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

Ying Zheng sneered disdainfully, "A bunch of commoners, what trouble can they cause!" His tone had returned to calm and dignified.

Yang Ling's heart tightened. Knowing Ying Zheng's temperament, he had no choice but to advise him. He took a deep breath and said as calmly as possible, "Your Majesty, that is true, but the people are like water. Water can carry a boat, but it can also capsize it. If we do not appease them, I'm afraid it will cause trouble."

Ying Zheng raised an eyebrow upon hearing this. Of course he knew this principle, but as an emperor, he naturally possessed dignity and consideration. He remained silent for a moment before slowly saying, "Then what do you think we should do to appease them?"

Yang Ling had already considered this, and replied, "Your Majesty, I believe that a proclamation should be issued first, clarifying Jing Ke's crimes and punishment. At the same time, it should demonstrate Your Majesty's determination to govern the country and your love for the people. Secondly, officials and scholars can be dispatched to communicate with them, understand their demands, and resolve their grievances."

Ying Zheng nodded in approval after listening: "Hmm, that makes sense. I will do as you say." He paused and then added: "Make sure they know that I am doing this for the stability of Qin and the well-being of the people."

Yang Ling accepted the order and was about to leave when another guard entered and reported: "Your Majesty, a secret letter has been found in Jing Ke's prison."

Ying Zheng was taken aback, then frowned: "A secret letter? What kind of secret letter? Bring it here."

A guard presented the secret letter, which Ying Zheng opened and read. He found the entire letter filled with Jing Ke's handwriting. After reading it carefully, he sneered, "It's Jing Ke's last letter. In it, he confesses his crimes, apologizes to me, and expresses his loyalty to Qin. Hmph! He's quite shrewd. Knowing he couldn't escape death, he tried to gain my sympathy and the people's forgiveness. Too bad, he miscalculated!"

Yang Ling was also shocked upon hearing this, not expecting Jing Ke to leave such a suicide note. He couldn't help but say, "Your Majesty, although Jing Ke's actions seem cunning, they also show that he has realized his mistakes. Could we consider giving him a chance to repent?"

Ying Zheng shook his head firmly and said, "No! Jing Ke's crime is unforgivable! He dared to assassinate me and challenge my authority! How can such a serious crime be lightly pardoned? If this precedent is set, wouldn't anyone be able to assassinate me in the future?"

Upon hearing this, Yang Ling's heart skipped a beat. He understood Ying Zheng's concerns and considerations, yet he still tried to find a glimmer of hope for Jing Ke. He took a deep breath, striving to make his tone both calm and resolute: "Your Majesty, I understand your concerns. However, if we are willing to give Jing Ke a chance to repent and reform, perhaps we can demonstrate the magnanimity and breadth of Qin to the world. In the long run, it might diminish the rebellious spirit of more people like Jing Ke."

Ying Zheng frowned slightly. Although he understood the deeper meaning in Yang Ling's words, he did not entirely agree. After a moment of silence, he slowly said, "Yang Ling, your suggestion, while not without merit, overlooks a crucial point. Jing Ke's crime was no ordinary offense; he intended to assassinate me. This was a blatant challenge to my authority and the stability of Qin. If I were to forgive him so easily, where would my dignity be? How could the laws of Qin be trusted by the people?"

Yang Ling's heart tightened upon hearing this, knowing that his advice was quite risky, yet he was still unwilling to give up. He bit his lip and continued earnestly, "Your Majesty, I know that Jing Ke's sins are grave, but I also believe that he has realized the enormity of his mistakes. If we can allow him to atone for his crimes by serving Qin loyally, perhaps we can turn enemies into friends and let the world witness the inclusiveness and strength of our Qin state."

Ying Zheng fell silent again. He admitted that Yang Ling's words made some sense, but he still found it difficult to make a decision immediately. He looked out the window, his heart churning with emotions.

Just then, another guard strode in, bowed to Ying Zheng, and reported: "Your Majesty, more and more people and scholars are gathering outside the palace. They are saying that if they do not seek justice for Jing Ke, they would rather starve to death under the city walls."

Ying Zheng smiled coldly upon hearing this, turned around and looked directly at Yang Ling, his tone full of anger: "Yang Ling, did you see that? This is exactly the result of Jing Ke's scheme! He attempted to create turmoil by assassinating me, plunging my Qin state into internal strife! How can such a serious crime be pardoned so easily?"

Yang Ling's heart sank, realizing his suggestion was unlikely to be accepted. He forced himself to remain calm and replied slowly, "Your Majesty, please calm your anger. In my humble opinion, it would be better to set aside the matter of Jing Ke for now and consider it further. The most important thing right now is to send officials and scholars to speak earnestly with the people and do our best to quell their anger." Ying Zheng nodded slightly, his anger lessening somewhat. "Hmm, your concerns are quite valid. I am somewhat tired; I will leave this matter to you to handle for now."

Yang Ling bowed and accepted the order, then turned to leave.

He slowly walked out of the palace, a heavy burden weighing on his heart. He understood that Jing Ke's fate was sealed, and he was ultimately powerless to change it. Looking up at the sky, he saw thick clouds, as if foreshadowing the coming storm.

"My lord, what should we do now?" an attendant stepped forward and asked in a low voice.

Yang Ling suddenly came to his senses and let out a long sigh: "First, according to His Majesty's decree, send people to communicate with the people. It is essential to appease their emotions and prevent them from taking any extreme actions."

The attendants withdrew in response. Yang Ling stood alone outside the palace gate, silently pondering how to proceed. He knew that the matter of Jing Ke was far from over, and this turmoil would likely continue for a long time.

As he was deep in thought, an old man dressed in plain clothes slowly approached, bowed to Yang Ling, and said, "Lord Yang, I have something to say, but I don't know if I should."

Yang Ling was slightly taken aback, then returned the greeting: "Please speak freely, sir."

The old man sighed softly and said earnestly, "Although Jing Ke has committed a capital crime, he is still a role model for us scholars of Yan. Now that he is imprisoned, how can we scholars maintain our dignity? Lord Yang, as an important minister of Qin, can you try to find a way out for us scholars?"

Yang Ling was startled, not expecting that the matter of Jing Ke would affect the hearts of so many scholars. He frowned slightly, but his tone remained calm: "Sir, Jing Ke's crime is indeed serious, and I feel powerless to do anything about it. However, I will do my best to speak to His Majesty, hoping to give him a chance to repent."

Upon hearing this, the old man shook his head repeatedly and sighed even more deeply: "I appreciate Lord Yang's good intentions. However, Jing Ke's crime is irreparable, and we scholars have no way to exonerate him. I only hope that Lord Yang will remember that a scholar can be killed but not humiliated. If the Qin state insists on subjecting Jing Ke to the most severe punishment, we scholars will not stand idly by."

After speaking, the old man turned and left, leaving Yang Ling standing there in a daze. He understood that the old man's words represented the sentiments of many scholars. If Jing Ke were truly executed, it would likely incite indignation and resistance among the scholars.

Just then, another guard rushed over: "Lord Yang, His Majesty has summoned you."

Yang Ling composed himself and agreed, then turned and re-entered the palace. He knew all too well that this turmoil was far from over.

Upon entering the hall, Yang Ling saw Ying Zheng deep in thought, leaning against the window. He approached and asked in a low voice, "What decree does Your Majesty have?" (End of Chapter)