Chapter 2, The Burning of Books and the Burying of Scholars

Li Si stood still and looked closely at Fu Su. Seeing Li Si's gaze, Fu Su smiled back in a friendly manner. Li Si, with his slightly hoarse voice, said to Fu Su: "Young Master Wang, you strictly investigate wrongdoers according to the law. Li Si takes his leave"

That is the place where Qin Shi Huang conducted his governance. Fortunately, today is not the time for the morning court. Otherwise, Fusu would have to attend the morning court, waking up at an early hour. Compared to the later practice of nine-to-five work, it is indeed a world apart.

Fusu immediately replied: "Naturally, it is how we cooperate in the investigation"

"Very well. Summon the Grand Inspector Feng Jiao to thoroughly investigate this matter. Anyone involved shall be severely punished without exception. Additionally, Prince Fusu will assist from the side." After speaking, the First Emperor cast a meaningful glance at Fusu and turned to leave. Li Si and Meng Yi helped Fusu to his feet, and after a round of formalities, they left Fusu in a state of confusion.

Upon returning to his residence, Fusu still felt a bit dazed. The events that had just transpired were truly beyond his imagination. Although he had already guessed what might happen, the sudden impact of the situation left him somewhat bewildered. Perhaps it was the manifestation of his predecessor's character, but the gravity of a matter involving the lives of hundreds of thousands filled Fusu with anxiety. Yet, amidst this fear, a wild desire for power and control burned within his veins.

Fu Su felt a chill in his heart. Suddenly, he recalled that historically, after the incident of the burning of books and burying of scholars, two individuals who were guilty of heinous crimes were never apprehended. Although Lu Sheng and Hou Sheng appeared to have committed unforgivable offenses against the emperor, they had never returned to face justice since their escape. Could there be some hidden circumstances behind this?

Please." Fusu felt a slight stir in his heart and slowed his pace. He then smiled gently and walked forward with large strides

Upon thinking of this, Fusu slightly shook his head and said, "I do not know. I would appreciate it if the general could teach me."

On one side is Feng Jie, who resembles a frail scholar. Although Feng Jie appears weak and has a long beard that adds a touch of elegance to his demeanor, those who are familiar with his methods know that beneath this delicate exterior lies a heart of iron and blood. Furthermore, his impartial approach to matters has earned him considerable praise in the court. The First Emperor relies on him as a trusted arm.

An hour later, the three individuals arrived at the palace of Xianyang

Fang looked at some details, and Fu Su's expression began to grow serious. In the end, however, Fu Su's demeanor became calm. Although Fu Su had the significant advantage of being a time traveler, knowing the outcome and somewhat understanding the process, the erosion over two thousand years revealed terrifying secrets. Fu Su had no idea that, after viewing these, he subtly began to comprehend much more.

This is also an opportunity for Fusu to begin making his presence known in military and state affairs. Fusu must take action, and it is imperative that he does so flawlessly

In Meng Yi's study, two individuals sat facing each other. Meng Yi dismissed the servant and looked directly at Fu Su.

The gnomon of the outdoor sundial quietly moved to the center, marking the beginning of noon

Soon, a young man emerged, approximately eighteen or nineteen years old. He was composed and measured, resembling Feng Jie to about seventy percent, and approached to pay his respects: "My father has sent me to welcome you, young master. Please come inside." This man was Feng Jie’s eldest son, Feng Cheng

"You are too courteous, my lord. In the State of Qin, we value law and do not indulge in superfluous formalities". Feng Quji appeared to be in his fifties. His hair was streaked with gray, yet he did not seem old, exuding a vigorous energy

Turning his thoughts, Fusu realized that in this world, there were only a handful of people who understood the mind of the First Emperor. Meng Yi would undoubtedly rank among the top three, and Li Si... At this point, Fusu felt a surge of resentment in his heart. Historically, Fusu's exile from Xianyang was perhaps not without his own share of "merit". Without uttering a word, he nearly plunged himself into the abyss. The means employed were truly chilling.

Emperor Qin Shi Huang's desire for immortality is well known to the world. Fusu was naturally aware of this, but at that moment, he saw how Hou Sheng and Lu Sheng deceived the Emperor, completely overlooking the fact that the Emperor had never relinquished his yearning for eternal life. At that time, there was also a great charlatan named Xu Fu, who continued to enjoy the Emperor's favor even during Qin Shi Huang's tour of the Langya region in Shandong, even encouraging the Emperor to fish in the East Sea and hunt whales.

He said that https://m.hetushu.com.com would lead people to the temporary office where Fusu was located. It was a small room, not very large, but still relatively spacious.

Fusu stepped forward to pay his respects: "Fusu pays his respects to you, Chancellor Feng, and to you, Inspector Feng"

However, it is undeniable that this is an opportunity. The Confucian scholars are not to be relied upon; this is a lesson learned from the bloodshed of various nations. The governance principles of Confucianism are not applicable during this period. What Fusu needs is their support regarding the legitimacy of the succession of the imperial authority, rather than a genuine desire to involve them in the alteration and implementation of imperial policies. Nevertheless, it cannot be denied that there are outstanding talents among the scholars.

Alternatively, if Fusu gently flapped his little wings, history would have slightly deviated from its original trajectory. This made Fusu feel a subtle sense of joy, for he was aware of his ultimate fate—being forced to death by Hu Hai in the army. His demotion to the military supervisor of Shangjun was due to angering the First Emperor during the Confucian massacre incident

Both sides settled down, and Fu Su, as a junior, first inquired: "Having received the Emperor's great favor, I was instructed yesterday to assist the Censor in an investigation. Today, Fu Su has come to seek clarification from the Censor."

Casting aside those distractions, I began to immerse myself in reading the Qin small seal script. Fortunately, it was infused with Fusu's memories; otherwise, even if my past self were exceptionally skilled, it would have been impossible to study this script. Not to mention writing it, with Fusu's memories, it naturally became a piece of cake.

Meng Yi reached out and took a wine cup. He dipped his index finger in water and wrote two characters on the table, then fell silent

"Hurry and announce, Young Master Fusu has come to visit." Li was the first to get out of the carriage and called out to the gatekeeper. The gatekeeper was startled and hurried inside to relay the message. The title 'Young Master' is not something that can be used by just anyone; in later times, even the son of a landlord could be called 'Young Master.' In this era, only members of the royal family could use this title. Moreover, Fusu, who has the most legitimate claim to the throne, is even more deserving of this title. How could the gatekeeper not be astonished? In this era, only members of the royal family could use this title. Moreover, Fusu, who has the most legitimate claim to the throne, is even more deserving of this title. How could the gatekeeper not be astonished?

Fusu entered the residence. Indeed, he saw Feng Jie and Feng Quji. Feng Jie held the position of Grand Inspector, enjoying a high and powerful status. As for Feng Quji, Feng Jie's father, he served as the Right Chancellor, holding a position second only to Li Si among all officials

Feng Jie and Feng Quji exchanged glances without speaking. Feng Jie said, "Today, His Majesty has already instructed the eunuchs to deliver the imperial edict to me."

The silence of the First Emperor left Fusu feeling anxious and uneasy. Fusu suddenly recalled his own performance in this historical context. According to the original historical trajectory, after the events unfolded, the First Emperor's eldest son, Fusu, advised: "The world is initially settled, the distant common people have not yet gathered, all scholars recite the teachings of Confucius, and the current ruler emphasizes the law strictly. I fear that the world will be unstable; only the Emperor should be vigilant about this." In other words, Fusu was originally a latecomer, a figure who appeared only after the events had transpired. Now, however, he was summoned by the First Emperor to participate in discussions and be evaluated. This truly perplexed Fusu, leading him to ponder whether the historical records were accurate or if history itself unfolded in this manner.

A door with two Takeda, possessing sufficient energy to allow Fusu to maintain a low profile within the residence. After entering the residence, Fusu discreetly surveyed the Feng residence from the corner of his eye.

Bypassing a large set of steps in the center, Feng Quji led the way, with Fu Su and Feng Jie slightly trailing half a step behind him. Along the way, the palace guards were visible, their imposing figures exuding a fierce presence, and Fu Su could faintly detect the scent of blood in the air, which made him sigh inwardly.

Indeed, Emperor Qin glanced at Fusu with a hint of approval, thinking to himself that his eldest son had finally hardened his heart.

Meng Yi: "This matter originated from the two individuals, Lu Sheng and Hou Sheng. These two treacherous men have spread falsehoods to confuse the public, causing the common people and scholars to voice their grievances. The scholars, not understanding the truth, have indiscriminately raised their voices in anger. Do you know where the crux of the issue lies, my lord?"

Fusu patted his forehead, feeling a sense of relief in his heart.

I am unworthy of such great courtesy, my lord. This matter has sparked much discussion in the court and should be swiftly resolved. The Grand Inspector Feng Jie handles affairs with fairness and impartiality. There is no need for you to worry, my lord

As Fusu turned to look at Feng Jie, he found Feng Jie not raising his head, handling official business while saying: "Since the young master is assisting in the investigation, you might want to take a look at these documents. At a quarter past noon, the public examination of the doctoral candidates will take place."

On this day, talented individuals gathered in Xianyang, providing Fusu with the opportunity to expand his power in this event. He recommended the virtuous and capable, allowing them to participate in the court and influence the situation

Fusu also looked at Meng Yi and said: "Yesterday, Father Emperor ordered me to assist in investigating such a major case. Fusu felt anxious and completely at a loss. I hope General can guide me."

It is easy to say, but Yi does not dare to hide anything. As he spoke, Meng Yi slightly stepped back, allowing Fu Su to take half a step forward

Indeed, after bidding farewell to Feng Quji, Feng Jie had just taken a seat, and Fu Su's bottom had barely warmed the chair when a minor official brought a stack of documents to the small desk where Fu Su was seated. The term 'brought' is quite appropriate, as paper had not yet become widespread; Cai Lun's ancestor was still unknown to be farming somewhere. Therefore, written records were naturally on bamboo slips, with even a brief hundred characters taking up an entire scroll. Moreover, for such major cases, there were testimonies from various parties, confessions, and records of criminal charges and lawsuits. This meant that written records were naturally on bamboo slips, with even a brief hundred characters taking up an entire scroll. It was no wonder that Fu Su felt a headache coming on.

Meng Yi, upon hearing of Fusu's visit, led his family to greet him at the door, saying: "The arrival of the young master at the Meng residence brings great honor to our humble abode"

Gradually, Fusu's heart became tranquil. He quickly calmed down and began to contemplate the situation before him

"Prime Minister, please take care on your journey." Fusu returned the gesture.

There is no doubt that Ying Zheng saw through Fu Su's little thoughts. He allowed Fu Su to be involved in this matter, assisting in a thorough investigation. This firmly pushed Fu Su to the opposite side among the scholars.

The next morning, Fusu arrived at the Meng residence to meet Meng Yi

The Grand Historian Feng Jie was also a historical figure, having served as a Generalissimo. Later, he held the position of Chancellor of the Empire. Together with Li Si, he later jointly advised Emperor Er of Qin to abandon the construction of the Lishan Palace

"Please do not disturb. General, take care on your journey." Fusu returned the gesture.

The Meng residence, where Fusu has just visited, is exquisite and elegant, yet occupies a modest area. In contrast, the Feng residence is entirely different, characterized by its grand and square design.

The general is very courteous. Fusu returns the greeting, neither arrogant nor proud. His demeanor is humble and polite, in stark contrast to the First Emperor's strong and resolute nature. "I have come today and may have caused some disturbance. I hope the general will not take offense."

Fu Su let out a cautious sigh, carefully placing the bamboo slips on the table. At this point, Fu Su felt a bit irritated, thinking: What is this all about? I am the crown prince, yet Hu Hai, who is even less worthy than I, indulges in endless revelry with fine wine and songs every day. Here I am, having to personally handle these heavy bamboo slips for a case.

Since this is an official matter, it should not be discussed in a private residence. Moreover, as it is a command from His Majesty, let us first proceed to the Xianyang Palace to discuss it further

Fusu realized the truth after seeing it twice. His expression was rich, and while he felt a sense of fear in his heart, he stood up and saluted Meng Yi, saying, "Thank you, General, for teaching me."

At this point, Fusu had already formulated a plan in his heart. The carriage had now arrived at the Feng residence.

Leaving the Meng residence, Fusu sat in the carriage deep in thought. It was fortunate that he had come to the Meng residence today. Otherwise, when the time came and he fell into a trap, he would not even know where he had gone wrong

On the majestic palace, hundreds of steps ascend tier by tier to the Central North Mausoleum. Each step resembles a heavenly ladder connecting to the sky. Grand and imposing, it exudes a sense of vastness and grandeur

Although I played a little trick, Emperor Qin Shi Huang would certainly be able to see through it. At the very least, it clearly indicates a strict attitude towards investigation. I believe history is about to reach a turning point here

Therefore, even if Fusu, as the designated crown prince, visits, he must still adopt a junior's understanding and lower his stance

The only two characters written on Meng Yi's desk are: "Longevity"

Meng Yi was not being pretentious; he directly asked, "Young Master, what is your inquiry?"

However, this is not the time to be distracted. The main event is about to begin

Fusu felt somewhat helpless, thinking that this father and son were indeed quite straightforward in this regard. However, handling official business in a private residence was certainly inappropriate; if it were to reach others' ears, it could potentially become a source of leverage against them

Meng Yi maintained his calm demeanor: "Yi shall return. If the young master has any questions, he may come to the Meng residence. I would be pleased to engage in a night-time discussion with the young master."