The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

Chapter 317 The grace of knowing someone

At the same time, in Xianyang City far away on the other side, a tense and depressing atmosphere enveloped the entire city like a thick dark cloud.

Since Yao Jia was demoted and Feng Qubing suddenly fell ill, the situation in the court suddenly became turbulent.

This series of events made the already chaotic political situation even more difficult to control.

However, Hu Hai completely ignored state affairs and spent all day indulging in the harem, indulging in sensual pleasures and forgetting all government affairs.

As a result, Zhao Gao gradually became the only one who held all the power in the court.

Deng Ying, a eunuch who had always been loyal to Hu Hai, became extremely anxious when he heard the bad news that Xianyang City was about to be surrounded by Meng Tian's army and the troops led by Xiang Liang, and hurriedly walked towards Changle Palace.

Along the way, Deng Ying walked hurriedly, wanting to get to Changle Palace where Hu Hai was as soon as possible to report the matter to the emperor.

At this moment, a young eunuch who was deeply trusted by Deng Ying came trotting over in a panic, and stopped only when he reached Deng Ying's side.

He looked around frantically, then lowered his voice and shouted anxiously, "Foster father, something terrible is happening!"

Deng Ying turned and glanced at the young eunuch. Seeing his disheveled appearance, he couldn't help but frown slightly, his face showing displeasure. He whispered and scolded, "Why are you so rash? What happened to make you so panicked?"

The young eunuch's face turned pale. He quickly lowered his head and reported anxiously in a trembling voice, "Foster father, Zhao Gao has issued an imperial decree demanding that troops from the nearby counties rush into Xianyang to reinforce the city. He has also appointed Zhao Ben as the commander of the Xianyang garrison! It's said that because of the enemy attack, they're consolidating their forces and implementing a strategy of fortifying the city and clearing the fields. They've vowed to defend Xianyang to the death!"

Hearing this, Deng Ying couldn't help but feel a shock in his heart, and a chill instantly rose from his spine.

He frowned, his eyes narrowed, and he pondered, "Although the imperial city is protected by the Imperial Guards, Zhao Gao currently has little power to interfere directly with them. However, the Imperial Guards' commander, Tu You, has been missing since he led his troops off to war. Who knows, Zhao Gao might resort to shady tactics and manipulation someday..."

Thinking of this, Deng Ying's expression became more solemn.

Deng Ying then suddenly raised his head, his gaze fixed on the young eunuch before him, and ordered, "Hurry! Quickly convey my orders to our men. Tell them to be extremely vigilant and keep a close eye on Zhao Gao's every move, as well as any disturbances or unusual circumstances within the royal city!"

The young eunuch nodded hurriedly in agreement, then turned around and hurried away to carry out the order.

Deng Ying took a deep breath, calmed himself down, then reached out to straighten his slightly messy clothes, then took big strides and hurriedly walked towards Changle Palace.

Along the way, Deng Ying saw that although the palace guards were still on guard, they looked rather distracted, obviously affected by the situation.

When he entered Changle Palace, Hu Hai was drinking and having fun with a beautiful woman in his arms.

Seeing this, Deng Ying felt sad, but still bowed respectfully.

Hu Hai slowly raised his eyes, saw it was him, and said with a smile: "Mr. Deng, what brings you here today?"

Deng Ying walked up to Hu Hai, his steps heavy. He lowered his voice and said, "Your Majesty, Zhao Gao has already sent troops into the city. I'm afraid he has ulterior motives. The court is unstable, and foreign enemies are approaching. I beg Your Majesty to rally your forces and reclaim power."

A glimmer of clarity flashed through Hu Hai's cloudy eyes, but he immediately waved his hand nonchalantly and said, "Zhao Gao is loyal to me, so there's no need to be suspicious."

Deng Ying remonstrated, knocking his forehead against the ground with a thud. "Your Majesty, Your Majesty, do not be deceived by appearances. Zhao Gao is extremely ambitious, and we are now facing internal and external troubles. If you do not act now, the Qin Empire will be in danger."

After hearing this, Hu Hai put down the wine glass in his hand, and the glass hit the table with a crisp sound.

He waved his hand, and the concubines and maids in the hall quickly retreated like frightened birds.

Hu Hai looked at Deng Ying, his eyes revealing a hint of helplessness and fatigue. He sighed and said, "Deng Ying, do you think I'm really confused? Your so-called Great Qin Empire only has Xianyang left. What's there to worry about? Now I am still the emperor in Xianyang City. I can enjoy every day I can."

Then, Hu Hai laughed heartily, his laughter echoing through the empty hall, sounding particularly harsh. "Although I haven't been emperor for many years, at least I've been emperor. Call me tyrannical or incompetent, but I've slept with beautiful women and held power. What does the fate of the country and its people have to do with me?"

Deng Ying widened his eyes and looked at Hu Hai in disbelief. His lips trembled slightly. He wanted to say something but no sound came out.

"Your Majesty, in this case... I... I am willing to die with Your Majesty!" Deng Ying's trembling voice was accompanied by sobs, and tears flowed freely down his cheeks.

Hu Hai turned his head slightly and his gaze fell on Deng Ying, with an unconcealable hint of emotion flashing across his eyes.

But in an instant, it was replaced by a burst of laughter. "Hahahahahaha... Deng Ying, Deng Ying, why are you doing this? Things in this world are full of variables and impermanence. I am tired of wasting my time and energy dealing with all the disturbances."

Deng Ying remained prostrated on the ground, his body trembling slightly with excitement. He raised his head, staring intently at Hu Hai with tearful eyes, and said, "Your Majesty, I, an eunuch, owe this opportunity to enjoy such unparalleled honor thanks to your grace. Without your kindness, I would have long ago died of old age in the deep palace, unnoticed. Therefore, even if there is a bottomless abyss ahead, as long as Your Majesty gives the order, I, an eunuch, will not retreat a single step!"

After hearing this, Hu Hai remained silent for a long time, and the entire hall fell into a suffocating silence.

After a long time, he slowly stood up and walked to the window with heavy steps.

Outside the window, the magnificent palaces and pavilions rise and fall, shining brightly under the sunlight.

However, at this moment, these buildings that once symbolized supreme power and majesty seemed so strange and distant in Hu Hai's eyes.

"Deng Ying, do you know why I have become what I am now? I grew up in the palace and have seen too many intrigues and deceptions. I once saw how proud and ambitious my father was when he unified the world. But my father only had Fusu in his heart, my elder brother. With the eldest prince in front of him, how could a bastard like me hold such a high position? That's why I refuse to accept it! I want to climb up. When I first ascended the throne, I also thought about being a wise ruler, but what happened? It seems that the Qin Dynasty can never be righted."

Deng Ying listened to Hu Hai's confession with mixed emotions. He knew Hu Hai's inner reluctance and helplessness, but he still tried to awaken the monarch's last sense of responsibility.

Hu Hai turned around and looked at Deng Ying with complicated eyes.

"Deng Ying, you are too naive." Hu Hai's voice was low and full of powerlessness. "Meng Tian's army and Xiang Liang's coalition forces are aggressive. Xianyang City is already in danger. Moreover, the people in the court are in panic. I am powerless to reverse the situation."

Deng Ying knew in his heart that what Hu Hai said was true, but he was still unwilling to give up. He said, "Your Majesty, I know the current situation is serious, but we cannot sit idly by. Perhaps we can find a way to mobilize more troops and strengthen the city defenses..."

Hu Hai interrupted Deng Ying, a look of despair flashing in his eyes: "It's too late, Deng Ying. Back off! I'm tired."