Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield

”Perhaps it was when Li Si and his son entered the palace to seek Princess Yingʼs hand that the Great King told Wang Jian of Zhao Fengʼs identity?” Wang Jian speculated to himself as well.

All who hold official posts in this court are sly as foxes.

A few matters are enough for things to become clear in their minds.

As court session ended,

The candidates to govern the Land of Qi were decided.

The hundred officials dispersed one after another.

Yet at this time—

A few temple officials at Zhao Gaoʼs side quietly approached some of the courtʼs most powerful ministers, and secretly conveyed a message.

Not long after—

Within Zhangtai Palace!

A number of chief ministers had gathered here.

The palace doors were tightly shut.

There were Wang Jian and Huan Yi, both military commanders.

As for Meng Wu, he remained stationed at the Northern Frontier. Since this operation was key to the conquest of Qi, and there were concerns about disturbances at the border, Meng Wu had been sent there to oversee it.

Beyond Wang Jian and the other,

Han Fei,

Yu Liao,

Zheng Guo,

Feng Quji, Feng Jie,

Li Si—

These eminent court ministers assembled together.

Each one held high authority in court, and furthermore, they each shared something in common.

They had never participated in supporting any prince, nor taken part in the courtʼs fierce struggles.

Perhaps,

This was one of the reasons they had been summoned to Zhangtai Palace.

”Is everyone present?”

Ying Zheng swept a glance over the assembled ministers in the great hall, speaking casually.

”Your Majesty—”

”All are here.” Zhao Gao replied respectfully.

”Stand guard outside the hall. Without my command, no one is to come near.” Ying Zheng commanded in a low, grave voice.

”Your servant obeys.”

Zhao Gao bowed, withdrew respectfully and shut the doors of the hall.

Then—

Ying Zheng turned his gaze to Yu Liao and the rest, smiling faintly: ”Do you know why I have summoned you, beloved ministers?”

”This—your servants know not.”

Except for Wang Jian and Li Si, the rest all bowed in turn.

It was apparent—

Wang Jian and Li Si, upon seeing these assembled vassals, instantly thought of the reason.

”Have you not noticed a similarity among you?”

Ying Zheng gave a soft smile, then slowly continued.

As his words fell,

The crowd looked toward one another within the hall.

At that moment—!

Yu Liao, glancing around, suddenly thought of something.

”Your Majesty means, your servants never involved themselves in factions?” Yu Liao said in surprise.

With these words,

The matter was made plain immediately.

The ministers all suddenly realized.

Whether Li Si, or Han Fei, or Feng Quji and the rest,

They all shared a certain trait.

Within the court, there were party lines: those who backed Fusu, those who supported Hu Hai.

But these men supported neither; they had not involved themselves for either side.

And every one of them held significant power; unless by their own choice, none could force them otherwise.

”Yu Qing truly is a worthy disciple of Guiguzi—most perceptive.” Ying Zheng smiled.

”Great King.”

”We all know that authority is yours to grant; the future Crown Prince of Qin must also be decided by Your Majesty. We are loyal to Qin, not to any one man, nor shall we oppose our liege.” Feng Quji spoke slowly.

As this was said,

The others all nodded: ”We are of the same mind.”

”So long as no prince is yet established as successor, all are simply princes. We shall not be entangled with any. When Great King appoints his chosen Crown Prince, we shall serve unto death.”

Hearing these words,

Ying Zheng nodded slightly, and then his expression turned increasingly solemn.

”Gathering you here today,

Firstly because you have not involved yourselves,”

Secondly for your loyalty to I.”

”Therefore, today I have decided to share with you a matter.”

”A matter concerning the Crown Prince of Qin—the very future of our realm.” Ying Zheng spoke in measured tones.

At these words,

Except for Wang Jian and Li Si, the rest wore solemn expressions within the great hall.

”In truth—”

”I have an eldest son who was raised among the common people.”

”It was in the past, with my wife Lady Efang, that this son was born.” Ying Zheng spoke slowly.

With these words,

The ministers exchanged glances—

This, to all present, was without doubt a weighty revelation.

”Does Your Majesty intend to make this commoner son the heir apparent?” Han Feiʼs expression changed subtly.

”If that is so—”

”In my view, it cannot be.”

Yu Liao immediately interjected.

”Why not?” Ying Zheng smiled faintly, with a hint of amusement.