In 210 BC, the First Emperor, Ying Zheng, was about to embark on his final eastern tour. Prince Fusu had been sent to guard the borderlands, and the position of regent in Xianyang Palace lay vacant. Beneath the surface, undercurrents swirled.
At Zhao Gao’s urging, Prince Huhai was ambitious and seemed certain to win.
Then the obscure Prince Jianglu boldly stepped forward and volunteered to serve as regent.
At court, faced with ridicule and doubt, he first produced the Map of Ten Thousand Li of Rivers and Mountains. When the map was unrolled, it revealed the truth: Great Qin was not the whole world.
Next, he presented a plan to strengthen the state, every word incisive and aimed straight at the empire’s future!
The First Emperor was stunned, and the officials were speechless.
“Can those with such narrow vision really presume to discuss the fate of the empire?”
Ying Zheng overruled the opposition and gave Jianglu the authority to govern as regent.
But his early “reckless” reforms sent shockwaves through the court and forced the First Emperor to hurry back to the capital.
With his father’s approval secured, he reformed domestic affairs, strengthened the military, and built up the nation’s strength.
When the winds of change swept across the realm again, he would carry on the First Emperor’s ambitions. Wherever his sword pointed and his gaze fell, all would belong to Qin.
This time, armed with knowledge beyond his era, he would build a truly eternal, unbroken dynasty: a vast and powerful Great Qin Empire with boundless territory.
Ying Zheng: “You insolent son! Are you trying to destroy the Great Qin Empire?”
Zhao Gao: “Your Majesty, during his regency, Prince Jianglu was incompetent and tyrannical. He called a deer a horse, beat this old servant senseless, and even wants to confiscate everything I own. Please give me justice!”
Li You, son of Li Si: “Your Majesty, Prince Jianglu has made baseless accusations that I accepted bribes. I’ve been wronged!”
Chancellor Li Si: “Your Majesty, I have been utterly loyal to the court. Yet Prince Jianglu’s actions are truly chilling. I beg you to put the greater good first and exile him to the borderlands, lest he remain in Xianyang and bring ruin upon us all!”
This book is still very well written