A new year!
A new Great Qin!
A brand-new era!
Xianyang City.
Tonight, the city was illuminated with dazzling lights.
Everywhere in Xianyang, lanterns adorned the streets, and the people gathered to celebrate the new year.
Shops bustled with lively crowds.
With Great Qin unifying the Divine Continent and bringing peace to the world, various national policies had been implemented, ensuring prosperity for its citizens. Everyone lived in abundance no one starved, and every family had savings. As long as one worked hard, they would never go hungry or struggle to support their loved ones.
Now, with the nation stable, Great Qin encouraged commerce and the establishment of workshops.
The Divine Continent was transforming.
Although it had only been a few months since the promotion of Martial and Immortal Dao, keen-eyed merchants had already begun cultivating resources necessary for these paths such as spiritual herbs, medicinal plants, and alchemical ingredients.
With the rise of cultivation, the Great Qin ushered in a new era of change.
"Brother Zhao, I heard you've reached the Third Stage of the Postnatal Martial Realm?"
"Hahaha, it was pure luck! Perhaps my natural aptitude is above average, allowing me to grasp the basics of Martial Dao in just a few months. The future holds great promise!"
"Brother Cheng, have you stepped into the Immortal Dao yet?"
"Sigh, I have no spiritual root and cannot embark on the path of immortality. I can only cultivate Martial Dao."
"Don't be discouraged! The court has stated that both Martial and Immortal Dao lead to longevity. Moreover, Martial Dao was personally created by the Crown Prince and holds immense potential."
"That's true!"
"With both paths flourishing, Great Qin will surely see an era of prosperity. We must seize this opportunity once we succeed in cultivation, the future will be limitless!"
"Indeed!"
"His Majesty and the Crown Prince are benevolent, bringing blessings to all under heaven. As subjects of Great Qin, we must pledge our utmost loyalty to the empire and them."
"Of course."
"That said, earning money is still important. If we can afford spiritual herbs, our martial cultivation will progress even faster!"
"Absolutely..."
In past years, during the New Year, commoners would discuss the increasingly stable and prosperous lives they enjoyed under the rule of the First Emperor and the Crown Prince.
Now, the prestige of Ying Zheng and Zhao Feng has reached unprecedented heights across the Divine Continent.
Ying Zheng was hailed as the Eternal Emperor a title that history was meant to bestow upon him in the distant future, yet had already come to fruition in this era.
Zhao Feng, on the other hand, was celebrated as the Greatest Crown Prince in History, earning the additional title of Martial Ancestor.
Imperial Palace – Grand Assembly Hall Plaza
Today, the palace was exceptionally lively.
Court officials, along with their lawful wives and legitimate children, as well as the governors and magistrates of the empire's thirty-six provinces, had all received an imperial decree to gather at the palace.
Inside the imperial halls, eunuchs and palace maids bustled about, continuously delivering barrels of finely brewed wine from Wine Immortal Tavern to the guests.
Since Zhao Feng had reclaimed his status and returned to Great Qin, Wine Immortal Tavern, once a renowned private business, had now become an imperial industry, spreading its influence across the empire.
The finest wines remained exclusive to the royal family.
On the grand plaza, numerous officials gathered with their families, engaging in lively conversations.
Among them, Fusu, accompanied by his wife and their twin children, stood quietly at the side.
Without the burden of vying for the throne, Fusu had finally embraced a life of freedom. He had fully united with Li Si's daughter, and together, they had built a family.
In the original timeline, Fusu was destined for tragedy, but with Zhao Feng's intervention, he had been granted a new life.
"Second Brother, it's been a long time!"
"You seem different now!"
"Indeed!"
"Back then, you had the air of a refined gentleman, but now, you carry the dignity of an official."
"Haha, that's true!"
A group of royal siblings surrounded Fusu, playfully teasing him.
"Fifth Brother, Seventh Brother, Ninth Brother you three are still the same, even after all these years!"
Fusu chuckled warmly.
"We live without worries now, so we can afford to stay true to ourselves."
"Great Qin has changed tremendously our eldest brother is truly remarkable." Ying Gao sighed in admiration.
"Indeed."
"The transformations brought by our eldest brother are beyond imagination. Who would have thought that one day, we too would walk the path of immortality and pursue longevity? All of this is thanks to him." Jiang Lü expressed deep reverence.
Years had passed.
Fusu had been governing a province for a long time, while the younger princes had grown up. Even the youngest among them was already sixteen or seventeen.
Now, under Ying Zheng's arrangement, they had begun serving in various governmental and military positions.
"Yes."
"Our eldest brother has brought immense change to Great Qin." Fusu nodded solemnly.
As a governor stationed far from Xianyang, he was not often in the capital, but he was among the first to receive new imperial decrees.
Every policy implemented whether in governance, benevolence, or military affairs had strengthened the nation and won the hearts of the people.
The long-awaited golden age that Fusu once dreamed of had finally been realized through the hands of his father and elder brother.
"Second Brother, how have you been in the northern frontier?"
Ying Gao asked with concern.
"Very well."
"To govern a province is an authority bestowed by Father and Eldest Brother. Being outside the capital allows me to witness the lives of Great Qin's citizens firsthand."
"Using my abilities to bring prosperity to the people this is my duty and my honor." Fusu smiled.
It was evident that he took great pride in his role as a governor.
"Second Brother has finally found the stage to fulfill his ambitions!"
Many younger brothers laughed together.
At this moment!
Li Si walked over slowly.
Seeing him arrive,
the many royal princes immediately stepped aside.
"Greetings, father-in-law."
Fusu immediately bowed to Li Si.
"Greetings, Father."
Li Rou also bowed at once.
Seeing Fusu and Li Rou, Li Si's face showed a slight smile.
In the past,
Li Si had felt the most guilt toward his daughter.
Back then, he had no choice but to comply with the royal decree and have his daughter marry Fusu. At the same time, he was at odds with Wang Wan and others, which led to his daughter not having a good life in Fusu's household.
But now, everything has changed.
Because of Zhao Feng's appearance.
"Rise,"
Li Si said with a smile.
"Father-in-law,"
"Fusu has just returned today and did not visit you beforehand. I ask for your forgiveness," Fusu said apologetically.
"Whether you visit or not is unimportant. What matters is how well you treat Rou'er,"
Li Si said, his tone carrying a hint of admonition.
"Please rest assured, Father-in-law,"
"Fusu will never let Rou'er down," Fusu replied, turning to look at Li Rou with tenderness.
"Father,"
"Husband treats me very well," Li Rou quickly reassured him.
Coming back to herself,
Li Rou hurriedly pulled the two little ones beside her forward.
"Ping'er, An'er,"
"Quickly greet your grandfather," Li Rou instructed.
"Greetings, Grandfather,"
the two children saluted at once.
Fusu had one daughter and one son.
The eldest was already five years old, and the youngest was three.
The elder daughter was named Ying Ping, and the younger son was named Ying An symbolizing peace and security.
"Good, good,"
Looking at his two grandchildren, Li Si's face filled with joy.
"Tomorrow, when you return home, you can see your elder brother," Li Si said with a smile.
"Father,"
"How is my sister-in-law?" Li Rou asked with a smile.
"The two little ones are almost a year old now. They've already learned to walk and call out to people,"
Mentioning his grandchildren, Li Si beamed with happiness.
Just a year ago,
his daughter-in-law had given birth to a pair of dragon-phoenix twins deeply blessed with fortune.
On the day they were born,
the current Emperor, the Empress, the Crown Prince, and the Crown Princess had all been present.
Moreover, Ying Zheng himself had personally named them.
The elder son was called Li Cheng, and the younger daughter was named Li Lan.
At this moment,
as the governors and prefects who had been stationed outside returned to the capital to report, the atmosphere was lively.
Many old colleagues who hadn't seen each other in a long time naturally engaged in joyous conversations.
After a while
"His Majesty arrives!"
"The Empress arrives!"
"The Crown Prince arrives!"
"The Crown Princess arrives!"
The loud announcements echoed across the grand hall of the imperial court.
Upon hearing them,
all the gathered officials immediately grew solemn and respectfully faced the steps leading up to the hall.
"Your subjects pay respects to Your Majesty and the Empress."
"Your subjects pay respects to the Crown Prince and the Crown Princess."
The gathered officials and their families repeatedly called out in unison.
Amidst these resounding voices,
Ying Zheng led Xia Dong'er by the hand.
Zhao Feng held Wang Yan's hand.
They slowly walked out of the palace hall and ascended the steps.
"Rise,"
Ying Zheng smiled slightly and lifted a hand.
"Today is the New Year's celebration. Officials of the court, all senior generals, grand camp commanders, governors of the Nine Provinces, and prefects of the Thirty-Six Prefectures have all gathered in Xianyang."
"First, it is because you have not returned to the capital for a long time. Second, my son and I wish to reward you all for your loyalty and service to the nation."
Zhao Feng also smiled and spoke loudly.
"We humbly thank Your Majesty for your great benevolence!"
"We humbly thank Your Highness for your great benevolence!"
The assembled officials shouted in unison.
"Enough,"
"Be seated,"
Ying Zheng smiled.
Then, he led Xia Dong'er to his seat and sat down.
Naturally, Zhao Feng did the same.
"Today,"
"as the New Year arrives,"
"it is also the first New Year's celebration in our empire's new calendar."
"This calls for nationwide celebration and joy throughout the land."
"I hereby decree"
"Starting today, the grain tax of our empire shall be reduced by another ten percent, blessing all the people of the nation."
Ying Zheng laughed as he announced.
"His Majesty is wise!"
The officials across the grand hall shouted in unison.
The Great Qin Empire was no longer the same as before
The national treasury was abundant, and with successive harvests, there was no longer a concern about grain shortages.
Even without the use of spiritual grains, the mere cultivation of ordinary rice was enough to keep the empire's reserves full.
"Father,"
"Today is a time of celebration and joy for the New Year. Discussions of governance should be set aside until after the holiday break," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
"Everyone, you see how this boy is now taking charge of me,"
Ying Zheng said with some helplessness.
The officials below all smiled, though they dared not laugh out loud.
"Very well, very well,"
"Feng'er is right. Today is about celebrating the New Year, not discussing state affairs."
"Tonight, my son and I have prepared a grand feast to reward you all."
"And of course,"
"Feng'er has also prepared an even greater blessing for you all."
"Something that prolongs life and enhances cultivation,"
Ying Zheng said with a smile before clapping his hands.
"By His Majesty's command!"
"Bring the feast!"
A palace attendant called out loudly.
At once,
many palace maids and eunuchs carried exquisite delicacies and fine wines, placing them before each guest.
"Hahaha,"
"His Majesty and the Crown Prince have brought out the finest brew of Jiu Xian Lou tonight 'Dream Drunk'!"
"I must drink my fill today," Wang Jian laughed as he spoke.
"State Marshal,"
"You jest,"
"You drink this fine wine more than anyone else,"
Han Fei couldn't resist teasing him.
"It's never enough, never enough!"
Wang Jian roared with laughter.
"Hahahaha…"
The gathered officials all burst into laughter.
"Father-in-law,"
"Tonight, there is more than just fine food and wine," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
He clapped his hands again.
At that moment,
several of the Crown Prince's guards entered, carrying ornate boxes and approaching the banquet.
Clearly,
these items were precious enough to warrant such an escort.
Seeing this, the officials grew curious
For such an honor, the contents must be truly extraordinary.
"Your Highness,"
"All the spiritual fruits have been distributed,"
Zhang Ming stepped forward respectfully, placing four ornate boxes before Ying Zheng and Zhao Feng.
"Ministers, you may open the boxes before you," Zhao Feng said with a smile.
With curiosity, the officials opened their respective boxes.
Inside, they found two spiritual fruits.
One was a flat peach about the size of two fists.
The other was a bright red fruit.
"This is a Flat Peach,"
Zhao Feng picked up one from his box and raised it high.
"It enhances natural talent and extends lifespan eating one will prolong your life by ten years."
"And this fruit is called a Vermilion Fruit."
"Consuming one will help break through cultivation bottlenecks and increase true energy."
Zhao Feng took out the Zhu Fruit once again.
Upon hearing this, all the ministers looked at the spiritual fruits inside the brocade boxes with eyes full of eagerness.
This time, every official present received two spiritual fruits: one to extend lifespan and another to enhance cultivation.
One could imagine how valuable these gifts were.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace."
"Thank you, Your Highness, for your grace."
All the ministers bowed and expressed their gratitude.
"From now on," Zhao Feng said with a smile, raising his wine cup high, "every year during the New Year's banquet, my father and I will host a grand feast to reward those who have served the nation. Those who have made meritorious contributions will receive these spiritual fruits."
"Let us strive together."
The ministers all lifted their cups.
"We pledge our undying loyalty to Great Qin!"
…
The banquet ended swiftly.
As the New Year approached, the officials entered six days of rest.
After the holiday, court resumed.
Inside the Grand Hall of Affairs:
The First Emperor presided over the court.
The Crown Prince attended and listened to government matters.
All officials were present.
Today, however, was different from usual the governors of the Nine Provinces and the magistrates of the Thirty-Six Commanderies had all gathered.
"We pay respects to Your Majesty."
"We pay respects to Your Highness."
"May Great Qin prosper for ten thousand generations! May Your Majesty and Your Highness enjoy eternal longevity!"
The civil and military officials all held their court tablets and shouted in unison.
As the Qin Empire stepped into the era of cultivation, even their ceremonial greetings changed.
"Rise," Ying Zheng said, lifting his hand, his imperial robe exuding an air of authority.
"Thank you, Your Majesty, for your grace."
"Thank you, Your Highness, for your grace," the ministers responded in unison.
"If there are matters to report, present them. If not, the court is dismissed," the chamberlain announced loudly.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness," Wang Jian stepped forward and spoke loudly, "The Baiyue region has been pacified. I have ordered General Tu Sui to search for the location marked on the map provided by the Crown Prince."
"We have now pinpointed the location, but it is concealed by an array formation. Even though General Tu Sui has just entered the Grandmaster realm, he is unable to break through, and many elite soldiers have perished trying."
"I await Your Highness's decision."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Feng nodded. "Tell Tu Sui not to let any more men risk their lives. I will personally go there."
"I accept the order," Wang Jian responded immediately.
The map that Zhao Feng provided marked the location of the legendary Nine Cauldrons.
Or rather, the Eight Cauldrons of Huaxia.
One of the Nine Cauldrons, the Yuzhou Cauldron, was already in Zhao Feng's possession.
The Nine Cauldrons of Huaxia were once sacred artifacts of the human race.
These were undoubtedly supreme treasures, and Zhao Feng was determined to obtain them.
Thus, during the military campaign to subdue Baiyue, Zhao Feng specifically instructed Tu Sui to search for the location of the remaining eight cauldrons.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness," Fusu stepped forward and spoke loudly, "I have been governing Qingzhou and have noticed that many merchants have been engaging in trade with the northern frontier. I have discovered signs that the Donghu and Xiongnu tribes are secretly purchasing iron weapons and training their armies."
"It seems they harbor intentions against Great Qin."
"Are there merchants bold enough to sell iron and copper to these foreign tribes?" Ying Zheng frowned.
"Your Majesty, I have already identified several merchants who secretly smuggled iron and copper to the northern tribes."
"Although we have arrested them, such incidents continue to occur," Fusu replied.
"If it continues, that means we haven't executed enough of them," Ying Zheng said coldly.
"Pass my decree."
"Order the Northern Frontier Army to intensify border patrols and strictly inspect all trade caravans at the frontier. Anyone caught smuggling iron and copper to the northern tribes is to be executed on the spot. Any merchant involved will have their entire clan exterminated," Ying Zheng commanded.
"Understood," Fusu immediately accepted the decree.
"Fusu," Zhao Feng looked at him, his expression softening.
"Yes, Your Highness," Fusu responded immediately.
"The foreign tribes have never ceased their ambitions to destroy Great Qin."
"Iron and copper are military resources. Selling them to foreign tribes is equivalent to aiding the enemy. This matter cannot be taken lightly."
"I know that you have been deeply influenced by Confucian teachings, but you must understand that Confucian benevolence is meant for our people, not for our enemies," Zhao Feng said seriously.
"I understand," Fusu nodded firmly.
"As for the Donghu and Xiongnu tribes," Zhao Feng continued, "I have been aware of their movements for some time now."
"Ever since I beheaded the King of Donghu, his son has been secretly amassing power, seeking revenge."
"But this works in my favor."
Zhao Feng's lips curled into a cold smile.
"Your Highness intends to wait for them to make a move?" Wei Liao immediately caught on.
"If the Donghu and Xiongnu tribes intend to invade Great Qin, they will do so with full force."
"And I intend to end this in one decisive battle to eradicate Donghu and Xiongnu and take full control of the northern frontier."
"All we need to do is closely monitor their movements. There is no need to be overly concerned," Zhao Feng declared.
"Your Highness is wise," the ministers responded in unison.
"Your Majesty," Han Fei stepped forward and reported, "It has been several months since the spread of martial and immortal cultivation techniques among the people."
"Many talented individuals with cultivation potential have already been admitted into academies or recruited into the military."
"However, the practice of immortal cultivation is far less common than martial arts. Among the common people, only one in a thousand possesses spiritual roots."
"Martial and immortal cultivation methods have only been publicly available for a few months," Zhao Feng said.
"But the people still lack a true understanding of cultivation. They only have basic techniques but lack insight into the true path of cultivation."
"Because of this, I have made arrangements."
"In ten days," Zhao Feng announced, "I will hold a grand lecture outside Xianyang City, explaining the path of martial cultivation to the people."
"Additionally, the National Preceptor of Ghost Valley will teach the people about the path of immortality."
"Your Highness," Lü Buwei spoke respectfully, "This will certainly cause a great sensation in Xianyang, but it will be difficult to extend it to all people across the empire."
"All subjects of Great Qin shall be able to hear my teachings through the Tianxuan Mirror."
"In ten days, all citizens of the empire will have the right to listen to my lecture," Zhao Feng declared.
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