In the fields
Alongside Zhao Shi in planting rice seedlings was Wu Lizheng.
As always
Years ago, when Zhao Shi arrived in Sha Village, it was Wu Lizheng who took her in.
Since then
Whenever Zhao Shi worked in the fields, it was also Wu Lizheng who helped her.
Many years had passed, and Wu Lizheng had grown old. As the benefactor of Zhao Feng's family, he had been offered numerous rewards from Zhao Feng, yet he refused them all.
Back then, he had helped Zhao Shi simply out of kindness, never expecting anything in return.
Even now, he remained the same.
To Wu Lizheng
Raising a great general for the Qin state, someone who could serve the nation, was reward enough.
Now, the entire Shachou Commandery knew
That the fourth Great General of Qin had been raised by him. That this war hero had grown up under his care.
No one could truly understand how proud Wu Lizheng felt.
To him, this was enough.
One day, when he passed on and reunited with his sons in the afterlife, he would proudly tell them that he had raised a Great General of Qin.
"This year, with good weather, we'll surely have a bountiful harvest," Wu Lizheng said with a smile as he planted the seedlings.
"Yes," Zhao Shi agreed, also smiling.
"A bountiful harvest."
"If only there were no wars in the world, and everyone could live in peace, farming and raising their families that would be wonderful."
"There will be a day like that."
"Feng is so capable. He will surely help His Majesty achieve it," Wu Lizheng said, still smiling.
At the mention of the king
A flicker of emotion appeared in Zhao Shi's eyes, a hint of helplessness in her gaze.
At that moment
In the shadows
A pair of eyes had already locked onto Zhao Shi.
Though separated by a distance, the owner of those eyes recognized her instantly, even after all these years.
"Afang."
"I've finally found you."
From afar
Beyond the fields, Ying Zheng gazed at her, waves of emotion surging in his eyes.
But at that moment
He did not reveal himself or alert anyone.
"Your Majesty, should we go directly?" Dun Ruo asked respectfully.
"She dislikes commotion and would not want to see me right now."
"We'll wait until nightfall and enter her residence quietly."
"Do not alarm anyone," Ying Zheng said in a low voice.
Perhaps, it was because his love for her ran so deep.
Even though he held the power of an entire kingdom, when it came to the one he loved, Ying Zheng was still mindful.
Because he understood why Afang refused to see him.
Why, despite knowing he was in Xianyang, she never sought him out.
Why does her father choose to live far from the capital just to avoid him?
The reason behind it all was that she felt unsafe. The massacre from years ago had left a lasting impact on her.
If he approached her directly now, it would draw unnecessary attention. If word got out that he had personally come to Shachou to meet her
The old foxes in court would immediately understand why.
Even though many years had passed
There were still witnesses to what had happened back then. Wang Wan and Kui Zhuang, for instance, had been there. They now sat firmly in court, but they had either witnessed or even been involved in the events of that time.
Although those responsible for that dark chapter had largely been purged, there were still survivors.
As time passed
Ying Zheng continued watching her from a distance. He had finally found her again after losing her once before.
And now
His eyes refused to leave her, not even for a moment.
Until evening came.
"Let's go, time to head back," Wu Lizheng said to Zhao Shi with a warm smile.
"Uncle Wu, come have dinner at our home," Zhao Shi invited gently.
"No, no, I prefer to eat alone," Wu Lizheng declined, waving his hand.
He had never been one to seek enjoyment.
"Uncle Wu, you're being too polite."
"If it weren't for you, my family wouldn't have survived."
Seeing his refusal, Zhao Shi felt a little helpless.
Ever since her family had become well-off, she had always wanted to repay Wu Lizheng's kindness, but he never accepted anything.
To him, his kindness towards her family had never been about seeking rewards.
"It was just a small favor, nothing to dwell on."
"I'm heading home now," Wu Lizheng said with a chuckle, waving his hand as he hunched his shoulders and walked toward the village.
"Madam."
"The water is ready."
"Please wash up before heading inside," the steward said respectfully.
Zhao Shi nodded, washed her hands, and prepared to go home.
However
Just as she turned around
She suddenly had a strange feeling, as if someone was watching her.
Instinctively, she turned to glance toward the side.
But she saw nothing.
For a moment, it had felt as if someone had been secretly observing her.
Yet, since there was no one in sight, Zhao Shi let go of the thought and remained calm, thinking nothing more of it.
Nightfall!
Outside Zhao Manor, guards stood watch.
Though the village was peaceful, this was the residence of a Great General. In Qin, his position was one of immense power, and if agents from foreign states sought to harm his family, it would be a grave matter.
Thus, not only were there personal guards stationed at Zhao Manor, but regional troops from the commandery were also assigned to protect his family.
At this moment
A group of men quietly entered the village, making their way toward the back entrance of Zhao Manor.
Just as they approached the rear courtyard gate
"Halt."
A few figures suddenly emerged, their gazes sharp and wary as they confronted the approaching men.
"We are here under orders with urgent matters to discuss with Lady Zhao."
Dun Ruo stepped forward and spoke at once.
"What business could be so urgent that you must come at night?"
"And why use the back entrance, sneaking around like this?"
The guards blocking the way asked coldly, clearly distrustful.
"This is a classified royal matter. Please notify the lady or the steward immediately and inform them that it concerns urgent affairs of the Black Ice Platform," Dun Ruo replied with utmost politeness.
Seeing Dun Ruo's demeanor, along with the presence of dozens of extraordinary men behind him, the guards finally nodded and said, "This is the residence of the Great General. It seems you bear no ill intent. Wait here while I report to the steward."
With that, the guard immediately entered the residence.
Inside the estate
"Steward."
"There are dozens of people outside who suddenly arrived, claiming they have urgent business with Madam."
"They also claim to be from the Black Ice Platform," the guard said with a puzzled expression.
Upon hearing this, the steward's face instantly changed. He then asked, "You didn't treat them disrespectfully, did you?"
"No."
The guard shook his head, then asked in confusion, "Steward, what is the Black Ice Platform? Why have I never heard of it before?"
"You don't need to know just remember that it's not something you can afford to offend."
"Also, keep today's events to yourself. If you speak of this recklessly, not only will you lose your life, but your entire family will as well."
The steward's face was solemn as he warned the guard.
Seeing how serious the steward was, the guard's expression also changed slightly. He nodded repeatedly.
"Take me to them at once," the steward said.
"This way, Steward. They're at the back gate," the guard responded immediately.
Soon, when the steward arrived at the back gate and saw the leader, he was instantly startled.
"It's the Supreme Commander himself…"
As a covert agent of the Black Ice Platform, planted in the Zhao residence, the steward naturally recognized Dun Ruo.
"My lord, what brings you here?"
The steward pretended not to recognize him and saluted.
"The court has a confidential matter to discuss with Madam Zhao. Please lead the way," Dun Ruo said immediately.
"May I see a token of authority?" the steward asked.
Without hesitation, Dun Ruo retrieved a command token from his robe and handed it to the steward.
After glancing at it, the steward immediately said, "Please, enter."
"I will go inform Madam first," he added before quickly heading into the estate.
Dun Ruo and his men followed closely behind.
Among them, Ying Zheng walked discreetly within the ranks of the Black Ice Platform agents, steadily making his way toward the inner residence.
Upon entering the estate, even as the ruler of the empire, Ying Zheng's heart was filled with nervousness and anticipation.
"Ah, Fang."
"I'm here."
"I know you don't wish to see me, but I must see you. I must give you an explanation."
Ying Zheng clenched his hands tightly, his heart restless and conflicted.
Inside the estate
In a small courtyard
"Madam."
"There are people from the court seeking an audience."
The steward stood respectfully outside the courtyard.
"Why have they come at night?"
"Could something urgent have happened?" Madam Zhao asked in confusion.
Nevertheless, she slowly stepped out of her room. Judging by her attire, it was evident she had not yet gone to bed.
At this moment, Dun Ruo stepped forward.
"You may leave," Dun Ruo said to the steward.
Immediately, the agents of the Black Ice Platform moved in and surrounded the small courtyard.
"Leave, leave, all of you."
The steward quickly ordered the surrounding guards and servants to withdraw.
Seeing this, Madam Zhao's expression changed.
A sense of unease welled up in her heart.
"Who are you people?"
Her face darkened as her first thought was that they were agents from an enemy state.
"Madam, do not be alarmed."
Dun Ruo bowed and then gestured with his hand.
The agents immediately withdrew, moving to the perimeter of the courtyard.
Dun Ruo himself also stepped back, leaving Madam Zhao standing alone, utterly perplexed.
Then
As Ying Zheng slowly stepped into the courtyard, Madam Zhao's expression changed dramatically.
Her eyes flickered with complex emotions shock, astonishment, confusion, disbelief.
So many emotions surfaced in her gaze.
But in the next moment
She turned away and started walking back toward her room.
However, just as she turned
"Ah, Fang."
Ying Zheng's voice was soft, carrying both joy and nervousness.
Hearing this
Madam Zhao's heart trembled, and her steps faltered.
"You… you've mistaken me for someone else."
Her voice trembled as she spoke.
"Ah Fang, do you think I could mistake you for someone else?"
"If I were so blind, I would have died back in Handan."
Ying Zheng's voice was calm and distant.
"You shouldn't have come."
"If you knew I was here, then you should have known I didn't want to see you."
Madam Zhao clenched her hands, forcing herself to endure the pain in her heart as she spoke in a trembling voice.
"I know you don't want to see me."
"But I must see you."
"For the promise I made long ago and for you."
"And more than anything, to apologize."
"I'm sorry."
"I failed to protect you back then."
Ying Zheng took a step forward, his voice gentle.
Hearing this, Madam Zhao's body trembled once more.
"I am already married."
"The past is gone."
"You should leave."
"Consider it my betrayal to you."
She bit her lip, her voice trembling.
It seemed that saying those words had exhausted all of Zhao Sheng's strength.
But Ying Zheng simply stepped forward and tightly embraced Zhao Shi.
"Afang."
"Stop lying to me."
"You never got married."
"I've already investigated everything. You took on someone else's identity."
"Zhao Wu is indeed from this village, but his wife is not. His real wife is living well in another village."
"Zhao Feng, Zhao Ying they are my children." Ying Zheng spoke gently, his voice devoid of its usual dominance and authority, filled only with a deep, heartfelt tenderness.
Hearing this, Zhao Shi was at a loss for words.
Feeling the warmth and strength behind her, she stood still, unmoving.
"I cannot let Feng'er and Ying'er be placed in danger again."
"I will not return to that place," Zhao Shi said in a trembling voice.
"Do you think that I am still incapable of protecting you?" Ying Zheng asked softly.
"No."
Zhao Shi turned to face him, her gaze gentle as she shook her head. "If I were alone, I would be willing to go back with you because I am not afraid of death."
"But with Feng'er, with Ying'er…"
"And with my two grandchildren as well…"
"I cannot let them be put in danger."
"Feng'er has already achieved so much, and that is enough."
"If I return, I will push Feng'er into the eye of the storm. They will target him, and history will repeat itself."
"That night in Xianyang… have you forgotten?"
"For that throne, they were willing to do anything."
"I don't want to go through it all again," Zhao Shi said, her voice filled with sorrow.
"Xianyang is no longer what it was, and Qin is not the same as before."
"If anyone dares to make a move, I will wipe out their entire clan. I promise you that."
"Do you not believe me?"
"Besides…" Ying Zheng smiled as he looked at her. "I did not come here to force you to return to Xianyang. I only came to confirm whether it was truly you."
Xia Dong'er lifted her head and looked at Ying Zheng in confusion. "How did you find out?"
"The Black Ice Platform's agents stationed in this household drew a portrait of you for me."
"Afang."
"No matter how much you've changed, even if it's just a drawing, I would recognize you." Ying Zheng spoke softly, his eyes filled with unreserved affection.
"Zheng-gege, you can find someone better."
"I am just an ordinary healer," Xia Dong'er shook her head.
"No, you are the only one."
"When we were in Handan, we already bowed to the heavens and the earth."
"You are my only wife."
"You are my future queen. That position will always be reserved for you," Ying Zheng said gently.
At this, Xia Dong'er still shook her head.
"Afang."
"Don't worry."
"I will not let Feng'er and the others be in danger."
"But the position of crown prince and heir will belong to Feng'er."
"No one will be able to take it away from him," Ying Zheng promised Xia Dong'er.
"No…" Xia Dong'er instinctively lifted her head to protest.
"Don't even think about refusing."
"I want Feng'er to be the crown prince not just because he is our son."
"But because, aside from him, no one else is suitable."
"Of course…"
"Rest assured."
"I promise you, I will not let you all be in danger. I am well aware of how those people will stop at nothing to achieve their goals."
"That is why I will ensure Feng'er ascends step by step, so naturally that no one will be able to oppose him." Ying Zheng spoke with unwavering determination.
"But…" Xia Dong'er still looked deeply concerned.
If possible…
She never wanted her son to take on that perilous role.
It seemed like an honor, like a future filled with power and prestige.
But in her mind, all she could see was the hardship Ying Zheng had endured when he first ascended the throne the helplessness, the constant struggle.
After becoming ruler, would her son truly be happy?
"There is no 'but' about it."
"He is my son. He carries the royal blood of Great Qin, and he is the eldest son, born of the rightful wife. That makes him the legitimate heir."
"Everything is perfectly justified, and no one can object."
"Moreover, Afang…" Ying Zheng gazed deeply into Xia Dong'er's eyes. "Feng'er is already grown. He does not need you to make every decision for him. How do you know that he wouldn't want it?"
"Perhaps, once he learns that he is my son, that he is the legitimate eldest son of the royal family of Qin, he will desire that position."
"I promise you."
"If that day comes, I will ask him for his decision. If he is unwilling, I will not force him."
"Alright?"
Ying Zheng looked at Xia Dong'er, his voice incomparably gentle.
He knew Xia Dong'er's nature.
For the sake of protecting her two children, she had hidden away in this remote village for over twenty years.
To avoid being drawn into the struggle, she had given up everything, even going years without seeing her father.
All of it was to protect Zhao Feng and Zhao Ying.
She had once fled Xianyang, barely escaping with her life.
She had seen war, chaos, and rivers of blood.
Even after so many years, she could never forget.
That was precisely why Ying Zheng had not forcibly taken her back to Xianyang because he understood.
However…
What he had said to her today came from both a sense of guilt and a desire to fulfill his old promise to guarantee her place as queen.
At the same time, it was for the future of Qin.
Fusu, Huhai, and his other sons were not capable of ruling such a vast empire.
Among the younger generation, only Zhao Feng had what it took.
Once, Ying Zheng had wished that Zhao Feng was his son, for then Qin would have had a worthy heir.
Now…
That wish had come true.
Zhao Feng was truly his son.
The son he had with the woman he loved the most.
When he learned the truth, Ying Zheng felt immense gratitude toward the heavens for their blessing.
Looking at the gentle yet domineering Ying Zheng before her, Xia Dong'er's beautiful eyes were filled with emotion.
She wanted to refuse, but she no longer knew how.
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