At dusk in the compound, cooking smoke curled lazily into the air.
After an entire afternoon of fermenting, the rumors spat out by Wu Guihua’s rotten mouth had spread with startling detail. Some people even swore they had seen Jiang Mian burning paper in the courtyard, “performing some kind of ritual.”
Wu Guihua sat smugly at her own doorway, cracking sunflower seeds and bragging to passing military family members.“Just wait and see. Within three days, the organization will send someone to talk to that country bumpkin girl. When the time comes, even Regiment Commander Huo won’t be able to protect her!”
However, people from the organization really did come.
But they weren’t looking for Jiang Mian.
“SCREE—!”
A sharp screech of brakes tore through the evening calm.
A jeep bearing the Inspection Team’s license plate, warning lights flashing, charged straight into the rear courtyard with murderous momentum and stopped squarely in front of Wu Guihua’s house.
The doors opened. Three officers stepped out, faces grim, red armbands on their sleeves.
The one in front held a folder and knocked on the door expressionlessly.
“Is Wang Daqiang at home?”
The sunflower seeds slipped from Wu Guihua’s hand in fright. Before she could react, Deputy Regiment Commander Wang—who had been inside drinking and dreaming of promotion—was called out.
“I’m Wang Daqiang. May I ask who you are…?” His heart lurched, and he sobered up instantly.
The lead officer gave a cold salute. His voice wasn’t loud, but it rang clearly in the ears of the neighbors who were all secretly listening.
“Deputy Regiment Commander Wang, regarding the unclear accounts in last year’s Third Regiment winter uniform procurement, as well as your indulgence of family members spreading rumors, damaging military–civilian unity, and maintaining improper family conduct—the organization has decided to place you under isolated investigation.”
“What?!” Wang Daqiang’s legs gave out, and he nearly collapsed to his knees. “Th-this… this is a misunderstanding!”
“Whether it’s a misunderstanding will be determined after investigation,” the officer said flatly. He then produced a transfer order stamped with a red seal.
“Additionally, in view of your current ideological state being unsuitable for frontline command, higher authorities have ordered that effective immediately, you are relieved of your post as deputy regiment commander and reassigned to the Nansha Island Radar Station as a political instructor. Pack your things. You depart overnight.”
Nansha Island Radar Station?
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd.
That was a godforsaken place—nothing but sea wind and reefs!
Being sent there was practically exile. His career was as good as finished.
“No… impossible…” Wang Daqiang’s face turned ashen. He suddenly whipped around to look at Wu Guihua, who was already scared stiff. Rage exploded in his chest, and he slapped her hard across the face.“You useless shrew! It’s all because of that filthy mouth of yours!!”
“Smack!”
The slap rang out sharp and clear.
Wu Guihua spun in place and collapsed onto the ground, then burst into earth-shaking wails.“Damn it all! I only said a few bits of gossip! How did it turn into exile?! I’m not going to the island! I’m not going!”
But no matter how much she screamed and rolled around, the Inspection Team showed not the slightest mercy. They took Wang Daqiang straight into the vehicle and ordered Wu Guihua to pack immediately and vacate the house.
The scene shook the entire compound.
Those who had joined Wu Guihua in gossiping earlier that day were now pale as ghosts, hiding behind their curtains and trembling.
Everyone understood perfectly well.
That morning, Wu Guihua had just cursed the Huo family’s daughter-in-law.That afternoon, the Inspection Team arrived.
And they were digging up last year’s old accounts.
How could there be such a coincidence?
Huo Jingchuan.
It had to be Huo Jingchuan.
Only now did everyone realize in terror—
That sleeping lion might have a crippled leg, but he was still the same living Yama who struck fear into hearts.
Anyone who dared touch the person he protected was simply asking to die.