The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

Southern Xinjiang.

That year, after the First Emperor put down the rebellion in southern Xinjiang in one fell swoop, he decisively issued an edict to establish three counties here: Nanhai, Guilin and Xiangjun.

Ren Xiong was appointed as the Nanhai Wei (county lieutenant), with full authority to command the three counties, and its capital was set in Panyu City (now Guangzhou).

At the same time, Deputy General Zhao Tuo also served as the magistrate of Longchuan County. They each led an army of 100,000 and garrisoned in these two places respectively.

To ensure adequate supplies for the southern border army and stability in the area north of the South China Sea, the imperial court established the important post of Guard Commandant, which was filled by Li Xin. He personally led 60,000 elite troops and stationed them in Lejie Yugan (present-day Yugan, Jiangxi).

Later, Prince Fusu also came to southern Xinjiang, taking on the responsibility of supervisory censor, and stationed in Nanye (today's Nankang, Jiangxi) with the 20,000 troops led by Zhang Ping.

As for the remaining tens of thousands of soldiers of the Southern Xinjiang Army, they were dispersed and deployed to various strategic locations in the northern part of the three counties of Nanhai.

Part of the troops were stationed at Hengpu Pass, which was strategically located and easy to defend but difficult to attack. It was the first line of defense against foreign invasion. Another part was stationed at Yangshan Pass, which had high mountains, dense forests, and rugged roads. It was the key to controlling the north-south transportation routes. Another part was distributed at Huangxi Pass and its surrounding areas, closely monitoring any possible unusual movements.

These scattered troops echoed each other, forming a tight defense network, as if isolating the three counties of Nanhai from the world.

In Panyu City, Ren Qi, Zhao Tuo, Jiang Huang and Dong Yi had a discussion.

So, Zhao Tuo secretly reorganized 50,000 troops and marched towards Nanye where Fusu was.

On the surface, Jiang Huang and Dong Yi, with a hundred or so cavalrymen, went to Nanye to convey the imperial edict.

South Camp, inside the big tent.

In the hall, Jiang Huang read aloud the imperial edict: "By the Will of Heaven, the Emperor of the Great Qin decrees: 'I have toured the land, praying to the gods of famous mountains to prolong my life. Now, my eldest son Fusu and General Li Xin have led hundreds of thousands of troops to the southern border for over a year, yet the southern border remains turbulent and the people's livelihood is in dire straits. They have failed to be loyal to the emperor and support the country, nor to maintain peace and govern the people. Their soldiers are exhausted and have achieved nothing. Yet, they have repeatedly written to me, slandering my actions and resentful day and night that they cannot be dismissed and returned to the position of crown prince. Fusu is an unfilial son, and he shall be given a sword to commit suicide! General Li Xin and Fusu have been living in exile, failing to correct the wrongs, and their plots should be known. They are disloyal subjects, and they shall be sentenced to death, with their troops assigned to the commanding officer. I decree this."

At this time, Fusu felt disheartened after hearing this. His eyes were dim, as if he had lost all hope.

Zhang Ping frowned and questioned with a puzzled look on his face: "Prince Fusu is a filial, benevolent and loyal person. How could Your Majesty issue such an edict?" There was a hint of anger and unwillingness in his voice.

Jiang Huang snorted coldly, his face darkening, his eyes revealing a hint of disdain. He said in a deep voice, "This general is so arrogant! His Majesty's intentions are beyond the comprehension of you and me!"

Then, he turned to look at Fusu, narrowed his eyes slightly, and revealed a malicious smile, "Sir, the eunuchs are only responsible for conveying the emperor's orders, you see..."

Zhang Ping hurriedly stepped forward and said anxiously, "Young Master, this is not possible. His Majesty has not appointed a crown prince yet, and is sending you to the southern border to supervise the troops stationed on the border. This is a major task that concerns the safety of the world. He will not easily sentence you to death. Please ask His Majesty for instructions!" His voice was full of anxiety and worry.

Fusu stood silently, his body trembling slightly, as if he was trying hard to suppress the pain in his heart.

He shook his head slowly and said, "My father ordered me to commit suicide. Do I need to verify it?" He revealed a sense of despair and helplessness.

The whole scene became extremely tense, and the air seemed to freeze.

Fusu's gaze swept across Zhang Ping, Dong Yi and Jiang Huang. His eyes were filled with complex emotions, including pain, disappointment, and a hint of helplessness towards fate.

Zhang Ping's face was pale. He gripped the hilt of the sword tightly, as if trying hard to control his emotions.

Jiang Huang stood aside with a sneer on his lips, his eyes revealing a sense of complacency and indifference.

At this moment, Zhang Ping suddenly drew his sword and said with a firm look in his eyes, "Sir, I, Zhang Ping, have been favored by the emperor throughout my life. Now that you have placed me in such a high position, I am content with your kindness. But I cannot bear to see you die. Come here."

Before he finished speaking, Zhang Ping's personal guards rushed in like a whirlwind, holding sharp blades and with solemn faces.

Upon seeing this, Dong Yi quickly drew his sword, and the soldiers around him also drew their swords.

For a moment, there were flashes of swords and sabers inside and outside the tent, and the atmosphere was extremely tense.

At this moment, Zhao Tuo's army surrounded Fusu's tent like a tide.

Zhao Tuo was seen astride a tall, mighty horse. He shouted in a booming voice, "Listen up, everyone inside! We are here on the orders of the Emperor to capture Prince Fusu. If you know what's good for you, put down your weapons immediately and refrain from futile resistance! Otherwise, you will be charged with treason and executed without mercy!"

Hearing this, everyone was shocked.

At this moment, Fusu's face was solemn as he walked slowly towards the camp. Every step he took seemed to be carrying a heavy burden.

However, despite the difficulty in his steps, his body remained straight and his spine was as strong as if made of steel.

Seeing this, the surrounding soldiers subconsciously stepped aside to make a passage for Fusu.

The soldiers looked at each other, awe and uneasiness in their eyes.

Zhang Ping's heart tightened when he saw this scene, and he hurried to catch up with Fusu. He held his sword, the blade flashing with an icy cold light, and guarded Fusu closely.

Finally, Fusu slowly walked out of the tent. He stood quietly, gazing at the densely packed army that stretched as far as the eye could see.

Faced with such a huge formation, there was not a trace of fear in Fusu's eyes. Instead, he revealed an extraordinary calmness and composure.

"General Zhao Tuo, don't make things difficult for the soldiers. I will do as you say." Fusu's voice was as calm as water, but it contained an unquestionable majesty.

A trace of guilt actually rose in Zhao Tuo's heart, but it was quickly suppressed by his desire for wealth and honor. He looked at Fusu, a complex emotion flashed in his eyes, but then he returned to indifference.

Just as the soldiers were about to advance to arrest Fusu, a cloud of dust suddenly rose in the distance. It turned out that Li Xin was leading the rear army galloping towards them.

Li Xin's warhorse galloped towards him like lightning, his figure looming in the dust. He glared at Zhao Tuo, the sword in his hand flashing with a cold light.

"How dare you poison the young master!" Li Xin's voice echoed in the air like thunder.

When the two sides were on the verge of a fight, Fusu stepped forward to stop them and said, "General Li Xin, don't be impulsive. This is my fate." There was helplessness and determination in his voice.

Li Xin looked at Fusu, his eyes filled with grief, anger, and resentment. He shouted, "My lord, don't fall for their tricks. I have the emperor's edict here, appointing you as the crown prince. They're forging it!" As he spoke, he pulled out a copy of the edict from his bosom and held it high.

The imperial seal on the edict is clearly visible, which is the imperial seal of the Qin Dynasty and the Qin Emperor's seal.

Everyone present was shocked. Surprised? Astonished? Confused? ...