As the head of the Heibingtai (Black Ice Platform), he answered directly to the Qin King. All his authority stemmed from the king himself.
The Qin King resided deep within the palace, and Heibingtai served as his eyes and ears.
Although Dun Ruo had already uncovered Zhao Feng's true identity, he had no choice but to report this matter, as it involved the Jiu Xian Lou (Immortal Wine Pavilion).
Moreover, Zhao Feng was still a court official and had yet to reclaim his former status. Even if he did regain his status, possessing such a powerful organization like Jiu Xian Lou, along with its elite assassins who could rival Heibingtai, might arouse the king's suspicion.
Dun Ruo's duty was to report the matter and let the Qin King decide.
At that moment, Ying Zheng was lost in deep thought.
"Jiu Xian Lou."
"And the elite assassins within it."
"It was founded by Zhao Feng?"
This revelation caught Ying Zheng off guard something he had never imagined before.
"No matter how I think about it, I wouldn't have linked Jiu Xian Lou to him."
"I'm truly curious as to how he managed it."
"He only founded Jiu Xian Lou a few years ago, yet he has already trained an elite force stronger than my Heibingtai." Ying Zheng spoke slowly, his tone carrying a trace of amazement.
Hearing these words, Dun Ruo's heart trembled.
"The king is not angry?"
"It seems he truly has high hopes for this long-lost son as the future heir."
Having served on the king's side for many years, Dun Ruo understood Ying Zheng's character well his domineering nature and unshakable authority.
Had it been anyone else, or even another state, an organization like Jiu Xian Lou would have been eradicated without hesitation.
Not because of its immense wealth, but because of the hidden force within the assassins stronger than Heibingtai.
Yet the king had merely smiled at the revelation, showing no sign of concern.
"Heibingtai has existed for hundreds of years, with deep foundations."
"Yet in terms of combat prowess, it falls short of an organization that has only existed for a few years."
"Dun Ruo, do you have anything to say for yourself?" Ying Zheng's sharp gaze bore down on Dun Ruo, exerting a silent but overwhelming pressure.
Dun Ruo immediately bowed deeply. "This is my failing."
There was no excuse.
If Zhao Feng's secret force had been weaker than Heibingtai, there would be an argument to be made.
But it was not.
Despite only existing for a few years, it had already surpassed Heibingtai.
This was indeed a disgrace.
"Are you still keeping tabs on Jiu Xian Lou?" Ying Zheng asked.
"We have been monitoring them constantly."
"Our original plan was to act as soon as they made any suspicious move." Dun Ruo answered at once.
Ying Zheng waved his hand dismissively. "Withdraw all Heibingtai personnel."
"My king"
"I only suspect that Jiu Xian Lou belongs to the prince. I have no confirmation."
"If we withdraw our surveillance and they turn out not to be his, then should they pose a threat to our empire, we will be caught unprepared." Dun Ruo's expression changed drastically as he spoke anxiously.
"Your words today have enlightened me."
"If Jiu Xian Lou's assassins truly harbored ill intent toward Qin, they wouldn't have held back when Heibingtai attacked them."
"Yet after being ambushed by Heibingtai, they refrained from retaliation and remained quiet."
"This alone proves that they bear no hostility toward Qin."
"In the past, I was unsure, but today, everything is clear."
Ying Zheng's calm smile exuded a deep confidence.
Seeing this, Dun Ruo said no more and bowed deeply. "I understand, my king."
"Good."
"Withdraw now."
"Shift your focus to closely monitoring the three kingdoms of Qi, Chu, and Yan."
With a wave of his hand, Ying Zheng dismissed him.
Dun Ruo bowed once more before leaving.
"Feng'er."
"You've been keeping quite the secret."
"You built such a vast Jiu Xian Lou on your own, using its immense wealth to sustain an elite assassination force."
"That's no easy feat."
Looking at his two grandsons before him, Ying Zheng let out a soft chuckle.
He realized that his understanding of this son of his was far from complete.
For so many years, Zhao Feng had built such a formidable organization right under Qin's nose, and yet, as king, he had never even noticed.
Such cunning and capability were truly extraordinary.
"Now I understand why you feel safe leaving your mother alone in Shacheng."
"It seems your residence is guarded by many of these highly trained assassins."
"And back when Heibingtai's spies failed to infiltrate your guards, it seems you had your methods in place." Ying Zheng pondered silently.
Had it been anyone else whether an official or even another prince possessing such a powerful organization would have been enough to make Ying Zheng wary.
If it could not be controlled, it would have to be destroyed.
A Jiu Xian Lou that generated endless wealth.
A hidden assassination force capable of rivaling Heibingtai.
However, because it was Zhao Feng, Ying Zheng saw things differently.
At first, he had regarded Zhao Feng merely as a talented courtier.
But after uncovering the truth, he no longer saw him as just a subject.
He saw him as a father who would see his son.
He felt a sense of guilt toward Zhao Feng.
He could now guess Zhao Feng's true intentions behind creating such a force most likely, it was to protect his mother and younger sister.
Beyond that, he could not think of any other reason.
After all
If Zhao Feng had any ambitions of rebellion, he would not have fought on the battlefield with such selfless bravery, willing to risk his life.
Furthermore
Zhao Feng had no reason to rebel.
"Well then."
"If Feng'er has built his foundation."
"This will only help him in the future."
"But I still wonder how exactly did he accomplish this?"
Even Ying Zheng couldn't help but show a trace of curiosity on his face at this moment.
Hu Consort's Residence
"Mother Consort."
"I was truly delighted by what happened in court today."
"Wang Jian has completely broken ties with Wang Wan. From the current situation, Wang Jian can't allow Fusu to become the crown prince."
"Wang Jian's split from Wang Wan over Zhao Feng means that Zhao Feng also won't support Fusu. That means Fusu has lost any chance of being named the crown prince."
"Out of Qin's four great generals, two have now positioned themselves against Fusu. This is truly heaven's will in my favor."
Hu Hai spoke with excitement.
Hu Consort also smiled. "If that's the case, then the crown prince position will certainly belong to my son in the future."
"Wang Jian and Zhao Feng both hold military power in their hands."
"Even if they do not pledge allegiance to you, as long as they oppose Fusu, it serves the same purpose."
Just then
"The Chief of the Central Chariot Office has arrived!"
A loud announcement came from outside the hall.
Zhao Gao quickly stepped inside.
Seeing Zhao Gao arrive, Hu Consort immediately gave Hu Hai a meaningful glance.
Hu Hai immediately understood, stood up, and respectfully bowed to Zhao Gao.
"Greetings, Teacher."
Zhao Gao hurriedly stepped forward and helped him up.
"There is no need for such formality, my lord."
"A teacher is a teacher, and I must show my respect." Hu Hai spoke sincerely.
Qin's Second Emperor, Hu Hai
In history, he was indeed known as a squanderer, but as a prince, he naturally understood the basics of winning people's hearts. After all, his mother came from an influential family.
If he didn't even know this much, he wouldn't be worthy of being a prince.
"His Majesty has returned to Zhangtai Palace. What brings Lord Zhao here?" Hu Consort asked, puzzled.
Zhao Gao should have been attending to the king at this time, making his sudden visit rather odd.
"Zhao Feng's two children have returned," Zhao Gao said with a smile.
"No wonder," Hu Consort suddenly understood.
Zhao Feng's two children were already known throughout the entire palace for being favored by the king.
From Zhao Gao to the lowest-ranked palace maids and even the imperial guards
Everyone knew that these two little ones must not be offended.
Over time, it became a rule: whenever these two children were in the palace, no one else was needed at the king's side.
Naturally, Zhao Gao could leave.
If anything urgent arose, the other eunuchs would report it.
"His Majesty has never shown such affection even to his children, yet he showers such grace upon a minister's offspring."
"It is truly perplexing," Hu Consort commented, still unable to understand.
"Does Your Ladyship not know of the hostage principle?" Zhao Gao chuckled.
"You mean that Zhao Feng commands troops outside the capital, and so does Wang Jian?"
"This is a means to keep both families in check?" Hu Consort immediately caught on.
"Exactly," Zhao Gao nodded approvingly.
With a sly smile, he continued, "His Majesty is not a man ruled by emotions. I have served by his side for many years, and he has never shown such open affection to anyone."
"The reason he dotes on those two children is simple control."
"With two young children in his grasp, Zhao Feng must always tread carefully, no matter how powerful he becomes."
"He cannot afford to develop ambitions he shouldn't have."
Hu Consort nodded in agreement. "Indeed, this great favor is also a means of restraint. Such is the majesty of a true king."
"Mother Consort."
"Even if it serves as a form of control, Zhao Feng is still highly favored by the king."
"Now that Wang Jian and Zhao Feng have aligned against Fusu, this is a great advantage for me." Hu Hai spoke with excitement.
Right now, his entire focus was on seizing the throne.
As long as his older brother lost all chances, his path to power would be clear.
"My lord," Zhao Gao spoke with solemnity.
"This is an opportunity we must seize."
"However, Wang Jian and Zhao Feng cannot be won over with mere riches or beauties."
"But right now, we have an opening. If we want to sway them, we must make a promise."
"What kind of promise?" Hu Hai asked immediately.
"A pledge to ensure the eternal prosperity of the Wang and Zhao families," Zhao Gao replied seriously.
"How can that be guaranteed?"
"Words alone carry no weight."
"Wang Jian and Zhao Feng are intelligent men they won't believe us so easily," Hu Consort expressed concern.
"That is why we must find a way to convince them. Only then can we secure their support."
"At court, the battle for the crown seems to be between Fusu and the Eighteenth Prince."
"But who can say what ambitions the other princes harbor?"
"Securing Wang Jian and Zhao Feng's support is as valuable as controlling half the court."
"We cannot afford to let them fall into anyone else's hands." Zhao Gao's expression was grave.
His words made one thing clear
Wang Jian and Zhao Feng had already turned against Fusu.
But they must not be allowed to support any other contender either.
"Lord Zhao is my son's mentor."
"We shall follow your lead."
"If securing the throne for my son requires a promise of lifelong prosperity for the Wang and Zhao families, then it is well worth it."
Hu Consort turned to Zhao Gao, expressing absolute trust in him.
At that moment
While Hu Hai and Zhao Gao were plotting to win over Wang Jian and Zhao Feng
Inside Fusu's Residence
A group of high-ranking ministers sat in the hall.
"Prime Minister Wang."
"What exactly did Wang Jian say to you today? Your expression is grim," Minister Kui Zhuang asked.
Wang Wan swept his gaze across the room before speaking:
"From now on, if we find any leverage against Wang Jian and Zhao Feng, we must immediately impeach them."
"Our conflict with them is now one of life and death."
Upon hearing this, everyone's expressions changed drastically.
"Prime Minister Wang."
"Has it come to this?"
"Did Wang Jian openly declare war on you?" one of the lesser ministers asked.
After all, on the surface, they seemed to have the upper hand.
Fusu enjoyed the support of many officials across the court.
"If there had been any other way"
"Do you think I would take such drastic action?"
"Zhao Feng has already shown hostility toward us. This means he opposes the First Prince as well."
"If he is promoted to Grand Marshal and becomes the head of the military, it will not be good for us."
"That is why I opposed it."
"Thus, I have made an enemy of Wang Jian. That was inevitable."
"But today, Wang Jian spoke words that left no doubt"
"He said he would never allow the prince to become the crown prince."
Fusu furrowed his brows.
"What exactly did he say?"
Wang Wan took a deep breath before repeating:
"Wang Jian said he will never allow the prince to ascend as the crown prince."
"If that possibility truly exists, he wouldn't hesitate to join Zhao Feng in igniting a military conflict," Wang Wan said in a deep voice, his eyes filled with apprehension and concern.
As soon as these words fell, the expressions of all the supporters of Fusu in the room changed drastically.
"Outrageous!"
"How dare Wang Jian be so audacious?"
"Inciting war does he intend to rebel?"
"This matter must be reported to His Majesty at once for him to decide!" Chunyu Yue immediately stepped forward, his face full of fury.
"Report it?"
"Do you think Wang Jian is foolish?"
"If we report this to His Majesty, do you think he would believe it?" Wang Wan sneered.
"Wang Jian's words today may have been meant to intimidate me, but if that day truly comes, perhaps he and Zhao Feng will indeed raise their troops in revolt."
"This must not be taken lightly," Kui Zhuang said sternly.
"How do we guard against it?"
"Both Zhao Feng and Wang Jian have received great favor from His Majesty."
"As long as they do not rebel, what could His Majesty possibly do to them?" Wang Wan's expression was grave.
"Then, in Prime Minister Wang's opinion, what should we do?" Kui Zhuang asked.
"We must find concrete evidence of Wang Jian and Zhao Feng violating the law. Once we have it, we will gather everything and bring them down in one swift move."
"Besides that, we must also be wary of military power."
"The garrisons in Xianyang and its surrounding areas"
"For the sake of the Crown Prince, we must gain control over them," Wang Wan said solemnly.
Everyone present was one of his trusted confidants, all staunch supporters of Fusu.
"Prime Minister."
"Over the years, we have gradually planted our people within the military, including the Xianyang Imperial Guards and local garrisons. However, we have had little success infiltrating the main battle camps, aside from occasional recruitment efforts."
"After all, promotions in the main battle camps are based on military merit."
"There is simply no opportunity to insert our people," Kui Zhuang said gravely.
"In the future, we must focus on securing control over the Xianyang Imperial Guards and the surrounding garrisons."
"As long as we hold military power and Wang Jian and Zhao Feng remain in Xianyang, we have nothing to fear."
"After all, their command lies outside the capital."
"If that day truly comes"
"As long as we control Xianyang's military forces, we can neutralize them, and then we have nothing to worry about."
"Even if we can't capture Wang Jian and Zhao Feng directly, we will hold their families hostage, leaving them with no choice but to submit," Wang Wan said with a cold smile.
"Everyone."
"Since we have chosen to support the Crown Prince"
"We must not waver."
"Otherwise, I will not be merciful."
Wang Wan swept his cold gaze over everyone present, his tone carrying a severe warning.
The current situation was far more troublesome than he had anticipated, and he needed to take it seriously.
Wang Jian's Mansion
Inside the grand hall, Wang Jian sat at the head seat, sipping fine wine from Jiu Xian Lou.
His face bore a look of satisfaction.
"Father."
At this moment, Wang Ben walked in, bowing respectfully to Wang Jian.
"Sit."
Wang Jian smiled and waved his hand.
Wang Ben, however, carried a troubled expression as he took a seat in front of Wang Jian.
"What's the matter?"
"Why the long face?"
"Who upset you?" Wang Jian asked with amusement.
"Father."
"Aren't you even the least bit worried?"
"Today in court, you completely fell out with Wang Wan. By doing so, you have also severed ties with the Crown Prince."
"If the Crown Prince ascends the throne in the future, our Wang family will be finished," Wang Ben said anxiously.
During today's court session, Wang Jian had acted nothing like his former self.
There was no sign of his usual prudence or self-preservation.
This was entirely different from what Wang Jian had always taught him.
If not for the fact that Wang Jian himself seemed unchanged otherwise, Wang Ben would have suspected his father had been possessed by some spirit.
"Today's court session was the most satisfying moment of my entire career as an official."
"That old fox Wang Wan"
"Again and again"
"Even a clay figurine has its limits."
"Does he think Zhao Feng and I are mere pushovers?"
"Since he is so determined to target us, I might as well tear off all pretenses with him," Wang Jian sneered, showing no regret for his actions today.
"But Father"
"Aren't you worried about the Crown Prince?"
"This goes against everything you've taught me!" Wang Ben said with a troubled expression.
Hearing this, Wang Jian gave him a knowing smile, then reached out to pat Wang Ben's shoulder.
"Ben'er, things are not the same as they once were."
"Why?" Wang Ben asked, his eyes widening in confusion.
"Because Zhao"
Wang Jian instinctively started to speak but stopped himself midway.
Seeing Wang Ben's expectant look, he suddenly thought of the hidden dangers lurking within Zhangtai Palace.
And the uncertain future ahead.
Wang Jian immediately fell silent.
"Father."
"Are you keeping secrets even from your son?"
"I am your son, not an outsider."
Seeing his father's hesitation, Wang Ben realized something was being hidden from him and pressed for an answer.
Wang Jian slowly stood up, cautiously walked toward the hall doors, and closed them.
"You must swear to me that you will never speak of this to anyone," Wang Jian said with a grave expression.
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