The Myth of Daqin: The Soul of Yi Xiaochuan

Chapter 325: Taking Control of Xianyang (2)

And on the other side.

As the night deepened, the moon had climbed up onto the branches of the trees, and the watery moonlight sprinkled on the courtyard of the Meng Mansion, making it seem particularly peaceful.

In the Meng Mansion, Meng Tian and Meng Yi sat opposite each other. The candlelight in the room flickered, illuminating their worried faces.

Meng Yi looked at Meng Tian, ​​his eyes full of concern, and said softly, "Brother, although the army has entered Xianyang, the situation is unclear. I'm afraid there will be a battle in the court tomorrow."

Meng Tian nodded, his brow furrowed as he spoke thoughtfully, "Yes! We finally put down the rebellion, but now the Qin Empire is in ruins and in need of reconstruction. We can't afford any more trouble."

Then, Meng Tian looked at Meng Yi and asked, "What do you think?"

Meng Yi stood up, bowed to Meng Tian, ​​and then slowly said, "Brother, please listen to what I have to say next."

Meng Tian nodded slightly, signaling Meng Yi to continue.

Meng Yi took a deep breath and said sincerely: "Brother, military power cannot be lost!"

Meng Tian was stunned when he heard this, and then he heard Meng Yi continue, "It's not that we are greedy for power. Firstly, the war has just subsided, and the remaining forces are still dormant. All parties in the court are ready to take action. Only with military power can we ensure the stability of the court."

After hearing this, Meng Tian nodded, as if thinking about something.

Seeing this, Meng Yi continued, "Secondly, your appointment to command the military was the will of the late emperor. This is the late emperor entrusting the Qin Empire to you, and it also reflects his trust in you."

Meng Tian pondered for a moment and then spoke slowly, "You are right, but now that Prince Fusu has ascended the throne, if I hold on to military power, it might arouse his suspicion."

Meng Yi stepped forward and said with a firm expression, "Brother, Young Master Fusu is wise and intelligent, and will surely understand our concern for the well-being of the Qin State. Furthermore, we hold military power to better assist him and stabilize this turbulent situation."

Meng Tian stood up and paced around the room, his steps seemed a little heavy.

Finally, Meng Tian stopped, looked at Meng Yi with a firm gaze, and said, "Okay, I'll do as you say. I will make my position clear in the court tomorrow."

At the same time, in another mansion in Xianyang City

The study was silent, with only the oil lamp burning quietly on the desk, emitting a faint light.

Li Ze stared at the oil lamp, as if he could see his deceased father through it.

"Father, you devoted your life to the Qin Empire, yet were murdered by treacherous men. Now, it is time for me to avenge you."

Li Ze swore secretly in his heart, his fists clenched unconsciously, and his nails dug deeply into his palms.

The next morning, sunlight shone through the windows onto the main hall of Zhangtai Palace, adding a touch of solemnity to this magnificent palace.

Fusu led the civil and military officials to stand in the hall with their heads bowed.

Above the hall, Li Ze and Meng Tian were standing there, holding the Emperor Qin Shi Huang's last will in their hands.

In order to ensure the legitimacy and orthodox status of Fusu's succession, Meng Tian and Li Ze specially read out the First Emperor's will respectively.

Li Ze took a deep breath, then slowly unfolded the imperial edict in his hand and read aloud: "The First Emperor of the Great Qin Dynasty decrees: Fusu is appointed as the crown prince of the Great Qin Dynasty. If I fail, he can succeed me. Meng Tian is appointed as the national commander, in charge of military power. Feng Quji and Li Si will remain as prime ministers. I decree this."

After reading it, Li Ze turned the edict over and held it high to show everyone present.

The edict shone with golden light in the sunlight, as if carrying the remaining power of the First Emperor.

At this time, Fusu heard the edict again, and hurriedly knelt down and kowtowed, his forehead pressed against the ground, tears flashing in his eyes.

Upon seeing this, the ministers in the hall also knelt down to receive the order, shouting: "The late emperor is wise!"

Then, Meng Tian opened his brocade robe and said in a loud voice: "The last will and testament of the First Emperor of Qin: From this day forward, my son Fusu will inherit the throne."

Although it was not the first time that Fusu heard the Emperor's last will, he still felt sad when he heard it.

He recalled every little detail of his time with his father, and his father's expectations and teachings for him.

Fusu kowtowed again, his voice choked with sobs: "I will live up to my father's expectations and revive the Qin Dynasty!"

The ministers followed suit and shouted again: "The late emperor is wise and wise!"

Wait until the will is read.

Fusu slowly walked towards the top of the hall.

At this time, as one of the few remaining veteran ministers in the court, Xin Sheng hurried forward, bowed and said, "My lord, the country cannot be without a ruler for a day. Since the late emperor has left a will, my lord, you should choose a day to ascend the throne!"

Upon hearing this, the ministers also bowed and advised: "We hope that the prince will inherit the throne as soon as possible to reassure the people of the world."

Fusu raised his hand slightly, signaling everyone to be quiet.

He looked around at the ministers in the hall and said solemnly, "I appreciate your kindness, my dear ministers. However, the Great Qin is just beginning to be established, and much remains to be done. I must first deal with many matters. Once everything is in place, I will proceed with the enthronement ceremony."

At this time, Meng Tian stepped out and bowed, saying, "It is the people's wish that you, my lord, inherit the throne at an early date. I hope you will not refuse."

Upon hearing this, all the ministers echoed, "General, what you said is absolutely right. I hope you will not refuse."

The voices of the crowd rose one after another, full of anticipation.

Seeing this, Fusu frowned slightly, and after a moment of silence, he said, "Since that's the case, I won't refuse anymore."

Then, Fusu looked at Xin Sheng and said slowly, "Sir Xin, please preside over the coronation ceremony."

Xin Sheng quickly stepped out of the group and knelt down to receive the order: "I obey your command!"

Fusu looked at Xin Sheng with a serious face and solemnly warned him again: "Master Xin, the country has just experienced a huge turmoil and there is a lot of work to be done. We must tighten our belts and live a frugal life. There must be absolutely no extravagance or waste!"

Xin Sheng quickly bowed again and replied respectfully, "I understand. I will follow your instructions!"

The surrounding officials, upon seeing this, followed suit and saluted, shouting in unison, "My Lord, be merciful!"

Fusu's eyes slowly swept over the crowd, and then he slowly said: "Now, the most urgent task is to properly resettle the people so that they can live and work in peace, and at the same time restore the normal operation of the court as soon as possible."

Fusu then announced without hesitation: "In the name of the crown prince, I order Xin Sheng to temporarily serve as the Left Prime Minister and focus on restoring people's livelihood; Meng Tian will serve as the Grand Marshal, responsible for military affairs and eliminating those roaming bandits."

After hearing the order, Meng Tian and Xin Sheng immediately stepped out of the ranks and knelt down to receive the order: "Your humble servants obey!"

At this time, Chunyu Yue said, "Sir, the court is newly established and lacks officials. You can summon a group of Confucian scholars to temporarily assist Lord Xin."

Fusu was just about to agree.

Meng Yi stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Sir, the officers in the army, General Xiao He and Minister of Works Lü Shi, have extensive experience in government affairs and are well-versed in matters of finance and grain. They will certainly be able to assist Lord Xin."

Upon hearing this, Fusu said, "The court is extremely short of officials. Xiao He, Lü Shi and others, as well as the Confucian scholars, will be assigned to you, Lord Xin."

After Xin Sheng received the order, he was secretly delighted. Being able to serve concurrently as the Left Prime Minister would greatly increase his power.

But he also knew that the responsibility was heavy and he dared not slack off in the slightest. He quickly gathered everyone and began to prepare for various matters in an intensive manner.

First, he ordered to stabilize prices to prevent unscrupulous businessmen from taking advantage of the opportunity to raise prices, so that people could afford daily necessities.

At the same time, the granaries were opened and grain was released to help the poor people so that they would not starve or freeze.

In addition, Xin Sheng also posted many notices to explain the policies and determination of the new Qin Dynasty to the people and to calm their emotions.

On the other hand, Meng Tian began to reorganize the army with great vigor and determination.

Meng Yi led his men to eliminate the remnants of Zhao Gao in Xianyang City to ensure the purity and loyalty of the army.