Chapter 72: Chapter 60: Attending the Emperor’s Bedchamber

“Your Majesty, the entirety of the Brave Cavalry Camp constitutes a cavalry formation. There are no suitable pastures around the Capital City for the Brave Cavalry Camp to raise and train horses, making it impossible to establish.”

“We beseech Your Majesty to reconsider!”

In an instant, over ten officials rushed forward, kneeling before Zheng Yi, refusing Chen Hongxiu’s request.

Zheng Yi’s expression remained unchanged, displaying no particular emotion.

Chen Hongxiu wished to rebuild the Brave Cavalry Camp, which did not surprise Zheng Yi at all.

The Embroidered Uniform Guard had thoroughly investigated all the events Chen Hongxiu had experienced over the years.

She had been traveling in the Northern Lands for many years, practicing martial arts, with her heart set on avenging her father.

Now that her great enemy had been killed by Zheng Yi, and with her late father’s last will, she immediately wished to serve the country and rebuild the Brave Cavalry Camp.

Zheng Yi had great admiration for such a courageous woman.

As for the talk of tight military budgets and full barracks, they were merely excuses by the officials.

After confiscating Yang Ni’s estate, the national treasury was abundant. Not only could the Brave Cavalry Camp be established, but even a hundred such camps could be formed with ease!

Of course, he could not disregard the opposition of so many ministers and force the reconstruction of the Brave Cavalry Camp.

His edicts could be issued, but if those below disobeyed covertly, it would be beyond his control.

After all, at the moment, he did not possess full control over the government.

“Since all you esteemed ministers oppose, I will not insist, but I also cannot break my word. Thus…”

“Chen Hongxiu.”

“The commoner is present.”

“I want to establish the position of Imperial Guard, selecting those with clear family backgrounds and loyalty to the sovereign to enter the Imperial Palace, safeguarding me and all my noble consorts.”

Zheng Yi said, “Esteemed minister, as a First-grade Martial Artist, having achieved the rank of Third Place Scholar in the military examination, and being the descendant of loyal subjects, you are most suited for this role. What do you think?”

“This…”

As soon as Zheng Yi finished speaking, the faces of the surrounding ministers subtly changed, with a few showing inexplicable smiles.

What kind of Imperial Guard would let a woman serve? It was merely an excuse for Your Majesty to find a woman.

One empress and four consorts were not enough, then selecting concubine candidates from across the land, and now wanting to recruit this Third Place Scholar in the military examination?

Our emperor, indeed… is quite eager!

“Imperial Guard?”

Chen Hongxiu’s expression changed as well. Since when did Great Yu have this position?

Upon hearing the hushed discussions of the surrounding ministers, her countenance turned quite unfavourable.

Is this to make me a consort?

Or perhaps… a plaything?

Though I am loyal, my martial skills were meant to serve the Imperial Court, how could I engage in such frivolous acts?

“Your Majesty, the, the commoner…”

As Chen Hongxiu was devising excuses to refuse, Zheng Yi had already discerned her thoughts, finding it somewhat amusing.

He indeed liked beautiful women, but not to the extent of indiscriminately pursuing them.

The palace had countless beauties, and Chen Hongxiu was not a peerless beauty, rather she was somewhat ordinary.

Moreover, according to reports from the Embroidered Uniform Guard, during her years of disappearance, she had married a man from the army, so how could he be interested in her?

Recruiting her as an Imperial Guard was merely a stepping stone to rebuilding the Brave Cavalry Camp.

“Chen Hongxiu, you need not rush into the position of Imperial Guard, take your time to consider, I await your reply.”

Chen Hongxiu exhaled, realizing the matter was negotiable, she immediately said, “The commoner obeys the decree!”

“Your Majesty, Your Majesty, they’ve all been appointed. What about me, Old Zhao?”

At that moment, Zhao Tieshan hurriedly called out.

Cui Xiawu had been appointed as Assistant General, which was a Third-grade Official Position.

Chen Hongxiu had been designated as Imperial Guard, albeit unclear of the role, it certainly meant being a close aide to the Emperor.

Not knowing his own fate…

Zheng Yi displayed interest, “What kind of official position do you wish for?”

Zhao Tieshan immediately replied, “Your Majesty, as long as it’s greater than my previous position!”

“Oh? What was your previous position?”

“My duty was in the Imperial Guard, serving as a Captain!”

A Captain, a Seventh-grade Military Officer, managing over a hundred individuals, also a mid-level military position.

Zheng Yi promptly said, “Zhao Tieshan, with your innate divine power, and honest nature, why not come serve as an Imperial Guard for me!”

“Imperial Guard?”

Zhao Tieshan blinked and asked, “Your Majesty, I’m not well-versed with texts, what kind of position is this Imperial Guard?”

Great Yu did not have Imperial Guards; those guarding the Emperor were regularly rotated among the Imperial Army, Imperial Guard, or Imperial City Department.

Imperial Guard was essentially Zheng Yi’s creation.

“Imperial Guard is for those who exclusively safeguard me, not subject to any military commander’s control.”

“I’ve specially established the Imperial Guard, where each Imperial Guard is personally selected by me. First-grade Guards are Third-grade Military Officers, Second-grade Guards are Fourth-grade Military Officers, Third-grade Guards are Fifth-grade Military Officers.”

Though Zheng Yi didn’t elaborate, the ministers present already inferred the implication.

This Imperial Guard… was essentially a visible armed force solely commanded by the Emperor.

Independent from the Ministry of War, Imperial Guard, Sacrificial Institute, and Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Collectively, it even combined all the best qualities of these organizations.

Moreover, being close to the Emperor daily, safeguarding the Emperor, they were the Emperor’s most trusted individuals.

With such trust from the Emperor, once great achievements were accomplished, surely they would be promoted externally to official positions.

Given this…

Zhao Tieshan had not thought of so much, but upon hearing about Third-grade Military Officer, he immediately said, “Your Majesty! Old Zhao will do it! Hahaha, Third-grade, Old Zhao is now a Third-grade Military Officer!”

Zheng Yi chuckled, “That’s excellent!”

Meanwhile, Chen Hongxiu also realized that His Majesty genuinely sought to establish a new military structure, rather than bringing her into his quarters.

Without regret, she promptly expressed, “Reporting to Your Majesty, the commoner is also willing to serve as Imperial Guard.”

“Good!”

Zheng Yi promptly stood up, raising his cup, “Today, I have obtained virtuous talents through both civil and military examinations, a great fortune for Great Yu.”

“Everyone, please drain your cups!”

Having reached this stage, the Emperor’s command was not to be refuted, the numerous ministers could only reluctantly rise, raising their cups high and offering:

“Congratulations to Your Majesty!”

Deep into the night, the ministers gradually dispersed, while the scholars from the civil and military examinations departed the Imperial Palace, led by the eunu]]>

Source: Webnovel.com, updated by NovelKeep