When Lin Tian saw Ying Zheng again, Ying Zheng no longer possessed the regal dominance of a Qin monarch.
Though still clad in magnificent black attire, his eyes were filled with remorse.
He remained silent, yet Lin Tian understood everything he meant.
He also knew more clearly that this situation had not been Ying Zheng's intention.
Having understood Ying Zheng's journey of growth, Lin Tian easily comprehended his unspoken hardships.
Therefore, before Ying Zheng could speak, Lin Tian addressed him first.
"Father!"
"You, you...!"
"I know it hasn't been easy for you!"
Lin Tian's words caused Ying Zheng's eyes to well up with tears.
As the King of Qin, he had taken too many lives.
Many of them were people close to him.
In the past, he was not the cold and ruthless person the outside world perceived him to be.
He had a good relationship with his birth mother. Prince Dan of Yan was his childhood companion, and he held deep respect for his foster father, Lü Buwei.
Chang'an Lord Cheng Jiao was also his beloved brother.
Yet, every single one of these individuals had plotted against him, pushing him towards a dead end.
Chang'an Lord Cheng Jiao rebelled against Qin. Foster father Lü Buwei desired to seize absolute power. Prince Dan of Yan was currently one of the most prominent anti-Qin figures. As for his birth mother, Consort Zhao, she had colluded with outsiders, attempting to usurp his throne.
Betrayed by those around him, only one word remained in Ying Zheng's heart: kill.
The warmth in his heart was gradually eroded.
Since becoming the King of Qin, he had rarely smiled.
However, the outside world failed to understand him.
The accusations of killing his brother and mother were the vilest slanders hurled at him.
Even those close to him feared him as they would a tiger.
Everyone believed that the King of Qin possessed only authority, oblivious to his inner suffering.
But today, Ying Zheng heard words of understanding from his son.
This felt sweeter than honey.
At this moment, all pretense of the Qin King's majesty vanished. He heavily clasped Lin Tian's shoulder, his gaze filled only with paternal affection for his child.
"Good! Good! Good child, you have suffered!!"
"From today onwards, I will not let you suffer anymore!"
This was Ying Zheng's promise and his intention.
Ying Zheng even considered announcing Lin Tian's identity then and there, letting everyone know that the eldest son of Qin was the Sword God of Qin and the foremost general of Qin who first charged into Han.
He wanted the world to know that Qin had a successor, and that the empire would inevitably belong to Qin.
However, before he could voice this thought, Lin Tian spoke first.
"Father!"
"Hmm?"
"Can we not announce my identity for now?"
"Hmm? Why? Could it be... you fear another assassination attempt like last time?"
At these words, a murderous glint flashed in Ying Zheng's eyes.
This killing intent was directed at Mi Qi.
If Mi Qi's actions had left any psychological trauma on Lin Tian, Ying Zheng would not hesitate to kill Mi Qi.
However, Lin Tian's request stemmed from a different reason.
"It's not that!"
"It's because I want to wait until I have conquered Zhao, and conquered all the other states, before revealing my identity!"
"At that time, I believe no one will dare to oppose it!"
"Hmm?"
Lin Tian's words truly astonished Ying Zheng.
He had never imagined Lin Tian would harbor such thoughts.
Yet, his heart was filled with genuine joy.
Lin Tian's ambition mirrored his own.
In fact, it was even more decisive than Ying Zheng's.
To conquer all six states before revealing his identity, and only then accepting the status and rights of Qin's eldest son.
Such resolve was extraordinary.
This filled Ying Zheng with immense gratification.
"Good! Good! As you wish, as you wish!!"
Ying Zheng doted on Lin Tian immensely, to the point of spoiling him.
He readily agreed to all of Lin Tian's requests.
He still felt he owed Lin Tian and wished to compensate him.
But Lin Tian did not desire any rewards.
He merely made one request: with the year-end approaching, he wished for Ying Zheng to grant Wang Wu and the others a holiday to return home.
Furthermore, the veteran soldiers of the Right Vanguard Camp who followed Lin Tian had not been home in a long time.
Ying Zheng agreed to this without hesitation.
Although five thousand men were a significant number, they had no immediate combat missions, so a holiday would not impact them.
This was a form of welfare Lin Tian sought for them.
After all, those who survived in the Right Vanguard Camp had received certain rewards and could return home with honor.
Three days later, Wang Wu and the others, filled with joy, returned to Guanzhong.
Of course, they had not returned solely for themselves, but also for their fellow Guanzhong youths who had fallen in battle alongside Lin Tian.
They brought back substantial sums of money entrusted to them by Lin Tian.
This wealth was entirely for the families of their fallen brothers.
Their return caused a tremendous stir.
"They're back, Wang Wu and the others are back!!"
"Heavens! Wang Wu and the others look so magnificent! Each riding a fine horse, clad in armor, they've all become generals!"
"They've made it! Wang Wu and the others have truly succeeded! I should have sent my son to join the recruitment when it happened, then he might have become a general too!"
While their relatives found it difficult to accept the deaths of others on the battlefield, death in battle was common at this time.
Especially after years of warfare across the states, almost every family had lost someone.
Yet, despite this, countless Qin citizens were still willing to join the army.
Therefore, Wang Wu and the others were met with immense admiration.
Especially the wealth they brought back, which made people even more eager to enlist.
"The army is truly different. Not only can you become an official, but you also receive so much money. After the New Year, I will definitely send my son to join the military!"
"Yes! I heard they are recruiting this year. If my son can join the army and follow General Lin, perhaps he too can achieve great things and secure a brighter future!"
"We should ask that boy Wang Wu if they are still recruiting!"
After Wang Wu and the others returned, the thresholds of their homes were almost worn down.
On one hand, people wanted to inquire if Lin Tian's subordinates were still recruiting.
Wang Wu gave a clear answer: yes, they were recruiting heavily, and would do so after the Spring Festival.
Yet, people still came daily to inquire.
The rise of Wang Wu and the others was truly enviable.
On the other hand, many people came to act as matchmakers for Wang Wu and the others.
Such excellent young men would be a waste if they remained unmarried.
Consequently, many of Wang Wu and the others found spouses through their families and the matchmakers.
Thus, they all spent a joyous Spring Festival in the Guanzhong region.
...