"What woman? What happened back then?" Fusu still looked completely bewildered, unable to understand anything Wang Wan was saying.
"It’s better for you not to know about this matter, Your Highness. Given your temperant, knowing it would do you no good," Wang Wan said seriously.
Seeing this, Fusu did not press the matter. Instead, he looked at Wang Wan and asked, "Chancellor Wang, what is our plan now?"
"Marry," Wang Wan stated emphatically.
"Is there really no other way?" Fusu still appeared reluctant.
"The King’s decree cannot be defied."
"However, marrying Li Si’s daughter doesn’t truly change anything, Your Highness. Whatever you wish to do, Li Si still won’t be able to interfere," Wang Wan said, adding with a cold smile, "Just think of it as taking a concubine."
Upon hearing this, Fusu could only nod in helpless acceptance.
"What about that Zhao Feng?" he asked.
"This man has sabotaged Your Highness’s attempt to win over Wang Jian! We can’t just let it go," Chunyu Yue interjected, still seething.
Surprised, Fusu glanced at Chunyu Yue and said, "What does this have to do with Zhao Feng? Ultimately, they love each other. How can you call that sabotage?"
"Your Highness," Chunyu Yue said indignantly, "without Zhao Feng, Wang Jian would now be your father-in-law, and the Lantian Camp would be your pillar of support. Can you truly stand for this?"
"I am not so petty. Besides, this was truly unexpected," Fusu replied calmly. Although he was striving for the position of Crown Prince, he wasn’t so narrow-minded as to bla others for an issue of his own making.
"But..." Chunyu Yue was still not ready to give up. He secretly harbored a sliver of hope, thinking that if they could force Zhao Feng to break off the engagent with the Wang family’s daughter, Fusu would still have a chance. Military power! That was the true foundation of everything.
"Grand Tutor Chun," Wang Wan said slowly, cutting Chunyu Yue off, "there is no need to go too far. For now, let us focus on how to face Li Si."
At this, Chunyu Yue fell silent, but his expression made it clear that he was not ready to let the matter drop. Fusu was his disciple, and he felt it was his duty to plan for his student’s future.
"Your Highness," Wang Wan said suddenly, "I have heard sothing that may be to our advantage."
"What have you heard, Chancellor Wang?" Fusu imdiately inquired.
"Has Your Highness heard the na Han Fei?" Wang Wan asked with a smile.
Fusu imdiately replied, "Han Fei’s na is known throughout the world. He is a man of truly great talent. Like Li Si, he studied under the great master Xunzi, and it’s said his command of Legalist principles surpasses even that of Li Si. Back in his day, he was deeply loved by the people of Han. It’s a pity the King of Han failed to recognize his talent; otherwise, it would not have been so easy for Qin to conquer Han."
"What Your Highness says is quite true," Wang Wan smiled.
"Why do you suddenly ntion Han Fei, Chancellor Wang?" Fusu asked, puzzled.
"Han Fei is currently imprisoned, but not in any ordinary jail. It is a special prison, established by a personal decree from the King himself," Wang Wan revealed. "Furthermore, he is being served fine wine and food, not treated like a condemned man. It is said that the King once decreed to Wang Jian that of all the captured officials from Han, anyone could be killed, but Han Fei must be spared. From this, can’t Your Highness see sothing?"
"My father intends to place Han Fei in an important position," Fusu realized at once.
"Precisely," Wang Wan affird, his old face breaking into a calculating smile. "Many say that Han Fei’s talent is superior to Li Si’s. If His Majesty were to grant him significant authority, what do you think would happen to Li Si, the current leader of the court’s new blood? And if Han Fei could be brought to serve Your Highness, what would the court of the future look like? Has Your Highness considered this?"
Fusu fell silent for a mont, his face reflecting deep thought.
"Chancellor Wang ans for to recruit Han Fei to my side," Fusu said.
"Exactly. Han Fei possesses great talent. As long as he is willing to submit, His Majesty will surely give him an important position. A seat among the Nine Ministers will certainly be his. If Your Highness can win this man over, it will be like gaining a right arm," Wang Wan stated with firm conviction.
Fusu nodded in agreent.
After Fusu departed, the scene shifted.
「At Chunyu Yue’s Residence」
"What are your instructions, Grand Tutor?" a figure asked, appearing before Chunyu Yue.
"Go to Yingchuan and carry out a task on behalf of the Eldest Imperial Son."
...
「The Royal Mansion!」
"The Senior General has returned!" the steward of the Royal Mansion bellowed.
The entire estate imdiately bustled with activity as all the servants hurried outside to welco him. Mrs. Wang, Wang Yan, and Wang Jian’s grandson, Wang Li, also ca out.
Not long after, a carriage drawn by three horses arrived at the entrance, and Wang Jian slowly disembarked.
"Master."
"Father."
"Grandfather."
Three voices echoed from the doorway.
Hearing them, Wang Jian smiled and walked over. "Li, co let your grandfather hold you," he said with a hearty laugh, crouching down.
Wang Li showed no fear, running affectionately toward him.
"Haha! We haven’t seen each other in nearly a year, and my little Li has grown so much taller!" Wang Jian laughed, hoisting his grandson into his arms.
He then started toward the manor, his gaze landing on Mrs. Wang and Wang Yan. He smiled and said, "Let’s go inside."
"Master, I’ve already had the servants prepare a al," Mrs. Wang said.
"No need to hurry," Wang Jian replied with a smile. "I ate quite a bit with His Majesty at the palace. We can eat later."
With that, he strode into the mansion. All along his path, servants knelt respectfully in greeting. Wang Jian simply waved his hand, signaling for them to rise.
Upon reaching the main hall, Wang Jian set Wang Li down, his gaze finally resting on Wang Yan.
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