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

"Sir, is this the end of the matter?"

At the military headquarters of Kelan Prefecture, Li Zhencai sat at the lower end, looking at Lu Shiguang with a stunned expression, his tone full of resentment.

Lu Shiguang showed little emotion, and said in a deep voice, "This matter ends here. After you return to the garrison, stay put for the next few days and don't make any big moves."

"Sir, may I ask why?"

In the past, Li Zhencai would never have asked such a question; he would have simply obeyed whatever his superiors said. If they told him to return to the garrison, he would have been happy to go back immediately.

But now he wanted to try, saying, "These past few days I've been tracking down the two thieves who infiltrated Baode Prefecture. I'm almost certain they're staying in the prefectural capital. Without the protection of the prefect, how could they have stayed there for long? Commander, please give me a little more time. I've been preparing for a long time, and I can capture them in less than three days."

Lu Shiguang took a sip of tea but remained silent. How could he be content with this situation?

When he first received Li Zhencai's report about the collusion between officials and bandits in Baode Prefecture, using the lives of ordinary people to feed wolves, he was also very shocked. But after a brief investigation, he immediately knew that this was not an unfounded rumor.

So without saying a word, he immediately ordered Li Zhencai to conduct a thorough investigation.

But in the past two days, he has encountered increasing resistance, and even some high-ranking officials in the province have been openly and covertly urging him to give up the investigation.

Hu Nan posed no threat to him whatsoever. But the statements from those important figures forced him to be cautious.

He then realized that this matter wasn't Hu Nan's responsibility at all. It was probably something higher up.

If that's the case, Li Zhencai's continued investigation will not only be detrimental to himself, but he will also face unforeseen circumstances.

Therefore, stopping now is the best option. If those two thieves were caught, things would only get worse.

Of course, he couldn't say these things to this lowly commander in front of him. So he didn't intend to offer any explanation, and simply said in a calm tone, "Commander Li, some things are not for you to interfere with. Just carry them out."

Li Zhencai was torn, hesitating for a long time between continuing the investigation and giving up. Finally, he decided to follow his heart and asked with some worry, "My lord, if I just give up like this, what will happen when I return to Baode? Without your protection, what will the prefect do if he targets me?"

Lu Shiguang felt a pang of regret for Li Zhencai's slowness and sighed, "As long as you don't continue investigating, Hu Nan is eager to settle things, so why would she want to kill you?"

Li Zhencai then realized what was happening, stood up, bowed, and said, "I understand! I will take my leave now, and this matter will be put to rest. I will not cause any more trouble."

Lu Shiguang didn't say anything more, but picked up his teacup.

Li Zhencai bowed again and then silently withdrew from the camp.

Deputy Commander Zhao Guangyao was already waiting at the door. Seeing Li Zhencai come out, he quickly asked, "Commander, what did the Military Commissioner say?"

Li Zhencai didn't say a word, mounted his horse, and Zhao Guangyao, completely bewildered, had no choice but to follow.

The two rode out of Kelan City one after the other, all the way to the edge of the wilderness. Li Zhencai then sighed and said, "I originally thought that this matter was orchestrated by Prefect Hu Nan. But I didn't expect that the waters here are much deeper than I imagined."

Zhao Guangyao asked in surprise, "Who on earth is it that could defeat even the Commander of the Army? Has the Commander abandoned us now? We've been fighting those bandits and the prefectural government for the past few days, risking our lives..."

"Don't talk nonsense!" Li Zhencai interrupted him, "The fact that we're still alive and talking is already a favor to the military commander. Once we get back, let's just drop this matter and pretend it never happened."

Zhao Guangyao remained silent for a long time, then sighed deeply and said, "Won't the people of Baode Prefecture suffer again?"

Li Zhencai gazed in the direction of Baode Prefecture, remained silent for a long time, and then said, "Let's take care of ourselves first."

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Inside the prefectural government office, Hu Nan lay on a grand chair, humming a little tune with a smile, looking extremely smug.

At his feet, two maids were gently massaging his legs, while several pairs of soft hands secretly roamed along his clothes, their eyes seductive and their expressions alluring, clearly trying to win his favor.

However, Hu Nan simply enjoyed it silently without making a move, as she had important matters to attend to later.

A moment later, Wang Rongdian came in and reported to Hu Nan, "Master, those two people have arrived."

"Bring them in." Hu Nan waved his hand, signaling the two maids to leave, and as they stood up, he pinched their waists. The two maids let out soft, flirtatious laughs and slowly retreated into the backyard.

Wang Rongdian watched silently from the side, his gaze following one of the maids until she disappeared through the doorway.

Hu Nan noticed his gaze and smiled, "Interested in this Autumn Frost?"

"I wouldn't dare," Wang Rongdian immediately bowed and said, "How could this student possibly deserve the favor of the Master?"

Hu Nan smiled slightly and said, "This woman is indeed quite nice. If you like her, I will send someone to deliver her to your residence in a little while."

Wang Rongdian's face lit up with joy, and he bowed deeply to the ground, saying, "Thank you for your kindness, Master. I will do my utmost to serve you, even unto death."

Hu Nan waved his hand and said, "It's a trivial matter, nothing to mention. However, I'm a bit tired today and don't want to see those two. When they come later, you can go and see them for me. Tell them the trouble has been resolved, and the wolf-feeding plan can proceed as planned."

"Yes, sir," Wang Rongdian said with a smile, "Although there were several twists and turns, it has finally come to a good result. It can be said that good things come to those who wait."

"Hmm." Hu Nan nodded slightly, and then said, "Also, tell them that they can rest assured and do with all the things I wanted to entrust to them before."

"I understand," Wang Rongdian said thoughtfully, then asked, "Shouldn't we also deal with that Commander Li?"

Hu Nan shook his head and said, "Forget it, we still have to give Lu Bingbei face. Besides, we're all colleagues. As long as he doesn't cause any more trouble, why go to such lengths to eliminate him?"

Wang Rongdian immediately bowed and said, "I admire the magnanimity of the Prime Minister, Your Excellency."

Hu Nan waved his hand to stop his flattery, and said, "When they made their move this time, you also observed from the shadows to ensure everything was alright. If necessary, you can take action yourself."

Wang Rongdian hesitated, saying, "Although this matter is extremely safe, what if I make a mistake and leave clear evidence? Wouldn't that cause trouble for you, Master?"

Hu Nan wore a confident expression and said with a smug smile, "Don't be afraid. We have more than one official standing behind us now. You can do whatever you want, but there's one thing: we must do things well."

Wang Rongdian felt that Hu Nan was getting a little too cocky, but he didn't want to dampen his master's spirits at this juncture, so he bowed and said, "This student understands. I will go and convey the master's orders to the two of them."