Gao Wu Da Ming: Starting as a military household and ascending to the rank of Martial Saint

Hu Nan said, "Whether it's a whole corpse or a half-corpse, interesting or uninteresting, I don't care. The important thing is that you don't involve the prefecture when you take action."

"Of course, of course," the cunning strategist said with a slight smile. "Then let's set off now."

Just as Hu Nan was about to nod, a clerk walked in and whispered to Hu Nan, "Sir, Lu Shiguang, the military commissioner of Kelan, has arrived and is already outside the prefectural city."

"Oh?"

Hu Nan was immediately taken aback and stood up. Although Lu Shiguang was from a different system than him, his rank was much higher, so he dared not be negligent.

This person's sudden appearance at this critical juncture must mean him ill. Hu Nan was also somewhat puzzled; why would the death of just two low-ranking military officers have summoned this person, and why would he come in person?

Thinking of this, he said to the two men, "Things have changed. You two shouldn't make a move yet. Let me go and see this uninvited guest first."

Upon hearing that it was the Military Commissioner who had come, Night Owl and Ghost Calculator were somewhat taken aback. The bandits of Lüliang Mountain might disregard the Prefect, but they could not disregard the Military Commissioner of Kelan.

In northwestern Shanxi, tens of thousands of imperial troops, encompassing the entire Hebei-Baoding and Western Routes, were under the control of the Kelan Military Commissioner. Even the Shanxi General Commander sometimes had to obey Lu Shiguang's orders.

This official position was of high rank, but its real power far exceeded its official rank. With a single order from him, the imperial court could indeed level the Lüliang Mountains.

Therefore, even if they were lawless, Night Owl and Ghost Calculator knew they had to be careful in dealing with this military road.

"Please proceed, Your Excellency."

Ghost Calculator got up to see Hu Nan off, then whispered to Night Owl, "Go and send out the carrier pigeon. The news of Lu Shiguang's arrival in Baode Prefecture must be reported to the Boss as soon as possible."

"I understand." Night Owl's smile faded, and he quickly left the room.

-----------------

The arrival of the governor in Baode Prefecture was no ordinary event. In an instant, the main gate of the prefectural government office was wide open, banners were waving, and the constables lined up at the archway, creating an imposing atmosphere.

Because of his guilty conscience, Hu Nan, in an effort to curry favor with this military commissioner, placed the entire central street of Baode Prefecture under martial law. Water was poured down the street, gongs and drums resounded, and officials from the yamen (government office) joined together to welcome this fourth-rank official from Shanxi, who was to be appointed as the Circuit Intendant of Kelan.

Hu Nan and others waited at the archway of the yamen. After Lu Shiguang's sedan chair arrived, Hu Nan personally stepped forward to pay his respects and said, "Your humble servant, Hu Nan, the prefect of Baode Prefecture, pays his respects to Military Commissioner Lu."

"Jingxing, you are too kind. I am neither the prefect of Taiyuan nor the governor. I cannot accept such a grand reception from you."

Lu Shiguang stepped out of the sedan chair while addressing Hu Nan by her courtesy name.

He was of medium age, with a thin face and short stature, and seemed to weigh less than five ounces. But as soon as he stepped out of the sedan chair, everyone could feel the imposing aura emanating from this little old man.

It's unclear whether this oppressive aura comes from his official position or from his own personality.

Lu Shiguang, with a warm expression, led Hu Nan by the hand and walked forward, appearing extremely harmonious and friendly.

Upon arriving at the reception hall of the yamen, the two sat down as host and guest, and all the warm pretense they had put on in front of others slowly disappeared, and the atmosphere turned cold.

Hu Nan ordered his servants to serve tea to Lu Shiguang and asked, "May I ask what brings you here today, Commander Lu?"

Lu Shiguang said, "It's nothing major. I was sent by the governor to Pianguan on official business. I came here because I heard some things and stopped by."

Hu Nan felt more relaxed upon learning that Lu Shiguang was just passing by, and asked, "I wonder what Lu Shiguang has heard? If I can help, please let me know."

Lu Shiguang's smile slowly faded, and he said in a deep voice, "I've heard that bandits from the Lüliang Mountains seem to have infiltrated the government offices of Baode Prefecture?"

Upon hearing this, Hu Nan's expression immediately changed. The thought of the two bandits still in his backyard sent chills down his spine.

He struggled to maintain his composure, feigning anger as he said, "Absolutely not. The people of Baode Prefecture are honest and upright, and the officials and soldiers are incorruptible. They would never collude with those bandits in the Lüliang Mountains! Which scoundrel is spouting nonsense in front of Commander Lu? I urge Commander Lu to see the truth."

"Prefect Hu, please don't get agitated." Lu Shiguang said calmly, "I trust Jingxing's character. However, this prefecture is so large, and there are so many officials. How can you guarantee that no one is colluding with the bandits of Lüliang Mountain? I've come to tell you this today because I trust you."

"This...this..." Hu Nan couldn't figure out Lu Shiguang's true intentions and didn't know what to say for a moment, appearing extremely embarrassed.

"However, it is no small matter for state officials to collude with bandits. The purpose of my visit is to inform you so that you will take this seriously."

Lu Shiguang continued, "I have entrusted the matter of suppressing bandits here to Li Zhencai, the commander of Baode Prefecture. I hope that your prefectural troops can cooperate. If we can find the person who colluded with the bandits as soon as possible, it will be an explanation to the people of Baode Prefecture."

Hu Nan then realized that it was that bastard Li Zhencai who had told Lu Shiguang the secret.

However, he couldn't really refuse Lu Shiguang's orders. After all, as the military commissioner of Kelan, Lu Shiguang had direct authority over the garrison troops and encampments in Baode Prefecture. Moreover, suppressing bandits was originally the duty of the military commissioner.

Although Lüliang Mountain is located in Xing County, if Lu Shiguang really sent people in to suppress the bandits, how could Liu Yiheng, the magistrate of Xing County, possibly dare to intercept them?

Thinking of this, Hu Nan could only say, "In that case, the banditry here is entirely up to you, Commander. If anyone is found to be a traitor who secretly colludes with bandits, I will punish them severely and give the people of Baode Prefecture an explanation."

"Good. With you saying that, I feel much more at ease."

Lu Shiguang smiled slightly and said, "The military situation at Pianguan is urgent, so I will not linger any longer. I will take my leave now."

Hu Nan immediately stood up, bowed, and said, "This humble official respectfully sees you off, sir."

After seeing Lu Shiguang off, Hu Nan's face immediately darkened.

The fact that Lu Shiguang came and went in such a hurry, without even drinking a sip of his own tea, speaks volumes.

That scoundrel Li Zhencai, I wonder how much evidence he has against me. It's as if he's made Lu Shiguang so suspicious of me.

As things unfolded to this point, Hu Nan couldn't help but feel a pang of regret. Promising to do this for that lay Buddhist Xiao Shan had been somewhat rash.

He prayed silently that if he could land safely this time, he would never get involved in this matter again.

At this moment, Master Wang stepped forward and asked softly, "Sir, what should we do with those two bandits in the secret room?"

Hu Nan pondered for a moment, then said softly, "Go and tell them that the operation we just discussed is canceled. Don't take any action against Yu Shaowu for now. Also, I won't be able to see them anymore, so you'll be in charge of contacting them if anything comes up."

Wang Rongdian said, "Master, these bandits in the mountains are all scoundrels; they might not listen to us..."

Hu Nan pondered for a moment, then said, "You keep watch from behind. If they insist on killing Yu Shaowu, don't get involved. Wait until they succeed, then you can kill them. That would be a great achievement for us."

"Yes, sir."

Hu Nan added, "We must take action and kill them. If we let them speak, it will be troublesome for us."

"I understand," Wang Rongdian immediately bowed and said.