Upon hearing Ying Zheng's rewards for Huan Yi, aside from gold, silver, money, and beauties, the main reward was an elevation of his noble rank by one level.
This was expected.
After all, Huan Yi had led the Hangu Camp to significant contributions in this campaign.
If he were not rewarded, it would indeed be unreasonable.
"His Majesty is wise."
The entire court of ministers spoke in unison.
However, Ying Zheng did not stop speaking. After a moment of contemplation, he continued, "As for Zhao Feng..."
At that moment, every official turned their gaze toward Ying Zheng.
"Zhao Feng has rendered the greatest merit in the conquest of Wei."
"He must be greatly rewarded."
"Flooding Daliang prevented the loss of countless elite Qin warriors, preserving the national strength of Great Qin. This alone is a monumental achievement."
"I hereby issue my decree!"
"For his service to the state, Zhao Feng shall be promoted by two noble ranks, attaining the title of Sìchē Shùzhǎng. He shall receive the privileges of this rank, including an annual stipend and the right to form his guard."
"He shall be granted ten thousand gold pieces, one hundred thousand copper coins, a thousand pieces of fine jade, and one thousand servants. His wife, Wang Yan, shall be officially titled 'Madam.' In addition to his noble stipend, he shall be granted ten thousand acres of unclaimed fertile land."
As these words fell upon the court, a wave of shock swept through the ministers.
It was expected that Zhao Feng would be promoted by one rank.
But no one had anticipated that Ying Zheng would elevate him by two ranks at once!
"Your Majesty!"
"This must not be!"
"Previously, when General Zhao Feng annihilated the Wei army at Yanggao City, Your Majesty had already rewarded him with a promotion by one rank."
"Now, another two-rank promotion seems excessively generous."
"Let us not forget that even Great General Wang Jian holds only a sixteenth-rank title."
"Zhao Feng, while meritorious, is still young and lacks seniority."
"Your Majesty, please reconsider!"
Prime Minister Wang Wan immediately stepped forward to protest.
"I concur!"
"Qin's noble ranking system consists of twenty levels. Zhao Feng has already reached the pinnacle of courtly status. If he is rewarded too quickly, what will be left to grant him in the future?"
"Your Majesty, please exercise caution!" Minister Kui Zhuang spoke up as well, his tone carrying a subtle warning.
The phrase 'no higher title left to bestow' had historically led to the downfall of many officials.
The great General Bai Qi of the past was a prime example.
He was appointed as State Defender, his noble rank surpassing even the highest levels, earning the title of Marquess of Wu'an.
At that point, he had achieved the highest possible military honors.
Later, when King Zhaoxiang of Qin ordered Bai Qi to lead an attack on Zhao, Bai Qi, believing it an impossible mission, refused. He was subsequently forced to commit suicide.
Kui Zhuang's words seemed casual but were laced with hidden dangers.
If an emperor were to take them to heart, he would inevitably begin to doubt Zhao Feng.
Furthermore, Kui Zhuang was not the only one making insinuations.
Wang Wan had also subtly pointed out that Wang Jian only held a sixteenth-rank title.
The real implication?
Wang Jian and Zhao Feng, a father-in-law and son-in-law, controlled vast military forces.
Together, they wielded overwhelming power.
These two cunning old foxes had merely stopped short of openly accusing them of posing a threat to Ying Zheng's rule.
The entire court understood their underlying message.
"Between them, Wang Jian and Zhao Feng command a total of six to seven hundred thousand soldiers. This is a threat too great to ignore!"
"Your Majesty must be wary!"
"Handing over so much military power to one family is dangerous!"
"The king may now see Zhao Feng as a loyal general, but what if he grows too powerful?"
Wang Wan and Kui Zhuang exchanged secretive smiles.
Their words had been carefully calculated.
They were confident that they had cornered Wang Jian and Zhao Feng into an inescapable dilemma.
No emperor in history could tolerate such a powerful military faction!
"If we follow the reasoning of these two ministers," Wang Jian suddenly spoke, his tone icy, "then Qin's military promotions should not be based on merit but on seniority and age?"
Before Wang Wan or Kui Zhuang could reply, Wang Jian turned to Ying Zheng.
"Your Majesty, judging by their words, it seems that because Zhao Feng is my son-in-law, the court now suspects us of plotting treason?"
"If my presence in court arouses doubt, I am willing to resign from my post as Commander of Lantian Camp and retire to my homeland!"
Wang Jian had gone all in.
He declared his retirement outright.
The entire court was stunned.
Wang Jian was at the height of his power why speak of retirement?
Yet, from his tone, it was clear that he meant it.
Though Wang Jian and Meng Wu had long been rivals vying for power, Meng Wu could not remain silent at this moment.
"General Wang Jian, do not speak such reckless words!"
His eyes flashed with urgency, signaling Wang Jian to hold back.
Despite their competition, Meng Wu understood that if Wang Jian stepped down, the balance of power in the Qin military would be broken.
But Wang Jian was resolute.
"I am not speaking recklessly!"
"If the Prime Ministers believe that my relationship with Zhao Feng makes us a threat to Qin, then I will resign to ease their concerns."
Wang Wan and Kui Zhuang remained silent.
They were more than happy to see this happen.
For them, eliminating the influence of Wang Jian and Zhao Feng was the ultimate goal.
Though they had to offend the two generals to achieve it, the political gains outweighed the risks.
Zhao Feng and Wang Jian wielded too much power.
Even if they earned the emperor's favor, their sheer military influence posed a potential threat to Ying Zheng's rule.
And Ying Zheng, the great unifier of China, was no fool.
Would he allow such a power structure to remain unchecked?
If Wang Jian could truly relinquish his military power, it would indeed be a great benefit.
At this moment, Fusu remained silent.
Hu Hai also remained silent.
Clearly, in their eyes, the combined power and influence of Wang Jian and Zhao Feng's families had grown excessively vast.
Both of them coveted the position of Crown Prince, so they naturally considered the future. Such a powerful minister could indeed become a threat.
Yet, none of them noticed
When Ying Zheng heard that Wang Jian was willing to retire for Zhao Feng's sake, a trace of appreciation flickered in his gaze.
"Feng'er…"
"You have found yourself a good father-in-law."
"This makes me trust him even more."
Ying Zheng looked at Wang Jian with great satisfaction.
At this moment
Ying Zheng had witnessed Wang Jian's deep bond with Zhao Feng.
Holding the prestigious position of a great general, yet willing to abandon it all for Zhao Feng
As a father, Ying Zheng felt that Zhao Feng had truly chosen the right person to align with.
At that moment
Ying Zheng finally spoke. "Enough."
All the ministers turned their eyes toward the high throne.
At this point
Wang Jian had already requested to retire, and the final decision naturally lay with Ying Zheng.
Many officials believed
Now that Wang Wan and Kui Zhuang had placed Wang Jian and Zhao Feng under scrutiny, the two were essentially being roasted over the flames. For any ruler, it would be impossible to tolerate a father-in-law and son-in-law duo controlling an army of six hundred thousand nearly half of Qin's military forces.
This matter touched upon the very authority and stability of the throne.
Thus
Ying Zheng would most likely approve Wang Jian's resignation. At the very least, he would remove Wang Jian from his current command.
"Wang Qing is still in his prime. How can he speak of retiring?"
"I shall pretend I never heard such words." Ying Zheng declared calmly.
The moment these words fell
The entire court was shocked.
Such a prime opportunity to strip away military power Ying Zheng had refused it.
Even the seasoned foxes, Wang Wan and Kui Zhuang, were utterly astonished.
"What is the King thinking?"
"We just handed him a legitimate excuse to weaken military power, yet he refuses?"
"Could it be that the King truly has no concerns about Wang Jian and Zhao Feng?"
"Even if he doesn't worry about them now, he should at least consider the future!"
"The King is an extraordinary ruler who can suppress everything, but what about his successors? Not every ruler will be like him!"
Wang Wan and Kui Zhuang were filled with disbelief.
No matter how they thought about it
Zhao Feng was not Wang Jian's son by blood, but he was essentially a half-son.
With both of them being supreme generals, their combined power was immense.
Yet, even that was not enough to make Ying Zheng wary.
"Your Majesty,"
"The concerns raised by these ministers are not without merit."
"My Wang family, as well as Zhao Feng, have received immense royal favor," Wang Jian bowed deeply and said.
"And that favor,"
"Your Wang family is worthy of it."
"Zhao Feng is also worthy of it."
"Some say that excessive power leads to potential rebellion."
"I do not care."
"Because if I can bestow military power, it means I trust my ministers' loyalty."
"Likewise"
"If the day ever comes when your fears are realized, then I will personally put an end to it."
Ying Zheng's voice carried an overwhelming dominance.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Wei Liao stepped forward and loudly affirmed.
Seeing Wei Liao stand up
The court ministers had no choice but to follow suit and bow.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
"Wang Qing."
"There is no need to ever mention retiring again."
"I am not a ruler who is plagued by suspicion."
"Not just for you, but for all ministers of Qin as long as you serve me and serve Qin, I will never treat you unfairly."
Ying Zheng surveyed the court as he spoke with commanding authority.
These words were not only directed at Wang Jian
They were meant for all the ministers.
Of course
Ying Zheng was not simply speaking empty words. His presence exuded the confidence of a supreme ruler one who had the capacity to embrace power, to command absolute loyalty.
And historically
Ying Zheng had indeed lived up to these words.
After unifying China, he never executed a single meritorious official.
The paranoia and purges that plagued so many emperors were never part of his rule.
He possessed an unshakable confidence, believing he could suppress all opposition.
It was precisely for this reason
That while he lived, he reigned supreme over the land.
His authority remained unchallenged.
Yet, after his death, chaos erupted. The Qin dynasty collapsed within a single generation.
Hearing Ying Zheng's resolute words
Wang Wan and Kui Zhuang fell silent.
Clearly
Their carefully laid trap had failed.
Not only did their scheme fail to achieve its intended effect
It had even earned them the resentment of Wang Jian and Zhao Feng.
"Wei Qing."
"Did you record Zhao Feng's rewards?"
Ying Zheng turned to Wei Liao.
"Yes, Your Majesty." Wei Liao immediately responded.
"Then issue the edict accordingly." Ying Zheng declared.
With these words, the matter was decided.
There would be no further objections.
Just moments ago, Wang Wan and Kui Zhuang had tried to provoke Ying Zheng's doubts by drawing attention to Wang Jian and Zhao Feng's relationship. Now, they had utterly failed.
The argument of "lack of qualifications" had been rendered meaningless.
And with Zhao Feng's remarkable military achievements
They no longer had any legitimate grounds to oppose his reward.
"I accept the decree." Wei Liao responded immediately.
"Your Majesty."
"There is one more matter."
"Although the flooding of Daliang was a strategic masterpiece"
"Using the waters of Hongze Lake to drown the enemy, allowing Qin to win without bloodshed"
"The aftermath will bring a great plague."
"If we do not handle this carefully, the epidemic could spread, and once it does, it will become a disaster for Qin."
"So, this matter still requires Your Majesty's final decision," Feng Quji stepped forward and said.
"Grand Physician Xia, you are the foremost physician in the world," Ying Zheng turned his gaze to Xia Wuqie.
"What are your thoughts on this epidemic?"
"Your Majesty," Xia Wuqie replied, "the source of the epidemic lies in the corpses. As long as the bodies in Daliang City are properly disposed of either buried deep in the earth or burned the outbreak may be prevented."
"Furthermore, Daliang City has been completely devastated by the flood and is no longer habitable."
"I propose that Daliang City be permanently abandoned and sealed off. All the corpses within the city should be buried on-site, and the city itself should be declared off-limits. This would significantly reduce the risk of an epidemic."
"Ministers, did you hear that?" Ying Zheng declared.
"The epidemic is not inevitable. As long as we take proper precautions, it can be contained."
"Your Majesty," Wang Wan spoke up, "perhaps Grand Physician Xia should personally oversee this matter."
"I am willing to lead the Imperial Medical Hall's physicians to Wei," Xia Wuqie immediately volunteered without hesitation.
"The journey is long. Will you be able to endure it?" Ying Zheng first considered Xia Wuqie's health.
"Please do not worry, Your Majesty," Xia Wuqie reassured him.
"I am still in good health, and I eagerly await the day when Qin unites the world."
His words carried a deeper meaning.
Now that he had finally found his daughter, he longed to witness the day she would be formally married to Ying Zheng in a grand ceremony.
For this, he would persevere, no matter what.
Hearing this, Ying Zheng smiled.
"Very well."
"Ren Xiao," Ying Zheng called out loudly.
"Present!"
Ren Xiao, stationed outside the hall, immediately responded.
"Gather five thousand imperial guards and personally lead them to escort Grand Physician Xia and the physicians of the Imperial Medical Hall to Wei territory."
"Wei has not yet been fully pacified. You must ensure their safety."
"I obey the decree," Ren Xiao immediately complied.
"Grand Physician Xia," Ying Zheng continued, "once you arrive in Wei, do not stray from the imperial guards, nor should you leave the military camp."
"Relay the necessary measures to Zhao Feng how to prevent the epidemic, and how to respond to it. You need only give the orders; there is no need for you to personally intervene."
"I understand," Xia Wuqie nodded in agreement, appreciating Ying Zheng's concern.
After giving these instructions, Ying Zheng still seemed slightly uneasy. He turned to the assembled ministers.
"Enough," he declared.
"This was not a formal court assembly. Do any of you have other matters to discuss?"
"If not, then the court is dismissed."
Upon hearing this, the ministers all bowed and said in unison, "We have nothing to report, Your Majesty."
"Very well," Ying Zheng waved his hand dismissively.
He slowly rose to his feet, his gaze falling upon Xia Wuqie and Wang Jian.
"Grand Physician Xia, Lord Wang."
"Come with me to Zhangtai Palace for a private discussion."
With that, Ying Zheng turned and headed toward the inner palace.
"We respectfully see Your Majesty off."
The ministers bowed once again.
Only after Ying Zheng had completely exited the hall did they begin to disperse.
Wang Jian slowly walked up to Wang Wan and Kui Zhuang, casting them a glance before letting out a cold snort.
"Hmph."
His eyes were filled with open hostility.
Although he said nothing, his meaning was clear.
Feeling Wang Jian's cold demeanor, Wang Wan and Kui Zhuang dared not speak further.
They understood.
From now on, Wang Jian might very well stand against them.
"Prime Ministers,"
"You should know what should and shouldn't be said."
"It seems that, despite your age, you still fail to see things clearly," Li Si remarked as he approached.
"Tingwei (Minister of Justice), you seem rather pleased with yourself."
"But don't be too smug," Wang Wan responded coldly.
"Rest assured, Prime Minister,"
"I would never be overly complacent," Li Si said loudly.
Then, lowering his voice, he added,
"However, this time, you have completely alienated both the Wang and Zhao families."
"Supporting the Crown Prince will be even harder for you in the future."
"His Majesty holds General Zhao Feng in high regard. His opinions carry great weight."
"I hope you will still be able to smile when the time comes."
With that, Li Si turned and strode away confidently, his steps brimming with satisfaction.
Watching him go, Wang Wan and Kui Zhuang exchanged glances, their eyes filled with cold intent.
They intended to regroup and reconsider their strategy.
Meanwhile, many ministers observed the scene with amusement.
The situation had taken an unexpected turn.
"It seems the Wang family and the two prime ministers have truly fallen out with each other."
"Supporting the Crown Prince has now gained them two formidable enemies."
"This makes the competition for the heir even more unpredictable."
"Fortunately, I stayed out of the struggle for the throne. Otherwise, getting caught in this power struggle would mean putting my entire family at risk."
…
As Hu Hai descended the steps, he approached Fu Su.
"Brother,"
"Your two supporters have just made you two powerful enemies."
"From now on,"
"You had better be careful."
With a cold sneer, Hu Hai turned and walked away.
Fu Su's expression remained calm, but deep down, his thoughts were a mystery.
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