My Imperial Advisor is ChatGPT

Inside the study of the imperial palace, the stove fire was burning brightly.

Although it was late autumn, Ying Zheng was only wearing a single garment today. The "data massacre" he had just witnessed in the court had made his blood boil, and the long-lost sense of control made him feel ten years younger.

However, when everyone had left and the gates were closed, the rosy complexion on Ying Zheng's face quickly faded, replaced by a chill even more intense than the dead of winter.

He sat before a huge lacquered wooden table, his hands clasped together, staring intently at the blue light screen floating in front of him.

"Little G," Ying Zheng's voice was terrifyingly low, "Now that there are no outsiders, decrypt that document about 'dying after only two generations' for me."

The previous "elderly care mode" had automatically dissipated because of his emotional stability. At this moment, Little G reverted to his cold, data-driven demeanor.

[User's current heart rate: 75 (at rest).]

[Emotional state: Rational, profound, with a hint of murderous intent.]

[Unlock conditions met. Retrieving "In-Depth Analysis of the Reasons for the Fall of the Qin Dynasty (Supreme VIP Edition)" for you.]

The screen flickers, no longer displaying simple text, but a complex "relationship diagram".

At the very center of the chart is, naturally, "Emperor Qin Shi Huang, Ying Zheng." The lines connecting him radiate outwards in all directions.

[Historical spoiler warning: The Qin Dynasty did not fall due to the military might of the remnants of the six former states, but rather due to an internal power vacuum and usurpation.] [Please click on the "Culprit" avatar for details.]

Ying Zheng's fingers trembled slightly. He took a deep breath, extended his index finger, and pointed at the portrait marked with a large red exclamation mark.

It wasn't Li Si. It wasn't Wang Jian. It wasn't Meng Tian either.

The profile picture slowly zoomed in, revealing a young, handsome face with a hint of naivety and wickedness.

"Hu... Hai?"

Ying Zheng's voice was filled with disbelief, followed by a profound sense of absurdity.

"How could it be him?" Ying Zheng suddenly looked up, staring intently at the light screen. "He's just my youngest son! In terms of age, Fusu is above me; in terms of ability, Fusu is the military supervisor of Shangjun, and his prestige is well-established. How could it possibly be that Huhai, this playboy who only knows how to have fun?!"

He couldn't understand. The laws of Qin were harsh, and the inheritance system was extremely strict. Unless…

"Unless Fusu dies before me?" Ying Zheng's voice trembled with a hint of relief. "Tell me, did Fusu die of illness first?"

The text on the screen didn't appear immediately; instead, it paused for a long three seconds. It was the silence of the machine, yet it was more unsettling than any funeral music.

[Answer to user: No.] [In fact, at the moment you died, Fusu was alive and well, working with Meng Tian on the Great Wall in Shangjun, and in excellent health.]

"Then why was he the one who succeeded to the throne?!" Ying Zheng roared, his grip on the hilt of the Tai'a sword creaking loudly.

A black envelope icon popped up on the screen, stamped with the seal of the Imperial Seal of the State, which Ying Zheng recognized very well.

[Key item: A forged will.]

[Historical Archives Decoded – The Dune Incident:]

In 210 BC, you died of illness at the Sand Dune Palace. Zhao Gao withheld your will, which originally intended to pass the throne to Fusu.

Subsequently, Zhao Gao, in collusion with Li Si, forged a new imperial edict and sent it to Shangjun.

The edict did not order the succession, but rather—a death sentence.

The reason given was: Fusu had rendered no service on the frontier and had slandered the court; therefore, he was ordered to commit suicide by sword.

"To be sentenced to death...?"

Ying Zheng felt a buzzing sound in his head, as if he had been struck hard with a heavy hammer. He staggered and barely managed to steady himself by grabbing the table for support.

"I... hereby order Fusu to commit suicide?"

"And Fusu...did he believe it?"

Yes, he believed it. Although Meng Tian tried his best to dissuade him, Fusu was a filial son (or perhaps blindly loyal), saying, "If my father commands my son to die, why should I plead again!" Then, he drew his sword and committed suicide.

A deathly silence fell over the hall. Ying Zheng closed his eyes, and two streams of tears slid down his resolute face. It wasn't just grief, but a profound sense of absurdity and the rage of betrayal. He had lived a life of unparalleled glory, sweeping across the land, yet after his death, his own seal had become the murder weapon used to kill his most outstanding son!

"Very good...very good!" Ying Zheng suddenly opened his eyes, the tears in them instantly evaporated by the raging flames, replaced by a murderous intent powerful enough to incinerate the world. "Use my sword to kill my son and seize my kingdom!"

"This is my finest carriage attendant, this is my finest prime minister!"

Ying Zheng's gaze swept across the screen like that of a wild beast.

"Zhao Gao was the mastermind, wasn't he? Why would Li Si agree? He's a smart man, how could he go crazy with Zhao Gao?"

Because of greed and fear.

Zhao Gao exploited Li Si's weakness: Fusu was close to Confucianism and on good terms with Meng Tian. If Fusu succeeded to the throne, the position of prime minister would inevitably belong to Meng Tian, ​​and Li Si, even if he wasn't killed, would have to retire to his hometown.

To retain his position, Li Si chose to betray you.

Ying Zheng sneered, his laughter hoarse: "For the sake of the prime minister... Ha, what a fine 'for the sake of the prime minister'!"

He looked at the portrait of Hu Hai again, and the last trace of warmth in his eyes vanished.

"And what about this rebellious son? What role did he play in this whole affair? Was he forced into it? Or was he an accomplice?"

[Role Model: The Perfect Puppet.]

[Little G has loaded the psychology module for you: Please read "The Psychology of Giant Babies and Puppet Politics."]

Analysis: Hu Hai's personality traits are "attached personality disorder." He lacks independent thinking, is easily influenced, has a weak sense of morality, and pursues immediate gratification. Such a person might be acceptable as a spoiled rich second-generation heir, but as emperor, he becomes a sharp blade without a sheath, which anyone can wield.

"Anyone can hold it..." Ying Zheng murmured to himself.

On the screen, next to Hu Hai's portrait, a thick dotted line appeared, connecting to another portrait. It was of a middle-aged man with a pale face, no beard, and sinister eyes.

Zhao Gao.

[Mastermind: Zhao Gao.] [Historical Achievements: Mastermind of the Sand Dune Incident, inventor of the "pointing at a deer and calling it a horse" theory, gravedigger of the Qin Empire.] [After your death (apologies for mentioning this again), he colluded with Li Si to tamper with the imperial edict, ordering the death of Fusu and installing Huhai as emperor. He then seized control of the court, treating your son like a pet and your ministers like leeks to be harvested.]

"Snap." The precious wolf-hair brush in Ying Zheng's hand was forcibly broken into two pieces.

"Zhao Gao... Zhao Gao!"

Ying Zheng gritted his teeth, his eyes blazing with fury. That servile lackey who groveled before him, afraid to even breathe loudly? That magistrate of the Imperial Carriage Office, a master of law and calligraphy, who obeyed him without question?

He was actually a venomous snake lurking beside me!

"I will kill him now!" Ying Zheng abruptly stood up, his Tai'a sword instantly drawn. "I will tear him apart by five horses! And exterminate his entire clan!"

[Red alert pop-up: Killing him now may feel satisfying. But have you considered that Zhao Gao is merely a "focal point"? If your son doesn't develop independent thinking skills, killing Zhao Gao will only lead to more Li Gaos and Wang Gaos.]

Moreover, you currently have no evidence. Zhao Gao remains a loyal minister. Your killing of a minister without cause will only alienate the court and allow the truly ambitious to hide even deeper.

Ying Zheng's hand, gripping the sword, froze in mid-air. After all, he was a great emperor of all time, and reason prevailed over impulse in an instant.

"You're right." Ying Zheng slowly sheathed his sword, his eyes becoming as sharp as a hawk's. "Killing someone is easy, but destroying their spirit is difficult. I want to see just how Zhao Gao 'brainwashed' my son."

"Summon Huhai!" Ying Zheng shouted towards the door.

……

A moment later, Hu Hai trotted into the study. He was dressed in brocade robes, with a fawning smile on his face, and carrying an exquisite birdcage in his hand.

"Father! You wanted to see me?" Hu Hai greeted him with a grin, his eyes clear to the point of being somewhat foolish. "I just caught a thrush in the back garden. Its song is so beautiful. I was just about to present it to you to amuse you."

Looking at his youngest son's still-childish face, Ying Zheng felt a mix of emotions. In the past, he would have seen this as innocent joy, a rare display of affection within an imperial family. But now, seeing the words "[Attachment Personality Disorder: Giant Baby]" on the screen, he felt a chill run down his spine.

"Put down the birdcage," Ying Zheng said coldly.

Hu Hai was taken aback, sensing the awkward atmosphere. He quickly handed the birdcage to the attendant beside him and stood with his hands at his sides, saying, "Father, your son... have I done something wrong?"

"You haven't done anything wrong." Ying Zheng pointed to the cushion opposite him. "Sit. Today I won't test your legal knowledge or your writing. I want to talk to you about... this world."

Hu Hai breathed a sigh of relief and sat down somewhat awkwardly.

"Huhai, who do you think the Qin dynasty belongs to?" Ying Zheng asked.

Without hesitation, Hu Hai replied, "Of course they belong to Father! Father's virtue surpasses that of the Three Sovereigns and his achievements exceed those of the Five Emperors; all the people under heaven are Father's subjects!"

This flattery was delivered with remarkable fluency.

[Voice sentiment analysis is in progress...]

[Sincerity level: 90%. He genuinely thinks this way because he admires the strong.]

Independent thinking level: 0%. This is most likely Zhao Gaojiao's standard answer.

Ying Zheng continued, "What if one day I am no longer here?"

Hu Hai's face turned pale, and he immediately knelt down: "Long live the Emperor! How could he not be here! Whoever dares to curse the Emperor, I will kill him!"

"Get up. I meant 'if'," Ying Zheng said sternly. "If I were not here, and the empire were handed over to your elder brother Fusu, what would you say?"

This is a question that could cost you your life.

Hu Hai's gaze flickered for a moment. His eyes unconsciously turned to the lower left, as if he were recalling something, not thinking. He was remembering what others had taught him.

"Elder brother...elder brother is resolute and benevolent, and has a long-standing reputation for virtue," Hu Hai stammered. "If elder brother succeeds to the throne, he will surely...surely maintain the status quo. Your son...your son wishes to be a wealthy and idle man, serving elder brother."

Ying Zheng narrowed his eyes: "Really?"

"Really...really." Hu Hai's voice lowered, his fingers nervously twisting the hem of his clothes.

Micro-expression analysis: Slightly downturned corners of the mouth (disdain/jealousy), slightly constricted pupils (fear).

[System assessment: He is lying. Or rather, he is reciting the "deception rhetoric" instilled in him by Zhao Gao. At this moment, his subconscious may have already been planted with seeds of fear of Fusu—such as rumors that "Fusu will kill his brothers upon ascending the throne."]

Ying Zheng felt a chill in his heart. It turned out that the seeds of fratricide had already been sown long ago.

"I've heard that you've been getting quite close to Zhao Gao lately?" Ying Zheng suddenly changed the subject.

Mentioning Zhao Gao, Hu Hai's eyes lit up noticeably, and he relaxed completely: "Prefect Zhao was extremely kind to me! He taught me the law, and also... uh, calligraphy."

"Oh? He taught you the law?" Ying Zheng leaned forward. "Then let me ask you, Zhao Gao once taught you, 'A true king is selfless, therefore he is selfless in all things,' what is your interpretation?"

Hu Hai immediately perked up, puffing out his chest: "Teacher Zhao said it! This means that the emperor is the master of the land, and everything in the land is the emperor's private property. Since it's private property, the emperor can kill whomever he wants, and enjoy himself as he pleases, without being bound by the law. This is the highest realm of 'selflessness'!"

"Shut up!" Ying Zheng roared, startling Hu Hai so much that he almost collapsed. "If you dare mention Zhao Gao again, I'll cut out your tongue."

"Go back! From this day forward, you are forbidden to see Zhao Gao again."

"Guards! Young Master Huhai is an incompetent and useless boy; he has been placed under house arrest for six months! No one is allowed to visit him!"

Seeing his father's murderous gaze, Hu Hai wanted to beg for mercy but dared not utter a word. He could only be led away by the black-armored warriors, trembling with fear.

Ying Zheng took a deep breath to calm himself. "Little G."

【exist. 】

"Generate me a set of... what's it called again? A set of questions that can make people smarter?"

[Is it "Five Years of College Entrance Examination, Three Years of Simulation"? That's a nightmare for later generations. But for Hu Hai, I suggest starting with "Elementary Logic" and "Introduction to Critical Thinking."]

[The "Qin Dynasty Royal Special Training Question Bank v1.0" has been generated for you.]

[Question 1: If your best friend tells you that a deer is a horse, you should: A. Agree that it's a horse. B. Laugh at him for being blind. C. Analyze his motives. D. Bring a real horse over for comparison.]

Ying Zheng looked at the questions on the screen, a cruel smile curling at the corner of his mouth.

Ying Zheng turned his gaze to the window. That was the office of the Imperial Carriage Officer.

"Zhao Gao..."

Ying Zheng did not immediately order Zhao Gao's arrest. Little G was right; Zhao Gao was still disguised as a loyal minister. If he were killed now, Hu Hai would hate his father and remain a useless figure; the court officials would panic, and everyone would feel insecure.

"Since you enjoy manipulating people's hearts and calling a deer a horse," Ying Zheng said, tapping his fingers lightly on the table, making a rhythmic tapping sound.

"Little G, is there any 'impossible mission'?"

[Searching...]

The steam engine is an external combustion power device that converts the thermal energy of steam into mechanical energy. Its basic principle is to generate high-temperature, high-pressure steam in a boiler; the expansion of the steam drives a piston or turbine to rotate, thereby outputting power. As a core invention of the First Industrial Revolution, the steam engine fundamentally changed human production and transportation methods, laying the foundation for modern industrial society.

The screen flickered, and a complex, dynamic diagram appeared in mid-air. It was a bizarre machine filled with gears, linkages, and a huge iron canister. Red arrows indicated the direction of airflow, and pistons tumbled up and down inside the cylinder, driving a massive wheel to spin wildly.

Ying Zheng stared at the iron pot constantly spewing white steam, his brows furrowing slightly. "This... isn't it just a kettle for boiling water?" He pointed to the boiling water tank in the drawing. "Boiling water, and you can travel a thousand miles a day? Are you trying to deceive the emperor?"

Your Majesty, please do not underestimate the importance of boiling water.

[Science Time: When water boils, it turns into gas and expands 1600 times in volume.]

Imagine this: cramming a thousand strongmen into a small box and having them push it out simultaneously. That force is "steam."

Ying Zheng seemed to understand something: "You mean, shut down the 'qi' and force them to grind the millstone?"

[Correct. In physics, this is called "the conversion of thermal energy into mechanical energy."]

[Look at this piston (pointing to the slider in the picture). Air pushes it open, which drives the connecting rod, and the connecting rod drives the wheel. As long as the fire doesn't go out and the water doesn't dry up, it will never tire and possesses immense power.]

"Immense strength..." A glint of light flashed in Ying Zheng's eyes. He was a pragmatist and instantly understood the war value of this weapon. If it were mounted on a chariot...

"If it's so useful, why do you say it's difficult to make?" Ying Zheng asked.

A huge animated image of a pressure cooker exploding popped up on the screen, accompanied by silent simulated explosion effects.

Because of the materials.

The Qin Dynasty's current smelting technology primarily focuses on bronze and pig iron.

To generate enough power from steam, it must be sealed in a pressurized container. However, the iron in the Qin Dynasty was too brittle, and the copper too soft. There was only one outcome:

A line of text appeared on the screen:

[Bang! The barrel explodes.]

[Operator (Zhao Gao): Died on the spot.]

Ying Zheng looked at the person who had "died on the spot," his smile deepening. "Good." "Excellent."

He pointed a finger at the potentially explosive "cylinder" location. "This is the effect I wanted."

"If Zhao Gao cannot fabricate it, I will kill him, and it will be perfectly justified."

"If he really manages to create it..." Ying Zheng's gaze became deep and fanatical, "then my Great Qin will have a monster more terrifying than a million iron cavalry."

"In any case, I'm not at a disadvantage."

Ying Zheng waved his sleeve and pointed to the blank silk on the table.

"Draw the blueprints. Make them... as complex as possible."

"Especially this 'cylinder,' draw it thicker. Don't let that old dog Zhao Gao die too quickly. I want to keep him around to play with slowly."

【…】

Sending a liberal arts student conspirator to lead the Industrial Revolution is the ultimate form of workplace bullying.

[Generating "Steam Engine Design Drawings That Look Like Hidden Books" for you...]

"Zhao Gao!" Ying Zheng shouted towards the door.

This time, Zhao Gao's voice came exceptionally quickly, clearly indicating that he had been spying from a short distance: "This servant is here."

Zhao Gao entered, bowing low, his heart filled with suspicion and uncertainty. Hu Hai had suddenly been placed under house arrest—wasn't His Majesty his most favored son? Considering His Majesty's strange behavior these past two days, Zhao Gao felt he had lost control of everything.

"Zhao Gao," Ying Zheng said gently, even with a hint of a smile, "I have recently been reading ancient books and have heard that in the far west there is a divine object called the 'steam engine'."

Zhao Gao was stunned: "Steamed...steamed chicken? Is it for eating?"

"No, it's a kind of mechanical art," Ying Zheng said, spouting nonsense with a straight face. "This thing is incredibly powerful, capable of traveling a thousand miles a day. I order you to create it for me within three months. If you can't..."

Ying Zheng paused, his eyes instantly turning sinister: "Then you can stop being the 'Chief of the Imperial Carriage Office'."

Zhao Gao knelt down with a thud, his heavy clothes instantly soaked with cold sweat. He had no idea what that thing was!

"What? You intend to defy the imperial decree?"

"This servant...this servant dares not! This servant...accepts the decree!"

Watching Zhao Gao's hasty retreat, Ying Zheng thought, "This is just the beginning." He glanced out the window again. "My empire, no one can take it away. A demise after two generations? I will make this Qin Dynasty prosper for ten thousand generations!"