At this moment, everything had already been said without words.
In such a situation, everything seemed to flow naturally, blending seamlessly like water and fire.
Inside the hall, the candlelight went out, and all that transpired was beyond words.
The Next Day
As the first light of dawn broke, Zhao Feng groggily opened his eyes.
After regaining some clarity, he turned his head to the side, only to find the space beside him empty. It was clear that the person who had been there was now gone.
On the bedding, a faint red mark remained a silent testament to what had happened the previous night.
Zhao Feng sat up abruptly, his face tinged with a trace of longing. "She's gone?"
Last night, Wang Yan had entrusted everything to him.
If Zhao Feng claimed he wasn't moved, it would be a lie.
As his eyes scanned the room, they landed on a letter left on the table, written on a piece of cloth.
He quickly rose to his feet, walked over, and picked it up.
It was a note Wang Yan had left behind.
The Note
"Last night, let us treat it as though it never happened.
Born into a general's family and one of Qin's noble houses, my destiny has never been in my own hands.
To you, I do have feelings in my heart. If possible, I would be more than willing to marry you.
But fate cannot be defied. Last night was my futile attempt to rebel against destiny.
I hope you can return home soon, honor your mother, and live a peaceful and prosperous life from this day forward.
I am but a passing traveler in your life. Perhaps we will meet again one day, but it will not be as we were yesterday."
The cloth bore Wang Yan's heartfelt words.
It conveyed her resentment toward her impending fate and her ultimate resignation after the events of last night.
Zhao Feng carefully folded the letter, his face a mix of sorrow and determination.
Without hesitation, he ran out of the hall, heading toward the military camp.
At the Military Camp
Seeing Zhang Han leading a training session, Zhao Feng hurriedly approached him.
"Commander Zhang, where is the Military Captain Wang?"
Zhang Han, startled by Zhao Feng's urgency, was momentarily confused but quickly replied, "I haven't seen Captain Wang. However, there were many main camp guards near the side gate of the camp earlier. Perhaps Captain Wang is dealing with some official matters there."
Without a moment's hesitation, Zhao Feng sprinted toward the side gate. His pace was faster than an ordinary person's.
Zhang Han stood in place, puzzled. "What's going on?"
The Side Gate
A carriage was already prepared, and Wang Yan was seated inside. She looked out at the camp she had once hoped would allow her to change her destiny, her eyes filled with reluctance.
"Miss," said the commander of her guards, bowing deeply, "it is time to depart."
Wang Yan nodded lightly, lowering the curtain. Though reluctant, she knew it was time to leave.
"Move out," the commander ordered.
At his command, 500 personal guards mounted their horses and began escorting the carriage out of the city.
As Zhao Feng burst out of the camp's side gate, the procession had already vanished from sight.
"She's really… gone," Zhao Feng murmured, his heart heavy with regret.
After a moment of silence, his eyes burned with newfound resolve. Determination, fiercer than ever, surged within him.
"Last night, you entrusted yourself to me. If that hadn't happened, I would have had no right or reason to intervene in your so-called political marriage.
"But now, things are different. You are mine, and no one can take you away.
"Not even the crown prince, Fu Su.
"Power? As long as I have enough time, I will fear no one.
"Wang Yan, wait for me. I will make you my wife, fair and square."
Back at the Camp: Council Hall
"Lieutenant Zhao Feng reporting to General Li," Zhao Feng announced, bowing respectfully as he entered the council hall.
"You're here so early?" General Li Teng asked, surprised by Zhao Feng's punctuality.
"Today marks my first-day leading troops. I wouldn't dare slack off," Zhao Feng replied firmly.
Li Teng studied Zhao Feng, his surprise deepening.
"Something about you feels different than before," he remarked.
"I'm not sure what you mean," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
"I mean, you used to seem reluctant about taking command. But now, you're eager for it," Li Teng observed.
Zhao Feng chuckled. "Since I'm here, I might as well serve with dedication. If I've joined the main camp, I must serve Qin, earn military merit, and secure a place of power for myself."
Hearing this, Li Teng nodded approvingly. "Good. Very good!
"Loyalty to the nation and ambition for personal merit that is the true spirit of a Qin soldier.
"With your courage and skill, you'll be a great general for Qin."
Zhao Feng bowed again. "May I ask, General, which battalion will I command?"
He already suspected it would be Wang Yan's former battalion.
"Captain Wang has been reassigned to other duties elsewhere. You'll take over the battalion she commanded," Li Teng confirmed, his tone serious.
"I accept the assignment," Zhao Feng replied.
"I have one request," he added.
"Speak," Li Teng said.
"I want to lead troops into battle, not stay behind to guard Yang City," Zhao Feng declared, his voice resolute.
Since there was no turning back, Zhao Feng was determined to seize every opportunity. Through Qin's merit-based system, he would climb to the top, no matter the cost.
Li Teng burst into laughter. "Hahaha!
"You are a fierce warrior; how could I let you idle here? Once you take command, you'll be assigned duties immediately."
Zhao Feng saluted. "Thank you, General."
"Chen Tao!" Li Teng called.
A tall commander entered the hall promptly.
"Awaiting orders, General," he said, bowing deeply.
Li Teng gestured toward Zhao Feng. "This is Zhao Feng, your subordinate battalion commander.
"Zhao Feng, this is Chen Tao, your direct superior."
Zhao Feng saluted. "It's an honor to meet you, General Chen."
"The honor is mine, Captain Zhao," Chen Tao replied with a smile.
Li Teng dismissed them with a wave. "Chen Tao, take Zhao Feng to his battalion. Once troops are assembled, march to the Han Capital.
"All further arrangements are your responsibility."
Chen Tao and Zhao Feng saluted in unison. "Understood."
On the Training Grounds
Five thousand elite Qin soldiers stood in formation, divided into five units of a thousand men each.
The five-unit commanders stood at the head of their respective formations.
"General Chen has arrived!" a loud voice announced.
Chen Tao and Zhao Feng walked toward the assembled troops.