The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

However, when Li Xin and his personal guards had already rushed south, the impact of the serious illness of the state commander Tu Sui in the court had not yet dissipated.

One day, Wang Ben, dressed in plain white mourning clothes with a hemp rope tied tightly around his waist, looked extremely haggard, his eyes revealing endless sorrow and grief. He walked towards the royal city of Xianyang with heavy and slow steps, each step seeming to exhaust all his strength.

The gate of the royal city slowly opened, and Wang Ben walked towards Zhangtai Palace with a heavy heart. He saw that the atmosphere in the palace was extremely solemn and dignified.

The First Emperor sat upright in the hall, his face solemn, his eyes filled with deep worry. Wang Ben entered the Zhangtai Palace and, with resolute steps, approached the First Emperor. He knelt with a thud and said, his voice choked with sobs, "Your Majesty, my father, General Wang Jian, passed away yesterday in Yongcheng..."

Upon hearing this news, the First Emperor shuddered slightly, his eyes flashing with unconcealable grief. He stood up, quickly walked over to Wang Ben, offered his hand to help him up, and said, "Wang Ben, there's no need to grieve too much. General Wang Jian has made outstanding contributions to the Qin Dynasty throughout his life. His achievements will be forever etched in the history books and revered by future generations."

Wang Ben slowly raised his head and looked at the Emperor with a determined gaze, his eyes filled with gratitude and respect. He took a deep breath, and with a slightly trembling voice, he said, "Your Majesty, my father, before his death, asked me to take good care of your health. I look forward to serving as your subject in the next life."

Hearing these words, a flicker of light suddenly crossed the Emperor's eyes, as if a tender feeling deep within him had been touched. He nodded slowly and said solemnly, "I will bear in mind General Wang Jian's last wish. Wang Ben, you must carry on your father's legacy and continue to serve the Qin Empire."

Wang Ben knelt again, saluted the First Emperor, and responded firmly, "Your Majesty, please rest assured. I will live up to your trust and do my utmost to fulfill my mission."

The First Emperor extended his hands, helped Wang Ben up, patted his shoulder, and said earnestly, "Alright, you can go back first. Take good care of your father's funeral. I will arrange for Fusu and Hu Hai to go to Yongcheng to preside over the funeral."

Wang Ben knelt again to thank the First Emperor, then turned and left the palace, his steps heavy and firm.

For a time, the First Emperor's demeanor became desolate and lonely, his eyes revealing endless sorrow and loss. The repeated news of veteran generals falling ill or passing away filled him with a deep sense of powerlessness. The passing of these veterans who had once accompanied him on his conquests made him realize the ruthlessness of time and the fragility of life. This intensified his desire for immortality.

The news of Wang Jian's death spread like a raging torrent throughout Xianyang City. This news was like a bolt from the blue, shocking everyone.

Within half a day, the news had spread to every household, with people buzzing about it on the streets. The entire court was in a state of shock; this veteran general, who had conquered six kingdoms, had finally reached the end of his life.

This veteran general, a man of many hardships and distinguished military achievements, once commanded great acclaim. His passing is a source of regret and sorrow. One cannot help but lament the relentless passage of time and the capriciousness of fate.

Wang Jian's life was full of legends, and his wisdom and courage were admirable. However, despite his brilliant military achievements, he could not escape the cycle of birth, old age, sickness and death.

Immediately afterwards, Prince Fusu and Hu Hai were ordered by the First Emperor to go to Yongcheng to preside over Wang Jian's funeral, and the left and right prime ministers Feng Quji and Li Si were responsible for the arrangements of the funeral.

On the streets of Yongcheng, people stopped to watch the carriages of Prince Fusu and Hu Hai slowly pass by. Their faces were filled with sorrow and grief, as if the entire city was shrouded in the weight of Wang Jian's departure.

At Wang Jian's funeral, Fusu and Hu Hai diligently presided over the ceremonies. Their expressions were solemn, tears glistening in their eyes. They knew Wang Jian was a great general whose achievements and contributions would be recorded in history forever.

Meanwhile, Feng Quji and Li Si busily arranged the details of the funeral, ensuring that everything was carried out to the highest standards. They meticulously decorated the funeral site, placing flowers and offerings to create a solemn and dignified atmosphere.

After the funeral, Fusu and Hu Hai returned to Xianyang and reported the funeral to the First Emperor.

The First Emperor was deeply relieved, however, a shadow still shrouded his heart - his physical condition was getting worse and worse. He knew that time was running out and he had to find a way to achieve immortality as soon as possible.

In this chaos, there was one person who keenly sensed an opportunity - Zhao Gao.

As a long-time eunuch by the First Emperor's side, Zhao Gao had a deep understanding of his thoughts and actions. He had a vague feeling that with the illness and death of many veteran generals, the First Emperor's desire for immortality would become more urgent.

Moreover, the emperor's health had obviously deteriorated. His complexion was dark, his body was slightly swollen, and his appetite was poor. Under such circumstances, the emperor's belief in immortality would only become more convinced.

Zhao Gao secretly thought that this was a perfect opportunity to seize more power. So he decided to take action and went to Hu Hai's residence.

After returning from his eastern tour, Hu Hai's behavior had changed somewhat. He no longer physically punished and beat his attendants and maids as he had before, and it was as if he had become a completely different person. However, Zhao Gao did not carefully observe these changes, simply assuming that Hu Hai had listened to his previous advice and had begun to restrain himself.

In the study, Zhao Gao took a deep breath and said softly: "Young Master, many veteran generals in the court are seriously ill and have died. This is our chance!" His eyes flashed with cunning light as he looked forward to Hu Hai's response.

Hu Hai looked at Zhao Gao in confusion and asked, "Teacher, what do you mean by these words?"

Zhao Gao smiled faintly and explained softly, "Sir, given these circumstances, His Majesty's health is no longer as good as it once was. He will undoubtedly be more eager to pursue the path to immortality. If we can find a way before others, we will surely gain His Majesty's trust."

Hu Hai's eyes flashed with joy after hearing this, but he soon frowned and asked worriedly, "But teacher, Xu Fu has gone out to sea to search for immortals and there has been no news yet. What should we do?"

Zhao Gao's lips curled up slightly, revealing an expression of confidence and complete control. He then slowly said, "Don't worry, my lord. Xu Fu isn't the only immortal master seeking elixirs and medicine. As far as I know, deep in the Zhongnan Mountains, there live some alchemists who live in isolation, practicing mysterious magic."

After a pause, Zhao Gao continued, "It's said that these alchemists have a very unique method of cultivation. They search the mountains for various precious herbs and minerals, then transform them into elixirs for consumption. These elixirs are said to have magical effects, prolonging life and enhancing the body's immunity and resistance. If we can find these alchemists and have them refine elixirs for Your Majesty, wouldn't that be a great achievement?"

Hu Hai's eyes flashed with excitement as he listened to Zhao Gao's words. He immediately stood up and said excitedly, "Teacher, you are absolutely right! If I could truly find an immortal and obtain the elixir of immortality, I would surely delight my father, the Emperor!"

Zhao Gao smiled and continued, "Sir, this matter requires careful consideration. Your Majesty is currently concerned about the search for immortality, while those alchemists are hiding in the mountains. You could take this opportunity to advise His Majesty and request that you be sent to Mount Zhongnan to seek immortality. This would both demonstrate your filial piety and earn His Majesty's favor. Leave the rest to me."

Hu Hai nodded repeatedly and laughed, "Teacher, you still have a way."

The two conspired for a while before Zhao Gao got up and left.

Hu Hai looked at Zhao Gao's back and smiled meaningfully.