As the head of the Confucian school in Qin, Chunyu Yue was a widely respected scholar with disciples spread across the land.
Yet now, he was forced to apologize to a mere military officer.
Moreover, he had to visit him and obtain his forgiveness personally.
For Chunyu Yue, this was an utter humiliation!
But he had no choice.
For himself and Fusu.
Inside Zhangtai Palace
Ying Zheng and Zhao Feng sat together, conversing as they reviewed and handled memorials. Time passed quickly.
Before long, it was time for the midday meal.
"Your Majesty,"
"The meal is ready. Shall it be served?"
Zhao Gao's voice rang from outside the hall.
"Time flies,"
"It's already noon."
Ying Zheng set down the memorial in his hand, rubbing his temples with a hint of exhaustion.
"Your Majesty is truly diligent,"
Zhao Feng remarked sincerely as he glanced at the towering stacks of memorials on the desk.
"The Qin Empire spans vast territories. Countless memorials arrive daily from various commanderies, each requiring my attention."
"If I were to overlook something, it could lead to great disaster."
"I would rather be weary than let my people suffer." Ying Zheng spoke with conviction.
"Your Majesty possesses a saintly virtue." Zhao Feng sincerely admired him.
Ying Zheng's dedication to governance was truly respectable.
However, deep down, Zhao Feng had his thoughts.
"When the end of the Qin dynasty comes and I establish my empire, I must train Qi'er well to handle these matters."
"That way, I can lead my troops on campaigns and collect power-ups."
"Endlessly reading memorials? That would be way too dull."
Zhao Feng chuckled inwardly.
"I've said so much about my exhaustion yet you still don't get it?"
Ying Zheng shot Zhao Feng a somewhat exasperated look.
"Your Majesty… what should I understand?"
Zhao Feng was momentarily puzzled.
"Your Majesty, you're not asking me to help you handle state affairs, are you?"
"That's the job of the Crown Prince. It has nothing to do with me!"
Zhao Feng immediately waved his hands in protest.
Hearing this, Ying Zheng chuckled.
He picked up an empty pill bottle from the table and tossed it to Zhao Feng.
Seeing the bottle, Zhao Feng suddenly realized.
"Oh! You meant the invigorating pills!"
"Now I understand!"
"I'll have more sent over to Your Majesty tomorrow!" Zhao Feng quickly reassured him.
Then, another thought crossed his mind.
"Your Majesty, has the palace's chief alchemist, Xu Fu, still not returned?"
He asked curiously.
"No, he has not," Ying Zheng shook his head before raising an eyebrow. "But why are you so interested in him?"
"I'm just curious," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
Xu Fu was a well-known historical figure.
In his past life, Zhao Feng had always enjoyed studying history, particularly famous figures from different eras.
Now that he was living in this period and had become an influential figure himself, he was eager to uncover some of history's hidden truths.
Xu Fu was a key figure in that.
His origins were mysterious. His entry into the Qin court seemed like mere duty, yet when Ying Zheng ordered the execution of all palace alchemists, Xu Fu managed to flee.
After studying the alchemical pills in the palace, Zhao Feng made an interesting discovery.
Aside from their toxicity due to heavy metals, the pills did possess legitimate medicinal properties.
Some invigorated the body. Some enhanced strength.
The toxic nature seemed almost deliberately added.
This suggested something intriguing Xu Fu might genuinely possess real alchemical knowledge.
Had Zhao Feng not inherited the legacy of an alchemist himself, he might never have noticed these details.
If he wanted to unravel the secrets of this world whether cultivators or immortals truly existed then Xu Fu was a potential key.
"What's there to be curious about regarding a fugitive?"
"He'd better stay hidden forever."
"If he dares show his face, I will have him executed without mercy!"
Ying Zheng's voice was cold and full of hatred.
After all, those alchemists had been poisoning him for years.
How could he not resent them?
"Xu Fu will return."
Zhao Feng spoke with certainty.
"The empire has already issued a warrant for his arrest. Why are you so sure he'll come back?"
Ying Zheng chuckled.
"I can't explain it," Zhao Feng admitted, "but I am certain."
Could he outright say that Xu Fu had been trying to assassinate Ying Zheng all along?
That wouldn't make much sense.
But deep down, Zhao Feng had a strong intuition.
If Xu Fu was truly a cultivator, then Ying Zheng had to be his target.
As long as Ying Zheng lived, Xu Fu's mission would remain incomplete.
He would return.
Of course, Zhao Feng might be entirely mistaken.
"Then I shall wait for the day Xu Fu returns,"
Ying Zheng said with a faint smile.
At that moment, the palace doors opened.
Zhao Gao led a group of servants into the hall.
A table was set, cushions were arranged, and various exquisite dishes and fine wines were presented.
"Your Majesty, do you have any further orders?"
Zhao Gao asked respectfully.
"You may withdraw."
Ying Zheng waved a hand.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Zhao Gao bowed before leading the servants out, closing the doors behind him.
"Allow me to pour the wine for Your Majesty."
Zhao Feng picked up the wine jug and poured it for Ying Zheng.
"I had the palace purchase this wine from the Wine Immortal House, yet I now discover that it belongs to you."
Ying Zheng's tone carried a hint of amusement.
"Your Majesty never asked, so how could I dare say?"
Zhao Feng replied with a grin.
"When did you establish it?"
Ying Zheng asked as he took a sip.
"Back when I was appointed deputy general in Weicheng,"
Zhao Feng replied.
"I thought so."
Ying Zheng nodded. "Black Ice Terrace investigated and found that the first Wine Immortal House was opened in Weicheng. That's how I knew it was connected to you."
Zhao Feng chuckled.
"I opened the establishment openly and by the law."
"There is no rule in Qin's legal code forbidding military officers from running businesses."
"Even if people found out, it wouldn't matter."
"You truly have a sharp mind."
Ying Zheng gave a knowing smile, his sharp gaze piercing Zhao Feng as though seeing through him completely.
Under that gaze, even Zhao Feng despite his high position and extraordinary strength felt a subtle sense of pressure.
"As expected of Qin Shi Huang."
"Even though he's an ordinary human, his natural kingly aura is suffocating."
Zhao Feng thought to himself.
"Well then, Your Majesty, I'll be honest."
"I have also trained some elite guards."
"They are stationed at my residence and my hometown in Shachiu."
"There are about a thousand of them in total."
Zhao Feng decided to confess part of his hidden forces.
"Heh."
Ying Zheng chuckled but didn't say much more.
He knew his son was as sly as a fox.
If Zhao Feng claimed to have a thousand men, then there were more.
However, even he wasn't sure of the exact number. He only knew about the Jiu Xian Lou and that there were hidden guards protecting it, but neither he nor the Black Ice Platform could determine the actual scale of Zhao Feng's forces.
The Black Ice Platform had infiltrated every corner of the empire.
But it could not penetrate Yan Court, nor could it infiltrate Jiu Xian Lou.
"What do you think of Wang Wan?" Ying Zheng asked.
"He has violated the laws of Great Qin and should be punished accordingly," Zhao Feng replied without hesitation.
The evidence collected against Wang Wan was enough to sentence him and his entire clan to extermination.
Especially the charge of embezzling farmland.
In this era, the land was vast, and the population was sparse. In Great Qin, all land was officially owned by the court.
Only nobles with military merits could receive granted lands, which could be passed down through generations.
Ordinary commoners were allowed to farmland granted by the government, but they only had the right to cultivate it, not to own it.
Wang Wan had exploited his position as Chancellor to seize large amounts of farmland.
Additionally, he was involved in the trafficking of government slaves.
What were government slaves?
When the Qin army conquered various states, thousands of aristocrats from defeated nations, along with captured soldiers, became slaves.
Before the implementation of the penal military system, these slaves were an endless source of profit.
They were the foundation of the slave trade.
Even after the penal military system was introduced, Wang Wan and his associates continued their business, albeit on a smaller scale.
After all, the wars of conquest still produced an overwhelming number of slaves.
Perhaps
From the very beginning, Wang Wan and his faction weren't targeting Zhao Feng just for the sake of Fusu, but rather to protect their interests. After all, Zhao Feng had directly threatened their wealth and power.
"Their crimes warrant the extermination of their entire clan," Ying Zheng said coldly.
"If they deserve extermination, then they shall be exterminated," Zhao Feng sneered without a hint of mercy.
"Are you certain about this?"
"If you spare Wang Wan's bloodline, you won't completely sever ties with the old noble faction."
"Wang Wan represents the interests of the old aristocracy. If you have him wiped out entirely, you will become their sworn enemy," Ying Zheng warned.
At this moment, he wasn't speaking as the King of Qin but as a father. Of course, Zhao Feng was unaware of this.
From Ying Zheng's perspective
Even if Zhao Feng eventually regained his rightful status, he might still need allies.
If he went too far, the old noble faction would become his mortal enemies.
"If they see me as an enemy, so be it."
"I do not fear them."
"This time, I'll use Wang Wan's entire clan as an example to warn the court not to play petty political games with me."
"If they dare to scheme, I'll gladly play along to the end."
Seeing Ying Zheng's concern, Zhao Feng decided to be straightforward.
Wang Wan?
The old noble faction in Qin's court?
Zhao Feng truly wasn't afraid of them.
"If you've made up your mind, then handle it as you see fit," Ying Zheng said, no longer interfering.
Instead
Zhao Feng's decisiveness and ruthlessness made Ying Zheng appreciate him more.
After all, this was how Ying Zheng himself ruled.
Vengeance must be repaid in kind.
"Your Majesty, I request to personally oversee the execution of Wang Wan," Zhao Feng added.
Ying Zheng looked at Zhao Feng for a moment, then nodded. "Approved."
Just then
"Your son, Fusu, requests an audience with Father."
Fusu's voice echoed from outside the hall.
"Here to plead for mercy?" Zhao Feng chuckled.
Ying Zheng's voice remained cold. "Enter."
The palace doors opened.
Fusu strode into the hall and, upon reaching a short distance from Ying Zheng, immediately knelt.
"Your son greets Father," Fusu said, bowing his head to the floor.
"Speak your mind," Ying Zheng replied indifferently.
His tone was far colder than when he spoke to Zhao Feng.
"Perhaps he placed too many expectations on Fusu, and now that Fusu has disappointed him, he no longer wants to acknowledge him."
"Maybe this is why Fusu was later exiled to the northern frontier."
"Criticizing national policies, questioning the Great Wall, and challenging the legal system…"
Zhao Feng pondered silently.
Fusu raised his head, his face filled with sincerity as he looked at Ying Zheng. "Father."
"Wang Wan has indeed broken the law, and the evidence is undeniable. Your son knows he should not plead for him."
"But Wang Wan has served Great Qin for many years, laboring tirelessly for the state."
"I humbly ask Father to consider his years of service and spare his descendants from total extermination."
With that, Fusu bowed again.
"Why are you here?"
"And not his students or allies?" Ying Zheng asked coldly.
"I was never officially Wang Wan's disciple, but he has guided and cared for me over the years."
"I see myself as half his student, so it is only right that I come to plead for him," Fusu replied firmly.
"Then do you know what the foundation of Great Qin is?" Ying Zheng asked, his gaze sharp.
"The foundation of Great Qin is the law."
"I understand, Father."
"But beneath the law, there is also humanity," Fusu argued.
"If everyone prioritized personal relationships over the law, what would become of Great Qin?"
"How could a nation governed by sentimentality maintain order?"
"Personal relationships are private matters."
"If everyone acts based on personal connections, then what remains of the law? How would Qin rule the world?" Ying Zheng pressed, his tone growing even colder.
Since Wang Wan's arrest earlier that day
Ying Zheng had anticipated someone would plead for him.
And he knew Fusu would be one of them.
But any truly wise man would not step forward.
Fusu, however, was not one of them.
"Your son… Your son…"
Under Ying Zheng's oppressive gaze, Fusu faltered.
Because everything his father said was true.
"Leave," Ying Zheng ordered, waving his hand dismissively.
"…Yes, Father."
Fusu left the Zhangtai Palace Hall with reluctance, clenching his teeth.
After he left
"I originally thought he wouldn't come," Ying Zheng said slowly.
"Because a smart person wouldn't plead at a time like this."
"Though the Crown Prince may not be a shrewd man, he is a man of benevolence and righteousness," Zhao Feng commented.
Indeed, that was Zhao Feng's impression of Fusu.
How should he put it?
In terms of ability, after years of Ying Zheng's training, Fusu did possess some competence. However, he had been trained in the wrong direction.
His temperament was indeed gentle, and he prioritized benevolence and righteousness.
He had fully absorbed Confucian teachings.
But that was precisely not what a ruler should learn.
Aside from Qin, only the states of Qi and Chu remained. Unification was within reach.
Ying Zheng needed to cultivate a successor who could suppress the world and command the court.
For Fusu to say that human sentiment should override national law was not the essence of a crown prince.
No wonder Ying Zheng was increasingly disappointed.
"Benevolence and righteousness? Perhaps."
Ying Zheng scoffed at the praise.
Atop the throne, at the pinnacle of power, benevolence, and righteousness might be commendable for the common people.
But if one were too benevolent, they would eventually be devoured by the officials in court, by those who would bring about Qin's downfall.
"Do you resent Fusu?" Ying Zheng turned to Zhao Feng with genuine concern.
"My lord," Zhao Feng immediately straightened his expression, "how could I dare to resent the Crown Prince?"
"I'm asking you to be honest with me."
"Those in Fusu's camp have repeatedly opposed you. It would be understandable if you harbored resentment toward him," Ying Zheng sighed.
In truth, he was worried.
One day, when he acknowledged Zhao Feng's true identity and restored his status
If Zhao Feng became the Crown Prince or even the future King
How would he treat Fusu? How would he treat his other siblings?
If it all led to fratricide in the end, how could Ying Zheng bear it?
"Why would I resent the Crown Prince?"
"To be honest," Zhao Feng continued, "the Crown Prince is indeed benevolent."
"He has always attempted to mend relations with me, but he is not free to act as he wishes."
"In truth, his flaw is that he has been deeply influenced by Confucianism, making him too rigid and inflexible."
"As for any major faults?"
"I truly cannot find any." Zhao Feng smiled and spoke candidly.
As for Fusu
He lacked independent judgment.
He was merely being manipulated by Wang Wan and others.
It seemed as if they supported him for the position of Crown Prince.
But in reality, they simply needed a puppet they could control.
Fusu represented their interests.
And his personality ensured that he would protect their interests in the future.
Back when Chunyu Yue first targeted Zhao Feng, Fusu had even come to apologize. The same pattern repeated in later incidents.
That much was clear.
Resentment?
That wasn't even a consideration.
Zhao Feng had never regarded Fusu as a true rival.
And considering Fusu's eventual fate
For Ying Zheng's sake, Zhao Feng would ensure his survival.
Simply for the kindness Ying Zheng had shown him over the years, Zhao Feng would not allow history to repeat itself, nor would he let Ying Zheng's bloodline perish.
The great First Emperor!
The ruler who unified China
His lineage was ultimately wiped out, by the very hands of his son.
Even in his past life, Zhao Feng had felt indignant about this. Now, with the power to change it, he would.
Even if Qin were to fall one day, Zhao Feng would safeguard Ying Zheng's bloodline.
Even if they no longer held wealth and power, he would ensure they lived in peace.
"Not free to act as he wishes?"
"Heh."
"You do have a point there," Ying Zheng chuckled, feeling relieved.
He believed Zhao Feng's words.
And he could see that Zhao Feng truly did not resent Fusu.
"Then what is your opinion of Hu Hai?" Ying Zheng asked again.
"I have only met him a few times and don't know him well," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
Hu Hai
He was completely incompetent.
But he was deeply scheming.
Right now, he had yet to reveal his nature. But once he ascended to the throne, his true colors would emerge.
He would slaughter his siblings.
He would even impose cruel punishments.
The mighty Qin Empire would be destroyed by his hands. Zhao Feng found it difficult to even describe such a heartless and inhumane person.
"He is better left unknown," Ying Zheng smiled slightly and did not continue the topic.
"This time, upon your return"
"The war in Yan has been settled."
"In the days ahead, stay in Xianyang and rest well."
"The next time you achieve another victory in conquest, I shall appoint you as Guowei (National Commander)," Ying Zheng said with a hint of expectation in his voice.
Zhao Feng's heart trembled, but he immediately responded, "Thank you, my lord, for your trust."
-support me on Patreon for more chapters, 375+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LordoftheReader