"If you truly have the ability, if you truly have the chance to climb up, then climb. Climb without hesitation, without looking back."
"This world devours people."
"If you have no power or influence, even if you return home, you'll still suffer oppression. Your land might be seized through deceit, and your family could be forced into servitude as slaves or maids."
"Put away your naivety, cast aside your wishful thinking."
"You're still young, and you haven't faced these things. But when the time comes, if you have no power or influence, your fate will be sealed."
Under the cover of night, Wei Quan's stern gaze fixed on Zhao Feng as he spoke with utmost seriousness.
Feeling the gravity in Wei Quan's expression, Zhao Feng's usual smile faded gradually. He could sense that Wei Quan was utterly earnest.
"Brother Wei," Zhao Feng asked cautiously, "did something happen to your family?"
Wei Quan let out a bitter laugh. "Happened? Hah..."
"I watched with my own eyes as my younger sister was taken away by a local noble in the county. She was violated, and now she's gone mad." Wei Quan's eyes were filled with hatred.
"Brother, didn't you report it to the authorities?" Zhao Feng asked in shock. "Such a crime should warrant castration under the law!"
"Report it to the authorities?"
Wei Quan's lips curled into a scornful sneer. "The whole world knows that Qin laws are strict, but what they don't know is that Qin laws are enforced by those in power. If you're just a commoner, then yes, the law is strict. But if you belong to the noble class, what is this so-called strict Qin law worth?"
"To the king, Qin laws might be used to govern the world. But my family lived in Shu, far from the capital. The king's authority couldn't reach us."
"My father and I went to report the crime, but we ended up being framed by that noble. My father was beaten to death, and I was left gravely injured."
"The authorities?"
"Qin laws?"
"Perhaps in Xianyang, and the surrounding areas, Qin laws are as unyielding as heavenly decrees, and no one dares to defy them. But the further away you go, the more meaningless they become."
"For those with rank, punishment does not apply."
"Qin laws are for the commoners."
"Zhao Feng, don't be too naive."
Hearing this, Zhao Feng fell silent.
He had lived in this world for over fifteen years after his reincarnation, but his understanding of it was limited to his hometown and the military camp. In his village, neighbors cared for one another, and he had never encountered the kinds of scenarios Wei Quan described.
He thought back to the Qin laws, renowned in history for their severity, often referred to as the oppressive laws of the Qin dynasty.
Now, Wei Quan's words brought him face-to-face with a different, harsher reality of this era.
"Qin laws are for the commoners."
"For those with rank, punishment does not apply."
Murmuring these phrases, Zhao Feng felt as though he had caught a glimpse of the true nature of this world and this time.
"Enough."
"Don't think too much about it, Zhao. I just want to tell you not to view the world as too simple or too perfect."
"After nearly dying today, I'm off to get some sleep. You should rest early too. We're heading to Yangcheng tomorrow," Wei Quan said with a faint smile as he patted Zhao Feng on the shoulder and headed back to his tent.
Left alone by the small campfire, Zhao Feng replayed Wei Quan's words in his mind.
"Maybe I've been too naive."
"But two years should be enough for me to gather the attributes I need to protect my mother and sister. If anyone dares to harm them, I'll wipe out their entire family."
"For now, being in the logistics unit is good enough."
"At the end of the day…"
"Right now, Qin is indeed strong. Qin will unify the world, and King Zheng will become Emperor Qin Shi Huang, the first emperor in history. But who would have thought such a mighty Qin would fall within two generations?"
"I'm just an ordinary man. Even with the advantage of reincarnation, I don't have the strength to change the course of history yet. I must grow stronger to secure the future."
"Climbing the ranks, gaining titles… it sounds good, but I'll take it one step at a time. Staying alive comes first."
After brooding for a long while, Zhao Feng muttered inwardly.
Wei Quan's words had stirred up a ripple within him.
"Open the first-tier treasure chest," Zhao Feng commanded silently.
"First-tier treasure chest opened. Acquired first-tier spirit fruit: Heavenly Fragrance Cardamom," the system interface displayed.
"Heavenly Fragrance Cardamom: Consuming one can stabilize the heart and prevent death by inducing a temporary coma. However, without the remaining two, it's useless."
"What a waste of a treasure chest," Zhao Feng sighed in disappointment.
"Open attribute panel."
A familiar interface appeared before him:
Host: Zhao Feng
Age: 15
Strength: 336 (Higher values represent greater physical power.)
Speed: 216 (Higher values represent faster speed.)
Constitution: 218 (A stronger constitution leads to faster recovery and boundless stamina.)
Spirit: 211 (Higher values enable sharper clarity and, when sufficiently developed, the ability to sense spiritual energy.)
Lifespan: 86 years and 88 days
Portable Space: 2 cubic meters
"Three days of carrying corpses on the battlefield, transporting hundreds of bodies alone has brought me to this level."
"Tomorrow, we march to Yangcheng. Historical records describe it as a major stronghold where Korea resisted Qin. The casualties there must number in the tens of thousands several times greater than this border skirmish."
"Attributes, here I come."
At the thought of heading to Yangcheng, Zhao Feng couldn't help but feel a surge of anticipation.
The Next Morning.
At the crack of dawn, the field cooks prepared breakfast, and the logistics unit readied themselves for the journey.
Before them, ninety-odd logistics soldiers stood in formation. They wore no armor but carried swords at their waists.
In this era, armor was costly. Not every soldier could afford it, not even in the powerful Qin state. Logistics troops were equipped with weapons but not armor; only elite soldiers with titles were granted such gear.
"Zhao Feng, step forward!"
Suddenly, the military officer overseeing Zhao Feng's unit approached, holding a bamboo slip in hand, flanked by two soldiers carrying a box.
"Here!"
Wei Quan turned and loudly responded.
All eyes in the logistics unit turned toward Zhao Feng. They could already guess that he was about to receive his reward.
The officer stepped forward and loudly announced, holding up the bamboo slip:
"By order of the supreme general:
Logistics First Company Soldier Zhao Feng, having slain the Korean general Boqiu and achieved great merit, shall be promoted three ranks, to the position of Squad Leader, and granted a noble title of the first degree.
Additionally, he is to be awarded armor and a sword."
"Zhao Feng!" Wei Quan called out. "What are you waiting for? Step forward and thank the general!"
Zhao Feng strode forward calmly, bowing deeply. "Zhao Feng thanks the general for this honor."
The officer handed Zhao Feng a sword, armor, and the bamboo slip recording his reward. Zhao Feng received them with both hands.
With a faint smile, the officer said, "Zhao Feng, you've done well. By killing a Korean general especially the son of a Korean commander you've brought great honor to our logistics unit."
"It was merely luck," Zhao Feng replied humbly.
"Luck or not, the deed is done."
"My name is Luo Chao. If you ever need help in the future, come find me," the officer said, patting Zhao Feng on the shoulder before turning to address the rest of the unit.
"Zhao Feng has achieved a great merit by slaying a general. This is the essence of Qin's meritocracy.
"No matter who you are, as long as you kill enemies and earn merit, rewards will follow. I hope all of you can emulate Zhao Feng and bring honor to our nation!"
https://www.patreon.com/LordoftheReader