"Mother, do you know Grand Physician Xia?"
Zhao Feng turned his head and looked at his mother.
"I do."
Zhao Shi nodded, her eyes flickering with emotion.
"Grand Physician Xia is the head of the medical family. I can be considered one of his disciples," Zhao Shi said, suppressing the turmoil in her heart and forcing herself to remain calm.
"No wonder Mother's medical skills are so exceptional. It turns out you were taught by Grand Physician Xia."
"Then it seems Grand Physician Xia truly came to the right place." Zhao Feng smiled.
"Feng brat!"
At that moment!
A figure walked over quickly and, upon seeing Zhao Feng, immediately called out with a smile.
Hearing this!
Zhao Feng's eyes lit up with joy. "Grandfather Wu!"
"It's been four years."
"I just returned and haven't had the chance to visit you yet."
Zhao Feng deeply respected Wu Lizheng because, in the past, his family had relied on Wu Lizheng's help. If not for him, they wouldn't have had land to farm, and his mother wouldn't have been able to support both him and his sister alone.
"It's good that you're back."
"To be honest, when you left for the battlefield, I was truly worried something would happen to you. Now that you've returned, and as a great general no less, I couldn't be happier for you." Wu Lizheng smiled.
To him, Zhao Feng and his sister were like his own grandchildren.
"Grandfather Wu, I will never forget the great kindness you have shown to my family." Zhao Feng's voice was firm.
Seeing Zhao Feng's sincerity, Wu Lizheng smiled in satisfaction but then said, "I heard that you've returned. There are many villagers outside who want to see you, to express their gratitude."
"Gratitude? For what?" Zhao Feng was puzzled.
"Brother."
"All the lands granted to you as part of your noble title we distributed them to the villagers for farming. We only collected a symbolic amount in rent. Because of you, the villagers now live well," Zhao Ying said with a smile.
Hearing this!
Zhao Feng finally understood and nodded with a smile. "That's just a small matter. There's no need for such gratitude."
"It might be a small matter to you, but to the villagers, it is a great kindness."
"Go see them," Wu Lizheng said.
"Alright." Zhao Feng nodded. Then, he turned to Xia Wuque and said, "Mother, please arrange accommodations for Grand Physician Xia. I will go see the villagers."
Zhao Shi nodded gently.
"Ying'er, let's go inside first."
"I think Mother and Grand Physician Xia have something to talk about," Wang Yan said with a smile, holding the hands of her two children and looking at Zhao Ying.
Even though she had left the military, Wang Yan still had keen observational skills. She had noticed her mother-in-law's odd expression upon seeing Grand Physician Xia as if there was a hidden story.
To give them space, Wang Yan deliberately led Zhao Ying away.
Of course, Wang Yan also felt that her mother-in-law and Grand Physician Xia truly knew each other.
Considering her mother-in-law's medical skills, she might have been Grand Physician Xia's disciple. If not, there was at least some connection.
"Sister-in-law."
"Come with me," Zhao Ying said happily, leading Wang Yan inside.
Now.
Only Zhao Shi and Xia Wuque remained, staring at each other.
After a long moment.
Zhao Shi sighed. "Come with me."
Xia Wuque remained silent, quietly following Zhao Shi.
Soon.
The two arrived at the small courtyard where Zhao Shi had originally lived.
Even though a grand estate had been built, Zhao Shi still chose to live in this simple cottage.
With no one else around.
Zhao Shi suddenly knelt before Xia Wuque.
"Father."
"Your daughter has been unfilial."
Tears welled up in Zhao Shi's eyes.
Seeing this.
Xia Wuque quickly stepped forward and helped Zhao Shi up.
"Dong'er."
"What are you saying?"
"You are not unfilial. It was I who failed to protect you."
"Everything happened because of me."
"If I had protected you back then, none of this would have happened."
"You have suffered all these years."
"I have failed you."
Xia Wuque, too, was in tears as he tightly embraced his daughter and helped her to her feet.
"Father."
"For twenty-one years, I have not been by your side. I have been unfilial."
"Even though I knew you were in Xianyang, I didn't dare to visit you. That was even more unfilial."
"Your daughter…"
At this point.
Zhao Shi couldn't hold back anymore. Tears streamed down her face.
There were so many things they wanted to say.
But Xia Wuque already understood everything.
He had witnessed the darkness hidden beneath the power of the aristocracy and knew that if his daughter had not fled here, she would never have survived.
And his grandchildren would never have grown up safely.
"Zhao Feng and Zhao Ying… they are the King's children, aren't they?" Xia Wuque asked tentatively.
So many years had passed, but he still wanted confirmation.
The timeline matched, and the ages matched.
But when Zhao Feng became a general, the Black Ice Platform thoroughly investigated his background and found no discrepancies.
His father was supposedly a veteran of the Battle of Changping who had died for the country, and his mother was an ordinary woman from Sha Village.
"Yes."
Zhao Shi nodded. "When I fled to Shaqiu, I was already pregnant."
"Then why does Zhao Feng's official record have no mention of you? His father was recorded as a soldier who died in Handan."
"Even the King never suspected anything."
"If there had been any inconsistencies, the King would have noticed." Xia Wuque was puzzled.
"It was all thanks to Wu Lizheng of Sha Village."
"When I arrived at Sha Village, he took me in."
"The man who supposedly died in Handan was the son of one of Wu Lizheng's disciples." Zhao Shi explained.
"But wouldn't the villagers have found it suspicious?"
"That shouldn't have been possible," Xia Wuque was even more confused.
Sha Village originally had only a few hundred people. Everyone knew each other how could they not recognize an outsider?
"It was as if Heaven gave our family a chance to survive."
"Wu Lizheng's disciple's son had gone to war, and his wife left the village and never returned."
"So, I took her identity."
"And Zhao Feng's father was officially recorded as her husband."
"By coincidence, his surname was also Zhao." Zhao Shi said.
"I see."
Xia Wuque finally understood.,
Given his understanding of his daughter, he knew she would never seek him out.
But he could also imagine how much hardship she had endured over the years.
"Dong'er."
"If I hadn't found you, would you have never gone to Xianyang?" Xia Wuque asked.
"Father."
"You already know the answer."
"Even though so many years have passed, if I were to go, Feng'er and Ying'er would be in danger."
"Those people would do anything for the throne."
"I don't want them to fall into harm's way."
"Even though Feng'er has already risen to great power, he still wouldn't be able to avoid danger. If it came to that, those people would go mad trying to take his life."
"I don't care about anything else in this life; as long as Feng'er and Ying'er can live in peace and safety, that's enough for me."
"Besides, Feng'er is doing well now he holds a high position, and that is more than enough." Zhao Shi smiled faintly.
Xia Wuque's aged face showed a deep conflict. "But don't you want to see Zheng'er? Do you not wish to meet him?"
"These years, I have been searching for you, but Zheng'er has been even more desperate to find you. When Zhao was destroyed, Zheng'er personally went to Handan to look for you, believing that's where you would be."
"For your sake, he has never taken a queen, even to this day." Xia Wuque spoke with sympathy.
He hoped his daughter would go and see Ying Zheng.
At least to grant him closure.
"Father, you know him, but I know him even better."
"If he learns that I'm here, he will come for me at any cost. He will publicly acknowledge Feng'er and Ying'er."
"And when that happens, Feng'er will become the target of countless threats."
"Even though Feng'er now holds great power and Zheng-ge has complete control over Qin, those noble families, those members of the royal clan they would do anything for the throne."
"I don't want Feng'er to be in danger."
"As long as Feng'er and Ying'er can live a peaceful life, I could die content." Zhao Shi's determination was unwavering.
Seeing his daughter's firm stance, Xia Wuque could only sigh and nod helplessly.
Meanwhile.
Outside the mansion.
Even under the night sky, a massive crowd had gathered outside.
They were all villagers from Sha Village, including familiar faces from Zhao Feng's past and many newcomers who had moved in.
Most of them had come with curiosity, eager to witness the scene.
"Zhao Feng is coming out!"
"Zhao boy, you've finally come out!"
"Our Sha Village produced an outstanding man!"
"Zhao boy, I'm your neighbor, Old Li! Do you still remember me?"
"Zhao Feng… I'm Aunt Zhao…"
One after another, the villagers who had known Zhao Feng in the past began calling out to him.
These were the elders who had once helped his family.
Of course.
There were also many who had been indifferent to them in the past, but now they were trying to forge a connection with Zhao Feng.
Zhao Feng responded to each of them with a nod.
"My fellow villagers."
"I have been away for four years."
"Since everyone is here today."
"I, Zhao Feng, have an announcement to make."
"In three days, I will host a banquet at my mansion a wedding banquet for my wife and me. First, to fulfill my duty to my mother, and second, to thank the villagers for all the care and kindness shown to my family over the years."
"Three days from now, all villagers of Sha Village are invited to the feast." Zhao Feng declared loudly.
"General Zhao is truly generous!"
"I will come to the banquet!"
"Thank you, General Zhao…"
From within the crowd, voices of gratitude and flattery filled the air.
This was the change that power brought.
Once a man gained power, he would find himself surrounded by 'good people.' And now, everyone around Zhao Feng was a 'good person' because no one dared to offend him.
As the Supreme General of Qin, a powerful court official, and a man with military command, who would dare to cross him?
"Grandpa Wu."
"I'll have to trouble you to take my guards to purchase everything needed for the banquet." Zhao Feng turned to Wu Lizheng.
"Don't worry."
"I'll make sure it's all handled perfectly." Wu Lizheng grinned.
"General Zhao."
"I can also assist."
"The best ingredients and supplies can be found in the county capital." Yan Bing, the county governor, said respectfully.
"I appreciate your help, Governor Yan." Zhao Feng smiled.
"You're too kind, General. It is my honor."
"May I ask, would I have the honor of attending the banquet in three days?" Yan Bing asked cautiously.
"These years, Governor Yan, you have taken good care of my mother and sister, and I must thank you for that."
"This banquet, of course, would not be complete without you, Governor Yan." Zhao Feng said with a smile.
Upon hearing this.
Yan Bing was overwhelmed with joy. "Yes, yes, thank you, General Zhao!"
With all arrangements made.
Zhao Feng bid farewell to the villagers and returned to his mansion.
"Where is Mother? And where is Doctor Xia?"
As soon as he returned, he realized he didn't see his mother or Xia Wuque.
"General Zhao."
"The madam and Doctor Xia went to the small cottage."
A maid replied respectfully.
Hearing this.
Zhao Feng nodded and walked toward the old cottage.
Even after four years, he could never forget the home he had lived in for sixteen years.
Soon.
From a distance, he saw the three straw huts standing there, evoking a surge of emotion within him.
But as he looked at the grand halls and pavilions surrounding the humble cottage, a sigh welled up from his heart.
"Everything has changed."
"In just four years, the world has become so different."
At this moment!
He saw Xia Wuque and Zhao Shi sitting in the courtyard.
After a long conversation, the two of them had regained their composure. Zhao Shi was pouring tea for Xia Wuque.
"So, Doctor Xia does know my mother."
Zhao Feng approached with a smile.
"Yes, we do know each other," Xia Wuque replied with a small smile.
"Feng'er."
"Doctor Xia is your master's master."
"When I first began learning medicine, I studied under him." Zhao Shi said calmly.
"So Doctor Xia wasn't mistaken the bracelet truly belonged to someone he knew." Zhao Feng suddenly understood.
Zhao Shi nodded with a smile. "Doctor Xia had indeed seen this bracelet before."
"This really must be fate."
"If Doctor Xia hadn't checked Yan'er's pulse, he wouldn't have recognized the bracelet, and he wouldn't have found my mother." Zhao Feng mused.
"It is indeed fate."
Xia Wuque nodded deeply.
He thought to himself, "If I hadn't seen that bracelet, I might never have come to Shaqiu, and I would never have found Dong'er."
"Oh, Mother, did you arrange a place for Doctor Xia to stay?" Zhao Feng asked.
"Don't worry, I've already taken care of it."
"Go handle whatever you need to do. You don't have to worry about us."
Zhao Shi waved him off.
"Alright."
"Then you two take your time catching up."
Zhao Feng smiled, completely unsuspecting, and turned to leave.
Returning to his homeland filled Zhao Feng with joy.
Tonight, he would rest well, and whatever needed to be done could wait until tomorrow.
Upon entering his room!
"Where are the two little ones?"
Looking around and not seeing Zhao Qi and Zhao Ling, Zhao Feng asked in confusion.
"They've been pestering their aunt," Wang Yan said with a slight smile.
"That's good," Zhao Feng nodded.
"Husband."
"Don't you think something was off about the way that Doctor Xia looked at Mother today?" Wang Yan asked in a curious tone.
"What do you mean by 'off'?" Zhao Feng asked, surprised.
"I can't quite put my finger on it, but it felt like they were hiding something," Wang Yan said with a strong intuition.
Zhao Feng, however, just smiled and shook his head. "You're overthinking it. Doctor Xia and my mother do indeed know each other. Mother just told us that she once studied medicine under him. He's also seen that bracelet before."
"So that's how it is."
Wang Yan nodded in realization, though she still felt that something was strange. When Doctor Xia and her mother-in-law exchanged glances, it didn't seem like a simple reunion between old acquaintances.
"Alright, stop thinking about it."
"We've been traveling for days, let's just get some rest."
"It's been a long time since I've slept at home," Zhao Feng said with a smile as he pulled Wang Yan into bed.
…
The next morning.
At the small house.
For the first time in four years, the family sat together for breakfast.
This meal was personally prepared by Zhao Shi.
"I haven't had Mother's pancakes in four years. I missed them," Zhao Feng said with a smile as he took a bite.
"If you miss them, then eat more," Zhao Shi said with motherly affection.
"Brother."
"How long is your leave from the king this time?" Zhao Ying asked.
"One month," Zhao Feng replied.
"Only one month?" Zhao Ying said, disappointed.
"What do you mean 'only one month'?"
"That's already a long time."
"I'm already a Grand General, but my military camp has yet to be established. Once my leave is over, I need to return to Xianyang to discuss its formation with His Majesty."
"The establishment of the camp is a matter of national importance."
"This can't be delayed," Zhao Feng explained.
He naturally wanted to stay home longer, but the King of Qin valued him so highly. While he had his plans for the future, as long as the king was still alive and treating him well, Zhao Feng would serve him with all his might.
Moreover, once the camp was established, he could formally condense his Grand General's official seal, which would further enhance his strength.
"I don't care about that."
"I just know you've been away for four years, and now you're only staying for a month."
"The king is too stingy," Zhao Ying pouted, clearly displeased.
In front of outsiders, Zhao Ying was a refined young lady, but in front of her mother and brother, she was just a little girl who liked to throw tantrums.
"You can say that at home, but don't go spouting it outside. Otherwise, they'll haul you off and spank you," Zhao Feng teased.
"I'm not afraid."
"Unless the king is that stingy," Zhao Ying huffed.
"Speaking of which."
"Little sister."
Zhao Feng suddenly looked at Zhao Ying with a grin.
"What?" Zhao Ying looked at him suspiciously, feeling like her brother was up to something.
"You're twenty years old now, a grown woman. Should I find you a husband and get you married?" Zhao Feng teased.
"You wouldn't dare."
"I'm not getting married."
Zhao Ying's face immediately darkened.
Technically speaking, Zhao Feng did have the right to arrange her marriage.
Since their father had passed away, and as the eldest brother, Zhao Feng was now the head of the family, he could make the decision for her.
"You're already twenty."
"If you don't get married soon, you'll be an old maid."
Zhao Feng was genuinely a little concerned.
After all, in this era, most girls married at thirteen or fourteen. Even though he was open-minded, the times were not. Was his sister planning to stay unmarried forever?
"I'm not getting married for now."
"I haven't met the right person."
"I'll think about it when I do," Zhao Ying said firmly.
"You spend all your time cooped up at home. How are you supposed to meet anyone?"
"Yeah, right," Zhao Feng said, exasperated.
"Fate is unpredictable."
"Didn't you and Sister-in-law meet by chance?" Zhao Ying retorted, full of confidence.
Hearing that, Zhao Feng couldn't help but laugh. "Are you planning to join the army too? Find someone there?"
"Hmph." Zhao Ying huffed proudly.
"Husband, let Ying'er decide for herself."
"She's your sister. Once we get to Xianyang, there will be plenty of talented young men for her to choose from. Who would dare mistreat her?" Wang Yan interjected, speaking up for Zhao Ying.
Now that she was the eldest sister-in-law, and coming from a noble background, she carried a certain authority.
"Sister-in-law is the best," Zhao Ying immediately clung to Wang Yan's arm, acting spoiled.
"Feng'er."
"You mentioned hosting a wedding banquet. Have you made all the arrangements?" Zhao Shi asked with concern.
Since she had given birth to both her children, the thing she cared about most was their marriages.
Although Zhao Feng had already held a wedding in Xianyang, they still had to host one in their hometown of Sha Village.
"Speaking of that."
"When we were in Xianyang, the king even acted as my elder."
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