The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

The ministers left the hall, each with their own thoughts.

Fusu's face was gloomy. He didn't expect that his proposal would be so strongly opposed by his father. He felt very disappointed.

"Young master, don't be sad. His Majesty may just be angry for a moment, and he will understand your painstaking efforts in the future." Chunyu Yue comforted.

Fusu shook his head. "Ah, I hope so. But if the county system is implemented, local officials will have too much power, which may breed corruption. I worry that the people will suffer as a result."

Chunyu Yue sighed, "Your Majesty is right. But His Majesty has made up his mind, and we can only obey."

At this moment, Zhao Gao, who was far away, saw this scene and a barely perceptible smile appeared on the corner of his mouth.

He was secretly delighted. The conflict between Fusu and the First Emperor was gradually deepening, which was exactly what he had hoped for. As long as Fusu lost the First Emperor's trust, he would be one step further away from the position of crown prince. And Hu Hai, whom he supported, would have a greater chance of ascending the throne.

Zhao Gao, knowing his plan was coming true, couldn't help but smile triumphantly. He remembered his goal: to become a powerful official, second only to the emperor. If Hu Hai ascended the throne, he could leverage his relationship with Hu Hai to control the court and realize his ambitions.

He secretly congratulated himself on his wit, cleverly taking advantage of the conflict between Fusu and the First Emperor to make his plan go more smoothly. He knew that as long as he continued to work hard, he could help Hu Hai ascend the throne and realize his ideal.

A sly glint flashed in Zhao Gao's eyes. He couldn't wait to see Fusu being ignored by the First Emperor. He believed that as long as he continued to instigate Fusu, he would lose the First Emperor's trust, and his own plan would be more successful.

The next day, an imperial edict was issued from Zhangtai Palace: "The eldest son, Fusu, is only capable of empty talk, yet he has no understanding of the history of our Great Qin, which saw six generations of kings overcome countless hardships to unify the empire. I have repeatedly instructed him, but he remains unrepentant. I now appoint Fusu as the supervisor of the Nanyue army and order him to reflect deeply on his mistakes. Fusu may not return to the capital without my summons."

This decree spread throughout Xianyang City, attracting widespread attention and discussion. The ministers speculated why the emperor suddenly imposed such a severe punishment on Fusu.

In the Zhangtai Palace, Emperor Qin Shi Huang Ying Zheng sat on the dragon throne with a gloomy face and angry eyes.

Standing beside him were ministers such as Feng Quji, Feng Jie, Zhao Gao, Li Si, and Gan Luo. They all lowered their heads and did not dare to look directly into the eyes of the First Emperor.

The First Emperor said coldly: "Fusu is becoming more and more unreasonable! I wanted to train him well, but he is so disappointing!"

Li Si quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, calm down. Prince Fusu may just be confused for a moment. I hope Your Majesty will give him a chance."

The First Emperor snorted, "Opportunity? I've already given him too many chances! This time, I'm sending him to Nanyue as a military supervisor so he can learn the hardship and understand responsibility!"

Zhao Gao quickly agreed, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. Prince Fusu does need some training. However, Your Majesty, don't worry too much. I believe Prince Fusu will eventually come to his senses."

The First Emperor sighed: "I hope so..."

After a moment, the First Emperor continued, "The Confucian scholars and the Juxian Hall are closely linked to Fusu's current state."

He glanced at Zhao Gao and Feng Jie, and said sternly, "Zhao Gao, Feng Jie, I order the two of you to lead the Weiwei Army to seal off the Juxian Hall. Expel all the Confucian scholars and related personnel from Xianyang City. Anyone who resists will be killed without mercy!"

Zhao Gao and Feng Jie respectfully accepted the order and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured. We will fulfill our mission." They turned and left, taking a team of elite Weiwei troops with them to the Juxian Hall.

As the First Emperor watched them retreat, a wave of helplessness and anger welled up in his heart. He knew that the thoughts and actions of these Confucian scholars had become a threat to the stability of the country. He could not tolerate this situation continuing and had to take decisive measures to maintain the rule of the Qin Dynasty.

In the Juxian Hall, people were enthusiastically discussing various political issues. They sat together, some excited, while others looked contemplative.

"Now that the Legalists are in power, our Great Qin is in danger!" said a Confucian scholar with a frown.

"Yes, the punishment is harsh and the people are suffering." Another Confucian scholar echoed.

Suddenly, the door was pushed open with a loud bang, and Zhao Gao and Feng Jie led a group of soldiers to rush in, holding swords and looking around menacingly.

The Confucian scholars watched this scene in horror, and some tried to escape but were quickly stopped by the soldiers.

"What do you want to do?" a Confucian scholar asked loudly.

Zhao Gao shouted, "Your Majesty, order the closure of the Juxian Hall! All personnel, leave Xianyang immediately, or you will bear the consequences!"

Some scholars tried to argue, but Zhao Gao mercilessly ordered the soldiers to drive them out. In the chaos, some scholars tried to resist, but they were all ruthlessly executed by the soldiers.

"Zhao Gao, you treacherous minister!"

"Why would His Majesty issue such an order?"

"You can't do this!"

The shouts of the Confucian scholars echoed in the Juxian Hall, but Zhao Gao and the soldiers showed no mercy.

Xiang Yu was about to resist with force, but was stopped by Xiang Liang.

"Yu'er, don't be impulsive, let's go first." Xiang Liang said in a low voice.

Xiang Yu glared at Zhao Gao, his eyes burning with anger.

Zhao Gao noticed the man's malicious gaze and immediately became furious. He shouted angrily, "What are you looking at? Someone, take them!"

Xiang Yu and Xiang Liang fought back fiercely like tigers descending from the mountains. They not only injured seven or eight guards but also kicked Zhao Gao and said, "Tyrannical Qin, crooked officials." Finally, the two of them escaped by climbing over the wall in the backyard.

Zhao Gao clutched his waist, his face flushed red as he angrily shouted, "Come here, draw the portraits of the two men, mobilize the troops, and search the entire city for them. If we see them again, we will kill them without mercy."

Soon, the Juxian Hall was in ruins, and the Confucian scholars and celebrities were driven out of Xianyang City. This sudden change shocked and confused the Confucian scholars, who did not know what they had done wrong and why they were punished so harshly.

However, for the First Emperor, this was only the first step in maintaining the rule of the Qin Dynasty.

At the same time, the First Emperor issued an edict: Feng Jie was transferred to the position of lieutenant, and Li Si concurrently served as the chief judge.

At this moment, in a mansion in Xianyang City, Fusu was discussing countermeasures with Princess Huayang.

In the study, Fusu and Princess Huayang sat face to face at the table.

Hua Yang frowned and said, "Brother, why would the Emperor suddenly punish you like this? Did someone say something bad to the Emperor?"

Fusu smiled bitterly and shook his head: "I don't know, but no matter what, we must come up with a solution as soon as possible. Otherwise, I'm afraid I will never have the chance to return to the capital."

Hua Yang pondered for a moment and said, "Brother, perhaps there are some opportunities there for you to regain our father's trust."

Fusu nodded: "That's the only way."

Princess Huayang gently patted Fusu's hand and comforted him, "Brother, don't be too anxious. Perhaps our father is just angry for a moment. Once he calms down, he will understand your difficulties."

Fusu smiled bitterly and shook his head. "I hope so. However, I am still worried about you in the capital. You must act carefully and don't give those with ulterior motives any opportunity to take advantage of you. After I leave, you can visit Li Si's mansion more often. After all, Li Yun is your fiancé."

Princess Huayang said firmly, "Brother, don't worry. I will take good care of myself. You should also be careful and stay safe in Nanyue."

Fusu looked at Princess Huayang with gratitude and said, "Thank you, Huayang. I feel more at ease knowing you are in the capital."

Princess Huayang smiled slightly. "Brother, there's no need to be so polite. We are family and should support each other."

Fusu nodded, a glint of determination flashing in his eyes: "Yes, I will definitely work hard. I want to prove my worth and regain my father's trust."

So Fusu began to pack his bags and prepare to go to Nanyue. He knew it would be a difficult journey, but he was determined to prove himself right and regain his father's trust.