RWNEFE -Chapter 164 Eagle Eyes, Wolf Gaze

On the female guard front, Shen Lanxi had been supervising for two days when Madam Song reported: “My lord, there isn’t enough space to accommodate everyone!”

Shen Lanxi: “Have Wang Songbai and his men check for vacant houses in the county—inns, rental homes from the locals—pay them fairly, and they’ll agree!”

“Yes!”

…

Ma Feng glared at Shen Lanxi with a dark expression. “Do you realize what consequences this action will bring once the news spreads?”

Shen Lanxi lowered her eyes and cupped her hands. “I only know that fulfilling the military orders means making sure all the land in the four counties is cultivated with crops.”

Ma Feng studied Shen Lanxi for a moment with a gloomy expression, then suddenly broke into a broad smile. “Excellent! If all my soldiers were like you, I’d never worry about failing important missions!”

“To complete military orders, sometimes one must overlook minor conventions. Women can farm, weave, and make clothes and shoes. What do you think, Commander Lan?”

Lan Xi: “Yes. I’ll gather the materials for weaving. Once the cotton clothes and shoes are ready, I’ll deliver them to the general immediately!”

Ma Feng’s face lit up with relief.

“You may also recruit slightly more women. Soldiers defending the country live in extreme hardship. What do you think, Lord Lan?”

Shen Lanxi’s eyes gleamed coldly. She lowered her gaze. “Your servant understands.”

“Good. Fuchun and Wujin counties happen to be in your jurisdiction. These two garrisons will also fall under your management, correct?”

Shen Lanxi: “Yes.”

After leaving the residence of the military commander, Shen Lanxi glanced back with a subtle, calculating expression.

Outside, Liu Yanhui and Wei Dongzhu exchanged a knowing look, silently acknowledging: Eagle eyes, wolf gaze!

Back at the garrison, Shen Lanxi immediately issued orders: “Take control of Fuchun and Wujin garrisons. Kill any resistors!”

“Yes!”

Shen Lanxi personally led 300 soldiers, first to Wujin, then to Fuchun.

“Master, should we scout ahead first?” Feng Wu suggested.

Ma Feng would never give up authority so easily—something must be happening inside.

There were only two possibilities: first, the counties refuse to follow orders; second, the counties are without leadership.

“No need,” Shen Lanxi replied coldly.

The 300 soldiers braved the snow and arrived at noon the next day.

“Why is there no one here?”

Wei Dongzhu: “I’ll ask nearby.”

Fifteen minutes later, he returned.

“The chief flag officer of this garrison was killed by Ma Feng’s men. His body is still hanging from the flagpole!”

Shen Lanxi: “He disobeyed the rebels’ orders?”

Wei Dongzhu: “Apparently. The soldiers were either killed or taken away. A few family members came looking for soldiers in the past two days, but seeing the body on the flagpole, they all returned home.”

Shen Lanxi: “Take the body down and give it a proper burial.”

“Yes!”

Xiao Fang: “I assume Fuchun County is in the same situation. No need for you to go personally, my lord. I’ll take people to inspect.”

Shen Lanxi: “Agreed.”

The first task in the two counties was to restore basic troop levels, and recruitment notices were quickly posted.

The county magistrates from both offices immediately came to the garrisons to pledge loyalty.

Shen Lanxi wrote a letter for Chang Daoyan, who soon appeared before her.

“The magistrate of Fuchun County embezzled and abused his power. I heard he allowed his men to seize land, killed three tenant farmers, and colluded with merchants to occupy their shops.”

Shen Lanxi interrupted: “According to the law, what should be done?”

Chang Daoyan looked at her: “Immediate execution!”

“What about his family?”

Chang Daoyan’s brow jumped, but he answered straightforwardly: “His crimes are severe enough to implicate his family!”

Shen Lanxi’s voice was cold: “In chaotic times, strict punishments are necessary. What do you think, Master Chang?”

Chang Daoyan scratched his head awkwardly: “I think… his family can be dealt with leniently…”

Shen Lanxi: “Master Chang, your compassion is admirable. As for the main offenders: quarter them into a thousand pieces. The accomplices: behead and display publicly. Family members: depending on their responsibility, either execution or enslavement. What do you think?”

Chang Daoyan sucked in a cold breath: You’ve already made the judgment—why ask me?

“Don’t think that just because the backyards are full of women and children, they are innocent. Sometimes, backyards are no cleaner than the political arena.”

“Everyone sees blossoms in the backyard, but buried beneath are piles of human bones.”

“The wells, ponds, and artificial hills in these backyards take countless women and children’s lives every year.”

Chang Daoyan’s scalp tingled, his back drenched in cold sweat.

“I will investigate thoroughly and spare no one guilty of heinous crimes.”

Shen Lanxi’s expression remained unreadable, her gaze lightly settling on him.

“Was there supposed to be another line—‘spare no innocent person’?”

Chang Daoyan dared not even wipe the sweat from his brow.

Shen Lanxi curled her lips and laughed aloud.

“The matters of these two counties will be handled by Master Chang. I have only one requirement… publicly reveal their crimes and carry out executions as a warning!”

Chang Daoyan bowed: “Yes!” He wiped his sweat and quickly exited.

The snow fell continuously for seven days. During these seven days, the recruitment office was bustling with people.

Three large cauldrons were set up at the entrance, constantly cooking rice porridge.

The stomachs of those queuing to enlist growled louder than their voices. The closer they got to the recruitment office, the more nervous and silent they became, making the office the quietest place of all.

During these seven days, soldiers trained for half an hour daily; the rest of the time was spent clearing snow.

After clearing the garrison, they moved on to the main roads of each county.

Chang Daoyan now oversaw Fuchun and Wujin in addition to his own Xilipo district—three counties under his management.

Thinking of yesterday’s bloody chaos made him shiver.

Yet, seeing soldiers systematically clearing snow along the main roads ignited warmth in his heart.

Lord Lan was truly a masterful commander—if only he weren’t a rebel!

Every time Chang Daoyan thought of this, he sighed deeply.

“You all, add water to the cauldrons! The soldiers work tirelessly clearing snow—at the very least, we must provide them a bowl of hot water or soup!”

…

Today, Shen Yuanjing and Shen Yuanxu had a day off. They purchased some items and returned home together.

“Yuanjing, you’re lucky, being by Lanxi’s side. When you discuss matters, what do you talk about? Can you tell your brother?” Shen Yuanxu asked with envy.

Shen Yuanjing felt embarrassed: “You’re out recruiting soldiers now. After recruitment ends, you’ll be at our eldest sister’s side anyway.”

“During meetings, there’s nothing special—they mostly talk while I just listen. Most of the time, I don’t understand!”

A flash of disappointment crossed Shen Yuanxu’s eyes.

“Could our eldest sister teach you something privately for me?” Shen Yuanxu asked boldly.

Shen Yuanjing frowned, then smiled.

“She hasn’t taught much yet. But once the snow is cleared, Master Hu said he’d teach us military strategy!”

Shen Yuanxu looked at Shen Yuanjing, placed his arm on his shoulder:

“Brothers fight together, fathers and sons on the battlefield—we must always watch over each other and support one another!”

Shen Yuanjing responded with a firm, wholehearted nod.