"Boom!"

The words exploded like a thunderclap.

The boy from the Li family, who had been taken to the border two years ago and assumed dead on the battlefield, had become an official combat soldier of the Imperial Court.

The entire scene fell silent. Whether it was Landlord Qian, his servants, or the surrounding villagers, all stared wide-eyed in disbelief.

In this chaotic world of demons and monsters, anyone who entered military registration and became a combat soldier of the Imperial Court was no longer a lowly commoner.

They enjoyed the protection of the Imperial Court's laws, and even local gentry and officials had to show them respect.

The arrogance and ferocity on Landlord Qian's face froze instantly, replaced by sheer terror. His whole body trembled, and his legs nearly gave way beneath him.

He had just attempted to seize the family of a combat soldier and even tried to take their daughter as payment for a debt.

If this were pursued, not only would he lose his property, but even his life would be at stake.

"Forgive me, sir, I was blind and ignorant, I deserve to die."

Landlord Qian's usual arrogance vanished as he fell to his knees, kowtowing repeatedly to the lead constable.

He then hurriedly turned to the Li family, kowtowing as if pounding garlic.

"Brother Li, Sister-in-law, I was foolish, I was possessed. This debt, I don't want it anymore, the silver is all forgiven, it's all written off."

He turned and shouted harshly at his servants, "Idiots, let go of Miss Li immediately."

The servants, terrified out of their wits, quickly released Li Linger and scrambled away, not daring to lift their heads.

Li Father, Li Mother, and their two daughters were also completely stunned, momentarily forgetting to cry, their faces filled with bewilderment.

Xuancang... had become a combat soldier of the Imperial Court?

Their son, whom they had worried about day and night for two years, had achieved such a future at the border?

For two years, there had been no news from Li Xuancang. Though they were unwilling to accept the harsh reality, they knew that Li Xuancang was likely dead.

Now, to receive news that not only was Li Xuancang alive, but he had become a combat soldier, left the entire family in a daze, as if in a dream.

"Li Xuancang has become a combat soldier of the Imperial Court, someone who receives a salary and holds military registration!"

"Isn't that right? Who would dare bully the family of a combat soldier?"

"It's truly a turn of fortune! Everyone thought he'd never survive being taken as cannon fodder, but who knew he'd bring honor to his family!"

"The Li family is in for good days now! With a son as a combat soldier, no one in Green Creek Village will dare bully them again. Their taxes and labor duties can be reduced, and they won't have to live a hard life anymore!"

"…"

Voices of discussion were filled with envy and amazement.

The villagers' gazes toward the Li family changed completely.

From previous sympathy and sighs, it turned to shock, envy, jealousy, and deep respect.

The lead constable looked coldly at the prostrate Landlord Qian and said sternly, "Li the Combat Soldier defends the border for the nation, ensuring peace. His family is under the protection of the Imperial Court. If you dare to harass or oppress them again, you will be charged with treason, and your entire family will be executed."

Though the Imperial Court used various means to exploit the people, they provided generous treatment to their own.

In this chaotic world of demons and monsters, personal martial strength could be greatly utilized, and the importance of combat soldiers was self-evident.

Many dreamed of becoming combat soldiers, not only to rise above others but also to ensure their families received the protection of the Imperial Court.

"I wouldn't dare, never again, even if you gave me a hundred guts, I wouldn't dare step into the Li family's home."

Landlord Qian, pale and trembling, kowtowed repeatedly, begging for mercy.

He and his servants scrambled away from the Li family's courtyard, not daring to utter a single harsh word.

The constables watched Landlord Qian flee but did not stop him.

Landlord Qian had been operating in this area for years and had some connections. They saw no need to offend him for Li Xuancang's sake.

Not until Landlord Qian and his group disappeared did the scene erupt into chaos.

The Li family finally came to their senses, embracing each other and crying.

But these were no longer tears of despair; they were tears of survival and overwhelming joy.

Li Xiu tightly hugged Li Linger, her eyes full of delight and pride.

Her brother had not died at the border; he had become a combat soldier who protected the nation and their family.

From now on, their family had protection and finally a glimmer of hope in these chaotic times.

Watching Landlord Qian and his group flee in panic, the lead constable's expression finally softened.

He quickly stepped forward, personally helping the prostrate Li Father and Li Mother to their feet, his tone devoid of any official arrogance, filled with courtesy and respect.

"Uncle Li, Aunt Li, please get up."

He looked at Li Mother, whose forehead was bleeding and clothes were disheveled, and quickly instructed the accompanying constables.

Find the original at "pawread.com".

"Hurry, bring some medicine for injuries and bandage Aunt Li's wounds."

Usually, these county yamen constables were arrogant in front of the villagers, barking orders at ordinary farmers.

But now, facing the Li family, they were full of respect, even a bit of deliberate flattery.

Everyone knew that Li Xuancang was a regular combat soldier who fought bloodily at the border, a registered military household of the Imperial Court, far from ordinary commoners.

Treating the Li family well was akin to befriending the Imperial Court's soldiers. Neglect could cost them their jobs as constables, or worse, provoke the military, which was no small offense.

As fellow members of the Imperial Court, those living comfortably in the rear could not compare in status or treatment to the combat soldiers fighting outside.

The royal family of the Great Yan Dynasty was not foolish; they knew who was fighting for them and who was defending their kingdom, hence the generous treatment of soldiers.

Seeing the once high-and-mighty constables treating them with such courtesy, Li Father and Li Mother were at a loss, overwhelmed with gratitude, repeatedly declining.

"We dare not trouble the officials, we... we're fine."

"It's only right. Young Li risks his life at the border, resisting barbarians and slaying demons, protecting our entire Great Yan territory. Naturally, his family should receive the Imperial Court's favor and our respect."

The lead constable spoke sincerely. After Li Mother's wounds were simply bandaged, he spoke loudly, clearly conveying the county yamen's orders.

His voice was loud, intentionally allowing all the villagers present to hear clearly.

"We came today first to announce the joyous news of Young Li's promotion to combat soldier, and second to convey the orders of the County Deputy Magistrate."

"From today, the Li family is exempt from all taxes and labor duties for ten years, with no need to pay a single grain tax, nor will they be conscripted for any labor or military service."

He turned to the other villagers, his tone carrying a subtle warning.

"Henceforth, if anyone dares to oppress the Li family or cause trouble, or if they encounter bandits or minor demons, they can directly seek help from the Qingyang County Yamen. The government will immediately intervene to protect the Li family, and any offenders will be severely punished."

[Exemption from all taxes and labor duties.]

[Full protection by the government.]

These two decrees firmly established the Li family's status in Green Creek Village.

The surrounding villagers listened with envy. In this chaotic world of heavy taxes and labor duties, being exempt was a tremendous blessing, a real privilege.

Li Father and Li Mother trembled with excitement, repeatedly bowing and thanking the constables.

"Thank you, officials, thank you, County Deputy Magistrate, thank you, Imperial Court..."

"Uncle Li, there's no need for formalities. This is the honor Young Li earned with his life."

The lead constable smiled and cupped his hands, "The border war is tense, and Young Li is in the military camp, unable to return home. We must return to the county yamen to report, so we won't stay longer. If the Li family encounters any difficulties in the future, feel free to seek me at the yamen."

With that, he and the other constables nodded politely to the Li family, left his name, and then turned to leave slowly.

Throughout the entire process, they maintained complete courtesy, without a hint of negligence.