As Zhao Feng ascended the Dianjiang Platform step by step, many soldiers in the army were also extremely surprised. They had not expected Zhao Feng to be so young, nor did they anticipate that such substantial military achievements were accomplished by him alone.
Under the watchful eyes of thousands, Zhao Feng mounted the towering Dianjiang Platform and came before Wang Jian.
"This subordinate pays his respects to the Shangjiangjun."
"I pay my respects to the Royal Envoy."
Zhao Feng bowed deeply.
"The King of Qin decrees!" Meng Yi did not hesitate. He once again took out a Royal Edict and announced loudly, "Capital Commandant Zhao Feng, heed the Edict!"
"Your subject, Zhao Feng, respectfully awaits the Royal Edict," Zhao Feng immediately responded.
"The Royal Edict!
"As Qin waged war against Han, many generals and soldiers displayed outstanding merit during the campaign. From the battle reports, the one who stands out as the foremost among them is none other than Zhao Feng.
"Starting in the Logistics Army, he served the country amidst adversity, leading his troops to confront the elite Han forces. He fought without retreat and remained undefeated, demonstrating that our soldiers of Qin, whether in logistics or front-line combat, all possess the fiery spirit of the people of Qin. It is precisely because of valorous men like Zhao Feng that Bao Yuan’s surprise attack to cut off our supply lines was thwarted. I, the King, will remember this feat deeply.
"Zhao Feng is a man of Qin’s spirit, a valiant soldier and a brave general of Qin. His achievements—beheading Bao Yuan, breaching the Han Capital, slaying Chancellor Han, and capturing the King of Han—are indispensable.
"In accordance with the military merit system of Qin, substantial rewards and titles are to be granted. Zhao Feng is hereby promoted two ranks to the position of Deputy General of Qin, commanding fifty thousand troops to assist the Main General in defending Yingchuan.
"Zhao Feng is granted a four-level elevation in nobility to the rank of Senior Assistant, enjoying an annual salary of five hundred dan of grain. He is granted one thousand mu of fertile land in his place of origin and exempted from land tax for two years. All unpaid annual salary will be issued immediately in accordance with the rank of Senior Assistant."
At this point, Meng Yi’s voice paused, the reading of the Royal Edict evidently complete.
The King of Qin has great conviction.
Upon hearing the rewards in the Edict, a flash of surprise crossed Zhao Feng’s face, quickly followed by a look of joy. Although it seemed unsurprising that Zhao Feng received this honor given his military achievements, there were many other factors under the military merit system. Especially for ranks above Capital Commandant, such honors were extremely difficult to attain.
Anyone above the rank of Capital Commandant could be addressed as a general. Being called a general signified a leap in status. Even if one no longer led troops, the status of a general could secure a favorable position in local administration. And now, Zhao Feng had been made a Deputy General at the age of sixteen. Throughout all of Qin, indeed, throughout the entire Land of the Divine Continent, there was likely no one else who held such an honor or possessed such power at sixteen years of age.
Moreover, the tenth-rank nobility of Senior Assistant was a hereditary title. The lands could be passed down to his children and grandchildren. Reaching such a rank meant one had truly become part of the new nobility. The tenth rank was a major threshold. Many men strove their entire lives without ever crossing it, but Zhao Feng had achieved it. As far as he knew, many commanders in the army holding Wanjiang ranks were of the eighth or ninth rank of nobility; they had not crossed the threshold into the tenth rank. The value of the Senior Assistant title was immense.
"General Zhao, will you not express your gratitude and receive the Edict?" Meng Yi reminded him with a slight smile, seeing his stunned and joyous expression. He then walked over to Zhao Feng and handed him the Royal Edict.
Zhao Feng came to his senses, bowed deeply, and then accepted the Royal Edict with both hands, proclaiming loudly, "Your servant, Zhao Feng, thanks the Great King for his immense grace."
"General Zhao, please rise." Meng Yi smiled and helped Zhao Feng to his feet.
Meng Yi casually grasped Zhao Feng’s left arm and led him toward the edge of the Dianjiang Platform. He then lifted Zhao Feng’s hand high, announcing loudly, "From this day forth, General Zhao shall be the youngest general in the Qin Army, and indeed, the youngest general in the world. His valiant military exploits shall be known far and wide!"
"The Great King has decreed:
"General Zhao rose from the Logistics Army, exemplifying the fearless bravery of a Qin soldier. Upon entering the main battle camps, he fought the enemy with valor, heedless of life and death, his combat achievements unparalleled in the entire army.
"General Zhao’s promotion is based solely on the military merit system. His war merits shall be spread throughout the army to serve as an inspiration. Therefore, less than a year after enlisting, General Zhao has been promoted to the rank of general on the basis of his military achievements.
"Any Daqin Elite Soldier, regardless of background, who slays enemies for the country and achieves great deeds, may be appointed to higher offices and ranks, reaching the zenith of officialdom!"
His voice faded but still echoed throughout the army.
When everyone had heard his words clearly, on the training field, the eyes of every Sharp Warrior filled with fighting spirit. They looked at Zhao Feng’s figure as if seeing their own goal.
"Qin, for ten thousand years! The Great King, for ten thousand years!"
"Qin, for ten thousand years...!"
The roars resounded to the heavens, vibrating through the void. The might of the Qin Army was on full display.
He’s using me as a benchmark for the entire army. As expected of the future Emperor Qin Shi Huang, he knows the power of setting an example. Using my military achievements to incentivize the entire army will surely inspire countless Sharp Warriors to face death without fear, fighting for their own futures. The military merit system of Qin is truly formidable. Zhao Feng couldn’t help but admire the King of Qin’s masterful move. If I were in a position of power, perhaps I would do the same.
Zhao Feng had risen from the Logistics Army with no family background. A commoner who enlisted and reached such a high position in less than a year—it was absolutely necessary to use his story to inspire the entire army.
After the cheers of the army gradually died down, Wang Jian stepped forward and said solemnly, "Wang Ben."
"This subordinate is here," Wang Ben immediately replied.
"The army is to break camp and return to Lantian," Wang Jian ordered.
"This subordinate obeys." Wang Ben immediately accepted the order. New ɴᴏᴠᴇʟ ᴄhapters are published on novel⁂fire.net
Subsequently, Wang Ben stood before the Dianjiang Platform, drew his sword, and issued the command, "General Cao, General Zhang, break camp and return to Lantian."
"This subordinate obeys the order," the two deputy generals immediately responded.
Afterward, the assembled army of 100,000 began to disengage in an orderly fashion and return to the Qin Lantian Camp. With the army deployed in the field, the daily consumption of provisions was massive, all of which depleted the national power of Qin. Returning to the camp to garrison would reduce the consumption of these supplies and stabilize the nation’s strength.