Hearing Zhao Feng's inquiry, the lead palace maid immediately replied, "The King is still resting."
"It looks like I won last night. I managed to drink the Qin King under the table," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
The drinking session and late-night conversation with the Qin King the night before had given Zhao Feng a deeper understanding of the man.
Outwardly
He was imposing and domineering.
But beneath the surface
He remained a man of genuine character.
"Escort me out of the palace," Zhao Feng instructed.
"General," the palace maid responded respectfully, "we have already arranged for breakfast. Would you like to eat before leaving the palace?"
"No need," Zhao Feng waved his hand dismissively.
Right now, he was eager to return to his residence and meet his children.
Food could wait he could eat anytime.
But his children had been born for some time now, and he had yet to see them. Zhao Feng was growing impatient.
"Lead me out of the palace," he repeated.
"As you command," the palace maid said, not daring to disobey, and immediately led the way.
Zhao Feng picked up his sword and followed her out of the palace hall.
As soon as he stepped outside, he saw Zhao Gao waiting ahead.
When Zhao Gao spotted him, he immediately bowed and said respectfully, "General, you're awake."
Zhao Feng nodded. "The King is still asleep?"
"Yes, His Majesty is still resting. He likely won't wake until midday."
"In all the years I have served him, I have never seen the King so drunk," Zhao Gao chuckled. "Last night's drinking between His Majesty and you, General, was truly unprecedented."
Seeing Zhao Gao smile, Zhao Feng was slightly taken aback it was as if he were seeing the man in a new light. So, he could smile after all.
"Minister Zhao, take good care of the King. I will take my leave now," Zhao Feng said, not interested in engaging further with Zhao Gao. He turned and continued forward.
"I shall personally escort the General out," Zhao Gao said, dismissing the palace maid with a wave of his hand before respectfully following behind Zhao Feng.
"This eunuch has an agenda."
Observing Zhao Gao's behavior, Zhao Feng instantly realized something.
"Thank you," he replied impassively, continuing to walk at a steady pace.
He wanted to see what Zhao Gao was up to.
The two walked in silence for a while.
But as they left the inner palace and entered the main palace corridors, Zhao Gao finally spoke.
"The Eighteenth Prince has long admired the General's reputation," Zhao Gao said with a smile. "He has always wanted to meet you. He also has a great passion for archery and horsemanship. Might the General find time to offer him some guidance?"
The Eighteenth Prince Hu Hai.
So Zhao Gao has aligned himself with Hu Hai now.
No surprise they're birds of a feather.
Zhao Feng sneered internally but maintained a calm expression. He glanced at Zhao Gao and said in an even tone, "On the battlefield, my skills with the bow and horse are meant for slaying enemies and securing victory. They are far too lethal. I do not know which prince the Eighteenth Prince is, but as the King's son, he should be learning from the royal court's martial instructors. I wouldn't want to interfere."
Hearing this, Zhao Gao forced a polite smile. "The General is indeed a warrior forged in battle. That makes sense. It was my oversight."
"However, the Eighteenth Prince truly admires you and hopes to meet you," Zhao Gao added.
Zhao Feng responded with a faint smile, "If His Majesty grants permission, I am available at any time."
That one statement completely shut down Zhao Gao's advances.
By insisting on the King's approval, Zhao Feng made it clear that he would only meet Hu Hai if the Qin King himself decreed it. Otherwise, he had no interest.
Zhao Gao was a clever man he immediately understood the implicit rejection.
"I underestimated Zhao Feng."
"I thought that since he rose to prominence at such a young age, he would be arrogant and easy to manipulate. If I approached him on behalf of the Prince, he might be eager to ally. But his temperament is more like Wang Jian's completely uninterested in such affairs."
"Winning him over won't be easy."
Having been rebuffed, Zhao Gao did not push the matter further.
He was too smart for that if he continued pressing, it would no longer be a goodwill gesture on Hu Hai's behalf but a cause for resentment from Zhao Feng.
Under Zhao Gao's escort, Zhao Feng left the palace without any obstacles.
Outside the gates, Zhang Ming stood waiting with dozens of personal guards.
"The Lord has emerged!"
The moment Zhang Ming saw Zhao Feng, his face lit up with a smile.
"You're here?" Zhao Feng was slightly surprised. He hadn't expected Zhang Ming and his men to be waiting.
"My Lord," Zhang Ming replied cheerfully, "we arrived early this morning to wait for you."
"What about the others?"
The elite guards that accompanied them back numbered five hundred it wasn't just these few.
"They've been stationed at the General's residence."
"Before we left, General Wang Jian instructed us not to be too ostentatious, so I only brought a few dozen men here," Zhang Ming explained.
"Take me home," Zhao Feng said eagerly.
The thought of finally meeting his children filled him with anticipation.
"General, travel safely."
Zhao Gao bowed deeply, his posture one of utter servitude.
"Thank you, Minister Zhao."
"When His Majesty awakens, please extend my regards," Zhao Feng said with a light laugh before mounting his warhorse.
Surrounded by his guards, he set off toward his residence.
Along the way, their procession naturally drew the attention of many citizens.
"Is that General Zhao?"
"He's heading toward the General's Manor!"
"I never expected to see him today."
"Did you hear the news?"
"Yesterday, the King officially conferred the title of Supreme General upon Zhao Feng. He is now the fourth Supreme General of Qin!"
"No way! General Zhao was promoted to Supreme General?"
"At just twenty years old?"
"That's unheard of!"
"This is incredible!"
"Incredible indeed, but well deserved. Look at the entire court and the entire military who among our generals has achieved as many military merits as Supreme General Zhao?"
"If the aristocratic families struggle to accept this, then they should remember Supreme General Zhao earned his status through sheer battlefield achievements. He came from humble beginnings, with no powerful family backing him. The King granted him this title not just because he deserved it, but also to inspire Qin's countless warriors."
"I heard the King has already issued an edict Zhao Feng's appointment as Supreme General will be announced across the empire as a call to arms for all Qin's soldiers."
"This era… is truly the most glorious and fair time in Great Qin's history."
The people whispered amongst themselves, their admiration evident.
As the capital of Qin, the city of Xianyang was always the first to receive news from the court.
With so many officials' servants, relatives, and attendants circulating the latest happenings, rumors spread quickly.
With no interruptions along the way, Zhao Feng's entourage arrived at his residence.
"My Lord, we have arrived."
Zhang Ming dismounted first and took the reins of Zhao Feng's horse.
Zhao Feng looked up at his home.
The estate was located just one street away from the royal palace an honor reserved only for the highest-ranking officials of Qin.
"Welcome home, My Lord!"
At that moment, the estate's servants and stewards hurried out to greet him, bowing with deep respect.
"Where is my father-in-law?"
"And Wang Yan?" Zhao Feng asked immediately, unable to hide his excitement.
"My Lord, the Master is waiting for you inside," the elderly steward answered respectfully.
"As for the Lady, she is tending to the young masters and the little princess."
Hearing this, Zhao Feng nodded and strode into the residence his heart brimming with anticipation.
It was his first time in Xianyang, and his first time stepping into his father-in-law's home.
Just entered the residence.
The first thing that came into view was Wang Jian and a middle-aged woman.
His brother-in-law, Wang Ben, was also present.
Of course
So was Wang Yan, the woman who had given Zhao Feng his first taste of intimacy and later bore him a pair of children.
At this moment, the entire Wang family had gathered to welcome him.
"Zhao Feng."
Seeing him again, Wang Yan's emotions were complex.
Standing here, she didn't know what kind of stance to take in front of him.
She felt anxious and uneasy.
Zhao Feng naturally noticed the expression on Wang Yan's face. With a faint smile, he stepped forward and pulled her into his embrace.
"Yan'er."
"You've had a hard time these past years," Zhao Feng said gently.
Although their relationship wasn't one of childhood sweethearts filled with deep romance, they had at least shared life-and-death experiences and spent an unforgettable night together.
In this era
Unless they had truly grown up together as childhood companions, love as understood in later generations was nearly nonexistent.
Marriages were dictated by parental orders and arranged by matchmakers.
Or they were political unions among the nobility.
That was just how things were at this time.
"Zhao Feng."
Burying her head in his chest, Wang Yan felt all her worries dissipate upon hearing his words.
Zhao Feng cared for her.
That was enough.
"Are you our father?"
A young boy beside Wang Yan looked up at Zhao Feng curiously.
A little girl standing next to him was equally inquisitive.
Hearing the word "father"
Zhao Feng felt as if his very soul had been touched.
Letting go of Wang Yan, he crouched down and pulled both children into his embrace.
"Yes, I am your father," Zhao Feng said with a warm smile.
Looking at his son and daughter, his gaze was filled with softness and affection.
They were his children, his flesh and blood.
"Father!"
The two little ones immediately clung to his legs, calling out to him affectionately.
Though Zhao Feng had not been home, Wang Yan had always taught them that their father was a great man, a warrior on the battlefield.
"Yes, my darlings."
Smiling, Zhao Feng lifted them both into his arms.
"Who is the elder one, and who is the younger one?" he asked with a grin.
"I'm the older brother."
"I'm the younger sister."
The two children answered one after another.
"Zhao brat."
"We've been waiting for you to come back and name them."
"I was going to name them myself, but Yan'er insisted on waiting for you," Wang Jian said with a smile.
Zhao Feng glanced at Wang Yan and smiled before saying, "I've already thought of their names."
"The elder one will be called Zhao Qi, and the younger one will be Zhao Ling."
He had put a lot of thought into these names, even contemplating them on the battlefield.
His children's names of course, they had to be chosen by him.
"Great names."
"They are memorable and seem to carry a deeper meaning," Wang Jian commented with approval.
"Big brother, from now on, your name is Zhao Qi. Little sister, yours is Zhao Ling."
"Your father gave you these names."
"Do you like them?" Zhao Feng asked gently.
"We like them!"
Although the two little ones were not yet two years old and didn't fully grasp the significance of names, seeing their father's kind and affectionate expression filled them with joy.
"Brother-in-law."
"No matter what, you must stay for my wedding before you leave."
"Otherwise, I won't let Yan'er marry you!" Wang Ben said, patting Zhao Feng's shoulder.
"Don't worry, Brother-in-law."
"This time, I'm not only attending your wedding but also Fusu's."
"And besides"
Zhao Feng smiled and looked at Wang Yan. "I once promised Yan'er that I would give her the grandest wedding. If the King himself doesn't attend, how could it be considered grand?"
"The King is going to Sand Hill for your wedding?" Wang Jian looked surprised.
"Father-in-law."
"The King is busy with state affairs, so he won't be going to Sand Hill."
"That's why I plan to hold one ceremony in Xianyang and another simple one in my hometown."
"One is for Yan'er, and the other is for my mother and the folks back home," Zhao Feng explained with a smile.
"That works."
"The King has already granted you a residence," Wang Jian said, also smiling.
"Sister."
"You sure have an eye for talent."
"You've captured the heart of our Qin Empire's youngest general," Wang Ben teased his sister.
Hearing this, Wang Yan blushed shyly.
Back then, she had taken the initiative, only to end up being countered by Zhao Feng.
That one night had shown her what a true man was.
"The King said he would attend your wedding?" Wang Jian asked with a smile.
"Yes," Zhao Feng nodded.
"You've got quite the influence," Wang Jian chuckled.
"Brother-in-law."
"The King spoke with you all night yesterday. What did you two talk about?"
"I heard you even got drunk?" Wang Ben asked curiously.
"We did get drunk."
"But we didn't talk about anything in particular, and even if we had, it wouldn't be something I could casually discuss," Zhao Feng replied helplessly.
"Ben'er, don't ask about things you shouldn't."
"Knowing too much won't do you any good," Wang Jian immediately scolded.
At that moment
A seven or eight-year-old boy stepped up to Zhao Feng.
"Uncle."
"My name is Wang Li."
"I heard that you're incredibly skilled in martial arts. Please teach me someday!"
Wang Li first greeted him respectfully and then grinned.
"Of course. Uncle will teach you," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
In history,
Wang Li was the last general of the Wang family, making his final stand during the late Qin era.
Though he ultimately fell to the overwhelming tides of rebellion, he remained a testament to the Wang family's loyalty and honor.
But this time
With Zhao Feng here,
Even if the fall of Qin was inevitable, he would ensure that the Wang bloodline endured.
"When do you plan to set the wedding date?" Wang Jian asked.
"After Brother-in-law and Fusu are married, I'll hold mine."
"Since their weddings are this month, I'll wait until afterward," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"Are you staying at my residence during this time, or returning to your own?"
"I'll go back to my place first," Zhao Feng replied.
"I… I'll go with you," Wang Yan said gently.
"Sister, you're not officially married yet," Wang Ben teased.
"Qi'er and Ling'er just met their father. Of course, they should spend more time together," Wang Yan quickly explained.
"Go ahead."
"Everyone in Xianyang already knows that my daughter has been granted marriage by the King. All that's missing is the wedding ceremony," Wang Jian said without objection.
After all, his daughter had already given birth to children. The wedding was just a formality at this point.
"Oh, right."
"Mother-in-law."
"This is my first visit, and I wasn't sure what to bring."
"So I've brought some silks and jade artifacts granted by the King."
With a clap of his hands, Zhao Feng signaled his guards.
One by one, chests were carried forward.
It was clear at a glance that it was a gift from the royal court.
"You're being too polite."
"Our household has everything we need." Madam Wang smiled warmly but still waved her hands repeatedly.
"This is a gift from your son-in-law, Mother-in-law must accept it," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"Go ahead and accept it."
"Consider this part of the betrothal gift for marrying Yan'er," Wang Jian joked.
"Father-in-law,"
"This is not the real betrothal gift. I will prepare that separately."
"Just wait to receive it," Zhao Feng said with a laugh.
Now that Zhao Feng owned the Jiu Xian Restaurant, a business that brought in an endless stream of wealth, money was no longer a concern for him.
"Have you had breakfast?" Wang Jian asked.
"I was in a hurry to come back and see the child, so I didn't eat at the palace," Zhao Feng replied.
"Someone, come!"
"Prepare a meal at once!"
Wang Jian ordered immediately.
"Yes, Master." The butler responded at once.
Inside the hall!
The entire family gathered around Zhao Feng.
Of course,
Aside from Madam Wang, the official wife of Wang Jian, his concubines had no opportunity to join them.
In this era,
Concubines had no status.
Only the wife held real standing.
Those palace drama series of later generations, where concubines competed with the wife for favor, or concubines and consorts schemed to take the empress's position those were nothing but jokes.
"Brother-in-law,"
"Do you know anything about Princess Liyang?" Zhao Feng asked while eating, looking at Wang Ben.
"The princess lives within the palace, how could I know much about her?"
"I've only heard that Princess Liyang is the daughter of the former Lord of Chang'an and was later taken in as a royal daughter by His Majesty, who favors her greatly," Wang Ben replied.
"Hopefully, she's not the same Liyang from Qin Song."
"Otherwise, my dear brother-in-law might end up wearing a green hat," Zhao Feng thought to himself.
In his memory, there was a Princess Liyang who had an illicit affair with Gao Jianli. Though she was eventually killed by Wang Ben, her actions still brought disgrace upon the Wang family.
"His Majesty bestowing a princess in marriage to our family is an act of great favor. Regardless of her personality, our family will treat her with mutual respect," Wang Jian said slowly.
"Father-in-law,"
"Last night, I had an extended conversation with His Majesty."
"Although he didn't speak too deeply, he has a thorough understanding of court affairs."
"He is also fully aware of the previous attempt to arrange a marriage between Fusu and the Wang family," Zhao Feng sneered.
"His Majesty is a ruler of great talent and vision. No matter how much he favors Prince Fusu, he would never grant him military authority at this time."
"I saw through it then," Wang Jian said with a smile.
"What do you think about the Bai family's impeachment yesterday, Father-in-law?" Zhao Feng asked with a grin.
"The Bai family?"
"Although they don't appear to have a strong connection with Prince Fusu, they are aligned with that faction."
"Wang Wan thinks himself clever, assuming people don't know of his ties to the Bai family."
"Yesterday's impeachment was part of his scheme."
"He knows that your influence is now too great to suppress, so he may have been trying to use the Bai family's impeachment as an opportunity to draw you in. After all, if he pleaded for you after the impeachment, that could be seen as extending goodwill," Wang Jian said with a chuckle.
Upon hearing this!
Zhao Feng smiled. "Father-in-law appears to be a military general, but his understanding of court affairs is no less than that of civil officials."
"I was aware of Wang Wan's involvement."
"So last night, I set them up in front of His Majesty," Zhao Feng said with a smirk of ridicule.
"Set them up?" Wang Jian grew interested. "How did you do it?"
"From their attempt to push the Wang family into a marriage alliance with Fusu to Chunyu Yue sending people to issue threats I laid everything out for His Majesty."
"Plotting to marry into the Wang family to gain control of military power."
"Sending people to intimidate the war generals of Qin."
"Heh… they're in for quite a reckoning," Zhao Feng sneered.
Upon hearing this,
Wang Jian couldn't help but take a deep look at his son-in-law.
"Those people from Wang Wan's faction picked the wrong person to provoke when they targeted you."
"With just these revelations,"
"His Majesty will inevitably suppress them in the future. They've overstepped their bounds," Wang Jian remarked thoughtfully.
Zhao Feng sneered. "I never provoked them, yet they kept targeting me. Did they think I had no temper?"
"This time is just a minor lesson. If they dare try again, they'll have only themselves to blame."
Zhao Feng was not one to be easily bullied.
Inside Zhangtai Palace!
Ying Zheng woke up feeling groggy and lightheaded.
"How much did I drink yesterday?"
"My head feels so heavy."
He slowly sat up.
Upon hearing movement inside the palace,
Zhao Gao immediately asked respectfully, "Your Majesty, are you awake?"
"What time is it?" Ying Zheng asked.
"Your Majesty, it is already midday."
"Would you like your lunch now?" Zhao Gao asked respectfully.
"Bring me a bowl of hangover soup first," Ying Zheng ordered.
"Yes, Your Majesty," Zhao Gao responded immediately.
"By the way,"
"Has Zhao Feng woken up yet?" Ying Zheng asked with concern.
Zhao Gao replied, "The General woke up early this morning and has already gone to Grand General Wang Jian's residence."
Hearing this,
A flicker of surprise flashed across Ying Zheng's face. "Is that boy even human? After drinking so much, he woke up so early?"
"Your Majesty,"
"Would you like to review today's memorials?"
"Shall I postpone them for today?" Zhao Gao asked respectfully.
"No need."
"I will continue reviewing the memorials," Ying Zheng said firmly.
"In that case, shall I prepare the elixir that the National Teacher has prepared for Your Majesty?"
"Taking the elixir should help Your Majesty recover quickly," Zhao Gao suggested.
"Very well," Ying Zheng nodded in agreement.
Immediately,
Ying Zheng sat up slowly.
A group of palace maids entered,
assisting him in changing clothes.
Once seated again on the throne, ready to review the memorials,
Ying Zheng picked up a memorial but didn't immediately start reading it.
Instead, a faint smile appeared on his face, as if recalling his lively conversation with Zhao Feng the night before.
"Zhao Feng,"
"What an interesting man!"
-support me on Patreon for more chapters, 340+ chapters in there
patreon.com/LordoftheReader