The two girls Jiang Ying mentioned were, of course, Qin Qiu and Qin Mo.

Their attire and makeup might not have matched hers, but their natural beauty was so striking that Jiang Ying, a woman herself, felt a flash of envy and jealousy at the sight of them. Moving in high circles, she knew that to get help from others, one had to be prepared to pay a price.

Jiang Ying sneered. She had been about to leave, but she walked back to the courtyard entrance, secretly took a photo of Qin Qiu and Qin Mo, and then left with a grin. She didn't know what kind of relationship these two women had with Su Ling, nor did she want to.

In any case, when Mr. Li comes looking, won't Su Ling fall into a state of utter despair? Crying out to the heavens, but they won't answer; begging the earth, but it won't listen. He'd probably kneel on the ground and plead with Mr. Li, wouldn't he? That scene will surely be spectacular, won't it?

Yes, the Su family's status was remarkable, but one mustn't forget that this was Cangyun City, right at the foot of the King. To put it bluntly, pulling up a single blade of grass here could disturb a towering tree. The nobility, the court officials, the Martial Department—all the upper echelons of power were gathered in this imperial city. While many people saw Su Ling as having an impressive background, there were others in whose eyes he was utterly insignificant.

Humming a tune at this thought, Jiang Ying drove away. She knew that, in the end, this house would be hers.

「…」

「The next day.」

Early in the morning, news that the Hanyun Valley Martial Guard had been split into four parts erupted from Cangyun City like a hurricane, sweeping across the entire empire in an instant. At the same time, half of the Hanyun Valley soldiers collectively retired from service and returned to their farmlands.

Some lamented in private, while others clapped and cheered. They even jeered, "See? Who else besides the Zhennan Prince can command those Hanyun Valley soldiers?"

Such strong bonds of the Martial World... now that they're broken up, it's no big deal. Some even claimed it should have been disbanded long ago, arguing that keeping it around was just asking for trouble.

It was also on this day that the news of the Martial Department promoting a new War God was finally confirmed. A public poll was even launched to decide on the new War God's title: War God of the State or Carefree War God. One had to be chosen.

Suddenly, countless people got involved, casting their votes for the title they favored. As for the candidate, who everyone was most curious about, the authorities gave no response, leading to all sorts of rampant speculation and rumors.

Despite the new environment, Chen Yang hadn't abandoned his habit of an early morning run. After several laps, he was drenched in sweat.

Also out for a run was an elderly man in white training clothes. He turned his head to look at Chen Yang and couldn't help but ask, "Young man, I don't recognize you. Did you just move in?"

Before Chen Yang could answer, a tall girl in sportswear beside the old man scoffed, "Most likely. He must be one of Su Ling's lackeys."

She had seen Chen Yang coming out of the villa belonging to Su Ling, so she naturally assumed he was one of his subordinates. After all, in Cangyun City, many young nobles liked to take on a large number of protégés for various reasons.

"Is that so?" The old man turned his head to size up Chen Yang again, shaking his head slightly. "Young man, while relying on people with connections can bring many benefits, you'll ultimately be living under another's roof. True strength comes from within. You look to be in fine shape. Why would you need to do that?"

Chen Yang was a little surprised but replied politely, "I think you've misunderstood. I'm not one of Su Ling's subordinates."

"Hah!" The young woman, Tang Lan, scoffed. "As if!"

Chen Yang's brow furrowed slightly. Is this woman crazy?

"Xiaolan, watch your mouth," the old man mildly rebuked her before adding, "Anyone who can live in this neighborhood is far from ordinary. I am Tang Yuan. Judging by your bearing, you seem to be a fine young man."

It seemed like a simple conversation, but the old man was probing from the sidelines while also hinting at his own extraordinary status.

"Chen Yang," he responded coolly.

Tang Yuan raised his eyebrows. That's it? He had a rather good impression of Chen Yang and saw potential in him. If the young man had taken the initiative to say a few flattering words, Tang Yuan might have used his connections to help him out. It wasn't out of the question. But this attitude… Young people gain nothing by being so stubborn before they've made something of themselves. Tang Yuan couldn't help but shake his head and sigh.

"You look like you've been a soldier, haven't you?" Tang Yuan continued to probe.

Chen Yang replied without a smile, "Good eye, old man. I just retired from service."

Tang Yuan shook his head again. Given his age, he must have spent at least seven or eight years in the Martial Department. Logically, if he had any ability, he should have reached the rank of Military General by now, not been discharged. It seems his rigid personality is to blame. It must have made him unpopular, leading him to this situation. In this day and age, personal ability is important, of course, but what's most crucial is how you treat people. Good interpersonal skills naturally build a strong network.

Compared to Chen Yang, his own grandson, Tang Feng, was far superior. Though only a few years older, he was already an Eighth Rank Military General. Furthermore, he had leveraged the reorganization of the Hanyun Valley Martial Guard to successfully become one of its four lead commanders. In terms of status and prospects, his grandson Tang Feng and this Chen Yang were simply in different worlds. They both came from the Martial Department, yet the gap between them was immense. Tang Yuan felt a genuine sense of pride whenever he thought of his outstanding grandson.

"By the way, what do you do for work now?" The smile faded from Tang Yuan's face as he asked again.

"I'm currently unemployed," Chen Yang said flatly.

Is this kid just incredibly stubborn, or does he have no social awareness at all? I've already dropped such obvious hints, yet he remains completely unfazed. If he had just shown a little humility, considering my good impression of him and the fact that we're neighbors, I would have helped him out. I could have arranged a well-paying job for him, at least enough to stop him from having to live off someone else. But he just refuses to take the hint.

Chen Yang knew exactly what Tang Yuan was implying; he simply didn't need the help. Still, the old man is quite enthusiastic.

"Let's talk next time, old man. I have to get back and cook breakfast," Chen Yang said with a slight nod before striding away.

"Hmph!" Tang Lan pursed her lips. "Grandpa, why are you wasting your breath on that liar? He doesn't even know what's good for him."

"That young man has potential," Tang Yuan said, gazing at Chen Yang's retreating back with an appreciative look. But then he shook his head and sighed. "It's a pity. He just doesn't know how to get along with people."

Back at the house, Chen Yang made breakfast and took a shower before gently pushing open the bedroom door.

Qin Qiu was hugging the blanket, fast asleep on her side. Chen Yang had intended to wake her for breakfast, but seeing how soundly she was sleeping, he couldn't bring himself to disturb her.

"..."

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