xymnovel Chapter 798 King Wuling of Zhao and Zhao She
Chapter 798 King Wuling of Zhao and Zhao She
However, regardless of the circumstances, as the renowned "King Wuling of Zhao" during the Warring States period, Zhao Yong was far-sighted and promoted the adoption of nomadic dress and cavalry archery. He was the first among the states in the Central Plains to create an independent cavalry force, which promoted changes in combat methods. His enterprising and innovative spirit had a profound influence.
Liang Qichao even called him "China's first great ruler since the Yellow Emperor"!
In the Zhao family of Ruizhou today, besides King Zhao Wuling, the other members of the clan are also full of talented people.
Below Zhao Yong was another unparalleled commander—Zhao She. This man was a brilliant strategist, possessing both wisdom and courage. It is said that he single-handedly quelled several rebellions in Ruizhou, achieving numerous military exploits and gaining widespread fame.
And this Zhao She is naturally one of the famous generals of the six eastern states during the Warring States period in history, Lord Ma Fu—Zhao She!
At Eyu, the army, though outnumbered, achieved a great victory, beheading tens of thousands of Qin soldiers and becoming famous in one battle!
In the past, King Zhaoxiang of Qin sent Zhonggeng Huyang to lead an army to attack Eyu, a key town of Zhao, on the grounds that Zhao had failed to fulfill the agreement to exchange cities.
King Huiwen of Zhao urgently summoned renowned generals Lian Po and Yue Cheng to inquire whether rescue was possible, but both believed that the road to Eyu was too far and treacherous to be rescued.
Only Zhao She believed that "the brave shall prevail when paths cross," so King Huiwen of Zhao appointed Zhao She as the commander-in-chief to lead the army to rescue Eyu.
Zhao She adopted a tactic of feigning weakness to deceive the enemy and launching a surprise attack. He first set up camp 30 li outside Handan City, making it appear as if he was defending Handan, while strictly ordering that anyone who dared to speak out on military matters would be executed.
After Qin spies learned of this, they believed that the Zhao army would not send troops to their aid and lowered their guard.
Taking advantage of the situation, Zhao She led his army on a rapid march, arriving at the front line in two days and one night. They seized the high ground of Beishan and ultimately defeated the Qin army, lifting the siege of Eyu.
Besides Zhao She, the Zhao family also had a number of talented individuals, such as Zhao Yu, Zhao Sheng, Zhao He, Zhao Jianzi, and Zhao Dan. Some were brave and skilled in battle, while others were resourceful and wise. They were all Zhao Yong's right-hand men and the mainstay of the Zhao family's hegemony.
Inside the Zhao family hall, the candlelight flickered, but the atmosphere was exceptionally lively.
Zhao Yong sat upright in the main seat, his face calm and his eyes flashing with sharp light. He looked around and saw Zhao She sitting upright with a solemn expression, while Lin Xiangru was quietly thinking with his eyes closed, his brows revealing the composure unique to a wise man.
"Clan leader, the world is in chaos. The Yellow Turban Army from Luzhou is marching north on a large scale, and the Great Qian Dynasty is teetering on the brink of collapse. This is a golden opportunity!"
"If my Zhao family seizes this opportunity to rise up, first taking Ruizhou as our base, and then gradually plotting our way forward, we, the Zhao family, may very well be able to contend for the vast and beautiful lands of the Great Qian Dynasty!"
Zhao She spoke first, his voice steady and powerful. He stood up and traced an arc on the map with his finger.
"In recent years, the Night King and the Flame King have successively rebelled within the territory of Daqian, and the Daqian Dynasty is already in turmoil. This is a good opportunity for my Zhao family to rise up."
As the chief commander of the Zhao family army, Zhao She has unique insights into the situation of the world.
"Zhao She is absolutely right. Our Zhao family has been lying low for many years, and now the time is ripe. If we don't act now, when will we?"
Zhao Yong nodded slightly, a hint of approval flashing in his eyes.
"Clan leader, Ruizhou is a strategically important place, a battleground for military strategists."
"If my Zhao family is to rise to power, we must first seize Ruizhou. Only by establishing a foundation there can we gradually plan to conquer the world."
Lin Xiangru stroked his long beard and spoke slowly.
"Indeed, the garrison of Ruizhou has now been transferred elsewhere by the Great Qian Dynasty, which is a good opportunity for us to make our move."
"As long as we take Ruizhou, the Zhao family will be able to gain a foothold here and then plan for greater development."
Zhao Yu picked up the conversation, his tone revealing a ruthless edge.
The remaining Zhao Sheng, Zhao He, Zhao Jianzi, Zhao Dan, and others nodded in agreement, and the hall was filled with excitement. Everyone was full of anticipation and confidence for the upcoming battle.
Looking at his clansmen united in purpose, Zhao Yong felt a surge of pride.
"Gentlemen, the rise of my Zhao family depends on this one battle."
"We must take Ruizhou!"
He stood up, looked around, and spoke in a loud voice.
"Zhao She, within my Zhao family, you are fully responsible for commanding the army, formulating battle plans, and ensuring victory in one battle."
As he spoke, he looked at Zhao She.
"Rest assured, Chieftain, I, Zhao She, will not fail in my mission and will reclaim Ruizhou!"
Zhao She bowed and accepted the order, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes.
"Xiangru, you are in charge of logistics support, ensuring that the army has sufficient food and sharp weapons."
Then, Zhao Yong looked at Lin Xiangru.
"Rest assured, my lord, I, Xiangru, will do my utmost to provide the best logistical support for the army."
Lin Xiangru nodded slightly, his expression calm.
After giving their instructions, everyone took on their respective duties, and the atmosphere in the hall became even more lively.
Looking at his clansmen before him, Zhao Yong was filled with anticipation. This battle was not only about the future of the Zhao family, but also about the fate of each and every one of them.
"Gentlemen, in this battle, we must not only win, but win spectacularly. We must let the world know that the Zhao family is no ordinary family, but possesses the strength and determination to contend for supremacy!"
Zhao Yong's voice was impassioned. After taking this step, whether the Zhao family would rise to prominence or be wiped out was entirely up to them.
Zhao She, sitting to the left, also clenched his fists, secretly vowing to lead the Zhao family army to seize Ruizhou in one fell swoop and lay the foundation for the Zhao family's hegemony.
"Brothers, we, the Zhao family army, have never feared sacrifice. In this battle, we swear to take Ruizhou at all costs!"
He looked at the generals and shouted loudly.
"We vow to seize Ruizhou!"
The crowd shouted in unison, their voices deafening, as if they were about to shatter the crystal windows of the hall.
It was late at night, but the Zhao family hall was brightly lit and bustling with activity.
Meanwhile, Zhu Di was leading the Yellow Turban Army of the Great Xuan, rushing towards Ruizhou City.
They, who also coveted Ruizhou, never expected that a powerful force was already secretly preparing to strike them hard within Ruizhou.
Once the agreement was reached, the Zhao family began making preparations in earnest.
Zhao She personally led the Zhao family's elite troops, preparing for war, intending to take Ruizhou with overwhelming force.
Meanwhile, Lin Xiangru stayed behind to oversee the rear, strategizing and planning for the Zhao family's future to ensure everything went smoothly.
Inside Ruizhou City, although the garrison was small, they were all elite soldiers. Upon hearing that the Zhao family intended to take advantage of the chaos to seize the city, they were all on high alert, determined to defend the city and prevent the Zhao family from succeeding.
However, they were unaware that the Zhao family was no longer what it used to be. Now, the Zhao family had Zhao She, a brilliant military strategist, and the Zhao family cavalry, which had been trained by him during this period, was exceptionally elite, bearing some resemblance to the Zhao border cavalry of the past who "adopted nomadic dress and mounted archery".
Several days later, Zhao She led the Zhao family's elite troops to the gates of Ruizhou.
On the city wall, the few remaining Daqian defenders stood ready, arrows raining down like a black cloud as they shot towards the Zhao family's army.
However, Zhao She did not take Ruizhou seriously at all, which was already extremely vulnerable. He waved his command flag and sent many of his generals, who had been recruited by the Zhao family, to charge towards the city wall.
In an instant, shouts of battle shook the heavens and the earth, and crimson blood instantly stained the city walls, igniting the flames of war in the hearts of the Zhao family's sons.