"Your Majesty, these are the documents seized from the Chancellor's residence... from Lü Buwei's residence. They contain ample evidence of his dealings over the years and his treasonous plots against the throne!"
In the cavernous hall, King Zheng of Qin sat upon the Dragon Throne, listening as several ministers reported to him. After a long silence, he asked, "What became of him?"
The men below the dais exchanged glances. One stepped forward and said, "He... feared Your Majesty's might and took his own life by drinking poison."
"Dead." King Zheng of Qin nodded. His expression did not change, but his eyes grew darker.
The ministers felt an indescribable pressure. Even their thoughts seemed to slow. They lowered their heads, not daring to say more.
Since taking the reins of government, their ruler's power had grown by the day. On the battlefield, his forces had surged like a rainbow, with signs of swallowing the north whole. At court, he had used Lao Ai's rebellion to purge his rivals and seize power. Even the highly esteemed Chancellor Lü Buwei had been finished off with a cup of poisoned wine.
Now all military and political authority rested in his hands. He commanded awe without a word of anger.
A strange silence fell over the great hall.
Then King Zheng of Qin spoke.
"Is there anything of note in the records he left behind?"
Someone immediately brought forward a stack of bamboo slips. Another minister explained, "Your Majesty, this is an index we compiled through the night."
King Zheng of Qin nodded and began leafing through the slips in silence.
Though called an index, it was closer to an outline. It listed affairs great and small, each briefly described: forming factions for private gain, taking on disciples, courting officials, drawing generals to his side,