The Great Qin Dynasty: The egg of the Black Bird was revered as a national guardian beast.

Perhaps it was Xuan Ye's words that enlightened the First Emperor.

Or perhaps the First Emperor himself realized that once his dream was shattered, he could no longer continue pursuing it.

The next day, Zhao Gao was surprised to find that...

After assuming power, the First Emperor, who had worked diligently for over thirty years, surprisingly did not review any memorials.

Instead, it swung back four times.

He sat alone in the hall, propping his head up with his hand, deep in thought.

The First Emperor spent several hours alone, and then summoned several groups of people in succession.

The first to arrive was Zhang Han, the Minister of the Imperial Household, and the last to arrive was Zhao Gao, the Director of the Imperial Carriage Office, who was also summoned by the First Emperor to draft an edict.

Zhang Han came this time with the position of Shaofu (Minister of the Imperial Household).

He was not wearing black armor, but rather official robes.

Standing outside the curtain, he bowed and greeted the emperor: "Your Majesty."

The First Emperor summoned him this time to ask about the progress of the Epang Palace and the Lishan Mausoleum, as well as the number of people being transported.

"Your Majesty, I hereby report."

Zhang Han raised his hand, thought for a moment, and then spoke.

"The Epang Palace has a population of 400,000 and is currently only under construction, while the inner palace is being built on the northern slope of Mount Li, with a population of 300,000."

The First Emperor touched his brow and pondered for a moment.

He then waved his hand and said, "By imperial decree, 100,000 men will suffice for Epang Palace. Send 300,000 men to Mount Li."

"Those convicted of crimes and sentenced to prison in seclusion will be given priority."

"The 300,000 laborers from Lishan Plain are hereby released to return home."

After a pause, the First Emperor continued, "Left Chancellor Li Si will oversee the project, with the Minister of the Imperial Treasury as his deputy."

Upon hearing this, Zhao Gao was stunned.

This edict from the First Emperor is quite intriguing.

This means that the construction of the Epang Palace can be slowed down or even stopped, but the construction of the Lishan Palace must be expedited.

Moreover, 300,000 convicts were transferred from the Epang Palace.

As for the corvée laborers who were originally responsible for building Mount Li, the First Emperor actually showed great mercy and let them go home.

"Huh? What are you standing there for? Hurry up and write!"

"Yes, yes." Zhao Gao was usually quick-witted, but this time the imperial edict left him completely bewildered.

The First Emperor withdrew his gaze in disgust.

After the edict was written, the First Emperor waved his hand and dismissed Zhang Han.

Behind the curtain, the First Emperor held his forehead.

Zhao Gao knelt before the curtain, looking at the familiar yet unfamiliar figure behind it.

It's familiar because it's been with him for decades.

It feels unfamiliar because, without realizing it, the once spirited person has become frail and aged.

Thinking this, Zhao Gao couldn't help but shed tears.

The hall was quiet. The First Emperor heard everything clearly. He removed his hand and gave him a disdainful look.

Why are you crying?

Zhao Gao lowered his head and silently shed tears.

The First Emperor suddenly understood, looked at him, and smiled.

Before Zhao Gao could answer, the First Emperor said, "You understand? Very well, come with me for a walk."

After saying that, he got up from behind the desk.

Liao drew back the curtain and walked past Zhao Gao.

Zhao Gao wiped away his tears, silently got up, and followed closely behind him as usual.

He strolled out of the palace gate.

Standing before the majestic gates of Xianyang Palace,

Here, you can see the setting sun and the bustling city of Xianyang in the distance.

People everywhere saw the First Emperor's figure.

No matter how far apart they were, they immediately prostrated themselves on the ground, trembling with fear, not daring to raise their heads to look at the emperor.

But the First Emperor ignored these ants.

He simply looked up at the sun in the sky.

Looking at it, the First Emperor seemed to see himself, wasn't he just like him, nearing the end of his life?

"Sunrise and sunset, the cycle repeats itself..."

.........

Even if the dream is shattered.

But after dealing with the matters of Mount Li and the Epang Palace.

The First Emperor then issued an order to summon the Left Chancellor Li Si, the Imperial Censor Feng Jie, the Senior Minister Meng Yi, and Wang Ben.

Not long after,

The imperial edict was urgent, and others rushed to the scene upon hearing the order.

"Prime Minister Li." Outside the gates of Xianyang Palace, Imperial Censor Feng Jie bowed to Li Si, who had arrived first.

"Oh, you're an imperial censor." Li Si smiled and returned the greeting.

He then asked, "Is your father well?"

Feng Jie's father was Feng Quji, the Right Chancellor of the Qin Dynasty, but he resigned due to illness and had been recuperating at home for a long time.

"I ask Prime Minister Li to keep in mind that my father is well."

Feng Jie gave a nonchalant reply, then stood outside the palace gate, his eyes fixed straight ahead.

Don't you know whether my father is good or not?

If it weren't for you, why would my father have occupied the position of Right Chancellor and remained idle at home?

Li Si smiled but didn't say anything more.

He also knew that because he had gained the trust of the First Emperor, although he was the Left Chancellor, he held the power of the Chancellor.

Although he had a Right Chancellor above him

However, that was merely a name without substance.

He held the title of Right Chancellor but had no real power, and the First Emperor did not allow him to decline the position.

Then, the place fell silent.

The silence only eased slightly with the arrival of Meng Yi and Wang Ben.

"Prime Minister Li."

After Meng Yi arrived, he first bowed to Li Si.

Then he looked at Feng Jie, raised his hand, and said with a smile, "Imperial Censor."

Li Si returned the greeting to Feng Jie, saying, "I am honored to have met you, Minister Meng."

Then Wang Ben came over and greeted him.

Once everyone had arrived, the guards outside went in to report, and soon the First Emperor's edict was conveyed.

"Announce!"

Soon, the four of them entered Xianyang Palace together.

After passing through the covered corridor, past the wooden screen, and into a palace gate, a curtain came into view.

Behind the curtain sat a blurry figure.

"Your Majesty, we, your humble servants, pay our respects!"

The four walked forward, stood in front of the curtain, and respectfully bowed to the people inside.

No need for formalities.

As the sound rang out, the man raised his hand.

Then, three soft couches were brought over and placed in front of the curtain, since there was already one there, which was just right.

"Please be seated, gentlemen. Let us proceed with the matter at hand."

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

They raised their hands in thanks, and then the four of them sat down on the soft couch.

Behind the curtain, the First Emperor held his forehead, his voice flat and monotone, and said...

"I have summoned you here because of the western expedition."

As expected, the four of them had anticipated this, so they didn't show anything on their faces.

He simply lowered his head, waiting for the First Emperor to speak.

"What do you gentlemen think of the western expedition?"

The First Emperor asked, his tone questioning, but they knew he simply wanted them to express their opinions.

None of the four spoke first.

The First Emperor lowered his hand and smiled. Since no one spoke first, he would have to call on someone by name.

"Prime Minister, you speak."

"Yes." Liston paused for a moment, then raised his hand.

He said, "Your Majesty, I believe that the strategy of the western expedition, like King Huiwen's conquest of Ba and Shu, will bring lasting benefits!"