Upon hearing Zhao Feng bring up the matter once more, Xia Dong'er smiled and said, "Alright!"
These words left Zhao Feng momentarily stunned.
Even Wang Yan was taken aback.
"Mother, are you serious?"
"You're willing to come with us to Xianyang?" Zhao Feng's face lit up with joy.
"Of course, I mean it."
"Every time you have to bring the whole family back and forth it's such a hassle."
"Besides, Feng'er, you now wield immense power and are a formidable martial artist yourself. What do I have to worry about?" Xia Dong'er said with a smile.
Zhao Feng immediately nodded. "Mother, you've finally come around."
"Rest assured, as long as I'm here, no one in this world can harm you."
Zhao Feng had every reason to say such words with confidence.
Even if there were experts beyond the realm of immortals, he could always retreat with his family into his small world.
And if it came down to it, even if he couldn't win, he could certainly escape.
His true essence cultivation might not have reached the level of an immortal, but his physical attributes far surpassed them.
Even an immortal, after ascending and undergoing their transformation, couldn't compare to Zhao Feng's all-encompassing, heaven-defying attribute enhancements.
"Once the New Year passes"
"Our entire family will set off for Xianyang." Zhao Feng declared with a smile.
His mother's decision to return to Xianyang was a source of great joy for him.
"Mmm." Xia Dong'er nodded gently, a warm smile on her face.
Yet deep in her heart, there was a sense of unease.
So many years had passed, but Xianyang had always been a place of fear for her.
A palace filled with hidden dangers, where she had nearly lost her life.
Those memories were impossible to forget. Perhaps they had become a psychological shadow.
But now
Her son had given her an opportunity. He had given her the strength to face it without fear.
Time Passed
The New Year came and went.
In Zhangtai Palace, Ying Zheng stood, filled with both nervousness and an indescribable sense of excitement and anticipation.
"Ah Fang, you are finally coming back to Xianyang."
"The unification of the realm is near."
"Soon, I will announce to the world Ah Fang's existence… and the true identities of Feng'er and Ying'er."
"I am not a solitary ruler. My wife and children are returning to me."
Ying Zheng clenched his fists, his face alight with expectation.
Now, he had truly become the master of the world, with supreme authority in his grasp. The empire was on the verge of complete submission.
But in the end
He was a lonely man.
A ruler, alone.
Though the imperial harem had given him many children, they were merely his bloodline, not truly his family.
The only ones he considered his real family were Ah Fang Xia Dong'er and their two children.
And now
The moment he had longed for was finally arriving.
Outside Xianyang City
Under the escort of four thousand elite guards, several carriages slowly approached the gates of Xianyang.
Across the entire Qin Empire
There were many generals with their guards.
Even high-ranking officials of the Nine Ministries were permitted personal guards, though their numbers could not exceed three hundred.
But a personal army of four thousand men? That was essentially a private military force.
Only Zhao Feng had such a privilege.
As his rank and titles increased, so did his guard, now standing at an unmatched four thousand.
A privilege is unique to Zhao Feng alone.
To put it bluntly
With the strength of Zhao Feng's army, they could slaughter their way through all of Xianyang.
After all this time, not a single soldier under Zhao Feng's command was below the Seventh Stage of the Acquired Realm.
And as for those at the Innate Realm? There were many.
Every centurion in his army was at least an Innate Realm warrior.
"Mother, we've arrived in Xianyang."
Zhao Feng lifted the curtain of the carriage and pointed toward the city gate.
Xia Dong'er raised her head and gazed at the towering walls of Xianyang.
"Twenty-eight years…"
"I never thought I would return."
She stared at the city, murmuring to herself.
To her, this was once a place of nightmares.
And now, she was about to step into it once again.
As Zhao Feng's carriage approached the city gates
The city's garrison soldiers immediately stepped forward.
"Welcome home, my lord!"
Over a hundred garrison soldiers bowed deeply in respect.
"Much appreciated."
Zhao Ming Thanks on Behalf of Zhao Feng
Zhao Ming expressed gratitude on Zhao Feng's behalf.
Then, under the escort of his guards, the carriages proceeded into the city.
The journey was completely unhindered.
With Zhao Feng's status, he could travel freely across the entire Qin Empire.
Even the royal palace had no special guards to block his entry no announcement was needed for him to enter.
This was the power of the State Guardian this was Qin's Wu'an Lord.
Arrival at the Zhao Residence
As Xia Dong'er stepped out of the carriage and saw the grand mansion before her, she felt an overwhelming sense of nostalgia, as if she had traveled through time.
Back when she first arrived in Xianyang with Ying Zheng, she had visited many of the mansions surrounding the royal palace.
For Xia Dong'er, though Xianyang had changed greatly over the years, the area near the palace still felt incredibly familiar.
"Mother,"
"From now on, you can rest easy in the residence."
"Our family no longer needs to be separated between two places." Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"Mmm." Xia Dong'er nodded, a warm feeling rising in her heart.
She found herself looking forward to seeing Ying Zheng again.
"Yan'er,"
"Take Mother around the residence later so she can get familiar with everything."
Zhao Feng turned to Wang Yan and instructed.
"Rest assured, my lord."
"I will keep Mother company." Wang Yan replied with a bright smile.
With that, the group entered the mansion.
The estate's servants had all gathered in the courtyard numbering between seven to eight hundred people.
After all, the mansion was vast, and Zhao Feng had many children.
These servants were not only bestowed by the King of Qin but some had also been secretly placed there by the Shadow Court.
"Welcome home, Madam!"
Led by the steward of the residence, all the servants knelt as Xia Dong'er approached.
Seeing this, Xia Dong'er quickly waved her hand.
"Rise, all of you."
"Thank you, Madam," the servants replied in unison.
However, many of them were filled with unease.
The news of the Madam's return had spread through Zhao Mansion a few days ago.
To them, she was a figure of deep reverence, but also one of uncertainty if she turned out to be difficult to serve, it would be bad news for them.
"That's enough."
"You may all return to your duties."
"My mother is kind and not harsh. Continue as you always have." Zhao Feng reassured them.
"Yes, my lord!"
The servants bowed respectfully before dispersing.
At that moment
"Commander Ren Xiao has arrived!"
"A royal envoy is here as well!"
"They've brought more than ten carriages full of gifts!"
Zhao Ming hurried over with the report.
Behind him, Ren Xiao, the commander of the Imperial Guards, approached.
A squad of Imperial Guards followed closely behind, carrying various chests of gifts.
"Commander Ren, what brings you here?" Zhao Feng turned and greeted him with a smile.
"By the king's decree,"
"His Majesty learned that Lord Wu'an's mother has returned to Xianyang, and he has sent these gifts as a token of respect." Ren Xiao said with a smile.
"I sincerely thank His Majesty."
Zhao Feng immediately expressed his gratitude.
The speed of this gesture took him by surprise.
He had just arrived in the city, and the King of Qin had already sent gifts.
It was clear that the moment Zhao Feng entered Xianyang, the king had begun preparing.
"Feng'er,"
"You should go to the palace and personally thank the king." Xia Dong'er said with a smile.
As she spoke, her eyes revealed deep emotions.
If not for the fact that the empire was not yet fully unified, Xia Dong'er might have already rushed to see Ying Zheng.
The hardships they had endured together during the twenty-eight years of separation weighed heavily on her heart.
If not for Zhao Feng, they might never have had the chance to see each other again.
"Yan'er,"
"Stay with Mother and keep her company."
"I will go to the palace." Zhao Feng said to Wang Yan.
"Go ahead, my lord."
"We will take good care of Mother." Wang Yan assured him.
Inside Zhangtai Palace
Ying Zheng sat at his desk, absentmindedly reviewing memorials.
Upon learning that Xia Dong'er had arrived in Xianyang, he had barely been able to contain his excitement.
He even considered rushing to see her immediately.
"Should I summon Dong'er to the palace directly?"
"After all, she is Zhao Feng's mother. There is no reason why I cannot summon her."
"And even if people find out what of it?"
"Only the state of Qi remains. The empire is nearly unified."
Ying Zheng debated whether to summon Xia Dong'er for an audience.
Since their brief encounter at Shangqiu, he had been unable to stop thinking about her.
Now, they were finally in the same city. The distance between them was no longer vast.
As he pondered
"Lord Wu'an has arrived!"
Zhao Gao's voice rang out from outside the hall.
"Enter."
Ying Zheng snapped out of his thoughts and called out.
Zhao Feng strode into the chamber.
"Minister Zhao Feng greets His Majesty!"
Zhao Feng bowed deeply.
"It is rare for you to return so quickly. Less than a month has passed." Ying Zheng said with a smile.
"This time, my mother has agreed to return to Xianyang with me."
"From now on, I no longer need to travel back and forth." Zhao Feng replied with a smile.
"That is wonderful news." Ying Zheng said, suppressing the joy in his heart.
"It is indeed a great thing."
"Shangqiu is a thousand miles from Xianyang, and I have grown weary of the journey."
"Each time I went to bring my mother back, she refused."
"But this time, she finally agreed."
Zhao Feng said, his face filled with relief and happiness.
For him, this was a momentous occasion.
The reason behind this change of heart why his mother suddenly agreed was naturally due to his current achievements.
The key factor was martial prowess.
"Haha."
"Now you can serve your mother with peace of mind," Ying Zheng laughed heartily.
Deep down, he naturally understood why Xia Dong'er had suddenly come to Xianyang.
"The unification of the world is within reach."
"Dong'er still remembers the promise I made to her."
"And she still can't let go of me."
Ying Zheng thought to himself, feeling secretly delighted.
Perhaps both Ying Zheng and Xia Dong'er were hopeless romantics.
"I've never met your mother before."
"When you return later, bring her to the palace."
"I'd like to see what kind of woman could raise such an outstanding minister," Ying Zheng said casually, smiling.
Hearing this, Zhao Feng had no objections and immediately nodded. "Then, I shall have my mother come to the palace later to meet Your Majesty."
"Good."
Ying Zheng nodded, feeling an intense excitement rising within him.
His hands, hidden in his sleeves, clenched tightly.
At this moment
Seeing Zhao Feng still standing there, Ying Zheng was slightly puzzled.
"Why are you still here?"
"Your Majesty, I just arrived," Zhao Feng asked somewhat bewilderedly.
"I want to meet your mother. You should go back now."
"I have nothing else to discuss with you."
"Oh, right."
"Now that the snow has melted, it's the perfect time to attack Qi."
"Find a suitable time in the next few days to head to Yunzhong and lead the army against Qi."
"Whatever provisions and supplies you need, take the royal decree and make the necessary arrangements," Ying Zheng ordered.
He then took out half of the Tiger Tally for the Wu'an military camp, along with a pre-written royal decree.
Seeing this, Zhao Feng was even more confused.
Every time he entered the palace, the Qin King would eagerly keep him there, talking endlessly, reluctant to let him leave. Zhao Feng was always the one who had to request permission to withdraw.
But today, the situation was completely different.
Was the Qin King this concerned about his mother?
Thinking of this, Zhao Feng suddenly felt uneasy.
"Your Majesty, you have a vast harem. You better not set your sights on my mother."
"Even though my father has been gone for decades, my mother has remained chaste. You mustn't do anything inappropriate," Zhao Feng warned.
Hearing these words, Ying Zheng's eyes widened. Then, with a scowl, he snapped, "Get out of here!"
"Alright then."
"Your humble servant takes his leave."
Glancing at the royal decree and Tiger Tally in his hands, then at Ying Zheng, who was now glaring at him furiously, Zhao Feng chuckled sheepishly and promptly turned to leave.
Watching Zhao Feng's departing figure
"He still claims that I'm dead?"
"I'm very much alive!"
"And besides, his mother was my woman to begin with. Now he's telling me not to think about her?"
"This brat…"
Ying Zheng muttered in frustration.
However
"This brat is quite perceptive. Because I am thinking about his mother," Ying Zheng smirked.
Shaking off his thoughts, he called out, "Zhao Gao!"
"Your servant is here," Zhao Gao responded respectfully.
"Have the imperial kitchen prepare a meal and deliver it at noon. Until then, no one is to disturb me," Ying Zheng ordered solemnly.
"Understood, Your Majesty," Zhao Gao bowed and withdrew.
Before Ying Zheng, he was always humble and subservient. He knew that everything he had was granted by Ying Zheng. Without Ying Zheng, he was nothing.
This was why, historically
As long as Ying Zheng lived, Zhao Gao was nothing more than a loyal dog.
But the moment Ying Zheng died, Zhao Gao bared his fangs.
Meanwhile, Zhao Feng had returned to the mansion.
"Back so soon?"
Seeing Zhao Feng return so quickly, Xia Dong'er was surprised.
"Mother."
"His Majesty has summoned you to the palace for an audience," Zhao Feng said upon entering.
"Summoned me?"
Xia Dong'er's heart pounded wildly.
"Yes." Zhao Feng nodded with a smile. "His Majesty said he wishes to meet you. There's nothing else to it. Of course, if you don't wish to go, I can return to the palace and ask His Majesty to rescind the decree."
"No, no, no."
"He is the king, after all."
"You have received immense favor from His Majesty; of course, I must go and meet him," Xia Dong'er quickly waved her hands, rejecting the idea.
"That's good, then."
"When you arrive at the palace, don't worry. Your son is now the Grand Marshal and the highest-ranking military officer. No one will dare disrespect you," Zhao Feng reassured her with a smile.
"Yes," Xia Dong'er nodded, her eyes gleaming with joy.
It had been years since she last saw Zheng-gege. Naturally, she was eager.
"Husband, should I accompany Mother to the palace?" Wang Yan asked.
"That might be a good idea," Zhao Feng nodded.
However, Xia Dong'er shook her head.
"No need. I will go alone."
Seeing how nervous she was, Zhao Feng felt a little suspicious but didn't think too much of it. He simply nodded.
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