Zhao Peng was taken aback.

The commander's spies would occasionally contact him, but this was the first time in days that the commander's messenger had come.

Is something big happening?

"Where is the commander's messenger?"

The guard whispered, "It's Li Jia's message. The messenger is waiting in the woods ahead."

Li Jia was one of the spies who frequently contacted Zhao Peng.

But the messenger is incredibly bold, knowing full well that things are in chaos, yet still daring to show himself here.

Zhao Peng ordered his men to lead the majority of the troops in pursuit of the fleeing soldiers and refugees.

He then led his personal guards to the edge of the woods.

When they reached the edge of the woods, Zhao Peng was very cautious because it was night and the moonlight was dim.

Just then, the sound of trees knocking could be heard coming from inside.

One long sound, two short sounds.

Zhao Peng relaxed.

He went straight into the woods.

"Small hole?"

"It's me."

"Why did the commander send you?"

Xiao Kong's original name was Kong Zhen, and he was one of the first six hunters.

He is also a company commander in the chief's guard.

Using the dim light, Zhao Peng could make out the people in the woods.

There were more than a dozen people, most of whom he knew; they were all guards of the commander.

"What happened?"

Kong Zhen chuckled: "I came in person because this matter is of great importance and cannot be neglected in any way."

He pointed to the dozen or so men and said, “These men are all highly skilled, handpicked by the commander from among the guards. We will try our best to gather the remaining soldiers outside, and they will help you seize power.”

Zhao Peng nodded without hesitation.

"In addition, tonight's events were the work of the Cao family of Jianming Prefecture. They originally planned to make their move in a few days, but tonight we added fuel to the fire, and they made their move ahead of schedule."

"If we wait a few days, they might actually succeed. Then how will you seize military power?"

"The leader means that you should find a way to let Tao Feng know that this is the work of the Cao family, so that Tao Feng has no choice but to destroy the Cao family first."

Zhao Peng nodded: "I'll figure something out."

Since learning that the Cao family had designs on Jianming Prefecture, Shenxi guessed that they would not let Tao Feng go.

The task of dealing with Tao Feng will definitely be carried out on Tao Feng's marching route.

These people originally planned to take action in a few days, when they arrived at a county in Yuzhang Prefecture, but tonight, flames soared into the sky, and a mutiny broke out in the military camp.

The soldiers, who were already furious, really started to panic.

The centurion, who had been waiting for an opportunity, was forced to join the mutiny once he saw the moment.

They were all people planted by the Cao family in Tao Feng's camp, but unfortunately, their efforts were in vain.

Zhao Peng said with a smile, "You guys didn't even bother to let me know in advance."

Kong Zhen laughed and punched him lightly: "This is to train you. If you hadn't reacted in time, we would have given you a push too."

"Your reaction was really quick; you knew instantly that Tao Feng couldn't be allowed to have any accidents."

Tao Feng absolutely cannot die by accident at this time. If something happens to Tao Feng, the team will fall apart, and Zhao Peng will have no chance of gaining control of the army.

"I can't stay here any longer, I have to go back. Please be careful."

"good."

Originally, Shenxi planned to wait until Tao Feng was far away from Jianming Prefecture, or even until Tao Feng and Yuzhang Prefecture were completely at war and unable to extricate themselves, before plotting to seize Jianming Prefecture.

Then, he would gain Tao Feng's trust during the war and gradually seize military power.

But the Cao family intervened.

Tao Feng's troops are what Shen Xi wants; how can they be lost in the hands of the Cao family?

These dozen or so guards are truly skilled, the best among the Shenxi guards.

Their task was to cooperate with Zhao Peng.

Based on tonight's events, Kong Zhen realized that more than half of the fleeing soldiers and refugees were not from the Cao family.

If we can find a way to bring these people together before the Cao family, it would be a great help.

If the Cao family's centurions are brought together, it will create another problem.

Kong Zhen led fifteen skilled men on horseback out of the woods and headed straight for the scattered soldiers.

Zhao Peng withdrew his troops, as he could not pursue them too far, since Tao Feng still needed to be kept at ease.

When Zhao Peng returned, Tao Feng's guards told him, "The general is fast asleep."

Zhao Peng sneered inwardly. How could a general like this fight a war?

Zhao Peng nodded and said sincerely, "Let the general get some sleep. Last night was too messy. I'll go and tidy it up."

Tao Feng's guards nodded with smiles.

It would be best if someone could clean up the mess for their general.

Once the general wakes up and everything is settled, then everything will be fine.

Captain Cui Pingwei had tidied his appearance and was no longer the pale-faced, crooked-helmeted figure he had been in the previous night.

He shouted at Zhao Peng, "Lieutenant Zhao, get my soldiers in order first!"

Cui Pingwei was a captain whom Tao Feng trusted greatly, and had been with Tao Feng since the very beginning.

Therefore, he naturally treated the newcomer Zhao Peng with great disdain.

Zhao Peng was not annoyed at all, and said very humbly, "Please rest assured, Commander Cui, I will definitely make arrangements for you first."

Cui Pingwei was very pleased, and Zhao Peng also gave him many gifts.

This lad is shrewd, generous, and quite capable. He's sworn to protect the general to the death; he seems like a useful person.

His lack of ability doesn't mean he doesn't want to use capable people right now; otherwise, he'd be defeated in battle.

Zhao Peng led the guards down.

The rebellion has been quelled, and the fire has been extinguished.

In the main camp, half of the tents were lost, and more than half of the food was gone.

Zhao Peng ordered his men to clean up the damaged tents, take stock of the losses, and make a record of the findings.

Then they began registering the soldiers one by one.

The soldiers who did not mutinied registered one by one and then lined up in their original barracks.

Soldiers who participated in the mutiny and were arrested were registered one by one and placed under guard.

As for the dead soldiers, after identification, they were also registered in a register, with a note indicating whether they had mutinied or not.

At this time, the vanguard and the rearguard also arrived.

Many civilians in the rear army fled.

The civilians who were transporting grain were also temporarily placed under the control of the army.

However, they do not receive military pay and are essentially working for free.

Even the food has to be prepared in advance.

This is corvée labor.

The people, who have been ravaged by these past few days, have reached their breaking point.

Many took advantage of the chaos to escape.

Many were arrested and killed.

The unrest in the vanguard was not significant. After they were quelled, they came to report to Tao Feng.

Unfortunately, Tao Feng had drunk too much, and when he finally woke up, he had a terrible headache and was dizzy, so the guards didn't dare to inform him.

It wasn't until the afternoon that Tao Feng finally came to her senses.

I suddenly remembered the soldiers' mutiny last night.

Why didn't you inform me?

The guards all lowered their heads and dared not utter a sound.

The last person who disturbed the general's rest must be buried under a mountain of weeds by now!

Who would dare to report this so casually?

Cui Pingwei entered like a lackey, chuckling as he bowed: "General, don't worry, the rebellion was quelled long ago by your humble servant."