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

Ying Zheng turned around and stared at Yang Ling: "Yang Ling, in your opinion, how should I deal with Jing Ke's matter?"

Yang Ling was slightly surprised, not expecting Ying Zheng to inquire again. After a moment of contemplation, he cautiously replied, "Your Majesty, I believe this matter should be handled with utmost care. Although Jing Ke's crimes are unforgivable, he is ultimately a representative of the scholar-official class. If he is rashly executed, it may provoke resistance from the scholar-official community. I humbly suggest that we consider exiling Jing Ke to the frontier, allowing him to atone for his crimes by serving the Qin state."

Ying Zheng frowned again: "Exile him to the frontier? Wouldn't that be too lenient on him?"

Yang Ling shook his head and explained, “Your Majesty, exile to the frontier is by no means a light punishment. The environment there is treacherous, and survival is extremely difficult. Even if Jing Ke is skilled in martial arts, it will not be easy for him to survive in such a desolate place. Moreover, we can send people to closely monitor his every move to prevent him from doing anything detrimental to Qin.”

Ying Zheng pondered silently for a long time before finally speaking slowly: "Very well, then so be it. Exile Jing Ke to the frontier and allow him to atone for his crimes through meritorious service. But you must send someone to keep a close watch on him, and report to me immediately if there is any unusual activity."

Yang Ling bowed and accepted the order: "Your humble servant obeys the decree."

After receiving the imperial decree, Yang Ling felt somewhat relieved. Although Jing Ke's future was uncertain, at least his life was temporarily spared. Stepping out of the palace, he took a deep breath of fresh air, and the unease in his chest eased slightly.

In the following days, Yang Ling was busy arranging Jing Ke's exile. He carefully selected reliable officials and soldiers to escort Jing Ke to the frontier and strictly ordered them to monitor his movements. At the same time, he also sent someone to the prison to convey this decision to Jing Ke.

In the dark and damp cell, Yang Ling finally met Jing Ke. Jing Ke was bound in iron chains, his body covered in wounds, yet his eyes still burned with an indomitable flame. Seeing Yang Ling enter, a mocking sneer appeared on his lips: "Lord Yang, have you come to see me in this wretched state?"

Yang Ling felt a pang of pain in his heart, shook his head and sighed, "Jing Ke, I did not come to see you make a fool of yourself. I came specifically to inform you that His Majesty has decided to exile you to the frontier, allowing you to atone for your crimes through meritorious service."

Jing Ke was taken aback at first, then sneered: "Exile to the frontier? To atone for your crimes through meritorious service? This is nothing but a temporary measure by your Qin state! You want to slowly torture me, making me wish I were dead!"

Yang Ling frowned deeply, knowing that Jing Ke's hatred for the Qin state was deep-rooted and difficult to dispel. However, he still tried his best to keep his tone calm and attempted to offer a final word of advice.

Yang Ling gazed at the wounded hero before him and said earnestly, "Jing Ke, I know you harbor deep resentment towards Qin. But please believe me, this exile is not intended to torture you, but rather to give you a genuine chance to start anew. Though the borderlands are harsh, they are also a place where you can redeem yourself through merit. You possess exceptional skills and are both intelligent and courageous; if you can seize this opportunity, you may truly find a way to survive."

After a long silence, Jing Ke slowly raised his head and looked at Yang Ling: "Lord Yang, is this true?"

Yang Ling nodded solemnly: "Absolutely no exaggeration. His Majesty has already issued an edict to send you to the frontier. I will arrange for people to closely monitor your movements, but I will also give you the opportunity to make meritorious contributions. As long as you sincerely repent and do your best to serve the Qin state, I believe His Majesty will grant you leniency as appropriate."

Jing Ke sighed deeply, his voice tinged with relief: "So be it! Things have come to this, I have nothing more to say. Lord Yang, I am willing to go to the frontier to atone for my crimes. I only hope you will keep your promise and give me this chance to reform." Yang Ling felt a sense of relief upon hearing this, sensing that Jing Ke had finally let go of his obsession and hatred. He solemnly promised: "Jing Ke, please rest assured. I will do everything in my power to secure this opportunity for you. I only hope you will cherish this chance and refrain from doing anything detrimental to Qin."

Jing Ke nodded deeply: "Thank you, Lord Yang. I will never forget this kindness."

Yang Ling took a deep breath, knowing full well the extraordinary significance of this farewell. Although Jing Ke had been exiled to the frontier, he was still a role model for the scholars of Yan and enjoyed high prestige among the people. Therefore, Yang Ling specially organized a grand farewell ceremony, both to dispel the people's resentment towards Qin and to express his final respect to Jing Ke.

At dawn, as the sun rose and the morning glow painted the sky crimson, Yang Ling led a group of officials and soldiers to the place where Jing Ke had set off. Looking around, he saw tens of thousands of people already gathered on both sides of the road, some standing, some sitting, some weeping, some laughing, all waiting for Jing Ke to appear.

Yang Ling's heart tightened; he hadn't expected so many people to come to see him off. He steadied himself, stepped forward, and said loudly, "Fellow citizens, today we are here to bid farewell to Jing Ke. Although he has made mistakes, he is still a citizen of Yan. We hope that you can give him a chance to repent and reform, and we also hope that the two states of Yan and Qin can live in harmony and seek common prosperity."

The people were discussing the matter animatedly, some nodding in agreement, while others looked indignant. Yang Ling knew that resolving public grievances would be no easy task, but he still did his best to mediate.

At this moment, Jing Ke slowly emerged, escorted by guards. He wore a plain white prison uniform, his hair disheveled, but his eyes remained as resolute as ever. Seeing the crowds lining both sides of the road, a touched smile appeared on his face. He understood that these people had come specifically to see him off.

Yang Ling stepped forward and gently patted Jing Ke on the shoulder: "Jing Ke, take care on your journey. I hope you can atone for your crimes and serve the Qin state wholeheartedly on the frontier."

Jing Ke nodded solemnly: "Thank you, Lord Yang. I will always remember this kindness." After speaking, he turned to the people and bowed deeply. "Fellow villagers, I am ashamed before you all. I beg you to give me a chance to repent and start anew. I will strive to make contributions on the frontier and do my best for the harmony between the Yan and Qin states."

The people were silent for a moment, then erupted in thunderous applause. They knew that although Jing Ke had made a grave mistake, he would always be a hero in their hearts. They hoped that he could achieve great things on the frontier and bring glory to the Yan state.

Witnessing this scene, Yang Ling felt somewhat relieved. He understood that although this farewell could not completely dispel public resentment, it at least showed the people Qin's sincerity and determination. He firmly believed that as long as both sides treated each other with sincerity and coexisted peacefully, they would one day realize their grand ambition of unifying the world.

As Jing Ke's departing figure gradually disappeared at the end of the road, the gathered crowd dispersed. Yang Ling stood alone, watching Jing Ke leave, his heart filled with mixed emotions. He knew that although this turmoil had temporarily subsided, the road ahead remained long and arduous. Only by working even more diligently for the well-being of Qin and its people could he live up to the high expectations of His Majesty and the masses.

Just then, another guard rushed over: "Lord Yang, His Majesty has summoned you." Yang Ling composed himself, acknowledged the summons, and turned to walk towards the palace.

Yang Ling agreed verbally, but his heart was filled with doubt. Although he didn't know why Ying Zheng had summoned him at this time, his intuition told him it must be related to Jing Ke's exile. He dared not delay and quickened his pace towards the palace. (End of Chapter)