In this era, the Spirit Pill was revered as a true divine medicine, possessing the power to invigorate the mind and assist in amorous affairs; it could truly be called the miraculous elixir of the palace court. But in Zhao Feng's view, it was poison, and he wanted no part of it.

"Tu Sui, for your dereliction of duty in guarding the Yong City Royal Palace, you are demoted one rank and your salary is forfeit for one year," Ying Zheng said, his gaze fixed upon Tu Sui.

Upon hearing this, Tu Sui bowed solemnly. "Thank you for the Great King's magnanimity."

Such a punishment could be considered an act of mercy, and Tu Sui was deeply grateful. Of course, he understood that the Great King was lenient only because the Tai Hou's rescue had been successful. Otherwise, he would have faced an unpardonable death sentence. Because of this, Tu Sui's heart filled with even more gratitude toward Zhao Feng.

"Reporting to the Great King," Tu Sui spoke again. "This subordinate has a matter to report."

"Speak," Ying Zheng said.

"After this incident with the raiders, this subordinate feels his abilities are insufficient for the duty of guarding the Yong City Royal Palace. Therefore, I request a transfer to the main battle camps to gain more experience and better serve the Great King."

Kneeling on the ground, Tu Sui pleaded with a resolute expression, "I request a transfer to Wei City to serve under General Zhao's command, to strive for Qin and the Great King alongside him."

Hearing this, Ying Zheng looked at Tu Sui with a thoughtful expression. He eventually nodded. "Since you have such conviction, it is only right that I grant your wish. I give you half a month to settle your family affairs. Afterward, you will go to Wei City and assume the post of Wanjiang."

"This subordinate thanks the Great King for his immense grace," Tu Sui said, bowing his head to the floor.

"Wang Jian," Ying Zheng called out, turning toward him.

"This subordinate is here," Wang Jian replied instantly.

"General Zhao Feng has five Wanjiang under his command, correct?" Ying Zheng asked.

"A Deputy General commands five Wanjiang camps, so General Zhao Feng does have five Wanjiang. However, his command is somewhat different from others. The Lunar New Year has not yet passed, so the new recruits have not yet been enlisted. General Zhao Feng's forces have not been replenished with new recruits; instead, he has reorganized 30,000 surrendered soldiers. Although his total force numbers over 60,000, he has only five Wanjiang," Wang Jian replied immediately.

As the Shangjiangjun, Wang Jian was naturally very clear about the situation in Yingchuan. Although he was far away in Xianyang, military reports from Yingchuan were still sent to him for review from time to time.

"After the new year, when the new recruits join the camps, supplement General Zhao Feng's forces," Ying Zheng said gravely.

"But General Zhao Feng already commands a force of over 60,000," Wang Jian pointed out.

"Thirty thousand of them are surrendered soldiers," Ying Zheng said sternly, a serious look flashing in his eyes. "Although Zhao Feng's proposed strategy of a Penal Battalion can be implemented, we must be wary of these surrendered soldiers. Our Daqin Elite Soldiers must maintain absolute control over them. This is to ensure that even if they betray us, we will have the absolute power to suppress them."

Hearing this, Wang Jian immediately nodded. "This subordinate understands."

"Tu Sui will serve as a Wanjiang under General Zhao Feng. There is no need to transfer anyone else. As for his placement, that will be up to Zhao Feng," Ying Zheng stated.

This single sentence revealed the high regard Ying Zheng had for Zhao Feng. Although Tu Sui was transitioning from commanding 5,000 men to potentially leading 10,000 as a Wanjiang, many in the court viewed it as a demotion in real power. The Imperial Guards were considered more prestigious than the Sharp Warriors, and remaining in Yong City to serve as a guard was a meritorious post in itself.

"Where is the Tai Hou at present?" Ying Zheng asked Tu Sui.

"Replying to the Great King, she has been settled in a side hall of the Royal Palace," Tu Sui replied immediately.

"Do any of you ministers have anything further to report?" Ying Zheng asked, his gaze sweeping across the court.

"We have nothing to report," the officials replied in unison.

At this moment, with the Tai Hou having been abducted and now returned, they would not dare disturb the Great King's reunion. All of them knew it had been many years since the Great King had seen his mother.

Once upon a time, after Lao Ai's rebellion, Zhao Ji was confined within the Yong City Royal Palace. At that time, court officials she had previously supported pleaded on her behalf, but Ying Zheng issued a decree sentencing them all to death. After that, no one ever dared to mention welcoming the Tai Hou back. It had become a taboo in the court of the Great Qin.

"Court is dismissed," Ying Zheng said with a wave of his hand. He stood and strode toward the side hall.

The entire court of civil and military officials bowed, watching him depart. Only after Ying Zheng had completely left the Morning Discussion Hall did the officials begin to disperse.

"Rotten wood cannot be carved," Chunyu Yue muttered with a hint of anger as he walked past Tu Sui, then left with a flick of his sleeve.

Just then, Wang Jian slowly approached.

"Tu Sui," Wang Jian called out softly.

"Shangjiangjun," Tu Sui answered with immense reverence.

"Why the sudden desire to go to Wei City?" Wang Jian asked with a smile.

"This affair was too grave, and this subordinate was terrified. And though we were schemed against by the enemy, it was ultimately my dereliction of duty," Tu Sui replied honestly. "Of course, this matter was only resolved thanks to General Zhao Feng. If I am able to serve under his command, perhaps I can learn a great deal."

"Since you are going to Wei City, you can deliver a letter to Zhao Feng for me," Wang Jian smiled.

"Please give me your instructions, Shangjiangjun," Tu Sui said, bowing immediately.

"This is not official business, but a personal matter," Wang Jian said with a small smile.

Tu Sui nodded in understanding.

「In the side hall.」

Ying Zheng stood before the open doors, an indescribable hesitation on his face.

For him, inside the hall was his birth mother. They had once been the closest people in the world; his mother had stared down death for his sake, not even fearing Purgatory itself. Yet, because of a false eunuch, everything had changed. She had given birth to two bastards who brought shame to the Royal Family. Before he officially took the throne, she had even issued military deployment orders to help that traitor Lao Ai in his rebellion—a rebellion to kill her own son.

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