The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

The next morning, the sun shone on the streets and alleys of Xianyang City, and the whole city was full of vitality.

Moreover, this day will be the day when the First Emperor will hold his first grand court meeting after his eastern tour to Xianyang.

Although the First Emperor left Prince Fusu and Right Prime Minister Feng Quji in charge of state affairs during his eastern tour, due to various reasons, many important government affairs were still put on hold, waiting for the First Emperor to return in person. Therefore, this grand court meeting was particularly important.

In the square in front of the royal city of Xianyang, a large number of officials and soldiers patrolling and guarding the area had gathered early in the morning.

Officials at all levels, dressed in court robes, lined up neatly in rows, solemn and dignified. They were like tall green pines, swaying gently in the breeze.

The patrolling soldiers were all in high spirits and looked very dignified. Their postures were as straight as pine trees and their eyes were as bright as eagles, as if they were swords about to be unsheathed.

As time went by and the sky gradually brightened, the First Emperor finally appeared on the dragon throne in Zhangtai Palace. He was wearing a dark red dragon robe and a crown on his head. His expression was majestic and solemn, like a mountain, intimidating.

The officials in the audience knelt down and saluted, shouting "Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Great Qin!" Their voices were like the sound of a huge bell, echoing in the square.

The First Emperor sat on the throne, glanced at the ministers below, and then slowly spoke: "I have been on an eastern tour for several months, enduring many hardships and dangers, and finally returned safely. Today I have summoned all of you here to discuss state affairs."

At this time, the ministers in the audience all looked up, their eyes full of awe.

Gan Luo stepped forward and said respectfully, "Your Majesty, I have something to report. Agricultural development in the Guanzhong region has been strong in recent days, but we still need to increase investment in farm tools and irrigation facilities to boost crop yields."

The First Emperor nodded slightly and looked at Gan Luo sharply, a flicker of admiration in his eyes. He said, "Agriculture is the foundation of our nation. This matter must be addressed promptly. I will order increased investment in farm tools and irrigation facilities to ensure continued vigorous agricultural production in the Guanzhong region."

Then, Fusu stepped forward and said, "Father, urgent news from the border: the Yue people in the southern border area have been making frequent incursions. Although our army has repelled them many times, we still need to strengthen our border defenses just in case."

The First Emperor frowned, his expression growing serious. After a moment's contemplation, he decisively declared, "Southern Xinjiang is a vital area for the Qin Empire. The Baiyue people are a serious threat. We must quickly prepare and deploy an additional 100,000 troops to maintain peace on the Qin Empire's borders."

The court was in complete silence as all the ministers bowed their heads in agreement with the First Emperor's decision. They knew that the Baiyue region in the south had always been a major threat to the Qin Empire, and decisive measures were necessary to ensure the safety of the border.

Feng Quji stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I have something to report. The construction of the Lishan Imperial Mausoleum has basically completed the main structure of the mausoleum, but we are currently encountering a problem."

The First Emperor frowned slightly and asked, "What's troubling you?"

Feng Quji bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, the scale of the Lishan Mausoleum is enormous, requiring enormous manpower and resources. Currently, we have 300,000 civilian laborers and 50,000 Xiongnu captives working day and night, and I'm afraid it will be difficult to complete it on schedule."

The First Emperor was silent for a moment and said nothing.

Hu Hai stood up and said, "Father, I have something to say!"

The First Emperor nodded slightly, signaling Hu Hai to continue.

Hu Hai continued, "Father's achievements surpass those of the Three Sovereigns and Five Emperors. The Mausoleum of Mount Li is the foundation of his eternal legacy. We must not act rashly. I, your son, suggest increasing the corvée."

Fusu was shocked when he heard Hu Hai's words and quickly said, "Father, I think it is inappropriate. Increasing corvée labor will bring a heavy burden to the people."

Hu Hai raised his lips slightly, looked at Fusu, and retorted, "My Royal Brother, you are wrong. The Mausoleum of Mount Li is the foundation of our father's eternal legacy. If it cannot be completed on time, wouldn't it be disrespectful to our father? Besides, increasing corvée labor is for the sake of the country's long-term stability. What's wrong with that?"

Fusu's face was solemn as he responded, "Royal brother, do you understand the suffering of the people? They already have a difficult life, and adding more corvee labor will only make their suffering even worse."

Hu Hai smiled disapprovingly and said, "My Royal Brother, why do you have to be so compassionate? All people in the world should serve our father. It is their honor."

Fusu was so angry that his face turned pale. Just as he was about to speak, he was interrupted by the First Emperor: "Okay, no need to argue anymore. I will consider it myself." After that, he waved his hand and motioned for the two to sit down.

Fusu and Hu Hai looked at each other and sat back in their original seats.

The First Emperor looked at Hu Hai, then at Fusu, and after a moment's contemplation, he said, "The Lishan Mausoleum is indeed a matter that cannot be neglected, but increasing corvée labor requires careful consideration. The people are the foundation of the Qin State, and they must not be overworked."

At this time, Zhao Gao stood up and said respectfully: "Your Majesty is wise. I have a plan that may solve this problem." There was a cunning gleam in his eyes, and he seemed to have a plan in mind.

The First Emperor said, "Go ahead." He became interested in Zhao Gao's suggestion.

Zhao Gao smiled sinisterly and said, "Your Majesty, you can send criminals to serve as laborers. This will not only reduce the burden on the people, but also ensure the progress of the imperial mausoleum construction." He believed that this would solve the problem of labor shortage and avoid increasing the corvée burden on the people, killing two birds with one stone.

Upon hearing this, the First Emperor nodded slightly and said, "This method is feasible. Li Qing, I will leave this matter to you. Make sure it is completed on schedule."

The First Emperor decided to adopt Zhao Gao's suggestion and handed over the specific matters to Prime Minister Li Si.

Li Si took the order and went down.

Feng Quji continued, "Your Majesty, the amount of bronze and stone materials needed to build the imperial mausoleum is enormous, and the existing inventory is unable to meet the demand."

The First Emperor said coldly, "A few days ago, I was assassinated while on an eastern tour in Zhao. Where did the assassin get the weapon?"

Upon hearing this, all the ministers were horrified and stood up and knelt, shouting, "Your Majesty, please calm down!" The entire Zhangtai Palace was filled with a tense and serious atmosphere.

Feng Quji's forehead was covered with sweat, and he said anxiously, "Your Majesty, please calm down. We, your humble servants, will thoroughly investigate this matter. However... the scarcity of bronze and stone materials has indeed affected the progress of the project."

The First Emperor's face was gloomy. After a moment's silence, he spoke, "Please stand up, all of you! It's alright. I've heard that Shu is rich in copper and stone. We can send people to mine and transport them. I'll leave this matter to you, Lord Feng."

Zhao Gao smiled flatteringly and said, "Your Majesty is wise. Furthermore, the eunuchs have proposed recruiting more craftsmen to speed up the project."

The First Emperor nodded slightly in agreement. "Yes, approved. I will hand this matter over to Li Qing to handle."

Everyone agreed in unison and secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

The First Emperor sat on the dragon throne, his eyes sweeping majestically over the ministers below, and then he spoke: "I hope you can understand that the stability of the Great Qin requires your joint efforts. Although I am unharmed in this incident, it has sounded a warning. In the future, if similar incidents occur, they will be severely punished!"

All the ministers nodded in agreement and expressed their willingness to do their utmost to maintain the security and stability of the Qin Dynasty.

The First Emperor nodded with satisfaction and continued, "Also, the matter of the assassination will be handed over to you, Feng Jie and Meng Yi, to investigate the criminals in Xianyang City. I want to see who else dares to act under my nose!"

Feng Jie and Meng Yi stepped out and received the order respectfully.

The First Emperor looked at them and continued, "Also, Zhao Gao, assist Li Ze in strengthening the palace's security to ensure this kind of thing doesn't happen again. Also, keep an eye on the movements of those within the palace to prevent anyone from harboring malicious intentions."

Zhao Gao quickly bowed and accepted the order. His face was solemn as he said, "Your Majesty, rest assured. I will do my utmost to protect the safety of the palace."

The First Emperor nodded slightly, expressing his trust and approval of Zhao Gao. His gaze swept over the courtiers once more, a look of authority and determination evident in his eyes. He said in a deep voice, "Today's affairs conclude here. I hope you will take this as a warning and work together for the prosperity of the Qin Empire. Court is adjourned!"

Following the First Emperor's order, the ministers bowed and saluted, then slowly left the court. Their steps seemed heavy, as if they were all thinking about what had just happened and the challenges they might face in the future.

The discussion regarding the construction of the Imperial Mausoleum at Mount Li has concluded, but beneath this seemingly calm surface, undercurrents of conflict surge. Everyone harbors their own calculations and plans, and how will these undercurrents affect the fate of the Qin Empire? …