Chapter 220: Murder Under the Moon

Xu Zhenying added, "The civil service exam will be over in ten days at most. In other words, we'll be in your village in twenty days at most."

With a confirmed time, several villages immediately breathed a sigh of relief. They never thought that this matter could be completed so smoothly.

There was no excuses or wrangling throughout the process, and it was completed so easily?

In the past, it would have taken at least ten days or half a month to run around and make arrangements before one could barely talk to the person in charge.

The village heads immediately burst into tears of gratitude. Seeing them about to leave, Xu Zhenying stood up first and said, "How about this? Go register with Ming Xiaoshuang first, and I won't keep you here."

She smiled again and said, "When you get back, tell the villagers that Jinzhou Prefecture has a new leader. Everything is new here, and the old customs are gone. Everyone is welcome to come and take a look, so that people won't spread rumors that I have three heads and six arms and love to kill people."

Several village heads laughed awkwardly, quickly apologized and begged for mercy, then followed Ming Xiaoshuang out.

After walking a few steps, the old man in green robes received a look from his companion, took out half a penny of silver, secretly put it in his hand, and then walked forward and took Ming Xiaoshuang's hand affectionately: "Director Ming, this is a small gift, not a courtesy, please accept it."

Ming Xiaoshuang hasn't felt like he's accepted a bribe in a long time.

Come to think of it, the last time it was given to me was when the prisoners were exiled last year.

It's strange to say, he used to be looking forward to bribes from his subordinates, but now the silver handed over by the old man in green robe is like a hot potato to him.

He quickly pushed it back. "Oh my God, old man, you really don't have to be like this. We're different from the officials in Jinzhou Prefecture back then. Didn't you hear what the city lord said? Unfortunately, the old rules still apply. Besides, our city lord is very strict. Forget about taking money from you. Even if you set up a stall, I wouldn't dare eat for free... If someone reports this, I'll at least be suspended!"

The old man's hands froze in mid-air, feeling rather awkward. He wasn't sure whether Ming Xiaoshuang was really refusing or just felt half a penny was too little.

Ming Xiaoshuang quickly put the silver back in his pocket with a smile. "Alright, old man, stop imagining things. Go to Lan County and ask the locals if what I said is true. The locals are very smart and are always watching over us. If there's any disturbance, they'll definitely complain to the city lord. So, just consider it a favor. I still want to stay in this position for a few more years."

Seeing Ming Xiaoshuang's serious tone, the old man in the green robe finally took the silver back with confidence, and did not forget to praise: "Since the arrival of the City Lord, our Jinzhou Prefecture has been completely transformed! The City Lord is so kind-hearted, promoting universal education and allowing us to engage in breeding. We don't know what kind of life we ​​will have in the coming year!"

The old village chief next to him smiled and said, "Next year, I'm afraid we'll have meat for every meal!"

"Speaking of Lanxian pigs, my second daughter-in-law really praises them to the skies. Director Ming, have you ever tasted them? Are they really that delicious?"

Ming Xiaoshuang smiled and said, "It's not only fragrant, but also tender and smooth, a thousand times better than beef and mutton! Especially the half-fat, half-lean pork belly. When you take a bite, it's fat but not greasy, and your mouth is filled with fragrance. It's just that the production is low now. Last time when the Lan County pig farm was open to visitors, we slaughtered two pigs and held a tasting event. I also tried a bite, and I'm still craving it!"

The elders looked fascinated. One of the village chiefs murmured, "The Lanxian pigs are so delicious, they will definitely sell well! When we sell the pigs next year, we will buy a thin coffin for the old people who died last year, and then erect a stone tablet—"

Ming Xiaoshuang was stunned.

The villagers looked at him, seemingly unconcerned about the tragedy. Instead, they smiled innocently, "Our village is poor. Last year, there was a severe flood, and all the crops were completely destroyed. Many elderly people were starved to death by their children, or they died trying to save food for their grandchildren. Their families had no money, so they couldn't even afford a thin coffin, so they could only wrap their bodies in a straw mat and bury them. Next year, when we have money, our village will be able to live a good life."

Ming Xiaoshuang looked at the village chief, who was older than his father, and felt uncomfortable when he said these words with a smile.

Ming Xiaoshuang always felt that he was not as good as Xu Zhenying and Xu Yinxi. He had no dreams. Every time he heard them talk about dreams, he felt that they were very illusory.

What is a dream? Can it be eaten? Can it be exchanged for things?

As a person, you have to be down-to-earth.

The reason why I followed Xu Zhenying was to gain a better future.

But Ming Xiaoshuang is now thinking, what will happen after he is granted the title of marquis and appointed as prime minister?

Perhaps it is far less proud than letting the villagers raise a pig that can be exchanged for money.

At this moment, Ming Xiaoshuang suddenly understood Xu Zhenying a little.

A kind-hearted person like the city lord would surely be heartbroken to see this broken world.

Ming Xiaoshuang smiled and said, "It doesn't matter. Now that the City Lord is here, our Jinzhou Prefecture will definitely get better and better."

——————————————————————

And in the courtyard of the second branch of the Xu family.

Xu Zhenying sat in the yard, the summer sun shining through the vine racks, and a ray of light fell on her face.

As she said, she was only confined but not suspended.

She was reading the "Soldier Management Regulations" that she had been preparing to work on. According to Xu Zhenying, they would have more and more soldiers under their command in the future, which would involve all aspects of military management, including job promotions, year-end assessments, welfare distribution, and trial decisions, all of which would require a relatively detailed set of regulations.

Now that she had some free time, Xu Yinxi wanted to get this done as soon as possible.

Unlike the other anxious people in the second house, Xu Yinxi reacted indifferently, even calmly, to being imprisoned.

She seemed to be completely unaffected by this matter. Every day she was either busy dealing with previous official duties or thinking about the future development of Jinzhou Prefecture and Qianzhou Prefecture.

Aunt Chun was like an ant on the hot pot, anxious but unable to think of a solution. She looked at Xu Yinxi's back and said, "Does the eldest lady have an idea in mind or something? We have been locked up here for four days now, cut off from all news from the outside world. Only the eldest lady can sit still!"

Lian pursed her lips and said nothing.

As the saying goes, no one knows a girl better than her mother. Ever since Liu Dazhuang came yesterday and handed her a stack of documents, Xu Yinxi has been obviously absent-minded.

The second house is on the verge of collapse.

Although they locked the somewhat crazy Xu Deyuan in the house, Xu Deyuan often went crazy and started cursing in the middle of the night.

Sometimes they cursed Xu Zhenying as a traitor, and sometimes they cursed the people in the second house for licking Xu Zhenying's stinky feet and being his running dogs. Their dirty words were unbearable to hear, which made the people in the second house terrified and exhausted.

The door is full of Xu Zhenying's soldiers. If Xu Zhenying hears these dirty words again, will the people of the second house have any chance of survival?

The second wife and others were like frightened birds at this moment, and could only wait and see when the knife hanging over their heads would fall.

This is a long process of waiting to die.

It was the first time that everyone saw Xu Zhenying's unkind side, but it was also the first time that they truly realized Xu Zhenying's power.

She is no longer the sixth daughter of the Xu family.

But it is a behemoth in the southwest area!

The Second House and its members were on the verge of collapse, with some even wishing only for a quick death. For a moment, a dark cloud loomed over the Second House.

Xu Yinxi raised her head from the book, stood up and looked into the distance.

There seemed to be a commotion in the city.

Xu Yinxi hurried over and asked the nearest guard, "Excuse me, what happened in the city that caused such a commotion?"

Xu Zhenying didn't seem to have issued any orders to block communication, so the soldier truthfully replied, "Today, the City Lord went to see off his wife and sister, and some commoners went along to join in the fun. Plus, the civil service exam is coming up soon, so the City Lord forced those troublemaking students from the White Deer Academy to take the exam, and they're currently causing a commotion."

The people from the Xu family's second branch only heard the first sentence, "See you off?"

Lian was immediately surprised and asked, "Where are your sister-in-law and Mei Xiao going?"

"The city lord has already conquered Qianzhou, so naturally he will send them as hostages. The Qianzhou chieftain will also exchange hostages to show the sincerity of both sides in the peace talks."

The second room and others exclaimed.

Even Xu Yinxi looked shocked.

As soon as Xu Zhenying returned to the city that day, he sent people to take them into custody, so the people from the second branch of the Xu family had no idea what happened next. Even Xu Yinxi only knew that after leaving Lan County, they split into two groups, one heading to Jinzhou Prefecture and the other to Qianzhou Prefecture for peace talks.

But this peace talk actually led to the capture of Qianzhou Prefecture?

Doesn't this mean they already have two states?

It would be a lie to say that I am not happy. It’s just that at this moment, this joy seems a little awkward.

Even the other people in the second house subconsciously showed joy on their faces when they heard the news.

Aunt Mei was so delighted that she exclaimed, "The City Lord has actually taken Qianzhou into his possession? This is great news, a truly great thing!"

Now the second branch of the Xu family has also been trained by Xu Zhenying to have a certain political sensitivity. Almost at the same time, everyone thought of a question.

Aunt Mei's voice trembled, "The city lord's territory has expanded several times, so he will definitely need more manpower! Are we going to miss this promotion just because of Xu Deyuan?"

Concubine Chun's face immediately turned pale. Thinking of the civil service exam she had just mentioned, she gnashed her teeth in hatred: "What a great opportunity this is! Minglu has just graduated from the intermediate class. If she can take part in this civil service exam, she might be able to rise to the top! This damn..."

more than.

Not only the future of the children, but also the concubines have been following Miao in managing the logistics. It can be said that they have done their best and have not been lazy at all.

Now that the Miao family has been sent to the chieftain of Qianzhou as a hostage, the position of the head will definitely be vacated. This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for them!

An opportunity that depends solely on their personal abilities, regardless of their background, age or gender!

It may even be the only chance in this life!

It was actually ruined by Xu Deyuan.

Lian had obviously thought of this, and she asked the soldier without hesitation, "Who is the new governor of Qianzhou?"

"Zhang Wanjun, the city lord's personal guard."

Everyone in the second room immediately looked at Xu Yinxi.

This woman who is at the pinnacle of power in the second house, this woman who embodies all the hopes of the second house!

Upon hearing this, Lian's face turned pale instantly!

Even the concubines all changed their expressions.

Xu Yinxi seemed stunned for a moment, then an inexplicable smile appeared on her face, "Zhang Wanjun, she is a very outstanding girl."

Aunt Mei's voice was filled with reluctance and tears: "Miss, that position should have been yours!"

"There's no right or wrong. It all depends on the City Lord's decision. Everything we have is given by her. If she doesn't give us anything, what can we do?"

Lian's voice trembled as she held Xu Yinxi's hand, "Son, you work tirelessly day and night, even when you're sick. Why... why..."

Xu Yinxi patted Lian's hand to comfort her, with a calm expression, showing neither impatience nor compassion, and her eyes were calm.

"Mother, aunts, haven't you figured it out yet? The city lord is trying to warn us."

Everyone looked at her in confusion.

"The city lord wants to tell us that no matter if we are disobedient, we can be replaced at any time."

Everyone was speechless and silent for a moment.

Everyone has their own thoughts.

It's late at night.

The courtyard of the second branch of the Xu family was pitch black, and the moonlight was like water and white mist in front of the steps.

In the bustling Jinzhou Prefecture, not a single sound could be heard after dark.

There was no light in the house.

Two thin figures shuttled through the darkness and then came to Xu Deyuan's door silently.

"Are you sure you want to do this?"

That was Aunt Chun's voice.

Like the first snow in winter, it is a little cold, but it hides a hint of shivering.

"You can choose to go back." Lian Qiuzhi on the side lowered his voice.

In the moonlight, her face was pale as a ghost, and there seemed to be a dark fire in the depths of her cold pupils.

"No need. Now that I'm here, I won't back down." Aunt Chun's palms were sweaty. She still held the rope in her hand and pointed inside the house. "Once you go in, you must move quickly and must not let the guards find you."

Lian nodded.

Two thin women gently pushed open the heavy wooden door.

Xu Deyuan fell asleep, and even though his hands and feet were tied, he still snored comfortably, which made people even more infuriating.

He had no idea that danger was approaching.

By the time he reacted, his mouth and nose had been blocked by thick cotton wool. He tried to shout for help, but no sound came out.

He wanted to use his shackles to make a noise to attract the attention of the guards outside, but his legs were held down tightly.

Who is it?

More than one person!

Who wanted to kill him? Was it Xu Zhenying or someone from the second wife?

Aunt Chun was like a trapped animal, gritting her teeth to prevent herself from making any sound. She held onto Xu Deyuan's legs tightly, making him unable to struggle.

She didn't even know where she got the strength from.

Whenever she thought of Xu Deyuan hindering her and Xu Minglu's future, her arms seemed to burst out with infinite strength.

——Ding.

The shackles made a slight sound as they collided.

Aunt Chun had cold sweat on her forehead and her whole body was pressed on Xu Deyuan's legs!

On the other side, Lian was sitting on Xu Deyuan's body, using her own strength to suppress Xu Deyuan's upper body, and her slender arms were covering Xu Deyuan's mouth and nose tightly with cotton wool!

Xu Deyuan was horrified, and at this moment the despair of dying instantly filled his heart!

He struggled, twisted, and gasped with all his strength—

He didn't even know who was going to do this to him—

Soon, Xu Deyuan stopped moving.

The room was dead silent, outside the wind blew the trees and the moonlight was dim.

If you listen carefully, you can hear the woman's weak and nervous breathing.

It was unknown how long it had been, but Aunt Chun's arms felt numb and her back was covered in cold sweat. She felt that Xu Deyuan had died, and only then did she dare to raise her head cautiously.

Lian was still sitting on Xu Deyuan's body, maintaining the same posture as before, as if she was frozen in the snow and wind and unable to move.

Her body was tense, her back was soaked with sweat, veins popped out of her forehead, and she was breathing heavily.

Aunt Chun's throat rolled, and she poked her carefully, saying in a mosquito-like voice: "Madam..."

Lian seemed to be frightened and climbed down from Xu Deyuan's body. Her chest heaved violently and her pupils seemed to tremble slightly.

The two women looked at each other and saw each other's panic-stricken look!

Only then did they remember that they were not alone.

They teamed up to kill their own men.

Lian suppressed the nausea in her heart and asked Aunt Chun with trembling lips: "Is he... dead?"

"He's dead." Aunt Chun carefully supported Lian, with a calm and strange smile on her face. "He's dead, and we are finally free."

Lian smiled with tears in her eyes, clasping her fingers tightly, "Good riddance! Now no one can hinder my Yinxi's future!"

Aunt Chun's eyes were fierce, "Yes, no one should try to hinder the future of our second branch!"