: Qin Law Targets the Common People!

"If you truly have the ability and the chance to climb, then you must climb. Climb upwards, no matter the cost."

"This world devours people."

"If you lack power and influence, even if you return home, you will still suffer humiliation. Your fields could be cunningly seized, and your family could even be forced into servitude."

"Cast aside your naivety and your wishful thinking."

"You're still young, so you haven't seen it yet. But when you do, if you have no power or influence, you'll be walking a dead-end road."

Under the veil of night, Wei Quan stared at Zhao Feng, his voice grave.

Feeling Wei Quan's stern gaze, the smile on Zhao Feng's face gradually faded. He could tell that Wei Quan was serious.

"Mr. Wei," Zhao Feng couldn't help but ask, "has something happened in your family?"

"Me? Heh." A look of hatred filled Wei Quan's eyes. "I watched with my own eyes as my sister was abducted by a powerful noble in the county town. She was violated, and now... she's gone mad."

"Mr. Wei, didn't you report it to the officials?" a shocked Zhao Feng asked. "The crime of rape should be punished by castration."

"Report it to the officials?" A mocking glint appeared in Wei Quan's eyes. "Everyone knows that the Qin Law is strict, but they don't realize that its enforcement is in the hands of the powerful. If you are just a commoner, then yes, the law is strict. But if you are from a powerful family, what does the strict Qin Law even mean?"

"Perhaps to the Great King, the Qin Law governs the entire land, but my home is in the Shu Region, too far from the Capital. The Great King's authority doesn't reach us."

"My father and I went to report it. In the end, we were targeted by that nobleman's son. He had my father beaten to death, and I was left seriously injured."

"And he still roams free, beyond the reach of justice."

"Officials? The Qin Law?"

"Perhaps in Xianyang, and in the surrounding areas, the Qin Law is a divine decree that no one dares defy. But the more remote the place, the more useless that law becomes."

"Punishments don't apply to senior officials!"

"The Qin Law is for the common people."

"Young Zhao, don't be so naive."

Hearing this, Zhao Feng fell silent.

He had been reborn in this world for over fifteen years. But his understanding of it was limited to his hometown and this military camp. In his village, the neighbors all looked out for each other; in his life thus far, Zhao Feng had never encountered the things Wei Quan spoke of.

He had always thought of the Qin Law as famously strict; later generations would even call it the Tyranny of Qin. But now, Wei Quan's words had stunned him.

"The Qin Law is for the common people."

"Punishments don't apply to senior officials."

Zhao Feng murmured the words, feeling as if he were finally encountering the true, unvarnished world of this era.

"Alright," Wei Quan said, patting Zhao Feng's shoulder. "Young Zhao, don't dwell on it. I just wanted to tell you not to see this world as too simple or too kind."

"I nearly met King Yan today. I'm going to get some sleep; you should too."

"We set out for Yang City tomorrow." With a faint smile, Wei Quan turned and walked toward his own tent.

Zhao Feng remained seated before the small campfire, Wei Quan's words echoing in his mind.

Perhaps I have been too naive. Still, in two years, the Attributes I've collected should be enough to protect Mother and my sister. If anyone dares to bully them, I'll annihilate their entire clan. For now, staying in the Logistics Army is fine. Ultimately, the state of Qin is incredibly powerful right now. It will unify the world, and the King of Qin will become Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor in history. But who could know that such a mighty dynasty would fall in its second generation? I'm just an ordinary person. I might have the golden finger of a reincarnator, but my current power is nowhere near enough to influence the world. I have to get stronger to secure a future. Gaining rank and title, rising to prominence… it's nice to think about, but I should take it one step at a time. Staying alive is the most important thing.

Wei Quan's words had certainly given him a lot to think about.

Zhao Feng gave the command in his mind, "Open the First Order Treasure Chest."

"Opening First Order Treasure Chest... Obtained First Order Spirit Fruit: Heavenly Fragrant Cardamom," the panel prompted.

Heavenly Fragrant Cardamom... taking one pill can protect the heart's meridians and induce a deep sleep, but it's useless without the other two pills that follow. What a waste of a Treasure Box.

Seeing the Heavenly Fragrant Cardamom, Zhao Feng felt a pang of disappointment.

"Open Attribute Panel."

Host: Zhao Feng

Age: 15 years old

Strength: 336 (The greater the strength, the more power can be unleashed.)

Speed: 216 (The higher the value, the faster the speed.)

Constitution: 218 (A stronger constitution means faster recovery and inexhaustible stamina.)

Spirit: 211 (A stronger spirit brings a clear mind and thoughts. At a certain level, one can sense nature's spiritual energy.)

Lifespan: 86 years and 88 days

Portable Space: 2 cubic meters

These were the Attributes Zhao Feng had gained after carrying hundreds of bodies by himself over the last three days on the battlefield.

Tomorrow we head to Yang City. According to history, that was a major stronghold where Han resisted Qin. The casualties there will surely exceed tens of thousands, several times more than in this border battle. Attributes, oh, Attributes... I'm coming for you tomorrow.

Thinking of the trip to Yang City, Zhao Feng couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation.

「The next day.」

Bright and early, the Firescout Army was preparing meals. The men of the Logistics Camp ate their fill and prepared to move out.

Before Wei Quan, more than ninety logistics soldiers stood in formation. None of them wore Battle Armor, but each had a sword at his waist. In this era, Battle Armor was expensive, so not every soldier was issued a set, not even in the powerful state of Qin. Logistics soldiers were equipped with swords but no armor. Only the Sharp Warriors who held titles were granted Battle Armor.

"Where is Zhao Feng?"

At that moment, the Junhou of Zhao Feng's unit strode over, holding a set of bamboo slips.

"Here, here!" Wei Quan immediately turned and shouted.

The eyes of every soldier in the company turned to watch. Seeing the Junhou, they naturally assumed Zhao Feng was about to be rewarded. The Junhou approached quickly, followed by two soldiers carrying boxes.

"By order of the Shangjiangjun!" the Junhou announced, holding the reward slips high for all to see. "Zhao Feng, a soldier of the Logistics First Army Marquis Camp, has achieved great merit by beheading the Han Wanjiang, Bao Qiu!"

"In accordance with the military merit system of Qin, he is promoted three ranks to Centurion and granted the first rank of nobility! Furthermore, he is granted a new suit of Battle Armor and a new sword!"

"Zhao Feng," Wei Quan prompted urgently, "give your thanks!"

Zhao Feng stepped forward, his expression calm as he bowed deeply. "Zhao Feng gives his thanks."

The Junhou walked up to Zhao Feng. He took a sword and a suit of Battle Armor from the soldiers behind him and presented them to Zhao Feng along with the bamboo slips. Zhao Feng accepted them with both hands.

The Junhou smiled. "Zhao Feng, you did very well. You've brought great honor to our Logistics Camp before the Shangjiangjun. A Han Wanjiang—and the son of the Han Senior General, no less—killed by one of our logistics soldiers. This is a major event!"

"This subordinate was merely fortunate," Zhao Feng replied.

"Fortunate or not, the deed is done." The Junhou patted his shoulder. "My name is Luo Chao. If you need anything in the future, you can come find me." He then turned to address the other logistics soldiers.

"Zhao Feng earned his promotion and title by slaying an enemy general. This is the military merit system of our great Qin! It doesn't matter who you are. As long as you kill the enemy and earn merit, you will be rewarded! I hope all of you can serve the nation and achieve great things, just like Zhao Feng!" the Junhou boomed, his voice full of encouragement.

: An Even Crueler Yang City Battlefield

What effect could Luo Chao's words possibly have?

They might carry a hint of encouragement, but they were not of much use. The news that Zhao Feng had killed General Han Wan had already spread through the Logistics Army, but everyone simply thought it was Zhao Feng's good luck—a chance occurrence that could not be sought after. If the Logistics Army wanted to achieve military merit, they too would have to rely on luck.

"Alright," Luo Chao announced. "The main camp has issued an order. Our Logistics Army of ten thousand soldiers will escort the supply train to Yang City. Move out immediately."

"Understood."

The soldiers responded in unison.

After Luo Chao left, Wei Quan smiled as he walked up to Zhao Feng. "Congratulations, you now have a noble title, and your official rank has been promoted to Tunzhang."

"It was really just a fluke," Zhao Feng replied helplessly.

"Enough of that," Wei Quan said, his expression turning serious. "Now that you hold an official rank, you naturally have responsibilities. A Wuzhang commands five men, a Shizhang commands ten men, and a Tunzhang commands fifty men. From this day forward, you will lead fifty soldiers and report directly to me."

"Understood."

Zhao Feng bowed respectfully.

Just then, a series of notifications appeared before his eyes.

"Bestowed an official position linked to the National Destiny."

"Conferred as Wuzhang, rewarded with one First Order Treasure Chest."

"Conferred as Shizhang, rewarded with one First Order Treasure Chest."

"Conferred as Tunzhang, rewarded with one First Order Treasure Chest."

"Conferred as Level-One Nobility [Gentleman], rewarded with one First Order Treasure Chest."

Getting treasure chests as a reward for an official position? That's an unexpected surprise. Zhao Feng was startled for a moment, then a smile crept onto his face.

Thereafter, Zhao Feng immediately opened the treasure chests.

"Open all First Order Treasure Chests."

"Received [5,000 qian]."

"Received ten Low-Tier First Order [Fasting Pills]."

"Received a High-Grade First Order Martial Technique, [Explosive Fist]."

"Received five bottles of Mid-Tier First Order [Hemostasis Powder]," the panel displayed.

As the four chests were opened, Zhao Feng's gaze locked onto the reward from the third one.

Martial Techniques really do exist.

Explosive Fist.

Can I cultivate it?

Zhao Feng's eyes shone with indescribable anticipation.

Following that, he immediately retrieved the Martial Technique.

"Do you wish to learn [Explosive Fist]?" the panel prompted.

"Learn," Zhao Feng replied instantly.

The next moment, a stream of information flooded into his mind.

"Explosive Fist: Converge the strength of the entire body into a single point, erupting with several times one's own power in an instant."

Impressive.

After learning it, Zhao Feng was quite excited. Just like the enhancement of his attributes, this Martial Technique greatly augmented his strength, increasing the trump cards he had to stay alive.

「Xianyang City!」

Carriages used the official roads while pedestrians used the side roads, each keeping to their own path. As the city at the feet of the King of Qin, Xianyang lived up to its reputation. It was known for having the strictest laws in the state of Qin and was also touted as the most bustling city in the world.

In the center of the vast Xianyang, a magnificent palace stood—the Qin Royal Palace, which had served as the seat of power for over a hundred years.

In the Great Hall of the King of Qin, a man dressed in a Ceremonial Robe and wearing a Royal Crown sat upon the throne. His power was unmatched as he overlooked the Great Hall and the entire Qin Royal Palace.

On both sides of the hall, civil and military officials stood in their respective ranks. At the fore of the civil officials stood Chancellor Wang Wan, and at the fore of the military officials stood Senior General Meng Wu. Following Wang Wan, a youth dressed in the garb of the Eldest Imperial Son stood holding a court tablet; it was none other than Fusu, the Eldest Imperial Son of Great Qin.

"Those with memorials to present, step forward; those without, court is dismissed," a eunuch beside King Zheng of Qin stepped forward and announced loudly to all the officials in attendance.

"Your Majesty, I have a report to present," a military official stepped out from the ranks. "A victory report has been sent from the Lantian Camp." Although he was a military official, he bore no aura of slaughter.

"Minister Meng, speak quickly," Ying Zheng urged, his eyebrows lifting as he focused on the man in the hall.

The destruction of Han was a long-planned endeavor. Ying Zheng was confident there were no oversights, but as this was the first message from Han territory, he was naturally moved. The war to destroy Han was pivotal for Qin's dominion over the world and its path eastward. With Han's fall, Hangu Pass would no longer be an obstacle, completely opening Qin's route to the east.

"In this battle," Meng Yi reported excitedly, "Senior General Wang Jian personally garrisoned the border, while General Li Teng led a hundred thousand troops to break through Han's defenses, slaying nearly ten thousand Han soldiers. They are now directly besieging Han's fortified Yang City. Within a few months, Han will cease to exist."

"Excellent!"

Ying Zheng let out a hearty laugh.

"Congratulations, Your Majesty!" the entire court of civil and military officials exclaimed in unison.

"Chancellor."

"Minister Yu."

"Minister Meng."

"The destruction of Han is vital for Qin's path eastward. I will not tolerate any mishaps," Ying Zheng declared with a solemn tone. "Keep a close watch on the battle situation in Han and report any developments to me without delay."

"Your servant obeys the decree," the three immediately responded.

"Your Majesty," Meng Yi interjected with a smile, "there is also an amusing incident within the victory report submitted by the Senior General."

"Let's hear it," Ying Zheng said with a slight glance.

"Bao Yuan's son, Bao Qiu, led twenty thousand troops to guard the border. After being shattered by our Qin forces, General Li Teng searched for him for several days to no avail. As it turns out, Bao Qiu did not flee but instead feigned death among a pile of corpses. He was later discovered by our Logistics Army, and with nowhere left to hide, he was ultimately killed by a common soldier from our Logistics Army," Meng Yi reported with a hint of mockery.

Upon hearing this, a bemused expression flashed across Ying Zheng's face. "In Han, the saying 'a tiger father has a tiger son' was often used for Bao Yuan and his son, as both were renowned for their skill in combat. For Bao Qiu to now die at the hands of a logistics soldier from our army… he likely cannot rest in peace."

"What Your Majesty says is most true," Meng Yi immediately agreed.

"Has this logistics soldier been rewarded?" Ying Zheng asked, his tone inquisitive. "The system of military rewards and punishments of our Qin must not differentiate based on a soldier's unit."

"Please be at ease, Your Majesty," Meng Yi assured him at once. "The logistics soldier has already received the reward he deserves."

"Good. Closely monitor the fighting in Han territory," Ying Zheng commanded loudly. "As for the states of Zhao and Wei, instruct Wang Jian to be on high alert. Should they dare to make a move, let Wang Jian act with full authority on the front lines."

「Yang City!」

Inside and outside the city, the air was saturated with the stench of gunpowder. After nearly ten days of relentless bombardment from the Qin Army, the entirety of Yang City was enveloped in the flames of war. Countless were dead or injured within the city, while the bodies of many Qin Sharp Soldiers lay scattered outside.

But under the overwhelming military might and the fearless charges of the Qin Sharp Soldiers, Yang City ultimately could not withstand the assault and fell to Qin General Li Teng.

With the fall of Yang City, the Han forces inside scattered and fled in all directions. Next, it was the Logistics Army's turn to enter and clean up the battlefield.

Arriving on the battlefield and seeing it was even bloodier than the border, Zhao Feng felt a tremor in his heart, even though he was accustomed to such sights.

This battle was much more gruesome than the one at the border.

There must be over ten thousand bodies outside the city, and I fear there are just as many inside.

Tens of thousands have perished in a single battle.

This is a battlefield where a human life is worth less than a dog's!