At the end of Qin, I became a son of the plane

Chapter 210: The end of the empire, the collapse of the ancestral dragon
Prime Minister's House.

At this time, Prime Minister Zuo Feng Quji reviewed the memorials sent from various places, especially the memorials related to the Central Plains war report. Now Qin's 50-strong army is trapped in the Central Plains.

Among them, Qi's nearly 20 troops. Except for the news that they had annihilated Xiang Liang's rebels more than a month ago, which aroused the excitement of the Xianyang court, the news was soon cut off due to the obstruction of the rebels. Now the entire The Xianyang court didn't even know what was going on with the Qin army in Qi.

But Feng Quji and other senior Qin army officials understood that the situation of the Qin army in Qi was not good, because Meng Tian's strategy of first annihilating the rebels in Qi and then concentrating his forces to annihilate the rebels in the Central Plains was approved by the First Emperor and senior Qin officials. of.

But now that Xiang Liang was annihilated, but they did not see Qi's Qin army entering the Central Plains, the First Emperor and Feng Quji understood that the situation in Qi was not as good as they imagined. Zhang Han and Feng Jie were still being restrained. Once the land is leveled, it is impossible to enter the Central Plains.

On the contrary, the situation of Meng Tian's Northern Xinjiang Army was also very bad. The fighting strength of the rebels far exceeded everyone's expectations. Originally, Feng Quji and other senior officials of the Qin State thought that Meng Tian's Northern Xinjiang Army was powerful and would be defeated by any rebels they encountered. Can be destroyed in one hit.

But reality slapped them in the face. Xu Fan's rebels were indeed the most powerful enemies of the Qin State. Even the powerful Northern Xinjiang Army could not do anything about it. What made Feng Quji most helpless was that a month ago The rebels captured Shangdang County and completely severed the connection between the Northern Xinjiang Army and the imperial court.

Feng Quji understood that the Northern Xinjiang Army was in danger. He was now trying to find reinforcements to retake Shangdang County and open up the connection between the Northern Xinjiang Army and the imperial court.

"Can Beidi County and Longxi County still recruit soldiers?"

Li Si smiled bitterly and shook his head: "The imperial court has recruited two rounds, and now only the old, weak, women and children are left in the two places."

This number made the Qin officials in the entire Neishi County extremely busy, but soon everyone in the Neishi County understood that this was an impossible number because there was something wrong with the Qin State's wonder project, the Zhengguo Canal.

Li Si had lost power at this time. Although he was still the right prime minister, no officials cared about him as the right prime minister. He was now called the prime minister. In fact, the prime minister had a long history of doing things. He could only help Feng to quickly check for leaks and fill them, but he could not Issue any decree, and no one will listen even if it is issued.

But the soil also silted up the canal and raised the land around the Zhengguo Canal. Originally, Zhengguo Canal was surrounded by artesian canals, so farmers did not need to work hard to carry water. However, as the canals silted up and the land was raised, farmers had to find ways to carry water from the canals.

"The governor of Neishi County wrote a letter requesting the imperial court to send some soldiers back home to harvest grain! There is an extremely lack of young men in Guanzhong Township, and the progress of harvesting is extremely slow. Without young men to harvest grain, Neishi County will not be able to hand over enough grain to the imperial court." Li Si Read the memorial again.

"promise!"

This year, almost all the young people in Guanzhong have been drafted into the army. There are no hands to carry water to irrigate the fields. Without enough water, the yield of land far away from the canal has dropped to 1 stone per mu, which is already the productivity of inferior land.

Feng Quji said: "I ordered Bashu and Shu counties to recruit another 5 soldiers to support Guanzhong. Now Guanzhong needs troops."

"Yes, there are no more soldiers in the North!" Feng Quji said helplessly.

After Aocang was lost and wars raged throughout the Central Plains, the only granary left in Great Qin was Guanzhong. Although there was a large amount of grain in Sichuan, it was blocked by the Qinling Mountains and it was impossible to transport it to Guanzhong.

The richest county in Guanzhong is Neishi County. There are more than 40 counties in the whole county. Among them, Zhengguo Canal is still in Neishi County. One Zhengguo Canal brings 2000 million shi of grain to Neishi County. Therefore, the entire Guanzhong grain depends on Neishi County. county.

At this time, he looked at Feng Quji with even a hint of sympathy. After the First Emperor became seriously ill, although there was still a superintendent, Hu Hai, the center of power in the entire Qin Dynasty had actually shifted to Feng Quji, and he was fighting for the position of prime minister. Li Si, who had lived for half his life, was somewhat grateful that he had lost power, and now the position of Prime Minister of Great Qin was Huokang.

Now Meng Tian could only save himself. He led the Northern Xinjiang Army to escape from the Central Plains back to Yan, and then found a way to return to Guanzhong. However, it was extremely difficult to do so. Back then, Xiang Yan also wanted to lead the army back to Chu, but the result was After being defeated by Wang Jian, Meng Tian had to walk thousands of miles and flee thousands of miles in defeat, which was impossible.

While Feng Quji was recruiting troops from Guanzhong, he also had to stockpile grain and grass. The task he gave to the governor of Neishi County was to obtain 1500 million shi of grain this year.

The land around the Zhengguo Canal is no longer the fertile land that produced six stones and four buckets per mu when it was first built. Because of the large amount of silt deposited by the Wei River, it brought nutrient-rich soil to the land around the Zhengguo Canal (just like the Nile River). Zheng Guoqu has a mythical production capacity of six stones and four buckets.

This small change caused the grain production capacity around Zheng Guo Canal to plummet. A large amount of land could no longer be irrigated by Zheng Guo Canal. The land yield dropped to 3 dan per mu. The further away from the river, the lower the grain production capacity. In the past, the grain production capacity of the land around Zheng Guo Canal declined. It was an extremely slow process, so no one in the Qin State paid attention to this issue, or even thought it was a problem. After all, the world had been unified at that time, and Zheng Guoqu had less food and could make up for it from other directions.

When Feng Jie and Wang left Qidi to quell the rebellion, they brought a large number of northern knights with them. Later, when Yingbu passed through Hangu Pass, the First Emperor and the others not only demobilized the entire Neishi County's troops, they also demobilized the Beidi County closest to Xianyang. The Qingzhuang army in Longxi County was mobilized again, and 8 troops were recruited twice, which directly emptied the two counties of young people.

But when Prime Minister Feng Quji began to pay attention to Zheng Guoqu this year, the Qin officials in Neishi County discovered that the myth of Zheng Guoqu had disappeared, and now it was an ordinary land in Guanzhong. Unfortunately, senior officials like Feng Quji hadn't noticed this yet, and had set an impossible task for Nei Shi County.

"Now the only place where our Qin Dynasty can recruit large armies is the land of Bashu, but the road to Bashu is difficult. The court's order to mobilize troops has been issued for more than a month, and the soldiers of Bashu have not yet come out of the plank road. I am afraid that the general and the others will not be able to wait. ." Within a month, Meng Tian's Northern Xinjiang Army was probably defeated by the rebels, or even wiped out.

The Qin Dynasty could suppress the situation, and Li Si's suggestion was the best strategy. However, because the Qin Dynasty could not suppress the situation in the world, Li Si's suggestion became a strategy that would bring disaster to the country and the people. Now many nobles and high-ranking officials of the Qin State have called Li Si a sycophant. Now he can only rely on Feng Quji to protect himself.

The reason is also very simple. The Northern Xinjiang Army was held back north of the Yellow River, and Feng Jie's 15-strong army was trapped in Qi. As a result, Guanzhong is now empty and there are no troops to mobilize. Everyone blames Li Si for the policy of enclosing the land. As a result, the entire world was in chaos. Even if they defeated the main force of the rebels, they still had to send a large number of soldiers to suppress the enemy.

Feng Quji also had a bad premonition in his heart. He also believed that Meng Tian's Northern Xinjiang Army had no chance of surviving. The rebels might attack Guanzhong after annihilating the Northern Xinjiang Army. He now desperately needs troops to garrison. Guanzhong, and now among the counties in Da Qin's territory that can still recruit soldiers, the only one left is Bashulian County, which has not yet had rebels.

Qin officials in Neishi County calculated the production capacity of Zheng Guo Canal and found that the production capacity of the land around Zheng Guo Canal had dropped by at least 1500%. Not to mention completing the 1000 million stone grain task, even million stone was extremely difficult.

So they wanted to dump the blame in advance. They knew that it was impossible for Feng Quji to let the soldiers return home now, but they still asked like this. In this way, they did not complete the task of the court. They also had an excuse. The young and strong men were all in the army, and there was no one at all. When it comes to harvesting grain, it’s hard for them to cook without rice.

Feng Quji said: "Tell the governor of Neishi that Guanzhong requires soldiers to garrison the fortress and cannot disband the army. Neishi's mission must also be completed. If there is one stone of food missing, I, the prime minister, will copy the entire Neishi and use their family property to Food to make up for the lack.”

Da Qin was in danger at this time. He had no time to bargain with the Qin officials in Neishi County. Da Qin had raised these Qin officials for so many years, and the Neishi County officials could not produce so much food. He was really good at using the knife.

"How is the situation in Xianyang's arsenal? The general has written several times saying that the rebels are raining arrows and our army cannot resist. The rebels' swords are sharp. Several generals in Da Qin died because they were not as good as the rebels. If there are not enough weapons The equipment is not conducive to future wars.”

Li Si shook his head and said: "The Xianyang arsenal is only 30% full. Now there is a shortage of young people everywhere, which has affected the production of weapons. Especially in the past month, there has been news from Guanzhong that the Mohists have joined the Han army, and many officials have fled Guanzhong. Although these people They are all small officials, but they have mastered the technology. Every time one is missing, there will be big problems."

Now the Qin Dynasty is at the point where the tree has fallen and the monkeys are scattered. Even the lower classes feel that the world of the Qin Dynasty is in danger. There are many Qin officials in Xianyang who used to be friends with the Mohists, and even the techniques they learned came from the Mohists. At this time, they heard It was said that the Mohists had taken refuge with Xu Fan, the king of Han Dynasty, and many people simply fled Guanzhong to join the Han Dynasty.

Feng Quji said angrily: "Order the Qin officials at all levels to strictly arrest the rebels who run away! Anyone who has no luck in the inns in various places will be arrested and sent to the government office. Anyone who dares to conceal it or not report it will be punished with the same crime."

"No!" the Prime Minister's Palace Law Cao said.

Li Si shook his head slightly. He understood that it was useless. Even if there was no rebellion in the world a few years ago, Guanzhong was full of bandits. It can be seen that the foundation of the Qin State was already rotten at that time. At this time, the grassroots of Da Qin were already panicked. Where? There are also Qin officials who will take care of such things.

"Report, Taiyuan County battle report!" A messenger entered the Prime Minister's Mansion in a panic.

The surrounding officials were panicked when they heard that it was Taiyuan County's battle report. Even Taiyuan County was about to fall, and all the territory that Great Qin had conquered with the Sixth Generation was lost. Many officials cannot accept this. It is like a person who wins for one day but loses everything in the end.

Feng Quji took the battle report, opened it and almost fell over.

"Prime Minister!" Li Si immediately supported Feng Quji.

Feng Quji quickly waved his hand and said: "The truth is fine, Prime Minister Right, please take a look." Although he was prepared, his pupils dilated when he saw the news, and his mind went blank, leaving only one sentence. "Great Qin is finished!"

Feng Quji waited for Li Si to read it and immediately put away the battle report. He could not let others know, otherwise there would be chaos in Guanzhong.

At this time, Zhao Gao came up and said, "Your Majesty, I want to summon two prime ministers."

Feng Quji smiled bitterly and said, "I also have something to report to Your Majesty."

Not long after, Feng Quji and Li Si arrived at the bedroom of the First Emperor's palace.

The two walked in and found that the First Emperor was already surrounded by the young master Hu Hai and the imperial censor Yao Jia.

At this time, Emperor Qin Shihuang was sitting on the bed, looking much better than at the beginning.

The First Emperor said slowly: "It seems that I am dying, but the world is in chaos comparable to the Warring States Period, and our country, the Qin Dynasty, is also in a precarious state. After I died of illness, my three beloved ministers helped the young master Hu Hai ascend the throne.

I have already issued an order to Meng Tian and Feng Jie, asking them to withdraw to Guanzhong. I, the Qin Dynasty, will rest and recuperate in Guanzhong for 20 years before leaving Guanzhong to fight against the remnants of the Six Kingdoms.

Young Master Hu Hai is brave and courageous, and can defend the world in Guanzhong until our Great Qin regains its strength. "

Then the First Emperor looked at Hu Hai and said: "You stay in Guanzhong to recover your strength, and when Guanzhong recovers, you can come out of Hangu Pass to dominate the world. You are my son, and you can do what I can do."

Hu Hai was a little scared. He had never thought that his father, who was like a god, would really die of illness. He didn't know how to answer at this time.

Hu Hai looked at Zhao Gao instinctively.

Zhao Gao nodded not letting others see.

Hu Hai then said: "The child will never let his father down."

At this time, Feng Lai quickly handed over the battle report: "General Meng Tian has been killed in the battle, and the Northern Xinjiang Army has been annihilated by the rebels."

The First Emperor received the battle report in disbelief. After reading it, he spat out another mouthful of blood.

Feng Quji and others shouted in panic: "Your Majesty!"

The First Emperor waved his hands and said: "I have nothing to do. The Central Plains has been corrupted and cannot be damaged. Two prime ministers and imperial censors, you should help Hu Hai defend Guanzhong and protect my hometown of Great Qin."

Feng Quji, Li Si and Yao Jia said: "I obey the order."

Then the First Emperor looked at Hu Hai and said: "The taxes in the Qin Dynasty were too heavy. The reason why the rebellious Xu Fan was so strong was because Xu Fan used the slogan of equalizing land and eliminating corvee to deceive people. I have abused the power of the people over the years, and that is why the world has collapsed today. After you succeed to the throne, you should suspend palaces, reduce taxes, and suspend corvee service. The hearts of the people of the Central Plains, our Great Qin, have been lost, but as long as we stabilize the hearts and minds of the old Qin people in Guanzhong, the foundation of our Great Qin will still be there."

"You must guard Hangu Pass. When the rebels find out that they cannot enter the pass, they will naturally retreat. I have fought with them all my life. I know that these remnants of the Six Kingdoms are short-sighted. When they lose my enemy, Da Qin, they will definitely Killing each other.”

"Prime Minister Feng Quji, Li Si, and Yushi Yao Jia are all important ministers with great foresight. You should pay attention to their opinions. I have fought too many wars in my life. You must recuperate in the past twenty years and wait for the new generation. The people of Lao Qin grew up."

Hu Hai nodded sadly and cried: "I understand, kid."

Seeing him like this, the First Emperor said angrily: "Don't cry. After today, you will be the emperor of Qin, and you will have to shoulder the important responsibilities of the world. How can you make all the officials surrender if you are so weak?"

Hu Hai tried hard to stop his tears and said, "Children will never cry again."

The First Emperor touched his youngest son's face and said: "Bring your eldest brother back from Shangjun. Now the Qin Dynasty is in danger, and people outside are unreliable. You brothers must work together to defend the world of the Qin Dynasty."

At this time, the First Emperor had completely given up on the Qin officials. He understood that these people were unreliable, and the Qin clan members were more reliable. It was a pity that the First Emperor had killed them all over the years, and all the Qin clan relatives and relatives were killed by the First Emperor, so that no one could help. He looks after the world.

In the past, he thought that with the help of Qin officials, he could control the whole world by himself.

But reality told him that no one could control the whole world, so he wanted Hu Hai to learn a lesson about how important it was to be a relative of the Qin State. The First Emperor did a good job in this regard. He left 17 brothers for Hu Hai. Unlike the First Emperor, Hu Hai couldn't even find a brother. (The First Emperor also brought it upon himself. Two half-brothers were thrown to death by himself, and one half-brother was forced to death.)
Hu Hai said: "My son, I will ask my eldest brother to come back tomorrow."

The First Emperor said: "Li Si, I read it and you write it."

"promise!"

Holy edict: From the beginning of my reign as emperor, I saw the mountains, rivers and mountains and wrote with love, benefiting all people. However, the years are passing by, life is gone, and the body is gradually declining, and it is no longer able to bear the heavy burden of punishment in the world. Following the destiny, I decided to pass the throne to Hu Hai to ensure the stability of the court and the safety of the people.

Hu Hai, the son of Emperor Duanli, was gifted with a baby with a weak crown and showed extraordinary intelligence, body and demeanor, and good conduct. Inheriting the legacy and training, cultivating one's character properly, cultivating various cultures, one's virtue and talent are touching. Looking to the future, he will command the power of the empire, follow the decrees of the sages, and strive to promote the prosperity of the country.

After Hu Hai succeeded to the throne, he worked hard to maintain stability, coordinated national affairs in many ways, was ambitious in power, and was admired by his ministers and workers. Unify the army to prepare for war, intimidate the enemy, consolidate territory, and appease public opinion. Follow the ancestral system, promote the people's livelihood and well-being, reform the old and make new ones, practice it as a wise king, and ensure peace in the world. I firmly believe that Hu Hai will be able to plan the course of the dynasty, demonstrate his imperial demeanor, and leave a lasting legacy.

Loyal ministers only need to regard Hu Hai as their master, please fulfill their duties faithfully, take care of and guide him. Officials at all levels serve their duties diligently and maintain the stability and prosperity of the country. If this is done, the country will be prosperous and the people will be safe, and everyone will celebrate. If there are any fallacies in Hu Hai, please ask sages and wise men to advise him immediately. Hu Hai will listen with an open mind, distinguish right from wrong, and bring light to the empire. The imperial edict has been conveyed to the world from now on, so that the people will know my wishes.

Li Si read the edict again in front of everyone, and then stamped it with the imperial seal.

After Qin Shihuang dragged his weak body and forced himself to complete the enthronement edict for Hu Hai, everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Although Hu Hai may not be the best choice, it is better than the current Shihuang Emperor who is seriously ill and does not have a prince.

At this time, the First Emperor used all his strength to walk out of the palace, looked at the slowly rising sun and said: "Why is God so unkind to me, and refuses to give me time to fight Xu Fan."

After speaking, the First Emperor slowly fell down.

"Your Majesty!" Feng Quji and others said in panic.

On September 37, the th year of the First Emperor's reign, Zulong died.

(End of this chapter)