Chapter 166: Returning to Zhao!

"Greetings, General."

Upon arriving, Li Si immediately cupped his fists in salute to Zhao Feng.

"Greetings, General."

Li You also bowed deeply.

At this moment, Li You was only in his early twenties, still quite young and inexperienced. Given his qualifications, he had no real chance of becoming a main general.

It was only because Li Si had leveraged his reputation, coupled with the numerous contributions he had made to Qin, that the King had granted his request.

Had it been anyone else, they wouldn't have had such an opportunity.

Although a governor holds supreme authority within a commandery, securing such a position at such a young age was a testament to the efforts Li Si had exerted. Otherwise, Li You's qualifications would never have sufficed.

"Greetings, Minister of Justice." Zhao Feng smiled slightly and returned the salute.

As for Li Si, Zhao Feng didn't have much of a relationship with him at best, they were mere acquaintances.

"This morning in court, His Majesty issued an edict transferring my son under your command as a general."

"My son was previously a governor, but he is also well-versed in military affairs."

"Of course, compared to the General's command abilities, he is but a novice before a master."

"Today, I have come to humbly request that the General discipline him rigorously so that he may mature quickly and truly become a useful asset to you."

Li Si spoke in a warm and respectful tone.

As one of the Nine Ministers of Qin and a highly valued official of the King, it was rare to see Li Si lower himself in such a manner.

Only his son could make him do so.

"I originally thought the Minister of Justice came to ask me to take special care of his son, but I didn't expect you to request strict discipline instead."

"To be honest, I'm quite surprised." Zhao Feng said with a hint of amusement.

"You jest, General."

"The military is different from the court it is governed by discipline and regulations above all else."

"No matter how much I care for my son, I cannot disrupt military order."

"If I did so, I would no longer be worthy of facing His Majesty."

Li Si spoke with great sincerity.

Zhao Feng nodded. "Rest assured, Minister. Since Li You has been assigned under my command by the King himself, he will receive no special treatment he will fulfill his duties just like any other soldier."

Hearing this, Li Si breathed a sigh of relief.

"I will depart for Zhao tomorrow. Will General Li be traveling with me, or will he delay his journey for some time?" Zhao Feng asked, turning to Li You.

Without hesitation, Li You cupped his fists and replied, "If I have the honor of traveling with the General, it would be my greatest privilege."

Li Si did not object.

This would also allow Li You to build a stronger rapport with Zhao Feng along the way.

Seeing that Zhao Feng had no further questions, Li Si was somewhat surprised.

Nevertheless, he spoke again. "General, are you not curious as to why His Majesty assigned my son under your command?"

"Why should I be curious?"

"Whoever His Majesty assigns, I will have no objections." Zhao Feng replied calmly.

Seeing Zhao Feng's composed demeanor, Li Si was inwardly shocked.

"I underestimated Zhao Feng's mindset. I thought that being young, he might still have some naivety in political affairs. But now I see I was wrong he is cautious, leaves no openings, and his mind is as deep as a well."

"Many ministers say he is just a brute, ignorant of court politics, but that is far from the truth."

After a brief pause, Li Si spoke again.

"The truth is, I asked the King to allow my son to serve under you to preserve the Li family's bloodline."

"I had no other choice. This way, no matter what happens in the future, as long as my son remains under your command, the Li family's lineage will not be easily wiped out."

Hearing this, Zhao Feng remained expressionless.

How could he not see through Li Si's true intentions?

"Minister, you may be overthinking things."

"You are one of the Nine Ministers of Qin how could you possibly face such grave danger?" Zhao Feng replied with a faint smile.

"As long as the King lives, the Li family will flourish. But what about a hundred years from now?"

"The court may not be a battlefield in the traditional sense, but it is a battlefield nonetheless one that is bloodier and more ruthless than any military campaign."

"As the most prominent of the new noble class, the old ministers despise me and would see me dead in an instant if given the chance."

"Placing my son in the military is my only option." Li Si sighed.

For once, he was speaking from the heart.

"You are thinking too far ahead." Zhao Feng smiled faintly.

"Perhaps, but I must."

"In any case, I leave my son in your hands."

"And on the court, if ministers like Wang Wan dare to target you again, I will not stand idly by." Li Si declared solemnly.

This was another purpose of his visit to extend goodwill toward Zhao Feng.

In the past, Han Fei had spoken in Zhao Feng's defense multiple times in court. However, Han Fei was now governing the Zhao region and would need time before he could return.

It was foreseeable that once Han Fei completed his governance, he would be granted a position among the Nine Ministers his achievements in Zhao would make that a certainty.

Accepting Li Si's goodwill, Zhao Feng smiled and said, "Then I will have to trouble the Minister of Justice."

He had no reason to refuse.

After all, this was Li Si extending an olive branch, and Zhao Feng had nothing to lose.

Standing to the side, Li You listened to the conversation, his eyes filled with admiration for his father.

For his sake, his father had given everything he had.

"In truth, there is one more thing I would like to ask, though the General is not obligated to answer."

Li Si suddenly smiled.

"What is it?" Zhao Feng asked.

"Are you and Han Fei personally close?"

Li Si inquired.

Zhao Feng glanced at him and said calmly, "I would consider him a close friend."

"No wonder."

"When Wang Wan and Chunyu Yue repeatedly targeted you, Han Fei always spoke out in your defense."

"So that was why." Li Si nodded in realization.

"If you have anything more to say, Minister, just say it." Zhao Feng could tell that Li Si had something else on his mind.

"As expected, nothing escapes your notice."

"When Han Fei first returned to Qin, I made some mistakes. I have always wanted to apologize to him, so…"

Li Si hesitated slightly, his expression somewhat remorseful.

When it came to Han Fei, he did feel a tinge of guilt.

For the court, and past friendships.

But what he truly thought in his heart whether it was regret or simply pragmatism only he knew.

"This is something you should handle yourself."

"After all, what you intended to do back then is not something an outsider like me can intervene in."

"If you truly feel remorse, then speak to him yourself." Zhao Feng said indifferently, rejecting Li Si outright.

Had he not warned Han Fei back then, Han Fei might have already been dead at Li Si's hands.

This was Li Si's problem to solve, and Zhao Feng had no intention of speaking on his behalf.

Playing the role of a moral savior who forces forgiveness onto others Zhao Feng would never do such a thing.

"Ah…"

Li Si sighed and nodded.

"Father," Li You said seriously, "I may not know all that transpired between you and Uncle Han, but as your son, I will personally visit him and apologize when I reach Zhao."

Seeing Li You's determination, Li Si nodded in approval.

At that moment

"Brother!"

"Are you leaving Xianyang tomorrow?"

Zhao Ying's voice rang out.

Hearing it, both Li Si and Li You turned toward the sound.

"So beautiful…"

At first glance, Li You was completely stunned.

Zhao Ying wore a black and red long dress, exuding an extraordinary aura.

With just one look, Li You was utterly captivated.

However, Zhao Ying didn't notice him at all and walked straight toward Zhao Feng.

"Hmm."

"I'm leaving tomorrow," Zhao Feng nodded.

"What about me?" Zhao Ying asked reluctantly.

"I've already arranged everything. Starting tomorrow, you'll enter the Royal Palace's Grand Medical Hall for study. Once Master Chen approves, you can come to the military camp to find me," Zhao Feng said with a slight smile.

"How long will that take?" Zhao Ying asked.

"That depends on when you finish your studies," Zhao Feng replied with a smile.

"Alright then," Zhao Ying sighed helplessly and nodded.

"This must be the general's younger sister, I presume?"

"She is truly a natural beauty," Li Si said with a smile.

"This is Lord Tingwei, Li Si."

"This is his eldest son, Li You," Zhao Feng introduced after Li Si spoke.

Zhao Ying glanced at them, gave a slight courtesy, then turned to Zhao Feng and said, "Brother, I'll head down now."

With that, she turned and left directly.

She never liked being around outsiders.

However, Li You's gaze followed Zhao Ying's figure until she completely disappeared.

"General Li."

"We depart tomorrow. If you need to prepare anything, return home and get ready."

"The military is not like Xianyang, and Yunzhong is not a prosperous place. It's best to be well-prepared," Zhao Feng advised Li You.

"Thank you for the reminder, General. I understand," Li You immediately bowed in response.

"If you are leaving tomorrow, General, then I shall take my leave with my son," Li Si said, recognizing Zhao Feng's subtle hint to depart. He cupped his hands and then led Li You away.

Watching the father and son leave, Zhao Feng chuckled lightly.

"Li Si is indeed capable, but his heart is too narrow."

"The fact that he once targeted Han Fei, even trying to get rid of his former classmate, speaks volumes about his character."

"Though loyal to Qin, he ultimately destroyed himself due to his insatiable ambition. If he hadn't altered the royal edict, perhaps he wouldn't have met the fate of his entire clan being executed by dismemberment."

"Li You."

"This is indeed a clever move."

"At least under my command, if he remains loyal in the future, I can protect him."

Outside Zhao's residence!

"You acted a bit too rashly just now, You'er," Li Si reprimanded his son as soon as they got into the carriage.

"Father, what did I do wrong?" Li You's expression changed slightly.

"When General Zhao's sister appeared, why did you keep staring at her?"

"Such disrespect do you not realize it?" Li Si frowned.

"This… this…"

"You're right. I was indeed rude," Li You admitted immediately.

"You'er."

"You are still unmarried, and that's because you refuse arranged marriages."

"But you should give up on General Zhao's sister," Li Si said in a serious tone.

"Why?" Li You asked in surprise.

"I have heard much about this before."

"Zhao Feng is different from other court officials. He dislikes political marriages and will never force his sister into one. Since he became a supreme general, many officials have tried to arrange a marriage alliance with him, but they couldn't even get an audience with him."

"Moreover, Zhao Feng has made it clear if someone wants to marry his sister, it must be of her own free will. No one can force her."

"Even if she never marries, the Zhao family will take care of her for life," Li Si explained slowly.

Upon hearing this, Li You's face revealed admiration.

"General Zhao truly has an extraordinary nature."

"As long as you understand."

"You'd best give up on any ideas regarding his sister."

"Once you secure your position as the chief general of Wu'an Camp, I will personally arrange a suitable marriage for you through the court," Li Si said with a slight smile.

"My marriage is none of Father's concern," Li You immediately refused.

His gaze, however, lingered on Zhao's residence, his eyes burning with determination.

Seeing this, Li Si naturally understood what his son was thinking.

He simply sighed and chose to ignore it.

Time passed quickly!

The Zhao territory.

At this time, the land had not yet been fully divided into counties. The entire Zhao territory was governed as two regions, with Han Fei as the chief administrator.

Inside Handan City.

In the former prime minister's residence.

Han Fei sat among piles of documents stacked high on his desk.

Even with his remarkable abilities, he was feeling overwhelmed.

The dark circles under his eyes showed that he hadn't had a proper rest for days.

"My lord."

"You've been working tirelessly, reviewing documents every day."

"You must take care of your health your body may not withstand this strain," one of his subordinates said respectfully.

"It's fine."

"If I persist for another month, the administration of Zhao territory will finally be in order," Han Fei replied without even lifting his head.

"Brother Han, it seems you're living quite the life."

"Spending every day with official documents."

At that moment, a familiar voice rang out.

Hearing this, Han Fei, who had been deeply immersed in his work, finally put down his pen.

He lifted his head and, with a smile, looked toward the hall's entrance.

"Well, well."

"If it isn't our esteemed General Zhao Feng."

"What brings you back so soon?" Han Fei teased.

"If I don't return, who will oversee the formation of Wu'an Camp?" Zhao Feng smiled and sat down beside Han Fei.

The officials in the hall were taken aback and quickly saluted Zhao Feng.

"Greetings, Supreme General."

"At ease," Zhao Feng waved his hand.

"Thank you, General," the officials responded cautiously.

"Look at those dark circles under your eyes how long has it been since you last slept?"

"Want to go have a drink?"

"There's a newly opened place in Handan called 'Wine Immortal Pavilion,'" Zhao Feng suggested.

"How could I say no?"

"I missed out on drinking at your wedding banquet, so you won't escape this time," Han Fei laughed.

Zhao Feng raised an eyebrow.

"Then what are we still sitting here for?"

"Haha!"

Han Fei immediately put down the documents and stood up.

Without hesitation, he walked out of the hall with Zhao Feng.

His actions showed just how much he valued Zhao Feng's invitation he didn't hesitate in the slightest.

Inside the Wine Immortal Tavern!

The VIP Room on the Third Floor

"I didn't expect this..."

"You're a top-tier VIP here at the Wine Immortal Tavern. Where did you get so much money to buy wine?"

Looking at the luxurious private room on the third floor, which offered a view of the long line of people below waiting to buy wine, Han Fei couldn't help but chuckle.

"My salary is sufficient." Zhao Feng smiled faintly, not elaborating further.

"As a VIP, you get to enjoy the finest wines. Today, I won't hold back."

"Waiter!"

"Bring out your best wines!" Han Fei shouted.

"Right away!"

The waiter's voice promptly responded.

In no time, a few jugs of fine wine were brought in.

"The king granting you the title of 'Martial Peace Camp'..."

"That carries profound significance."

"Zhao, how do you feel about it?"

After pouring himself a cup, Han Fei smiled and asked.

"What is there to feel? Maybe I'll have some real emotions about it when I'm granted a noble title through military achievements." Zhao Feng smiled faintly and took a sip of his wine.

"To be ennobled through military merit, you'd have to reach the rank of National Commandant first. Only then could you be granted a title?"

"Zhao, I believe in you." Han Fei raised his cup in a toast to Zhao Feng.

"Don't just believe in me after taking on the governance of Zhao territory, when you return to the capital, you'll be one of the Nine Ministers."

"Who would've thought..."

"The Han Fei who was once on the brink of death is now about to become one of the highest-ranking officials in Qin."

Zhao Feng smirked mischievously as if recalling Han Fei's desperate state in the past or perhaps the time when he coerced Han Fei into submission.

"Can you not bring that up?"

Han Fei looked at Zhao Feng helplessly.

Back when he was captured, upon first meeting Zhao Feng, Han Fei had genuinely wanted to strangle him.

It was truly humiliating for a scholar utterly uncivilized.

"Haha!"

"I'm just reminiscing." Zhao Feng laughed heartily.

"That being said..."

"I do owe you my gratitude."

"If not for you..."

"I would probably be dead by now not just because I had given up on life back then, but also because of Li Si."

"I owe you my life, twice over."

At this moment, Han Fei's eyes carried a deep sense of gratitude.

Perhaps it was this debt that made Han Fei stand up for Zhao Feng in court every time someone tried to target him without hesitation, regardless of the cost.

Their time together had not only instilled gratitude in Han Fei but also given him the rare feeling of having found a true confidant.

"For this new military camp, two of my chief generals were originally my deputy commanders. Do you know who the third one is?" Zhao Feng smiled and asked.

"I only know that your camp has been named 'Martial Peace.' Beyond that, I have no idea."

"Who is it?" Han Fei asked immediately.

"Li You." Zhao Feng grinned.

Hearing this name, Han Fei's expression changed slightly. He took a sip of wine before responding, "Li You, I know of him."

"Li Si's son."

"Compared to Li Si, his son is quite upright."

"But Li Si is overthinking things His Majesty is still in his prime, yet he's already planning for the future."

"By placing Li You under your command, no matter what happens in the future, as long as he remains loyal to you, with your personality, you'll surely protect him."

"Li Si... quite the strategist." Han Fei chuckled.

Talking to someone intelligent could be dull at times because just one sentence was enough for them to grasp the deeper meaning.

Han Fei saw through it instantly.

"Li Si fears that if Crown Prince Fusu ascends the throne in the future, Wang Wan and Kui Zhuang won't let him off so he placed Li You in the army."

"But Li Si is still overthinking it."

"Wang Wan and Kui Zhuang are already so old. I don't believe they'll live another ten years." Zhao Feng said with a hint of exasperation.

Li Si was still young and held one of the Nine Ministerial positions.

Wang Wan and those other old foxes were indeed cunning but they were also just old.

They were already in their sixties. Could they possibly live into their eighties?

"Hahaha!"

"You have a sharp tongue."

"If Wang Wan and Kui Zhuang heard this, they'd probably be furious."

Han Fei burst into laughter.

"The best outcome would be for them to drop dead it would save me a lot of trouble." Zhao Feng laughed as well.

Just then

"My Lord."

"General Li You is downstairs and requests an audience with Lord Han Fei."

Zhang Ming's voice came from outside the room.

"Li You?" Zhao Feng remained calm and turned to Han Fei. "It's up to you whether we see him or not."

"Let's see him."

"I'm not the kind of person to hold grudges unnecessarily."

"Besides, his father's actions have nothing to do with him." Han Fei smiled indifferently.

Zhao Feng nodded and instructed Zhang Ming, "Bring him up."

Moments later

Li You entered the room.

As soon as he saw Han Fei

Without any hesitation, Li You immediately knelt.

"Nephew Li You offer my apologies to Uncle on behalf of my father."

With that

He bowed his head and knocked it against the floor in a formal kowtow.

Seeing this, Han Fei exchanged a glance with Zhao Feng, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

"Why do you apologize?" Han Fei asked calmly.

"Though I do not know exactly what my father did to Uncle, it must have been something unforgivable. As his son, I cannot question my father's actions but as his son, now that I have met you, it is only right for me to offer my apologies." Li You lifted his head and spoke respectfully.

"Are you hoping that I will forgive your father?" Han Fei gazed at Li You intently.

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