At the same time, not far from where Goku and the others were, the Confucian estate Xiao Sheng Xianzhuang stood quiet outside its main hall.
Countless Confucian disciples lined the steps in orderly silence. At their head were the Confucian leaders Fu Nian and Yan Lu, who seemed to be awaiting someone.
"This visit was rather sudden," Yan Lu said softly from one step behind Fu Nian.
"Expected, in a way," Fu Nian replied, composed. "Where is Zi Fang? Why is he not here to receive our guest?"
"He returned only yesterday," Yan Lu answered, "but left again at once—said he was welcoming an important guest."
"A guest? Are we expecting anyone else? How is it I was not informed?" Fu Nian glanced over.
"I'm not entirely sure either. He's been secretive—only said the one he's meeting is a 'great figure.'"
"A 'great figure'… The world is no longer at peace; storms are gathering. Let us hope this guest does not bring trouble to Xiao Sheng Xianzhuang," Fu Nian murmured, brow faintly creasing.
"Zi Fang is not reckless," Yan Lu said. "He knows what he is doing."
"We shall see."
Before long, a lacquered palanquin, guarded by a ring of elite soldiers, came to a halt before the hall.
A refined man stepped down from within.
At his appearance, both the soldiers and the surrounding Confucian disciples bowed with marked respect. Clearly, this was no ordinary visitor.
"An honored guest arrives, and we have failed to greet you from afar. If our courtesies fall short, we beg pardon," Fu Nian and Yan Lu said together, cupping their hands to the gentleman.
"On the contrary," the man replied with a perfect Confucian bow of his own. "It is I who come uninvited—pray do not take offense, Master Fu Nian."
It was Li Si, Chancellor of Great Qin.
....
In the reception hall of Xiao Sheng Xianzhuang.
"To what do we owe the Chancellor's journey across a thousand kilometres to our humble estate?" Fu Nian asked, poised, teacup in hand.
"I come for a single matter," Li Si said.
"Please speak."
Li Si took a measured sip, then set the cup down and fixed Fu Nian with a level gaze. His tone became grave.
"His Majesty asks only this: will the Confucians stand with the Mohists—or with Great Qin?"
Faces tightened. None had expected Li Si to pose the question so bluntly—and so perilously.
Choose the Mohists, and the Confucians would face annihilation as traitors to the Empire. Choose Qin, and they would become enemies of all under Heaven—bearing infamy for a thousand years. Either way, the Confucian name would be imperiled.
"You jest, Chancellor," Fu Nian replied evenly. "We at Xiao Sheng Xianzhuang read the books of sages and teach the Confucian way. Matters of blades and bloodshed are not our concern."
"You have long kept to the middle path," Li Si said. "But the times have changed. You must choose—so that I may report to His Majesty."
Outside, ranks of Qin soldiers had quietly surrounded the estate—armor gleaming, killing intent heavy. If the Confucians' answer displeased them, this day might become the end of their entire school.
"What is the meaning of this, Li Si?" Fu Nian's courtesy fell away; anger edged his voice.
"This is His Majesty's will," Li Si answered, calm yet cutting. "He has resolved to uproot every seditious tumor and remove future threats. Of all the Hundred Schools, your disciples are the most widespread; your reputation, the broadest; your influence, the greatest. You, Master Fu Nian, are a wise man. Do not let a rash word doom the Confucian school."
"You speak of 'your Confucians' so easily," Fu Nian snapped. "Have you forgotten where you were taught and formed? To rise high and then deny your own source—such rebellion—our Confucians—"
Li Si cut in smoothly. "Choose your words with care, Senior Brother. Your every sentence bears upon the safety of your entire school."
"Calm yourself, Senior Brother," Yan Lu interposed softly. He turned to Li Si. "I am curious—why this sudden resolve from His Majesty? Does he not see that such action will cost him dearly? To act so rashly for the sake of one man—can it be worth it?"
"There is no more to be said," Li Si replied. "Only this: a million soldiers stand ready at the front. A single order, and they march into Xishu. Tonight is your final chance. By tomorrow morning, I expect an answer that satisfies me. Otherwise—do not blame me for disregarding old ties."
He saluted with cupped hands and departed.
But the cordon of troops around the estate did not withdraw.
"It is hard to believe His Majesty would mobilize a million men because of a single person," Yan Lu said, shaken. "What manner of power does this 'Goku' possess, that Ying Zheng would go so far?"
"Ying Zheng is cornered," Fu Nian said. "Goku has shaken his throne. A would-be conqueror cannot allow such a man to exist."
"Senior Brother… what now? We have but one night."
"A great calamity draws near," Fu Nian murmured. "The realm will know no peace. Whether Confucianism survives this trial… Heaven alone knows."
Deep in the night, in a humble bamboo courtyard, a frail white-bearded elder leaned on a staff and gazed at the glittering stars. He sighed softly.
"To think there truly exists one who defies Heaven and alters fate… To set oneself against such a being—Ying Zheng's fate is spent. Chaos… all is chaos. What sort of man can bend the pattern of the world itself? Is he… even a man?"
---
In Sanghai City, a hidden, shabby house flickered with lamplight, pushing back the dark.
"Master Goku, I owe you an apology," said a bearded, burly uncle—the true proprietor of Youjian Inn, Pao Ding—bowing deeply. "I left to welcome Mohist comrades, and while I was away a junior at my inn broke under Qin threats and revealed your whereabouts. I offer a formal apology."
"It doesn't matter," Goku said with a small wave.
"Never thought we'd meet you here," Ban Dashi said respectfully. "On behalf of the Mohists, thank you for saving our Juzi, Tianming."
"Oh? That brat's become your Juzi?" Goku feigned mild surprise.
"It's a long story," Ban Dashi sighed. "Had you been there, perhaps the Juzi… would not have died."
"Regrettable—but everyone has a fate. It cannot be forced," Goku said, then looked at Tianming. "Since you're the Juzi now, do it well. The greater the ability, the greater the responsibility."
"I don't know what the future holds," Tianming said, eyes firm, "but I'll do my best."
"Well, well—you can act serious," Shaoyu teased.
"Only just noticing your big brother's greatness?" Tianming grinned. "You'll see more."
Shaoyu snorted, amused despite himself.
"Wanted posters cover the city," Xiao Gao said gravely. "Qin patrols comb every street and alley. They know we're in Sanghai. We can hardly move. Sir Goku—what should we do next?"
All eyes turned to Goku, full of expectation. In their minds, he could do anything.
"Ying Zheng overestimates himself," Goku said lightly. "A million soldiers to handle me? Laughable. It's late—rest for now. Tomorrow, I'll pay Xianyang Palace a visit and show him what fear really is."
"Brother Goku, you're going to act?" Shaoyu flushed with excitement. In his mind, if Goku moved, Ying Zheng's death was certain.
Xiao Gao and the others brightened too. They knew Goku's terrifying strength, only he could enter Xianyang and take Ying Zheng's head.
"You intend to enter Xianyang Palace and assassinate Ying Zheng?"
Quiet until now, Shi Lan suddenly looked up, eyes wide with shock. Since Goku had saved her—and Tianming and Shaoyu—she had followed them here.
"What—any problem?" Goku turned to her with a faint smile.
...
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