Upon hearing Zhao Gao's words, Ying Zheng didn't even turn his head.
"Let Hu Hai attend court and handle state affairs," he said slowly.
The moment these words fell, Zhao Gao's expression changed to one of shock. He lifted his head, looking at Ying Zheng in disbelief as if he had misheard.
"Your Majesty?"
"Are you allowing the Eighteenth Prince to attend court?" Zhao Gao asked again, still unable to believe what he had heard.
"Go and deliver the decree," Ying Zheng glanced at Zhao Gao and said.
Then, he picked up a memorial and spoke no more.
"Your humble servant obeys," Zhao Gao suppressed the wild joy surging in his heart.
He immediately withdrew from the hall with measured steps.
"Fusu…"
"I hope having competition will finally make you capable."
"Otherwise, you are beyond saving."
Watching Zhao Gao leave, a thoughtful look flashed in Ying Zheng's eyes.
The Inner Palace – Lady Hu's Residence
"The Director of the Palace Carriage Service has arrived!"
A eunuch outside the hall announced loudly.
Inside the hall, Lady Hu immediately stood up.
"Your servant greets the lady."
After entering, Zhao Gao bowed to Lady Hu.
"What urgent matter brings Lord Zhao here unannounced?" Lady Hu asked with a smile.
"It is good news, great news!" Zhao Gao's face was filled with excitement, making his normally sinister-looking features appear joyous.
Lady Hu widened her eyes and remained silent, waiting for him to continue.
Her family did not hold as much power as the Mi clan, so her greatest support in competing for the throne was Zhao Gao.
With Zhao Gao serving on the king's side, she could always gain early access to critical information.
"His Majesty has just issued a decree," Zhao Gao said with a serious expression, barely hiding his excitement.
"From now on, the Eighteenth Prince will be allowed to attend court and participate in state affairs."
"What?!"
Lady Hu was completely stunned, unable to believe what she had just heard.
"Is this true?" she asked, still uncertain.
"Lady, it is true."
"At first, even I thought I misheard and dared to ask His Majesty again."
"But His Majesty confirmed it," Zhao Gao said with a smile.
"This is wonderful!"
"Attending court is a privilege only given to princes favored by His Majesty. It is also a necessary step toward becoming the Crown Prince."
Lady Hu's face lit up with excitement as if she could already see the day her son would ascend the throne.
"Indeed."
"It seems His Majesty is truly disappointed in Fusu."
"That must be why he has allowed the Eighteenth Prince to attend court," Zhao Gao said, smiling in agreement.
The two exchanged looks, both grinning.
One was Hu Hai's mother, and the other was Zhao Gao, who sought power through Hu Hai.
"This decision came so suddenly did Fusu make a mistake?"
Lady Hu, regaining her composure, asked curiously.
"Fusu himself did nothing wrong, but Wang Wan and his faction may have," Zhao Gao said with a sneer.
"Lady, do you know why His Majesty suddenly changed his mind and allowed the Eighteenth Prince to attend court?"
"Why?" Lady Hu immediately asked.
Zhao Gao's smile turned colder.
"Although I do not know the exact reason behind His Majesty's decision, one thing is certain it is related to Zhao Feng."
"Zhao Feng?"
Lady Hu was puzzled.
"Didn't you say, Zhao Feng, like his father-in-law Wang Jian, is a cunning fox? That he wouldn't involve himself in the struggle for the throne?"
"Why would he help Hai'er attend court?"
Zhao Gao shook his head.
"Lady, it's not that Zhao Feng is helping it's that he is targeting Fusu and Wang Wan's faction."
"That's what led His Majesty to consider nurturing the Eighteenth Prince."
"The day Zhao Feng returned to court, Bai Wu from the Bai family immediately impeached him. Not only that, but I also discovered something years ago, before Zhao Feng became a general when he was just engaged to a lady from the Wang family, Fusu's mentor, Chunyu Yue, sent people to threaten him, demanding he cancel the engagement."
"This naturally fueled Zhao Feng's resentment."
"With incident after incident, Zhao Feng became deeply dissatisfied with Fusu and Wang Wan's faction."
"That day, Zhao Feng drank and talked with His Majesty for an entire night. I did not hear their conversation, but I could sense a shift in His Majesty's attitude toward Fusu and Wang Wan's faction."
"And because of this, His Majesty decided to allow the Eighteenth Prince to attend court," Zhao Gao said with a smile.
"Does Zhao Feng hold such great influence over His Majesty?"
Lady Hu was surprised.
As a noble consort from a prestigious family, she had always been proud and aloof.
"I do not understand why His Majesty favors Zhao Feng so much either," Zhao Gao admitted.
"Perhaps it is due to his exceptional abilities."
"Despite his young age, he played a crucial role in two conquests that led to the destruction of enemy states."
"His Majesty treasures talent, after all," Zhao Gao explained.
Lady Hu nodded, then sneered.
"Fusu… He may have high status as the eldest son, and many officials support him."
"But it is precisely because of these officials, good and bad alike, that he unknowingly made an enemy of Zhao Feng."
"This man…"
"Even if we cannot win him over, we must not antagonize him. Now that he has sided against Fusu, there's a chance he may support Hai'er in the future."
"When Hai'er ascends the throne…"
"He will need capable ministers by his side. Zhao Feng would make an excellent choice."
Hearing the good news of her son attending court, Lady Hu couldn't help but start dreaming of the day he would become king.
Qin Empire – Shacheng Commandery
After ten days of travel, they finally entered Shacheng Commandery.
"Master,"
"We've arrived at Shacheng," Zhang Ming reported upon seeing the commandery's boundary marker.
Lifting the carriage curtain, Zhao Feng stepped down.
Looking at the stone marker before him, a faint smile appeared on his lips.
"Shacheng… I've finally returned."
But then, a thought surfaced in his mind.
"In history…"
"Qin Shi Huang, Ying Zheng, died of illness while touring the empire and passing through Shacheng. His final edict was even altered by Li Si and Zhao Gao."
"I wonder…"
"Will there be a butterfly effect in this world?"
"In the original timeline, I did not exist at least not with this soul."
"If Zhao Feng truly existed in history, he might have already died on the battlefield."
"Shacheng… the place of Qin Shi Huang's death."
"What a pity."
As he gazed upon Shacheng, Zhao Feng fell into deep thought.
"Master,"
"It's noon now. How far is the village where you grew up?"
"Will we arrive by evening?" Zhang Ming asked.
"Half a day's journey is enough," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
When he was first conscripted, he had passed through Shacheng's security checkpoint before entering the military camp.
Not far ahead was the commandery capital of Shacheng.
Just then
From another carriage behind, Xia Wuqi emerged.
"We've entered Shacheng Commandery,"
"This is your hometown, Zhao General." Xia Wuqi smiled.
"Indeed."
"Four years… and I've finally returned home." Zhao Feng smiled.
"I've always been curious about the homeland that produced a talent like you," Xia Wuqi chuckled, though his words were half-truth, half-lie.
The more he interacted with Zhao Feng, the more convinced he was
Zhao Feng might be his grandson.
Zhao Feng's mother might be the daughter he had been searching for these past twenty-one years.
And so, as he arrived in Shacheng, Xia Wuqi felt an inexplicable sense of familiarity.
As they neared the commandery capital, over a hundred local soldiers and a dozen Qin officials were already waiting in the distance.
It seemed as if they had long known that Zhao Feng would be passing through.
"May I ask if this is the carriage of Supreme General Zhao Feng returning home?"
Yan Bing stepped forward respectfully and inquired.
"And you are?" Zhang Ming glanced at Yan Bing with a calm expression.
"I am the governor of Shachou County. Upon hearing of the Supreme General's return, I have specially come to welcome you," Yan Bing said with a smile.
"Wait here for a moment, I will go and report."
Upon hearing that it was the governor of Shachou County, Zhang Ming did not refuse directly but turned his horse around and rode back to report.
"Master."
"The governor of Shachou County is waiting ahead. Shall you meet with him?" Zhang Ming asked respectfully.
"Since he is the governor of Shachou, I have heard that he has looked after my family in the past," Zhao Feng remarked.
With that, his guards lifted the curtain, and Zhao Feng stepped down, walking toward Yan Bing.
When Yan Bing saw Zhao Feng, he noticed that the general was not dressed in luxurious robes but still wore the black Qin military uniform, just as he did in the army.
Though his attire was the same as that of ordinary Qin elite soldiers, the overwhelming aura of authority and the murderous intent that enveloped him were unmistakable.
"Just as the rumors say, Supreme General Zhao Feng is indeed so young."
"A supreme general at the age of twenty."
"In the future, he might even become the State Minister. If I seize this opportunity, I might be able to advance to the capital as an official."
Watching Zhao Feng approach step by step, Yan Bing felt both excitement and anticipation.
He understood this was his chance to rise further.
"Subordinate Yan Bing greets the Supreme General."
Yan Bing immediately bowed.
"Subordinate greets the Supreme General!"
All the county officials and soldiers of Shachou followed suit in salutation.
"All of you, rise," Zhao Feng said with a slight smile, raising his hand.
Looking at these officials of Shachou County, Zhao Feng recalled that four years ago, these were the most powerful figures in the region, people who were completely out of his reach.
But now, Zhao Feng had risen to the rank of Supreme General, one of the highest positions in the state.
Even the highest-ranking county governor could not compare to a general.
Only in Qin could such an achievement be possible.
Outside Qin, the nobility held power, and without the merit-based system introduced by Qin's reforms, common soldiers could never dream of becoming generals, let alone advancing further.
"The Supreme General's return brings great honor to Shachou."
"Since you have been away for many years, I have come to personally guide your way home," Yan Bing said with great respect.
To this, Zhao Feng smiled and nodded. "Then I shall trouble Governor Yan."
"The Supreme General is too kind."
"This is but my duty," Yan Bing replied, visibly excited.
Being given such recognition meant that Zhao Feng acknowledged his goodwill.
And it seemed that Zhao Feng had heard about his efforts to support the general's family over the years otherwise, he would not have been so receptive.
"Then let us set off."
"I wish to be home before nightfall," Zhao Feng said.
"Please, this way, Supreme General." Yan Bing respectfully stepped aside.
Then, he turned to his subordinates and instructed, "I will be traveling to Sha Village. You all may return first."
"The county soldiers shall ride with me."
Upon hearing this, the soldiers responded, "Understood!"
…
Sha Village
Night had fallen.
Yet every household in the village was lit with candlelight.
Compared to the past, Sha Village had become more prosperous and affluent.
Many new houses had been built.
After word spread that a Supreme General had emerged from Sha Village, people regarded it as a place of outstanding talent.
Many had even moved to the village, drawn by its newfound prestige.
When Zhao Feng left years ago, the village had only a few hundred people.
Now, its population has grown to nearly two thousand, effectively making it a small township.
All of this was because Zhao Feng had become a Supreme General.
His status had brought honor to the village.
And the population was still growing.
After all, in this era, there were no laws restricting movement unlike in later times, when travel permits were required.
"Zhang Ming, my house isn't big enough to accommodate all our brothers. Have them camp outside for the night."
Zhao Feng lifted the curtain and spoke to Zhang Ming.
Upon hearing this, Yan Bing immediately smiled.
"Supreme General, you may not be aware, but His Majesty personally ordered royal craftsmen to build a residence for you."
"Your estate is now vast. Not only can it accommodate these hundreds of guards, but even more should the need arise."
"His Majesty's favor toward you was evident even back then."
Zhao Feng was slightly taken aback. "Is it really that large?"
"Absolutely."
"I have visited several times and know its layout well," Yan Bing affirmed with a smile.
"Then there is no need to camp. Let us return home," Zhao Feng said.
"Understood!" Zhang Ming respectfully obeyed.
Then, with their guards escorting the carriage, the group headed into the village.
"What's that noise outside?"
"It sounds like an army."
"Did something happen in the village?"
"Let's go check it out..."
The sound of horses' hooves and the clanking of armor stirred the villagers' curiosity.
Under the moonlight, they saw a long procession making its way toward Zhao Feng's estate.
"They're heading to Zhao Manor."
"Could it be that Supreme General Zhao Feng has returned?"
"That must be it."
"Zhao has been gone for so long; it makes sense for General Zhao Feng to return now."
"If the Supreme General is back, shouldn't we go see him?"
"Of course! Our family rents five acres of land from the General at a low price. Those five acres have allowed us to live so comfortably we must go and express our gratitude!"
"That's right."
"Our whole family should go together."
"Let's go…"
Seeing so many Qin soldiers marching toward Zhao Manor, the villagers quickly deduced that Zhao Feng had returned.
Whether they had past ties or not, at this moment, everyone rushed eagerly toward the Zhao residence.
Zhao Residence
"Madam!"
"Miss!"
"The Supreme General has returned!"
"And the Young Mistress and the others have also come back!"
The steward hurriedly ran into the residence, shouting excitedly.
Upon hearing this, Madam Zhao and Zhao Ying, who had been inside their small room sorting medicinal herbs, immediately put everything down, their faces filled with excitement as they rushed toward the entrance.
At the Entrance
A group of servants had already gathered at the gates of the Zhao residence.
"Welcome home, Supreme General!"
All the servants knelt in unison. As they were of slave status, they were not even considered commoners, so they naturally had to perform the grandest of courtesies.
"Mm."
Zhao Feng nodded and waved his hand. "Prepare food for five hundred people. You may all go now."
"We obey."
The servants quickly dispersed to begin preparing the meals. Clearly, with so many people to feed, they were destined for a busy night.
At that moment
Madam Zhao and Zhao Ying rushed out.
When they saw Zhao Feng, whom they had not seen for so long, both of them trembled with emotion.
"Feng'er!"
Madam Zhao called out in a shaky voice.
"Brother!"
Upon hearing these voices, Zhao Feng immediately turned his head and saw the two people he had missed the most over the past four years on the battlefield.
"Mother!"
"Little sister!"
"I'm back!"
Seeing them, Zhao Feng strode forward and pulled them both into a tight embrace. This was the deep bond of family.
"As long as you're back! As long as you're back!"
"It's been four years…"
"You've finally come home."
"You've grown more mature, taller, and stronger."
"This is wonderful."
Madam Zhao examined Zhao Feng from head to toe, and seeing her son return unharmed, nothing in the world could have made her happier.
"Mother."
"Ying'er."
Wang Yan also stepped forward and called to them gently.
"Yan'er!"
"You're back too."
Madam Zhao was just as delighted.
"Grandmother!"
"Auntie!"
The two little ones also ran up excitedly, calling out sweetly.
"Good, good! You're all back!"
Madam Zhao looked at her two grandchildren with immense affection.
In this era, it was common to favor boys over girls this was a societal norm, even in later generations.
But to Madam Zhao, there was no such distinction.
She loved her grandson and granddaughter equally.
Even toward Zhao Ying, she had never treated her unfairly her love was the same.
"Mother."
"My husband has already named them."
"Our son is named Zhao Qi, and our daughter is named Zhao Ling."
Wang Yan pointed at the two little ones as she spoke.
"Zhao Qi, Zhao Ling."
"Mm, very nice names."
"Good names."
Madam Zhao praised them immediately.
Then she squatted down, embracing the two children with deep affection.
"My precious grandchildren now have names Qi'er, Ling'er."
"Call me 'Grandmother' a few times, let me hear it."
The two little ones were very well-behaved and immediately called out sweetly:
"Grandmother."
"Ah!"
Madam Zhao responded joyfully.
"Call me 'Auntie' too."
Zhao Ying squatted down and played with her two nephews.
"Auntie!"
"Auntie…"
The little ones called out sweetly.
Zhao Ying responded happily, clearly enjoying it.
Zhao Feng watched this warm and joyful scene, feeling deeply content.
This was exactly what he had always pursued
A happy family, together.
He had built a home and had children, and now it had all come true.
Moreover, he wielded great power.
Beyond just power, he also had a secret force under his command his future was full of possibilities.
"Brother!"
"I never imagined it."
"You've become the Supreme General."
"Are you sure you're not a different person?"
Zhao Ying moved closer and began pinching Zhao Feng's face.
In all of Great Qin, only Zhao Ying dared to do such a thing.
"You little troublemaker. How could your brother be someone else?"
Zhao Feng smacked her hand away with feigned annoyance.
"Mother!"
"Brother is still the same as before!"
"He only knows how to bully me!"
Zhao Ying pouted in mock grievance, turning to Madam Zhao for support.
"Well, you do ask for it sometimes," Madam Zhao said, shaking her head with a smile.
But at that moment
Just as the Zhao family was joyfully reunited, Madam Zhao suddenly felt an intense gaze fixed upon her.
The owner of that gaze was trembling, their entire being quivering with emotion.
"It's… it's Dong'er."
"My daughter."
"She's alive. It's her."
"Dong'er is still alive."
"Still alive…"
At this moment, Xia Wuque was trembling all over, his heart pounding wildly.
For him
His greatest wish in life had finally come true. He had found his daughter.
"You must be the steward, correct?"
Zhao Feng shifted his gaze toward a nearby attendant.
"Yes, Supreme General, I am indeed the steward," the attendant answered immediately.
"Arrange lodging for my guards and oversee the meal preparations."
Zhao Feng gave his orders.
"The Supreme General has not eaten either, correct?"
"I will have the meals prepared together," the steward said promptly.
"Mm, go ahead."
Zhao Feng nodded.
The steward quickly left, and the other servants, knowing their place, withdrew as well.
Only the Zhao family remained, while Zhang Ming and the guards followed the steward away.
At that moment
Madam Zhao finally noticed someone still standing at the doorway.
She turned her gaze toward the figure.
And in that instant
Her expression changed.
In her eyes, there was shock, confusion, disbelief, and guilt.
Countless emotions surged within her gaze.
Meanwhile, Zhao Feng was still watching his sister play with his children, unaware of his mother's reaction.
At this point
Zhao Ying also stood up and noticed the figure behind them.
"Brother, who is that?"
She asked curiously.
Hearing her question
Zhao Feng suddenly remembered.
"Oh, I almost forgot."
He clapped his hands and turned to introduce the figure.
"Mother, Sister."
"This is Xia Wuque, the greatest physician in Great Qin."
"I met him back in Zhao State and was also familiar with his apprentice. When we were in Xianyang, he even examined Yan'er."
"While in Xianyang, he happened to see the jade bracelet that Mother gave to Yan'er. He said he had seen a similar one before, belonging to an old acquaintance."
"So he decided to come back with me to see if Mother was truly a descendant of that acquaintance."
Zhao Feng said with a smile.
At this moment
Xia Wuque and Madam Zhao locked eyes.
Between them, there were no words
But in their gazes, they exchanged a message only they could understand.
"Doctor Xia, what's wrong?"
"Do you truly recognize my mother?"
Seeing Xia Wuque frozen in place, Zhao Feng asked with a smile.
Hearing this
Xia Wuque snapped out of his emotional storm.
Forcing a smile, he replied,
"Yes… yes, she does resemble my old acquaintance's descendants."
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