Back then, Jiang Hao had told the First Emperor to abstain from women primarily to keep him away from Yu Shu. That was indeed part of Daoist cultivation as well, so it could not be said that Jiang Hao had deceived him.
Naturally, Jiang Hao had an answer ready for the First Emperor's question.
"Your Majesty, essence is transformed into qi. Vital essence is extraordinarily precious and must not be squandered. At best, it harms the body; at worst, it causes one's cultivation to regress. This is the path to attaining the Dao."
"Yet the Great Dao has three thousand paths, each with its own method. Your Majesty and I cultivate different techniques. The technique Your Majesty cultivates is the sage's path, the Five Emperors Scripture. Once mastered, it will allow Your Majesty to ascend to the Immortal Realm and enjoy the status of a sage. Our techniques cannot be mentioned in the same breath as Yours."
Qin Shi Huang was greatly pleased by this flattery.
"For example, Zhao Gao."
Jiang Hao pointed at Zhao Gao, who was standing nearby in attendance. "Zhao Gao's technique is called the Sunflower Ascension Scripture. Even if he cultivates his way to immortality, he will only be a minor immortal after ascending, and he will still have to serve Your Majesty."
The moment Zhao Gao heard this, he immediately bent lower at the waist and forced out a smile. "That is correct, Your Majesty. No matter when, this servant will follow and serve you."
"And what do you cultivate?" the First Emperor asked curiously.
"Oh, hehe, this servant's technique is called the Supreme Bliss Ode, similar to the method by which the Yellow Emperor ascended." Jiang Hao said awkwardly.
"Still, whether three thousand women are truly needed for ascension, this servant does not know.