pertwk Page 372
Page 372
However, the Prince Xian was a thorn in the emperor's side. Given his suspicious and distrustful nature, even if he did not believe Cao Zhengchun's words, he would still feel apprehensive.
"You're saying that Guo Aiqing was behind the Eastern Depot's ignorance of the Prince Xian's martial arts prowess?"
The emperor suddenly stood up and smashed the ornament he was playing with onto Cao Zhengchun's forehead. Cao Zhengchun didn't dare to use his inner energy to defend himself and let the emperor smash his head until it bled profusely.
The emperor flew into a rage and said, "You dog slave, how dare you frame a loyal official! Everyone knows that Minister Guo is loyal and would never do anything treasonous. You dog slave, how dare you spout nonsense to exonerate yourself!"
Ignoring his head wound, Cao Zhengchun kept kowtowing, saying with tears streaming down his face, "Your Majesty is wise! If it weren't for Guo Bujing's help, how could the Prince Xian have endured for so many years under Your Majesty's nose?"
"Even if the Prince Xian wasn't personally trained by Guo Bujing, how could Guo Bujing, with his martial arts skills, not have noticed anything unusual about the Prince Xian? He was just pretending to be deaf and dumb!"
The emperor turned to look at Yu Huatian and Wei Zhongxian.
Wei Zhongxian sneered inwardly, about to speak and kick someone when they were down, but Yu Huatian secretly tugged at his clothes from behind. Wei Zhongxian was startled and swallowed back the words he was about to say.
Then he heard Yu Huatian's voice.
"Your Majesty, this servant believes that Chief Supervisor Cao's words may not be unfounded. Lord Guo would not have any disloyal intentions, but it is well known that he is soft-hearted and may be inadvertently used by cunning villains."
Sensing the unspoken meaning in Yu Huatian's words, the emperor remained silent, one hand gripping the corner of the table tightly.
Wei Zhongxian looked at Yu Huatian with some dissatisfaction, not understanding why the other party would help Cao Zhengchun at such a crucial moment, when it was clearly a good opportunity to step on someone.
Cao Zhengchun didn't understand either, and even secretly glanced at Yu Huatian.
Unbeknownst to the two, for Yu Huatian, being able to step on Cao Zhengchun was naturally a good thing, but it would undoubtedly give the Embroidered Uniform Guard a chance to turn the tide, as Zheng Dongliu was not an easy opponent.
If it weren't for the Li Gexiao incident, the power of the Embroidered Uniform Guard would have been almost equal to that of the Western Depot.
Guo Bujing and Zheng Dongliu are kindred spirits and have a good relationship in private. The Six Doors and the Embroidered Uniform Guard often cooperate in handling cases. If Guo Bujing can be dealt with, Zheng Dongliu will also be affected.
This would solidify the position of the Western Depot, making it more worthwhile than kicking Cao Zhengchun while he was down.
The emperor took a deep breath and asked in a deep voice, "Just how skilled is that traitor in martial arts?"
Cao Zhengchun recalled Cao Shaoqin's description and cautiously said, "He was extremely skilled. He broke Cao Shaoqin's arm with just one move."
The emperor raised an eyebrow and continued, "Taller than you, Chief Supervisor Cao? Can you cut off Cao Shaoqin's arm?"
“It is possible, but…” Cao Zhengchun was about to confess honestly when Yu Huatian forcefully interrupted him.
"Your Majesty, rest assured, no matter how skilled the Prince is in martial arts, he could not possibly enter the palace, much less harm Your Majesty." Yu Huatian clasped his hands and said confidently, "Although I am not talented, even without joining forces with Chief Supervisor Cao, I can ensure Your Majesty's safety!"
The emperor smiled with satisfaction and nodded repeatedly, saying, "My dear minister, you truly are my pillar of strength, far better than that dog of a lackey who only knows how to boost the morale of others!"
In just a few words, Cao Zhengchun was so humiliated he was on the verge of a heart attack. He said urgently, "This servant deserves to die! Your Majesty, rest assured, this servant will swear to protect Your Majesty with my life!"
The emperor snorted coldly.
"Even without Eunuch Cao's stern protection, His Majesty is protected by the dragon vein of the Ming Dynasty, and ordinary people cannot harm him at all. Those treacherous officials have no chance whatsoever."
Wei Zhongxian smiled and handed Cao Zhengchun another knife.
Cao Zhengchun gritted his teeth in fury. Today, this despicable woman had seized the opportunity to torment him to death. He would definitely pay her back in the future!
Whether it was because he enjoyed watching the people below fight each other, or because Wei Zhongxian's mention of the dragon vein protecting the body made the emperor feel safe, his expression quickly changed from dark to bright, with a hint of a smile.
The emperor's smile relieved Cao Zhengchun; at least the matter was over, and he would no longer be in danger.
Cao Zhengchun hurriedly said, "As long as Your Majesty gives the order, the Eastern Depot will immediately hunt down that treacherous Prince Xian. This servant guarantees that Your Majesty will be able to rest easy from now on."
Yu Huatian's lips curled up, and the look he gave Cao Zhengchun was just as disdainful as the look Cao Zhengchun had given Wei Zhongxian.
The Emperor said calmly, "Oh? Please tell me, Eunuch Cao, what crime has the Prince Xian committed that has led to his arrest and pursuit by the Eastern Depot?"
"This..." Cao Zhengchun was speechless for a moment, and immediately realized that he had said the wrong thing.
"Back then, the reason I allowed Prince Xian to learn martial arts from Minister Guo was that I didn't want the world to think I was a cruel and ungrateful person. But now, because Prince Xian's martial arts skills have improved, I've sent people to hunt him down. Where do you place me?"
The emperor's eyes were cold, and he disliked Cao Zhengchun more and more the more he looked at him.
Cao Zhengchun's palms and back were covered in cold sweat. He had just walked back from the edge of the cliff, only to turn around and fall into the mud again.
“Your Majesty, the Prince Xian has been eager to show his strength as soon as he left the capital, which shows that he is also becoming impatient. Sooner or later he will slip up. Your Majesty might as well entrust the task of monitoring the Prince Xian to this servant.”
“This servant will never be fooled as easily as Supervisor Cao.”
Yu Huatian smiled confidently.
The emperor pondered for a moment, nodded, and then looked at Cao Zhengchun coldly, saying, "You dog slave, take a good look at how the Western Depot operates, and don't disappoint me a second time!"
Cao Zhengchun quickly agreed.
Just when the three thought the matter was over, they suddenly heard the emperor's voice.
"The Six Doors are very busy, and Minister Guo is unable to attend to everything. For the sake of your health, he is hereby relieved of his post as the head instructor of the Imperial Guards, effective immediately!"
The three of them felt a chill run down their spines!
Guo Bujing ultimately became a thorn in His Majesty's side.
The title of Chief Constable of the Six Doors is actually less prestigious than that of the Instructor of the Imperial Guard.
Although the Six Doors was a very large organization, it was still under the control of the Ministry of Justice. However, the head instructor of the Imperial Guards was not only responsible for teaching martial arts to the Imperial Guards, but also for commanding all the Imperial Guards to protect the capital. His command authority was above that of the commander of the Imperial Guards.
To put it simply, the Imperial Guard was the emperor's personal bodyguard force, and the most important force in his hands.
Guo Bujing, who never got involved in party or government affairs, was the best candidate for this position. Moreover, he possessed both ability and integrity and enjoyed the emperor's deep trust.
Only with the added prestige of being the head instructor of the Imperial Guards did Guo Bujing gain the right to be compared to the two marquises.
Now, because of Cao Zhengchun and his associates' interference, the emperor has become suspicious of him. Although it is only a slight sign, it is enough for the emperor to replace him with someone else as the head instructor of the Imperial Guards.
The position of Imperial Guard Instructor was extremely important, and even Yu Huatian and Cao Zhengchun couldn't restrain themselves, revealing greedy expressions.
But both of them knew that the emperor would never appoint them.
The old story of the previous dynasty: a powerful eunuch held the imperial guards and effectively usurped the emperor's power, truly reaching a position above all others. However, he was ultimately crippled and could not continue his reign; in fact, his end was extremely tragic.
The current situation of the two factories and one guard is very stable and the emperor is unlikely to break it. The same is true for the two marquises and one family. Therefore, the new candidate for the head of the Imperial Guard is not among the remaining five people.
"Do you have any recommendations for the position of head instructor of the Imperial Guards?"
"Or, you could volunteer yourselves..."
The emperor looked at the three of them with a smile and said.
Knowing the emperor's thoughts, Cao Zhengchun first cursed inwardly, then forced a fawning smile, "How could this servant be capable of being the head instructor of the Imperial Guards? Your Majesty, please don't tease this servant."
The emperor scoffed, "At least you have some self-awareness."
Yu Huatian bowed and said, "Both of you are capable of serving as instructors for the Imperial Guards, but the Dragon Guard Manor and the Divine Arrest Bureau are already stretched thin in dealing with demons. Both Iron-Blooded Marquis and Zhuge Marquis are too busy to be in two places at once, so we need to find someone else."
The emperor sighed and said, "I did consider appointing my uncle as the head instructor of the Imperial Guards, but as you said, he has a great responsibility and cannot be distracted. We must choose someone else."
Pooh!
Would you appoint Zhu Tiedan as the head instructor of the Imperial Guards?
I'm afraid I won't even be able to sleep soundly at night!
Cao Zhengchun sneered inwardly. If the Wise Prince was the biggest thorn in the Emperor's side, then the Iron-Blooded Marquis was definitely the second biggest thorn.
Wei Zhongxian's eyes darted around, as if he had come up with a brilliant idea. He bowed and smiled, "Your Majesty, this old servant actually has someone I can recommend."
The emperor looked at him with some surprise, "Oh? A problem that's causing trouble for both factories, and you, old man, actually have a solution?"
Wei Zhongxian chuckled and said, "The two governors are only focused on the court; they're too close to the situation to see clearly..."
The emperor guessed Wei Zhongxian's meaning, tapped his fingers, and reminded him, "The position of head instructor of the Imperial Guards is no ordinary one. It can't be filled by just any martial arts master. What are you thinking, you old dog?!"
Wei Zhongxian, hunched over, echoed the emperor's words, saying, "Your Majesty is quite right. The person I'm referring to is no longer in court, but he is no ordinary hero. His talent was even praised by the late emperor back then..."
Yu Huatian frowned and said, "Eunuch Wei, please speak frankly."
The emperor waved his hand impatiently and said, "Spit it out. Why don't you talk so much normally?"
Wei Zhongxian glanced resentfully at Yu Huatian. He had finally found a chance to shine, but it had been ruined.
"Your Majesty, the person this old servant recommends is none other than Li Tanhua, who resigned from his official post and went into seclusion ten years ago!"
Upon hearing this, the emperor's eyes lit up, and he exclaimed in realization, "Is it that infallible Little Li Flying Dagger?"
Wei Zhongxian grinned from ear to ear, "Your Majesty is also aware of Li Tanhua's reputation in the martial arts world?"
The emperor said helplessly, "How would I know what his reputation is like in the martial arts world? I only heard it from the princesses and noblewomen. Those women talk about Li Xunhuan all the time. I have to say, this guy is really popular with women."
"But is his martial arts skill sufficient for the position of instructor in the Imperial Guard?"
Yu Huatian thought for a moment and said, "This servant had a brief encounter with Li Tanhua a few years ago and witnessed his skills. The Little Li Flying Dagger is not just a name; it is almost a Dao and is no ordinary martial art."
"Even you say so, it seems you are truly remarkable..." The emperor closed his eyes and fell into deep thought, and the imperial study fell silent.
In fact, whether it was Cao Zhengchun kneeling on the ground, or Yu Huatian and Wei Zhongxian, they all knew that the emperor's current behavior meant that he agreed with the suggestion.
A person with the title of Tan Hua (third-ranked scholar in the imperial examination) and who has served as an official is more trustworthy than a clueless rogue from the martial arts world. More importantly, although Li Xunhuan's reputation in the martial arts world is not as good as Guo Degang's, he is not an ordinary person either.
Given the same conditions, it's unlikely that a second suitable candidate could be found.
The emperor opened his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Then first summon Li Xunhuan to the capital!"
Cao Zhengchun quickly said, "Your Majesty, Li Xunhuan has been in seclusion for many years, and ordinary people can't find him at all. Why don't we send the Eastern Depot..."
Before he could finish speaking, Yu Huatian rudely interrupted him, "Why not trouble the Dragon Guard Manor? Finding people and gathering intelligence are their specialties."
Cao Zhengchun was so angry that his face contorted with rage, but he dared not lash out in front of the emperor.
The emperor nodded and said, "Then I'll trouble you to go to the Dragon Guard Manor and inform the Iron-Blooded Marquis about the matter. Keep the matter of the Wise Prince a secret for now."