Chapter 57

Suru sighed and shook her head, saying, "He injured several people, but the punishment is mainly for the first one, as he acted out of anger. The others were due to the opponents challenging him, so the punishment is not severe."

"So, the punishment isn't heavy?" Chu Li raised an eyebrow and smiled, "Has the punishment been decided?"

Suru believed that this was due to Zhuo Feiyang's connections. Otherwise, there would be no chance to argue which one it was, and they would all be punished together.

"Yes, Miss has already made the decision," Suru said, looking at him, "She reported it to the eldest son, and it's up to him to decide whether to agree. After all, it involves a genius, so it can't be taken lightly."

Chu Li smiled, "Don't worry, Manager. I have the capacity to be lenient. Zhuo Feiyang is my little money-bringer. I'd be quite reluctant if he really left!"

"You..." Suru rolled her eyes at him.

She was very satisfied with his intelligence and perceptiveness. She came to talk to him personally to avoid any misunderstandings, so he wouldn't think she was covering for Zhuo Feiyang.

Suru said, "Miss's punishment is to have him guard Dengyun City for three years."

"Miss handled it very well."

Dengyun City is two thousand miles away from Chongming City, bustling and lively, second only to Chongming City. The external assignment seems severe, but it depends on the place. Some are prosperous and warm, while others are poor and cold.

Dengyun City is far from Chongming City, and most people, not knowing the situation, would think it was a harsh place. In reality, it's not a hardship. Xiao Qi's punishment, though severe on the surface, is light in practice, warning others while making Zhuo Feiyang grateful.

Suru smiled, "Don't you think Miss is favoring him?"

"Manager," Chu Li shook his head and laughed, "If I were Miss, I would do the same. After all, he is a genius."

"Hmph, still jealous," Suru smiled.

She felt relieved. If he didn't care at all, it would mean he cared even more.

Chu Li said, "Zhuo Feiyang will still cause trouble for me eventually."

"Of course he's not convinced," Suru said, "This is also a way to motivate you, so you don't become complacent and lose your drive. You should understand Miss's intentions!"

"I understand, I understand. Thank you, Miss!" Chu Li said, bowing helplessly.

Suru smiled, "Alright, I have another piece of good news for you."

"Sending Zhuo Feiyang away is already good news. From now on, my ears will be clear," Chu Li said lazily.

Suru rolled her eyes, "Starting today, you are promoted to Fifth Rank!"

"Fifth Rank?" Chu Li was taken aback, quite surprised.

Ranks require seniority. Three years for Ninth Rank, ten years for Eighth Rank, twenty years for Seventh Rank, forty years for Sixth Rank, and seventy years for Fifth Rank. Fifth Rank is the peak for a regular guard. Without outstanding achievements, the highest one can reach is Fifth Rank.

Extraordinary promotions are difficult, and the higher the rank, the harder it is. The achievements he made as a laborer are insignificant now that he is Sixth Rank. To be promoted to Fifth Rank, he needs astonishing achievements.

Suru smiled, "You killed ten innate experts from the Duke of Ren's mansion last time, which is enough to make you Fifth Rank. Miss held it back, and now the timing is right, so no one will say anything."

Chu Li is now the top young expert. After Zhuo Feiyang's outburst, everyone understood that it wasn't that Zhuo Feiyang was weak, but that Chu Li was too strong. No one in the training ground could withstand one move from Zhuo Feiyang, but Zhuo Feiyang couldn't withstand one move from Chu Li.

"Thank you, Miss!" Chu Li bowed.

Suru said, "You need to be more careful in the future. Many people are watching you."

"I understand," Chu Li nodded.

---

In the early morning, the sun shone brightly, illuminating Chongming City.

Outside the southern gate of Chongming City, Zhuo Feiyang stood in a dark blue robe, his face calm, a stark contrast to his previous ferocity. Bai Zhijie led two horses behind him.

The two of them looked back at Chongming City, their expressions complex.

"Master, let's go. We need to get there early," Bai Zhijie urged.

"Okay," Zhuo Feiyang responded absentmindedly, his gaze still lingering at the city gate.

Bai Zhijie sighed inwardly, knowing who he was waiting for, but given the current situation, it was unrealistic to expect Miss Zhao to come and see him off. They had offended everyone in the mansion.

"Master..." Bai Zhijie urged.

Zhuo Feiyang waved his hand, his face darkening, and turned around.

Bai Zhijie quickly handed him the reins.

Zhuo Feiy looked back once more, then mounted the horse.

Sitting on the horse, he looked back again, finally sighing in disappointment, his posture slumping as if he had aged.

"Go!" He tugged the reins weakly.

"Master Zhu!" A clear voice called out.

Zhuo Feiyang turned sharply, pulling the reins hard, making the horse rear up and neigh.

Zhuo Feiyang's eyes widened in excitement as he stared at Zhao Ying, who was approaching.

Zhao Ying, dressed in a light green robe, came close, "Master Zhu!"

Zhuo Feiyang smiled, "Sister Zhao, you finally came!"

Zhao Ying sighed, "Master Zhu, are you really leaving?"

Zhuo Feiyang said helplessly, "I have to leave today. Sister Zhao, come with me!"

Zhao Ying was taken aback, looking at him in surprise.

Zhuo Feiyang said, "Sister Zhao, I only have you now. Everyone in the Duke's mansion hates and mocks me. Only you care about me. Sister Zhao, come with me to Dengyun City. I don't want to go alone!"

He knew Zhao Ying was kind and soft-hearted. If he played the pity card, he might move her.

Zhao Ying shook her head, "Master Zhu, you misunderstood!"

"Can't you?" Zhuo Feiyang looked at her disappointedly, "You won't come with me?"

"Sister Zhao, I need to follow the assignment from the Martial Hall. How can I go with you?" Zhao Ying said quickly, "Don't think too much. The Duke's mansion hasn't given up on you!"

Zhuo Feiyang smiled bitterly, "Exile for three years, that's giving up!"

"What did you do?" Zhao Ying scolded, "How many people did you injure? If you weren't punished, all the guards would be upset. I heard Dengyun City is very prosperous. You won't suffer there!"

"How do you know?" Zhuo Feiyang's face darkened, and he sneered, "It must be that Chu guy, right?!"

Zhao Ying hesitated, then slowly nodded.

Zhuo Feiyang sneered, "I know, Sister Zhao, you like that Chu guy more from the beginning!"

"Master Zhu—!" Zhao Ying said hurriedly.

Zhuo Feiyang huffed, "Don't think I'm stupid, Sister Zhao. The way you look at him is completely different from how you look at me!"

Zhao Ying said, "Master Zhu, it's getting late. You should leave soon. ... Go there and practice hard, don't lose heart!"

"Hmph, I will definitely take revenge!" Zhuo Feiyang sneered, "Sister Zhao, tell that Chu guy to wash his neck and wait for death!"

"Master Zhu—!" Zhao Ying glared at him angrily.

Zhuo Feiyang huffed, leaped onto the horse, and rode away without looking back. Bai Zhijie bowed and quickly followed, and the two quickly disappeared down the road.

Zhao Ying shook her head and sighed, "Master Zhu!"