I have a space station

Lü Buwei was already deeply shaken.

Ying Zheng, only 13 years old, had always been a man of few words.

He never expected that their first conversation today would start with a bombshell.

Writing books and establishing doctrines, and constructing a mausoleum – this was practically elevating him to the heavens.

He was almost 50 years old; he had to admit, it was about time to start preparing.

“What does Zhongfu think?”

“I’m afraid the Queen Mother will not agree,” Lü Buwei said.

“Just say it’s for constructing a mausoleum for me, wouldn't that suffice?” Ying Zheng said.

“You are only 13 years old this year, still too young!”

“The project will be massive, inevitably taking time and resources; of course, it should start early.”

“Even so, I’m afraid the Queen Mother still won’t agree,” Lü Buwei shook his head.

“Zhongfu, do you want to continue being suppressed by the Zoroastrianism?” Ying Zheng’s face suddenly turned cold.

“What did you say!?” Lü Buwei was startled.

He didn’t expect this fellow to even know about Zoroastrianism.

“Zhongfu, surely you’ve realized, I, Ying Zheng, am not foolish; I was merely protecting myself.” Ying Zheng had a firm grip on his heart, and he spoke even more boldly now.

“Such scheming at such a young age!” Lü Buwei sighed.

“I appreciate Zhongfu's praise. Let me be frank. Now, Zhao Ji and Lao Ai are manipulating the court, and Zoroastrianism has completely controlled Qin. If you and I want to survive, we can only plot together. If I live, you live. If I die, you die.”

“Cease this nonsense!” Lü Buwei was startled.

“Zhongfu, the rumors circulating in the streets, my mother has already investigated them thoroughly. The fact that you are still alive is thanks to me!” Ying Zheng stared back intently.

“This…”

“Actually, Zoroastrianism isn’t that scary. Do you know why they’re being secretive despite controlling Qin?”

“Why?”

“Because there are still people watching them. Once their identities are exposed, they will all die without a burial place!”

“How did you find out?”

“You will know in the future. Just remember this: the more you distance yourself, the longer you will live. The more cautious you are, the more your life will be in danger.”

Now, Lü Buwei was completely stunned by the 13-year-old Ying Zheng.

He didn’t know where this shock came from, but he felt an inexplicable fear.

“Alright, Zhongfu, I should go back. Remember what I said; tomorrow in court, I will await your memorial.”

After speaking, Ying Zheng left directly.

…

The next day, at the early morning court session.

Lü Buwei submitted two memorials, one requesting the compilation of the “Lü氏春秋” (Lü氏春秋), and the other requesting Ying Zheng to construct the Qin Emperor’s Mausoleum.

These two requests immediately ignited the entire court.

The civil officials didn’t pay much attention to the construction of the Qin Emperor’s Mausoleum, but the compilation of the “Lü氏春秋” by Lü Buwei faced great opposition.

Ying Zheng made a final decision:

“Zhongfu’s virtue is comparable to Yao and Shun; there is no reason to deny him the writing of books and establishing of doctrines. Anyone who dares to advise against it will be executed without mercy.”

Several civil officials shed blood in the court, but ultimately failed to change this fact.

After hearing about this matter, Zhao Ji didn’t say a word.

It was good to have something productive to do, saving her the trouble.

Lü Buwei was now truly busy.

On one hand, he was organizing the compilation of books, and on the other hand, he was organizing the construction of the mausoleum.

Li Si, a student of Xunzi, was heavily relied upon by Lü Buwei and was specifically responsible for the preliminary design work of the mausoleum.

From then on, Ying Zheng basically didn’t ask about court affairs. Every day, he would lock himself in a room with Li Si, repeatedly discussing how to dig his own grave.

“Grandpa, now that the Qin Emperor’s Mausoleum has begun construction, where are the warriors you promised to send me?” One evening, Ying Zheng, lying in bed, contacted Qin Lao and asked.

“My warriors are too fierce and cannot appear in the Xianyang Palace. You still need to make some terracotta figures, with appearances identical to real people.”

“I understand. You want to use those terracotta figures to suppress the baleful aura?”

“Not so. I want to use those terracotta figures to create a false impression.”

“Okay, I understand.”

…

Late in 246 BC.

Ying Zheng issued an order, summoning skilled craftsmen from all over the country to create terracotta warrior figures modeled after the Qin soldiers.

As soon as this order was issued, the world was in an uproar.

Everyone believed that such a decree would push Qin into the abyss.

The common people were already unable to survive due to years of war. Now, building the imperial tomb and burning terracotta soldiers was purely a sign of national demise.

However, Ying Zheng didn’t listen and instead issued a gag order.

Anyone who dared to offer advice would be executed without mercy.

Ying Zheng’s image as a tyrant was thus established.

Two more years passed.

244 BC.

Prince Dan of Yan was sent to Qin as a hostage.

Prince Dan of Yan had previously stayed in Zhao with Ying Zheng, and the two were acquainted. What he didn’t expect was that the former fool, Ying Zheng, had become the ruler of Qin at only a little over ten years old.

He was very unconvinced, believing that Ying Zheng had just gotten lucky.

If it weren’t for recognizing a foster father, he would probably still be eating and waiting for death in Zhao.