If you don't give up, I'd like to be your adoptive father.

Chapter 1215 Taming Emperor Huhai
After the news department and propaganda department finished their discussion, Grand Tutor Yu inquired in detail about the implementation of benevolent policies, as well as the disaster situation and relief efforts in various regions.

After conveying the "spirit and supreme instructions of Grand Tutor Yu" to the Grand Councilors, she adjourned the meeting.

However, before the meeting ended, Grand Tutor Yu secretly sent a telepathic message to King Lieyang, instructing him to immediately enter hibernation after returning to the camp outside the city.

Then he openly asked the two prime ministers to stay temporarily.

After everyone else had left, Grand Tutor Yu led the two prime ministers, the Grand Commandant, and Emperor Huhai to the study in the rear hall.

"Today I came to the Xingyang Imperial Palace and saw His Majesty indulging in debauchery in broad daylight."

Prime Ministers, when I am not in court, you should discipline him like strict fathers. How can you let him run wild?
Both are acts of promiscuity, but if he followed the rules of the harem and engaged in promiscuous behavior late at night in his bedchamber, he would be more respectful.

No one gossiped.

But if we mess around during the day, the news will definitely get out of control. What will the people say if it gets out?
How would rebels who are preparing to revolt spread their propaganda?

They would openly proclaim with righteous indignation, "The Second Emperor was incompetent and lustful, and his virtue did not match his position. We should punish him."

Just like the Xia Jie, Shang Zhou, and Zhou You of that time.

I reckon they might not actually be lustful, not as much as our Second Emperor.

After all, their eternal infamy stems from one woman, not a group of beautiful women.

How depraved can someone be if they only sleep with one woman?

Emperor Huhai's face flushed red, and he lowered his head, speechless.

Grand Tutor Yu glanced at him and continued, "Once they become rulers of a fallen kingdom, their enemies can freely spread rumors about their debauchery."

Just like the 'Art of Public Opinion' that I taught you before.

As long as there is factual basis, literary techniques are used to sensationalize and shock people to the fullest extent.

'Debauchery and immorality' are often mentioned together.

Once the crime of debauchery is established, even if the Second Emperor did entrust important state affairs to the Grand Councilors and had no opportunity to act wickedly himself, he would still be considered a 'wicked and incompetent ruler'.

Since he is a tyrannical ruler, the heroes of the land can naturally overthrow him.

Feng Quji was somewhat embarrassed and ashamed. He nodded sincerely and said, "Grand Tutor's admonition is correct. We have been busy with state affairs and have indeed neglected to discipline His Majesty."

From now on, I will dedicate time to personally oversee Your Majesty's words and actions to ensure that Your Majesty becomes a wise ruler like the late Emperor.

He actually felt a little wronged because before Hu Hai became emperor, he had always been a well-behaved child.

He studied diligently, abstained from women, and rarely even held banquets.

They used to praise him, saying he was the "most virtuous" among all the princes.

Hu Hai's "degeneration" happened so quickly; he truly hadn't anticipated it. Had he known, he certainly would have tried to persuade him.

Li Si said, "I have actually noticed Your Majesty's behavior."

His Majesty is truly not a debauched and incompetent ruler.

He spent most of his time practicing martial arts during the months he was in Xingyang.

He probably heard that the Grand Tutor had finally returned after several months, and he was happy and relaxed, which led to his absurd behavior that afternoon.

Li Si was much more experienced than Feng Quji.

After Zhao Gao purged the people he had placed in the palace, he naturally installed two of his own people in the harem.

It wasn't that I wanted to control the emperor.

Li Si still remembered the "original plot"—he cooperated with Zhao Gao to support Hu Hai to become the Second Emperor, but not long after, Hu Hai exterminated his entire clan.

Now that Grand Tutor Yu has changed the predetermined destiny, he still harbors resentment and must be wary.

Therefore, he knew almost everything that Emperor Huhai had done.

They knew that the humble, gentle, and studious young prince Huhai was just a pretender.

It was Zhao Gao who created the persona for Hu Hai.

Now that he has become emperor, Hu Hai has finally revealed part of his true colors.

It's much better than the insane idiot in the "original storyline".

Everyone knows the purpose of Grand Tutor Yu in sending Huhai to Xingyang.

Hu Hai originally had at most three years left in his life. Now, almost half a year has passed, and Chen Sheng has also started his rebellion. He too is feeling the pressure!

He practiced martial arts diligently, not seeking to kill enemies on the battlefield, but only hoping that when the three-year period was up and Xingyang was about to fall, he could immediately escape into the Yellow River and return to Guanzhong by following the Yellow River's waterway.

Before mastering the Water Escape Technique, Hu Hai did not dare to completely indulge himself.

"I have also been concerned about the implementation of the ten-year benevolent rule and the disaster relief situation in the Central Plains."

"It is only because the two prime ministers have done such a good job, handling all kinds of government affairs so well that I don't need to worry about them, that I have been able to relax a little."

Emperor Huhai first echoed Li Si's words and defended himself, then said to Grand Tutor Yu with a humble expression, "Uncle, rest assured, I will never dare to 'slack off' again."

I will certainly restore the routine I had as a prince.

He practices martial arts in the morning, reads books in the late morning, practices calligraphy in the afternoon, and meditates and practices breathing exercises in the evening.

Grand Tutor Yu sighed, “Let me be frank: no matter what the Second Emperor’s nature is, at this moment, he should not be a liability to the court.”

Simply not hindering the imperial court is far from enough.

The Second Emperor must become the reason why the people of the world believe that the Qin Dynasty can still obtain the Mandate of Heaven.

The two prime ministers immediately looked troubled.

With Emperor Huhai's character, how could he possibly win the hearts of the people?

“Cultivating His Majesty into a wise ruler is not something that can be accomplished overnight,” Feng Quji said tactfully.

Grand Tutor Yu said, "Let alone a day or two, it would be too much to ask of you to spend a lifetime cultivating him into a wise and virtuous ruler."

But don't you understand packaging?
Even a pile of cow dung, if placed in an exquisite jade box, would be mistaken for a priceless treasure by anyone who only looks at it from the outside.

You two old prime ministers are experienced and knowledgeable; you know what kind of person can be called a 'wise and enlightened ruler'.

Then dress him according to your own understanding and in the image of the 'peerless sage king' in your hearts.

In any case, the affairs of state are mainly managed by the two of you. You are renowned prime ministers throughout history, with unparalleled political abilities.

Attributing your achievements in governing to the Second Emperor.

Those outside the palace cannot contact him, so whatever you say goes.

Although those outside the palace could not come into contact with the emperor, they could genuinely feel the improvement in their lives brought about by the court's policies. You say the Second Emperor was wise, and they certainly wouldn't doubt it.”

Li Si nodded slightly, "I understand. As long as Your Majesty cooperates, this matter is indeed not difficult."

Even Zhao Gao was able to create a persona for the "young prince" and deceive a group of civil and military officials.

If he takes matters into his own hands, he will only do a better job than Zhao Gao.

Of course, there is a major prerequisite: Hu Hai must be obedient enough!

Grand Tutor Yu thought for a moment and said, "You two prime ministers, go to the front hall first and handle state affairs for His Majesty."

I'd like to speak with the Second Emperor privately for a few minutes.

The two prime ministers rose, bowed to the Grand Tutor and the Emperor respectively, and then left the palace.

The Imperial Guard also went to the outer hall.

After they left, Grand Tutor Yu slowly said, "Your Majesty, I have heard that you have a famous saying: 'Life is like a fleeting moment.' Now that I have ruled the world and possess all the wealth of the four seas, I wish to indulge my desires and satisfy my senses to the fullest in order to live out my days."

In plain terms: Life is short, so I should seize the time to enjoy myself.

Hu Hai's expression changed slightly, and he hurriedly said, "Father, I swear, I really didn't say that."

—I didn't have time to say it!
Grand Tutor Yu said, "Have you ever heard of the idiom 'calling a deer a horse'?" Hu Hai's expression changed again, becoming very embarrassed and ashamed. He said awkwardly, "Father, don't worry, this idiom will never appear again."

Grand Tutor Yu said, "Not necessarily. Some things have already been known before they even happened."

There are some things you haven't had a chance to say, but your thoughts and true nature have already been revealed.

Hu Hai's knees buckled, and he knelt on the ground, wailing, "Father, I'll change! I can definitely change!!"

"Stop howling, get up!"

Grand Tutor Yu pointed to the "Ten Thousand Miles of Yellow River Map" screen and said, "Go and lie down on the soft couch in the back."

Hu Hai did not understand what he meant, but he obediently got up, wiped away his tears, and quickly ran into the small room and lay down on the soft couch.

The next moment, his consciousness blurred, his head tilted to the side, and he fell into a deep sleep.

The next instant, Emperor Huhai appeared on the banks of the Yellow River, on a cliff hundreds of feet high.

Below, turbid waves surged and roared like thunder, as if a thousand troops were galloping in, a truly magnificent sight.

Grand Tutor Yu appeared beside him and said, "I will satisfy my heart's desires and indulge my senses."

That's well said, but your knowledge is too shallow.

For a simple old man in the countryside, there's plenty of white flour buns, plus a plate of braised pig's head, a pot of bamboo leaf green tea brewed at the village entrance, and the company of a pretty widow from the village—that's all he needs to "please his heart's desires and satisfy his senses."

Don't you think he's ridiculous?
But even if you become emperor now, you're still just an enhanced version of a country bumpkin.

The plain steamed buns were replaced with delicacies from land and sea, and the pretty widow was replaced with beauties plundered from the Central Plains.

In many people's eyes, and in my eyes as well, you are just as ridiculous as the old man.

Hu Hai said awkwardly, "Your Excellency is right, my village is ignorant."

Grand Tutor Yu raised his right hand and slapped him hard on the back of the head.

"Oh dear~~~"

Hu Hai stumbled and fell with a scream into the raging river, plunging into the deep abyss.

He was like a hair that had fallen into a toilet bowl; he was instantly swept to the bottom and disappeared without a trace.

Grand Tutor Yu stood with his hands behind his back, quietly watching the river from the edge of the cliff.

A short while later, a corpse floated down from upstream; it was Hu Hai's.

Hu Hai's swollen cheeks suddenly twitched a few times, and his body uncontrollably rose into the air, flying into mid-air. Beams of immortal light emanated from his body, and his eyes shone brightly. He exclaimed in surprise, "I've ascended to immortality?!"

He floated along, feeling lightheaded and swaying, towards the Heavenly Palace, eventually disappearing completely from Grand Tutor Yu's sight.

However, Grand Tutor Yu remained calm as he looked at the great river, without glancing at the "flying immortals" in the sky.

"How are you feeling? Are you happy?" she suddenly asked.

Hu Hai seemed to have been standing beside her the whole time without moving. He blinked, pondered for a moment, and said, "Death is painful, but ascension is very joyful."

From death to ascension, from extreme pain to ultimate joy. I have never been so joyful.

Grand Master Yu said, "This is actually the feeling of cultivation. Do you think immortals have no desires?"

Everyone longs for happiness and hates mediocrity and sorrow.

But immortals do not indulge in material possessions and lust; they have a higher level of enjoyment.

Of all the joys that immortals can experience, the ethereal feeling after breaking through a certain realm is the most supreme.

It could be described as the most blissful experience in the Three Realms, something even the Jade Emperor, the Great Heavenly Venerable, longed for.

Hu Hai paused for a moment, a look of reminiscence on his face, and said, "It seems that's really the case. Although I am not a god, I cultivate immortal martial arts and have broken through to a higher realm."

After arduous training, I was physically and mentally exhausted, in great pain. Then, my skill improved greatly, my realm broke through, and I felt a refreshing soreness all over my body, and an inexplicable sense of joy.

Grand Tutor Yu continued, "But your talent is too poor, and the positive feedback you get from your hard work is too little."

Therefore, unlike other cultivators, he was unable to immerse himself in cultivation and distance himself from worldly desires.

Hu Hai may lack great wisdom, but he is not lacking in petty cleverness.

Upon hearing this, he immediately understood that his father hoped he would find supreme joy in spiritual practice and not become addicted to worldly pleasures.

Although he didn't think that fine wine and beautiful women were low-class at all, after all, his father was also extravagant and indulged in beauty.

“Father, I will definitely work hard in my cultivation from now on. Although I am not very talented, I can make up for it with diligence.”

"If you were to cultivate traditional immortal martial arts techniques, your talent would indeed be extremely poor."

But you also have your own special talent; you are the only emperor in China.

If being an 'emperor' is considered a talent, then without a doubt, your talent is the best in the Three Realms.

Once you find the special immortal weapon that requires 'Emperor's Talent,' you can soar to the heavens.

As Grand Tutor Yu spoke, he extended his right hand and handed a gleaming golden manual to Hu Hai.

Hu Hai looked down and saw six very strange seal characters.

"The 'False Holy Emperor's Divine Skill'? Why is it 'false'? It looks strange."

The strange seal script was unfamiliar, yet it was instantly recognizable.

Even after understanding what he saw, he still felt a strange sense of dread, as if he were a child who had seen a ghost. Although he didn't know what a ghost was, he knew that ghosts were not good things, that they were dangerous and evil.

Grand Tutor Yu said, "I originally intended to create a 'Divine Skill for the Emperor' specifically for the Emperor to cultivate."

In this great calamity, the "Heavenly Emperor" intends to strip the Human Emperor of his power and completely reduce him to the status of "Son of Heaven."

The creation of "Emperor's Divine Skill" was to study the potential of the "Emperor" and where the limits of his power lay.

It's a pity you're not the emperor.

Hu Hai was both delighted and apprehensive, and asked, "Could I be a human emperor like my father?"

Grand Tutor Yu, his face expressionless, countered, "Do you possess any special authority?"

Hu Hai shook his head, looking embarrassed, and said, "It seems I have no power at all. Could it be that 'Heaven' has stripped the Emperor of his power and made me the Son of Heaven?"

Grand Tutor Yu said, "A qualified 'Human Emperor' must at least consolidate the power of a Human King, even if he does not hold the power of the Human Emperor."

The emperor is the "true Son of Heaven," possessing the mandate of heaven and receiving its favor.

You have neither the power of a human king nor the favor of heaven, so you are merely an 'emperor,' not a human emperor, nor a Son of Heaven.

Since he is not the emperor, he is naturally not qualified to provide me with the opportunity to study the "Emperor's Divine Skill".

Fortunately, if I can't be the emperor, I can be a 'pseudo-emperor'.

Aren't you very good at pretending? Keep pretending, pretend to be a 'sacred emperor'.

As long as you can maintain this facade for a lifetime, you'll be a saintly emperor.

If you pretend to be a good person your whole life, then you are a good person.

In Xiaoyu's past life, this was the truth.

This life, however, is a mistake.

Because death is not the end, nor can it be a definitive conclusion. One must go to the underworld to be examined by the "Mirror of Karma."

A person who pretends to be a good person can still accumulate good karma by doing good deeds, but they shouldn't expect to receive extra rewards based on their "good person" status.

For example, gaining the qualifications to be deified or even become an immortal.

Even if Hu Hai pretended to be a holy emperor for his entire life, he still could not gain the approval of the gods and the heavenly court.

However, the people's approval is enough.

(End of this chapter)