Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield Chapter 742 Chapter 305: Zhao's Proclamation to the World, Shaking All Under Heaven! (Part 2)

The many princes and princesses likewise offered their respects to Ying Zheng and Xia Dong'er.

Even though Xia Dong'er wasn't their birth mother, Ying Zheng's children were obligated to call her "Mother Empress" whenever they met, given her position as Empress.

This was the privilege of the principal wife.

"You all may rise." Xia Dong'er smiled softly, her eyes sweeping across Ying Zheng's many children standing before her.

Over twenty of them existed.

Zhao Feng only knew Fusu and Hu Hai among them; the others were strangers to him.

The youngest appeared just one or two years below Zhao Feng's oldest son, Zhao Qi.

With such a vast number of children, not only was Zhao Feng unacquainted with them, but probably even his father wasn't very familiar.

Familial bonds in the Imperial Family were scarce, mainly due to the overwhelming number of offspring.

"Fusu."

"I heard you're heading to the Northern Frontier shortly?"

Xia Dong'er's worried gaze settled on Fusu.

"Replying to Mother Empress, I will depart in a few days." Fusu answered promptly.

"You haven't seen your mother yet, have you?" Xia Dong'er inquired further.

At these words!

A sorrowful look crossed Fusu's face.

"My maternal grandfather committed a grave offense, so Mother is in seclusion." Fusu replied sadly.

On this issue,

Fusu held no grudge.

After all,

His maternal grandfather had perpetrated a terrible crime, and strict adherence to Qin Law would have dragged the entire Mi family down.

His mother opted for self-confinement to shield the Mi family.

Otherwise,

Qin Law would have consigned the Mi family to slavery at best.

"Brother Zheng."

Xia Dong'er turned her head and called out softly.

"Speak." Ying Zheng smiled faintly, already grasping Xia Dong'er's intent.

"Mi Qi is deceased, his treason firmly proven."

"You and I have been separated for years, both long parted from our fathers, knowing the ache of such absence."

"Now Fusu's mother remains confined in the palace, denying them a reunion."

"With peace restored across the land and my fresh ascension as Empress managing the harem,"

"I humbly request a boon from Brother Zheng for Fusu: forgive the Mi family and permit mother and son to meet." Xia Dong'er spoke gently.

Hearing this,

Hope flickered in Fusu's eyes.

"Since you've made the request, how could I deny it?"

Ying Zheng smiled, showering endless affection on Xia Dong'er.

"Zhao Gao."

Ying Zheng called out clearly.

"I am here, Your Majesty." Zhao Gao responded at once.

"Transmit my decree."

"Release the Mi family from confinement; all other penalties stand." Ying Zheng declared steadily.

"I accept the decree." Zhao Gao took the order and retreated.

"Your child thanks Father Emperor, thanks Mother Empress." Fusu dropped to his knees, overflowing with thanks.

"What finesse."

"This woman is far from ordinary."

"Winning Fusu's loyalty so effortlessly."

Mrs. Hu sneered silently as she observed Xia Dong'er's maneuvers.

"I'm doing this for your mother's sake; otherwise, there's no cause to pardon her." Ying Zheng stated coldly.

"Your child thanks Mother Empress once more." Fusu expressed gratitude again.

"Father Emperor."

"In ten days, won't there be the Ancestral Temple ceremony for acknowledgment and lineage restoration?"

"I wish to visit Yong City first and escort Empress Dowager Huayang back." Zhao Feng interjected suddenly.

"Yong City lies nearby, yet the journey takes four or five days, and retrieving Empress Dowager Huayang would demand even more time."

"Ten days won't suffice." Ying Zheng replied.

"What if we delay it by half a month?" Zhao Feng proposed smilingly.

"I'll send the Imperial Guard Army with you." Ying Zheng decided.

"No need."

"My loyal followers are battle-hardened veterans; I won't bring many—just five hundred suffices."

"After fetching Empress Dowager Huayang, I'll then muster the Yong City Imperial Guards." Zhao Feng explained with a grin.

At this,

Ying Zheng's face shifted slightly, comprehending Zhao Feng's scheme.

"Very well, proceed as planned."

"Now that the realm enjoys stability, no bandits lurk between Xianyang and Yong City; five hundred men might seem scant, but they'll safeguard you adequately." Ying Zheng assured calmly.

"Thank you, Father Emperor."

Zhao Feng voiced his thanks promptly.

Inside the hall at that moment,

Mrs. Hu and Hu Hai shared a look, both revealing traces of delight.

Once the concubines had departed,

"Is this a ploy to flush out the snake from its lair?"

Ying Zheng regarded Zhao Feng with amusement.

"The foes lurk in darkness; we must offer them a chance. Staying cooped in Xianyang amid loyal guards leaves them no opening to strike."

"Thus,"

"I'll craft that very opportunity for them." Zhao Feng replied smilingly.

"Isn't it too blatant? Are you certain they'll bite?" Ying Zheng chuckled.

"This is an overt scheme; the chance arises but once—they can strike or bide their time."

"Not just Xianyang's schemers, but Six States remnants too crave my demise."

"Miss this shot, and future ones vanish."

"Naturally,"

"Father Emperor ought to swiftly proclaim the court's policies worldwide."

"Fan the flames higher." Zhao Feng grinned slyly.

He was baiting himself to draw out those skulking in shadows.

Those in hiding,

First, since he now held Qin's Crown Prince title.

Fusu might have yielded, yet Hu Hai hadn't, nor likely had Huai Zhuang and others; Zhao Feng aimed to let them expose themselves.

Round them up in one sweep.

Second, Six States holdouts.

Zhao Feng's policies hit their core interests.

Standardizing culture, standardizing ethics.

Plus, gathering all realm's copper and iron—once done, they'd be cornered like rats.

By stepping into the open deliberately, skipping the gamble meant no hope left.

The trap was laid; now await their move.