My son, Fusu, please abdicate the first emperor!

Chapter 686 Xu Fu and Chen Ping take turns to fight
When Meng Wu died, all the ministers cried and howled in front of Ying Zheng.

These scenes made Meng Yi grit his teeth.

Such a hypocritical and deceitful attitude is simply disgusting.

Meng Yi had a gloomy face the whole time.

Fortunately, Ying Zheng issued an edict to let the Zong Zheng hold the funeral, otherwise there would be some trouble.

Meng Tian arrived late and did not see his father for the last time.

Ying Zheng used funds from the national treasury to hold a grand funeral for Meng Wu.

Even Wang Jian, Marquis of Wucheng, had never enjoyed such a great favor.

Everyone in the court was trying to flatter the Meng family.

The two Meng brothers were even more grateful to Ying Zheng for this.

However, when Meng Tian and his brother returned home to mourn for their father, they heard that Ying Zheng wanted to cultivate immortality.

Meng Tian, ​​who was immersed in sorrow, sensed the crisis at the first moment.

Similarly, the prince's party in Xianyang City was worried that they would not have the opportunity to deal the final blow to Ying Zheng.

Suddenly, Ying Zheng's decision to seek immortality caught the emperor's followers and the prince's followers off guard.

Seeing this situation, Li Si no longer hesitated about things he had hesitated about in the past.

This incident alarmed many old ministers.

Because in the past, Ying Zheng was just playing around and didn't take it seriously at all.

This time he was different.

Just now, in the court, Ying Zheng suddenly announced to the many ministers in the court.

"From now on, no one should mention the word death in front of me."

Feng Quji felt numb all over after hearing this. He had also read a lot of history books and knew that emperors of all dynasties would become foolish and stubborn in their old age.

But he didn't expect it to come so soon.

As the prime minister, he knew that he might have to say something today.

Li Si was not surprised that Ying Zheng openly said such words, but he felt that the emperor's prestige was about to be lost.

And this time, he doesn't have to take the blame for the First Emperor.

Mao Jiao, Zheng Guo, Chunyu Yue and others all have yellow spots on their faces now.

They finally realized that past compromises, concessions, trust and admiration ultimately fueled the First Emperor's arrogance.

It might be too late to stop it now, but as ministers, they have many responsibilities.

If they don't say a few more words, I'm afraid they will all lose their reputation in their later years.

"Your Majesty, as the ruler of a country, seeking immortality will cause confusion among the people of the country and give the hidden forces within the empire an opportunity to take advantage of it."

Mao Jiao said very impolitely.

Ying Zheng gripped the armrest tightly. No matter what happened, he always had this expression that showed no emotion.

"I want to live forever in order to protect my country and people. It is not for my own selfish interests."

Ying Zheng's words inevitably made the ministers present feel ridiculous.

Xiao He, who had just taken office, did not say a word. He just lowered his head.

At this court meeting, both the emperor and his ministers had firm positions.

Ying Zheng insisted on cultivating immortality.

The ministers strongly opposed it, believing that if Ying Zheng embarked on the path of pursuing immortality, it would bring disaster to the country.

In the past, Ying Zheng had never done anything that could arouse public anger like this. The conflict between the monarch and his subjects suddenly became so serious that they parted unhappily, which was also the first time in the history of Ying Zheng's later reign that the conflict between the monarch and his subjects became so serious.

After Ying Zheng returned to the palace, the words of opposition from the ministers in the court were still fresh in his mind.

"Your Majesty's request for immortality, once heard by the people of the world, Your Majesty will be spit upon by everyone."

"Eternal life is hard to achieve even for gods. Your Majesty should think about governing the country and pacifying the barbarians. The country has just been settled, and local forces are ready to make trouble. The nobles of the six countries are still rebellious, and from time to time, some people incite riots in the local areas."

"Your Majesty should be prepared for danger in times of peace."

Ying Zheng sat in the seat of honor, feeling vaguely regretful.

But two thoughts filled his mind. One was the ancient scientific knowledge he had come into contact with, and the other was the current ministers' general acceptance that there were no ghosts or gods between heaven and earth. The so-called pursuit of immortality was a huge scam.

On the one hand, Ying Zheng chose to firmly believe in becoming an immortal and achieving immortality. On the other hand, the disgust and numbness of the people around him made him feel that the future would be full of difficulties.

Ying Zheng, who was always used to taking on challenges because they were difficult, found his keen political sense failing when faced with this incident.

Ying Zheng thought that this cultivation experience was similar to the legends he had created in the past.

This was a boomerang of the times that dealt a heavy blow to the Qin nobles.

Since the Shang and Zhou dynasties, real science, culture, and knowledge have been collected by the nobles and not allowed to be used by ordinary people. After the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, the Qin Dynasty established a strict hierarchical system and exploited people at all levels.

The common people were blindfolded.

The rulers finally achieved their goal, allowing themselves to stand higher and hold power more firmly, while leaving the common people standing in a deep pit from which they can never climb out, and forever unable to touch the edge of power.

At this point, the gap between the rulers and the people grew wider and wider, until both sides became derailed and out of touch.

The ruler of the empire used the wisdom and wealth of the times to satisfy his personal desires - he tried to cultivate immortality; while the people were lying in the deep pit of life, worrying about food, clothing, housing and transportation, attacking, framing and doing bad things to each other.

In other words, the people above have already lived the ultimate ideal life, the legendary utopian ideal life. They have already achieved the ultimate ideal of mankind thousands of years ago.

But the price is sacrificing the lives of most people.

At this point, Emperor Qin Shi Huang Ying Zheng still planned to continue the sins of his ancestors.

Ying Zheng will not give up on this matter.

He fantasized with great joy that once he succeeded in cultivating immortality, he would be the master of the world and even the gods would be powerless to do anything to him.

And he can rule the world forever.

Wherever there is land, the flag of the Qin Dynasty can be raised.

Such an inflated ambition is simply unimaginable for mortals.

However, the common people eventually used their exhaustion to pull down Ying Zheng's desire to ascend to heaven.

Xu Fu quickly offered advice and told Ying Zheng: "There are two immortal mountains, Penglai and Langya, in the East China Sea. There are magical medicines on them that can make people immortal. But the sea is wide and there is often fog, so it is difficult to obtain them."

Ying Zheng laughed, "That's not difficult. I can send 5,000 soldiers and give you 500,000 taels of gold to build a huge ship. Then you can climb the mountain to get the medicine."

Xu Fu was overjoyed when he heard this.

Didn't he come to serve Qin Shi Huang just for wealth and honor?

Now, I finally got what I wanted.

But Xu Fu pretended to be embarrassed and even shed tears.

"Why are you doing this?"

"I'm afraid this trip will take too long. You have to know that from Xianyang to Langya County, then cross the sea to board a ship, and then go to the fairy mountain. I'm afraid the journey will be too bumpy."

Ying Zheng stroked his beard, laughed and said, "As long as you can get the elixir back, I will make you a marquis."

As soon as these words were spoken, the city of Xianyang was in an uproar.

Everyone was saying that the emperor might be crazy.

Chen Ping, Cao Shen and others had been lurking on one side for a long time, just waiting for Ying Zheng to show his hand.

Unexpectedly, he would have such a crazy idea as to seek immortality.

Chen Ping sensed that Xu Fu was a very useful person, so he spent a lot of gold, silver and jewelry to bribe Xu Fu, saying that he hoped to meet Xu Fu.

Xu Fu knew that Chen Ping was the prince's confidant.

Your Majesty tried to get rid of him not long ago, but failed.

Xu Fu didn't want to see him at first, but the other party gave him ten carts of jewelry.

After Xu Fu accepted it, he felt embarrassed not to see the other party.

Chen Ping came to Xu Fu's house, a three-story house. In just three days, the corridors and halls were filled with large and small boxes, which were naturally full of gold and jewelry.

Hearing that Xu Fu was favored by the emperor, people came to give him gifts like a stream of fish in the river, almost breaking down the door.

When Chen Ping saw so many gifts, he immediately thought of his hometown, which was in such a dilapidated state that the entire village could not obtain such wealth even if they worked for a hundred years.

Not to mention the whole village can live such a luxurious life.

Chen Ping was always astonished by the extravagance of the dignitaries in Xianyang.

Chen Ping couldn't help but feel hateful.

It turns out that all the hard-earned gains of the people throughout their lives have finally fallen into the hands of such bad guys.

He deceives the emperor and squeezes the people's wealth.

However, Chen Ping always had a smile on his face, and Xu Fu didn't notice any problem at all.

"Zhan Shi is here in person, I am sorry for not coming to greet you."

Chen Ping just smiled.

This old bastard, he dared not go out to greet the Prince's Secretary and the official Shaoqing when he came to visit. He was so shameless that he had the nerve to mention it.

"I don't know what the Zhanshi is here for?"

Xu Fu drank the finest ginseng tea and twirled his lobster whiskers.

"I heard that His Majesty wanted to look for treasure. I once lived in Dongjun and met someone who came back from the Fairy Island."

Chen Ping smiled.

Xu Fu's face turned pale when he heard this. He looked Chen Ping up and down, "What does the Minister want to say?"

"Don't be nervous, sir. I heard that you know everything from astronomy to geography. Chen Ping is not talented, he just read the Tao Te Ching and other books."

What I meant was that I had really read books and had met people who had returned from the fairy island.

I know all about your affairs.

"I came here for the sake of your majesty's immortality. Previously, Chen Ping was reckless and offended your majesty. Now I come to forgive my sin. I also hope that you can speak well of me in front of your majesty in the future."

When Xu Fu heard this, he was so happy that his eyes narrowed into two slits.

"I see. What advice do you have for me, Mr. Zhan?"

"To seek immortality, you must be sincere!"

Xu Fu was a half-baked person who didn't understand much, but he had a basic understanding of the subject. He had heard this sentence countless times from his former teacher.

"Sincerity. This is the essence of the Book of Changes! It is also the basis for seeking immortality!" Xu Fu sighed. "Zhanshi still knows more."

"So if you want your majesty to live forever, you have to make your majesty sincerely worship the gods, so that the gods will be moved."

Xu Fu suddenly realized that Chen Ping was really smart. Why didn't I think of this? I was just worrying about how to get out of this situation in the future.

Wouldn't this increase the difficulty for Your Majesty? Don't blame me if you fail.

Xu Fu immediately changed his posture and respectfully invited Chen Ping to take a seat.

"Please enlighten me."

Seeing that Xu Fu had been fooled, Chen Ping hardened his heart and said, "Your Majesty must give up meat and fish for ten years to maintain your health. You must not get close to women. You must get up at sunrise and go to bed at sunset. This is the only way to maintain your health. Otherwise, by the time the elixir arrives, your Majesty will have already shown signs of old age. Even if you have a long life, you will not be able to regain your youth."

There were many stars in Xu Fu's eyes and he nodded continuously.

"Yeah yeah."

"Seeking immortality, no one in ancient or modern times has ever accomplished this. If Your Majesty wants to do it, you must have virtue that moves heaven and earth."

"Please give me some advice." Xu Fu bowed and asked for advice.

"Your Majesty should gather all the new wheat and rice that every household receives in early autumn and gather all the grains together to offer to the gods."

When Xu Fu heard this, he clapped his hands and cheered, "Good! Very good! The Crown Prince's Secretary is indeed a man of great talent."

The two talked from noon to afternoon and finally had a pleasant exchange of views.

Early the next morning, Xu Fu came to ask for an audience with Ying Zheng.

Ying Zheng was so happy that he couldn't sleep for several days.

Upon hearing that Xu Fu was waiting, he quickly put on his clothes and rushed to meet this "living immortal".

It’s a pity that Zhao Gao is not here. If he were here, the palace would be in a mess and would be even more fun.

Xu Fu told Ying Zheng, "If your majesty wants to achieve immortality, the elixir alone is not enough, you also need this... that..."

When Ying Zheng heard this, he felt that it was well-founded and not fabricated.

After all, Chen Ping taught Xu Fu to memorize several sentences from the Tao Te Ching in detail.

"The door to all wonders is mysterious and profound."

"The Valley Spirit is immortal, and this is called the Mysterious Female."

Ying Zheng was fascinated by what he heard.

Xu Fu then introduced Chen Ping to Qin Shihuang.

Qin Shi Huang heard this and asked, "How could this person have such talent?"

Xu Fu was just a gangster, how could he understand the power struggle in the palace?

He fell into all the traps that Zhao Gao would never have fallen into.

First, you cannot say that others are more talented than yourself in front of the emperor.

Second, the achievements of others are your own achievements. Don’t take credit for others’ achievements.

Third, never recommend anyone smarter than yourself to the emperor.

Xu Fu stepped on three landmines in one breath without even realizing it, and was just waiting for Ying Zheng to reward him.

Xu Fu smiled widely, "I didn't expect the Crown Prince's Secretary to be such a strange person."

Ying Zheng stroked his beard. He had originally wanted to kill Chen Ping and alienate him from his beloved son, but he didn't expect that Chen Ping would take the initiative to show goodwill.

"Are you sure that it was Chen Ping who came to your house personally to teach you these."

"Yes, he said that he had no choice but to do so in the past. He was forced by the prince. In fact, he has always wanted to serve Your Majesty."

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng was half-believing and half-doubting.

"Chen Ping is so cunning. Ordinary people would never dare to use him. But I dare." Ying Zheng looked at the messenger and said, "Go and summon Chen Ping quickly."

Chen Ping was still tidying up his clothes at home, as the palace was in a mess today. Many sorcerers came and wanted to perform rituals, set up formations, and set up barriers for the emperor at any time, making people in the palace complain.

Immediately afterwards, Qin Shihuang's carriage suddenly arrived at the door.

For a time, everyone in Xianyang City was extremely envious of Chen Ping.

Chen Ping got on the carriage, and he knew he was heading for a dead end.

But what does it matter?

In order to achieve the goal, the means are no longer important. For a person of his status, how else can he achieve his revenge?

Chen Ping looked at the poor people begging outside the carriage and pulled the curtain.
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However, the hero of the Great Qin Empire is now in the barbarian land of the south, growing up with the soldiers in wind and rain, and laying the foundation of emotions.

A huge storm is about to sweep across the country in Xianyang City.

At this moment, although he was forced to come here in the past, he has now become the person who can stay out of it the most.

Chen Ping's decision affects people all over the world.

Fusu trusted him so much.

This pair of king and minister may be essentially similar.

They are all very contradictory.

Therefore, Fusu could fully understand what Chen Ping did afterwards. No matter how much doubts or misunderstandings others had about Chen Ping, Fusu would believe in him.

Only occasionally, Fusu would remember the young man he had just brought out from Wenxiang.

At that time, Chen Ping's eyes were as pure as the ice and snow on the Qilian Mountains.

In order to accomplish great things, sacrifices are bound to be made.

(End of this chapter)