"Your Majesty,"
"With the triumphant return of the Great General, in addition to rewarding him generously, perhaps the matter of betrothing Princess Liyang to Wang Ben could also be settled as Your Majesty once proposed."
Wang Wan stepped forward and smiled as he addressed the court.
This move, though seemingly casual, was, in fact, a gesture of goodwill toward Wang Jian.
As a staunch supporter of Crown Prince Fusu, Wang Wan intended to use the marriage of Princess Liyang to Wang Ben as leverage to propose marrying Wang Jian's daughter to Fusu.
If successful, Fusu would gain a powerful military ally and become a member of the extended royal family through marriage.
Not only was he the eldest among the royal sons and a natural heir to the throne, but having a top general as a supporter would significantly strengthen his position.
For Fusu, this was an incredible opportunity.
After all, while the older nobles in the court, led by Wang Wan, mostly supported Fusu, they had little influence over military affairs, which Emperor Ying Zheng had always been cautious about.
However, with rumors spreading and gaining traction, Ying Zheng had neither intervened nor commented, which seemed to indicate his tacit approval.
"Your words are wise, Chancellor."
"Liyang, my second daughter, is the one I cherish most."
"And Wang Ben, a brave general of Qin."
"A match made in heaven!"
Ying Zheng laughed heartily, agreeing to Wang Wan's proposal.
Moreover, the marriage between Princess Liyang and Wang Ben was a promise he had made earlier; this was simply fulfilling that promise.
"Your Majesty is wise."
"Princess Liyang is thirteen this year. In another year, once the Grand Steward has set the date, our kingdom will have double the joy," Wang Wan said with a loud, reverent voice.
"Your Majesty is wise!"
The officials gathered in the great hall echoed their support with resounding praise.
"Your Majesty,"
"While the marriage of Princess Liyang to General Wang Ben is indeed a joyous occasion,"
"I have another piece of good news to report."
At that moment, Right Chancellor Wei Zhuang stepped forward with a smile on his face.
In the Qin court, after Lü Buwei was removed from office, the position of Chancellor was split between two officials.
Ying Zheng established the roles of Left Chancellor and Right Chancellor.
Wang Wan served as the Left Chancellor and principal advisor, while Wei Zhuang, as the Right Chancellor, acted as deputy and also held the role of Grand Steward.
"What joyous news do you bring, Chancellor Wei?"
In the jubilant atmosphere of Wang Jian's victory, Ying Zheng was in high spirits and smiled warmly.
"As far as I know, the Great General Wang Jian has a daughter who has just come of age. Her age happens to align perfectly with that of Crown Prince Fusu."
"I propose,"
"To double our joy."
"Your Majesty could arrange a marriage between the Great General's daughter and Prince Fusu," Wei Zhuang suggested with a grin.
It was evident that both Chancellors staunch supporters of Fusu were working in concert.
Hearing this, even Fusu, who was often oblivious, realized this was a move by Wei Zhuang to secure a powerful alliance for him.
Instead of declining, Fusu stepped forward resolutely.
"Father,"
"Having joined the court and taken upstate affairs, I have long admired the Great General's daughter for her virtues and strength. If I could marry her, it would be my greatest fortune."
He bowed deeply and spoke in a loud voice.
As a member of the royal family and the Crown Prince, Fusu couldn't be indifferent to the throne.
Moreover, with so many supporters in the court, even if Fusu himself did not wish to compete, they would push him forward. Once on this path, there was no turning back.
In history, Ying Zheng had indeed groomed Fusu as his successor. However, Fusu's repeated failures to meet expectations ultimately led Ying Zheng to withhold naming him Crown Prince. It wasn't until Ying Zheng's death that he left a will naming Fusu as his heir, seemingly out of necessity rather than preference.
Hearing this, Ying Zheng's expression shifted slightly, his brow furrowing as if he were considering the proposal.
However, instead of giving an immediate response, he turned to Wang Jian.
At that moment, Wang Jian's face was marked with hesitation and inner turmoil.
Looking at Ying Zheng beside him and the officials below the steps who were advocating for the match, Wang Jian's expression was conflicted.
He was undoubtedly riding a wave of imperial favor.
But to reject the proposal now would not only subtly defy the Emperor's will but also risk offending Fusu, who was actively seeking to marry his daughter.
In Qin, everyone in the court knew that Fusu was the most likely candidate for Crown Prince.
To antagonize the future Crown Prince, the heir apparent, would spell trouble for the Wang family.
Yet when Wang Jian thought of Zhao Feng of Zhao Feng's extraordinary skills and potential he hesitated further.
If Zhao Feng were driven to flee Qin and join another kingdom, he would become a formidable enemy of Qin in the future.
"Your Majesty,"
Wang Jian took a step forward, bowed deeply, and spoke.
"My daughter is already betrothed to another."
"Great General, that cannot be right."
"Since ancient times, marriages have been arranged by parents and matchmakers."
"A betrothal is not a formal engagement. If you agree, this joyous union can still be arranged."
"To be the wife of Crown Prince Fusu is a privilege sought after by countless noble families," Wei Zhuang said with a smile.
"Indeed,"
"Prince Fusu is wise and virtuous, a model among all the royal sons. Who in the world could compare to him?" Wang Wan chimed in.
At this moment, the entire court was abuzz.
Even Fusu, standing among them, was caught in an awkward position, not knowing whether to advance or retreat.
Ying Zheng, however, remained composed, his expression unreadable.
Then, he spoke.
"I, too, despise the act of breaking apart true love."
His voice carried a deep disdain as his gaze swept across the court, his tone a clear warning.
This statement sent a shiver down the spine of many, especially older officials who had lived through similar episodes in the past.
"Does His Majesty still remember that matter?"
Wang Wan and Wei Zhuang exchanged uneasy glances, their hearts pounding with apprehension.
"Thank you, Your Majesty."
Wang Jian bowed deeply, finally feeling a sense of relief.
He now understood that his family might avoid becoming embroiled in the future struggle for the throne.
"I am curious, Great General. Who is the man your daughter admires?"
"If he has earned your approval, he must be an extraordinary individual," Ying Zheng asked, smiling.
"Your Majesty,"
"You have indeed heard of this man," Wang Jian replied with a smile.
"I have heard of him?"
Ying Zheng was intrigued, scanning the court for clues.
"Then I am quite curious," he said with a smile.
"During our campaign against Han, from the beginning to the successful conquest, who was the name most frequently mentioned in the battle reports?" Wang Jian asked, deliberately building suspense.
"Zhao Feng?"
Ying Zheng immediately understood.
"Your Majesty is truly wise."
"Indeed, it is Zhao Feng," Wang Jian confirmed.
Hearing this, both Wang Wan and Wei Zhuang were visibly astonished.
Not only them, but all the officials also wore similar expressions.
"When did Zhao Feng get involved with Wang Jian's daughter? I've never heard of this before."
"This is rather interesting."
Many officials were watching with a curious and amused mindset.
"How did Zhao Feng, who has been in the army for less than a year, come to know the daughter of the grand general?" Ying Zheng smiled faintly.
"Your Majesty,"
"Perhaps it's just fate between the younger generation," Wang Jian said with a smile.
"Back when the ambush led by Bao Yuan hid in Yangcheng for a sudden attack, I believe Your Majesty still remembers this incident."
"At that time,"
"You even rebuked General Li for being overly eager for merits."
"It was during that event when my daughter led troops to pursue the enemy. However, due to insufficient manpower and her lack of battlefield experience, she ended up surrounded by the Han army under Bao Yuan's command. At the critical moment, it was Zhao Feng who stepped in to save her. He also slew Bao Yuan and successfully annihilated that Han force," Wang Jian said with a smile.
Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng immediately understood and laughed, "It seems that the grand general's daughter and Zhao Feng share a bond forged through adversity."
"Indeed, Your Majesty," Wang Jian quickly followed up.
"If it were someone else, this old servant might not have approved so easily."
"But my daughter owes her life to Zhao Feng, and since the two have genuine feelings for each other, I truly couldn't bear to separate them," Wang Jian added sincerely.
Then, turning to Fu Su, who stood at the bottom of the steps, Wang Jian bowed deeply and said, "Your Highness, my daughter is already betrothed. Please forgive me for not being able to fulfill expectations."
This one statement from Wang Jian finally freed Fu Su from his frozen state.
Still smiling, Fu Su clasped his hands and said, "I was unaware of this before, and my earlier suggestion was inappropriate. I hope the grand general won't hold it against me."
"How could I, Your Highness," Wang Jian replied quickly.
"Father,"
"Since the grand general's daughter is already engaged, I am not one to break up others' relationships. I suggest we let go of the two chancellors' discussions," Fu Su immediately addressed Ying Zheng.
Hearing this declaration, Ying Zheng nodded approvingly. "It's good that you understand, Fu Su."
"I have always detested the act of forcibly breaking up couples."
"However, you are at the right age, and it's time for you to marry."
"Lord Chancellor,"
"If I recall correctly,"
"Your eldest daughter should be about the same age as Fu Su, correct?"
This sudden mention startled Li Si.
Upon hearing Ying Zheng's words, Li Si hurried forward and bowed. "Your Majesty, it is true. My eldest daughter is indeed around the same age as the Crown Prince."
"In that case,"
"I shall decide for you."
"Your eldest daughter will be betrothed to Fu Su, and the Minister of Ceremonies will choose an auspicious date for the wedding," Ying Zheng declared with a laugh, finalizing the matter.
"This…"
Li Si's face changed.
Fu Su's expression also darkened as he immediately stepped forward. "Father, I am only fourteen, still too young for marriage. Can this matter not wait?"
Hearing this, even Wang Wan and Kuai Zhuang, who had previously supported Fu Su's marriage, remained silent, their expressions turning somber.
In the court, the tension between the old aristocracy and the new nobility was palpable.
While it hadn't reached the point of open hostility, it was close.
If Li Si's daughter were to marry Fu Su, it would not bode well for either side.
Of course, for Li Si, this wasn't ideal either.
His daughter, married to Fu Su?
What would that mean?
Li Si was a staunch advocate of Legalism and believed in governing through its principles, which conflicted with Fu Su's governance philosophy.
Moreover, as a leading figure of the new nobility, he had long been at odds with figures like Wang Wan, engaging in numerous covert confrontations.
"Does the Chancellor hesitate to comply?" Ying Zheng's brows furrowed as he looked at Li Si.
Feeling Ying Zheng's gaze, Li Si's heart tightened. He quickly bowed and said, "How could I dare disobey Your Majesty's decree?"
"Fu Su,"
"The Chancellor's daughter is gentle and virtuous, a fine match."
"This marriage is settled," Ying Zheng said, leaving no room for argument as he turned to Fu Su.
"Father…"
Fu Su tried to speak, but Wang Wan, standing behind him, tugged on his sleeve, signaling him to remain silent.
His teacher, Chunyu Yue, also gave him a warning glance, urging Fu Su not to go against the decision.
"Minister of Ceremonies," Ying Zheng called out loudly.
"I am here," Kuai Zhuang immediately stepped forward.
"Winter is upon us, and while Yingchuan has been newly stabilized, it still requires governance. The kingdom's strength has also been taxed after the recent battles. Let's postpone this matter until next year."
"Choose an auspicious date next year for Fu Su and the Chancellor's daughter to marry," Ying Zheng decreed.
Kuai Zhuang bowed. "I obey Your Majesty's command."
The royal decree was set, leaving no room for further changes.
"Chancellor,"
"Fu Su,"
"Do you both not accept the decree?" Ying Zheng asked, looking at the two.
Under the weight of royal authority, despite the conflicting thoughts in their hearts, both Li Si and Fu Su could only suppress their feelings and bow. "We accept the decree."
As for Wang Jian's refusal regarding the marriage, Ying Zheng did not express anger.
"Today is the day of the grand general's triumphant return."
"I shall share a drink with the grand general."
"After the court session,"
"Join me in the Zhangtai Palace for a drink, and tell me more about the matters of the military," Ying Zheng said with a hearty laugh, taking Wang Jian by the hand and leading him into the main hall.
"Court session, commence!"
Zhao Gao loudly proclaimed.
The civil and military officials, each with their thoughts, began filing into the court hall.
At this moment, Li Si, Fu Su, and even Wang Wan wore displeased expressions.
In the Wang Manor, the entire household was bustling with activity cleaning, and organizing.
The master of the house had returned triumphant, and the mansion buzzed with life.
Inside one of the chambers:
"Ugh… ugh…"
Wang Yan was dry-heaving, her face pale.
It took her a while to recover.
"How could this be?"
"Just one night…"
Wang Yan muttered to herself, disbelief evident on her face. Her hand rested lightly on her belly.
Though she wasn't as experienced as a married woman, she had heard enough to understand the signs of pregnancy.
She had been suffering from nausea and a lack of appetite for several days, and now she knew what it meant.
"What should I do?"
"If my father finds out, Zhao Feng will be in danger."
"And if the king bestows a marriage upon me this time…"
"If I'm already pregnant, the Wang family will be ruined."
Her mind raced with fear and uncertainty. She didn't know what to do.
The thought of implicating Zhao Feng terrified her. At the same time, she feared the disgrace this could bring upon her family.
"If I were to die…"
"Perhaps it would all end."
A desperate thought suddenly crossed Wang Yan's mind.
Just as she entertained this notion, there was a knock at the door.
"Yan'er,"
"You've been cooped up in your room all day. What are you doing?"
"Your father is almost home, and you still haven't come out."
Wang Shi's voice sounded from outside the house, carrying a hint of helplessness.
Ever since Wang Yan had returned to the estate, she rarely went out, staying mostly in her courtyard and room.
"I'm coming."
Wang Yan responded softly, then glanced down at her belly. The thought she had earlier was immediately extinguished if she were to die, it would mean two lives lost.
Moments later.
Wang Yan opened the door.
Wang Shi stepped inside slowly, taking a look around the room before speaking. "What are you doing cooped up in your room all day? You've been back for so long now."
"Mother."
"I just don't feel like going out," Wang Yan replied gently.
"Fine then."
"Come with me to the main hall and wait; your father should be back soon," Wang Shi said with a smile.
At that moment
"Auntie!"
A crisp voice rang out from outside the room.
A boy of about four or five ran in and clung tightly to Wang Yan's leg.
"Li'er."
Wang Yan smiled faintly and crouched down to pick up the little boy gently.
It was obvious.
This little boy was none other than Wang Li, the eldest grandson of Wang Jian and the son of Wang Ben, as recorded in history.
At this point, however, he was just a five-year-old boy.
Wang Li had been born to Wang Ben's wife, who had tragically passed away due to postpartum hemorrhage shortly after his birth.
In this era, childbirth was a life-and-death gamble. Even the slightest mishap could lead to fatal complications.
Since Wang Li's birth, he had been primarily cared for by his grandmother, with Wang Yan often helping to look after him as well.
"Auntie."
"Why don't you play with Li'er anymore?" Wang Li looked at Wang Yan with a pout, his expression full of grievance.
"Auntie hasn't been feeling well lately."
"When Auntie gets better, she'll play with you," Wang Yan said softly.
"Yan'er."
"Ever since you came back, you've been so downcast. What's the matter? Tell me, your mother. Keeping it all bottled up isn't good for you," Wang Shi said, her face full of concern as she looked at Wang Yan.
She and her husband, Wang Jian, were deeply fond of this daughter of theirs.
"Mother, I'm fine," Wang Yan said, her heart in turmoil but her expression calm and composed.
"Alright, let's go wait for your father in the main hall," Wang Shi said, dropping the subject. She took Wang Yan's hand and led her out of the room.
Inside the Zhangtai Palace.
Ying Zheng and Wang Jian sat facing each other.
"Although the senior general did not personally lead the troops in this campaign, all strategic decisions and troop movements were under your command," Ying Zheng said with a smile.
"What are your thoughts on the region of Yingchuan?"
"Ever since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have been steadily eroding Han's strength. Conquering Han will not be difficult."
"In truth," Wang Jian said with a smile, "I must thank Your Majesty for granting me the honor of this achievement."
Ying Zheng chuckled lightly and poured wine into Wang Jian's cup before filling his own.
Wang Jian immediately raised his cup respectfully.
"Back then, when you came to my rescue in a moment of peril, I've never forgotten it," Ying Zheng said meaningfully.
"You are overly modest and cautious almost too much so," he added with a slight smile.
"Do you think so little of me?"
Wang Jian's hand, holding the wine cup, trembled slightly. He quickly responded, "I wouldn't dare."
"What do you think of your future son-in-law?" Ying Zheng asked with a smile.
"This young man is a valiant warrior with great potential as a commander. With a few years of training in the military, he could become a pillar of the Qin army," Wang Jian replied promptly.
"Haha."
Ying Zheng smiled again. "I see. General, you didn't even praise your son Wang Ben as highly as you do Zhao Feng. This Zhao Feng must indeed be exceptional."
"If nothing else," Wang Jian continued with a laugh, "I admire the young man's courage and sense of responsibility."
Ying Zheng raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "I'm curious tell me more."
Wang Jian proceeded to recount the day Zhao Feng openly confessed his feelings for Wang Yan, though he deliberately omitted the young man's implied threats and extraordinary display of strength.
After hearing the story, Ying Zheng's eyes lit up with admiration. "This Zhao Feng is indeed a man of character."
"That's why I dared to refuse Prince Fusu's proposal not just for my daughter's sake, but also because I didn't want to tear apart a pair of true lovers," Wang Jian said, bowing slightly.
"I hope Your Majesty won't hold it against me."
"I've said before," Ying Zheng replied with a faint smile, "many rulers might break apart such a union, but I am not one of them."
"Do you not recall the events of years past, General? Although you were not directly involved, surely you've heard of them?"
Wang Jian paused, a flicker of realization crossing his face. "I have heard of those events, but I thought Your Majesty had long since moved on."
"Moved on?"
Ying Zheng let out a cold laugh.
"How could I ever forget?" he said, his tone tinged with bitterness.
But he said no more on the subject.
"General, drink this last cup with me, and you may return home. I imagine your wife and daughter are already waiting for you," Ying Zheng said with a smile.
"I obey," Wang Jian replied, naturally accepting the suggestion.
After finishing their drinks, Wang Jian took his leave.
Ying Zheng returned to his throne and resumed reviewing official documents.
"What do you think of Wang Jian's decision to decline the marriage alliance?" Ying Zheng asked suddenly as he continued reading.
"Your Majesty," a calm voice responded.
Unknown to Wang Jian, Dun Ruo had quietly entered the palace hall and now stood at the forefront, replying steadily, "The senior general is a wise man who acts wisely. He spoke truthfully about his daughter's attachment, but more importantly, he wishes to avoid entanglement with the royal family."
"By allying with Prince Fusu, he would inevitably find himself on Fusu's side."
Ying Zheng's hand paused briefly, holding his carving knife. He turned to Dun Ruo, his tone sharp. "Do you think I have no intention of naming Fusu as crown prince?"
Dun Ruo immediately knelt. "This humble servant would never presume to speculate on Your Majesty's intentions. The matter of the crown prince is for Your Majesty alone to decide."
"Have you looked into Zhao Feng's background?"
"Yes, Your Majesty," Dun Ruo replied.
"Report."
Dun Ruo bowed his head and began, "Zhao Feng is a native of Sha County, Sha Village. His family consists of three members: his mother and younger sister."
At this, Ying Zheng's hand paused again.
But then came the next detail.
"His father, Zhao Da, held a first-class title and died ten years ago in battle at the Qin-Zhao border."
"Zhao Feng inherited his father's land..."
The slight ripple in Ying Zheng's heart instantly subsided.
Dun Ruo continued to methodically recount Zhao Feng's background in detail.
"That concludes Zhao Feng's entire history."
"I can confirm," Dun Ruo added firmly, "that there is no possibility of him being a spy or a plant by another state."
"As for his extraordinary combat ability, it may be attributed to natural talent and exceptional physical strength."
"His assignment to the logistics unit was likely Zhao Feng's attempt to hide his abilities. The reason?"
"Zhao Feng and his sister are twins. Their mother became frail and sickly due to complications during childbirth. Zhao Feng likely wished to return home to care for her and fulfill his filial duties."
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