Daqin: The First Emperor Bestowed The Throne Upon Me

Zhao Yu's words and actions were different from ordinary people, making Lao Zhao, Wang Jian, and Meng Yi believe that he might have some unique insights.

Zhao Yu met their expectant gazes, smiled slightly, and said calmly, "His Majesty has already made a judgment in his heart."

He continued, "Fusu insists on the enfeoffment system, which contradicts the centralized power structure His Majesty has worked so hard to establish. If implemented, it would undo the six generations of conquest and reform that Daqin has endured. His Majesty was furious, which is why Fusu was sent to guard Longxi County. In my opinion, Fusu is not someone who can bear the burden of Daqin!"

"As for Hu Hai," Zhao Yu said, his tone indifferent, "he was tutored by Li Si and has a close relationship with Zhao Gao. Though he has been doted upon since childhood, he has no talent for governing the country."

"These two are not capable of carrying the weight of Daqin's future." Zhao Yu concluded.

As soon as these words were spoken, the expressions of Lao Zhao, Wang Jian, and Meng Yi darkened.

The royal family of Daqin had no worthy successor!

A heavy silence fell over the table. Seeing their solemn expressions, Zhao Yu sighed and continued, "His Majesty stands above the ancients, reforms the carriage system, unifies the script, and conquers the Six Kingdoms, becoming the ruler of all under heaven.

"For more than 2,000 years from now, few emperors in history will ever surpass him. His Majesty is the first emperor of the ages, but if there is one shortcoming—it is that he lacks a worthy heir." Zhao Yu spoke sincerely.

Lao Zhao's mood instantly improved after hearing this.

Unparalleled Emperor! From now on, the world will never see another ruler like me!

Lao Zhao's heart swelled with pride, and he looked at Zhao Yu with deep admiration.

Finally, someone understands me!

At court, the civil and military officials praised him, but that was out of fear. Zhao Yu, on the other hand, did not even know he was speaking to Qin Shi Huang himself!

However, when it came to the matter of having a son, Lao Zhao felt helpless.

Raising children was like refining weapons—but even after years of effort, none of them were suitable!

Lao Zhao looked at Zhao Yu, his expression thoughtful, and said, "Lao Yu is right. Without a suitable heir, this is a great regret."

Zhao Yu gave Lao Zhao a surprised glance. A commoner who worries about court affairs every day?

He didn't think much of it and simply raised his cup. "Drink!"

After a hearty meal, Zhao Yu reached for a stack of carefully crafted linen paper. He used it instead of silk to wipe the oil from his mouth.

After all, silk was expensive and difficult to wash, while linen paper was cheap and convenient.

Lao Zhao, Wang Jian, and Meng Yi immediately noticed the unfamiliar material and picked up a piece curiously.

They had never seen such a thing before!

As Shangqing (High Minister), Meng Yi was a man of letters. He examined the paper closely and asked in astonishment, "Lao Yu, what is this?"

Zhao Yu smiled. "This is paper. It can be used for writing and for wiping your mouth after meals."

Meng Yi, Lao Zhao, and Wang Jian were stunned.

"It can be used for writing?" Lao Zhao asked, his eyes wide with shock.

This paper was incredibly light, and if it could serve as a writing medium, it would be just as effective as silk—perhaps even better!

Seeing their astonishment, Zhao Yu took out ink, an inkstone, and a brush—all of which already existed in the Qin Dynasty.

He dipped the brush in ink and wrote a few words on the paper.

Once the ink dried, the words remained clear and legible.

Lao Zhao, Wang Jian, and Meng Yi stared at the scene, their minds racing.

This was far more efficient than silk!

Meng Yi took a deep breath, suppressing his excitement, and asked, "Lao Yu, what is the cost of this paper?"

If it was even slightly cheaper than silk, then its potential for widespread use was immeasurable.

Zhao Yu yawned lazily and said, "A few hundred sheets cost only three copper coins."

Hiss—!

Meng Yi's mind reeled.

Hundreds of sheets for just three copper coins?

If one were to record a book on bamboo slips, it would take several kilograms of bamboo. However, with paper, an entire book could be recorded using only a few dozen sheets!

The implications for Daqin's literary and bureaucratic system were unimaginable.

For centuries, other states had mocked Daqin as a land of warriors with little scholarly achievement. The scarcity of writing materials hindered the growth of literature. Even the famed Qin war song, "Jiujiu Lao Qin," had been written centuries ago by Shang Yang and had remained unchanged because literary works were difficult to produce and preserve.

Taking another deep breath, Meng Yi suddenly lunged forward, grabbing all the paper on the table.

He even picked up the piece of paper Zhao Yu had wiped his mouth with, carefully smoothing it out and wiping it against his robe before placing it safely in his arms.

Zhao Yu shook his head, amused. These Qin people… because they had never seen paper before, they were treating it like a treasure.

On the other hand, Meng Yi was staring at Zhao Yu with fervent excitement.

"Lao Yu, do you have any more paper?" he asked, his voice trembling.

Zhao Yu was momentarily stunned. Was Lao Meng planning to take all his paper?

However, since paper was cheap and easy to make, Zhao Yu didn't care much. He casually pointed toward the toilet and said, "There's some in the toilet."

Before he finished speaking, Meng Yi had already rushed toward the toilet.

Moments later, he emerged triumphantly, holding a roll of paper in his hands.

Clutching it tightly, he rubbed his nose against the linen paper and sighed with satisfaction.

"This… is truly a treasure."