CHAPTER 232: CHAPTER 124: YING ZHENG’S REWARDS

With Yu Liao devising strategies, Ying Zheng was truly like a tiger that had been given wings. Among all the ministers in the court, when it came to his place in Ying Zheng’s heart, Yu Liao was undoubtedly first.

Standing among the ranks of the civil servants, Han Fei noticed Wang Wan’s expression and couldn’t help but smile inwardly.

Wang Wan, Chunyu Yue. This visit turned out to be a complete joke.

Han Fei had been in Qin for a year. Although he hadn’t reached the rank of the Nine Ministers, he held the post of Interior Minister, just one tier below them. Yet, he had not joined any faction in the court, preferring to go his own way. This was Han Fei’s pride.

The only one Han Fei regarded as a friend worthy of his esteem was Zhao Feng. In Zhao Feng’s words, a man like Han Fei was simply obstinate; he only responded to harsh treatment, to being scolded and beaten. And yet, Han Fei had come to regard Zhao Feng as a true friend.

"Minister Yu."

"Zhao Feng has once again rendered a great service. How should he be rewarded?" Ying Zheng asked, turning to Yu Liao.

"During the Battle of Wei City, Your Majesty had already promoted General Zhao to Main General. Now, General Zhao Feng has secured a thousand miles of territory for our Great Qin and has also slain Lian Po. According to the system of military merit, these are two great achievements."

"The merit of expanding the nation’s borders, and the merit of eliminating a formidable general."

"I believe we can promote General Zhao by two ranks of nobility," Yu Liao said with a smile.

"What do you all think of Minister Yu’s proposal?" Ying Zheng asked, looking down upon the court.

At this moment, Wang Wan was already contemplating how to mend his relationship with Zhao Feng, so no one else dared to object.

Just as the entire court was about to voice their agreement, Chunyu Yue could no longer hold back and stepped forward. "Reporting to Your Majesty, I believe there is another point to consider before promoting General Zhao Feng. Who granted Zhao Feng the authority to abandon his post and mobilize troops to attack Wei on his own initiative?"

"Your Majesty issued a royal edict to attack the Zhao state in response to the Yan state’s request. Our campaign was righteous and justified."

"For Zhao Feng to mobilize troops without authorization is a violation of the conduct expected of a minister."

"I implore Your Majesty to deliberate on his crime."

The moment he finished speaking, Wang Wan’s expression changed.

Huai Zhuang’s expression changed.

Idiot. both old foxes cursed inwardly.

If Zhao Feng’s campaign had ended in defeat without any great merit, then perhaps they could have discussed his crime of mobilizing troops without authorization. After all, it was technically a crime. But now, Zhao Feng had achieved immense merit. Not only had he seized a thousand miles of Wei territory for Great Qin, but he had also slain Lian Po. To still speak of punishment in the face of such a monumental achievement? Unless King Zheng of Qin had lost his mind, he would never do such a thing.

Before Wang Wan could speak to salvage the situation, the smile on Ying Zheng’s face had vanished, replaced by a gloomy expression.

"What did you say?" Ying Zheng frowned, his voice cold. "Deliberate on punishment for Zhao Feng? Did I mishear you, or did you misspeak?"

His words were not a final verdict, but another chance for Chunyu Yue to reconsider his statement.

"Your Majesty," Wang Wan immediately stepped forward, "Grand Tutor Chunyu has misspoken. General Zhao was acting under a royal decree and had absolute authority to command the army at Wei City. This cannot be considered dereliction of duty."

Seeing this, Chunyu Yue wanted to speak again, but Huai Zhuang shot him a warning glare before also stepping forward. "Chancellor Wang is absolutely right. Grand Tutor Chunyu was being inconsiderate. After all, he is the Grand Tutor of Confucianism and does not understand military matters. I implore Your Majesty not to hold it against him."

Working in concert, the two of them smoothed over the issue.

"General Zhao Feng has rendered great merit for Great Qin and deserves a substantial reward."

At this, Fusu stepped forward and declared with great sincerity, "I am willing to personally travel to the Zhao Territory, bearing my Royal Father’s edict to bestow the rewards upon General Zhao Feng."

The prince’s proposal is viable,

Wang Wan and Huai Zhuang exchanged a look, rejoicing inwardly. This could be an opportunity to win over Zhao Feng. Even if that fails, it will at least ensure Zhao Feng does not become the prince’s enemy in the future. Showing respect to the worthy and being humble toward the talented... the prince has done well in this regard.

Although their student, Chunyu Yue, was somewhat foolish and his head was full of self-righteous dogma, Fusu, despite being pedantic at times, was known for his courtesy and benevolence, enjoying a virtuous reputation at court.

Hearing Fusu’s words, Ying Zheng looked at him. The gloom on his face gradually faded, replaced by a faint smile.

"The Zhao state has not yet been conquered by Qin and is still fraught with danger. Do you dare to go?" Ying Zheng asked, his tone probing.

"As your son and a member of the Great Qin Royal Family, I fear nothing," Fusu replied with a resolute expression.

Hearing this, Ying Zheng couldn’t help but study Fusu more closely, as if seeing a different side of him.

"Good." Ying Zheng nodded.

"Draft the edict."

"Zhao Feng has expanded the territory of Great Qin by a thousand miles, a great merit. He has also slain the Senior General of the Zhao state, Lian Po, another great merit."

"For these two great merits combined, bestow upon him a promotion of two ranks in the nobility," Ying Zheng commanded authoritatively.

"His Majesty is wise!" the civil and military officials of the court roared in unison.

At this time, Han Fei stepped forward and loudly requested, "Your Majesty, I also wish to accompany the Eldest Imperial Son to the Zhao Territory to reward General Zhao Feng."

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng looked at Han Fei with some surprise. Since joining Qin, Han Fei had been diligent in his duties, simplifying every matter that came to him and handling all affairs in an orderly fashion. However, Han Fei possessed a certain pride and integrity; he never participated in court factions. Much like Yu Liao, he kept to himself, a near-transparent figure in the court. For him to speak up today was rather unexpected.

"It is rare for Minister Han to speak out."

"I permit it," Ying Zheng said with a slight smile and a wave of his hand.

"This subject thanks Your Majesty for his profound grace," Han Fei immediately replied with a deep bow.

After settling the reward for Zhao Feng, Ying Zheng smiled. "Fusu."

"Your son is here," Fusu responded at once.

"When you reach the Zhao state, deliver a message to Wang Jian for me."

"I will not question the matters of war and slaughter on the battlefield. I only hope that I may soon visit Handan in person," Ying Zheng declared, his tone conveying the great importance he placed on the conquest of Zhao.