Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield

Chapter 101: Chapter 91: Zhao Feng’s Background Presented to Ying Zheng

”Your Majesty,” Wang Wan stood out and reported with a smile, ”With the Senior General’s triumphant return, in addition to lavish rewards, perhaps it is also time to settle the matter of Princess Liuyang’s marriage that you mentioned in the past.”

This seemingly casual action actually carried the intent of showing goodwill towards Wang Jian. As a staunch supporter of Crown Prince Fusu, Wang Wan’s plan was to use the marriage of Princess Liuyang to Wang Ben as a lead-in before bringing up the marriage of Wang Jian’s daughter to Fusu. If successful, Fusu would gain the support of a powerful military family by marriage. Not only was he the eldest among the princes and the natural successor, but he would also have a Senior General in his corner. This was, of course, a tremendous boon for Fusu.

After all, in the court, with Wang Wan present, most of the old nobility already supported Fusu. However, military power had always been elusive. Ying Zheng was very wary of this, but as the rumors spread and intensified, he did not comment much, evidently giving his tacit consent.

”The Chancellor’s words are very astute,” Ying Zheng laughed heartily, directly agreeing to Wang Wan’s suggestion. ”Liyang, my second daughter, is also the daughter I cherish the most. Wang Ben is a valiant general of Qin. A match made in heaven.”

Moreover, granting Princess Liuyang to Wang Ben as a wife was something he had mentioned before; now, he was simply fulfilling his promise.

”Your Majesty is wise,” Wang Wan praised loudly. ”Princess Liuyang is thirteen this year. In another year, the Grand Stable Master can set the wedding date, adding more joy to Qin.”

”Your Majesty is wise,” the courtiers standing in the plaza called out in chorus.

”Your Majesty,” another voice rang out. ”The betrothal of Princess Liuyang to General Wang Ben is a joyous occasion, but your servant has another joy to report.”

At this moment, Huai Zhuang, the Right Minister, stood out with a smile on his face.

In today’s Qin, ever since Lv Buwei was stripped of his position, the post of Chancellor was no longer held by one person, but two. Ying Zheng had appointed Left and Right Ministers. The Left Minister was Wang Wan, and the Right Minister was Huai Zhuang, who also held the position of Grand Stable Master.

”What joyous news does Minister Huai have to report?” Ying Zheng was in high spirits with Wang Jian’s return and was naturally all smiles.

”To my knowledge, Senior General Wang Jian has a daughter in the bloom of youth, of an age well-matched with Crown Prince Fusu,” Huai Zhuang said loudly with a smile. ”I suggest adding joy upon joy. Your Majesty could arrange the marriage of the Senior General’s daughter to Mr. Fusu.”

It was evident that both the Left and Right Ministers in the court were firm supporters of Fusu, harmoniously echoing each other’s sentiments.

Upon hearing this, no matter how politically naive Fusu might have been, he now realized that Huai Zhuang was rallying external support for him. Fusu did not reject the proposal. Instead, he stood up directly.

”Your son has already come of age and established his own household. I have long heard that the Senior General’s daughter is a match for any man. If I could marry the Senior General’s daughter, it would be my good fortune,” Fusu bowed deeply and spoke aloud.

Being born into the royal family, especially as the Eldest Imperial Son, it would be a lie to say I have no aspirations for that position, Fusu thought. Besides, with so many supporters in the court, even if I don’t contend for it myself, they will push me to compete. Having set foot on this path, I am destined to have no retreat.

Historically, Emperor Qin Shi Huang did indeed nurture Fusu as his successor, yet Fusu repeatedly disappointed him. Ultimately, even at his death, the emperor had not formally appointed him as the Crown Prince. He only left a will at his deathbed for Fusu to succeed—an appointment that seemed to be a choice made when there were no other options.

Hearing Fusu’s words, a flicker of intention passed through Ying Zheng’s brow. However, he did not make an immediate decision, instead turning his gaze toward Wang Jian.

At this moment, Wang Jian’s expression was a mixture of hesitation and torment. Looking at Ying Zheng beside him and the many officials below pushing for this matter, Wang Jian was filled with inner turmoil.

Indeed, this is a time of infinite royal favor. But if I refuse, I would not only be subtly defying the king’s will but also offending Fusu, who is actively seeking to marry Wang Yan. In today’s Qin, everyone in the court knows that the next Crown Prince will almost certainly be Fusu. To offend the future Crown Prince, the future sovereign! That is undoubtedly not good for the Wang Family. But then I think of Zhao Feng... his fearsome methods, his limitless potential... If Zhao Feng really tries to steal the bride, Qin would not tolerate it. He would inevitably flee to another state, becoming Qin’s most formidable enemy.

”Your Majesty,” Wang Jian said, turning towards Ying Zheng with hesitation.

”Senior General, you may speak your mind,” Ying Zheng said with a slight smile. I can see the difficulty on his face. Clearly, there’s a hidden reason for this. ”Whether you agree or refuse, I will not blame you.”

At these words, Wang Jian slowly walked up to Ying Zheng, bowed deeply, and said, ”I do not wish to deceive Your Majesty, but my daughter has already pledged her heart to another.”

”Senior General, that is not an insurmountable issue,” Huai Zhuang interjected with a smile. ”Since ancient times, matches have been made by the order of parents and the word of matchmakers. A pledge of the heart is not a formal betrothal. As long as the Senior General agrees, this joyous event can come to pass. To become the principal wife of Mr. Fusu... I dare say countless noble ladies across the land would flock to such an opportunity.”

”Indeed,” Wang Wan added, unable to keep silent. ”Mr. Fusu is refined, intelligent, and a role model for all the princes. In all the world, what man can compare to Mr. Fusu? Senior General, please give your blessing to this marriage.”

Right now, many civil officials in the court support Fusu, Wang Wan considered, but we conspicuously lack the backing of a military commander, especially a Senior General. If we could truly secure the support of the military, then even if a mishap arose in the future, it could still be smoothed over.