With the rise of my family, I can summon the Daoist Soldiers' Nest.

The next morning, Lin Ye finished practicing martial arts and took a bath. He was wearing only a light robe and waiting for the servants to bring him breakfast under the eaves. He was secretly looking forward to his second meeting with Zhang Ruozhu.

Just then, a servant rushed in to report: "Young master, the guards have returned, and they're taking three people with them!"

Lin Ye was startled—the guards shouldn't have returned so early.

According to the original plan, they should have finished clearing the Wushui River channel within Xiang County and reopened the market town before returning, which would have taken at least ten days to half a month. How come they're back after only a few days?

He didn't bother to change into formal attire and immediately strode into the hall.

The guards had already lined up and arrived. Three men dressed in guard uniforms were kneeling on the ground, covered in blood, while a third-rate captain and several of his men stood beside them.

Lin Ye's gaze swept over the three kneeling figures, and he asked in a deep voice, "What happened? Why are you back so quickly? Who are they?"

The third-rate captain, who was in charge, clasped his hands and said, "Reporting to Your Excellency, I am Zhou Wu, the captain of the first guard team. These three are guards from my fourth team, and the one in charge is Zhao Sanpao."

Then, Zhou Wu reported everything that had happened in Shitie Town.

The story details everything from the tragic situation in Shitie Town to the extravagance and oppression of the Liu family, to Zhao Sanpao and others' surprise attack on the Liu family under false orders from Lin Qiang, and the villagers' killing of everyone in the Liu family in their anger.

After listening, Lin Ye's gaze fell on Zhao Sanpao. His expression remained serious, but a surge of undisguised joy swept through his heart.

In fact, Sun Qian had previously reported to him on the actions of these local families, and he had long wanted to get rid of these gentry who oppressed the people.

However, he was concerned that if the Lin family took direct action, it would cause misunderstandings and raise suspicions among other families in Xiang County, which would be detrimental to the joint governance of the territory.

Development cannot rely solely on the Lin family; it is also necessary to win over other families to maintain the situation.

He was unwilling to accept this, so he issued an order—forbidding the new steward sent by the Lin family from taking any action against these local gentry, but he deliberately left a loophole, not ruling it out outright.

Unexpectedly, some sensible people understood his intention: he forbade the Lin family from taking action, but did not say that others were not allowed to take action.

Lin Ye looked at Zhao Sanpao and secretly praised the man for his quick thinking and decisiveness. However, it was ultimately inappropriate to falsely convey Lin Qiang's orders. According to the rules, he should still be punished to serve as a warning to others.

Lin Ye's gaze lingered on Zhao Sanpao for a moment.

"Zhao Sanpao," Lin Ye said fiercely.

"Your subordinate is here!" Zhao Sanpao immediately looked up and replied.

"You falsely conveyed Steward Lin's orders and arbitrarily mobilized the guards to attack Liu's residence. According to military regulations, this should be punished with thirty strokes of the cane, removal from your current rank, and forfeiture of three months' salary. Furthermore, you must publicly receive the punishment at the Wubao drill ground as a warning to others."

Lin Ye said slowly, "As expected, the punishment is severe."

However, while Zhao Sanpao wore a fearful expression, he was secretly delighted.

At least the fact that the lord didn't immediately sentence him to death shows that he made the right move.

Lin Ye paused for a moment, then continued, "Although your actions violated orders, they also removed a great scourge from the Lin family, allowing Shitie Town to break free from the Liu family's control and win the hearts of the people. This contribution cannot be overlooked."

Hearing this, Zhao Sanpao was even happier.

"So, punishment is punishment, and merit is merit," Lin Ye said, changing his tone.

"You will continue to be flogged and your salary will be withheld, but your rank will remain unchanged. You will still be a key member of the Fourth Guard Team, and you will be allowed to atone for your crimes through meritorious service. If you ever act recklessly again in the future, you will be punished even more severely, without any leniency."

Zhao Sanpao immediately kowtowed heavily and said loudly, "Your subordinate accepts the punishment! Thank you, Your Excellency, for sparing my life and for rewarding me! Your subordinate will certainly abide by the rules and never misbehave again!"

Zhou Wu, who was standing to the side, was stunned. He did not expect that Zhao Sanpao was only punished in public, but he did not lose his life and was able to stay in the team. He was puzzled for a moment.

Lin Ye continued, "Zhao Sanpao's punishment will be carried out at noon today at the drill ground. All members of the guard team will be present to witness the execution. Remember, if he commits another offense, he will not be spared."

As everyone left the hall, their footsteps faded into the distance, leaving only Lin Ye sitting in the main seat.

He tapped his fingers lightly on the table, thinking to himself.

"Sigh, if only there were more people like that, that would be great."

Zhao Sanpao's quick wit and decisiveness were of great help, but such people are few and far between. To govern the territory, more people who can understand intentions and dare to act are needed.

At noon, Lin Ye personally came to the training ground to supervise.

After thirty blows, Zhao Sanpao gritted his teeth, wincing in pain, but managed not to utter a sound.

He was originally a martial artist with a strong physique. Although the punishment left him feeling sore and numb all over, it did not leave him with any serious injuries. When he stood up, he still stood up straight.

This matter delayed me this morning, and I missed my appointment with Zhang Ruozhu.

As evening approached, Lin Ye shamelessly sent someone to invite Zhang Ruozhu to have dinner together.

During the meal, the two were not as talkative as last time; instead, they were both somewhat reserved and became taciturn.

Their eyes would occasionally meet, then quickly look away, a faint smile playing on their lips. Their feelings for each other only deepened in the silence.

Lin Ye thought to himself that after a few more such interactions, he could ask Madam Li to come and propose marriage.

After all, he is now a nobleman and handsome, so he has the confidence to get married.

Thinking of this, he couldn't help but smile, as if a little person in his heart was standing with their hands on their hips, laughing triumphantly.

But Lin Ye's good mood only lasted until the morning of the next day, when it was interrupted by the noise from the direction of Yandang Lake.

A servant rushed in to report: "My lord, the guards are back, and it looks like something happened!"

Upon hearing this, Lin Ye's heart tightened, and he immediately set off for the fortified city wall.

Looking out from the city tower, the tranquility of Yandang Lake was once again broken by more than a dozen boats. A crowd had gathered on the shore, pointing and whispering, their expressions filled with alarm.

Some of the boats on the lake were visibly damaged, with cracked sides, and several people were carried off the boats on stretchers, with traces of blood still visible.

The guard's flag was still there, but it looked disheveled and worn.

Lin Ye squinted and carefully observed that he could see several third-rate captains on the ship directing the cleanup of the mess, but the overall situation was obviously chaotic.

Lin Qiang disembarked from the large ship and walked towards Lin Ye.

It seems the escort team encountered considerable trouble in the dock this time, damaging not only their ships but also injuring people.

Thankfully, Uncle Lin Qiang is alright.