Mid-November.
Fusu and other young masters are still on the road.
Light snow has begun to fall in many places, and Xianyang City is getting quieter.
Xianyang Palace.
A fire had already been lit in the hall.
Ying Zheng was wearing a black fur coat and his figure was slightly bloated.
There were several bronze lamp stands behind him, illuminating the large case in front of him.
The big case in front of him was still piled with memorials, and a bamboo slip was pushed open on the lacquer table. Ying Zheng squinted his eyes, and his hand holding the pen was steady, and the words were formed in just a few strokes of ink.
Zhao Gao entered, bowed to the ground, and said, "Your Majesty, Mrs. Xia is here to see me."
Ying Zheng didn't even raise his eyes and said coldly: "Let him come in."
When Xia Wuji entered the palace, his back became more and more stooped, but he was in good spirits. He stood a hundred steps away from the First Emperor, bowed and said: "Xia Wuji, please see your majesty. Your majesty is well."
"How did the prescription test go?" Ying Zheng still didn't look up.
Xia Wuqe said excitedly: "Your Majesty, after two months of inspection, there are no problems with the three complete prescriptions, and they are of great benefit to the improvement of the human body's internal organs."
"I congratulate Your Majesty."
"The prescription is effective?" Ying Zheng finally stopped writing, pondered for a moment, and then asked again: "In what way was the test conducted?"
Xia Wuji said: "Return to Your Majesty."
"After I first cooked the medicine, I first found some livestock for testing, and then found some overworked prisoners from Lishan Mountain for testing. In addition, I also posted notices in Xianyang City and searched for several overworked prisoners. As a test in Guizhou Province, the results are surprisingly good."
"It's just that I was still worried. After asking the imperial censor, I selected a few people from the death row prisoners for the test."
"The results were surprisingly consistent."
"These three prescriptions are all useful and are extremely effective in improving the internal organs."
"It was after repeated inspections and confirmation that the prescription was very effective that I dared to come and report it to Your Majesty."
"I congratulate Your Majesty."
Ying Zheng chuckled, feeling quite happy, and said with a smile: "The old doctor is thoughtful."
Xia Wuji did not dare to take credit and said in a deep voice: "I just did my duty. If not for His Majesty's gift, it would be difficult for me to see these prescriptions. However, in the past two months, the repair of the fourth prescription has been effective." It's very small, I may not be able to repair it completely in the short term."
"Your Majesty, please forgive me."
Ying Zheng nodded and said slowly: "It is easier to deal with the prescription than to rush it. Since it is a incomplete prescription, just make up it slowly. I allow you to use Chinese medicinal materials as you like."
Hear the words.
Xia Wuji was overjoyed and said quickly: "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"I am so grateful."
Ying Zheng sighed softly and said: "Since the prescription has been tested and is correct, I would like to trouble the old doctor during this time to prepare a few doses for me according to the prescription."
"My body is getting tired."
Xia Wuqi sighed sadly, cupped his hands and said, "No."
Ying Zheng looked at Xia Wuji, who was getting older, and said, "Old doctor, you should also take care of yourself. There are still many places where I can use you."
Xia Wuji smiled bitterly and said: "It is a great blessing that I can be valued by Your Majesty in this life. I really don't dare to covet more. My only wish now is to complete the fourth set of prescriptions in my lifetime. If I can complete this The Ma Bo prescription will make this life worthwhile."
"It's a pity that I have never met the owner of this prescription."
"like"
As he was speaking, Xia Wuqe seemed to realize something, his face suddenly changed, and he said uneasily: "I made a mistake, please punish me."
Ying Zheng shook his head and said indifferently: "How can I blame you for your unintentional words?"
"Go down."
"Thank you for your forgiveness, Your Majesty." Xia Wuji looked solemn and bowed respectfully: "I will leave."
Finished.
Xia Wuji walked slowly outside the palace.
Before walking out of the hall, Ying Zheng's voice came out again.
The voice was a little cold.
"Old doctor, if you have time, please test the medicine stone refined by Xu Fu in detail like this."
"I may have been a little biased in the past."
Xia Wuji paused, turned around, bowed towards the main hall and said, "I obey your order."
aside.
Zhao Gao's eyes moved slightly.
He had heard the meaning.
The prescription tested by Xia Wuqie actually has a better therapeutic effect and does little harm to the human body. The medicinal stone refined by Xu Fu can certainly boost the spirit, but it can also destroy the body. Now there is a more suitable and suitable prescription. Your Majesty is no longer interested in the medicine stone refined by Xu Fu.
Xu Fu is not of much use either.
This is the thought.
Zhao Gao looked a little gloomy.
It was he who introduced Xu Fu to the palace.
If the medicinal stone refined by Xu Fu is found to be harmful to the human body after testing, I am afraid that Your Majesty will not let Xu Fu go. If it is traced, he may not be able to escape the blame.
Zhao Gao lowered his head, his eyes flickering.
He has only been released from prison not long ago. If he is hated by His Majesty because of this, it will be extremely difficult to gain His Majesty's trust.
Close ministers and eunuchs could not lose the trust of the First Emperor.
Once lost.
That means nothing.
Everything you have now will be taken away by others.
This is something Zhao Gao can never accept.
Zhao Gao tilted his head slightly, looked sideways at the main hall, then looked outside the hall, and already had an idea in his mind.
Xia Wuji's test of the alchemist's refining of medicine stones was not deliberately concealed, and it soon fell into Xu Fu's ears.
Twilight.
Xu Fu walked around alone.
Still looking calm and calm.
While strolling, he arrived at the former site of the Doctor's Academy. Looking at the blood-red setting sun and stepping on the sparse fallen leaves floating on the ground, Xu Fu wandered by the lakeside of the Xuetang Lake, which was as empty as a deep valley, and the uneasiness in his heart became stronger and stronger.
A few months ago, he sneered at what happened to the doctors, and now it was going to happen to him again.
For a while.
I can't help but feel sad.
He walked slowly along the lakeside, frowning, thinking about countermeasures.
The last time something happened to the alchemist, although it had nothing to do with him, the eldest son's sudden attack on the enemy made him feel anxious. This worry never dissipated until the eldest son didn't bother him anymore. He was still hanging on My heart also slowly dropped.
Because of this.
He has been extremely silent for the past two months.
He had almost no contact with the outside world and rarely met with the First Emperor.
Just to avoid attracting attention.
In the end it was still in vain.
He was actually quite upset, even a little regretful.
At the beginning, I should not have told the First Emperor to go to sea during the winter tide. Otherwise, I would not have to wait two more months. When the court had prepared all the relevant materials, I could go to sea. But now I have tricked myself by saying 'when the tide is low'. Not light.
Xu Fu glanced around with cold eyes.
There was no sign of anyone.
His expression remained demure, showing no trace of sadness.
Xu Fu closed his eyes slightly and thought about everything in his mind. The First Emperor's indifference was not without reason. If we really talk about it, it actually didn't start with the eldest son, but after that entrapment and killing, and from then on. The First Emperor paid less attention to the medicinal stones he refined, and no longer asked about the progress of his voyage.
Based on the information coming out of the palace this time, Xia Wuqi may have found a prescription to recuperate his body.
Otherwise it would never have happened.
Think of this.
Xu Fu's eyes became even more indifferent.
He knew he couldn't sit still and wait for death any longer.
He was very sure that there was nothing wrong with the medicine stone he refined. It was indeed edible and effective. However, the medicine stone refined with a lot of lead should not be consumed in excess. Once consumed in excess, it would lead to The body is getting worse.
No problem can be detected in a short period of time.
But as time goes by, that may not be the case.
He had to do something.
At least we need to understand the current intentions of the First Emperor.
Xu Fu straightened the bamboo crown on his head, and his expression had long since returned to normal. The ancient well was still and no one could see the details. He stretched his arms, let the red robe on his body relax as much as possible, and walked towards Xianyang Palace.
The night breeze is cool.
However, Ying Zheng felt that his internal organs were strong.
As a result, one volume after another was unfolded.
Xu Fu went outside the palace.
He stretched out his arms and saluted Zhao Gao, and said coldly: "I would also like to ask Zhao Zhongche's order to pass the message on my behalf. Xu Fu, a citizen of the mountains and fields, wants to see your majesty."
Zhao Gao kept a straight face and did not speak.
Xu Fu said seriously: "Today's matter is related to the success or failure of the voyage. If the superior does not report it, it will delay the voyage, and the superior may not be able to bear the responsibility."
Zhao Gao teased: "Xu Fu, you don't need to tell me these words."
"Your Majesty has an express order not to see you."
"If it weren't for His Majesty's order, how could I, a mere eunuch, dare to stop it?"
"You'd better go back as soon as possible."
"It is true that I introduced you to Your Majesty in the past, but I just wanted to treat Your Majesty's illness for you. Now His Majesty has found a good cure and no longer needs to take medicine. You are no longer of use to Your Majesty. You should think more about yourself in the future. Take a retreat.”
Hear the words.
Xu Fu looked at Zhao Gao calmly.
Zhao Gao smiled slightly and looked at each other like this.
There was a moment of silence.
Xu Fu slightly cupped his hands and said, "Since Your Majesty is gone, how dare I, Xu Fu, disturb you again."
"Resign here."
Finished.
Xu Fu left gracefully.
It's just that his steps are faster than when he came.
Looking at Xu Fu's leaving figure, Zhao Gao, who was originally smiling, suddenly turned gloomy and said Yin Ji: "Xu Fu."
"Don't blame me for some things."
"I, Zhao Gao, am just a cheap eunuch, how dare I betray the First Emperor's will?"
"But you really should consider your options."
"Your Majesty is no longer happy with you."
After whispering a few times, Zhao Gao continued to stand outside the hall.
Not far outside the palace.
With no one around, Xu Fu's eyes suddenly darkened, and he understood what Zhao Gao said.
The First Emperor no longer had any use for the medicinal stones he refined.
And his previous proposal to go to sea may also be shelved because of this.
If there is something wrong with the medicine stone, he is afraid that something will happen again, and the matter is beyond his control.
Xu Fu was also a little flustered for a moment.
He took a deep breath to calm himself down.
He turned back and looked at the tall palaces behind him, with a cold look in his eyes, his clothes fluttering in the wind, and he said calmly: "The situation is beyond my control now. The First Emperor has an alternative prescription, which at least has some effect, otherwise it would not be possible." Throw away the medicine stone I refined."
"The son is silent and his strange power confuses the gods."
"But once you believe it, how can you easily turn back?"
"Back then, the phrase 'Hu is the one who destroyed Qin' provoked the First Emperor to send 300,000 troops to attack the Huns in the north."
"After hearing that 'the real person lives in secret and walks secretly, he will live forever', he renovated the roads and corridors in the palace, and even blocked all the palace lanes and connected them."
"The First Emperor is a human being."
"He holds the power of the world, so he is even more afraid of death."
"Although the prescription given by Xia Wuqie can provide relief for a while, it cannot last for long. In the end, the First Emperor will return to the pursuit of immortality, but I can't stay in Xianyang any longer. The First Emperor has a recurring temperament, and sooner or later one day The blame will be placed on me."
"It's time to leave."
"only."
Xu Fu looked at Xianyang Palace with a hint of unwillingness in his eyes.
If his plan succeeds this time, he can just leave by sea without having to think about anything else.
All we can do now is give up.
Just how to leave requires long-term planning.
That night.
It was already dark.
Zhao Gao went outside the palace.
Some time ago, as Zhao Gao was imprisoned, Yan Le was also deposed from his official position and is currently idle at home.
Hearing that his uncle (father-in-law) was here, Yan Le did not dare to neglect, and quickly got up from the couch, without even taking care of his clothes, and went straight to the lobby.
Before he even got closer, Yan Le said excitedly: "Uncle."
Zhao Gao glanced at Yan Le and said solemnly: "I can't stay too long this time. I came here to tell you something."
"Uncle, please tell me," Yan Le said.
Zhao Gao's eyes darkened and he said coldly: "Go find some people and keep an eye on Xu Fu. If Xu Fu wants to run away, report him immediately."
Hear the words.
Yan Le was stunned and asked: "Uncle, why is this?"
He remembered it clearly.
It was Zhao Gao who introduced Xu Fu to the palace.
Why should we attack Xu Fu now?
Zhao Gao's eyes turned cold and he said displeasedly: "This time is not the other time. Back then, the First Emperor was ill and could not be cured by ordinary medicine. It was for His Majesty's sake that I risked my life to find alchemists from outside. Moreover, Xu Fu was very different from ordinary people. He is a descendant of Xu Shen, the former Prime Minister of Great Qin, and has a lot of connections with Great Qin."
"That's why I introduced him to the palace."
"He's worthless now!"
"The imperial court has begun to re-examine the medicine stone refined by Xu Fu. Regardless of whether there is any problem in the end, Xu Fu will not be used by His Majesty. Even if His Majesty wants to use it, he will be a little uneasy. Therefore, when Your Majesty abandons the medicine stone refined by Xu Fu, At that time, Xu Fu's fate was determined."
“It’s always better to cry as a family than to cry together.”
"Xu Fu has been in the palace for nearly nine years and has contacts with many officials in the court. Since I recommended him, most of the officials I am close to have some connections with Xu Fu. If something happens to Xu Fu, I may not be able to escape the involvement. There are many people staring at me in the court, I have been caught once, I cannot make another mistake."
"This time, Your Majesty is nostalgic for old friendship. There will be no one to save me next time."
"do you understand?"
Zhao Gao looked at Yan Le with cold eyes.
Yan Le was shocked and said quickly: "Don't worry, uncle, I will send someone to keep an eye on him at all times and never let Xu Fu slip away from Xianyang."
Zhao Gao nodded slightly.
He is still relieved when Yan Le does things.
Yan Le nodded in agreement, then frowned and said in confusion: "Uncle, since Xu Fu wants to escape, why not let Xu Fu escape?"
"If Xu Fu escapes, wouldn't everyone be happy?"
Zhao Gao snorted coldly and said disdainfully: "Do you think it was easier for Xu Fu to be caught in Xianyang, or to escape?"
Yan Le hesitated for a moment and said uncertainly: "Caught?"
"He must have been caught." Zhao Gao said: "If Xu Fu escaped before the court ordered, he might still be able to escape, but now the court has noticed that it will not be so easy for Xu Fu to escape again. Even as long as Xu Fu shows signs of fleeing, The imperial court will immediately send people to capture him."
"He can't escape!"
"Some things are irrelevant."
"I only need to report this to Your Majesty when Xu Fu escapes."
"I won't be implicated too much."
Yan Le was thoughtful.
Zhao Gao looked at Yan Le and said: "Your Xianyang Order cannot be restored in a short time. Although I have been reinstated, Your Majesty still has some respect for me. But based on my understanding of Your Majesty, it won't take long. I You will be able to regain His Majesty's trust, and we will find a way to restore you to your official position."
"You are my son-in-law after all."
"Others can ignore it, but I can't ignore you."
Hear the words.
Yan Le looked happy and said quickly: "Thank you, uncle."
"With my uncle's words, I feel relieved."
Zhao Gao sneered and said with a gloomy face: "I have been out of the palace for a long time, so I left first. Keep an eye out. It would be fine if Xu Fu managed to escape. If Xu Fu didn't escape, you still don't know. Qing, don't blame my uncle for turning his back on me when the time comes."
Yan Le's face changed slightly, and he quickly promised: "Don't worry, uncle, I will personally watch this time and I will never let Xu Fu escape."
Zhao Gao nodded slightly and left quickly.
Watching Zhao Gao leave, Yan Le grinned and said: "My uncle is indeed extraordinary. He was imprisoned for more than half a month. Not only did he not suffer any impact, he was able to continue to gain the trust of the First Emperor. If I were half as talented as my uncle, how could I Being snatched from the position of Xianyang Order?"
"But Xu Fu, haha."
"My uncle won't let you go this time. How can I, Yan Le, dare to let you go?"
"It's better to cry as a family than to cry all the way, right?"
"I'll get promoted, and I'll send you to death!"
Yan Le sneered and felt a little cold. He came out in a hurry and didn't even put on his clothes. He stamped his feet and quickly returned to his bedroom.
It's late at night.
(End of chapter)
