His Highness the Madman gave in again today.

"..."

Mo Sangyu looked at his serious eyes and frowned almost imperceptibly.

No, please.

She's never been in a relationship before. If she were to have a wedding ceremony again, wouldn't she really become a married young woman?

"Feng Xingyu."

Mo Sangyu also became serious, took his hand, and coaxed him in an almost gentle voice, "We have only just taken over Youdu City, and things are not stable yet."

Feng Xingyu's gaze fell on the hand she was holding.

This seemed to be the first time she had taken the initiative to hold his hand.

Why are her hands so soft?

"Such changes to Youdu City will surely attract the attention of many forces, especially the Great You Dynasty."

Mo Sangyu, oblivious to his expression, continued, "They probably won't believe your death so easily. They might continue their investigation. We need to keep a low profile for now. As for the wedding, there's no rush. We can do it later, okay?"

This woman is actually patiently coaxing him?

She did not refuse outright.

Feng Xingyu breathed a slight sigh of relief.

Not refusing means having a chance.

Therefore, we shouldn't push too hard, otherwise it could backfire.

"it is good."

He lowered his eyes and stared at her for a long while before nodding and saying, "...I'll listen to you."

There was a hint of disappointment in his tone.

After saying that, he pulled his hand out of Mo Sangyu's hand, turned around and walked out of the courtyard.

Mo Sangyu stood there, watching his departing figure, and had a strange feeling that she had hurt him by not agreeing.

How is that possible!

Is Feng Xingyu such an easily hurt person?

Besides, when has Mo Sangyu ever cared so much about other people's feelings? That's nonsense.

Feng Mian brought over breakfast, and by the time Mo Sangyu finished eating, everyone outside had arrived.

She wore a smart and stylish outfit today, which made her look even more capable and capable.

In the open space in front of the mansion gate, there were about four or five thousand Red Armor Guards, sentries, and law enforcers, standing in rows straight and disciplined.

Gu Jinzhi, Yan Qing, Yuan Zhao, Luo Ming, Yueying, and others were also present, standing on the steps in front of the mansion gate, facing the crowd below.

Next to it were two large pots of freshly brewed medicine, still steaming and emitting a strong, bitter medicinal smell.

Upon seeing Mo Sangyu emerge, Gu Jinzhi and the others immediately went to greet her.

Gu Jinzhi glanced at the medicine pot and roughly guessed Mo Sangyu's intention.

A hint of worry flashed in his eyes.

These people have been loyal to Youdu City for many years. Madam's method is a bit too harsh; I'm afraid…

Mo Sangyu glanced around but didn't see Feng Xingyu.

Just as she was about to ask, she sensed a slight movement behind her. She turned around and realized that he had been standing behind her at some point.

He was dressed in black, and his breathing was steady.

The two exchanged a glance, then she looked away, turning her gaze to the crowd below, her expression returning to its usual cold and indifferent demeanor.

An invisible pressure of spiritual energy spread out slowly like ripples on water, enveloping the entire plaza.

The people in the line below, who had been standing at attention, suddenly held their breath, their backs straightened instinctively, and their previously defiant or probing gazes quickly turned to surprise and solemnity.

What just happened?

Where does that oppressive aura come from?

"Gentlemen."

Before they could figure it out, Mo Sangyu's voice rang out slowly, getting straight to the point without any beating around the bush.

"I've called everyone here today to make one thing clear: now that Youdu City has changed hands, the rules are naturally different. Besides ability, the most important thing I value in people is loyalty!"

Her gaze swept over the tense or defiant faces below.

"You are all veterans who have guarded Youdu City for many years. You are capable and have made great contributions. If you are willing to stay and continue to serve this city, I welcome you and will never treat you unfairly."

She paused for a moment, then turned her gaze to the herbal soup beside her.

"The medicine in this pot is called Loyalty."

Mo Sangyu's tone was calm, yet carried an undeniable authority: "Drink it. As long as you remain loyal and have no ulterior motives, it will be an excellent medicine for nourishing your body and replenishing your energy, and it will also be beneficial to your cultivation."

Her tone shifted, her eyes turning slightly cold: "But if they betray us in the future, if they harbor disloyal thoughts... then this medicine will become a deadly poison that gnaws at our bones and intestines. When it takes effect, and how it takes effect, is up to me."

A suppressed commotion and whispers immediately arose from below.

"I'll give you all the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to consider."

She tilted her head slightly, gesturing to Yan Qing and the others beside her to light incense.

Yan Qing lit an incense stick and inserted it into the bronze incense burner.

The wisps of smoke rose straight up and began to slowly dissipate.

A sense of urgency inexplicably increased in the air.

The incense was lit, but no one in the crowd below immediately took any action.

After a brief silence, a low commotion could no longer be suppressed.

Anger, humiliation, and resentment were rapidly growing and spreading.

This is an absolute disgrace!

They have risked their lives for Youdu City for many years. When Lord Chu was alive, he never humiliated or oppressed them like this.

Why does this woman act like this the moment she arrives?!

But just now, that invisible and intangible yet chilling pressure was like a bucket of cold water, extinguishing the impulse of some people to explode.

This city lord's wife is no ordinary woman.

In their anger, practical considerations came to mind, forcing them to assess the situation carefully.

leave?

Youdu City is their home and refuge; where else can they go?

Staying behind means being controlled by this bowl of medicine of unknown origin, entrusting your life and fortune to the trust of a stranger?!

Han Chong, the leader of the enforcers, finally couldn't hold back any longer and took a step forward, his voice filled with suppressed anger: "Madam, your actions are unreasonable. We have served Youdu City for many years, and our loyalty is evident. Why force us with this?"

"Besides, who knows what tricks are hidden in this medicine? If you use it to control us after we drink it, wouldn't we become your puppets?"

Han Chong's words expressed what everyone was thinking.

Immediately afterwards, Han Xiao, the leader of the hidden sentries, and Lu Jin, the leader of the Red Armor Guards, also stood up to express their dissatisfaction and resistance.

Before Mo Sangyu could respond, a figure strode out from the side.

It is Yazi.

"Miss, they dare not drink, but I dare."

Ya Zi, without glancing to the side, walked straight to Mo Sangyu, knelt on one knee, and rang out with a resounding voice.

"I am your servant, Miss. I can guarantee that I will never betray you. Therefore, may I ask you for a bowl of this medicine?"

Mo Sangyu looked down at him, her lips curving slightly, a hint of approval flashing in her eyes.

"it is good."

She uttered a single word and turned to Luo Ming: "Give him a spoonful."

Luo Ming scooped up a spoonful of dark brown medicinal soup and handed it to Ya Zi.

Ya Zi took the bowl of medicine without any hesitation, tilted his head back and drank it all down, leaving not a single drop.

Upon seeing this, everyone exchanged glances, their expressions becoming somewhat complicated.

Is this pretty boy one of the city lord's wives?

"It looks bitter, I wonder what it tastes like."

At this moment, Yan Qing suddenly strode out, took the bowl from Luo Ming's hand, scooped up a spoonful, and gulped it down. After finishing, he smacked his lips and said, "Tsk, it's quite bitter. Madam, could you add some licorice next time?"

He had just finished drinking when Yuan Zhao stepped forward, silently ladled out a spoonful for himself, drank it all in one go, put the empty bowl back on the table, and then stepped aside to stand still.

Gu Jinzhi smiled slightly and strolled forward unhurriedly.

He first cupped his hands to the crowd below and said in a gentle tone, "Gentlemen, my name is Gu Jinzhi. I am grateful to the city lord and his wife for their kindness in employing me as a staff member in the army. You may call me Mr. Gu from now on."

He walked to the medicine pot, took the bowl of medicine that Luo Ming had prepared and handed to him, brought it to his nose to smell it, shook his head and laughed, "This medicine smells... really strong."

After saying that, he drank it all in one gulp, his demeanor composed, as if he had only drunk an ordinary cup of tea.

After finishing the drink, he said loudly to those below, "Ladies and gentlemen, I have just tasted it myself. Although it tastes bitter, it warms the stomach and is indeed beneficial to qi. Madam always keeps her word, so you need not have any excessive doubts."

His actions and words, gentle yet powerful, skillfully eased the tense atmosphere.

Feng Xingyu, who had been standing silently behind Mo Sangyu, took a half step forward.

Mo Sangyu turned her head to look at him, raising an eyebrow: "You want to drink too?"

Feng Xingyu's gaze seemed to shift slightly beneath his mask. Before he could speak, Mo Sangyu spoke first, with a hint of helplessness: "That's enough. If you drink any more, the medicine won't be enough."

She spoke softly and casually.

Luo Ming, who was about to drink his medicine: "..."

I was thinking that since everyone else had drunk it, shouldn't he, as a doctor, also set an example?

Although he knew the medicine was poisonous, since the lady had said that as long as he was loyal, the medicine would not harm his body and would even be beneficial, what did he have to worry about?

As a result, before he could even drink the medicine after serving it, he heard his wife say, "That's enough."

Luo Ming held the medicine in his hands, unsure whether he should drink it or not.

Never mind, one more bowl won't make a difference.

He secretly drank the medicine and then gently placed the bowl aside.

Everyone: "..."

Seeing the key figures around the city lord's wife drinking the medicinal soup without hesitation, and even the new city lord planning to have a bowl, one might think it was some rare delicacy.

This group of people is really... not quite what they imagined.

The resistance and doubts in everyone's hearts were gradually shaken.

"Your time is running out. You've already had your chance. Once this incense stick burns out, you'll have to leave..."

"I'll drink it!"

The first to step forward was a burly-looking man from the Red Armor Guard: "I've guarded this city for ten years. My home is here, my roots are here. Rather than slinking away in disgrace, I'd rather take a gamble and trust the city lord's wife this once!"

He walked to the medicine pot, took a bowl, scooped out a spoonful, tilted his head back and drank it down. After finishing, he wiped his mouth, turned to his team and said, "Brothers, those who want to stay, don't dawdle."

Once someone takes the lead, others will quickly follow.

Each line gradually made its way to the medicine pot and lined up in an orderly fashion.

The three leaders exchanged glances and then silently stepped forward.

"I'll help."

As the queue grew longer and longer, and seeing that Luo Ming couldn't handle the workload of serving the medicine by himself, Yan Qing and Yuan Zhao immediately joined in.

The last bit of incense ash fell.

Mo Sangyu glanced around and saw that only a dozen or so people remained in the queue.

In this situation, then there's only one option...