Lin Tian arrived, and Wang Jian was overjoyed.
Lin Tian's series of victories in major battles had boosted Qin's morale and thoroughly stabilized the situation.
If Lin Tian had not killed Li Mu's副将 Sima Shang at Yanmen and captured Yanmen, Li Mu would not have been able to deploy troops to Yanmen.
If Lin Tian had not defeated Li Mu, Wang Jian would not have been able to advance into Handan, the capital of Zhao, so easily.
If Lin Tian had not routed the Yan army of one hundred thousand at Yanmen, Wang Jian's army might truly have faced an attack from both sides.
More importantly, in all these campaigns, Lin Tian had achieved victory against superior numbers, creating one legend after another.
All of this combined made it impossible for others not to be impressed.
"General Lin, you've finally arrived. You all have worked hard this time!"
"It is our duty, all for Great Qin!"
"Well said, we are all for Great Qin! Then, regarding the attack on Handan this time, how about General Lin Tian making the decisions?"
"General Wang Jian flatters me. I shall serve as a vanguard officer!"
Wang Jian was the Great General for the Zhao campaign, and he would be enfeoffed as a marquis for this achievement.
Lin Tian did not want to overstep his bounds and steal Wang Jian's credit.
If Lin Tian were to do so, when he eventually took charge of Great Qin, he would likely incur the dissatisfaction of many.
Therefore, Lin Tian would not hesitate to share the credit that was due.
Hearing Lin Tian's words, Wang Jian realized he was not joking and did not press the matter further.
Instead, he turned to Lin Tian and asked:
"General Lin, you have previous experience defeating Zhao's Li Mu. Handan is currently being defended tightly by Li Mu. Do you have any good methods to quickly break through the city?"
"When Li Mu defends the city, I have no particular method to breach it!"
"After all, Li Mu has few rivals when it comes to defense!"
"However, if we cannot break through the city defended by Li Mu, we can break through a Handan defended by someone else!"
"General Lin Tian's meaning is...?"
As Lin Tian spoke, a light flickered in Wang Jian's mind, and he began to speculate.
However, he still hoped Lin Tian would explain the specific method.
At this moment, Lin Tian had no intention of concealing his thoughts and spoke directly:
"Naturally, we would replace the defending general of Handan. Once Li Mu is replaced, taking Handan would be as easy as turning over one's hand!"
"Replace the main general? The land of Zhao is not ours to command. Can we simply replace their main general as we please?"
"The current state of Zhao is at the end of its rope. Within Handan, there are countless people who wish to survive. If we find them, they will petition the King of Zhao on our behalf!"
"Not to mention, Li Mu has many enemies within Handan!"
"In fact, Zhao's Chancellor Guo Kai not only holds a grudge against Li Mu but is also greedy for wealth. I believe that with the promise of certain benefits, he will act on our behalf!"
Relatively speaking, Lin Tian held Li Mu in high regard.
If Li Mu could be spared and brought into Qin's service, it would be a valuable asset to Lin Tian.
Therefore, Lin Tian also made a request to Wang Jian.
"If possible, it would be best to capture Li Mu alive. He can still be of use to us in Qin!"
"Hahaha! I understand what General Lin Tian means!"
"Rest assured, I also have a high opinion of Li Mu. Since General Lin Tian has spoken, I will naturally ensure Li Mu is kept alive!"
Actually, Wang Jian had not initially intended to spare Li Mu.
Given Li Mu's talent, he would undoubtedly be heavily relied upon in Qin.
This would mean another person competing with Wang Jian for military achievements in Qin.
However, since Lin Tian had made the request, Wang Jian naturally had to show him respect.
Therefore, he decided to proceed as Lin Tian suggested.
When he sent someone to contact Guo Kai, Guo Kai agreed without hesitation.
With the Qin army besieging the city, Guo Kai was already seeking a way out.
Now that someone from Qin had approached him, and with promises of substantial wealth and rewards, how could Guo Kai not be tempted?
However, regarding Qin's desire to spare Li Mu's life, Guo Kai looked hesitant, clearly unwilling.
"This Qin envoy, since you wish to replace Li Mu, why do you want to spare his life? Is that not creating trouble for yourselves?"
"This request was not made by me, but by our General Lin Tian!"
"Sword God Lin Tian!!"
Hearing this name, Guo Kai was startled.
Lin Tian's existence was thunderous in Guo Kai's ears.
He was also aware that Qin had many outstanding young talents, with Lin Tian, the Sword God, being the most exceptional.
Not only was his personal strength extraordinary, capable of fighting thousands single-handedly, but his commanding ability was also unparalleled.
From the moment he embarked on his campaign, he had never suffered defeat.
Regardless of the enemy, regardless of their numbers, he could annihilate them and achieve victory.
Even military commanders like Crown Prince Dan of Yan and Li Mu of Zhao had suffered greatly at Lin Tian's hands.
Furthermore, this Lin Tian was highly favored by the King of Qin and was truly a rising star in Qin.
How could Guo Kai not wish to curry favor with such a figure?
The words he was about to utter to refuse sparing Li Mu were swallowed back.
Compared to befriending Wang Jian, he was more eager to befriend Lin Tian.
Therefore, he readily agreed to the request.
"Very well, since it is General Lin Tian who has spoken, I will naturally do my utmost to fulfill it!"
"Please relay a message to General Wang Jian and General Lin Tian: this matter is entirely on my shoulders!"
After the Qin envoy departed, Guo Kai counted his wealth repeatedly. Seeing the money, he felt a surge of joy and considerable relief.
However, after counting several times, he took out a portion of the money.
Then, he found the largest pleasure house in Handan and, using more than ten carts loaded with courtesans, entered the King of Zhao's palace.
While he could have persuaded the King of Zhao with his eloquence to dismiss Li Mu, it would have certainly met with much opposition and might have required several days of back and forth.
To ensure this matter was handled smoothly and to gain the admiration of Wang Jian and Lin Tian, Guo Kai decided to act swiftly.
Guo Kai's method was also very simple.
He invited some courtesans to entertain the King of Zhao.
Once the King of Zhao was pleased, things would naturally become simple.
Indeed, when Guo Kai brought these courtesans into the palace, the King of Zhao became extremely excited.
That night, the King of Zhao's palace was filled with song and dance, and the sounds of decadent music continued.
The sounds emanating from within made many in Zhao sigh.
"Alas! The signs of a falling kingdom! These are the signs of a falling kingdom!"
At this point, with the King of Zhao still indulging in pleasure, how could Zhao not fall?
...