His voice was like a ray of light illuminating the path she couldn't see ahead.
Sun Miao'er admitted that she wanted to give up. After all, they were just people who looked alike. If Guo Jinliang was really just Captain Guo, she would only be disappointed in the end.
But as long as her master was with her, she immediately gained confidence, and an inexplicable power arose from the bottom of her heart.
When has she ever been afraid of failure? Never.
"Okay, Master, let's go to the yamen!"
Sun Miao'er slowly straightened her body and quickened her pace.
"Come here and move these over there!"
A powerful male voice suddenly came from outside the door; it was Captain Guo.
Sun Miao'er stopped, wanting to discover something more from Guo Jinliang.
He took two steps forward, mustered his courage, and said, "Commander Guo."
"Miss?" Guo Jinliang was taken aback. "Are you the girl from the noodle shop today?"
This girl can freely enter and leave the camp; her identity must be extraordinary.
However, the person accompanying her, who claimed to be Princess Alisa, was also treated with the same disrespect.
They won't come to the general to complain so soon, will they?
Let him sue. He's just following orders; he's not afraid of some young girl!
Thinking of this, the smile on Guo Jinliang's face gradually disappeared, turning into a cold expression.
"The captain is decisive and efficient. He is truly a blessing to General Guo. With such a general, Your Highness's great cause is just around the corner."
Seeing that Guo Jinliang's expression was off, Fu Yuchi guessed what he was thinking and deliberately spoke.
Guo Jinliang was taken aback. They hadn't come to report him for something bad?
Or have I misunderstood something?
Sun Miao'er wanted to ask something, but felt it would be too abrupt, so she swallowed her words and decided to wait until she went to the yamen to verify the household registration before making any plans.
Kezhou is three times the size of Yingzhou, and its number of cities is twice that of Yingzhou.
The city of Gong'an where they are now is the main city of Kezhou.
Originally, county magistrates were appointed by the imperial court. However, since Xi Yan and the Guo family seized control of Kezhou, it was no longer the imperial court's place to restrain Kezhou.
Even the magistrate of Gong'an City was personally appointed by Xi Yan.
In addition to the imperial examinations, the court also promoted a recommendation system, which was ostensibly a way to select the virtuous and capable, but in reality it was a back door for high-ranking officials and nobles.
Once a nobleman's son reaches a certain age, he can secure an official position in the capital through the recommendation of his clan.
However, this system was established by the founding emperor, so it is not easy to abolish.
Moreover, these aristocratic families have deep roots. If this system is abolished, it will cut off their livelihood. Their roots will be difficult to maintain, so how can they last?
Only in Kezhou did Xi Yan abandon the recommendation system and hold a unified imperial examination every three years.
Moreover, the imperial examinations in Kezhou required three rounds of testing and review, and only those who passed the final round could serve as officials in Kezhou.
The whole world knows that the King of Wei is about to rebel, but no one dares to make a move, and that is the reason why.
After all, people have been disgusted with corrupt dynasties for a long time, and many ministers who have worked hard to climb up the ranks can be trampled underfoot by aristocratic families if they are not careful.
Since we share the same surname as the emperor, can that be considered treason?
The throne is still in the hands of the Xi family, so it doesn't matter who sits on it, as long as it benefits them.
While court officials outwardly denounced Xi Yan as a traitor, they secretly hoped he would ascend to the throne so they could abolish the recommendation system.
"Captain Guo is a military officer, as shown in this book."
The county magistrate handed Sun Miao'er a roster. Sun Miao'er found Guo Jinliang's name, which clearly stated that he had moved to Gongnan City from another place five years ago.
She held the booklet as if it were a priceless treasure. "Master, look, Captain Guo isn't a local!"
Moreover, the timing of Sun Yuanyong's disappearance matches up!
Could it be that Guo Jinliang is really her father?
"Where did they migrate from?"
After carefully reviewing the details, Sun Miao'er discovered that Guo Jinliang had moved here from a branch of the Guo family in Yucheng, a hundred miles away.
It seems I have no choice but to make a trip.
"Master, shall we go to Yucheng to take a look?"
Yucheng is located at the easternmost part of Kezhou, and it is also the city in Kezhou that is closest to Yingzhou.
Perhaps Sun Yuanyong survived a great calamity and was rescued by someone, which led him to Kezhou.
Now that she had a clue, Sun Miao'er was unwilling to wait. She found a carriage and prepared to head to Yucheng.
"Miao'er, you've come here so abruptly, and the Guo family doesn't even know you. Aren't you afraid they'll kick you out?"
Fu Yuchi's words hit the nail on the head, and Sun Miao'er thought about it and agreed. "Master, what do you suggest we do?"
"I'll help you think of a way." Fu Yuchi loved seeing Xiao Miao'er at a loss. She was usually too strong-willed and never easily bowed her head or gave in.
However, once she lowered her head, Fu Yuchi felt that everything he did for her was worthwhile.
His relationship with the King of Wei was less about him working for the King of Wei, and more about the King of Wei going to great lengths to persuade him to come out of seclusion.
Therefore, Xi Yan was wary of him.
This was no big deal for him; it was just a matter of borrowing Xi Yan's private seal.
By the time they arrived at the Guo family's house, it was almost dark.
The Guo family's residence is located on the outskirts of Yucheng, and its layout is similar to that of the Wei family, which Sun Miao'er had visited before.
They were all families with some local prestige. When the whole family heard that a trusted minister of the King of Wei had come to visit, they were so eager to wait in the courtyard from before dark.
A table was set out with fine wine and food, making Sun Miao'er feel flattered.
"See? I didn't lie to you, did I?"
The Guo family has few male members; the youngest among them is at least fifteen or sixteen years old.
A large and prosperous family is an important indicator of a family's prosperity, and the Guo family in front of us is clearly not far from decline.
The room was full of women, but there were very few men.
There was only one man, about thirty-five or thirty-six years old, who was the current head of the Guo family—Guo Jin'ang.
“Master Guo, there’s no need for you to be so polite. We’re just asking to stay here for one night.” Fu Yuchi spoke frankly, while constantly watching his apprentice’s expression.
Guo Jin'ang offered him a toast, saying, "Mr. Fu is a distinguished guest of the Prince and should be treated with the utmost courtesy."
"By the way, I had the honor of meeting Captain Guo in the army today. The men of the Guo family are upright and honest, men of great character!"
Guo Jin'ang was taken aback. "Captain Guo?"
Sun Miao'er immediately noticed that his tone was off; it was one of doubt and confusion.
Guo Jinliang should be his younger brother, how could he not know?
Madam Guo's expression changed. She grabbed Guo Jin'ang's sleeve and said with a smile, "Don't underestimate my husband just because he's not old. He's been quite muddled lately. I've told him to drink less, but he just won't listen."
"It's my third brother, Master. Don't you remember him?"
Guo Jin'ang nodded in sudden realization, but his head-shaking manner suggested he wasn't quite awake. "Oh, it's Third Brother. Third Brother has become a general now? Why didn't you come back to inform us?"
"It's a captain!" Madam Guo said softly, then smiled apologetically, "Please excuse my poor appearance."
After the banquet, the Guo family arranged rooms for them.
"Master, don't you feel that something is amiss with the Guo family?"
Sun Miao'er recalled Madam Guo's attitude at the dinner table and found it increasingly strange.
Why doesn't the head of the Guo family remember his own younger brother? Or is there some other hidden reason?
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