Due to the inability to engage in battle, both armies of Qin Zhao redeployed, preparing to continue fighting once the Heavy Fog dissipated. Wang Jian worked overtime to adjust the deployment and rode alone to the peak of Tiger Back Ridge to survey the area.
He saw the sea of fog gently swaying with the waves, and occasionally, clouds would rise from the emerald-like mountains floating above the sea of clouds. Such a rare sight reminded Wang Jian of his youth when he climbed Mount Tai to wait for the sunrise. It was a magnificent testament to the great and resilient vitality of life, akin to the sun breaking free from the constraints of the cloud sea and leaping forth in grandeur.
Thinking of this indomitable vitality, Wang Jian tightly clenched his left hand around the sword sheath. As he slowly drew his long sword overhead, a beam of light illuminated the horizon...
Just yesterday afternoon, Luzi returned the Bronze Longsword that he had received as a gift in the State of Chu to Wang Jian for safekeeping. Luzi told Wang Jian that this was the General's Sword he had promised to Little Meng Tian. If... if he could not fulfill this promise himself, then Wang Jian would take on that responsibility. The immortality of life does not refer to the immortality of the flesh, especially in the midst of battle.
This person had been well just moments ago; perhaps he vanished with a mere turn. But a promise is a promise! Since it was made, it must be fulfilled regardless of whether one is present or not.
The General's Sword is issued through royal decrees from the king's appointments and promotions. This means that both a general's Armor and Seal, along with their Sword, are symbols of identity granted by Royal Decree. For this reason, Luzi always carried two swords.
Since Luzi received his title from the court, he had his own General's Sword. When he left the Qin Army stationed at Tiger Back Ridge's Defensive Formation, he carried with him the newly issued General's Sword from the court. His previous sword had been destroyed during the defense of Wild King City, so he had been using this Bronze Longsword given to him by Wang Jian in the meantime.
Now that this sword had returned to its old master, Wang Jian hung it at his waist in place of the General's Sword issued by the court. Due to its craftsmanship and specifications being suitable, all sword sheaths could accommodate any issued General's Sword.
Considering that swords are primarily used in combat, the Qin State did not adhere to Zhou Dynasty standards regarding different proportions between blade length and hilt length. All specifications were uniform; from generals down to Scouts on special missions, everyone wielded swords of standardized dimensions.
This was rare in history, especially in an era where wealth dictated status. What is often referred to as fate is actually a reflection of Public Sentiment!
The assurance of sustained combat effectiveness for the Qin Army was inseparable from Wang Jian’s efforts as an Artificer in times past and ultimately gained approval from King Zhao of Qin through his persistence.
Weapons serve soldiers, and soldiers serve their country. To maintain optimal combat readiness against enemies requires standardized manufacturing processes. This ensures that Soldiers can consistently use complete weapons throughout their engagements and allows for reassembly and continued use even after unavoidable losses occur.
Given this, why can't the upcoming Sword be standardized as well!?
For King Zhao of Qin, who has been fighting for decades, the weapon replacement is under immense pressure. If it weren't for Fan Ju's strategic planning that led to the downfall of the influential Wei Ran, Wang Jian's proposal to unify the Sword would have been impossible to realize.
At this moment, King Zhao of Qin fully accepted military command, and the absolute centralization allowed him to make changes as he saw fit. To quickly respond to Artificer Wang Jian's request, King Zhao of Qin summoned Chancellor Fan Ju to the palace for a meeting that night.
The outcome was surprisingly smooth. Fan Ju, already familiar with Wang Jian, listened carefully to the king's intentions and discreetly winked at Wang Jian standing behind him. He then stated that as the saying goes, "To do a good job, one must first sharpen their tools." Since this suggestion came from an expert, it should be implemented. As long as it ensures the combat effectiveness of my Qin Army, any improvement is progress! What my Great Qin needs most now is progress!
When the newly forged Sword was distributed for replacement, some generals raised doubts. They formed alliances to approach the retired Rao Hou in Taoyi for feedback but were dismissed by Wei Ran with an unchallengeable Royal Decree. Without a leader, the Generals had no choice but to give up, though they still harbored mixed feelings.
True gold fears no fire! The results based on facts are never afraid of anyone's scrutiny!
As the replaced Sword was used in actual combat, it received unanimous recognition from commanders and soldiers alike. For the Soldiers and generals, winning on the battlefield and surviving is more important than anything else. The generals who experienced its practical effects all chose to tacitly accept this sword's specifications, and opposing voices disappeared.
In a society composed of humans, even seemingly simple matters can have undercurrents. Even when everyone knows that something is for the greater good, there are still those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to make it happen. Only after everyone benefits do they finally acknowledge that it truly is good. If this matter were to falter midway, the subsequent outcome would only be a huge joke.
Those who uphold justice and light often encounter such awkward phenomena. When many do not understand, someone bravely stands up and calls for action. They hope for a world filled with light but often pay a considerable price for it.
Maintaining brightness is truly not easy; sometimes it even requires sacrificing oneself to release that light. These individuals will be called heroes by future generations because they illuminate the path home for others through their self-sacrifice.
It is precisely because it is not easy that persistence is needed. They firmly believe that behind them will be more people who see the light and are willing to carry on the torch of brightness. They always believe that light is like a newborn sun. Whenever darkness invades people's hearts, someone will let out a final roar calling for light!
Thank heaven for leaving China with Qin State! Thank heaven for granting Qin State a wise ruler at this time!
Wang Jian, who had no regrets about his past efforts, did not see himself as a hero, for he knew there was still a long road ahead. He understood that everything he had done would have been in vain without the right timing and the recognition from King Zhao of Qin.
However, the results were finally in, and they were indeed the best outcome he had hoped for!
Yet, for some reason, as he gazed at the picturesque Unity of the Realm, a thought suddenly emerged in Wang Jian's mind. No matter how many thousands or even tens of thousands of years passed, China would enter a true state of unity from this moment onward. Even if it faced storms and changes over time, it would never again be as fragmented as it was during the Warring States period.
With this thought in mind, Wang Jian confidently raised his sword high above his head towards the rising sun, allowing his entire being to bask in the light and receive its cleansing warmth. The heart that had once been shrouded in confusion and helplessness was slowly illuminated by this warmth.
We shall follow the will of heaven and the aspirations of our ancestors, taking it upon ourselves to restore China's unity. This conviction is a testament to heaven and earth!
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