Chinese animation: Starting with Bad Guys

She caught a glimpse of that fleeting smile! Her heart felt as if it had been struck hard, and she froze on the spot, her face turning bright red like a ripe apple.

She hurriedly turned her head, tightened her grip on Han Fei's sleeve, and almost dragged the bewildered Han Fei away from Zilan Pavilion as if fleeing.

Inside the elegant pavilion, Ying Zheng took in everything.

He looked at the rare smile on his younger brother's lips, a smile that had appeared because of Honglian, and then at Honglian's shy retreating figure. A hint of understanding and deep contemplation flashed across his deep eyes.

He didn't say anything, but simply tapped his knuckles lightly on the table.

As evening fell, the afterglow of the setting sun bathed Zilan Pavilion in a warm golden light.

The newly appointed Qin envoy, Li Si, respectfully entered the top-floor private room under the guidance of Mo Ya.

At this moment, only Ying Zheng sat in the main seat in the elegant pavilion, with Gai Nie standing quietly beside him like a guardian deity.

Upon seeing Ying Zheng's true face, Li Si, though he had already guessed, was still deeply shocked and immediately bowed with the highest salute: "Your subject Li Si greets Your Majesty! May Your Majesty live ten thousand years!"

His posture was extremely humble, yet his eyes gleamed with excitement and ambition.

Ying Zheng's gaze was sharp as he scrutinized the young man who had been "named" by both Han Fei and Qin Chuan.

Without much pleasantries, he went straight to the point: "Han Fei recommended you to me, saying that your practical talent in Legalism is no less than his."

Li Si was shocked and instantly realized that his greatest opportunity was right in front of him!

Without hesitation, he kowtowed again, his voice filled with unwavering determination and fervor:

"Your Majesty! Li Si is willing to serve you with utmost loyalty and sacrifice, even unto death, to help Your Majesty conquer the world and unify the land! Prime Minister Lü... Lü Buwei controls the court and obstructs the path of the virtuous, which is not a blessing for the nation! Li Si is willing to be Your Majesty's eyes and ears, Your Majesty's sword!"

Ying Zheng nodded in satisfaction. Li Si's statement was decisive and ambitious, just what he needed.

"Rise. I accept your allegiance. I am eager to witness your talents."

"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Li Si stood up excitedly and stood at attention with his hands at his sides.

Ying Zheng changed the subject and got down to business: "I already know the reason for the assassination of the Qin envoy. I will no longer pursue the responsibility of the Han court in this matter."

Li Si immediately bowed: "Your Majesty is benevolent! Your humble servant will certainly handle the aftermath properly, quell public opinion, and ensure that the temporary harmony between Qin and Han is not affected."

He very cleverly understood Ying Zheng's intentions.

"Hmm." Ying Zheng nodded slightly, his fingers tapping lightly on the table again, his tone calm yet carrying an undeniable imperial will, "However, I have a condition. You must convey this to the King of Han."

"Your Majesty, please give your orders!"

“My younger brother, Yingchuan, is approaching adulthood.”

Ying Zheng's gaze seemed to penetrate the wall, looking into the distance:

"I have heard that the King of Han has a beloved daughter, Princess Honglian, who is intelligent and beautiful. I wish to arrange a marriage for my brother Chuan, thus forging an alliance between Qin and Han. This will serve as Han's... show of sincerity in the face of this turmoil."

He framed the marriage as a condition to quell the turmoil, thus giving the King of Han a way out while concealing his true intentions.

Upon hearing this, Li Si was startled!

Young Master Yingchuan?!

That legendary, mentally challenged prince who suffered a brain injury while serving as a hostage in the State of Zhao?!

Princess Honglian, the beloved daughter of the King of Han, was a precious treasure. How could she possibly be willing to marry a fool?

This task... is practically impossible!

However, this shock was instantly replaced by a tremendous sense of challenge and excitement!

The more difficult the task, the more Li Si's value and methods are demonstrated!

If he can accomplish this almost impossible task, then his importance in the King of Qin's heart will be irreplaceable!

This will be a golden opportunity for him to make a name for himself in the Qin court and surpass the other mediocre people under Lü Buwei!

His eyes flashed with a sharp light, and he immediately suppressed all doubts, replying decisively:

"Your Majesty, rest assured! Li Si will do everything in his power to bring about this auspicious marriage! Although the King of Han loves his daughter dearly, this matter concerns the safety of the state of Han. I, as his foreign minister, will certainly explain the advantages and disadvantages to him and make him prioritize the greater good!"

He had already begun to rapidly devise how to use the Qin army's overwhelming force, the panic in the Han court, and Han Fei's predicament to force the King of Han to submit.

Ying Zheng waved his hand: "Go. Get it done as soon as possible."

"This humble subject takes his leave!"

Li Si respectfully withdrew, carrying a mission that seemed impossible yet full of opportunities, and strode away from Zilan Pavilion.

Shortly after Li Si left, in another secluded side hall of Zilan Pavilion.

Qin Chuan gathered his initial team: Wei Zhuang, Zi Nu, Nong Yu, Tian Ze, Mo Ya, Bai Feng, as well as the newly surrendered Suo Yi Ke and Yan Ling Ji who stood by his side.

The atmosphere in the hall was somber.

Qin Chuan's gaze swept over the crowd, lingering briefly on Wei Zhuang.

He keenly sensed that although Wei Zhuang's posture remained cold and hard, holding the Shark Tooth Sword, there was a subtle gloom shrouding his brows.

This disciple of Guiguzi ultimately could not completely sever his complex feelings for his homeland.

"Brother Zheng will be setting off back to Qin tomorrow, and I need to escort him for a while." Qin Chuan's voice rang out calmly, "As for the affairs of Han, you will each perform your duties for the time being."

He first looked at Wei Zhuang, his eyes seemingly able to see through his heart: "Wei Zhuang, you are stationed at Zi Lan Xuan, a force to be reckoned with. I know you care about the state of Han and are unwilling to let it fall into ruin."

Wei Zhuang stiffened almost imperceptibly as he met Qin Chuan's gaze.

Qin Chuan's tone was calm, yet it carried a confident and commanding air of control over the entire situation:

"I grant your request. Do whatever you can to help Han Fei strengthen South Korea. Whether it's offering advice or taking action."

A hint of surprise flashed in Wei Zhuang's eyes. He hadn't expected Qin Chuan to be so direct in pointing it out and to allow it.

Qin Chuan continued, his words like a cold prophecy:

"But I want you to see it with your own eyes. Even if you give it your all, even if Han Fei pours his heart and soul into it, the Han state, this dilapidated ship riddled with holes, will eventually be shattered to pieces under the iron hooves of the Qin Dynasty as it marches eastward. This is the inevitable trend, and no human effort can reverse it."

Wei Zhuang's pupils suddenly contracted!

Qin Chuan's words were like a cold dagger, piercing the last shred of hope in his heart!

He felt an unprecedented sense of humiliation and... an intense competitive spirit that was aroused!

He stared intently at Qin Chuan, the Shark Tooth Sword emitting a low hum.

"Fine!" Wei Zhuang's voice was cold and resolute. "I, Wei Zhuang, will gamble with you on this! If Han is truly destroyed by Qin as you say, then my life and this sword will belong to you forever! I will have no more ulterior motives!"

He made a vow in his heart, which was not only a response to Qin Chuan, but also a challenge to his own beliefs.

"It's a word."

Qin Chuan nodded slightly, then turned his gaze to the others:

"Purple Maiden controls the industrial network left by Jade Tiger, using both overt and covert methods to accumulate wealth, and distributing it to the people when necessary."

"Tianze, your men have been broken down into smaller groups and secretly established 'eyes and ears' in the streets and underworld. They are dedicated to spying on and monitoring any movement in Xinzheng and the surrounding areas, and collecting information from the grassroots."

This is the prototype of the "Bad People" organization that Qin Chuan envisioned, with Tian Ze in charge of the military and local intelligence aspects.

"Mo Ya, reorganize the 'Hundred Birds', specializing in assassination, infiltration, and protection. Together with Tian Ze's tribe, one is overt and the other covert, complementing each other's weaknesses."

—Black Raven is in charge of more specialized espionage and operations.

“Straw-Clad Man,” Qin Chuan said, looking at the intelligence chief in the shadows, “your network continues to penetrate deep into the Korean court, military, and even the six kingdoms. Focus on: the movements of the Luo Wang (Net of Heaven), the unusual activities of Lü Buwei’s retainers, and… the search for people. Do not slacken your efforts.”

The last sentence is a look towards Yan Lingji.

Yan Lingji immediately bowed, her eyes filled with gratitude and determination.

"Bai Feng, you will provide mobile support, relay messages, and monitor the overall situation."

After making the arrangements, Qin Chuan concluded, "While I am away, Zi Nu will oversee and make all decisions."

Upon hearing that Qin Chuan was about to leave, Nongyu, holding her guqin, gracefully stepped forward. Her beautiful face showed undisguised worry and reluctance, and her voice flowed like a clear spring:

"Young Marshal, your journey to escort the King of Qin is fraught with peril. I urge you to take good care of yourself. Nongyu... is at Zilan Pavilion, awaiting your return."

Her words were sincere and full of emotion.

Zi Nu stood to the side, her purple eyes giving Qin Chuan a deep look. Her red lips parted slightly, as if she wanted to say something, but in the end, she only uttered a calm yet incredibly weighty promise:

"Young Marshal, rest assured, Zi Nu will certainly live up to your expectations."

She lowered her eyes slightly, concealing the equally heavy reluctance deep within them. She was used to hiding her emotions, but that concern and trust were clearer than any words.

"I will obey my master's (Young Marshal's) orders!"

Everyone responded in unison and took on their respective responsibilities.

An invisible net called "Bad People" has begun to be quietly woven and spread in the shadows of South Korea.

Qin Chuan arranged everything methodically, with meticulous planning and no room for error.

He was completely unaware that just moments before, his imposing elder brother had arranged a marriage for him.

And the little Korean princess Hong-ryeon, who was shyed away by his smile, is about to become a warm and intimate piece in this grand game of chess, closely connected to him.

At this moment, all he could think about was escorting Ying Zheng back to Qin safely, and settling scores with Lü Buwei and Luo Wang in the future.

Chapter 34: The Pawns of the Net, Meng Tian Makes His Appearance

Wusui was not originally a major military town, but now it was occupied by a grim military camp.

The dark, undulating camps stretched out in a continuous line, the Qin army's distinctive black banners fluttering in the wind, and the air was filled with the scent of iron, blood, and dust.

The Pingyang Heavy Armor Army, the elite of Qin's elite forces, should have been stationed on a more important front line, but they suddenly appeared here.

As soon as Qin Chuan and his party approached the outer perimeter of the military camp, they were spotted by a troop of fierce scout cavalry.

The thunderous sound of hooves encircled them in an instant, the cold tips of spears gleaming with a chilling light.

"Halt! This is military grounds, who dares to trespass?!"

The scout leader demanded an explanation, his eyes scanning the seemingly ordinary yet extraordinary carriage with a wary gaze.

Gai Nie rode forward a step, his voice steady and clear, reaching the ears of every scout: "Inside the carriage is 'Young Master Shang,' a man of noble status, not to be questioned by any of you. Quickly inform General Wang Yi to come and greet him!"

He deliberately emphasized the title "Young Master Shang," both to conceal Ying Zheng's identity and to test the general's abilities.

Upon hearing the words "Young Master Shang" and seeing Gai Nie's extraordinary demeanor, the scout squad leader was filled with doubt and suspicion. Not daring to be negligent, he immediately sent someone on horseback back to camp to report.

However, what awaited them was not Wang Yi's personal greeting.