Mythical Qin: I, Gao Yao, will never be a eunuch!

Chapter 1035 The Turmoil in Xianyang, Gao Yao Returns!

But once Gao Yao appears, all the "assumptions" will instantly collapse. From the formation and training of the army to its daily provisions and supplies, and even its core ideology, everything bears Gao Yao's deep imprint. His control over the army is unmatched by anyone else. Han Xin has no doubt that if he dared to raise the banner of rebellion, Gao Yao wouldn't even need to mobilize a large army; a single imperial edict would be enough to make him instantly deserted and isolated.

Gao Yao had anticipated that some trouble might arise during his "disappearance." He envisioned the problems stemming more from external sources, such as the Xiongnu invading the northern borders, or large-scale rebellions erupting in regions recently conquered by force and whose people had not yet fully submitted. After all, his reign as king was still relatively short; although he controlled most of the land, the foundation of his rule needed time to be consolidated. However, reality presented him with an unexpected "surprise"—while external threats had not yet materialized, internal strife had already quietly begun to brew.

This forced him to treat the matter with even greater caution. Openly returning to Xianyang would certainly deter the villains immediately, but it might also frighten away the lurking snakes, preventing a complete sweep. Therefore, Gao Yao decided to act secretly. He wanted to be like a silent dagger, quietly piercing the heart of Xianyang, carefully observing the movements of all parties from the shadows, and seeing the true faces behind every mask.

After leaving the military camp, Gao Yao did not take a large entourage with him, but only a few elite guards who were absolutely his confidants. He changed into merchant's clothes and traveled day and night along a secret route, returning silently to the vast imperial capital, Xianyang.

Instead of returning directly to the heavily guarded and spies-filled royal palace, he went straight to a seemingly ordinary post station in the south of the city after entering the city. On the surface, it was an inn for welcoming and seeing off guests, but in reality, it was one of the most important communication hubs and secret bases of the intelligence organization he had personally established—the Green Robe Society—within Xianyang City.

After presenting the token representing his highest status, the innkeeper—a seemingly ordinary middle-aged man—immediately became incredibly sharp and respectful. He immediately led Gao Yao into a completely secluded secret room in the backyard. Soon, the core member codenamed "Azure Dragon," the leader in charge of all Qingyi Society activities in Xianyang and the surrounding area, arrived before Gao Yao at top speed.

Qinglong was a lean and capable man with calm, serene eyes. Seeing Gao Yao unharmed, a flicker of excitement crossed his eyes, but he quickly regained the composure and efficiency characteristic of an intelligence officer. Without any pleasantries, he began to report to Gao Yao on the major and minor events that had occurred in and around Xianyang recently, especially the unusual movements among the various princes and court officials.

Listening to "Azure Dragon's" clear and detailed report, Gao Yao's brows furrowed slightly; even he was somewhat surprised. He hadn't expected that his sons would, in such a short time, form such a strange and fragile balance, each winning over a group of court officials and engaging in open or covert competition for the throne.

Gao Yao felt a sense of helplessness, even a touch of absurdity. He could understand the allure of power for men, especially the supreme authority of the monarchy. But what he couldn't condone was their methods. He usually taught these children that when faced with difficulties, they should first consult with each other, seeking consensus. If that failed, they should then jointly consult with important officials in the court to gather collective wisdom.

Regarding the issue of succession, he had brought it up more than once during his leisure time with his children. His view was clear: do not be overly attached to the so-called "primogeniture"; what is more important is to see who is more capable of governing the country well, protecting the foundation, and who can truly enable the people to live and work in peace and contentment. This is the most crucial criterion for choosing a successor.

It wasn't that he didn't love his eldest son, Gao Lin. It was just that Gao Lin's character was too deeply influenced by his mother, Empress Lü Zhi; he was too kind and weak, even somewhat indecisive, making him unsuitable for the heavy responsibility of ruling a vast empire. In Gao Yao's view, although Gao Lin was mediocre in both literary and military talent, he possessed a very valuable quality—honesty and kindness.

He was a promising talent, perfectly suited for training as a regent prince or in positions of responsibility for oversight and education, allowing him to utilize his strengths. However, Empress Lü clearly did not see it that way; she was determined to place her son on the throne, which may have ultimately harmed him.

But now it seems his well-intentioned teachings haven't had much effect. The children, following the oldest rules of the power game, have begun their fratricidal strife. This leaves Gao Yao feeling not only disappointed but also deeply powerless.

"Who exactly was involved in this?" Gao Yao composed himself and asked the most crucial question. His voice was calm, but those who knew him well knew what a terrifying storm was brewing beneath that calm.

Qinglong was clearly prepared. He took out a secret scroll and respectfully presented it, while reporting in a deep voice: "Your Majesty, according to the intelligence we currently have, more than 70% of the officials in the court have, openly or secretly, made some inquiries and chosen the princes they support. Among them, the list of those who have clearly expressed their support or have close ties with a certain prince is here."

He paused slightly, then added the most important information: "Currently, the only ones who have clearly not been involved in this matter and remain neutral are General Gao Niu and Grand Secretary Xiao He."

Gao Yao took the list and glanced at the familiar names, including many of the capable officials he had once relied on. He couldn't help but sigh slightly.

Erniu's decision not to take sides was within his expectations. Erniu was his earliest and most loyal comrade, like a brother, and his loyalty was ingrained in his bones. Moreover, Erniu now commanded the Fourth Army Group stationed around Xianyang, with nearly 100,000 elite troops under his command.

His attitude could almost directly determine the course of the succession struggle—whichever son he supported meant he possessed the ultimate trump card to forcibly seize the right of succession. Precisely because of this, he became the object of intense competition from all sides, yet none dared to easily coerce him.

As for Xiao He, his neutrality was also reasonable. As the Grand Secretary and the leader of the civil service, if he were to openly express his support for a certain young master, the demonstration effect and chain reaction would be enormous, and probably most of the civil service system would tilt in his favor.

This was undoubtedly something Gao Yao didn't want to see, as it would mean a complete imbalance in the court, plunging it into factional strife. Xiao He clearly understood the implications as well, and therefore chose the safest approach, one most befitting his position. This also explains why Empress Lü sent Gao Lin to personally visit Xiao He and Er Niu; if he could gain the support of either of them, Gao Lin's chances of winning would greatly increase.