"Later on,"
"Your Majesty is already aware of Zhao Feng's circumstances,"
"When burying the corpses of the logistics troops, he killed Biao Yuan's son to save his superior officer, a hundred-man commander."
"After that,"
"While stationed outside Yang City, Biao Yuan launched a surprise attack. In a life-and-death situation, Zhao Feng had no choice but to confront the formidable enemy. It was through this that he emerged as a prominent figure in our Great Qin army and was transferred to the main combat unit by the general, leading to his subsequent achievements." Dun Ruo reported respectfully.
After hearing this,
Ying Zheng smiled faintly, showing no anger. "He is indeed a man of great filial piety and loyalty. Such a person, though unyielding, is sincere and straightforward."
"This man is indeed deeply affectionate and righteous,"
"Moreover, he possesses exceptional benevolence,"
"According to the investigations I conducted,"
"After being assigned to the main combat unit, Zhao Feng would always charge at the forefront during battles, leading by example. Amidst bloodshed, many valiant soldiers owe their survival to him."
"Even after the battles concluded, Zhao Feng would enter the medical camps to aid injured soldiers, saving numerous gravely wounded warriors," Dun Ruo added with reverence.
As the head of the Black Ice Platform, the most confidential intelligence agency of Great Qin, he was naturally trusted by the king and thoroughly understood Ying Zheng.
Given Ying Zheng's attention toward Zhao Feng, Dun Ruo was straightforward in his assessment.
"It seems,"
"There's no need to worry about Zhao Feng's background."
"This man can be trusted and utilized."
Ying Zheng spoke calmly.
After Zhao Feng's meritorious feat of breaking through a city and capturing its ruler, Ying Zheng ordered Dun Ruo to thoroughly investigate his background and history.
After all, in Great Qin,
A civil official might hail from foreign lands,
But someone in control of military power must never be an outsider.
Military authority was the root of chaos.
"Your Majesty is correct," Dun Ruo agreed respectfully.
Then, in a probing tone, he asked, "Should we arrange someone to monitor Zhao Feng?"
Ying Zheng remained silent and merely glanced at Dun Ruo.
"I understand."
Dun Ruo bowed deeply, instantly comprehending.
"You may withdraw."
Ying Zheng waved dismissively.
"Your servant takes leave,"
Dun Ruo retreated respectfully.
Once he had left,
Ying Zheng called out toward the palace doors, "Issue an edict!"
The palace doors opened.
Zhao Gao quickly entered, bowing deeply and kneeling before Ying Zheng.
"For the vice-general Zhao Feng's meritorious service to the state, and considering his mother has no one to care for her in the countryside, bestow upon her a mansion built by craftsmen, fifty servants, one hundred gold pieces, ten thousand copper coins, and a fifty-year-old ginseng."
"Order the Ministry of Revenue to expedite these gifts," Ying Zheng instructed calmly.
Then,
He handed Zhao Gao a decree that had been prepared in advance.
Zhao Gao swiftly crawled over, reverently accepting the royal edict.
"Your servant accepts the decree," Zhao Gao responded promptly,
Then hurriedly retreated.
Within the palace of Zhangtai,
Only Ying Zheng remained.
"Wang Jian,"
"He truly is a clever man."
"Fu Su, Fu Su… you still fail to meet my expectations!"
"I hope this arranged marriage will prompt Li Si to influence you. Otherwise, if you continue to be manipulated by Wang Wan and the others, you will never achieve great things."
Ying Zheng murmured to himself, a look of disappointment for Fu Su flickering in his eyes.
At that moment,
In Fu Su's residence!
"Prime Minister Wang, what should we do about this situation now?"
"Li Si has always been at odds with my political views. He governs with strict legalism, whereas I emphasize benevolence. He can't become my ally. But now, Father has forcibly arranged for me to marry Li Si's daughter," Fu Su said, his face full of worry.
Today's court decree of the arranged marriage had left Fu Su seething inwardly.
"My Lord,"
"A royal decree cannot be disobeyed."
"Now that the matter is settled, it cannot be changed," Wang Wan sighed.
"Must I simply accept marrying Li Si's daughter?" Fu Su still felt indignant.
"Who dares defy His Majesty's will?"
"It's a pity,"
"Wang Jian is too clever and too adept at understanding the times."
"If he hadn't refused the marriage proposal with your lordship, His Majesty wouldn't have appointed Li Si's daughter," Wang Wan said bitterly.
The original proposal of the marriage was intended to win Wang Jian over as an ally for Fu Su.
Unexpectedly, it ultimately led to Li Si.
And Li Si,
Was destined not to become Fu Su's ally.
Not only due to their conflicting political ideologies but also because of the rivalry between the old aristocracy and the new.
If Qin and its empire were likened to a great cake,
The king held dominion over all,
But the power beneath the throne was contested among ministers. The old aristocracy sought to secure positions for their own, while the new aristocracy sought the same.
Such power struggles were inherently antagonistic and irreconcilable.
The fight for power was a matter of life and death.
Even if Li Si did marry his daughter to Fu Su, he would never fully support Fu Su.
And even if Fu Su married Li Si's daughter, he would never regard Li Si too highly.
It was a dead end.
"What if Zhao Feng was merely an excuse Wang Jian concocted?"
"Wang Jian is unbelievably foolish,"
"My lord is the future heir to the throne, yet he dared refuse?"
"This Zhao Feng may have some military achievements, but how can he compare to my lord?"
"How dare a mere vice-general stand in my lord's way?" Chunyu Yue said indignantly.
In his view,
It was Zhao Feng's sudden appearance that ruined their plan to secure Wang Jian as an ally for Fu Su.
"This matter is already over."
"Wang Jian spoke appropriately at the right time."
"He returned victorious with great merit. At such a moment, His Majesty would never fault him."
"Moreover… His Majesty hasn't forgotten the events of the past," Wang Wan said meaningfully.
"The past?"
Fu Su looked puzzled.
"That woman?" Chunyu Yue furrowed his brows.
"Did you not hear His Majesty say the thing he despises most is forcing others apart in matters of love?"
"This was a rebuke, a warning to those involved in the events of that year," Wang Wan said with a bitter tone.
"What woman? What happened back then?" Fu Su still looked confused.
"Such matters are better left unknown to you, my lord. With your temperament, learning of them would not be beneficial," Wang Wan said solemnly.
Seeing this,
Fu Su refrained from asking further but looked at Wang Wan and asked, "Prime Minister, what should we do now?"
"Marry."
Wang Wan replied firmly.
"Is there truly no other way?" Fu Su still looked reluctant.
"His Majesty's will cannot be defied."
"But even after marrying Li Si's daughter, it changes nothing. My lord can still act as you see fit. Li Si will not have any authority over you."
"Treat her as nothing more than a concubine," Wang Wan said with a cold smile.
Upon hearing this,
Fu Su could only nod reluctantly.
"What about Zhao Feng?"
"That man ruined our efforts to win over Wang Jian. We can't just let it slide," Chunyu Yue said, still fuming.
Fu Su cast a surprised glance at Chunyu Yue and said, "What does this have to do with Zhao Feng? After all, it's a matter of mutual affection. How can you call it sabotage?"
"My lord,"
"Had it not been for Zhao Feng, Wang Jian would already be your father-in-law, and the Blue Field Camp would be your support. Can you truly tolerate this?" Chunyu Yue retorted heatedly.
"I am not so petty. Besides, we simply miscalculated," Fu Su replied calmly.
Though he was striving for the throne, his heart was not so narrow.
Should he blame others for what was his failure?
Fu Su was not so petty.
"But"
Chunyu Yue was still dissatisfied.
He harbored the faint hope that if Zhao Feng could somehow be made to annul his engagement with Wang Jian's daughter, Fu Su would have another chance.
Military power!
That was the true foundation.
"Chunyu Yue,"
"There's no need to take it too far."
"For now, let's focus on dealing with Li Si," Wang Wan interjected, cutting Chunyu Yue off.
Hearing this,
Chunyu Yue finally fell silent. Yet from his expression, it was clear he was not prepared to let the matter rest.
To him, Fu Su was his disciple, and he was bound to plan for his disciple's future.
"My lord,"
"I have heard something,"
"Perhaps it could be advantageous to us," Wang Wan suddenly spoke.
"What has the Prime Minister heard?" Fu Su immediately asked.
"Have you heard of Han Fei?" Wang Wan smiled knowingly.
Fu Su promptly replied, "Han Fei's name is renowned throughout the land. He is a true genius. Like Li Si, he studied under the great Xunzi. But compared to Li Si, his understanding of Legalism is even greater. It's said that during his time in Han, he was deeply loved by the people. If only King Han had utilized his talents, our Great Qin wouldn't have found it so easy to conquer Han."
"My lord is right," Wang Wan said with a smile.
"Why does the Prime Minister suddenly mention Han Fei?" Fu Su asked, puzzled.
"Han Fei is now imprisoned, but not in an ordinary prison. It's a special prison that the King personally decreed for his confinement," someone reported.
"Not only that but he is being served fine wine and good food, quite unlike the treatment of a typical prisoner."
"Rumor has it," the person continued, "the King once issued an order to Wang Jian, stating that all Han officials could be executed, except for Han Fei. Can't you deduce something from this, Your Highness?" Wang Wan smiled knowingly.
"Father intends to put Han Fei to good use," Fusu immediately understood.
"Exactly."
Wang Wan's smile deepened, his old face exuding a calculating air. "Many say Han Fei's talent surpasses that of Li Si. If the King indeed employs him, what would become of Li Si, the current leading figure of the court?"
"And if Han Fei could be brought under your influence, what kind of scene would the court become in the future?"
"Have you ever thought about that, Your Highness?"
Fusu fell silent for a moment, his face thoughtful.
"You mean for me to win Han Fei over to my side?" Fusu asked.
"Precisely."
"Han Fei is a man of great talent. If he pledges allegiance, the King will surely appoint him to a prominent position perhaps even one of the Nine Ministers in the future."
"If you can secure his loyalty, Your Highness, it would be like gaining an invaluable ally." Wang Wan's tone was firm and confident.
Fusu nodded.
As the scene shifted, a figure entered the residence of Chunyu Yue.
"What orders do you have for me, Grand Tutor?" the man asked.
"Do something for the Crown Prince travel to Yingchuan," Chunyu Yue instructed.
...
At the Wang residence.
"The General has returned!"
A loud cry from the steward announced Wang Jian's arrival, sending the entire household into a flurry of activity.
The servants bustled to the front gate to greet him.
Lady Wang, Wang Yan, and Wang Jian's grandson Wang Li also emerged from the residence to welcome him.
Before long, a carriage drawn by three horses arrived outside the gates. Wang Jian stepped out slowly.
"Husband."
"Father."
"Grandfather."
Three voices called out from the doorway.
Hearing them, Wang Jian smiled warmly and strode forward.
"Li'er, come let Grandfather hold you!" Wang Jian crouched down and laughed heartily.
Wang Li, unafraid, ran toward him with a smile.
"Haha!"
"It's been nearly a year, and my little Li'er has grown quite a bit taller," Wang Jian laughed as he scooped up his grandson.
He headed into the residence, his gaze softening as it fell on Lady Wang and Wang Yan.
"Let's go inside," he said with a smile.
"I've already asked someone to prepare a meal," Lady Wang said.
"There's no need to rush. I had plenty to eat earlier with the King at the palace," Wang Jian replied with a chuckle, striding confidently into the house.
As he passed, the servants knelt to greet him, but Wang Jian waved them off, signaling them to rise.
In the main hall, Wang Jian set Wang Li down and turned to look at Wang Yan.
Under his scrutinizing gaze, Wang Yan felt a bit uneasy.
"Tell me," Wang Jian said.
"Tell you what?" Wang Yan asked nervously.
"About your time in the army. About Zhao Feng," Wang Jian said sternly.
"How... how did you find out?" Wang Yan's expression changed, surprise evident in her eyes.
"Did you plan to keep it a secret from me forever?"
"If Zhao Feng hadn't dared to speak up, I might never have known," Wang Jian said in a serious tone.
"Did he... did he tell you everything?" Wang Yan was stunned.
She hadn't expected this at all.
In this era, childhood sweethearts and free love were rare luxuries.
The connection between Wang Yan and Zhao Feng had formed during a life-and-death moment born out of gratitude and sealed with a promise.
"To his credit, the young man has courage. He didn't shy away from the truth despite knowing it might displease me," Wang Jian said approvingly.
Hearing this, Wang Yan felt a mix of relief and surprise.
"Today, in court, Wang Wan and the others proposed that the King arrange a marriage between you and Crown Prince Fusu," Wang Jian suddenly said.
At these words, Wang Yan's face paled.
The inevitable had arrived at last.
"I knew this day would come sooner or later," Wang Yan said bitterly, despair written all over her face.
"But I refused," Wang Jian said unexpectedly.
Wang Yan was stunned, looking at him in disbelief.
Lady Wang was equally shocked.
"Husband," she said, "did you defy the royal decree?" Her voice was filled with concern.
"How could I dare defy the King's orders?" Wang Jian said impatiently.
"Then how did you refuse?" Lady Wang asked, puzzled.
"The King sought my opinion, and I declined. My reason was simple: Yan'er has already made a match," Wang Jian said with a slight smile, his gaze softening as he looked at Wang Yan.
"Yan'er," he continued, "I once promised you that if I had the power, I would let you find your happiness, rather than being forced into an arranged marriage. Now, I've kept that promise."
"To be honest, we owe Zhao Feng some thanks. If not for his honesty, I would have had no grounds to refuse the King," Wang Jian said with a warm smile, the look of a loving father on his face.
Hearing this, Wang Yan could no longer hold back her tears. She knelt before Wang Jian and said, "Father, thank you."
Wang Jian smiled and helped her up.
"You are my daughter. If I can protect your choices, how could I let you suffer?"
"The King didn't hold it against you?" Lady Wang asked, still doubtful.
"And who is Zhao Feng, anyway?"
"Perhaps," Wang Jian said thoughtfully, "the King can relate. He too once had his love torn apart. Now that Yan'er and Zhao Feng are already committed, the King may be reluctant to break another pair apart."
"You mean the King once had his love forcibly broken?"
"Who would dare to do such a thing?"
Lady Wang was astonished, as was Wang Yan.
"There's no need for you to know these details. Knowing too much is not always a good thing. What matters is that Yan'er will not have to endure a forced marriage, nor will she have to marry Crown Prince Fusu," Wang Jian said with a smile.
"To be honest, I think Crown Prince Fusu is a good match refined and cultured, the eldest son among the princes, and most likely the future Crown Prince. If Yan'er married him, she might even become the future Queen," Lady Wang said with a grin.
"Short-sighted," Wang Jian said, casting her a disdainful glance.
"On the surface, Fusu seems like the most likely candidate for Crown Prince. But why hasn't the King formally named him the heir?"
"Why?" Lady Wang asked, puzzled.
"Because Fusu has not yet proven himself. He has not met the King's expectations.
"Moreover, Fusu is too entangled with Wang Wan and the others, who value personal interests over national welfare. This displeases the King greatly."
"The King is a man of great ambition, and he expects the same from his successor. As things stand, Fusu does not measure up," Wang Jian said calmly.
"If our family were to align itself with Fusu through marriage, we'd be forced to take sides. And if Fusu ultimately fails in the succession struggle, our family would face ruin as well."
"By staying neutral and avoiding entanglements, we ensure the Wang family's survival," Wang Jian concluded with a smile.
Wang Yan listened intently, but her mind was still on another matter.
"Father," she asked hesitantly, "does this mean you approve of me being with Zhao Feng?"
"I've already told the King that you've pledged yourself to Zhao Feng. How could I go back on my word?"
"Let me ask you this do you truly love Zhao Feng? If you marry someone else in the future, I would be guilty of deceiving the King," Wang Jian said, half-teasing.
"I do! I truly love him!" Wang Yan replied quickly, though her face flushed with embarrassment as the words left her lips.
"Then Zhao Feng will be my son-in-law," Wang Jian declared with a hearty laugh.
"I'll find an opportunity to visit Zhao Feng's family and discuss the marriage arrangements myself," he said, visibly pleased.
At that moment, Wang Yan hesitated slightly.
"Yan'er," Wang Jian said, "after everything I've done for you, why are you still hesitating?"
Wang Shi asked curiously, "If there's anything to say, tell your father. You've been back for a while now, always looking downcast. You've never mentioned this Zhao Feng to me. Who is he, exactly?"
"This Zhao Feng is a deputy general in the army," Wang Jian replied with a faint smile.
"He's someone who saved Yan'er's life."
"A mere deputy general?" Wang Shi said, slightly surprised.
She had initially thought he might be the son of a prominent family.
"What do you mean by 'a mere deputy general'?" Wang Jian responded, dissatisfied.
"You have no idea about Zhao Feng's potential. In less than a year since enlisting, he's risen from a common soldier to the rank of deputy general. Look across the entire Qin military indeed, across the world who else has been promoted this quickly?"
"You women just don't understand," Wang Jian grumbled, clearly placing high regard on Zhao Feng.
Though still young and impetuous, Zhao Feng had the courage and sense of duty befitting a man, as well as potential that Wang Jian believed made him a worthy match for his daughter.
"Father," Wang Yan hesitated before speaking, "I… I might already be carrying Zhao Feng's child."
As soon as these words were spoken, the smile on Wang Jian's face froze. His eyes shifted to Wang Yan's belly. "What did you just say? You're pregnant with Zhao Feng's child?"
"I... I've been feeling nauseous for several days and have been throwing up a lot," Wang Yan replied, frightened.
Wang Jian stared at his daughter's flustered expression for a long moment, then suddenly burst out laughing. "Good, good!"
"Who would've thought that I, Wang Jian, would soon have a grandchild?"
Wang Yan was taken aback by her father's reaction. She had expected him to be furious.
"Father, aren't you angry?" she asked cautiously.
That night with Zhao Feng had originally been a mix of gratitude, affection, and defiance over the matters in Xianyang. Wang Yan hadn't anticipated the possibility of pregnancy.
"Angry? How could I not be angry?"
"That boy overstepped by getting you pregnant before marrying you. It's outrageous!"
"But what's done is done. There's no point in being angry now."
"As long as you're happy and can live a peaceful life in the future, that's all that matters. Besides, I can tell that boy wouldn't shirk his responsibilities. I've got a good eye for people," Wang Jian said warmly.
Hearing this, Wang Yan was overwhelmed with emotion. She knelt and bowed deeply. "Thank you, Father."
"Does Auntie have a baby sister in her belly?"
Little Wang Li approached Wang Yan, staring curiously.
"What's this? Li'er, do you want a little sister?" Wang Jian asked, smiling.
"Yes!" Wang Li answered without hesitation.
"Well then, we'll see in ten months whether your aunt gives birth to a brother or a sister," Wang Jian chuckled.
"Dear, since Yan'er is already pregnant, shouldn't we summon Zhao Feng back for a wedding?" Wang Shi suggested.
"Right now, Zhao Feng has just been promoted to deputy general and is stationed at a critical location. Moreover, he hasn't even completed his mandatory two years of service. Summoning him back won't be easy," Wang Jian said seriously.
"Not to mention, I've already offended the King once by asking for favors. If I push it further, it could provoke his anger."
"Then what about Yan'er's situation?" Wang Shi asked.
"Do you think the Wang family estate can't support Yan'er and her child?" Wang Jian chuckled, exuding a protective air. "As for gossip, who dares speak ill of my daughter?"
"Yan'er, focus on taking care of yourself and the baby. Madam, ensure Yan'er doesn't exert herself and risk the baby's health."
"As for Zhao Feng, I'll write him a letter. I'm curious to see how he reacts to this news," Wang Jian said with a mix of intrigue and a hint of testing.
"I'll leave everything to you, Father," Wang Yan replied.
Wei City.
By the banks of the Wei River.
Zhao Feng sat astride his horse, a hundred personal cavalry guards following behind.
Gazing at the rushing waters of the Wei River, Zhao Feng felt his heart swell with awe.
This river was just one tributary of the Grand River. In his previous life, Zhao Feng had lived in the south and had never seen the great northern rivers. What the people of this time called the Grand River was known in later generations as the Yellow River.
"So, this is the legendary Wei River. Truly majestic," Zhao Feng murmured, reflecting.
"Swearing an oath by the Wei River was once considered the most solemn of promises. But thanks to that treacherous Sima, such vows became a joke in later times."
Lost in thought, Zhao Feng was interrupted by the arrival of Zhang Han, who approached swiftly, surrounded by guards.
"General, everything has been arranged. Han Xi has successfully established a concealed location near Wei City, less than half an hour from here. All the recruited individuals have been moved there. Shall we proceed?" Zhang Han reported respectfully.
"Finally," Zhao Feng smiled. "Lead the way."
Having moved his forces from Xinzheng to Wei City, Zhao Feng had been here for almost ten days.
During this time, he quickly reorganized the troops and set up camp. Today, however, he had taken an interest in visiting the legendary Wei River while also inspecting the secret training grounds for his assassins.
Roughly ten miles from Wei City, deep in the forest.
Under Zhang Han's guidance, Zhao Feng led his guards into the dense woods.
Outside the forest, dozens of guards remained behind to watch over their horses while Zhao Feng and Zhang Han proceeded on foot.
"This forest is vast, with thick foliage. An untrained person could easily get lost here," Zhao Feng remarked, surveying his surroundings. Sunlight barely pierced through the dense canopy, casting an eerie gloom.
"Han Xi says this place is called Ghost Barrier Forest. It's home to fierce wild beasts, so ordinary people rarely venture here. Han Xi had to put in considerable effort to carve out a path to the deeper parts of the forest," Zhang Han explained as they walked.
"This is a good, secluded location. However, once the assassins are trained, we'll need to set up sentries around the perimeter. If anyone stumbles upon this place, we either stay hidden or eliminate them on the spot," Zhao Feng ordered.
"Han Xi is well aware of these requirements," Zhang Han replied with a grin.
The two continued walking, chatting as they went until they reached the forest's deepest area a steep cliffside.
Here, several wooden huts had already been constructed, surrounded by temporary fences with armed guards posted.
"Stop!"
When Zhao Feng and Zhang Han approached, a guard immediately raised his weapon to block their path.
"Stand down! The master is here," Zhang Han barked.
Upon recognizing Zhang Han, the guard immediately dropped to his knees, his expression filled with reverence. "Greetings to the master!"
Zhao Feng nodded and strode inside the enclosure.
Inside, hundreds of young men and women were lined up, undergoing rigorous training under the guidance of former elite guards recruited by Han Xi.
When Han Xi noticed Zhao Feng's arrival, his gaze brightened. He shouted, "Pay your respects to the master!"
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