Zhao Feng strode into Zhangtai Palace.
Upon seeing Ying Zheng, he chuckled and said, "Your subject greets Your Majesty."
Ying Zheng, however, remained cold-faced, staring at Zhao Feng with clear displeasure.
After staring at him for a while, he finally spoke.
"Impressive, indeed."
"You took just ten thousand men and charged straight into the northern frontier, deep into enemy lands." Ying Zheng's tone was laced with icy reproach.
Seeing this, Zhao Feng immediately understood he was angry. And not just any anger, but the kind of anger that came from concern.
If he had been truly furious, he wouldn't even be seeing Zhao Feng right now.
Realizing this, Zhao Feng relaxed and took a seat beside Ying Zheng.
"Your Majesty, you misunderstand me."
"The northern frontier's situation is ever-changing, and the movements of the nomadic tribes shift in an instant."
"This battle was indeed risky, but I secured ten years of peace for the northern frontier. For the next decade, the Donghu tribes will have no chance to invade our land." Zhao Feng said with enthusiasm.
"Ten years of peace? Do you think I care about that?"
Ying Zheng's voice remained indifferent.
Hearing this, Zhao Feng was slightly taken aback.
Securing ten years of stability for the northern border and eliminating a major threat was not a great achievement.
"Your Majesty, I believe it was worth it," Zhao Feng said seriously.
"In my eyes, ten years of peace is not worth your life."
"If you had died on the northern frontier, what use would that peace be to me?" Ying Zheng stared at Zhao Feng intently.
These words stunned Zhao Feng.
He could hear it Ying Zheng was not just speaking as a ruler, nor was he trying to manipulate him. He was genuinely concerned.
"Your Majesty," Zhao Feng responded earnestly, "I am not just a soldier of Great Qin, but also a soldier of the Hua Xia people."
"The nomads slaughter our people, massacre the innocent if I were to stand idly by and do nothing, I would not be worthy of being called a man."
"And it's not just me every soldier who followed me into the northern frontier thought the same. Even if they were to die in battle, they would have no regrets."
Seeing Zhao Feng's resolute expression, filled with deep loyalty and military honor, Ying Zheng was momentarily silent.
Deep down, he was pleased.
His son had achieved an extraordinary victory, shaking the world.
With just twelve thousand soldiers, he had inflicted devastating losses on the nomads, razed their royal court, and even killed their king.
This was a feat worthy of admiration and remembrance.
But at the same time, Zhao Feng was his son. If he had died in the north, not only would Ying Zheng lose a child, but Great Qin would lose its future heir.
"Enough," Ying Zheng sighed.
His cold demeanor gradually softened.
The sternness from before was merely an act to scare Zhao Feng so he wouldn't take such reckless risks again.
"In the future, do not be so reckless again." Ying Zheng's tone finally carried warmth.
"Your Majesty," Zhao Feng replied with a smile, "battles are unpredictable, but I doubt I'll face another fight like this anytime soon."
Hearing this, Ying Zheng shook his head in exasperation.
Zhao Feng was a warrior through and through his mind was always on war.
"There are only two enemy states left in all of China."
"A few nomadic tribes are nothing to fear for Great Qin, let alone all of Hua Xia."
"You may have secured ten years of peace for the northern frontier, but once the unification is complete, these nomads will be no more than rats. If they dare invade, I will exterminate them." Ying Zheng declared boldly.
"Your Majesty's might is unparalleled," Zhao Feng flattered him.
"Enough."
"Stop trying to flatter me."
Ying Zheng rolled his eyes, then, with a touch of concern, asked, "How is your mother?"
"Thank you for Your Majesty's concern," Zhao Feng replied, "She is well."
"She spends her days grinding herbs and making medicine, just as she always has."
Hearing this, Zhao Feng assumed Ying Zheng was merely showing concern for a loyal minister's mother.
"That is good."
"When you take such risks in battle, you should consider your family as well."
"If you were to die"
"Not only would I lose a great general, but your family would suffer the most." Ying Zheng's voice carried deep concern.
"Your Majesty need not worry."
"No one on the battlefield is capable of taking my life."
"I chose this path, and I have no regrets."
"If I had regrets, I wouldn't have reached where I am today." Zhao Feng said confidently.
"Enough."
"I will not keep you here tonight."
"Go home and see your wife and children. Come to Zhangtai Palace after court tomorrow."
Seeing that Zhao Feng was still covered in dust from his journey, Ying Zheng knew he had come straight to the palace without even returning home. He decided to let him go first.
"Then I shall take my leave."
"I have been away for so long I wonder how they are doing." Zhao Feng smiled, stood up, bowed, and left Zhangtai Palace.
Watching him depart safely, Ying Zheng finally let out a breath of relief.
"This brat at least made it back in one piece."
"Otherwise, I wouldn't have known how to face his mother."
"To defeat Donghu with only twelve thousand men…"
"As expected of my son!"
At this moment, the mask of coldness fell away entirely, and Ying Zheng allowed himself a proud smile.
However, as he glanced at the towering pile of memorials beside him, his head began to ache again.
…
Zhao Residence
"Master has returned!"
A loud cry echoed through the estate.
Immediately, the entire household bustled with activity.
At the front gates, Wang Yan stood with two children.
It had been nearly a year since they last saw their father.
The two little ones had grown taller they were now six years old.
In Wang Yan's arms, she held a baby, their third son, Zhao Wu.
Beside her, Wu Yang cradled a baby girl of the same age Zhao Pan.
"Welcome home, my lord."
Wang Yan led a few concubines and bowed slightly to welcome Zhao Feng.
Seeing his wife after a long time and looking at his concubines, Zhao Feng couldn't help but smile.
"Qi'er, Ling'er."
"Come to your father."
Zhao Feng crouched down and waved to them with a smile.
"Father!"
The two little ones ran toward him and jumped into his arms.
Zhao Feng picked them up, one in each arm, and walked toward Wang Yan.
"Wu'er has grown up too, and so has Pan'er." Zhao Feng looked at Wang Yan and Wuyang, who were holding the two younger children, his face full of joy.
Fighting on the battlefield thrilled Zhao Feng, and achieving victory was a man's duty.
But returning home to see his beautiful wives and his children was what truly put his heart at ease.
This was his foundation in this world!
"Husband."
"Father and mother, as well as elder brother, are waiting in the main hall," Wang Yan said with a smile.
"I can't keep Father-in-law waiting." Zhao Feng chuckled.
He immediately walked toward the main hall, carrying his children.
As he walked, he instructed, "Housekeeper, I will be dining with my father-in-law today. Make sure the preparations are adequate. Also, see to it that my guards are well taken care of."
"Yes, my lord."
Inside the Main Hall
Wang Jian and his son were sitting inside, sipping tea, while Madam Wang sat beside her daughter-in-law, Liyang.
Wang Li, now thirteen years old, was already a young man. He had inherited the Wang family's strong genes, looking both handsome and heroic.
"Father-in-law, Mother-in-law."
"Elder Brother, Sister-in-law."
As soon as Zhao Feng entered, he greeted them with a bright smile.
Hearing Zhao Feng's voice, Wang Jian also smiled and slowly stood up.
"You finally decided to come back," Wang Jian said with a chuckle.
"The war is settled, so of course, I must return." Zhao Feng responded with a smile.
"It's good that you're back."
"Yan'er has been so worried about you."
"You led ten thousand men deep into the northern barbarian lands. Even I was on edge," Wang Jian admitted.
Mentioning Zhao Feng's daring move, Wang Jian still felt a lingering sense of dread.
Though he was a master of military strategy, leading ten thousand soldiers deep into enemy territory and emerging victorious with earth-shaking results such a feat was beyond even him.
"Brother-in-law."
"You fought a spectacular battle."
"I must admit, I pale in comparison."
"I regret not being part of it. If I had, I would have fought by your side, slaughtering those cursed barbarians together!"
"Such a triumph for our nation's prestige and a display of our civilization's might it is truly exhilarating."
Wang Ben spoke with excitement.
There was no doubt about Zhao Feng's achievements in the northern campaign.
Even if Qin had not yet unified the world, history would surely remember him.
Future generations would record in bold strokes: A mighty general of China, Zhao Feng, led ten thousand troops deep into the barbarian lands, slaying tens of thousands of enemies, destroying their settlements, toppling their royal court, and beheading their king.
Such an achievement would be remembered for ages.
As news of his victory spread, the entire world was in awe.
Especially within the military, where his reputation soared.
Previously, only a few referred to Zhao Feng as a "War God," but now, he had truly earned the title.
"If Elder Brother had been there, we would have killed even more barbarians," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"Hahaha! I like hearing that!"
"Father, did you hear? Even Qin's War God praises me!" Wang Ben laughed heartily.
"Shameless."
"Your brother-in-law was just being polite," Wang Jian said, shaking his head.
"Wang Li has grown so much."
"Not bad."
"When you come to my camp, I'll take you to the battlefield myself," Zhao Feng said, looking at Wang Li, who was gazing at him with admiration.
"Uncle?"
Wang Li's eyes lit up.
"As long as your grandfather agrees, I will take you." Zhao Feng smiled.
"Grandfather!" Wang Li immediately turned to Wang Jian.
"You rascal, do you think your grandfather is that unreasonable?" Wang Jian scolded him lightly.
Then, with a sigh, he said, "This boy has grown up listening to tales of your victories. Now, all he thinks about is joining your military camp."
"Perfect."
"The next time I return to camp, I'll bring you along."
"You'll earn your own merits." Zhao Feng chuckled.
"Father, I want to go with Cousin too!" Zhao Qi said earnestly.
Hearing him, everyone burst into laughter.
"Hahaha."
"Qi'er, you're still too young. Grow a little more first."
Zhao Feng ruffled his son's hair. "Your arms and legs are too small wait a few more years."
After being teased, Zhao Qi pouted in displeasure.
"All right."
"Why are we all still standing?"
Seeing everyone still on their feet, Wang Jian laughed.
"Yan'er, take Qi'er and the others outside for a bit."
"I have some matters to discuss with my father-in-law and elder brother." Zhao Feng turned to Wang Yan.
He placed his children down gently.
"Understood." Wang Yan nodded without hesitation.
"Come, come to Grandmother."
Madam Wang, knowing the situation, waved to the little ones.
Finally, only Zhao Feng, Wang Jian, and Wang Ben remained in the hall.
"You met with His Majesty?" Wang Jian asked with a smile.
"Yes."
"He told me to return home to see my family first and that we'll discuss everything at court tomorrow." Zhao Feng replied.
"Did the King mention your reward?" Wang Jian asked, still smiling.
Zhao Feng shook his head. Then, with a grin, he said, "Not directly, but I've heard the news I'll be promoted two ranks and granted the title of Marquis through military merit."
The Yan Court had now spread across all of Shenzhou.
If they couldn't uncover such information, they would be unworthy of Zhao Feng's high expectations.
Upon receiving this news, Zhao Feng was naturally quite pleased.
A promotion of two ranks in nobility.
Zhao Feng had now reached the pinnacle of the Qin military merit nobility system, attaining the title of Marquis of Special Rank.
He was undoubtedly the highest-ranking noble of Qin.
More importantly, the title of Marquis by Martial Prowess was a level above a noble rank it was akin to an honorary title in later generations, a symbol of status.
Apart from the royal family, Zhao Feng was the only person in recent years to be granted this title, a recognition whose significance needed no further explanation.
The most crucial part was that with these two noble promotions, Zhao Feng would receive at least two second-tier treasure chests perhaps even higher-tier ones.
As for whether the Marquis by Martial Prowess title would come with a treasure chest reward, that would be revealed the next day.
"Promoted two ranks and granted the title Marquis by Martial Prowess,"
"This is the highest honor a military general can receive."
"And yet, you seem so calm?"
Wang Jian remarked with some surprise.
"Father-in-law,"
"I was already overjoyed when I first heard the news. Now, my emotions have settled." Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
"That makes sense," Wang Jian nodded with a smile.
"I heard you and Wang Wan had a falling out?" Zhao Feng's expression changed slightly, a hint of coldness in his tone.
"He has repeatedly targeted you if I just stood by and watched, would I still be worthy of being your father-in-law?"
"The entire court knows that I have severed ties with him. Because of this, many of Fusu's supporters have abandoned their stance, dealing them a severe blow."
"After all, our Wang family controls a military camp and holds significant power. The ministers dare not easily offend us."
"On top of that, you command another major military camp, meaning our two camps together hold half of Qin's main combat forces. This is naturally a great threat to them."
Wang Jian smirked coldly as he spoke.
"Brother-in-law,"
"Father even said something to Wang Wan personally. That old fox is probably losing sleep over it," Wang Ben suddenly interjected, a look of satisfaction on his face.
"What did my father-in-law say to him?" Zhao Feng was intrigued.
Wang Jian's words to Wang Wan had not been made public, and Wang Wan himself dared not spread them.
"I told Wang Wan,"
"That the Wang family and the Zhao family would never stand by and watch Fusu ascend as Crown Prince."
"And if that day were to come, I, Wang Jian, would not hesitate to take military action."
Wang Jian let out a cold chuckle.
Hearing this, Zhao Feng's face revealed a trace of surprise.
"Father-in-law, by saying that, you've completely antagonized Fusu's supporters. This is now an irreconcilable conflict."
Zhao Feng was truly shocked.
Was this still the Wang Jian he knew?
He understood his father-in-law well.
A man who valued self-preservation.
A man who deeply understood the ways of a minister.
Someone who never cared for nor participated in struggles over the Crown Prince position.
"When Wang Wan repeatedly made moves against you, our Wang family was already locked in an irreconcilable conflict with them."
"If one-day Fusu does ascend to the throne, even if he is magnanimous and tolerant, do you think Wang Wan and his faction would let our Wang family go?"
"I, Wang Jian, may understand the ways of a minister, but I am not one to sit and wait for death."
Wang Jian let out another cold laugh.
Hearing this, Zhao Feng felt deeply moved.
"Father-in-law, I am truly grateful."
"However,"
"I must ask that you do not support Hu Hai or any others like him."
"If the future truly brings change, I am confident that I can protect the Wang family and you as well." Zhao Feng said solemnly.
With his formidable martial strength and the thousands of Yan Court Wuchang agents under his command, safeguarding the Wang and Zhao families would be effortless.
Seeing Zhao Feng's serious expression, Wang Jian smiled.
"I naturally believe you. No matter what happens, the Wang family will stand behind you."
"That's right," Wang Ben also nodded firmly.
Hearing this firm stance from the Wang family father and son, Zhao Feng was both pleased and deeply touched.
They were willing to stand against Fusu for his sake this was true loyalty.
Of course,
What Zhao Feng didn't know was that the Wang family had already made their decision after careful deliberation.
Still, Wang Jian's words were spoken with sincerity. He had truly tied his family's fate to Zhao Feng's.
Their prosperity and downfall were now intertwined.
"Wang Wan, that old fox,"
"Time and again,"
"I have already prepared something for him."
"Tomorrow, on the imperial court, I will make him pay."
Zhao Feng's cold smirk carried an air of confidence.
As early as a year ago, during the campaign against the state of Yan,
Zhao Feng had secretly ordered the Yan Court to collect evidence of Wang Wan's violations of the law.
Among the high-ranking officials in court, who hadn't used their power for personal gain?
Such things never stood up to scrutiny.
However, Qin Shi Huang had chosen to turn a blind eye.
Because the empire surely harbored countless other hidden corrupt officials and crimes.
At a time when talented officials were needed, the Emperor tolerated what he could. Furthermore, gathering sufficient evidence was no easy task.
"Wang Wan is an old fox."
"He leaves no loopholes in his actions. How do you plan to bring him down?" Wang Jian asked with concern.
Wang Wan had served as Chancellor for many years, his influence in court vast and his authority immense.
Toppling him would be no easy feat.
"Father-in-law will see for himself tomorrow."
Zhao Feng smiled, his eyes flashing with a sharp glint.
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