The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

With the strong recommendation of Li Si and Meng Yi, Zhang Han was promoted to the position of Shaofu Cheng and continued to be in charge of the construction of the Lishan Imperial Mausoleum.

Han Xin was appointed by Meng Yi as the commander of the Five Schools, responsible for part of the security tasks of the Lishan Imperial Mausoleum.

Thanks to Zhao Gao's instigation, voices in Xianyang City about Prince Fusu advocating the feudal system rose and fell like a tide.

In the Feng Mansion, in the study, Feng Quji was sitting by the fireplace, reading an article. Feng Jie knocked on the door and entered. He sat down beside the fireplace and said, "Father, there's been a lot of talk in Xianyang lately about Prince Fusu advocating for a feudal system."

Feng Quji put down the article in his hand, frowned, and said, "I have heard about this matter, but why would Prince Fusu suddenly advocate the feudal system?"

Feng Jie pondered for a moment and said, "Father, I think this matter is a little strange. This Prince Fusu has always been known for his virtue. He advocates the feudal system. Isn't he afraid of causing dissatisfaction with Your Majesty?"

Feng Quji nodded and said, "Yes, there must be something hidden behind this. Maybe someone is secretly fanning the flames."

Feng Jie nodded and said, "Father, I thought Zhao Gao had always been at odds with Prince Fusu. Perhaps he wanted to take this opportunity to bring Prince Fusu down."

Feng Quji sighed and said, "Zhao Gao is a treacherous and cunning man. We must be on guard against him. We must pay close attention to the development of this matter to avoid being schemed by Zhao Gao."

Feng Jie nodded and said, "Don't worry, father. I will send someone to secretly investigate the truth of this matter."

Feng Quji said, "Well, I trust you to do the job. However, until the truth comes out, we should keep a low profile and not express our opinions lightly."

Feng Jie said, "Father, I understand. We must keep a clear head in this storm."

Feng Quji nodded and said, "Okay, go ahead. Remember, be careful."

After Feng Jie left, Feng Quji looked out the window thoughtfully.

He thought to himself, "This incident has far-reaching implications. If not handled properly, it could lead to political unrest. My Feng family must be cautious and careful in what we say and do, and must not get involved."

Time passed quickly, and in the blink of an eye, the rumor that Prince Fusu advocated the feudal system finally reached the ears of the First Emperor.

After hearing the news, the First Emperor was very angry. He never expected that his most valued eldest son Fusu would openly go against him.

"Fusu, how could he be so stupid!" The First Emperor angrily slammed the table. "Doesn't he know what I mean?"

Zhao Gao noticed that the First Emperor's health was indeed deteriorating and his temper was easily irritated. He thought to himself, "This is a good opportunity. Perhaps the Emperor will be angered by Fusu and others in the court and banish them from Xianyang in a fit of rage."

So, "Your Majesty, please calm down. Prince Fusu may have made such a suggestion out of consideration for the future of the Qin Empire." Zhao Gao said cautiously on the side.

"Hmph! Fusu is too weak. He can't shoulder the future of the Qin Empire at this rate," the First Emperor said dissatisfiedly. "What I need is a heir who can make decisive decisions and has foresight."

At the same time, the First Emperor's dissatisfaction with Fusu became increasingly apparent. He felt that Fusu was too weak and could not shoulder the responsibility for the future of the Qin Empire.

"Your Majesty, Prince Fusu has always been loved by the people, and his kindness and tolerance have been recognized by many people." Zhao Gao continued.

"I know Fusu is kind and tolerant, but as an emperor, he needs more than that," the First Emperor said solemnly. "What he needs is decisiveness and wisdom, and the ability to survive in a complex political environment."

Under such circumstances, the First Emperor began to consider whether he should re-examine Fusu's status and think about how to deal with this issue.

"Fusu has disappointed me too many times. I need a successor who can satisfy me." The First Emperor said, "I will give Fusu another chance to prove his ability."

As for Hu Hai, the First Emperor was prepared to give him more attention and support, hoping that he could become an heir that he was satisfied with.

"Well, Hu Hai has been performing exceptionally well recently," the First Emperor said. "I was particularly moved when he bravely traveled to the deep forests of Mount Zhongnan to find the elixir of immortality for me."

"Your Majesty, Prince Hu Hai is indeed very filial. His care and love for Your Majesty have been recognized by many people." Zhao Gao said.

"I have so many sons, but only Hu Hai understands my heart!" The First Emperor said with emotion, "I hope he can continue to maintain this quality."

"Your Majesty, Master Hu Hai will surely satisfy you. Moreover, his intelligence, talent, courage and decisiveness have been recognized by many people," Zhao Gao said.

"Well, I will continue to observe Hu Hai's performance secretly. I hope he will not disappoint me." said the First Emperor.

Just as the First Emperor and Zhao Gao were asking and answering each other in the side hall, suddenly, a burst of hurried footsteps were heard.

Yu Heng walked quickly into the hall, bowed, and then said respectfully, "Your Majesty, Master Hu Hai is outside the hall and requests an audience."

When the First Emperor heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes, and he quickly said, "Hu Hai is finally back! I really missed him."

Zhao Gao echoed from the side, "Yes, Your Majesty. In the past month or so, I'm sure that Prince Hu Hai must have gained something. I couldn't bear to see Your Majesty working day and night, so I rushed back without stopping." As he spoke, an imperceptible gleam flashed in Zhao Gao's eyes.

In reality, all of this was Zhao Gao's idea. After Hu Hai settled near Mount Zhongnan, Zhao Cheng was tasked with searching for alchemists and elixirs, while also mobilizing forces in Xianyang to stir up trouble. Hu Hai recently returned to the palace with the elixirs and alchemists, preparing to present them to the First Emperor.

After hearing what Zhao Gao said, the First Emperor smiled with satisfaction and said, "Yu Heng, quickly let Hu Hai come to the palace."

Yu Heng responded, stood up and walked out of the hall.

Yu Heng, the chief eunuch who served the First Emperor for many years, had previously served the previous Qin prince, Prince Chu. Since the First Emperor ascended the throne, he had served him faithfully and with a reserved demeanor, earning him the trust and favor of the Emperor.

Not long after, Hu Hai walked quickly into the hall and respectfully saluted the First Emperor, saying, "Father, I have fulfilled my mission and finally found the elixir. May your father be in good health and live a long and prosperous life!"

When the First Emperor heard this, he was overjoyed and nodded with satisfaction, saying, "My son is really thoughtful and has lived up to my trust!" After that, he reached out to take the pill presented by Hu Hai, held it carefully in his hand, and looked at the precious pill carefully, with a glimmer of expectation in his eyes that was hard to conceal.

The First Emperor cast his gaze upon Hu Hai again, noticing that his face was noticeably darker and thinner than before. A warm feeling welled up in his heart, "Hu Hai, you must have suffered a lot during this month's search for the elixir! You look darker and thinner."

The First Emperor looked at Hu Hai with a look of satisfaction in his eyes. He said softly, "My son, you've worked hard. Go and have a rest!"

After hearing this, Hu Hai hurriedly bowed and said, "Father, I'm leaving!" After that, he turned around and left the palace.

After Hu Hai left, Zhao Gao, who was standing by, immediately came forward and said flatteringly, "Your Majesty, Master Hu Hai is truly a filial son!"

Upon hearing this, the First Emperor nodded slightly, a smile appeared on his face, and his favor for Hu Hai increased a lot.

He thought to himself: "Although Hu Hai is a little naughty on weekdays, he is very sensible at critical moments. It seems that I have to train him well." Thinking of this, the First Emperor's eyes became firm.