Three punches shattered the demonic soul, young hero, I'm an honest man!

Upon seeing Pei Yun emerge, his chubby face immediately broke into a wide smile.

"Lord Pei, did you rest well last night?"

Pei Yun glanced at him sideways and leaned lazily against the door frame.

"Speak, what is it? It had to be something earth-shattering, otherwise..."

He didn't finish speaking, but how could Qin Yu not hear the threatening tone in his voice?

Qin Yu's forehead was covered in sweat.

He quickly and carefully took out an exquisitely crafted invitation from his pocket and presented it with both hands.

The invitation was printed on light gold cloud-patterned paper with elegant ink calligraphy and a faint orchid fragrance.

"Lord Pei, it's like this."

Qin Yu presented the invitation with both hands, his tone pleading.

"A tea banquet will be held at Yuqin Garden in the south of the city in a few days."

"It was an elegant gathering of several renowned scholars and young talents in the capital, where they enjoyed tea, discussed philosophy, and composed poems and essays, which was very refined."

"It is said that even Princess Yongle will be attending."

Pei Yun took the invitation and casually flipped through it.

He had heard of the Jade Tea Banquet.

It is said to be one of the highest-level gatherings in the literary circles of Beijing.

Those who receive an invitation are either wealthy and powerful, or renowned for their talent.

He has never been interested in such pretentious and affected occasions.

A group of scholars get together, spouting classical Chinese phrases and discussing current affairs; it's enough to make anyone sleepy.

Why would a mere centurion of the Embroidered Uniform Guard go and join in the fun?

"Not interested."

Pei Yun refused outright.

"Lord Pei, please don't be in such a hurry to refuse!"

Qin Yu became anxious.

"I was fortunate enough to obtain a few invitations, and I was wondering if I could do you the honor of accompanying me?"

Just then, Yunniang, dressed neatly, came out of the house.

She happened to hear the words "Princess Yongle" and "Yuqin Garden Tea Banquet".

A fleeting, almost imperceptible longing and curiosity flickered in those watery eyes.

Qin Yu was extremely astute and immediately sensed the opportunity.

He hurriedly said, "If you find it boring, sir, why not bring Miss Yunniang along?"

"The scenery of Yuqin Garden is excellent, and many of the young ladies there enjoy playing the zither and singing."

"Perhaps Miss Yunniang will meet a kindred spirit!"

As he spoke, Qin Yu turned to Pei Yun, adopting an even more humble posture.

"Lord Pei! Brother Pei! Please do me the honor!"

"This is my first time going to an event like this, and I'm a little unsure of myself. But with my older brother here, I can stand up straighter, right?"

"Brother Pei! Please do me a favor!"

Qin Yu addressed him as "Big Brother" repeatedly, in a very affectionate manner.

Pei Yun glanced at Qin Yu.

This fat guy is shameless, he really went all out to get me to go.

"And besides, that's Princess Yongle! A person who's rarely seen!"

Pei Yun's heart stirred slightly.

He had no interest in those so-called refined scholars, but the name "Princess Yongle" reminded him of something.

I think I've seen it in some case file before; it seems to be related to a case involving a raid.

But I can't remember exactly what it was.

Pei Yun looked at Yun Niang again.

The girl lowered her head, twisting the hem of her clothes with her fingers, and there was indeed a hint of anticipation in her eyes.

That's it.

Since I have nothing else to do, I might as well go and take a look.

There might be some unexpected gains.

And judging from Yunniang's adorable appearance, it's a good opportunity to cheer her up.

Besides, there's that fat guy, Qin Yu.

Now that it's practically half my own money bag, how can I take advantage of it if I don't give it face?

"Alright."

Pei Yun finally relented and casually put the invitation away.

"Let's go together then."

Qin Yu was overjoyed upon hearing this.

"Thank you so much, brother!"

Just then, a series of hurried footsteps came from downstairs.

Zhang Quan appeared at the stairwell, looking hurried.

"grown ups!"

Zhang Quan clasped his hands in a salute and looked at Pei Yun.

"A message has arrived from the Northern Garrison Command. Lord Luo requests your immediate return, as he seems to have important matters to discuss."

Upon hearing this, Pei Yun raised an eyebrow slightly.

Luo Qingyi is looking for him?

It seems my leisurely days are coming to an end.

Pei Yun stood up and said to Qin Yu and Yunniang:

"I'll go back to the yamen first."

Qin Yu dared not be negligent and immediately bowed in agreement.

"Brother Pei, let me see you off!"

……

Northern Garrison Command.

The air was heavy and stagnant, carrying a slight chill after the rain and an inescapable sense of oppression.

Just now, Liu Mang, a centurion, was helped back.

To call it helping someone up is an understatement.

To be more precise, he was half-carried, half-supported back by two imperial guards.

The flying fish robe was stained with dust and blood.

His right arm hung limply at his sides, his face was as pale as paper, and he had been beaten into a swollen mess.

His former arrogance has vanished, leaving only embarrassment and humiliation.

The accompanying Imperial Guard captains were also covered in dust and their morale was extremely low.

"The person...wasn't brought back."

Liu Mang's voice was hoarse, and his head was so low that it was almost buried in his chest.

The events that occurred in front of the Imperial Guard camp had already spread like wildfire throughout the Northern Garrison Command.

Wei Zheng, the junior officer of the Shence Army, that greenhorn dared to publicly humiliate the commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard!

Three strokes!

Liu Mang was defeated in just three moves.

He was kicked to the ground, breaking several ribs and swelling up his face.

The dignity of the Embroidered Uniform Guard was utterly trampled into the ground.

"waste!"

Zhao Lian finally couldn't hold back and muttered a rebuke in a low voice.

The case he was in charge of has now become a laughing stock of the entire Northern Garrison.

Commander Zhou Mingxuan's face was equally grim.

Liu Mang was recommended by him.

The original thought was that someone from a military background might be able to speak with Wei Zheng, which would also give Liu Mang a chance to make a contribution.

I never expected it to turn out like this.

This was not only Liu Mang's failure, but also Zhou Mingxuan's oversight.

The Imperial Guards inside the yamen dared not utter a sound.

Head down, hurrying along, afraid of offending his two superiors.

Those who used to dislike Liu Mang could no longer laugh.

One glory and one glory.

Liu Mang has disgraced the entire Northern Garrison Command.

"Lord Luo, that Wei Zheng is going too far!"

Liu Mang, barely supported by two of his men, stood in the hall, his voice trembling slightly from pain and humiliation.

He said that the Embroidered Uniform Guard could take people, but they had to follow the rules of the military and let their strength speak for itself.

"This humble servant...this humble servant exchanged a few blows with him, but unfortunately...I was defeated."

Liu Mang's words were already an attempt to whitewash the situation.

If Wei Zheng hadn't held back some of his strength at the end, Liu Mang would probably have perished in the Imperial Guard camp today.

"That's what happens when you're less skilled than others."

Luo Qingyi's cool voice rang out.

Without the slightest ripple, it struck Liu Mang and the two commanders like a heavy hammer blow.

"The reputation of the Embroidered Uniform Guard is easy to lose, but hard to regain."

She slightly raised her phoenix eyes and glanced at the three people below.

"Commander Zhou, you couldn't even get your men back from a spoiled brat, and you've also damaged the reputation of the Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"You are largely to blame for this."

Zhou Mingxuan's face paled, and he bowed, saying, "This humble servant failed in his duty; please punish me, Lord Luo!"

Luo Qingyi said calmly, "If I punish you, will you be able to bring the person back?"

Seeing this, Zhao Lian stepped forward and cupped his hands in greeting.

"Lord Luo, the Shence Prefecture has always been at odds with us."

"Wei Zheng's actions are probably intended to embarrass my Embroidered Uniform Guard."

"So what?" Luo Qingyi retorted.

"He gave him a chance, but Liu Mang failed to seize it."

Liu Mang was filled with shame and indignation, wishing he could disappear into the ground.

He was a soldier by training, and he prided himself on being brave and fierce, yet he suffered such a huge setback today.

"We must bring Li Yu back."

Luo Qingyi's tone was resolute.

"This matter cannot be left unresolved."