klisemfg Chapter 208 Eastern Tour - Debate (2)
Chapter 208 Eastern Tour - Debate (2)
Before Zhao Gao could finish his words, Li Si, who was standing steadily beside him, had already stepped out.
Li Si bowed respectfully, then raised his head slightly and spoke slowly, "Your Majesty, I believe that Imperial Household Officer Zhao is definitely not a narrow-minded person. In my opinion, there must be some misunderstanding between Minister Meng and Imperial Household Officer Zhao. This misunderstanding may only be temporary and is not unsolvable."
When Zhao Gao heard Li Si's words, he was immediately surprised and thought, "Has Li Si changed his ways? Is he even speaking for me?"
Zhao Gao then quickly echoed, "Your Majesty, Prime Minister Li is absolutely right. I am not a narrow-minded person."
Seeing this, Meng Yi sneered inwardly, thinking, "This Li Si truly lives up to being my uncle-master. He's taken sides perfectly. First, he decisively denied, then deftly affirmed. His combination of truth and falsehood is truly remarkable. He's well versed in the ways of the officialdom and knows how to exploit the interests of his own people at crucial moments. The political tactics of these powerful figures are truly exceptional."
The First Emperor above had always maintained a solemn and majestic expression.
However, after hearing Li Si's words, his expression gradually softened, and his eyes became more thoughtful. He narrowed his eyes slightly, as if weighing the deep meaning contained in Li Si's words.
Li Si then said solemnly, "I believe that Minister Meng's actions are truly far-sighted and well-intentioned for Your Majesty. They are intended to maintain the stability of the court and protect Your Majesty's country. Such achievements are indelible, and I hope Your Majesty will understand."
The First Emperor nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, "What Li Aiqing said is not without reason. I will consider it."
At this time, there was silence in the court, and all the ministers held their breath and concentrated.
After a brief pause, Li Si narrowed his eyes slightly, a glint flashing in them, and he slowly spoke again: "I have carefully considered that Minister Meng must be deeply worried about Zhao Ping's reckless and disrespectful behavior. If such behavior continues, it will inevitably bring great obstacles to Your Majesty's significant Eastern Tour. You must know that the primary purpose of Your Majesty's Eastern Tour is to appease the people and demonstrate the emperor's great grace.
Furthermore, I understand that the Xiang family members being apprehended by Zhao Ping are not merely ordinary, innocent people in Chu. As descendants of a prominent family once renowned in Chu, properly appeasing them would be of immeasurable benefit in pacifying the people of Chu."
At this moment, everyone turned their eyes to Li Si, marveling at the calmness and wisdom displayed in his words, as if he had already seen everything and grasped it just right.
With just a few words, Li Si was like a sharp sword, accurately piercing the core of the whole incident.
On the one hand, he clearly pointed out that arresting the Xiang clan in Chu was too rash an act. If this act was not restrained, it would inevitably cause many unnecessary troubles. At the same time, he was also secretly warning Zhao Gao.
On the other hand, he cleverly pointed out that what Meng Yi did was completely in line with the original intention of the First Emperor's eastern tour, and was the key to appeasing the people in the land of Chu. It was an extremely important task that could not be missed.
Zhao Gao listened quietly to Li Si's words. At first, he looked pensive, as if he was carefully savoring the profound meaning. But as the words continued to deepen, his expression gradually grew gloomy, and his heart was filled with mixed emotions.
When Li Si finished his last word, Zhao Gao suddenly realized as if he had been struck by lightning. He realized that Li Si was not simply speaking in defense of himself, but was criticizing him.
At this moment, the anger in Zhao Gao's heart was like a volcano about to erupt, surging up in an instant.
Zhao Gao was extremely anxious and said anxiously, "Your Majesty, I guarantee with my own head that these two people were the ones who bewitched Prince Fusu in Xianyang. They are from Chu and have ulterior motives."
There was a hint of urgency in Zhao Gao's voice, as if he was afraid of being interrupted.
At the same time, he stared at the emperor, hoping to get his support.
At this point, Meng Yi bowed and saluted, speaking righteously: "Zhao Taifu's words are absurd! Your Majesty has swept across the world, unified the eight wildernesses, and the people of the world live and work in peace and contentment, and the people's hearts are at peace. Wherever the sun and moon shine, all is China; wherever the rivers flow, all is Qin territory. Now this world belongs to the Great Qin, to Your Majesty. All the people under this world are the subjects of the Great Qin. How can there be any talk of the Chu people?"
The entire court was plunged into a tense atmosphere, with ministers whispering and discussing among themselves.
Some people expressed doubts about Zhao Gao's words, while others agreed with Meng Yi's point of view.
The First Emperor sat on the Dragon Throne, his expression serious and solemn. He glanced back and forth between Zhao Gao and Meng Yi, seemingly pondering how to make the right decision.
The First Emperor was silent for a moment, then slowly spoke: "My dear minister, you are absolutely right. Now that I have unified the world, there will no longer be any distinction between the people of Qin and Chu."
When Zhao Gao heard this, his face instantly became extremely ugly, his lips trembled slightly, and the blue veins on his forehead were faintly visible.
However, Zhao Gao quickly adjusted his mood, put on a flattering smile on his face, and said with his head down: "Your Majesty is wise! I was impulsive just now and talked nonsense. I hope Your Majesty will forgive me." There was a hint of flattery in his voice, but a hint of unwillingness in his eyes.
The First Emperor waved his hand, signaling Zhao Gao not to say more.
Then, the First Emperor glanced at Zhao Gao and Meng Yi and said in a serious tone, "You two are both loyal ministers and capable generals of the Qin Dynasty. You must not argue over this matter again in the future."
Afterwards, the First Emperor summarized the results of today's discussion and expressed his appreciation for the ministers' recent work.
The First Emperor emphasized: "My eastern tour is not for pleasure, but to better understand the sentiments of the people of the world. As the loyal ministers of the court, you should put the country first, work diligently, and live up to my expectations." His voice echoed in the hall, and every minister felt his majesty and determination.
All the ministers responded in unison, their voices uniform and loud, as if showing their loyalty and determination to the First Emperor.
Finally, the First Emperor announced the end of the court.
All the ministers in the conference hall shouted in unison, "Long live Your Majesty! Long live the Great Qin!" The entire hall was shrouded in this powerful momentum.