He had a feeling that he knew it was true; he knew that Jian Dan wouldn't stay still. But he was also relieved; knowing something was better than being completely in the dark, wasn't he?

"Can we go? Let's find a place to rest. We'll go see my second uncle after dark. He's settled on the Northeast. We'll finish up tonight and then we can prepare to leave."

A simple pause in his steps,

"So fast?"

"Oh, yes, they seemed to want to chase them away right away."

"Is it a demotion?"

"The original plan was to be sent to a lower-level post, but this evidence is a slap in the face to their claims. I didn't follow up afterward, but the military order had already been given, and going to the Northeast was a done deal. Changing it was impossible; it would just be a case of being wrongly accused and receiving compensation or something like that."

To be honest, you're not wrong. They're scheming to get rid of you, so you'd better hurry up and leave, or things might get complicated.

He looked up at Cheng Chao and asked, seemingly casually,

"Brother, do you think they're really looking for some kind of treasure?"

Cheng Chao didn't think much of it and answered casually.

"Maybe so. Why are you in such a hurry to get rid of my second uncle? Maybe you have some ulterior motives?"

The rumors of the treasure have been going on for years, and no one has found a single trace of it. They're really dreaming—to drive out those who don't like them and then monopolize the treasure.”

"Huh? To keep it all for yourself?"

If it's found in this location, wouldn't that fall under the military region's jurisdiction?

If she hadn't overheard their conversation, Jian Dan would have thought the same thing. Aren't people at this time bursting with a sense of collectivist honor?

Cheng Chao chuckled.

"Girl, how can you be so naive? If they're capable of doing something like this, what good intentions do you expect from them?"

Let me tell you, the current situation is actually very pervasive. Unlike the Northeast, which is like an iron barrel, this place is completely impenetrable.

This place is different. There are more leaders and more people here, and it's so close to the nearby villagers. Not to mention the distant ones, there are people from the next village who have been sent down to the countryside.

It was a bit better a few years ago, and it wasn't this obvious last year, was it?

Do you remember that woman you yelled at and drove away? That regimental commander's sister-in-law?

He frowned and tried to recall, and it was indeed true, but the person was a bit vague. It took him a while to piece together an uncertain name.

"That one, what's her name, Yan Hong?"

Cheng Chao corrected him with a laugh.

"Yu, Yu Hongyan, their family has been making a ruckus all year. They even persuaded Commander Han to keep an eye on this and that. You tell me, with this kind of atmosphere, it's all so chaotic. If they really find some treasure, what a scene it will be here."

My second uncle has considered this place his own home for so many years, and he's been focused on how to make it better. Actually, he's a little disheartened. He's put in so much effort all these years, but who knew there would be so many ungrateful people around him.

When he said he wanted to leave, it wasn't entirely out of anger; he probably genuinely wanted some peace and quiet. Things here are getting increasingly chaotic.

Okay... fine, since he's said so, I'll stop worrying about it.

She was initially hesitant, wondering if Cheng Zhuo and his colleagues, with their magnanimity and selfless conduct over the years, would hand it over directly if they knew about it.

If these things are handed over to a good leader, they can all be used for national development. There is no objection to this, after all, everyone knows that it is good to have a strong backer, and only when the country is prosperous can the people live in peace and security. Only when the country is good can the people live better.

Jian Dan doesn't consider himself a good person, but when it comes to matters of national and familial duty, he is absolutely clear-cut.

If it were truly for national development, she wouldn't hesitate for a second. But given the current chaos and the already disturbed hearts of the people, she wouldn't even be willing to part with a single grain of rice, let alone such a huge sum.

She didn't believe they would use these things for good; ninety-nine percent of them were for personal gain. Just thinking about it made her feel a surge of anger.

Let it gather dust in the space. If there's an opportunity in the future, donate it to the government or the military to help build the country. Isn't that better than anything else?

Thinking about it this way, the guilt in my heart lessened a lot, and my steps became much lighter.

They then changed the subject.

"Brother, can you do something to get Uncle to come to our place?"

That way, being close by allows them to look out for each other.

The compound is just ahead, and you can already see the bustling scene returning.

Cheng Chao pulled her along the wall, lowering his voice.

"It should be fine. I spoke with my uncle, and he made the arrangements. However, before it was a demotion, but now, humph, they had to coax and beg my uncle to leave."

Just imagining that scene makes me want to laugh.

"They brought it on themselves. By the way, is there anything I need to take from my second uncle's house? I'll go over and pack it up."

At the "trial" scene, Cheng Zhuo glanced around indifferently, his cold smile growing increasingly piercing.

"Alright, military medals are history now. A hero doesn't dwell on past glories, and I don't want to say anything more."

Since the order has been issued, let's do it this way. Northeast, here I come.

Isn't it all about building the country? You can shine and contribute wherever you are.

It's just a change of scenery, I accept it.

The man at the head of the table felt awkward, but also relieved. It was good that he left; otherwise, if his hot-tempered and straightforward nature found out about this, it would be a real problem.

However, it's not easy to handle now. If the evidence is conclusive, then it's fine. Whether it's demotion or discharge from the military, they will have a valid reason.

However, the evidence did exist, but it belonged to someone else.

The current situation is that their scheme has turned into a farce, which has actually benefited the other side. Not only has their intentions been exposed and they have seriously offended Cheng Zhuo, but this evidence has also allowed Cheng Zhuo's reputation to leave a deep impression on everyone once again.

This is not a good sign.

They weren't the only ones on the scene; they were caught in a dilemma. After discussing it, they realized that being sent to a lower-level position was not an option, so they could only change their name and allow themselves to recuperate.

They didn't care about anything else. They were already feeling guilty and were only thinking about getting the person away as soon as possible. Taking advantage of the fact that Cheng Zhuo hadn't lost his temper yet, they quickly completed the formalities and then sent the person out with utmost respect.

Cheng Zhuoxin felt cold and had no mood to argue with them. He did not refuse the treatment they had agreed to out of guilt.

In the past, he would definitely have said something.

Having come to this point, he personally experienced the coldness of human relationships, so he simply said nothing and silently followed them back to his own home.

Tang Sumei no longer had her usual smile.

"Old Cheng, we've always been kind to others, and I don't think I've ever done anything immoral. Tell me, how can someone turn on you so ruthlessly?"