Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield Chapter 716 Chapter 293: Achievements for the Ages! Proclaiming the First Emperor! Zhao Feng Volunteers! (Part 2)
Previously on Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield...
Ying Zheng spoke a single word deliberately.
"I stand as the inaugural Emperor through the ages, and thus the Emperor's title must originate from me."
"Henceforth."
"The term 'Zhen' will serve as my personal pronoun."
"I, the Qin Emperor."
"I, sovereign over the realm of Qin."
With supreme authority, Ying Zheng proclaimed.
"Precisely so."
"My imperial title draws from Emperor Qin Shi Huang."
"Derived from my name, the pronoun 'Zhen' shall reign supreme across the world." A spark of thrill stirred in Zhao Feng's heart.
Without realizing it.
What was once just history from books had now enveloped him fully; as Qin conquered the Six States, Zhao Feng fought in every campaign, even influencing the issuance of this Sacred Edict and the birth of the 'Zhen' title.
"Your Majesty, the First Emperor."
"The unification of the realm stands as an unmatched feat, never seen before."
"The First Emperor's achievements merit presentation to the Heavens, proclaiming them far and wide."
"Let this glory ascend to Shenzhou's loftiest peak, the summit of Mount Tai."
"Ascend Mount Tai to offer sacrifice to Heaven during the grand sealing rite at its apex."
Rising to his feet, Han Fei reported with resounding voice.
"The Mount Tai ceremony."
"History has twisted strangely now; in records, this rite was urged by Qin court's Confucian scholars, but here it emerges from Han Fei of the Legalist school."
From his seat among the top military ranks, Zhao Feng chuckled inwardly.
In actual history.
Han Fei had perished in jail long ago, betrayed by comrade Li Si.
But thanks to Zhao Feng's intervention, he gained enlightenment, joined Qin's service, and rose to Prime Minister.
Such a profound shift.
"Mount Tai ceremony to sacrifice to Heaven, making the Heavens aware of my feats!"
Han Fei's proposal struck a chord.
Without further words.
Ying Zheng felt deeply stirred.
In his mind at that instant, Ying Zheng pondered: "During the Mount Tai rite, sacrificing to Heaven and Earth, bring Efang and Feng'er's siblings along, reveal their statuses atop the peak, appoint Queen and Crown Prince outright, execute without delay."
With this in mind.
Ying Zheng declared promptly: "The Mount Tai ceremony for Heaven's sacrifice and offerings intrigues me greatly."
"Chancellor Han will oversee this affair."
"I grant Chancellor Han two months to clear the path to Mount Tai and prepare the sacrificial site."
"All troops and supplies needed from Qi territory will be supplied by me."
"I desire the Heavens and all immortals to witness my triumphs." Ying Zheng commanded powerfully.
"I will not disappoint the imperial decree." Han Fei accepted eagerly.
"Reporting to the First Emperor."
"One more issue to raise."
Zhao Feng bowed with hands clasped once more.
"What further matter does Lord Wu'an have?" Ying Zheng grinned.
"Qi has fallen, the world appears pacified, yet beneath the surface, turmoil brews."
"Northern borders face threats from Xiongnu, Donghu, and other nomads glaring hungrily."
"In the south, Baiyue raiders often invade, slaying Qin folk."
"Post-Mount Tai ceremony, I seek leave to subdue Baiyue, reclaiming Shenzhou's ancient soil, bringing millions of Chiyou kin—fellow Huaxia—back under Qin."
"Moreover, to secure Baiyue's peace, post-conquest, I volunteer to garrison it, stabilizing Qin's southern frontier."
Standing tall, Zhao Feng demanded the campaign resolutely.
His face showed utmost sincerity, no trace of levity.
At these words.
Courtiers reacted with profound shock, eyes fixed on Zhao Feng.
It seemed almost inconceivable.
Even Fusu and Hu Hai below the dais wore stunned looks.
What rank does Zhao Feng command today?
Qin's Grand Commandant, wielding the realm's armies.
Second only to the sovereign, above all else.
For such a titan to volunteer for Baiyue duty?
Utter self-diminishment.
Yet.
Han Fei and Li Si stayed composed, privy to Zhao Feng's true role; earlier in Zhangtai Palace, the First Emperor had shared his Baiyue garrison wish.
"Lord Feng, oh Lord Feng, you worry excessively."
"Forget the First Emperor's grand vision and might—would he dispatch a key pillar to Baiyue's wastes? Besides, as Eldest Imperial Son and future Crown Prince, how could he let you roam barren wilds."
"Your notions are misguided."
"The First Emperor finds this quite entertaining."
Knowing ministers feigned serenity outside while chuckling within.
"Zhao Feng seeks Baiyue posting, haha, shrewd indeed. With unification done, no room left for warlords. Self-exile to remote Baiyue spares him capital intrigue, ensuring safety."
"A brilliant ploy."
"Warlords' glories peaked; now civil governance rises. Even if delayed, Crown Prince must be named soon."
Watching Zhao Feng's self-lowering, Huai Zhuang snickered inside.
He grasped the intent: feigned retreat from court strife.
Zhao Feng's show of weakness!
"Baiyue poses but a small threat, no match for Qin."
"No need for Qin's revered Grand Commandant to defend it personally."
"Lord Wu'an, dispel such notions." Ying Zheng smiled lightly.
Hearing this.
Zhao Feng grew urgent: "Emperor Qin Shi Huang, you promised last time."
Seeing Zhao Feng's urgency.
Ying Zheng played coy: "When did I promise? I recall nothing."
His confusion appeared sincere, no fakery evident.
Beholding the exchange.
"Damn it."
"Emperor Qin Shi Huang toys with me."
Zhao Feng fumed silently.
That day in Zhangtai Palace, Ying Zheng vowed it, yet now denies all. Fury boiled in Zhao Feng.
Baiyue garrison meant covert growth—a stepping stone to world conquest.
History's Zhao Tuo was gone.
Zhao Feng aimed to claim Baiyue, build unassailable base for future dominion!
"You scheming youth."
"Develop in Baiyue, bide time till your father passes."
"Then conquer all."
"Without your mother's words, I might've fallen for it."
Ying Zheng inwardly grumbled too.
His son proved so disloyal!
Scheming for his father's demise.
"Urging the First Emperor."
"The Grand Commandant cares for the realm."
"Though Baiyue seems minor, prolonged neglect harms Qin."
"His personal oversight guarantees grand merits."
Chunyu Yue stepped forth boldly, voicing support aloud.
At this.
Someone dared reinforce it; Ying Zheng's face soured instantly.
"Chunyu Yue, what a fine fellow you are."
Zhao Feng rejoiced, eyeing Chunyu Yue approvingly.
"This idiot."
Huai Zhuang cursed within.
He desired Zhao Feng's Baiyue departure too, but as Grand Commandant of vast power, voicing it openly was folly!
"On this matter."
"I forbid it."
"Baiyue warrants just a common general's watch."
"Sending Qin's Grand Commandant there defies reason."
"Lord Wu'an."
"Drop these ideas." Ying Zheng stated icily now.
Naturally.
Aimed not at Zhao Feng, but Chunyu Yue with icy scorn.
Upon this.
Zhao Feng's faint hope evaporated instantly.
Emperor Qin Shi Huang spoke so clearly; what retort remained for Zhao Feng?
Defy openly in court?
He withdrew disheartened.
"Urging the First Emperor."
"The realm unites at last."
"Great jubilation fills the air."
"Such festivity demands amplified joy, doubled revelry."
"I suggest."
"Deliberate and appoint the Crown Prince now, fortifying the dynasty's root."
Chunyu Yue rose again, plunging ahead with his bold proposal.
...