After Zhao Feng left, Dun Ruo emerged from the back hall.
"Your Majesty."
"I have just received a report." Dun Ruo bowed respectfully.
"Speak."
Ying Zheng, still focused on reviewing the memorials, responded with a single word.
"All four sons of Wang Wan have escaped Black Ice Platform's surveillance and are now missing." Dun Ruo reported with deference.
"How did this happen?"
"Did I not order you to capture Wang Wan's four sons and bring them to Xianyang?" Ying Zheng frowned, displeased.
"Your Majesty."
"We had them all under surveillance, ready for capture. But suddenly, an even more elite group of covert agents appeared and forcibly took them from our hands."
"I suspect..." Dun Ruo hesitated, clearly apprehensive.
However, he didn't finish his sentence.
"You mean Zhao Feng sent his covert agents?" Ying Zheng immediately grasped his meaning.
"That is precisely what I believe."
"Looking across the world, I cannot think of any other force capable of surpassing Black Ice Platform's agents except the ones under the Eldest Prince's command." Dun Ruo said with a bitter smile.
Hearing that it was Zhao Feng's doing, Ying Zheng's expression softened considerably.
His original order for the Black Ice Platform to capture Wang Wan's sons was not out of a desire to preserve Wang Wan's bloodline.
Wang Wan's entire clan had perished because of Zhao Feng, and Ying Zheng did not want any of them to influence his son in the future.
Though Wang Wan was dead, his disciples remained.
If his descendants were allowed to live, who knew what trouble they might stir in the future?
"This boy is truly ruthless cutting the weeds and pulling out the roots."
"He is indeed my son."
Ying Zheng chuckled, a hint of satisfaction in his voice.
As a ruler, one had to be merciless against their enemies, or they would eventually suffer for it.
And Zhao Feng fully embodied this principle. He was ruthless when necessary, yet treated those loyal to him with great generosity.
This was exactly the temperament Ying Zheng desired in a crown prince!
"Then, Your Majesty," Dun Ruo hesitated, "is there anything else I should do regarding this matter?"
He inwardly sighed in relief.
From the failed operation at the Wine Immortal Pavilion to the unsuccessful attempt to capture Wang Wan's sons, both missions had failed. Dun Ruo had been truly worried that Ying Zheng might become disappointed in him.
Fortunately, this time it was Zhao Feng's doing. Had it been another force, Ying Zheng might have cast Dun Ruo aside entirely.
"No need."
Ying Zheng waved a hand dismissively. "Since Feng'er has already taken action, there's no need for the Black Ice Platform to clean up after him. My original concerns were unnecessary."
"I understand."
Dun Ruo nodded respectfully.
"If there is nothing else, I shall take my leave."
Dun Ruo turned to depart, but Ying Zheng's next words made him pause.
"Although Feng'er is my son, and his covert agents will one day become Qin's blade, the fact remains his forces have only been training for six or seven years, yet they have already surpassed the Black Ice Platform, which has existed for hundreds of years."
"You should reflect on this carefully." Ying Zheng's voice carried a chilling undertone.
Upon hearing this, Dun Ruo shuddered internally he recognized this as a warning from the king.
"I will ensure that the Black Ice Platform evolves and becomes stronger," Dun Ruo vowed immediately.
But deep down, he felt a sense of hopelessness.
Because in this latest clash between the Black Ice Platform and Zhao Feng's covert agents, the latter had become even stronger.
Not only did Zhao Feng's agents successfully extract their targets without suffering a single injury, but during the deadly confrontation, they didn't even kill a single Black Ice Platform operative they merely knocked them unconscious before leaving.
What kind of terrifying skill was that?
In battle, killing was easy.
But knocking someone unconscious was far more difficult especially when dealing with the highly trained assassins of the Black Ice Platform, who fought with lethal intent.
Yet, Zhao Feng's agents had accomplished this flawlessly.
When Dun Ruo first received this report, he had been completely stunned.
Because what they had done should have been impossible yet Zhao Feng's men had done it.
"If only we could obtain the Eldest Prince's training methods for covert agents…"
"If that were possible, the Black Ice Platform would become even stronger."
Dun Ruo secretly yearned for this.
As the commander of the Black Ice Platform for many years, he knew better than anyone how exceptional Zhao Feng's training methods were.
For centuries, the Black Ice Platform had been the strongest covert force in Shenzhou.
But ever since Zhao Feng's agents emerged, they had fallen to second place.
"I take my leave."
Dun Ruo bowed deeply to Ying Zheng and then withdrew.
Once the hall was empty, Ying Zheng's eyes flickered with a peculiar light.
"Feng'er…"
"Just how many more secrets are you hiding?"
"I truly wish I could formally acknowledge you as my heir already."
Every time Zhao Feng returned…
Every time Zhao Feng embarked on a mission…
He always brought surprises.
Again and again.
Ying Zheng's curiosity about this son of his had reached its peak.
Meanwhile, at the Zhao Residence...
In a hidden underground chamber.
Most noble families had secret chambers in their residences, often used to store wealth and valuables.
When Zhao Feng took possession of this residence, he immediately instructed Yan Ting to construct a hidden chamber beneath it.
However, it was not just a chamber it was a network of secret tunnels connecting various parts of Xianyang City.
No one knew that beneath the Grand General's residence lay a secret stronghold for covert agents.
It served two purposes:
First, as a base for his covert operations.
Second, as a safeguard to protect his family.
Though many of his agents were disguised as household guards, providing visible protection, Zhao Feng took additional precautions by constructing these tunnels and chambers.
If an assassin ever infiltrated his residence and could not be handled on the surface, the hidden agents would emerge to eliminate the threat.
Of course, such a scenario was unlikely.
And not only in Xianyang
Even in the Zhao Residence in Sand Village, an identical underground stronghold had been built, ensuring the safety of Zhao Feng's mother.
"Master."
"The targets are inside."
Ying Bu, bowing respectfully, gestured toward a stone chamber.
"Good."
Zhao Feng stepped forward and peered inside.
Inside the chamber were dozens of people men and women alike all of them the children and grandchildren of Wang Wan, as well as their spouses and concubines.
Wang Wan had been an old man. As a Grand Chancellor, his family had flourished.
Three months ago, Zhao Feng's purge had already wiped out 90% of his clan.
These were the last remaining members.
"Are there any who escaped?"
Zhao Feng glanced at them once, then retracted his gaze.
"Master," Ying Bu replied, "Wang Wan's four sons, seven grandsons, five granddaughters, and their spouses and concubines are all accounted for."
"Not a single one escaped."
"They were clever, hiding in the states of Qi and Chu, thinking they were safe." Ying Bu sneered.
Zhao Feng nodded, his expression emotionless.
Then, in a cold voice, he said, "What are you waiting for?"
"I understand, Master."
Ying Bu immediately understood and waved his hand.
The hidden guards standing outside the stone chamber swiftly moved in, charging toward Wang Wan's descendants with deadly intent.
Zhao Feng didn't even spare them another glance. Without hesitation, he turned and walked away.
Inside the stone chamber, every captive had their hands and feet bound. As the hidden guards stormed in, all that remained were pleas for mercy and agonized screams.
To them, it was no different from being lambs led to slaughter.
Regardless of whether they were grown men or young children, Zhao Feng spared no one.
An enemy was an enemy. The enmity of an annihilated clan could never be forgotten.
Having lived two lifetimes and read countless novels, Zhao Feng had seen too many stories where vengeance was left unchecked, only for it to turn against the protagonist decades later. He would never allow such a scenario to unfold.
Since they were his enemies, he would be thorough cutting the weeds and digging out the roots.
It wasn't cruelty.
It was simply the way of the world.
If the situation were reversed, and Wang Wan had gained the upper hand while Zhao Feng was the one on the run, Wang Wan would have never spared his young children either.
Mercy was a luxury Zhao Feng could not afford!
"Master."
"They have all been dealt with none left alive."
Before long, Ying Bu returned with his report.
"As long as it's done."
"Wang Wan is no more."
"Now, focus on Kui Zhuang, Chunyu Yue, and the ministers aligned with Fusu. Keep a close watch on them," Zhao Feng ordered.
"Understood," Ying Bu responded immediately.
"One more thing."
"The procurement of medicinal herbs and refining materials that I ordered before do not stop acquiring them," Zhao Feng continued.
"Rest assured, Master."
"Chief Steward Han has been handling this matter without interruption. Our storage depots across various locations are already overflowing," Ying Bu replied with a smile.
"Wealth is merely a tool. True power lies in one's strength."
"The road ahead is long, and the world is vast," Zhao Feng said slowly.
"I understand, Master."
"Following you, we shall one day achieve immortality and unite the world!" A glint of ambition flickered in Ying Bu's eyes.
Since the day Zhao Feng saved him, his life has belonged to Zhao Feng. His loyalty was absolute.
Everything he had now was bestowed upon him by Zhao Feng.
"Master."
"If there's nothing else, I shall take my leave so as not to disturb your rest," Ying Bu said respectfully.
Just as Ying Bu was about to leave, Zhao Feng suddenly had a thought.
"The small world is gradually recovering. A thousand miles of land is already quite significant. If I can cultivate spiritual herbs within it and train my elite forces…"
"Or even establish an entire martial arts civilization within this small world one that belongs solely to me its potential would be limitless," Zhao Feng murmured, deep in thought.
Ying Bu, ever observant, remained silent and waited respectfully.
"There are countless refugees throughout the land."
"Gather all individuals under the age of fifty men and women alike secretly and discreetly."
"Find a remote, uninhabited location to settle them."
"The designated site will be near Yunzhong City."
"Make sure everything is handled with the utmost caution."
"The Qin court must not discover this."
"You will carry my decree and have Zhang Han and Tu Sui deploy their troops to provide cover. Do not allow any leaks," Zhao Feng instructed.
"I understand," Ying Bu responded without hesitation, immediately accepting the order.
Although he didn't know why Zhao Feng had suddenly issued such a command, as the leader of Yan Ting's hidden forces, his role was not to question only to execute without fail.
Moreover, the fact that military forces were involved underscored just how important this mission was to Zhao Feng.
"Go," Zhao Feng dismissed him with a wave.
"Yes, Master." Ying Bu bowed respectfully before departing.
Once alone, Zhao Feng's eyes gleamed with anticipation.
"A thousand miles of land can easily sustain millions."
"But for now, everything depends on how many people Yan Ting can gather," Zhao Feng muttered to himself.
In this era, war and chaos were everywhere.
Even though the Qin Empire ruled by law, the newly conquered territories were far from stable.
In the short term, the only way Qin could maintain control over these lands was through military occupation.
Among the nobles and those seeking to restore their kingdoms, their hearts were not so easy to win over.
These were matters that King Qin would address only after unifying the entire world.
Thus, throughout the land of Shenzhou, there were countless refugees.
Who knows how many people lived in fear for their lives, starving and barely surviving?
People were the least valuable!
Zhao Feng's order to Yan Ting to gather the refugees might be a great act of saving lives.
First, it would save lives.
Second, it would strengthen his control over the small world, cultivating the future heirs of his kingdom.
A twofold benefit!
At this moment...
"Master."
"The ladies have finished washing up."
The steward came to report outside Zhao Feng's hall.
"Mm."
"Tell them I will visit them one by one," Zhao Feng said with a slight smile, his face showing a hint of amusement.
After three months of seclusion, it was time to enjoy life a little.
The next day!
The court session began!
The officials were already waiting outside the hall.
As soon as Zhao Feng arrived, his presence immediately attracted the attention of many ministers.
"Today, the sun must have risen from the west Zhao Feng is attending court."
"Hasn't it been over three months since he last attended? This is truly unprecedented in the court."
"Clearly, this shows how much the King favors him. If it were any of us, we might have already been punished by the King."
"It's obvious that Zhao Feng's three months of absence from court must have been approved by the King."
...
As Zhao Feng entered, his arrival not only captured attention but also sparked a flurry of whispers among the ministers.
Returning to Xianyang and not attending court for three months was indeed a rare event.
Such a precedent had never existed.
Of course, if we talk about previous Qin kings, there were examples.
In the past, King Huiwen of Qin, Ying Si, once did not attend court for three years, which paralyzed the old noble families. This became a part of history.
"Well, if it isn't Lord Wu'an?"
"Finally decided to attend court?"
Han Fei, seeing Zhao Feng, immediately approached to tease him.
"Isn't this our great Qin's Chancellor?"
"Now that you're Chancellor, your status has changed how did you suddenly look so young?" Zhao Feng smiled and retorted.
"You don't let up with that sharp tongue," Han Fei said helplessly upon hearing Zhao Feng's words.
"Greetings, Your Majesty."
Xiao He walked forward, full of reverence, bowing respectfully to Zhao Feng.
"We are fellow officials, there's no need for such formality," Zhao Feng smiled and said, implying that Xiao He need not be so ceremonious.
"If it weren't for Your Majesty's recommendation, I wouldn't have been able to serve in Xianyang. I must express my gratitude to you," Xiao He immediately replied, changing his tone to show thanks.
"So, what do you think?"
"Xiao He?" Zhao Feng smiled and then looked at Han Fei.
"A talent."
"A remarkable person."
"I have to say, your insight is extraordinary," Han Fei immediately praised with a smile.
As for Xiao He, Han Fei was more than satisfied with him.
After Xiao He took over his previous duties, everything had gone smoothly better even than before. This allowed Han Fei to focus more on his position as Chancellor.
"This proves that I haven't harmed you," Zhao Feng laughed heartily.
"Whenever there are more talents, keep recommending them."
"I trust your judgment," Han Fei smiled and said, encouraging Zhao Feng to continue with the recommendations.
Now that he had become the Left Chancellor, his power was even greater than before, and naturally, he needed more talents.
With Wang Wan's death, many official positions in the court had become vacant, most of which were under the Left Chancellor's control. Han Fei naturally intended to appoint his people.
"Alright."
"Whenever I come across a capable person, I will recommend them," Zhao Feng nodded immediately.
At this moment!
Wang Jian slowly walked over, smiling as he asked, "Has everything been taken care of?"
"Father-in-law."
"It's all taken care of," Zhao Feng smiled.
"Today's court session is not simple."
"You may have to make a strong bid for another opportunity to advance further," Wang Jian whispered.
"Looks like today's discussion will focus on Chu?" Zhao Feng's eyes flickered, and he immediately understood.
Yesterday, in the Changtai Palace, King Qin had not made his intentions clear.
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