He felt a little self-mockery. He used to hate people who would stop at nothing to achieve their goals and who treated human life like dirt, but now he had become the kind of person he hated the most.
Once the arrow is released, there's no turning back. Being in the corrupt officialdom, he couldn't remain untainted. People like Liu Yifu are ultimately a minority.
Shen Tangning paused, then slowly looked up, pressing her face against his palm and clenching it slightly. Her clear eyes were firm yet gentle: "We don't provoke others, but we can't let others bully or scheme against us. This isn't your fault."
Kindness is a good thing, but kindness without edge will only harm others and oneself.
She didn't think Chi Yan was wrong, because if it were her, she would have been even more ruthless.
Today he spared the lives of Lord Cao and his entire family, but if Chi Yan were to suffer misfortune in the future, would others be merciful and let them go?
*
After this incident, Shen Tangning had some peace and quiet for a while. No one sent her invitations for no reason anymore, and the noble ladies in the capital would rather avoid her than provoke her.
Anyone with eyes can see that she is being isolated!
But Shen Tangning actually enjoyed it. Not having to be hypocritical and flattering was actually a good thing for her.
In contrast to her, things were quite lively at Chi Yan's place.
Since Lord Cao's incident, everyone has realized that the Yiluan Division holds real power and is a good place to go, so they are all trying their best to get in!
What was once a place that everyone avoided like the plague has suddenly become a hot commodity!
Chi Yan was busy checking the roster. The Yi Luan Division was now taking shape, and he needed to choose two second-in-commands to help him share the burden. There was a knock at the door.
"Commander."
He paused for a moment, then casually said, "Come in."
A man with a respectable appearance walked in, his voice slightly hesitant: "Is the commander busy?"
Chi Yan stopped writing, looked up, and raised an eyebrow: "What is it?"
The newcomer was named Huo Xian. Among the group of burly, rough men, he was fair-skinned and refined. It was said that he had been to school and acted quite steadily, unlike those troublemakers who were difficult to manage. He was also very respectful to Chi Yan.
"There is something I am unsure whether I should report to the Commander."
Chi Yan became interested and looked at him with his arms crossed: "Since you've come to me, you must already have a conclusion in mind. Speak."
Huo Xian cupped his hands in greeting, his expression turning serious: "Commander, I suspect that our Yiluan Division has spies sent from other places."
After saying this, seeing that Chi Yan's expression was calm, he asked with some curiosity, "How did you know?"
Huo Xian frowned: "Commander, you may not know this, but that guy named Feng Yong is very arrogant because he comes from the Imperial Guard! In the past two days, many people have been trying to find a way to get into our Yi Luan Division. I heard that someone went to him and was promised benefits. He then patted his chest and guaranteed that he could definitely bring the person in to get a job!"
Chi Yan narrowed his eyes slightly and said slowly, "Such a boastful tone!"
He stood up, straightened his sleeves, and said in an unreadable tone, "Come with me and see what he has to offer as a guarantee."
When he arrived, Feng Yong was surrounded by people, sitting on a chair with his legs crossed, boasting: "They're all calling me grandpa, how could I not care?"
Others chuckled and chimed in, "Our Brother Feng is truly loyal; even after he's made it big, he hasn't forgotten his brothers!"
Someone caught sight of the figure at the door, their expression changed, and they fell silent.
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