Next, Li Ping reported on the progress of the government's rectification: "Your Majesty, in accordance with your decree, we have investigated and punished more than 300 corrupt officials and recovered more than one million yuan in illicit funds, which has greatly deterred those with ulterior motives."

"However, some local officials outwardly comply but inwardly obstruct reforms. In particular, powerful clans in the Jiangnan region still control the local government, causing great suffering to the people."

Upon hearing this, Ying Zheng's face darkened: "Do these people think I can't do anything to them? Wang Wu, select a portion of elite troops to form an 'inspection mission,' which you will personally lead to inspect various parts of Jiangnan. Wherever you find lawbreakers, execute them on the spot!"

Wang Wu clasped his hands in obeisance and replied, "Your subject obeys! I will certainly not fail in my mission!"

The meeting lasted until late at night, and all decisions were finalized. After everyone left, Ying Zheng kept his wicked husband and Chunhui behind.

"Chunhui, I heard that your father offended powerful figures by speaking frankly and his entire family was killed. Do you know the details?" Ying Zheng asked.

Chunhui sighed: "Your Majesty, my father once served as an advisor, but was falsely accused of treason for opposing the policies of the then-Prime Minister Zhao Gao. Zhao Gao colluded with a prince of the royal family to eliminate dissidents, and countless loyal officials were harmed."

(This Zhao Gao is not the same Zhao Gao as the other Zhao Gao; I'm too lazy to think of a name.)

"Zhao Gao?" Ying Zheng and his wicked husband exchanged a glance, a cold glint in their eyes.

Ying Zheng continued, "Where is this person now?"

Chunhui replied, "He died of illness long ago, but many of his cronies still hold official positions in the court, though they are very well hidden."

The wicked man said coldly, "Your Majesty, these people must be eliminated! Otherwise, the consequences will be dire."

Ying Zheng nodded: "I will order a secret investigation. Chunhui, I will definitely clear your father's name, and his achievements will be recorded in history again."

Chunhui knelt down excitedly: "Thank you, Your Majesty!"

After seeing Chunhui off, Ying Zheng continued his conversation with his wicked husband: "Old brother, you're setting off tomorrow. Is there anything I can do to help you?"

The wicked man pondered for a moment: "Your Majesty, I would like to ask you to take special care of Niu Qiang. Although he is brave, he is also impatient and may cause trouble."

Ying Zheng smiled and said, "It's alright, I will give you more guidance. After you go north, I will continue to reorganize the court. When you return in triumph, the Qin Dynasty will surely be completely renewed!"

The evil man said solemnly, “Your Majesty, although the northern expedition is urgent, we must not be careless. Although the remnants of the Xiongnu are not as powerful as they were at their peak, they still have more than 100,000 troops and are skilled in cavalry warfare. Although I am confident in my mission, I am afraid I will not be able to return too quickly.”

Ying Zheng nodded: "I understand. Just go ahead and do it. I'll take care of things internally, so there's no need to worry."

The two discussed some military details until the third watch of the night, at which point they went to rest.

Early the next morning, outside the north gate of Xianyang, the wicked man led an army of 35,000, fully prepared for battle.

Ying Zheng personally saw him off, and all the civil and military officials gathered, creating a magnificent scene.

"My dear husband, after we head north, I will send you a steady stream of supplies. You only need to focus on the campaign and don't need to worry about the rear," Ying Zheng said kindly.

The wicked man solemnly replied, "Your subject obeys! On this journey to the northern frontier, I will surely annihilate the remaining Xiongnu forces and purge the rebellious forces from the Qin!"

Before departing, the wicked man gave a few more instructions on military affairs, then mounted his horse, raised his spear high, and declared: "Soldiers of Qin, follow me north to kill the enemy and serve our country!"

Thirty-five thousand soldiers shouted in unison: "Kill the enemy and serve the country!"

With a bugle call, the mighty army began its northward march, raising dust that blotted out the sky, its momentum as imposing as a rainbow.

Ying Zheng stood on the city wall, watching his wicked husband depart into the distance.

Upon returning to the palace, Ying Zheng immediately summoned the newly appointed officials and began to plan domestic affairs.

"Wang Wu, lead the inspection team south immediately to thoroughly investigate the powerful families in Jiangnan; Chunhui, draft a tax reduction edict and send it throughout the country; Niu Qiang, reorganize the Imperial Guards to ensure the safety of the capital; Li Ping, continue to investigate corruption and show no leniency."

The officials accepted the order and departed to perform their respective duties.

Thus, Ying Zheng and his wicked husband split up, one working internally and the other externally, to jointly strive for the revival of the Qin Dynasty.

Ying Zheng stood before the palace, gazing at the northern sky, and murmured to himself, "My wicked husband, we will surely restore the glory of Qin and make this second chance at life worthwhile!"

The wicked man, hundreds of miles away, looked south, a determined glint in his eyes.

The army continued its northward march, and an earth-shattering battle was about to begin.