The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

After Li Si returned to Xianyang City, he summoned Lieutenant Meng Yi and Xianyang Magistrate Xin Qiliu to discuss matters.

After entering the study, several people sat opposite each other.

Xin Qiliu stood up and saluted, saying, "Prime Minister, if you have anything to ask, please just inform me. Why bother asking questions in person?"

Li Si smiled slightly, gestured for Xin Qiliu to sit down, and then said, "Xianyang Magistrate, please take a seat. My dear nephew, I have invited you two here today because I have something important to discuss with you!"

After Xin Qiliu sat down, he and Meng Yi looked at Li Si intently.

Li Si coughed lightly and said slowly, "Your Majesty has ordered me to oversee the construction of the Lishan Imperial Mausoleum, but the main problem at the moment is a lack of manpower, which has led to slow progress!"

Meng Yi bowed and said, "Uncle Master, I heard that His Majesty has ordered that prisoners be sent to Mount Li for labor?"

Li Si nodded slightly and said, "Indeed. I wonder how many prisoners are in the prisons under your jurisdiction?"

Meng Yi thought for a moment and responded, "Master, there are approximately 3,000 serious criminals in the prisons under the jurisdiction of the Lieutenant's Office." He paused and continued, "These prisoners have been sentenced for serious crimes. Some have already served years, while others are still awaiting trial. These pending serious criminals could be transferred to the Lishan construction site to participate in the construction of the imperial mausoleum. This would both alleviate the labor shortage and reduce the burden on the prisons."

Xin Qiliu immediately added, "I have about 3,000 of them here as well." He glanced at Li Si and added, "However, most of these prisoners were sentenced for minor crimes, their sentences are relatively short, and they have already served many years. If we want to transfer them to the Lishan construction site, we may need to reassess their crimes and sentences."

Li Si nodded and said, "There are 6,000 people in total, which can barely cope for a while. However, the construction of the imperial mausoleum currently requires 50,000 prisoners. Otherwise, we will have to conscript civilians and perform corvée labor!"

He frowned and said worriedly, "However, conscripting civilians and forcing them to perform forced labor will inevitably cause public discontent and may even lead to social unrest. Therefore, we must find more prisoners as soon as possible."

Meng Yi suggested, "Uncle Master, I have an idea. Can we consider transferring some seriously convicted criminals from other counties to assist in the construction of the imperial mausoleum? This would both alleviate the manpower shortage and speed up the project."

Li Si nodded slightly in agreement, "That's a good idea. We can give it a try."

Li Si pondered for a moment before continuing, "First, escort the most severely convicted criminals from Neishi Commandery and the other counties in Guanzhong to the Lishan Imperial Mausoleum to ensure the progress of the mausoleum construction. At the same time, you must also strengthen the management of the prisoners in prison to prevent any escape."

Xin Qiliu and Meng Yi responded in unison: "We will follow the Prime Minister's instructions."

Afterwards, the three of them discussed some specific details, including how to allocate manpower and materials, how to monitor the progress of the project, etc. Finally, they decided to take immediate action to solve the current problems as soon as possible.

On the other side, Zhao Gao found Feng Jie, and the two came to the study.

After both parties were seated, Zhao Gao spoke first, "Doctor Feng, Prime Minister Li is currently busy with the construction of the Imperial Mausoleum at Mount Li and has little time to attend to court affairs. I wonder if Prime Minister Feng could recommend a few talented individuals for promotion?"

Hearing this, Feng Jie smiled slightly and responded, "Zhao Shuling should discuss this matter with my father. What does it have to do with discussing it with me?"

Zhao Gao didn't seem angry or upset at Feng Jie's response. Instead, he whispered, "With two dukes now ruling in the Feng family, we're truly renowned! If Prince Hu Hai can ascend the throne with our help, the Feng family will undoubtedly rise to prominence and power, sharing the prosperity and wealth of the nation."

Feng Jie's heart was moved, but he remained calm on the surface and said, "Zhao Shuling, this is wrong. My Feng family has been favored by the emperor and has been able to hold high positions. We should do our utmost to serve the court and share the emperor's worries. How can we covet fame and fortune?"

Zhao Gao smiled and continued, "Doctor Feng, why are you so modest? With the Feng family's strength and prestige, if they can support Prince Hu Hai, they will surely achieve great things. Moreover, Prince Hu Hai is gifted and intelligent. If he ascends the throne, he will surely benefit the people."

Feng Jie was silent for a moment, then said, "This matter is of great importance. Let me go back and discuss it with my father."

A hint of joy flashed in Zhao Gao's eyes. He said, "That's very good. I believe Prime Minister Feng will make a wise choice."

After saying this, Zhao Gao stood up and said goodbye.

After Zhao Gao left, Feng Jie fell into deep thought. He knew that this was a difficult decision, and if he made the wrong choice, the consequences would be disastrous.

Feng Jie walked through the corridor and came to the backyard. He saw his father, Feng Quji, sitting by the backyard garden pond, leisurely fishing. He walked over, bowed, and said, "Father!"

Feng Quji nodded slightly and asked with a smile, "Jie'er, is Zhao Gao coming here again to win over my Feng family?"

Feng Jie sat down and answered seriously, "Father, you are wise. I think what Zhao Gao said makes sense!"

Feng Quji spoke slowly and calmly, "Yes. In this case, we can secretly assist Prince Hu Hai in the court. As for whether it can succeed, it depends on Zhao Gao."

Feng Jie nodded in agreement, "Father is absolutely right. But we need to be careful and not let others notice."

Feng Quji sighed deeply, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes. "This matter concerns the future of the Feng family. We must proceed with caution. I will find an opportunity to discuss this with Zhao Gao again."

A few days later, Feng Quji took the opportunity to enter the palace to meet Zhao Gao in a side hall.

"Zhao Shuling, I have a plan for what you said before," Feng Quji said softly. His eyes were sharp and determined, as if he had a complete plan.

Zhao Gao was overjoyed and quickly responded respectfully, "Prime Minister Feng, please speak. I will listen attentively." His face was full of anticipation and joy, as if he saw a bright future for himself.

Feng Quji lowered his voice and spoke mysteriously, "My Feng family is willing to lend a helping hand to Master Hu Hai, but this matter requires long-term consideration. The most urgent task right now is to gain the trust of His Majesty."

Zhao Gao nodded repeatedly, a cunning gleam in his eyes, and echoed: "What Prime Minister Feng said is very true. Then according to Prime Minister Feng, what should we do?" His eyes were full of desire for power, and he was eager to know what to do next.

Feng Quji thought for a moment, then slowly said, "Your Majesty has been worried about state affairs lately, and his health has been deteriorating. We can search for elixirs and miraculous medicines to help you recover. However, this matter must be based on Master Hu Hai, so that Your Majesty can feel our filial piety."

Zhao Gao said excitedly, "This is a brilliant plan! If we can win your majesty's favor, Prince Hu Hai's position will surely be further consolidated."

Feng Quji nodded in agreement and continued, "In addition, we must also gain more support for Master Hu Hai in the court."

Zhao Gao's eyes rolled, and he immediately understood what Feng Quji meant. "I will unite with other officials to support Prince Hu Hai."

"Very good." Feng Quji's lips curled slightly. "However, remember not to act too hastily, lest you offend His Majesty."

"Don't worry, Prime Minister Feng. Everything is under control," Zhao Gao said confidently. The two men smiled at each other, as if they saw a bright future.

Afterwards, the two of them conspired for a while before leaving.