Chapter 9, Deception
At this point, these main loyal figures have been completely harmed by Zhou Tian and Li Si
"Just now, when the Emperor issued the edict, there was only this humble minister by his side, and this edict was also written by me. Therefore, the content of this edict is known only to me. The authority to decide which prince the Emperor will pass the throne to does not actually rest with the Emperor himself," Zhou Tian said with a cold smile.
To strike someone, one must aim for the face; to expose someone, one must reveal their shortcomings. What does Li Si value the most? Is it power or wealth? Originally just an ordinary commoner, once Li Si attained these things, he naturally became unwilling to give them up. It is precisely for these reasons that Li Si worked hard to climb to the position of Chancellor. If all of this were to be lost, it would be no different from taking Li Si's life. (To be honest, if Zhou Tian had not crossed over into the body of a eunuch, he would be reluctant to return. How wonderful it would be to have a life where one can eat and drink as one pleases; Zhou Tian has not yet had enough of such days.)
Once Li Si is dealt with, the remaining matters will become much easier. Although Hu Hai may be somewhat dull, he is sufficient to serve as a puppet. As for Li Si, there is no need to elaborate; he is a pragmatic talent who requires no intervention from Zhao Gao in any matter. For instance, the act of framing loyal officials is something that the esteemed Prime Minister Li can handle effortlessly.
Indeed, before his passing, the Emperor did mention the name of Prince Fusu. Li Si, however, is quite the seasoned veteran and Zhou Tian cannot afford to be too obvious in his deception
"Young Master..." Zhou Tian coldly exclaimed, "If this imperial edict is not amended, when Fusu ascends the throne in the future, given your relationship with him, do you think you can escape with your life?"
"With only the ambition of a young master, he is surely destined to achieve great things." This has certainly clarified things for that fool Hu Hai, but merely convincing him is not enough; there is also a version of Li Si portrayed by Takakura Ken that needs to be persuaded. However, it is likely that he will not be as easily swayed as that foolish young man.
"Are you saying that you can alter the imperial edict?" Hu Hai naturally understood Zhou Tian's meaning. However, the act of tampering with the emperor's edict was rather shocking. Even though Hu Hai was usually audacious, this was something he did not dare to contemplate.
"What do you mean?" Hu Hai, whose mouth was covered by Zhou Tian, finally calmed down. "Pah, what a smell, so foul."
"Lord Li is indeed well-versed in the teachings of Legalism." Zhou Tian, having no time to listen to Li Si's grandiloquent discourse, interrupted, saying: "However, Prince Fusu greatly respects Confucianism. If Fusu were to become emperor, would Lord Li still have the opportunity to showcase his talents? The wealth and honor before us might also vanish like smoke in an instant."
"Fusu! How could it be him?" Hu Hai felt as if all his strength had been drained, sitting limply on the ground, murmuring to himself.
Li Si was clearly moved by Hu Hai's promise. Power and wealth were what Li Si sought, but this fame was even more desirable for a scholar. If, as Hu Hai claimed, he could establish his Legalist doctrine as the sole orthodoxy, then his natural reputation would undoubtedly reach an extremely high level
Young Master Fusu! Li Si glanced at Hu Hai beside him, then cast a puzzled look at Zhou Tian: Since the Emperor has bestowed the throne upon Fusu, why is Hu Hai here?
How does Lord Li feel about the Emperor's decision?" Zhou Tian did not answer Li Si's question, but instead responded with a question.
"Father has always favored me the most, so why would he pass the throne to Fusu? Why, why!" Hu Hai, who was sitting on the ground, suddenly stood up and shouted at Zhao Gao, "You tell me, you tell me this is a lie!"
The young master hopes that all of this is a lie. Zhou Tian covered Hu Hai's mouth and whispered.
The decision made by His Majesty is undoubtedly wise, and how can we mere subjects dare to comment on it?" Li Si said, cupping his hands in respect.
Who did the Emperor pass the throne to before his death? Although Li Si's reaction was not as intense as that of Hu Hai, the immediate question was the same. Do these two have a telepathic connection
Zhou Tian quickly withdrew his hand and glanced at Hu Hai's expression, saying: "Young Master Fusu." Forget what I just said, phew, the imperial family is indeed heartless
The first unfortunate one was Meng Yi, who was the closest to him. Li Si casually found a reason and had him executed. Then, Li Si summoned Meng Tian, and with the skilled cooperation of five hundred executioners, no matter how strong Meng Tian's martial skills were, he could not change his fate of being turned into minced meat
The Emperor's decision is undoubtedly wise, but this decision is known only to you, me, and Master Hu Hai. As for who will be appointed as the Crown Prince, it is up to the three of us to decide... Zhou Tian realized that Li Si was unyielding, so it was better to speak frankly.
And *the* book `` Fusu. '' Zhou Tian said softly
"Who did Father pass the throne to before his death?" Hu Hai grasped Zhou Tian's hand tightly, asking excitedly. Clearly, this was the question he cared about the most
How could you utter such treasonous words! I was originally of humble origins, and it is precisely because the Emperor promoted me that I have achieved what I have today. Since the Emperor wishes to establish Prince Fusu, I shall naturally assist in the exercise of power
However, after confirming the idea for Sunday, Hu Hai became hysterical, altering the edict, which he dared not do at all
Since His Majesty has passed the throne to Fusu, it is sufficient for Lord Zhao to convey the imperial edict. What is the purpose of summoning me here again, I wonder?" Li Si cast a cold glance at Zhou Tian and said
In accordance with what that old acquaintance of the family said, a man’s loyalty is inconsequential; it is merely a matter of whether the price of betrayal is sufficient. Now that Hu Hai has offered a substantial incentive, Li Si intends to bid farewell to the so-called loyalty. Who is Qin Shi Huang? Just a manure digger.
I... I understand now. Hu Hai was startled awake by Zhou Tianyi's shout, and after a moment of silence, he slowly began to speak
"Indeed, the young master is quite clever," Zhou Tian remarked
"What? The Emperor has passed away." In contrast to Hu Hai's agitation, Li Si appeared much calmer, after all, it was not his father who had died, and moreover, after the death of Qin Shi Huang, the throne would not be passed on to him
Thus, Li Si, who was threatened by Zhou Tian's words, hesitated; to be loyal to Qin Shi Huang would mean betraying himself, while to be true to himself would mean betraying Qin Shi Huang. Li Si was in a dilemma, and his once resolute face, akin to that of Takakura Ken, instantly contorted into one resembling Zhao Benshan.
Fusu was easier to deal with; Li Si wrote an edict in the tone of Qin Shi Huang, scolding him once, and then had the young man commit suicide
The collection task on Sunday has finally concluded without any major incidents
Seeing Li Si's hesitation, Zhou Tian administered a strong dose of persuasion. Zhou Tian gave Hu Hai a knowing glance, and after Hu Hai understood, he stepped forward and grasped Li Si's hand, saying, "Chancellor, do not worry. If I ascend the throne, I will certainly value you highly and continue the strict legalist policies of my father, making your Legalism the sole doctrine of our Great Qin." Look, under Zhou Tian's instigation, this young Hu Hai has adopted the thoughts of Emperor Wu of Han. As for whether there will be a future situation of 'suppressing the hundred schools and exclusively honoring Legalism,' that is beyond Zhou Tian's control.
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