The Meng Family!
Though Meng Wu, the current head of the family and General-in-Chief, did not command the same prestige as Wang Jian, the Meng family was more deeply rooted in Qin than the Wang family and held greater influence.
For three generations, the Meng family had served Qin loyally. They were a military family devoted to the royal authority. Although Meng Wu's renown paled in comparison to Wang Jian's, the Meng family also had a retired elder patriarch, Meng Ao, who had once served as Qin's General-in-Chief and had been the trusted lieutenant of the legendary General Bai Qi, also known as Wu'an Jun (Marquis of Martial Peace).
Unlike the Wang family, which was entangled in the court's power struggles, the Meng family stayed neutral, which made them respected and untouchable by both old aristocrats and the newly risen nobles.
When Zheng Guo recommended Meng Yi, it was a choice free of personal bias and entirely based on merit. Zheng Guo, knowing Meng Yi's competence and fairness, trusted him to govern without oppressing the people.
Hearing Zheng Guo's recommendation, Ying Zheng smiled faintly.
This was exactly what he had hoped for.
By feigning a casual question, he not only won Zheng Guo's trust but also identified the most suitable candidate for the position of governor in his mind.
This was the art of imperial strategy.
Though he already had a plan in mind, he chose to let his ministers propose it instead, thus appearing both wise and magnanimous.
"Since Zheng Qing (Minister Zheng) has recommended him, how can I not approve?" Ying Zheng smiled and then turned to Meng Yi.
"Meng Qing, tomorrow, you shall depart for the land of Han to govern Yingchuan Commandery. Once this area is fully under Qin's control and the people's hearts are settled, I will personally reward you for your service."
Meng Yi stepped forward and bowed deeply. "This minister is willing to take on the task of governing Yingchuan, but I have a few concerns and would like His Majesty's guidance."
"Speak," Ying Zheng replied with a faint smile.
"Yingchuan is newly conquered and may face unrest. Should the governance lean toward strict enforcement or gentle pacification?"
"Furthermore, how should the lands of Yingchuan be allocated fully nationalized or otherwise?"
"If military assistance is required for governance, will I have the authority to mobilize troops?"
Meng Yi stood upright, his expression serious.
"If there are rebels, deal with them strictly by Qin law," Ying Zheng said decisively.
"Han has fallen, and Yingchuan is now part of Qin's territory. Qin's laws must apply without exception."
"As for mobilizing troops, you may coordinate with Li Teng as needed."
Hearing this, Meng Yi bowed again. "This minister accepts the decree."
"Is there anything else?" Ying Zheng asked.
"As long as it pertains to governance, I authorize you to act within the bounds of the law," he added firmly.
Though the land of Han was small compared to other states, its population was significant between three to four million. Mismanagement could easily lead to chaos, which is why a capable minister was essential.
"Your Majesty has granted me three directives, and I have no further requests," Meng Yi replied.
"If any insurmountable issues arise, I will report to Your Majesty."
"Very well," Ying Zheng nodded, saying no more.
At this moment, Wang Wan stepped forward with a smile.
"Your Majesty, with the fall of Han, this is a momentous occasion for Qin."
"I've heard that Your Majesty intends to betroth Princess Liyang to General Wang Jian's son, Wang Ben."
"Why not make it a double celebration? General Wang Jian's daughter is fourteen, close in age to the Crown Prince.
"With General Wang Jian defending the borders and his subordinate Li Teng bringing victory in Han, a marriage alliance would bring threefold joy."
Hearing this, Ying Zheng smiled faintly, his expression calm.
This proposal had been circulating even before Qin began its campaign against Han. Ying Zheng had deliberately allowed the rumors to spread, clearly with a purpose in mind.
For the Wang family, Ying Zheng's offer to marry a princess to Wang Ben was a gesture of favor, granting them unparalleled honor.
On the other hand, marrying a Wang family daughter to the Crown Prince was a subtle act of control a means to keep the Wang family in check, akin to having a hostage in the palace.
Royal marriages and alliances had always been instruments of power, even in later eras.
Wang Jian, a seasoned general, was well aware of the emperor's intentions. Even if he were unwilling, what choice did he have?
A royal edict was not something a subject could defy.
"This proposal," Ying Zheng said slowly, "can be discussed further when the General returns victorious."
Hearing this, Wang Wan beamed with satisfaction.
For Wang Wan, as Qin's Prime Minister, his position was already the pinnacle of power, second only to the king. But to secure his family's future, he had to plan.
His chosen strategy was to align with royal authority and support the rightful heir.
The Wang family's chosen candidate for the throne was the natural successor, the Crown Prince Fusu.
"Your Majesty is wise," Wang Wan said respectfully before retreating.
"That will be all for today," Ying Zheng announced.
"I still have memorials to review. Any remaining matters can wait until tomorrow's court session."
"Your ministers take their leave," the officials responded, bowing before departing.
The grand hall grew quiet, leaving only Zhao Gao standing in attendance.
"Why are you still here?" Ying Zheng asked with mild curiosity.
"Your Majesty, this servant wishes to ask where you will stay tonight," Zhao Gao said humbly, kneeling.
"You may decide," Ying Zheng replied nonchalantly.
Such matters were of little concern to him. His palace concubines were not objects of affection but merely vessels for continuing the royal lineage.
As the ruler of the strongest state in the land, Ying Zheng's harem consisted of fewer than ten women a stark contrast to the Han king's dozens or even hundreds.
"Recently, Lady Hu mentioned that the eighteenth prince has been missing Your Majesty. Coincidentally, today is his eighth birthday. Would Your Majesty visit Lady Hu's palace tonight?" Zhao Gao suggested tentatively.
"It's Huhai's birthday?"
Recalling Huhai's clever and lively demeanor, Ying Zheng's expression softened. He nodded. "Very well, do as you suggest."
"This servant obeys," Zhao Gao said, delighted, before leaving to make arrangements.
Left alone, Ying Zheng seemed lost in thought.
"Birthday…"
"In eighteen days, it will be A Fang's birthday."
"If only you were still by my side."
"If I had protected you back then, you would still be here. Our child might even be older than Fusu by now."
"Where are you?"
Ying Zheng murmured to himself, his gaze filled with longing and regret.
At that moment, he was not the mighty, authoritative king but a man consumed by sorrowful memories.
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