815 Stringent
Miss Tao whispered again, almost inaudibly, with admiration, "Everyone says in private that it would be a blessing for the people if Captain Guan lived to be a hundred!"
A touch of pride, a touch of satisfaction, and a touch of overflowing affection!
Captain Guan felt a slight stirring in his heart, and a surge of heroic spirit rose within him, but he controlled it and said softly, "It is all thanks to you, sir, that we have been able to contribute our remaining strength."
I'm leaving for Nanhe Prefecture tomorrow morning. Once things are settled there, my wife has agreed to come and propose marriage on my behalf. I hope Tongtong won't refuse.
Miss Tao blushed and nodded softly, "As my husband wishes."
There was no one around, the doors and windows were tightly closed, and the beautiful woman blushed.
Guan Xiaowei was moved and couldn't help but hug her tightly.
Dew-laden flowers, delicate and slender; a thin layer of sweat seeps through her light clothes; a shy smile graces her fragrant cheeks; her slender waist, as if drunk, leans against her warmly.
Their slender hands embraced for a long time.
We lingered there for a long time!
Her dress was slightly wrinkled; she nestled close to him, her cheeks and ears flushed, and whispered, "My husband, please be careful in all things. Whether you are traveling or fighting, do not worry about home."
Captain Guan nodded, the fragrance wafting in the air. He inhaled the delicate scent of roses, and the beautiful woman, deeply moved, whispered goodbye, "Alright, everything here is fine, sir. Tongtong doesn't need to worry."
She rose gently, reluctant to part, and carefully straightened her husband's clothes. A blush crept across her face as she gazed intently at him, her eyes filled with tenderness and affection. She was reluctant to leave.
Captain Guan smiled slightly, took the beauty's hand as if making a silent declaration, and stepped out of the door. Outside, the sky was just beginning to lighten, and there were many lights in the city, with the aroma of cooking rising from the air.
Xiao Yin and his men in the city had already prepared their marching supplies. At night, they finally returned home for a short meal. They wanted to see off Commandant Guan and the others, but the marching time could not be revealed, and they could not enter the military camp.
Xiao Yin wolfed down a large steamed bun and a bowl of egg and meat soup, instantly feeling the chill around him dissipate.
Although they hadn't entered the military camp, they could feel the overwhelming murderous aura emanating from within, as if a powerful tiger was lurking there. This made Xiao Yin and the others feel immense pressure, and they sensed that if the aura were directed at them, they would be crushed into dust.
While feeling alarmed, they also sensed the extraordinary strength of Dalong Prefecture. With the captain and others present, Dalong Prefecture should be safe and sound.
The wife gently poured her husband a cup of hot tea and said softly, "My dear husband, you've worked hard. Are you going out again tonight?"
Xiao Yin shook his head, ate and drank a bowl of meat soup, and said softly, "No, I won't go out tonight. The matter with Commander Guan is settled; we'll just handle things normally."
After a hearty meal, Xiao Yin, with a serious expression, remarked, "Having visited the military camp today, I've realized just how unfathomable things truly are. Those of us who are literate and educated, if we cannot cultivate inner peace and enlightenment, are far beyond the capabilities of military strategists!"
He shook his head slightly and said in a low voice, "Even if one attains enlightenment and wisdom, the military's spirit is primarily focused on killing. Unless we can cultivate the Heavenly Gang Orthodox Method, we are far from mastering the way of killing."
Cultivating oneself and aspiring to bring peace to the world—the more aligned with Confucianism and Taoism one is, the faster one can cultivate oneself. The seven forms of Confucianism are easy to begin with, but difficult to master, except for those with exceptional talent.
For ordinary Confucian scholars, this is also another chance for a breakthrough, a chance to surpass their own talents and cultivate beyond their level—a rare opportunity.
The only things that can enhance one's cultivation talent are rare and precious treasures, one in ten thousand. If a noble family wants them, only the best of the direct line or those with extraordinary talent and outstanding abilities are qualified to pursue and compete for them.
Ordinary disciples have vastly different resources compared to ordinary people, but they can still feel resentful when compared to talented disciples in their families who focus on cultivation.
Seed disciples, or those who are key trainees, only need to focus on cultivation, and the family will shower them with resources. They don't need to do anything like family missions, showing off for the family, or risking their lives.
All he had to do was cultivate diligently, strive to reach higher realms, and enjoy medicinal baths, elixirs, and guidance from elders—a life that ordinary disciples envied.
Not to mention beauties, there's never a shortage of them. There are countless women to keep you company, and many who are eager to be sent to their families but cannot be sent there.
Xiao Yin sighed softly, inwardly congratulating himself, 'I've had incredible luck to catch the eye of the Commandant of the Pass, but since I have no path to cultivation, this matter might not be important. Perhaps it's better not to cultivate!'
I won't force you.
Gently wash away the desires in my heart, and reflect on myself three times a day!
Knowing that I have no cultivation methods, not cultivating may allow me to avoid many troubles and find greater peace.
Xiao Yin couldn't help but gently brush away the thoughts of greed in his heart, examine himself to maintain inner clarity and steadfastness, and never forget that "when I was insignificant, I was helped by Commandant Guan. I cannot forget his kindness, nor can I be arrogant."
Otherwise, one wrong step will leave no room for maneuver.
After a moment's thought, seeing his wife happily clearing the dishes, he didn't want to disturb her, but still said softly, "Wife, we must be extremely careful with the matter of the government officials; their character must be thoroughly investigated."
Seeing his wife stop and look at him solemnly, nodding earnestly, Xiao Yin paused for a moment and then said in a low voice, "My wife, it's not that I'm being harsh, but rather, I also lack powerful backing. Only with the trust of Commandant Guan can I have some room to maneuver."
He couldn't help but rise gently, take his wife's rough hand, and whisper, "These days, how many of the virtuous and innocent people who were promoted have been reported and arrested?"
He accepted bribes, money, and even women; unable to control his tongue, he sold confidential information for money!
Seeing the look of shock in his wife's eyes, Xiao Yin nodded slightly and said softly, "I know some of these people, and they have complained to me that they have been deceived."
But the facts are undeniable!
The wife, her expression showing a hint of fear, exclaimed with worry, "Husband, you must be careful too!"
Xiao Yin nodded slightly and said softly, "Yuan Datou from North Street used to be quite righteous. I've had dealings with him a few times before."
He was a decent person and had often stood up for his fellow villagers, but ever since he became a team leader in the area, he had been secretly bribed by a family in the city. He abused his power for personal gain, secretly taking a cut and altering the adults' tax records.
The woman looked anxious and asked in a low voice, a hint of urgency in her voice, "How should Yuan Shikai be punished?"
Xiao Yin felt a slight pang of pity and whispered, "The execution was confirmed, and they were executed silently, along with two of their subordinates!"
The woman was immediately frightened and said in a trembling voice, "It can't be that bad, it can't be that bad. Even the former lord of the manor could be punished leniently with silver if he made a mistake, and if there was enough silver, he could be redeemed."
Why did it have to come to this? Why did it have to be like this so directly?
Unconsciously, my whole body began to tremble with fear!
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