Marquis of Pacifying the South's Residence
Heavy rain fell last night, and commotion stirred early the next morning. The gatekeeper covertly peeked outside, only to see the Apprehension Battalion from Shuntian Prefecture lining the walls of the Marquis of Pacifying the South's Residence. They blocked not just the front and rear gates, but even monitored the walls lacking entrances. Each of them bore a sabre, clearly meaning business.
A servant woman carrying a food box and basket attempted to head out, but the Apprehension Battalion intercepted her, furrowing their brows as they asked, "What business do you have going out?"
"Soldier-sir..." The servant woman curried favor and lowered her voice. "There are dozens of people inside the residence, and we need to buy groceries every day. Could you let me pass?"
"Not a chance. Orders from above... absolutely no entering or exiting!" The Apprehension Battalion guards shook their heads repeatedly.
In the past, the Governor of Shuntian Prefecture would still show some courtesy to the Marquis of Pacifying the South. Yet now, these men showed no flexibility whatsoever, blocking even the servants from purchasing provisions.
Even when the steward later stepped forward, offering silver to beg for help with the purchasing, no one agreed.
"No. Usually, I'd certainly help with this chore, but who dares accept this silver right now? Aren't they afraid of smashing their own rice bowls?" A somewhat familiar guard directly whispered.
This sprawling Marquis of Pacifying the South's Residence looked for all the world like a massive prison. When had the people here ever suffered such indignity?
Yet even the stewards, who usually held their noses in the air, could only endure it now, turning pale and trembling one and all.
The more influential stewards probed the capable attendants at the marquis and marchioness's sides, asking