Chinese animation: Starting with Bad Guys

Qin Chuan even had her take the lead in forming a special force composed of surrendered Yue people. These people were agile and familiar with the jungle environment, specializing in jungle tracking and mountain warfare, and became the Qin army's guides and scouts in complex terrain.

Even so, conquering the Baiyue was still a protracted and arduous war.

The towering mountains hindered the army's advance, and the dense rainforest blocked out the sunlight, also concealing deadly dangers.

The Yue people's unpredictable attacks never ceased, and their deep-rooted tribal resistance prolonged the war for several years.

Qin Chuan sat in the central command tent, strategizing and planning to win battles from afar.

He was not the kind of fierce general who charged into battle, but a commander who controlled the overall situation.

His gaze seemed to pierce through the dense fog of the rainforest, repeatedly uncovering the traps and ambushes set by the Yue people. He commanded his army like a precise instrument, methodically and gradually shrinking the living space of the resisters.

One after another, the Qin army conquered the strategically important mountain strongholds, and the unruly tribal leaders either perished in the resistance or surrendered when all hope was lost.

During a campaign to wipe out a stubborn tribe, the Qin army captured a group of Yue prisoners of war, most of whom were the elderly, women, children, and teenagers.

As usual, Yan Lingji was ordered to go and verify identities and appease those who were willing to submit.

As her gaze slowly swept over the group of emaciated young prisoners, their eyes filled with fear and wariness, a boy huddled in a corner, thin and with a vaguely familiar outline between his brows, struck her like a thunderbolt. She shuddered violently and stopped in her tracks.

Her heart was pounding so hard it felt like it was going to burst out of her chest.

She trembled as she approached, ignoring the astonished gazes of the soldiers around her. In the Baiyue dialect, which only she and her brother understood and which was heavily accented, she whispered the nickname of her younger brother, a name that had been buried deep in her memory for many years.

The boy initially looked up blankly, but when his gaze fell upon Yan Lingji's signature eyes, which seemed to burn with passion and brightness, he was taken aback.

An incredulous light flashed in her eyes, followed by a heart-wrenching cry that pierced her throat: "Sister—!"

This call, transcending years of separation and suffering, instantly shattered all the defenses in their hearts.

The siblings embraced tightly, tears streaming down their faces like a burst dam, sobbing uncontrollably.

In the years of war, the tragedy of families being torn apart and people dying, the hardships of being displaced... all the suffering and longing that had been pent up day and night were poured out at this moment.

Yan Lingji finally found her long-lost younger brother, whom she had thought was long gone!

Qin Chuan rushed over upon hearing the news and stood not far away, quietly watching the siblings embracing and weeping, a genuine smile of relief appearing in his eyes.

He finally fulfilled his promise to Yan Lingji and helped her find her loved ones.

After a long while, once her emotions had calmed down, Yan Lingji pulled her younger brother and bowed deeply to Qin Chuan. A thousand words were stuck in her throat, but in the end, they only turned into a choked but sincere sentence: "Master... your great kindness... I will never forget it!"

The return of her younger brother was like the final piece of a puzzle, perfectly filling the deepest void and pain in Yan Lingji's heart.

The way she looked at Qin Chuan was no longer the deliberate defensiveness or the alluring probing she used to have; it was filled only with complete trust, utter reliance, and an intense, unwavering love and affection.

She knew that it was this man in front of her who gave her a new life, a safe haven, and now he had brought her only family member back to her side.

After years of arduous and protracted warfare, the various tribes of Baiyue finally submitted completely to the Qin army under its powerful military pressure and a combination of carrot and stick tactics, and were incorporated into the territory of the Qin Empire.

Qin Chuan established prefectures and counties in the Baiyue region according to the Central Plains system, left elite troops and generals to guard the frontier, and relocated people from the Central Plains to live together with the local Yue people. This began a long and arduous process of ethnic integration and land development, laying a solid foundation for the stability of the empire's southern border.

The day of the army's triumphant return is drawing ever closer.

On the eve of leaving Baiyue, the night sky over southern Xinjiang was exceptionally clear and bright, dotted with stars like scattered diamonds, filling the deep sky, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of earth and grass after the rain.

In the courtyard of the camp where Qin Chuan was staying, a bonfire was burning brightly, crackling and popping. The leaping flames dispelled the coolness of the night and also reflected the vigilant figures of the patrolling soldiers around him.

Yan Lingji changed out of her military uniform, which was more practical for movement, and put on a gorgeous dress that best represented the Baiyue people.

The dress was woven with colorful silk threads and embroidered with totems symbolizing fire and life. The skirt was layered and swayed gently with her movements, exuding a rich and charming exotic style.

She didn't speak, but quietly walked to the center of the courtyard, facing Qin Chuan, and danced gracefully between the brilliant starry sky and the warm campfire.

Her dance was no longer the fiery dance of the past, which was somewhat aggressive and deliberately seductive, but had become graceful and tender, with every movement filled with gentle affection and endless gratitude and love.

Sometimes as light as a butterfly, sometimes as melodious as a poem, it seems to be telling the story of weathering the storms together over the years, and expressing the deep affection in my heart that I dare not easily speak of.

The firelight illuminated her exquisite face and graceful figure. Her eyes, no longer burning with the intensity of the flames, held only the reflected firelight and overflowing affection, making her appear like a fairy under the moon, breathtakingly beautiful.

Qin Chuan stood there quietly, his gaze fixed on her, his eyes reflecting the leaping flames and her dancing figure.

Years of fighting side by side, experiencing life and death together, and the deep-seated understanding and tacit agreement had already quietly planted a seed of affection between them.

At this moment, the seed seemed to be ignited by the campfire, burning brightly in each other's eyes.

As the dance ended, Yan Lingji slowly stopped, her icy blue eyes shimmering as she gazed deeply at Qin Chuan, her eyes filled with undisguised love and an almost sacrificial resolve.

She walked steadily towards Qin Chuan, tilting her head slightly and looking intently at him.

Qin Chuan reached out and gently stroked her warm cheek. The delicate touch from his fingertips ignited the last bit of his restraint.

He lowered his head and kissed those fiery red lips.

The campfire seemed to sense this burning emotion, burning even brighter and illuminating the two figures embracing tightly. The emotions that had been suppressed for many years erupted like a dormant volcano.

Everything that was meant to happen occurred naturally on this eve of parting, filled with both sorrow and boundless anticipation.

Inside the tent, the brocade curtains hung low, isolating it from all the noise of the outside world.

As the passion gradually faded, the night deepened.

Yan Lingji nestled lazily in Qin Chuan's arms, her long hair cascading down his strong chest like a black waterfall.

Her eyes were closed, her long eyelashes trembled slightly, and a satisfied and peaceful smile played on her lips, as if a ship had found its safest harbor and completely relaxed.

Qin Chuan gently put his arm around her smooth, delicate shoulders and back, his gaze fixed on the starry sky outside the tent, a sense of unprecedented tranquility washing over him.

The smoke and flames of war in Baiyue have dissipated, and by his side now stands a peerless beauty who has completely devoted herself to him and is willing to follow him through life and death.

Tomorrow, they will embark together on their journey back to Xianyang, the city that once held the highest power and unparalleled glory.

What awaits them there will be new challenges, and also a more magnificent future that belongs to them.

Chapter 61 Hu Hai and Zhao Gao, the Snow Maiden Throws Herself into Their Arms

When Qin Chuan led his mighty army, which had fought valiantly against the Baiyue people and dominated the southern frontier, back to the capital, the city of Xianyang was deserted as everyone flocked to welcome him. The grandeur of the occasion far surpassed that of when he had swept away the six kingdoms.

The hardships and achievements of the southern expedition had already spread throughout the empire. At this moment, Qin Chuan's prestige and merits were almost on par with those of the First Emperor himself.

Before the majestic Xianyang Palace, Emperor Qin Shi Huang, dressed in a black ceremonial robe with twelve imperial symbols and wearing a crown that reaches the heavens, personally led civil and military officials to greet him.

Sunlight shone on the cold bronze armor and majestic ceremonial guards, reflecting a solemn and grand radiance.

"Your Majesty, I was ordered to lead the southern expedition, and I have fortunately fulfilled my mission! The Baiyue region has been pacified and has been brought under the control of Great Qin! Long live Your Majesty!"

Qin Chuan dismounted, his armor clanging, his voice booming and piercing the sky.

"Brother Chuan's achievements are unprecedented and unparalleled!"

Ying Zheng strode forward, took Qin Chuan's arm, and his face showed undisguised approval and satisfaction:

"The eternal stability of the southern border depends on your outstanding talent and strategic vision! This is the foundation for the empire's lasting prosperity!"

He patted Qin Chuan's shoulder heavily, the force conveying the trust between brothers and the reliance of the emperor.

After the grand welcoming ceremony, Ying Zheng was in high spirits and specially summoned Qin Chuan to a side hall, and ordered his sons to be brought to meet him.

Aside from the well-acquainted and refined eldest son, Fusu, bowing respectfully to Qin Chuan, Qin Chuan's gaze lingered more on the little boy who timidly entered, being led by the hand of a palace attendant.

At this time, Hu Hai was only a little over ten years old. He was exquisitely beautiful and dressed in luxurious clothes. At first glance, he was just an innocent and ignorant child.

However, what kind of insight did Qin Chuan possess?

He keenly noticed a glint of observation and calculation that occasionally flashed in the depths of Hu Hai's seemingly clear eyes, a glint that was incongruous with his age.

When he bowed, his movements were still somewhat immature, but he deliberately imitated the meticulousness of adults, revealing a premature worldliness.

What Qin Chuan was particularly concerned about was that the person who led Hu Hai in was none other than Zhao Gao, who was fair-skinned, beardless, and always had a humble smile on his face.

Zhao Gao casually placed his hand on Hu Hai's small shoulder in an intimate gesture, and Hu Hai subconsciously leaned closer to Zhao Gao, appearing quite dependent on him.

Ying Zheng, oblivious to these subtle differences, assumed it was simply his young son relying on a close attendant, and explained to Qin Chuan with a smile:

"This is my youngest son, Huhai. He is still young and a bit mischievous."

Qin Chuan smiled gently and nodded to Hu Hai, but he already knew what was going on:

This seemingly harmless tiger cub, though its claws and teeth are not yet sharp, already shows signs of its inherent ruthlessness and the deliberate guidance of Zhao Gao. It is by no means a mere mischievous child.

That night, a grand victory banquet was held in the palace.

Fine wines and delicacies, exquisite dishes, and the sounds of silk and bamboo instruments never cease.

Qin Chuan, as the undisputed protagonist, received toasts and compliments from the officials in turn.

Yan Lingji changed into a gorgeous dress in the style of the Central Plains and sat beside Qin Chuan. Her beauty was dazzling and attracted countless lingering eyes.

Her status and position have changed drastically due to her contributions to the Baiyue people and her relationship with Qin Chuan.

The banquet ended, and the noise subsided.

Qin Chuan did not return to his residence directly, but instead ordered someone to summon Zhao Gao to a side hall.

Zhao Gao arrived in a hurry, his face bearing just the right amount of respect and a hint of barely perceptible suspicion.

He assumed that Qin Chuan's late-night summons must be about the Luo Wang (Net of Heaven) matter.

"Your Majesty's triumphant return shakes the world, and all those within the Luo Net share in the glory."

Zhao Gao spoke first, his voice high-pitched yet steady:

"In recent years, Luo Wang has diligently followed His Majesty's instructions and dared not slacken in the slightest. In addition to Jing Ni, Yan Ri, and Xuan Jian, the top-tier assassins have acquired six more top-notch experts, collectively known as the 'Six Sword Slaves.' Each of these six has their own strengths, and they cooperate seamlessly, forming Luo Wang's strongest blade, ready to be dispatched by His Majesty at any time..."

He knew it all like the back of his hand and was ready to give a detailed report on the expansion and infiltration of the network.

However, Qin Chuan listened quietly, his fingers tapping rhythmically on the table, his face expressionless, his deep gaze fixed on Zhao Gao, as if trying to pierce through his humble facade.

It wasn't until Zhao Gao sensed something was wrong that his voice gradually lowered as he reported, and the hall fell into a suffocating silence.

Qin Chuan then spoke slowly, his voice not loud, yet carrying immense force; each word was like an icicle striking the ground:

"Zhao Gao, I am well aware of the development of the Luo Wang (Net of Heaven). I summoned you here tonight only to make you remember one thing."

He leaned forward slightly, and an invisible sense of oppression instantly enveloped the entire side hall:

"You are a dog of the empire. A dog that must always know its place, be loyal to its master, and only bite its prey for its master. You can only gnaw on the bone your master gives you; you can only bite whoever your master tells you to bite. If you dare to act on your own, have any improper thoughts, or... try to choose the next master for your master..."

Qin Chuan's gaze suddenly sharpened like a knife, piercing straight into Zhao Gao's eyes:

"No matter how sharp your teeth or claws are, I will personally pluck them out one by one, skin them alive, and dismember them. Do you understand?"

Cold sweat instantly soaked Zhao Gao's back.

He had never felt death so close to him.