Qin Renhuang just became an immortal, and you told me this is the prehistoric time

A commander of the Imperial Guards approached Zhang Han and bowed.

“General Zhang, by His Majesty’s decree, our duty is to guide and relocate the people of the Great Sui to the riverbank and maintain order. As for suppressing the remaining resistance and attacking cities and seizing territories, that is entirely up to you and the Imperial Guards. We will never disobey His Majesty’s will or interfere in military affairs.”

Zhang Han stared sharply at the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, his mind flashing through the intelligence provided by the Embroidered Uniform Guard regarding the distribution of power in various parts of the Sui Dynasty and the information on the main generals and ministers.

Almost instantly, he assigned attack targets to his several lieutenants.

"Wang Ben, listen to my command! Lead your 100,000 troops up the Yangtze River to wipe out the remaining forces in Sichuan and Chongqing within half a month!"

"Meng Yi, listen to my command! Lead your 100,000 troops south of the Yangtze River and pacify Jingchu. The deadline is 20 days!"

"Li Xin, heed my command!..."

Orders were swiftly issued, and the deputy generals, receiving their commands, led their elite troops like unsheathed swords, rushing towards their respective targets.

Zhang Han watched the rapidly receding torrent of Imperial Guards, then glanced at the large ships on the river that were beginning to receive civilians, and finally gave the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard a deep look. Without saying another word, he turned, mounted his horse, and left the riverbank with his personal guards.

Although he felt that as the commander-in-chief, fighting on a battlefield that had been almost completely cleared was somewhat dishonorable and even shameful.

But the military must save face, and the credit for pacifying the other world must be claimed by the military!
Shortly after Zhang Han left, a fast boat flying a large flag bearing the character "Song" sped downstream from upstream. Standing at the bow were two Jinyiwei (Imperial Guards) with similar faces and sharp, imposing presence; they were clearly brothers.

The man who appeared to be a commander of a thousand households nodded in satisfaction as he watched the orderly procession of people boarding the boats on the riverbank.

He ignored the subtle hostility Zhang Han had just given him and thought to himself.

"The last relocation of the Song Dynasty's population took nearly a year, which was extremely inefficient. Although the Sui Dynasty's territory is similar to that of the Song Dynasty, its population is far smaller, so we must speed things up! We absolutely cannot waste another year on this matter!"

His gaze was resolute. To accomplish His Majesty's decree to relocate the population more quickly and effectively, some unconventional methods might have to be considered. After all, for the Embroidered Uniform Guard, efficiency was paramount.

Two figures, one fat and one thin, were using their lightness skills to speed like two arrows flying close to the ground, rushing towards the continuous mountainous area in the south of Qin. They were Liu Bang, the Minister of the Imperial Household, and his deputy, Wan Sanqian.

As they walked, Wan Sanqian spoke with a hint of admiration.

"Your Excellency, yesterday in court, you stood up to the Grand Secretary and argued your case forcefully over the road construction. I truly admire you!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Bang revealed a disdainful sneer on his face, his speed undiminished, his voice sounding somewhat ethereal in the wind.

"Hold on? Hmph, do you really think I'm doing this for the sake of power and profit?"

His tone carried a clear-headed insight into the essence of things.

"The gold and silver in the Imperial Treasury's warehouses are piled up like mountains. They could easily build the straight road ten or eight times over, let alone just one! Why doesn't His Majesty use the treasury's silver directly? Instead, he recruits people for work-for-relief programs. Do you really think His Majesty lacks the money and grain to build this road?"

Wan Sanqian was taken aback and asked subconsciously.

"Why is that?"

"It is to distribute wealth so that people have surplus money! It is to promote the circulation of goods and encourage merchants to operate! It is to give people another way to make a living besides farming, so that they can live and work in peace and contentment!"

Liu Bang's voice rose a few decibels, tinged with excitement.

"For many people, road construction is the most important source of extra income in a year! It is their hope to support their families and even save money to get married and have children!"

He snorted coldly.

"That old fool Wang Guan only thinks about using so-called 'divine arts' to quickly obtain passage and showcase his political achievements, but he wants to cut off the livelihood of countless people! How can I let him have his way? This is not about vying for power, but about sharing His Majesty's burdens and pleading for the people!"

Wan Sanqian suddenly realized, and his face showed sincere admiration. He quickly said...

"Your Excellency is wise and farsighted, and cares deeply for the people. I am but a foolish official! I absolutely support Your Excellency's decision!"

As they spoke, the two continued their rapid journey southward into the mountainous region without stopping.

Their journey was prompted by news that thousands of powerful Nascent Soul cultivators capable of using the "turning fossils into mud" technique—and who were said to be stunning women from the imperial palace—were being ordered to travel to the southern mountains to assist in the construction of a road leading to the mines.

Although Liu Bang and Wan Sanqian were unaware of the women's specific origins, they were well aware of their importance. To ensure that these "masters of divine arts" could work smoothly and efficiently, and to coordinate well with the local authorities, Liu Bang, the Minister of the Imperial Household, personally went to the site, accompanied by his deputy Wan Sanqian, demonstrating the high level of importance he placed on them.

Ahead, the rising sun had already leaped over the horizon, casting countless golden rays across the mountains.

In the dawn light, graceful figures seemed to defy gravity and floated lightly into the air.

Their robes fluttered, their beauty was unparalleled, and they seemed to be surrounded by rosy light. The colorful clouds that had gathered to cast spells quietly dissipated when they appeared, making them seem like fairies who had fallen to earth.

Liu Bang and Wan Sanqian immediately stopped, straightened their clothes, concealed their aura, and stood below with utmost respect, heads bowed in anticipation. Facing these women who represented His Majesty's will and possessed unfathomable abilities, they dared not show the slightest disrespect.

……

Inside the sleeping quarters of the Qin Imperial Palace.

Ying Shaoyang had just gotten up and was leaning lazily against the bed. Lü Zhi was busy preparing warm water, towels, and other necessities for him to wash up, personally overseeing every detail. A eunuch carrying an exquisite breakfast tried to enter, but Lü Zhi naturally took it, carefully inspected it, and then personally presented it to Ying Shaoyang.

It seemed that Lü Zhi managed all the affairs of the courtyard perfectly.

Ying Shaoyang looked at Lü Zhi's busy yet composed figure with gentle eyes.

He remembered this woman; she was the first woman he had truly possessed since he came into this world.

She followed him from Jiujiang, weathering many storms along the way, rising from a lowly prince's consort to the supreme empress who now rules the world.

More importantly, she has always quietly arranged her affairs perfectly without ever making a mistake.

"Pheasant."

Ying Shaoyang called out softly.

Lü Zhi immediately stopped what she was doing, turned around and walked to the bedside, speaking softly.

"Your Majesty, what are your orders?"

Ying Shaoyang looked at her, his tone calm yet carrying a sense of entrustment.

"My inner study is always piled high with reports and memorials. I observe that you are steady in your work and meticulous in your thinking. Would you be willing to share the burden and manage all the affairs of the inner study on my behalf?"

Upon hearing this, Lü Zhi's delicate body trembled slightly, and a hint of unbelievable joy flashed in her beautiful eyes, but then a trace of worry swept over her.

She bowed immediately, almost without hesitation.

"Your Majesty, I am willing! It is my honor to be able to share Your Majesty's burdens."

However… I am but a woman, and I fear that this might invite gossip and damage Your Majesty's dignity…

Ying Shaoyang waved his hand, smiled calmly, but his tone carried an undeniable domineering air. "What I care about is who can get things done, not what others think. I often need to travel to different worlds, and each time I leave, although the affairs of the Great Qin are handled by the cabinet, many important matters are inevitably delayed. I see that you have the talent to manage the court, and I believe you can take good care of this family for me."

These words represent both immense trust and a heavy responsibility.

Empress Lü was deeply moved and bowed deeply once again.

"Your Majesty, I will certainly not fail your trust!"

Soon, several of the highest-ranking imperial concubines, including Qu Ruo, Jing Rou, and Zhao Shan, were also summoned to the inner study.

In front of them, Ying Shaoyang reiterated the arrangement that Lü Zhi would take the lead and the four of them would jointly manage the affairs of the inner study.

Immediately afterwards, an imperial edict was issued from the palace and reached the court.

From this day forward, all important matters requiring a personal decision by His Majesty the Emperor, including those of the Grand Secretariat, the Military Secretariat, and the Imperial Household Department, may be reported to the Inner Study for decision by the four Imperial Consorts. Other routine government affairs will continue to be handled by the Grand Secretariat according to the law.

This imperial decree was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly causing a huge uproar and controversy throughout the court and the country! Having imperial concubines decide matters of state and military affairs was unprecedented in the history of the Qin Dynasty!

However, all the dissenting voices and opposition quickly vanished without a trace thanks to the swift and "efficient" actions of the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot.

Several officials who had been the most vocal and outspoken were either found guilty of corruption and abuse of power or framed for other crimes and swiftly purged. The court, both inside and outside, quickly "understood" and "supported" His Majesty's "wise" decision.

……

It is located in the old palace in the Chu region.

The First Emperor, who had already abdicated and become the Retired Emperor, looked at the secret report coming from Xianyang and a cold, mocking smile appeared on his face, but his eyes were complex and unfathomable.

"The inner study... Heh, what a fine inner study!"

He muttered to himself, his voice hoarse.

He knew perfectly well that Ying Shaoyang's inner study originally had a highly efficient team of eunuchs who were well-versed in government affairs and absolutely loyal to Ying Shaoyang.

Now, however, four imperial concubines have taken over the reins and expanded their management to core departments such as the Military Academy and the Imperial Household Department.

It's like handing over half the power of the world to a group of women!
"He's wary of me..."

The First Emperor's gaze turned toward Xianyang, carrying a hint of resentment, a touch of desolation, and a complex mix of emotions that were difficult to describe.

He recalled how he had once envied Ying Shaoyang for having such capable and loyal eunuchs at his side.

Now, Ying Shaoyang has completely controlled the two sharp weapons, the Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot. Most of the high-ranking military officers are his own protégés, and his throne is as stable as Mount Tai.

Even at this point, he remained so "cautious," entrusting the decision-making power within the inner court to his woman...

"Preventing problems before they arise, proceeding step by step... Heh, what a fine son of mine!"

The First Emperor sneered, crumpled the secret report in his hand into a ball, and with a slight pressure from his fingertips, the paper turned into dust, falling through his fingers.

He seemed to see an invisible net, centered on Xianyang, enveloping the entire Qin Dynasty.

The man who controlled this net was so cunning and ruthless that even this once-powerful emperor felt a chill run down his spine.

On this day, a streak of light streaked across the sky, like a falling meteor, yet it landed lightly and silently before the vermilion gates of the Chu royal palace.

The light faded, revealing Ying Shaoyang's figure.

He did not barge in directly. This place used to be his fiefdom and palace, and now he could come and go freely throughout the entire Qin territory.

However, he always held a deep respect for the retired emperor in the palace and was unwilling to offend him in these minor matters of etiquette.

He stood before the palace gate, his voice calm yet clearly penetrating every corner deep within the palace walls.

"Your subject, Ying Shaoyang, pays respects to the Emperor Emeritus."

At the same time, his vast divine sense swept across the entire city of Jiujiang like mercury spilling onto the ground.

The sight of the city made him nod slightly. Compared to his memory and the fleeting glimpse he had last time, the population of Jiujiang City had increased at least several times. The streets were bustling with traffic, shops lined the streets, and all kinds of goods were piled up like mountains. Most of the people coming and going had happy expressions on their faces, and the city was thriving.

"Xiao He is indeed a man of great talent in governing a country. He has managed this Chu region, which is far from the Qin capital and has experienced a surge in population, very well, and the people are prosperous. He is truly remarkable."

Ying Shaoyang secretly praised him.

Meanwhile, inside the Chu King's palace, panic ensued due to Ying Shaoyang's sudden arrival.

"Your Majesty! It's His Majesty!"

"Quickly! Open the palace gates!"

"Go and report to the Emperor Emeritus immediately!"

The palace maids and eunuchs were in chaos, panicked and at a loss. Soon, the heavy palace gates were slowly pushed open, and a group of eunuchs dressed in the old Qin Dynasty palace attire, now serving in the Chu King's palace, ran out tremblingly, lined up on both sides of the palace gate, bowed their heads deeply, and dared not even breathe.

Ying Shaoyang entered slowly, heading straight for the main hall without needing anyone to lead the way.

Inside the palace, the First Emperor, dressed in casual clothes, stood with his back to the palace door, hands clasped behind his back, seemingly admiring the scenery in the courtyard outside. Hearing footsteps, he slowly turned around.

The father and son met again.

Ying Shaoyang's gaze fell on the First Emperor's face, and his heart stirred slightly. Compared to when they parted in the Qin capital last time, the First Emperor seemed to be in much better spirits, and the lingering melancholy between his brows had dissipated considerably, making him appear more peaceful.

But he could sense that the meridians he had sealed in the other person's body remained unchanged.

The First Emperor looked at Ying Shaoyang with a complex expression. He still harbored resentment towards Ying Shaoyang for sealing his meridians back then.

But after experiencing ups and downs, he had to admit that at that critical juncture of the change of the throne, Ying Shaoyang did not choose more extreme means, but only restricted his power, allowing him to enjoy his old age in Chu. In a sense, this was already a consideration for the father-son relationship.

"You came."

The First Emperor's voice revealed no emotion.

"But has something big happened? I... I am here in Chu for two reasons. First, the population here is so large and far from the central government that someone needs to be in charge. Second, I don't want to have any more conflicts with you. Being here can both keep the local people in check and preserve the last bit of affection between us, father and son."

His words were direct and revealed the reason why he had taken refuge in the Chu region.

Ying Shaoyang shook his head slightly and got straight to the point. (End of Chapter)