Just like that, the Xiongnu were conquered, and their race was utterly annihilated. This was something Li Mu had never imagined.
Back when he guarded Yanmen Pass, he had fantasized about leading a great army deep into Xiongnu territory and eradicating them completely.
He had not achieved this in the state of Zhao, but following Lin Tian, he had done so with ease.
This filled him with a mix of sorrow and joy.
Regardless, he had done a great deed for the people of Yanmen Commandery.
Therefore, when it came to collecting the Xiongnu's wealth, Li Mu participated.
This campaign was a complete harvest for Lin Tian and his men.
They had acquired not only vast amounts of cattle and sheep but also numerous high-quality warhorses.
The Xiongnu's steeds were renowned for their size and stamina.
Among them, the famed Blood-Sweating Horses were the standard for famous generals and emperors.
With these Xiongnu warhorses, the combat power of Lin Tian's cavalry became even greater.
Many of them felt a sense of personal enrichment.
This battle had not only vanquished enemies but also brought wealth.
Thus, everyone returned satisfied.
However, before they could return to Yanmen Commandery, a change had occurred within it.
The neighboring state of Yan was frequently probing Yanmen Commandery, clearly harboring intentions towards it.
In the Yan court, debates were already underway regarding who would lead the assault on Yanmen Commandery.
"My King, this humble general believes I can serve as commander and take Yanmen Commandery!"
"My King, Prince Bai Ye possesses talent in commanding troops. Prince Bai Ye should be sent to lead the forces to attack Yanmen Commandery!"
"If that's the case, the matter of attacking Yanmen Commandery should fall to the Crown Prince. The Crown Prince suffered a setback last time and should have an opportunity to atone for his mistakes!"
Many Yan generals believed Yanmen Commandery was a piece of meat ripe for the taking.
Whoever was appointed commander would be able to feast on this prize.
Therefore, they vied for this benefit on behalf of those they favored or were associated with.
However, not everyone agreed with this perspective.
"Are you so certain that Lin Tian's army will surely be defeated and will not return to Yanmen Commandery?"
"Does that even need to be asked? Their ability to defend a city is formidable; they decimated two hundred thousand Xiongnu at Yanmen Pass. But venturing deep into Xiongnu territory is different!"
"Firstly, they are unfamiliar with the terrain and are prone to falling into ambushes. Secondly, without fortified cities to rely on, they are no match for the Xiongnu cavalry!"
"Therefore, their expedition into Xiongnu territory is doomed to fail!"
"Exactly! We have dealt with the Xiongnu before, and we know how fierce they are. Facing such ferocious Xiongnu, they cannot possibly return victorious!"
"The best outcome would be for Lin Tian's army and the Xiongnu to suffer mutual destruction!"
"And wouldn't that present us with an opportunity?"
With the state of Zhao annihilated, everyone in Yan felt a strong sense of crisis.
They all knew that Qin intended to unify the six states.
Now that Zhao was destroyed, and Lin Tian's hundred thousand troops were stationed in Yanmen Commandery, Qin's next target was clearly Yan.
Under such circumstances, the Yan generals were naturally restless.
They greatly feared a Qin invasion, and especially an invasion led by Lin Tian, which instilled fear in many.
Lin Tian had proven his strength through countless battles and had previously defeated Prince Dan of Yan.
Therefore, no one in Yan was confident they could defeat Lin Tian's army.
If Lin Tian were to lead his army to attack Yan, their state would likely suffer a crushing defeat.
Thus, while Lin Tian was present, there was widespread panic.
However, upon learning that Lin Tian had gone into Xiongnu territory and might not return, their sentiment changed.
They no longer seemed to fear Qin as much.
Many of them were now contemplating taking Yanmen Commandery.
Even the King of Yan was stirring at this time.
His previous failure had made him more cautious.
But now, with the hope of victory so close, the prospect of capturing Yanmen Commandery was difficult for the King of Yan to resist.
However, he still concealed his thoughts at this moment, not revealing them.
"Are you certain you wish to attack Yanmen Commandery?"
"My King, we cannot miss such a heaven-sent opportunity!"
"Very well. Since you all say so, let our army attack Yanmen Commandery!"
"This time, it will still be Prince Dan. I hope he can redeem himself!"
Although on the previous occasion, King Xi of Yan's subordinates called it a heaven-sent opportunity, and it resulted in failure.
And although this time it was still Prince Dan leading the troops, King Xi of Yan still believed their state could achieve a great victory.
This was the King of Yan's yearning and his ambition.
Although he had never openly declared his ambition, he, like Ying Zheng, wished for his state of Yan to unify the six states.
However, Yan's strength was not as formidable as Qin's, nor was it even comparable to the former state of Zhao.
Therefore, he had not revealed this aspiration.
Even now, he merely spoke of taking Yanmen Commandery, not of conquering all of Qin.
He hoped Yanmen Commandery would be merely a beginning, the start of their campaign against Qin.
He further hoped that Yan could occupy the territories that once belonged to Zhao and Han, which would undoubtedly make Yan immensely powerful.
Therefore, as Crown Prince Dan was about to depart, King Xi of Yan privately summoned him.
"This time, I expect you to give your all and absolutely take Yanmen Commandery!"
"If you fail this attack on Yanmen Commandery, I will consider replacing you as the Crown Prince of Yan!"
"Your very life may be forfeit!"
King Xi of Yan spoke these words with great ruthlessness.
The cold indifference he displayed sent a chill through Prince Dan.
But he knew that his father was such a person.
He was a king who was cold and unfeeling.
Therefore, after a moment of heartache, Prince Dan obediently accepted King Xi of Yan's royal command.
Within Prince Dan's heart, he also harbored a strong desire to quickly become the King of Yan, so he would no longer be subject to King Yan.
However, his heart was not as hardened as the King of Yan's.
The King of Yan could harbor thoughts of killing him, but he could not entertain thoughts of killing the King of Yan.
Firstly, he truly lacked such a cruel heart. Secondly, the King of Yan was his father. If he were to kill his father, he would be branded as disloyal and unfilial.
In this era, reputation was highly valued. Once labeled disloyal and unfilial, not only would talented individuals abandon him, but no one would support his claim to the throne.
Therefore, Prince Dan had to ensure that this operation would be a success.
...