In a chaotic and famine-stricken era, I picked up an empress to be my wife.

Dugu Meng saw what was going on with Feng Guaizi and his men, and turned to Shen An and said, "Look, Feng Guaizi has gone to call for more people."

Shen An moved a stool and sat down in the courtyard, watching the bustling crowd through the courtyard wall.

"What's done is done. No matter how many people they gather, it's useless. The government officials are coming tomorrow. You should go back to your room and practice how to play Liu Xiaosi."

If we give ourselves away, we'll all be doomed.

Dugu Meng suddenly felt a sense of oppression.

The situation may seem to have a solution now, but if we are not careful, we could still lose everything.

She didn't dare to delay and was about to go back inside.

Shen Xiaoqi leaned closer, smiling and lowering her voice, "Sister-in-law, when are you and my brother going to consummate your marriage?"

Dugu Meng's heart sank suddenly.

Has Shen An already discussed this with Shen Xiaoqi?

Otherwise, why would Shen Xiaoqi bring it up herself?

Given the current situation, if Shen An uses force, she probably won't even be able to run away.

Shen An frowned and made a shushing gesture, signaling him not to say anything out of turn.

Shen Xiaoqi's comprehension was exceptional. He immediately nodded and said, "Brother, I understand. Walls have ears. You want to wait until you've dealt with these people before you consummate your marriage, right?"

I understand, I'll stay silent.

Shen An was also afraid that Feng Guaizi and the others outside the courtyard wall would overhear, so he pulled Shen Xiaoqi into a side room and explained the situation to him.

But Dugu Meng took Shen Xiaoqi's words seriously.

She didn't sleep a wink that night, her mind preoccupied with how to handle the wedding night.

"Knock knock knock!"

When the sun was high in the sky, Feng Guaizi and his gang banged on the courtyard gate again.

Dugu Mengcai abruptly pulled himself out of his thoughts.

"Hey Feng, what the hell are you smashing? You want a beating?"

Shen Xiaoqi rushed out and yelled at Feng Guaizi.

This time, all the corpse carriers came, and apart from Old Zhao, the rest of them stood on Feng Guaizi's side.

Feng Guaizi was no longer afraid.

These two brothers may be good fighters, but could they possibly be a match for all the corpse carriers?

Once they deliver these two to the authorities today, he will be the new head of this mass grave.

Feng Guaizi's voice boomed in from the courtyard gate: "Hey, look at the time! What the hell are you brushing your teeth for?!"

Didn't you say the government officials would be delivering the letter of appointment today? Where are they?

His henchman, Liu Laowu, jumped out and shouted, "Boss, you still believe Shen An? That guy could never get the position of squad leader! Everyone, let's tie up Shen An and his brother and send them to the county government!"

"Fifth Brother is right, tie them up!"

The corpse carriers echoed their agreement, and many of them moved forward.

Old Zhao anxiously stepped in front, saying, "Everyone, don't rush! The day isn't over yet! Give Shen An a little more time!"

Feng Guaizi shoved him away: "Old Zhao, can't you use your brain? They have no chance of getting the squad leader position. He just wants to run away, leave the mess for us, and make us take the punishment for him!"

Old Zhao waved his hands anxiously, "I know Shen An's character; he would never do such a thing. Please, everyone, wait a little longer!"

But nobody listened to him.

After waiting all night, Feng Guaizi had won over most of the people, who just wanted to send the Shen brothers to the county government to claim their reward.

Shen An stood at the door, looking at Feng Guaizi's smug face, his expression turning cold.

That Feng the crook deserves a beating!

Just because there are many people around doesn't mean we can't discipline him?

Shen An leaped over the crowd and charged toward Feng the Cripple.

This guy never expected Shen An to be so fast. He couldn't react at all and was kicked in the chest by Shen An, falling to the ground.

Then Shen An stepped on Feng Guaizi's chest.

"what!"

Feng Guai Zi grimaced in pain.

"I'll give you two choices. First, you can keep waiting obediently. Second, I'll use you as an example!"

As Shen An spoke, he increased the force in his foot, causing Feng Guaizi's chest to feel like it was about to split open in pain.

"I... I choose the first one. Let's talk this out!"

"very good!"

Shen An did not move his foot away, but continued to step on it.

By this time, everyone else had realized what was happening, and Shen An immediately threatened, "You all better not come any closer, or I'll break his chest!"

"We'll do whatever he says!"

"Feng Guaizi shouted."

Shen An dared to kill even Wang Ban Tou, let alone him?

One hour later.

Feng Guaizi felt like he was about to suffocate.

Liu Laowu shouted, "The officials are here!"

Everyone looked up and saw that the head constable, Ma Tianming, was riding towards them with several of his men.

"The government officials have really come! Could it be that Shen An has really become the head of the gang?" Old Zhao was overjoyed.

Many of the corpse carriers looked shocked.

Feng Guaizi, however, didn't think so. He shouted, "What are you all so shocked about! Just because the government officials are here doesn't mean they're here to deliver an appointment letter! Maybe the government has already discovered Wang Bantou's death and is here to arrest Shen An!"

Eager to claim credit, Feng Guaizi shouted as soon as Ma Tianming dismounted, "Officer Ma, we've surrounded Shen An! We'll arrest him for you!"

After saying this, Feng Guaizi eagerly awaited Ma Tianming's praise.

"Where did this idiot come from!"

To his utter surprise, Ma Tianming kicked Feng Guaizi hard.

"Officer Ma, why did you kick the villain?" Feng Guaizi was completely puzzled.

"Damn it, I came here to deliver Shen An's letter of appointment, and you want me to arrest him?" Ma Tianming spat as he spoke.

Feng Guaizi's face turned pale instantly, and Liu Laowu and the others were all stunned.

Everyone thought Shen An was stalling for time, but who would have thought he would actually become the squad leader?

How did he do that?

Where did all that money come from?

Feng Guaizi was unwilling to accept this outcome. He wanted to say that Wang Bantou was killed by Shen An and report Shen An to get him killed!

But he swallowed those words back down.

They dared to be arrogant towards Shen An before, but even if the squad leader is not officially part of the organization, he is still a government official. If he jumps out and says something, will Ma Tianming believe him?

He might even be falsely accused by Shen An, and could be killed on the spot for framing the new squad leader!

Just as he was filled with fear, Shen An stepped towards Ma Tianming: "Officer Ma, I am truly grateful for your trouble in bringing me this letter of appointment!"

Ma Tianming's gaze then fell on Shen An: "Why did they want to arrest you?"

"They didn't believe I was the squad leader, and a small conflict ensued."

"Damn it! A bunch of useless corpse carriers, daring to clash with the foreman? They're all tired of living!"

Enraged, Ma Tianming drew his sword: "Do you all want to taste the flavor of this blade?"

The sound of the knife being drawn made Feng Guaizi and the others tremble.

"Officer Ma, please calm down. I'll deal with these insolent scoundrels later. I can't let them disgrace your sword!"

Shen An hurriedly stepped forward, seemingly to kindly stop him, but he knew that Ma Tianming was just putting on an act.

He has to deal with Feng Guaizi in person!

Ma Tianming said with a half-smile, "Shen An, you certainly know how to talk. No wonder Manager Zhou looks at you with such respect and is willing to run this business for you."

He paused, his gaze lingering on Shen An's face for a moment: "I happen to have some things I'd like to ask you. After you go to the government office to register tomorrow, go to Mingyue Teahouse. I'll be waiting for you there."

Shen An could tell that Ma Tianming, while claiming to be seeking advice, was definitely up to no good.

It's hard to say, but Ma Tianming already suspects that he killed Wang Bantou.

The fact that they haven't taken action against him now must mean they have another purpose.

If we go, it will be a trap.

He feigned modesty: "Officer Ma, you flatter me. I am not worthy of your guidance..."

"If I say you can, then you can." Ma Tianming interrupted him: "You must come tomorrow, otherwise you won't be able to keep your position as the team leader."

After saying this, he handed the letter of appointment and the new identity document to Shen An, mounted his horse, and rode away.

The sound of horses' hooves faded into the distance, and the surroundings became quiet, with only the sound of the wind and breathing to be heard.

Feng Guaizi felt that everyone's eyes were on him.

The feeling of being constantly on edge made his heart pound, his breathing become heavy, and he felt as if the sky had fallen.

Thinking about his attitude towards Shen An these past few days, if Shen An were to punish him, wouldn't he be driven to the brink of death?

He was right after all. Shen An didn't care what the outcome of meeting Wang Ban Tou tomorrow was!

Now that he's secured the position of squad leader, he'll make Feng Guaizi and his gang pay the price!

"Feng Guaizi, raise your head, I, the squad leader, want to have a talk with you."

Shen An's words made Feng Guaizi's heart sink to the bottom.

He was beaten up just now, so how will Shen An deal with him now that he has the upper hand?