Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield

"This Zhao Feng is a Deputy General in the army."

"He saved Yan'er's life," Wang Jian said with a faint smile.

"Just a Deputy General?" Mrs. Wang was slightly surprised. She had originally thought he was some young master from a great family.

"What do you mean, 'just a Deputy General'?" Wang Jian said, dissatisfied. "You don't understand Zhao Feng's potential. In less than a year since enlisting, he has risen from a commoner to a Deputy General. Look across our Qin Army, look across the entire world! Who else has been promoted as quickly as he has? You women..."

It was now clear that Wang Jian held Zhao Feng in very high esteem. Although Zhao Feng was somewhat young and impetuous, he also possessed the sense of responsibility befitting a man. Indeed, he had the potential to be worthy of his daughter.

"Father," Wang Yan finally said hesitantly, "I... I might be carrying Zhao Feng's child."

Upon hearing this, the smile on Wang Jian's face instantly froze. His gaze shifted to Wang Yan's belly. "What did you say? You're carrying Zhao Feng's child?"

"I... I have been vomiting for several days, and I've also been dry-heaving a lot," Wang Yan replied, her voice tinged with fear.

Wang Jian stared at Wang Yan's panicked expression for a moment, then suddenly broke into a smile. "Good, good! To think that I, Wang Jian, am about to have a grandchild."

Seeing her father's smile, Wang Yan was somewhat shocked. She had thought he would be angry.

"Father, aren't you angry?" she asked tentatively.

That night of passion with Zhao Feng was originally a desperate act to face the affairs of Xianyang. Apart from being moved by her gratitude toward him, she had also wanted to take a gamble in a fit of pique. She had never expected to become pregnant.

"Angry? Of course, I'm angry. That boy got you pregnant before you were even married. How presumptuous! But what's done is done. What use is there in me being angry now? As long as you can be happy and live a peaceful life, Yan'er, that's all that matters. Besides, that boy won't be irresponsible. I can see that much clearly," Wang Jian said gently.

Hearing this, Wang Yan's heart filled with emotion. She knelt again and bowed her head. "Daughter thanks Father."

"Auntie, is there a little sister in your belly?" Wang Li asked, walking over to Wang Yan's side and looking on with curiosity.

"What's this? You want a little sister, Li'er?" Wang Jian chuckled.

"Yes," Wang Li replied without a second thought.

"Then we'll have to see whether your aunt gives birth to a little brother or a little sister in ten months' time," Wang Jian said cheerfully.

Mrs. Wang spoke up. "Master, now that Yan'er is pregnant, shouldn't we call Zhao Feng back to marry her?"

"Zhao Feng has just been appointed Deputy General and is stationed at a strategic location. Moreover, he hasn't even completed his basic two-year service period, so recalling him will not be easy. Furthermore, I have already offended the Great King once over this. If I were to make another demand, I'm afraid it might truly provoke his wrath," Wang Jian said gravely.

"Then what about Yan'er's situation?" Mrs. Wang asked.

"Is our great Wang Mansion unable to support Yan'er and her child? As for idle gossip..." Wang Jian said with a faint smile, radiating protective fierceness, "who would dare to speak ill of my daughter?"

"Yan'er, just focus on a peaceful pregnancy. Madam, take good care of Yan'er, and don't let anything upset her and affect the baby. As for Zhao Feng, I will write him a letter. I'm also curious to see how he plans to handle this news," Wang Jian said, his tone a mix of curiosity and a desire to test the young man.

"Everything will be as Father wishes," Wang Yan nodded.

「...」

「Wei City!」

「By the banks of the Wei River.」

Zhao Feng rode his horse, followed by a hundred of his trusted aide cavalry. Looking at the endlessly flowing Wei River before him, his heart swelled with a sense of vastness.

This Wei River was merely a tributary of the Great River. In his previous life, Zhao Feng had been from the south, not the north, so he had never seen it. In this era, it was called the Great River, but in later times, it would be known as the Yellow River.

"So this is the legendary Wei River. It truly is magnificent," Zhao Feng murmured.

To swear upon the Wei River... Since ancient times, this has been the most revered place to make oaths, but the betrayal of that scoundrel Sima made it a mockery. In later times, swearing by the Wei River became a joke.

At that moment, Zhang Han, surrounded by a group of loyal cavalry, rode quickly toward the riverbank.

"General, everything has been arranged. Han Xi has successfully found a hidden location in Wei City, no more than an hour away from here. All the people secretly recruited have been transferred to this hidden place. General, would you like to go there now?" Zhang Han reported respectfully.

"So it's ready." Zhao Feng smiled and gave the order, "Lead the way."

Nearly ten days had passed since he moved the troops from Xinzheng to Wei City. During this time, Zhao Feng had quickly integrated the army and set up camp. Today, he had taken an interest in visiting the nearby Wei River, a legendary place recorded in history. Of course, his main purpose for leaving the city was to check on the secret training ground for his Dead Soldiers.

Within a forest, just a few dozen miles from Wei City, Zhao Feng journeyed into the depths of the woods under Zhang Han's lead, followed by his trusted aides. A few dozen of the aides were left outside the forest to guard the warhorses, while Zhao Feng and Zhang Han proceeded on foot. The dense forest floor was not level ground, making it impassable for horses.

Zhao Feng observed his surroundings. "This forest is quite large and dense. An ordinary person could easily get lost in here. Han Xi chose a good spot." The sunlight could barely penetrate the thick canopy, casting the woods in an eerie gloom.

"Han Xi says this place is called the Ghost Barrier Forest," Zhang Han explained as they walked. "It's full of ferocious beasts, so ordinary people don't dare to enter. It took Han Xi a great deal of effort to clear a mountain path into its depths."

"The location is certainly secretive enough, but after the Dead Soldiers complete their training, we must set up outposts around the perimeter," Zhao Feng said in a low voice. "If anyone intrudes, hide if possible. If discovered, they are to be eliminated on the spot."

"I'm sure Han Xi understands all this," Zhang Han said with a smile.

The two of them, master and servant, chatted as they walked. After what felt like a long time, they reached the deepest part of the forest, at the foot of a steep cliff. Here, over a dozen wooden huts had been built, enclosed by a temporary fence and watched by guards.

"Halt!" a guard shouted, blocking their path with a weapon as they approached.

"Our Lord is here! Stand down!" Zhang Han barked.

Recognizing Zhang Han, the guards immediately knelt, their expressions reverent. "Greetings, my Lord."

Zhao Feng nodded and walked slowly into the compound.

Inside, hundreds of young boys and girls were lined up, undergoing training administered by the elite of the former Han Imperial Guards who had been recruited.

When Han Xi saw Zhao Feng arrive, his eyes met his and he immediately shouted, "Quickly, greet the Lord!"