The bandits who had fled from the natural disasters in the south eventually couldn't resist attacking a passing caravan.

The number of bandits was unknown, but since they were located in the mountains between two towns, the magistrates of both counties decided to join forces to suppress them.

The government officials were insufficient, so it was obvious that the assistance of the guards was needed.

The county magistrate summoned Xu Yi to discuss the matter. They had already decided which people to send and how to deploy the defenses. At the end, Xu Yi noticed that the county magistrate seemed hesitant to speak.

"Does Your Excellency have anything else to say?" Everyone else had already left, and the county magistrate kept Xu Yi behind, making small talk about unimportant things.

Xu Yi guessed that she probably had something to say to him.

"You shouldn't go when we're suppressing the bandits the day after tomorrow," the county magistrate said, looking at Xu Yi with a troubled expression.

Xu Yi was puzzled, so the county magistrate explained.

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“I know your character and your Xu family well. You would never do anything like bullying others by abusing your power. But somehow these words have spread to higher-ups.”

"The higher-ups haven't said anything yet, but I've heard quite a few people say these past two days that if you make a contribution in the bandit suppression, you'll be able to run rampant in Yun Town."

Towards the end, the county magistrate lowered his voice, and his expression became even more unpleasant.

He said this not only because he heard gossip from others in private, but also because many people came to talk to him about it today.

The implication was that he wanted to keep Xu Yi in check and prevent him from becoming too powerful and overstepping his authority as the county magistrate.

Others might not know, but he, the county magistrate, did. The Xu family was far more complex than it appeared. When Xu Yi got married, high-ranking officials from the capital came to attend.

Moreover, they have a very close relationship with the Xu family, so getting Xu Yi a position in the capital would be a simple matter of a word.

However, Xu Yi's continued presence here indicates that his heart is not truly with the place.

So the county magistrate knew exactly what these people were saying and wouldn't try to sow discord between him and Xu Yi. But since so many people were talking about it, if he didn't take some action, it would be difficult to silence the gossip.

"Qian Dayong said it?" Xu Yi said the name directly.

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"It's not just him, there are quite a few others too. Don't bother guessing who they are. Just treat the day after tomorrow as a day off."

"If they can successfully suppress the bandits, it will be a great achievement, protecting the people of two towns and the passing caravans."

"If it doesn't work, I'll involve you again, and then no one will say anything."

This was the only method the county magistrate could think of. Compared to Qian Dayong, Xu Yi was definitely superior.

He secretly felt that without Xu Yi, the bandit suppression campaign would not have gone so smoothly. However, he did not strongly refute everyone's claims. The reason for this was to let those who were talking know how important Xu Yi was.

After hearing what he said, Xu Yi roughly understood the situation. He didn't press further about who those people were, but obediently agreed.

Seeing that he had agreed, the county magistrate finally breathed a sigh of relief. "It's rare for you to agree so readily today. I was prepared to fight you head-on."

Xu Yi smiled almost imperceptibly. "Since it is the magistrate's order, how could I disobey it? Otherwise, I would truly be considered lawless."

The county magistrate glared at him and said, "Alright, alright, hurry up and leave. If you stay any longer, you'll drive me crazy."

"Thank you for your trust, sir." Xu Yi clasped his hands and bowed to the county magistrate, expressing his sincere gratitude. Otherwise, he would have faced not only hidden attacks but also open attacks.

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"I don't need to say more, you understand."

Xu Yi originally intended to return to the garrison compound after leaving the government office, but he changed his mind the moment he mounted his horse.

Since so many people have come looking for the magistrate, I can't let them come for nothing. I should go home and let them know that the magistrate believed them.

Xu Yi has not shown up since he went to the county government office. Qian Dayong has been keeping an eye on this matter. It seems that what he said to the county magistrate was effective.

When Qian Dayong returned home after his shift, he looked radiant. Some people even asked him if his wife was pregnant, since he was so happy.

Qian Dayong laughed heartily without any attempt to hide his joy, saying, "I'm even happier than when my wife is pregnant."

"What's going on?"

"We're about to go out and suppress bandits, and the thought of bringing those thieves to justice makes me happy."

The person asking the question didn't expect Qian Dayong to be happy about this. "I heard that Commander Xu isn't going to suppress the bandits this time. Will it still work?"

Qian Dayong glared at the person who asked the question, "Are you saying that all these people are no match for General Xu, or that I'm inferior to others?"

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Neither of these two questions is easy to answer, as it's easy to offend someone.

Fortunately, the person asking the question was quick-witted. "Brother Dayong, you've misunderstood. With Brother Dayong here, there's definitely no problem. I'm looking forward to drinking Dayong's celebratory wine."

Qian Dayong didn't want to argue with him, so he just snorted and strode away.

When he got home, Chunniang was hanging clothes out to dry in the yard. The woman in front of him was still as gentle and virtuous as when he first met her, but for some reason, Qian Dayong felt a little scared when he saw her.

"You're back? Why are you just standing at the door and not coming in?" Chunniang finished hanging up the clothes and saw Qian Dayong standing blankly at the door.

"Oh, let me shake off the snow." Qian Dayong quickly raised his hand to pat the snow off his body.

Chunniang greeted, "Come in quickly, I'll take the picture under the eaves."

"It's cold today, so I've already prepared dinner and warmed some wine for you to help you warm up."

As Chunniang spoke, she walked towards the kitchen. Qian Dayong hesitated for a moment, but then followed her in.

The food was already laid out on the small table in the kitchen. Chunniang was serving Qian Dayong wine from a small pot. As usual, before Qian Dayong could even call out, Chunniang had already served him the food and set out the chopsticks.

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Today, however, Qian Dayong did not sit down and act like a big shot as usual. He looked at Chunniang with a complicated expression.

Chunniang seemed oblivious, saying, "Sit down quickly, or the food will get cold."

Compared to the burning rage in her heart, Chunniang remained calm as if nothing had happened.

Not wanting to lose face as a man, Qian Dayong sat down as instructed.

Chunniang served him some food and then asked, "Are you leading the bandit suppression tomorrow?"

"Hmm." Qian Dayong finally showed some interest when the topic came up. "Your method really worked. Xu Yi went to the county government office today and hasn't come back."

"In the afternoon, the county magistrate sent someone to inform me that I will lead the team tomorrow."

Chunniang revealed an expression of expectation, "Two tigers cannot share one mountain. If Xu Yi makes another contribution, wouldn't he rightfully overshadow the county magistrate? This is not what the county magistrate wants to see."

Chunniang revealed an expression of expectation, "Two tigers cannot share one mountain. If Xu Yi makes another contribution, wouldn't he rightfully overshadow the county magistrate? This is not what the county magistrate wants to see."

"This merit is perfect; it will give me a chance to ask to return to the position of deputy commander." Qian Dayong seemed to have earned this merit effortlessly.

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Chunniang nodded, took out a sachet from her bosom and handed it over, "Remember to take this sachet with you when you go into the mountains tomorrow."

Qian Dayong took it and looked at it. It looked ordinary. He smelled it again. It was just the most ordinary vanilla scent. There was nothing special about it.

“When the people on the mountain see this sachet, they will know what to do.” Chunniang didn’t explain much, and Qian Dayong immediately hung the sachet on his waist.

Fortunately, the sachet is not brightly colored, so it won't stand out even when worn.

When Qian Dayong looked up again, Chunniang had already started eating. Facing Qian Dayong's subtle scrutinizing gaze, Chunniang remained calm and composed.

"Is there anything else you'd like to ask?"

Qian Dayong hurriedly shook his head, thought for a moment, and then said, "You wouldn't be lying to me, would you?"

Chunniang smiled gently, and even in the dim candlelight, Qian Dayong was still stunned.

What good would it do us to lie to you?

Qian Dayong frowned and thought about it; it seemed there was no benefit to it.

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“But wouldn’t there be many benefits to our cooperation?” Chunniang continued, “Are you asking these questions now because you’re wavering?”

Qian Dayong hurriedly denied it, saying, "No, no, just like you said, we each get what we need, and cooperation is the best choice. I'm just a little worried."

Chunniang seemed to understand what he was worried about, and said softly, "Don't worry, as long as you don't say anything and we don't say anything, no one will know."

The fact that a woman could remain so calm and composed made Qian Dayong feel inferior to her.

He picked up his drink and took a big gulp to hide his panic. "You're right. Heaven, earth, you, and I know. As long as we don't say anything, no one will ever know."

"Chunniang, tomorrow, just wait at home for my good news."

"Let's all get promoted and make a fortune together!"

Chunniang put down her rice bowl and poured him another bowl of wine. "I have important things to do tomorrow, so I won't drink too much today. We can drink to our hearts' content after things are settled."

Although Qian Dayong no longer blindly obeys Chunniang, he doesn't contradict her either, nodding and vaguely agreeing.

While he was eating and drinking, Chunniang started boiling water and tidying up again, proving herself to be a considerate and hardworking wife.

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Qian Dayong watched her busy figure and drank the wine in his bowl in one gulp.

When it was time to rest in the evening, Qian Dayong washed up and went to bed first. Chunniang locked all the doors in the courtyard before entering the house.

Having eaten and dressed well during this time, Chunniang's face has filled out, her cheekbones are less prominent, and she looks even more beautiful.

From the moment she entered the room until she lay down on the bed, Qian Dayong's eyes kept darting over her body. Normally, Qian Dayong would have pounced on her long ago.

However, he has reservations and dares not act rashly.