Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield Chapter 720 - 295: Ying Zheng: Zhao Feng, What Do You Think of the Eldest Imperial Son? (2)

"Yet for you, my eighteenth brother, there's no need to overthink it."

"After all,"

"Father has already settled on that position in his mind." Fusu offered a faint smile, looking utterly at ease.

Having said those words,

Fusu ignored Hu Hai’s darkened face and leisurely stepped out of the hall.

As he exited the hall, his footsteps felt lighter than ever before, filled with unprecedented ease.

Gazing at Fusu’s retreating back,

Then glancing at Zhao Feng, who drew everyone’s focus, a flicker of reluctance crossed Huai Zhuang’s eyes.

Yet he didn’t dwell on it and headed out of the hall himself.

Seeing this, Chunyu Yue did the same.

"Fusu."

"You’re content to let the Crown Prince spot go, but I refuse."

"I’ve battled for this seat for years; I won’t abandon it now."

"I’ll track down that so-called Eldest Imperial Son and eliminate him." Murderous light burned in Hu Hai’s gaze.

Within a corner of the Royal Palace.

Inside Huai Zhuang’s carriage.

He faced Chunyu Yue directly.

"What’s our next move?"

"Mr. Fusu has lost his shot at Crown Prince."

"All our years of backing him have gone to waste."

"This sudden Eldest Imperial Son we’ve never heard of—it’s far too suspicious." Chunyu Yue expressed deep resentment.

"Who’d have thought Xia Dong’er survived, and even bore the Great King a son."

"Ying Xi, what an idiot."

"If you were set on killing her then, why not finish the job?"

"Instead, you spared her life and wrecked our long-term schemes."

At that instant, Huai Zhuang’s heart surged with bitterness.

However,

Facing Chunyu Yue’s expectant expression, Huai Zhuang spoke deliberately: "The Prime Minister is gone, and now an Eldest Imperial Son emerges; if we sit idle, the court will cast us aside eventually."

"You hoped Mr. Fusu would revive Confucianism in Qin and elevate its teachings."

"Without him as Crown Prince, it’s all for naught."

"The Great King leans toward Legalists and Military Strategists."

"Your Confucianism stands no chance."

"Me? Though I hold Right Chancellor, age weighs me down."

"I must secure paths for my family’s heirs too."

Chunyu Yue furrowed his brow: "I get your point, but what options do we have left?"

"Only one path to make Mr. Fusu Crown Prince."

"Locate that Eldest Imperial Son and slay him." A killing glint flashed in Huai Zhuang’s eyes.

"The Great King named him, so guards will surround him tightly, and from his tone, he’s known of him for ages but hid him away; if the Great King shields him on purpose, who could touch him?" Chunyu Yue shook his head.

"Start by dispatching men to investigate; clues must exist."

"If we fail to find him, bide time until he emerges, then strike decisively."

"I refuse to believe any guard is impenetrable."

"Dead, he clears the way—Mr. Fusu becomes Eldest Imperial Son, the perfect Crown Prince choice." Huai Zhuang’s gaze brimmed with lethal resolve.

"Indeed." Chunyu Yue nodded in agreement.

He backed Fusu solely for Confucianism’s sake; despite many Confucian officials in court, they held no real sway, stuck in rituals—miles from his grand revival dream.

He craved Confucianism’s total resurgence, the world united under its banner.

True revival.

Yet now, his vision lay distant; without Fusu as Crown Prince, future Qin King, it’d all dissolve into empty dreams, mere chatter.

Within the Morning Discussion Hall!

Court officials slowly filed out.

Zhao Feng at last wrapped up his duties.

"I even lowered my own rank."

"Still, crowds flock to flatter me."

"The King’s favor runs deep, but only one Emperor Qin Shi Huang exists!"

As officials departed, Zhao Feng sighed inwardly.

"In Great Qin’s court, your fame eclipses all."

"You’ll grow accustomed soon enough."

"Forget demoting to Baiyue—the First Emperor won’t allow it."

Wang Jian chuckled to Zhao Feng.

"Me, a top general commanding national forces, staying in Xianyang? My influence grows too immense." Zhao Feng replied with resignation.

"First Emperor still wary of you?" Wang Jian said helplessly.

"He tolerates it fine, but his heirs?"

"Father-in-law."

"Under thirty still, with decades ahead; such a powerful minister so young—no ruler endures it easily. I plan ahead."

"Safeguarding my family’s future, at minimum." Zhao Feng stated gravely.

These words,

Zhao Feng shared solely with Wang Jian.

To others,

Silence.

Fearless though he was, why court needless strife?

"Think that Eldest Imperial Son can’t stomach you?" Wang Jian teased smilingly.

"Never laid eyes on him; who knows his character?"

"Besides..."

"I never entrust my fate to another’s hands." Zhao Feng shook his head.

"What if he shows you exceptional favor?" Wang Jian grinned.

"We’ll cross that bridge when it comes." Zhao Feng brushed it off with a laugh, unwilling to dwell.

Save Emperor Qin Shi Huang,

Zhao Feng vowed loyalty to none of his offspring.

His current might filled him with pride; he’d not bequeath his arts to outsiders, much less gift them freely.

Control stayed firmly his.

Right then!

"Lord Wu’an."

"The Great King calls for you."

Beyond the hall,

Zhao Gao approached with measured steps, greeting Zhao Feng deferentially.

"Knew it’d end this way."

Helplessness flickered across Zhao Feng’s features.

Each court return brought the Emperor’s summons, stalling his homecoming.

He’d hoped time might spare him, but no such luck.

Clearly, Zhao Gao had lingered outside!

"Father-in-law, until next time."

Zhao Feng clasped hands toward Wang Jian.

Then trailed Zhao Gao to Zhangtai Palace.

En route,

Zhao Gao hunched low, shuffling in tiny steps.

Toward Zhao Feng trailing him, he spoke sparingly, avoiding excess words.

After all,

In court circles, he grasped Zhao Feng’s true status.

Qin’s Eldest Imperial Son, tomorrow’s Crown Prince.

Offend at peril.

Good he hadn’t bound himself fully to Hu Hai, or death awaited.

Likely that Zhangtai Palace day itself.

Reading winds,

Zhao Gao navigated shrewdly.

"Lord Wu’an."

"The First Emperor awaits within."

At Zhangtai Palace’s doors, Zhao Gao bowed deeply.

"Understood."

Zhao Feng nodded, stepping inside.

"Should Lord Wu’an need anything, command this servant directly." Zhao Gao added reverently.

"This Zhao Gao..."

Zhao Feng shot him an odd glance, then nodded.

He entered the hall.

Per usual,

Ying Zheng occupied the throne, poring over memorials.

"I’ve arrived, my lord."

Zhao Feng bowed upon entry, then sat beside him.

"Getting bolder by the day, young one."

Ying Zheng looked up at Zhao Feng, tone laced with fond rebuke.

"No strangers present, so your servant relaxes." Zhao Feng grinned.

"True, no outsiders."

Ying Zheng laughed lightly, pleased deep down.

Such closeness with Zhao Feng warmed his heart immensely.

"What were your thoughts on today’s court session?" Ying Zheng asked smilingly.

Hearing this!

Zhao Feng chuckled, "Answering First Emperor, your servant observed from my seat."

At those words,

Ying Zheng paused briefly, momentarily speechless.

"Quit the cheek, boy."

"I meant, your view on my eldest son?" Ying Zheng feigned annoyance.

"Your servant hasn’t met this Eldest Imperial Son. Bring him next time, and I’ll assess." Zhao Feng answered with bright cheer.

"Sounds like you’re intrigued?" Ying Zheng probed with a smile.

...