The two brothers and their wives sat together. Gu Shaoyu and Xie Zhaozhao, considering that the second wife's mental state was on the verge of collapse, did not put on airs.

“We will write a letter today, and tomorrow morning we will send someone to Yuzhou to select two military officers or civilian officers with good character and simple family backgrounds under the command of the Duke of Zhenguo.”

Xie Zhaozhao said, "Once the candidates are chosen, send someone to their hometown to inquire. Then, brother and sister-in-law can personally send the two children there to see them in person. If they are not satisfied, we can choose another one."

Having said that, what else could Gu Zhongyu and Madam Lu possibly be dissatisfied with?

Back then, the old Marquis was ennobled for his meritorious service in the army. If Gu Huanhuan and Gu Mianmian can follow in their grandfather's footsteps, the second branch of the family will be extremely fortunate.

Gu Zhongyu was moved to tears and said, "It's all up to my third brother and sister-in-law to make the decision. We don't have to worry about it."

Xie Zhaozhao also personally asked Gu Huanhuan and Gu Mianmian for their thoughts. Upon hearing that they could leave the capital, the border soldiers did not care whether they were virgins or not, and were so excited that they burst into tears.

Gu Shaoyu wrote a letter to Zhang Hexuan. He originally wanted to send his own guards to deliver it in person, but Xie Zhaozhao said, "Let Hongying and Hongshu go. They have never been to Yuzhou before. Let them go out on their mission, experience the wind and rain, and broaden their horizons."

Gu Shaoyu didn't care; these were all minor matters.

Before Hongying and Hongshu set off, Xie Zhaozhao called them to her study and asked, "Do you know why I called you over?"

"...Please give your instructions, Miss."

"When you go to Yuzhou, take a detour through the northwest, where Ren Jialin has a liaison point in the martial arts world. You need to get a feel for the terrain and local conditions of the northwest and Yuzhou. In the future, if there is a war on the frontier, I will send you there. I hope that you will not only be my female soldiers, but female generals who will achieve great things, be personally appointed by the court, and be remembered in history."

"Miss Xie."

Xie Zhaozhao told them that Yuzhou was adjacent to the Wei family's border army, and they needed to get a preliminary understanding of the situation of Wei Anyuan's western border army.

Hongying and Hongshu were excited and high-spirited, feeling that their task was arduous. The next morning, they took the letter, money, a fine horse, and a golden sword and left the capital.

This matter will not be discussed further.

**

Gu Shaoyu couldn't neglect matters of the court.

Having gathered all the evidence from the trip to Nanshan, Gu Shaoyu handed over the memorial.

The memorial from Song Lian, the magistrate of Ouyang County and the governor of the prefecture where Ouyang County is located, has also been submitted to the cabinet.

The news of capturing bandits, apprehending remaining members, and seizing weapons and armor was exhilarating!

Not to mention Emperor Hui, almost all the officials in the court, except for the Duke of Cheng'en, were overwhelmingly excited.

We finally wiped out the remnants of the previous dynasty and even seized so much excellent equipment.

"During this bandit suppression, Yin Jin'an, the second son of the Duke of Xun, discovered and led men to surround and suppress the bandits. Song Lian, the magistrate of Ouyang County and the chief administrator of the prefecture, led men to completely wipe out the bandits and seize their weapons..."

Gu Shaoyu's words caused a moment of silence in the court. One minister blurted out, "Yin Jin'an, the second son of the Duke of Xun, is that scoundrel capable of suppressing bandits and capturing rebels?"

Gu Shaoyu confirmed that there was no mistake.

Everyone was astonished; this scoundrel had stumbled upon something extraordinary by sheer luck.

Emperor Hui summoned Duke Xun Guo, Yin Xiushan, his heir Yin Jinzhuo, and his second son Yin Jinan to the court.

Only then did Yin Xiushan realize that his second son, that scoundrel and troublemaker, had actually destroyed the armory and smelting workshops of the remnants of the previous dynasty!

Not only did they raid the hideout, but they also captured Li Ziqing's great-grandson, Prince Cheng, Li Hu, and obtained a large number of confidential letters.

Yin Xiushan and Yin Jinzhuo stared at Yin Jinan as if they had seen a ghost. "Can the second brother do anything right?"

His Majesty smiled and said, "Yin Er, what reward do you desire?"

Yin Jin'an immediately replied, "I have enough to eat and use, and I do not need any rewards."

"You have captured the ringleader and made a great contribution. I will definitely reward you."

"What I should do is not for the sake of rewards."

When His Majesty heard this, he felt as relieved as if he had drunk ice water on a sweltering summer day!

Yin Er was very honest, unpretentious, and guileless. Despite making such a great contribution, he showed no arrogance whatsoever.

Rumors mislead people; this innocent heart was actually accused of being a scoundrel?

This child is clearly a pure-hearted, energetic, and lovable young man!

Emperor Hui smiled and said, "There is still a vacancy for the Commander of the Palace Guards, which I will give to you. I won't require you to be on duty every day; I only hope that you will continue to work hard and share my burdens. Are you willing?"

Yin Jin'an kowtowed to His Majesty earnestly: "Thank you for your great kindness, Your Majesty."

"The rewards will be delivered to your residence shortly. You must work hard in the future and not let me down."

"I obey the order."

When Yin Jin'an first heard that he was to be offered an official position, he was worried that he would be required to perform his duties at the appointed time, which would affect his grand plans, so he preferred to decline.

Hearing that His Majesty didn't require him to show up every day, that he could get money, and that he could also use the imperial court's influence, why wouldn't he do it?

Was this position arranged for him by Xie Zhaozhao? Hmm, it's very likely that old man Gu arranged it for him.

From now on, we can openly poach people from the Palace Guard and the Imperial Guard, hehehe.

As soon as they came out of the palace, Yin Xiushan asked him eagerly, "Why did you decide to go to Pingyang Town to catch bandits?"

Yin Jin'an said nonchalantly, "I was just bored and went out to have some fun, and that's how I ran into them."

"You ran into them? What a coincidence!" Prince Yin Jinzhuo simply didn't believe it. "Besides, where did you get so many bandits? And how did you manage to capture Prince Cheng? Who exactly is helping you?"

Hearing her elder brother's disdainful question, Yin Jin'an retorted, "Who else can help me? My brothers with whom I hang out! The Duke's mansion didn't give me any manpower, unlike you, who inherited the family business without ever having done anything!"

Duke Xun kicked him: "You're so unreliable, how could I dare to give you the family fortune? Look at you, you're either cockfighting, walking your dog, or going to brothels..."

My dear reader, there's more to this chapter! Please click the next page to continue reading—even more exciting content awaits!