Chapter 25: The Face-Punching Incident of Wood Spirit

After conversing with Su Yuxin for a while, Feng Yao rose and departed. He had many matters to attend to. Before leaving, with a smile, he murmured to Su Yuxin's ear, "I'll come by tonight." Blushing, Su Yuxin directly kicked him, snorting. Amused, Feng Yao laughed heartily and left contentedly.

Returning to the study, Feng Yao summoned Jin Ling. He had five spirit guards by his side, led by Jin Ling, each excelling in their own right, so they had their specific roles. Jin Ling possessed formidable martial skills, renowned throughout Dalian for his exceptional Willow Leaf Blade technique, unparalleled and rarely matched. Besides closely safeguarding Feng Yao, he was also in charge of various affairs concerning the covert guards' camp. However, he was aloof and indifferent in temperament, not one for idle chatter, quite the contrast to Feng Yao.

"Choose six proficient female guards from the covert guards' camp and ensure they arrive in Shengjing within two days to protect the Madame," Feng Yao instructed. Jin Ling's mind swiftly ran through a list of names, pinpointing suitable candidates almost instantly. "Yes, I will attend to it immediately," Jin Ling bowed slightly before turning to leave.

Once Su Yuxin's affairs were dealt with, Feng Yao delved into official business. The recruitment for this year's new battalion had concluded, welcoming not only legitimate applicants but also those who utilized connections to enter and build their reputations. Feng Yao despised this sort of individual the most, but it was an issue he couldn't entirely eliminate. Hence, each year, he specifically singled out these individuals for rigorous training to crush their indulgent tendencies.

These individuals, usually accustomed to luxury, couldn't withstand the rigor of the military. Once they emerged from the new battalion, they shed layers of their frivolousness. Some who dared cause trouble due to their family's influence faced immediate beheading. Instead of punishment, the Emperor not only condoned but also personally bestowed upon Feng Yao ironclad scrolls.

Thus, in the past two years, the number of individuals attempting to gain experience under Feng Yao's command had significantly reduced, but a few still persisted. Feng Yao meticulously perused the names while occasionally making annotations. It took a good half hour before he finally finished.

Once he set down his pen, he saw Wood Spirit sauntering in a nonchalant manner from outside. Wood Spirit possessed captivating peach blossom eyes, exceptionally handsome regardless of the season, and always carried a folding fan, embodying the image of a dandy young master. Despite his demeanor, he was a master at machinery and calculations, the sole disciple of the late and renowned senior craftsman. Under Feng Yao's command, he was responsible for designing various mechanical hidden weapons and weapons.

Two years ago, during the war between Feng Yao's troops and the Tartars in Suzhou, the Tartar fighters, naturally valiant and skilled in combat, had invaded with full force. Despite a nine-month long stalemate, it was then that Wood Spirit successfully designed the crossbow carts. With a hundred crossbows on one cart and a thousand on ten carts, the deadlock was shattered, leading to a decisive victory and the Tartars swiftly retreating without daring to engage further.

Consequently, the battle in Suzhou finally concluded in Dalian's victory, with Wood Spirit's invaluable contribution.

"Got new ideas?" Feng Yao raised his gaze, asking in a nonchalant tone.

"How can one have new ideas every day? Inspiration is something encountered, not sought," Wood Spirit chuckled.

"Then why are you here?" Feng Yao inquired.

"General, your words are quite disheartening. Your subordinate hurriedly came to share firsthand news with you," Wood Spirit said, pretending to be hurt.

"News?" Feng Yao glanced at Wood Spirit, snorting. "Do you have any serious news? Gossip again? Go share it with someone else; I'm occupied."

"It's about the Madame," Wood Spirit said mysteriously. "General, don't you want to know?"

Upon hearing this, Feng Yao immediately perked up. Anything related to Su Yuxin captured his utmost attention.

"Forget it, if General dislikes hearing his subordinates' gossip, then I'll gossip with someone else," Wood Spirit intentionally said, fanning himself.

Furrowing his brow, Feng Yao said, "You have the time for a cup of tea."

"Being this rigid, General won't win any girl's heart," Wood Spirit fearlessly continued.

Feng Yao glared at Wood Spirit. Why would he need to win any other girl's heart? As long as Yuxin was happy, other people didn't matter.

"It's already been a minute," Feng Yao tapped his fingers on the desk. His desk wasn't just ordinary wood; it was crafted from top-tier ironwood, solid as steel, making a sonorous sound when tapped, the echoes getting progressively heavier, akin to a drumbeat.

Wood Spirit promptly surrendered, divulging in detail the recent events inside the residence that he had learned from Zhou Zheng. He intended to report it earlier, but Su Yuxin's sudden interruption thwarted his plans, ending up favorably benefiting Wood Spirit.

"You say, Madame might be under some negative influence? Suddenly changed like a different person? Should we ask Huo Ling to divine?" Wood Spirit suggested. Huo Ling was skilled in dry divination, observing celestial phenomena, predicting fortunes, self-proclaimed to perceive the past and foresee the future.

"Who do you think is under negative influence?" Feng Yao's eyes narrowed dangerously. Regardless of Su Yuxin's changes, she was the one closest to his heart. It was destined thirteen years ago.

"Ah, I suddenly remembered having other urgent matters to attend to. I'll take my leave first," Wood Spirit hurriedly excused himself.

However, as he scampered to the door, a gust of wind swept behind him. Wood Spirit swiftly ducked, avoiding a direct hit. Although he managed to evade a severe strike, his legs stumbled, losing balance, and plopped on the ground, grimacing in pain. Feng Yao peered down at Wood Spirit disdainfully. "You just know how to talk but show no improvement in your martial skills."

"You're attacking sneakily," Wood Spirit complained as he rubbed his sore backside, rising.

"Alright then, let's have a fair fight outside," Feng Yao said, dragging Wood Spirit out by the collar.

"Please, General, have mercy..." Wood Spirit immediately cried out.

He knew, in a serious confrontation, he wouldn't last more than twenty moves against the General. Moreover, he couldn't even beat Jin Ling, let alone against the General's capable hands. It was an inevitable one-sided beating.

Feng Yao paid no heed, dragging Wood Spirit to an open space outside to commence their bout. Although Wood Spirit mustered all his focus, he still yelped and hollered as Feng Yao relentlessly overpowered him. By the end of their spar, Wood Spirit's exceptionally handsome face resembled that of a pig's, grimacing and holding his face in agony.

Even without a mirror, he knew his current state. He had planned to visit the Fragrant Courtyard tonight to entertain Miss Luo Ji, but with his current appearance, how could he? He regretted his impudence. He took a beating for

 an itch he didn't scratch, only making things worse.

Wood Spirit had been dealt with similarly before, promising himself not to be so impulsive. However, once the pain faded, he resumed his silver tongue, letting out all sorts of words.

"Quick, go back and apply some medicine. Don't scare people outside," Feng Yao scorned.

Hearing this, Wood Spirit felt speechless. Who caused him to end up in such a state? He was even being reprimanded for scaring people.