Chapter 129

Never-Ending Palace, Hall of Propagation.

Liu Ju sat high upon the Dragon Throne, with civil and military officials arrayed to left and right.

Dongfang Shuo led Gongsun Yu, Li Yichen, and the other alchemy masters, their steps orderly and solemn as they walked toward the center of the great hall.

Everyone knelt and performed the salute.

Liu Ju said: "In this effort to produce penicillin, several gentlemen have made indispensable contributions. Speak—what rewards do you desire? I will certainly not shortchange you."

Dongfang Shuo spoke first, his voice loud and full of respect, declaring earnestly: "Your Majesty, we today come with utmost reverence to express our admiration for your great achievements."

Liu Ju sat upon the Dragon Throne, his expression gentle as he looked at Dongfang Shuo, yet he thought to himself, "This rhythm feels a bit off."

This opening remark of Dongfang Shuo also does not match his character setting.

He slightly nodded, indicating they should rise, his eyes hinting at curiosity, and asked: "Lord Manqing, what is the matter? Please speak plainly."

He secretly wondered whether he should also grant Dongfang Shuo a marquisate.

He is worthy of it!

Dongfang Shuo cleared his throat, stepped forward, and continued to speak eloquently: "Your Majesty, since you ascended the throne, under your wise leadership, Great Han has undergone tremendous change."

"You have implemented the policy of running newspapers, allowing information across the realm to spread swiftly; the people can learn of major events without leaving their homes. This measure has enlightened the populace, promoted cultural exchange and development, truly an unprecedented innovation."

Gongsun Yu immediately knelt and said excitedly: "Your Majesty's implementation of the examination system has selected countless talents for Great Han. Regardless of noble or humble birth, as long as one possesses genuine ability and learning, all can serve the court."

"From then on, the court has been filled with talent; they shine in their respective posts, contributing strength to Great Han's prosperity. Your Majesty's measure broke the monopoly of aristocratic clans over official careers, filling Great Han's future with hope."

Li Yichen also stepped forward quickly and said respectfully: "Your Majesty's reform of the civil administration is most pleasing to the people. You have rectified officialdom's mores, severely punished corruption, so that officials at all levels are diligent and wholeheartedly serve the populace."

"Now, affairs throughout Great Han are handled in good order, and the people's trust in the court grows day by day—all this is your achievement."

Liu Ju was stunned.

Even the various officials inside Xuanshi Hall were stunned.

No one knew what Dongfang Shuo and his companions were trying to stir up.

They had just accomplished a feat unparalleled in history, yet they did not mention rewards; instead they began to flatter the Son of Heaven.

Dongfang Shuo again clasped his hands and spoke earnestly: "Your Majesty, by abolishing the Salt and Iron Office, you have allowed the private economy to develop freely. Merchants travel back and forth, goods flow across the realm, markets flourish. The people's lives are prosperous, and commercial prosperity drives the rise of all industries; Great Han's economy grows day by day, and the treasury becomes ever more full."

Gongsun Yu continued: "Your Majesty, you have suppressed the rebellions of the feudal princes, and faced repeated incursions by the Xiongnu; with far-sighted vision you devised an exquisite strategic layout. Having successfully exterminated the Xiongnu, pacified the Wusun, and recovered the Southwest Barbarians, you have achieved both civil and military accomplishments."

Li Yichen, face full of admiration, spoke loudly: "Your Majesty, regarding the management of the Yellow River, you personally oversaw it, allocated manpower and material, and devised a reasonable control plan. Now, the Yellow River's floods are effectively controlled; the people on both banks no longer need fear inundation, can farm in peace, and live happily."

"Your Majesty, moreover, the research and development of artemisinin and penicillin have saved countless lives of the people and soldiers. Your emphasis on and promotion of medicine have let the people feel your benevolence and care."

Liu Ju and the officials in the hall gazed curiously at Dongfang Shuo and his companions.

However, everyone, including Liu Ju himself, could not help but think that, unknowingly, he had accomplished so much.

And this was less than a year after his ascension.

His achievements are likely unprecedented.

Immediately, some officials joined Dongfang Shuo and company in echoing their sentiments.

Immediately, Dongfang Shuo knelt again and said sincerely: "Your Majesty, you are a benevolent ruler of the ages; for Great Han and its people you have performed such great deeds—truly a fortune for Great Han and a blessing for all under heaven."

"Therefore, Your Majesty ought to live long and continue to protect the people of Great Han."

Liu Ju hurriedly stopped Dongfang Shuo, saying: "Lord Manqing, though we have only worked together briefly, you should know my habits—just speak plainly."

Dongfang Shuo gave a light cough and said, "Your Majesty, we alchemists have studied the immortal arts for years; we know the secret of eternal youth is difficult, but not beyond reach."

When Liu Ju and the various ministers were doubtful, Gongsun Yu stepped forward and said:

"Your Majesty, we now wish to follow the precedent of Xu Fu of the former dynasty, go to sea to seek immortals, seek the elixir of eternal youth to preserve your eternal life. However, the great ships needed for the voyage are beyond our means to prepare; only Your Majesty can provide such a mighty vessel to lend us aid."

So you were waiting here all along!

Liu Ju's gaze swept over Dongfang Shuo and the others, his expression continually shifting.

After Dongfang Shuo and the others made their request to go to sea in search of immortals, the court instantly became noisy; the ministers' expressions varied, and opposing voices rose one after another.

Zhang Qian stepped forward with worry, first bowed respectfully, then spoke: "Your Majesty, this undertaking must not proceed. In the past, Qin Shi Huang dispatched Xu Fu to seek immortals across the sea, consuming immeasurable manpower, material resources, and wealth."

"But what was the result? Xu Fu set off and vanished without a trace, his whereabouts unknown. Qin Shi Huang, eager for immortality, obsessed with the art of eternal youth, exhausted the people and drained the treasury; in the end he lost the people's hearts, and the mighty Qin dynasty consequently fell toward ruin—this is a lesson from the past."

Tian Qianqiu also said: "Since Your Majesty ascended the throne, you have instituted new policies with outstanding achievements; every measure is for the people's welfare and the long-term stability of the Han. If now, because of this illusory quest for immortality, we repeat Qin Shi Huang's mistakes, the people will surely be disappointed, your wise image will suffer, and the foundations of the Han will be shaken."

Zhang Tang quickly stepped forward, clasped his hands, and said: "Your Majesty, I wholly agree with the Chancellor's words. Although the Han now possesses great national strength, the development of the south is at a critical stage; all undertakings await initiation, and many matters urgently require manpower, material resources, and financial support."

"At this juncture, to pour resources into the uncertain endeavor of seeking immortals across the sea would undoubtedly be putting the cart before the horse."

"Furthermore, the notion of eternal youth is sheer nonsense; how could a sage ruler of the ages be deluded by these alchemists' talk? Xu Fu's fate has already proven that the pursuit of immortality is nothing but an empty venture."

Wei Xiang also stepped forward, his tone earnest: "Your Majesty, the soldiers on the battlefield have risked life and limb, fought bloodily, all to defend the homeland and let the people live in peace. Now that the war has just ended, the troops also need rest and recuperation. If at this moment we divert manpower to prepare for the voyage in search of immortals, we will surely chill the soldiers' hearts and undermine military morale."

For a time, the voices of opposition rose and fell within the great hall.