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

Meanwhile, atop the towering palace walls, Ying Zheng stood with his hands behind his back, gazing intently at the distant horizon. His gaze passed over the many palaces, landing on the official road leading to the frontier. There, tens of thousands of people were gathered, seeing Jing Ke off. Their cries, laughter, and chatter blended together, creating a breathtaking scene.

Ying Zheng frowned slightly, his heart churning with emotion. He hadn't expected Jing Ke to enjoy such prestige among the common people, much less that Yang Ling would organize such a grand farewell ceremony for him. Yet, it was precisely this ceremony that revealed Yang Ling's wisdom and foresight. He understood that Yang Ling's actions were not only to quell public resentment but also to safeguard the stability and unity of the Qin state.

When Yang Ling hurriedly arrived at the palace wall and came to Ying Zheng's side, he followed Ying Zheng's gaze and saw a scene of bustling crowds and fluttering banners on the road leading to the border. He was deeply moved. He realized that this farewell ceremony had exceeded expectations and had become a grand event that would be recorded in history.

Ying Zheng withdrew his gaze, turned to face Yang Ling, and a smile of approval appeared on his face: "Yang Ling, you have handled this matter extremely well."

Yang Ling was slightly taken aback, then bowed and said, "Your Majesty flatters me. I have only done my utmost."

Ying Zheng shook his head and said, "No, you not only saved Jing Ke's life, but also won a rare opportunity for Qin. I originally wanted to execute Jing Ke as a warning to others, but your suggestion made me see another possibility. Now it seems that your decision was indeed brilliant."

Yang Ling felt a warmth in his heart upon hearing this. He knew that Ying Zheng was known for his decisive and ruthless nature, and to be able to admit his mistakes and receive affirmation in front of him was a great honor and encouragement to him. He took a deep breath and said, "Your Majesty is wise. The reason I suggested exiling Jing Ke instead of executing him is that I believe there is still a possibility that he will repent and reform. In addition, he has a high reputation among the people. If he can sincerely submit and serve the Qin state, he will surely become a great help to our country."

Ying Zheng nodded in agreement: "What you say is very true. Although Jing Ke has committed a serious crime, he is still a rare talent. I hope that he can redeem himself on the frontier and contribute to the unification of Qin."

The two stood side by side atop the palace wall, looking down at the farewell procession below. As time passed, Jing Ke's figure gradually faded into the distance, but that grand farewell ceremony remained forever etched in their hearts.

Ying Zheng suddenly sighed, "Yang Ling, when will the world be unified and the people be able to live in peace and prosperity?"

Yang Ling was deeply moved. He understood that this was a heavy and complex issue, but he still firmly replied: "Your Majesty, as long as all parties treat each other with sincerity, live in peace, and work together, we will surely be able to realize the grand vision of unifying the world one day."

Ying Zheng remained silent for a moment, then burst into laughter: "Good! Well said! Yang Ling, I was right about you. You are not only a loyal minister and a capable general, but also a wise man with discerning eyes. There is something that is troubling me right now, and I would like to discuss it with you."

Ying Zheng suppressed his smile, his brows furrowing slightly, and said in a solemn tone, "Yang Ling, recently several ministers have submitted memorials requesting that I establish an empress. However, I have always felt that now is not the right time to establish the empress's position."

Yang Ling understood immediately upon hearing this. He knew that Ying Zheng's delay in establishing an empress must have had a deeper meaning. After pondering for a moment, he cautiously advised, "Your Majesty, establishing an empress is indeed a matter of great importance to the country, concerning the stability of the nation and the succession of the imperial line. However, I believe that this matter should not be rushed."

Ying Zheng cast an approving glance at him, signaling him to continue.

Yang Ling continued, “Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have always been committed to the grand undertaking of unifying the world. Although you have now annexed the six kingdoms, the world is not yet truly at peace. If you were to establish an empress at this time, it would likely distract Your Majesty from governing the country and affect the stability of the court and the development of the nation.” Ying Zheng nodded in agreement, “This is exactly what I was thinking. This is exactly what I was concerned about.”

Yang Ling continued his analysis: "Moreover, the appointment of an empress is no trivial matter and must be approached with utmost care. As a role model for women throughout the land, the empress's character, cultivation, talent, demeanor, family background, and many other aspects must undergo rigorous selection and examination. At present, the country has just been established and all industries are waiting to be developed, so Your Majesty is indeed unable to devote your attention to this matter."

Ying Zheng sighed with deep sympathy, "Yang Ling, you truly understand my heart. I do believe that this is not the best time to establish an empress. However, the repeated advice from my ministers has greatly troubled me."

Yang Ling calmly replied, “Your Majesty, the ministers’ urging to establish an empress stems from their concern for the nation. They hope that Your Majesty can establish an empress as soon as possible to stabilize the harem and continue the imperial lineage. However, they may not fully understand Your Majesty’s actual situation and the urgent needs of the country. Your Majesty might as well have an open and honest conversation with the ministers and explain your considerations and thoughts. I believe you will gain their understanding.”

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng's brows relaxed: "Very good! I will do as you say and discuss it thoroughly with my ministers."

The following morning, the court assembly was held as scheduled. Ying Zheng sat upright on the dragon throne, with Yang Ling standing by his side, ready to share the emperor's burdens at any moment. Inside the court, civil and military officials gathered together, and whispers filled the air.

At this moment, a minister stepped forward, bowed, and said, “Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present. Now that the world is at peace and the six kingdoms are pacified, the position of Empress remains vacant. I earnestly request Your Majesty to establish an Empress as soon as possible to stabilize the harem and continue the imperial lineage.”

Upon hearing this, the entire court fell silent. All the ministers turned their gazes to Ying Zheng, awaiting his decision.

Ying Zheng frowned slightly, pondered for a moment, and then said, "I am well aware that the matter of establishing an empress is of great importance. However, now is not the best time. Since I ascended the throne, I have always been committed to the great cause of unifying the world. Although I have now annexed the six kingdoms, the world is not yet truly at peace. If I establish an empress now, it may distract me from governing the country and affect the stability of the court and the development of the nation."

The minister, still unwilling to give up, continued to advise: "Your Majesty is wise. However, the appointment of an empress is ultimately a matter of great importance concerning the safety of the nation and the succession of the imperial line. I believe Your Majesty should consider this matter as soon as possible to avoid missing the opportune moment."

Ying Zheng's brows furrowed even more. He understood that the minister's words were not without merit, but he still insisted that it was not the right time to establish an empress. Just then, Yang Ling stepped forward, bowed, and said, "Your Majesty, please allow me to speak."

Ying Zheng nodded in acknowledgment. Yang Ling calmly stated, “Your Majesty’s concerns are quite valid. Now that the country has just been stabilized and everything needs to be rebuilt, Your Majesty truly has no time to attend to the matter of establishing an empress. Moreover, the appointment of an empress is no trivial matter and must be handled with utmost care. As a model for women throughout the land, the empress must undergo rigorous selection in many aspects, including virtue, talent, appearance, and family background. I believe that the most urgent task is to stabilize the court, and the matter of establishing an empress can be discussed later.”

Yang Ling's reasoned and persuasive remarks left the minister speechless. The other court officials echoed his sentiments, unanimously agreeing that it was indeed inappropriate to act hastily at this time. (End of Chapter)