The officials in the palace began to whisper among themselves, their eyes filled with unease and fear.
The shadow of the plague was like an invisible giant's hand, tightly choking the throat of the Qin Empire.
They knew that this plague was not only a disaster from heaven, but also a man-made catastrophe, a severe test of their governing abilities.
And...
Who knows, Li Si can almost be considered the last line of defense for all the officials in the palace.
In many cases, Qin Shi Huang wanted to kill people, but Li Si always persuaded him to stop.
"My Lord, you must not do that!"
A young official couldn't help but speak out, his voice shaking with fear.
"Your Majesty, Premier Li is the pillar of the nation. At this time, it is when his wisdom and decision-making are most needed!"
"Yes, Your Majesty, at this moment of our empire's survival being at stake, we cannot afford to change our general in the heat of battle..."
"..."
"My words are not yet finished..."
Looking at the group of civil and military officials, Qin Shi Huang suspected that if one day Li Si were to rise in rebellion, he might find himself without many loyalists left in his court.
If he were younger, Qin Shi Huang would definitely have killed Li Si.
After all, how can one sleep peacefully next to someone else's bed?
But now, it's different.
Now, it's not Li Si who needs the Qin Empire, but the Qin Empire that needs Li Si.
He continued:
"Temporarily relieve the Prime Minister of his duties."
"Responsible for handling affairs related to the plague across the land."
"As for the outcome, I will not interfere."
In the imperial court, there was an immediate murmur of whispers.
Although Qin Shi Huang often imposed severe punishments, he had a unique trait of being strict but fair.
He said he would not pursue it, and he truly did not pursue it.
But who doesn't know that Li Si is the second-in-command in the court, above all others, and giving him absolute power?
Handling the plague is a military power in the system of the Qin Empire!
Zhao Gao's face immediately changed when he heard that, and a hint of unease showed in his eyes. He then flattered the Qin Shi Huang and said:
"My Lord, I believe it is not advisable to entrust such great power to Prime Minister Li. After all,..."
He continued only when he saw that Qin Shi Huang showed no emotional fluctuations.
"After all, Prime Minister Li is already a premier. If he were to have even more power..."
Qin Shi Huang's brow furrowed, interrupting: "Zhao Gao, you are just a eunuch. How can you be involved in such national affairs? Premier Li is loyal, and I trust him. You need not speak further."
Zhao Gao quickly bowed his head in assent and stepped aside. Li Si stood by, calmly observing everything, and sighed in his heart at the changes in the court.
Qin Shi Huang's voice rang out again: "The affairs related to the plague across the land will be handled by Prime Minister Li Si alone. No further comments from the officials."
After the court was dispersed, Zhao Gao quickly caught up with Li Si and whispered: "Premier, we will meet tonight. Do you understand my intention?"
Li Si nodded slightly, his eyes deep and serious as he looked at Zhao Gao, speaking softly, "Elder Zhao, I, Li, understand."
Zhao Gao's face broke into a smile, patting Li Si on the shoulder: "Prime Minister, you are indeed wise. We'll meet tonight."
Li Si watched as Zhao Gao left, but his mind was tumultuous, knowing that tonight would not be peaceful.
He hurriedly left the imperial court and returned to his mansion, carefully pondering his next course of action.
...
In the evening, Li Si's mansion was brightly lit.
Zhao Gao indeed arrived.
He wore a suit that looked incredibly expensive, which he had acquired when he first became a close confidant of Qin Shi Huang.
He knocked on the door, and the servant led him to the study, bowing and saying: "Premier Li has been waiting for you inside, Elder Zhao."
Zhao Gao scanned his surroundings, knocked on the door, and spoke in a calm voice:
"Prime Minister Li, I have arrived!"
Li Si emerged from the study, pulled open the door, and smiled, saying:
"Here? Come in."
Zhao Gao walked towards the study, and the cold light reflected on their faces.
Li Si sat behind the desk, looking intently at the documents in front of him, as if pondering something.
Zhao Gao softly chuckled, breaking the silence.
"Prime Minister Li, today was truly earth-shattering."
Zhao Gao leisurely approached Li Si, his tone being flippant as he spoke.
Li Si looked up, his gaze sharp as a sword, "Elder Zhao, speak your mind directly."
Zhao Gao took out a roll of parchment without haste, spreading it out gently on the desk.
"This is the latest order I received from His Majesty. Premier, would you be interested in taking a look?"
Li Si raised an eyebrow slightly, reached out to take the scroll of parchment, and began to read it carefully.
To ensure the accurate delivery of government orders, Qin Shi Huang has always personally inspected the decrees.
The text on the parchment was dense, containing mostly administrative orders, but interspersed with several obvious errors.
Li Si's heart tightened, and his gaze grew even colder.
"Elder Zhao, what does this mean?" Li Si asked indifferently.
Zhao Gao laughed more cunningly, "Premier Li, over the years, your position in the court has been like the midday sun. Have you ever considered taking a step further?"
Li Si put down the scroll of parchment and coldly gazed at Zhao Gao, "Elder Zhao, power struggles are never child's play. We are both ministers of the Qin Empire and should prioritize the country..."
Zhao Gao interrupted Li Si who was about to deliver a long speech.
"Premier Li, how about we rebel instead?"
Zhao Gao's eyes were filled with cunning, "Prime Minister Li, don't pretend anymore."
"Don't you have the slightest intention of rebelling?"
"Don't you have the slightest desire for power?"
"I can see it all. You have a great thirst for that power."
"In terms of hierarchy, you are the elder brother of the King, and also the disciple of Zhao Zhitui."
"In terms of achievements, since the King acquired the Nine Regions, how many contributions have you made?"
"After gaining the empire, how many things did you do to stabilize the rebellious armies?"
"Don't pretend anymore. Can't I see that you want the position?"
"Instead, let's take the Emperor out together and then support the young prince to ascend the throne."
"Us two sharing the world, how does that sound?"
Li Si looked at Zhao Gao, who had eyes filled with a lust for power, and smiled.
He roared with laughter and raised his hand, asking Zhao Gao:
"I thought you came to see me for something important today, and it turns out it's just this?"
Zhao Gao looked at Li Si's expression, and knew that Li Si had agreed.
He laughed and slapped his hand, "Cooperation del…"
He froze.
He didn't say anything anymore.
He saw Li Si wave his hand and coldly said: "Do it!"
He felt a chilling coldness at his back.
"Do it, overthrow this villainous traitor, and let the King see what kind of thing he has nurtured in his court."
Li Si waved his hand to indicate that the palace guards, who had been lying in wait outside, should take Zhao Gao away.
Zhao Gao looked at Li Si in disbelief:
"Li Premier, what are you pretending?"
"I know, you must want to swallow it all! You are indeed greedy enough, this is the realm of the Qin Empire..."
...
The 3D animation comes to an end here, and the text appears again next.
【The master can help Li Si next.】
【Tip: The master can use the Jiren Tianxiang card now.】
【But before using it, please make contact with Li Si.】
