The northern part of Yan is mostly mountainous with steep terrain, and it borders the Hu region.

Yang Duanhe received intelligence that a group of Mo disciples who had fled to Yanbei had joined forces with several assassin leaders and were now stationed in the mountains.

Not wanting to alert the border guards, he secretly infiltrated the area with only the elite troops of the Black Ice Guard, traveling at night with the help of guides familiar with the terrain.

The mountain wind howled, and the forest was deep and secluded.

Yang Duanhe changed into a neat black short-sleeved shirt and led his team to sneak up into the mountainside, signaling everyone to disperse and lie in ambush.

The surrounding area was covered with dense vegetation, with only a few specks of moonlight filtering through.

After about half a quarter of an hour, the scout ahead gave a signal: "The enemy's vigilance has been relaxed, and traps have been set up on both sides of the cliff."

Yang Duanhe nodded coldly and gestured to the deputy envoy. Then, he drew his sword, crouched low, and slowly approached.

Sure enough, he found several sentries looking exhausted and dozing off. He darted forward, and with a flash of his blade, he severed the sentry's throat.

Other sentries were caught off guard and either hacked to death by the Black Ice Guard's assassins, or didn't even have time to shout. Immediately afterward, Yang Duanhe waved for the main force to advance, closing in on the camp halfway up the mountain in one fell swoop.

The camp was dimly lit by firelight, but several wooden gates were visible. Yang Duanhe said in a deep voice, "Split up and cut off their escape route. A swift and decisive victory is needed!"

The Black Ice Guards quietly dispersed, echoing their companions who were lying in ambush outside the stronghold.

A moment later, a muffled "boom" was heard, the gate was broken open, and then the sounds of swords and guns clashing suddenly arose.

Although the swordsmen and assassins put up a fight, they quickly lost their footing under the combined attack of Yang Duanhe and the Black Ice Guard.

"Ah—" Accompanied by piercing screams, some assassins died from arrows or blades, their blood staining the rocks. Also

Some attempted to escape by scaling the cliff face, but were shot down into the abyss by the black ice platforms that had been lying in ambush. The camp was instantly engulfed in flames and a mountain of corpses and blood.

Yang Duanhe stood with his knife in front of the collapsed wooden door and saw several enemy leaders who had survived, huddled in a corner.

He approached step by step, when the leader of the assassins suddenly ripped off his mask, revealing a face covered in hidden wounds. He roared in a hoarse voice, "Your Qin state is so cruel to the Mohists and my fellow believers. Aren't you afraid of arousing public outrage?"

Yang Duanhe looked down at him, his eyes completely calm: "The essence of the Mohist school lies in its tools; it should use its talents and wisdom to bring benefits to the world."

"But what about you? You've twisted universal love and non-aggression, turning yourselves into bandits and assassins, secretly harming officials and common people. If that's the case, how can you talk about public outrage?" With that, he swung his sword down, and the assassin leader was silenced.

The Black Ice Team members were already used to such bloody scenes and immediately began to seal off the passages and collect the mechanical devices.

Yang Duanhe gazed at the raging flames, a cold smile playing on his lips. Ever since he accepted the order from the wicked husband, the Black Ice Guard had finally gained the upper hand, suppressing the arrogant so-called Ink Knights of the Old Swallow... and the assassins!

......

A month later, good news kept coming from Xianyang.

With the territories of Han and Wei settled, the situation in Qi became stable, and the rebellion in Yan was quelled.

Chang'an Jun Chengjiao, Feng Jie, Zhang Han, and Yang Duanhe all submitted memorials to report their achievements, stating that Great Qin had fully controlled the four borders and there were no more major rebellions.

Overjoyed, Ying Zheng rewarded everyone for their military achievements in the court and announced in public: "Once the final matters are completed, we can prepare to implement the imperial examination system so that loyal people can enter the court and contribute to the prosperity of our Great Qin."

These words greatly excited all the civil and military officials in the hall.

Grand Commandant Efu and Han Fei stood below the throne. Although they did not show much emotion on their faces, they nodded inwardly. After this long purge, despite the bloodshed, they had finally brought about an opportunity for reform in the court.

If the imperial examination system is successfully implemented, the various schools of thought will no longer be able to dominate their respective regions as they once were, and heretical doctrines will no longer be able to stir up trouble.

After the court session ended, the wicked man followed Ying Zheng outside the palace, gazing at the twinkling stars in the night sky. He whispered, "Your Majesty, once the imperial examinations are over and things have stabilized for a few years... we can destroy Zhao and Chu."

Ying Zheng exhaled slowly: "There's no rush. Now that the four regions are stable and the imperial examinations are about to be implemented, the most important thing is to ensure the people's well-being and allow them to recuperate!"

"You've worked hard for many days too." Ying Zheng saw that he was exhausted, but his expression was still resolute. "Take a good rest. I still need you to create a prosperous era. Don't work yourself to death on the way."

"What should I do if I'm left to fend for myself then?"

The wicked man smiled slightly, cupped his hands and said, "Brother, you're right. Even if you're gone, I'll still live well. We're still waiting to teach the crown prince."

Speaking of the crown prince, a smile appeared on Ying Zheng's lips, which was clearly caught by his wicked husband. He was immediately startled and subconsciously asked, "This... is she pregnant?"

"Your Highness...are you pregnant?"

"What?" Ying Zheng glanced at him sideways. "Making a fuss over nothing, are you envious... or jealous?"

Why would I be jealous?!

The wicked man's pupils suddenly contracted sharply, feeling that Ying Zheng's words seemed a bit... well, not quite right?

"What am I supposed to be jealous of?" The wicked husband tried his best to suppress the strange feeling in his heart and muttered something casually.

Seeing his reaction, Ying Zheng chuckled softly, a hint of teasing in his eyes, "We've shared life and death, working together to build the Qin Dynasty. And now you'll be teaching my heir—a story to be told for all time..."

Upon hearing this, the wicked husband's expression relaxed slightly, then he coughed, "Brother, this matter must not be announced in a hurry. She is newly pregnant, and according to folk customs, it must be kept a secret... lest she miscarry!"

If these words were spoken by anyone else, it would be considered a grave offense of disrespect. This is what makes him so wicked. Even if Ying Zheng were magnanimous, he would still likely punish such a person for disrespect.

Ying Zheng patted him on the shoulder and teased, "Be careful. A few days ago you were talking about... well, breaking down feudal superstitions and supernatural beliefs. Now you're bringing it up again?"

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