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The long journey did not affect Li Xin's recovery. Under Xiao Yu'er's careful care, he was able to get out of bed and eat by the third day. Although he could only consume some liquid food, it was enough for everyone to see that he was on the verge of recovery.
As the returning group boarded the ship to travel along the river, a fully recovered Li Xin was completely unconcerned about such minor disturbances. In his words, compared to that experience of crossing the sea, this was merely a drizzle!
Next, they would enter the final phase of the battle, and all participants needed to be in peak physical condition. Many things might not succeed even with full effort, let alone when one is half-hearted.
Standing on the deck, Luzi did not want to dwell on that heart-stopping experience any longer. Seeing the lively Li Xin made him less concerned. He looked up at the lush greenery on both banks and couldn't help but feel a surge of emotions. He remembered when they left Shangdang; the greenery in the world was still faint, almost describable as a mix of withered yellow with a hint of green. Now, looking again, it was already vibrant with life.
The greatness of life lies in this ability to move those who truly feel it.
Since Luzi received King Zhao of Qin's orders to leave the Dan Shui River Defense Line, his army had remained stationed without joining the Shangdang Defense War. As their ship had yet to dock, they saw a group emerging from the forest. It was none other than Old General Meng Ao and Wang Jian leading troops to welcome the general back to camp.
According to military orders, today marked the last day of their return period. This meant that as long as they returned before dark, it would not be considered a fault.
After exchanging greetings with Meng Ao and Wang Jian, they simultaneously glanced at the setting sun about to dip behind the mountains. Just moments ago, their hopeful anticipation slowly turned into worry as no ships appeared on the river surface. Fortunately! The general arrived as scheduled!
According to King Zhao of Qin's orders, Luzi's twenty thousand troops were set to depart tonight for their ambush position. For Luzi, who had been away for several months, everything regarding military matters was still disorganized.
To save time, several Qin Army generals participating in high-level meetings gathered together to discuss matters while eating. By the time dusk transitioned into night, Luzi had effectively regained control over this Qin Army.
The army's movement began at this moment; any unresolved issues would have to be discussed along the way. With orders issued one after another, the prepared soldiers officially left their station and returned to the East Bank of Dan Shui River. They then moved north along Dan Shui River in hopes of reaching their designated ambush position before dawn.
The old generals who had already received action orders were unaware of the army's objectives since only the general could provide that answer. However, their instincts told them that a major operation was likely ahead. Thus, after discussing with Wang Jian, they decided to dismantle several bridges originally built over Dan Shui River. They left only one for their own troops' use—the wooden bridge behind the Qin Army's station. Once the twenty thousand Qin Army crossed the riverbank, this remaining bridge would also be completely destroyed.
Based on the earlier understanding, it is now clear what the two armies of Qin Zhao are facing at Shangdang.
Zhao Kuo's Army has almost exhausted its strength in an attempt to capture the Granary located around Daliang Mountain, only to be completely surrounded by the Qin Army that emerged from all directions. It is possible that Zhao Kuo considered that the subsequent Feudal States would send Allied Forces to assist, which is why he left no retreat for Zhao's Army.
Perhaps Zhao Kuo intended to lure the Qin Army into surrounding him, then have the Allied Forces execute a counter-surrounding maneuver!?
None of this provides a reasonable answer, as no one is asking Zhao Kuo what he truly thinks. Faced with the overwhelming encirclement of the Qin Army, the situation has left Zhao's Army in utter despair.
News that the Allied Forces could not be assembled has reached Zhao State, causing King Zhao to jump up and curse in frustration. The Zhao Army trapped at Shangdang comprises nearly all of Zhao State's elite forces, which had been reinforced by withdrawing main forces from the borders. Is this an attempt to annihilate Zhao State!?
King Zhao's anger is justified; if it weren't for being deceived by the feudal lords, Qin State would never have had such an opportunity to wipe out all of Zhao's elite forces in one fell swoop. Fortunately, Li Mu and Sima Shang arrived promptly and effectively used a few thousand Cavalry to create confusion, preventing the enemy from exploiting the situation and crossing into their territory. Even so, urgent reports from the borders continue to flood in.
The Plain King, who urgently traveled abroad to negotiate, also failed to achieve his goals and was met with several closed doors. After encountering Xingling Jun, who shared similar frustrations, both men realized the dire situation and wept together. However, sorrow does not solve problems; they decided to work together and hurried back to Zhao State to report.
What should they do!?
As King Zhao Xiaocheng, filled with rage, planned to seek negotiations with King Zhao of Qin regarding ceding cities, Wei Wujie finally spoke up. In his view, Qin State's true intention was not merely to seize a few cities from Zhao State; various signs indicated that Qin State aimed to decisively eliminate Zhao State's elite forces at Shangdang.
What does it mean to decisively eliminate? It means they want to completely eradicate Zhao State's elite forces in one fell swoop!
Still unwilling to accept this harsh reality, Zhao Wang Dan looked at his uncle Zhao Sheng, hoping for a contradictory answer from this wise man. However, what he received was an unexpected acknowledgment from Zhao Sheng that this might indeed be the case.
If it weren't for that detestable omen! If it weren't for those despicable deceivers! Alas! It's over! Completely over! Zhao Wang Dan sat down heavily on the dragon throne, no longer wishing to say another word.
Zhao Sheng had already made up his mind on the way back and was determined to follow through with his plan. He turned to see Wei Wujie nodding and immediately offered advice to King Zhao. At this point, it was too late for any further discussion or contemplation; the only course of action was to mobilize the nation's strength for a battle against Qin. If heaven showed mercy on Zhao, who would emerge victorious was still uncertain!
Zhao Wang Dan, unable to believe his uncle's decision, tightly gripped the armrest, and a calculation formed in his mind. Since these issues were caused by them, let them deal with it! With that thought, he stood up and entrusted the Plain King with the authority to act, then turned to look at the two standing below before sweeping out of the room.
The outcome was still favorable!
Wei Wujie, who spoke to comfort Zhao Sheng, clearly did not expect such a result. However, he thought it was actually not bad. Rather than handing over the critical matters of the state to this young man who panicked at every turn, it was better for Zhao Sheng to take charge!
Time waits for no one! Now that they held power, what was there to hesitate about!?
Wei Wujie, who had always dreamed of commanding a thousand troops and horses, immediately suggested that Zhao Sheng convene a military meeting right away. He expressed his willingness to personally lead three thousand retainers to support Zhao. He was ready to risk everything! If Zhao lacked a suitable leader for the army, he would step up!
Zhao Sheng, well aware of Wei Wujie's intentions, was nonetheless moved by Young Master Wei's courage. He sighed deeply and spoke of Zhao's current predicament. The entire elite Zhao Army had been dispatched to Shangdang, leaving less than thirty thousand regular troops available domestically!
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