Dream of the Red Chamber: I can see the hidden labels of the beauties.

Upon realizing that Yi Xian, the deputy commander, was an informant or pawn planted by Emperor Jing'an, Jia Can did not panic or feel uneasy. Instead, he politely returned the gesture with a cupped hand.

"So it's Yi Tongzhi. It seems His Majesty truly values ​​our Longfu Guard. I've only just taken office, and he's already sent Yi Tongzhi to assist me. We can't let His Majesty down; we must restore the Longfu Guard to its former glory as soon as possible."

Yi Xian originally didn't take Jia Can seriously, thinking that Jia Can was just a lucky young master who had gotten lucky. He thought that Yi Xian had risen through the ranks from the bottom of the military camp, and dealing with Jia Can would be as easy as eating and drinking.

But seeing Jia Can arrive so early on his first day in office, personally taking attendance and speaking in such official jargon, Yi Xian realized that this excessively young commander was definitely not as easy to deal with as she had imagined.

However, Yi Xian only slightly improved her opinion of Jia Can, but did not change her overall impression of him. She immediately bowed in response:

"My lord, as the commander, why must you personally sit in the office to take attendance? How about letting me do such a trivial matter?"

These words, ostensibly for Jia Can's benefit, were actually a trap set for him. If Jia Can agreed, it would mean he was easy to talk to, allowing Yi Xian to gradually sideline him.

If Jia Can disagrees, it would make him appear cold-hearted and arrogant.

Jia Can understood the implications and chose to explicitly refuse.

"No need. Since this is my first time in office, I must set an example. Moreover, the Dragon Guard is in dire need of rebuilding and needs to sort out various affairs. As the commander of the Dragon Guard, I should do it personally and not let down His Majesty's trust."

"Commander Yi, by all accounts, you should be at the yamen at the exact hour of Mao (5-7 AM) to report for duty. However, considering this is your first day in office, I will only remind you. If you still haven't arrived by tomorrow, then don't blame me for being ruthless and for handling things according to the rules of the garrison!"

Upon hearing these words, Yi Xian's expression changed, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly. He had never expected that Jia Can would show him no respect whatsoever. Not only did Jia Can refuse his well-intentioned suggestion to help him, but he also used the issue of being late to give him a warning.

Yi Xian originally thought that since the Dragon Guard had been abandoned for many years, even if he came to take office at the beginning of Chenshi (7-9 AM), he would definitely arrive earlier than Jia Can, and he could take the opportunity to make arrangements first.

But to his surprise, Jia Can arrived much earlier than him and even personally took attendance. He was indeed late, that was a fact, and there was no way to refute it.

He could only obediently bow his head and admit his mistake:

"Your teachings are correct, sir. I will certainly arrive on time tomorrow."

The trap originally set for Jia Can was easily defused by Jia Can's show of force. Yi Xian's expression turned somewhat ugly as she pondered what to do next.

Jia Can nodded slightly and announced loudly:

"Guards, register Yi Tongzhi in the register. From today onwards, everyone in the Dragon Guard must be re-registered, including myself. Anyone who fails to report to the yamen within three days will be disowned by me!"

There were only a few people in the hall. It looked like an announcement to the public, but it was more like a speech to Yi Xian, the deputy.

Upon hearing this, Yi Xian's heart skipped a beat, and a plan came to mind. He smiled and flattered her:

"Your Excellency is wise. I have long heard of the practice of nominal employees receiving salaries without working within the Dragon Guard. Your actions are perfectly legitimate and in accordance with the laws of the court. I wholeheartedly support them!"

He thought to himself, "Which of these people who are just nominally receiving salaries are not prominent nobles in the capital? If you can really get rid of them so easily, how can these noble families maintain their foothold in the capital?"

Jia Can sat in the hall, glanced down at him, and continued:

"Yes, what Yi Tongzhi said is very true. The Longfu Guard has been abandoned for a long time. The most urgent task is to find out how many people are in name only but do not come to the guard post to perform their duties."

A sinister glint flashed in Yi Xian's eyes, but on the surface he repeatedly flattered Jia Can, praising his wisdom and saying that those who were drawing salaries without working should be cleaned up and the Longfu Guard should be restored to peace.

Jia Can feigned a frivolous air and then launched into a long speech, boasting about how he would reorganize the Dragon Guard within a few days, recruit soldiers, and make a big splash, so that Emperor Jing'an would see what was going on.

Yi Xian believed it to be true and felt more and more that Jia Can was courting death. He couldn't suppress the smile on his face.

By this time, it was already bright outside. As soon as the hour of Chen (7-9 AM) passed, a number of veteran soldiers from the garrison came to the government office to take their shifts.

Most of them were old and weak veterans, who looked like they had little fighting ability and probably couldn't even do small things. There were only a few young and strong ones, but they were lazy and listless.

Most of these people relied on inheriting their fathers' positions to get by in the Dragon Guard until they died of old age, after which their sons and nephews would take over, and so on.

Therefore, coming to the government office every day was just a formality; if there was nothing to do, he would leave to do his own private business and come back every month to collect his meager military pay.

They were quite surprised to see two superiors arrive today, but they dared not think too much about it and stepped forward to pay their respects.

Jia Can waved his hand slightly, instructing his entourage and clerks to re-register their names, positions, and other information.

He then said to Yi Xian:

"Commander Yi, look at these people. The vast majority of them are old and frail. I think it would be better to let them go home and retire. What do you think?"

When Yi Xian saw that Jia Can dared to say such things in front of these veterans, he was both surprised and excited. Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed that the veterans' expressions had changed drastically.

Although the military pay of the Longfu Guard was not much, it was enough for them to survive. Now Jia Can was going to drive them away. Wasn't that cutting off their way of life?

Several veterans, their faces filled with anger, glared at Jia Can, looking ready to explode.

Yi Xian saw all of this, a cold smile playing on his lips, and bowed in response:

"Your Excellency is wise. These people have served for many years and are now old. They should indeed enjoy their retirement. They should be given sufficient severance pay so that they can return home to live out their days in peace."

This was a tactful way of putting it; it acknowledged Jia Can's decision to purge the group of veterans, yet it also spoke up for the veterans, making him appear to be a very good person.

Jia Can glanced at everyone and, seeing that the veterans' expressions had improved slightly, replied seriously:

"Very well, then let's do as you say, Yi Tongzhi. Those who meet the requirements of the Dragon Guard will be given full severance pay. Those who do not wish to leave can continue to stay."

"But let me make this clear from the start: from today onwards, the Dragon Guard will no longer be the same as before. Anyone who fails to perform their duties will be severely punished according to the rules."

"In addition, if you don't want to lose your father's position, you can choose not to take severance pay and recommend your nephews or younger relatives to take over, provided that they are not too old."

Yi Xian originally thought that Jia Can would purge these veterans without any scruples, so that he could take the opportunity to publicize Jia Can's inhumane side and make Jia Can bear a controversial stain as soon as he took office.

But to his surprise, Jia Can suddenly changed the subject and offered the veterans three options, showing great compassion. Now, he couldn't say anything more and could only flatter him.

"Your Excellency is wise. In this way, they will know what the best choice is."