jian asked.
"Within five days," Wang Ben replied.
"Make it three days. There can be no delays," Wang Jian commanded.
"I will oversee the process personally," Wang Ben responded.
"Does the General plan to attack in three days?" Yang Duanhe asked respectfully.
Wang Jian glanced at Yang Duanhe but did not answer directly. "Select 50,000 elite troops to fend off Zhao's border cavalry. Who among you will take on this task?"
"I am willing to go," both Wang Ben and Yang Duanhe volunteered simultaneously.
Although this task would earn some merit, it couldn't compare to the glory of breaching the city.
Neither Wang Ben nor Yang Duanhe seemed confident enough to volunteer as the vanguard to attack Handan. The memory of the Qin royal general's suicide outside Handan and the loss of 200,000 troops was still fresh in their minds.
This left Zhao Feng, who stepped forward without hesitation and loudly declared, "I request to lead the vanguard!"
Wang Ben and Yang Duanhe were not surprised to see Zhao Feng step forward again. However, they still looked at him with concern.
"General," Wang Ben said, "I suggest requesting reinforcements from the Hangu camp."
"Enough," Wang Jian interrupted, his eyes firm. "The Zhao troops may outnumber us, but many are defeated soldiers with low morale. Our Qin army, though smaller in number, is riding high on victory and invincible in battle."
"The elite soldiers of our great Qin have been unstoppable all the way here, and the morale of the Zhao army has long been crushed by us."
"Now, our Qin forces have advanced to the capital of Zhao. Besieging the capital of another nation, the pressure on the Zhao army is far greater than what we face."
"Wang Ben, Yang Duanhe."
"I am deeply disappointed in both of you."
"The events of that year have passed for so many years, yet you still harbor fear."
"Originally..."
"I thought you two could request to lead the vanguard, but you can't even match Zhao Feng's courage."
Wang Jian spoke with a tone of reproach.
"Please calm your anger, General."
Wang Ben and Yang Duanhe immediately bowed, their faces showing a trace of panic.
"I have some news for you."
"The King has already departed from Xianyang and is en route to Handan."
"In twenty days, the royal carriage of His Majesty may very well reach the gates of Handan City," Wang Jian said in a low voice.
Upon hearing this, Wang Ben and Yang Duanhe's eyes widened.
Zhao Feng, standing to the side, was equally shocked, his heart stirring: "The Qin King is coming to Handan?"
"No, for now, he should still be the King of Qin."
"But he's coming to Handan!"
"Doesn't this mean... I'll have the chance to meet the legendary Qin Shi Huang?"
At this moment, Zhao Feng's emotions were incredibly mixed.
As someone who knew history, he naturally held great respect and curiosity for this figure hailed as the First Emperor of a unified China.
What would this immortal emperor look like? Zhao Feng was deeply curious.
Though he had memories of his past life, his impression of Qin Shi Huang was limited to depictions seen online, nothing more.
"I wonder if Qin Shi Huang is as imposing as described in the history books," Zhao Feng pondered internally.
Meanwhile, Wang Ben and Yang Duanhe were feeling immense pressure as well.
The King's arrival added a significant weight to their responsibilities.
If they failed to breach the city before his arrival, it would indeed be a grave offense.
"General," Yang Duanhe said anxiously, "can we truly breakthrough Handan before His Majesty arrives?"
"You should both understand that His Majesty was once held hostage in Zhao, and Handan City was the prison that confined him."
"His arrival speaks volumes about the importance he places on this city."
"For this battle..."
"I will personally oversee it. The Lantian Army will exert all its strength to take Handan," Wang Jian said firmly.
"We stand ready to follow the orders of the General at any time," Wang Ben, Yang Duanhe, and Zhao Feng replied with a bow.
"Zhao Feng," Wang Jian turned to him, "do you still wish to request to lead the vanguard?"
"I request it!" Zhao Feng replied resolutely, meeting Wang Jian's gaze.
"Very well."
Wang Jian said no more.
"Three days from now," he announced, "our forces will launch an assault on Handan."
"There will be no retreat until the city falls."
"Zhao Feng will lead his elite troops as the vanguard."
"Wang Ben will command his elite soldiers to block the Zhao cavalry from flanking us. Yang Duanhe will lead his archers to provide cover for the vanguard, while the infantry will form the rear guard for Zhao Feng's troops. The moment Zhao Feng's forces break through the city, the rest of the army will follow him in."
Wang Jian issued his orders with clarity and precision.
"We shall obey!" Zhao Feng replied loudly.
At that moment, Wang Ben clenched his teeth, a look of unflinching determination flashing across his face. "General, I request to join General Zhao Feng as vanguard and attack Handan together."
As soon as he said this, Wang Jian's eyes showed a hint of surprise, followed by approval.
"Say that again?" Wang Jian asked in a deep tone.
"I request to join General Zhao Feng as vanguard, to stand by his side and storm the city."
"Back then..."
"I served under General Wang He as a commander of ten thousand and personally experienced the bloody battle of Handan."
"During that assault, I was only twenty years old. Out of my camp of ten thousand, fewer than five hundred men and I survived."
"What you said earlier was correct, General. A Qin warrior must not fear. This time, I wish to stand alongside General Zhao Feng and wash away the shame of the past."
"To breach Handan!" Wang Ben declared loudly.
Yang Duanhe glanced at Wang Ben in astonishment, a trace of admiration in his eyes.
Though he was more than ten years Wang Ben's senior, he realized he lacked the same courage. Turning to Zhao Feng, who stood there fearlessly, Yang Duanhe sighed inwardly, "Every generation has its outstanding individuals. I am no match for them."
"Well said."
"Wang Ben."
"You have not let me down."
"To confront the past and face the present breaking free of the shadows in your heart you have grown." Wang Jian smiled approvingly.
"But..."
Wang Jian's tone shifted slightly, his eyes firm. "The orders have already been given. You must stop the Zhao border cavalry. Ensuring they do not harass our vanguard is a vital task."
Having served under Wang Jian in the Lantian Army for many years, Wang Ben knew his father's commands were unyielding.
Realizing this, Wang Ben could only bow and say, "I obey the order."
However, after confronting his inner fears, Wang Ben felt as if he had been reborn, with no trace of his previous dread for Handan.
Perhaps...
He had been inspired by Zhao Feng.
Night fell.
In Zhao Feng's camp, two deputy generals and ten commanders of ten thousand had gathered in the main tent.
"We've received our orders."
"This time, our troops will serve as the vanguard to assault Handan."
"I won't waste words with you all," Zhao Feng said, his gaze sweeping over the gathered officers. "Compared to our attack on Wu'an City, this battle will be much more difficult. Many of us, myself included, may not make it."
Hearing Zhao Feng's solemn words, Tu Sui, Zhang Han, and all the commanders showed no fear. They stood up and bowed, declaring, "We pledge our lives to follow the General!"
"Good."
Zhao Feng nodded, his eyes serious as he addressed them. "If we win this battle, all of you will achieve great merit and be rewarded by the King."
"But if misfortune strikes and we fall in battle, those who survive must take care of the families of the fallen."
"If I survive, I promise not to neglect your families. If I fall, I ask that you all look after my mother and sister." Zhao Feng's voice was steady but heavy.
His words caused the officers to grow even more solemn, for they had never seen Zhao Feng so grave since they had followed him.
It was clear how difficult this battle would be.
Tu Sui spoke up first, his voice loud and firm: "The families of all the officers are my family. If I survive, I will not abandon them."
Zhang Han also nodded resolutely. "The same goes for me."
The other officers all voiced their agreement.
This battle...
Would be more difficult than any Zhao Feng had ever fought.
Inside Handan, the Zhao army numbered nearly three hundred thousand, all under strict supervision by officers who would execute anyone who retreated.
With Pang Nuan commanding the central forces, recreating the success of Wu'an City was impossible.
This battle would undoubtedly be a bloodbath, even if they breached the gates.
"General Wang has ordered the attack to commence in three days," Zhao Feng said.
"Until then, ensure that all soldiers are well-rested and their needs met as much as possible."
With that, Zhao Feng dismissed the officers, who left after saluting him.
Alone in his tent, Zhao Feng sat silently.
"I still have more than eighty thousand soldiers under my command. I wonder how many will remain after this battle."
"They say a general's success is built on countless bones."
"I can't help but feel a pang of guilt."
"But in this great tide of history, even if I don't step forward, someone else will, and the casualties would only be greater."
As he thought about the bloodshed that awaited in three days, Zhao Feng's heart was heavy.
Time passed quickly.
Three days later, before the walls of Handan.
The Qin army was ready, their momentum overwhelming.
Wang Jian stood at the forefront of the vast army on his war chariot.
Suddenly, he turned, facing the two hundred thousand elite Qin soldiers arrayed behind him.
"Where are the elite soldiers of Qin?" Wang Jian shouted in a thunderous voice.
"Feng! Feng! Feng!"
The two hundred thousand troops roared in unison, their voices shaking the heavens and the earth.
The deafening battle cry transformed into a storm of killing intent, sweeping across the entirety of Handan City.
The Zhao soldiers atop the city walls, witnessing this overwhelming display of military might, were struck with astonishment and unease.
Yet...
When they saw the oversight troops behind them, they dared not show any fear.
At this moment, all Zhao soldiers within Handan City knew the strict orders:
Any deserters on the battlefield executed!
Anyone abandoning their post executed!
Those who weaken morale executed!
Those who shake the troops' spirit executed!
The orders had been issued, and the oversight troops were authorized to enforce them at any time.
For days now, many Zhao soldiers had already been punished by the oversight troops, as Pang Nuan used these executions as a chilling warning to instill fear and discipline throughout the army.
And indeed, this had achieved a notable effect.
"Wang Jian,"
"With me, Pang Nuan, here, don't think you can breach Handan!"
"Years ago, Qin General Wang took his own life in front of Handan to honor the fallen. Though that battle was commanded by Lian Po, today, I, Pang Nuan, will make you, Wang Jian, take your own life here to pay tribute to the countless citizens of Zhao!"
On the city wall, Pang Nuan stood personally, gazing coldly at the Qin forces outside the city, his eyes filled with a thirst for vengeance.
The defeat at Wu'an
That was the humiliation of Pang Nuan's life.
Even though this battle was a defensive one, Pang Nuan was determined to use his advantage to make the Qin forces pay a heavy price.
His gaze turned to the Qin army in front of him.
"Elite warriors of Great Qin!"
"Before you lies the capital city of Zhao. Breach this capital, and Zhao will cease to exist. With this victory, Great Qin will possess the foundation to unite the world! The long-cherished dream of generations of old Qin people will be realized through your hands!"
"Take this city!"
"All the soldiers of my Lantian Camp shall have their names etched into the annals of Lantian's history. In the future, all of Huaxia will revere the glory of Lantian!"
With a dramatic pause, Wang Jian drew the sword from his waist, turned sharply toward Handan City, and shouted in a commanding voice:
"Archers, heed my command!"
"Stone-throwing battalions, heed my command!"
"Ballista battalions, heed my command!"
"Attack!"
With one word, "Attack," the various military formations long stationed at the front sprang into action.
Catapults.
Ballistae.
And over a thousand formations of archers advanced.
This was the initial, inevitable phase of a Qin offensive long-range assaults to suppress the enemy.
"Kill!!"
At the front of the formations, a thunderous roar of "Kill" erupted, shaking the heavens.
Countless arrows rained down on Handan City, accompanied by stones hurled from catapults and massive bolts launched by ballistae.
A torrent of death swept over the city, plunging this Zhao capital, untouched by war for many years, back into the grip of slaughter.
Under the arrow storm, neither soldiers nor civilians could escape.
While soldiers maintained their formations, the random arrows piercing through rooftops killed many civilians hiding inside their homes.
The falling boulders caused even greater carnage, crushing anything in their path.
The city was filled with cries of despair and terror, but these sounds were drowned out by the endless whooshing of arrows and crashing stones.
As long as the city remained unbreached, the arrow rain would not cease.
The archers continued their relentless assault, raining down volley after volley, suppressing the Zhao forces within the city to the point where they could barely fight back.
Even Pang Nuan, who had long anticipated such tactics, was powerless against the Qin arrows. The range of his troops' arrows fell far short of reaching the Qin formations.
All he could do was reinforce the city's defenses, placing thick wooden planks in key areas to shield against the relentless arrows. While this measure provided some protection, it was far from enough.
Time passed, and the rain of arrows persisted.
On his chariot, Wang Jian gripped his sword. His stern expression remained unmoved as if this pivotal battle that would determine the fate of nations was nothing more than another ordinary campaign to him.
Finally, when the time was ripe, Wang Jian glanced at the sun hanging high in the sky.
Then, raising his sword once more, he pointed it at Handan and shouted:
"Vanguard troops, attack!"
Around Wang Jian's chariot, hundreds of messengers immediately rode off to deliver the orders to various formations.
At the front of the formations, Zhao Feng, the vanguard commander, stood at the forefront like any other soldier.
As always, he held a shield in his left hand, his right hand resting on the hilt of his Longquan sword, ready to draw it at a moment's notice.
Behind him stood his two deputy commanders, Tu Sui and Zhang Han, waiting silently for the general's orders.
At this moment
The sound of galloping horses echoed across the field.
"Orders from the general!"
"Vanguard troops, attack!"
The messenger shouted.
As the words reached Zhao Feng's ears, his previously calm eyes suddenly sharpened, radiating an aura of killing intent.
"'How can we lack garments? We will share our robes! The king raises his army; we sharpen our spears and fight side by side!'"
Zhao Feng recited a line of the ancient Qin war song.
Hearing this
Tu Sui.
Zhang Han.
The guards behind him and the countless elite soldiers all shivered, as if something within their very blood was awakened.
Immediately
From behind Zhao Feng, a chorus of voices erupted:
"'How can we lack garments? We will share our robes! The king raises his army; we sharpen our spears and fight side by side!'"
One after another, the elite soldiers sang the ancient war song passed down by the old Qin people a song that embodied their unyielding spirit.
In this atmosphere, even the surrendered soldiers from Han, who had once been Zhao's enemies, were deeply moved. They joined their comrades, loudly singing this song of war and unity.
"'How can we lack garments?'"
"'We will share our robes!'"
"'How can we lack garments?'"
"'We will share our tools and fight together!'"
Under the resonance of this war song, the spirit of the troops burned fiercely.
With a sharp clang, Zhao Feng drew the Longquan sword from his waist, and its blade rang out in the air.
Raising the blade high, Zhao Feng shouted:
"Brothers-in-arms!"
"I, Zhao Feng, will forever stand with my comrades!"
"Hear my command!"
"Follow my lead, and fight to the death!"
"Even if I fall, fight on and never retreat!"
-support me on Patreon for more chapters, 300+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LordoftheReader