Hearing Zhao Feng's words, Ying Zheng couldn't help but laugh.
"You have it all planned out, don't you?"
"You refuse to handle state affairs and want to dump everything on me and Qi'er?" Ying Zheng scolded playfully.
"Those who are capable should do more."
"Father, from now on, just focus on managing the court for me." Zhao Feng grinned.
"Very well."
Ying Zheng chuckled, then looked at Zhao Feng seriously. "With your abilities, you probably don't care much for this mortal throne, but as your father, I have only one thing to say about this position…"
Ying Zheng pointed to the imperial throne.
"If the day ever comes when you want it, you need only say the word, and I will give it to you at once."
Zhao Feng smiled and nodded.
Then he said, "Father, relax your body completely. I will pass you a cultivation technique to help you step onto the path of martial arts."
"Alright."
Ying Zheng nodded immediately.
From Xia Dong'er, he had already learned of the power of martial arts, and he was eager to begin.
Zhao Feng then extended his divine sense and transmitted the first three levels of the Nine Suns Radiance Technique to Ying Zheng.
These three levels could allow cultivation up to the peak of the Grandmaster Realm.
"I will infuse a strand of true essence into you. Use it to circulate the technique and condense inner energy to step onto the martial path."
As Zhao Feng spoke, he sent a strand of true essence into Ying Zheng's body, guiding him into the realm of martial arts.
After some time, Ying Zheng stopped cultivating and smiled. "Postnatal Third Stage."
"The first step into martial arts is the Postnatal Realm. With this technique, supported by inner energy, one's strength can reach ten thousand catties."
"The level of the technique determines both inner energy and physical power in the Postnatal Realm."
"My mother has already reached the Innate Realm. If you have any questions, you can ask her." Zhao Feng smiled.
"The path of martial arts, the path of immortality…"
"Countless emperors throughout history have sought it in vain, yet I, Ying Zheng, have found it!" Ying Zheng laughed heartily, filled with excitement.
"In a little while, I will give you some spirit stones and pills to accelerate your cultivation." Zhao Feng said.
"If my son is giving them to me, I certainly won't refuse." Ying Zheng replied without hesitation.
At that moment
"Your Majesty, the Empress asks when you will be taking your meal?"
Zhao Gao approached respectfully.
"Feng'er, let's go."
"Let's see your mother." Ying Zheng smiled.
"Alright." Zhao Feng nodded.
The Imperial Empress's Palace
"Afang."
Entering the palace, Ying Zheng called out gently.
"Mother." Zhao Feng also greeted me with a smile.
"Father, Brother."
Zhao Ying was also present, waiting.
"Father."
"Husband."
Wang Yan greeted them as well.
Having once been an ordinary noble lady, she was still adjusting to the fact that her father-in-law was the First Emperor and her husband the Crown Prince of Qin.
A family banquet
Naturally, it was an intimate gathering of family members.
However, this time was different from Zhao Feng's return the previous day.
Aside from Wang Yan and her three children, none of Zhao Feng's concubines or other children were present.
The distinction between primary and secondary wives was strictly upheld in this era.
For thousands of years, this distinction had been clear primary wives held superiority.
"Why aren't you calling me grandfather?"
Seeing the three little ones behind Zhao Ying, Ying Zheng chuckled.
"Grandfather!"
The three siblings immediately called out in unison.
"Good!"
"Today, our family shall enjoy this meal together!" Ying Zheng laughed heartily and took the main seat.
"Your Majesty, shall I serve the dishes now?" Zhao Gao asked respectfully.
Just as Xia Dong'er was about to reply
"Your Majesty, the ladies of the harem and the imperial children seek an audience."
An attendant bowed and reported.
"Zheng-gege."
Xia Dong'er turned her gaze to Ying Zheng, clearly surprised.
"You are now the Empress."
"The concubines of the palace and their children naturally have to come to pay their respects."
"Don't worry. Accept it calmly."
"And you need not concern yourself with them too much."
Ying Zheng patted Xia Dong'er's hand reassuringly.
In the past, the harem was rife with schemes, but Ying Zheng had always ignored such matters. To him, those women meant little beyond their role in continuing the royal bloodline.
Now that Xia Dong'er had returned, he cared even less.
If anyone dared to scheme against her, they would be digging their own grave.
It was akin to someone in the Ming dynasty becoming Emperor Hongwu's concubine and attempting to compete with Empress Ma utterly suicidal.
And in Ying Zheng's court, it was no different.
In terms of affection, no one in the harem could compare to Xia Dong'er, his childhood sweetheart who had shared his hardships.
"Summon them!"
Ying Zheng commanded loudly.
"The First Emperor decrees summon the imperial concubines and princes and princesses to enter the hall for an audience!" Zhao Gao proclaimed in a resonant voice.
Responding to the summons, a group of concubines gracefully entered the hall, followed by their children.
However, one person stood alone Fusu.
Since Mi Qi had betrayed the country, the Mi clan had voluntarily confined themselves within the palace, forbidden from ever leaving, and Fusu was never to see his mother again.
Thus, Fusu came alone to pay his respects.
"Your Majesty."
"We greet the Empress."
The concubines all bowed respectfully to Ying Zheng and Xia Dong'er.
"Ah, Pang."
Ying Zheng turned to Xia Dong'er with a gentle smile.
"Ladies, please rise." Xia Dong'er responded with a warm smile.
"Thank you, Empress."
The concubines straightened up, their expressions remaining respectful.
No matter their backgrounds, none of them dared show any disrespect toward Xia Dong'er, even if they came from powerful noble families.
The Empress was the wife, while they were merely concubines.
"Greetings, Father. Greetings, Mother."
The princes and princesses also bowed to Ying Zheng and Xia Dong'er.
Though Xia Dong'er was not their birth mother, as the Empress, she was still their official mother in the title.
Such was the status of the principal wife.
"You may all rise," Xia Dong'er said kindly, scanning the gathered royal children.
There were more than twenty of them.
Of these, Zhao Feng had only met Fusu and Hu Hai before. The rest were strangers to him.
The youngest among them even appeared to be a year or two younger than Zhao Feng's eldest son, Zhao Qi.
With so many offspring, it was no wonder that even their father, Ying Zheng, might not be all that familiar with them.
Royalty was often devoid of familial bonds simply because there were too many heirs.
"Fusu."
"I heard that you'll be heading to the northern frontier soon?"
Xia Dong'er turned to Fusu with concern.
"Yes, Mother. I will set out in a few days," Fusu replied immediately.
"You have not seen your mother yet, have you?" Xia Dong'er asked.
At this, Fusu's expression turned sorrowful.
"My maternal grandfather committed a grave crime, and my mother has been confined," he said with a heavy heart.
Despite this, he bore no resentment.
His grandfather's crime was a serious one. If the law had been strictly enforced, the entire Mi clan would have been implicated.
His mother's self-imposed confinement was her way of protecting her family.
Otherwise, under Qin law, the best outcome for the Mi clan would have been being reduced to slaves.
"Zheng-ge."
Xia Dong'er turned to Ying Zheng and called his name softly.
"What is it?" Ying Zheng smiled knowingly, already anticipating her request.
"Mi Qi is dead, and his treasonous crime has been settled."
"You and I have been apart for many years. I have also been separated from my father for a long time, and I know the pain of not being able to see loved ones."
"Now that the empire is at peace, and as I am newly appointed as Empress, managing the inner court…"
"I wish to plead on Fusu's behalf please grant mercy to the Mi clan and allow mother and son to reunite."
Xia Dong'er spoke gently.
Hearing this, a hopeful light flickered in Fusu's eyes.
"You've asked, so how could I refuse?"
Ying Zheng smiled, indulging her completely.
"Zhao Gao."
Ying Zheng called out.
"Your servant is here," Zhao Gao responded immediately.
"I decree"
"The confinement of the Mi clan is lifted, and things shall return to the way they were."
Ying Zheng declared firmly.
"Your servant obeys."
Zhao Gao bowed and withdrew to carry out the order.
"Thank you, Father. Thank you, Mother."
Fusu knelt to express his deep gratitude.
Clever move.
This woman is no ordinary person.
With just a few words, she has won Fusu's absolute loyalty.
Hu's consort observed the exchange and smirked inwardly.
"Know that I grant this mercy only because of your mother."
"Otherwise, I would have had no reason to spare her," Ying Zheng stated coldly.
"Thank you, Mother."
Fusu bowed to Xia Dong'er once more.
"Father."
"In ten days, won't we be entering the ancestral temple for the recognition ceremony?"
"I would like to travel to Yongcheng first and bring back Grand Empress Dowager Huayang."
Zhao Feng suddenly spoke up.
"Though Yongcheng isn't far, the round trip will take four or five days. If you also need time to bring the Grand Empress Dowager back, ten days won't be enough," Ying Zheng said.
"Then how about postponing it by half a month?" Zhao Feng suggested with a smile.
"I will assign the Imperial Guards to accompany you," Ying Zheng offered.
"No need."
"My guards are all elite soldiers from the army. I won't be taking many men five hundred will suffice."
"Once I bring the Grand Empress Dowager back, I'll request additional escorts from the Yongcheng garrison."
Zhao Feng spoke with confidence.
Hearing this, Ying Zheng's expression changed slightly as he understood Zhao Feng's true intention.
"Very well, then. Go ahead."
"With the empire now at peace, there are no more bandits along the road between Xianyang and Yongcheng. Five hundred men should be enough to protect you."
Ying Zheng nodded in agreement.
"Thank you, Father."
Zhao Feng bowed in gratitude.
Meanwhile, in the hall, Hu's consort and Hu Hai exchanged glances, their faces lighting up with delight.
Once the concubines had departed…
"So, this is how you lure the snake out of its hole?"
Ying Zheng chuckled as he looked at Zhao Feng.
"The enemy hides in the shadows, so we must give them an opportunity."
"If I remain in Xianyang, always surrounded by personal guards, they will never find a chance to act."
"So, I am creating one for them."
Zhao Feng grinned.
"This plan seems a bit too obvious. Are you sure they'll take the bait?"
Ying Zheng asked with a smile.
"This is an open scheme."
"They have only one chance they can either take action or continue to endure."
"It's not just the conspirators in Xianyang. The remnants of the Six Kingdoms many want me dead."
"If they don't seize this opportunity, there won't be another."
"Of course"
"Father, you should also announce the court's new policies to the world as soon as possible."
"Let's add some more fuel to the fire."
Zhao Feng sneered.
He was using himself as bait to lure out those lurking in the shadows.
Those in the dark had two main reasons to act.
First, because he was already the Crown Prince of Qin.
Fusu may have given up, but Hu Hai certainly hadn't. Moreover, people like Huai Zhuang and others wouldn't easily abandon their ambitions either. With their interests aligned, Zhao Feng naturally wanted to allow them to draw them out and take them down in one fell swoop.
Second, the remnants of the Six Kingdoms.
The national policies Zhao Feng had proposed struck directly at their weak points unifying culture and ethics and collecting all the copper and iron in the empire. Once this was accomplished, they would truly become like rats hiding in the dark, with no chance of resurfacing.
By deliberately making himself a target, Zhao Feng was forcing them into action. If they didn't seize this opportunity, they would never get another.
The bait had been set. Now, all that remained was to wait.
Inside the Empress's Palace
The imperial family dined together, enjoying a lavish feast.
Meanwhile, in Xianyang City, dozens of swift riders galloped out of the city, bearing command banners, having set off from the Left Prime Minister's residence.
An imperial edict was about to be announced to the world.
As these riders sped away from the city, several officials, escorted by the capital's city guards, made their way toward the bustling marketplaces of Xianyang.
"What's going on?"
"So many riders delivering an imperial decree?"
"Look, officials from the Prime Minister's residence are coming out! It looks like they're about to make an announcement."
"Let's go see what's happening!"
"This must be something major!"
"Definitely! Let's go together!"
…
Many curious citizens followed along, eager to witness the proclamation.
Before long, they gathered at a high platform in the marketplace.
This platform was specifically designated for announcing significant imperial decrees.
Xianyang would be the first to hear it.
As an official from the Prime Minister's residence stepped onto the platform, he was surrounded by city guards for protection.
"I am Cai Ci, Imperial Censor of the Prime Minister's Office."
"I bear the Emperor's command."
"I now proclaim an imperial edict."
"This decree concerns the fate of the Great Qin and all its people."
"Today"
"The First Emperor presides over the court, and the Crown Prince manages state affairs."
"For the sake of the empire, the Crown Prince has devised four national policies to ensure that the Great Qin and the Huaxia civilization remain eternally united and unshaken."
"First Unification of Roads and Vehicles: Standardizing roads and transportation across the empire so that all commercial and trade routes follow a uniform system."
"Second Unification of Writing: Since the Shang and Zhou dynasties, various states and tribes have developed their scripts, leading to great disparity. Though they share common origins, they have diverged too much. To truly unify the Qin Empire, a standardized script must be implemented, ensuring that official decrees are carried out accurately, securing eternal prosperity for Qin."
"Third Unification of Ethics and Rites: Although various states within Huaxia have divided into different clans, they all belong to the same ancestral bloodline. To solidify the unity of the empire, all customs and traditions must be standardized under a single Huaxia cultural framework, preventing divisions and ensuring the lasting integrity of Qin."
"Fourth Unification of Weights and Measures: Across the empire, different states use varying units for measuring grain, length, and volume. To standardize trade and governance, the empire will unify all weights and measures."
"These policies were proposed by the Crown Prince."
"The First Emperor has approved them."
"These four national policies will be implemented under the supervision of the Nine Ministers and the Four High Officials of Qin."
"With these measures, the empire will be solidified, and the Great Qin shall remain prosperous for all eternity."
Holding the imperial edict, Cai Ci read out the decree in a commanding voice.
In this era, literacy was not widespread, so whenever an imperial edict was issued, officials would read it aloud so that the common people could understand.
Every proclamation that was publicly announced carried significant weight, shaping the destiny of the empire.
As Cai Ci's words echoed through the marketplace, some citizens grasped the meaning immediately, while others appeared confused.
"Unification of roads, writing, ethics, and measures?"
"The Crown Prince is truly wise! Such policies will solidify Qin's rule over the empire not through military conquest alone, but through governance and integration."
"If these policies take effect, within ten years, all people of the empire will truly become Qin citizens, with no memory of their former states."
"I never expected that the Crown Prince, aside from being an undefeated military commander, would also possess such extraordinary governance skills. He is truly worthy of admiration!"
"These four policies are all fundamental to Qin's prosperity and long-term stability."
"The Crown Prince is brilliant. I am thoroughly convinced of his wisdom."
"Indeed."
"The First Emperor is already a wise and decisive ruler, having led Qin to unify the world. And now, the Crown Prince has proven himself no less capable than his father."
"The Great Qin is destined to endure for generations!"
"Absolutely!"
"With both the First Emperor and the Crown Prince, Qin shall remain prosperous forever!"
"You all sound so impressed, but I don't understand what any of this means."
"What is this unification of roads and writing? I can't read, so I don't get it."
"Let me explain it simply."
"Unification of Roads means that all major highways in Qin will be built to a standardized design, making travel and trade more efficient."
"Unification of Writing means that all existing scripts from the former states will be abolished, and a single standardized Qin script will be implemented."
"Unification of Ethics means that all cultural traditions will be integrated into one common Huaxia identity."
"And Unification of Weights and Measures means that all measurement systems for weight, length, and volume will be standardized across the empire."
"Now do you understand?"
"Oh! That makes sense."
"These policies are incredible! If they succeed, Qin will truly become a unified empire, impossible to divide again."
"Exactly! That's why we're so amazed. Qin is truly blessed by the heavens, to have two generations of wise rulers in succession…"
As the imperial edict was proclaimed, countless citizens engaged in fervent discussions.
Those with knowledge and understanding recognized how these four policies would transform the empire, solidifying Zhao Feng's reputation further.
For the people of Qin, the future Emperor Qin II was proving to be not just a formidable military leader but also a ruler with profound administrative insight and an ideal successor to the throne.
With these national policies, Zhao Feng's prestige would rise to an unprecedented level.
"The Crown Prince's influence will reach heights beyond imagination."
"These four policies will bring about a monumental transformation in Qin."
Cai Ci, standing on the platform, felt equally excited as he witnessed the crowd's reaction.
Then, he spoke again.
"In addition to the four national policies, the Crown Prince has also issued two supplementary decrees, which have been approved by the First Emperor."
"First To implement the Unification of Writing, all books across the empire will be collected and archived in the capital. Once the new script is finalized, official records and texts will be recompiled and distributed across the empire."
"Second To ensure the security of the empire, all copper and iron in the land will be collected, and all weapons confiscated. Private citizens will be forbidden from possessing weapons, and violators will face severe punishment…"
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