Chapter 62: Training
Chapter 62: Training
"Master."
The new maid was fetching water when she spotted Chen Mu entering the inner courtyard. She timidly greeted him.
"Brother Mu."
Wang Ni greeted him with a joyful expression.
With a new maid in the household, Wang Ni's status naturally rose. As the senior maid, her position would continue to grow, regardless of the size of the estate or the number of people in the courtyard.
At eleven years old, Wang Ni was beginning to understand these dynamics. The affectionate term 'Brother Mu' was something only she could call him within the courtyard.
"Ni'er, you've grown taller."
Chen Mu patted Wang Ni's head and smiled gently.
Indeed, Wang Ni had changed significantly over the past year. With proper nutrition and care, she had slowly blossomed, gradually becoming more charming. However, based on her current growth, it was unlikely she would ever match Chen Yue's beauty.
Chen Yue, a martial arts practitioner, trained in the Golden Jade Polishing Method, which preserved her skin and enhanced her qi and blood circulation. Even though she was not yet sixteen, she already possessed the demeanor of a young lady. If she didn't reach the level of Xu Hongyu's beauty, she would still be comparable to Xiao He.
Chen Mu had encountered many women, but Xu Hongyu remained the most beautiful in his eyes. As a direct descendant of a prominent family, she enjoyed a life of luxury and practiced martial arts, which, combined with her natural talent, resulted in a well-rounded and captivating appearance.
It wasn't that all daughters of wealthy families were beautiful, nor were all martial arts practitioners graceful, but the most exquisite ones often came from such backgrounds.
After moving to the new residence, Chen Mu's daily routine remained unchanged.
He continued his routine of eating, practicing martial arts, and training until late into the night.
Both his external and internal cultivation techniques were still in a phase of rapid progress. Ever since obtaining the system panel, he had never slacked off in his training. His current level was a result of his hard work, with the system panel acting as a small catalyst for that 'qualitative change'.
...
The next day, Chen Mu woke up early as usual. After practicing with his blade, he headed to the City Guard General Office.
Liu Song and Li Tie were already waiting in his main hall, and they respectfully greeted him before updating him on the situation regarding the Zheng family and the Sandflow Gang.
Chen Mu listened for a while and softly chuckled, "The Zheng family truly treats Willow Grove like their private backyard."
Typically, mixed and chaotic gang forces should be more sinister, but according to Liu Song and Li Tie's reports, the Zheng family's actions far exceeded those of the Sandflow Gang. They engaged in street killings, abducting peasant women, occupying residences, and acting without restraint, all of which were commonplace for them.
The previous patrol commander, Xu Feng, was not indifferent but powerless in dealing with them.
On the one hand, the Zheng family was influential and powerful. Even if the City Guard mobilized all its forces, it would be challenging to handle dozens of martial artists and hundreds of servants from the Zheng family. Moreover, the Zheng family had deep roots in Willow Grove and complex connections, not only with the Sandflow Gang but also with the Nan family. Mishandling the situation could lead to an even more complicated predicament.
The saying 'the people do not challenge the authorities' referred to commoners without any background or influence. The Zheng family, with its complex connections and inner city background, did not fall into the category of 'commoners' and held no fear of the City Guard, allowing them to act with impunity in the area.
Furthermore, Liu Song's intelligence included other illicit activities.
For instance, privately selling herbs and secretly possessing crossbows and armor are likely not baseless rumors.
The Great Xuan Dynasty's control over herbs is extremely strict, especially those required for martial cultivation and materials from demonic creatures, which are often strictly prohibited from private trade.
Herbs for martial cultivation produced in Yu City, particularly those involving demonic creatures, are typically first acquired by hunters and herb gatherers, who then hand them over to the Imperial Guard outside the city. The Imperial Guard then delivers them to the Inner City's Herb Bureau, which subsequently distributes them throughout the city.
It can be said that during the Great Xuan Dynasty's heyday, martial power among the common folk was scarce, as most of the required resources were tightly controlled by the court.
However, things are different now. Although businesses involving herbs for martial cultivation are still officially prohibited by the court, this is merely in name. Currently, the herb trade in Yu City is actually controlled by the Xie Family from the Inner City.
The reason is that the current City Lord, who oversees all military affairs and holds a position second only to the City Lord, is the head of the Xie Family. Even the Inner City's Herb Bureau is largely under the influence of the Xie Family.
But...
The herb trade involves too much, and many resources are fundamental to martial cultivators. In reality, the Xie Family cannot fully control it, just as the City Lord controls the most crucial part—the Sinew Transformation Pills.
Other families also have their own channels, directly acquiring some herbs from outside the city.
As for secretly possessing crossbows and armor, there's no need to elaborate. Such court orders are mostly nominal, and many court commands don't even reach Yu City anymore. No one bothers with such matters.
"Go and call Shang Qinglai and Zhang Tong."
Chen Mu thought for a moment and gave Liu Song an order.
In a 16-19-year-old book, there is a mistake-free version!
Although the Zheng Family is powerful, the previous Patrol Commander of the City Guard in Willow Grove was Xu Feng, who couldn't deal with the Zheng Family. However, the City Guard itself was still well-organized, and at least seven Senior Patrol Officers were Xu Feng's people.
Of course, now that Xu Feng has stepped down, some Senior Patrol Officers may have been bought by other forces, but Chen Mu doesn't care. He's also not interested in playing such games with several families.
Soon, Shang Qinglai and Zhang Tong arrived at the Main Hall.
"From now on, the City Guard will conduct a one-hour training session during the morning and evening shift changes, as per the usual routine, starting today."
Chen Mu issued a surprisingly simple order.
The City Guard commands hundreds of patrol officers, and daily training is quite normal. However, in reality, both the City Guard in Willow Grove and the one in Wutong Lane rarely conduct routine training, often not even once a month.
To put it bluntly, training requires silver, and from the Patrol Commander down to the Senior Patrol Officers, they all try to deduct as much as possible from the routine funds. Why would they willingly spend more silver on the patrol officers below them? Even if they train hundreds of skilled warriors, they won't become their private soldiers.
It's better to keep that silver for themselves.
"Yes, sir."
Shang Qinglai and Zhang Tong nodded in response and then glanced at each other.
Although they were a bit surprised, they didn't find Chen Mu's order strange. As the saying goes, 'new magistrates set three fires' when they take office. If the new Patrol Commander didn't make any moves after assuming office, that would be truly odd.
It's normal for the patrol officers to start with a grand training session for a few months and then show off their skills.
"Go."
Chen Mu waved his hand, dismissing the two of them.
(End of Chapter)
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