The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

One day, during the morning court session, the weather was sunny and the Changle Palace in the imperial city was solemn and dignified.

The First Emperor Ying Zheng sat upright on the magnificent dragon throne with carved dragons and painted phoenixes. He was wearing a dark red dragon robe and a crown on his head. His eyes were as sharp as an eagle, and he was awe-inspiring without even being angry.

The ministers stood respectfully below and shouted in unison: "Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Great Qin!" The sound resounded throughout the palace, as if it would penetrate the clouds.

After everyone finished their ceremony and returned to their seats, Hu Hai stepped out and reported to the First Emperor: "Your Majesty, I have fulfilled your mission. The ship for sailing to the sea to seek immortality has been built and everything is ready. We just need to wait for the sea breeze to change. With your order, we can set sail." His voice was full of excitement and anticipation.

The First Emperor nodded, a faint smile on his face, and said gently: "Hu Hai, I have seen your recent efforts and growth. You have done very well. You have not let me down."

Hu Hai was overjoyed to hear his father's praise. He quickly bowed his hands in thanks and said, "Thank you for the compliment, Your Majesty. I know you have high expectations of me, and I know that all this is for the future of the Great Qin. I am willing to go through fire and water for you, no matter what!"

The First Emperor looked at Hu Hai with a relieved expression on his face, but when he turned to look at Fusu, he showed a hint of disappointment.

The First Emperor withdrew his gaze, his eyes becoming deep. He then looked at Zhao Gao standing beside him and asked softly, "How are Xu Fu's preparations going?"

Zhao Gao bowed and replied, "Your Majesty, Master Xu is ready. He is waiting outside the palace."

The First Emperor nodded slightly to show his satisfaction.

Zhao Gao immediately understood what he meant and shouted, "Call Xu Fu into the palace!"

A moment later, a middle-aged man in a white robe slowly walked into the hall. He had a thin face, a long beard, and his eyes revealed a mysterious and deep aura.

Xu Fu came before the First Emperor and bowed respectfully. The First Emperor motioned him to stand up and then began to inquire about the details of his journey eastward to seek immortality.

Xu Fu respectfully reported, "Your Majesty, I have made all the necessary preparations. I have not only brought enough food, clothing, and medicine, but I have also selected a group of strong and healthy soldiers to accompany me. When the sea wind changes, your Majesty will give the order and we will set out immediately."

After hearing this, the First Emperor nodded slightly to show his approval, and his face showed satisfaction.

He earnestly warned, "Master, your journey eastward in search of immortality is a difficult one, and you bear a heavy responsibility. Remember to be cautious and careful along the way, and return triumphantly with the elixir of immortality."

Xu Fu responded respectfully: "Thank you for your majesty's trust. I will live up to your expectations and complete my mission successfully."

The First Emperor nodded with satisfaction and waved his hand for Xu Fu to leave. Xu Fu kowtowed again and then slowly left the palace.

The First Emperor gazed at Xu Fu's receding back, his heart filled with infinite expectation and longing.

Zhao Gao stood quietly beside the First Emperor, his face also showing a hint of anticipation. He knew the First Emperor's extreme desire for the elixir of immortality, and this was his once-in-a-lifetime opportunity...

The First Emperor, Ying Zheng, stood atop the high dragon throne. His majestic gaze swept over the courtiers below. His voice was low and firm: "This voyage to seek immortality is a matter of great importance to our Great Qin. I entrust this important task to Hu Hai and Xu Fu. I hope that you will provide your full assistance to ensure that this journey goes smoothly."

All the ministers knelt on the ground and shouted in unison: "Your Majesty is wise!"

Hu Hai was secretly delighted. If he could succeed in his quest for immortality, it would surely consolidate his position in his father's heart.

He turned to look at his ministers, his face brimming with pride, and announced with great vigor, "My Lords, this immortality-seeking fleet will be supervised by me, and led by Immortal Master Xu. I believe that this journey will live up to my father's trust, and we will find the elixir of immortality and bring prosperity to the Great Qin for generations to come!"

The ministers shouted one after another: "Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Great Qin!" The cheers were deafening and echoed throughout the palace.

Emperor Qin Shi Huang sat on the dragon throne, watching the scene unfold in silence, his eyes revealing an indescribable complex of emotions. For this awe-inspiring emperor, immortality had always been his goal, but he also understood the difficulties and obstacles involved.

After the court was dismissed, Zhao Gao deliberately lingered in the palace.

Seeing that he would not leave, the First Emperor asked, "Zhao Gao, I asked you to investigate the situation of the ministers in the court. Did you find any results?"

Zhao Gao's face was full of confusion, and he seemed unable to speak: "Your Majesty, this...I really dare not say it."

The First Emperor's eyes swept over Zhao Gao like lightning, and he said in a deep voice: "Just say what you want to say, no need to be hesitant!" There was unquestionable majesty in his tone.

Zhao Gao's heart trembled, knowing he could no longer shirk his responsibility. He gritted his teeth and lowered his voice, "Your Majesty, right now, in the court, Left Prime Minister Li Si and General Meng Yi all support Prince Fusu. They firmly oppose Your Majesty's voyage to seek immortals. They believe that such a move would not only be costly and cumbersome, but would also affect the stability of the country."

Upon hearing this, the First Emperor frowned tightly, a trace of anger flashing in his eyes. "How outrageous! How dare they openly defy my will!"

Seeing this, Zhao Gao took the opportunity to say, "Your Majesty, this matter is of no trivial importance. If it is not handled properly, it may cause civil unrest." His words revealed deep worry, as if he was full of concerns about the future.

The First Emperor's brow furrowed even more. He was silent for a moment, then slowly said, "I have made up my mind. Going to sea to search for immortals is my wish, and no one can stop me."

Zhao Gao was delighted, knowing that his plan was half successful.

The First Emperor sat at his desk, his expression serious, his hands gripping the armrests tightly, as if deep in thought. After a long moment, he frowned slightly, looked at Zhao Gao gravely, and asked in a low voice, "Do you have any good suggestions?"

Zhao Gao stood respectfully aside, his head slightly bowed, a sly glint in his eyes. He whispered, "Your Majesty, Prince Hu Hai is now in charge of the shipbuilding, and he's doing a remarkable job, earning widespread acclaim. In my opinion, it would be wise to assign Prince Fusu some specific responsibilities as well. This would not only avoid disputes in the court, but also provide an opportunity to test the abilities of both princes and see who is superior."

After hearing this, the First Emperor nodded slightly, but his face didn't show much expression. His gaze lingered on Zhao Gao for a moment, then he stood up and slowly walked to the window. He quietly looked out the window at the scenery, his mind full of thoughts.

Zhao Gao felt uneasy when he saw that the First Emperor had not made a direct statement. He knew that the First Emperor had high hopes for Prince Fusu, while he had always firmly supported Prince Hu Hai.

However, he did not dare to show too much impatience at this moment and could only wait patiently for the First Emperor to make the final decision. After all, this was related to the future fate and inheritance of the Qin Dynasty.

After a long while, the First Emperor slowly turned around, and his eyes fell on Zhao Gao again. His sharp gaze made people dare not look directly at him.

His voice was low and powerful, as if carrying an irresistible majesty: "Let's discuss this matter later." As soon as he finished speaking, the First Emperor stood up, turned around and left without looking back.

After the First Emperor left, Zhao Gao took a deep breath and tried to calm himself, but the expression on his face became increasingly gloomy.

He pondered secretly, "It seems that His Majesty is still a little hesitant. If he wants to make Fusu lose the emperor's trust, he must make a long-term plan..."