Chapter 23: Chapter 23: Wang Jian’s Shock!
"Perhaps noble families with military ties have ambitions for expanding territory, but as a woman, avoiding the battlefield when possible is the wisest choice. This is not a place to prove one's worth," Zhao Feng said to Wang Yan before turning and walking toward the injured soldiers' camp.
Those words sent a jolt through Wang Yan.
She stood there, staring intently at Zhao Feng's departing figure.
It wasn't until Zhao Feng had completely left that Wang Yan regained her composure, her face showing a mix of surprise and contemplation.
After a long while, she muttered to herself:
"He figured out I'm a woman, and he seems to understand why I'm on the battlefield."
"As a woman, of course, I wouldn't want this."
"But if I don't step onto the battlefield, don't earn military merit, and don't make changes…"
"Even as the daughter of the mighty Qin Grand General, even with my esteemed status, I cannot escape the fate of being assigned to a political marriage."
"I don't want to become a sacrificial pawn in a political alliance I want to take control of my destiny," Wang Yan murmured, revealing the deepest secret she had hidden in her heart.
In a noble family, if born male, one's future might be destined for greatness. But for a woman, she would inevitably become a tool in marriage alliances.
At this moment, Wang Yan felt a ripple in her heart, stirred by Zhao Feng. His act of saving her life, coupled with their conversation today, had left her with an unfamiliar feeling.
The Qin-Han Border
Wang Jian stood in front of the map, his brows tightly knit.
The curtain of the command tent was pulled open, and Wang Ben stepped in briskly, his face carrying a hint of relief.
"How is it?" Wang Jian asked directly.
"Father," Wang Ben said, his tone much lighter now, "the crisis has been resolved."
"How was it resolved? Did Li Teng redeploy troops for reinforcement? But even then, it would've been too late," Wang Jian said in a low voice.
Last night, Wang Jian had learned about the surprise attack by Han forces concealed near Yangcheng. Upon learning this, he immediately halted the transportation of supplies and mobilized the camp's troops to respond.
As one of Qin's most renowned generals, tasked with leading the initial campaign to destroy Han, Wang Jian naturally had exceptional abilities far beyond someone like Bao Yuan.
In other words, even if Bao Yuan had led his troops past the Yangcheng perimeter to attack Qin's supply lines, Wang Jian would not have been caught unprepared.
"Father, the outcome of this battle might sound unbelievable."
"I don't have all the details yet. Please review the military report from Sister Yan first," Wang Ben said, handing over a bamboo scroll with both hands.
Wang Jian took the report and began reading.
His expression quickly became animated.
As he read about the events leading up to the resolution, a faint smile appeared on his face.
"So, the eight thousand Han soldiers were annihilated. They failed to breach the Yangcheng perimeter and attack our supply lines because they were held back by our logistics troops, which gave Yan'er the chance to pursue and destroy the Han forces?" Wang Jian summarized.
"Exactly."
"The logistics troops performed heroically."
"But out of ten thousand logistics soldiers, only about six hundred survived," Wang Ben said with a sigh.
"Such troops deserve to be honored."
"They've proven with their blood and courage that Qin's army is filled with brave warriors, not just among the elite."
"I'll report this to the King. All fallen logistics soldiers from this battle will receive an additional 30% in compensation on top of the standard amount. They deserve it for their valor," Wang Jian said solemnly.
"You are wise, Father," Wang Ben agreed immediately.
Wang Jian nodded and continued reading the report.
As he read further, his expression turned increasingly peculiar.
Suddenly, he stood up, closing the bamboo scroll abruptly. But then, as if in disbelief, he reopened it to confirm. His face showed a mixture of shock and surprise.
"Father, what's wrong?" Wang Ben asked, puzzled.
"One man killed nearly three hundred Han soldiers."
"And he slew Bao Yuan amidst the chaos," Wang Jian said slowly, his tone filled with astonishment.
"What?"
"One man killed three hundred Han soldiers and even killed Bao Yuan?" Wang Ben exclaimed, his expression equally stunned.
"See for yourself," Wang Jian said, handing over the report.
Wang Ben took it and read carefully, his expression becoming increasingly complex.
"Such strength… Is this even human?"
"And… he's just a logistics soldier?"
"This level of combat ability would be unparalleled even among the main forces' elites," Wang Ben said, filled with amazement.
"Does the name sound familiar to you?" Wang Jian asked with a slight smile.
"Zhao Feng!"
Wang Ben immediately read the name aloud.
"This is the same man who killed Bao Yuan's son, Bao Qiu when he feigned death at the border."
"He's killed both father and son. Quite a coincidence," Wang Jian said with a hint of amusement.
"Father, why is someone with such exceptional skill serving in the logistics unit?"
"And can anyone truly possess such combat ability?" Wang Ben asked, his curiosity piqued.
"In a vast world, there are always extraordinary individuals."
"As for why he's in the logistics unit, it's likely because he underperformed during his training as a recruit, leading to his placement there. Perhaps he deliberately concealed his abilities, or maybe his physical aptitude seemed lacking at the time. These are personal choices," Wang Jian explained.
"Father, this man's valor turned the tide of the battle and prevented the Han army's surprise attack. His contributions are immense. If not for his bravery, the logistics troops wouldn't have dared to face the Han forces head-on."
"Moreover, killing nearly three hundred enemies and personally slaying Bao Yuan his achievements are enormous," Wang Ben said with admiration.
"According to Qin's military merit system, how many ranks should he be promoted?" Wang Jian asked.
"Based on the merits: two ranks for his kills and three more for slaying the Han general Bao Yuan. If a noble title is to be granted, the promotion would be reduced accordingly," Wang Ben replied.
In the Qin court, military merit determined promotions and titles.
Promotions represented command authority and the number of soldiers one could lead.
Noble titles represented annual stipends and land ownership the higher the title, the greater the income and land.
"Killing Bao Yuan is a significant achievement. It must be presented to the King for rewards. I will personally draft a memorial to the throne once Bao Yuan's head arrives," Wang Jian said firmly.
"Such a talent cannot remain in the logistics unit. I suggest transferring him to the main combat forces to fight for the country," Wang Ben proposed directly.
Wang Jian nodded without hesitation.
A talent that this extraordinary and courageous must not be wasted in the logistics unit.
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