Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield Chapter 719 Chapter 295: Ying Zheng: Zhao Feng, What Do You Think of the Eldest Imperial Son?
Previously on Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield...
Hearing Zhao Feng's remarks.
Han Fei sensed a wave of helplessness at that instant.
'My Eldest Imperial Son, your position has utterly transformed now.'
'Before, even as the leader of military officers, you remained a fellow official, yet today you're the Eldest Imperial Son, destined Crown Prince, while I'm to be your loyal subject.'
'How could I possibly act toward you as in the old days?'
Deep helplessness surged within Han Fei's mind.
Thinking back to his relaxed exchanges with Zhao Feng previously, Han Fei found it oddly unfamiliar.
'Lord Wu'an has freshly crushed another kingdom for Qin, achieving monumental merit—I must naturally pay due respect,' Han Fei declared gravely.
Gazing upon Han Fei.
Zhao Feng scanned him from head to toe, then remarked, 'Are you truly still Han Fei?'
'Back then, the moment I came back, you'd summon wine and feasts right away. But this time, you've switched entirely?'
'Why is that?'
'You're treating me like some high-ranking superior.'
At these words.
Li Si burst into laughter, commenting, 'Lord Wu'an jests—this is the court, so Chancellor Han has to mind his decorum.'
'Why though?'
'With the realm unified, aren't you worried folks might claim the civil chief and military head are scheming together?' Zhao Feng pondered aloud, flashing a subtle grin at Han Fei.
'Well...'
Han Fei's face shifted, caught off guard by the unforeseen point.
'Alas.'
'Lord Wu'an.'
'The courtly affairs will grow intricate ahead.'
'The First Emperor has only just proclaimed the Eldest Imperial Son's return to claim the Crown Prince title. Surely, Lord Wu'an holds opinions on this?' Han Fei inquired with a grin.
'With the realm unified, aren't you worried folks might claim the civil chief and military head are scheming together?' Zhao Feng pondered aloud, flashing a subtle grin at Han Fei.
'The courtly affairs will grow intricate ahead.'
'Well...'
'The First Emperor has only just proclaimed the Eldest Imperial Son's return to claim the Crown Prince title. Surely, Lord Wu'an holds opinions on this?' Han Fei inquired with a grin.
Han Fei's face shifted, caught off guard by the unforeseen point.
'Alas.'
'What opinions could I possibly hold?'
'Lord Wu'an.'
'Simply watch and wait.'
'Would the Eldest Imperial Son ever plot against me?' Zhao Feng let out a light chuckle, utterly unconcerned.
Yet.
Curiosity about this famed Eldest Imperial Son burned within Zhao Feng.
Who might this figure be?
A name absent from all historical records.
'It appears Lord Wu'an hasn't encountered this Eldest Imperial Son yet,' Han Fei chuckled.
'Have you laid eyes on him?' Zhao Feng probed with interest.
'Not once.'
Han Fei shook his head, though inwardly musing: 'I've beheld him innumerable times, but without the First Emperor's revelation, who could've imagined the celebrated Lord Wu'an was Qin's Eldest Imperial Son!'
'Then no need to speculate.'
'Await the First Emperor's summons, and he'll emerge.'
'Showing up prematurely would merely stir chaos.' Zhao Feng laughed heartily, letting the matter drop.
'Lord Wu'an returns in victory.'
'Congratulations, Lord Wu'an!'
In that instant!
Feng Quji and Feng Jie approached leisurely.
'Quite unusual.'
'Previously, the Feng brothers offered scant more than nods, but now they come forward on their own.'
Watching them draw near, Zhao Feng felt a touch of astonishment.
In the courtly halls.
Beyond his father-in-law and Han Fei, Zhao Feng shared no profound ties with others.
'My thanks, sirs.'
Zhao Feng grinned, cupping his fists politely in response.
'Word is Lord Wu'an's sister is betrothed to the Tingwei's son—might we brothers humbly ask for a toast at the celebration?' Feng Quji proposed with a hearty laugh.
'Haha.'
'The wedding date remains undecided, but if I can host you both for the joyous wine, it'd be my privilege.'
'Once fixed, invitations will surely follow.' Zhao Feng responded with a warm smile.
Gladly embracing the Feng brothers' overt friendliness.
Though puzzled by their abrupt warmth, Zhao Feng welcomed courtesy so long as it avoided Wang Wan's antagonism.
Should they mirror Wang Wan, Zhao Feng would offer no such politeness.
He'd unleash devastating retaliation instead.
'We brothers take Lord Wu'an's promise to heart.'
'Come the banquet day, we'll be there without fail.' Feng Quji beamed, returning the fist salute.
'Most assuredly.' Zhao Feng answered smilingly.
Freshly back in court.
Returning amid glory.
Despite Zhao Feng's own modest views, the courtiers plainly discerned Ying Zheng's unwavering favor toward him.
For a moment.
Numerous officials clustered around Zhao Feng, showering felicitations.
Moreover, tidings of Zhao Feng's sister's engagement to Li You had circulated, prompting many thick-skinned courtiers to seek celebratory drinks.
Zhao Feng graciously addressed each one.
Nevertheless, at this juncture.
Not every courtier rushed to offer congratulations to Zhao Feng.
Roughly half fidgeted restlessly, spirits disturbed.
For Ying Zheng's recent proclamation struck like thunder, unsettling countless hearts.
Beneath the dais.
Fusu and Hu Hai remained rooted, their faces both grim.
'Brother.'
'Who would've thought, after all our rivalries, it amounts to nothing.'
'Never dreamed another brother ranks above you.'
'What absurdity.'
Hu Hai revealed a chill of frustration, eyes brimming with bitterness.
'If it's not meant for us, it isn't.'
'Heed Father's decree.'
Fusu shot Hu Hai a look.
Disappointment lingered inside him.
Yet this day's turn granted Fusu quiet respite, lifting much of his heavy load.
All this time.
Fusu had been backed by Wang Wan and allies, put forward as Qin's future ruler.
Burdens weighed heavily on Fusu, immense pressure mounting.
Still, driven by his kin, prospects ahead, and fear of failing backers, Fusu pushed relentlessly via his talents for that throne.
In the end!
His father's approval eluded him.
'Are you content with this?'
Hu Hai gnashed his teeth, questioning Fusu.
'What good does discontent do?'
'Who dares defy Father's command?'
'Besides.'
'I've been propelled forward relentlessly, bearing far too much—now at last, I can breathe freely.'