Inside Zhangtai Palace
"Who do you think will be the first to break through Daliang?"
Ying Zheng asked Wei Liao with a hint of amusement in his tone.
"On the battlefield, the situation changes constantly," Wei Liao replied with a smile.
"This is not something I can predict with certainty. However, from what is apparent, the Hangu Camp seems to have a stronger combat force. After all, seventy to eighty percent of the Wu'an Camp consists of reorganized surrendered troops. They may have combat strength, but they are not truly Qin's elite warriors."
"So it seems," Ying Zheng said with a grin.
"You favor Hangu, don't you?"
"It is not a matter of favoritism, but of fact," Wei Liao replied.
On the court, Wang Wan and his faction had refrained from proposing that the Wu'an Camp be allowed to rest, precisely because the odds were in favor of the Hangu Camp. The merit of destroying a nation would not fall into Zhao Feng's hands this time.
As long as the credit didn't go to Zhao Feng, they could continue to suppress him. Preventing Zhao Feng from accumulating more military merits meant stopping his rise in rank.
Zhao Feng was already a Hujun Duyi (Captain of the Guard). The next step up was Guowei (National Commander), the highest-ranking military position, overseeing all camps and holding half of the military talisman. He would be second only to the king, wielding supreme military authority.
In the past, Bai Qi had reached this position the leader of all military officials, commanding an army of one million. His rank was even higher than that of the Nine Ministers.
Of course, the former Xiangbang (Prime Minister) was once an equivalent position, with one being the head of civil officials and the other the head of military officials.
But now, the power of the Xiangbang had weakened significantly, even being split into Left and Right Chancellors.
After all, Ying Zheng did not want another Lü Buwei who could seize supreme authority.
Although he had some respect for his former Zhongfu (Regent Father), he would never allow such unchecked power to exist in his court.
Ying Zheng smiled confidently.
"I, however, believe that the Wu'an Camp will surprise everyone."
"It seems Your Majesty has great confidence in General Zhao Feng," Wei Liao said with a chuckle.
"Since Zhao Feng enlisted, I have never seen him lose a battle," Ying Zheng replied.
"Even when he first proposed the strategy of forming a Penal Army, the entire court and even the nation doubted him. But he led them to an overwhelming victory."
"If he could do it then, he can do it now," Ying Zheng said with absolute confidence.
He was highly confident in his son's abilities. If he wanted to place his son on the throne as Crown Prince, military power was essential.
"Listening to Your Majesty, I too feel that General Zhao Feng has a strong chance of being the first to conquer Wei," Wei Liao remarked.
"After all, General Zhao Feng commands three main divisions and has ten thousand cavalry under his command."
Just then, a series of crisp footsteps echoed through the hall.
"Grandfather!"
"I brought my little sister!"
"We want something tasty!"
A lively and adorable voice called from outside the hall.
Moments later, two small figures sprinted inside.
None of the palace attendants dared to stop them.
These two children were none other than Zhao Qi and Zhao Ling.
Judging from their familiarity with Zhangtai Palace, it was evident they had visited many times.
Even Zhao Gao, who served outside the hall, followed them in at a measured pace, not daring to act improperly.
Since over half a month ago, when Ying Zheng first summoned Zhao Feng's wife and children to the palace, he had grown fond of these two little ones. He had even granted them special tokens allowing unrestricted entry into Zhangtai Palace.
Initially, everyone assumed this was merely another favor bestowed upon Zhao Feng, possibly as a reminder of his place, given that he now commanded 300,000 troops in the field.
However, as time passed, these two children visited more frequently, almost every other day.
At first, Zhao Gao thought Ying Zheng might lose patience, given how the children frequently interrupted him while handling state affairs.
He even prepared to plead on their behalf not because he liked them, but as a means to earn Zhao Feng's gratitude and possibly gain his support for Hu Hai. After all, Zhao Feng had long been a target for their faction's recruitment, but they had never been able to win him over.
Zhao Gao believed that Zhao Feng's children might be the breakthrough he needed.
But everything turned out differently than he had expected.
Zhao Feng's children had indeed visited many times, often even climbing onto the desk where Ying Zheng reviewed memorials. Yet, Ying Zheng never showed any sign of anger.
On the contrary, he remained kind and affectionate toward them.
No matter how often they came, Ying Zheng always greeted them with a smile.
This was something Zhao Gao had never seen before, despite serving Ying Zheng for years.
Had he not been a close attendant, he might have thought these were Ying Zheng's children.
But that was impossible.
As someone who had been by Ying Zheng's side for years, Zhao Gao knew for a fact that the king had no illegitimate children.
To him, this was simply another extraordinary show of favor toward Zhao Feng.
Even Zhao Gao, the closest attendant, thought so, meaning the rest of the court understood it as well.
It was clear that Ying Zheng's favor toward Zhao Feng had reached an even higher level.
Wei Liao turned his gaze toward the two children who had run into the hall, his eyes flashing with a hint of surprise.
"Come here."
Ying Zheng smiled warmly and beckoned them over.
The two children, having visited many times, were no longer afraid of him and eagerly ran to his side. Ying Zheng lifted them onto his lap.
"You didn't call me?" Ying Zheng asked with a teasing smile.
"Grandfather!"
Zhao Qi and Zhao Ling called out sweetly.
Their eyes sparkled as if saying, We called you! Now, where's the food?
Ying Zheng chuckled and waved his hand.
Having grown familiar with this routine, Zhao Gao immediately signaled for servants to bring in a small table, which was quickly set with an assortment of snacks and fruits.
"Thank you, Grandfather!" The two children thanked him and immediately began eating.
"Seeing Your Majesty so fond of children surprises me," Wei Liao remarked with a smile.
"They are Zhao Feng's children," Ying Zheng said.
"I met them some time ago and took a liking to them, so I let them visit often."
"They come to play, and it refreshes me."
There was no need for Ying Zheng to conceal his affection for Zhao Qi and Zhao Ling from Wei Liao.
"I have heard that the elixirs contain poison," Wei Liao said with concern.
"Your Majesty has not taken them for a long time. With such heavy responsibilities, you must be extremely fatigued."
"I believe that Your Majesty need not handle memorials every day. Some relaxation is necessary."
The toxicity of the so-called "elixirs of immortality" had been known for quite some time...
At first, no one besides Ying Zheng took the matter seriously. However, as time passed, many officials also tested the elixirs and discovered that they were indeed poisonous. Many once highly esteemed alchemists had since been condemned by the public, with quite a few thrown into prison.
"Minister Wei,"
"Do you think everyone is like you, managing the affairs of the Minister of Finance so smoothly that I have no worries?"
"The other government affairs are piling up like mountains. Their officials are not as capable as you, and they send even the most trivial matters to me."
Ying Zheng sighed helplessly.
"That's why,"
"Your Majesty should start cultivating the princes."
"If a prince can assist in handling government affairs, Your Majesty's burden would be significantly reduced." Wei Liao chuckled.
Hearing this, Zhao Gao's heart stirred.
"This matter is indeed worth considering carefully." Ying Zheng smiled and nodded.
"Could it be that Your Majesty is already considering appointing a crown prince?" Zhao Gao's heart pounded with both anticipation and anxiety.
Of course,
Alongside this anticipation, there was an intense sense of crisis.
If Fusu were to be appointed as the crown prince, it would spell disaster for Zhao Gao.
"What does Minister Wei think? Among my sons, who is most suitable to be the empire's crown prince?" Ying Zheng asked while holding his grandchildren in his arms, looking at Wei Liao.
Upon hearing this,
Zhao Gao's heart nearly jumped out of his throat.
"Your Majesty,"
"This is Your Majesty's decision. I dare not speak on such a matter."
"Your Majesty, please spare me from this question." Wei Liao immediately bowed, clearly unwilling to discuss the topic.
Seeing Wei Liao's reaction, Ying Zheng merely smiled and then looked down at his two grandchildren.
"You simply don't want to say anything."
"As for the future crown prince,"
"I already have an idea in mind."
Ying Zheng smiled meaningfully.
Wei Liao did not probe further but instead responded with a smile, "Since Your Majesty already has a plan, it is a blessing for Great Qin."
Meanwhile, Zhao Gao, who had been listening intently, felt an overwhelming sense of unease.
He feared hearing the name "Fusu" from Ying Zheng's mouth.
If that day truly came, Fusu's faction would certainly not spare him.
Just then!
"Your Majesty,"
"Madam Zhao has arrived outside the hall, accompanied by the newly wedded Princess of Yan, requesting an audience."
Ren Xiao's voice echoed from outside the hall.
"Heh."
"That General Zhao Feng is indeed cautious, sending the Princess of Yan straight back." Wei Liao chuckled.
Ying Zheng smiled faintly and waved his hand, "Summon them in."
Before long,
Wang Yan entered the hall with Princess Wu Yang of Yan.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects." Wang Yan curtsied.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects." Wu Yang also immediately bowed.
Ying Zheng raised his hand slightly. "Rise."
"Since my husband's concubine, Wu Yang, has now arrived in the capital, I have brought her to formally pay respects to Your Majesty," Wang Yan said respectfully.
If it were just a regular concubine, she would not be entitled to an audience with the king. However, as Wu Yang was a princess of Yan, she held a certain status.
Ying Zheng lifted his gaze and scrutinized the Princess of Yan before speaking.
"You were once a princess of Yan, but now that you have married into Qin, you are no longer a princess. In the Zhao household, you must not act arrogantly under the pretense of your former royal status. Remember, in the Zhao household, there is only one principal wife."
"Furthermore, whatever your father, the King of Yan, instructed you before you left, you would do well to keep your place."
"If you dare to stir up trouble in the Zhao household, I will not only hold you accountable but also your entire kingdom of Yan."
Upon hearing these words,
Feeling the weight of Ying Zheng's gaze filled with warning,
Wu Yang was filled with fear.
She thought back to her father's instructions before she left Ji City, and the memory only deepened her terror.
Under Ying Zheng's piercing eyes, she felt as though she could hide nothing.
"Your Majesty's words, I will forever keep in mind," Wu Yang replied, her voice trembling.
Seeing her reaction, Ying Zheng nodded indifferently.
Even Zhao Feng had realized that the King of Yan wouldn't simply send his daughter as a gift without ulterior motives, so naturally, Ying Zheng had already anticipated this.
His words today were meant to serve as a warning.
If she behaved herself, then she could remain as a concubine in his son's household.
But if she didn't, then he, as her father-in-law, would have no mercy.
"Qi'er, Ling'er,"
"Aren't you two going to see who just arrived?"
Ying Zheng turned to his two little grandchildren, who were happily eating.
While munching, Zhao Qi and Zhao Ling raised their heads.
Upon seeing Wang Yan, their eyes lit up.
"Mother, why are you here too?"
"Grandfather prepared so much delicious food for us. Come and eat with us!" Zhao Qi invited enthusiastically.
"Yes, Mother, it's so good!"
"Even better than what we have at home!" Zhao Ling eagerly agreed.
Wang Yan looked at her children, feeling helpless.
In the grand halls of Zhangtai Palace, she could neither scold nor punish them.
"Are you coming home with me?"
"It's almost time for dinner." Wang Yan looked at her children and asked.
"Grandfather,"
"Will there be good food today?" Zhao Qi turned to Ying Zheng directly.
"There will be." Ying Zheng laughed.
"Mother, you can go home first."
"My sister and I will eat here with Grandfather."
"His chefs make the best food," Zhao Qi replied to Wang Yan.
Hearing this,
Wang Yan could only nod helplessly.
"You should head back."
"I will arrange for them to be sent home later," Ying Zheng said to Wang Yan with a kind smile.
"I understand, Your Majesty."
"Your Majesty, I take my leave."
Wang Yan curtsied and slowly exited the hall.
Meanwhile, Wu Yang, her heart filled with shock, gazed at the two children beside Ying Zheng, overwhelmed with astonishment.
"I never expected the King of Qin to favor my husband so much, even showing such affection toward his children."
Having just arrived in Xianyang and stepped into Zhangtai Palace for the first time, Wu Yang was completely stunned by the level of favor Ying Zheng bestowed upon the Zhao family.
"Your Majesty,"
"The war is about to begin."
"I shall take my leave to make preparations," Wei Liao bowed and said.
"Go ahead," Ying Zheng waved his hand.
Wei Liao then slowly left Zhangtai Palace.
"Go and prepare the meal."
"Once it's ready, come back and serve it," Ying Zheng instructed Zhao Gao.
"As Your Majesty commands," Zhao Gao bowed and retreated.
Once he had left
Ying Zheng slowly spoke again, his tone carrying a hint of killing intent:
"Keep a close watch on this Yan princess in the Zhao residence. If she shows any signs of disloyalty or dares to act against the Zhao family, there's no need to report deal with her immediately."
"Grandfather, are you talking to us?"
Hearing Ying Zheng speak suddenly, little Zhao Qi was momentarily stunned and looked around, his small head tilting in confusion.
"Qi'er, Ling'er," Ying Zheng chuckled, "Grandfather still has memorials to review later, but as usual, we'll start with learning characters first."
"Grandfather," Zhao Qi looked up expectantly, "Once we learn a hundred characters, will you take us horseback riding?"
"Of course," Ying Zheng replied kindly. "But you must learn all one hundred characters first."
"We'll learn them all!" Zhao Ling declared confidently.
"Good. Then let's begin." Ying Zheng smiled, picking up a blank royal decree and using it to teach his two grandchildren how to read.
If the Qin court officials were to witness this scene, they would undoubtedly be shocked.
The mighty King of Qin, the ruler of the nation, was personally teaching two young children how to read.
Even his eldest son Fusu, nor his most favored children, had ever received such treatment.
But no one could truly understand Ying Zheng's thoughts at this moment except for Xia Dong'er, who was far away in Shaqiu.
This was his way of making up for past regrets.
He had never once fulfilled his duties as a father to his children. Now, he simply wanted to make amends.
The two before him were the only grandchildren he truly acknowledged and cherished.
On the Road Back to the Zhao Residence
Inside the carriage returning to the Zhao residence, Princess Wuyang hesitated for a moment before speaking with great respect:
"Elder Sister, is Mother not in Xianyang?"
As the primary wife, Wang Yan commanded her deference.
Moreover, after Qin Wang's stern warning earlier, she dared not act arrogantly under the title of "princess."
Since the King of Qin himself had backed Wang Yan, Wuyang knew better than to assume superiority based on her former royal status.
"Mother dislikes the capital and refuses to leave her homeland," Wang Yan replied with a gentle smile.
"But if my husband returns one day, perhaps there will be a chance for you to meet her."
Of course, this was merely a polite response.
On most homecoming journeys, only the primary wife would accompany her husband concubines were usually not included.
Wuyang hesitated for a moment before asking,
"Why does the King of Qin treat my husband's children so well?"
"At first, I thought they were princes and princesses."
She had been holding back this question ever since leaving the palace.
Wang Yan smiled with a touch of pride:
"My husband is not only a great general of Qin, but also the youngest supreme general in the world. The King naturally favors him, and by extension, his children as well."
"My husband's name is indeed renowned throughout the land," Wuyang nodded in agreement.
"Little Sister," Wang Yan's eyes gleamed with interest,
"You've traveled outside of Qin. How do other states perceive my husband?"
"Elder Sister," Wuyang sighed,
"Your husband is revered in Qin, but in other states, he is feared.
They call him the 'God of Slaughter.'"
"The 'God of Slaughter'?" Wang Yan was visibly surprised.
"My husband is known as the 'God of Slaughter' outside of Qin?"
"Not only that," Wuyang added, "he is also called the 'Unbeaten War God.'
Back in Yan, I heard his name countless timeshis reputation is enough to make people tremble in fear."
Wang Yan nodded solemnly
"A terrifying reputation outside, but a glorious name in Qin.
But my husband's success was built step by step through real military achievements. No one can challenge his unparalleled merit."
Then, shifting her gaze toward Wuyang, she spoke with a firmer tone:
"Little Sister, now that you have married into the Zhao family, you are my husband's woman. From now on, you must share his honor and disgrace."
"You must never betray him."
"If you do, not only will he not forgive you, but neither will I."
Her words were a clear warning.
Under Wang Yan's unwavering gaze, Wuyang quickly nodded:
"Elder Sister, rest assured I will devote myself wholeheartedly to my husband."
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