ebookland Chapter 179 How about bestowing upon me a wife?
Chapter 179 How about bestowing upon me a wife?
Zhangtai Palace, study.
Perhaps because Ying Zheng had given prior instructions, Gai Nie did not enter the place with Ying Jing.
Ying Zheng was wearing a wide black robe with unique patterns trimmed with gold thread. Although he was looking down at the memorials on the table, his posture remained extremely upright, with his spine straight.
There were no outsiders here, and Ying Zheng was clearly not just putting on an act; he had maintained this posture for several hours and did so every day.
To see the whole leopard from a single spot, such a self-disciplined and strict ruler was unique among the seven kingdoms of the time.
"Brother Wang."
Ying Jing called out softly.
Upon hearing Ying Jing's call, Ying Zheng finally raised his head.
Ying Zheng's eyes had become increasingly deep, as unfathomable as the vast starry sky, yet exceptionally bright and spirited.
His cold, stern face twitched slightly, as if he wanted to smile, but perhaps because he hadn't smiled in so long, he only managed a slight twitch at the corners of his mouth.
"I made a bet with Gai Nie that after you returned to Xianyang and sent all the ladies back to the young master's residence, you would immediately come to Zhangtai Palace. It seems that my prediction has come true."
He made a bet with his ministers, and on such an absurd thing, yet Ying Zheng revealed it with a smile.
Perhaps only in front of Ying Jing could he be so relaxed and slightly restrain his royal majesty.
Ying Jing blushed slightly. He had gone to Han on official business, but instead, a bunch of romantic escapades had been spread, and he had brought back several beauties. Even Ying Zheng knew about it.
Fortunately, with Lady Mingzhu's help, things in Korea went exceptionally smoothly, and Han Fei was brought back. Zheng Ge was clearly in a good mood.
However, one's heart is unfathomable.
Even Ying Jing could no longer chat and laugh with him as freely as he had in his childhood.
Even now, he had to consider whether Ying Zheng was simply joking or if there was some deeper meaning behind his words.
At this moment, Ying Jing truly felt the loneliness of being a king and understood why monarchs always referred to themselves as "lonely and widowed."
If he is like this, what about others?
Despite his thoughts racing, Ying Jing remained outwardly calm.
“My brother is a king, yet he has no pleasure for a single day. He rises early and retires late every day, confining himself to this Zhangtai Palace due to numerous state affairs.”
Ying Jing said with a faint smile, "Although I am lazy, I dare not neglect my duties for personal reasons. Now that I have returned from my mission, I must first report this good news to you, my brother."
As he spoke, he took out a document written in Han Wang An's own hand, bearing the seal of the King of Han.
However, Ying Zheng was not particularly happy to hear this news.
Instead, his smile faded, he shook his head slightly, seemingly somewhat dejected, and sighed silently, but said nothing more.
But it was only for a fleeting moment.
The next moment, Ying Zheng was still that majestic and awe-inspiring young king, his black robe with gold patterns resembling a black dragon coiling around him.
He did not summon anyone to present the document; Ying Zheng received it himself.
He then placed the memorials on the table aside, below which was the most detailed map of the time.
Ying Zheng already knew about Ying Jing's achievements in Korea.
As Ying Zheng's power gradually became more consolidated, he also established a new organization as his eyes and ears, even incorporating the Black Ice Guard into it, naming it the Shadow Guard.
Like maggots clinging to bones, like a shadow following you, like your presence in person!
Although Ying Jing controlled the Luo Wang, his affairs in Korea were no secret, and the Shadow Guards were naturally able to find out.
"Five years ago, my third brother went on a mission to the State of Zhao and acquired ten important cities in strategic passes for our State of Qin without losing a single soldier. In recognition of your achievements, I hereby grant you the fief of Henan and the right to govern yourself."
"Now, by going to the State of Han, not only have we obtained Nanyang for our State of Qin without losing a single soldier, but we have also persuaded the State of Han's General Ji Wuye and the Marquis of Blood Robe to abandon their evil ways and embrace the light."
"Third brother, tell me, how should I reward such a great achievement?"
Ying Jing's smile froze instantly.
He's already a lord with a vast fiefdom, how much more can he be granted?
Are you suggesting I be made a king? That would be a sign I've had enough of living!
"The success of this mission is entirely due to the strength of our Qin state. The greatest credit belongs to Your Majesty, followed by the soldiers on the frontier. I merely went there to promote our national prestige. How dare I claim credit or be rewarded?"
Seeing Ying Jing racking his brains to decline, Ying Zheng finally smiled again.
Sure enough, the smile doesn't disappear; it just moves on.
“Third brother, you are mistaken. The reason why our Great Qin is so powerful is because we govern the country by law, reward those who have merit and punish those who have committed wrongdoing.”
"Such a great achievement deserves a reward."
Ying Zheng's smile deepened considerably.
"How about I bestow upon you a wife?"