Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield

Fusu's expression changed, and he immediately stood up. "Father, your son has just turned fourteen. I am still too young. My marriage can be discussed later."

Regarding this, Wang Wan and Huai Zhuang, who had originally supported a marriage for Fusu, remained silent, a shade of melancholy appearing on their faces.

In the court, the struggle between the Old Nobility and the New Nobility had not yet escalated to a completely irreconcilable level, but it was close. If Li Si's daughter were to marry Fusu, it would not be a good thing for them.

Of course, the same was true for Li Si. His daughter marrying Fusu? What would that imply? He was a proponent of the Legalists, advocating for governing the state with Legalist principles, which clashed directly with Fusu's own ideology. Moreover, Li Si was a leader of the New Nobility and had constantly been locking horns with Wang Wan's faction, engaging in numerous covert battles.

"Does the Tingwei not wish it?" Ying Zheng's eyebrows knitted together as he looked at Li Si.

Feeling Ying Zheng's gaze, Li Si's heart skipped a beat. He hurriedly bowed, "How would your servant dare to defy a Royal Edict?"

"Fusu," Ying Zheng turned his gaze back to the prince, his tone final. "The Tingwei's daughter is gentle and graceful, a fine woman. This marriage is thus settled."

His decision was absolute, leaving Fusu no chance to object.

"Father..." Fusu started to protest.

But from behind him, Wang Wan tugged at his robes, signaling for him to stop. His mentor, Chunyu Yue, also shot him a look, warning him not to resist any further.

"Master of the Horse," Ying Zheng called out.

"Your servant is present," Huai Zhuang immediately stepped forward.

"It is already winter. Yingchuan has just been pacified and still needs to be governed. The nation has also suffered a significant loss of strength from this war, so we will let this year pass. You shall choose an auspicious day next year for Fusu and the Tingwei's daughter to be married," Ying Zheng said gravely.

Huai Zhuang bowed. "Your servant accepts the edict."

The Royal Edict was set. There would be no changes this time.

"Tingwei. Fusu," Ying Zheng looked at the two of them. "Are you not accepting the edict?"

Under the weight of royal authority, though each had their own reservations, they could only suppress them and bow deeply. "Your servant accepts the edict."

"Today is the day of the Senior General's triumphant return," Ying Zheng declared, his mood shifting. "It is only right that I drink with the Senior General. After the court session, the Senior General will enter Zhangtai Palace to drink with me and tell me of the army's affairs."

Ying Zheng laughed heartily, then took Wang Jian's hand and began walking toward the inner palace.

"The court session begins!" Zhao Gao shouted.

The civil and military officials below the steps, each with their own thoughts, made their way toward the Morning Discussion Hall. The moods of Li Si, Fusu, Wang Wan, and the others were clearly poor, as was evident from their expressions.

「Inside the grand hall!」

"Meng Yi has already gone to take up his post in Yingchuan," Ying Zheng announced from the throne, his voice serious. "I am very confident in his ability to govern it. However, winter is approaching. The harsh cold is imminent. In Qin, as in the various states, countless common people die from the severe cold every winter. For Yingchuan, where everything is in disrepair and many are still displaced, this issue will be even more severe."

"Reporting to the Great King," Feng Jie immediately stood up and announced loudly. "I have already ordered the mass production of charcoal. Furthermore, there is a considerable supply of charcoal in the storehouses of various regions that can be mobilized."

"Calculate the surplus after meeting the needs of Qin's heartland, and send all of it to Yingchuan County," Ying Zheng decided promptly.

Although Yingchuan now belonged to Qin, along with its several million people, Ying Zheng naturally prioritized the citizens of Qin's homeland. Deep down, he believed that the Old Qin People were the foundation of Qin's strength. As for the populace of the newly assimilated territories, it would take time for them to pledge their full allegiance.

"I understand," Feng Jie responded at once.

"Relying on Qin's charcoal alone will likely not be enough," Yu Liao suggested. "I propose sending an edict to Meng Yi, instructing him to fell more trees for distribution to the people to help them avoid the suffering of the harsh winter. In addition, we must allocate grain and supplies to Yingchuan."

"Very well," Ying Zheng nodded.

The court session continued, focusing primarily on the various matters of governing Yingchuan. Yet, during this session, the minds of many officials were inevitably unsettled.

「The Wang Mansion!」

All the servants in the mansion were bustling about, cleaning and tidying up. With the master of the house returning in triumph, how could the residence be anything but busy?

In a hall within the mansion, Wang Yan retched violently, her complexion turning pale. After a few moments, she finally calmed down.

How could this be? It's only been one night...

Wang Yan murmured to herself, her expression one of disbelief as her hand gently rested on her abdomen. Although she was not as knowledgeable as a married woman, she was still a woman and had heard stories about pregnancy before. Having been retching like this for days, unable to keep food or drink down, she naturally understood what was happening to her.

What should I do? If Father finds out, Zhao Feng will be in danger. And now that he's returned, the Great King is sure to arrange a marriage for me. If I am betrothed and then it's discovered that I'm pregnant... my Wang Family will be finished. Father has already gone to the palace. What if the Great King proposes a marriage to him now?

Wang Yan's heart was in turmoil, and she didn't know what to do. She was afraid of the trouble this would cause for Zhao Feng, and equally afraid of bringing ruin upon her own family. She was caught in an impossible situation.

If I die, perhaps everything will just end.

A desperate thought suddenly surfaced in her mind.

Just as the idea took hold…

KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK.

A clear knocking sound came from outside the room.