Spy Infiltration

"Don't worry, Chancellor Evans. I've noted everything down," Nathan Ye said.

The two of them carefully studied the detailed plans for the textile factory. Chancellor Evans placed great hopes on this project—it was her first attempt at launching modern industry in the ancient world, and its significance was extraordinary.

They worked tirelessly until dusk, and only then did Chancellor Evans return to the Palace of Qin.

When she arrived home, Charles Hayes saw his mother and broke into a wide, toothy grin, toddling over while shouting, "Mama, mama..."

"Charlie, let Mama give you a hug!" Chancellor Evans laughed as she scooped up her little bun.

Charlie was nearly two years old now. His steps were much steadier than before—he could walk and even run, which put Chancellor Evans at ease.

Every time Chancellor Evans came home exhausted from work, seeing her son's adorable little face instantly swept away all her fatigue.

She knew that everything she did outside wasn't just for her own dreams—it was for her son and for the generations that would come after him.

She wanted to leave Charles Hayes a strong Kingdom of Qin. She refused to let her descendants suffer humiliation at the hands of foreign powers, or endure days of national disgrace.

Charles Hayes had inherited the best traits from both his parents—he was adorable and clever, with sparkling black eyes like grapes, brimming with intelligence.

After playing with her son for a while, Lily Evans heard the familiar sound of footsteps. She turned around and saw Alexander Hayes striding toward her.

"Darling, An'er." Alexander sat down beside Lily, stretched out his long arms, and wrapped mother and son in a protective embrace.

"I went to inspect Chang'an today; everything went smoothly. April's wig workshop is thriving, and the textile factory is under construction. In two months, it will be up and running." Lily nestled into Alexander's arms as the couple chatted about their day.

"Princess Jade Hayes is getting more and more capable," Alexander said, admiring his wife and playfully pinching Lily's cheek.

Lily giggled. "It's all thanks to Your Majesty, King of Qin, for recognizing talent!"

If she had married another man, Lily would probably have spent her life managing the palace harem, dabbling in small business at best.

Then there would never be a Princess Jade Hayes known throughout the land and loved by the people.

Because Lily often mingled with the common folk and conducted inspections everywhere, most people in Chang'an recognized her. Her reputation among the people even surpassed that of Alexander, the King of Qin, who rarely showed his face.

Don't be fooled by Alexander's infrequent appearances—he's just as busy as Lily.

Military affairs are no joke. Alexander had a mountain of tasks waiting for him, especially in the newly reclaimed southeastern region. Though the couple now had less time together, their hearts were more united than ever, both striving to leave a strong country for their descendants.

Under their leadership, the sweeping changes in Qin eventually made the people of Chu and Jin uneasy.

They grew fearful of Qin's rise, knowing that if things continued this way, Qin would soon break free from Jin's control and become a major power in its own right.

At this moment, Gregory Gu Jr. of Chu and Emperor Leonard Li of Jin, determined to sabotage Qin's progress, simultaneously sent more spies into Qin. They were ready to seize any opportunity to undermine Lily's achievements...

So, that summer, over a thousand elite spies from Chu and Jin disguised themselves as merchants, farmers, and craftsmen, quietly infiltrating Qin. They hid in every industry, waiting for their chance to strike...