Hearing Li Si's words, Zhao Feng smiled faintly and said, "If the Minister of Justice has something to say, just say it directly. My whole family is here today."
"I have come today to propose a marriage," Li Si said without hesitation. "I wish to ask for the hand of Lady Zhao Ying, the younger sister of Lord Wu'an, in marriage to my son."
"When I first arrived in Xianyang, I publicly stated that my sister's marriage would be her own choice," Zhao Feng said slowly. "If she has someone she likes, I will fully support her. If she does not, no one can force her.
"The marriage of my sister will not be a political arrangement with ulterior motives."
His tone carried a clear sense of protection toward his sister.
"Lord Wu'an," Li You spoke up, looking at Zhao Ying with deep affection. "Ying'er and I are in love with each other.
"I swear, I will never let Ying'er down. I vow that in my lifetime, she will be my only wife, and I will never take another woman."
Since the first day he met Zhao Ying, four years had passed.
During those four years, Li You remained steadfast and unwavering in his feelings. From the moment he set eyes on Zhao Ying, he had made his intentions clear.
Everyone in the military camp knew that Li You was pursuing Lord Wu'an's younger sister, and many saw it as entertainment.
After four years of persistence, Zhao Ying had finally been moved.
"Ying'er," Zhao Feng chuckled, turning to look at his sister. "Is what he said true?"
"Mm."
Zhao Ying blushed slightly and nodded.
Seeing this, Li You's smile grew even brighter.
"Mother," Zhao Feng turned to his mother next. "What do you think of Li You?"
"He's a fine young man," Xia Dong'er replied with a smile. "As long as Ying'er likes him, I will not object."
"Lord Wu'an, does this mean you agree?" Li You asked excitedly.
"As I said, as long as Ying'er agrees, I will not stand in the way." Zhao Feng smiled.
"I also agree," Xia Dong'er suddenly added, "but you should enter the palace to seek the king's approval."
Zhao Feng was momentarily puzzled, but then realization dawned, and he nodded.
"That's right."
"Li You, you must obtain His Majesty's permission," Li Si agreed immediately.
After all, Zhao Feng was the Grand Marshal of Qin, holding military power.
Li Si himself was one of the Nine Ministers of the court, holding a high-ranking position as the Minister of Justice.
If the marriage were not officially approved by the King of Qin, it could be seen as forming a political faction, which could lead to accusations of conspiracy.
Of course, Xia Dong'er wasn't thinking of the political implications she simply believed that since Ying Zheng was Zhao Ying's father, he should be consulted on her marriage.
"Father," Li You said eagerly. "I will go to the palace now."
"You're in such a hurry?" Li Si sighed, looking helplessly at his son.
His normally composed son was suddenly acting so impatient.
"Father," Li said seriously, "this is the most important event of my life. How can I not be anxious? I want to marry Ying'er as soon as possible."
His eyes were filled with deep affection as he gazed at Zhao Ying, his emotions laid bare.
Under his intense gaze, Zhao Ying lowered her head, blushing shyly.
"Lord Wu'an," Li Si said, bowing slightly. "Then we shall take our leave."
"Go ahead," Zhao Feng chuckled.
Seeing Li You's sincerity, Zhao Feng was quite satisfied.
Four years of unwavering devotion his sister had been moved, and he had witnessed it all.
Once Li Si and Li You had left, Zhao Feng turned to his sister.
"Ying'er, are you certain?"
"Once this decision is made, there will be no turning back."
"Brother."
Zhao Ying lifted her head, her gaze firm. "Li You is a good man. Since you've given me the choice, then I choose him."
"Alright."
"With me here, even after you marry into the Li family, he won't dare mistreat you."
"If anyone dares to bully you, I will make them pay." Zhao Feng smiled warmly.
This was the protection that came with a powerful family.
Zhao Ying's maternal family was none other than the Zhao clan, and Zhao Feng himself was the Grand Marshal of Qin and Lord Wu'an.
"I didn't expect to witness such a joyous occasion today," Wang Jian said with a smile.
"Indeed," he continued, looking at Zhao Ying. "Ying'er, you have found a fine match."
"Thank you, Uncle Wang." Zhao Ying bowed slightly in gratitude.
"It seems I must start preparing a generous dowry for Ying'er," Zhao Feng said, gazing at his sister with a look of fond indulgence.
.....
Inside Zhangtai Palace!
"Minister Li Si."
"Minister Li You."
Both Li Si and Li You bowed deeply before Ying Zheng.
"You two have come to see me. Is there an important matter?" Ying Zheng asked with a slight smile.
"Your Majesty," Li Si responded, standing upright with a smile. "I have indeed come for an important matter today, though it is a family affair."
"Speak, let me hear it," Ying Zheng said with interest.
"I have come to seek Your Majesty's approval for my son's marriage," Li Si bowed once more.
"Li You is nearly thirty now. Others his age already have children of their own," Ying Zheng said with a faint smile. "It is indeed time for him to marry."
But then, as if something occurred to him, Ying Zheng's expression shifted slightly. "It seems that Li You has taken a liking to a girl from the Zhao family?"
"Your Majesty," Li You replied respectfully, though he was inwardly nervous. "The lady and I are deeply in love. We have already received the approval of General Wu'an. However, given the Zhao family's esteemed status, I have come to request Your Majesty's blessing as well."
Ying Zheng was not particularly surprised by this.
For the past four years, Li You had been devotedly pursuing Zhao Ying, and this was well-known throughout the court.
Many people privately mocked Li You for his persistence, saying he was foolish for fixating on a single woman instead of seeking another match.
"Have you truly thought this through?"
"If you ever mistreat Zhao Ying, not only will Zhao Feng not spare you, but neither will I," Ying Zheng warned sternly.
"I will not allow her to suffer after marrying you."
There was no longer any need for Ying Zheng to conceal the deep concern in his words.
"Your Majesty, rest assured," Li You immediately vowed.
"I have already promised General Wu'an that I will be faithful to Ying'er for life. She will be my only wife, and I will never take another woman."
"You are certain of this?" Ying Zheng's voice carried a heavy weight.
"I am certain," Li You declared firmly.
"Good," Ying Zheng said, his expression serious.
"I have heard your promise with my ears. If you break it in the future, I will not forgive you."
Hearing this, Li You nodded earnestly. "I will remember this, Your Majesty."
Then, as if realizing something, his face lit up with joy.
"Your Majesty, does this mean you approve of my marriage to Zhao Ying?"
"Since Zhao Feng has already given his consent, why would I refuse?" Ying Zheng smiled slightly.
"Besides, I have witnessed your sincerity toward Zhao Ying over the years," he added.
"My only condition is this if Zhao Ying sheds even a single tear in the Li household, I will hold you accountable."
"Understood?"
Li You immediately knelt and bowed deeply. "I am grateful for Your Majesty's great kindness."
"The date of your wedding will be decided by the Minister of Rites. But it will not be now it will take place after Qi is conquered," Ying Zheng continued.
This was a clear sign of his recognition and approval of Li You as a son-in-law.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Li You bowed once again, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude.
For the Minister of Rites to personally determine the wedding date was an honor typically reserved for members of the royal family.
This was a distinction beyond anything Li You had expected.
It was also an unmistakable indication of the high regard Ying Zheng held for both the Zhao and Li families.
Standing beside Li You, Li Si was lost in thought.
With his keen intellect, he quickly realized something Ying Zheng's concern for Zhao Ying was not that of a ruler toward an ordinary noblewoman.
His words and actions were more akin to those of an elder caring for his child.
"Could it be that His Majesty truly regards General Wu'an as his own family?"
"To the point of treating his sister's marriage with such importance?"
"The Minister of Rites arranging the wedding that is an honor reserved for royal princes and princesses!"
"The favor His Majesty shows the Zhao family is truly extraordinary."
"Not to mention, he summoned General Wu'an's mother to the palace today for a private audience and meal…"
"The decision to place You'er in the military under General Wu'an's command was indeed wise."
"Now that we are forming a marriage alliance with the Zhao family, my Li family's future will be even more secure."
"The Zhao family may have only risen to prominence in the past ten years through Zhao Feng's military achievements, but today, they stand as one of the most powerful clans in the Qin state."
While Li You was overjoyed, Li Si was carefully calculating the long-term benefits of this union.
After a brief pause, Ying Zheng spoke again.
"Li You, you may withdraw for now."
"Yes, Your Majesty."
Li You bowed once more before leaving the hall, unable to contain his excitement.
His marriage to Zhao Ying was now fully secured, with no further obstacles.
For him, this was the greatest news possible.
He was finally going to marry the woman he had longed for.
Overcome with happiness, even his steps were unusually light as he left Zhangtai Palace.
Outside the hall, Commander Ren Xiao noticed his excitement and chuckled.
"General Li, you seem to be in high spirits today."
"His Majesty has approved my marriage!"
"I am finally getting married! Commander Ren, you must come and celebrate at the wedding feast!" Li You exclaimed joyfully.
"Who is the bride?"
"A lady from the Zhao family?" Ren Xiao asked, visibly surprised.
"Yes," Li You confirmed with a firm nod before quickly departing.
"This boy succeeded," Ren Xiao mused in astonishment.
"General Wu'an's sister… and a renowned physician at that."
"The Li family's status is about to rise even higher."
He hadn't expected that Li You had succeeded.
Inside the Zhangtai Palace
"What do you think of Li You's marriage?" Ying Zheng's gaze fell upon Li Si, scrutinizing him with a hint of assessment.
"Your Majesty,"
"Naturally, I approve."
"This was You'er's own choice."
"I have only this one son how could I refuse him?"
"To be honest, years ago, I had wanted to persuade You'er to give up, but in the end, I couldn't change his mind," Li Si said with a helpless smile.
"When Ying'er enters your household in the future, I do not wish to hear any bad news about her."
Ying Zheng slowly stood up, his expression solemn as he addressed Li Si.
This sudden seriousness made Li Si's heart jolt.
He had ultimately underestimated how much the king valued the Zhao family.
"Please rest assured, Your Majesty."
"For the Zhao family's daughter to enter my Li household is an immense honor for us."
"The Li family will naturally treat her with the utmost respect," Li Si immediately assured.
"Ying'er is not a daughter of the Zhao family."
Ying Zheng spoke again, his expression grave.
"What?"
Li Si looked completely confused.
"She is a daughter of the Ying clan."
Ying Zheng continued.
Li Si's eyes widened in shock as he stared at Ying Zheng in disbelief.
"Ying... a daughter of the Ying clan?"
"This... this..."
At this moment, Li Si's heart pounded wildly.
He had never expected this revelation, nor had he imagined that such words would come from Ying Zheng's mouth.
"What? You don't believe me?"
Ying Zheng smirked the seriousness on his face gradually easing.
"Your Majesty,"
"The siblings of Wu'an Jun (Zhao Feng and Zhao Ying) were born in Shachiu how could they be children of the Ying clan?"
"Years ago, Lord Chang'an's daughter was already married into the Wang family. Could there have been another royal descendant left behind?" Li Si probed cautiously.
"Who told you it was Cheng Jiao's (Lord Chang'an) child?"
Ying Zheng chuckled lightly.
Seeing a man as intelligent as Li Si utterly dumbfounded was enough to show just how earth-shattering this secret was.
"If not Lord Chang'an's child, then which royal family member's?" Li Si still looked completely perplexed.
He had never even considered Ying Zheng.
After all, no matter how he thought about it, the idea seemed impossible.
"She is my daughter."
Ying Zheng no longer kept him in suspense and stated it firmly.
"What?!"
Li Si immediately straightened his back, eyes widening in shock.
This revelation struck him like a thunderbolt.
"That's impossible!"
"How could Your Majesty have children among the common people?"
"All of Your Majesty's concubines reside within the palace, except… except…"
At this point,
Li Si suddenly thought of a possibility.
More than twenty years ago
That woman whom the royal family and court nobles had all opposed,
The woman who had nearly become the Queen of Qin.
The daughter of the great physician Xia Wuqie.
Xia Dong'er.
At this moment!
Li Si recalled the woman he had just seen at the Zhao residence Zhao Feng's mother.
Though she was now over thirty, she still retained an extraordinary charm.
Moreover, her presence and bearing were remarkable.
"You are correct."
"Ying'er is the daughter of Dong'er and me."
Ying Zheng smiled.
"Then what about Wu'an Jun?"
Li Si suddenly looked up, realization dawning upon him as he tentatively asked.
"Ying'er and Feng'er are siblings of the same parents. If Ying'er is my daughter, who do you think Feng'er is?"
Ying Zheng smiled as he spoke.
Hearing this
Li Si's mind buzzed as if it had exploded.
This secret this shocking, earth-shattering secret!
"Zhao Feng… is the son of His Majesty?!"
"No wonder… no wonder!"
"No wonder His Majesty has never had any reservations about giving him power, and even issued royal decrees to elevate his prestige. No wonder everyone in the court who aligns with Zhao Feng has been granted high positions. No wonder Han Fei was able to become Prime Minister. Everything was because of Zhao Feng!"
"So this was the truth all along!"
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