Chapter Fifteen: Your Majesty, Your Son Is Guilty!

Xianyang Palace.

To showcase his achievements, the First Emperor of Qin held a grand banquet.

He entertained his ministers, and the scene was one of joyous harmony between ruler and subjects.

Zhou Qingchen, then serving as deputy minister, rose and praised extravagantly: “Your Majesty, with your mighty virtue and military prowess, you have unified the realm, establishing unprecedented achievements, becoming a figure unmatched in history!”

“I am deeply in awe, beyond words!”

“I pay my respects to Your Majesty!”

“Your Majesty’s military might and virtuous rule!”

“Your Majesty’s martial excellence and benevolence!”

…

Other civil and military officials also stood, raising their cups in celebration.

Qin Shi Huang, watching the flattery, felt a deep sense of satisfaction within.

Yet on the surface, he maintained a solemn demeanor, slowly savoring the fine wine and delicacies.

Only he, the First Emperor, could truly relish the pride of such a prosperous era.

Beside him, Fusu was eating fruit, casting a sidelong glance at these sycophants—a pack of bootlickers.

Although Fusu had invented gunpowder, he had not earned his father’s favor.

Still, the constraints on him were gradually easing.

Today, he had even been specially summoned to this banquet.

Bored, this feast was utterly dull, he thought.

At that moment, amid the crowd offering congratulations, an elderly scholar stepped forward, his expression resolute: “Your Majesty, this old servant wishes to offer some counsel.”

Qin Shi Huang frowned upon seeing him. “Speak freely.”

The old scholar immediately voiced his concern: “Your Majesty, now that the realm is unified and the people are at peace, such a feat unseen since the times of Shang and Zhou, this humble servant suggests following ancient customs by instituting a feudal system and establishing regional lords.”

“This way, if the state falls into turmoil or if treacherous ministers rebel, the local lords can suppress them.”

“Thus, our great Qin shall enjoy lasting stability and peace!”

Qin Shi Huang’s frown deepened. This man was Chunyu Yue, also a deputy minister, who had expressed similar views at last year’s banquet.

Again, he was airing such thoughts publicly.

Truly, he lacked the art of diplomacy!

And to think he was a scholar—had all his learning gone to waste?

Where was his emotional intelligence?

Such matters should be discussed privately between sovereign and ministers, and only presented openly once decided.

Qin Shi Huang was displeased.

Upon hearing “feudal system,” Fusu glanced at Chunyu Yue with disdain.

“Absolutely not!”

“Utterly unacceptable!”

“Such treasonous talk must not be trusted!” Zhou Qingchen stood up to oppose.

Chunyu Yue snorted coldly: “The Zhou Dynasty’s feudal system allowed their rule to last over a thousand years. Should we not learn from the ancients’ experience?”

Qin Shi Huang remained silent, staring at Chunyu Yue without a word.

Fusu smiled.

The old man was clearly blinded by his studies.

He only saw the merits of the feudal system but ignored its inherent flaws!

He sneered inwardly.

Qin Shi Huang’s gaze landed on Fusu’s face, catching that trace of disdain.

“Su’er, do you think Chunyu Yue is right?” the emperor asked expressionlessly.

Inwardly, he snorted coldly.

Fusu, you claim to be so knowledgeable.

You even predicted what would happen to Qin five years hence.

Now, analyze this for me.

Let me see if you are all talk or truly talented!

Fusu was caught off guard.

His mouth hung open, a piece of meat falling from it as he remained oblivious.

Next moment, he hurriedly swallowed wine to calm himself.

Could he get shot while lying down?

All eyes turned to Fusu, each person’s thoughts and expressions varied.

Damn, just stirring trouble for himself!

Whoever speaks up now will be doomed.

Suddenly, Fusu seemed to realize something.

Historically, Fusu had supported the feudal system.

Yet later, Qin implemented the commandery-county system…

No wonder Qin Shi Huang exiled Fusu to the frontier.

His political views differed from his father’s.

If not him, then who else?

Besides, many in court surely held grudges against Fusu.

Perhaps the emperor had no choice but to exile him.

Yet in the end, only Fusu was fit to inherit the throne.

Alas, Qin Shi Huang died prematurely, never seeing his son ascend.

Thus followed Zhao Gao’s alteration of the will and the ruin brought by Qin Er Shi.

“Brother, Father is asking you a question,” Prince Gao kindly reminded, inwardly delighted.

No matter how you answer now, you’re bound to offend someone!

Chunyu Yue looked at Fusu expectantly.

As his teacher, he knew his student well.

Moreover, they had analyzed the pros and cons of the feudal system many times, sharing similar views.

If not for Fusu recently suffering suppression from Li Si’s faction, nearly punished, Chunyu Yue wouldn’t be so eager to raise this matter again.

His goal was to help Fusu regain his rightful status and power.

Fusu glanced at the old man, inwardly cursing.

Are you the legendary useless teammate?

Li Si was also waiting for Fusu’s move; what followed was the main event he had arranged.

Zhao Gao clenched his fists.

Though all was secure, he still felt nervous.

He kept glancing at Fusu anxiously.

Hu Hai pretended to fuss about arrangements.

Inwardly, he sneered.

No matter what Fusu chose, this time he would lose power.

“Your Highness!” Chunyu Yue cautiously called out.

With no escape, Fusu rose reluctantly and bowed to Qin Shi Huang: “Father, your son is guilty!”

A hush fell.

What did that mean?

Why confess guilt right away?

Qin Shi Huang seemed weary of such words, speaking with mild disdain: “What guilt have you?”

Fusu pouted, playing the victim: “Father, I do not wish to answer!”

Um…

Chunyu Yue trembled slightly.

What was this about?

Qin Shi Huang, intrigued, pressed on: “Why not answer?”

Fusu answered truthfully: “Father, I am a sinner. No matter what I say, it will be deemed guilty!”

At these words, Meng Yi cast Fusu an appraising glance.

The emperor inwardly agreed with his son but wanted to press him.

So he said: “I pardon you. Speak!”

Fusu’s eyes lit up: “Is the sovereign not one to joke?”

Qin Shi Huang immediately nodded: “The sovereign does not joke. If I say you are innocent, then you are innocent!”

“If someone still claims I am guilty?” Fusu pressed, seizing the moment as his father fell into the trap.

Qin Shi Huang, in good humor, half-joking, half-serious, said: “Who dares say you are guilty, you just have to deal with him for me!”

“Ding!”

“Congratulations, host, you have triggered the main quest:

1. Convince the First Emperor to choose the feudal system, reward: an improved version of the feudal system.

2. Convince the First Emperor not to choose the feudal system, reward: an improved provincial governance system.”

What??

A provincial governance system, and an improved one at that!

Fusu straightened his back and stepped out from his place.

In that instant, he was ready once more.