The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

Chapter 233: The Imperial Decree

The next morning, the sun shone on the majestic city of Xianyang.

At this time, Zhangtai Palace looked even more magnificent and majestic.

Just because the so-called edict of the First Emperor would be announced today, under the instructions of Feng Quji and Zhao Gao, the imperial physician Tu You personally dispatched and arranged a royal guard.

These soldiers were all wearing heavy iron armor, and the armor flashed a chilling cold light in the sunlight.

The long spears held tightly in his hands stood straight like a forest of steel, arranged in an orderly manner. The awe-inspiring momentum seemed to show the world the supreme majesty of imperial power.

As time passed, civil and military officials began to file in one after another and slowly walked into this hall that symbolized the center of power.

Everyone had a serious look on their face, as if they were deeply depressed by the solemn atmosphere around them.

When everyone entered the hall, they could see the right prime minister Feng Quji standing steadily at the head of the ministers.

Behind him were the Imperial Censor Yao Jia, the Internal Affairs Minister Gan Luo, the Grand Coachman Zhao Gao and others.

These ministers were all well-dressed and looked solemn.

At the same time, a group of military generals stood on the other side of the hall, including General Yang Duanhe, General Feng Jie, and others.

However, the expressions of these people were different.

Some people have calm expressions, like a calm deep pool; some people have frowned, revealing a hint of worry; and some people have a slightly raised corner of their mouth, inadvertently revealing a hint of imperceptible cunning.

At this moment, Zhao Gao's narrow eyes were fixed on the dragon throne above the hall, and his gaze was as hot as a burning flame.

After a while, the dragon throne in the hall was still empty, and the figure of the First Emperor was nowhere to be seen.

Except for Feng Quji, Zhao Gao and Feng Jie, who looked normal, the rest of the ministers began to whisper and discuss among themselves.

"Why hasn't Your Majesty come yet? Has something happened?"

"I don't know. This is a grand court. Your Majesty has never been late."

The ministers' discussions grew louder and louder, and the entire hall was plunged into noise.

Zhao Gao frowned and coughed lightly, trying to quiet the ministers. However, his efforts were ineffective, and the ministers' discussions became louder and louder.

At this moment, Feng Quji suddenly stood up and shouted, "Silence! His Majesty hasn't arrived yet, how can you make such a noise?"

Feng Quji glanced at the ministers, his eyes revealing a chilling majesty.

The ministers were overwhelmed by Feng Quji's aura and immediately quieted down. However, their hearts were still filled with doubts and uneasiness.

At this moment, Yu Heng walked out from the side of the hall with his head lowered and his steps heavy. His figure seemed a little lonely in the shadow of the hall, as if he was carrying a heavy burden.

Arriving at the main hall, Yu Heng took a deep breath as if relieved, then carefully and slowly opened the imperial edict, reading in a voice as resonant as a bell: "The Emperor of Great Qin decrees: During my eastern tour, I was plagued by illness. Now my body is ill and I need to rest for a few days. However, the country cannot be without a ruler for a single day. Chang'an Jun Hu Hai is a man of pure filial piety, wit and intelligence, and he has won my heart. I hereby appoint Hu Hai as the crown prince of Great Qin. I decree this."

As soon as the words fell, the hall exploded in uproar.

The expressions of the ministers were as varied as the colors on a palette. Some looked as calm as the surface of a lake, as if they had already anticipated this outcome.

Some had expressions of disbelief written all over their faces, their eyes wide as big as copper bells, staring at Yu Heng in disbelief;

Others remained calm and composed, seemingly unsurprised by all this;

What's worse, some are filled with righteous indignation and have an indignant look on their faces.

Yu Heng paused briefly, then took out another edict and read it aloud again: "The Emperor of Great Qin decrees: Right Prime Minister Feng Quji is appointed as the Prince's Grand Tutor, assisting Crown Prince Hu Hai; Imperial Censor Yao Jia is appointed as the Prince's Junior Tutor, concurrently serving as Left Prime Minister; Imperial Coachman Zhao Gao is appointed as the Prince's Junior Tutor, concurrently serving as the Imperial Censor; Feng Jie is appointed as the Prince's Junior Protector, concurrently serving as the Commander of the Duwei Army. Yang Duanhe is promoted to the rank of Grand Marshal and given the additional title of Grand Protector of the Crown Prince. Feng Quji, Yao Jia, and Zhao Gao are also promoted as Regents. I decree this."

As the ministers were savoring the Emperor's edict.

Yu Heng swept his gaze over the crowd, then pulled out another imperial edict and said in a deep voice, "The Emperor of Great Qin decrees: Left Prime Minister Li Si has disobeyed the imperial will and is demoted to a commoner. Chief Censor Meng Yi and Commander of the Imperial Guard Li Ze have disobeyed the imperial order and are fleeing for fear of punishment. An order is now issued throughout the country to apprehend them."

At this moment, the atmosphere in the hall suddenly became tense, and everyone was whispering and talking.

Some ministers could not help but ask, "Lord Yu, what exactly is going on? Why would Prime Minister Li Si disobey the imperial order?"

Yu Heng replied expressionlessly, "Your Majesty's order, we, your subjects, shall obey. As for the reasons behind this, I'm sure Your Majesty has his own considerations."

Another minister said excitedly, "But Prime Minister Li Si has always been your Majesty's most capable and loyal minister. How could he do such a thing? Is this edict from your Majesty, Lord Yu?"

After a moment of silence, Yu Heng rebuked, "I have served Your Majesty for decades and am loyal to Him. Are you questioning me, Lord Zhang?"

Feng Quji turned around, glanced at the ministers, and then said, "This matter has been decided. There is no need to discuss it further. Your Majesty's decree, we must resolutely carry it out."

After saying this, Yu Heng put away the imperial edict, turned around and left the hall.

After Yu Heng left, the hall was in an uproar.

The ministers were filled with doubts and anxieties. The once stable court structure had undergone such a huge change, like a huge rock being thrown into a calm lake.

However, one has to believe Yu Heng's words. After all, Yu Heng has been in the palace for more than 20 years and is deeply favored by the late emperor and the current emperor.

Seeing this, Zhao Gao shouted, "Don't panic, everyone. Your Majesty is wise and this move must have a profound meaning."

However, his words did not calm the crowd.

At this moment, Xin Qiliu in the corner slowly stood up, straightened his body, and said in a loud voice: "I think there must be something fishy about this matter. Prime Minister Li is upright, Chief Censor Meng Yi has made many outstanding achievements, and Commander of the Imperial Guard Li Ze is even more loyal. How could they disobey the imperial order for no reason? I'm afraid there is someone behind the scenes plotting against them." His words were like a thunderclap, stirring up waves in everyone's hearts.

Everyone began to whisper and speculate privately. Some frowned and whispered, some looked puzzled, as if they were thinking about something, and some were worried about how the situation would develop.

Zhao Gao waved his hand, and Tu You led a team of guards and rushed in aggressively.

They were clad in heavy armor, holding sharp blades, with cold eyes, giving people an invisible sense of oppression.

Xin Qiliu's expression changed slightly, but he did not retreat. Instead, he said in a deep voice, "What do you mean, Master Zhao?"

Zhao Gao laughed a sinister laugh that chilled everyone's blood. He looked at Xin Qiliu coldly and said, "I am serving as the Regent by order of the Emperor. If you disobey the Emperor's order, you will be charged with treason. Don't blame me for being merciless."

His words were like ice, instantly chilling the atmosphere in the hall to a freezing point. Everyone held their breath, not daring to make a sound for fear of angering Zhao Gao.

Zhao Gao snorted coldly and said loudly, "Your Highness, please come in."

His voice echoed in the hall...