She looked at her sleeping daughter on the soft couch; that pure little face was the only light in her dark life.
She would give anything for this light, including her soul.
Lu Buwei's web of schemes is hell, and Tian Meng's surroundings may also be hell.
But the person in front of her seemed to offer her a way to survive in the cracks and even protect her daughter.
Although the road ahead remains fraught with danger and uncertainty, at least there is now a clear trading partner and a commitment.
She took a deep breath, suppressing her turbulent emotions, and her eyes regained their sharp and calm—the gaze of a top assassin, Jing Ni.
"I promise you. As long as you can ensure Ayan's safety."
"Very good." Qin Chuan nodded slightly. "Remember your promise. I will come to find you again."
Before he finished speaking, his figure blurred instantly, as if blending into the shadows under the candlelight, and vanished without a trace the next moment, leaving only the flickering candlelight and the faint, chilling atmosphere in the bridal chamber.
Jingni slumped down on the edge of the bed, her back soaked in cold sweat.
She looked at her sleeping daughter, then at the spot where Qin Chuan had disappeared, her eyes filled with a complex and unreadable expression.
Fear, lingering apprehension, a sliver of hope, and deep anxiety about the future were all intertwined.
She didn't know who this mysterious and powerful man was, how he could make such a promise on behalf of the Luo Wang, or what kind of bloodshed and turmoil it would mean to control the Farmers.
But she knew that from this night forward, her and her daughter's fates were inextricably linked to this man.
Outside the bridal chamber, in a corner of the courtyard
Qin Chuan's figure did not go far, appearing like a ghost in a corner of the courtyard.
Not far away, the groom, Tian Meng, was lying dead drunk next to a pile of wine jars, snoring loudly and muttering foul language.
Qin Chuan's gaze fell on Tian Meng, cold and devoid of any warmth.
He walked forward slowly, the moonlight stretching his shadow long and covering Tian Meng.
A whisper, barely audible, yet carrying the chilling weight of a verdict.
He pointed his fingers together like a sword, and at the tip of his fingertips was a point of almost invisible, yet powerful enough to pierce through metal and stone.
The movement was so fast that it could not be captured by sight.
The first finger pointed at the vital point of Tian Meng's dantian!
The unparalleled finger force instantly destroyed the foundation of his internal strength, which he had painstakingly cultivated for many years, as if puncturing a rotten air sac.
"Ugh—!"
Even in his drunken stupor, the excruciating pain of his destroyed dantian caused Tian Meng to let out a short, sharp groan, and his body convulsed violently.
The second finger followed closely, landing with perfect precision on his genitals!
That chilling and domineering finger force instantly severed all his vitality and functions as a man.
This time, Tian Meng couldn't even scream; all he could hear was a hoarse, bellowing sound coming from his throat.
The excruciating pain jolted him awake from his drunken stupor, only to be overwhelmed by even deeper agony and fear, his consciousness sinking into a chaotic darkness and despair.
Qin Chuan withdrew his finger, as if he were merely brushing away a speck of dust.
He didn't even glance at the filthy mass on the ground, writhing in agony and incontinent from fear.
The moonlight, like water, shone on his dark robes, giving them a cool, clear sheen.
He looked up at the waning moon in the sky, his figure once again merging into the night, disappearing completely like wisps of smoke.
Inside the bridal chamber, Jingni seemed to hear a very short, strange noise outside, and her heart sank.
She walked to the window and carefully pushed it open a crack.
The scene in the corner of the courtyard under the moonlight made her gasp!
Tian Meng was curled up in the filth like a lump of mud, his face as pale as a ghost, his eyes rolled back, his body still twitching unconsciously, and the place beneath him was a complete mess.
The air was thick with the stench of alcohol, blood, and incontinence.
Jing Ni instantly understood what Qin Chuan meant by "He will no longer be an obstacle to you".
A chill ran from the soles of my feet straight up to the top of my head, even more intense than when I was facing Qin Chuan earlier.
This not only crippled Tian Meng, but also utterly crushed him, ensuring he would never rise again!
That man's methods were so precise, so ruthless, so... chilling!
She slammed the window shut, leaned against the cold wall, and her heart pounded wildly.
Tian Meng's fate was like a cold alarm bell, ringing wildly in her mind.
She looked down at her hands, then at her sleeping daughter. The last trace of hesitation in her eyes vanished, leaving only a cold, resolute clarity.
The deal has been reached.
For Ayan's sake, she must become a sharper, more obedient sword.
And that mysterious man who arrived under the moonlight was the new swordsman she had to be loyal to and constantly wary of.
The joyous clamor of Lieshan Hall had long since dissipated, leaving only silent despair in the corner and a mother's heavy, iron-like vow in the bridal chamber.
Chapter 41 I'm also helpless
The palaces of Xianyang, like a lurking beast, stretch out their majestic bodies in the morning light.
The palace walls soar into the clouds, and the green bricks and gray tiles gleam with a metallic sheen under the rising sun.
The auspicious beast sculptures on the eaves, weathered by time yet still majestic, are now coated with a layer of molten gold, as if they are about to break free from the shackles of the bricks and tiles and leap up.
The autumn wind, carrying the desolation of grass and trees, swept across the palace road, swirling up a few withered yellow leaves. But when it touched that golden light, the chill seemed to be dispelled, leaving only the tranquility and grandeur of the newly established empire.
Inside the side hall, the atmosphere was different from the open space outside; it was solemn yet relaxed, as if a heavy burden had been lifted.
A huge map was laid out on the wall, showing the territories of the six states. Mountains and rivers were outlined in ink, and cities and passes were marked in vermilion, silently telling the story of the King of Qin's ambition.
Ying Zheng was dressed in a black casual robe, with dragon patterns embroidered on the fabric that were faintly visible in the dim light.
He stood with his hands behind his back, his posture as upright as a pine tree. His gaze swept over every inch of land on the map, his eyes showing both the sharpness of overlooking the world and the composure of ruling the universe.
With Lü Buwei's shadow gone, the net of power was once again in Zhao Gao's hands, and this young King of Qin finally truly grasped the reins of the empire.
"Brother Chuan. The political situation has just been stabilized, and everything needs to be rebuilt."
Ying Zheng's voice broke the silence, deep and powerful, carrying an unprecedented sense of control, yet the ending tone still held a touch of the gentle warmth unique to his elder brother:
"I need a capable assistant to help me achieve this great undertaking. Your talent far surpasses that of the officials in the court. How about you come to court and help me handle state affairs?"
He turned around, his gaze falling on Qin Chuan, the trust in his eyes almost overflowing, as if he had recognized that the other was the only person who could stand shoulder to shoulder with him.
Qin Chuan was leaning against a pillar in the corridor, his fingertips unconsciously tracing the carvings on the pillar. Hearing this, he lazily shook his head:
“Brother Zheng, you are the chosen one to govern the world. You are better than me at strategizing and balancing the court and the people. You are far more suitable than me for these tasks.”
He raised his eyes, a half-smile playing on his lips. "With a 'perfect' monarch like you before me, I, as your younger brother, am happy to have some peace and quiet. Why should I go looking for trouble?"
In the world of Bad Guys, Li Xingyun's "hopeless and hopeless" appearance forced him to shoulder everything.
With Ying Zheng, a born emperor, in the fold, he genuinely wanted to take a break and escape the drudgery of official duties and court intrigues.
Ying Zheng stared at him and saw a hint of determination hidden beneath the nonchalance in his eyes, and knew that his mind was made up.
His imperial demeanor prevented him from forcing the issue, and his elder brother's tolerance further convinced him to respect the situation: "Very well."
He nodded slightly, his tone tinged with helplessness, but even more so with understanding, “Everyone has their own ambitions. Since Brother Chuan’s ambitions lie elsewhere, I will not force him. However…”
The tone shifted abruptly, his gaze suddenly taking on a scrutinizing quality, as if reminding a playful younger brother:
"While you may be enjoying your leisure time, you must not delay your brother Chuan's marriage."
Qin Chuan's heart skipped a beat, and he instantly understood Ying Zheng's meaning. The laziness on his face was instantly replaced by helplessness, and he rubbed his temples.
"Brother Zheng, are you referring to... Princess Honglian's wedding date?"
Ying Zheng had mentioned this matter before, but he was preoccupied with a bunch of messy things involving Lü Buwei and Xinghun, so neither of them had the mind to discuss it in detail. He thought he could just put it off for as long as possible.
"That's right." Seeing that he had answered, Ying Zheng stopped beating around the bush. "The wedding is still three months away. I have already sent an envoy to inform the King of Han, and all the ceremonies are being prepared."
He looked at Qin Chuan's face, which was etched with a headache, and his tone unconsciously became more forceful, carrying the unique authority of an elder brother:
"This is a matter of state, and also a family matter. Brother Chuan, you must remember your return date when you go on your travels, and do not delay. Do not let me break my promise to Han, nor let my beloved wait in vain."
"Brother Zheng..." Qin Chuan still wanted to struggle a bit, trying to bargain, "Is this matter..."
"No need for further words." Ying Zheng interrupted directly, his gaze sharp as an eagle, as if he could see through all his thoughts. "I know that you are not indifferent to Honglian. During your trip to Han, the two of you got along quite well."
He paused, his tone slightly teasing yet incisive, "This is an excellent match, a favorable outcome for Qin, Han, you, and her. Do you, Brother Chuan, intend to emulate those playboys and evade the responsibilities of marriage?"
He knew Qin Chuan too well. It wasn't that this guy had no feelings for Hong Lian; it was just that his inherent unwillingness to be bound was at play, and he especially disliked this kind of arranged marriage.
Qin Chuan's true feelings were exposed, and he was also overwhelmed by Ying Zheng's "elder brother is like a father" aura. He immediately deflated like a punctured balloon.
He knew that once Ying Zheng made up his mind, especially when it concerned the national system and the dignity of the royal family, there was almost no room for maneuver.
"...Your subject understands." He sighed resignedly, his voice full of the weariness of being "forced into business." "I will definitely return to Xianyang by the three-month deadline, without delay."
Seeing that he had agreed, Ying Zheng finally showed a satisfied smile, a smile that contained both the success of an emperor's strategy and the relief of his elder brother:
“That’s good. I will stay in Xianyang and wait for my brother Chuan to return, and also for my brother and sister-in-law to enter Qin.”
As Qin Chuan left Xianyang Palace, the slight irritation he felt due to the wedding arrangements was quickly dispelled by the anticipation of his upcoming journey.
He needs to hurry up and travel to the other five countries to find some useful talents; that's the important thing.
Upon returning to the palace where they were temporarily staying, they could see a figure standing under the eaves from afar.
Yan Fei, dressed in red, seemed to be gilded with a soft golden glow in the autumn sunlight, as noble as a fairy in the clouds. However, her slightly furrowed brows betrayed her waiting.
"Are they leaving again?"
She turned around, her voice calm and even, but deep within her phoenix eyes, there was a barely perceptible ripple, like a lake surface rippled with a pebble thrown in, showing a faint reluctance.
Qin Chuan walked up to her, looked into the emotions in her eyes, and felt a warmth rise in his heart:
"Everything is settled on Zheng Ge's side, and I need to go check on the other countries. The Yin Yang School still needs you to oversee things. The Moon Goddess took Gan Luo away, and there may be some internal turmoil. I can only feel at ease with you here."
Yan Fei nodded gently, stepped forward, and smoothed out non-existent wrinkles on his clothes. The coolness of her fingertips seeped through the fabric, carrying a hint of tenderness.
"I understand. Be careful on your journey."
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