Too many female prisoners, a special forces soldier transmigrates and marries wildly.

As night deepened, undercurrents continued to flow throughout the capital. In a secluded backyard room in the west of the city, unassuming and bearing the sign "Xu's Grocery Store," a few dim candlelight flickered.

A tall, slender man dressed in black, wearing a bronze animal-patterned mask, stood silently in the shadows. It was "Earth Fire," who had escaped from the Fulongling Underground Palace.

"The sacred artifacts are destroyed, the rituals are interrupted, centuries of effort have gone to waste..." "Earthfire's" voice was hoarse, like sandpaper being rubbed together. "Lin Feng... this is an irreconcilable enmity!"

"My lord, the capital is in a state of high alert, and Lin Feng is under intense scrutiny. Making a move now might not be the best opportunity," a blurry figure whispered from the shadows.

"I know," "Earthfire" said coldly, "but we must not let him get away with this. Have you made contact with Prince Lin?"

"We've made contact. His Highness Prince Lin is currently hiding at the border between Longxi and the Northern Territory, with some loyal followers and remnants of the Chiyu tribe by his side. They also hate Lin Feng to the core. He has expressed his willingness to fully cooperate with us to create trouble for Lin Feng, and even... find an opportunity to eliminate him!"

"Very good." A fierce glint flashed in "Earthfire's" eyes. "Lin Feng's current base is in the capital and the northern border. The northern border has a large army, making it difficult to attack for the time being. But the capital... seemingly prosperous, is actually a melting pot of all sorts of people, fraught with danger. Isn't he a man of both literary and martial prowess, enjoying unparalleled fame? Then let's start with the capital, first ruin his reputation, throw him into disarray, and then find an opportunity to strike a fatal blow!"

"What does Your Excellency mean?"

"Isn't he going to Shen Mingxuan's residence?" "Earthfire" chuckled sinisterly. "The Shen family is the leader of the upright faction, valuing their reputation above all else. Lin Feng, a military general, associating with the Shen family is bound to attract attention. If... something 'accident' happens at the Shen residence, or on the way to the banquet, or if some 'reputation-damaging' romantic affair gets out... what do you think will happen?"

The figure in the shadows trembled slightly: "Understood! I'll make the arrangements immediately!"

"Remember, do it cleanly and cleverly, preferably by using someone else to do the dirty work and muddy the waters," "Earthfire" instructed. "Don't those pedantic scholars from the Zhou family dislike Lin Feng? Perhaps we can hand them a knife."

"yes!"

The flickering candlelight illuminated the ferocious beast patterns on the "Earth Fire" mask.

The three-day period arrived in the blink of an eye.

The residence of Grand Tutor Shen is located in Qingyunfang, a place in the east of the city where literary and artistic circles gather. It has a vermilion gate and high walls, and although it is not ostentatious, it has its own kind of noble and restrained air.

At exactly 9:00 AM, Lin Feng's carriage stopped in front of the mansion gate on time. He was not wearing his official robes today, but a moon-white brocade robe with dark cloud patterns, a jade belt around his waist, and a black cloak over it. His hair was fixed in a bun with a green jade hairpin. He looked less fierce and ruthless and more refined and noble, but the heroic spirit between his brows could not be concealed.

The gatekeeper, clearly having received instructions, immediately and respectfully led Lin Feng into the mansion upon his alighting from the carriage.

Passing through several courtyards, one finds a tranquil and elegant atmosphere, devoid of luxury, with only swaying bamboo shadows, adorned with unique stones, and the air filled with the faint scent of ink and orchids.

"Grand Protector, please come this way. My master is already waiting at 'Songtao Pavilion'." The steward led Lin Feng to a pavilion overlooking the water.

Grand Tutor Shen stood with his hands behind his back in front of the pavilion window, gazing at the withered lotus in the pond, seemingly deep in thought.

"Junior Lin Feng greets Grand Tutor Shen." Lin Feng stepped forward a few steps and bowed in greeting.

Shen Mingxuan turned around. "General Lin, there's no need for such formalities. Please have a seat." He spoke gently and gestured to the rosewood armchair by the window.

The two took their seats as host and guest, and a young maid in green served them tea.

"I've heard that the Grand Protector has unique insights into military affairs. I recently came across a rare copy of the 'Essentials of Military Strategy' from a previous dynasty. It's said to contain many ancient battle formations and military strategies that have long been lost. Some of the arguments in it are quite different from those of mainstream military strategists today, and are quite peculiar. Therefore, I've taken the liberty of inviting you to study and appreciate it with the Grand Protector, which may be of great benefit." Shen Mingxuan got straight to the point.

"You're too kind, Grand Tutor. It is my honor to be able to view the military treasures left by the previous dynasty," Lin Feng said modestly.

Shen Mingxuan smiled slightly, personally took a sandalwood box about a foot long from the bookshelf behind him, carefully opened it, and took out an ancient thread-bound book with gold thread binding and yellowed, fragile paper.

"Please take a look, Grand Protector." Shen Mingxuan carefully pushed the book in front of Lin Feng.

Lin Feng opened the book and read it. The contents were indeed as Shen Mingxuan had said. Many of the formations and theories were quite different from the military books that were currently circulating. Many of the concepts actually coincided with the thinking of modern special operations and some unconventional warfare!

"This book... is a true gem! The author has a broad vision and ingenious thoughts, and many of his insights are unprecedented. It is a pity that due to its age, the pages are incomplete, and many key points are vague, with only an outline and no details, which is truly regrettable."

The two then discussed topics such as border defense in the north, people's livelihood, and governance for a while. Lin Feng's insights, which combined modern management thinking with ancient realities, were somewhat unconventional, but they often hit the nail on the head, causing Shen Mingxuan to nod frequently, his eyes shining with admiration.

Just as the conversation was reaching its climax, a light yet slightly hurried footstep sounded outside the pavilion, accompanied by the soft tinkling of jade pendants. Then, a clear, melodious sound, like ice water striking stone, rang out from outside the door:

"Father, I have found the 'Geography of the Former Dynasty' you requested."

It's Shen Qingqiu.

Lin Feng and Shen Mingxuan's conversation paused temporarily. A knowing smile flashed in Shen Mingxuan's eyes as he called out, "It's Qingqiu. Come in."

The door to the pavilion was gently pushed open, and Shen Qingqiu, dressed in a light blue ruqun embroidered with silver bamboo leaf patterns, entered gracefully, holding a yellowed book in her hands. Sunlight streamed in through the window, casting a faint golden hue on her, further highlighting her jade-like skin and her ethereal, otherworldly aura, like a fairy from Mount Gusha who had never tasted worldly food.

After entering the room, she first gave her father a graceful bow before raising her eyes to look at Lin Feng. Her gaze was clear and calm, like a cold autumn pool.

"Grand Protector Lin." She curtsied, her voice still cool, but with a hint of...warmth that was barely perceptible compared to the chrysanthemum banquet.

"Miss Shen." Lin Feng stood up and returned the greeting.

Shen Qingqiu placed the book on the desk beside Shen Mingxuan and said softly, "Father and the Grand Protector are discussing military matters. I will take my leave now." With that, she turned to leave.

"Qingqiu, wait a moment." Shen Mingxuan stopped her, stroking his beard and smiling, "You usually enjoy reading miscellaneous books and have a good understanding of history, geography, and culture. Just now you were talking with Grand Protector Lin about the northern border defenses and the terrain of ancient battlefields. Since you're here, why don't you listen as well? Grand Protector has been stationed in the northern frontier for a long time, and his understanding of the local customs, people, mountains, and geography is probably incomparable to the dead information in books."

This was clearly a deliberate attempt to create opportunities for the two of them to interact and communicate.

Shen Qingqiu paused slightly, glanced at her father, then looked at Lin Feng. After a moment's hesitation, she nodded gently: "Yes, Father." After speaking, she gracefully sat down on an embroidered stool to the side of Shen Mingxuan.

Lin Feng chuckled inwardly; this Grand Tutor Shen was truly going to great lengths. However, he remained composed and continued the previous topic.

Shen Qingqiu initially listened quietly, but was quickly drawn in by Lin Feng's narration. Unconsciously, she leaned forward slightly, and occasionally, when she encountered something she didn't understand, she would ask questions softly. Although her voice was soft, her logic was clear and to the point, demonstrating excellent comprehension and depth of thought.

Lin Feng also appreciated Shen Qingqiu's question. This talented woman was not just a bookworm, but was truly thinking.

The two exchanged pleasantries, discussing military strategy and geography, but unexpectedly found themselves getting along very well. The coldness in Shen Qingqiu's eyes was gradually replaced by focus and curiosity. Occasionally, when she listened intently, a faint smile, like the first melting of snow, would unconsciously appear on her lips. Though fleeting, it was as captivating as the blooming of a night-blooming cereus.

Shen Mingxuan observed all of this, stroking his beard and smiling, his heart filled with increasing satisfaction. He had invited Lin Feng today for two reasons: first, to conduct an inspection, and second, for his daughter.

Now it seems that Lin Feng is both a man of great talent and skill, with a calm temperament and outstanding insight. What's even more remarkable is that he seems to get along quite well with Qingqiu. If the Shen family could forge a good relationship with this promising Northern Protector-General, or even go further, it would likely be of great benefit to both the family and to some of his unfulfilled ambitions.

The sunlight outside the window gradually shifted, and before we knew it, it was almost noon. Inside the study, the aroma of tea and books mingled with an indescribable atmosphere of harmony and focus.

However, at that very moment, something unexpected happened!

"call out--!!"