"Ministers, who do you think I see reflected in him?" Ying Zheng asked with a smile, looking at the court ministers.
Wei Liao chuckled, stepped forward confidently, and said, "If I may venture a guess, Your Majesty sees the shadow of the late Marquis of Wu'an in Zhao Feng, correct?"
Hearing this, Ying Zheng suddenly burst into hearty laughter. "Hahaha! Wei Liao, you truly live up to being a disciple of the Ghost Valley. Your wisdom is unparalleled."
"Yes, you are correct. I do indeed see the shadow of the Marquis of Wu'an in Zhao Feng."
These words caused a wave of surprise among the ministers.
Though the late Marquis of Wu'an, Bai Qi, had been executed for his alleged crimes by King Zhaoxiang, the ministers knew well that Ying Zheng held the Marquis in high esteem.
For Zhao Feng to be compared to the Marquis of Wu'an by the King himself was a testament to how highly Ying Zheng regarded him.
"Your Majesty's sentiment is not unfounded. Zhao Feng indeed mirrors the late Marquis in some respects. The Marquis of Wu'an also rose from humble beginnings, earning his position as Qin's military commander step by step through military merit a feat unmatched in our history," Wei Liao said with a smile.
"Zhao Feng's rise has been even more extraordinary. Starting in logistics, he has now repeatedly made his mark in combat. This is indeed remarkable," Wei Liao continued.
"What is your intention in proposing to delay the rewards until Korea's complete downfall?" Ying Zheng asked, his gaze fixed on Wei Liao.
"Your Majesty," Wei Liao replied respectfully, "the rewards are not only for one individual but for all deserving soldiers and generals.
"The records for common soldiers can be handled by the central military bureau, but promotions for officers above the rank of captain require the supervision of the Ministry of Revenue and, ultimately, Your Majesty's decree.
"Once Korea is fully subdued and the Korean king captured, we can determine all rewards together," Wei Liao explained.
Hearing this, Ying Zheng nodded. "Your reasoning is sound. Let it be as you propose: all rewards shall be conferred after Korea's complete defeat."
"Your Majesty is wise," Wei Liao immediately proclaimed.
At this moment, Ying Zheng turned his gaze to a minister who had remained silent throughout.
"Minister Zheng, why have you not spoken a word?" Ying Zheng asked with a slight smile.
Hearing this, Zheng Guo's face showed a mix of concern and gravity. He stepped forward and knelt before Ying Zheng.
"Your Majesty, I have a humble plea," Zheng Guo said earnestly.
"Minister Zheng, you have rendered great service to Qin and me. Speak, and it shall be granted," Ying Zheng said with a wave of his hand, a clear sign of his trust in Zheng Guo.
The words "it shall be granted" demonstrated the King's deep regard for Zheng Guo, whose contributions to Qin's agricultural development had been invaluable.
Zheng Guo had originally been sent by the King of Han to sabotage Qin by draining its resources with large-scale irrigation projects. Yet upon arriving in Qin, he realized the immense benefits his project could bring, not just to Qin but to all of China.
His efforts led to the creation of the Zhengguo Canal, which transformed Qin into a granary and significantly contributed to its ability to unify China.
"I humbly ask Your Majesty to treat the people of Korea with benevolence. Do not impose harsh penalties, and treat them equally as Qin's subjects," Zheng Guo said sincerely, bowing deeply.
Ying Zheng did not respond immediately. He stood from his throne, approached Zheng Guo, and helped him to his feet.
"You know well my ambition, Minister Zheng," Ying Zheng said. "To unite the land and bring peace to all under heaven has been the dream of my forebears and my own.
"All the people of China, regardless of origin, shall be treated as one under my rule," Ying Zheng said firmly.
Hearing this, Zheng Guo was overcome with emotion and gratitude. Rising with Ying Zheng's assistance, he declared, "I swear to serve Your Majesty with unwavering loyalty."
For Zheng Guo, who had once been vilified as a traitor in Han, the King's trust and vision for a unified China meant everything.
"Your Majesty," Prime Minister Wang Wan said, stepping forward, "with Korea on the verge of collapse, we must assign a trusted official to govern the region. May I ask how Your Majesty plans to manage Korea's lands?"
"I have already made plans for Korea," Ying Zheng declared, turning back toward the throne.
"After Korea's fall, it shall be established as Yingchuan Commandery. General Li Teng will lead the troops to secure the area. As for the commandery governor, I invite the ministers to propose a suitable candidate."
Before the ministers could fully process this, Wang Wan stepped forward decisively and said, "I recommend Wei Zhuang as governor to oversee Yingchuan Commandery."
"I recommend Yao Jia," said Li Si, the Minister of Justice, stepping forward.
Wang Wan frowned, glancing at Li Si but refrained from expressing his displeasure. It was evident that both recommendations were politically motivated, with each minister favoring their ally.
In Qin's court, the balance of power between old aristocrats and new officials was delicately maintained by Ying Zheng's shrewd governance.
Ying Zheng, showing no visible reaction, turned his gaze to Zheng Guo.
"Minister Zheng, have you no recommendations?" he asked, clearly intending to give Zheng Guo an opportunity.
The hall grew silent, as everyone understood the significance of this appointment. Governing Yingchuan Commandery would bring immense prestige and influence.
Zheng Guo hesitated, glancing around at the assembled ministers. He was not inclined to engage in the court's factional struggles. However, seeing Ying Zheng's expectant gaze, he finally spoke.
"If I may, I would recommend Minister Meng Yi for the position," Zheng Guo said after a moment of thought.
The name "Meng Yi" silenced any further arguments. Even Wang Wan and Li Si, though disappointed, did not object.
Meng Yi's reputation for integrity and competence made him an indisputable choice.
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