Seeing Tu Sui acting unpredictably, Chunyu Yue grew anxious.
"If it wasn't Commander Tu who informed him, how could Zhaofeng have intercepted so conveniently on the Wei River?" Chunyu Yue blurted out irrationally.
Watching Chunyu Yue's behavior, Ying Zheng frowned.
"Grand Tutor Chunyu," Wang Wan interjected immediately, unwilling to see a supporter of Fusu embarrass himself.
"Does Grand Tutor Chunyu seem unwilling to let Zhaofeng take credit for his achievement?" Han Fei asked calmly.
Having spent the past few days with Zhaofeng, Han Fei had grown to see him as a kindred spirit. Chunyu Yue's behavior irritated him.
"Minister Han, what do you mean by that?" Chunyu Yue's expression grew awkward, though he tried to maintain composure.
"Commander Tu has already clarified that Zhaofeng's interception on the Wei River and his rescue of the Empress Dowager were purely coincidental. Yet you persist in casting doubt. What is the meaning of this?" Han Fei countered with a faint smile.
"I find it hard to believe it was such a coincidence," Chunyu Yue stubbornly retorted.
"Grand Tutor Chunyu, your words are out of line," Wang Jian said coldly, stepping forward to rebuke him.
Zhaofeng was Wang Jian's future son-in-law. After Zhaofeng had rendered such a significant service, Chunyu Yue's baseless targeting was intolerable to Wang Jian.
Faced with Wang Jian's reprimand, Chunyu Yue hesitated and held his tongue. Wang Jian was at the height of his influence in court, deeply trusted by the King. He was far beyond what a newly arrived minister like Han Fei could contend with.
"I, too, find Grand Tutor Chunyu's words inappropriate. If Zhaofeng intercepted the enemy and rescued the Empress Dowager, his merit is beyond dispute," Li Si added, seizing the opportunity to criticize Chunyu Yue.
Under this barrage of censure, Chunyu Yue found himself speechless. He had hoped Tu Sui would claim credit for the achievement, even if only by acknowledging his role in passing on information. A mere acknowledgment could have transferred much of the credit to him. However, Tu Sui's refusal had thrown Chunyu Yue into a panic.
"Grand Tutor Chunyu," Tu Sui said, "it truly was a coincidence."
"General Zhaofeng was stationed at Wei City by royal command. The Wei River is part of his patrol jurisdiction. On the day in question, General Zhaofeng and his guard were patrolling the river when they spotted the culprits heading downstream. Alerted, he intercepted them. When the culprits resisted, Zhaofeng and his guards subdued them, rescuing the Empress Dowager. Without his intervention, the culprits would have already crossed into Wei territory with the Empress Dowager."
"When I arrived, Wei forces were already amassed in the thousands to provide support but ultimately withdrew in defeat." Tu Sui recounted the events truthfully.
Hearing this, the court was filled with astonishment.
"Just how lucky is this Zhaofeng?"
"A simple patrol along the Wei River, and he happens to perform such a meritorious deed?"
"He must be exceptionally fortunate. This is the kind of opportunity that falls right into one's lap saving the Empress Dowager, eliminating the culprits, and further gaining the King's favor."
"It's no wonder people say Zhaofeng is incredibly lucky. From moving from the logistics corps to a combat unit and now this luck truly favors him."
"A patrol on the Wei River leads to the rescue of the Empress Dowager? Truly enviable!"
The ministers whispered amongst themselves, marveling at the situation.
"Was it just a coincidence that Zhaofeng happened to be there?" Ying Zheng asked with a strange expression.
"Your Majesty, I can confirm it was purely a coincidence," Tu Sui replied respectfully.
"One question remains, Your Majesty," Chunyu Yue interjected, his doubts unabated. "The culprits were exceptionally skilled, causing significant casualties among the Yong City guards and the county troops sent in pursuit. How did Zhaofeng manage to overcome them with only a hundred personal guards?"
"Grand Tutor Chunyu," Wang Jian said icily, "are you suggesting Zhaofeng's guards are inferior to these culprits?"
"Let me make this clear to you. Zhaofeng's guards are veterans who fought alongside him in bloody battles against Han forces during his time in the logistics corps. When he was promoted to Left Shuzhang and given the authority to form a personal guard, these comrades-in-arms became his guard. They are battle-hardened warriors. While the culprits may have been elite, Zhaofeng's guards are no less formidable."
"General..." Chunyu Yue attempted to argue, but Ying Zheng's cold voice cut him off.
"Chunyu Yue, what are you trying to say? Why are you so intent on discrediting Zhaofeng's achievements? Were you there yourself? Do you know better than Tu Sui?"
Chunyu Yue's face turned pale as he hurriedly knelt. "I dare not."
"Zhaofeng's rescue of the Empress Dowager is an undeniable merit and shall be rewarded," Ying Zheng declared loudly.
"Your Majesty is wise," the ministers chorused in agreement.
"Draft an edict. For his meritorious act of rescuing the Empress Dowager, Zhaofeng is promoted one rank to Right Shuzhang. He shall be granted 500 mu of fertile land, 1,000 taels of gold, 100 jade artifacts, 100 servants, and ten spirit pills," Ying Zheng commanded.
"Your Majesty is wise," the ministers echoed.
Zhaofeng, upon seeing the ten spirit pills, would likely be speechless. These so-called pills, celebrated in this era as miraculous remedies, were rumored to invigorate and enhance vitality. To Zhaofeng, however, they were nothing short of poison, something he would rather not touch.
"Tu Sui," Ying Zheng continued, "for failing in your duty to protect the royal palace at Yong City, you are demoted one rank and your salary is docked for one year."
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your mercy," Tu Sui replied solemnly.
Tu Sui understood that the lenient punishment was because the Empress Dowager had been safely rescued. Otherwise, his life would have been forfeit. His gratitude towards Zhaofeng deepened.
"Your Majesty, I have a request," Tu Sui said.
"Speak," Ying Zheng replied.
"After this incident, I realize my inadequacies in guarding Yong City's palace. I request a transfer to the main battlefront to hone my skills. I ask to be assigned to Wei City under General Zhaofeng's command, so I may better serve Qin and Your Majesty."
Ying Zheng scrutinized Tu Sui before nodding. "Since you are willing, I will grant your request. You have half a month to settle your household affairs. After that, report to Wei City as a wanjiang (commander of ten thousand)."
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Tu Sui replied, bowing deeply.
"Minister Wang," Ying Zheng said, turning to Wang Jian.
"Your subject is here," Wang Jian replied immediately.
"Zhaofeng has five wanjiang under his command, correct?" Ying Zheng asked.
"Yes, but his forces differ slightly from others. With the year-end approaching, recruits have yet to join, and his troops include 30,000 surrendered soldiers. Although his forces number over 60,000, he has only five wanjiang," Wang Jian explained.
"After the year-end, allocate recruits to Zhaofeng," Ying Zheng ordered.
"But Zhaofeng's forces already number over 60,000," Wang Jian hesitated.
"Among them are 30,000 surrendered soldiers," Ying Zheng emphasized. "While the idea of incorporating criminal soldiers into our forces has its merits, we must retain absolute control over these men. Even in the event of betrayal, we must have the strength to suppress them."
Understanding Ying Zheng's reasoning, Wang Jian nodded. "Your subject understands."
"Assign Tu Sui as one of Zhaofeng's wanjiang. Let Zhaofeng decide how to deploy him," Ying Zheng concluded.
This final remark underscored Ying Zheng's trust in Zhaofeng. While Tu Sui's position appeared diminished, his transfer to Zhaofeng's command signified an opportunity to prove himself anew.
"Where is the Empress Dowager now?" Ying Zheng asked.
"In the side palace of the royal compound," Tu Sui promptly replied.
"Does anyone else have something to report?" Ying Zheng swept his gaze across the court and asked.
"We have no matters to present," the ministers replied in unison.
At this moment, the ministers all understood that Zhao Ji, having been rescued and returned, was with Ying Zheng. No one wanted to disturb their reunion, especially since it had been years since the king and his mother had last seen each other.
In the past, after Lao Ai's rebellion, Zhao Ji had been imprisoned in the palace of Yong City. Back then, some court officials supported by Zhao Ji had pleaded for her release, but Ying Zheng ordered all of them executed. After that, no one dared to suggest bringing the queen's mother back to the court. It had become a taboo topic in the Qin court.
"Dismissed," Ying Zheng said with a wave of his hand.
He stood up, striding decisively toward the side hall. The court ministers all bowed deeply, watching respectfully as he departed. Only after Ying Zheng left the main hall did the ministers begin to disperse.
"Rotten wood cannot be carved into anything useful," Chunyu Yue muttered angrily as he passed by Tu Sui, flinging his sleeves as he left.
At this moment, Wang Jian walked over slowly.
"Tu Sui," Wang Jian called out softly.
"General Wang," Tu Sui responded with great respect.
"Why did you suddenly decide to go to Wei City?" Wang Jian asked with a slight smile.
"This matter is far too serious, and I feel uneasy. While it was ultimately a plot by the rebels, it was still my failure to fulfill my duty," Tu Sui replied honestly. "Besides, the situation was resolved largely thanks to General Zhao Feng. If I can serve under him, I might learn a great deal."
"Well then, since you're headed to Wei City, take a letter from me to Zhao Feng," Wang Jian said with a smile.
"I await your orders, General," Tu Sui replied, bowing deeply.
"This is not an official matter, but a personal one," Wang Jian said with a faint smile.
Tu Sui nodded immediately.
Meanwhile, in the side hall, Ying Zheng stood outside the open doors, his face filled with an indescribable hesitation.
For him, the woman inside the hall was his biological mother. Once, they had been the closest of family, and she had been willing to risk her life for him. Yet everything had changed because of a fake eunuch.
She had borne two illegitimate children, shaming the royal family.
Before Ying Zheng assumed full power, she had even issued a decree mobilizing troops to aid Lao Ai in rebellion, aiming to kill her son.
For Ying Zheng, his feelings were deeply conflicted. He was a man of strong emotions, and he could never forget their past mother-son bond. However, the betrayal of someone he had trusted the most was a wound that cut deep.
Standing just outside the hall, so close yet so far, Ying Zheng was filled with hesitation. He wanted to see her but was afraid, wanted to see her but also felt anger.
He stood silently outside for a long time, with dozens of attendants kneeling nearby, not daring to make a sound. Zhao Gao, who stood behind him, also remained silent.
Finally, Ying Zheng made up his mind and strode into the hall.
Inside, he saw Zhao Ji sitting in a daze, motionless, as if her soul had left her body. Several maids stood by her side, attending to her.
With a wave of his hand, Ying Zheng ordered, "Leave us."
The maids immediately bowed and retreated.
Looking at Zhao Ji, who sat there absent-mindedly, Ying Zheng's expression grew even more complex.
"So many years have passed, yet you haven't changed much Mother," Ying Zheng said softly.
The words came out, but they lacked the intimacy of "Mother" he once used. Instead, he addressed her formally as "Mother Queen," revealing the estrangement in his tone.
Hearing Ying Zheng's voice, Zhao Ji's initially lifeless expression began to stir. When her eyes fell on Ying Zheng, they filled with fear, anger, and hatred.
"You killed my children," she said, her voice trembling with rage.
"I'll kill you... I'll kill you!" Zhao Ji suddenly erupted, standing up and lunging at Ying Zheng in a frenzy.
Her expression, consumed by hatred, was like that of someone facing their mortal enemy, not their son.
As Zhao Ji charged at him, Ying Zheng did not dodge. His eyes, filled with a mix of emotions, conveyed profound disappointment.
When Zhao Ji raised her hand to strike, Ying Zheng caught it firmly, gripping it tightly, his emotions a turbulent blend of familial love and fury.
"Even now, do you still refuse to repent?" Ying Zheng asked, his voice heavy with disappointment.
"I'll kill you! I'll kill you!" Zhao Ji screamed hysterically.
"Treason and rebellion are unforgivable crimes," Ying Zheng said coldly.
"If you committed them, you must bear the consequences."
"The only reason you are alive is because of the bond between mother and son."
"Yet you hate me? On what grounds do you hate me?"
Zhao Ji, however, paid no heed to his words, continuing her crazed struggle as if determined to tear Ying Zheng apart.
"It seems I truly shouldn't have come to see you," Ying Zheng said, his voice growing colder, his eyes filled with unrelenting disappointment.
He flung her to the ground and turned to leave the hall with long strides.
"Zhao Gao," he called out.
"I am here," Zhao Gao replied promptly.
"Arrange for the queen mother to be sent back to Yong City. Without my decree, she is not to leave the royal palace there," Ying Zheng commanded icily.
"Understood," Zhao Gao said, bowing in obedience.
Ying Zheng cast one final glance behind him, his resolute demeanor tinged with an unspoken sorrow, then turned and walked away.
After he left, Zhao Ji's madness subsided. Watching his retreating figure, her vacant eyes wavered slightly, though it was unclear whether it was guilt or something else.
Outside the hall, as Ying Zheng emerged, Xia Wuqi approached him.
"You met with her?" Xia Wuqi asked as soon as he saw him.
Hearing the news of Zhao Ji's arrival at the palace, Xia Wuqi had naturally come as well.
Ying Zheng waved his hand, signaling Zhao Gao and the other attendants to withdraw.
Once they were alone, Ying Zheng replied, "I did."
"And?" Xia Wuqi asked again.
"She still refuses to repent, treating me as an enemy," Ying Zheng said with a sigh.
"Alas," Xia Wuqi sighed as well, at a loss for words of comfort.
It seemed unlikely that the bond between Ying Zheng and his mother could ever be mended unless Zhao Ji herself admitted her wrongs.
But from the very beginning, Zhao Ji had never believed she was in the wrong. She viewed Ying Zheng as cruel for not sparing her two illegitimate sons.
Yet Xia Wuqi, who had witnessed the events firsthand, knew the truth all too well.
When Lao Ai was captured, so were Zhao Ji's two sons. Despite Zhao Ji's desperate pleas, Ying Zheng initially felt a twinge of pity. However, a single statement from the boys sealed their fate.
They declared that when they grew up, they would seize Ying Zheng's throne and avenge their father.
For any ruler, such words were unforgivable.
The ambition of Lao Ai and Zhao Ji was laughable a delusion.
In the end, it was not only Lao Ai who harbored such ambitions but Zhao Ji as well.
"Father-in-law," Ying Zheng said, "she will not change."
"I had still harbored a sliver of hope, but it was misplaced."
"Let it go," Xia Wuqi said with a shake of his head.
"I'll go and see her," he added. "After all…"
"After all, we were acquainted once," sighed Xia Wuqi, before walking toward the side hall.
Upon entering the side hall, Zhao Ji was sitting in a daze, slumped where she was.
"Zhao Ji," Xia Wuqi called out as he approached.
Hearing his voice, Zhao Ji slowly turned her head. When she saw Xia Wuqi, a flash of terror appeared in her eyes.
"It wasn't me... I didn't kill you."
"Xia Dong'er, stay away!"
"Stay away..."
Zhao Ji cried out in a panic, visibly shaken.
Seeing Xia Wuqi had triggered something in her.
Hearing her words, Xia Wuqi's brows furrowed. He quickly strode over to Zhao Ji, speaking with a sharp tone, "What are you talking about?"
"It wasn't me... I didn't kill you... It wasn't me..." Zhao Ji trembled, stumbling backward as she spoke.
"Ah, Fang is dead?" Xia Wuqi's eyes widened, his gaze fixed firmly on Zhao Ji.
Although her words were fragmented, Xia Wuqi grasped their meaning.
His daughter was she dead?
That's what Zhao Ji seemed to be implying.
"It wasn't me... It wasn't me..." Zhao Ji continued to repeat, trembling all the while.
"Tell me!" Xia Wuqi couldn't hold back any longer. He knelt and gripped Zhao Ji's hands tightly, his voice trembling with anger and urgency.
For so long, he had clung to hope for his daughter. But now, from Zhao Ji's disjointed words, it sounded like his daughter was gone.
"It wasn't me... It wasn't me..." Zhao Ji kept repeating the same phrase, seemingly unaware of what she was saying.
Meanwhile, outside the hall, hearing Xia Wuqi's voice, Ying Zheng hurried inside.
When he heard Zhao Ji mumbling "It wasn't me," Ying Zheng's expression turned grave and puzzled.
After a long, painful struggle, Xia Wuqi's eyes had turned red. But in the end, he forced himself to calm down, released Zhao Ji's hands, and steadied his emotions. "It's nothing," he said.
Ying Zheng looked at Xia Wuqi with a mixture of concern and confusion.
He had only just entered, but he could sense that this wasn't something trivial. He knew his father-in-law's temperament well if it weren't a serious matter, Xia Wuqi would not have reacted so strongly.
"Is it nothing?" Ying Zheng pressed, still uneasy.
"It's nothing. Don't worry about it," Xia Wuqi said with a faint smile, though the bitterness in his heart was his alone to bear. "Your mother... she's truly lost her mind."
Ying Zheng glanced at Zhao Ji, then at Xia Wuqi. In the end, he chose not to pursue the matter further.
"Father-in-law," Ying Zheng began, "the ones who abducted her this time were from Zhao State. The mastermind behind it all has been captured, and I need to go interrogate them personally. If you wish to speak with her or ask her anything, now is your chance."
"There's nothing I wish to ask," Xia Wuqi replied with a faint smile, maintaining his composure in front of Ying Zheng.
Hearing this, Ying Zheng nodded, turned, and left the hall.
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