Chapter Three: Heartfelt Confessions
The man before him appeared only four or five years older than Li Yu. His cold, austere features paired with those sharp eyes made him seem like a sword ever poised to be drawn, and indeed, in his hand he held a sword. At first glance, Li Yu immediately recognized him—Gai Nie, the Sword Sage of the Qin era. The saying went, “When his strength is full, he never leaves home; when wounded, he roams everywhere,” and it aptly described the figure before him.
Gai Nie, in two light steps, traversed a hundred meters and stopped beside Li Yu. “Are you Mr. Li Yu?” he asked. “I am Gai Nie, swordsmanship instructor at the palace of the King of Qin. His Majesty awaits you; please follow me.” With that, he started toward Zhangtai Palace.
Li Yu followed closely and, as he drew near, raised his voice, “So you are the Sword Sage Gai Nie! Brother Gai Nie, do you have a junior disciple named Wei Zhuang? I’ve long heard of your renowned names, and meeting you today confirms your reputation.”
Gai Nie, who had been walking swiftly, stumbled and nearly lost his composure. His stern face flushed with embarrassment; after all, the title “Sword Sage” was bestowed more than a decade later by those of the martial world, and he dared not claim it now—lest the tale spread and provoke laughter. He glanced around nervously, saw no one paying attention, then said solemnly, “Please, sir, do not speak carelessly. I do indeed have a junior named Wei Zhuang, but the title ‘Sword Sage’ is not mine to accept. Please refrain from mentioning it again.”
Li Yu, seeing Gai Nie address him, thickened his skin and continued, “I don’t know about others, but in my eyes, your name stands for loyalty and righteousness, unmatched swordsmanship—a paragon of virtue. I have admired you for long and would like to be friends. If you don’t mind, you may call me Little Li, and I’ll call you Old Gai—what do you say? It would make us seem closer.”
Gai Nie was utterly speechless. Little Li? Old Gai? Such familiarity on their first meeting! He said nothing and strode through the palace gates, his pace quickening.
Li Yu, seeing Gai Nie ignore him, was not offended. After all, relationships are forged through communication, and not everyone greets their brother with swords like Gai Nie and Wei Zhuang. Besides, Li Yu lacked the skill for that. He shrugged, smiled, and followed inside.
Accustomed to living in small rooms, Li Yu was bewildered by the endless twists and turns of the palace. Why did these important people love building such vast spaces? Just walking from gate to gate was enough exercise for a day. At last, they stopped in a room; Gai Nie pushed the door open, gesturing for Li Yu to enter. Li Yu examined the room—a study, its shelves piled high with books, mostly bamboo slips, some parchment, and silk scrolls.
Ying Zheng sat at the desk, intently reading a paper manuscript—several pages gifted by Li Yu to the King of Qin. Due to a shortage of paper, Li Yu used both sides, writing with charcoal.
Gai Nie, now resembling a bodyguard, stood straight before Ying Zheng, silent and unmoving.
Li Yu coughed twice to attract the king’s attention. Ying Zheng looked up, recognized Li Yu, set his book aside, and said, “Meng De, you’re here!”
Li Yu was momentarily startled, recalling he had just used his idol’s courtesy name in court—it felt odd, but he could not change it. He braced himself, “Li Yu greets the King of Qin, wishing you everlasting prosperity, hidden travels across the realm, and unification of the world.”
Ying Zheng paused, amused by Li Yu’s flattering words—who doesn’t love compliments, especially a young king? His fondness for Li Yu grew. He pointed to the paper manuscript, “Sir, your talent is remarkable—I cannot put your writings down! Yet, you have not finished your treatise on unification, especially the three ministries and six departments system. You have only outlined it, and I am most interested. Could you explain further?”
Li Yu straightened, “I have the outline in mind. I believe conquering the realm is easier than maintaining it. When the King of Qin unifies the world, the military merit system can no longer be used—peace will prevail, no wars to fight, most soldiers will return to their fields. Where would military merit come from then?”
Without waiting for a reply, Li Yu continued, “Therefore, a new path for advancement must be established—namely, the imperial examination.”
The Emperor’s interest piqued, he interjected, “What is the imperial examination?”
Li Yu gazed at the ceiling, feigning deep thought, “The imperial examination selects scholars nationwide through courtyard exams, township exams, provincial exams, and palace exams, ensuring talents from the lower classes are not lost, and giving them hope for success.”
Ying Zheng asked, “What are the courtyard and township exams?”
Li Yu replied, “Courtyard exams are held in local primary schools. Those who pass may proceed to county selection—the township exams. Passing the township exams allows entry to provincial exams, and those who succeed may come to Xianyang, where Your Majesty sets the questions, testing scholars from across the land. Thus, all scholars become your disciples.”
Ying Zheng asked further, “I understand the courtyard and township exams—what are the provincial exams?”
Li Yu explained, “Once Your Majesty unifies the realm, Qi, Chu, Yan, Zhao, Han will no longer exist as separate states but become provinces of Great Qin.”
The King envisioned the future map of Qin, longing for it yet remaining composed, “By your words, you intend to govern with Confucianism?”
Li Yu replied, “Knights break the law with force, Confucians disrupt order with words.”
Gai Nie behind Ying Zheng curled his lips, wanting to speak but remaining silent.
Li Yu, hands behind his back, paced the room, “The true way is to govern outwardly by Confucianism, inwardly by law. Confucianism is the moral high ground, the law is the baseline for conduct. Confucianism can only serve as a spiritual symbol, not as a social norm—it is unrealistic to expect everyone to be a gentleman. Otherwise, society becomes neither here nor there. Confucian education and legal governance are the foundation for societal continuity.”
Ying Zheng pondered for a long time. Li Yu said no more, letting the king absorb his words.
After a while, Ying Zheng recovered from his thoughts and said, “Your ideals are good, but among the common people, barely one in a hundred can read. All learning is in the hands of the noble families—how can the imperial examination be implemented?”
Li Yu smiled, “Has Your Majesty forgotten what you hold in your hand? With it, the world will no longer need bamboo slips—paper is in your possession. Do you still see it as a problem? Moreover, I propose opening academies, starting in Xianyang and spreading outward. In twenty years, Qin’s academies will cover the nation. There will be two kinds: commoner academies and noble academies. Commoner academies are open to all children of the people, noble academies only to the elite. Commoner academies charge no tuition—any child of proper age may attend. Noble academies, however, may charge high fees to subsidize the commoner academies—a win-win!”
Ying Zheng was intrigued, “When do you think the first academy can be established?”
Li Yu replied, “Once cement is in mass production, we may begin. That way, the people will witness the benefits of cement, and it will help future sales.”
Ying Zheng asked, “Sales? You plan to sell cement?”
Li Yu replied, “Not me—Your Majesty will. Do you look down on merchants?”
Ying Zheng said, “Merchants do not produce, pursue small profits at the expense of greater good, always scheming—they are the nation’s parasites!”
Li Yu understood the low status of merchants at this time, even the open-minded King of Qin looked down on the profession. He smiled, “You underestimate merchants, Your Majesty. The marketplace is a battlefield—played well, commerce can destroy a nation.”
Ying Zheng was unconvinced. Li Yu continued, “If you doubt it, I can demonstrate for you. The stage will be Han, as it is Qin’s eastern gateway. I am confident Your Majesty need not expend a single soldier to take Han.”
Ying Zheng was half convinced, “Are you serious, sir? This is no matter for jest.”
Li Yu replied confidently, “Your Majesty may wait and see—I am ninety percent sure. Even if I fail, you only lose a little money. Why not?”
Ying Zheng frowned, “Your plan requires money—you must discuss it with Chancellor Lü. I have no money.” He seemed embarrassed.
Li Yu was stunned—no money? How can you play this game? It’s like a shell company, trading without capital. The initial investment in commercial warfare is considerable—though the final profit is great, one cannot cook without rice. Even founders in his past life borrowed money everywhere. Unless you’re a princeling, flipping resources by virtue of family power—that’s an open scheme. But commercial warfare is a covert one. No choice but to reconsider.
Seeing Ying Zheng so pitiable, Li Yu suddenly had an idea. He nervously asked, “Does Your Majesty fret for lack of power?”
Ying Zheng, annoyed by Li Yu’s mischievous grin, answered, “If I had power, I wouldn’t need to defer to Chancellor Lü. My mother always sides with him. I am isolated, unsupported. If she would relinquish authority, I wouldn’t be so passive. Now I am lost, not knowing what tomorrow brings.”
Li Yu was unsettled by the mention of Lady Zhao. He thought for a moment, “I’ve heard a bit about Your Majesty’s relationship with the Empress Dowager, but I believe she is your closest blood relative—nothing can change that. Your bond is deeper than most. During your six years in Zhao, you endured hardship together, which ordinary families cannot match. I suspect her reluctance to surrender power stems from insecurity—fear of loss. When the late king abandoned you, she was hurt. Upon returning to Qin, seeing Cheng Jiao and his mother, she was hurt again. Three years later, the late king passed. Imagine, in the deep palace, the Empress Dowager surrounded by enemies, only you, mother and son, alone. Would she feel secure?”
Ying Zheng recalled those years as a hostage in Zhao, the bitter days etched in memory. He remembered the moments with his mother—the Zhao people hated Qin, and he was wounded daily. Each night, mother and son nursed their wounds in a shabby cottage—a painful recollection.
Li Yu added, “Your Majesty should visit the Empress Dowager more. Without interaction, relationships grow distant.” He sighed, “The deep palace separates feelings; once inside, it’s as deep as the sea!”
Ying Zheng was moved. Indeed, during their time in Zhao, though poor, their bond was far deeper than now.
After these reflections, Ying Zheng bowed slightly, “Your guidance brings me comfort. Do you have a way for me to gain power?”
Li Yu now wore a sly smile, “Does Your Majesty have a map of Qin’s borders?”
Ying Zheng signaled to Gai Nie, who responded swiftly and without expression, fetching a parchment map and laying it out before the king.
Ying Zheng said, “This is Qin’s border overview. Please, sir.”
Li Yu glanced at the map, quickly found the Wusui border, and pointed, “Is General Wang Yi stationed here?”
Ying Zheng considered, “Yes, General Wang Yi. Is there a problem?”
Li Yu said, “I am certain Wang Yi is plotting rebellion. Will Your Majesty dare to test it?”
Ying Zheng was doubtful, “On what basis are you so certain?”
Li Yu answered, “My master is versed in the occult, and from childhood, I have learned much. A few days ago, I observed changes in the eastern stars and cast a divination—the trouble lies at Wusui. After repeated confirmation, it points to General Wang Yi.”
Ying Zheng was half convinced—Li Yu seemed to know everything, even divination. Was there such a genius? “How does your learning compare to the School of Yin-Yang?”
Li Yu paused. Why did the Emperor bring up Yin-Yang? That would be his future home—the beauties of Qin are half from Han, the other half from the School of Yin-Yang. Li Yu longed for it.
He raised his head arrogantly, “The School of Yin-Yang is but a minor art. I can see two thousand years forward and two thousand years back—can they?”
Ying Zheng listened to Li Yu’s boast, unsure whether to believe, and dropped the topic. He pointed at the map, “What do you suggest?”
Li Yu glanced at the king’s finger, imitating Zhuge Liang’s posture from television, “Stir the grass to scare the snake, lure it out, and catch it all.”
Ying Zheng asked, “How do you lure the snake out?”
Li Yu replied, “Your Majesty may travel incognito to inspect Wusui camp, accompanied by a few skilled guards. Strike swiftly. If there is no treason, treat it as a leisure outing. Sometimes, one must relax for health—life and work, like cooking, cannot be rushed. Too much is as bad as too little!”
He added, “This journey—if you don’t risk the child, you won’t catch the wolf! Once you control the army, you can stand against the Chancellor. As they say, political power grows from the barrel of a gun.”
Ying Zheng applauded, “Sir, your words are wise—political power grows from the barrel of a gun, truly to the point.” Then he worried, “What if Wang Yi does not take the bait?”
Li Yu said, “If the lure is enticing enough and seems easily seized, he will surely bite.”
Ying Zheng replied, “You speak of skilled guards, but I have only Gai Nie at hand—not enough.”
Li Yu paced and thought, “Let me ask—are members of the School of Yin-Yang currently in Xianyang Palace?”
Ying Zheng answered, “You know this as well? They arrived recently, but no longer reside in the palace—they are at the Talent Recruitment Hall. They proposed building an astrological tower in the palace, funding it themselves. I agreed and plan to gift them a palace in the northwest soon. We must show courtesy.”
Li Yu was excited, “Is the Lady Yan from East Commandery among them?”
Ying Zheng said, “They claim to be Moon Goddess. As for East Commandery, I do not know if she is present. Do you know her?”
Li Yu replied, “I’ve divined for myself—this woman is destined for me, hence my excitement! With her help, our plan will succeed.”
Ying Zheng smiled, “If she truly pleases you, I will grant you my blessing.”
Li Yu happily saluted, “Thank you, Your Majesty!”
Then, straightening, he said, “You may borrow someone from the Empress Dowager to ensure your safety.”
Ying Zheng was curious, “Who?”
Li Yu answered, “The eunuch Zhao Gao.”
Ying Zheng recalled him—his bizarre hairstyle was unforgettable. He asked, “Is he really so capable?”
Li Yu replied, “He currently manages the palace’s intelligence network. With him, you’ll be safe. But I think of another—Chancellor Lü’s retainer. With him, our plan will be foolproof.”
Ying Zheng asked, “Who?”
Li Yu said, “Li Si. With him, the plan will succeed.”
Li Yu intended to pit Lü Buwei against Li Si. Li Si was talented but cowardly—history records that when the First Emperor died, he and Zhao Gao altered the edict, benefiting Zhao Gao, Hu Hai’s tutor, but Li Si gained nothing. A couple of threats, and he agreed—ending badly, his reputation ruined. It was laughable and regrettable.
To exploit Li Si’s weakness was feasible.
Ying Zheng nodded, “When do you suggest we depart?”
Li Yu replied, “The sooner the better—lest dreams linger long.”
Ying Zheng slapped his thigh, “Tomorrow I’ll ask Chancellor Lü for Li Si. I will visit Ganquan Palace to see my mother. As for East Commandery—” he turned to Gai Nie, “Master Gai, please check the Talent Recruitment Hall.” Then to Li Yu, “Will you come as well? See if the Lady from East Commandery suits you. If so, let me know—I’ll grant you marriage.”
Li Yu quickly saluted, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”
---
Li Yu responded, “Once cement is produced in quantity, we can begin. That will let all the people see its effectiveness, and help future sales.”
Ying Zheng asked, “Sales? You plan to sell cement?”
Li Yu said, “Not me—Your Majesty will. Do you look down on merchants?”
Ying Zheng replied, “Merchants do not produce, pursue small profits and abandon great principles, always scheming—parasites of the nation!”
Li Yu understood that merchants held low status nowadays, even the open-minded King of Qin looked down on their profession. He smiled, “You underestimate merchants, Your Majesty. The marketplace is a battlefield—played well, commerce can destroy a nation.”
Ying Zheng was unconvinced. Li Yu continued, “If you doubt it, I can demonstrate for you. The stage will be Han, as it is Qin’s eastern gateway. I am confident Your Majesty need not expend a single soldier to take Han.”
Ying Zheng was half convinced, “Are you serious, sir? This is no matter for jest.”
Li Yu replied confidently, “Your Majesty may wait and see—I am ninety percent sure. Even if I fail, you only lose a little money. Why not?”
Ying Zheng frowned, “Your plan requires money—you must discuss it with Chancellor Lü. I have no money.” He seemed embarrassed.
Li Yu was stunned—no money? How can you play this game? It’s like a shell company, trading without capital. The initial investment in commercial warfare is considerable—though the final profit is great, one cannot cook without rice. Even founders in his past life borrowed money everywhere. Unless you’re a princeling, flipping resources by virtue of family power—that’s an open scheme. But commercial warfare is a covert one. No choice but to reconsider.
Seeing Ying Zheng so pitiable, Li Yu suddenly had an idea. He nervously asked, “Does Your Majesty fret for lack of power?”
Ying Zheng, annoyed by Li Yu’s mischievous grin, answered, “If I had power, I wouldn’t need to defer to Chancellor Lü. My mother always sides with him. I am isolated, unsupported. If she would relinquish authority, I wouldn’t be so passive. Now I am lost, not knowing what tomorrow brings.”
Li Yu was unsettled by the mention of Lady Zhao. He thought for a moment, “I’ve heard a bit about Your Majesty’s relationship with the Empress Dowager, but I believe she is your closest blood relative—nothing can change that. Your bond is deeper than most. During your six years in Zhao, you endured hardship together, which ordinary families cannot match. I suspect her reluctance to surrender power stems from insecurity—fear of loss. When the late king abandoned you, she was hurt. Upon returning to Qin, seeing Cheng Jiao and his mother, she was hurt again. Three years later, the late king passed. Imagine, in the deep palace, the Empress Dowager surrounded by enemies, only you, mother and son, alone. Would she feel secure?”
Ying Zheng recalled those years as a hostage in Zhao, the bitter days etched in memory. He remembered the moments with his mother—the Zhao people hated Qin, and he was wounded daily. Each night, mother and son nursed their wounds in a shabby cottage—a painful recollection.
Li Yu added, “Your Majesty should visit the Empress Dowager more. Without interaction, relationships grow distant.” He sighed, “The deep palace separates feelings; once inside, it’s as deep as the sea!”
Ying Zheng was moved. Indeed, during their time in Zhao, though poor, their bond was far deeper than now.
After these reflections, Ying Zheng bowed slightly, “Your guidance brings me comfort. Do you have a way for me to gain power?”
Li Yu now wore a sly smile, “Does Your Majesty have a map of Qin’s borders?”
Ying Zheng signaled to Gai Nie, who responded swiftly and without expression, fetching a parchment map and laying it out before the king.
Ying Zheng said, “This is Qin’s border overview. Please, sir.”
Li Yu glanced at the map, quickly found the Wusui border, and pointed, “Is General Wang Yi stationed here?”
Ying Zheng considered, “Yes, General Wang Yi. Is there a problem?”
Li Yu said, “I am certain Wang Yi is plotting rebellion. Will Your Majesty dare to test it?”
Ying Zheng was doubtful, “On what basis are you so certain?”
Li Yu answered, “My master is versed in the occult, and from childhood, I have learned much. A few days ago, I observed changes in the eastern stars and cast a divination—the trouble lies at Wusui. After repeated confirmation, it points to General Wang Yi.”
Ying Zheng was half convinced—Li Yu seemed to know everything, even divination. Was there such a genius? “How does your learning compare to the School of Yin-Yang?”
Li Yu paused. Why did the Emperor bring up Yin-Yang? That would be his future home—the beauties of Qin are half from Han, the other half from the School of Yin-Yang. Li Yu longed for it.
He raised his head arrogantly, “The School of Yin-Yang is but a minor art. I can see two thousand years forward and two thousand years back—can they?”
Ying Zheng listened to Li Yu’s boast, unsure whether to believe, and dropped the topic. He pointed at the map, “What do you suggest?”
Li Yu glanced at the king’s finger, imitating Zhuge Liang’s posture from television, “Stir the grass to scare the snake, lure it out, and catch it all.”
Ying Zheng asked, “How do you lure the snake out?”
Li Yu replied, “Your Majesty may travel incognito to inspect Wusui camp, accompanied by a few skilled guards. Strike swiftly. If there is no treason, treat it as a leisure outing. Sometimes, one must relax for health—life and work, like cooking, cannot be rushed. Too much is as bad as too little!”
He added, “This journey—if you don’t risk the child, you won’t catch the wolf! Once you control the army, you can stand against the Chancellor. As they say, political power grows from the barrel of a gun.”
Ying Zheng applauded, “Sir, your words are wise—political power grows from the barrel of a gun, truly to the point.” Then he worried, “What if Wang Yi does not take the bait?”
Li Yu said, “If the lure is enticing enough and seems easily seized, he will surely bite.”
Ying Zheng replied, “You speak of skilled guards, but I have only Gai Nie at hand—not enough.”
Li Yu paced and thought, “Let me ask—are members of the School of Yin-Yang currently in Xianyang Palace?”
Ying Zheng answered, “You know this as well? They arrived recently, but no longer reside in the palace—they are at the Talent Recruitment Hall. They proposed building an astrological tower in the palace, funding it themselves. I agreed and plan to gift them a palace in the northwest soon. We must show courtesy.”
Li Yu was excited, “Is the Lady Yan from East Commandery among them?”
Ying Zheng said, “They claim to be Moon Goddess. As for East Commandery, I do not know if she is present. Do you know her?”
Li Yu replied, “I’ve divined for myself—this woman is destined for me, hence my excitement! With her help, our plan will succeed.”
Ying Zheng smiled, “If she truly pleases you, I will grant you my blessing.”
Li Yu happily saluted, “Thank you, Your Majesty!”
Then, straightening, he said, “You may borrow someone from the Empress Dowager to ensure your safety.”
Ying Zheng was curious, “Who?”
Li Yu answered, “The eunuch Zhao Gao.”
Ying Zheng recalled him—his bizarre hairstyle was unforgettable. He asked, “Is he really so capable?”
Li Yu replied, “He currently manages the palace’s intelligence network. With him, you’ll be safe. But I think of another—Chancellor Lü’s retainer. With him, our plan will be foolproof.”
Ying Zheng asked, “Who?”
Li Yu said, “Li Si. With him, the plan will succeed.”
Li Yu intended to pit Lü Buwei against Li Si. Li Si was talented but cowardly—history records that when the First Emperor died, he and Zhao Gao altered the edict, benefiting Zhao Gao, Hu Hai’s tutor, but Li Si gained nothing. A couple of threats, and he agreed—ending badly, his reputation ruined. It was laughable and regrettable.
To exploit Li Si’s weakness was feasible.
Ying Zheng nodded, “When do you suggest we depart?”
Li Yu replied, “The sooner the better—lest dreams linger long.”
Ying Zheng slapped his thigh, “Tomorrow I’ll ask Chancellor Lü for Li Si. I will visit Ganquan Palace to see my mother. As for East Commandery—” he turned to Gai Nie, “Master Gai, please check the Talent Recruitment Hall.” Then to Li Yu, “Will you come as well? See if the Lady from East Commandery suits you. If so, let me know—I’ll grant you marriage.”
Li Yu quickly saluted, “Thank you, Your Majesty.”