Daqin arrests alchemists, what does it matter to me as a qi refiner?

"Xu Fu, Bai Lu, and that mysterious white deer-wolf," Fu Su murmured, "what kind of beings are they? Why do they possess such profound powers? And how should I face this world and fulfill my mission?"

Fusu understood that these questions had no simple answers. He needed time to ponder and comprehend them. But he firmly believed that as long as he cared for the world and possessed both wisdom and courage, he would surely find his own path.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps interrupted his thoughts. Looking up, he saw a guard rushing towards him and kneeling before him.

"Your Highness, something terrible has happened!" a guard reported anxiously. "Urgent news has arrived from the capital: His Majesty is seriously ill and summons you back to the palace at once!"

"What?" Fusu was shocked and quickly helped the guard up, asking, "How could Father Emperor suddenly fall seriously ill? Tell me the details at once!"

The guard caught his breath and recounted the news from the capital in detail. It turned out that after Fusu left the capital, the Emperor had been deeply worried and unable to eat or sleep. In addition, his advanced age and declining health eventually led to him being bedridden.

"Father..." Fusu cried out in anguish, "I will return immediately!"

He immediately ordered his guards to prepare horses and rushed back to the capital as quickly as possible. On the way, Fusu was filled with anxiety and worry. He knew his father was his closest relative and his greatest support. If anything were to happen to his father, he truly didn't know how he would face the world.

Meanwhile, Fusu was also contemplating how to deal with the current situation. He understood that returning to the capital would present him with a tremendous challenge. The powerful and treacherous officials in the court would undoubtedly seize the opportunity to stir up trouble and plot treason. He had to remain clear-headed and steadfast in his beliefs to meet all challenges.

"Xu Fu, Bai Lu, and that mysterious senior," Fu Su thought to himself, "you have given me strength and courage, allowing me to see hope and the future. I will remember your teachings, do my best to fulfill my mission, and seek the well-being of all people."

He gripped the reins tightly, his eyes gleaming with unwavering determination. He knew that though the road ahead was fraught with thorns, as long as he held firm to his beliefs and forged ahead bravely, he would surely forge his own path to success.

With this belief and determination, Fusu sped off. He knew that an unknown storm awaited him, but he was fully prepared to meet all challenges and opportunities…

Fusu traveled day and night, finally arriving back in the capital. He went straight to the palace, his heart filled with anxiety and worry. He saw many familiar faces along the way, but had no time for pleasantries. His mind was solely focused on his father's safety and the future of the nation.

Upon entering his father's bedchamber, Fusu saw his father lying on his bed, his face pale and his breath weak. A pang of pain shot through Fusu's heart. He quickly went to the bedside and gently knelt down.

"Father, your son has returned," Fusu called softly, his eyes reddening.

The Emperor slightly opened his eyes, and upon seeing Fusu, a look of relief flashed across his eyes. He trembled as he reached out and gently stroked Fusu's head.

"Fusu, my good child, you've finally returned." The Emperor's voice trembled slightly. "Your father has waited so long for you."

Fusu gripped his father's hand tightly, tears streaming down his cheeks. He felt his heart tremble, overwhelmed by an indescribable grief.

"Father, you must be strong," Fusu said, his voice choked with emotion. "Your son will certainly do what you have entrusted to me and protect the Great Qin Empire."

The Emperor nodded with a smile, then closed his eyes. He knew his days were numbered, and his only wish was to witness Fusu grow into a responsible and capable monarch in his final moments.

Just then, a royal physician rushed in, bowed to Fusu, and carefully examined the emperor's body before turning to report, "Your Highness, His Majesty's condition is critical and beyond saving. However, we will do our utmost to prolong His Majesty's life and buy him more days." Upon hearing this devastating news, Fusu was struck dumb. He understood that the physicians had done their best, yet they were still unable to save his father's life. An indescribable sense of helplessness and pain welled up in his heart, as if the world itself had collapsed at that moment.

However, he knew he could not fall. As the Crown Prince of Qin, the future monarch, he had to stand tall and shoulder his responsibilities at this moment.

"Imperial Physician," Fusu took a deep breath and said firmly, "please do everything in your power to save Father Emperor. At the same time, make thorough preparations in case of any unforeseen circumstances."

The imperial physician nodded in acceptance and bowed as he withdrew. Fusu stood before the bed, gazing at his father's pale face, his heart filled with determination and courage.

He understood that from this moment on, he would face immense challenges. He needed to navigate the complexities of the court, protect the Qin dynasty, and fulfill his father's dying wish.

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps interrupted his thoughts. Looking up, he saw a guard enter, bow, and report: "Your Highness, several ministers from the court request an audience, saying they have important matters to discuss."

Fusu frowned slightly, knowing that the ministers requesting an audience must have important matters to discuss. He turned to the guards and said, "Please let them in."

Before long, several ministers filed in. Upon seeing Fusu, they all bowed and stood aside awaiting his instructions.

"My lords," Fusu said, looking around at everyone, "My father is seriously ill and the affairs of state are numerous. Please speak freely if you have any important matters to discuss."

A minister stepped forward and bowed, saying, "Your Highness, we are deeply worried upon learning of His Majesty's serious illness. For the sake of the stability of the nation, we believe that a successor should be chosen as soon as possible to reassure the people."

Upon hearing this, Fusu's mind stirred slightly. He knew the minister's words made sense; his father was seriously ill, and the court and the public were in a state of panic, so it was indeed necessary to appoint an heir as soon as possible. However, he also understood that this struggle for the heirship would be exceptionally fierce, full of intrigue and scheming.

Fusu took a deep breath, his sharp gaze sweeping over the assembled officials. He knew this struggle was not only about his personal fate, but also about the future of the Qin Dynasty. He had to act cautiously and not allow political intrigue to destroy the foundation his father had painstakingly built.

"My lords," Fusu said in a deep voice, "my father is seriously ill, and I am equally worried. However, the selection of the crown prince is a matter of great importance and requires careful consideration. I hope that you will all prioritize the country and the people, and jointly recommend a virtuous and capable person as the crown prince."

The ministers nodded in agreement. They knew that Fusu was the emperor's most beloved prince and the most prestigious heir apparent. If he were to ascend the throne, he would surely bring stability to the people and lead the Qin Dynasty to prosperity.

At this moment, however, a minister who had remained silent suddenly stepped forward and said in a cold voice, "Your Highness speaks lightly, but we all know that Your Highness already has a candidate for the crown prince in mind. May Your Highness reveal this so that we may discuss it together?"

Fusu was slightly taken aback, not expecting this minister to question him so bluntly. He knew this man must be acting under orders to stir up trouble. But he remained calm, simply looking at the minister and saying indifferently, "Your Excellency is mistaken. As a prince, I, Fusu, naturally hope for my father's speedy recovery. As for the selection of the crown prince, I have never harbored any selfish motives. I believe that my father and all of you will prioritize the well-being of the nation and recommend the most suitable candidate."

The minister's expression changed slightly upon hearing this, seemingly not expecting Fusu to respond so calmly. He opened his mouth as if to speak again, but ultimately kept it closed.

Fusu gazed at the minister, secretly relieved. He understood that the struggle for the crown prince position had only just begun, and the road ahead was long. But he believed that as long as he cared for the people and possessed both wisdom and courage, he would surely win this contest. (End of Chapter)