Zhao Feng smiled. "Good!"
Ying Zheng also smiled. The father and son exchanged glances, each understanding the other on a deep level.
As his legitimate son and the one he valued most Ying Zheng's expectations for Zhao Feng were akin to how Zhu Yuanzhang of a later dynasty regarded his eldest son, Zhu Biao.
In Ying Zheng's heart
He had only one true wife, Xia Dong'er.
She was his childhood sweetheart.
His companion through hardship.
The wife who stood by him in adversity.
And in his heart, he had only two children: Zhao Feng and Zhao Ying.
Because they were originally the children of Zhao Zheng, not Qin King Ying Zheng.
That was the fundamental reason why they were different.
Of course
If that were the only reason, Ying Zheng would have simply chosen Zhao Feng as his heir by default. If Zhao Feng lacked ability, Ying Zheng would have trained him diligently.
However
Zhao Feng was exceptionally capable, strong enough to subdue the world.
How could Ying Zheng not value such an heir?
"Come!"
"Tonight, our family drinks together!"
Ying Zheng raised his cup and smiled.
"Qi'er, Ling'er, take your younger siblings and toast your grandfather." Zhao Feng instructed.
"Father, we can drink, but our younger siblings are too small they can't." Zhao Qi turned his head with a grin.
"If they can't drink, then you'll drink on their behalf."
"Now, bow to your grandfather." Zhao Feng chuckled.
"Alright!"
Zhao Qi immediately picked up a cup of wine.
Then, turning to his younger siblings, he said, "Come, bow and pay respects to Grandfather!"
Zhao Feng's youngest child was already a year old.
Following their eldest brother Zhao Qi's lead
Nine of Zhao Feng's children stepped forward and stood before Ying Zheng and Xia Dong'er.
"Greetings, Grandfather."
All nine of them bowed in unison.
Zhao Qi and Zhao Ling also lifted their wine cups and offered them to Ying Zheng with utmost respect.
"Good!"
"A toast from my grandchildren I must drink it!"
Ying Zheng laughed heartily, his joy evident.
Just then
"Your Majesty."
"The great physician Xia has arrived."
Zhao Gao approached and announced respectfully.
"Excellent!"
"Finally, he has returned."
A smile appeared on Ying Zheng's face.
Back during the Fengshan Ceremony at Mount Tai, Xia Wuque had originally planned to accompany them. However, when passing through the Si River, he detoured to Zhao territory to pay respects to his ancestors, as if fulfilling an old wish.
Now, his daughter had been found.
And not only that they could finally be together in the open.
At that moment
Xia Wuque entered Zhangtai Palace. When he saw the gathered family in the hall
He was deeply moved.
"A family… finally reunited."
Tears streamed down his aged face, unstoppable.
This scene
He had only ever dreamed of.
Yet, in his twilight years, he was able to witness it in reality.
At his age, he did not have many years left.
But at this moment, seeing this reunion
He felt he could die without regrets.
"Father."
Xia Dong'er called softly.
"Ah…"
Xia Wuque wiped his tears and responded with a gentle voice.
"Father-in-law."
"I did not let you down."
"I found A'Fang."
"And not just her I found an entire family."
Ying Zheng spoke warmly.
At this moment
In Zhangtai Palace, the family had come together.
This was what Ying Zheng had always longed for.
"Good, good."
"As long as she's back, that's all that matters."
Tears once again filled Xia Wuque's eyes.
For him
There was no greater joy.
Upon seeing Xia Wuque
Zhao Feng smiled. "Grandfather."
His greeting was heartfelt.
His mother had spent so many years in hiding his grandfather had searched for just as long.
This story had long spread through Xianyang since Zhao Feng's first arrival, so he naturally knew all about it.
As for his so-called father he, too, had never stopped searching.
Yet his mother had been too afraid of Xianyang.
Too afraid to return.
If she had ever revealed even the slightest sign, Ying Zheng would have certainly noticed.
Of course
Through Xia Wuque's scattered clues, Ying Zheng eventually learned of Xia Dong'er's existence and met her in secret.
"Grandfather."
Zhao Ying also stepped forward and greeted him.
"Ah!"
Xia Wuque's old face bloomed with joy as he immediately responded.
"Father-in-law, please take the seat of honor."
Ying Zheng quickly stepped aside and helped Xia Wuque forward.
"No, no, I can't do that."
"You are the Emperor!"
Xia Wuque waved his hands repeatedly in refusal.
"Father-in-law."
"This is a family gathering there is no Emperor here, only your son-in-law."
"In this place, you are the elder."
Ying Zheng smiled and firmly guided Xia Wuque into the seat of honor.
"Good… good!"
Xia Wuque smiled and finally took his seat.
Then, Ying Zheng helped Xia Dong'er to her feet.
"Father-in-law," Ying Zheng said, "back when Zhao Zheng was in the state of Zhao, he formally proposed to you for the hand of Xia Dong'er. But after returning to Qin, he never fulfilled that promise."
"Today, Zhao Zheng wishes to make up for that."
Ying Zheng smiled, picked up a wine goblet, and respectfully presented it to Xia Wuque with a bow.
"Good."
"I will gladly accept this cup of wine," Xia Wuque said with a smile, taking the goblet from Ying Zheng.
"Dong'er is no longer young," he added. "Her looks have faded. I hope, Zheng'er, that you will not come to resent her in the future." As a father, he spoke with deep concern.
Ying Zheng immediately replied, "Father-in-law, though time may have aged her appearance, in my heart, Ah Fang will always be the most beautiful."
"That is good to hear," Xia Wuque said, feeling deeply comforted.
He had observed Ying Zheng for many years and knew just how deeply he loved his daughter.
The family feast continued in a joyful atmosphere, filling the entire Zhangtai Palace with laughter and warmth a rare occasion in the palace.
Inside the Hu Consort's Palace
"Mother," Hu Hai said, his face full of resentment. "Do I have no chance at all?"
"As long as he lives, you will never have a chance," Consort Hu replied coldly, a glint of malice flashing in her eyes.
"Mother, what do you plan to do?" Hu Hai's eyes lit up.
"Let them have their moment of triumph for now," she said. "The future is still uncertain."
She did not elaborate further, but the chilling look in her eyes spoke volumes.
Historically, Hu Hai became the second emperor of Qin largely due to Zhao Gao's influence. However, his mother's family also played a significant role in securing his claim.
At this point, there was no turning back for them.
They had to fight.
Of course, if they lost, they would face utter annihilation.
Back at his residence, after the family feast ended, Zhao Feng returned to his secluded chamber.
His wives and children had all retired to their respective quarters.
His mother, now officially bestowed the title of Empress, remained in Zhangtai Palace instead of returning to the estate.
Having finally legitimized her position, Ying Zheng was unwilling to be separated from her any longer.
"The position of Crown Prince… the heir to the empire."
"Now that I have accepted this role, I suppose this counts as another step forward."
Sitting in his chamber, Zhao Feng's expression was thoughtful.
His recent journey to Mount Tai had culminated in his formal investiture as Crown Prince the designated successor to the Great Qin Empire.
One could say that, from this moment on, as long as he desired it, the vast Qin Empire would one day be his.
However, instead of being elated, Zhao Feng remained remarkably calm.
Had it been someone else, the weight of such a title might have filled them with uncontrollable excitement.
But for Zhao Feng, this appointment had disrupted his original plans for the future.
Previously, he had envisioned waiting until the decline of the Qin dynasty before enacting his grand ambitions.
But now, things have taken a completely different turn.
He was the Qin dynasty's second emperor!
"It seems…"
"Now that I am Crown Prince, there are many things I must do."
"But perhaps this is for the best."
"My initial plan was to establish a new dynasty after the fall of Qin and then entrust state affairs to Qi'er while I went off to conquer new lands."
"But now, I can skip that step entirely. Instead, I'll lead the campaigns myself while leaving my father, the First Emperor, to handle governance. That doesn't sound too bad."
After thinking it through, Zhao Feng realized this might be a more efficient path.
At the very least, it saved him the time and effort of waging war across the Central Plains.
Now, he could instead focus on strengthening the empire.
Just then, a familiar mechanical prompt echoed in his mind.
"Host has ascended to the rank of Crown Prince, heir to the empire. Reward: One Tier-4 Treasure Chest."
"As the designated successor, you have been granted the authority to govern the nation. The system's influence panel must now be updated. Would you like to proceed with the transformation?"
"A Tier-4 Treasure Chest?"
"So this counts as an advancement after all."
"Last time, I obtained a small world from a Tier-4 chest. Hopefully, my luck will be just as good this time."
"System transformation?"
"Heir to the empire… wielding the authority of a sovereign?"
"Previously, my influence panel covered the entire Yanting organization, allowing me to see the loyalty of every individual within it. If this transformation upgrades the panel… what kind of changes will it bring?"
"Will it allow me to see the loyalty levels of the entire Qin Empire?"
A look of eager anticipation appeared on Zhao Feng's face.
There was no reason to refuse such an upgrade.
"Proceed with the transformation," he commanded without hesitation.
This reminded him of the time when his system underwent a full attribute evolution.
"The influence panel is now evolving."
"It will transform into the Imperial Authority Panel."
"Qin Empire population exceeds 80 million. Government officials are stationed across the realm. The transformation process will take one month."
A system prompt appeared before him.
"So this time, the influence panel will truly encompass the entire Qin Empire?"
"In that case, does this not mean that the entire Qin realm is mine to command?"
"If I can see the loyalty levels of all the officials in the empire, I won't hesitate to purge the disloyal ones."
A cold smile crept across Zhao Feng's lips.
Inside the Epang Palace.
His father had already stated that no matter what policies he wanted to implement in Qin, he would fully support him. However, carrying out such forward-thinking policies would undoubtedly face significant resistance.
The human heart is the most unpredictable thing.
And with a vast empire like this, how many officials were truly loyal, and how many were spies from other nations?
Perhaps in the future, Zhao Feng will be able to see through all of it.
"Open the Tier 4 Treasure Chest."
Zhao Feng issued the command.
"Opening Tier 4 Treasure Chest."
"You have obtained a high-grade divine artifact: Heaven-Stabilizing Cauldron."
A notification appeared on the interface.
"A high-grade divine artifact?" Zhao Feng's eyes lit up.
This was a treasure on par with the Five Spirit Beads!
"Extract."
He immediately retrieved it.
A simple, ancient four-legged cauldron appeared before him.
Zhao Feng reached out his hand, and the small cauldron floated in front of him.
"Bind it with blood."
He pricked his finger, letting his blood drip onto the cauldron.
At that moment
A radiant glow burst forth from the cauldron, and an overwhelming pressure spread across the space.
"As expected of a divine artifact its innate power alone surpasses the Heavenly tier by a great margin."
"Heaven, Earth, Mysticism, and the Yellow Path Heavenly-tier is the highest among mortals."
"But beyond the Heavenly tier is the Immortal tier, and above that, the Divine tier."
"I wonder… what comes after the Divine tier?" Zhao Feng was intrigued.
However
As the artifact was fully refined, its properties were displayed before him.
Heaven-Stabilizing Cauldron: Capable of suppressing national fate, attacking enemies, and offering absolute defense.
"Suppressing national fate? The power of fate itself?"
"This artifact has such an ability."
"Perfect. If I ever establish a Qin Imperial Court in the future, I'll use this cauldron to stabilize the nation's fortune."
Satisfied, Zhao Feng smiled.
Then
He shifted his divine sense.
His consciousness entered the miniature world within him.
"This world has begun forming basic laws, but the Five Spirit Beads remain. They have yet to be fully absorbed."
"It seems… it will take more time."
"I wonder what benefits this miniature world will bring me once the Five Spirit Beads are completely assimilated."
Just by sending his divine sense inside, Zhao Feng could immediately perceive everything happening within the miniature world.
Inside this world
He was akin to the Heavenly Dao itself.
"The world's development is progressing well. Everyone is practicing fundamental martial arts."
"By the next generation, the entire population will be martial practitioners."
"Although I must now govern the Qin Empire, this miniature world can serve as a backup plan."
"After all, beyond China, those so-called 'immortals' are not the mythical figures from legends…" Zhao Feng pondered.
After observing for a while
He withdrew his divine sense.
Once again, he immersed himself in cultivation.
Zhao Feng never neglected his daily training.
The Next Day
The Grand Court Assembly
This was the first court assembly since their return from the Mount Tai ritual.
As usual, officials gathered outside the hall.
They engaged in small talk with familiar colleagues.
At that moment
A royal carriage approached.
Zhao Feng slowly stepped out.
The eyes of all the officials immediately turned toward him.
"Greetings to His Highness, the Crown Prince!"
As Zhao Feng walked forward
Unlike in the past
Every single court official bowed deeply to him.
Regardless of whether they had once sided with him or previously supported Fusu and Wang Wan's faction
At this moment, all of them respectfully lowered their heads before him.
Now
Zhao Feng's status had completely changed.
He was the Crown Prince. The heir to the empire.
Every official in court was now his subordinate.
Failing to bow would be an act of insubordination.
"Hmm."
Zhao Feng nodded slightly, acknowledging their salute.
Yet many of the ministers looked uneasy.
Today marked the first court session after the Mount Tai ceremony.
It was also the first time Zhao Feng would attend court as the Crown Prince.
If he planned to make any political moves, today would be the moment to start.
The members of Wang Wan's faction were especially anxious.
If Zhao Feng decided to purge them, they would be doomed.
"Big Brother!"
At that moment
Fusu stepped forward and respectfully addressed Zhao Feng.
Seeing Fusu
Zhao Feng smiled faintly. "There is no need for formality."
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