One by one, the ministers in the court presented their reports.
Listening to them, Ying Zheng carefully deliberated and made decisions on how to handle each matter.
When he heard that the King of Qi wanted to share the title of emperor with him boldly proclaimed himself an emperor as well
Ying Zheng couldn't help but laugh.
"The King of Qi certainly has wishful thinking."
"Given the current situation, does he believe I won't destroy the state of Qi?" Ying Zheng said slowly, a hint of mockery in his tone.
By now, the only remaining state in all of Shenzhou was Qi. Qin's ambitions were no longer concealed in any way.
Qi was completely isolated.
Who could they turn to for help?
The kingdom of Tuyuhun? Goguryeo?
Or perhaps, would the King of Qi dare to seek aid from the Xiongnu or the Donghu tribes?
Would he even dare?
The fate of King Xi of Yan was still fresh in everyone's memory.
Betraying one's people, and becoming a traitor to the nation such an act was not only a disgrace for generations but had also led to his immediate execution at Zhao Feng's hands.
If the King of Qi didn't want to die or follow the same path as the King of Yan, he would never dare to collude with foreign tribes.
"Your Majesty,"
"This move by the King of Qi is a test."
"He wants to see if our Qin Empire has any real intention of attacking Qi," Han Fei said with a smile.
"Let's not give him any illusions."
"Pass my decree,"
"Summon our envoys stationed in Qi back to Qin."
"Spread word that when spring arrives and the snow melts, Qin will march against Qi," Ying Zheng commanded with a cold smile.
At this point,
Qin's national strength had reached an unprecedented peak.
Even though Qi had an army of hundreds of thousands, they couldn't withstand Qin's mighty iron legions of over a million soldiers.
"This battle,"
"Is about intimidation."
"We must pressure Qi into surrendering without a fight."
"Qi is home to the greatest academic institutions in Shenzhou. The Jixia Academy was where both I and Chancellor Han first gained our enlightenment. Beyond Jixia, Qi has many other academies. If they are absorbed into Qin, they will undoubtedly contribute greatly to our empire in the future."
"Forcing the King of Qi to surrender is the best strategy," Li Si said.
"At this moment, Qi is already like a frightened bird."
"But to make them truly submit, it is not enough to promise the King of Qi a wealthy life and the continuation of his ancestral temple."
"We must send a commander powerful enough to strike fear into the world itself."
"The King of Qi must fully understand that resistance against Qin is futile. Only then will our strategy of intimidation succeed," Wei Liao added.
As he spoke,
His gaze shifted toward Zhao Feng, who was resting with his eyes closed on a floor cushion.
Following Wei Liao's lead, the ministers in the court all turned their eyes toward Zhao Feng.
A sudden silence fell over the hall.
Sensing the attention, Zhao Feng slowly opened his eyes.
"Why are you all looking at me?" Zhao Feng chuckled, then turned to Ying Zheng and cupped his hands. "Your Majesty, I am ready to depart for Qi whenever you command it."
"Hahaha!"
"Wei Qing's words are indeed wise."
"If there is anyone in this world whose reputation alone can inspire awe and command absolute respect, it is none other than our Great Qin's General Wu'an!" Ying Zheng laughed heartily.
"Your Majesty is truly wise!" Wei Liao proclaimed loudly.
"When spring arrives, General Wu'an shall set out for Qi." Ying Zheng smiled and gave the order.
"I accept the decree," Zhao Feng responded with pleasure.
Traveling to Qi,
It would indeed be an interesting journey.
Compared to past military campaigns, the conquest of Qi would be the easiest by far.
"Alright."
"Let us now discuss the issue of the freezing disaster," Ying Zheng said.
Regarding this matter,
The court could only allocate resources and instruct local officials to provide aid to the affected regions.
Beyond that, there was little else that could be done.
After all, natural disasters were beyond human control, and all that could be done was to provide as much relief as possible.
"We do not yet have smokeless coal, only charcoal. This must be documented for future development."
"Additionally, we lack cotton. These things are still unavailable."
"Opening treasure chests hasn't yielded them, as the lowest-tier chests now are already at the third rank. Cotton seeds are not considered high-level resources. In the future, we may have to conquer the western regions to acquire them," Zhao Feng mused privately.
While the court continued its discussions,
Zhao Feng remained silent, listening and contemplating his plans.
He valued these opportunities greatly being in the imperial court meant gaining firsthand knowledge of the state of the world. Zhao Feng was learning, and in the future, he would use what he learned to his advantage.
Zhao Residence
In the secluded rear courtyard,
A dedicated training ground had been established.
Elite guards were stationed all around, ensuring that no outsiders could enter.
"Strike!"
With a low shout, Zhao Qi swung his sword.
A blade of energy, formed by his true qi, slashed through the air
And struck a wooden target in front of him.
Thud!
The sword's energy sliced cleanly through the wood, splitting it in half.
As Zhao Qi moved swiftly,
One sword strike after another cut through multiple wooden targets.
He had already stepped into the Innate Realm.
"Not bad."
From the side, Zhao Feng walked over, his expression full of approval.
"Father,"
"My cultivation at the first level of the Innate Realm is now completely stabilized."
"Sister is also about to reach the Innate Realm," Zhao Qi said excitedly.
"Keep training diligently."
"The Innate Realm is just the beginning."
"You have a long road ahead,"
Zhao Feng said to his young son, who was only half his height.
"Don't worry, Father!"
"I will train hard!" Zhao Qi nodded firmly.
"And remember,"
"Never reveal your true cultivation in front of outsiders," Zhao Feng warned sternly.
"Father, rest assured."
"We will never expose our abilities," Zhao Qi, now more mature, promised solemnly.
Zhao Feng nodded in satisfaction.
"Good. That's how it should be."
With his current strength, Zhao Feng no longer feared anything.
However, since the Great Qin still belonged to the Qin King, matters concerning martial arts had to remain undisclosed to avoid future complications.
Even if Zhao Feng intended to spread martial arts and usher in a new era of cultivation in the Divine Continent, it would only happen once he had full control over the land.
Only those who were his most trusted confidants would be permitted to cultivate truly profound martial arts techniques loyalty was paramount.
"Ying'er, you must also train diligently."
"That way, you'll be able to protect yourself better in the future."
Looking at Zhao Ling beside him, Zhao Feng reminded her earnestly.
"Mm!" Zhao Ling nodded seriously, showing her determination.
"Father."
"When will my younger siblings start their training?" Zhao Qi asked.
"Not until they're at least six years old." Zhao Feng smiled as he patted his son's head.
Then, he turned and walked toward his secluded cultivation chamber.
"Open all treasure chests." Zhao Feng commanded.
"Opening two Tier-3 treasure chests."
"Acquired ten Tier-4 spiritual roots: [Vermilion Fruit Trees]."
"Acquired a Heaven-grade low-tier martial technique: [Nine Yang Sunlit Sutra]."
A notification appeared on his status panel.
"Vermilion Fruit Trees."
"In novels from my previous life, consuming these fruits could enhance internal energy."
"Tier-4 spiritual roots, equivalent to Heaven-grade cultivation materials… far superior to anything in those wuxia stories."
"If cultivated properly, they'll undoubtedly be of great benefit to my subordinates' training." Zhao Feng immediately smiled in satisfaction.
As for the Nine Yang Sunlit Sutra,
While it was indeed powerful as a Heaven-grade low-tier technique, Zhao Feng's cultivation method was even stronger.
"This Nine Yang Sunlit Sutra could be passed down to Qi'er and the others as our family's foundational cultivation technique."
After a moment of thought, Zhao Feng made his decision.
He was already envisioning the establishment of a martial arts dynasty in the future.
His family must have absolute control over this kingdom. He could suppress any opposition, but his children must also be able to.
And martial arts techniques were the key.
Since this world had no existing martial arts cultivation techniques, Zhao Feng was, without question, the progenitor of martial cultivation.
When the time came for widespread cultivation, he alone would hold the most profound techniques.
Only his family would have access to the highest-tier martial arts.
As for intermediate-level techniques like the Dragon Elephant Technique, only his most loyal confidants would be allowed to practice them.
Meanwhile, the Nine Yang Sunlit Sutra, being aggressive and domineering, was perfect for his children's training.
"If I plant the Vermilion Fruit Trees by the spiritual spring, they'll grow much faster."
With that thought in mind, Zhao Feng closed his eyes, and his consciousness instantly entered his small world.
Inside this space
Ever since spiritual energy had been introduced, despite the absence of a sun, there was still a source of illumination.
As the master of this small world, Zhao Feng could control the cycle of day and night at will.
Naturally, he kept it synchronized with the outside world.
At this moment
The entire space was thriving with life.
People labored at sunrise and rested at sunset.
For the common folk who had suffered through war and chaos, this kind of life had once seemed like an unattainable dream.
Now, it was their daily reality.
They earned wages through hard work more labor meant greater rewards.
In truth
Nothing in this small world was privately owned. Everything remained under Yan Ting's governance.
In the future, Zhao Feng planned to gradually relax these restrictions, allowing the world to develop like the outside realm, but the time had not yet come.
"This place has truly become lively."
"There are even chickens and ducks now."
"I need to find an opportunity to have Ying Bu and the others gather more animals everything that walks on land, everything that swims in the water, we must have them all."
Seeing how much progress his small world had made, Zhao Feng felt an even stronger sense of purpose.
This space had once been a desolate, broken realm.
Under his guidance, it had flourished into what it was today.
It gave him a deep, indescribable sense of achievement like that of a creator shaping the world.
Moreover
Zhao Feng had a strong intuition that as this space gradually developed a complete ecosystem akin to the Divine Continent, it would bring him even greater surprises in the future.
"That guy sure knows how to enjoy himself."
His gaze shifted to the spiritual spring.
The black dragon was lying lazily beside it, sound asleep.
Invisible streams of spiritual energy continuously flowed into its body, being absorbed into its form.
From time to time, it would even submerge itself into the spring, as if bathing in its power.
Over time
The once-small spring had expanded into a lake nearly a hundred feet wide.
This water, formed entirely from condensed spiritual energy, was incomparably precious.
"I should find an opportunity to let Qi'er and the others soak in it."
"It will be greatly beneficial for improving their natural talents and physiques."
Zhao Feng made a mental note of it.
Then
He retrieved the Vermilion Fruit Trees.
With a single thought
The ground split open, forming ten planting pits.
The ten Vermilion Fruit tree saplings descended into the soil, and the ground seamlessly closed over them.
Immediately after
Zhao Feng controlled a portion of the spiritual spring's water, splitting it into ten streams that cascaded onto the saplings.
It was visible
Under the influence of the spiritual spring, the saplings rapidly took root and began growing at an accelerated pace.
"I'll further increase the concentration of spiritual energy in this area by tenfold."
"That way, the Vermilion Fruit Trees will mature even faster."
As Zhao Feng made his decision, he activated his intent, and the transformation began.
The spiritual energy of the surrounding void began to surge, swirling around the Vermilion Fruit Trees.
Under the influence of the dense spiritual energy and the nourishment of the spiritual spring, the trees grew rapidly.
In just a dozen breaths
The ten Vermilion Fruit Trees had already developed into saplings as thick as a clenched fist.
And with the continuous infusion of spiritual energy, they were still growing.
"Judging by this growth rate, these trees should fully mature within a year or so."
"As expected, having abundant spiritual energy is key it can even make up for the passage of time." Zhao Feng mused to himself.
With that thought, he withdrew his consciousness from the small world.
"Zhang Ming."
Zhao Feng called out.
"Your orders, my lord?"
Zhang Ming immediately stepped through the door and entered the hall.
"Relay my command to Yan Ting."
"In addition to continuing to take in refugees, focus on acquiring warhorses and wild beasts anything that roams the land or swims in the water."
"Capture as many as possible."
"For dealing with fierce beasts, only those at the Fifth Stage of the Acquired Realm or above should be assigned."
"Additionally"
"As long as it's a living creature, the Jiu Xian Tavern can openly purchase them as well."
"Once we've gathered a sufficient number, I will personally collect them." Zhao Feng instructed.
"Understood!" Zhang Ming immediately acknowledged the order and withdrew.
Having previously visited Zhao Feng's small world, he fully understood what kind of place it was.
In the future
That world would become a sanctuary for Zhao Feng's most trusted confidants, a realm truly independent from the outside world.
"For now, I should focus on my cultivation and wait for spring."
"All my attributes have already surpassed 8,000. In the coming days, I'll push them beyond 9,000."
With this goal in mind, Zhao Feng activated his cultivation technique and entered a meditative state.
The power of his destiny surged forth.
The spiritual energy in the void churned.
Time passed swiftly.
Another year came to an end.
In the Zhao Residence, Shachou.
Inside the grand hall
Zhao Feng's family was gathered together.
Seated in the place of honor was none other than Xia Dong'er.
In the household, she held the highest authority.
Aside from her, Zhao Feng's many wives and concubines were present, along with numerous children.
"It's New Year's Eve, so I won't say too much."
"Eat well, drink well."
"Let the children play and enjoy themselves."
Raising his wine cup, Zhao Feng spoke with a smile.
"Yes, my lord!"
His wives and concubines responded in unison.
"First, let's toast to Mother." Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"To Mother!"
The women all rose to their feet, lifting their wine cups in respect.
Xia Dong'er beamed as she raised her cup.
Although she usually abstained from alcohol, tonight was a special occasion she, too, wanted to celebrate.
"Mother will finish this cup." Xia Dong'er said with a smile.
"Qi'er."
"Lead your siblings in paying respects to your grandmother."
Zhao Feng then turned to his children.
"Yes!"
Zhao Qi immediately nodded.
As the eldest, he took the lead, guiding his younger siblings forward.
They knelt before Xia Dong'er.
"Grandmother, we wish you boundless happiness!"
The children's voices rang out crisply, from the older ones down to the younger ones.
Some were still infants, cradled in their mothers' arms, blinking curiously at the gathering.
"Good, good!"
"To see you all growing up, to see your father establish his own family and career"
"I feel truly content." Xia Dong'er said warmly.
This was all she had ever wished for.
A large and prosperous family.
And now, that wish has become a reality.
"Mother."
"With the unification of the realm nearly complete, once the New Year passes and spring arrives, I will lead the army to conquer Qi."
"At that point, the entire world will be under one rule."
"Are you truly determined to stay here in Shachou?"
"Won't you come with us to Xianyang?"
"Come back with us."
"It's too lonely for you to remain here alone."
At this moment
Zhao Feng once again asked his mother the question that had long puzzled him.
He had never understood why she refused to move to Xianyang.
But this time
Xia Dong'er smiled slightly.
It seemed as though she had begun to reconsider.
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