Zhao Gao's voice echoed throughout the grand hall.
As for the royal edict
It had already been read once back when Zhao Feng was in Yan, so this time, no one on the court was particularly shocked. After all, it was a decision that had long been made.
"Your subject, Zhao Feng, thanks His Majesty for this great favor."
"I will not disappoint Your Majesty's expectations." Zhao Feng bowed deeply and declared loudly.
Regarding these rewards
Zhao Feng accepted them without hesitation.
There was only one way to sum it up: everything he received was earned through blood and battle.
Perhaps there was royal grace involved, but at its core, everything was won with his life on the line.
From his time in the logistics corps, he had fought his way up step by step.
"This is what you deserve based on your merits," Ying Zheng said with a rare smile.
After speaking, Ying Zheng swept his gaze over the court once more, his presence regaining its suffocating authority.
"As for Wang Wan's actions"
"I will not tolerate them."
"The Censorate and the Court of Judicial Review must not slack in their investigation of Wang Wan's case. Anyone found guilty will be dealt with accordingly."
"There will be no mercy."
Ying Zheng's cold voice sent a chill through the court.
Before anyone could respond, he abruptly stood from his throne.
"Court is dismissed. Zhao Feng, come to Zhangtai Palace."
With that, he turned and left.
No one in the court dared to make a sound.
"We respectfully see His Majesty off," the officials called out in unison.
Once the court was adjourned
"You pulled it off, didn't you? You managed to gather enough evidence against Wang Wan," Wang Jian said as he approached, laughing heartily.
He didn't even bother to hide his amusement.
"He wanted to come after me, so I had no choice but to play along," Zhao Feng replied with a smirk, his tone just as unreserved.
The two had developed a tacit understanding.
No need for excessive words they were perfectly in sync.
Wang Jian was using Wang Wan's downfall to send a message to everyone in court: this was the price of making an enemy of Zhao Feng.
If even the Prime Minister of the civil officials could be taken down by Zhao Feng, then anyone else should think twice before making a move against him.
"Well said."
"We may not go out of our way to make enemies, but we also won't let people off easily when they cross us," Wang Jian declared loudly.
"Father-in-law," Zhao Feng interjected with a grin, "that's where you're wrong."
Wang Jian paused. "Oh? How so?"
"I, Zhao Feng, am not afraid of making enemies. But I always do so openly and honestly because I have never violated the laws of Great Qin, nor have I ever engaged in corruption."
"If anyone wants to use the law against me, I'm afraid they'll find no grounds to do so," Zhao Feng said with a laugh, looking utterly fearless.
"Indeed."
"We, as military men, receive lands and stipends from His Majesty. We do not need to stoop to corruption," Wang Jian agreed with another hearty laugh.
The two of them, father-in-law and son-in-law, were perfectly in sync.
The officials looked at one another but remained silent.
Meanwhile, those who had once allied with Wang Wan looked as though they had swallowed something bitter, their faces pale with frustration yet unable to respond.
It was clear that Wang Jian and Zhao Feng's words were aimed directly at them.
"Father-in-law."
"I must go to Zhangtai Palace now," Zhao Feng said after making his point.
"Go ahead," Wang Jian replied with a wave.
"Brother Han," Zhao Feng then turned to Han Fei, "come to my estate tonight."
"Alright."
Han Fei smiled and nodded without hesitation.
Then
Zhao Feng strode out of the hall. As he passed by Kui Zhuang and his faction, he shot them a cold glance.
"Kui Chancellor," one of Wang Wan's former allies whispered nervously, "what should we do now?"
"Say nothing for now," Kui Zhuang muttered, sweeping his gaze around cautiously.
He dared not speak any further within the court.
Outside the hall
Fusu stood frozen in place.
"Prime Minister Wang…"
"Has it come to this?"
"Was he truly guilty of corruption?" Fusu found it hard to believe.
Just then, Hu Hai conveniently walked up beside him.
"Brother," he said with a smirk.
"The Prime Minister of the empire, of all people… to think he was just another corrupt official."
"You might want to take a closer look at the people around you."
Without waiting for a response, Hu Hai walked off, looking very pleased with himself.
Inside Zhangtai Palace
Ying Zheng sat at his desk, reviewing reports.
Zhao Feng strode into the hall.
"Your subject greets His Majesty," he said smoothly, bowing with familiarity.
Seeing that Ying Zheng did not acknowledge him, Zhao Feng didn't stand at the ceremony either he simply took a seat off to the side and waited.
Zhao Gao, witnessing this, couldn't help but draw in a sharp breath.
Sitting without permission from the king?
But Zhao Feng couldn't be bothered to explain himself.
Hadn't the king himself once said that he was free to act as he pleased in Zhangtai Palace?
"Tell the imperial kitchen to prepare lunch."
"And bring wine."
"Today, I will dine here in Zhangtai Palace with Zhao Feng," Ying Zheng ordered without looking up.
"Your servant obeys."
Zhao Gao respectfully complied, quickly withdrawing from the hall and closing the doors behind him.
"Your Majesty," Zhao Feng spoke up.
"For what matter have you summoned me today?"
After sitting for a while and watching Ying Zheng still handling the memorials, Zhao Feng finally couldn't hold back and asked.
Ying Zheng lifted his head, put down the memorial, and looked at Zhao Feng with a scrutinizing gaze.
"Not bad."
"You've gathered quite a lot of evidence against Wang Wan. It must have taken quite some time, right?" Ying Zheng said with a thoughtful expression.
"I wouldn't dare deceive Your Majesty."
"It did take some time."
"But, I did it for the sake of Great Qin, to uphold the law," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
Having taken down Wang Wan in the court today, Zhao Feng was still uncertain about Ying Zheng's attitude toward the matter. After all, Wang Wan was the Left Chancellor, a man of high rank and great influence.
Even though the Qin King valued him highly, Zhao Feng still had to tread carefully.
Seeing that Zhao Feng's words were flawless, Ying Zheng chuckled, "Wang Wan truly made the wrong enemy."
"Your Majesty."
"I have only acted out of a sense of duty," Zhao Feng said seriously.
"There's no need to say that kind of thing in front of me. Do you think I don't know what's on your mind?" Ying Zheng shot him a look.
"Your Majesty."
"I am being sincere," Zhao Feng insisted solemnly.
But the next moment, Ying Zheng's words made Zhao Feng's heart skip a beat.
"Jiu Xian Lou is your business, isn't it?"
Ying Zheng spoke slowly.
Zhao Feng sneaked a glance at Ying Zheng's expression sure enough, he looked utterly confident in his statement.
Zhao Feng knew he couldn't hide it anymore. It had been investigated thoroughly.
"How did Your Majesty find out?" Zhao Feng asked with a grin.
"With such a lucrative tavern, frequented by nobles and with branches across the country,"
"Do you think I wouldn't investigate it?" Ying Zheng asked with amusement.
"That's true," Zhao Feng replied with an awkward smile.
At this point, he felt it was best to say as little as possible.
After all, Jiu Xian Lou
And Yan Ting
These were his secrets.
But now that the secret was out, Zhao Feng couldn't help but feel a little awkward.
"Have you ever heard of the Black Ice Platform?" Ying Zheng asked again.
"Well, can I say I haven't?" Zhao Feng tested the waters.
"The Black Ice Platform's shadow guards were established during the time of Duke Xiao of Qin and have existed for nearly two hundred years. Every single one of them is elite, each worth ten ordinary men in battle. And yet, after entering your Jiu Xian Lou, they suffered heavy losses and had to withdraw."
"The shadow guards of my Black Ice Platform couldn't even match the guards of your Jiu Xian Lou," Ying Zheng said with deep meaning.
Hearing this, Zhao Feng immediately smiled, "Well, Your Majesty, my Jiu Xian Lou's guards are all former soldiers, naturally they are skilled."
"Skilled?"
"The Black Ice Platform's shadow guards are handpicked from the best of the best. It takes more than just 'skill' to match them."
"Your guards are not ordinary men," Ying Zheng said flatly.
"It is my guards' great honor to be praised by Your Majesty," Zhao Feng quickly responded.
From Ying Zheng's words, it seemed that while he knew the Jiu Xian Lou's guards were formidable, he was unaware of the existence of Yan Ting.
Moreover, all this time
Although the Black Ice Platform had targeted Jiu Xian Lou, Zhao Feng had always ordered his men to exercise restraint and not make the first move.
After all, since Zhao Feng was still a minister of Great Qin, he couldn't act too recklessly.
Seeing Zhao Feng dodging the issue, Ying Zheng didn't press further.
Everyone has their secrets.
Zhao Feng had many big ones.
If he weren't his son, Ying Zheng might have been more wary, even resorting to some means of control.
But when it came to Zhao Feng
None of that was necessary.
Even court officials raised their private forces, so why shouldn't his son?
That was Ying Zheng's reasoning.
"From now on, every month, Jiu Xian Lou must tribute five hundred jars of its finest wine to me," Ying Zheng commanded.
"Your Majesty."
"Five hundred jars is too little to make it a thousand," Zhao Feng waved his hand and doubled the amount.
Ying Zheng didn't question further, and Zhao Feng naturally had to reciprocate the favor.
"Looks like I underestimated Jiu Xian Lou's production capacity," Ying Zheng chuckled.
"Your Majesty truly did."
"Jiu Xian Lou is the result of years of hard work."
"If I hadn't been conscripted, I might have just become a merchant running a winery," Zhao Feng said with a smile, his tone slightly playful.
"Then it's a good thing you were conscripted. Otherwise, Great Qin would have lost a great general," Ying Zheng laughed as well.
At the end of the day
Ying Zheng meant what he said, and he was truly grateful.
He knew well how dangerous the battlefield was.
If Zhao Feng had never made it out of the logistics army, he never would have discovered Zhao Feng's mother's existence, nor would he have known about Zhao Feng himself.
"Now that you mention it, that does seem to be the case."
"Haha." Zhao Feng laughed.
"From the way you speak, does that mean the wine from Jiu Xian Lou is your creation?" Ying Zheng asked with some surprise.
"The recipe was developed by me, but the brewing is done by professional winemakers," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
"I didn't expect that."
"You have such talent," Ying Zheng praised.
"I have many talents, Your Majesty," Zhao Feng said with a grin.
...
The father and son continued their conversation in Zhangtai Palace.
Meanwhile, in Lady Hu's palace.
"Mother."
"You wouldn't believe it."
"Today in court, Fusu's face was awful."
"His strongest supporter, Wang Wan, is finished this time."
"Zhao Feng is truly ruthless he found Wang Wan's crimes and dragged him down," Hu Hai said excitedly to Lady Hu.
"Lord Zhao, is this true?" Lady Hu turned to look at Zhao Gao.
All along
Zhao Gao had served closely by Ying Zheng's side, but every time Zhao Feng brought his children into the palace, or when Zhao Feng himself was present, Zhao Gao naturally had time off.
"Wang Wan is finished this time."
"It's hard to believe."
"A Chancellor of the court, a man of immense power."
"For nearly twenty years."
"And yet, he was brought down just like that by Zhao Feng," Zhao Gao said with a sigh.
Wang Wan.
Such a high position was unimaginable!
Although not as high as the former Lü Buwei, he still held a position of immense power and influence.
"Hai'er."
"You must remember one thing."
"Never make an enemy of Zhao Feng."
"This man is not only skilled at commanding armies and holding military power, but he also seeks revenge for the smallest grievances."
"Since he has gathered so much evidence, he must have been planning this for a long time. Even someone as crafty as Wang Wan couldn't escape his grasp. This shows his ability," Lady Hu said seriously to Hu Hai.
"Mother."
"Rest assured."
"I'm still trying to win Zhao Feng over, so how could I possibly offend him?"
"Although he hasn't pledged allegiance to me, as long as he continues to target Fusu, once I become the heir and inherit the throne, I will certainly treat him well," Hu Hai promised immediately.
"Young master."
"For someone like Zhao Feng, it's enough to show goodwill. There's no need to try to win him over, but the key is not to offend him."
"Zhao Feng's effort to deal with Wang Wan stems from the fact that Wang Wan repeatedly targeted him."
"That's the root cause," Zhao Gao added.
"One can only say that Wang Wan and his faction are foolish for repeatedly targeting him, and Fusu is even more foolish for not being able to control his subordinates."
"As for me, I have made every effort to restrain my subordinates and ensure they don't offend Zhao Feng."
"Even if I haven't actively won him over, Zhao Feng won't target me."
"Why not take advantage of it?" Hu Hai smiled smugly.
"Young master, you need to think about something else now," Zhao Gao said, his expression serious.
"What is it?" Hu Hai looked at Zhao Gao.
"Wang Wan is doomed."
"Once he dies, the position of Left Chancellor will be vacant."
"It all depends on who takes this position next," Zhao Gao said seriously.
"Does the teacher mean for our people to take this position?"
"But those with high rank either remain neutral or support Fusu. Our people don't seem to have the qualifications for it," Hu Hai pondered.
"From what I know of the King,"
"The one who will ascend to this position is either Li Si or Wei Liao."
"Li Si and Wang Wan are sworn enemies. If anyone recommends Li Si, there will be opposition in the court, so we must support Li Si. If he ascends because of the young master's influence, that would be a favor to Li Si, and it would be to our advantage," Zhao Gao said.
One must admit, that Zhao Gao's mind was meticulous, and his understanding of Ying Zheng was profound.
In just a few sentences, he had grasped the critical points.
"I will remember the teacher's words," Hu Hai nodded.
Although Hu Hai was reckless, when it came to this position, he showed complete obedience in front of Zhao Gao.
At this moment, one side was happy, and the other side was worried.
Inside Fusu's residence.
A few people stood before Fusu, all with gloomy expressions.
"I told you from the beginning, that Zhao Feng is someone you must make friends with, not an enemy."
"But you insisted on opposing him."
"Now look at what's happened."
"Chancellor Wang's entire family is in prison, and nearly twenty other ministers are in the same situation." Fusu sighed a look of helplessness on his face.
"Young master, at this point, there's nothing we can do," Kui Zhuang also sighed.
"Kui Xiang, is there any way to save Chancellor Wang?" Fusu still felt some pity.
After all, Wang Wan had supported him for so many years. He really couldn't bear to watch Wang Wan face death.
"In the court."
"Feng Jie personally verified the evidence, and it has already been confirmed."
"There's no saving Chancellor Wang or the other ministers involved now."
"All we can do is protect Wang Wan's bloodline," Chunyu Yue sighed.
The outcome for Wang Wan was something he hadn't expected, nor had anyone in the court.
"Can Chancellor Wang's entire family be saved?" Fusu looked at Kui Zhuang.
"Unlikely."
"This matter was spearheaded by Li Si, and he won't let Wang Wan off."
"Perhaps the key point lies with the young master."
"After all..." Kui Zhuang said with some helplessness.
"This..." Fusu understood what Kui Zhuang was implying.
"And then there's Zhao Feng."
"This person is too terrifying."
"Wang Wan was always meticulous in his actions, yet Zhao Feng managed to find so much incriminating evidence against him." Kui Zhuang's face darkened, filled with deep fear.
If before it had just been verbal obstruction, from now on, they were true mortal enemies.
Zhao Feng would not spare them.
Just as they would not spare Zhao Feng.
"We'll take it step by step," Fusu sighed.
"And there's also Chancellor Chunyu."
"The King has issued an edict for you to apologize to Zhao Feng."
"This matter, you need to handle it carefully," Kui Zhuang turned and looked at Chunyu Yue.
Upon hearing this, Chunyu Yue looked as though he had just eaten something foul.
"I will handle it properly."
"It will not involve the young master again," Chunyu Yue sighed, his face filled with humiliation.
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