The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

Zhao Gao and Li Si walked slowly into the palace. Zhao Gao had a flattering smile on his face, while Li Si had a serious expression.

They knelt down respectfully and saluted. The First Emperor sat on the dragon throne, looking at them with a sharp gaze, his eyes revealing majesty.

The First Emperor asked directly, "I want to seek the method of immortality. Do you have any good plans?"

Zhao Gao rolled his eyes and said flatteringly, "Your Majesty is wise and powerful. I have heard that there is a scholar in Shandong named Xu Fu, who has long studied the secrets of immortality. Perhaps he can provide some useful clues and suggestions. I have also heard that there is a mysterious fairy island in the East China Sea, where immortals live. Perhaps the secret of immortality is hidden there!"

Li Si frowned and sternly retorted, "Your Majesty, this is nothing but nonsense. The sea is turbulent and unpredictable. Finding that fairy island is harder than climbing to the sky."

After a moment's silence, the First Emperor said firmly, "No matter how difficult and dangerous the situation may be, I will give it a try. Zhao Gao, immediately arrange for the construction of a large ship and prepare to sail out to sea in search of the immortal."

After hearing the order, Zhao Gao left happily, with a brisk pace, as if he had already seen the scene of himself performing great deeds in front of the First Emperor.

Watching Zhao Gao's retreating figure, Li Si couldn't help but sigh inwardly: "Your Majesty's actions this time will probably attract the attention of various forces. The Qin Empire is about to face a new storm..."

However, facing the order of the First Emperor, he did not dare to disobey it easily, and could only pray silently in his heart, hoping that the operation could be completed smoothly.

After Zhao Gao retreated, he secretly thought about how to implement this plan.

He knew that this was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. If he could successfully find the legendary fairy island and bring back the elixir of immortality, he would not only gain the appreciation of the First Emperor, but would also have a greater chance of becoming a powerful official in the future.

Thinking of this, Zhao Gao decided to take action immediately and find Hu Hai to discuss the matter together.

At the same time, Hu Hai was whipping a maid in his mansion.

These days, he has been indulging in this perverted behavior, and several maids have died because of it.

Zhao Gao was very worried when he learned about this, fearing that the news would leak out and affect Hu Hai's image in the eyes of the First Emperor, thus making him lose his eligibility to compete for favor. To prevent the situation from escalating, Zhao Gao used his power to suppress the matter.

Zhao Gao hurried to Hu Hai's residence and reported to him the news that the First Emperor was seeking the remedy for immortality, and revealed his plan to go out to sea in search of the fairy island.

Hu Hai's eyes lit up after hearing this, and he became very interested. He knew that if he could find the elixir of immortality and present it to the First Emperor, he would likely gain more favor and support.

Moreover, he also hoped to prove his value and ability through such actions and win the recognition of the First Emperor.

Seeing Hu Hai's enthusiasm for this matter, Zhao Gao took the opportunity to offer a plan: "Sir, this voyage to find the fairy island is ordered by His Majesty, but you can take the initiative to supervise this matter personally to show your loyalty to His Majesty!"

After hearing this, Hu Hai nodded repeatedly to show his agreement.

Zhao Gao continued, "If you can successfully complete this task, you will not only gain His Majesty's praise, but you will also have the potential to become one of the future candidates for the crown prince."

Hu Hai was overjoyed when he heard this and quickly asked, "Teacher, how should I apply to supervise this matter?"

Zhao Gao smiled faintly and replied, "All you need to do is write a letter to His Majesty, expressing your love and loyalty to Him, and stating your willingness to take on this important responsibility."

After hearing this, Hu Hai immediately did as he was told and wrote a sincere memorial to the Emperor, requesting that he be allowed to personally supervise the matter.

Thus, Hu Hai and Zhao Gao began to secretly prepare for the voyage and ordered the search for the alchemist Xu Fu.

Li Si returned to his mansion with a heavy heart, full of worry and anxiety.

He knew very well that the First Emperor's desire for immortality had reached the level of obsession, and this obsession might bring huge risks to the Qin Dynasty, which had just pacified the six kingdoms and established a vast empire.

At this critical moment, Li Si understood that he shouldered a heavy responsibility. As the prime minister of the Qin Dynasty, he had to protect the country from destruction.

However, facing the First Emperor's persistent pursuit of immortality, he felt powerless and worried that the First Emperor would stop at nothing in his quest for immortality, even ignoring the safety and stability of the country.

Li Si couldn't help but worry that if the First Emperor also took this path, the Qin Empire, which was established with great difficulty after pacifying the six kingdoms, would probably face the danger of disintegration.

Against this backdrop, Li Si decided to take action to stop the First Emperor's madness. He had to make the First Emperor understand that immortality was just a distant fantasy and remind him to pay attention to the country's real problems.

At the same time, Li Si must also be prepared to deal with various possible crises to ensure the stability and prosperity of the Qin Dynasty.

After hearing that Zhao Gao, in alliance with Prince Hu Hai, had found Xu Fu and recommended him to the First Emperor, Li Si secretly contacted some wise ministers and tried to persuade the First Emperor to abandon his quest for immortality. Meanwhile, Prince Fusu also joined in the effort.

They knew that if they wanted to stop this absurd act, they had to rely on the power of everyone, so they carefully planned and discussed in secret, trying to persuade the First Emperor in the most powerful way.

Together, they prepared an earnest and well-reasoned memorial detailing the dangers of searching for the fairy island and its potential impact on national stability.

Through this memorial, they hoped to awaken Emperor Shizong's reason and sense of responsibility, and make him realize that the journey to seek immortals was not a wise choice.

However, despite their best efforts, the petition fell on deaf ears. Faced with this situation, everyone felt frustrated, but they did not give up and actively sought other ways.

In desperation, Fusu decided to personally advise the First Emperor. Undaunted, he stood up in the court, delivered an impassioned speech, and presented the pros and cons. He spoke with genuine emotion and unwavering conviction.

"Your Majesty, the journey to find immortals is not only costly and laborious, but will also put people's lives in trouble. Moreover, this trip to the immortal island is full of unknown risks, which may bring irreparable losses to the country. I beg Your Majesty to think twice!" Fusu knelt down and kowtowed, his voice loud and clear, echoing throughout the court.

However, despite Fusu's earnest words, the First Emperor remained unmoved. He firmly believed in the existence of the immortal island, believing it to be his only hope for immortality. He even accused Fusu, Li Si, and other ministers of their pedantry and ignorance, mocking their shortsightedness.

"I have made up my mind. No further persuasion is needed! I believe the Fairy Island must exist. If I can find it, I will gain the secret of immortality and rule for eternity," the First Emperor declared resolutely. His eyes revealed a persistence and confidence, as if he were deeply determined to find the Fairy Island.

Li Si looked at the stubborn Qin Shi Huang, feeling helpless and worried. He knew the emperor's character well; once he made a decision, it was difficult to change it. But he was unwilling to give up and tried to persuade the emperor again.

"Your Majesty, the fairy island is too mysterious and no one has ever truly found it since ancient times. I am worried that you will be disappointed or even in danger." Li Si said sincerely, hoping to awaken the Emperor's reason.

However, the First Emperor was not moved by Li Si's words. He frowned and said unhappily, "My mind is made up. No need to say more!" There was a hint of anger in his voice, as if he was dissatisfied with Li Si's questioning.

The First Emperor's face was filled with rage. He suddenly slammed the table and stood up. He glared at his ministers, his eyes gleaming with determination and majesty. His gaze swept over everyone, and everyone could not help but feel awe.

"I am the ruler of the world. How can I waver in my beliefs because of others' dissuasion? The fairy island is right there. I will go find it myself and witness the miracle of immortality with my own eyes!" The words of the First Emperor were full of arrogance and determination, making everyone present dare not refute easily.

Li Si looked embarrassed and said with a bow, "Your Majesty, the fairy island is illusory, how can we find it? Please think twice!" He tried to persuade Qin Shihuang with reason, but Qin Shihuang remained unmoved.

"My mind is made up. No need to say more!" The First Emperor waved his hand impatiently, signaling Li Si to withdraw. He was convinced of his choice, and his desire for the fairy island made it impossible for him to pass up this opportunity.

The First Emperor said in a deep voice: "I have Xu Fu leading the way, and we will definitely find the fairy island!" A hint of expectation flashed in his eyes, as if he saw hope for the future.

Xu Fu was a mysterious alchemist, said to be proficient in astronomy, geography, medicine, divination and other skills. The First Emperor believed that with Xu Fu's wisdom and ability, he would be able to lead them to the legendary fairy island.

The First Emperor's voice echoed throughout the palace, filled with determination and majesty. His decision was as unshakable as steel, and no one dared to raise any objections.

When Fusu heard that the First Emperor wanted Xu Fu to go out to sea to search for immortals, he looked worried and said, "Father, I think Xu Fu is insidious and cunning. I really can't trust him!" He knew very well that Xu Fu might just be a liar, not someone who could really find the elixir of life.

But the First Emperor ignored his advice and angrily said, "Shut up! I don't need you to teach me how to do things!"

After saying this, he no longer paid any attention to Fusu and Li Si and turned back to the palace.

After the First Emperor left, Fusu and Li Si felt helpless. They knew that once the First Emperor made a decision, it would be difficult to change it, but they could not bear to watch him being deceived by Xu Fu.

Then the two of them looked at each other, shook their heads and sighed, and sighed inwardly: "Forget it, forget it. Since His Majesty has made up his mind, there is no point in saying more. I just hope that nothing goes wrong this time..."