Chronicles of the Qin Dynasty

Chapter 221, Section 220: The Vanished One
The chicks at Xianyang Palace are being raised very well.

Qin Shi carefully calculated that the chickens of today are still the original breed, and have not undergone any domestication or breeding. Therefore, the normal egg-laying time is five or six months after hatching.

It was early spring then, and the temperature was quite good. When they were 8 to 12 months old, the temperature gradually rose, coinciding with the peak egg-laying season, which was just the right time to transition from summer to autumn.

In winter, whether it's slaughtering animals or hatching eggs, it always brings some benefit to the people.

Therefore, she also wanted to encourage Dan and Feiqing, which was quite different from her previous indifference towards Madam Chu.

The two princes, who had long lived in the deep palace, never imagined that the queen would speak so softly. Even though they were older, they gained even more confidence from this inquiry.

"Your Majesty, please rest assured, we will eat and stay here, and we will surely satisfy Your Majesty next autumn."

Qin Shi had nothing to worry about.

In fact, she planned to emulate the "Huang-Lao governance" of the early Han Dynasty, to see if there was a way to get the king to loosen his control over the people, and then gradually accumulate capital by initially stipulating what families should plant and raise.

Raising chickens and ducks is just one aspect of it.

However, while the "Huang-Lao governance" had countless advantages, it represented a major shift in political doctrine for the rulers.

To be honest, Qin Shi was not confident that he could succeed, so he could only take a down-to-earth approach and do what he could first.

These trivial matters, though not arduous, were still quite time-consuming. By the time she had finished them all and was eagerly awaiting the New Year's ceremony, the group of alchemists had already been waiting in Xianyang City for three days.

The woman served her tea, smiling as she said:

"The Queen's move is truly brilliant. I've heard that those reclusive people are often arrogant. Even that Mao Sheng spoke disrespectfully when he first met Your Majesty. Now that we've left them hanging for a few days, and with the Kunlun secret method keeping them in suspense, I'm not worried about them not submitting."

Qin Shi paused, his hand holding the teacup still.

After a moment, she said nonchalantly, "Now that we're done with our work, it's the perfect time. Let them in."

Oh dear, I'm so sorry, I didn't have time to write down the schedule, so I forgot about this group of people.

But it doesn't matter, because she is the queen.

Inside Xianyang City, alchemists, carrying all sorts of strange and unusual alchemical cauldrons and tools, gathered in inns and cautiously peered out from the palace gates of Xianyang City every day.

His actions were so strange that the head of the post station had brought people to verify the talisman multiple times, and there was also a letter indicating that he was summoned by the Queen, which is why he was able to escape imprisonment.

Now, after waiting for three days, the Queen finally came to summon him.

"Let's go." The elderly Qingyangzi sighed.
"Although Xianyang Palace has secret techniques, this Kunlun Immortal Envoy delayed in summoning us for so long, clearly looking down on us. It seems that your junior brother Mao Sheng did not do a good job."

"In that case, if you wish to learn immortal techniques, you must be more respectful."

The slightly older senior sister questioned:
"These nobles often like to claim immortality as their backing. Although Junior Brother Maosheng has sent a letter, we still don't know if it's true or not."

Qingyangzi shook his head: "I have seen this King of Qin before."

“When he went on tours in the past, his majesty was awe-inspiring, purple clouds rose, the Water Virtue Star shone brightly, and the Purple Palace was filled with brilliance. It was clear that the ruler of Qin was destined to become a powerful ruler.”

"But although the palace is bright and shining, the starlight will soon dim, which means that the harem is without a master and there is no successor. That is why I do not want to come to the palace to seek the Dao."

"And some time ago, Mars was in conjunction with Antares, and a star fell in Dongjun. I have already predicted that the King of Qin is likely to..."

He sighed and slowly shook his head: "Now, King Heng of Qin's fate has undergone a great change and will never be the same again."

The eldest disciple, Qingwei, who was also the senior sister, was still puzzled:

"The celestial phenomena are unpredictable. What does this have to do with whether the Queen in the palace is a celestial messenger from Kunlun? Why is Master so cautious?"

Qingyangzi shook his head: "Qingwei, although you have the heart to pursue the Dao, you do not have the talent to sense destiny - Qin Wang Heng's fearsome reputation is known throughout the world, and no one can touch the power he can control."

"But after the firefly bewitched the heart and the star fell in Dongjun, a woman of unknown origin was suddenly made queen."

"Now the stars are shining brightly, the Purple Palace shines brightly again, and the divine light shines through the night."

"So, you still don't understand?"

"Regardless of whether this queen is a celestial messenger from Kunlun, she is indeed extraordinary—it seems that the Qi of the Great Qin is so abundant that it cannot bear to wither. Of the fifty Heavenly Cycles, one escapes."

"Queen, that is the one who has vanished."

The disciples were silent, and even Qingwei took a deep breath. As they approached the Xianyang Palace, his expression became solemn.

……

Qin Shi was unaware that the alchemists possessed innate talent; at this moment, he was simply organizing the methods of "cultivation" that he had pieced together from various sources.

Aside from those unreliable alchemical techniques that weren't recorded, I selectively extracted some of them, remembering the chemical knowledge they involved.

It's really hard.

They wanted to promote crops to farmers, but there were no corn, sweet potatoes, potatoes, or cotton available.

If we want to develop some science, it's difficult to even gather the most basic and durable distillation equipment.

While there have been breakthroughs in military equipment, the lives of the people remain poor—the territory has expanded, but there is no one to govern it or cultivate the land, so what is the use?

When the enemy adopts a strategy of harassing them when they are exhausted and retreating when they advance, the enemy will find themselves in a passive position.

Amidst these anxieties, the alchemists answered the call and arrived at the Orchid Pool Palace.

Qingyangzi shook his whisk, his old but clear eyes looking in all directions.

The lake stretched out before us, its surface shrouded in mist and withered lotus leaves. At its center, on Penglai Island, stood a colossal stone whale, its presence like a ferocious beast, while the gates of Lanchi Palace swung open, exuding a powerful and awe-inspiring aura.

He then smiled, his otherworldly demeanor returning: "Our Great Qin reveres the virtue of water, and the Queen resides in the Orchid Pond. It is most fitting that she can assist Your Majesty in your journey to the sea!"

The eunuch who delivered the message was illiterate and assumed that the water referred only to the Orchid Pond, so he couldn't help but boldly ask:

"The Queen will be moving to Ganquan Palace soon. I wonder if this will have any impact?"

Preparations for relocation have already begun throughout the palace, so the eunuch's question was not inappropriate.

Qingyangzi smiled and said, "The Orchid Pool is a fragrant and vast body of water, and the Sweet Spring is a rain of merit bestowed by heaven."

"The virtue of water in my Great Qin Dynasty is like the ceaseless flow of rivers."

He was clearly much more capable than Mao Sheng. In just a few words, even though he knew they weren't very capable, Chi Nu couldn't help but smile upon hearing the report.

When he led them back to the hall, his expression remained calm, but Qin Shi could tell—

It's gentler now.

I even said before that it would be better to leave them out for a few days!

She didn't take it to heart, after all, the old man in the middle did look like a hermit with radiant skin, not like someone who hadn't cultivated himself.

At the very least, if you go out and say you have connections, people will believe you.

Think about Mao Sheng again...

I've forgotten what he looked like before, but I do know that the person I saw recently was not only sallow and thin with pale skin, but also had sunken cheeks and a weak voice...

Oh.

Qin Shi couldn't help but think to himself: It's clear that even good bamboo can produce bad shoots.

The manners of the people below the stage were also different from Mao Sheng's. Since their senior brother/brother had suffered a loss, they were now very respectful in their bows. "Qingyangzi, a man from beyond the mundane world, leads his disciples to pay their respects to the Queen."

"Looking at the Queen's brows, one sees a magnanimous spirit, and having experienced life-and-death ordeals, she now enjoys lasting blessings."

"Our Great Qin has a Queen, like a black bird perched on a parasol tree, signifying the longevity of our nation."

Qingyangzi remained neither humble nor arrogant; though standing below the steps, his demeanor was still composed and gentle.

Qin Shi raised an eyebrow.

She now understands why people always yearn for metaphysics, because some of the words really bring joy to those who hear them, and seem to truly reveal her destiny.

Putting aside the words of praise, does the phrase "having survived a life-or-death ordeal" refer to the cure of her terminal illness, or to her being recognized by the King of Qin and thus saving her life?
But it's okay.

She loves to listen.

Therefore, he smiled and said, "I accept Master Qingyang's praise and blessings. However, the Taoist priest Mao Sheng in Xianyang Palace does not seem to resemble my master at all."

If Mao Sheng had that mouth, given Ji Heng's desire for immortality and the Dao, he would have been willing to take whatever he wanted but refused to speak. Yet, he could easily have remained in a palace and been called a Daoist master.

Qingyangzi smiled calmly: "Humans eat grains and are born with certain natures. Maosheng's cultivation is insufficient, which is my dereliction of duty as his teacher. Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

He bowed again and said, "Now that Qingyangzi has led his disciples here first, it is also because they have a sincere heart for the Dao."

"But a devout heart for the Way is now of no use to the Qin state."

Qin Shi looked at them, his expression gentle, but his words were sharp.

Qingyangzi was not in a hurry: "Our Daoist school follows nature and governs by non-action. Is it really useless to the Qin state?"

Qin Shi was stunned.

A moment later, a tremendous sense of absurdity swept over me, yet it was mixed with a little unspeakable joy.

[Following nature and governing by non-action.] This is clearly also the Huang-Lao philosophy.

Yes, Taoism has been closely linked to Huang-Lao philosophy since ancient times.

The Yellow Emperor ruled the world, and Lao Tzu discussed the Dao, which constitutes the "Huang-Lao School". However, compared to pure Daoist theory, the Huang-Lao School also incorporates Legalist school. Although it emphasizes tranquility, naturalness, and non-action, it is not simply about letting things run wild.

And this sound governance strategy of the early Han dynasty, which cleaned up the mess left by the fragmentation of the Qin dynasty and brought peace and stability to the country, was presented to her in such an absurd way.

She even felt a deep sense of regret:
"If only it had been Daoist Qingyangzi who came to Xianyang Palace to meet the King back then."

Unfortunately, Mao Sheng submitted a terrible answer sheet. Now, even the king looks down on these recluses, let alone listen to their Taoist doctrines.

Qingyangzi's clear eyes seemed to be filled with wisdom; no one could judge the depth or shallowness of an elderly person's life experiences.

"Mao Sheng was not skilled enough and was greedy for extravagance. He came here with the King of Qin with one heart. He deserves to suffer this fate."

"And aren't we summoned by the Queen?"

After he finished speaking, he bowed slightly and said, "I beg Your Majesty to witness our devout actions. If we are destined, please bestow upon us the secret methods of Kunlun."

Qin Shi took a deep breath.

For a fleeting moment, she genuinely felt that Qingyangzi's cultivation was no less than that of the Grand Historian Yuan Xin.

But the two were incomparable, and she could only sigh, genuinely regretting the fate of this Taoist priest.
"Since ancient times, the law has not been knocked on the door, and the way has not been lightly transmitted."

"Daoist, do you know that once you practice my Kunlun secret method, you and your disciples will never be able to leave Xianyang City in this lifetime?"

Qingyangzi smiled and said, "What we seek is nothing more than Kunlun. Kunlun is neither in famous mountains and rivers, nor in bustling palaces, but only in the depths of our cultivation."

"If that's the case, what's the harm in practicing anywhere?"

Qin Shi looked at him intently, and then took a box of papers from the maid, the ink marks of which were faintly visible.

"This is a secret method from Kunlun that I have extracted. Whether it can lead to immortality or enlightenment, I do not know. But compared with the current Taoist methods, it certainly has great wisdom."

"If you wish to cultivate these secret techniques, you must first refine divine pills for the Great King."

“This elixir is extremely dangerous to refine, and may even endanger lives. Therefore, you must all uphold the Daoist heart and be extremely cautious.”

Qingyangzi frowned.

"May I ask Your Majesty, what are the dangers in refining this elixir? Is a sacrificial offering necessary?"

Qin Shi shook his head: "I can only tell you the name of this divine pill for now—"

"Nine Heavens Responding to the Origin Thunder God Pill".

Upon hearing this, everyone silently gasped, even Qingyangzi frowned deeply—

"Nine Heavens Thunder God, when this elixir is completed, a thunderbolt will surely descend upon the world—the Queen wants my disciples to risk their lives."

He sighed, but his eldest disciple, Qingwei, beside him, had shining eyes: "If I hear the Dao in the morning, I can die content in the evening! If I can cultivate the Kunlun secret method, this disciple is willing to bear this thunder and fire!"

Her skin was slightly dark, and although she was dressed as a Taoist priest with an air of otherworldly elegance, her exposed fingers were large and rough, clearly indicating that she was not the kind of Taoist priest who was supported by others.

Qin Shi couldn't help but smile: "What courage!"

Looking at Qingyangzi again, she asked with a smile, "What decision has the Daoist master made?"

Qingyangzi sighed, "In order to seek the Dao, we are willing to become queens and refine the divine elixir."

"This pill is named Nine Heavens Responding to the Thunder God, which comes from the fire of thunder. Once it descends into the world, it will surely cause destruction."

"I hope that the Queen will consider her own good fortune and refrain from killing any living beings."

Qin Shi suddenly became serious: "If it were Daoist Qingyangzi whom we first met, why would we need to seek this Kunlun secret technique through such perilous means?"

She would definitely offer them up willingly, hoping that these people, who are clearly knowledgeable, cultured, and love the common people, would stay in Xianyang to assist her!

Now, however, the only option is to use both force and virtue.

In the end, it's still because Mao Sheng is too useless!
I don't know what kind of half-baked knowledge she has acquired, but she dares to act so carelessly, almost causing her to miss out on a talented person.

As for the lethality caused by the use of gunpowder...

"The elixir is like a sword; when used to protect the country, it becomes a vital national treasure."

“A weapon used to inflict cruelty, oppression, or harm on others is a murder weapon.”

"Whether it is a powerful weapon or a deadly weapon has nothing to do with whether it is a divine elixir or not—the Taoist priest has good intentions, but good intentions alone do not have the edge of a sword, and he cannot protect the people of my Qin Kingdom."

Qingyangzi lowered his eyelashes and stopped speaking.

After they left, Qin Shi casually instructed, "Mao Sheng's heart is not devout in his pursuit of the Dao. Today, let him fast and meditate for a day."

Honestly! A room full of brilliant talents, how come this good-for-nothing had to come out and swindle people?
I can't calm my anger without letting him go hungry for a meal.

Meanwhile, in Zhangtai Palace, Ji Heng, who was listening to his attendant's report word by word, gradually put down the bamboo slip in his hand, his expression slowly becoming solemn.

Finally, in the silent atmosphere of Zhangtai Palace, he burst into loud laughter again:

"Your Majesty, that's wonderful!"

　Coming!
　　(End of this chapter)