"I grant you the governance of the Zhao Territory," Ying Zheng said with a slight smile, readily agreeing with Han Fei. "However, one more person is needed to govern the Dai Territory..." He paused, making it clear he did not intend to hand over complete control of the Zhao lands.
"Royal Father," Fusu suddenly stepped forward and declared loudly, "your son requests to be entrusted with the governance of the Dai Territory!"
At that moment, Fusu's eyes were filled with eagerness. Beside him, Wang Wan and Huai Zhuang grew anxious, frantically signaling with their eyes for Fusu to stop.
As the esteemed Eldest Imperial Son, he had lowered himself by making such a request. He was the man everyone considered most likely to become Crown Prince; he should have been solidifying his position, striving to advance further. Governing a region was the duty of a minister, not the Eldest Imperial Son. His task was to improve himself and strategize within the central court of the Great Qin Empire.
Ying Zheng looked at Fusu, his expression completely impassive. He then spoke, his gaze turning towards Feng Jie. "Mr. Feng."
The Feng family boasted two outstanding talents. Feng Quji was one of the Nine Ministers, while his younger brother, Feng Jie, also held a high position as a Senior Minister.
"This subject is here," Feng Jie immediately responded.
"I will entrust the governance of the Dai Territory to you," Ying Zheng declared authoritatively.
"This subject thanks the Great King for his trust," Feng Jie immediately accepted the command. "I will not disappoint the Great King."
Everyone in the Court knew that governing the newly conquered lands of the Zhao state was a great meritorious deed reserved for civil officials. Upon their return, they would undoubtedly be promoted and ennobled.
"Of course," Ying Zheng said slowly, his gaze sweeping across the Court, "the ministers recommended by the Chancellor and the Tingwei are also available for appointment. Mi Li, Yao Jia."
"This subject is here," the two men who were named immediately stood out from the ranks of the civil officials, their faces flush with excitement.
"Mi Li, you are to go to the Dai Territory to assist Mr. Feng. Yao Jia, you are to go to the Zhao Territory to assist Minister Han."
"Now that the Zhao state is newly pacified, these two territories will be administered separately for the time being. We will discuss their division into counties once Yingchuan is completely under our Qin's control," Ying Zheng commanded authoritatively.
"Thank you for the Great King's trust! We swear to repay this kindness with our lives!" Mi Li and Yao Jia replied in unison.
"Ah, that reminds me." Ying Zheng suddenly thought of something, and a smile graced his features.
Fusu immediately looked toward his royal father with anticipation.
"General Zhao Feng enlisted at sixteen and is now almost twenty, yet he has not returned home once.
"Back in Handan, I promised him that after the conquest of Zhao, I would grant him a furlough.
"Tingwei, after you issue the edict, send a man to inform Zhao Feng that I am granting him his furlough.
"However, he must wait until all the cities in the Zhao Territory are secured and the surrendered soldiers are fully organized," Ying Zheng finished, smiling at Yu Liao.
"This subject understands," Yu Liao replied with a smile.
"Very well," Ying Zheng said, scanning the Court. "Do any of my ministers have anything else to report? If not, let us adjourn."
At these words, a look of disappointment crossed Fusu's face. He had truly thought his father would give him a chance.
If my Royal Father had given me the chance, I would have proven to him that governing the Zhao Territory with benevolence and righteousness can lead to great success. It would surely be a gentler approach than that of the Legalists, and it would win the hearts of the people. Fusu was unshakably certain.
But it was as if Ying Zheng had seen right through him, giving him no such opportunity.
Benevolence and righteousness? To speak of such things to the Zhao people immediately after destroying their state was pointless. Ruling them with strict laws—that was the true path of a king.
"We have nothing to report," the assembled officials declared.
"Then the court is adjourned." With a wave of his hand, Ying Zheng said no more and turned to walk toward Zhangtai Palace.
"We respectfully send off the Great King!" the ministers all called out, bowing deeply as they watched him depart.
「Within Zhangtai Palace, the rear hall.」
Ying Zheng held the Imperial Seal in his hand...