For Wang Jian, what he sought now was stability.
His son-in-law had just been promoted to Hujun Duyi (Protector-General), which meant that any misstep was unacceptable.
Ying Zheng smiled slightly. "Zhao Feng has just been promoted, and he needs military achievements to solidify his position. You, as his father-in-law, seem to be falling short in this regard."
"Your Majesty," Wang Jian sighed helplessly, "if another campaign is launched and Zhao Feng is once again entrusted with leading the army, the other two Shangjun (Generals) will surely be displeased. The court officials will also vehemently oppose it."
That was precisely what he wanted to avoid Zhao Feng becoming a target of resentment.
"The Northern Frontier must defend against foreign tribes," Ying Zheng said calmly. "Now that the entire territory of Zhao is under Qin's control, the northern frontier has expanded. Meng Wu will not vie for this opportunity. As for Hangu's General Huan Yi…"
Ying Zheng paused for a moment in thought.
Wang Jian's words had indeed persuaded him to some extent.
Pushing his son to the forefront and making him a target of jealousy was not a wise move.
However, this campaign was critical for Zhao Feng not only to secure his position as Hujun Duyi but also for his future advancement. Ying Zheng could not afford to miss this opportunity.
In Qin's strict meritocratic military system, promotions and titles had to be earned through battle. Ying Zheng would not break this rule.
"I will make it a fair competition between Hangu and Wu'an," Ying Zheng said with a smile.
"A fair competition?" Wang Jian's eyes flickered.
"General Wang," Wei Liao interjected, "Wei Wuji is a cunning strategist. Ever since his defeat at Weicheng, he has been tirelessly preparing his defenses. Destroying Wei may not be as simple as it seems."
"I know Wei Wuji well," Wang Jian nodded. "He is a cautious man. After Zhao's fall, he has repeatedly sent envoys to seek reconciliation with Qin, hoping to avoid Your Majesty's wrath. But Your Majesty has never granted them an audience."
"How could I?" Ying Zheng chuckled coldly. "Wei was the first to provoke Qin. This casus belli is too valuable to waste."
"Your Majesty is wise." Wang Jian and Wei Liao bowed in unison.
"General Wang," Wei Liao continued, "our intelligence reports indicate that Wei Wuji has not been idle. Over the past two years, he has reorganized his military and forcibly conscripted 300,000 young men into his army. Wei's total forces now exceed 600,000."
"Then it is clear," Wang Jian said solemnly. "Wei Wuji intends to resist Qin to the bitter end, even at the cost of his nation's survival. Such excessive militarization will only lead to ruin."
"Indeed," Ying Zheng nodded, his gaze fixed on the map. "Wei has fewer people than Zhao and far fewer than Qin only slightly more than Han. To conscript 300,000 men at the height of the spring farming season is self-destructive. But Wei Wuji has no choice. He knows that I will move against Wei sooner or later. Expanding his army is his only recourse."
Wei Liao bowed again. "Your Majesty speaks the truth. In the past, when Qin attacked Zhao to aid Yan, it was a justified war. Now, Wei has unprovokedly attacked Yingchuan, giving us a perfect excuse to retaliate. No other state will dare to come to Wei's aid."
"Even so, we must guard against Chu," Wang Jian cautioned.
"Among Qi, Chu, and Yan, Yan was crushed by Qin in the Zhao campaign and is too weak to act. They are still reeling from the reparations they paid to us. Yan lacks both the strength and the courage to oppose Qin."
"As for Qi, Your Majesty has long followed the policy of 'distant alliances and near conquests.' Qin and Qi have maintained amicable relations, far stronger than anything Wei can claim."
"That leaves only Chu," Wang Jian said, his expression serious. "They have never honored any treaty or alliance. Their barbaric ways make them unpredictable. We must be wary of them."
His concern was clear.
With Zhao now gone, the biggest obstacle to Qin's unification was no longer Zhao, but Chu.
"Rest assured, General Wang," Wei Liao said, smiling. "His Majesty has already made arrangements. Soon, an edict will be issued, appointing Lord Changping as governor of Chen Ying to command 50,000 troops and oversee the settlement of refugees from Chu."
"Lord Changping was once a Chu royal and holds great prestige among the Mi clan. Having him stationed at Chen Ying is a wise move." Wang Jian nodded approvingly.
The Mi clan, which had once ruled the Chu, still influenced the Qin court.
"By the way," Wang Jian suddenly recalled, "Your Majesty mentioned making Hangu and Wu'an compete fairly. How exactly will this work?"
"Wu'an is north of Wei, while Hangu is to the west," Ying Zheng explained. "Wei Wuji has exhausted his nation's resources on military expansion. A single campaign will not suffice to crush them.
"I will give both Generals Huan Yi and Zhao Feng a chance whoever captures the Wei capital first will claim the greatest merit."
Hearing this, Wang Jian pondered for a moment before nodding. "I understand."
With two armies attacking from different fronts, there would be no objections from the court. Zhao Feng would also avoid becoming the sole focus of envy.
"Your Majesty," Wei Liao interjected again, "beyond military action, we must also employ economic warfare. I have already devised a strategy."
"First, we must sever all trade between Qin and Wei, especially the sale of grain."
"Second, we must cut off Wei's trade with other states."
"No shipments of grain, no iron or copper, no leather or cloth for military use, no horses nothing must pass through Qin territory."
"This will throw Wei into disarray within months. Then, when our armies strike, we will secure a decisive victory."
As he spoke, Wei Liao produced a written plan and respectfully presented it to Ying Zheng.
Ying Zheng examined it briefly before nodding in satisfaction. "Excellent."
"You will have full authority to implement this strategy. I will ensure that all relevant officials cooperate with you."
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your trust," Wei Liao said, bowing deeply.
"One more matter," Ying Zheng said suddenly.
Ying Zheng's tone suddenly shifted, and a faint smile appeared on his face. "After Zhao Feng left for Yunzhong City to assume his post, the King of Yan sent Qing Qin to congratulate him. Moreover, he mentioned arranging a marriage for Zhao Feng, offering a Yan princess as a concubine."
"Lord Wang, do you have any objections?"
Wang Jian chuckled. "Since the Yan Kingdom is offering a princess, how could our Great Qin possibly refuse?"
"However…"
"The Yan Kingdom's methods are simply too foolish. My son-in-law may not be an old and cunning statesman, but he is quite shrewd."
"It seems the King of Yan hopes Zhao Feng will welcome the princess with a grand military procession, thereby allowing the court to impeach him."
"Now that this matter has reached Your Majesty's ears, their scheme has already failed."
In this era, concubines had little to no status compared to the main wife.
Everything depended on the favor of the husband.
Wang Jian had no concerns about his daughter, for at this time, there were no stories of concubines competing for favor unless the ruler was overly indulgent. In a normal household or one where the wife's family had a strong background if a concubine dared to challenge the main wife, the wife could even have her beaten or killed.
That was the absolute authority of the main wife the true mistress of the household.
Even Wang Jian himself had a main wife and several concubines.
"Since the Supreme General agrees, I certainly have no objections."
"A Yan princess as Zhao Feng's concubine this is already the Yan Kingdom reaching beyond their station." Ying Zheng laughed heartily, a trace of pride in his tone.
However, neither the keen-eyed Wei Liao nor Wang Jian caught the deeper meaning behind Ying Zheng's words.
"I will issue an edict for Zhao Feng to directly marry the Yan princess."
"Since the Yan Kingdom wants to play, let Zhao Feng play along." Ying Zheng smiled faintly.
He was eager for his son to marry more women and expand the family line.
At present, Zhao Feng's household consists of one main wife, along with two concubines a princess of Han and a princess of Zhao.
To Ying Zheng, this was far from enough.
The Princesses of the Six Kingdoms
He wanted to grant one to Zhao Feng from each nation.
"Your Majesty is wise."
"The King of Yan will be left with no choice but to accept this loss." Wang Jian smiled in agreement.
"By the way."
"Are your two grandsons at home?" Ying Zheng suddenly asked.
When he voiced this question, there was an unmistakable hint of anticipation in his heart.
He had first noticed them at Wang Ben's wedding when Zhao Feng had attended.
At that moment, something had stirred in him an indescribable sense of familiarity.
Now, he understood everything.
Those two were his grandsons!
His flesh and blood.
His grandsons he had to get to know them.
They couldn't just remain outside his reach.
Wang Jian wasn't sure why Ying Zheng was suddenly inquiring about his grandsons, but he answered truthfully. "Your Majesty, my daughter brings them to my residence every day. Ever since Zhao Feng left for Yunzhong, she has been quite lonely at home."
Ying Zheng nodded with a smile. "I've seen those two little ones a few times, and I am quite fond of them."
"This afternoon, I am hosting a farewell banquet for Zhao Feng's younger sister."
"General Wang, when you return, have Wang Yan bring those two children to the palace for a visit."
Hearing this, Wang Jian immediately nodded. "I will have my daughter bring them right away."
To him, there was no reason to question this request.
"Good."
"Then you should hurry back."
"Have those two little ones come to the palace as soon as possible." Ying Zheng laughed, unable to hide the joy on his face.
Standing to the side, Wei Liao glanced at him curiously.
"His Majesty has never shown much interest in children before. Why is he suddenly so keen on meeting Wang Jian's grandsons?"
Wei Liao was not overthinking it
He simply knew Ying Zheng too well.
However, he didn't dwell on the matter too much.
"We take our leave."
Wang Jian and Wei Liao bowed and slowly withdrew from the Zhangtai Palace.
Once they left, Ying Zheng walked back to the front hall.
Taking his seat, he picked up his brush and wrote on an empty royal decree:
"The marriage between the Yan princess and Zhao Feng is approved."
A single sentence
And the marriage was sealed.
After finishing the decree, Ying Zheng set it aside. Soon, someone would see to its official issuance.
"My two grandsons…"
"Ah Fang…"
"You were afraid that coming here would bring trouble to Feng'er and the others, so you refused to come. But our grandsons… they are in Xianyang."
"I will take good care of them."
As he thought of the two children who would soon enter the palace, a rare expression of affection surfaced in Ying Zheng's eyes.
Then, he turned to Zhao Gao, who was serving in the hall.
"Prepare some fruits and treats that children like." Ying Zheng said slowly.
"Ah?"
Zhao Gao lifted his head, looking at Ying Zheng in utter confusion.
He was completely bewildered.
"Hm?" Ying Zheng's brows furrowed slightly.
"Right away, Your Majesty!"
Zhao Gao snapped back to his senses and quickly responded, his face full of fear.
He had thought he must have misheard, but feeling the sharp and authoritative gaze of Ying Zheng, he dared not question it further. He swiftly left to carry out the order.
At the Wang Residence
"Father."
"His Majesty summoned us to the palace just to dine with Ying'er?" Wang Yan asked, surprised.
"That is what His Majesty said."
"Take Qi'er and Ling'er to the palace."
"I've already arranged for a carriage to be prepared outside."
"This is not a bad thing." Wang Jian smiled as he spoke.
"Alright." Wang Yan nodded.
"Qi'er, Ling'er."
"Let's go."
"Say goodbye to your aunt and cousin." Wang Yan called out.
"Alright."
Two crisp sounds echoed.
"Goodbye, Aunt."
"Goodbye, Cousin."
The voices of the two little ones could be heard coming from the inner hall.
Looking inside, there was a woman dressed in palace attire, with a small boy beside her.
It was Princess Liyang, who had married Wang Ben, along with Wang Li.
After exchanging farewells, the sound of quick footsteps followed. The two little ones hurried out to the outer hall.
"Qi'er, Ling'er."
"Slow down."
Princess Liyang looked at the two little ones with great affection. Her refined appearance and gentle gaze clearly showed that she liked them very much.
It seemed that this was not the same Princess Liyang known to Zhao Feng, not the one who was fickle and flirtatious.
In this world, Princess Liyang was a much more normal person.
"Goodbye, Aunt."
The two little ones responded, still running swiftly.
When they reached the outer hall, they politely said to Wang Jian, "Goodbye, Grandfather."
"Go on."
"Be careful not to bump into your mother." Wang Jian said kindly.
"Yan'er."
"How many months along are you now?"
"You must be careful."
Looking at his daughter's slightly swollen belly, Wang Jian was full of concern.
"Father, don't worry." Wang Yan smiled and nodded.
Outside the residence, Wang Yan helped her children into the carriage, which slowly began its journey toward the royal palace.
There were also guards accompanying them, all of whom were secret agents from Yan Ting, disguised as ordinary guards.
For Zhao Feng, the safety of his family was of utmost importance.
In addition to these guards, there were even more secret agents in the residence protecting them.
In the Royal Palace, Zhangtai Palace
"We pay our respects to Your Majesty." Chen Fushi bowed.
"I pay my respects to Your Majesty." Zhao Ying also bowed respectfully.
Ying Zheng raised his head, his gaze sweeping past Chen Fushi and landing on Zhao Ying, with a hint of concern in his eyes.
"Zhao Ying."
"How have you been doing at the Grand Medical Hall?" Ying Zheng asked gently.
"Replying to Your Majesty."
"I've learned almost everything."
"I can go look for my brother now." Zhao Ying immediately replied.
Ying Zheng turned to Chen Fushi.
"Replying to Your Majesty."
"Miss Zhao Ying's medical talent is indeed extraordinary. After studying at the Grand Medical Hall for so long, she has already surpassed many of the top doctors." Chen Fushi immediately responded with a smile.
"She is the daughter of both me and Ah Fang."
"Feng'er has my martial skills, and Ying'er naturally has her mother's medical talent." Ying Zheng thought to himself, feeling quite proud.
"Zhao Ying."
"Do you want to go to the army?"
"It's a tough place."
"You don't have to go. You could stay in Xianyang."
Thinking about how Zhao Ying would leave Xianyang and go to the harsh conditions of the military, Ying Zheng couldn't help but feel uneasy. He immediately asked.
He didn't want his daughter to suffer in the army.
His daughter, the princess of Great Qin why should she endure such hardship?
Whatever Zhao Ying wanted, as a father, he could fulfill.
"Your Majesty."
"Since I was young, I've followed my mother's teachings. As a medical family, we prioritize healing and saving lives. In the army, I can help more people. I also want to practice the medical way that's in my heart." Zhao Ying responded solemnly.
This was something she was determined to do.
Looking at Zhao Ying's serious and determined expression, Ying Zheng was reminded of a time when he saw a similar resolve in a young Xia Dong'er.
"Father."
"I have already decided that in this life, I will be with Brother Zheng."
"Isn't the way of medicine about healing and saving people?"
"If we help Brother Zheng return to Xianyang and, in the future, when he becomes king and unites the world to end the war, countless lives will be saved."
"That is the true way of medicine."
When she was young, Xia Dong'er had said these words to her father, Xia Wuqie.
At the time, Xia Wuqie had been so shocked by her words.
"To save countless lives by ending the war?"
And it was these very words that made the famous first doctor of the land, Xia Wuqie, follow Ying Zheng to Qin and become the most renowned doctor of the Qin Kingdom.
He trained countless physicians, increasing the number of military doctors in Qin.
"This girl has some of her mother's character."
"Once she decides on something, she is unwavering."
Ying Zheng couldn't help but sigh to himself.
He could tell that it was impossible to keep Zhao Ying in Xianyang now.
"Alright, alright."
"Go ahead."
"However…"
"If you're going to Yunzhong, I will have the Imperial Guards escort you personally." Ying Zheng said with a bit of helplessness.
Hearing this, Zhao Ying glanced at him in surprise, noticing the helpless expression on her father's face.
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