"Your Majesty is right."
"In the past, when the State of Zhao attacked Yan, it took them four months to barely reach Yuyang."
"But the Wu'an Camp has achieved in one month what Zhao took four months to accomplish this proves that our Qin army's edge is even sharper."
Li Si also voiced his agreement loudly.
Judging by the smile on his face, he was delighted.
After all, his son was also in the Wu'an Camp. If the Wu'an Camp achieved military merit, his son would undoubtedly share in the rewards.
"Minister Han."
"How is the grain supply?" Ying Zheng asked Han Fei.
"Your Majesty, please rest assured."
"The first batch of grain should be near Yunzhong City by now."
"In a month, this first batch of supplies will reach the Wu'an Camp."
Han Fei immediately reported.
"Good."
"The Wu'an Camp launched this surprise attack on Yan using the original camp's rations. The grain supply is crucial to the war effort and must not be lost."
Ying Zheng spoke in a serious tone.
"Your Majesty, rest assured."
"If anything goes wrong with the grain transport, I am willing to take full responsibility."
Han Fei immediately pledged.
"Your Majesty."
"Although Yan is not a powerful state, would sending only the Wu'an Camp be sufficient?"
"Should we send additional reinforcements from our Qin army?"
Wang Wan stood up and made his request.
"Has Zhao Feng requested reinforcements?"
Ying Zheng turned to look at Wei Liao.
"Your Majesty."
"He has not."
Wei Liao immediately replied.
"If he has not requested aid, then it means Zhao Feng is confident in wiping out Yan on his own. There is no need for the court to worry."
Ying Zheng smiled faintly, dismissing Wang Wan's proposal.
Wang Wan merely wanted to send another army to share in the battle's merits.
If the Wu'an Camp alone destroyed the State of Yan, all the credit would belong to Zhao Feng. But if another force was dispatched, the merits would be divided.
"Draft an edict."
"Send it to the Wu'an Camp."
"If the Wu'an Camp destroys the State of Yan"
"I will promote Zhao Feng by one rank."
"The three chief commanders of the Wu'an Camp will each be promoted by two ranks."
Ying Zheng announced to the court.
"Your Majesty."
"Since the time of Lord Wu'an, the position of State Marshal has remained vacant in Qin."
"If General Zhao Feng can wipe out Yan in this campaign, it would be enough to prove his command ability."
"He might be capable of taking on the role of State Marshal."
Li Si stood up again and made a bold proposal.
As soon as his words fell
The entire court was in an uproar.
"Lord Tingwei, your words are misguided."
"At just twenty-two years old, General Zhao Feng is already the Commander of the Imperial Guard, a position of immense power."
"The rank of State Marshal demands both merit and seniority."
"Zhao Feng's current rank is already exceptional. Even if he destroys Yan, it is not enough to grant him the title of State Marshal."
"If this is allowed, it will chill the hearts of all Qin officials."
Before anyone else could respond, Wang Wan immediately stood up in opposition.
Under no circumstances
Would they allow Zhao Feng to take this position?
They had to delay it as much as possible.
That would be the most favorable outcome for them.
"We second the motion."
"General Zhao Feng is too young to become the supreme commander of Qin's military."
"Your Majesty, please reconsider."
…
As soon as Wang Wan spoke up, a large group of officials stood in opposition.
A position as prestigious as State Marshal
The highest-ranking military officer in the state.
Even those who bore no grudge against Zhao Feng opposed the appointment.
A figure of such high rank and authority would have a significant impact on court politics.
Seeing the overwhelming opposition in court
Ying Zheng remained calm as he swept his gaze across the ministers.
"This matter shall be discussed at a later time."
Ying Zheng said indifferently.
Li Si's words had given Ying Zheng clarity this was, in a way, a test.
With most of the court opposed, it was clear that for now, Zhao Feng would not be promoted to State Marshal.
Seeing this, Wang Wan and the others breathed a sigh of relief.
"However," Ying Zheng suddenly continued.
The court's attention turned back to him.
"In the Qin army, only military merit is considered seniority is irrelevant."
"The rank of State Marshal has been vacant for too long."
"It is indeed time to give it serious consideration."
Ying Zheng said slowly.
At these words
Wang Wan's face changed.
As a seasoned politician, how could he not hear Ying Zheng's deeper implications?
Though they had stopped Zhao Feng's promotion this time, it only meant that after the fall of Yan, he wouldn't be granted the position.
But the next time Zhao Feng achieved a great victory, his appointment would be inevitable.
Ying Zheng was making it clear
No one could stop it.
"Your Majesty."
"Today, our Qin is strong and prosperous."
"The destruction of Yan is already a foregone conclusion."
"However"
"The position of Queen of Qin has remained vacant for many years."
"For the stability of the state and the encouragement of your ministers, I propose that Your Majesty choose a queen to strengthen the foundation of the empire."
At that moment, Chunyu Yue stepped forward and proposed loudly.
Hearing this
Wang Wan did not step forward.
But with just a glance
The officials who had just spoken against Zhao Feng immediately voiced their agreement.
"Your Majesty, please appoint a queen to secure the foundation of Qin!"
Voices of agreement echoed throughout the court.
Ying Zheng remained calm as he watched, but inwardly, he sneered.
"The unification of the world is near, yet they are already so impatient."
"The queen?"
"Heh."
Ying Zheng chuckled coldly, his gaze sweeping over the court as if he were engraving each minister's face into his memory.
The position of queen
In Ying Zheng's heart, there was only one person who deserved that title. Apart from her, no one else was worthy.
If he could not find Xia Dong'er, then even if the Qin Empire united the world, there would be no queen.
"Minister Wei."
"Has the proposal for handling the surrendered Wei soldiers been implemented?"
Ying Zheng ignored Chunyu Yue and the ministers supporting the selection of a queen. Instead, he turned to Wei Liao and asked.
"Your Majesty."
"The surrendered soldiers have already been transported in batches to Guanzhong, the northern frontier, and Shu."
"As per Your Majesty's decree"
"All surrendered soldiers are to be registered in the Court of Justice and the Ministry of Revenue."
"Those who labor for the Qin Empire for five years will be freed from servitude and allowed to return to their homeland."
"Those who render military merit for Qin may be granted amnesty and permitted to return."
"Those who defy orders or refuse to follow imperial commands will have their servitude extended." Wei Liao reported.
"Good."
"Well done."
Ying Zheng smiled with satisfaction. "This method was proposed by Zhao Feng. If it proves effective, then in addition to the penal battalions, our empire will have another means of handling surrendered troops."
"Is there anything else to discuss? If not"
"Court is dismissed."
This time, Ying Zheng did not wait for the ministers' response. He rose directly and walked toward the rear of the hall, completely ignoring Chunyu Yue and the ministers advocating for a queen.
This left them standing in the hall, humiliated.
Only after Ying Zheng's figure disappeared from view did the ministers disperse in a flurry.
With a cold smile, Wang Jian stepped up to Wang Wan.
"Prime Minister Wang, you are truly something."
"Time and time again, you provoke us."
"If Zhao Feng and I remain silent, do you think that means we are weak and can be pushed around?" Wang Jian said icily.
"What do you mean, Great General?"
"I do not understand."
Wang Wan lifted his head, unafraid as he responded.
"You are a wise man, Prime Minister. There is no need to feign ignorance."
"Since you insist on opposing Zhao Feng, do not blame us for what happens next." Wang Jian said coldly, disregarding the watching officials.
Then, he stepped closer to Wang Wan and, in a voice only Wang Wan could hear, whispered:
"Prime Minister, I will not let you have your way. Fusu will never inherit the throne. If he is named crown prince, I will not hesitate to use my military power."
"You said Zhao Feng and I hold too much military authority?"
"You will soon find out exactly what that means."
With that, Wang Jian sneered and turned away, leaving Wang Wan standing there, his expression frozen.
His words were meant to provoke.
Wang Wan had been picking fights again and again
But after hearing these words today, he probably wouldn't be able to sleep tonight.
Wang Jian and Zhao Feng controlled half of Qin's military forces. If they ever rebelled, they could change the course of history.
At that moment, Wang Wan's face turned deathly pale.
Unfortunately, this era had no recording devices.
If it did, Wang Wan could have accused Wang Jian of treason on the spot.
But since only he had heard those words, if he repeated them, no one would believe him.
People would think he was rambling nonsense.
After all, Wang Jian had always been seen as someone who stayed out of political conflicts.
"Wang Jian…"
"He has changed."
Wang Wan felt his heart sink completely.
He realized that things had spiraled out of his control.
Before, even if Wang Jian saw his son-in-law suffer losses, he might have endured it. After all, he and Zhao Feng held immense military power if they overstepped, they might have drawn the king's suspicion and intervention.
But now
Wang Jian no longer seemed to care.
"What did Wang Jian say?"
Wei Zhuang approached Wang Wan and whispered.
Wang Wan's expression was grim. He glanced at Wei Zhuang, then gestured subtly before walking toward the hall's exit.
Wei Zhuang's face changed. He knew something serious had happened.
"General Wang Jian has completely broken with Prime Minister Wang."
"A conflict between military and civil officials is never a good thing."
"Prime Minister Wang represents the Crown Prince, but now that Wang Jian is directly opposing him, isn't that equivalent to opposing the Crown Prince himself?"
"The future political landscape is bound to shift dramatically."
"With Wang Jian and Zhao Feng both against the Prime Minister, they are also against the Crown Prince."
"No matter which prince they support, the future will be full of upheaval."
Seeing the growing rift between Wang Jian and Wang Wan, the ministers' thoughts were shifting rapidly.
"Heaven is helping me."
"Wang Jian openly confronted Wang Wan in court today."
"This is an enormous blessing for me."
"If Wang Jian stands against Wang Wan, that means Zhao Feng is against him too."
"They are now firmly on the opposite side of Fusu."
At this moment
There was no one happier than Hu Hai.
Today's events had completely shattered Fusu's chances of winning over Wang Jian and Zhao Feng.
In the future
Wang Jian and Zhao Feng would do everything in their power to stop Fusu from becoming the crown prince.
Because if Fusu ascended to the throne, it would mean their deaths.
Thinking of this, Hu Hai couldn't contain his excitement.
He immediately stepped down from his seat and approached his older brother, Fusu.
"Brother."
"You have many supporters, but what use is that now?"
"Two of Qin's four great generals have already been offended by your people, and one of them is a favorite of our father, even considered for the position of Grand Marshal."
"You've managed to antagonize two of the most powerful military commanders in one move."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk."
Although Hu Hai was much younger than Fusu, his words made Fusu's expression darken.
After speaking, Hu Hai did not linger. He smugly flicked his sleeves and strode away.
As soon as Ying Zheng returned to the palace
"Grandfather!"
"Why did it take you so long to return?"
"We've been waiting for you forever!"
Zhao Qi's somewhat displeased voice rang out within the hall.
Hearing this, the originally grim expression on Ying Zheng's face instantly softened into a smile.
With a wave of his hand, Zhao Gao and the attending servants behind him immediately withdrew.
"Come here."
"A-Weng hasn't seen you two in a long time."
"Come, let A-Weng hold you."
Ying Zheng crouched down and opened his arms wide.
Without any hesitation, Zhao Qi and Zhao Ling rushed toward Ying Zheng.
These two little ones had only just returned to Xianyang.
On their journey back, the convoy had not traveled quickly, so they had only arrived in Xianyang within the past two days.
"It hasn't even been that long."
"My two grandsons have already gotten heavier."
Ying Zheng lifted them, one in each arm, smiling.
"We ate a lot of meat in Shachiu."
"We even ate wolf meat!" Zhao Qi lifted his head proudly as he spoke.
"Your father took you hunting?" Ying Zheng asked with a smile.
"Mm!"
Zhao Qi and Zhao Ling nodded repeatedly, then put on exaggerated expressions.
"Father is amazing!"
"Just like an immortal. With a single punch, an entire pack of wolves was killed!" Zhao Qi said with great seriousness.
"Mm!"
"I saw it too!"
"Father is incredible."
"One punch and it was like something out of legend!" Zhao Ling chimed in dramatically.
Listening to their exaggerated descriptions, Ying Zheng chuckled, "Then your father must be quite impressive. Next time, let A-Weng witness it for himself."
Ying Zheng did not believe their words.
"We'll show A-Weng next time!" Zhao Qi said with great sincerity.
"Haha!"
Ying Zheng laughed heartily, genuinely delighted.
He then carried the two little ones toward his throne and sat down with them in his lap.
"It's been so long since I last saw you both. Did you miss A-Weng?" Ying Zheng asked with a smile.
"Yes!"
The two children responded in unison.
"If you missed A-Weng so much..."
"How about A-Weng takes you two horseback riding later?" Ying Zheng suggested.
"Yay!"
"A-Weng is the best!"
"We love A-Weng the most!"
The two little ones showered him with sweet words.
At that moment, Dun Ruo emerged from the inner hall.
"Minister Dun Ruo greets Your Majesty."
Even in the presence of the two children, Dun Ruo did not hesitate in his formal greeting, as they were too young to understand such matters.
Moreover, these two were the king's grandsons there was no need for excessive formality.
"Speak," Ying Zheng said without even looking up.
"Your Majesty, the mother of General Zhao Feng's fourth wife has been rescued," Dun Ruo reported.
"Hmm?"
Ying Zheng's expression flickered with surprise as he looked up at Dun Ruo.
"When my men arrived at the Yan royal palace, the mother of the fourth wife had already been taken away, along with several of her trusted palace maids."
"She was rescued without a trace, and even the King of Yan was unaware of it at first. Enraged, he later ordered the execution of all the servants in that palace."
Dun Ruo quickly relayed the report.
Ying Zheng frowned, "To extract several people unharmed from the Yan royal palace would require meticulous planning, even for the Black Ice Platform."
"How did Zhao Feng accomplish this?"
"Even if his guards are elite soldiers, they shouldn't be capable of such an operation."
Dun Ruo bowed deeply, his tone carrying a trace of apprehension.
"Your Majesty, I suspect that General Zhao Feng has been secretly training a group of shadow warriors. Furthermore..."
Dun Ruo hesitated at the last part.
But Ying Zheng was far too astute. With just that slight pause, he immediately grasped the implication.
"The establishment behind Jiu Xian Lou?"
"Are you suggesting that Zhao Feng is behind it?" Ying Zheng asked, somewhat astonished.
"The Black Ice Platform has many operatives in Ji City, but none of them detected any movement when the fourth wife's mother was rescued."
"Among all the covert organizations in the world, none can match the Black Ice Platform except for one."
"And that is Jiu Xian Lou."
"That is why I have this suspicion."
"Could it be that the force behind Jiu Xian Lou is actually..."
Dun Ruo trailed off, but his meaning was already clear.
Ying Zheng's expression showed genuine surprise, his gaze turning slightly peculiar.
"Could it be as you suggest?"
"Is Zhao Feng truly the one behind Jiu Xian Lou?"
He found it somewhat unbelievable.
"Your Majesty."
"I have reviewed the history of Jiu Xian Lou."
"It first emerged in Weicheng."
"And in the past, which noble was stationed in Weicheng?"
Dun Ruo spoke again, this time with more certainty.
His eyes anxiously observed Ying Zheng's reaction.
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