Chapter 19: Ying Zheng: This Time, I've Absolutely Won!

At this moment, the narration echoed across the sky:

"Thus, Ying Zheng believed his achievements surpassed those of the Three Sovereigns and Virtues of the Five Emperors, proclaiming himself as Qin Shi Huang!"

...

The scene shifted once more...

A group of merchants, each using different currencies, argued endlessly over the value of goods. Some claimed her jade was more precious than shells, while others rejected such currencies outright. The debate raged on.

Qin Shi Huang immediately resolved to unify the currency, mandating the use of round coins with square holes—known as Banliang coins—made from gold, silver, and copper, standardizing weights and measures strictly, treating nobles and commoners alike.

The scene changed again, now depicting a savage raid: men clad in animal skins wielding curved blades, slaughtering a village.

Han Wudi furrowed his brows tightly, clenching his fists as he watched. He understood these horsemen better than anyone.

The Xiongnu...

Scattered small tribes rode southward, leaving a trail of fire and smoke. Able-bodied men were slain outright; grain was plundered entirely; women were taken for their amusement; children were roasted and eaten on the spot. Such acts were an affront to both gods and men.

Throughout the ages, countless viewers of these scenes frowned deeply, some cursing aloud.

Since the late Warring States period, these nomadic northern tribes frequently descended southward in small groups. The vastness of Qin’s borders made defense nearly impossible. The Xiongnu and Donghu were like ants, infiltrating everywhere.

Highly skilled in horsemanship and archery and fiercely dispersed, the border people were like sheep penned for slaughter.

Upon learning this, Qin Shi Huang was furious but also acutely aware of the long-term threat.

He began conscripting laborers, criminals, and surrendered soldiers from the six states to build the Great Wall, driving back the barbarians. He dispatched Meng Tian and 300,000 fierce Qin troops to guard the Wall, determined to forge an impenetrable barrier.

Except for the conscripted laborers and law-abiding citizens who received wages, the rest were treated almost as slaves.

Scenes on the sky screen flashed relentlessly.

When floods devastated farmland and people, he built the Lingqu Canal to manage the waters.

When wild tribes in the Baiyue lands provoked him, he sent armies to crush them.

The Qin Empire’s territory expanded boundlessly.

"Until later, Ying Zheng felt his strength waning. Reflecting on many unfinished matters, he began seeking immortality through alchemists."

"But the pills these alchemists concocted were made from lead, mercury, and other toxic minerals. How on earth could one consume such things?"

"Yet Brother Zheng stubbornly swallowed them. It’s no wonder his body held on so long."

"In the end, instead of gaining immortality, he only hastened his own demise!"

Beneath the sky screen, inside the palace of Xianyang...

Ying Zheng watched the narration, puzzled.

Why did it say that in seeking immortality, he only brought about an early death?

And what were these lead, mercury, and mineral substances? Were they truly poisonous?

Recalling this, Ying Zheng pulled a wooden box from his sleeve, opened it, and carefully examined the pills inside.

Meanwhile, the screen above explained the dangers of these pills and their harmful effects on the body, delving into complex chemical knowledge that left Ying Zheng dizzy.

The conclusion was clear: the pills were poisonous and a significant cause of his premature death.

Frozen in place, he was stunned.

The pills he had consumed... were all deadly poison?

The hall fell into complete silence.

After a long pause, Ying Zheng snapped back to himself, suddenly standing with eyes wide open, his dragon robe billowing with heavy breaths. He kicked over the imperial desk before him.

With a voice devoid of emotion, he commanded, "Summon Xu Fu at once."

Soon, Xu Fu, who had been planning to flee, was brought before the throne by the guards.

Ying Zheng descended the high platform step by step, eyes locked onto Xu Fu.

Never had Xu Fu seen the emperor like this. His legs gave way; he collapsed to his knees, cold sweat streaming down his forehead.

Ying Zheng approached and coldly asked, "Xu Fu, are these pills you gave me made from lead, mercury, and mineral substances?"

Xu Fu lowered his head, voice trembling, "Your Majesty... these pills were prepared according to the ancient formulas to grant Your Majesty immortality."

Ying Zheng kicked him to the ground, laughing bitterly in fury, "Immortality? How dare you deceive me with such poisonous substances! Speak—what is your true intention?"

Terrified, Xu Fu trembled, pleading, "Your Majesty, have mercy. I only followed the alchemical texts, sincerely wishing for Your Majesty's longevity. I did not know these pills were toxic."

Ying Zheng’s gaze turned icy. "Did not know? If you did not know, why were you trying to flee?"

Xu Fu was speechless, collapsing helplessly.

Clenching the pills, Ying Zheng ordered, "Guards, imprison this traitor and arrest all those alchemists. Announce throughout the realm to gather all alchemical texts."

The guards surged forward and dragged Xu Fu away.

Having consumed these poison pills for some time, no one knew when the poison might take his life.

"These alchemists dared deceive me so! I sought immortality to protect Qin, yet they tried to harm me with poison!"

The ministers in the hall dared not breathe.

Ying Zheng paced restlessly, eyes filled with bitterness and rage.

At this moment, Li Si mustered courage and stepped forward, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. The urgent task is to stabilize the foundation of Qin. Do not let these alchemists’ treachery disrupt the court."

Ying Zheng inhaled deeply, gradually calming. "What you say is true. Though I have been greatly deceived, the grand enterprise of Qin must not cease."

"Order the continuation of all reforms!"

Then, as if recalling something, he sighed, "Suspend the conscription of laborers for now. Halt the construction of Epang Palace. Focus all efforts on building the Great Wall!"

The hall fell into stunned silence.

Is this still their emperor?

They all knew how important Epang Palace was to Ying Zheng, so why stop its construction because of a mere video?

Beside him, Fusu looked at Qin Shi Huang’s back, then at the streaks of white in his hair, suddenly sensing that his father’s figure was no longer so imposing.

...

Ying Zheng stepped toward the throne, a trace of loneliness flickering in his eyes.

I... am unwilling!

So many things remain undone! I cannot let go... of Qin.

At this moment, the video on the screen reached its finale.

An imposing soundtrack soared as the image showed the First Emperor wearing a twelve-ornament crown and a black dragon robe embroidered with mystical patterns, a long sword hanging at his waist, standing atop countless steps, gazing down upon all beneath him.

His sharp eyes radiated unmatched determination, as if piercing through the heavens, staring into the souls of all.

Beneath the screen, whether valiant generals, power-hungry ministers, or emperors of various dynasties, none dared meet his gaze.

Majestic and domineering, ruling with absolute authority. Truly deserving of his name!

At this moment, the First Emperor exuded infinite majesty, forever remembered as the tyrant and unparalleled ruler through the ages.

He was the First Emperor—Ying Zheng!

...

The video ended abruptly, the image frozen at this moment.

The narration resumed:

"End of the tribute to the Eternal Emperor, Qin Shi Huang."

"Reasons for recognition: the conquest of the six states, building the Great Wall, standardizing carts and writing, establishing the commandery system, constructing the Lingqu Canal, unifying currency, southern campaigns expanding the Chinese territory, establishing the concept of a unified empire—his merits endure for millennia, his faults belong to his era, but his achievements outweigh his mistakes."

"Reward One: Longevity Pill (consumption grants ten years of life. Rest assured, Your Majesty, this is not the poisonous pill concocted by those alchemists!)"

"Reward Two: Detoxification Pill (cleanses all toxins from the body. Please feel safe to consume, Your Majesty!)"

"Reward Three: A world map from the Qin Dynasty era (Your Majesty... keep up the good work. Your descendants have abandoned learning English!)"

"Reward Four: Fifty thousand jin each of potato and sweet potato seeds! (Yield of 5,000 kilograms per mu, enough to feed the people!)"

In Qin,

Ying Zheng, just having ascended the steps and seated upon the dragon throne, bewildered and doubting his life, became numb upon seeing these rewards.

Seeing the notes on the pills and the enormous yield of potatoes and sweet potatoes, he nearly tumbled from his throne!

"I... I... have truly struck gold this time..."