The group returned to the hall and sat down. Ying Zheng began to inquire about Fusu, "How were you at the border?"
Fusu cupped his hands in thanks, "Thank you for your concern, Father Emperor. I am well under the general's care over there!"
Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng looked at Meng Tian and said, "You've worked hard. Guarding the border already takes a lot of energy, and you also have to take care of this kid!"
With the Xiongnu launching large-scale invasions along the border, the pressure on Meng Tian there was immense.
Meng Tian cupped his hands in greeting, “Your Majesty flatters me. The eldest son is very independent and doesn’t need my help at all over there. In his spare time, he even teaches many disaster victims to read and write and saves many of them, earning him a lot of praise over there.”
"Because of him, we have a good reputation on the border. Many people praise His Majesty for raising such a talented eldest son!"
Meng Tian spoke frankly, saying that Fusu's reputation on the border was known to everyone.
Ying Zheng wasn't particularly pleased. Instead, he looked at Fusu meaningfully and said, "It seems you're still the same as before on the border."
Fusu was always kind, so it's normal for him to do these things.
But as an emperor, Ying Zheng knew that in the midst of chaos and strife, mercy was a great taboo.
Understanding the deeper meaning behind Ying Zheng's words, Fusu cupped his hands and said, "Your subject is well, Father Emperor need not worry."
Seeing Fusu's reaction, Ying Zheng didn't continue the topic.
He had tried to teach Fusu about his personality.
But it was his nature, and even when Ying Zheng tried to persuade him, Fusu did not change his mind in the slightest, and a rift even developed between father and son.
Over time, Ying Zheng simply let him have his way.
He looked at Wang Jian and said, "You've worked hard in this battle against the Xiongnu."
Wang Jian cupped his hands and said, "This old minister dares not take credit. The greatest credit belongs to General Meng Tian. If it weren't for his training of the border troops to be so strong, we would never have been able to defeat the Xiongnu so easily."
"Furthermore, if His Majesty had not discovered the Xiongnu trap in advance and made preparations beforehand, we fear that we would have met with great misfortune this time."
"As for this old minister, he was merely doing his duty, leading the soldiers into battle."
Upon hearing this, Meng Tian cupped his hands and said, "General Wang, you are mistaken. If it weren't for your command and strategic planning, this battle would have dragged on for who knows how long. You deserve the greatest credit."
Seeing the two men yielding to each other, Ying Zheng was quite pleased and laughed, "Haha, no need to push anymore. You both deserve the greatest credit and should be richly rewarded!"
The two men bowed in unison, saying, "Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
The little guy sat in Consort Shu's lap, paying no attention to the conversation, his mind solely focused on the chicken leg on the plate next to him.
After glancing around and finding no one watching him, the little guy reached out for the chicken leg.
Just as he was about to grab it, a strong wrist stopped him in time, pulling his little hand back. "Yu'er can't eat this."
The little guy looked up and saw Consort Shu smiling at him.
His face stiffened, and his eyes suddenly went dark.
How did my mother manage to chat with someone else while keeping an eye on me at the same time?
My chicken leg, my chicken leg! Why is it so hard to get a chicken leg?!
Seeing the little guy staring pitifully at the chicken leg, his eyes practically bulging out of their sockets, Consort Shu felt a pang of pity.
"Xiangqin, go and get some minced chicken drumsticks and some steamed egg custard for Yu'er to eat."
"promise!"
Upon hearing this, the little one's face lit up with joy, and he hugged Consort Shu tightly, "Mother is so good! Thank you, Mother!"
Consort Shu smiled broadly, looking at the little guy, "It's not that your mother won't let you eat, but you know your own body. Last time you ran out and stole something to eat, you had indigestion for several days and your stomach hurt. You had to take medicine for several days before you got better."
The little one obediently replied, "I know, Mother."
But I was happy for a whole month! I was dreaming about chicken legs!
[And they even secretly threw away the medicine; it was too bitter.]
Consort Shu was quite helpless.
That brat!
······
Inside the palace, Ying Zheng rewarded Meng Tian and Wang Jian for their contributions, and all those who participated in the battle received generous rewards.
Meng Tian was not picky; whatever Ying Zheng rewarded him with, he would take it without ever objecting.
As for Wang Jian, he remained the same, wanting beautiful women, land, money, and the like.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After the gifts were given, the two men bowed with their hands clasped in greeting.
Ying Zheng looked at the two men and said, "It should be me who thanks you."
After all, you all live on the edge of death for the sake of the Qin Dynasty.
The two men remained calm. "It's all what an old minister should do!"
"It's all what this humble subject should do!"
Just then, a eunuch came to report, "Your Majesty, Xiaoyao requests an audience."
"allow!"
"promise!"
The eunuch withdrew, and soon Xiaoyao entered the hall, cupping his hands and saying, "This old man greets Your Majesty!"
Ying Zheng looked at him and said, "No need for formalities!"
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Xiaoyao stood up and said, "The incantation for the armor has been completed."
He drew a total of 20,000 bodies, and it took him a long time.
Ying Zheng's eyes flickered slightly. "Well done! In that case, it seems that the attack on Miao territory can be put on the agenda!"
Upon hearing this, Wang Jian stepped forward and said, "This old minister is willing to go!"
Meng Tian also stepped forward, "Your humble servant is willing to follow General Wang in battle!"
Ying Zheng pondered for a moment before saying, "Wang Jian, you shall command this battle."
Wang Jian cupped his hands in greeting, "This old minister obeys!"
Then Ying Zheng looked at Meng Tian and said, "Meng Tian, you should keep a close eye on Fusu and ensure his safety."
Ying Zheng was still somewhat concerned about the little guy's thoughts, always feeling that Fusu might encounter some danger.
Meng Tian cupped his hands in greeting, "Your humble servant obeys!"
Then Ying Zheng said, "You've all worked hard, go and rest!"
The three men bowed in unison, saying, "This old minister takes his leave!"
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