The next morning, Liu Fang was still resting in bed after a night of intense work.

As for his younger brother, Li Xin, although his health has improved considerably after these two days of rest, he is still not fully recovered.

Li Yue got up early to do housework.

Li Yi was quite satisfied with his sensible younger sister.

With the day approaching when the imperial court required registration for corvée labor to be completed, Li Yi knew he had no choice but to go today.

So he picked up his bow and arrows and went out the door.

It took most of the day to get to the county town, where a few people were already sparsely gathered.

Most of these people were farmers. According to custom, after finishing their farm work, they had to do corvée labor, such as building roads and river embankments for the county.

In previous years, people would not have been so desperate, but in recent years, there have been years of war and famine.

This has resulted in many people not only not having enough to eat after a year of hard work, but also having to go to the battlefield.

These days are getting more and more hopeless.

If it weren't for the overwhelming force used to suppress them, something terrible would have happened long ago.

At the very front of the line sat a clerk in a blue robe, making records with a pen.

"Next."

The constable shouted, and the man behind him walked forward, trembling.

The clerk's pen tip moved quickly across the notebook.

"Zhang Ergou, go to the north of the city to repair the river embankment. We'll set off tomorrow."

One by one, the people in the line moved forward.

Some were assigned to mining, others to running errands; both were forms of corvée labor, but the difference between them was one of life and death.

There has never been fairness in this place.

Before long, it was Li Yi's turn. The clerk in charge of registration glanced at him expressionlessly.

"Li Yi, aged 17, physically strong, is serving his military service and has gone to the front lines."

These words immediately caused a stir in the group.

After all, there are many types of corvée labor, but being assigned to the front lines basically means certain death.

Many people here know Li Yi, and given his circumstances, it's unlikely he'll be assigned to the front lines.

It was most likely done intentionally.

Li Yi frowned, staring intently at the official in front of him.

Why?

The registrar patted his clothes, a mocking sneer playing on his lips: "Now that the country is in trouble, every citizen has a responsibility. You're young and strong, it's only right that you serve the country. Besides, how it's distributed is up to me; I don't need to explain anything to you!"

Li Yi wanted to say more, but the surrounding constables had already gathered around, their hands on the hilts of their swords.

Judging from their posture, they might start fighting at the slightest provocation.

Li Yi could only suppress his anger and give up for the time being.

Just as Li Yi was about to leave, a sarcastic voice came from the crowd.

"Hey, isn't this Yi-ge'er? He actually came to register obediently."

Wang Dagui swaggered up to Li Yi, followed by several thugs, their faces full of schadenfreude.

When Li Yi saw him appear, he guessed that his assignment to the front line was most likely related to Wang Dagui.

"Did you do this?"

Seeing that everyone around him was one of his own, Wang Dagui became much bolder. He leaned closer to Li Yi and said in a low voice with a sneer, "Li Yi, so what if you know?"

"Don't say I didn't give you a chance. Do me a favor, and I'll help you out by pleading with the registrar to let you do some menial work."

Li Yi's expression remained unchanged as he asked, "What do you want?"

"I've seen Liu Ru has been a widow for quite a while now. If you can help me get her settled, I'll arrange for you to do menial tasks."

Li Yi closed his eyes, clenched his fists, and desperately restrained himself, afraid that he would lose control and beat this bastard to death.

"You're dreaming!"

"Ha, we'll see!"

Li Yi gave Wang Dagui a deep look before quickening his pace and leaving.

But he didn't go far. His conversation with Wang Dagui made Li Yi realize that if he didn't get rid of this beast, Wang Dagui would target Liu Ru and Xiao Yue as soon as he left.

Therefore, this problem must be completely resolved before going to the military camp.

Reaching the street corner, Li Yi quietly squatted down and waited.

Not long after, Wang Dagui was seen leading his men out.

Li Yi immediately followed behind them.

Wang Dagui was completely unaware of what was happening behind him and continued to swagger through the streets as usual.

The surrounding vendors were afraid of him, and when they saw him, they would voluntarily hand over bribes.

The smile on Wang Dagui's face never disappeared.

Li Yi followed them secretly all the way, looking for an opportunity to strike.

After an unknown amount of time, Li Yi's skill panel suddenly lit up.

[Reconnaissance and Concealment (Beginner): 1/100]

【Effect: None】

Li Yi's eyes lit up. He realized that focusing on one thing could also activate his skill.

It seems we should focus more on this area in the future.

After following Wang Dagui for almost half an hour, he finally stopped and sat down in a teahouse.

After listening to his conversation with the waiter for a while, Li Yi learned that this guy came here to drink tea every day.

He silently noted down the current time – 9:00 AM.

Fifteen minutes later, Wang Dagui and his men emerged, their faces glistening with oil.

Li Yi then turned and left.

He opened the panel again after paying the fee to leave the city.

[Reconnaissance and Concealment (Beginner): 30/100]

【Effect: None】

In just a short time, my experience points have increased significantly.

This gave Li Yi much more confidence in his plans for tomorrow.

It was already noon when I got home.

Liu Fang had already prepared the meal; the house was bare, yet the aroma of the food filled the air.

In times of chaos, only at home can one enjoy this rare warmth.

After finishing his meal, Li Yi continued practicing archery in the courtyard.

But after a short while, Liu Ru walked over.

She had dark circles under her eyes, clearly indicating she hadn't slept well.

"Sister Ru, what happened? Was your house broken into last night?"

Liu Ru glared at Li Yi, annoyed. "You still ask? It's all your fault! You kept me up all morning yesterday and all night. I didn't sleep a wink last night, and now I'm dizzy and my head is throbbing."

Liu Ru's sullen expression had a unique charm.

Li Yi didn't respond, after all, Ru Jie might not be able to sleep tonight either.

Seeing his feigned ignorance, Liu Ru couldn't help but chuckle, her eyes sparkling as she teased, "I never would have guessed you were so clever."

Li Yi chuckled awkwardly and said, "Sis, stop laughing at me. I have something important to tell you. That bastard Wang Dagui has his eye on you."

Li Yi then told Li Ru what had happened that day.

Li Ru was taken aback at first, then her face turned pale and her brows furrowed slightly.

"That beast Wang Dagui, hardly anyone he targets escapes, but I'm not one to be trifled with either. I'll fight him to the death!"

Li Yi sighed and said, "Sister Ru, why don't you come and stay with me? It's a simple place, but we can tidy it up and make it comfortable. It's better than living in fear at home. Plus, Xiaoyue and the others are here, so you can take care of them."

Liu Ru nodded, but the worry on her face still hadn't disappeared.

"This method can only provide temporary relief. What will happen after you leave?"

Li Yi's eyes were icy, and a smile played at the corners of his lips.

"Don't worry, I'll take care of everything before I leave."

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