"Your Majesty, the Commandant of the Guards has sent scouts who are less than fifty li from Xianyang!"
Early that morning, before dawn, Ying Zheng summoned all his court officials to Zhangtai Palace, but said nothing.
The officials knew perfectly well that the Commandant of the Guards, E'fu, was about to return in triumph, and that they had been summoned to personally welcome him outside the city.
Sure enough, the guards' words confirmed their suspicions!
Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng immediately stood up, strode down from the high platform, and headed straight for the outside of the hall. "Gentlemen, please follow me ten miles outside the city to personally welcome the Commandant of the Guards' triumphant return!"
"Here you go!"
All the officials bowed and followed Ying Zheng out of Xianyang Palace.
Outside the palace, carriages and ceremonial guards were already prepared!
Without uttering any unnecessary words, Ying Zheng boarded the carriage, and the procession of carriages and horses headed out of Xianyang City.
The streets were packed with people, who had been waiting there for a long time, just to follow the king out of the city to welcome the Commandant of the Guards in triumph.
So many years!
The Qin state finally took its first step eastward, annihilating two other states in a single battle. This was an overwhelming joy, hence their extraordinary celebration and excitement.
Ten miles outside the city, the area was packed with people.
Looking around, apart from Ying Zheng and his ministers, the mountains and fields were filled with people who had come to welcome him.
The imperial guards scanned the crowd with eyes as sharp as hawks, fearing that there might be treacherous individuals among them who might commit such a heinous act against Ying Zheng.
"Gentlemen, the Commandant of the Guards is returning today. Are you all excited?" Seeing the people looking around, Ying Zheng became interested and started talking to them.
The people were surprised and delighted that the new ruler of Qin would ask them questions, but they did not lose their manners.
Several elders stepped out from the crowd, representing the people, to respond to Ying Zheng's words: "This humble old man reports to Your Majesty, the Commandant of the Guards has destroyed the states of Wei and Han in one battle, enhancing the prestige of our Great Qin and fulfilling the wishes of our ancestors and the people of Qin. This is a great joy!"
How could I not be excited?!
Another old man spoke up, “We, the people of Qin, have never forgotten our ambition to expand eastward. Countless Qin people have died nameless, and our ancestors have worked hard to build this magnificent scene today… Let us celebrate, let us celebrate this great occasion!”
The old man's genuine emotions and his words, which were quite insightful, moved Ying Zheng deeply.
"Old man, I see you have a dignified bearing. Could you have been a minister in the imperial court?" A hint of surprise flashed in Ying Zheng's eyes. Ignoring the guards' obstruction, he walked straight up to the old man.
The old man grinned, revealing his few remaining yellow teeth. He swung his upper body, exposing his empty right arm, as if telling a story of past hardships.
"Your Majesty, I am an old man from Longxi, a native of Qin. In my youth, I was just a lowly soldier in the army. I have fought in more than a dozen battles in my life. I am lucky to have survived, but I only lost an arm."
A hint of nostalgia, like smoke and mist, appeared in the old man's eyes as he continued, "Back then, Li Dui and Su Qin joined forces to attack Qin, bringing with them a five-nation coalition that pressed down on us like Mount Tai crushing an egg. I personally witnessed that fierce battle where the outnumbered fought against the overwhelming force, and how many fine young men shed their blood on the battlefield?"
"King Zhaoxiang was furious and made a great vow: he would dedicate the rest of his life to avenging this blood feud and would surely crush the six kingdoms to avenge his fallen brothers."
"Today, the Commandant of the Guards returns in triumph, just like the passing on of the late King's legacy. How can we not be filled with emotion and shed tears?"
Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng was filled with respect and said to the old man, "Old man, the triumphant return of the Commandant of the Guards today is a symbol of the strength of the Qin state and the result of what you old Qin people have been hoping for for many years."
"I will carry on your legacy and the wishes of our ancestors, forging ahead to make Qin even more prosperous and powerful."
Upon hearing this, the old man's eyes welled up with tears, and he said excitedly, "Your Majesty is wise! The people of Qin are willing to go through fire and water for Your Majesty without hesitation!"
"Wind, wind, strong wind!!"
At this point, the people all over the mountains roared wildly, as if conveying the passion and indomitable spirit of the Qin people to the heavens and earth through these shouts.
Ying Zheng stood there, gazing at the bustling crowd, a surge of unprecedented pride and responsibility welling up within him.
He knew that the glory and victory before him were inseparable from these loyal Qin people and the millions of Qin warriors.
He raised his hand, signaling the people to quiet down.
"Gentlemen, today's victory is not the result of my efforts alone, but the result of the unity and concerted efforts of the entire Qin state."
Ying Zheng's voice was loud and firm, echoing in everyone's ears: "I hereby promise that I will live up to everyone's expectations, realize the great cause of Qin's unification, end hundreds of years of war and strife, and bring about a peaceful and prosperous era!"
The people erupted in cheers once again, believing in the young king and his ability to lead Qin to an even more glorious future.
Just then, dust billowed in the distance as a mighty cavalry troop slowly approached—it was the triumphant army led by the wicked man.
Ying Zheng and his officials immediately stepped forward, and the common people also stood up straight and lined up to watch, their eyes filled with respect and expectation.
The wicked man dismounted and strode to Zheng Ge'er, whom he hadn't seen for a long time. He knelt on one knee, presented the battle flags of Wei and Han with both hands, and shouted loudly, "Your Majesty, I led my army eastward and annihilated Wei and Han in one battle. I have returned to report to Your Majesty!"
Ying Zheng reached out and helped the wicked husband up, then took the battle flag, raised it high, and displayed it to the surrounding people, who once again erupted in thunderous cheers.
At that moment, glory and splendor seemed to freeze, becoming an unforgettable memory for the people present.
"Commander, you've worked hard!"
"My Qin warriors...you've worked hard!"
As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd behind him erupted in thunderous cheers.
Taking advantage of the commotion, the wicked man winked and whispered, "Your Majesty, these are all soldiers who have surrendered from Wei and Han. I have kept all the soldiers of our Great Qin in Han and Wei."
Good heavens!
Now you still have to backstab me.
Ying Zheng could only feign composure, his face showing no sign of surprise, which disappointed his wicked husband.
Seeing this, the wicked man turned his head and winked at the surrendered generals, including Bao Yuan, signaling them to come forward and pay their respects.
Bao Yuan and the others understood, and strode forward, knelt on one knee, and shouted in unison: "Your Majesty, we are willing to serve the Qin Kingdom and will never waver!"
Ying Zheng nodded slightly, his gaze sweeping over the surrendered generals. "Gentlemen, please rise! Qin welcomes you to its ranks. As long as you are loyal to the country, I will certainly not treat you unfairly."
Ying Zheng's words were full of tolerance and expectation, which reassured the surrendered generals. Although there was a wicked man there, they were still somewhat uneasy after arriving in Xianyang.
At this moment, having received Ying Zheng's personal approval, the weight on his heart was finally lifted.
The people were even more excited when they saw this scene.
They knew that the Qin state had officially embarked on a path of rapid progress and strengthening, and that great achievements were in sight for the future!
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