Chapter 372 - 157: Revenge and Taking a Wife

Di Xixi suddenly spoke up. "Living well in the present is what’s most important! Mother only has one son left—you. You can’t afford to be reckless!"

Xu Lei glanced at her.

He immediately understood. ’Their enemies must be powerful—so powerful that in Di Xixi’s eyes, they’re completely unbeatable.’

"It’s a long story."

However, Xu Lei’s mother began to explain. "It involves four major powers: the military, the officials, the merchants, and the bandits. Xixi and I only survived because of some old connections within the Government. An elderly man pleaded on our behalf..."

After all, she knew Xu Lei must have learned some skills from the Divine Nun. Otherwise, he wouldn’t still look so young. She also knew that since he was asking, he wouldn’t rest until he had all the answers.

A dozen or so minutes later, Xu Lei understood the whole situation—all the different people and factions who had harmed his family.

"Quite a lot of them, huh?"

Xu Lei frowned. "This means dealing with them might be a bit of a hassle."

The conspiracy involved local officials, a high-ranking military commander, and a major merchant guild.

The family currently occupying Xu Lei’s own residence was part of that very same merchant faction.

Xu Lei was left speechless.

’How arrogant could they be? To steal his family’s home and then live in it so brazenly.’

"My son, take your revenge if you can," his mother added quickly, "but if you can’t, then let it go. Xixi was right. You’re all our family has left. Absolutely nothing can happen to you!"

「Half a month later.」

On this day, Xu Lei walked into the local military garrison.

Today he was here to assume the post of the local Grand General.

Too many people were involved. If Xu Lei were to just shoot them one by one, it would be far too much trouble.

He might not get them all, leaving loose ends. Survivors would eventually return for revenge, and his mother and Di Xixi would never know peace.

So in the end, Xu Lei decided to use his influence.

He used the identity he once held at the Emperor’s side—Jing Kong—and a token the Emperor had given him to send a message by carrier pigeon.

In it, he explained that a "junior brother" of his wished to return to secular life but first had some personal scores to settle.

He asked the Emperor to grant this junior brother sufficient authority to resolve these matters, after which he could live out his days in wealth and comfort.

When Xu Lei was at the Emperor’s side, he had worn a Human Skin Mask. Besides, he had been just a boy then—his body hadn’t finished growing, and his voice hadn’t even changed. Several years had passed since he left. Now, Xu Lei was much more robust and had grown considerably taller.

Because of this, even if he were to stand before the Emperor now, the man wouldn’t necessarily recognize him unless Xu Lei revealed his identity.

That was why Xu Lei decided to claim this authority under the guise of Jing Kong’s "junior brother."

After all, Xu Lei had been instrumental in helping the Emperor seize the throne.

For a service of that magnitude, no request was too great.

At the time, Xu Lei had only asked for a few craftsmen, a residence, and occasionally some materials to manufacture firearms.

It was a paltry reward compared to his contributions.

So now that Xu Lei had made a new request, the Emperor granted it immediately.

However, due to the distance from the Imperial City, the imperial edict only arrived today.

The Emperor had been extremely generous, directly appointing Xu Lei as Grand General.

This granted him the highest military authority in the region!

He even sent Xu Lei an Imperial Sword!

With it, he could execute any dignitary, no matter how powerful, and report it afterward.

Xu Lei was very satisfied, which was why he had come to assume his post today.

But after Xu Lei entered the military camp, he found that most of the camp was empty.

The soldiers were gone, with not a soul in sight.

He asked around and was told they had received military orders to go suppress bandits.

Xu Lei’s expression did not change.

He understood perfectly, of course. ’They must resent me being parachuted in like this.’

’The common soldiers wouldn’t care one way or another.’

’It had to be the work of some of the officers.’

’Using some order to suppress bandits, they deliberately chose today of all days to put me in a position where I can’t complain.’

’Procedurally, their actions were flawless.’

The official from the Ministry of Personnel who had escorted him here awkwardly asked if they should perhaps return another day.

Xu Lei shook his head.

He said that since he was here, he would wait for them to return.

And with that, he moved right into the barracks.

Xu Lei slung an arm over the shoulder of a middle-aged kitchen soldier who had stayed behind. "What’s your name?" he asked. "How long have you been in the army?"

"Replying to the General!"

The kitchen soldier scratched his head. "I... My name’s Li Ergou, General. I’ve been in the army for over a decade!"

"Over a decade in the army and you’re still a kitchen soldier, taking orders from men younger than you."

Xu Lei said, "You’re clearly not living up to your potential. Stick with me. Wealth and glory are right there for the taking. Are you in or not?"

「Three days later.」

Xu Lei had stayed for three days straight, becoming fast friends with all the kitchen soldiers.

He even started cooking, giving the kitchen soldiers pointers and improving the quality of the camp’s meals.

At this moment, the troops from the so-called "bandit suppression" mission finally sauntered back, their achievements negligible.

It looked as if they’d just gone off somewhere, found a few random bandit heads, and brought them back to have something to show for their efforts.

"Where is the Grand General? Where is the Grand General!"

"Didn’t they say the General arrived? Why don’t I see him?"

"Apologies, apologies, General, we just happened to be out suppressing bandits!"

"My, my, who knew you’d be arriving to take up your post!"

The Captain leading the troops spoke with feigned sincerity, even though he could clearly see Xu Lei cooking amongst the kitchen soldiers.

"A Grand General who doesn’t train his troops, but instead holes up in the kitchen?"

"If I didn’t know any better, I’d think the Capital City had sent us a new kitchen boy."