Heirs of the Seven Swords of the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 1933: Setting Sail (Forty-four)

If you can't guess, then you can only be conservative. "This... is not the case. It's just a suspicion, not necessarily true. Besides, the relationship between the State Master and him may not be that kind of relationship."

"Everything needs to be investigated clearly."

"Investigate..." Ying Zheng remained silent on Zhao Gao's response and replied calmly, "Then continue investigating."

"Where are Fu Nian and Xun Kuang?"

"I have ordered people to properly settle them. I wonder what to do next..." Zhao Gao asked tentatively.

"Give him a proper burial." Ying Zheng was not petty enough to go out of his way to find trouble with two corpses, so he replied casually.

"Leave the rest to Zhang Han. Go and prepare to reorganize the convoy."

Ying Zheng’s eastern tour did not end at Sanghai, there was still a long way to go.

They had been delayed in Sanghai long enough, and it was time to set off again.

As for the actions of Jingwei and others to obstruct Zhao Gao, Ying Zheng simply made it a non-event.

He had gotten the explanation he deserved, so there was no point in pursuing the matter further.

He was unwilling to continue to intensify the conflict between himself and Gu Xun at this time, nor was it possible for him to punish his son for such a small matter.

Especially Fusu.

He and Meng Tian had just made great contributions, but the rewards had not yet been officially issued.

This small problem can be regarded as offsetting the interest on the delayed payment of his contribution.

………………

The various philosophers have recently discovered one thing - the times seem to have really changed.

They had this feeling when the empire unified the world, but it was not very clear at that time.

After all, even if there is a new emperor, even if the emperor has an additional title of emperor, the Hundred Schools of Thought are still the Hundred Schools of Thought.

The emperor always needs them to govern the country - even though the empire valued the Legalists, there was actually no shortage of officials from other schools in the court.

Because there are simply not enough Legalists.

Among the hundreds of schools of thought, only Confucianism and Mohism were the two most prominent schools, which could barely support the operation of the entire imperial court on their own. The people from other schools were not enough, not even the Legalists and Taoists.

But now, the various schools of thought found that the emperor did not seem to care about them at all and did not feel the need for them at all.

The empire really launched an attack on all schools of thought without any scruples, and even went straight for the book burning order to dig up the roots.

Afterwards, the destruction of Xiaoshengxianzhuang overnight made all the philosophers and schools of thought feel terrified.

The only thing that made them feel a little comforted was that even the Legalists, whom the empire valued the most, were targeted equally this time.

The most satisfying thing in the world is to survive the death of a fellow Taoist, but if I were to die, it would also be nice to have a fellow Taoist buried with me.

But this does not mean that the empire scared off the various schools of thought.

The emotions that are most likely to breed together with fear are anger and madness, and this is the case with the various schools of thought now.

They feared Ying Zheng's recklessness and were also angry at the empire's ruthlessness.

The attitudes of the various schools of thought would further intensify the disunity between local governments and the central court - Ying Zheng's control over the central court was always strong, and the influence of the various schools of thought on the central court was also very limited, but local governments were always influenced by the various schools of thought.

Moreover, orders such as the Book Burning Order also put great pressure on local governments.

It is difficult to say what the pros and cons of the book burning order are for the empire.

However, no matter how shocked and panicked the various schools of thought were, it didn't matter to Ying Zheng.

The most important thing for him right now is to complete his eastern tour.

Next, he would go south from Sanghai, pass through Langya, Sichuan, Donghui and other counties, and finally go west to Jiujiang, Huaiyang, Nanyang, Yingchuan and other counties, and finally enter the pass and return to Xianyang.

As the well-organized East Tour convoy set off again, Sanghai City, which had been in turmoil for many days, finally returned to its former tranquility.

The people were not used to the disappearance of Xiaoshengxianzhuang, and were even not used to the disappearance of the mirage from the seashore, but they were not very willing to talk about these topics.

They just want to live in peace. Maybe they feel that many things are wrong, but they can only keep silent.

………………

Songhai City, Xiaoshengxian Village.

The once beautiful and magnificent building complex is now only a pile of ruins. The large areas of charred land testify to the ferocity of the fire that night, and the dry and black-brown traces represent the lives that were once vibrant.

Outside the original gate, there were many sacrificial items, all placed there by the people of Sanghai.

There are few common people living in Sanghai who do not yearn for and respect Xiaoshengxianzhuang.

These things are not only commemorating the demise of Xiaoshengxianzhuang, but also commemorating the deceased Xunzi and Fu Nian.

Their funeral was finally arranged by Zhang Han, and they were buried in the ruins of Xiaoshengxianzhuang.

Although Ying Zheng ordered a grand burial, how could it be a grand burial?
Both of them were ordinary people without official positions, so according to the rules they could only be buried simply.

As for making an exception and breaking the rules... With the emperor's order for a grand burial, it's not impossible, but the empire has already labeled Xiao Shengxianzhuang as a rebel who disrupted the court order, discussed state affairs, and attempted to participate in a major treason case. How can we make an exception?
Besides, the person is dead and Xiaoshengxianzhuang is gone, so what’s the point of a lavish burial?

Zhang Han simply buried the people in the ruins of the academy and built two simple tombs.

Now that Xiaoshengxianzhuang has been destroyed by the empire, ordinary people dare not take any action even if they want to pay tribute, but there are always a few people who have no worries and are not afraid of death.

They have no scruples and can do whatever they want.

And the Empire did not cause them any trouble for this.

Because Zhang Han was responsible for handling the subsequent trivial matters, he was not such a cruel person, and he did not dare to do so.

It would be hard to say if Zhao Gao was still responsible.

He has always done things without any bottom line and without any taste, and doesn't mind doing things like killing the chicken to scare the monkey.

Against the backdrop of ruins, a figure slowly walked up from the bottom of the mountain.

Zhang Liang, dressed in white, walked through the ruins of Xiaoshengxianzhuang with complicated eyes, and came to the tombs of Xunzi and Fu Nian.

Looking at the familiar name engraved on the tombstone in front of the tomb, Zhang Liang, who always had a warm smile on his face in the past, could no longer muster up a smile. His eyes trembled slightly and turned red.

There were also many memorial items placed in front of the tombs of Xunzi and Fu Nian, but the most special one was the book placed on each tombstone.

Zhang Liang took a look and saw that on the Xunzi stele was a volume of "Theory of Heaven" written by him, while on the Fu Nian stele was a volume of "The Great Learning".

Apart from Zhang Liang himself, there was only one other person who would use these two volumes of books to commemorate Xunzi and Fu Nian.

"Junior brother."

As soon as Zhang Liang had the thought, Yan Lu's calm and gentle voice sounded, and he walked to his side.

Yan Lu also wore a white robe without a single color.

The two of them were wearing white mourning for the deceased Xunzi, Funian, and many innocent disciples of Xiaoshengxianzhuang.

Zhang Liang did not rush to reply, but calmly put away the offerings he had brought.

He also brought books. The one he brought to Xunzi was a copy of "Encouragement to Study" by Xunzi himself, and the one he brought to Fu Nian was a copy of "Zhuangzi·Tianxia". Yan Lu's method of sitting and forgetting was in line with the Taoist philosophy, and he himself acted like a Taoist disciple, but in fact, Fu Nian, the head of the Little Sage Manor, also had many subtle connections with Taoism.

The way of inner sageliness and outer kingliness advocated by Fu Nian was derived from Zhuangzi's philosophy.

After putting the book away, Zhang Liang looked at Yan Lu from the side. Unlike him who couldn't suppress his depressed mood no matter what, Yan Lu seemed to be the same as usual.

Zhang Liang hesitated for a moment, but couldn't help but say, "Brother... can you... can you really let it all go?"

Yan Lu blinked and asked, "Junior brother, are you... unable to accept it?"

"Not really, I'm just curious." Zhang Liang shook his head and replied, "I used to think I understood your thoughts, but now I realize that I was just being self-righteous."

Yan Lu patted Zhang Liang on the shoulder and replied in a complicated tone, "Junior brother, I can't let go of everything, but there are some things that I have become accustomed to."

Zhang Liang looked at the grave with complicated eyes, and his mind unconsciously recalled the demise of South Korea. He muttered absentmindedly, "Get used to it... I'm afraid I'll never get used to it!"

"Junior brother, everyone has their own aspirations. I won't advise you, but remember, don't make any mistakes." Yan Lu understood Zhang Liang's obsession, but still gave him some advice.

Zhang Liang came back to his senses and nodded, "Brother, don't worry. I can do it."

"Brother, what are your plans next?"

"I... don't have any plans yet. Maybe I'll go around a bit?" Yan Lu said calmly, his hands behind his back. "What about you, Junior Brother?"

"I..." Zhang Liang laughed bitterly, "When my senior brother was still here, I had to do everything in secret. Now... I can do it openly."

"I will continue to fight against the Empire."

Yan Lu smiled when he heard this, then raised his hand and bowed to say goodbye, "Take care, Junior Brother."

"Please take care, brother. Goodbye." Zhang Liang raised his hand to return the greeting and say goodbye.

………………

Zhang Liang walked down the mountain and arrived at the original location of the Confucian mountain gate, where Tianming and Shaoyu were waiting for him.

Xiaoshengxianzhuang was destroyed. Although Zhang Liang and Yan Lu saved their lives, they both became wanted criminals. The two of them followed just in case.

Although there is no danger in Sanghai City now.

"Third Master, are you... done with your work? So soon?" Seeing Zhang Liang coming down, Tianming and the other two hurried forward to ask.

Zhang Liang nodded slightly, "I'm done... I don't have anything else to do, I just went to take a look."

"Then let's go back?" Tianming waved his hand.

Zhang Liang shook his head and refused, "You guys go back, I have other plans."

"Ah? Where are you going?" Tianming asked subconsciously.

Zhang Liang smiled and did not answer. Instead, he asked, "What are your plans for the next step?"

"We... should probably just leave Sanghai first. There's nothing to do here anymore. As for what to do next, we haven't decided yet."

Tianming answered very straightforwardly, because it was of no value at all.

"Don't leave in a hurry." Zhang Liang reminded, "Sanghai's matter is not over yet."

"Not finished yet? Is there anything else?" Shao Yu asked puzzled.

Now there are only a few Shadow Secret Guards left in Sanghai, and they are responsible for dealing with the aftermath of the destruction of Xiaoshengxianzhuang. It seems that there is nothing worth their staying for.

"I got some news earlier." Zhang Liang explained, "It seems that there is a problem with the Mirage's voyage. It won't go smoothly. There will be more accidents in the future, so you might as well wait a little longer."

"Of course, this is just my suggestion. You can go back and tell Master Ban and the others about the specific steps and discuss it together."

Tianming and Shao Yu looked at each other, basically believed what Zhang Liang said, and nodded.

But Tianming still asked one more question, "Then Third Master, you..."

Zhang Liang patted his shoulder to interrupt his question, then said with a smile, "By the way, you owe me another favor, so now there are five in total."

"Ah? Why is there one more?" Tianming looked confused.

I never thought that I would owe Zhang Liang a favor recently.

Zhang Liang has been in trouble recently, so if anyone is owed money, it should be him!

"I could have specially asked Brother Wei Zhuang to stop you before. This is also a favor." Zhang Liang explained at the right time.

"What kind of favor is this? We are here to help you!" Tianming became even more confused.

"You couldn't have come at that time. It was for the good of Xiaoshengxian Manor and your own good." Zhang Liang further explained, "The emperor has been waiting for you to show up."

"So what?" Tianming shrugged nonchalantly, "With our strength, we can definitely run away."

This is not Tianming's confidence, but a fact.

Zhang Liang solemnly reminded, "Tianming, the important thing is not whether you can escape safely, but that you cannot be directly exposed to the emperor's sight!"

Of course, it’s not just Luo Wang and the Shadow Guards who are waiting for them to show up at dawn.

Once Tianming shows up, he will inevitably attract the emperor's direct attention, and the concealment of the emperor by the Yin-Yang School and Luowang will be shattered.

What follows is countless troubles.

Although theoretically, the Mirage has already sailed, Ying Zheng's dream of immortality now only requires waiting patiently, and dawn is no longer important.

But that's theory.

What Ying Zheng will think and what he will do are all unknown, and the unknown is dangerous.

Tianming didn't quite understand, "Is there anything special about this?"

Wasn't he also being thought of by the emperor before? What was there to worry about?
"I won't lie to you." Zhang Liang replied with a smile, "If you don't believe me, you can go and ask Mr. Gai for confirmation."

"No, it's not that I don't believe it, I'm just confused." Tianming waved his hands quickly, "How about Third Master, can you explain it to me?"

"It's hard to explain... Anyway, you'd better be careful recently and don't be too conspicuous." Zhang Liang didn't explain the reason clearly to Tianming, but just reminded him again.

Tianming looked depressed, but he could only nod, "Okay, okay..."

"Then go." Zhang Liang smiled and waved to the two of them.

Tianming Shaoyu was confused and subconsciously followed his instructions and left.

Zhang Liang turned his head and took another look at Xiaoshengxianzhuang which was no longer visible on the mountain, then left quickly.

When Tianming Shaoyu reacted, they had already walked far away and Zhang Liang had disappeared. They had to give up the idea of ​​taking Zhang Liang with them.

Putting aside Zhang Liang's matter for the moment, Tianming pondered his reminder:

"Shao Yu, what do you think Third Master meant by that? Why should I bow my head and behave myself?"

Shao Yu shrugged, "Who knows? Anyway, I think you are an unlucky child. Any bad things may happen to you."

"Can you wish me well?"

"Then you should show some courage!"

(End of this chapter)