Invincible by Picking Attributes

"Originally, I thought that scoundrel Bao Yuan had escaped, so I led my troops in pursuit, determined to capture him. But to my surprise, that dog stayed hidden in Yang City, nearly ruining everything."

"If not for you, I might have been stripped of my command as the leading general by now."

"And because of me, ten thousand soldiers from the logistics unit lost their lives."

Recalling the recent events, Li Teng's face showed a mix of helplessness and self-reproach.

To this, Zhao Feng remained silent. He didn't offer words of comfort because this was, in fact, Li Teng's fault. His greed for glory and reckless advancement had led to him neglecting to station troops to guard Yang City, allowing Bao Yuan to strike.

If Li Teng had left just ten thousand elite soldiers to defend Yang City, Bao Yuan would not have been able to stir up such chaos, and the soldiers in the logistics unit wouldn't have suffered so many casualties.

As the saying goes, one general's success is built on a mountain of bones.

But in this case, Li Teng's actions were not a success they were a mistake.

When Bao Yuan's forces ambushed Zhao Feng and pursued him, Zhao Feng couldn't help but curse inwardly at how ridiculous it was for their side to be caught off guard like this after achieving such a decisive victory.

"If General Li truly feels guilty, perhaps you could visit the graves of those fallen soldiers one day," Zhao Feng said slowly. "Or better yet, petition the king to grant their families additional compensation."

Hearing this, Li Teng looked up at Zhao Feng with a trace of surprise. He hadn't expected Zhao Feng to speak so bluntly, showing no fear of his authority as the commanding general.

Instead of becoming angry, Li Teng nodded gravely. "After the war, I will. As for the compensation for those logistics soldiers, the senior general has already submitted a request to the court."

"If the compensation is indeed increased, it might bring some comfort to the families of the deceased," Zhao Feng added.

In this era, many things were beyond one's control. Being conscripted, joining the army, going to the battlefield, and even dying all were often dictated by circumstance.

Still, even in death, the compensation for fallen soldiers served as their final gift to their families. A little more compensation could mean a slightly better life for their loved ones, especially at a time when most people relied on farming or manual labor to make a living.

"Don't worry."

"The state of Qin will never shortchange anyone who has served with merit."

"I've already received word from the senior general. He has reported your achievements, as well as those of the logistics unit, to the king."

"Within ten days, a royal decree should arrive."

"At that time, you'll no longer be part of the logistics unit but an elite soldier in my main force."

"The senior general's intention is for you to serve directly under my command," Li Teng said with a smile.

"When the decree arrives, I will carry out my duties as ordered," Zhao Feng replied calmly, cupping his fists.

"Good."

"I understand your injuries are still fresh. Take this time to rest."

"We're currently pursuing the remnants of the enemy, gradually closing in on the Han capital. There aren't any major battles for now, so you don't need to worry," Li Teng said with reassurance.

"Understood," Zhao Feng nodded.

"General Li," Wang Yan suddenly spoke from the side.

"Commander Wang, go ahead," Li Teng replied, turning to her.

"I would like to request that Zhao Feng be transferred to my unit," Wang Yan said, raising her head.

"Your unit?"

Li Teng's face showed some surprise. He paused for a moment, then seemed to realize something. "Have you made up your mind?"

"I have," Wang Yan nodded. After speaking, her posture relaxed, as though a burden had been lifted.

"Alright, I'll inform the senior general," Li Teng agreed.

"Thank you, General," Wang Yan expressed her gratitude.

Then she turned to Zhao Feng. "Since you'll soon be joining the main force, how about I take you on a tour of the camp?"

Zhao Feng didn't refuse. "Sure, I'd like to see how the main force differs from the logistics unit."

With that, Wang Yan led Zhao Feng out of the hall.

Watching them leave, Li Teng sighed inwardly. This kid holds some resentment toward me.

But perhaps I deserve it. Because of my mistakes, I caused the logistics soldiers to suffer… sigh…

Indeed, Zhao Feng's tone toward him carried a distinct coolness. It wasn't in his nature to flatter or fake friendliness. And given his current strength, Zhao Feng did not need to curry favor with others.

On the way to the camp, Wang Yan walked ahead while Zhao Feng followed behind, both of them silent.

Suddenly, Wang Yan stopped in her tracks, prompting Zhao Feng to halt abruptly, his expression puzzled.

Turning to face him, Wang Yan asked with a hint of annoyance, "Don't you have anything to say? Or anything you want to ask?"

"What would I have to ask?" Zhao Feng replied, baffled.

"How did you figure out that I'm a woman?" Wang Yan asked, her eyes fixed on him.

Zhao Feng glanced at her, his expression amused. "Isn't it obvious to anyone with eyes?"

"There are very few 'delicate white-faced youths' like you in the army. No matter how hard you try to roughen your voice, it still sounds like a woman's."

"And then…"

Zhao Feng's gaze briefly flicked to her chest before he quipped, "No matter how tightly you wrap yourself, how could a man possibly have such… exaggerated pectoral muscles?"

"Do you think I'm stupid?"

As his words fell, Wang Yan instinctively glanced down, her fair face instantly turning crimson.

"You lecher!" she huffed.

"You're the one who asked," Zhao Feng replied with a shrug.

"Do you want to go home so badly?" Wang Yan suddenly asked again.

"What kind of nonsense is that?" Zhao Feng shot her a glance, clearly annoyed. "Don't you want to go home?"

"I don't," Wang Yan said bitterly, shaking her head with a self-deprecating smile.

Seeing her expression, Zhao Feng didn't know how to respond. After a moment of thought, he said, "I'm just an ordinary commoner. I wouldn't understand the affairs of noble families. Maybe life in a big family comes with even more troubles."

"Exactly."

"If I could choose, I wouldn't have been born into the kind of family you just described."

"Then maybe I wouldn't be so helpless," Wang Yan said with a rueful smile.

Zhao Feng remained silent, though he began forming a theory in his mind: Looks like this girl is running from a political marriage. Why else would she join the army to escape her fate? She's probably trying to earn military merits to change her destiny.

But that's nearly impossible.

Her surname is Wang… could she be Wang Jian's daughter?

If that's the case, she's almost certainly destined for a political marriage, likely decreed by the king himself, to some noble heir.

Still, for women in this era, most marriages are decided by their families. Resisting that kind of fate… it's almost unthinkable.

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