The entire realm rejoiced, a sentiment shared by all.
That evening, Ying Zheng hosted a grand banquet in Xianyang Palace, inviting all his meritorious officials and ministers.
Lin Tian found himself surrounded by them that night.
The ministers were practically clinging to him, eager to exchange a few words.
Many of them were already hatching other plans.
"Great General Lin has come of age, yet I understand he is not yet married. Might I propose my daughter to the Great General?"
"With your scrawny appearance, what kind of daughter could you possibly have? Great General, look at my daughter. She takes after her mother and is quite striking!"
"Great General, look at my daughter! My two daughters admire you immensely, calling you the greatest hero in the world. Both my daughters are available!"
The mention of "daughters" seemed to open a floodgate for the other ministers.
They all desperately wanted Lin Tian to see their daughters, hoping to forge a connection.
If they could truly become Lin Tian's father-in-law, they would soar to unprecedented heights.
Both Lin Tian's current status and his future prospects were incredibly enticing.
Especially since they sensed that Lin Tian was Ying Zheng's son and would one day become the King of Qin.
This prospect made the ministers of Great Qin even more fervent.
If Lin Tian were to become the King of Qin, and they his father-in-law, their families would surely dominate the realm!
At this point, some were even willing to offer two or three daughters, not just one.
Such proposals left Lin Tian utterly flustered.
He had faced no enemy on the battlefield that could make him feel so helpless.
Yet, here, a few ministers had managed to throw him completely off balance.
Wang Wu and Zhang Han found this scene to be a remarkable spectacle.
Thus, they did not intervene but sat aside, happily watching the unfolding drama.
Finally, Ying Zheng stepped in.
"Enough! Today is a celebration, not an event for you to parade your daughters. All of you, return to your seats!"
At these words, the ministers in the court immediately fell silent.
"Yes, Your Majesty!"
Under Ying Zheng's command, the ministers obediently returned to their places, a hint of unwillingness still in their expressions.
Clearly, their failure to win over Lin Tian made them feel they had missed a golden opportunity.
However, Lin Tian breathed a sigh of profound relief.
Freed from the ministers' advances, he felt reborn.
He even cast a grateful glance at Ying Zheng.
Yet, as soon as the ministers were seated, Ying Zheng spoke again.
"Great General, tell me, which young lady has captured your heart? I will personally arrange the marriage!"
"Your Majesty, you are teasing this humble general too!"
"I am not joking; I speak the truth!"
Ying Zheng was indeed serious; he genuinely intended to help Lin Tian find a wife.
At this point, Ying Zheng realized that Lin Tian's achievements in military matters were unprecedented, and his age was also considerable.
When Ying Zheng was Lin Tian's age, he already had several sons.
Yet, Lin Tian had no sons and not even a sweetheart. This troubled Ying Zheng.
He wanted to find a suitable match for Lin Tian.
Furthermore, this suitable match could very well be the future Queen of Great Qin.
However, upon hearing Ying Zheng's words, Lin Tian couldn't help but roll his eyes.
Such pressure to marry left him speechless.
He had experienced this kind of pressure in his past life. To face it again in this one was unexpected.
Fortunately, in this life, he had the agency to choose.
"Your Majesty, this humble general has always been on the battlefield and has had little interaction with others. I am unfamiliar with the young ladies from various families, and I don't even know many people well."
"Therefore, there is no rush. This general prefers someone who suits his own heart!"
"Good, good! Finding someone who suits your heart is excellent. Finding someone who suits your heart is the best!"
Hearing Lin Tian's words, Ying Zheng's mind instinctively drifted to Lin Tian's mother, Lin Dong'er.
That woman was the one who suited Ying Zheng's heart.
However, at that time, Ying Zheng was too weak to protect her.
Therefore, after Lin Dong'er left, he was powerless to find her.
Now that Lin Tian spoke of finding a woman who suited his heart, Ying Zheng realized he might have been too hasty.
This matter should align with Lin Tian's wishes.
Thus, he quickly changed his tone.
This change of heart sent a jolt through many ministers. They now understood Ying Zheng's profound affection for Lin Tian.
This also made them think that from today onward, their daughters should be seen out more often.
Perhaps, by chance, Lin Tian might notice them.
After all, the chances of meeting him outside were far greater than meeting him at home.
Lin Tian was unaware of the ministers' thoughts.
However, he was genuinely happy at the celebration banquet that day.
After fighting for so long and finally achieving unification, this was a monumental joyous occasion for Lin Tian.
Not only had he witnessed history, but he had also been a participant, even a driving force.
The feeling was utterly unique.
Moreover, many ministers and generals eagerly approached Lin Tian.
Even Ying Zheng repeatedly raised his cup.
As a result, Lin Tian drank a considerable amount.
He was not drunk, merely tipsy.
By the end, Lin Tian remained standing while most others had collapsed.
The wine of this era was not as potent as that of later generations, and coupled with Lin Tian's formidable strength, he could easily hold his liquor.
Thus, in the end, everyone else was carried out of Xianyang Palace, while Lin Tian, somewhat disoriented, intended to leave as well.
However, before he could exit, Ying Zheng stopped him.
"Tian'er, you need not leave tonight. Stay here in Xianyang Palace!"
Upon hearing Ying Zheng's words, all the servants in the hall stiffened.
Zhao Gao, in particular, almost dropped what he was holding.
One must understand that this was Xianyang Palace. Only the King of Qin, his consorts, and the young princes were permitted to reside here.
For anyone else, not only was staying overnight in Xianyang Palace unthinkable, but even being allowed to dine there was extremely rare.
Now, Ying Zheng was asking Lin Tian to stay in Xianyang Palace, to spend the night there.
The signal this sent was unmistakable.
Even Lin Tian himself couldn't help but tremble.
He initially wanted to refuse, but seeing the earnest look in Ying Zheng's eyes, Lin Tian ultimately swallowed his refusal.
In the end, Lin Tian stayed in Xianyang Palace.
...