Nanhai Commandery, Governor's Office.
The wicked man stood in the main hall, listening to the final reports from officials from various regions.
Three months have passed since Panyu fell.
The Qin army's iron hooves trampled across every inch of Baiyue land, and countless people either died or surrendered in this bloody reign.
"Reporting to the Grand Commandant," an official stepped forward and said, "All sixteen commanderies of Baiyue have been pacified. Except for Panyu, important cities such as Longmen, Leizhou, and Xiangjun have all been established as prefectures and counties."
"Hmm." The wicked husband nodded in satisfaction, picking up the map on the table. "What happened to those unruly areas?"
"Reporting to the Grand Commandant," another officer said, "as per your orders, all rebellious villages have been wiped out. In some places, even..."
He paused, seemingly hesitant.
"explain!"
"Some places were even razed to the ground, barren of everything," the officer said. "Especially those mountain strongholds, almost all of them were burned to the ground."
The wicked man sneered, "Very well! This is to let these barbarians understand that resistance only leads to death! By the way, how's the matter of conscripting men going?"
"Reporting to the Grand Commandant," a clerk stepped forward, holding bamboo slips. "To date, over 70,000 able-bodied men have been apprehended. They have been escorted north in batches, with 40,000 going to build the Great Wall, 20,000 to mines, and the remainder assigned to hard labor camps."
"Furthermore..." he opened the bamboo slips, "the county governments in various regions have already established a household registration system. All able-bodied men of the Baiyue people must be registered. In the future, any population changes will be detected immediately."
The wicked man nodded; this was exactly the effect he wanted.
We must not only arrest people, but also fundamentally establish a control mechanism.
Only in this way can the Baiyue people be forever subjugated.
"How well are the laws of the Great Qin being implemented in various places?" he asked again.
"Reporting to the Grand Commandant, judges have been appointed in all prefectures and counties to enforce Qin law. Anyone who disobeys is dealt with immediately. Although these barbarians are unwilling, they dare not act recklessly under the severe punishments."
The wicked man strolled to the window and looked out at the street.
Three months ago, this place was still under the rule of the Baiyue people, but now it has completely changed.
Qin cavalry could be seen everywhere, and the people on the street trembled at the sight of the soldiers.
"Pass down the order," he said, turning to the officials of all counties. "Tell them that any unrest thereafter will be met with death! The land of Baiyue now belongs to Great Qin, and no rebellious individuals will be allowed to cause trouble!"
"Yes, sir!" the officials replied in unison.
Just then, a secret agent from the Black Ice Guard rushed in: "Grand Commandant, His Majesty's decree has arrived!"
The wicked man received the secret edict and read it carefully. After a moment, he smiled slightly: "Order the entire army to prepare for the return march! His Majesty has granted us a triumphant return."
Soon, news of their triumphant return spread far and wide.
The Qin army began to withdraw in stages, leaving only the necessary garrison troops.
One army after another returned along the route they had originally taken south, creating a magnificent scene.
This southern expedition can be described as a great victory.
The Baiyue were not only completely conquered, but also provided a large number of laborers for the Qin Dynasty.
More importantly, this land became part of the Qin Dynasty, and no one would dare to resist it again.
The wicked man, mounted on his horse, looked back at the land he had just conquered.
Three months of bloody suppression have changed everything here.
Those once unruly Baiyue people have now become slaves of the Qin Dynasty.
"Grand Commandant," Zhang Erhe spurred his horse forward, "scouts report that preparations are underway in various places along the route to welcome the triumphant army."
"Heh heh," the wicked man sneered, "They're quite sensible. But it's good, let the people see the might of Great Qin!"
As we traveled north, we were greeted with grand welcoming ceremonies wherever we went.
But the wicked man knew that those people kneeling by the roadside had no respect in their eyes, only deep fear.
But that's exactly the effect he wanted.
The rule of an empire is built on fear.
Gradually, the team entered the heart of the Central Plains.
The scenery along the way began to change.
The people here have a deep respect for the Qin army, after all, their southern expedition against the Baiyue eliminated future troubles for the Qin.
"Reporting to the Grand Commandant!" a scout galloped in, "We're nearing Xianyang! His Majesty is already hosting a banquet at the Epang Palace!"
Sure enough, the majestic Epang Palace could already be seen in the distance.
The magnificent palace complex gleamed in the sunlight, displaying the power and might of the Qin Dynasty.
"Form ranks!" the wicked man commanded.
The army immediately began to organize its ranks.
After three months of fighting, the soldiers' equipment was somewhat worn out, but their battle-hardened spirit was even more awe-inspiring.
The gates of Xianyang were opened wide, and officials lined the streets to welcome them.
The wicked man led his army slowly into the city, and the streets were crowded with cheering people.
This victory in the southern expedition filled everyone with pride.
Upon arriving at the Epang Palace, civil and military officials were already waiting outside the hall.
Ying Zheng sat high on his dragon throne, watching his wicked husband return in triumph.
"Your Majesty, I, your humble servant, pay my respects!" The servant dismounted and bowed.
"No need for formalities." Ying Zheng's voice was filled with satisfaction. "You have rendered great service to the Great Qin, and I am very pleased. This southern expedition not only conquered the Baiyue, but also added a lot of manpower to our Great Qin."
"I have already decreed that the soldiers of the three armies be richly rewarded!"
A cheer erupted in the hall. The conquest of Baiyue had further expanded the Qin Dynasty's territory, which was naturally cause for celebration.
"Your Majesty," the wicked man said solemnly, "I have already established the prefecture-county system in Baiyue. From this day forward, that land will forever be the territory of Great Qin!"
"Excellent!" Ying Zheng laughed heartily. "Guards, prepare a farewell banquet! I wish to personally see this meritorious army off!"
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