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

After reading the memorial, Ying Zheng looked up at Yang Ling and said, "Yang Ling, the Marquis of Zhenyuan has reported unusual activity on the border recently, suggesting possible enemy incursions. What is your opinion on this matter?"

Yang Ling pondered for a moment and replied, "Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance. I believe we should immediately send troops to reinforce the border, and at the same time strengthen communication with neighboring states to resolve disputes and avoid armed conflict."

Ying Zheng nodded in agreement: "That makes sense. I will immediately issue an order to dispatch troops to reinforce the border. At the same time, you must closely monitor the situation and report to me at any time."

"Your subject obeys the decree!" Yang Ling bowed again to accept the order.

Just then, another eunuch rushed in to report: "Your Majesty, Prince Fusu requests an audience!"

Ying Zheng smiled slightly: "Oh? Fusu is back? Quickly, summon him in!"

A moment later, Fusu entered the Imperial Garden, bowed, and said, "Your subject Fusu greets Your Majesty!"

Looking at his beloved son before him, Ying Zheng was filled with joy: "Fusu, you're back. Rise and speak."

Fusu rose, his face grave: "Father, on my way back to the capital, I heard that enemy troops are invading the border. I request permission to go to the frontier to fight the enemy and serve my country!"

Ying Zheng's heart stirred: "Oh? You intend to go to the border to defend against the enemy?"

Fusu nodded firmly: "Indeed! Father Emperor has always taught me to be loyal to the emperor, love my country, and protect the people. Now that the border is in dire need, how can I sit idly by?"

Ying Zheng gazed into Fusu's resolute eyes, overwhelmed with emotion. He knew his beloved son had grown up and was capable of shouldering the heavy responsibilities of the nation. He gently patted Fusu's shoulder: "Good! I will send you to the border to reinforce Marquis Zhenyuan. You must take good care of yourself and not fail my high expectations!"

Fusu bowed and accepted the order: "Your subject will obey Your Majesty's decree! I will certainly not fail in my mission!" He then turned and left. Watching Fusu's departing figure, Ying Zheng was filled with anticipation and pride. He firmly believed that his beloved son would surely bring glory to the country and return in triumph!

After Fusu left, Ying Zheng turned to Yang Ling again, his gaze deep: "Yang Ling, in your opinion, what are Fusu's chances of success on this trip?"

Yang Ling pondered for a moment before calmly replying, "Your Majesty, Prince Fusu is exceptionally intelligent and skilled in martial arts, and has also received the true teachings of the Marquis of Zhenyuan. Although this journey is perilous, I firmly believe that Prince Fusu will be able to turn danger into safety and make contributions to the country."

Although Ying Zheng nodded slightly, a trace of worry still lingered between his brows: "What you say makes sense. Fusu is indeed a pillar of the state. However, the battlefield is ruthless, and I cannot help but worry about him."

Yang Ling gently comforted him, "Your Majesty, please rest assured, Prince Fusu is blessed by Heaven. Moreover, he will lead the most elite troops of our Great Qin, and with the assistance of the Marquis of Zhenyuan, he will surely be victorious."

Ying Zheng took a deep breath, suppressing his worries: "Very well, I will believe you. Issue an edict to immediately dispatch elite troops to the border to reinforce Fusu and the Marquis of Zhenyuan!"

"Yes, Your Majesty!" Yang Ling accepted the order and left.

Several days later, Fusu led the elite troops of Qin to the border. Marquis Zhenyuan personally came out to greet him, and the two held hands tightly, their eyes filled with determination.

"My lord, Fusu is late!" Fusu bowed in greeting.

Marquis Zhenyuan quickly helped him up, laughing heartily, "Not too late, not too late, you've come at the perfect time. With your help, we will surely repel the invading enemy and protect the territory of our Great Qin!"

The two climbed the city wall side by side, gazing at the enemy camp in the distance. Fusu frowned slightly and asked in a deep voice, "My lord, what is the enemy's situation?"

Marquis Zhenyuan pointed into the distance: "Although the enemy's advance is fierce, their formation is scattered, indicating a hasty march. As long as we proceed steadily and surely, we will defeat them." Fusu nodded in agreement: "Your Excellency is wise. Then let us plan carefully and deliver a crushing blow to the enemy!"

The two men smiled at each other, their eyes filled with unwavering confidence in victory. In the following days, Fusu and the Marquis of Zhenyuan discussed strategy, deployed defenses, and trained their soldiers. The border troops, seeing their prince Fusu personally at the front lines, were greatly encouraged and filled with fighting spirit.

Soon after, the enemy army indeed attacked. Fusu and the Marquis of Zhenyuan led the Qin soldiers in a valiant resistance, repeatedly repelling the enemy's attacks. After several days of fierce fighting, the enemy army was finally defeated, and peace returned to the border.

When the good news reached Xianyang Palace, Ying Zheng was overjoyed: "Excellent! Excellent! Fusu and Zhenyuan Marquis have indeed lived up to my expectations! Issue an edict to reward the soldiers at the front lines handsomely!"

Yang Ling also offered his congratulations with a smile: "Congratulations, Your Majesty! Prince Fusu and Marquis Zhenyuan have won a great victory in this battle, not only securing peace on the border but also bringing glory to Great Qin."

Ying Zheng nodded in satisfaction: "What you say is absolutely right. This victory is entirely due to the bravery and skill of Fusu and the Marquis of Zhenyuan. I will certainly reward them handsomely."

However, at this moment, a discordant voice suddenly rang out: "Your Majesty, please wait! I have a memorial to present!" A minister stepped forward, bowed, and said, "I believe it is not appropriate to reward the soldiers on the front lines so generously at this time."

Ying Zheng raised an eyebrow: "Oh? Why shouldn't a generous reward be given?"

The minister replied, “Your Majesty is wise. Although the empire is now at peace, the people are not yet fully settled, and the national treasury is not yet full. If we were to reward the soldiers generously at this time, it might invite criticism from other officials and the people.”

Ying Zheng pondered for a moment, then slowly said, "What you say makes sense. However, the soldiers on the front lines are fighting valiantly to protect their homeland. If they are not rewarded, how can we motivate them to continue their loyalty?"
"My mind is made up. This time, I will reward the soldiers handsomely!" He surveyed the assembled officials and continued, "Of course, I will also consider the nation's actual situation and the people's well-being. After the rewards, I will issue an edict to reduce some taxes to alleviate the people's suffering."

Upon hearing this, the minister looked on with admiration and bowed, saying, "Your Majesty is wise, and I am truly convinced. Your Majesty is able to understand the hardships of the soldiers and take care of the people's livelihood. This is truly a blessing for the Great Qin."

Ying Zheng waved for people to rise, then said, "As the ruler of the world, I should naturally care about the common people. This generous reward for the soldiers is to encourage them to continue to serve Qin. At the same time, the tax reduction is to allow the people to recuperate. Only when the people live in peace and prosperity can the country enjoy lasting stability."

The entire court echoed in unison: "Your Majesty is wise!"

Ying Zheng smiled slightly and announced the end of the court session. As he stepped out of the court, he looked up at the sky, his heart surging with pride. He knew that as long as the ruler and his ministers were of one mind and the people lived in peace and happiness, the future of Qin would surely be even more glorious.

A few days later, Ying Zheng's edict spread like wildfire throughout the Qin territory. At the front lines, soldiers sat around the campfire, chatting and laughing.

"Have you heard? The Emperor is going to reward us handsomely!" a soldier exclaimed excitedly.

"Really? That's fantastic news!" another soldier chimed in. "The victory against the enemy is entirely thanks to His Majesty's wise decision and Marquis Zhenyuan's decisive command!"

The soldiers' faces were filled with joy and pride. They knew that their efforts had not been in vain, and the emperor's reward was the greatest affirmation.

In various parts of the Qin Dynasty, people flocked to the streets, their laughter and chatter filling the air.

"Have you heard? The Emperor is going to reduce our taxes!" an old man said excitedly to his neighbor.

"Really? That would be a blessing for everyone!" The neighbor exclaimed, his face beaming. "This would make our lives much easier!" (End of Chapter)