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

Seeing this, Ying Zheng felt somewhat relieved. He knew that Yang Ling had resolved the dispute for him. He then said, "What Yang Ling said is exactly what I was thinking. I have decided to stabilize the court first before discussing the matter of establishing an empress. This matter will be put on hold for now and need not be discussed further."

Having said this, Ying Zheng waved his hand to signal the end of the court session. The officials bowed and left the court in turn. Yang Ling also breathed a sigh of relief. He understood that although the court session was over, the matter of choosing an empress was still a sensitive topic. However, he believed that as long as Ying Zheng insisted on his opinion, the officials would eventually understand.

Shortly after the court assembly ended, Ying Zheng summoned Yang Ling for a private meeting. He greatly praised Yang Ling's performance at the assembly: "Yang Ling, you are truly my trusted advisor. If you hadn't stepped in to save the day, I'm afraid I would have had a hard time dealing with those ministers."

Yang Ling humbly replied, "Your Majesty flatters me. I have only done my utmost."

He lowered his head slightly, maintaining the proper respect: "Your Majesty, these are all my duties. As long as I can share Your Majesty's burdens and serve the Qin state, I will not hesitate to die ten thousand times."

Ying Zheng nodded in satisfaction, then seemed to remember something and asked, "By the way, how is Fusu doing at the border? I haven't seen him for a long time and I miss him very much."

Yang Ling replied, "Your Majesty, Prince Fusu has performed exceptionally well at the border and is deeply respected by the soldiers. He is diligent and eager to learn, and not only has his martial arts skills improved day by day, but he also has unique insights into military strategy and governance. The border generals all praise his progress."

A look of satisfaction flashed across Ying Zheng's eyes: "That's very good. As my eldest son, Fusu is someone I have high hopes for. I am very pleased that he can be trained and grow on the frontier."

Just then, footsteps sounded outside the palace gates, followed by a clear announcement: "Father, your son Fusu has returned to the palace to pay his respects!"

Ying Zheng and Yang Ling both looked towards the palace gate, where they saw a handsome young man in brocade robes and a jade belt gracefully enter. It was none other than Ying Zheng's eldest son, Fusu.

Fusu walked up to the emperor, bowed, and said, "Your subject Fusu greets Your Majesty and wishes Your Majesty a long life!"

Ying Zheng gazed at his beloved son before him, his eyes filled with affection and relief: "Fusu, you're back. Get up quickly and let your father take a good look at you."

Fusu rose to his feet and looked up at his father, the Emperor. His eyes were filled with admiration and longing. “Father, I am doing well at the border. However, I am often worried about you and Mother, so I have returned to the palace to pay my respects.”

Ying Zheng smiled and said, "Good child, I am satisfied with your filial piety. I have heard about your performance at the border, which is indeed remarkable. You have not disappointed my expectations."

Upon hearing this, Fusu's face lit up with joy: "Father, you flatter me. I have only done my duty."

Ying Zheng patted Fusu's shoulder and said approvingly, "Hmm, indeed very good. I believe you will improve day by day. Speaking of which, you have been stationed at the border for so long, you should be quite familiar with the local language and customs. I intend to send you to study under the Marquis of Zhenyuan for a period of time."

Fusu respectfully replied, "Your Majesty is wise. During my time at the border, I did indeed gain a deep understanding of the local language and customs. The Marquis of Zhenyuan governs effectively, ensuring peace on the border, prosperity for the people, and a flourishing culture. I do intend to seek guidance from the Marquis of Zhenyuan, hoping to further study his strategies for securing the country and maintaining stability."

Ying Zheng was very pleased to hear this: "Very good, Fusu. I am very pleased that you have such ambition and determination. Marquis Zhenyuan is my trusted minister. He is not only highly skilled in martial arts, but also well-versed in military strategy and governance. If you can study under him, you will surely benefit greatly."

Yang Ling chimed in, "Your Majesty is absolutely right. If Prince Fusu can receive guidance from the Marquis of Zhenyuan, he will surely be even more powerful."

Ying Zheng immediately decided: "Since that's the case, then it's settled. Fusu, you shall set off immediately to study at the residence of the Marquis of Zhenyuan. I will send someone to inform the Marquis of Zhenyuan and instruct him to teach you well."

Fusu bowed and accepted the order: "Your subject will obey Your Majesty's will. I thank Your Majesty for your nurturing grace!"

Ying Zheng offered some words of concern, urging Fusu to be careful and take care of his health. Fusu agreed to everything and then took his leave. Watching Fusu's departing figure, Ying Zheng couldn't help but sigh, "Yang Ling, in your opinion, what kind of character and ability does Fusu possess?"

Yang Ling replied, "Prince Fusu is intelligent, virtuous, and skilled in martial arts. He is also diligent and studious, truly a pillar of the nation. Your Majesty's acquisition of such a son is indeed a blessing for our Great Qin!"

Ying Zheng laughed heartily: "What you say is absolutely right! It is truly a blessing for Qin to have such a fine son as Fusu. I only hope that he will grow up to be a capable man and share my burdens."

After chatting for a while, Ying Zheng suddenly asked, "Yang Ling, I have a question for you. In your opinion, is it really necessary for me to establish an empress?"

Yang Ling was slightly taken aback, knowing that this question was quite sensitive and tricky. But he quickly and calmly replied: "Your Majesty, the appointment of an empress is a matter of great importance concerning the safety of the nation and the succession of the imperial line. However, this matter also requires careful consideration and should not be rushed. Your Majesty will make a wise decision, and we will respectfully follow your decree."

Ying Zheng nodded in agreement: "That makes sense. This matter certainly requires careful consideration. I will deliberate on it myself."

Thus, the matter of establishing an empress was temporarily put on hold.

A few days later, Ying Zheng summoned Yang Ling again for a meeting. The two sat facing each other in the imperial garden, Ying Zheng savoring fragrant tea while Yang Ling stood by his side. A gentle breeze blew, carrying the scent of flowers, but each of them was lost in their own thoughts.

Ying Zheng put down his teacup and slowly spoke: "Yang Ling, I have been pondering this matter repeatedly these past few days, and it is indeed not advisable to rush into establishing an empress. However, I also understand the concerns of my ministers. In your opinion, how should this matter be handled properly?"

Yang Ling pondered for a moment and replied, "Your Majesty, I believe we should first be frank with the ministers and explain your considerations. At the same time, we can also hint to them that establishing an empress is not something that can be done overnight and that we need to wait for the right opportunity. This might alleviate their concerns."

Ying Zheng nodded in agreement: "What you say is very true. I should indeed discuss this with my ministers. However, there is one more matter I would like to hear your opinion on."

"We humbly request Your Majesty's inquiry."

"I intend to establish a special agency within the court to select and cultivate talented young people for future needs. What do you think of this proposal?"

Yang Ling's eyes lit up: "Your Majesty's plan is extremely brilliant! Selecting and cultivating young talents can not only enrich the country's talent pool, but also encourage officials to work diligently. I believe this is a very feasible plan."

Ying Zheng smiled upon hearing this: "Haha, very good! I will entrust this matter to you. I expect you to select a group of loyal, reliable, and outstanding young talents for me."

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Yang Ling bowed respectfully, his heart filled with excitement and a sense of mission.

Just then, a young eunuch rushed over, knelt down, and reported, "Your Majesty, the Marquis of Zhenyuan has an urgent military report to submit!"

Ying Zheng frowned slightly: "Oh? Present it immediately!"

The young eunuch presented the memorial, and after Ying Zheng read it, his expression immediately turned grave. Yang Ling, seeing this, felt a pang of anxiety, wondering what had happened. (End of Chapter)