Li Xin's Report Shakes the Court; Ying Zheng Halts His Progress to Await the Fiefs

Another urgent report?

Inside the Golden Root Chariot, Ying Zheng's brows rose slightly, showing his surprise.

The fighting at the front had ground to a stalemate. It would probably take several months for any major victory or defeat. Why would an urgent report arrive now?

"Which unit sent it?"

Ying Zheng's voice rang out from the Golden Root Chariot. Li Si let out a breath, then said with renewed vigor, "It's from Li Xin's unit!"

Li Xin's unit?

Hadn't Li Xin taken a risky route and been surrounded by Li Mu?

Could he have broken out?

Whenever the military situation at the front changed, reports were sent to Xianyang. They were not exactly fast, but Li Xin's encirclement was already a matter of great military importance, so Ying Zheng had learned of it long ago.

Ying Zheng was somewhat displeased with Li Xin's reckless advance, but if he had managed to break out, that was still good news.

"Read it."

Li Si unfolded the urgent report and read aloud:

"Your servant Li Xin bows his head in mortal peril:

"I led my troops in a reckless advance and fell into the encirclement at Fanwu. At the time, fifty thousand elite Zhao troops surrounded us. My unit held out for three days, until our arrows and provisions ran out and the soldiers were on the verge of collapse.

"In that desperate moment, I rashly claimed that reinforcements were on the way. I had no certainty of this at all; I only hoped to raise morale and spur the men to fight on with all their strength.

"At midnight, the enemy launched a fierce assault on the city. Zhao troops swarmed over the walls like ants. I had already resolved to die, and personally led the remnants of my unit into battle.