Qin Dynasty: Starting with clinging to Zhao Ji's thigh

child time.

The night grew even quieter, and the darkness even more intense.

Handan, this ancient city, stands majestically in the darkness, but the defenses on the city walls are somewhat lax, with some soldiers even drooping their heads and dozing off.

Handan's food and supplies could still hold out, but after several days of siege and feigned attacks, morale had already plummeted.

The Zhao soldiers, clinging to their last breath, were already exhausted from the frequent feints and harassment.

Even though King Zhao had no one else available, he had no choice but to put aside his reservations and appoint Sima Shang to lead the army and defend the city, but it was to no avail.

Sima Shang's military skills were indeed much better than those of the clueless Zhao Cong, but even a skilled cook can't cook without rice, and he couldn't come up with any good solutions to this situation.

"Soldiers!"

Wang Jian has assembled a large army and begun the final mobilization.

But the night was deep, and the weary Zhao soldiers seemed unaware that something was amiss.

"In the past, Duke Mu of Chu watered his horses at the Yellow River—"

"Duke Xiao implemented reforms to strengthen the state—"

"King Zhao's Alliance at Mianchi—"

"The grand aspirations of our ancestors are all realized tonight!"

He shouted loudly, and a sense of heroic spirit arose spontaneously.

"How can I say that I have no clothes, but I share the same robe with you?"

"The king is raising an army; let us prepare our spears and shields."

The Qin army had won a series of victories and was already in high spirits.

Now that the opportunity to earn military merit is right in front of them, the army's response is even more enthusiastic.

"The king is raising an army; let us prepare our spears and shields."

"The king is raising an army; let us prepare our spears and shields."

Wang Jian stood on his horse, sword drawn, his armor reflecting the beacon fires atop the city walls.

"Those who reach the top first will be promoted three ranks immediately!"

"Whoever captures Sima Shang will be rewarded with a pig's shoulder and a cup of wine, and a thousand pieces of gold!"

"Now is the time to make a name for yourself and achieve great things!"

"Siege!"

……

"The Qin army has attacked the city!"

Sima Shang reacted quickly: "Quickly, pass on my order to immediately assemble all the garrison troops!"

"Damn it, is this another feint attack?"

"Those Qin generals are utter bastards! It's been ages since we brothers have had a good night's sleep!"

A feint attack is not a particularly clever tactic, but it proved exceptionally effective against the Qin army's formidable military strength and high morale.

The formal siege began, but the Zhao defenders, accustomed to feigned attacks, were somewhat careless.

The story of "The Boy Who Cried Wolf" may be simple, but it perfectly captures the changing nature of human nature.

When Sima Shang saw this scene, his heart sank.

"General Li Mu... it seems that tonight will be the day we meet again. I only hope that you have not gone far in the underworld."

With morale so low, how can they possibly fight against the Qin army?

If General Li Mu were still alive, perhaps he could have found a solution...

Sima Shang was somewhat bewildered. Hearing the sounds of fighting on the city wall, he could only try his best to hold on and boost morale.

"Brothers, this isn't a feint!"

"If we can hold out tonight and cripple the Qin army, the Zhao state will be saved."

"Reinforcements are on their way and will arrive soon!"

"Behind us lies Handan, our wives, children, and compatriots!"

"We must not back down!"

"Everyone who defends the city tonight will be promoted one level, and those who die in battle will be promoted three levels."

"I, Sima Shang, will personally take care of my elderly mother, wife, and children at home!"

"If I die in battle today, I will apologize to you all on my journey to the underworld!"

……

Ying Jing and Zhao Ji were at the rear of the Qin army's camp, gazing at the tall city walls in the distance.

Under the cover of night, the weathered marks on the city wall were not clearly visible, and the silhouettes of the soldiers who were diligently guarding the wall were completely buried in the darkness.

"Sima Shang has followed Li Mu for many years, and his ability to command troops is indeed much better than that ignorant Zhao Cong."

Almost simultaneously with Wang Jian's army's attack on the city, the Zhao garrison had already reacted.

If it were Zhao Cong, he would probably treat it as a feint.

"I am not interested in these things."

Zhao Ji stood almost shoulder to shoulder with Ying Jing, wearing a large crane cloak to ward off the cold wind.

She stood upright in the camp with her long, beautiful legs straight, showing none of her usual alluring demeanor, but rather exuding a dignified and elegant air.

"I can't wait to see those guys who bullied me and Zheng'er..."

Ying Jing stood with his hands behind his back, calmly saying, "Your Majesty, please rest assured. With General Wang Jian's abilities and Guo Kai's inside and outside cooperation, Handan will surely fall tonight!"

As the two whispered to each other, a blazing fire had already broken out on the city wall.

A biting wind howled, and beacon fires flickered.

"Wind! Wind! Wind!"

The battle cries of the Qin army resounded throughout the vast天地 (heaven and earth).

"here we go!"

Ying Jing's eyes narrowed instantly.

After tonight, the State of Zhao will cease to exist.