Starting with ten elixirs of immortality, I led the First Emperor to rebel against the Qin Dynasty.

The following day, at Xianyang Palace, in the Qilin Hall.

As dawn broke, civil and military officials, dressed in their court robes, lined up on both sides, making the entire hall solemn and dignified.

However, the atmosphere today is somewhat different from usual.

The officials, especially the Confucian scholars led by Chunyu Yue and Shusun Tong, all straightened their backs, their faces filled with barely suppressed excitement and anticipation.

His gaze kept drifting towards Kong Fu at the front of the line.

With him there, Chunyu Yue and the others felt their backs straighten up a bit.

It's as if I can already see Li Si being refuted by Mr. Kong Fu, leaving him speechless and utterly humiliated.

Li Si stood beside Feng Quji, eyes downcast, seemingly oblivious to the provocative glances directed his way, like an emotionless statue.

But the slight twitching at the corner of his mouth betrayed that he was not calm at the moment.

It's finally here; he can't wait for today's show to begin.

"His Majesty has arrived!"

As Zhao Gao's distinctive high-pitched voice rang out, Ying Zheng, dressed in a black dragon robe, strode onto the throne, his majestic gaze sweeping over the people below.

"Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor! Long live the Emperor!"

The deafening roar of worship echoed throughout the main hall.

"All of you, rise."

Ying Zheng raised his hand, and when his gaze fell on Kong Fu, a warm smile immediately appeared on his face.

"I am greatly pleased to hear that Mr. Kong Fu, a ninth-generation descendant of Confucius and a great Confucian scholar of our time, has traveled a great distance to Xianyang, the capital of my Great Qin. I am sure you have had a long and arduous journey."

These words were spoken with sincerity and were full of respect and welcome for the Confucian scholars.

Chunyu Yue and the others were overjoyed to hear this.

See, His Majesty still respects Confucianism.

Kong Fu also bowed slightly to Ying Zheng, neither humble nor arrogant.

"Your Majesty flatters me. It is my great fortune to have the honor of seeing Your Majesty's countenance."

Although he called himself a commoner, Kong Fu's arrogant attitude was impossible to hide.

Ying Zheng wasn't angry at all; instead, he laughed even more heartily.

I truly welcome your arrival! You can use Kong Fu to command all the Confucian scholars in the land!

"Sir, there's no need for such modesty," Ying Zheng said with a smile. "I have always admired the teachings of Confucius. Now that you are here, please feel free to share your insights. I and all my beloved ministers will listen attentively."

Before Kong Fu could even speak, Chunyu Yue eagerly jumped out.

"Your Majesty! I have a memorial to present!"

"speak."

Chunyu Yue pointed at Li Si with righteous indignation and shouted, "I impeach Left Chancellor Li Si! This man, as the head of all officials, does not think of serving the country and the people, but instead distorts the classics of the sages, slanders the sages and teachers, spreads heresies to confuse the masses, and disrupts the court! His heart deserves to be punished!"

"Last time in court, he misinterpreted 'winning people over with virtue' as winning people over with fists and kicks, and twisted 'If I hear the Way in the morning, I can die content in the evening' into seeking revenge and killing! Such remarks are simply outrageous and unheard of!"

"We implore Your Majesty to severely punish Li Si, to set the record straight and restore the Emperor's innocence!"

"We second that proposal!" Shusun Tong, Fu Sheng, and other Confucian scholars stepped forward in unison, sharing the same hatred for the enemy.

For a time, the entire Qilin Hall was filled with verbal attacks against Li Si.

Among the military officers, Wang Jian, Meng Tian, ​​and others wore expressions of anticipation, as if they were watching a good show.

They had all heard that Li Si had prepared another "surprise" for them today.

Ying Zheng looked at the excited Confucian scholars below, his face still bearing a smile, and turned to look at Li Si.

"Prime Minister Li, the scholars have impeached you. Do you have anything to say?"

All eyes were on Li Si.

Li Si calmly stepped out of the ranks, first bowing to Ying Zheng, then turning to Kong Fu, Chunyu Yue, and the others, his face showing a wronged expression.

"Your Majesty, my colleagues, this is truly an injustice!"

He sighed.

Li Si said with great sorrow, "How could I have slandered the Sage? My reverence for Confucius is like a surging river, never-ending! Every word I have spoken is to elucidate the profound meaning of the Sage's words and to promote the true teachings of Confucianism!"

"Nonsense!" Chunyu Yue was so angry that his beard was trembling.

Li Si ignored him and continued, "To be honest, ever since that day when I had a sudden enlightenment about the true teachings of the sages, I, Li Si, have decided to follow Confucianism and win people over with virtue!"

Upon hearing this, Chunyu Yue, Shusun Tong, and the others felt a sudden unease.

An ominous premonition welled up in my heart.

That sounds so familiar!

That's what Li Si said last time, and then... then he got so angry that he vomited blood and fainted on the spot!

Kong Fu, unaware of the historical allusion, sneered upon hearing Li Si publicly "admit defeat," his arrogance growing even stronger.

They thought Li Si was intimidated by their imposing presence and the prestige of the Confucian scholars, and wanted to back down.

"You believe in Confucianism? Very well! Then I'll test you. What are your views on Confucianism?"

Li Si had been waiting for these words.

His face immediately showed an expression of "being flattered", and he bowed deeply to Kong Fu.

"It is my great honor to receive personal guidance from Master Kong Fu! I am but a humble scholar with a limited understanding of Confucianism, only knowing the superficial aspects. However, I recently came across a portrait of Confucius, which I have studied day and night, and have gained some insights. I humbly request your corrections!"

"Oh? Portrait?"

Kong Fu raised an eyebrow, wanting to see what tricks Li Si could pull.

"Bring it here for us to see."

"Guards!" Li Si shouted towards the outside of the hall, "Bring the portrait of Confucius that I made to the hall!"

As Li Si finished speaking, two eunuchs carried a huge easel into the Qilin Hall.

The easel was covered with a thick black cloth, making it impossible to see what was inside.

Everyone's curiosity was piqued.

What exactly is Li Si up to?

On his throne, Ying Zheng's smile was almost overflowing.

Kong Fu stood with his hands behind his back, looking arrogant. He wanted to see what Li Si could come up with.

Can a painting possibly depict flowers?

It's nothing more than an attempt to divert attention and evade responsibility by using this sensationalist approach.

ridiculous!

Looking at the curious yet nervous expressions on everyone's faces, Li Si sneered inwardly.

He cleared his throat and spoke slowly, deliberately using a tone of utmost reverence.

"Gentlemen, especially Mr. Kong Fu and all the Confucian scholars, before unveiling this painting, I would like to ask a question."

Confucius traveled throughout the states, teaching and enlightening countless people. He had three thousand disciples, seventy-two of whom were considered sages. His reputation for benevolence and righteousness spread throughout the world. But have you ever considered how, in that era of moral decay and warring states, Confucius managed to persuade those unruly rulers and officials to sit down and listen to his reasoning?

Upon hearing this question, Chunyu Yue immediately rushed to answer, his voice booming: "Naturally, it's through the influence of virtue! The sage's benevolence spread far and wide, from emperors to commoners, all are captivated by his noble character!"

"Well said!" Li Si clapped his hands in praise. "What Lord Chunyu said is exactly what everyone knows. But after studying the Analects day and night and observing the portraits of the sage, I have gained a deeper understanding!"

The conversation turned.

"I believe that 'virtue' is certainly important, but 'virtue' alone is not enough!"

In the Analects, Confucius said, "A gentleman is not a vessel." What does "not a vessel" mean? It means that a gentleman cannot be like a tool, having only one purpose! The sage teaches us to develop in all aspects!

Therefore, in addition to virtue, a sage also possesses strength! This is why a sage is described as physically powerful!

"When a sage encounters someone willing to reason, he wins them over with virtue. But what if he encounters barbarians who are unreasonable and even want to attack him? How should the sage respond then?"