His entire family perished in battle; he rose from the ashes to conquer the world.

"Apart from those identified by Zhou Quan on the training ground, the rest will not be pursued!"

Upon hearing this, both Qin Hongxiu and Yang Daye looked puzzled.

Logically speaking, this is a military camp with strict military law. After this incident, these more than one hundred people must be dealt with seriously, otherwise everyone will follow suit.

Wouldn't the Western Army be thrown into chaos?

Realizing that neither of them understood his actions, Mu Yuan smiled and explained:

"I understand your feelings. Righteousness does not govern wealth, and compassion does not govern an army. As the commander-in-chief of an army, you should deal with those people according to military law."

At this point, Mu Yuan paused for a moment.

Then, the tone shifted:

"However, if hundreds of people are dealt with according to military law, this is no small matter. If it causes a mutiny, it will undoubtedly be a heavy blow to the Western Army. In addition, if the news reaches the capital, the court will use it as an excuse to make a fuss..."

Mu Yuan didn't finish his sentence, but his meaning was very clear.

Although hundreds of people were bribed, they were all punished according to military law for treason and were sentenced to death.

But too many people are involved.

The handling of this issue is also extremely difficult.

If not handled properly, it could have far-reaching consequences.

In addition, Mu Yuan did not want the court to seize on this crucial moment, thereby putting the Mu family and the Western Army in a predicament.

That's why he made the decision to deal with everything thoroughly, including those who were identified today.

The rest will be forgiven for their past transgressions.

Having understood Mu Yuan's good intentions, Qin Hongxiu and Yang Daye finally showed expressions of relief.

"However, when executing Zhou Quan and the others, be sure to call all the soldiers to watch!" Mu Yuan suddenly said to Yang Daye.

Although it is true that one should not blame the masses, warnings and reprimands are still necessary.

Making everyone participate in the spectacle is a warning to those who have been bribed: if there is a next time, the fate of Zhou Quan and others on the execution platform today will be their fate tomorrow.

This move can be considered a combination of kindness and severity.

"Understood, Your subordinate," Yang Daye replied.

The next day.

Zhou Quan and the others he had identified at the drill ground yesterday were all bound hand and foot and made to kneel on the execution platform. The executioners stood by, holding large knives, ready to carry out the execution at the command of the supervising officer.

And around the execution platform.

The Western Army soldiers surrounded them.

Among these people, some looked guilty, some couldn't bear to look at them, while others were excited and even felt gratified.

far away.

Outside the barracks.

Mu Yuan crossed his arms and silently watched all of this.

"Thanks a lot."

Qin Hongxia, who was standing next to her, suddenly spoke up.

"Why do you say that?" Mu Yuan didn't understand why Qin Hongxiu suddenly said that.

"Every day we have to guard against Ma Chengwu, guard against the imperial court, deal with the Gao family and other local forces, worry about military affairs, and take medicine every day. Anyone else would probably be driven to the brink of collapse by these troubles in less than three days."

Qin Hongxiu counted the burdens weighing on Mu Yuan, a hint of heartache in her eyes.

"Grandma entrusted the Western Army to me. Now, I am the only man left in the Mu family. If I don't shoulder this responsibility, how can I revitalize the Mu family?" Mu Yuan's gaze was deep, and a trace of weariness flashed in his eyes.

He came from there.

They were already firmly bound to the Mu family.

He dared not relax for even a moment, for any lapse in concentration could plunge the Mu family, and himself, into an endlessly passive situation.

"The time has come; carry out the execution!"

At this moment, Yang Daye, who was sitting on the execution platform in the distance and serving as the executioner, dropped the execution token in his hand.

The executioners on the execution platform moved in unison, raising their swords to behead Zhou Quan and the others one by one.

Several bloody human heads rolled off the stage and onto the ground.

The scene was bloody and terrifying.

The soldiers of the Western Army retreated in fear, lest they come into contact with the severed head and be tainted with bad luck for the rest of their lives.

"Oh, right," Qin Hongxiu seemed to remember something, "the Old Madam's 70th birthday is in three days, have you prepared any birthday gifts in advance?"

"Is it the Old Madam's birthday?"

Mu Yuan suddenly turned to look at Qin Hongxiu, his face full of surprise.

Qin Hongxiu didn't seem to care about Mu Yuan's surprised expression, as if she had expected it. She said, "I knew you must have been too busy to remember. Luckily, I remembered."

Upon hearing this, Mu Yuan gave an awkward smile.

"Let's go to the market and pick out some gifts to give to the old lady as a birthday present. She will be very happy to receive your gift."

Qin Hongxiu's original intention was to use the opportunity of choosing a birthday gift for Old Madam Mu to allow Mu Yuan to go out and relax.

After a moment's thought, Mu Yuan nodded in agreement.

Rainbow City.

It was only a dozen miles away from the Xifu Army's garrison.

Because this place is close to the Western Army, Mu Yuan usually sends more than a dozen Western Army soldiers to patrol the streets, making this city exceptionally safe.

There were no thefts or vandalism incidents, the people lived in peace and contentment, and the city was exceptionally lively.

Full of the atmosphere of everyday life.

"Princess, why did we travel all the way from the capital to this godforsaken place? This place is nowhere near as fun as the capital!"

On a bustling street, a young man dressed like a playboy was chatting with a woman he was with.

The woman held candied hawthorns in both hands; she had a pretty face and exceptionally bright, lively eyes.

"Lan Que, I'm telling you, you've been chattering away in my ear the whole way from the capital. My ears are practically calloused from hearing it."

The pretty young woman rolled her eyes at the young master Lan Que.

Instead of backing down, Lan Que spoke even more enthusiastically:

"Princess, I don't want to nag, but this isn't the capital. Haven't you heard the saying, 'Poor mountains and bad waters breed unruly people'? This southwest region was originally a barren land, so far from the capital. The people here might be really wicked. What if something happens?"

These words were spoken.

Passersby all glared at Lan Que.

"See, see, I told you, the people here are awful." Lan Que pointed at the pedestrians glaring at him without any regard for their feelings, and arrogantly shouted, "What are you looking at? Look again and I'll gouge your eyes out!"

Passersby saw that Lan Que was dressed in fine clothes and wore a precious jade pendant at his waist, clearly indicating that he was a son of a powerful and wealthy family, and they all lowered their heads.

To avoid getting into trouble.

"Ouch."

At this moment, the pretty woman suddenly let out a scream.

She subconsciously looked up.

There was a man and a woman standing in front of me.

The man stood with his hands behind his back, his brows exuding an indescribable air of authority, while the woman beside him was poised and elegant, with a touch of heroic spirit in her demeanor.

The man was Mu Yuan, whom Qin Hongxiu had brought out to go shopping and choose a birthday gift for the old lady.

Standing next to her was naturally Qin Hongxiu.

"Walking with your head down isn't a good habit," Mu Yuan said with a gentle smile.

"None of your business!" The pretty woman completely ignored Mu Yuan's words, instead saying aggressively, "I can go wherever I want!"