The world of film and television starts from the flow of money

"The First Emperor's hegemony extended across the country, and he traveled eastwards in search of immortals. Banners covered the sky, and his carriage was like a dragon. He was seeking the elixir of immortality, and the foundation for eternity.

At this time, Xu Fu said that there was a mermaid in the sea, blocking the way to the elixir. The emperor was furious, so he sent an elite army to kill the mermaid and open the path to the elixir.

They were standing on the sea, the waves were surging, the wind and clouds were changing suddenly. Suddenly, a woman came gracefully.

Her figure is like a light cloud covering the moon, or snow blown by the wind. When you look at her from afar, she is as bright as the sun in the morning glow; when you look closely, she is as bright as a lotus emerging from the green waves. Her shoulders are as sharp as a knife, and her waist is as thin as a willow. Her neck is long and slender, and her white skin is exposed. Her beauty is unparalleled, and her makeup cannot cover it. Her hair is piled high, and her eyebrows are long and beautiful. Her lips are bright red, her teeth are white, her eyes are bright, and her cheeks are full of charm. She is gorgeous and elegant, and her manners are calm and relaxed. She is gentle and charming, and her words are charming.

This is the Lady of the Nine Heavens.

With fluttering sleeves and a sword in hand, the merman appeared fiercely, with a huge mouth and fangs, and scales like iron. It stirred up a huge wave, trying to swallow everyone. Xuannu glared at it and swung her sword to kill it. The sword energy was like a rainbow, approaching the merman. The merman roared and fought back. Xuannu was light and nimble, and her sword was sharp.

Suddenly, the sea was turbulent with thunder and lightning. Xuannv fought with the mermaid for several rounds, and finally struck the mermaid's vital point with her divine power. The mermaid screamed and died.

Everyone was shocked and bowed to the ground. But Xuannv floated away and disappeared. The emperor was amazed at her bravery and felt grateful for her power. From then on, the name of Xuannv spread far and wide.

I was impressed by the beauty and power of Xuannv, so I wrote this poem to praise her majesty. I hope she will protect the people and keep peace forever. "

In Ganquan Palace, the air was filled with tension.

Several painters hung up the scroll carefully, and every movement was extremely cautious.

Qin Shi Huang sat on the throne, his eyes slowly turned to the silk painting that had just been unfolded. The whole silk painting was like a magnificent epic scroll, vividly depicting the scene when Xuan Nu killed the mermaid.

In the picture, the waves are surging and surging, as if they are going to swallow up the whole world. The waves are like towering mountains, constantly hitting the coast. The mermaid is hideous and terrifying, with a huge body like a hill, black scales like iron, flashing a cold light. The eyes are like two burning ghost fires, revealing a fierce light. The huge mouth is open, and the sharp teeth are like swords, as if they can easily bite through steel. The long tail swings, and the huge waves are several feet high, which makes people afraid.

Above the mermaid was a goddess in her twenties. She was of medium height and of medium height, just the right size. She was graceful and beautiful, as if she was the most perfect masterpiece of heaven. Her elegance and beauty were amazing, as if all the beauty in the world was gathered in her. Her eyes were as bright as stars, and her hair fell on her shoulders like a waterfall, fluttering in the wind like a fairy's sleeve. She held a sword in her hand, shining brightly, and it seemed that the sword contained infinite power, which could kill all the evil in the world.

The painters lay on the ground, their bodies trembling slightly, anxiously waiting for the emperor's words. Their foreheads were covered with fine beads of sweat. The tense atmosphere made it almost impossible for them to breathe.

This was the third time they had created the "Xuannv Picture". If Qin Shihuang was not satisfied with it, they would be in danger of losing their heads.

Qin Shihuang remained silent for a long time, staring at the painting of Xuannu recreated by the painters, his eyes full of wonder and awe. It was as if he was brought into that thrilling scene by the painting, witnessing Xuannu's bravery and majesty with his own eyes. He silently recited "Xuannu Fu", and the beautiful words echoed in his heart.

After a long while, Qin Shi Huang slowly opened his mouth and praised: "Very good!"

Qin Shi Huang's voice was not loud, but it was full of majesty and praise. This praise finally made the painters feel relieved, and they smiled with relief on their faces.

Qin Shi Huang stood up and walked slowly to the front of the scroll, carefully examining every detail and exclaimed, "Xuan Nu is endowed with the wonders of the yin and yang of heaven and earth. Her image is unparalleled and her beauty is limitless. Her appearance is as majestic as the jade of a fairy mountain and her charm is as ethereal as the spirit of the sky. How can I describe her appearance lightly if I have not seen it with my own eyes? I must see it!"

That night, Qin Shihuang asked the eunuchs to hang the silk painting in his bedroom.

Qin Shihuang once again looked at the Xuannv in the painting for a long time, his eyes as sharp as torches, fixed on her. In his eyes, there was awe, longing, and a hint of indescribable confusion.

The eunuch approached quietly and asked softly, "Your Majesty, do you want to invite Concubine Li to sleep with you tonight?"

"Need not!"

Qin Shihuang was startled for a moment, then waved his hand impatiently, staring quietly at the beautiful and dignified Xuannv on the silk painting. Xuannv's eyes and eyebrows exuded a sacred temperament that made people dare not violate or desecrate.

However, in Qin Shi Huang's view, he was the master of the world, and all things in the world should be subject to him. Even this high and mighty goddess had to bow to him. Even the extraordinary immortals had to obediently submit to the majesty of the emperor.

………………

"Fusu pays respect to the emperor."

In Ganquan Palace, the quiet atmosphere seemed to be instantly broken by these respectful words.

Qin Shihuang raised his eyes slightly and looked at his son whom he had not seen for two years.

Fusu has an upright posture, and a simple long robe highlights his elegant temperament. His eyes show the same respect as always and an increasingly firm light. Although his face looks a little tired, he is still handsome and extraordinary.

Qin Shi Huang stared at Fusu, a complex expression flashing in his eyes. After a long while, he slowly spoke in a steady and majestic voice: "My son, what did you gain from this trip?"

Fusu bowed his head slightly, saluted with both hands, and replied respectfully: "After this experience, I deeply feel the suffering of the people and understand the difficulty of governing a country. What the people want is just to live a stable life and have no worries about food and clothing. I think the key to governing a country is to keep the people safe."

Qin Shi Huang nodded slightly and asked, "Then what is your opinion?"

Fusu thought for a moment and said in a deep voice, "I believe that governing a country should be based on the people. Only by reducing taxes and levies can we win the hearts of the people and ensure the long-term survival of the country. Now that the empire has just been established, the people have experienced wars and are in urgent need of recuperation. We should govern them with benevolence and show them kindness so that the people can live and work in peace and contentment."

Qin Shi Huang was silent for a moment, then said: "My son, what you said is not without reason. However, the empire has just been established, and the four directions are not stable. We should not be too lenient. We should govern the country with strict laws, so as to deter those who have evil intentions. Strict laws can correct the rules and disciplines, clarify rewards and punishments, and prevent the subjects from doing anything reckless."

Fusu hesitated to speak, and finally said: "Father, the people's support is the foundation of the country. If you just force it, there may be changes. I think you can use both kindness and force, both to regulate behavior with strict laws and to appease the people with benevolent policies. Strict laws establish authority, and benevolent policies win the people. Only in this way can the country be stable and long-term." Qin Shihuang frowned slightly and said in a deep voice: "My son, don't be too kind. The power of the empire should be ruled with an iron fist. Only in this way can we make the four directions submit and protect the foundation of our great Qin for eternity. Under strict laws, the subjects will know to fear and dare not have second thoughts."

Fusu argued: "Father, although strict laws can frighten people temporarily, they will not last long if they do not win the support of the people. The people are the foundation of the country. If the foundation is unstable, the building will collapse. Benevolent policies can win the hearts of the people. Only when the people are united can the country be strong. And let history be a mirror. The ancient sage kings mostly won the world and kept the world with benevolent policies."

Qin Shi Huang looked Fusu up and down carefully with a sharp gaze. His eyes were full of surprise. This son had really changed. In the past, he would have naive comments and impulsive retorts, but now, his words have become so reasonable and well-founded. Is this the first time he has spoken out so boldly?
Memories came flooding back. Two years ago, Qin Shi Huang was angry at Fusu for his remonstrance, and ordered him to supervise the Zhidao with Meng Tian. During that time, he thought Fusu would suffer a lot, but he never thought that he seemed to be reborn.

But what made Qin Shi Huang unhappy was that Fusu had completely confused a crucial matter! He put the cart before the horse and did not understand the true meaning of the king's way.

Fusu was about to persuade him again, but Qin Shihuang suddenly waved his hand and interrupted him.

"You are wrong, Fusu!!"

Qin Shi Huang's face was so gloomy that it seemed like water could drip out of it. He slowly stood up, his tall body like a towering mountain. Under the light of the candle, his figure cast a huge shadow, like an airtight net, completely covering Fusu.

"What do you think Shang Jun's reforms were for?"

Inside the main hall of the Xianyang Palace, Qin Shihuang's majestic voice echoed in the empty hall, across the rows of candles on the majesty, throwing this heavy question to Fusu.

Every prince and grandson, before and after adulthood, would have a teacher to teach them knowledge, and the most important of these was "history". The Grand Historian Hu Wujing once told them about the past of the Qin State, and Fusu was naturally familiar with that arduous history.

Fusu lowered his head slightly, thought for a moment and replied:
"My father, in the past, our Qin was plagued by internal and external troubles. The Three Jins attacked and seized the Hexi land of our ancestors. The princes humiliated Qin and were ashamed of it. After Duke Xiao succeeded to the throne, he wanted to attack the east, recover Duke Mu's former land, and improve Duke Mu's policies. Therefore, he issued an order to recruit talents and asked Shang Yang to reform the law. Naturally, it was to enrich the country and strengthen the army... Duke Xiao used Shang Yang's law to change the customs and habits. The people became rich and the country became strong. Therefore, the people were happy to work for him and the princes were close to him."

Qin Shi Huang nodded slightly and said in a deep voice: "Well, you are only right about two points of enriching the country and strengthening the army, but you missed one point."

After a pause, Qin Shi Huang said word by word: "That is centralization of power, the power of the whole country, in the hands of the king!"

Qin Shi Huang said solemnly: "If the power is determined by the monarch, it will be powerful. If it is determined by the royal family, the chief ministers, and the ministers, then there will be the repeated murders of Duke Li, Duke Zao, Duke Jian, and Chuzi. Not to mention the reforms of Qin, the reforms of Wei and Chu are also to attack the royal family and weaken the feudal lords. If they are not removed, it will be a way to impoverish the country and weaken the army. Therefore, Shang Yang's reforms are to bring the noble sons of Qin to justice and make it impossible for the royal family to become a member of the clan without military merit. Only when the power is monopolized by the monarch can Qin concentrate on farming and fighting and go east with one heart!"

Fusu nodded slightly, feeling a little surprised. He suddenly found that Qin Shihuang was so patient today that he could talk to him so much.

Qin Shi Huang raised the question again: "Why do you think our predecessor, King Huiwen, killed Shang Yang but kept his law?"

Fusu replied: "I heard that when King Huiwen was the crown prince, he had a feud with Shang Yang. After he succeeded to the throne, many members of the royal family resented Shang Yang. Shang Yang fled and then returned to his fiefdom to rebel. When his rebellion failed, he was torn to pieces by chariots as a warning to the Qin State. Everyone said that he committed suicide..."

"It's that simple?"

Qin Shi Huang sneered, his voice carrying a hint of chill, "When King Xiaogong was carrying out the reform, he said that if any of his guests and ministers could come up with an extraordinary plan to strengthen Qin, I would give them a high position and share the land with them. He kept his promise and granted Shang Yang fifteen towns in Shang. At that time, the Guanzhong area of ​​Qin was a collection of small towns and villages, with only 31 counties... It was like I granted the entire former land of Chu to a minister. Do you think the monarch and his ministers could live in peace?"

"Shang Yang centralized the power of the Qin monarch, killed the royal family, and punished the royal family. However, after the reform, he became the most powerful feudal lord, able to compete with the Qin monarch and become an independent prince. At that time, he had only two choices: one was to abandon his fiefdom and retire, and the other was to die! Even if he had never offended the royal family, he would still be a common man holding a treasure!"

Shang Yang, the man who presided over the reform, actually died because of the centralized power he carefully built for the Qin State. The Legalists presented the monarch with a knife that could kill people, but there was no scabbard. That knife could point at anyone, including themselves! He was the first Legalist to die, and the first "Qin official" to die, but he was definitely not the last.

Centralization of power is the path that the kings of Qin have been working tirelessly on. It started with King Xiao of Qin and reached its peak during the reign of King Zhao of Qin. However, it was completely destroyed by Lü Buwei in the next two generations. The "Zhongfu" from Wei State was keen on dividing the power of the king and tried to expand the power of the prime minister and achieve joint rule of the court. He advocated in "Lüshi Chunqiu": "The world is not the world of one person, but the world of the world", and used the gimmick of "one word is worth a thousand gold" to promote it...

Lü Buwei almost succeeded. In those years, the power of the royal family and foreign relatives was also rising. It seemed that the century-long centralization of power by the Qin kings was about to be destroyed. This is why Qin Shihuang hated him so much.

Unification and dictatorship were the cornerstones of Qin Shi Huang's administration. In order to unify the country, he never divided the fiefs among his sons and insisted on the county system; in order to be dictatorship, he constantly attacked the power of the prime minister. After Changping Jun, the two prime ministers, Wei and Wang, were only stamps for stamping and beautiful ritual vessels. When it came to Li Si and Feng Quji, they also had no dignity as prime ministers. Qin Shi Huang changed them at will.

Qin Shi Huang was proud and conceited. His firm will was the direct driving force for the unification of the world. Without his arbitrary decision, there would be no talents from the six kingdoms returning to Qin, no Zhengguo Canal; without his arbitrary decision, there would be no second attack on Chu. And he always believed that what he was doing now, conquering the east, the west, the south and the north, were all high-level decisions! And to accomplish these, let alone immortality, at least longevity...

That group of officials who only work for nothing, that group of noisy scholars, those short-sighted common people. They only care about the level of official titles, petty disputes, and food and clothing. How can they understand the great cause of Zebei for all eternity? What he wants to do is to be a real emperor who is not restrained by anyone, unique, and can do whatever he wants!
"In the final analysis, the law is nothing more than a tool I use to control the world. And the officials are nothing more than people I find to operate the tool, and I use titles and salaries to buy their loyalty. They are like parts on a crossbow, and can be replaced at any time."

"You have to understand that among these thousands of people, no one is indispensable."

"From Prime Minister Li Si to the humble village headman, all are like this. Even Zhao Gao is the same!"

Every word was like a heavy hammer, making Fusu's ears buzz. He felt vaguely that something was wrong, but he had no way to refute it, so he could only bow his head in silence.

"You think I can't live forever?"

The atmosphere in the hall was so solemn that it was suffocating. Fusu's heart was like a turbulent sea, with a myriad of thoughts in his mind.

He understood his father's ambitions and his obsession with power, but he was also worried about whether this way of ruling could last. He wanted to advise him, but he didn't know where to start.

In a flash, Fusu caught a glimpse of the hanging picture of Xuannv, and an idea flashed through his mind. He bowed to Qin Shihuang and said:
"Fusu firmly believes that father can live forever! I am willing to go to the East China Sea to find the elixir of immortality for father!"

(End of this chapter)