「At the Zhao Mansion!」
Having attended two wedding banquets in a row, Zhao Feng had drawn his own conclusions. Therefore, he personally took charge of the arrangents within the mansion.
"My lord," Zhang Ming reported as he approached Zhao Feng, "we have procured second-tier and top-tier fine wines from the Immortals’ Liquor House. There’s plenty for the guests to enjoy. The invitations have also been sent out to most of the court Ministers. Following your instructions, we did not send invitations to the n Family, the Bai Family, or Chunyu Yue."
"Well done." Zhao Feng smiled.
Regarding those who had openly opposed him, no matter if they were the Heavenly King himself or anyone else, Zhao Feng wouldn’t give them the ti of day. Thus, these people were categorically not invited.
Of course, for those who had not yet revealed their true intentions, like the old fox Wang Wan, Zhao Feng still sent an invitation.
"Have the betrothal gifts been sent to the Royal Mansion?" Zhao Feng asked Zhang Ming.
"They have been delivered, my lord, just as you instructed. Ten Thousand Gold Pieces, One Hundred Thousand Coins, one hundred Jade Articles, a thousand bolts of brocade, and a hundred bottles of the finest brew from the Immortals’ Liquor House. There was much more, too. It is definitely the highest standard for betrothal gifts," Zhang Ming imdiately replied.
"Good. My wedding is the day after tomorrow. Have the trusted aides maintain order and ensure nothing goes wrong. I need to visit the palace in a little while to personally deliver the Great King’s invitation," Zhao Feng said.
"Please rest assured, my lord. There will be no problems," Zhang Ming promptly guaranteed.
"Have soone prepare the carriage," Zhao Feng nodded.
"By the way, my lord," Zhang Ming added, "Han Xi just sent word that they have found several Alchemy Furnaces. They will be delivered secretly to the mansion tonight."
"When they arrive, just place them in the side hall where I reside," Zhao Feng instructed.
"Understood," Zhang Ming nodded.
Straightaway, Zhao Feng left the mansion and rode in a carriage toward the Royal Palace. As a Senior General, his travel also had its standards: a six-horse carriage. The journey was unobstructed.
Upon reaching the palace gates, the on-duty soldiers of the Imperial Guard Army imdiately bowed in salute. "Greetings, Senior General."
"I wish to enter the palace to see the Great King. Please announce my arrival," Zhao Feng said, lifting the carriage curtain.
"The Great King has instructed that should the Senior General arrive, you may enter directly without an announcent," the Capital Commandant of the Imperial Guards replied with a smile.
The King of Qin must have known I was coming. Zhao Feng smiled to himself. Shaking himself from his thoughts, he said, "My thanks."
The trusted aide then drove the carriage into the Royal Palace, stopping shortly thereafter outside the Royal Palace Square. Zhao Feng disembarked. In the Imperial Court, the Nine Ministers were permitted to ride carriages into the Royal Palace; those below them did not have such a privilege. As a Senior General, Zhao Feng’s rank was comparable to the Nine Ministers, so he naturally possessed this right.
Quickly, under the guidance of a temple official, Zhao Feng arrived at Zhangtai Palace.
"Please wait a mont, Senior General. This servant will inform the Great King," Zhao Gao said respectfully before entering Zhangtai Palace. "Great King, General Zhao Feng requests an audience."
Upon hearing this, a smile touched Ying Zheng’s face as he reviewed the Petitions. "Announce him!"
"Announce General Zhao Feng for an audience!" Zhao Gao shouted loudly.
Zhao Feng strode into the hall, looked up at Ying Zheng on the throne, and bowed deeply. "Your servant pays his respects to the Great King."
"What’s this? It’s been nearly half a month since your last visit. Why seek an audience today?" Ying Zheng asked with a dismissive wave and a teasing tone.
There was a clear hint of complaint in his voice, not that of a sovereign to a subject, but more like that of an elder to a younger relative.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Gao was naturally startled. I’ve still underestimated the Great King’s regard for Zhao Feng. Such familiarity... I fear even Yu Liao might not compare. It seems I must increase the stakes to win him over. But how can I possibly coax soone as young, powerful, and influential as Zhao Feng?
At that mont, Zhao Gao found himself in a quandary. If it were soone of lower status, it would be a simple affair, but Zhao Feng was both young and held a high position of great power.
"Your servant has been toiling on the battlefield and finally has a chance to catch a breath. This respite was granted by the Great King himself, so I certainly couldn’t waste it. Furthermore, the Great King is busy with state affairs; your servant shouldn’t co to disturb you," Zhao Feng replied with a chuckle.
"You rascal, you’re full of twisted logic," Ying Zheng chided irritably.
Zhao Feng chuckled.
"It’s almost noon. Go prepare so food," Ying Zheng said, turning to address Zhao Gao.
"This servant obeys." Zhao Gao bowed deeply and retreated with great respect.
Seeing Zhao Gao leave, Zhao Feng dropped the formalities and promptly found a spot to sit down.
I’ll have to find an opportunity to introduce chairs. This custom of kneeling is too uncomfortable. This could be a business opportunity, too. he thought to himself.
Observing Zhao Feng’s casual deanor, Ying Zheng simply smiled without saying a word.
"What brings you here today?" Ying Zheng asked with a smile.
"My wedding date has been set for two days from now. I ca today especially to present an invitation to the Great King," Zhao Feng said with a smile. He took a prepared invitation from his robes and placed it before Ying Zheng with mock seriousness.
Ying Zheng smiled, opened it, and glanced at it. "So you want to preside over your wedding banquet? You’re a cunning lad," he said with a laugh.
"If not for the Great King, I would have held my wedding banquet back in my hotown. Since the Great King will be there, you must certainly preside over it for ," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
"Alright," Ying Zheng agreed at once with a smile. "I will preside."
"Your servant thanks the Great King," Zhao Feng said with a smile. "To express my gratitude for you presiding, your servant has also prepared a gift for the Great King."
He took a small box from his robes and placed it on Ying Zheng’s table.
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