He remembered that, as recorded in historical books, the process of Qin's conquest of Zhao was fraught with twists and turns, and Li Mu was the biggest obstacle.
His purpose in coming here is to personally crush these setbacks and steer history in the smoothest possible direction.
As for revenge? That's long since become irrelevant emotional dust.
Qin Chuan's voice was not loud, but it contained a strange penetrating power, clearly reaching the ears of every soldier.
The Qin army marched east out of Hangu Pass like a flood bursting its banks, heading straight for the territory of Zhao.
When the news reached Handan, the Zhao court officials, upon first hearing that Qin had appointed the "foolish prince" Ying Chuan as commander, all scoffed, believing that Qin had no capable men and that Ying Zheng was incompetent.
King Yan of Zhao even held a grand banquet for his ministers to celebrate the self-destruction of their powerful enemy.
However, the laughter was quickly replaced by fear.
Qin Chuan's military tactics were deeply rooted in the essence of military strategy, and also incorporated unpredictable and ingenious schemes from another world, along with his insight into the historical context.
The Qin army under his command moved like the wind and attacked like fire, yet they combined the orthodox and unorthodox tactics, making it difficult to distinguish between the real and the feinted.
Eyu, the western gateway to the Zhao state, was a strategically important and treacherous location. Qin launched a feigned attack with a divided force, while its main army, like ghosts, traversed the treacherous mountains, launching a pincer attack from both sides and conquering the city in a single day!
Hanyang was a crucial grain supply town for the Zhao state. Qin Chuan sent elite assassins to infiltrate and burn the granaries, causing chaos. The main army seized the opportunity to launch a surprise attack, and the defending forces collapsed instantly!
Anyang served as a natural barrier to the south of Handan. The Qin army besieged the city without attacking, instead focusing on annihilating reinforcements. They systematically defeated the hastily assembled Zhao reinforcements, ultimately forcing the Anyang defenders to surrender in despair!
In just a few months, the Qin army swept through the enemy lines, capturing key towns one after another. Wherever their forces advanced, the Zhao army crumbled in fear.
The Qin army's black tide has advanced to the south of Handan, facing the Zhao capital across the Zhang River!
The few remaining cities along the way trembled under the iron hooves of the Qin army, rendered useless.
King Yan of Zhao's laughter had long since turned into a terrified scream.
He finally understood that the "foolish young master" who was being mocked was a monster even more terrifying than Wang Jian and Huan Yi!
In his panic, he could no longer disregard his suspicions and placed his last hope on Li Mu, a famous general from the northern frontier, urgently summoning him to lead the elite border troops south to defend the emperor.
Li Mu, the Zhao state's military genius who struck fear into the hearts of the Xiongnu, was appointed to a critical mission.
He knew that the Qin army was at its peak and that its commander, Ying Chuan, was unpredictable and no ordinary general.
He chose to build a strong defensive line in the Yi'an and Feixia area, relying on the terrain, with deep trenches and high walls, in an attempt to blunt the Qin army's advance with strong defenses and then look for an opportunity to counterattack.
The Qin and Zhao armies, one riding high on a series of victories, were brimming with fighting spirit; the other, fighting for the survival of their nation, was a desperate army destined for victory.
The main forces of both sides are locked in a stalemate at Yianhei, and a major battle that will determine the fate of the two countries is about to break out.
When the news reached Xianyang, the imperial court was once again shaken.
Li Mu's reputation is too great!
Li Si, Wei Liao, and others could no longer sit still and jointly submitted a memorial to Ying Zheng:
"Your Majesty! Li Mu's skill in battle is known throughout the land! Although Prince Yingchuan has achieved some minor victories, he may not be able to secure a complete victory against such a formidable enemy! For the sake of the nation, I request that General Wang Jian be dispatched immediately to replace him as commander-in-chief!"
Ying Zheng sat upright on the throne, his face solemn.
His desk was piled high with battle reports from the front lines and letters of advice from his ministers.
He looked towards Handan outside the palace, and the image of the cold gazes of the Zhao people he had been bullied by on the streets of Handan when he was a child seemed to appear before his eyes.
He spoke slowly, his voice deep yet containing immense power:
"Your Majesty, I trust Ying Chuan! Although Li Mu is strong, who knows if Brother Chuan is not his nemesis? The outcome is not yet decided, how can we lightly change commanders? Send a decree to the front lines, I am in Xianyang, awaiting good news from Brother Chuan!"
His almost blind trust in his younger brother solidified at that moment.
In Yi'an and Feixia, war clouds gather.
Li Mu deployed an impregnable defensive formation, with his chariots, cavalry, and infantry working in perfect coordination, creating a formidable and impenetrable fortification. He attempted to maintain a static approach to wear down the Qin army's morale.
However, Qin Chuan had already thoroughly studied Li Mu's tactical style. He knew that Li Mu excelled at defensive counter-attacks and was even more adept at using terrain. This time, Qin Chuan did not choose a direct assault.
He first launched a feint attack with a detachment to harass the Zhao army's supply lines on the flank, creating chaos.
Li Mu responded cautiously, dividing his forces to provide reinforcements. Just as a gap appeared in Zhao's army's movements, Qin Chuan personally led his most elite Iron Eagle warriors, like the sharpest dagger, piercing straight into Li Mu's central army!
The timing, angle, and speed were all exquisitely perfect!
At the same time, his ambush troops, which he had already set up, suddenly attacked when the Zhao army's formation was shifted, and cooperated with the main force to divide and surround the Zhao army!
Under Qin Chuan's precise command, the Qin army's crossbow formation unleashed a deadly rain of arrows that blotted out the sky, suppressing the Zhao army so they couldn't raise their heads.
The heavily armored infantry advanced like a wall, unstoppable in their path.
The cavalry, like two sharp blades spread out on both wings, cut through the Zhao army's lines.
Li Mu lived up to his reputation as a famous general, remaining calm and composed in the face of danger, and attempting to stabilize the situation.
However, Qin Chuan's command seemed to anticipate his every thought, always managing to block his counterattack routes one step ahead.
Under Qin Chuan's calm and insightful command, the Qin soldiers displayed astonishing fighting power.
The fierce battle lasted for a full day and night.
Ultimately, Zhao Jun's defenses completely collapsed.
Li Mu fought bravely and refused to retreat, but was surrounded and eventually besieged by Qin Chuan's army.
Faced with a forest of spears and Qin Chuan's deep, calm eyes that seemed to see through everything, the war god of the northern frontier sighed, threw his sword to the ground, and surrendered.
The Qin army achieved a great victory! The renowned general Li Mu was captured!
The good news was like a thunderclap, exploding in Handan and shaking the entire world!
Inside the Xianyang Palace, Ying Zheng received the battle report, abruptly stood up, and laughed heartily, his laughter filled with joy and pride: "Good! Well done, Ying Chuan! My brother Chuan truly has the bearing of a military god!"
The officials in the hall, including Li Si and Wei Liao, all changed their expressions drastically, their shock turning into deep awe and shame.
They finally realized how wrong they had been.
After this battle, the name of Prince Ying Chuan resounded throughout the world.
The label of "foolish young master" was completely torn off, replaced by the supreme glory of "Great Qin Military God"!
His name became a symbol of victory and invincibility.
Several months later, Handan fell.
Without Li Mu, the State of Zhao was like a body without a backbone.
Qin Chuan commanded his army to break through the gates of Handan with overwhelming force.
King Yan of Zhao and all his royal family members and ministers were captured.
When the Qin army's black flags were planted on the city walls of Handan, the entire state of Zhao was plunged into despair.
Everyone thought that this Qin prince, who had been a hostage in Zhao and suffered countless humiliations, would surely massacre Handan to vent his hatred.
The royal family of Zhao were ashen-faced, awaiting their doom.
However, to everyone's surprise,
Qin Chuan's first military order after entering the city was:
"All troops, listen to my command: restrain your troops and do not commit any offenses! Anyone who dares to plunder the people, rape women, or destroy ancestral temples will be executed without mercy!"
The Qin army under his command was unbelievably disciplined. From the first day they entered Zhao territory, Qin Chuan implemented the strategy of "winning hearts and minds is the best strategy, conquering cities is the second best strategy."
After the city fell, aside from the necessary suppression of sporadic resistance and the takeover of government treasuries and offices, the Qin soldiers truly did not harm the people of Handan in the slightest.
Shops gradually reopened, and the city slowly came back to life. Although shrouded in the shadow of national subjugation, a devastating massacre was averted.
Qin Chuan even personally inspected the area, reassuring the terrified former officials of Zhao and respected elders, explaining that although Qin law was strict, it only punished the ringleaders to protect the borders and ensure the safety of the people.
He wasn't feigning concern; he deeply understood that the key to long-term stability lay in winning the hearts and minds of the people, not indiscriminate killing. The thrill of revenge seemed insignificant compared to the grand blueprint for an empire.
The triumphant army returned to its capital in triumph.
Outside Xianyang, banners obscured the sun as Ying Zheng personally led his civil and military officials thirty li outside the city to welcome him.
The grand spectacle demonstrated the empire's supreme respect for this newly crowned military genius.
When Qin Chuan, dressed in full military attire, rode up to the imperial carriage, dismounted, and paid his respects, Ying Zheng strode forward, personally helped him up, and patted him firmly on the shoulder, his eyes filled with undisguised admiration and brotherly affection.
"Brother Chuan! You've done a great job! This battle has enhanced the prestige of our Great Qin and wiped away the shame of our Ying clan! Your achievements will last for generations!"
Li Si, Wei Liao, and other senior officials who had vehemently opposed Qin Chuan's appointment as commander now stepped forward, their faces filled with shame, and bowed deeply.
"Your Highness is truly awe-inspiring, your military prowess is unparalleled! We were so shallow and presumptuous in the past that we almost ruined the affairs of the state. We beg Your Highness to punish us!"
Qin Chuan remained calm, his gaze sweeping over the faces that had once looked down on him, without a trace of arrogance.
He slightly raised his hand:
"My lords, you flatter me. The campaign against Zhao is a matter of national importance, and your concerns for the country are understandable. There is no need to dwell on the past. From now on, we must work together to ensure the eternal prosperity of Qin."
His magnanimity further demonstrates his broad-mindedness.
Li Si and the others were even more impressed and quickly agreed.
At this moment, Qin Chuan's status in the imperial court was at its zenith, unmatched by anyone.
The afterglow of the setting sun draped the victorious soldiers in golden armor.
Qin Chuan gazed at the majestic city of Xianyang, his eyes deep and thoughtful.
The destruction of Zhao was just the beginning.
He knew that a wider territory, more powerful enemies, and a more magnificent era awaited the Qin Dynasty, and also awaited him.
And he will use the sword in his hand and the strategies in his mind to carve out an unprecedented future for this empire.
The title of "God of War" is just the beginning.
Chapter 52 Gongsun Li?
The glory of the victory over Zhao was still fresh, and Prince Ying Chuan's reputation as a "military god" resounded throughout the court and the country.
Inside the Zhangtai Palace, Ying Zheng and his senior ministers were discussing the rewards for their younger brother, who had made unparalleled contributions.
"A title of nobility, a fiefdom, gold, silver, jewels, and the expansion of one's mansion are all within reach."
Ying Zheng's voice carried an undeniable authority and a hint of pride in his younger brother:
"But Brother Chuan's achievements are far beyond what ordinary people can describe. Gentlemen, do you have any other good strategies?"
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