I have a martial arts panel.

When Feng Sigua saw Xu Ning's firm stance, he didn't know what to say for a moment.

Seeing Feng Sigua's hesitant expression, Xu Ning asked, "Is there anything you want to say?"

"grown ups……"

Feng Sigua said with some hesitation, "When you refused Yu Xinghe before, you only offended Dayuan Trading Company. But if you return the gifts this time, you'll be slapping Commander Chen in the face."

"He is, after all, your direct superior. Offending him..."

Feng Sigua didn't continue.

Upon hearing this, Xu Ning was not angry: "Captain Chen is my superior, and so is Captain Qu..."

Xu Ning only said this one sentence.

Upon hearing this, Feng Sigua said no more: "In that case, sir, I will go and return this to you."

With that, Feng Sigua took the embroidered wooden box from the table, then went out and headed towards Dayuan Trading Company.

"Commander Qu, he shouldn't have any connection with the Da Yuan Trading Company, right..."

Feng Sigua left, leaving Xu Ning alone in the room.

According to information Xu Ning had gathered beforehand, there were no rumors that Qu Dayou and Dayuan Trading Company had ever had any contact.

But that's just the surface; what's really going on behind the scenes is anyone's guess.

As long as Qu Dayou doesn't side with Dayuan Trading Company, he will be safe.

If Chen Ren wants to deal with himself, he must take Qu Dayou into consideration.

Although the two did not have a direct superior-subordinate relationship, Qu Dayou was, after all, a captain, while Chen Ren was only a colonel.

……

After spending a day at the post station, Xu Ning returned to the camp in the evening.

They were still new guards, without assigned accommodations or properties in the county town, so they had to live in the camp.

The new camp is now taking shape and has been renamed the Third Camp.

In the previous assignment of new recruits, more than 30 people were stationed here on a daily basis.

Their main tasks are to stand guard, patrol, and maintain security around the Third Camp.

The job is actually not demanding, because with the help of the city guards, it's not tiring at all.

"Xu Ning, you're back."

When Xu Ning returned to the room, she saw Tao Qingping soaking her feet by the bed.

He was assigned to the third camp, where the workload was light and he had plenty of free time.

"Are you getting ready to rest already?"

Xu Ning removed the light armor and sword from his body, sat down at the table, and poured himself a glass of water.

"I'm a bit tired after a day of martial arts practice."

Tao Qingping responded.

This is the advantage of setting up a camp; the time saved can be used for martial arts training.

Because of the pressure and motivation from the assessment tests, everyone is very dedicated to martial arts training.

"Xu Ning," Tao Qingping kindly reminded him, "Although the work at the post station isn't tiring, it's still a waste of time. You're leaving early and returning late every day; don't let it interfere with your cultivation."

"For us newcomers, improving our skills is the most important thing. Don't put the cart before the horse."

Xu Ning nodded: "I know, thank you for reminding me. Don't worry, I had a lot of free time while I was in the post station, and I didn't waste any of it. I kept practicing martial arts."

This was the explanation Xu Ning had prepared long ago.

Otherwise, if his strength suddenly increases later, he won't be able to explain it.

"That's good," Tao Qingping said. "Once our strength improves, we can seize other people's resources. At that time, apart from Commandant Qu, we will be the ones calling the shots in this Third Camp."

"Our Third Camp is still under construction. Apart from Commandant Qu at the top, we don't have any captains below us. I heard that in another year or two, captains will be added to our new camp. And the candidates for captains will be the best among our new recruits."

As Tao Qingping said this, his eyes were full of expectation, as if he was already envisioning the future.

"Then you'd better work harder. If you become a captain, please take good care of me."

Xu Ning joked.

"I don't have that ability..."

Although Tao Qingping waved his hand, his face was full of longing.

dong dong dong.

Just then, there was a knock on the door.

"Who?"

Tao Qingping asked in a loud voice.

"Sir, I am the city guard on duty tonight."

A sound came from outside.

Xu Ning stood up and opened the door.

A city guard stood outside the door. He didn't go inside, but first bowed to Xu Ning and Tao Qingping: "Commander Qu has ordered that Lord Xu Ning go to his study."

"I?"

Xu Ning's mind raced.

I don't think I had any prior interaction with this Commandant Qu.

Although puzzled, Xu Ning still obeyed the order: "Understood."

The city guards took their leave, and Xu Ning tidied his clothes again.

"What does Commander Qu want with you?"

Tao Qingping was also puzzled.

"It might be related to the duties at the post station."

After tidying up, Xu Ning went straight out and headed to Qu Dayou's study.

……

By this time, it was already dark.

In Qu Dayou's study, the oil lamp flickered.

Standing before him was Xu Ning, who had been summoned.

"Lord Qu."

Xu Ning bowed.

Qu Dayou chuckled and pointed to the seat next to him: "Sit."

Xu Ning sat down, maintaining a proper posture.

"How was it working at the post station?"

Qu Dayou asked.

"It feels alright."

Without knowing what Qu Dayou was trying to express, Xu Ning still chose a generic answer.

"Why did you refuse the gifts that Da Yuan Trading Company sent you?"

Suddenly, Qu Dayou asked.

You couldn't discern any emotion in his tone; it seemed to carry only a hint of curiosity.

Upon hearing this, Xu Ning's heart stirred.

Once again, his boss contacted him about Dayuan Trading Company.

It felt like I had just entered Maple Willow Lane and had already stepped into a vortex.

"One should not accept rewards without merit; one is bound to be obligated to accept favors."

Xu Ning responded.

"it is good."

Qu Da smiled and, as he spoke, took out a brocade wooden box from under the table.

The scene was the same as during the day. Chen Ren took out a brocade wooden box containing three Green Willow Pills and then coerced and lured him into accepting them.

The only difference is the setting and the person; Chen Ren has become Qu Dayou.

Xu Ning's pupils contracted slightly.

If Qu Dayou is also in cahoots with Dayuan Trading Company, then my situation will be in real trouble.

At that time, whether you like it or not, you will inevitably be dragged onto the pirate ship.

"What, are you worried I'll be like that coward Chen Ren and shove this back into your hands?"

Qu Dayou laughed heartily, making his attitude towards Chen Ren clear.

Upon hearing this, Xu Ning met Qu Dayou's gaze.

His eyes showed satisfaction with himself.

"call……"

Xu Ning felt much more at ease.

It seems that Qu Dayou is clearly not on the same side as Dayuan Trading Company.

In that case, Chen Ren certainly can't deal with him openly.

"Sir, how did this thing end up in your hands again?"

Xu Ning didn't quite understand.

Feng Sigua had already returned the Green Willow Pill to Dayuan Trading Company, but now it had ended up in Qu Dayou's hands.

"Someone bribed a guard in the camp to put this under your pillow, but it was discovered and brought here to me."

As he spoke, Qu Dayou stood up, put his hands behind his back, and paced back and forth in front of the table.

Upon seeing this, Xu Ning also stood up.

"This time, they're not just giving you the Green Willow Pill, they're giving you this too."

Qu Dayou reached under the table and a dart with a cold glint appeared in his hand.

"This is……"

Xu Ning felt a chill run down her spine.

He instantly understood what it meant.

This time, sweet dates and jujubes are being delivered together.

If you don't accept it, you'll have to suffer the consequences yourself.

The Da Yuan Trading Company is threatening its own life.

"furious."

Xu Ning whispered.

He wasn't too nervous. Since Qu Dayou had already seen through everything and had taken the initiative to summon him, he couldn't possibly let himself be in such danger.

Qu Dayou glanced at Xu Ning's expression and, seeing that Xu Ning did not show any signs of panic, silently praised her in his heart.

Qu Dayou then threw the dart on the table, making a crisp metallic clanging sound.

He said, "I really feel bad for you, putting you in this situation."

"Um?"

Qu Dayou's words immediately surprised Xu Ning.

Although he didn't quite understand the deeper meaning of those words, Xu Ning vaguely sensed that the mastermind behind his entry into the Fengliu Lane garrison and his persistent entanglement with the Dayuan Trading Company seemed to be Qu Dayou.