Qin Dynasty: Ying Zheng is my brother, I am the Bad Commander

The Great Qin Dynasty, Xianyang.

The entire royal city resembled a lurking black beast, exuding a chilling solemnity in the twilight. However, in a quiet side hall deep within the palace, there was no oppressive atmosphere of tension, but rather a rare tranquility.

Inside the hall, the air was filled with the fragrance of sandalwood.

Two men sat facing each other, their fingertips lightly tapping as black and white chess pieces crisscrossed on the board, seemingly deducing the course of the world.

The boy sitting on the left was about eighteen years old, with a handsome face that seemed almost otherworldly. He wore a snow-white robe and had a finely carved jade pendant of a black bird hanging at his waist. He leaned back lazily on the cushions.

He was Ying Chen, the second prince of the Great Qin Dynasty.

Before him stood the King of Qin, Ying Zheng, who was increasingly displaying imperial majesty.

"Big brother, when are you planning to make your move?"

Ying Chen held a black chess piece between his fingers and casually placed it on a corner of the chessboard, his tone indifferent.

Across from him, Ying Zheng's black robe gleamed coldly in the lamplight.

His face was calm, his eyes deep and unfathomable. Hearing Ying Chen's words, his expression remained unchanged; he simply uttered two words:

"No rush."

Upon hearing this, Ying Chen's lips curled up slightly, and he nodded, saying, "That's true. My elder brother has always been steady and reliable. Now that Gai Nie has entered Xianyang, his Hundred-Step Flying Sword is more than enough to protect you, so I can rest assured."

Upon hearing the name "Gai Nie," Ying Zheng's fingers, which were about to place a piece, paused slightly. He raised his head, his gaze sharply fixed on Ying Chen: "You're leaving?"

"Where to?" Ying Zheng immediately followed up with another question.

Ying Zheng's feelings towards his younger brother were complex. Ying Chen had displayed astonishing martial arts talent from a young age and had secretly formed an organization called "Bad People," recruiting followers from all over the land. Although Ying Chen never interfered in politics, Ying Zheng knew that as long as Ying Chen was around, his back was absolutely safe.

"Let's go to South Korea and take a look first." Ying Chen casually tossed the chess piece back into the chess basket and stretched.

After a pause, Ying Chen seemed to remember something and casually said, "By the way, my men reported that the Yin Yang School has been secretly contacting Prince Dan of Yan recently, seemingly plotting something. Brother, should I give them a heads-up?"

Ying Zheng spoke slowly, his tone regaining its usual domineering and composed manner: "You handle this matter as you see fit. As long as it doesn't disrupt the overall situation, you can do whatever you want."

"Alright." Ying Chen nodded, then placed a hand down, completely locking away Bai Zi's life force.

Ying Zheng looked at the utterly defeated white pieces on the chessboard, but instead of picking up any more, he shook his head helplessly: "I still can't beat you. Come to think of it, you're more suited to this position than I am. If it were you back then…"

"Stop."

Ying Chen interrupted Ying Zheng directly, leaning back against the screen with a respectful but distant expression: "I don't want to wake up every day to endless government affairs to review, facing those scheming ministers. That kind of life would shorten my lifespan."

He stood up, brushed off non-existent dust from his white clothes, and walked towards the door.

"I'm leaving now. I'm going back to pack my bags. I'll leave the snow and wind of Xianyang to you alone, brother."

Ying Chen's figure gradually disappeared into the shadows of the palace gate, leaving only his deep and confident voice echoing within the hall.

Ying Zheng sat alone in front of the chessboard, looking in the direction Ying Chen had left. A complex emotion flashed in his deep eyes, which eventually turned into a faint smile.

…………

The night in Xianyang was deep and somber, with only the bright moon hanging high above, coldly overlooking the heart of power in the Qin Empire.

As Ying Chen stepped into the mansion, the guards knelt silently, the soft rustling of their armor echoing in the quiet courtyard. He walked through the corridor and headed straight for the inner study. Pushing open the door, a faint scent of sandalwood wafted out, dispelling the slight chill that had settled on him.

A gentle figure was already waiting there.

She wore an elegant light purple dress, her long hair cascading down her back, held up by a simple jade hairpin, with a few strands falling in front of her chest, adding a touch of femininity.

The woman walked gracefully forward, placed her slender hand on Ying Chen's shoulder, and gently and skillfully took off his outer garment.

Her fingertips occasionally brushed against Ying Chen's skin, carrying a slight coolness, yet becoming warm the moment they touched him.

"Your Highness, the water is ready. Would you like to take a bath first?" Jingni's voice was soft and melodious, like a gentle spring breeze.

"No rush." ​​Ying Chen sat on the large sandalwood chair, leaned back slightly, and closed his eyes to rest.

The woman understood immediately, walked to the table to the side, and began to grind the powder with her delicate hands.

The scent of ink slowly diffused, mingling with the fragrance of sandalwood.

As she ground the powder, she parted her red lips slightly, her voice low yet clearly reaching Ying Chen's ears:

"Your Highness, Gai Nie's junior brother, Wei Zhuang, went to Xinzheng in Han after leaving Guigu. Crown Prince Dan of Yan has been increasingly active in Xianyang recently. Intelligence indicates that he seems to have some kind of secret connection with the higher-ups of the Mohist school."

Upon hearing this, Ying Chen's lips curled into a mocking smile: "Yan Dan? Just a hypocrite living in idealism. Does he think he can stop the Qin cavalry with the Mohist school's mechanical arts and chivalrous wanderers? That's utterly delusional."

He reached out, his slender fingers tucking a strand of hair behind the woman's ear and gently entwining it around his fingertips.

The woman obediently lowered her head.

Ying Chen looked at her cool and beautiful face, a faint smile in his eyes: "Jing Ni, let's go to South Korea in a couple of days."

Jing Ni was slightly taken aback, then gently leaned towards Ying Chen and nodded obediently: "Yes, Your Highness."

Ying Chen's hand slowly slid down her dark hair, his fingertips caressing her delicate, porcelain-like neck, finally landing on her exquisite collarbone.

Jingni's breathing became slightly rapid, and she let out a soft moan, her eyes filled with a misty haze.

Back then, when Ying Chen forcibly took her from Lü Buwei, Lü Buwei's face was extremely ugly, and he could still recall it to this day.

That night, the lights deep within the mansion flickered for a long time, until the moon was high in the sky.

……

The following morning, Xianyang was shrouded in a light mist.

With Jing Ni's help, Ying Chen put on a black brocade robe, with a jade belt with gold trim around his waist. He looked even more handsome and extraordinary, exuding an aura of royal nobility that commanded respect without anger.

"Your Highness, the carriage is ready." Jingni carefully smoothed out the last wrinkle and said softly.

Ying Chen nodded and walked out of the mansion. He didn't bring many attendants, only a few capable Shadow Guards who followed him secretly.

The carriage traveled through the wide streets of Xianyang and finally stopped in front of a quiet mansion.

This was the residence of Prince Dan of Yan in Xianyang.

Ying Chen stepped off the carriage and was about to enter when he suddenly stopped.

A woman stood at the main gate of Yan Dan's residence.