Military authority is the ultimate power.
"Mr. Fusu is indeed a fine match," Wang Jian began. "If my daughter were not already promised to another, I would wholeheartedly support this union. But I truly cannot bring myself to forcefully separate a loving couple." He raised his head, his gaze firm as he addressed Ying Zheng.
With these words, everyone understood Wang Jian’s resistance to the marriage arrangent with Fusu. Even Wang Wan and Huai Zhuang were at a loss for what to say. Standing in the square, Fusu felt awkward, unsure whether to advance or retreat.
Ying Zheng, however, remained largely expressionless. But at the ntion of separating lovers, his heart trembled, and he seed moved. At that mont, all eyes fell upon him, including Wang Jian’s, for the final decision rested in the Great King’s hands.
In the next mont, Ying Zheng spoke slowly, his words laden with intense aversion as his gaze swept across the Hundred Officials below the steps, as if issuing a warning. "In my life, I too have hated nothing more than the act of tearing apart a destined union."
As he spoke, a pang of anxiety struck Wang Wan, Huai Zhuang, and several other ministers from the Zong Shi who had experienced such matters in the past. They clearly understood the aning hidden in the Great King’s words.
"The Great King still rembers what happened back then," Wang Wan and Huai Zhuang exchanged uneasy glances.
"Thank you, Great King," Wang Jian bowed deeply to Ying Zheng, breathing an internal sigh of relief. He understood that this marriage arrangent would likely be canceled, and his fears would not co to pass.
At this mont, Wang Jian was filled with relief. Perhaps my Wang Family can avoid being drawn into the future struggle for succession after all. Although Crown Prince Fusu has a high chance of winning, Qin has never strictly adhered to primogeniture; a worthier son could be chosen. Everything depends on the current Great King’s sacred decree. But if this marriage were settled, the Wang Family would be involuntarily bound to Fusu’s warship, which contradicts my desire to avoid the conflict. In a struggle for succession, the losing side is always purged. I never wanted this from the start, but I was constrained by the Great King’s will. Now, however, I can finally rest easy.
"I am very curious," Ying Zheng chuckled, looking at Wang Jian. "Who is this man that has captured the heart of the Shangjiangjun’s daughter? To have earned the Shangjiangjun’s approval, he must be no ordinary person."
"Great King," Wang Jian replied with a slight smile, "you have heard his na before."
"I have?" Ying Zheng was montarily taken aback. He glanced over the Hundred Officials present but still could not guess who it might be.
"Then I am truly curious," Ying Zheng smiled.
"In Qin’s recent campaign that resulted in the successful conquest of Han, whose na appeared most often in the battle reports to the Great King?" Wang Jian asked, creating a bit of suspense instead of answering directly.
"Zhao Feng?" Ying Zheng thought of him at once.
"The Great King is wise," Wang Jian affird promptly. "It is indeed Zhao Feng."
At these words, the expressions on Wang Wan and Huai Zhuang’s faces grew even more astonished. They were not alone; the other officials were just as surprised.
Since when was Zhao Feng involved with Wang Jian’s daughter? Why have we never heard of this before? many of them thought, their interest piqued. This is getting interesting.
"Zhao Feng has been enlisted for less than a year. How could he have co to know the Shangjiangjun’s daughter?" Ying Zheng asked with a slight smile.
"Great King," Wang Jian explained with a smile, "one might say it was fate that brought the younger generation together. The Great King likely still rembers the incident when Bao Yuan launched a surprise ambush from Yang City. For that, you even reprimanded General Li for his rash pursuit of glory. It was during that very incident that my daughter led a pursuing force. However, due to her smaller force and limited battlefield experience, she was surrounded by Bao Yuan’s Han troops. At that critical mont, it was Zhao Feng who intervened, saving my daughter, killing Bao Yuan, and successfully annihilating that Han army."
Hearing this, Ying Zheng imdiately understood. He laughed and said, "It seems, then, that the Shangjiangjun’s daughter and Zhao Feng share a true bond forged in adversity!"
"To be honest with the Great King, that is precisely the case," Wang Jian imdiately seized the opportunity to continue. "If it were anyone else, I would not be so supportive. But Zhao Feng saved my daughter’s life, and they are deeply in love. I truly cannot bear to tear them apart."
Then, Wang Jian turned to face Fusu, who stood below the steps. He bowed deeply and said, "Mr. Fusu, my daughter’s heart is already taken. Please forgive for being unable to consent to this union."
These words finally released Fusu from the awkward position he was in. Maintaining a smile, he cupped his fist in salute and said, "I was unaware of this matter and have acted presumptuously. Please do not take offense, Shangjiangjun."
"How could I possibly bla you?" Wang Jian said repeatedly.
"Father," Fusu imdiately declared his position to Ying Zheng, "since the Shangjiangjun’s daughter has already given her heart to another, and I am not the sort to break up a happy couple, let us dismiss the proposal from the two Pri Ministers."
Hearing this, Ying Zheng nodded in approval. "It is good that you understand, Fusu. I have always hated forced marriages. However, you have co of age and should be betrothed and married."
He then turned his attention elsewhere. "Tingwei," he called out, "if I rember correctly, your eldest daughter is of a similar age to Fusu, isn’t she?"
The sudden address startled Li Si. Hearing the Great King’s words, he hurriedly stepped forward.
"Replying to the Great King," Li Si answered at once, though his face did not show much joy, "my eldest daughter is indeed about the sa age as the Eldest Imperial Son."
"In that case," Ying Zheng said with a laugh, settling the matter decisively, "I shall make the decision for you. Your eldest daughter shall be betrothed to Fusu. Let the Taipu select an auspicious day."
"This..." Li Si’s complexion changed.
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