The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

Chapter 232: Xianyang Conspiracy (2)

When the Eastern Tour convoy slowly drove into Xianyang City, the entire capital was immersed in a solemn and tense atmosphere.

Feng Jie led his men to quickly take over the task of guarding Xianyang City.

The civil and military officials who returned with the emperor on his eastern tour were placed under strict surveillance.

However, Li Si and his son were secretly escorted to a dark and damp cell.

A disgusting musty smell emanated from the cell, and water droplets seeped out of the walls, dripping onto the cold ground with a crisp sound.

On this night, a cold moon hung high in the sky, and the pale moonlight shone through the clouds onto the Guanzhong land.

During this quiet moment, Zhao Gao secretly summoned the right prime minister Feng Quji, Feng Jie and Hu Hai, and gathered them in a side hall deep in the palace.

The air in the secret room seemed to freeze, filled with a suffocating atmosphere of tension.

Feng Quji sat upright in the first seat, his face solemn and his brows furrowed.

Zhao Gao sat on the second seat, his narrow eyes flashing with cunning and sinister light, like a poisonous snake in the dark, ready to launch a fatal blow at any time.

"Your Majesty is in poor health and his life is hanging by a thread, which will surely shock the whole world. Fusu is now supervising the army in southern Xinjiang and has a large number of troops under his command. If he learns of Your Majesty's death, he will definitely rush back to Xianyang to fight for the throne. We must act first and falsely pass on the imperial decree to execute Fusu to prevent future troubles." Zhao Gao said in a deep voice.

Feng Quji's face showed hesitation, his brows furrowed tightly, his heart full of contradictions. He knew Fusu's kindness and ability well, and he had doubts about Zhao Gao's proposal.

"Lord Zhao, is this matter too hasty? Prince Fusu has always been popular among the people. Will we arouse public anger by doing this?" Feng Quji tried to persuade Zhao Gao.

Zhao Gao's expression darkened, but he softened and said softly, "Lord Feng, have you forgotten our purpose? Once Fusu ascends the throne, our position will be threatened. This is a critical moment, and we cannot afford the slightest hesitation."

Feng Jie echoed, "Father, Lord Zhao is absolutely right. We must consider our own future and not let Fusu become a stumbling block."

Hu Hai seemed a little excited and nervous, his eyes flashing with greed. He was eager for the throne, but also worried that his plan would be exposed.

"Teacher, I will definitely follow your arrangements." There was a hint of urgency in Hu Hai's voice.

Zhao Gao saw what he was thinking and said to him, "Don't worry, sir. As long as we plan carefully, we will succeed."

Zhao Gao pulled out an imperial edict from his pocket as if by magic. The words on it were like the tongue of a venomous snake, twisting and turning, and it contained the order to execute Fusu. He carefully picked up the jade seal and affixed it to the edict with the seal of the First Emperor.

Then, he handed the imperial edict to Feng Quji and said flatteringly, "Prime Minister Feng, you are highly respected. Please arrange for someone to send this edict, which concerns life and death, to southern Xinjiang and hand it to Fusu."

Feng Quji gripped the imperial edict tightly, his hand trembling slightly like a candle in the wind. He knew that Zhao Gao's move was simply to make him accept this fatal pledge of allegiance, but this edict was like a book of life and death; once sent out, it was like spilled water, irrevocable.

When he thought of the glory and continuation of his family, Feng Quji's eyes became like a burning flame, firm and fiery.

Zhao Gao flattered Hu Hai again, saying, "My lord, you must make every possible preparation for your ascension to the throne. As soon as Fusu dies and His Majesty passes away, we will immediately announce it to the world, read His Majesty's will, and enthrone you as emperor."

Hu Hai nodded hurriedly, his eyes flashing with excitement, as if he had already seen himself ascending to the supreme throne, his heart filled with endless anticipation.

At this moment, Zhao Gao was secretly delighted in his heart, like a cunning fox. He knew that his plan was about to succeed and he was one step closer to the supreme power.

In the secret room, the figures of several people appeared particularly eerie and terrifying under the dim candlelight, as if they were a group of evil spirits crawling out of hell.

A thrilling conspiracy is about to sweep in like a storm...

Zhao Gao hurried towards the side hall. This side hall was usually deserted, but now Yu Heng was imprisoned there.

When Zhao Gao arrived at the door of the side hall, the guards in charge immediately came forward respectfully and quickly opened the door.

Zhao Gao nodded slightly, then strode into the hall with a few of his trusted aides.

When they entered the hall, they saw Yu Heng imprisoned there. His hands and feet were shackled with heavy irons, and his movements were greatly restricted.

At this moment, Yu Heng looked extremely tired, and his face became thin and haggard due to long-term imprisonment. His eyes, which were originally bright and lively, were tightly closed, as if he had lost interest in everything around him.

Yu Heng, who was once full of vigor and vitality, has now long lost his former charm.

Zhao Gao saw this and a hint of pride appeared on his face. He raised his voice and shouted loudly: "Master Yu~Master Yu~"

However, in the face of Zhao Gao's shouts, Yu Heng remained unmoved and still closed his eyes, as if he didn't want to pay any attention to the successful villain in front of him.

Seeing this, Zhao Gao sneered in his heart, thinking that Yu Heng really didn't know what was good for him.

So, he spoke again, "It seems that Lord Yu wants to play dumb with me! In that case, I might as well tell you an interesting story."

Zhao Gao cleared his throat and continued, "Twenty-five years ago, a group of servants arrived from the State of Chu, many of them with families. However, as the Qin and Chu states continued to clash, these servants suffered inhumane treatment, some perished, and many were sent to serve as eunuchs in the palace. One of them was favored by the late Emperor Zhuangxiang and served by his side, earning him deep trust. Following the late Emperor's passing, this eunuch served the current Majesty. However, this eunuch had a daughter. When her daughter grew up, her mother died of illness. Coincidentally, the State of Chu was destroyed by the Qin State, and the daughter came to the Qin Palace as a servant. By chance, the eunuch recognized his daughter, but did not acknowledge her, only secretly caring for her."

Zhao Gao paused, then smirked, "Lord Yu, my story is over. I'd like to ask for a favor, Lord Yu. Otherwise... hehe, the life of the girl in this story is in danger!"

Yu Heng suddenly opened his eyes and stared at Zhao Gao fiercely, his eyes burning with anger. He gritted his teeth and said, "Zhao Gao, you despicable villain! How dare you threaten me with this method!"

Zhao Gao, however, was unconcerned. He sneered, "Sir Yu, please don't refuse a toast. As long as you agree to my request, I can guarantee the girl's safety."

Yu Heng clenched his hands into fists, his body trembling slightly with anger.

He took a deep breath, tried to calm himself down, and then said, "Zhao Gao, what do you want?"

Zhao Gao leaned closer to Yu Heng and said in a low voice, "Sir Yu, if you cooperate with me in reading the emperor's edict in the court tomorrow, I will release the girl."

Yu Heng's eyes grew firm, and he answered without hesitation, "Don't even think about it, you traitor!"

Zhao Gao's face darkened. He threatened, "Yu Heng, please don't push me. If you don't cooperate, I don't know what will happen to that girl."

Yu Heng glared at Zhao Gao, his voice filled with anger: "Zhao Gao, you villain! You despicable villain, you will pay the price for what you have done!"