At Fusu's Residence
Wang Wan, Kui Zhuang, and several ministers supporting Fusu gathered together in the residence.
"Today's events..."
"They may have been abrupt."
Looking at the group of supporters before him, Fusu sighed.
"Your Highness,"
"Whether today's actions were abrupt or not is irrelevant it was something that had to be done."
"If not today, then another day, it would still need to be done."
Wang Wan spoke in a solemn tone. Though today they had offended Wang Jian and thoroughly antagonized Zhao Feng, in Wang Wan's eyes, it was an unavoidable course of action.
"I understand your reasoning,"
"But not only did we fail to accomplish anything today, we have also made two powerful enemies." Fusu sighed again.
He understood Wang Wan's point.
These two families controlled half of Qin's military power something that warranted caution. If he were to be named crown prince and later ascend to the throne, they would be a constant concern.
"In the end, we underestimated the importance of Wang Jian and Zhao Feng in His Majesty's eyes."
"Who would have thought?"
"That this father-in-law and son-in-law, holding command over two major military camps, would not arouse even the slightest suspicion from His Majesty?"
"These two families have formed an alliance, and though they may not yet control the court, should anything change, they could very well influence the fate of the entire Qin Empire," Kui Zhuang said in a grave tone, his old face filled with concern.
"His Majesty is a brilliant ruler, naturally confident in his ability to control them. Right now, Qin is at a crucial stage of unifying the world. His Majesty does not yet see Wang and Zhao as a threat but the real danger lies in the future."
"In the future,"
"Wang Jian and Zhao Feng will continue to rise through their military achievements. One of them will inevitably reach the rank of Grand Marshal, overseeing Qin's entire military."
"If that day comes, who in Qin could rival the power of their two families?" Wang Wan continued.
"His Majesty is indeed a wise and powerful ruler, capable of keeping them in check now. But in the future?"
"If Your Highness becomes the heir, with your benevolent nature, will you truly be able to restrain these two?"
"When their power reaches its peak, will they not become ungovernable? Will they not rise in rebellion?"
"Wang Jian alone may not be a concern."
"Zhao Feng alone may not be a concern."
"But together, they are a true threat."
"Their danger lies not in the present, but in the future."
"In the day when Your Highness sits upon the throne," Wang Wan stated firmly.
"Your Highness,"
"Now that we have already clashed with the Wang and Zhao families, they will surely oppose you in the future."
"We must begin preparations to guard against them."
"Moreover, we must secretly investigate their families, searching for any transgressions against the law these could be useful in the future."
"Agreed."
"Although today we failed to strip Wang Jian of his military power, His Majesty will surely begin to feel some concern. Right now, he still relies on their military strength to complete his conquest of the world, but once unification is achieved, military power will no longer be necessary. That will be our moment to strike."
The ministers began to discuss among themselves.
At this moment
They had all seemingly reached a unified goal to guard against the Wang and Zhao families.
As for Fusu, despite his reluctance, he found himself trapped in this situation.
At this stage
Even if he did not wish to fight for the throne, his supporters would push him forward.
Inside Zhangtai Palace
"Your servants greet Your Majesty."
Wang Jian and Xia Wuque both bowed to Ying Zheng.
Ying Zheng lifted his head and smiled slightly. "Rise."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Wang Jian and Xia Wuque replied in unison.
At that moment
Ying Zheng turned to Zhao Gao and the servants standing nearby.
"Leave us." Ying Zheng ordered in a low voice.
"As you command."
Zhao Gao bowed and quickly led the servants out of the hall.
The palace doors were closed behind them.
Outside Zhangtai Palace, the imperial guards stood ten paces away, ensuring that no one could approach.
Ying Zheng's gaze returned to Wang Jian.
"Today's actions in court"
"You truly surprised me." Ying Zheng said with a hint of amusement.
"Your Majesty,"
"The power held by myself and Zhao Feng has indeed grown too great."
"The court's concerns were not entirely baseless."
"My words in court were not mere pretense, but spoken from the heart," Wang Jian replied immediately.
Today's court session
Wang Jian had already anticipated it many times before. He knew a day like this would come.
Had Zhao Feng remained an ordinary general, perhaps it would not have been a concern. But now, Zhao Feng commanded an entire army, holding authority over 300,000 troops.
With their combined power, they posed a significant threat to the throne.
Wang Jian understood this.
No ruler could tolerate such concentrated military power not even a wise and capable ruler. Sooner or later, it would be taken back.
Since that was inevitable
Wang Jian thought it better to surrender some of his power voluntarily. That way, he could secure a future for his family and avoid later retribution. More importantly, he could protect Zhao Feng's future as well.
"I understand your reasoning, Wang Jian"
"Indeed"
"A union between two powerful military families could undermine my authority."
"But you are different."
"And Zhao Feng is even more different." Ying Zheng smiled, his gaze warm as he looked at Wang Jian.
Standing nearby, Xia Wuque also smiled without speaking.
The moment Ying Zheng summoned Wang Jian to Zhangtai Palace today, Xia Wuque had already guessed the reason.
Furthermore, during today's court session, Wang Jian had even been willing to relinquish his power to protect Zhao Feng proof of his sincerity.
This act had completely won Xia Wuque's approval of Wang Jian as a son-in-law.
However
Wang Jian was utterly puzzled by Ying Zheng's words.
"Your Majesty, what do you mean? How am I different? And how is Zhao Feng different?" Wang Jian asked, confused.
Ying Zheng looked at him deeply.
Then, with a solemn voice, he spoke:
"Because Zhao Feng is my son."
As these words fell
Boom!
It was as if a thunderclap had exploded in Wang Jian's mind.
His expression changed drastically.
He widened his eyes and looked at Ying Zheng as if he had misheard.
Or rather
He had never expected such a revelation.
"What did Your Majesty just say?"
"I did not quite understand," Wang Jian said, thinking he must have misheard.
Ying Zheng's expression was solemn as he took a few steps forward, stopping just a meter away from Wang Jian.
"I said"
"Zhao Feng is my son," Ying Zheng enunciated each word.
Wang Jian's eyes widened even further, filled with disbelief, and his heart was in turmoil.
"This... this..."
"How could this be?"
The ever-calm Wang Jian found his voice trembling at this moment.
"Do you still remember the bloodshed that swept through the royal palace when I first ascended the throne?"
"Do you remember the woman who accompanied me when I first returned to Qin?" Ying Zheng chuckled softly, his gaze tinged with nostalgia.
"Could it be... could it be that Zhao Feng is the son of that Lady Dong'er and Your Majesty?"
"Is that Lady Dong'er still alive?"
Wang Jian's voice trembled, his face showing sheer shock.
His expression was more intense than ever before.
"She is alive, and she is doing very well."
"Not only that"
"She also gave birth to twins for me," Ying Zheng said warmly.
"How is that possible?"
"How could this be such a coincidence?"
"Your Majesty, could there be a mistake?"
"This concerns the royal lineage it must not be mistaken."
Wang Jian's voice wavered between fear and astonishment.
Deep down, he was terrified that this might be a mistake.
If this were mistaken, it would be a catastrophe.
Not only Zhao Feng but also his entire Wang family could be caught in the fallout.
"My woman."
"My children."
"Do you think I would mistake them?"
"Tell me do you not find Zhao Feng's features somewhat similar to mine?" Ying Zheng asked with a faint smile.
Hearing this, Wang Jian hesitantly glanced at Ying Zheng, then recalled Zhao Feng's appearance.
In his mind, their features overlapped
"They do look somewhat alike," Wang Jian thought in shock.
At that moment, another memory surfaced in his mind.
Back when the Qin army first captured Handan
It was Zhao Feng's first encounter with Ying Zheng.
That day, they had walked side by side.
At the time, Wang Ben had made an offhand remark saying that the king and Zhao Feng looked like father and son.
Wang Jian had scolded him for it.
But now
Perhaps Wang Ben had seen the truth in a single glance.
"Your Majesty, could it be... could it be true?"
Wang Jian couldn't help but ask again.
He simply had to ask
This matter was too enormous to ignore.
If Zhao Feng was truly the king's son
Given his age, wouldn't that make him the eldest son?
Moreover
The woman who bore Zhao Feng was once meant to be queen.
If that were taken into account
Zhao Feng
His son-in-law
Would he then have a legitimate claim to the throne of Qin?
And among all the royal sons, Zhao Feng was undoubtedly the most accomplished.
Judging by the king's tone
He was seriously considering this.
Which meant
Wang Jian's heart pounded wildly.
No one could understand the storm raging within him at this moment.
"Would I, the King of Qin, lie to my top general?" Ying Zheng said with a faint smile.
Seeing Wang Jian's reaction, Ying Zheng found it rather amusing.
"My dear in-law."
"Everything I have said is true."
"Feng'er and Ying'er are indeed my children."
At this, Xia Wuqi, who had remained silent until now, stroked his beard and chuckled.
"So the rumors were true"
"Grand Physician Xia, you are truly the father of that Lady Dong'er?"
Wang Jian suddenly recalled something.
He had never known much about what happened back then, as he had been stationed at the Lantian military camp at the time.
He knew even less than some court officials.
There had been countless rumors about Grand Physician Xia
Some said he had once saved the king's life.
Others claimed the king valued him solely for his medical expertise.
The court had always speculated, but none dared to discuss it openly.
"It is true."
"If not for that incident all those years ago, I would have officially become His Majesty's father-in-law," Xia Wuqi said with a sigh.
"Father-in-law."
"In my heart, you have always been my father-in-law."
"That has never changed," Ying Zheng said.
"Haha!" Xia Wuqi laughed, clearly moved.
Over the years, Ying Zheng's respect and devotion to him had never wavered, and Xia Wuqi had always felt it.
But now there was something more to hope for.
"Your Majesty, why reveal such a secret to me?"
"This matter is far too important."
"If word got out, wouldn't Zhao Feng and his sister be in grave danger?"
Wang Jian's expression suddenly changed, and he asked urgently.
He was a seasoned commander
He understood the risks at a single glance.
"Originally"
"This was meant to be revealed only after Qin had fully unified the land."
"But today, on the court"
"You showed me how much you truly care for Feng'er."
"You were even willing to give up your position as supreme general to protect him."
"This is not something ordinary in-laws would do."
"You have earned my trust based on this alone," Ying Zheng said with a smile, his gaze full of confidence in Wang Jian.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your trust."
"Without Your Majesty's decree, I would never breathe a word of this to anyone."
Wang Jian immediately bowed deeply.
Ying Zheng chuckled. "No need for such formalities, Great General."
"Come to think of it, our relationship is not just that of a ruler and his minister we are now family."
"You have raised a fine daughter, one who has given me two wonderful grandchildren."
Upon hearing this, Wang Jian quickly replied with a smile, "Your Majesty overpraises me it is Your Majesty who has raised a fine son."
"Zhao Feng rose from obscurity, carving his path through the battlefield with blood and steel."
"Such accomplishments are beyond the reach of ordinary men, yet he managed to rise from the rank of a mere soldier to his current position. This is proof that he is indeed Your Majesty's son, born extraordinary." Wang Jian's words carried a hint of flattery.
Hearing this, a faint smile appeared on Ying Zheng's face, though his tone became somewhat melancholic. "I never expected the usually stern and serious Great General to say such flattering words."
"But you are mistaken."
"Zhao Feng's greatness has nothing to do with the fact that he is my son."
"I have many sons, yet none of them compare to him."
"They were all raised in the palace and taught by renowned tutors, yet not one of them has shown any promise."
"But Feng'er was raised solely by his mother, and she has taught him far better than any so-called scholar in the palace ever could." Ying Zheng's voice carried a trace of helplessness.
"Your Majesty," Wang Jian said, "the dragon begets nine sons, and each is different. Such is fate."
"Today, I summoned you here for two reasons. First, to inform you that Zhao Feng is my son."
"Second, to put your mind at ease."
"I may doubt many people, but you are not one of them."
"As for retiring and returning home, you need not mention it again."
"In the future, the title of Guowei (State Guardian) may not be beyond your reach." Ying Zheng spoke with clear intent.
Upon hearing this, Wang Jian was overcome with emotion and immediately bowed deeply. "Your subject pledges undying loyalty to Your Majesty!"
"Enough."
"Go back and rest, Great General."
"Everything you heard today must be buried deep within your heart as if you never heard it at all."
With a wave of his hand, Ying Zheng dismissed him.
"I accept Your Majesty's decree."
Wang Jian bowed once more before withdrawing, his heart filled with both excitement and unease.
As he stepped out of the grand hall and into the open air, his face remained blank with shock.
Even after learning the truth, Wang Jian found himself unable to fully grasp the weight of it.
"Respectfully sending off the Great General!"
The Imperial Guards stationed outside saluted him in unison.
Zhao Gao, who had been observing from the sidelines, secretly rejoiced upon seeing Wang Jian's dazed expression.
"It seems that today's court session has indeed made His Majesty wary of the Wang and Zhao families."
"If that's the case, these two families will inevitably stand against Fusu."
"Now, all I need to do is ensure that Prince Huhai does not offend them."
"Let the two factions battle it out, and we shall reap the rewards from the sidelines."
Zhao Gao could barely contain his delight.
In his eyes, Wang Jian must have suffered a harsh rebuke inside Zhangtai Palace. He believed that Ying Zheng had grown suspicious of the Wang and Zhao families due to Wang Wan's remarks in court.
Otherwise, why would Wang Jian one of the most composed and resolute figures in the empire emerge from the palace in such a dazed state?
Yet, unbeknownst to all, Wang Jian was still reeling from Ying Zheng's revelation.
"Zhao Feng is a prince… the eldest prince at that."
"My son-in-law is none other than His Majesty's son, making me the prince's father-in-law."
"And judging by His Majesty's words, he seems to be considering Zhao Feng as his heir."
"Does this mean… I, Wang Jian, could become the future Emperor's father-in-law?"
"I once deliberately avoided being dragged into the royal struggle for succession, keeping my Wang family out of the storm."
"But now, it seems I have been drawn in regardless."
"And… if His Majesty truly intends to make Zhao Feng the crown prince…"
At that thought, Wang Jian's heart was filled with both shock and joy.
Inside Zhangtai Palace
"Wang Jian will likely have a sleepless night tonight." Ying Zheng smiled as he spoke to Xia Wuqi.
"Throughout his career, Wang Jian has always been a master of self-preservation and knows how to conduct himself as a subject."
"Back when the court pressured him to marry his daughter to Fusu, he evaded the matter entirely."
"But in the end, fate still led his daughter to marry the true eldest prince." Xia Wuqi stroked his beard and sighed.
"Wang Jian… this is only the first step."
"Today, I saw his sincerity toward Feng'er."
"In the future, should there be others in court like him, I will gradually bring them into Feng'er's camp."
"When the time comes to establish the crown prince, Feng'er must have his loyal faction."
"Once the empire is fully unified, and Feng'er's identity is revealed, it will surely shake the entire Qin Dynasty."
Ying Zheng gazed beyond the great hall, his eyes filled with determination.
"Indeed."
Xia Wuqi nodded firmly in agreement.
"My dear father-in-law," Ying Zheng said, turning to him, "be extra careful on your journey to Wei."
"In my heart, the people of Daliang are not as important as you are."
"If things become too dangerous, do not risk yourself unnecessarily."
Ying Zheng's tone was solemn.
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