Chapter Twenty-Four: Burning Books and Burying Scholars (Bonus Chapter!)

Qin Shi Huang fell silent for a moment, then said with some dissatisfaction, "I am willing to marry my daughter to him, yet he is reluctant to marry his granddaughter to Fusu! The old man is being a bit too protective of his kin!"

Zhao Gao quickly offered a sycophantic smile, "This is merely a testament to Your Majesty's favor toward the Wang family."

Favor? Qin Shi Huang sneered. Wang Jian was likely cursing him in his heart right now.

"Forget it, forget it!" Qin Shi Huang waved his hand. "Go tell Wang Jian that I am arranging this marriage for Fusu because I intend to cultivate him further—after all, he is my legitimate eldest son! I would never harm him!"

Zhao Gao’s expression faltered for a second, but he lowered his head to mask his true feelings. "As you command!"

Feng Jie, hearing this, allowed his gaze to flicker, as if he had sensed the hidden meaning behind the words.

"Your Majesty, since you have already granted a marriage for Prince Fusu, should you not also lift the confinement order placed upon him?" Meng Yi suggested at an opportune moment.

Qin Shi Huang nodded. Now that the marriage was settled, it was time for him to return and prepare.

***

The next morning, at dawn, Fusu rose early and washed up briefly. Shortly after, an imperial guard informed him that the restriction had been lifted and he was free to return to his own residence.

Fusu found Shi Sheng and Han Zhong to give them a few instructions, then set off, swaggering his way back toward his own estate.

Fusu’s mansion was quite grand. In his memory, the architecture was in the Chu style, filled with flowers and greenery, and staffed by a considerable number of maids and attendants. Fusu had already made up his mind: once back, he would cause no trouble, stay indoors, and keep his mouth shut. He would just lie low, tend to his flowers, play with his birds, and occasionally flirt with the pretty maids. If he needed something to do, he would train a group of loyal and reliable guards. And if possible, he would find a way to make some money!

Just as Fusu was daydreaming about how he would live in luxury and enjoy himself, Zhao Gao hurried over to find him.

"Your Highness, His Majesty invites you to attend the grand court session!"

"A court session?" Fusu looked puzzled. What could they possibly want to discuss with him? Could it be about the provincial system? Fusu immediately realized the implication and quipped, "Eunuch Zhao, the injuries on your face have healed, I see!"

Zhao Gao’s face darkened. *Enjoy your moment, Fusu. Soon enough, I’ll have you crying.*

Zhao Gao quickly nodded and said, "Thanks to your blessing, Your Highness, this old servant’s wounds have nearly recovered."

"Let’s go." Fusu, too lazy to waste more words on Zhao Gao, turned and headed toward the main palace hall.

***

Inside the main hall of Xianyang Palace, the civil and military officials stood in two rows, the atmosphere solemn and oppressive.

Qin Shi Huang spoke, his face expressionless: "I have heard that rumors are circulating lately—that I am arbitrary and dictatorial, moody, and prone to cruel and harsh governance! Some even call me a tyrant who does not care for the people's livelihood, exhausting the nation through forced labor and driving the populace to ruin!"

"But do you know?" Qin Shi Huang suddenly slammed his hand against the desk and roared, "Building the Great Wall, relocating settlers to the border, and holding the North—this is the very foundation of our Great Qin’s defense against the scourge of the Xiongnu! If we do not exert ourselves now to stabilize the North, are we to wait until the Xiongnu raise their armies and march upon us before we prepare?"

The complexions of those present shifted. Today’s grand court session was clearly unusual. Qin Shi Huang had opened by confronting the rumors circulating in the city head-on, delivering a harsh rebuke.

It was at this moment that Zhao Gao entered the hall with Fusu. Fusu found the most secluded corner and huddled there, keeping still. Zhao Gao returned to the front, standing rigidly in his designated spot.

Just then, Chunyu Yue stepped forward and said, undaunted, "Your Majesty, the ancient laws teach that belligerence, excessive punishments, heavy taxation, rejecting criticism while covering up errors, and allowing superstition to disrupt governance are all signs of a falling state! We have the examples of Jie of Xia and Zhou of Shang; one must be vigilant!"

Following Chunyu Yue’s words, a group of Confucian scholars stepped out in unison, knelt in the center of the hall, and shouted together: "Your Majesty, light taxes and corvée labor, encouraging agriculture, and practicing frugality are the true foundations for the long-term stability and peace of our Great Qin!"

Fusu watched this scene, feeling that the atmosphere was off. He had heard these words somewhere before... Suddenly, Fusu’s eyes widened. Weren't these the exact words he had used just a few days ago to persuade Qin Shi Huang to spare his life? How did these people know? Had they come to the same conclusion as him?

No, that couldn't be right. How could there be such a coincidence in the world? There must be some hidden secret he was unaware of; otherwise, Qin Shi Huang would never have summoned him to this session.

"Are you saying that I do not know how to govern?" Qin Shi Huang glared at them.

Chunyu Yue bowed his head and said, "Your Majesty, in terms of statecraft, our Confucian school is indeed superior to Legalism."

"How audacious!" Zhou Qingchen stepped out.

Wu Gong immediately followed: "Your Majesty, the operation of governance relies entirely on the legal system. This humble subject accuses Chunyu Yue of crimes against the absolute imperial power!"

"The charges of endangering imperial authority: First, disrespect toward the Emperor. Second, slander and spreading malicious rumors. Third, criticizing the present by using the past."

***

"...And seventh: the crime of hoarding forbidden books!"

Prime Minister Li Si, seeing the situation, stepped out and said, "Reporting to Your Majesty, I have found that most Confucian scholars are guilty of harboring prohibited books! I suggest that all historical records of the other states, except for those of Qin, be burned!"

"You shameless villain!" Chunyu Yue’s face changed color upon hearing this. He pointed at Li Si and cursed, "Treacherous official! If you are determined to convict, you will always find an excuse!"

Li Si said nothing more.

Then, the representatives of the Legalists, the civil officials who held real power in the court, stepped forward: "We suggest that all historical records of the other states, except for those of Qin, be burned! And that all Confucian scholars who have committed these crimes be punished accordingly!"

As soon as these words were spoken, Qin Shi Huang frowned. Although he agreed with Li Si’s proposal, he had hesitated to express his stance because he felt something was not quite right. Yet, upon careful reflection, he could not find anything wrong with it. Whether it was the commandery system proposed by Li Si or this suggestion to burn the historical records of other states, everything was aimed at consolidating imperial power and maintaining the unity of Great Qin.

Therefore, Qin Shi Huang valued Li Si highly and had long ago promoted him to the position of Prime Minister. Conversely, this Chunyu Yue, who sought to revive Confucianism for his own selfish interests, was utterly narrow-minded and disregarded the greater good!

Just as Qin Shi Huang was about to nod in agreement, a voice rang out.

"Father, you cannot do this!"

Hmm? Qin Shi Huang followed the sound and saw Fusu in the last row.

Fusu had steeled himself and stepped out. Even though he sensed that things were not right and smelled danger, he had to act. He couldn't just stand by—he wanted that spatial warehouse! The topic being discussed was undoubtedly the burning of books and burying of scholars. If he didn't step in now, it would surely happen. To prevent it and secure the system’s reward, he had to take the risk.

"Why are you standing so far back?" Qin Shi Huang’s face showed displeasure. He had invited Fusu to watch how he handled these scholars, intending to warn him not to listen to them in everything. But not only had Fusu failed to grasp his intent, he had publicly opposed him. This caused the favor Qin Shi Huang felt for Fusu to drop significantly.

*My son! Are you truly unable to understand your father’s heart?* Qin Shi Huang sighed inwardly, while his expression remained majestic as he looked at Fusu.