The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

When the news that the Yunzhong army was merged with the army led by Meng Yi reached Xianyang.

In the Zhangtai Palace, Hu Hai was furious and swept the bamboo slips on the table to the ground.

Wang Li, Feng Quji, Feng Jie, Zhao Gao, Yao Jia and others in the hall quickly bowed and said, "Your Majesty, please calm down."

Hu Hai sat down angrily, gazing at the crowd with a sinister look, his voice filled with suppressed anger. "I had thought that the Yunzhong army, combined with the Xiongnu army, would surely be able to capture Jiuyuan and capture Fusu and Meng Tian alive. I never expected that in just a few days, the 80,000 troops in Yunzhong had already surrendered. It's a waste of all the food and weapons I sent to the Xiongnu."

Seeing this, Zhao Gao hurried forward and whispered, "Your Majesty, calm down. Although the Yunzhong army suffered a defeat, the Qin still has many troops available. The Southern Xinjiang army led by Ren Qi and Zhao Tuo just defeated Li Xin's troops and almost captured him alive, which shows that the Southern Xinjiang army is extraordinary. Our current plan is to quickly transfer elite troops from the Southern Xinjiang army to the north."

Hu Hai's eyes lit up, but his face was troubled. He frowned, and a hint of anxiety lingered in his tone: "The Southern Xinjiang army is thousands of miles away. How can they arrive in such a short time? Moreover, Lingnan has just been settled. If we rashly withdraw, there may be unexpected events."

Wang Li stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, you can first send an envoy to Lingnan to convey your order, ordering them to assemble their troops and march immediately. At the same time, recruit new troops in the Guanzhong region. Although Fusu and Meng Tian have the Yunzhong army, the Xiongnu are still pressing in along the northern Great Wall. The northern frontier army will not move out easily. As long as we respond appropriately, we can still defeat the enemy."

After hearing Wang Li's words, Hu Hai slowly sat back on the throne and nodded slightly.

There was a hint of thought in his eyes, as if he was weighing the pros and cons.

Hu Hai took a deep breath and said, "Then let's do as you say and do it quickly. Promote Wucheng Hou to train a new army."

After Wang Li received the order and withdrew, he felt a little calmer.

He secretly breathed a sigh of relief. After all, the 80,000 troops in Yunzhong were the foundation of his life in the court. Now that no one was left, his position was indeed threatened. But now with the new army, he at least had some say.

Yao Jia then stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I believe the most urgent task is to appease the people of Guanzhong. The news of the Yunzhong army's surrender must have spread throughout the counties within the pass. If the people are not appeased, civil unrest may ensue."

Hu Hai sat on the dragon throne, waving his hands impatiently, a hint of displeasure on his face: "This is such a small matter, you can handle it yourself."

Yao Jia looked at Hu Hai helplessly and had to slowly retreat.

Zhao Gao's eyes rolled, and he stepped forward, saying flatteringly, "Your Majesty, I think we could start by sending people to spread rumors, claiming that Fusu and Meng Tian are holding their own troops and plotting rebellion. That way, even if they command a large army, they will lose the support of the people."

Feng Quji frowned upon hearing this. He stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, Lord Zhao's plan is brilliant, but I'm afraid it won't last long. Prince Fusu has always been benevolent, and the people may not believe this rumor."

Hu Hai's face darkened, and he said in a deep voice, "I have made up my mind. No need to say more. Just follow my teacher's instructions. If I don't suppress Fusu now, how can I sit securely on the throne in the future? Also, pass on my decree to promote Ye Ping to the rank of Military Commandant and Guanglu Xun, and to lead 10,000 troops to garrison Xiaoguan to prevent any unforeseen events."

Hu Hai glanced at the crowd and asked, "Is the Lishan Imperial Mausoleum finished? The late emperor has never been buried."

Feng Quji bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty, although the Lishan Imperial Mausoleum has been completed, there are still some details that need to be improved."

Hu Hai's face showed obvious displeasure after hearing this. He slammed the armrest of the dragon throne and said, "I don't want to delay any longer. Arrange the burial of the late emperor as soon as possible. Feng Xiang is a long-time minister of the late emperor and a pillar of the country. Let Feng Xiang handle this matter!"

Hu Hai turned his gaze to the newly appointed Internal Affairs Minister Chen Yun. A hint of majesty lingered in his eyes as he spoke, "I remember that the Afang Palace hasn't been completely renovated yet! Right, Mr. Chen?"

Chen Yun's heart tightened. He bowed and said, "Your Majesty, the construction of the Lishan Imperial Mausoleum, the Great Wall, and the Qin Straight Road has already recruited a large number of civilians for labor. There are 300,000 troops stationed in the north and south respectively. If we recruit civilians, I'm afraid..."

Hu Hai snorted coldly, interrupting Chen Yun. "I have made up my mind. The Afang Palace must continue to be renovated. Does that mean that just because my father can do it, I can't? I have endured humiliation for so many years, so why can't I enjoy myself? As for the common people, you can figure out a solution yourself."

A thin layer of sweat broke out on Chen Yun's forehead. He had no choice but to agree, groaning inwardly.

At this time, the atmosphere in the court was depressing, as if a heavy dark cloud was covering everyone.

Feng Quji stepped forward, his voice tinged with worry. "Your Majesty has just ascended the throne, and the Qin Empire is currently engaged in widespread military campaigns and massive construction projects, consuming enormous national resources. Further mobilization would be costly, and the nation's foundation would be unstable."

Hu Hai's face was as gloomy as a pool of stagnant water. He slammed the dragon throne and shouted angrily: "Prime Minister Feng, don't exaggerate! As long as I am here, my Qin Empire is as solid as a rock!" His voice echoed in the court with unquestionable majesty.

When everyone saw this, some were worried, but some did not care and finally they all accepted the order and left.

As for Zhao Gao, there was a sinister smile on the corner of his mouth.

Afterwards, they arranged for people to spread rumors in the streets and alleys in an attempt to shake the people's hearts.

However, as Feng Quji said, most people did not believe that Fusu would rebel.

Some knowledgeable people even organized themselves secretly, and voices of resistance rose one after another.

"Prince Fusu has always been kind and benevolent. How could he possibly rebel?" One person frowned and said in a low voice, his eyes full of doubt and confusion.

"This must be Zhao Gao's conspiracy. He wants to use Your Majesty to eliminate Prince Fusu and achieve his own goals." Another person echoed, his voice filled with anger and helplessness.

"I heard that the current emperor usurped the throne by forging an imperial edict with the help of Zhao Gao and others..." someone whispered, his voice as soft as a mosquito or fly, for fear of being heard.

"Shh..., be careful." Someone reminded him quickly. He looked around, vigilantly observing the movements around him.

In the royal city of Xianyang.

When Hu Hai heard this, his eyes flashed with anger. He said, "How dare these people talk about me behind my back and disobey my orders! I will punish them severely!"

Zhao Gao fanned the flames, saying, "Your Majesty, these people are clearly disrespectful to you. They must be severely punished to serve as a warning to others."

Hu Hai's eyes moved slightly, revealing a sinister glint in them. He slowly said, "Teacher, I heard that my brothers and sisters were also involved in this?"

Zhao Gao was shocked, but his expression remained calm. He thought to himself, "I never thought that this former disciple would be so cruel now."

He quickly said, "Your Majesty, I will definitely investigate this matter, but Your Majesty must be cautious."

Hu Hai snorted coldly, a look of dissatisfaction on his face, and said, "I don't care if it's true or not. As long as there are suspects, they will all be arrested and interrogated. I'm sure the teacher is very good at this."

Hu Hai stared at Zhao Gao, as if testing his loyalty.

Zhao Gao quickly agreed, saying, "I, your Majesty, will certainly live up to your trust." There was a hint of urgency in his voice, as if he was eager to demonstrate his loyalty.

Thus, an operation to capture members of the royal family was quietly launched.

In the corridors of the palace, guards were running hurriedly, their footsteps sounding particularly loud in the silent air.

Some princes and princesses were imprisoned for unknown reasons, their faces filled with fear and helplessness.

On the other hand, the forces of the people opposing the Qin Dynasty's rule were growing stronger, and they were holding secret meetings in secret.

The contradictions within Daqin gradually intensified, and the situation became more complicated and subtle, as if a storm was about to come.