The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

After Xu Fu led the fleet out to sea in search of immortals, the First Emperor stayed in Jieshi for several days.

During these days, the First Emperor climbed to a high place and gazed into the distance, his heart filled with anticipation for immortality and the wonderland beyond. He wondered if Xu Fu could really find an immortal and bring him the elixir of immortality.

The First Emperor asked Zhao Gao beside him: "Can Xu Fu find the immortal?"

Zhao Gao replied, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. Xu Fu is a world-renowned alchemist. He will definitely find the immortal."

The First Emperor nodded, his anticipation growing even stronger.

However, the reality of government affairs did not allow him to stay for long. Finally, the First Emperor issued an order: "Set off, return to Xianyang!"

As the emperor's decree was passed down, the entire army began to move in an orderly manner. The soldiers quickly packed up their luggage, arranged their weapons and horses, and prepared to embark on the return journey. The coachmen drove the horses, and the wheels rolled, making a crisp sound, as if announcing the upcoming journey.

The First Emperor boarded the carriage, followed closely by Hu Hai and Zhao Gao.

The First Emperor sat in his carriage, gazing into the distance, his heart filled with anticipation. He turned to look at Zhao Gao, his eyes gleaming with determination, and said, "I hope Xu Fu will return soon and bring me the elixir of immortality."

Zhao Gao responded respectfully, "Your Majesty, Master Xu will certainly do his best. He is fully aware of your Majesty's expectations and will devote all his energy to finding the elixir of immortality."

Hu Hai also echoed, "Don't worry, Your Majesty. Immortal Master Xu will definitely return with the elixir of immortality, and Your Majesty will enjoy eternal bliss! Our Great Qin will prosper for thousands of years!"

The First Emperor nodded slightly, looked at Hu Hai with satisfaction, and secretly sighed in his heart: "It would be great if Fusu was as obedient as Hu Hai!" He closed his eyes, his thoughts gradually drifted away, and he began to think about the future of the Qin Dynasty.

The carriage slowly moved forward, the rustle of the wheels mingling with the sound of the First Emperor's heartbeat. He was lost in thought, pondering how to make the Qin Empire even stronger and more prosperous. He recalled past glorious victories and the soldiers who had sacrificed their lives for the Qin State, and a strong sense of mission welled up within him.

The huge convoy was heading westward in a mighty procession, preparing to pass through Shanggu, pass Dai County, then turn south, heading towards Taiyuan and Shangdang County, and finally return to Xianyang City.

The carriage continued to move forward, and the figure of the First Emperor gradually disappeared on the road in the distance. His heart was filled with longing and expectation for the future, and he believed that the Qin Dynasty would usher in a brand new era.

Han Xin followed Meng Yi, while Ying Bu led a team of Wei soldiers to be responsible for guarding the rear of the convoy.

Han Xin looked at the road ahead and suddenly said, "General, there are now 300,000 troops stationed in the north, and 400,000 elite soldiers stationed in Nanyue. Only 100,000 soldiers from the Lantian camp are stationed in Guanzhong! And now that Your Majesty is seeking immortality, I feel uneasy!"

Meng Yi was shocked when he heard this. He hadn't expected Han Xin to have such a clear understanding of the current situation. It seemed that this legendary military genius was not just a warrior; he also had a profound understanding of politics.

Meng Yi nodded and replied softly, "You are right. The current situation is indeed unsettling. But do you know what is happening inside the court?"

Han Xin frowned, pondered for a moment, and then replied, "I've heard some rumors, but I'm not sure of their authenticity. It's said that Your Majesty has been hesitant to appoint a crown prince, and that both Princes Fusu and Hu Hai are quite favored by Your Majesty. This has caused the officials in the court to split into two factions. I don't know the rest!"

Meng Yi's face was solemn, his eyes fixed firmly on the front. He took a deep breath and said slowly, "Now that His Majesty is still here, we, as his subjects, should serve His Majesty wholeheartedly and not get too involved in other matters. Only in this way can we protect ourselves and better serve the people of the world in the future."

Han Xin nodded thoughtfully. He understood what Meng Yi meant. In this sensitive period, any inappropriate action could lead to fatal disaster.

"However, General," Han Xin said in a serious tone, "if there is any change, we must be prepared to respond."

Meng Yi turned his head and glanced at Han Xin, a hint of admiration flashing in his eyes. "What do you think?"

Han Xin lowered his voice and said, "I think we can secretly cultivate our own power, but we must do it secretly so as not to arouse your majesty's suspicion. At the same time, we must also closely monitor the developments in the court so that we can respond in a timely manner."

Meng Yi nodded slightly in agreement. "This matter requires careful consideration and must not be rushed. Our top priority now is to ensure His Majesty's safety and a smooth return to Xianyang."

The two looked at each other and understood in their hearts.

The journey was not easy. The team crossed mountains and rivers, climbed over steep peaks, and crossed wide rivers.

Along the way, the convoy passed through prosperous towns and peaceful villages. Upon hearing of the First Emperor's arrival, the common people poured into the streets, kneeling in respect. Their eyes sparkled with curiosity, filled with awe for the great emperor.

After a long journey, the First Emperor and his entourage finally arrived in Xianyang in early September. The motorcade moved slowly along the main road, led by Prince Fusu and Right Prime Minister Feng Quji. The common people knelt and bowed to welcome the First Emperor back from his eastern tour.

The walls of Xianyang towered into the clouds, a remarkably impenetrable line of defense. A massive banner fluttered in the wind above the city gates, displaying the majesty and glory of the Qin Empire. The First Emperor rode through the gates and into the city. The streets were neatly lined with exquisite buildings and bustling shops.

Prince Fusu and Right Prime Minister Feng Quji followed the First Emperor respectfully.

The First Emperor's eyes revealed majesty and wisdom. He asked in a deep and powerful voice, "Fusu, has anything major happened in Xianyang City while I was away?"

Fusu replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, everything is fine in Xianyang City. Nothing serious has happened."

The First Emperor nodded with satisfaction. He turned to look at Feng Quji and asked, "Mr. Feng, has anything unusual happened in the court while I was away?"

Feng Quji replied respectfully, "Your Majesty, everything is normal in the court, and all the ministers are doing their jobs."

The First Emperor's expression gradually relaxed. He sighed softly and said, "Although I have gained something from this eastern tour, I also know that the world is vast and there are still many places that need my governance. Fusu, you must gain more experience so that you can take on greater responsibilities in the future."

Fusu replied respectfully, "I will follow your father's teachings and strive to gain experience and live up to your expectations."

The First Emperor nodded slightly, his eyes revealing his expectations and trust in Fusu. The convoy continued to move forward, and the figure of the First Emperor gradually faded away amid the cheers of the people.

Hu Hai, who was listening to the First Emperor's words of encouragement to Fusu, was filled with resentment. He had always believed that he was the most suitable person to inherit the throne, while Fusu received the emperor's expectations and attention. This made him feel extremely disappointed and angry.

Zhao Gao noticed Hu Hai's change of mood and quickly pulled Hu Hai to prevent him from losing his composure in front of the First Emperor. He knew Hu Hai's personality and if he wasn't controlled, he might make the wrong move at a critical moment. He whispered, "Sir, please stay calm."

Hu Hai gritted his teeth, suppressed his inner dissatisfaction, and kept his head down. He knew that now was not the time to compete with Fusu for the throne, but he believed that one day he would prove himself to be better than Fusu and become the ruler of the world.

As the First Emperor entered the palace, an atmosphere of solemnity and awe washed over him. The buildings within were magnificent and imposing, showcasing the royal dignity and authority. As the First Emperor walked along the long corridor toward the main hall, the guards along the way saluted respectfully, not daring to show any slight indifference.

Finally, the First Emperor arrived at the main hall. He ascended the steps and stepped inside. The hall was filled with the faint scent of sandalwood, creating a sense of tranquility and solemnity. The First Emperor walked to the throne and sat down. He looked around, taking in everything within, and a strong sense of belonging surged within him.

The First Emperor closed his eyes and recalled every detail of his eastern tour. He remembered his Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai, his offerings to heaven at Mount Heng, his observations and insights from his tours, and his farewell to Xu Fu at Jieshi. These experiences strengthened his resolve to rule.