In this way, the wicked man gained another great general and an elite force.
Next, the wicked man also found the descendants of several former meritorious officials: Han Yue, a member of Han Fei's clan, who was well-versed in law and reason, and Qin Ming, the grandson of his former strategist Qin Wuji, who was exceptionally intelligent.
However, what the wicked man cared about most was the descendants of his former comrades and friends.
Among these comrades, Chun Ning and Er Niu were the most outstanding. They fought alongside E Fu in the north and south, making great contributions to the Qin Dynasty.
According to reports from scouts, Chun Ning's grandson, Chun Hui, is living a secluded life in the Runan area, far removed from worldly affairs.
The wicked husband decided to visit in person.
Runan is located in the Central Plains and boasts beautiful scenery.
The wicked man found Chunhui in a small village and saw a simple thatched hut with a few vegetables growing in front of it, a scene of tranquility.
A middle-aged man was chopping wood in front of the door. When he saw a guest arrive, he put down his axe and greeted him: "Sir, what brings you here?"
The wicked man scrutinized him closely and saw that the man was thin and frail, but his eyes shone with wisdom. He couldn't help but be moved.
"Excuse me, are you Mr. Chunhui?" the wicked man asked.
The man looked at the wicked man warily: "It is I. May I ask who you are?"
After a moment's hesitation, the wicked man decided to speak frankly: "I am the wicked husband of King Wu, and I have come to seek out the daughter of Chun Ning."
Chunhui was taken aback at first, then burst out laughing: "What a joke! King Wu has long since passed away, why are you impersonating him?"
The wicked man remained calm and composed, taking out a jade pendant from his robes: "Is this a keepsake from your grandfather, Chun Ning?"
Chunhui took the jade pendant and examined it carefully. His expression gradually turned to shock: "This...this is indeed a family heirloom. How did you obtain it?"
“Because it was originally a gift from me to Chun Ning,” the wicked man said calmly. “We went through thick and thin together back then, and he was my most trusted brother.”
Chunhui looked at her wicked husband in disbelief: "Are you really... Lord Wu?"
The wicked man nodded: "Exactly."
Chunhui immediately knelt down: "When my grandfather was alive, he often mentioned the kindness of Lord Wu. If it weren't for your help back then, my Chun family would have died out long ago. It is a great honor to see your face today!"
The wicked man helped him up and asked, "I've heard you're very learned, so why are you living in seclusion here?"
Chunhui smiled bitterly: "My lord, you do not know this. During the reign of the late emperor, treacherous officials held power in the court, and loyal and virtuous people could not be tolerated. My father was once an advisor, but because he spoke frankly and remonstrated with the powerful, he was falsely accused of treason, and the whole family suffered. Fortunately, with the help of righteous people, I was able to escape and have lived a life of farming in anonymity ever since."
The wicked husband was furious upon hearing this: "How could this be! Do you know which treacherous minister did this?"
Chunhui shook his head: "This person is deceased, so let's not mention him."
The wicked man said solemnly, "Chunhui, now that the Ancestral Dragon Emperor has returned, he is restoring order to the court. I have come here to ask you to come out of seclusion and lend the Ancestral Dragon Emperor a helping hand."
Chunhui exclaimed in surprise, "The Ancestral Dragon Emperor has returned too? This... how is this possible?"
The wicked husband patiently explained the whole story. Chunhui was half-convinced, but her eyes were already moved.
"So, is there still hope for the Qin Dynasty?"
The wicked man nodded: "Exactly. We need talented people like you to save the Qin Dynasty from its dire straits."
After pondering for a long time, Chunhui finally said solemnly, "In that case, Chunhui is willing to return to the capital with Lord Wu to serve the country. However..."
What are your concerns?
Chunhui pointed deep into the village: "There is still a descendant of General Erniu in the village, named Niu Qiang. He is exceptionally brave and skilled. If we can take him with us, it would be a great blessing for the country."
The wicked husband was overjoyed: "Erniu has descendants here too? Quickly take me to see them!"
Led by Chunhui, the wicked man arrived at a grove of trees outside the village.
A burly man, bare-chested, wielded a knife with fierce and powerful moves, creating a whistling wind.
"Brother Niu, we have a distinguished guest!" Chunhui announced loudly.
The burly man sheathed his sword and strode over, exuding a fierce aura.
Upon learning the identity of his wicked husband, Niu Qiang was not as surprised as the others. He simply laughed heartily and said, "I've long heard my grandfather say that Lord Wu would surely return one day! Seeing him today, I can confirm that his reputation is well-deserved!"
The wicked man asked him if he was willing to go to the capital with him. Without saying a word, Niu Qiang went back to his house to get his weapons and luggage, and prepared to set off.
"My Niu family has been military officers for generations, and we've been longing for an opportunity to kill enemies and earn merit. If we can follow Lord Wu, what is there to fear in death!"
And so, the wicked man gained the descendants of two former comrades, one a scholar and the other a warrior, each with their own strengths.
Before leaving, Niu Qiang suddenly asked, "Sir, I heard that you had a brother named Xuan Yue back then. I wonder where his descendants are?"
The wicked husband's face showed sorrow: "Xuan Yue died of illness in her early years, leaving no descendants..."
As he spoke, his gaze unconsciously drifted into the distance, as if he were reminiscing about something.
No one dared to ask any more questions. After packing up, they set off with the wicked husband back to Xianyang.
Along the way, the wicked man chatted happily with the descendants of these former heroes and comrades, becoming increasingly convinced that each of them had their own strengths and could be of great use.
With the March deadline fast approaching, the wicked man, along with the talented individuals he had found, returned to Xianyang in a grand procession, preparing to introduce this new force to Ying Zheng.
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