Longevity by Picking up Attributes in the Battlefield

Chapter 362: Chapter 163: Father and Daughter Reunited! Mrs. Zhao’s Hardships!

"That shouldn’t be the case," Xia Wuqie said, even more puzzled. "This village originally had just a few hundred people. Everyone knew everyone, so how could they not recognize her?"

"Perhaps what happened back then was heaven’s way of giving our family of three a chance to live," Mrs. Zhao replied. "After Wu Lizheng’s apprentice’s son went to the battlefield, his wife left the village and was never heard from again. I simply took her place. The identity registered for Zhao Feng’s father was that of the apprentice’s son. And conveniently, my original surname was also Zhao."

"So that’s how it is." Xia Wuqie had a sudden realization. Knowing his daughter as he did, he knew she would never have sought out another man. But he could also imagine the immense hardship she must have endured over the years.

"Dong’er," Xia Wuqie asked, "if I hadn’t found you, would you truly have never gone to Xianyang?"

"Father," Mrs. Zhao said softly. "You know how it is. Even after all these years, the moment I went there, Feng’er and Ying’er would be in danger. Those people would do anything for power. I don’t want them to walk into peril, I truly don’t. Even now, with Feng’er having achieved such a high rank, he can’t escape it. If it really comes to that, those people will stop at nothing to take his life. I want nothing else in this life, as long as Feng’er and Ying’er can live in peace and safety. Besides, Feng’er is doing very well now, having reached the pinnacle of officialdom. That’s more than enough." She finished with a faint smile.

Xia Wuqie’s aged face was a mask of conflict. "Don’t you miss Zheng’er? Do you really not want to see him?" he pressed. "All these years, I’ve been searching for you, but Zheng’er has been searching for you frantically as well. After the fall of Zhao, he went to Handan specifically to find you, because he was certain you’d be there. For your sake, he still hasn’t even named a Queen," Xia Wuqie said, his voice tinged with sorrow. He clearly wanted his daughter to see Ying Zheng, to at least grant the man his heart’s desire.

"Father, you may understand him, but I understand him even better," Mrs. Zhao stated firmly. "The moment he finds out I’m here, he’ll come rushing over, no matter the cost. He will acknowledge Feng’er and the others, whatever it takes. When that happens, Feng’er will become a target for everyone. Even though Feng’er wields great power now, and Brother Zheng is in true control of Qin, those great clans and the Zong Shi will do anything for that position. I don’t want anything to happen to Feng’er. As long as he and Ying’er can live their lives in peace, I would be content to die."

Seeing his daughter’s resolve, Xia Wuqie could only nod in helpless resignation.

At that moment, outside the mansion, a massive crowd had gathered, even under the cover of night. They were all people from Sha Village, including both familiar old neighbors and many villagers who had moved in later. Most had come simply to watch the spectacle.

"Zhao Feng is out!"

"Mr. Zhao, you’ve finally come out!"

"Our Sha Village has really produced someone to be proud of, with Mr. Zhao among us!"

"Mr. Zhao, I’m Mr. Li from next door, remember me?"

"Zhao Feng... I’m Mr. Zhao..."

One by one, the villagers who were once familiar with Zhao Feng shouted out. These were elders who had often helped the Zhao Family. Of course, many who had been indifferent before were now shouting too, seemingly eager to curry favor with him.

To all of this, Zhao Feng simply nodded in response.

"Fellow villagers," Zhao Feng began, his voice carrying over the crowd, "I have not returned home in four years.

"Since you are all here today, I, Zhao Feng, have an announcement to make. Three days from now, I will host a banquet in my residence. Consider it the wedding feast for my wife and me. It will serve, one, as a proper acknowledgment to my mother, and two, as a way to thank all of you for your care and support for the Zhao Family over the years.

"In three days, all of my fellow villagers from Sha Village are welcome to attend."

"The Senior General is so generous!"

"I’ll definitely be there!"

"Thank you, Senior General..."

The crowd erupted with voices of gratitude and flattery. This was the change that came with power and influence. Once a person acquired power, everyone around them became a "good person." Right now, everyone around Zhao Feng was a "good person," because no one dared to offend him. Holding the rank of Senior General, a powerful figure at court with military authority in his hands—who would dare cross him?

"Mr. Wu," Zhao Feng said, turning to Wu Lizheng, "I’ll have to trouble you to take my trusted aide and purchase what’s needed for the banquet."

"Don’t you worry," Wu Lizheng replied with a smile. "I’ll make sure it’s all handled beautifully."

"Senior General," Yan Bing interjected respectfully, "I can also help. The provisions for the banquet can be procured from the Prefectural City, which has the most complete selection of goods."

"I appreciate the offer, Governor Yan," Zhao Feng smiled.

"You’re too kind, Senior General. It is my honor," Yan Bing replied. "I was wondering... would I be so honored as to attend the banquet in three days?" he asked tentatively.

"Governor Yan, you’ve taken great care of my mother and sister over the years. I must certainly express my gratitude," Zhao Feng said with a smile. "Naturally, the banquet would not be complete without you."

Hearing this, Yan Bing’s face lit up with excitement. "Yes, yes! Thank you, Senior General!"

After giving his instructions, Zhao Feng waved goodbye to the villagers and returned to the residence.

"Where are my mother and Doctor Xia?" he asked upon returning, not seeing them anywhere.

"Senior General," a maid replied respectfully, "the Old Madam and Doctor Xia went to the small cottage."

Hearing this, Zhao Feng nodded and started walking toward the original cottage. Even after being away for four years, how could he ever forget the location of his first home? It was the place where he had lived for sixteen years.