Yan Xiao didn't care what Zhang Kangnian's mood was, nor did she think she was being cruel. After all, what she said might have been exaggerated, but it was all based on verifiable truth.

The reason she wasted so much breath talking to a dying man was actually to whitewash herself and to undermine Jiang Xinrui's image in the eyes of the soldiers and people of Jiangbei.

Now that they've turned against each other and are destined to be adversaries, she can't leave any future troubles in Jiangbei to cause herself any unhappiness.

No matter how powerful the female lead's aura is, she will tear it to shreds and completely dismantle all the connections she has made in Jiangbei over the past few years, otherwise there will be endless troubles.

After saying what he wanted everyone present to hear, Yan Xiao turned to the crowd and continued amidst the sounds of whipping and Zhang Kangnian's cries of pain:

"I know that many of you here have some connection with Jiang Xinrui. I called you here to remind you that you must always remember your identity, no matter when or where, and not repeat General Zhang's mistakes in the future."

Military law is as imposing as a mountain; no one may break the law for any reason, and such behavior will be met with utmost leniency.

This time, Jiang Xinrui only wanted to leave the city. But if she was colluding with the people of Yanyun City to take advantage of the general's absence and attack Jiangbei City, then the favor General Zhang did for her could endanger the lives of all the people in the city and cause irreversible disaster.

Are the lives of an entire city something to be gambled away with? Do you still think General Zhang's actions are justifiable?

Whenever one's own interests are involved, one's mind immediately becomes much clearer, and one begins to weigh the pros and cons.

The onlookers all knew what Jiang Xinrui had done yesterday, and many of them were witnesses, so their impression of Jiang Xinrui had already changed.

Hearing Yan Xiao's words now, Jiang Xinrui's image in their hearts has plummeted, and there is even a hint of antagonism between them.

Those soldiers who had some connection with Jiang Xinrui naturally understood the principle that military orders are absolute. Their initial dissatisfaction mostly stemmed from their discontent and prejudice against Yan Xiao.

After hearing Yan Xiao's words and seeing Zhang Kangnian's miserable state, they became much clearer-headed and realized they didn't know why they had such thoughts before.

What is his own status? He's just an ordinary soldier making a living under Shen Muzhi's command, someone who could die on the battlefield at any moment. How could he possibly have the time or inclination to care about who the general marries?

Upon closer reflection, it seems that I didn't really have any connection with that Dr. Jiang; I had only been treated by him.

Just as Yan Xiao said, Jiang Xinrui is a military doctor, and treating them is her job. Moreover, Jiang Xinrui is not the only military doctor who has treated them. Why do they think Jiang Xinrui is different and still remember her kindness to this day?

Without thinking about it carefully, they didn't realize it, but once they did, they couldn't help but recall Yan Xiao's words that Jiang Xinrui was more like a bewitching enchantress. Looking at Zhang Kangnian's miserable appearance at this moment, they felt a chill run down their spines.

While Yan Xiao was talking, he kept observing the changes in these people's expressions. He was quite satisfied with their performance at this time, so he felt that his performance was about to come to an end.

She cleared her throat, her tone unusually serious and earnest, and said righteously:

“I have never felt that just because I am a woman, I should hide behind a man and enjoy peace. Now that the general is away on a campaign, as his wife, and having been trusted by him and given a waist token, I must protect this Jiangbei city for him.”

You have followed the general through countless life-and-death situations, and finally found a place to settle down and make a living. You probably don't want it to be lost, do you?

Whether you believe Jiang Xinrui has already defected to Yanyun City is not important, nor is it important what kind of prejudice you have against me, the general's wife. What is important is to remember your duties and identity, and not to lose your head and do something disloyal, otherwise Zhang Kangnian will be your example.

As for whether I have wronged Jiang Xinrui, I think you will have your answer soon enough. The truth cannot be hidden, and she cannot make a lie true, can she?

After Yan Xiao finished speaking, he glanced at Zhang Kangnian, who was barely breathing, and a wicked smile appeared on his lips.

“General Zhang, since you trust Jiang Xinrui so much, I will give her a chance to prove herself.”

As he spoke, he signaled the executioners to stop, then took the silver needles he carried with him from Qianqiu and casually pricked Zhang Kangnian's body a few times.

Those present were somewhat puzzled by her actions, but Zhang Kangnian was surprised to find that his breathing seemed to have become easier.

"What...what are you doing?"

"What can I do? Didn't I say I'd give you a chance? These few needles of mine can save your life for three days. As for whether you'll have a fourth day, that depends on whether you've misjudged me."

As Yan Xiao spoke, she smiled and withdrew her acupuncture hand. Then, she beckoned to Zhao Qian with her finger and instructed him in front of everyone:

"Pass down the order to hang Zhang Kangnian on the city wall. If Jiang Xinrui returns on her own initiative within three days, I will spare Zhang Kangnian's life and allow him to be reinstated to his original position."

"If you don't return, then don't blame me for being ruthless."

"Understood."

Zhao Qian now looked at Yan Xiao as if she were an idol. He was originally worried that Yan Xiao would have a hard time getting out of this situation, but now he realized that this general's wife was both ruthless and intelligent.

Putting aside the initial probing questions, this move alone was like putting Jiang Xinrui on the hot seat of a fire.

Zhang Kangnian ended up in this predicament entirely because of Jiang Xinrui. If he were to be beaten to death like this, Jiang Xinrui could still find an excuse to say that she was unaware of the situation and did not expect the consequences to be so severe.

But now that things are like this, if she just stands by and does nothing, only caring about herself, her image as a kind-hearted and beautiful person will really be shattered to pieces.

Adding to what Yan Xiao said at the beginning, it's almost a done deal that she used Zhang Kangnian's defection as leverage. Yan Xiao is cutting off all of Jiang Xinrui's escape routes in Jiangbei.

As Zhao Qian was thinking, he heard Yan Xiao lean closer and coldly instruct him:

"Have the secret guards keep an eye on those people. If there are any stubborn ones, find a suitable opportunity to make them disappear in a legitimate way."

Zhao Qian was taken aback by these words, but quickly understood what Yan Xiao meant. He glanced at those who had some connection with Jiang Xinrui and nodded to indicate that he understood.

After dealing with things here, Yan Xiao left directly, leaving the rest to Zhao Qian.

As for whether Jiang Xinrui would appear, Yan Xiao never expected it. If she still believed in the idea of ​​someone being beautiful and kind-hearted, then she would be a fool who had lived two lives in vain.