196 Dalong Prefecture, Part 4

So the group changed their clothes. Jie Yanyan and Shi Feixuan both changed into white, fitted outfits, their faces lightly covered by veils. All four of them had long, slender legs and hair that reached past their waists.

The carriage was ready. The four of them had already mounted four fast horses and set off ahead! Long, black hair, soft and elegant, swayed gently in the wind as their figures swiftly disappeared into the distance.

General Guan rode a tiger, wielding a bronze hammer, and sped away. His adjutant, with his long legs, spurred the horse forward, propelling it forward a step.

General Guan slowed his pace. The horse, intimidated by the tiger's imposing presence, refused to advance even a step beyond six paces.

"Lieutenant, dismount immediately." He stepped forward and quickly came to his side.

He said in a low voice, "General, we have investigated thoroughly into the Gao family's actions over the years. We also have a lot of valuable assets, including hidden assets."

They are mostly within this range, though there may be some that are even more deeply hidden.

Furthermore, within the Great Dragon Mansion, the two vassal families of the Gao family, following the Gao family's lead, commit evil deeds and abuse their power. (General...)

Captain Guan replied in a low voice, "Wait a moment. After entering the city, surround the city gates layer by layer. Arrest everyone who was previously investigated inside."

His eyes were resolute, filled with determination and resolve, without the slightest wavering!

As if struck by a thought, his eyes flashed with a chilling, biting cold, north wind that instilled a strong sense of oppression.

He said coldly, "This operation must be swift, accurate, and ruthless. Bring all the soldiers here. Arrest all the direct descendants of the Gao family!"

Anyone who dares to resist will be killed on the spot, and the several families that are affiliated with the Gao family will also be taken down.

All property is confiscated. All land deeds, gold, silver, jewels, elixirs, and spiritual medicines are confiscated. No soldier is permitted to take even a single item, nor may they use this opportunity to bully the weak.

If anyone dares to take it without permission, don't blame me for being ruthless with my copper hammer.

After these people were apprehended, those with minor offenses were all temporarily detained pending further processing.

The adjutant nodded immediately after listening. "Yes, General. Please rest assured. I will complete the task meticulously according to your instructions."

He then hesitated, as if he wanted to say something but stopped himself. Captain Guan said nonchalantly, "Just say what you have to say. Why are you being so tedious again?"

The adjutant immediately said, "General, we have overstepped our bounds. The army cannot interfere in local affairs."

If this gets discovered...

This matter probably won't be resolved for long. The spies in the city will likely have news of it to the capital soon. When the higher-ups blame us, the old general probably won't be able to protect his lord either.

"My lord, we are deeply grateful for the well-being of our soldiers, which is for the sake of their long-term prosperity. However, if this were to implicate you, General, it would be against our wishes. We urge you to reconsider."

Captain Guan chuckled, "It's rare to see you all with such thoughts. Just now, when fertile land was mentioned, your eyes all lit up. Like wolves and tigers!"

The adjutant suddenly felt embarrassed and gave an awkward chuckle.

Captain Guan laughed and said, "The Holy Emperor rose from humble beginnings. Do you know that even at his advanced age, the Holy Emperor did not have such a high level of cultivation?"

We were too late. If we had been better informed, we should have come to openly meet them and escort them, instead of protecting them covertly.

Moreover, the border market couldn't support "Emperor Wu"—the words "Emperor Wu" were never uttered. Only the shape of his lips was made.

The adjutant nodded repeatedly, feeling reassured.

Captain Guan nodded and said, "Following the established procedure, I'll go to the prefectural government office first, and you can send someone to arrange a carriage. Then I'll bring my men over immediately."

No need to go to the yamen (government office). Archers and crossbowmen, get everything ready. Anyone who dares to resist, surround and kill them.

The adjutant knelt on one knee, saying, "Your subordinate obeys." Then, he spurred his horse and rode off at full speed. Dust billowed, as if the smoke of war was about to rise, and the flames of battle were about to ignite.

He Chen strode through the clouds, moving swiftly and disappearing in the blink of an eye. He quickly arrived at Huangtu County, where dawn was already breaking. Everywhere was brimming with life.

Wisps of smoke rise gently into the air, contrasting beautifully with the blue sky and white clouds, creating a tranquil and beautiful scene, like a magnificent human landscape.

A safe home, an environment where one can have enough to eat and wear, is what makes people feel warm and peaceful, simple and pure, beautiful and true.

At dawn, as the sky began to lighten, Yang Tong, Grandpa Yang's grandson, was already up. He quickly helped his mother start the fire and cook dinner; both large pots were burning full.

One large pot was filled with thick porridge. Another large pot was steaming buns. These days, every morning was filled with fragrant steamed buns—what a treat!

Old Yang got up very early that morning. As for the matter of the City God bestowing the spear, it was kept secret for the time being. He had already hidden it in his room.

Moreover, he dared not stray too far from his courtyard each day, pondering in his heart that once the matter at the City God Temple was settled, he would invite Yang Dexing to discuss how to handle this matter.

After all, this object has the effect of warding off evil spirits; ordinary ghosts probably wouldn't dare approach it. Such a treasure cannot be easily shown to others, lest it bring disaster.

Looking at his grandson, his busy son, and the apprentice Master He who had come to help, everyone was already busy at work.

During this period, the furniture market was booming. Many households purchased new furniture to replace their old ones. With the influx of people, the county town finally became lively again.

Every day, the streets are bustling with traffic. Evenings are bright and lively as torches are lit.

Old Yang suddenly felt a bit younger. He'd lived to such an old age thanks to a recent period of booming business, good food, and a good mood!

A good mood can lead to a long and healthy life. He lives a peaceful and healthy life, watching his grandson Yang Tong helping with the cooking, his daughter-in-law making steamed buns, and his own wife.

The old woman's complexion has improved a lot recently. Things at home are finally starting to look up.

Looking at his grandson, he used to think that the only thing he could do was be a carpenter like him. Now, he can go to school and learn to read and write, and there is finally something to look forward to.

Soon, dawn broke. The aroma of steamed buns wafted far and wide. Several voices came from next door—boys and girls—"Yang Tong, Yang Tong, let's go to school together."

By this time, the four steamers of steamed buns were ready, and the daughter-in-law quickly took out a few. After wrapping them up, she handed them to her son.

She said softly, "Go and divide them yourselves." Yang Tong thanked her first, then took the food, slung her backpack over her shoulder, and quickly went outside.

All I heard was, "My mother made steamed buns today, you should try some too."

The others politely declined. A clear, childlike voice said, "No need, Yang Tong, we've already eaten this morning. My mom made pancakes."

Yang Tong's voice came through, "Yes, you're welcome. You should come early too. It's freshly made. It tastes really good."

The sound faded into the distance, but Old Master Yang stood there listening intently for a long time before smiling slightly.