Invincible by Picking Attributes

Chapter 29: Chapter 29: Reward for Zhao Feng



After a moment of silence, Ying Zheng put down the bamboo scroll.

"Minister Xia," he said solemnly, "is the information in this report accurate?"

"This report was personally compiled and submitted by my disciple, Chen Fuzi," Xia Wuqi replied earnestly. "It is true. The stitching method and fire sterilization method are indeed highly effective.

"My disciple conducted a study with 300 severely wounded soldiers. Of them, 275 survived, while only 25 succumbed to their injuries. Furthermore, none of the survivors developed the Seven-Day Fever.

"This outcome was unprecedented."

The elder physician's face remained serious, but his expression could not fully hide his excitement.

For a physician, mastering advanced medical techniques was an achievement to be proud of. More importantly, these methods could save countless lives.

The Seven-Day Fever, a long-standing scourge, was notoriously difficult to avoid. Now, however, a means to prevent it has been discovered.

The stitching technique and innovative hemostatic methods could effectively stop excessive bleeding in severely wounded soldiers when combined with hemostatic medicine.

Hearing Xia Wuqi's explanation, the court officials quickly understood why this rarely-seen elder physician had personally come to the palace today.

For the Qin army, this was a matter of monumental importance.

In every battle, the loss of wounded soldiers was a tremendous tragedy. These injured soldiers were often seasoned warriors, and losing even one was a significant blow, let alone the thousands wounded in every large-scale conflict.

In the age of cold weapons, injuries primarily resulted from internal trauma or unstoppable bleeding, compounded by the virtually unavoidable Seven-Day Fever.

Previously, the survival rate of severely wounded soldiers was dismal only one or two out of ten might survive. Now, however, the numbers had reversed, with a drastically improved survival rate.

"With Minister Xia's confirmation, these medical techniques are undoubtedly effective and practical," Ying Zheng declared.

"Since they have been successfully implemented in practice, it is truly Heaven's blessing upon Qin."

"The extraordinary medical talent behind these discoveries is evident."

"I humbly request that this individual be transferred to the Lantian Medical Corps," Xia Wuqi said, his excitement evident. "Allow my inadequate disciples to provide him with guidance. Once he gains further experience, I am willing to personally mentor him here in Xianyang."

Hearing this, Ying Zheng's expression softened into a faint smile, though there was a trace of helplessness.

Under different circumstances, he would have readily granted Xia Wuqi's request.

But just moments ago, he had already decreed that Zhao Feng would be transferred to the main combat forces. How could such an exceptional warrior be relegated to the medical corps? Doing so would invite ridicule upon Qin.

"Minister Xia," Ying Zheng began, "if it were anyone else, I would grant your request. But this individual is exceptional."

"Why is that?" Xia Wuqi asked, visibly puzzled. "According to my disciples, this person is merely a logistics officer..."

At this, many officials turned their attention back to Ying Zheng, and some among them began to speculate.

"A logistics officer?"

"Could it be... that the individual Minister Xia seeks is Zhao Feng?"

Otherwise, why would Ying Zheng refuse Minister Xia's request?

"Minister Xia, the logistics officer you mention is no ordinary figure," Ying Zheng explained with a smile.

"Baoyuan led a hidden force in a surprise attack on our supply line near Yangcheng. Were it not for this individual's bravery in rallying the logistics troops to fight back, Qin's supply route would have been severed.

"This man, Zhao Feng, killed 300 enemy soldiers and personally beheaded Baoyuan, turning the tide of battle."

"Such a valiant warrior is far more than just a logistics officer."

"General Wang Jian has already requested his transfer to the main forces, and I have granted it."

Xia Wuqi's face showed disbelief. "This Zhao Feng is truly so remarkable?"

"He has indeed been a surprise to me," Ying Zheng said, his tone tinged with amazement. "I was initially impressed by his unparalleled martial prowess.

"But now, thanks to your report, I've discovered that Zhao Feng is also a medical innovator who has made tremendous contributions to our military."

Recovering from his astonishment, Xia Wuqi smiled wryly. "If this man is both a great warrior and has already been requested by General Wang Jian, then I was indeed presumptuous."

"However, I can vouch for his medical techniques. They are entirely novel and extraordinarily effective, capable of saving countless injured Qin soldiers."

"On behalf of all the wounded soldiers of Qin, I humbly request that Zhao Feng be duly rewarded."

As he spoke, Xia Wuqi bowed deeply.

Ying Zheng raised his hand. "Minister Xia, rest assured. All who contribute to Qin shall be rewarded!"

"Minister Wei," Ying Zheng called.

"We are at your command, Your Majesty," Wei Liao responded, stepping forward.

"Draft a decree to be sent to the Lantian camp," Ying Zheng ordered.

"In recognition of his exceptional service, Zhao Feng, logistics officer, is hereby promoted to combat command.

"He is to assume the role of Military Commander and lead 5,000 troops."

"Zhao Feng is further awarded a five-tier promotion in rank to the noble title of Great Gentleman

"His military salary, noble annuity, and land grants are to be allocated according to the established standards of merit and distributed after the campaign concludes."

Wei Liao immediately responded, "Your command shall be carried out."

"Inform General Wang Jian," Ying Zheng added, "that this valiant warrior is to be utilized as he sees fit."

"Understood," Wei Liao replied.

"Your Majesty," Wei Liao continued, "there is one more matter I wish to bring to your attention."

"Speak."

"The failure of Li Teng's reckless advance allowed Baoyuan to ambush our troops," Wei Liao said.

"However, the logistics soldiers, though not part of the main forces, courageously fought to the death and ensured our victory.

"These soldiers died bravely, yet the compensation they receive is significantly lower than that of the main forces."

"I humbly request that Your Majesty extend the compensation for these fallen logistics soldiers to match that of the main combat forces, to demonstrate your magnanimity."

Ying Zheng's brows furrowed slightly, a trace of emotion visible in his expression.

"Your Majesty," interjected Chancellor Wang Wan, "the system of noble ranks must not be altered lightly.

"Nearly 10,000 logistics soldiers perished in this battle. Granting them all the compensation of the main forces would place a significant burden on the state treasury."

"Our resources are already strained by ongoing warfare. Such an action could destabilize the entire system of ranks and rewards."

"Please, Your Majesty, consider this carefully."

Several more officials, all civil ministers, rose to echo Wang Wan's concerns.

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