Diqin Designer

Chapter 438 Another year begins, Fusu is about to be established.

Needless to say, he hated Zhao Gao. Even if we disregard the contents of the secret scroll, he disliked Zhao Gao from the start. If he were to succeed to the throne, he would spare Zhao Gao's life but would not give him any more important positions. Moreover, now that he knew the contents of the secret scroll.

Zhao Gao actually conspired with Hu Hai to forge an imperial edict to force him to commit suicide, and also slaughtered his brothers and harmed his wife and children. The latter two are especially intolerable. Zhao Gao must die, and his entire clan must be exterminated!

As for Li Si, although Fusu originally disliked Li Si, this "dislike" was due to the difference in their governing philosophies. Li Si believed in Legalism, while Fusu believed in Confucian benevolent governance. The two were not on the same page, but they did not have much personal grudge.

But now the situation has changed. Although Li Si did not act as recklessly as Hu Hai and Zhao Gao, he was also a major participant in the "Sand Dune Incident" as recorded in this secret document.

Without Li Si's involvement, Hu Hai and Zhao Gao's conspiracy would never have succeeded, and the subsequent series of events would not have occurred.

Therefore, although Li Si did not commit any major evils after the incident, he was one of the main culprits. It can be said that it was because he colluded with Hu Hai and Zhao Gao that his younger brothers and sisters, as well as his wife and children, were killed.

Therefore, Fusu believed that Li Si should also die, but considering his past contributions to Qin, his kinship with Li Si, and his different actions after the incident compared to Zhao Gao and Huhai, he decided not to exterminate Li Si's entire clan.

The First Emperor did not comment on Fusu's suggestion on how to deal with Zhao Gao and Li Si, but he was very satisfied. That was how it should be. Zhao Gao should be exterminated, and Li Si should be executed. As the crown prince of Qin and the next emperor of Qin, he could be lenient, but he also had to be ruthless!

Even if Li Si, Zhao Gao, and Hu Hai in their world had not yet committed those crimes, they should still be dealt with ruthlessly and not let off the hook out of a moment of leniency.

At this moment, the First Emperor said, "The facts recorded in the secret scroll actually happened in a certain place!"

This surprised Fusu. He had thought the secret scroll contained a language about the future, but from his father's words, it seemed that the events recorded in the scroll had actually happened somewhere. In other words, it was not a prophecy about the future, but a record of a certain historical event.

This means that somewhere there once existed a Qin Dynasty, and there was a prince named Fusu, and a Qin Shi Huang...

Fusu was somewhat bewildered and couldn't understand what was going on, but he understood the meaning behind his father's words: the events described in the secret scroll in that place were true, and Huhai, Zhao Gao, and Li Si had indeed committed those crimes.

His decision to exterminate Zhao Gao's clan and execute Li Si was also a way of avenging himself in that place, which relieved Fusu of the already light burden in his heart.

The First Emperor looked at Fusu and said, "Now that you know history, do you still want to be the crown prince?"

This seemed to be his father giving him one last choice, but Fusu knew very well that if he chose not to be the crown prince, he would forever lose the opportunity to become the crown prince, and because he knew about history, he would likely be imprisoned and monitored by his father.

But how could Fusu possibly back down and not be chosen as the crown prince?
Even if it wasn't for himself, but for his younger brothers and sisters, for his wife and children, he had to become the Crown Prince of Qin and be prepared. If he let another brother be the Crown Prince, who knew if that brother would become another Hu Hai? But he firmly believed that he would not be another Hu Hai.

Only if he becomes the crown prince and succeeds to the throne as the next emperor of Qin can he ensure the safety of his wife and daughters and prevent the secret document from being recorded.

This was also one of the reasons why the First Emperor showed Fusu the secret scrolls, to let him know history and strengthen his will to become the crown prince: If you don't want the things recorded in the secret scrolls to happen again, then become the crown prince of Qin and the next emperor of Qin.

Fusu firmly replied, "Your subject is willing to do it; please grant me permission, Your Majesty!"

The First Emperor said, “Among my sons, you are the eldest and the most virtuous. I have long intended to make you my heir, but you have repeatedly offended me with your memorials, almost calling me a tyrant. I have read all your remonstrances, and I am quite disappointed!”

"As the eldest son of the Qin Dynasty, you are so naive and self-righteous. If you were made heir apparent and the Qin Dynasty were handed over to you, you would surely be unable to handle it."

As the First Emperor spoke, Fusu also thought of his past memorials. Looking back now, he realized that many of them were based on assumptions and self-righteousness. Fortunately, his father was wise and did not heed his advice, otherwise the Qin Dynasty would have been led astray.

The First Emperor looked at Fusu and said, "After more than a year of training in the provinces, although you have become darker-skinned, you have become much stronger and more knowledgeable. You have learned that governing a country is not based on self-righteousness or wishful thinking, but on the actual situation."

In fact, the First Emperor of Qin also had this problem, even more so than Fusu. He took it for granted that under the Qin law, the Qin Dynasty would last for thousands of years, and no one would dare to rebel or be able to rebel.

In comparison, Fusu's arrogance was somewhat better, since he had not yet become the crown prince or the emperor of Qin, and the trouble he brought was much less than that of the first emperor who had already ascended the throne. Moreover, Fusu's arrogance was too much of a belief in Confucian benevolent governance, so even if he brought trouble, it was not as great as that of the first emperor.

The First Emperor continued, "You've grown a lot. You... are very good!"

This sudden praise left the usually calm Fusu somewhat bewildered. He didn't know how long it had been since he had received praise from his father, and the fact that he was praised today filled him with immense joy.

Fusu said, "It was my ignorance in the past that caused you so much trouble, Father!"

The First Emperor waved his hand and said, "I am partly to blame for this; I have failed to teach you properly. Since you wish to be the Crown Prince of Qin, I will grant it to you. However, it depends on whether you can hold the position. Qin is not the Qin of the past. If you are incompetent, I will also depose you from the position of Crown Prince!"

Fusu solemnly replied, "Your subject will certainly not disappoint Father!"

The First Emperor said, "Whether you will disappoint me or not depends not on your words, but on your actions. You have already gained experience in the counties and townships. After becoming the crown prince, you will need to gain experience in the prefectures, various departments, and the army."

"As the Crown Prince of Qin, you can't be ignorant of the functions of all the departments in Qin. Just as Li Nian said, you don't need to be an expert in every aspect, but you must know a little so that people can't easily deceive you. Qin will undergo great changes in the future, and if you don't keep up, you won't be able to govern Qin well."

Fusu nodded seriously, and the First Emperor continued, "I have made two agreements with you: First, you may speak to me face to face about anything; second, unless I personally depose you from your position as crown prince, you shall not be trusted!"

Fusu looked at his father with surprise. These two agreements would make his position as crown prince exceptionally secure, making it difficult for others to sow discord. However, they also had drawbacks: they would grant him immense power, making it easier for him to rebel or commit patricide and seize the throne compared to other crown princes. But Fusu knew why his father had made these two agreements. According to the secret scroll, what ultimately allowed Zhao Gao, Huhai, and others to succeed in their conspiracy was that he and his father were separated, son and father unable to see each other, making it difficult to communicate and resolve misunderstandings and conflicts in a timely manner.

The first agreement the Emperor made was to ensure that father and son could communicate in a timely manner, so as to eliminate misunderstandings and conflicts and reduce the possibility of being sown apart by others.

The second agreement was to ensure that he would not commit suicide like the Fusu described in the secret scroll, due to the forged edict of Huhai, Zhao Gao, and others. If the Fusu described in the secret scroll had also made such an agreement with his father, the "Sand Dune Coup" of Huhai, Zhao Gao, and others would not have succeeded.

What? My father has issued an edict ordering me to commit suicide? Do you know that my father made a pact with me that unless he orders my death in person, I cannot trust anything else?

"You scoundrels! I can see through your treacherous intentions at a glance. How dare you forge the Emperor's edict to plot against me and General Meng! Guards, execute this man by dismemberment and send his body to Hu Hai, Zhao Gao, and the others. Tell them that I and General Meng will personally lead a large army to see what's going on. Tell them to wait and see."

Fusu once again felt the Emperor's high regard for him. He was indeed the Emperor's favorite son among all his brothers. He said, "Your subject thanks Your Majesty for your kindness!"

These two agreements with him greatly enhanced his power after he became the crown prince, which shows that he was highly valued. The increased power of the crown prince may threaten the emperor!

That night, Fusu did not return to his palace. The father and son talked all night in Zhangtai Palace, resolving many of their past misunderstandings.

The First Emperor summoned all the princes back to Xianyang. Although he did not say it explicitly, many people guessed that His Majesty might be going to decide on the heir apparent this time. It was just unknown which prince would become the heir apparent of the Qin Dynasty.

Many people analyzed and judged that among the princes, Prince Fusu and Prince Gao were the most likely candidates, followed by Prince Jianglu and Prince Han, and then the other princes.

As the eldest son of His Majesty, Prince Fusu naturally had an advantage over the other princes. It could be said that if Fusu had not developed a rift with His Majesty, he would have been the Crown Prince of Qin long ago.

More than a year ago, His Majesty enfeoffed his sons as kings, but not Fusu. Some people thought this might be a sign that His Majesty had abandoned Fusu. Later, Fusu disappeared without a trace, which led to various speculations, and even suspicions that Fusu had been secretly imprisoned or executed by His Majesty.

But now that Fusu has returned alive, it undoubtedly overturns these conjectures. Looking back now, we can see other possibilities: Could it be that His Majesty did not enfeoff Fusu as a king in the first place because he wanted to leave the position of crown prince to Fusu, which is why he did not enfeoff him?
Fusu has been missing for over a year, neither alive nor dead. Is it possible that he was carrying out a secret mission assigned to him by His Majesty?
Now that the mission is complete, Fusu has returned, and this mission may be the test for Fusu to become the crown prince.

These two possibilities are not nonexistent, but rather quite likely. If this is the case, then Fusu would definitely be a strong candidate for the crown prince of Qin.

As for Prince Gao, over the past year or so, the officials have clearly felt that His Majesty treats this prince with special favor compared to the other princes.

Whenever His Majesty acquires something good, he often sends a portion to Langya for Prince Gao. When Prince Gao's son was born, His Majesty was overjoyed and personally named the son "Heng" in front of all the ministers at the court assembly.

His Majesty's favoritism towards Prince Gao is evident to all the ministers, and this preferential treatment also means that Prince Gao has a higher chance of becoming the crown prince than the other princes.

Regarding the possibility that the First Emperor might establish an heir, some ministers were indifferent, not caring which prince would become the crown prince. They recognized the position, not the prince himself. Other ministers wanted to take sides, hoping that if they could bet on the prince who would become the crown prince, they would gain merit for supporting the emperor and the benefits would be immeasurable.

Other ministers were worried. Zhao Gao, who had a grudge against Fusu, was very concerned that Fusu would turn against him after becoming the crown prince. However, despite his anxiety and worry, Zhao Gao could do nothing.

Although he has been entrusted with important responsibilities by His Majesty, he is rarely summoned. If he could turn back time, he would still like to return to more than two years ago when he was highly trusted by His Majesty. Only when he could see His Majesty and be by His Majesty's side could he achieve more and change many things.

Zhao Gao could only pray in his heart: Your Majesty, please do not make Fusu the heir apparent. Any other prince will do, but please do not make Prince Fusu the heir apparent. Otherwise, given the grudge between him and Fusu, once Fusu gains power, even if he is not killed, he will definitely not be well.

Conversely, Li Si was not so worried. In fact, he did not think there was anything to worry about. As the Vice Chancellor of the Empire and related to His Majesty by marriage, even if Fusu ascended the throne, he would not be able to do anything to him.

Moreover, the points where he and Fusu might have had conflicts have now been eliminated, so even if Fusu becomes the crown prince, there is no reason for him to target him.

He used to worry about Fusu becoming the crown prince because of the conflict between his and Fusu's governing philosophies. But now he has seen clearly that the Qin Dynasty will follow the path designed by Prince Li Nian, rather than the path of Confucianism or Legalism.

Thus, he very skillfully transformed from a staunch Legalist believer into an advocate of Li Nian's path, and even diligently studied Li Nian's governing philosophy. Who knows, if Fusu had ascended to the throne, he might have gone even further and become the Prime Minister of the Empire.

Therefore, Li Si not only has no worries, but also thinks it's fine for Fusu to become the crown prince!
The ministers had anticipated that the First Emperor would establish an heir, but they did not expect him to do so so quickly, without even consulting them beforehand.

Another year has come to an end and a new year has begun. On the first day of the third year of the founding of the Qin Dynasty, which is also the first day of the third year of the First Emperor's reign, many ministers dressed in brand-new official robes came to attend the last court assembly of the year.

As the first court assembly of the new year, today's assembly is not for discussing political affairs, but rather for everyone to gather together and celebrate.

Many people attended today's court assembly. In addition to the ministers, there were envoys from various countries, student representatives from the Six Heroes Academy, international student representatives from the Great Qin International Academy, representatives from various regions, envoys from various countries, and the princes of Great Qin...

When they saw Fusu standing in front of the princes, many ministers were stunned. Who was this dark-skinned fellow, and why was he standing in front of the princes?
I don't think I've ever seen this person before!

But they immediately realized that this dark-skinned fellow might be the eldest son, Fusu.
Upon closer inspection, the ministers quickly identified some similarities between the dark-skinned man and the eldest son, Fusu, and were fairly certain that the man was indeed Fusu.

But this made them even more surprised and curious: what had the eldest son gone through in the past year or so, and how did he become so dark, rough and strong?

If word got out, who would believe that this was the eldest son of the Qin Dynasty? It would be more believable to say that he was a rough peasant!
I remember that the eldest son, Fusu, was originally quite refined and handsome, but now he is dark-skinned, strong, and burly, which is really hard to match with the noble young man in my memory.

Could it be that Young Master Chang disappeared for over a year because His Majesty sent him to work in the countryside, exposed to the elements?
(End of this chapter)