mtl008 Chapter 77 Fusu's Journey South to Yue
Chapter 77 Fusu's Journey South to Yue
When Fusu received the imperial edict ordering him to travel south to Baiyue, his mind went blank, as if struck by lightning. He stared wide-eyed at the edict in his hand, filled with disbelief and confusion.
"This...how is this possible?" Fusu muttered to himself, a hint of confusion in his voice. He remembered Jiayang telling him that he would send people to the Baiyue region to buy grain, but now it had become him going there himself, and doing so without anyone noticing. What confused him even more was that the imperial edict also required him to occupy the Baiyue region and be responsible for governing this land.
Fusu frowned, pondering the reason. He knew the Baiyue region was a remote and mysterious place, with its unique culture and customs. The King of Qin had never paid any attention to the Baiyue region before, so why the sudden interest? It must have been Jiayang's suggestion, but why would Jiayang send him there? Was Jiayang distrustful of others? Or did Jiayang want to train his elder brother? Or was there some important mission for him to complete?
Fusu took a deep breath, trying to calm his thoughts. He understood that as the eldest son of the Qin Dynasty, he bore a heavy responsibility and mission. No matter what difficulties and challenges he encountered, he had to face them bravely. Therefore, he put aside his doubts and devoted himself to carrying out the imperial edict's orders.
The next day, Li Bo came to report that Princess Jiayang had arrived. Upon hearing this, Fusu was filled with suspicion and went to see Ying Wuyou.
When he saw Ying Wuyou, she was engrossed in playing with the nine-linked rings. As soon as Ying Wuyou saw Fusu, she beamed with joy, put down the nine-linked rings, and ran towards Fusu.
Fusu gazed at Ying Wuyou's round, chubby face, gently stroked her head, and asked, "Jiayang, was it you who asked Father to send me to the Baiyue region?"
Ying Wuyou chuckled and said, "That's right, Brother Fusu, are you surprised? Unexpected?"
Fusu smiled helplessly and said, "What surprise? Once I leave Xianyang, you will hardly be able to see me again, yet you are still so happy?"
Ying Wuyou pulled Fusu down to sit and said, "Brother Fusu, only by leaving Xianyang can you better showcase your talents!"
Fusu was taken aback for a moment, then asked, "How do you know?"
Ying Wuyou said, "Brother Fusu has always believed in benevolent governance, but there is nowhere in the Great Qin territory for him to put his ideals into practice. When we arrive in the Baiyue region, where the people are living in poverty, it will be the perfect time for him to implement benevolent governance. If his benevolent governance can indeed bring order to the Baiyue region, I'm sure Father will be very pleased."
Fusu nodded without saying anything more. Ying Wuyou looked at Fusu's thoughtful face and breathed a sigh of relief. It seemed that Fusu was beginning to understand. Ying Wuyou pressed on, saying, "Brother, actually, Father's decision to send you to the Baiyue region is also a test, to see if you have the ability to govern a region. If you can achieve results in the Baiyue region, Father will definitely look at you with new eyes, and perhaps even give you greater power!"
Hearing Ying Wuyou's words, Fusu began to agree. He knew that his close association with the Confucianists over the years had displeased his father, and he had gradually sensed his father's disappointment and alienation. If he remained in Xianyang, his relationship with his father might truly deteriorate further. But in the Baiyue region, he could act freely. He believed that with effort, he could definitely achieve something great.
Seeing that Fusu was already moved, Ying Wuyou continued, "Brother, the people of Baiyue are poor and they must be eagerly waiting for a young master like you to save them! They must hope that you will be like a peerless hero, riding on auspicious clouds to help them live a happy and prosperous life."
Fusu thought about it more and more and found it made sense. He looked at Ying Wuyou gratefully and said, "Thank you, Jiayang. If you hadn't reminded me, I might not have realized this. I've made up my mind. I'm going to the Baiyue region. I must prove to my father that the concept of benevolent governance is correct." After saying this, Fusu's eyes became firm, as if he saw hope for the future.
Ying Wuyou smiled and said, "Brother, you're too kind. My wish has always been for our Great Qin to be prosperous and strong, and for us siblings to be of one mind. However, the Baiyue region is, after all, an unfamiliar place, and you need to make thorough preparations. For example, you need to understand the local geography, customs, and so on. In addition, you also need to bring some capable assistants to help you handle various matters."
Fusu nodded and said, "Don't worry, Jiayang. I will make the preparations well. I plan to take some experienced officials and scholars with me to the Baiyue region to jointly promote its development."
Ying Wuyou smiled and said, "That's excellent. Brother, I believe you will definitely succeed in the Baiyue region."
Fusu smiled, his eyes gleaming with confidence. He said, "Yes, I also believe I can do it." With that, he turned and left, his steps firm and powerful. Ying Wuyou watched Fusu's departing figure, silently offering her blessings, hoping that Fusu could realize his ideals and become an excellent ruler.
Soon, Fusu summoned his trusted confidants and advisors to discuss the plan to march south to the Baiyue region. They carefully studied the geography, ethnic distribution, and potential problems of the Baiyue lands. At the same time, Fusu actively prepared supplies and troops to ensure the successful completion of this arduous mission.
As time passed, Fusu's preparations were completed. Fusu went to the palace to bid farewell to the King of Qin and also to Ying Wuyou.
On the sixth day of the third month, Fusu led an elite team on a journey south to the Baiyue region, ready to face unknown challenges and opportunities.
Meanwhile, the states of Yan in the north, Chu in the south, and Qi in the east all expressed strong dissatisfaction with Qin's monopoly on papermaking techniques.
In this situation, Prince Dan of Yan stepped forward and actively requested to personally travel to Chu to discuss with the King of Chu the possibility of the two countries jointly attacking Qin. He knew that only by uniting with other states could they confront the powerful Qin.
Meanwhile, within the State of Yan, Prime Minister Li Fu also shouldered an important mission: to travel to the State of Qi to discuss with the King of Qi a strategic plan for a three-way alliance to attack the State of Qin. This series of actions filled the entire land of China with tension and anticipation. All the other states were closely watching Yan's moves, hoping to gain a share of the spoils in the impending war.