Chapter 343 - 156: Ying Zheng: If He Were Her Son, He Would Have Been Crown Prince Long Ago! (3)

"I have already apologized to Zhao Feng for the misunderstanding my teacher caused in the past."

"I don’t believe Zhao Feng will bear any grudges against me."

"As for my royal father treating Zhao Feng so generously, it is likely because Zhao Feng is the youngest prodigy in the Qin Army, and now he has even been appointed Shangjiangjun. It is only natural that Father would show him such great favor."

"Furthermore, to have such a genius... this is a Blessing of Qin," Fusu said slowly.

Fusu did not find it strange at all that Zhao Feng was receiving such favorable treatment.

"It is a pity," Huai Zhuang sighed deeply. "It will be difficult to win Zhao Feng over to the Eldest Imperial Son’s cause. In the future, I can only hope that Zhao Feng, like his father-in-law Wang Jian, understands the proper role of a subject and stays out of the struggle for the title of Crown Prince."

"The matter with the Bai Family in court today certainly surprised us," Wang Wan said with a sigh, his old face full of disappointment. "Who would have thought Zhao Feng’s mind was so meticulous that he even brought evidence of the Bai Family’s crimes? Initially, during their impeachment, if the Great King had truly intended to punish Zhao Feng, this old minister could have pleaded for mercy, creating a favorable connection for you, my lord."

"The Bai Family’s affair was indeed excessive," Fusu said with a look of disgust. "Embezzling their Annual Salary, raping the common folk, and covering for one another... let alone Father’s thunderous rage, even I would not have shown them mercy."

Upon hearing this, Wang Wan and Huai Zhuang glanced at Fusu but said nothing. As Civil Servants standing at the apex of the Great Qin Dynasty Court, it was impossible for them to be without their own networks and entanglements.

"My lord, your wedding is approaching, and the mansion needs to be prepared. Do you require this old minister to send some people to help with the arrangements?" Wang Wan inquired.

"There is no need," Fusu said, shaking his head with a flicker of aversion in his eyes. "The Zong Shi will handle it."

"But there is good news, my lord," Huai Zhuang said with a smile. "The Meng Family has now fully thrown their support behind you. They have chosen you."

A hint of a smile touched Fusu’s face. "I grew up with Meng Yi. It is my honor that the Meng Family has chosen me."

Wang Wan, however, said somberly, "For now, only Meng Yi of the Meng Family has truly chosen you. Meng Wu and Meng Tian are still observing from the sidelines. It is likely that Meng Yi’s action is merely a test."

"That’s normal," Fusu replied calmly. "As one of Qin’s top military families, they cannot risk complete ruin. If I were to lose, the Meng Family would be doomed."

"My lord, you need not worry so," Wang Wan said with a confident smile. "Looking at all the Great King’s sons, who can possibly contend with you? Furthermore, Meng Yi’s choice represents the Meng Family’s stance."

"The support of court officials is merely support. The final decision still rests in Father’s hands," Fusu stated very calmly. "There is no need to overthink it."

Of course I have ambitions for that position. But what good are ambitions? As long as Father doesn’t name me Crown Prince, everything is an illusion. What does it matter how much support the court officials give me? It still can’t outweigh a single word from him.

Seeing Fusu’s disposition, Wang Wan and Huai Zhuang were at a loss for words.

"It has grown late," Wang Wan said, bowing to Fusu. "We two old ministers will take our leave."

"Take care, my lords," Fusu nodded. "I will not see you out."

As the two men left, a helpless look crossed Fusu’s face. "Royal power, clans, my mother’s family... I truly have no control over my own life," he murmured. "And Li Si’s daughter..."

「Wang Mansion.」

"Father, why hasn’t Zhao Feng returned yet?"

In the backyard, after her two children were asleep, Wang Yan slowly approached Wang Jian, her expression anxious.

"Yan’er, rest assured," Wang Jian said, a little jealously. "Zhao Feng is doing very well. The Great King is treating him with great favor and is currently drinking with him in the Royal Palace. That’s an opportunity even I have never had."

"Will he be able to return tomorrow?" Wang Yan asked nervously.

Ever since they parted at the military camp, she hadn’t seen Zhao Feng for several years. Although she had borne him a pair of children and the marriage edict from the Great King had arrived, making her his wife, she still felt nervous whenever she thought of him. After years apart, she didn’t know how he would treat her.

"He will return," Wang Jian said with a smile. "Just be patient and wait for him at home." He naturally doted on his daughter, treating her far better than he did his own son.

"Alright," Wang Yan finally nodded.

"Have you visited Zhao Feng’s home? How are his mother and sister?" Wang Jian asked curiously. He knew a bit about Zhao Feng, but nothing about his family.

"They are doing very well," Wang Yan replied with a warm smile.

"That’s good, that’s good. I was worried you might be mistreated after marrying into his family. But... perhaps things will change from now on," Wang Jian said cheerfully. "Zhao Feng has already been appointed Shangjiangjun by the Great King. He might settle down in Xianyang, which will make it convenient for me to visit you."

"Zhao Feng was made a Shangjiangjun?" Wang Yan looked shocked. "Is that true?"

"Didn’t I tell you?" Wang Jian asked, questioning his own memory.

"No!" Wang Yan replied, her face blank.

"It happened today. Zhao Feng was appointed Shangjiangjun," Wang Jian couldn’t help but laugh. "Yan’er, you will now be a Shangjiangjun’s wife. I must say, you have an excellent eye for men, finding yourself a Shangjiangjun just like that."

"He... he actually became a Shangjiangjun?" Wang Yan’s face was a mask of disbelief. "The former Junhou, the man from the Logistics Army, became a Shangjiangjun? How is that possible?"

Although she knew of his valor, she could never have imagined that Zhao Feng would one day become a Shangjiangjun, just like her own father.

"A twenty-year-old Shangjiangjun," Wang Jian said, sighing in admiration. "Yan’er, in the future, Zhao Feng might even have a chance at becoming the Grand Commandant. At least among the younger generation, whether it’s Ben’er, Meng Tian, or Li Xin, none of them can compare to him."

"Grand Commandant..." Wang Yan’s expression grew even more complicated.

In the past, as Wang Jian’s daughter, her status was not low. But compared to Zhao Feng now, it was nothing. This realization made her feel increasingly anxious, worried that Zhao Feng would no longer want her. After all, their connection was based on her repaying a life-saving debt with herself.

***

The night passed quietly.

But for many ministers at court, they were undoubtedly envious of Zhao Feng. Although most were not privy to the inner workings of the palace, their spies naturally relayed the news. Zhao Feng had been kept at the Royal Palace by the Great King, drinking and talking with him all night long—an honor no other court official had ever received.

「In a side hall of the Royal Palace.」

Naked, Zhao Feng was asleep on a daybed. As the sun began to rise, he slowly opened his eyes.

That was a good sleep. In all my years since enlisting, that was the most peaceful sleep I’ve ever had. Staring at the ceiling of the hall, I feel a surge of emotion. To think that I, a commoner just four years ago, am now sleeping in the Royal Palace... it feels like a dream.

With my Constitution, it’s hard for me to get drunk; as long as I use my True Qi, I’m immune. But I didn’t use it last night. It was rare for the King of Qin to be so unreserved and open, so I was more than willing to keep him company, regardless of the consequences. However, thanks to my powerful Constitution and All Attributes, my body quickly metabolized the strong liquor.

Zhao Feng slowly sat up. Seeing that he was completely naked, he glanced around but couldn’t find his clothes.

"Is anyone there?" Zhao Feng called out.

In response, the hall doors opened, and a palace maid entered.

"The Shangjiangjun is awake," the leading maid said respectfully. "This servant will now help the Shangjiangjun dress." Then, she turned her head and called out, "Someone, bring the Shangjiangjun’s official robe!"

The maid then walked slowly into the hall. When she saw Zhao Feng’s strong and burly physique, her face couldn’t help but turn red. Inside the entire Royal Palace, Zhao Feng was the only man besides the King of Qin. Seeing his impressive endowment naturally sent the palace maids’ imaginations running wild.

Following her, several other palace maids entered, carrying the Shangjiangjun’s official robe, belt, and sword. Upon seeing Zhao Feng, their faces blushed just like the first maid’s.

"Shangjiangjun, we are here to help you dress," the maids said respectfully.

"That’s not necessary. You may leave," Zhao Feng said after a glance.

"Shangjiangjun, this is our duty. If you do not allow us to dress you, we will be punished," one maid pleaded, and they all suddenly knelt.

Seeing this, Zhao Feng could only nod. He stood up and spread his arms.

"Thank you, Shangjiangjun." Only then did the palace maids dare to step forward and dress him.

"Has the Great King awoken yet?" Zhao Feng asked curiously.