Chapter 667: Will you stay? [Two-in-One]

Whether Shen Tang has managed to control her anger is currently unknown.

The curiosity of the onlookers was completely aroused.

The newcomer acted swiftly and decisively, subduing a group of arrogant thugs who were engaged in a brawl. What does this signify?

This means this person is someone important!

Or rather, there was a very important person sitting in the restaurant!

Xiaocheng used to be home to many prominent families, but with the successive wars, some scattered, some fled, and some died. The remaining so-called prominent families were all nouveau riche who came later.

It lacks depth and stability.

Could the thugs who engaged in the brawl be from one of their families?

Among the crowd, one bystander remained relatively clear-headed.

"...It shouldn't be one of those companies..."

Someone asked, "Why not?"

"Xiaocheng has just changed hands. Who can be sure what the new ruler's attitude is? According to my distant relative, this Lord Shen has a bad temper and can't tolerate any wrongdoing. If this matter gets to Lord Shen, wouldn't that give him a handle to retaliate? Even if those families are short-sighted, they wouldn't be so foolish as to seek death, would they? At a time like this, shouldn't we keep a low profile and do as little as possible to avoid making mistakes?"

The onlookers listened with great interest and wholeheartedly agreed.

"That makes sense, that makes sense, brother, what you said makes sense!"

"That seems to make sense..."

"So, who's inside?"

The onlookers fell silent upon hearing this, until one of them had a bold guess in his mind. As if afraid of being overheard by Shen Tang and the others, he whispered in a low voice, "Do you think it's possible that the important person inside is that Shen Jun?"

An eerie silence fell over the area for several breaths.

"Cough cough cough—Let's disperse, let's disperse."

"Yeah yeah……"

Before long, the onlookers scattered like birds and beasts.

They could easily extricate themselves, but the group that Bai Su had taken away wasn't so free. The group followed her anxiously, their hearts pounding. Before seeing the gloomy-faced Shen Tang, they still held onto a sliver of hope—

What are you taking a chance for?

Fortunately, they fell into the hands of the general rather than the lord.

If it is the former, there is still room for maneuver.

The punishments range from demotion to being forced to guard the camp gate or perform corvée labor; more severe punishments include being flogged and beaten half to death before being expelled from the army.

But what if you run into the latter's hands...?

The mere thought sent a chill down the spines of two of the lower-level martial artists. They were among the earliest members of the group and had witnessed Shen Tang's cruel and bloody methods. Back then, when he recruited bandits, talking back, resisting, or even being late for the morning could be a death sentence.

Unfortunately, God did not hear their prayers.

A familiar, devilish voice clearly pierced their eardrums, swirling and lingering in their minds. A chilling killing intent, like a venomous snake, tightly coiled around them: "You have quite the airs. I had to send Lieutenant Bai down to invite you up!"

Shen Tang is ruthless and decisive towards enemies, but warm and kind to her own people. She can often be seen sparring with the various captains at the military training grounds. Even a soldier's salute to her is met with a response.

Even during the most difficult times, the prefectural government never withheld rations or pay, which put them ahead of other forces. As for why they joined the army, a small portion enlisted to make a name for themselves and get ahead, but the majority did so because they couldn't survive or afford to eat if they didn't join the army.

However, this does not mean that she is a genuinely kind person.

She's only nice to her own people.

Once you leave the circle of your own people...

Thump! Thump!

The two low-ranking martial artists' knees buckled at the sound, and they knelt down with a loud thud that made one's knees ache. The other soldiers, either from the same hometown as the two or their subordinates, also knelt down and prostrated themselves on the ground when they saw their officer kneeling.

Shen Tang, seething with anger, sipped the warm water Lin Feng handed her and said sarcastically, "Why are you all kneeling before me? I am neither heaven nor earth, nor your parents or ancestors! I am merely a lord with little authority, ignored by you all. I asked you to memorize the military regulations I personally wrote, but how many of you have actually taken them to heart?"

"I...I dare not bid..."

Some of the bolder soldiers looked up at Shen Tang's face.

Upon seeing it, he was instantly terrified.

"You dare not?" Shen Tang angrily threw the ceramic bowl, still warm with water, at the two of them. The shards shattered around them, cleanly cutting their cheeks. She stood up, pointed out the window and downstairs, and demanded, "Is there anything you dare not do?"

Everyone felt an increasing chill on their necks.

"Where should you be at this point?" Shen Tang kicked someone aside, annoyed that they were blocking her way. "Answer!"

"Reporting to my lord, I'm at the military camp..."

Shen Tang laughed in exasperation.

One person asked, "Oh, you still remember?"

Second question: "Where were you just now?"

Three questions: "Fighting and brawling outside the brothel, vying for attention and jealousy! Seeking pleasure and virility from courtesans and male prostitutes, is that it?"

Shen Tang knew this was a malignant tumor that Xiaocheng was difficult to eradicate, a hidden danger planted by the former, former, and former prefect Yan Cheng himself, who built brothels extensively in order to revive the economy. She could forcibly ban them with a single order, but how these people would survive became another problem.

If you're going to do it, you have to be thorough in every aspect.

otherwise--

Rescuing someone from a fire and then ignoring them is no different from murder!

These people all had difficult backgrounds.

Some were sold by their parents, some were sold off, some were implicated in crimes due to family decline, some sold themselves out of desperation, and of course, a small number willingly degenerated. Shen Tang wanted to deal with it, but the problems had been accumulating for a long time, so she planned to address them gradually according to her plan.

But the plan had to wait until she found a skilled artisan to teach people how to make a living, a specialist doctor to examine and treat people, a place to settle people together, and a sum of money to ensure they could survive independently while learning.

Dealing with these people is relatively simple; the trouble lies in the fact that Xiaocheng's economy is highly dependent on sensual pleasures, and she still has to discuss with her subordinates how to reverse this distorted economic environment and corrupted social customs.

This is not something that can be achieved overnight.

But it was definitely her decision!

And what was the result?

One of her soldiers came to order takeout!

Not only did they order takeout, but they also started a group fight at the door!

They were lax in military discipline, disregarded military law, and even slapped her in the face.

Even with her good temper, Shen Tang felt like she was about to explode with rage.

The crowd begged for mercy repeatedly, kowtowing loudly.

What they didn't know was that Shen Tang never listened to pleas for forgiveness or confessions, and she never tried to "make a big deal into a small one or a small deal into nothing"! A mistake is a mistake. If they couldn't control their lower bodies, then they shouldn't blame their upper bodies for suffering.

"Deal with them as they see fit!" His anger subsided, and his expression calmed down, but his gaze remained cold, and his killing intent had not diminished. "Take them all to the military camp. Give them the beatings! Let those who have the desire to steal but lack the courage, those who have the courage but haven't done it, and those who have done it but haven't been caught, all see what happens to them! Shao Xuan, it's the New Year, I don't want to see blood, understand?"

Bai Suxin understood: "This subordinate obeys."

The soldiers breathed a sigh of relief upon hearing this; their lives were saved.

The fourth day of the fifth New Year.

I spent the morning shopping and the afternoon at the military camp.

The news quickly reached the ears of those on annual leave. Realizing the seriousness of the matter, they abandoned their duties and rushed to the military camp. Upon arrival, they found two veteran generals apologizing to Shen Tang; lax discipline could, to a serious degree, result in flogging!

Shen Tang naturally wouldn't punish the two of them.

Even if they hadn't come from Chu Jie's side, with so many people in the army, it would be difficult for those above to detect if some were covering for each other and secretly doing illegal or disorderly things. However, she couldn't completely ignore it, so she gave them a token reprimand and fined them half a month's salary.

Qi Shan was the first to arrive, and perhaps because he had been using [Swift Wind and Shadowy Scenery] all the way, his breathing was still a little unsteady when he arrived: "My lord."

Shen Tang said, "Yuanliang, don't worry, I didn't kill anyone."

Although she didn't want to admit it, given the current climate, ordering takeout wasn't as serious as a street fight, nor did it escalate to the point of death. Even with her rage, she still retained some rationality.

Especially with a major battle imminent, careful consideration is needed—making an example of someone is acceptable, but it shouldn't instill a sense of insecurity in others. Therefore, Shen Tang only called people over to watch a few people being flogged; the number was still within a manageable range.

Qi Shan was relieved upon hearing this.

Surprisingly, Luan Xin was the second to arrive.

When he arrived, he heard Shen Tang throwing a tantrum.

"But while they may escape death, they cannot escape punishment. I have no need for such undisciplined soldiers! If they can fight like this outside a brothel today over a woman's affections, will they be capable of leading their men to do even more outrageous things tomorrow for their own selfish desires? Will they disregard the law and discipline, kill innocent people to claim credit, forcibly abduct women, and murder for money? Such black sheep cannot be kept in my small treasury. After the beatings, let them pack their bags and get out of here!"

Shen Tang was still angry, but his methods weren't excessive, so Qi Shan naturally had nothing to say. Moreover, as a strategist, he had to apologize. After all, he also had military authority, and if Shen Tang really wanted to punish someone, no one from top to bottom could escape, except for Luan Xin.

After all, he had only recently joined the army and was still a clerk in charge of household affairs. Unless he went with the army next time, he would have nothing to do with military affairs.

He came purely because of Gu Chi.

He was right beside Gu Chi when Gu Chi received the letter. With such a big event happening, it wouldn't be right not to come and join in the fun. As for why he was with Gu Chi, it was simply because Gu Chi had been hanging around his house for the past few days with nothing to do, which annoyed him to no end.

Gu Chi lifted the curtain of the military tent, his mind racing.

He, a man with all four limbs intact, was still slower than Luan Xin.

When Shen Tang saw Gu Chi, her expression changed slightly. She said, "Why are you all going to the military camp instead of taking your annual leave? This is just a small matter, it will be fine once it's dealt with."

Gu Chi honestly replied, "I have come to apologize."

A smile finally appeared on Shen Tang's face. She jokingly scolded Gu Chi, "Don't you find it unlucky to apologize during the New Year?"

Outside the tent, the sound of military sticks gradually subsided.

Shen Tang raised her hand and waved it lightly, then supported herself on her knees to get up.

"Since Wangchao has come to 'apologize,' then this matter is entrusted to you. Expel them from the military camp. Whether they wish to go elsewhere or return to their hometowns to make a living, let them go their separate ways."

Gu Chi blinked: "Why Chi?"

Which of these people here, and Xun Zhen and Liao Jia who arrived shortly after, couldn't do it? Why do we have to find work for him?

Shen Tang patted his shoulder: "You have nothing better to do."

Single people have nothing better to do than to do more work when they have free time.

Gu Chi: "..."

What else could he do?

Naturally, he accepted the task with a heavy heart.

The military rod is used in public, serving two purposes: to deter and to discipline, making those who are tempted to break the law think twice about whether they can afford the consequences. When the cost of making a mistake skyrockets, even the most uncontrollable lower body will be restrained.

In addition, this opportunity will also allow us to properly reorganize the military camp.

Shen Tang's mood was understandably terrible after such a terrible thing happened during her holiday. She sighed and said, "After thinking it over, I still need to set up a political... uh, special military supervisor. The soldiers' ideology and discipline are still too poor."

Her feet hurt now, and her head hurts too.

Gu Chi had only taken a few steps out of the tent when he ran into Jiang Sheng.

He immediately beamed with joy, floated forward, and put his arm around her shoulder.

"Xian Deng, come here, come here."

Jiang Sheng refused to change his answer: "As for the lord..."

Gu Chi said, "It's all been resolved."

Going any further would be bad luck.

Upon hearing this, Jiang Sheng paused, then followed Gu Chi's direction. The two strolled leisurely towards the training ground where military punishments were carried out. On the way, he learned the whole story from Gu Chi and raised an eyebrow.

"Xian Deng, what do you think we should do about this?"

Jiang Sheng snorted, "Aren't you the one who understands the lord's thoughts best?"

Gu Chi knew exactly what to do.

Gu Chi: "Your words sound like you're trying to seduce me and curry favor... Can't you come up with a nicer way of saying it?"

For example, he and his lord have a telepathic connection.

Jiang Sheng refused to give him face.

Upon arriving at the training ground, Jiang Sheng's gaze swept over the soldiers who had just been flogged, his eyes gleaming with amusement. He said meaningfully, "Today's almanac says it's not auspicious for weddings, but auspicious for funerals."

Gu Chi didn't leave a single person behind.

They all have faces that look like they're about to die.

Yes, they deserved to die.

Gu Chi asked in surprise, "Is today such a bad day?"

Jiang Sheng brushed away the hand that was around his shoulder.

Reminder: "Remember to wash with mugwort leaves when you get home to ward off bad luck."

Gu Chi's work is always flawless.

He saw Jiang Sheng off with a smile, then spotted Luan Xin standing by the training ground, his gaze distant, as if filled with nostalgia. Gu Chi warmly greeted him, interrupting Luan Xin's thoughts: "This is Gongyi's first time here, would you like me to accompany you for a walk?"

Luan Xin: "Didn't the lord assign you a task?"

Gu Chizhen said sincerely, "How can justice be more important?"

Luan Xin: "..."

When it comes to shamelessness, he can't compare to this guy in front of him.

Gu Chi accommodated Luan Xin's unsteady leg, and the two walked slowly. Watching the soldiers clutching their backsides, supporting each other, and limping back to their tents, Luan Xin looked for a few moments before turning his gaze away: "Will our lord spare these people's lives?"

Gu Chi's expression remained unchanged, a smile playing on his lips.

He countered with the question: "Will justice remain?"

Luan Xin asked, puzzled, "Why do you ask me?"

He was asking the lord, but Gu Chi was asking him.

Gu Chi said calmly, “Within the military law, they are not deserving of death, but outside the military law, their crimes deserve execution. Our lord is willing to spare their lives, but as our lord’s subordinate, my primary duty is to nip any potential threats in the bud. These people know they will be expelled from the camp and harbor hatred towards our lord, so why should we spare them? If Gongyi were still our strategist, would you spare them?”

This question—

Luan Xin shook his head: "I won't stay."

Gu Chi smiled and said, "Chi Yi too."

(^^*)

Gu Chi: I've made a fool of myself again.

A keyboard arrived today, the Kozhi K75 Colorful Edition. I bought the pink one; I'd never bought from this brand before, but after getting it, I found it to be amazing. I used a coupon on PDD, so the price-performance ratio is top-notch.

P.S.: The next chapter will start the Dragon Slaying Squad storyline. I'm hesitating whether to use "Dragon Slaying Squad (number)" as the title or use one title for each chapter...

PPS: I have my eighteenth leader now. Thanks to [Chen Pingping's loyal follower]. I'm wondering, is this Ping and this Chen the same as what Xianggu thinks?

(End of this chapter)