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墨書 Inktalez
If it weren't for the reminder from my father, Zhao She, the fire that had been simmering deep within me would have been ignited by King Zhao's words. After experiencing separation and loss, I, Zhao Kuo, began to reevaluate my life and suddenly understood a truth: regardless of who it leaves behind, the moon rises every day, in all its phases.
If Old General could steadfastly hold the Dan Shui River Defense Line, I believe our main forces would not suffer losses. If we could just hold on until the Army of the Feudal States arrives to assist us, it wouldn't be too late to fight then! But that is not the case now, as this hope seems almost nonexistent.
To my brothers on the front lines! I apologize to you all!
Determined not to participate, Zhao Kuo knelt and said, "My king! We must never seize the initiative! Matters of etiquette are fundamental to our nation; abandoning them is easy, but regaining them is difficult! I believe General Lian's defense plan is very thorough; we can wait for the day when the Feudal States send reinforcements. At that time, we can cross the Dan Shui River and execute a pincer attack, achieving great success for our Zhao Army!"
Zhao Wang Dan, doused with cold water, clearly remembered that Zhao Kuo was not usually like this. What had caused such disillusionment? Thinking of this, he hurriedly asked, "At this moment, it's just you and me as brothers; feel free to share any difficulties!"
Zhao Kuo was determined not to get involved in murky waters and stated that he had no difficulties. If it weren't for his father's passing, he could lead troops into battle tomorrow!
One cannot force everything!
Seeing his friend so resolute, Zhao Wang Dan had no choice but to abandon his plan to replace the Grand Commander. He sighed heavily and said, "Alright! I understand! You just returned from the front lines, so you know what is most urgently needed there. If that's the case, is there anything else I can do?"
Food! Of course, it's food!
Previously, Lian Po had repeatedly mentioned this while commanding operations on the front lines, saying they should wait until the long-marching Qin Army ran out of supplies before launching an attack. However, judging by the current situation, it seems that the Qin Army still has enough provisions while we are about to run out!
Zhao Kuo completely set aside his personal biases and said, "My king! Our front lines have already consumed this year's New Grain; this is not a good omen. Before I set out with the Army, I knew that recent years have been bountiful without natural disasters. Why has this situation arisen? I truly feel confused."
Is there such a thing!?
Even farmers who never fight know how important supplies are to an army. If they consume this year's New Grain, the front line won't last until the harvest next year! Zhao Wang Dan pondered for a moment; it seems he needs to investigate where the problem lies! Otherwise, retreating will become inevitable!
"Alright! I will send someone to thoroughly investigate this matter tomorrow, rest assured!" Zhao Wang Dan suddenly appeared very despondent and sighed, "Alas! Xiao Kuo must be extra careful on the way back to his homeland; I... I no longer have many people I can trust."
Everyone envies the children of the Imperial Family, yet they do not realize that they are often the most lonely. Thinking of this, Zhao Kuo couldn't help but lower his head and wipe away his tears. He truly wanted to kneel and accept the Imperial Command to share the burden for the country. But! But! Alas!
"Thank you, Your Majesty! You must also take care of your health; if there are no further orders, I shall take my leave..."
All hope had vanished, and Zhao Wang Dan weakly waved his hand towards Zhao Kuo as he stepped back. After Zhao Kuo left, he did not immediately leave the throne. The impulse to visit the harem later suddenly lost its appeal. Feeling a wave of anxiety, he simply closed his eyes and contemplated the entire situation.
If it comes to that, should he heed Zhao Kuo's advice and withdraw the Army back to the country? But giving up the Shangdang Region to Qin State without reason would make it impossible for anyone to pledge allegiance to Zhao State again! If that were to happen, Zhao State would lose all face! No! He should hold on a bit longer! Hmm! Zhao Kuo dares not confront the Qin People, while Lian Po dares to fight but cannot defeat them! If victory is unattainable in battle, then who should lead...
Seeing General Zhao Kuo in mourning attire leave, the Night Watch Eunuch waiting outside hurriedly summoned people to enter the palace and serve the king. Noticing King Zhao's furrowed brows, he kindly reminded him that it was time to rest. After all, one must pay attention to rest after a day of laboring over state affairs.
Zhao Wang Dan, still indecisive, did not expect Zhao Kuo's lack of assistance and was filled with frustration. Hearing that he should return to the palace, he snapped back irritably, "Rest! Rest! All you do is tell me to rest! The front line is about to run out of supplies! My Zhao Army is on the verge of annihilation! How can I possibly sleep?!"
The Night Watch Eunuch had watched King Zhao grow up; in his eyes, this Sovereign was like his own child. Seeing him so agitated also made him anxious. While pondering how to solve this problem, he suddenly remembered someone and quickly suggested, "Your Majesty! Isn't Plain King currently in the capital on official business? Didn't the late king once say that when major decisions are uncertain, you could seek Your Majesty's opinion?"
Right! How did I forget about that! Just now, I almost pulled my hair out in worry!
Realizing this, Zhao Wang Dan felt a wave of relief wash over him and immediately ordered for Plain King Zhao Sheng to be summoned to court. This matter could not be delayed any longer; once supplies ran out at the front line, it would lead to chaos in morale without even needing a fight! If control was truly lost, what little foundation Zhao State had would be completely destroyed!
At that moment, Plain King Zhao Sheng was not resting either; he was lamenting over Zhao State's loss of two pillars and cursing fate for being so unfair. The front line had suffered greatly already with a loss of fifty thousand soldiers. Had he known it would turn out like this, he should never have accepted Feng Ting's defection in the first place! Now look at this situation! The strength of Zhao Sovereign was entirely stuck in Shangdang Region against the Qin Army—caught in a dilemma where they could neither fight nor retreat!
But now it is too late to say anything; he can only grit his teeth and continue to persevere. If he were to withdraw the troops now, he would surely become a laughingstock among the Feudal States. This face cannot be lost! Moreover, at that time, he was the one who actively persuaded King Zhao to accept the main forces of Shangdang, and words once spoken are like water spilled out. There is no way to take them back!
Determined to carry the revolution through to the end, Zhao Sheng was secretly steeling himself when he suddenly heard someone visiting late at night. He quickly ordered someone to let the visitor in, only to find that it was King Zhao's personal eunuch disguised as a merchant.
With such a mysterious appearance and visiting at such an hour, there must be some clandestine matters to discuss. Zhao Sheng hurriedly tidied his clothes and left the house, then followed the eunuch into a carriage and rushed toward the palace. Throughout the journey, he remained silent, having already made up his mind that since the mistake had been made, there was nothing left to regret. The urgent matter now was to enter the palace and meet with King Zhao to find out what was causing his anxiety. If the king faced an unresolved dilemma, he would do everything in his power to make amends for past mistakes!
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