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The Qin Tenth Legion, having successfully recaptured the high ground, did not pursue the retreating Zhao Army. After all, the purpose of forming this legion was solely for defensive warfare rather than annihilation. They gathered the troops to clean up the battlefield and set up camp, repairing the barricades. Regardless of the reasons, it is a fact that the Qin Army did not possess the national strength to open a second front.
While resting in place, Luzi and his men received orders to return immediately to the West Rampart to meet with the king. The outcome was naturally more about praise than reprimands. Thanks to the hundreds of soldiers in Bastion City who vowed to resist to the death, they managed to defend the easily defensible East and West Fortifications against overwhelming odds. If the Zhao Army were to retake Stone City and use it as a base, reclaiming it would undoubtedly cost the Qin Army significant losses.
However, for the hundreds of soldiers, holding out was merely a matter of time. No matter how good the fortifications were, they could not prevent casualties in battle. Once they had exhausted their numbers, the notion of defending the city would become unrealistic. Fortunately, the Qin Tenth Legion, capable of matching the Zhao Victory Legion, arrived just in time!
After reporting on his duties, Luzi quickly shook off any lingering thoughts about what might have happened if the king's Tenth Legion had not arrived in time. Stealing a glance at King Zhao of Qin above him brought tears to his eyes.
The once imposing king was no longer present; instead, he had transformed into an elderly man with white hair and deep-set eyes. It was hard not to lament how time had passed so mercilessly.
"It is all due to my incompetence that has caused you worry, my king!"
The aging King Zhao of Qin understood what Luzi meant and smiled while shaking his head. "Life is just like this; birth, aging, sickness, and death are as simple as sunrise and sunset. Since I ascended to the throne, I have expanded our Great Qin's territory significantly. When I meet with my predecessors in the future, I am sure there will be much to discuss. It is indeed commendable that you have brought only a few hundred men to guard such a crucial location for Great Qin."
Upon hearing this, Luzi immediately bowed and said, "This achievement belongs to all the soldiers of the Qin Army; I dare not take credit for it. I have been pondering these days but have been extremely foolish. Only today did I realize a soldier's mission; how fortunate I am!"
King Zhao of Qin nodded with a smile. At that moment, he felt both virtuous and proud. Initially, he had allowed Luzi to train with the army in hopes of helping him regain his former self. In that stone cave atop the mountain, King Zhao could clearly sense that Luzi’s once sharp wit had dulled over time. He had learned nothing from following General Bai Qi but instead found enlightenment while defending this city. It seems that matters in life are always unclear; thoughts often clash with subsequent realities.
Nevertheless, what mattered most was the outcome!
Satisfied with this result, King Zhao of Qin invited Luzi to sit down and talk. After ensuring privacy on either side, he said, "I initially planned to wait two years before considering appointing an heir, but recently I've felt sluggish. Alas! One cannot avoid aging!"
Such matters regarding succession are typically private affairs for sovereigns; most would hesitate to respond. After much consideration, Luzi did not dare to speak further. "Your Majesty may be experiencing sleep deprivation due to recent worries," he suggested cautiously. "I have a subordinate..."
"You are talking about the descendant of Shennong, right? A girl who runs off to the military pretending to be a surgeon instead of staying home to weave and embroider—what kind of nonsense is that!? If this matter gets out to those people in the Feudal States, it would be a joke for our Great Qin!"
Only a few people knew the true identity of Xiao Yu'er. Besides a few brothers, there were only Left Chancellor Wang He and Wuan Jun Bai Qi. The brothers shared a bond of life and death, so they would naturally not spread the word. As for the Left Chancellor, having recognized Xiao Yu'er as his goddaughter, there was no reason to betray family.
As for Wuan Jun, Xiao Yu'er was his savior. Even if he lacked gratitude, he certainly had no reason to leak information. Furthermore, Bai Qi was currently in a bad mood due to his teacher Wei Ran's issues with King Zhao of Qin. At such a time, he would be even less inclined to seek favor with anyone. It wasn't that he didn't want to; it was simply useless!
King Zhao of Qin saw Luzi with his head down and not speaking, and smiled, "I heard from Fan Ju and Fan Changxiang, what? Do you have any objections?"
Upon hearing this, Luzi thought to himself that Old Fan was indeed untrustworthy. He told everything to the old man; was he planning to put me, Luzi, in a dead end? But thoughts aside, he dared not speak out loud. So he admitted, "Your Majesty sees clearly; I am in awe."
King Zhao of Qin did not think he was being overly perceptive but continued with the original topic. "Bai Qi has sent word; I believe you have heard. Although things are tough on his side, he still has some confidence that the Qin Army will achieve victory. After the Shangdang Campaign concludes, I intend to make my second son Ying Zhu the crown prince."
Hearing that King Zhao of Qin had moved on from probing into Xiao Yu'er’s matter eased Luzi's worries considerably. However, regarding the issue of establishing a crown prince, it was evidently more challenging than investigating Xiao Yu'er. With a helpless expression, Luzi could only feign ignorance and continue to play along.
Having been in power for forty-seven years, King Zhao of Qin had seen all kinds of people; his court officials had changed several times under his command. He could distrust anyone, but he could fully trust the Retainer leader of the Qin Royal Family. At this moment, seeing Luzi pretending to be oblivious made him want to slam his hand on the table but then suddenly reconsidered.
After all, it was the eldest son of the Qin Royal Family who first acted against him by colluding with the sons of feudal lords to ambush Luzi in the Chu Region. Ultimately, it was still the Qin Royal Family that had been disrespectful towards their Retainer. Faced with distrust and grievances from nearly being killed, loyal Luzi remained steadfastly by his side. If such loyalty were met with disdain again, who else could expect kindness?
Indeed, this was true; however, some things could not be said aloud. No matter how high the Retainer leader's position was, it was granted by the Qin Royal Family. Historically, there has never been a case where a master apologized to their own vassals; moreover, this master was the Sovereign of the Qin State.
When Luzi noticed that Above suddenly fell silent as well, he understood that the king's current situation was quite awkward. After all, if no one apologized for past grievances moving forward, there would be no way to continue the initial topic.
A ruler demands loyalty from his subjects; subjects cannot refuse! If it had not been for the crown prince's actions but rather if it had been the king himself granting death, I suppose I would have long since found peace in death and enjoyed incense offerings for many years! Regardless of anything else, I must not let my own king be put in a difficult position; this is inherently my duty as a vassal!
If it weren't for you brave brothers risking your lives to charge into the Zhao Camp to save me, I would have likely met a tragic end by now! They can die for me, so why can't I die for the Qin State? If I must die, then so be it! What's the big deal!?
Having made up his mind, Luzi finally decided not to hesitate any longer, for this was his mission. He stepped forward and knelt, saying: "Your Majesty's predicament lies in the fact that the current young lords are unable to shoulder the future of the Qin State. I dare to speak out solely for the long-term peace of Great Qin. There is indeed a plan that could be applied, but I wonder if Your Majesty is willing to listen?"
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