Chapter 191 Treasure Basin

"Second brother... I'm afraid I can't go to that 'Marine Corps' anymore. Although I, Jin Wuxin, am no hero, I can still keep my word. I need to go back. There are still my brothers, my superiors, and... my unfinished responsibilities there."

The slightly chubby Kim Moo-shin pondered for a long time before speaking in a muffled voice, which then grew louder and louder, revealing a sense of righteousness amidst his unease.

Qiao Shouren smiled and nodded in approval, while Qiao Erlang exclaimed, "Hey! I didn't realize you were such a clever and shrewd person, I thought you were a shrewd and pragmatic guy, but I didn't expect you to have such a silly side! ...You have potential!"

Jin Wuxin was dumbfounded when he saw Qiao Erlang's thumbs-up. What did that mean? Did the Da Yuan army like fools or something?

“Since you call Erlang ‘Second Brother,’ I won’t lie to you. In the army, if you are a sycophant, you have no future. We’ll only use you temporarily. If you want to go far and steady, you must be a fool.”

Seeing that Jin Wuxin was even more confused, Qiao Shouren had no choice but to continue explaining to him: "It is true that the prince likes smart people, but as the army grows larger, rules become more and more important. You can use your intelligence in battle, but in peacetime, it is best to follow the rules and not try to break them."

Kim Moo-shin understood that the Daegu army didn't really like fools; they liked the kind of "fools" who had to obey orders regardless of right or wrong, not the kind of "fools" who were complete idiots.

"I understand. I am willing to obey my superior's orders for the rest of my life and will never use any back channels." Jin Wuxin began to make a solemn promise, almost patting his chest.

"Hey! Who is it? So what if you got in through the back door? So what if you got in through the back door? I'm Fatty Jin, are you my brother or his brother?"

Qiao Erlang was furious. He had entered the Dao through back channels and was now planning to do it again to go directly to the ship for internship. He had no intention of just loafing around at the naval academy. But he was being mocked by those two idiots, whether intentionally or unintentionally. How could the second young master's temper stand it?

"Well, Second Brother, I am naturally your brother... but if Eldest Brother doesn't mind, I'm willing too..."

Jin Wuxin looked at the enraged Second Young Master Qiao and smiled awkwardly. As a younger brother, one must be aware of one's role. Rules must be followed, but one must also cling tightly to the powerful figure.

"Alright, I've read the letter of recommendation Wu Mingyi wrote for you, and the evaluation is quite good. Go back and wait patiently! Your base is in a good location, and there's a lot to be gained in the future."

"Hehe! Big brother, where is Fatty Jin's base? I've tried to get it out of him countless times, both openly and secretly, but I just can't get it out of him."

Qiao Shouren's expression immediately changed, and he said sternly, "Qiao Shouyi, I'm warning you, exploring military secrets can cost you your head. At home, your grandfather protects you, but if you break military law in the army, no one can save you."

The once amiable Boss Qiao suddenly turned pale, making Jin Wuxin tremble with fear. He had been "accompanied" by someone when he left Lion City, and they only relaxed their guard slightly after he arrived safely in Dayuan. Therefore, when Qiao Erlang tried to get information out of him about military secrets, he repeatedly apologized and dared not reveal a single secret. Now, thinking back, he was truly terrified. If only he had...

"Second brother, eldest brother is really strict, quite like a general!" Jin Wuxin said enviously, looking at Qiao Shouren's straight back.

"Hmph! I'm giving him face today. If it weren't for Mother's sake, I would have let him see Second Brother's skills today. I thought it was time! ... Come on, Second Brother will take you to a good place."

Qiao Erlang swayed and walked towards Suxianglou, which was a few steps away, with Jin Wuxin following closely behind.

"Your Excellency, my husband has suffered such humiliation in a high-ranking official position. We beg you to help us!"

After Hu Song's instructors returned to Fuzhou, they immediately sought an audience with Tao Yan, the Fuzhou Education Commissioner. As Hu Song's personal disciple, upon learning of the various humiliations his teacher had suffered, he was overcome with grief and wept uncontrollably.

Tao Yan remained silent, instead carefully reading Hu Song's letter, pondering its deeper meaning. After reading it three times, Tao Yan frowned deeply.

Although Hu Song's acceptance of this assignment was partly a deliberate attempt to create a trap, Hu Song was, after all, his subordinate, and Hu Song was very familiar with the rules of officialdom. Instead of bypassing his superiors and directly petitioning the Ministry of Rites, he wanted to pass this hot potato back to Tao Yan.

"You spent several days with your husband in Daguan, where everyone is focused on commerce and profit, and doesn't think about sages and virtuous men?"

"Reporting to the Academic Commissioner, it is indeed so. Those officials are all merchants, especially the retainers of Prince Heng. They are all workshop owners and ship owners, and each household employs several or even dozens of foreign servants to make a profit for them. They have no manners whatsoever."

"Is the bustling city of Tamsui truly more vibrant than Suzhou and Hangzhou?" Tao Yan looked down at the letter again, then looked up and asked.

"This...Reporting to you, sir, it's an exaggeration to say it's better than Suzhou and Hangzhou, but it's no worse than Fuzhou. In terms of cleanliness and tidiness alone...it's even better."

Danshui City has only been prosperous for less than three years, and its foundation cannot yet be compared with that of inland prefectures. However, in terms of cleanliness and vitality, it has already surpassed Fuzhou City. Even the instructors who have a great prejudice against Qin Mo cannot distort the truth.

"Then... in Danshui City, have you seen the salt-making workshops, liquor workshops, iron-smelting workshops, and coin-minting workshops?"

Tao Yan lowered his voice and asked the instructor, "These are the key points of this matter. The Ministry of Rites obtained the imperial edict directly from the Emperor just to have a protective shield. Otherwise, Tao Yan would have the authority to open academies in high-ranking officials, and there would be no need for a special person to carry the imperial edict there. It's just that Hu Song, who seems shrewd, is actually an incompetent fool who messed things up."

This chapter is not finished yet. Please click on the next page to continue reading the exciting content!