In Yin Jin'an's mansion, the newly appointed steward is Liang Youbin, who is Liang Jianguo's nephew and also a military officer.

"Second Master went to the drill ground with General Wang after his shift." Since the person before him was the Duke, Liang Youbin dared not be negligent.

Upon hearing that it was at the training ground, Yin Xiushan's mind stirred, and he wanted to go and see how his youngest son had tamed Wang Badao.

The drill ground that Liang Youbin took the Duke of Xun to was not anywhere else, but Xie Zhaozhao's estate on the outskirts of Beijing.

It was the estate that Madam Xie had given to Xie Zhaozhao to settle refugees.

The entire village was no longer used for farming; it was all leveled and turned into a drill ground and military exercise area. Barracks were built all around, and many intricate noise-reducing walls were constructed inside for soundproofing.

Yin Xiushan went inside, where Yin Jin'an was inspecting Wang Li and his troops.

Two groups of people were practicing in the training ground. It was Wang Li leading a squad of soldiers, and Yun Yang and Yun Yuan leading a group of government troops.

The two armies faced off, advancing and retreating with measured steps. Their troops were strong and their generals brave, breaking through enemy lines and slaying generals with overwhelming force, their might awe-inspiring and awe-inspiring.

Are all these soldiers from the second brother's side? Completely different from Yin Jinzhuo's constant self-deception, the second brother's soldiers, although rough men, are more pragmatic and focused on actual combat.

With his blood boiling, Yin Xiushan felt as if he were once again donning his armor and going into battle, seeing the heroic courage of the Yin family army, which once moved mountains and dominated the world, writing history with its golden spears and iron horses.

With such a formidable army, what is there to fear from foreign enemies!

Your Majesty is right, he is blind.

Seeing Wang Li's group of soldiers being brutally attacked by Yun Yang's garrison, Yin Xiushan was very anxious and couldn't help but shout, "Over there, flank them..."

Yin Jin'an turned her head and saw him, and immediately said angrily to Liang Youbin, "Who told you to bring him here?"

Liang Youbin said, "I've already asked the guards outside..."

"Bullshit! You gave them my name, so they definitely called you in. Get out right now, and don't bring anyone else in again!" Yin Jin'an roared, whipping Liang Youbin mercilessly.

Liang Youbin quickly grabbed Yin Xiushan and took him out.

As Yin Xiushan walked, he explained to Yin Jin'an, "Second brother, I need to talk to you about something..."

"I have nothing to say to you, just go!"

"Second brother, don't worry, I will absolutely not tell anyone about anything here..."

"You can try telling people!"

"You... Second son, your father is looking for you to ask if you are willing to inherit the title."

"What do you mean?"

"Would you like to become the heir of the Duke's mansion?"

"No! I want to build my own fortune through my own abilities!"

Yin Xiushan was chased away, feeling like he was being scratched by a cat.

Having watched my eldest son's theoretical discussions of military strategy for many years, seeing these courageous men today, the scene on the training ground kept replaying in my mind.

Was he really wrong?

***

The fire at the Earl's mansion sparked a wave of reactions in the capital: some sympathized, some sighed, and some despised the Crown Prince. In short, everyone was thoroughly entertained by the drama unfolding.

Following that, the Duke of Xun's mansion presented everyone with another juicy piece of gossip: that scoundrel from the Yin family had actually become an official.

I was praising it for just a few days, and alas, we've split up!

People passed by his door again and again, eagerly looking at the plaque on the door; it was an indescribable feeling.

Second Master's Mansion!

This is truly the best in the capital.

Why did he split up the family property? Life was so good in the Duke's mansion, with a powerful backer. Why did he leave? Just to rely on that Commander? Is the money he earns enough for cockfighting?

Before we could even fully digest this gossip, Prince Yin was stripped of his position! And his wife's title of Imperial Noblewoman was revoked!!

Good heavens, the Duke of Xun only has two legitimate sons. If the eldest son is stripped of his title, won't the title fall to the second son?

How old is Yin Lao Er? Is he married?

No? Then hurry up and find a match for that bad seed, no, the future heir (the Duke)!

Look, in the capital, is there anyone better looking than Master Yin?

Unfortunately, the matchmaker came several times, but the Duchess was ill, the eldest young mistress (formerly the heir's wife Pei Yue) was ill, and the master could not be found in the Second Master's mansion, nor could the Second Master be found in the "Second Master's mansion".

While one melon is being eaten without any resolution, another big melon has already ripened and fallen from the vine.

On this day, the streets of the capital were bustling with people as always, and the cries of vendors rose and fell.

"Clatter, clatter"

A series of thuds from wooden cartwheels, mixed with the unhurried clatter of horses' hooves, came from the city gate, breaking the hustle and bustle of the street.

A long line of prison vans carried more than a dozen prisoners; judging from the cages, they were all serious offenders.

Although the people of the Imperial City Guard are generally perceived as gloomy and ruthless, and are avoided by everyone, there are also some kind-hearted, smiling tigers. Once the common people get to know them, they dare to ask with a smile, "Sir, who are these people?"

The smiling tiger answered politely: "These are the thieves who assassinated Grand Secretary Gu and his wife during the Lantern Festival."

"Wow, sirs, you're amazing!"

The Imperial City Guards were quite pleased to hear these compliments. The thieves they had captured this time were no ordinary bandits, and the Imperial City Guards had once again performed a great service.

Since Commander Leng took office, the Imperial City Guard has become an increasingly important department for His Majesty.

Take this time for example, they captured Wei's secret guard training camp and destroyed the entire base.

The capable and competent officials of the Imperial City Guard are His Majesty's trusted ministers and pillars of support, truly deserving of their titles.

I don't know how Lord Leng managed to extract such top-secret information from the Empress's two guards!

Well, Lord Leng would never say that it was the "Map of the Daqingshan Secret Guard Training Camp" given to him by the Grand Secretary's wife.

More than 300 miles from the capital, deep in the continuous Daqingshan Mountains, there is a huge valley. Because of its complex and treacherous terrain and the presence of wild beasts, it is rarely ventured into by ordinary people except for hunters.

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