At this moment, in Zhao Manor!
After attending two wedding banquets, Zhao Feng took the time to reflect and draw some conclusions.
Therefore, he oversaw the arrangements for his wedding banquet.
"Master."
"We have procured second-tier wine from the Wine Immortal House, as well as the finest quality wine."
"There is more than enough for all the guests to enjoy."
"Also, all the invitations have been sent out."
"Most of the court officials have received theirs."
"As per your instructions, invitations were not sent to the Meng family, the Bai family, or Chunyu Yue." Zhang Ming reported to Zhao Feng.
"Well done."
Zhao Feng smiled.
As for those who had openly opposed him, he had no intention of paying them any attention regardless of who they were.
Thus, these individuals were simply not invited.
However, for those who had not yet completely severed ties, such as the old fox Wang Wan, Zhao Feng still sent an invitation.
"Has the betrothal gift been delivered to the royal manor?" Zhao Feng asked Zhang Ming.
"It has already been sent."
"According to your orders"
"Ten thousand gold, one hundred thousand copper coins, one hundred pieces of jade artifacts, one thousand bolts of brocade, and one hundred bottles of the finest wine from the Wine Immortal House."
"And much more. It is the highest standard of a betrothal gift."
Zhang Ming reported immediately.
"Good."
"The day after tomorrow is my wedding."
"Make sure the personal guards remain vigilant there must be no mistakes."
"Later, I will go to the palace personally to deliver an invitation to His Majesty." Zhao Feng said.
"Rest assured, Master. There will be no mistakes." Zhang Ming promised immediately.
"Prepare the carriage." Zhao Feng nodded.
"Oh, right, Master."
"Han Xi just sent word that he has found a few alchemy furnaces."
"They will be delivered to the manor in secret tonight." Zhang Ming added.
"Place them in the side hall where I live." Zhao Feng instructed.
"Understood." Zhang Ming nodded.
With that, Zhao Feng left the manor and boarded a carriage bound for the palace.
As a Supreme General, his rank afforded him a six-horse-drawn carriage.
The journey was smooth and unimpeded.
When he arrived at the palace gates
"Greetings, Supreme General!"
The Imperial Guards on duty bowed respectfully.
"I wish to enter the palace and pay my respects to His Majesty."
"Please send word on my behalf." Zhao Feng said from behind the carriage curtain.
"His Majesty has given orders that if the Supreme General arrives, he may enter directly without prior notice." The captain of the guards replied with a smile.
"So, the Qin King expected me to come."
Zhao Feng smirked inwardly.
"Many thanks."
With that, his carriage rolled into the palace.
Soon, it stopped outside the grand square of the palace.
Zhao Feng disembarked.
In the Qin court, only the Nine Ministers and those of equivalent rank were permitted to ride carriages within the palace grounds.
As Supreme General, his rank was equal to that of the Nine Ministers, granting him this privilege.
Soon, a palace eunuch led Zhao Feng to the Zhangtai Palace.
"Please wait here, Supreme General. I will inform His Majesty."
Zhao Gao bowed respectfully before entering the hall.
"Your Majesty, Supreme General Zhao Feng requests an audience."
Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng, who was reviewing memorials, revealed a slight smile.
"Summon him in!"
"Summon Supreme General Zhao Feng to an audience!" Zhao Gao announced loudly.
Zhao Feng quickly entered the hall and bowed before the throne.
"Your servant pays respects to Your Majesty."
"Oh?"
"You haven't come for nearly half a month what brings you here today?"
Ying Zheng waved his hand and asked in a teasing tone.
There was a hint of reproach in his voice.
However, it was not the tone of a ruler speaking to a subject, but rather one of an elder speaking to a younger relative.
Hearing this, Zhao Gao's heart trembled.
"I underestimated just how much His Majesty values Zhao Feng. Such familiarity… even General Wei Liao does not receive this treatment."
"It seems I must increase my efforts to win him over."
"But Zhao Feng is already powerful and influential how can I possibly pull him to my side?"
For a moment, Zhao Gao found himself at a loss.
If Zhao Feng had been of lower status, it would have been easier to manipulate him. But now, he was young, highly ranked, and wielded immense power.
"Your servant has been focused on military matters and finally found some time to rest how could I not make the most of it?"
"After all, Your Majesty granted me leave."
"I wouldn't want to waste it."
"Besides, Your Majesty is busy with state affairs. I wouldn't dare disturb you unnecessarily." Zhao Feng responded with a grin.
"You always have an answer for everything."
Ying Zheng scolded jokingly.
"Haha." Zhao Feng laughed lightly.
"It's almost noon have them prepare a meal."
Ying Zheng turned to Zhao Gao and instructed.
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Zhao Gao bowed respectfully and left.
With Zhao Gao gone, Zhao Feng did not stand at the ceremony. He casually found a seat for himself.
"I must find an opportunity to introduce chairs."
"Sitting in this kneeling position is far too uncomfortable."
"This could even be a business opportunity."
Zhao Feng mused inwardly.
Seeing Zhao Feng's casual demeanor, Ying Zheng simply smiled and said nothing.
"So, why have you come today?" Ying Zheng asked with a smile.
"My wedding date has been set it will take place in two days."
"I have come today to personally deliver Your Majesty an invitation."
Zhao Feng smiled as he retrieved a pre-prepared invitation from his robe and solemnly placed it before Ying Zheng.
Ying Zheng smiled, picked it up, and opened it to read.
"Let me preside over your wedding banquet? You've got quite the idea, haven't you?" Ying Zheng chuckled.
"This is all for Your Majesty. If not for you, I would have already returned to my hometown to hold the wedding," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
"Since I'm here, of course, I must preside over it for you."
"Very well," Ying Zheng nodded with a grin. "I will preside over it."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Zhao Feng cupped his hands in gratitude.
"As a token of appreciation, I have also prepared a gift for Your Majesty."
Zhao Feng smiled as he took out a small box from his robe and placed it on Ying Zheng's table.
Ying Zheng opened it and was momentarily stunned.
"A spirit stone?" He looked at Zhao Feng in surprise. "Such a precious spirit stone, and you're giving it to me?"
"I was fortunate enough to obtain a few," Zhao Feng said casually. "Keeping them is just keeping them, so why not give them away?"
"Good, you have a considerate heart."
"I will accept it as my payment for presiding over your wedding," Ying Zheng said, making no move to refuse.
However, he soon changed the topic.
"Will you return home after the wedding banquet?" Ying Zheng asked.
"Yes." Zhao Feng nodded. "I have not returned home for four years. I don't even know how my mother and sister are doing. Naturally, I must go back to visit them and spend some time with them."
Shaqiu Commandery, Sha Village
Bang! Bang! Bang!
Dong! Dong! Dong!
Hundreds of people beat drums and gongs as they marched through the village, heading toward the Zhao Residence at the village center.
The commotion quickly drew the attention of the villagers, who stopped what they were doing to watch.
"What's going on?"
"Why such a big scene?"
"No idea."
"Look, leading them is the Grand Administrator himself! It seems they're heading to the Zhao Residence!"
"How do you know the Grand Administrator? He's the highest-ranking official in Shaqiu Commandery!"
"Hah, you wouldn't understand."
"Not only do I know him, but most of our village does! The Grand Administrator visits the Zhao Residence nearly every month, looking after the Zhao family."
"Well, of course! Zhao Feng is already a top general of Great Qin and the youngest one in history! He holds immense power!"
"General Zhao Feng? Of course, I know him! Who in the world doesn't know his name now?"
"My daughter married into Sha Village because of General Zhao Feng. Thanks to him, our entire village has benefited greatly!"
"Hahaha, that's true!"
"General Zhao Feng's mother is incredibly kind to all of us. The land he was awarded by the state has been rented out to us villagers at a very low price. The entire village owes the Zhao family a great debt of gratitude!"
"And now the Grand Administrator is here again, with such a grand procession. Something big must be happening!"
"I heard that Zhao has already been annexed by Great Qin and that the so-called undefeated warlord Lian Po was slain by General Zhao Feng!"
"I heard it wasn't just Lian Po. Even Pang Nuan, another top war general, was killed by General Zhao Feng!"
"Unbelievable! Who would have thought that our little Sha Village would produce a figure like General Zhao Feng?"
"With such a spectacle, this must be some kind of grand reward from the imperial court. Let's go take a look! Events like this don't happen every day!"
"That's right! Hurry, or we won't get a good spot!"
The villagers all rushed toward the Zhao Residence, eager to see what was happening.
Inside the Zhao Residence
"Madam."
"Young Miss."
"The Grand Administrator has arrived."
The steward of the Zhao Residence respectfully reported.
The first time Grand Administrator Yan Bing visited, the Zhao family had been somewhat shocked.
After all, he was the highest official of the entire commandery.
But as time passed, and Yan Bing began visiting every month, the household gradually grew accustomed to his presence.
Every time he came, he brought many gifts servants, gold, silver, medicinal herbs whatever he could find.
It was clear he was doing everything possible to curry favor with the Zhao family.
Madam Zhao naturally understood the gesture.
At first, she refused, but after a while, she could no longer decline, and eventually, she accepted his goodwill on behalf of her son.
"It looks like there's news about your brother," she said with excitement.
"Last time, I specifically asked Grand Administrator Yan to inform me immediately if he had any updates about your brother," Madam Zhao added.
"Since the state of Zhao has already fallen, Brother should be returning soon," Zhao Ying said happily.
"Let's go greet the Grand Administrator." Madam Zhao smiled.
Mother and daughter walked toward the main entrance.
Just as they arrived, they saw Yan Bing's men carrying large chests into the residence.
The guards at the gate did not stop them they were too familiar with Yan Bing by now.
"Grand Administrator Yan, do you bring news of Feng'er?"
Madam Zhao asked immediately upon seeing him.
"Hahaha!"
"Madam!"
"Congratulations, congratulations!"
"Good news has arrived from Xianyang!"
"General Zhao Feng has been conferred the title of Commander of the Imperial Guards!" Yan Bing announced excitedly.
"What?! Commander of the Imperial Guards?"
Madam Zhao was completely stunned.
"What does that mean?" Zhao Ying asked, full of curiosity.
"Young Miss Zhao," Yan Bing explained with a smile, "Commander of the Imperial Guards is what people outside call a Supreme General."
The words had barely left his mouth before Zhao Ying's expression froze in shock.
"A... Supreme General?"
"How is that possible?"
"My brother... became a Supreme General?"
"He's only twenty years old!"
"This has to be a mistake!" Zhao Ying's voice trembled with disbelief.
The news spread quickly.
Forget the others even Zhao Feng's sister found it hard to believe.
"A Supreme General?"
"Zhao Feng has been granted the title of Supreme General?"
"Heavens!"
"What does this even mean?"
"He's only twenty years old and has already been named Supreme General?"
"The Zhao family has truly risen to greatness! The youngest Supreme General in Great Qin's history! The youngest Supreme General in the entire world!"
"This is simply unbelievable."
"The fourth Great General of our Qin dynasty, and he's only twenty years old…"
The villagers gathered outside the Zhao residence were all in shock.
Everyone was taken aback by the news brought by Yan Bing.
Although they had anticipated something big when they saw him arriving with such a grand procession, no one could have expected news like this.
A twenty-year-old Great General!
One could say this was an unimaginable stroke of luck.
No.
Even calling it a once-in-a-lifetime blessing wouldn't do it justice.
"When will Feng'er be back?" Madam Zhao asked with concern.
She had not seen her son for four years, and to say she didn't miss him would be a lie.
"I heard that the Great General will first host a wedding banquet in Xianyang, inviting the court officials, and then return home to hold another banquet for his family and fellow villagers," Yan Bing replied with a smile.
"That would be best."
"This way, he won't offend his colleagues at court."
Madam Zhao let out a deep sigh of relief.
In just four years, her son had risen to the rank of Great General an unprecedented achievement.
If he were to hold the wedding banquet directly in Sha Village and the King of Qin suddenly decided to attend, it would be a major event with serious implications.
So having one banquet in Xianyang and another in Sha Village was the best choice.
"I also think this is the best way to hold the wedding banquet."
"This way, the Great General can strengthen his ties with the court officials, and at the same time, His Majesty will surely attend, given the high rank of the Great General," Yan Bing said with the utmost respect.
Madam Zhao nodded. "Thank you for bringing us the news, Governor."
"You're too kind, madam."
"Being able to deliver such joyous news is my honor," Yan Bing replied immediately.
At this moment, his tone toward Madam Zhao had become noticeably more respectful.
After all, Zhao Feng's status had risen even higher.
"Mother."
"Is that my brother?"
"Has he been replaced by someone else?"
"When he first became a general, I already found it hard to believe. Now, he's a Great General?"
Zhao Ying still couldn't quite believe it and looked at her mother in astonishment.
"It's not just you. Even I can hardly believe it."
"But your brother must have suffered a lot over these years," Madam Zhao said with a hint of worry.
Xianyang City, Zhao Residence
Today, the atmosphere was especially festive.
The entire mansion was filled with distinguished guests.
Most of the nobles and officials who had attended the royal palace gathering that day were also present now.
One reason was to show respect to Zhao Feng, another was to honor Wang Jian.
But most importantly, it was to pay respect to King Ying Zheng.
Today's wedding banquet was personally hosted by the King of Qin.
To have the reigning monarch preside over one's wedding throughout the entire land, Zhao Feng was the only one.
In the grand square before the hall,
just like at the royal palace, the guests were seated in splendor.
At this moment,
Zhao Feng held Wang Yan's hand. He was dressed in black ceremonial wedding robes, while Wang Yan wore a flowing black gown, holding a woman's fan to partially cover her face as they walked toward the seats of the elders.
Ying Zheng himself presided over the wedding banquet, seated alongside Wang Jian.
Besides Ying Zheng, Zhao Gao served as the announcer.
"Today,"
"Zhao Feng and Lady Wang Yan join in marriage."
"A grand wedding celebration."
"Granted by royal decree, witnessed by all the people of Qin."
"Today,"
"Here at the Zhao residence."
"As General Zhao Feng's elders are not present, His Majesty the King shall act as his elder and preside over the wedding."
Zhao Gao's voice rang out loud and clear.
As soon as these words fell,
all the guests looked at one another in astonishment.
Even Zhao Feng himself was slightly taken aback.
When he invited Ying Zheng to preside over the wedding, he had not requested the King to act as his elder after all, that would have been an overstep.
But now, with Zhao Gao's proclamation,
Ying Zheng was officially taking the role of an elder for Zhao Feng.
This deeply moved Zhao Feng.
"The King of Qin has truly shown me boundless favor!" Zhao Feng thought to himself.
Meanwhile, in the square,
Fu Su,
and Wang Wan… their expressions…
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