Ying Zheng, his gaze deep, sat upright on the throne. "With the seven kingdoms in a state of constant warfare, must we allow Qin to remain mired in conflict forever?"
An official stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "But Your Majesty, with the current strength of Great Qin, if we remain law-abiding, we can certainly protect ourselves and at least prevent the country from falling into danger."
"If that's the case, why not be content with this, instead of actively provoking a war and putting the Qin Dynasty in danger?"
Another official chimed in, "Yes, Your Majesty, the Qin Dynasty is not currently at the top level. As we all know, the Wei and Chu states are stronger than us. We should be thinking about a peaceful life now, not actively getting caught up in war."
"Yes, Your Majesty. We are currently in a state of peace, and we should at least consider the well-being of our people. If we were to provoke war, the people would suffer greatly. When the Qin Dynasty becomes a place where the people are destitute, you would also become a sinner against the Qin Dynasty."
Ying Zheng's gaze darkened as it fell upon the assembled officials. "Peace and tranquility? Is this what you're pursuing now?"
Several officials bowed and replied, "Does Your Majesty find this inappropriate?"
"The people of Qin are now well-fed and clothed and can live a good life. Why should they deliberately get involved in war?"
"Your Majesty, please reconsider. If war breaks out, Qin will suffer heavy casualties, which would be fatal for Qin."
Ying Zheng looked at the crowd and said, "Today, Qin may be at peace by acting humbly, but what if Wei becomes powerful, Chu becomes powerful, and other states also become powerful? Will Qin still be at peace then?"
Upon hearing this, the ministers were slightly taken aback, lowered their heads, and remained silent.
As subjects of a great power, they naturally understood the laws of a great power: if the country is weak, then all efforts are in vain.
Whether plundered or oppressed, without sufficient strength, there is not even a chance to negotiate; one can only passively accept one's fate.
Ying Zheng continued, "As for the common people, with the seven kingdoms constantly at war, how many people in the world are caught up in it? Do you even know?"
The officials' expressions grew even more solemn.
The seven kingdoms were constantly at war, with at least hundreds of battles, large and small, taking place every year, involving countless civilians, numbering at least in the millions.
The number of casualties was enormous, so enormous that even saying it aloud felt incredibly heavy.
Seeing the officials remain silent, Ying Zheng's gaze darkened. "With war raging and peace nowhere to be found, the only way for Great Qin to live a life of peace and prosperity is to stop all wars. This is the only way!"
The voice was extremely loud, like thunder, and it exploded deep into the ears of the officials. They lowered their heads, unable to refute it.
Looking at this scene, Ying Zheng's eyes flickered slightly, and he vaguely remembered his ambition back then.
The voice of the sphere of light rang out again.
[At that time, I had already begun to admire you; your insight was all-seeing, and your vision far surpassed that of others.]
As for what happened later...
The scene then shifts again to a series of scenes where capable people recognize their masters.
"Your subordinate, Zou Yan, is willing to follow Your Majesty, even unto death!"
"Your humble servant Wang Jian swears to serve Your Majesty to the death!"
"This humble general, Meng Tian, will forever serve Your Majesty!"
Looking at those images, the sphere of light seemed to be somewhat moved.
They are all capable individuals, but their decision to follow you in the end was a wise one.
[It's also an enviable choice.]
[In the very end, it was that day...]
The scene shifts again, and Ying Zheng, dressed in a black bird robe, walks into the hall. The officials stand in complete silence, so quiet you could hear a pin drop.
That overwhelming aura seemed to shut out all the noise, making the inside and outside of the hall seem like two separate worlds, with no influence able to penetrate into the hall.
Ying Zheng walked up to the top and looked down at the officials below. "From this day forward, the world is united. I am the emperor. Respect me as Your Majesty and call yourself '朕' (Zhen)!"
A loud voice resounded throughout the hall, as if issuing an unquestionable command.
All the officials bowed in unison, "Your humble servants pay their respects to Your Majesty!"
"Your humble servant greets Your Majesty!"
"Your humble servant greets Your Majesty!"
Looking at Ying Zheng, who stood high above and looked down upon all living beings, the sphere of light seemed to be deep in thought.
That's when I realized, this is the person I want to follow.
[This is the only person I'm truly willing to follow.]
The camera panned across the faces of the officials, all of whom had their heads bowed, their faces filled with respect.
Facing this emperor who unified the six kingdoms with ruthless methods, they dared not be the slightest bit presumptuous, nor even the slightest bit disrespectful in their hearts.
It seems that even if one only thinks about it in their heart, it still cannot escape the emperor's eyes.
I envy them.
Looking at the changing images, each one of whom was loyal to Ying Zheng, the light sphere sighed.
I witnessed everything about you, yet I couldn't be by your side to face your difficulties or share your burdens. I often felt sad because of this.
I wish I were one of them, even just a lowly soldier under your command, as long as I was loyal to you, that would be enough.
I have longed for that for so long, for so long, I can't even remember how many years.
As Ying Zheng listened to that voice, he could urgently sense the emotions of the sphere of light.
Just hearing about that longing is enough to make one feel heartbroken.
Like a wife waiting for her husband to return, like parents longing for their children to come home, or perhaps something even deeper.
"Thank you for understanding me."
Ying Zheng murmured, feeling a mix of emotions.
Although he never expected anyone to understand him, the appearance of someone who truly understood him still stirred a ripple in his heart.
I should be thanking you, because today, the opportunity has finally arrived.
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