Chapter 676

First Volume, Chapter 676: The Way of Governing Subordinates

Although Liu Ming was trained personally by Mo Li, he had often seen Li Xiaolan back in Beixi County.

But at that time, his status was too low to attract Li Xiaolan's attention.

Liu Ming knew this clearly.

Although the Jin Yi Wei had two envoys, Li Xiaolan, not Mo Li, was its true master.

Added to that, Li Xiaolan's relationship with Qin Feng.

In essence, Li Xiaolan's attitude was equivalent to Qin Feng's.

Whether for the entire Jin Yi Wei or for Beixi County, Li Xiaolan was absolute authority.

Qin Feng's third sister, Princess of Liang, Jin Yi Wei Commander.

Each of these terrifying titles made Liu Ming, even he, treat Li Xiaolan with utmost caution, daring not the slightest carelessness.

Although Li Xiaolan had returned to Jingdu long ago and, to avoid suspicion, had almost no contact with the Jin Yi Wei during that time,

now, facing the Jin Yi Wei, she still displayed immense authority.

Her voice, inwardly sharp and piercing, softly echoed: "Feng'er's command was to protect Prince Han, and not let the Night Owls exploit any opening.

"No matter your reasons, you cannot change the fact that the mission failed.

"According to Jin Yi Wei regulations, you deserve severe punishment!

"But considering you are Mo Li's disciple and this is your first mission in Jingdu,

"and your understanding of the surrounding forces in Jingji is still shallow, I will lighten your punishment."

Hearing these words, Liu Ming's head was bowed extremely low.

Throughout, he offered no defense whatsoever.

Because for the Jin Yi Wei, any defense was disloyalty to the master.

Li Xiaolan's gaze revealed a cold sharpness: "I give you a chance to redeem yourself.

"Before dawn, exterminate every Night Owl within Jingdu City and bring back their heads.

"Within ten days, if you hear no further news of the Night Owls, you will have completed your mission.

"If within ten days you hear any news related to the Night Owls, it will be considered mission failure."

As she spoke, Li Xiaolan's piercing gaze locked directly onto Liu Ming.

Every word carried absolute certainty.

"My Jin Yi Wei does not harbor useless men!"

"Fail this mission, and I will strip you of your Anwu Guard Captain position, expel you from the Jin Yi Wei, and send you back to Beixi County to serve as a laborer!"

Although Li Xiaolan did not declare she would execute Liu Ming as an example, demoting him to a laborer was already the harshest punishment possible.

Whether the Jin Yi Wei, the Tianji Camp Guards, or the Black Riders,

what they valued most was the word "honor."

Because all those from Beixi County enjoyed food and clothing security and happy families.

The only force driving them to give their all was honor!

To be demoted to a laborer was, for Liu Ming, harder to accept than being killed outright.

Liu Ming's eyes instantly hardened, without the slightest hesitation.

"Rest assured, Commander, your subordinate will spare no effort to redeem himself!"

Upon receiving Liu Ming's firm assurance, Li Xiaolan said no more, waving her hand dismissively: "Leave!"

Liu Ming bowed deeply: "A guilty servant takes his leave!"

Liu Ming led the Anwu Guards away without looking back.

Liu Hongyan, who had been hiding in the adjacent courtyard, frowned slightly and walked over, deeply worried.

"Elder Third, you're too harsh on your subordinates."

"These men are righteous warriors willing to risk life and limb for Beixi County. Even if they failed the mission, they deserve another chance."

"If you're this severe, you'll lose their loyalty."

In response to Liu Hongyan's warning, Li Xiaolan paid no mind, her icy facade melting into a gentle smile.

"Second Sister, you're too kindhearted—you don't understand the way of governing subordinates."

"If I let him off easily, he'd start doubting himself, unsettled and anxious."

"For those of us in this line of work, rules must be strictly followed."

"Besides, Beixi County provides their families with food and clothing security—aren't they merely repaying that with their devotion?"

Liu Hongyan still disagreed with Li Xiaolan's words.

She always felt the Jin Yi Wei were family.

If they were family, they should be treated differently.

Liu Hongyan immediately turned to Qin Feng.

"Feng'er, isn't your third sister being too harsh?"

Qin Feng, who was studying Han Yuming's condition with the Physician, didn't even pause—he answered directly.

"Not harsh enough."

Liu Hongyan froze, surprised that Qin Feng, always so lenient with subordinates, supported Li Xiaolan's actions.

Qin Feng knew that unless he explained clearly to Liu Hongyan, she'd likely intervene directly next time.

"Second Sister, sentiment is sentiment, and mission is mission—they cannot be mixed."

"Military command is as firm as mountains—the Jin Yi Wei and Tianji Camp Guards are no different; they are professional soldiers."

"Mission failure warrants punishment."

Excessive leniency only leads to moral laxity.

Moreover, the Brocade Uniform Guard holds too many secrets—absolutely no room for even the slightest slip.

Only after Qin Feng explained it this way did Liu Hongyan realize the gravity of the matter.

She immediately stopped asking.

What she did not know was that Qin Feng had only mentioned one part.

The Brocade Uniform Guard, in essence, is no different from the Black Guard and the Night Owls—all are covert agencies holding critical secrets.

Secrets mean latent authority.

As long as the Brocade Uniform Guard wishes, it can mobilize its own resources to seize power beyond imagination.

This is why Qin Feng assigned Li Xiaolan and Mo Li as the Left and Right Diplomatic Envoys of the Brocade Uniform Guard.

Only these two people can prevent disasters before they arise, crushing any emerging threat in its cradle.

Any covert agency.

If well controlled, the gains it can yield are beyond imagination.

Conversely, if poorly controlled, the damage it causes is incalculable.

Didn't history's real Brocade Uniform Guard, the Eastern Depot, and the Western Depot all serve as covert agencies, monopolizing power and plunging the court into chaos?

If one lacks iron-fisted control, it is better to dissolve the covert agency early—otherwise, it is pure self-harm: killing a thousand enemies while losing eight hundred of your own.

The Black Guard is precisely such an example!

It was hailed as the Liang Emperor's absolute confidant.

Yet when the Liang Emperor's authority was threatened, the Black Guard immediately sided with Li Yong to eliminate Li Qian.

Qin Feng had no intention of letting such a thing happen to himself.

All members of the Brocade Uniform Guard must undergo layered screening and review; only those who pass may be entrusted with heavy responsibilities.

Liu Ming had passed only Mo Li's test.

He had not yet passed Qin Feng's or Li Xiaolan's tests.

And the facts proved: Liu Ming failed his first examination!

If Liu Ming fails to demonstrate the capability he ought to possess, he won't be reduced to a laborer—but the position of Anwu Guard Captain will certainly be replaced.

As for Liu Ming, Qin Feng no longer paid him any attention.

After all, the Tianji Camp Guards carry the duty of surveillance, and naturally report every move of the Brocade Uniform Guard to Qin Feng.