The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

It was nearing the end of March, and the climate in Xianyang City began to gradually warm up.

Half a month ago, in the study of the Meng residence, Li Ziwei respectfully reported to Meng Yi: "General, more than half a month ago, Prince Hu Hai and Zhao Cheng secretly went to Zhongnan Mountain. But puzzlingly, Zhao Cheng was searching for alchemists in the area."

Upon hearing this news, Meng Yi's face showed surprise. After a moment's contemplation, he said, "Right now, rumors in Xianyang City about Prince Fusu advocating for a feudal system are becoming increasingly intense. I'm afraid this is all orchestrated by Zhao Gao!"

Li Ziwei nodded in agreement, "Prince Hu Hai did have a secret meeting with Zhao Gao before leaving Xianyang."

Meng Yi stood up and slowly walked to the window. He stared into the distance and said worriedly, "It seems that Fusu will be expelled from Xianyang this time."

One day, during a grand court session, the Zhangtai Palace was solemn and dignified. The First Emperor sat upright on the Dragon Throne. He glanced at his ministers and slowly spoke, "I've heard that there's been a lot of talk in Xianyang lately about the feudal system, and most of the people involved are from the Juxian Hall. Fusu, are you aware of this?"

Meng Yi in the hall was very surprised. "Sure enough, everything is just as I expected. Zhao Gao has already pointed his gun at Fusu!"

Hearing this, Fusu's heart tightened. He quickly stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, I have heard about this matter, but I don't know the specific details."

The First Emperor frowned slightly and asked sternly, "What do you think of these remarks?"

Fusu hesitated for a moment, then mustered the courage to reply, "Father, I believe that the Great Qin is vast, with vast disparities between east, west, south, and north. With so many affairs to attend to, if all were directly governed by the central government, it would likely lead to oppression of the good, corruption, and other problems that could not be effectively supervised. The establishment of a feudal system would delegate power to local princes, allowing them to better manage local affairs, reducing the burden on the central government, and preventing some officials from abusing their power."

After hearing this, the First Emperor's eyes became sharp. He snorted coldly and felt very disappointed with Fusu.

At this moment, Confucian scholars headed by Chunyu Yue, as well as ministers secretly instructed by Zhao Gao, all stood up and said that what Prince Fusu said was very true, and that this was for the sake of His Majesty and the long-term stability of the Qin Dynasty.

The First Emperor's majestic gaze swept across the crowd, finally landing on Hu Hai, and he slowly said, "Hu Hai, what do you think?"

Everyone looked up at Hu Hai, their eyes revealing surprise and confusion.

After all, this was the first time His Majesty had sought Prince Hu Hai's opinion during a formal court session. This move undoubtedly revealed important information, causing the ministers to ponder. They began to wonder whether this young prince would become the future crown prince, or if there was some other hidden meaning behind this.

Zhao Gao, standing nearby, had a glint of pride in his eyes. He had anticipated this moment and had instructed Hu Hai on how to respond. He was confident that Hu Hai would give an answer that would satisfy His Majesty.

Zhao Gao silently observed the situation, hoping that Hu Hai's performance would win him more benefits and status.

Hu Hai took a deep breath and replied, "I believe that while the feudal system allows the princes to guard the borders and stabilize the local areas, it can also easily lead to the dispersion of power and cause civil unrest. I suggest that we adopt the county system, where the central government directly manages the local areas and strengthens central power. This will not only ensure national unity and stability, but also improve administrative efficiency."

After hearing this, the First Emperor was silent for a moment, then nodded and said, "What Hu Hai said makes sense. I will consider it. Do you have any other opinions on the feudal system?"

The ministers began to discuss the matter, some supporting Fusu's view, while others believed that the feudal system was more appropriate. For a time, the atmosphere in the court was heated, with various voices intertwined.

"Oh!"

As this dull sound rang out, the copper pot on the desk in front of the First Emperor was thrown heavily to the ground, making a crisp sound.

Instantly, the hall fell into a dead silence. Everyone stopped what they were doing and looked at the First Emperor in fear, fearing that he would suddenly fly into a rage. They knew that if the emperor got angry, the consequences would be disastrous.

"Your Majesty, calm down!" everyone shouted in unison. Their voices echoed throughout the palace, filled with deep fear and awe.

The First Emperor had a gloomy expression. He stood up, slammed the table hard, and cursed angrily: "How outrageous! You Confucian scholars are simply misleading the people! Feudal system? Do you want my Great Qin to repeat the mistakes of the Zhou Dynasty?" His voice was like thunder, making everyone's eardrums hurt.

Chunyu Yue knelt hurriedly and kowtowed, saying, "Your Majesty, this is absolutely not what we mean. The feudal system is an ancient system. The Zhou Dynasty enjoyed the country for more than 800 years, which shows its feasibility. Moreover, Your Majesty has now unified the six kingdoms. The world is so big that it will be difficult to rule without establishing princes." His forehead hit the cold ground, making a crisp sound.

The First Emperor sneered and said, "Hmph, although the Zhou Dynasty lasted for more than 800 years, in the later period, the princes fought against each other and the world was in chaos. This is the disadvantage of the feudal system! My Great Qin must never repeat the same mistake!" He swept his eyes over the ministers, as if he wanted to see through everyone.

Feng Jie, realizing the situation was dire, quickly stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, Lord Chunyu Yue is right. The feudal system allows the princes to better manage their regions and improve administrative efficiency."

The First Emperor glared at Feng Jie fiercely and shouted, "Feng Jie, don't speak for them! My Great Qin must implement the county system to achieve long-term stability!"

Feng Jie was so frightened that he quickly lowered his head and dared not speak again.

The First Emperor looked around at the crowd again and said righteously, "You Confucian scholars spend all day burying your heads in books, unaware of the changes in current affairs. The world today is different from before. My Great Qin must implement the county system in order to strengthen central power and stabilize the world."

Fusu, Chunyu Yue and others all bowed their heads in silence, but in their hearts they were dissatisfied with the First Emperor's decision. They believed that the feudal system better reflected family affection and blood ties and could better maintain national stability.

Seeing that no one was talking anymore, the First Emperor slowly sat down. He then looked at the others with a cold gaze and asked in a icy tone, "Do you have anything else to say?"

At this point, Fusu stepped forward again, cupped his hands, and said, "Father, I believe that the feudal system will allow the princes to better manage their regions and improve administrative efficiency. It will also reward meritorious officials through the granting of land and the establishment of marquisates, thus strengthening the cohesion and centripetal force of the court."

When the First Emperor heard this, a trace of displeasure appeared on his face. He sneered and said, "Fusu, you have greatly disappointed me. Please stop talking. My Great Qin must implement the county system in order to achieve long-term stability!"

Fusu had no choice but to kneel down and kowtow, saying: "Father, I dare not say anything more."

The First Emperor swept his gaze over the crowd with dignity. Seeing that they all lowered their heads and dared not speak, he waved his hand gently and said calmly, "Okay, that's all for today. All of you may leave."

When everyone heard this, they stood up as if they had been pardoned. They saluted the First Emperor respectfully and then slowly left the hall. As the last person disappeared outside the hall door, the hall suddenly became quiet.

The First Emperor sat on the Dragon Throne, his eyes narrowed slightly, lost in thought. His fingers tapped lightly on the armrests, as if he were pondering something important.

After a moment, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly, revealing a barely perceptible smile. He had already made a decision, but it was a decision he couldn't let anyone else know about for the time being.