Simultaneous travel: City, infinite evolution

Chapter 241 He is truly a hermit!
"gentlemen."

Fusu bowed respectfully to Chen Hong.

"Sir, you are a man of such great talent, truly a renowned scholar of a great nation. Why not serve in the Qin state and contribute to its prosperity?"

Everyone instantly became solemn, and the eyes of everyone around them burned with fervor.

To enter officialdom!
Even if they have many grievances and complaints about the Qin state, if they are truly given a chance to become officials...

Then all the problems cease to be problems.

They will just say:
"It's so fragrant!"

Everyone stared intently at Chen Hong, awaiting his reply.

Even Meng Tian looked at Chen Hong with anticipation, realizing that Chen Hong was a rare talent.

If I could serve the Qin Dynasty, I would certainly add some lubricant and pull the reins on this high-speed chariot.

To prevent the chariots from running too fast on the rugged roads, resulting in a crash and loss of life.

Therefore, Meng Tian genuinely hoped that Chen Hong could enter officialdom and serve the Qin Dynasty.

This was both for the good of the Qin Dynasty and to recruit a wise man with a broad perspective for Prince Fusu.

But amidst everyone's expectant gazes, Chen Hong shook his head.

"Serving as an official is not what I desire."

Everyone's expressions became quite interesting.

The onlookers had a range of reactions: some felt sorry for him, some wished they could take his place, some mocked him, some looked at him like he was an idiot, and some admired him.

Fusu thought for a moment and continued to persuade him:

"Are you worried that you will be ostracized by officials, unable to fulfill your ambitions, unable to implement your brilliant strategies, and unable to realize your aspirations?"

"It doesn't matter."

"Although I am not talented, my family holds considerable influence in the court. I am willing to persuade my father to mobilize the entire clan to support your reform efforts!"

"Sir, you must have confidence in our Great Qin. Among the seven states, Qin has been the most successful in reforming and strengthening itself."

For any major strategy that can make Qin stronger, Qin has the absolute determination to carry it out to the end.

Even if it offends the nobility and causes bloodshed, I'm willing to pay the price!

Chen Hong also nodded in acknowledgment of Qin's boldness.

"The success of the Qin reforms was truly a miracle unprecedented in history."

Most reformers end in failure.

Or perhaps only one aspect is changed, the situation improves, and after a period of prosperity, it declines, and the reform is not thorough.

Only the Qin state consolidated the results of its reforms and carried them out to the end.

Those who attempt to reform during the middle of a dynasty often defy human nature and succeed very few.

The Qin people's reforms were so thorough that no one before them could achieve such a miracle, and it is unlikely that anyone after them could replicate it.

Upon hearing Chen Hong's high praise, Fusu, who had just been feeling heavy-hearted after Chen Hong listed various drawbacks, suddenly felt as refreshed as drinking a large bowl of ice water on a hot summer day.

"Haha, since you know how determined my Great Qin is to reform and strengthen itself, why not serve in the government and contribute to the country?"

Fusu extended the invitation again.

This time, everyone showed expressions of envy, jealousy, and resentment, wishing they could take the place and agree.

They realized that Fusu was a powerful nobleman's son and was willing to use the strength of his entire clan to push Chen Hong to the throne.

This will likely be a high position right from the start.

Who knows, he might one day rise to a high-ranking official position—a dream come true for so many people.

But Chen Hong shook his head again under everyone's gaze.

"I am a person outside the secular world, and I should not presume to enter the place of court disputes."

Although there are good strategies, they may be difficult to implement.

The Qin Dynasty has its own wise ministers and famous generals, a constellation of brilliant stars, why should I take the lead?
Since the implementation of good governance, there will be fewer competitors like us who are out of step with the times, and our interests will not be infringed upon.

Isn't that wonderful, a win-win situation?

Fusu understood that Chen Hong was worried about becoming the target of public criticism; once the cunning rabbit is caught, the hunting dog is cooked; once the birds are gone, the good bow is put away.

They were making excuses, seemingly unwilling to get involved in the mess that was swirling around the Qin Dynasty.

Li Si was the prime minister of the Qin Dynasty. Li Si was a Legalist and did not get along well with Fusu. They often had different political views.

Fusu also became close to military families like Meng Tian, ​​which subtly created a conflict with the civil official group led by Li Si.

The court was rife with factions, and with Qin Shi Huang holding it back, the situation was still unclear, but there were also subtle power struggles between factions.

Chen Hong didn't want to get involved, so it was normal for him to be suppressed and ostracized by Li Si and others.

After all, even the best strategy still requires the cooperation of the civil service.

Li Si might not be able to hinder the implementation of national policies, but his attempts to make small moves would face numerous obstacles. Chen Hong had no patience to play any political games with this group of civil officials and nobles.

Once the strategy is complete, we can simply overwhelm them.

There's no need to play mind games with these old foxes.

It's a waste of energy, and you might not even be able to win.

However, Fusu thought that Chen Hong was just having some concerns.

"Sir, are you worried that the tragedy of Lord Shang will be repeated?"

Everyone was startled and their expressions turned serious.

Shang Yang, this topic is far too sensitive.

As is widely known, it was Shang Yang's reforms that made the Qin army so powerful.

However, after Shang Yang's reforms succeeded, the new emperor indulged the old nobles whose interests had been harmed, and Shang Yang was eventually killed.

The death of Shang Yang, who had rendered great service, was used to quell the anger of the nobles.

It's a classic case of "the cunning rabbit dies, the hunting dog is cooked; the birds are all gone, the good bow is put away."

After using them, they also take their lives, and then make the most of them.

That's a bit unfair.

The cold-bloodedness and cruelty of the way of the monarch can be seen from this.

Even today, countless nobles still wish they could eat Shang Yang's flesh and sleep on his skin.

If another Shang Yang were to appear, what would become of us?

Fusu sighed and solemnly promised Chen Hong:
"If you are worried that the same thing happened to Lord Shang, you need not worry at all."

Your Majesty is a man of great talent and ambition, and treats meritorious officials well. There is no precedent for you to kill meritorious officials without authorization.

I swear on my life that as long as I live, I will never let you suffer the same fate as Shang Yang.

Chen Hong's face twitched. "Come on, Fusu, you can't even protect your own head, what kind of guarantee are you offering?"

Although the First Emperor was indeed a good emperor and never killed his meritorious officials.

Unfortunately, most of the meritorious officials were killed by his son, Huhai.

Without Hu Hai and Zhao Gao purging the court and killing all the loyal ministers and generals who were devoted to the Qin Dynasty, there would have been no chance.

How could it be as easy as Xiang Yu and Liu Bang's rebellion at the end of the Qin Dynasty?

It should be noted that Zhang Han, a nobody, almost quelled the entire rebellion in Qin with a group of convicts and criminals.

Even a formidable figure like Xiang Yu had to fight a desperate battle with his back to the river to defeat Zhang Han.

Meanwhile, a number of elite generals, including Meng Tian and Feng Jie, who were far more capable than Zhang Han, were all forced to their deaths by Hu Hai and Zhao Gao.

Therefore, Hu Hai and Zhao Gao are the real MVPs. The others basically just got carried away.

Hu Hai and Zhao Gao certainly played a significant role in the downfall of the Qin Dynasty.

Faced with the assurance of Fusu, a foolishly loyal man who would commit suicide at the mere sight of a false imperial edict, Chen Hongquan paid no heed.

He shook his head like a rattle drum.

"Thank you for your kind offer, but it's not necessary."

I am a simple man from the mountains, accustomed to a life of leisure and freedom.

Drinking and talking too much, chatting about politics, is just for enjoyment.

"My lord, please take this as mere entertainment and don't take it seriously."

Chen Hong meant that he was just drinking and bragging to satisfy his vanity as a political commentator.

It would be a waste to send him to the treacherous and bloody court to fight wits and courage.

I'm sorry, I can't do that. I'll take my leave now.

Chen Hong: No one is more clear-headed than me.

What time traveler could be as self-aware as me? *hands on hips*
Yi Xiaochuan: Do not Q.

Faced with Chen Hong's repeated rejections, Prince Fusu was very disappointed and sighed repeatedly.

Meng Tian gestured to him not to rush things.

At this moment, the guards who had quietly left returned with a group of servants and surrounded the place.

Fusu gave a signal with his eyes, and Meng Tian immediately understood.

They asked someone to "invite" the onlookers out.

If nothing unexpected happens, they will have a few wonderful days.

Then they were put on a gag order, and were not allowed to divulge a single word of what they had heard.

Those who disobey might face things like forced labor or confinement.

After finishing his drinks, Chen Hong found the person he wanted to find, finished his boasting, and then wanted to leave.

"Young master, I have other matters to attend to, so I will take my leave now!"

"Gao Yao, quickly help Mr. Cui up, let's go."

"Okay, okay."

Gao Yao snapped out of his daze and quickly helped the drunken Cui Wenzi up, following behind Chen Hong.

"Oh, sir, sir, you still haven't told me your name?"

Looking at Chen Hong's retreating figure, Fusu asked anxiously.

Chen Hong waved his hand without turning his head:

"Why must we have known each other before we meet?"

"A name is just a label; call it whatever you want."

"Oh, sir, how can I find you!"

Watching Chen Hong walk away, Fusu waved his hand and shouted.

"We will meet if we are destined."

Chen Hong left without looking back, drunk and carefree.

Seeing this, Yi Xiaochuan disregarded the pain from the bumps all over his head. He desperately wanted to know where the other two remaining transmigrators lived.

So he quickly followed after them.

Watching Chen Hong gradually disappear at the end of the street, Fusu sighed:

"Truly a reclusive master!"

Meng Tian frowned and reminded him:
"Young master, this man is highly talented; we must not let this unicorn be buried in the fields."

"If we can obtain this extraordinary son, what great things cannot be accomplished?"

Fusu came to his senses and said, "What the general says makes sense."

"In that case, send someone to investigate his background."

"A wild goose leaves its mark in the sky; since this gentleman has appeared in Xianyang, he must have a place to stay."

"Although he claimed to be a recluse, he spoke eloquently about the laws of Qin and had a deep understanding of them."

He doesn't seem like a Taoist who is single-mindedly seeking immortality and detachment from worldly affairs.

They don't seem like the kind of people who follow the natural course of things, like the ancient Chinese.

On the contrary, they seem more like followers of Legalism.

"What Legalist doesn't love governance?"

"There must be some concerns."

"Or perhaps they are waiting for a high price, hoping to find a powerful backer so that they can easily realize their ambitions in the future."

"There were many people today, and I did not reveal my identity. It is only natural that he had reservations and was unwilling to be recruited easily."

"When I visit him again, reveal my identity, and show my sincerity, I will surely bring him into my fold and have him assist me in my great undertaking!"

Meng Tian looked at Fusu with a gratified expression.

“What you say makes sense, sir.”

"I have seen that you have made great progress in recent times and have learned how to recruit and select talented people."

Prince Fusu immediately smiled, "It's all for the sake of the Qin Dynasty's lasting foundation."

“Let’s go to Xianyang Palace and tell Father Emperor what we said today.”

I hope that my father will heed this well-intentioned advice.

Fusu suddenly became somewhat melancholy.

He had no confidence that he could successfully persuade his exceptionally stubborn father.

Those who achieve great things are invariably people with unwavering beliefs.

Such people have their own set of values ​​and opinions, which cannot be easily swayed by others.

Therefore, he wouldn't listen to ordinary advice.

Meng Tian had no good solution to the ideological differences between the father and son.

We can only let the father and son communicate with each other themselves.

Just as Prince Fusu was taking Meng Tian to Xianyang Palace.

The First Emperor also suffered a crushing defeat at the Qinling Mountains.

On the carriage back to Xianyang.

Ying Zheng was so angry that he blew on his beard and glared at his eyes.

"I am furious!"

"I personally went to visit him, but the immortal ignored me completely."

The area was still shrouded in mist.

"After entering the mountains, we wandered around for an hour, but we still couldn't find his door."

After going around in circles, we've ended up back where we started.

"What does he mean? What does he mean?"

(End of this chapter)