Chapter 39: Can a Groom Become a Deputy General?

Upon seeing the contents of the reward, Li Chen no longer had the heart to quibble with his ministers. Ignoring the reactions of those around him, he turned and hurried toward the outside of the palace hall. Zhang Cong, seeing this, was about to step forward to say something more, but was once again restrained by Bai Lian at his side.

Compared to the others, the expression on Zhao Kuo’s face was the most varied. Watching Li Chen’s retreating figure, Zhao Kuo once again misinterpreted his intentions.

"Although His Majesty trusts me, he is still uncertain about my capabilities. He is intentionally testing me! I must be extremely careful in selecting the troops this time!"

Convinced he had figured it all out, Zhao Kuo bowed solemnly toward Li Chen’s back. This gesture caused many to view him as a sycophant, further reinforcing their belief that Zhao Kuo had simply deceived the Emperor through some unknown means.

Half a day later, in the inner palace.

"Your Majesty, you are going to the army. Wouldn't it be inappropriate to bring Wan’er along?" Wan’er asked with concern while helping Li Chen change his robes.

Hearing this, Li Chen smiled and took her hand. "You and I are one! I will surely bestow a concubine’s position upon you in the future; what could be inappropriate about bringing you?"

While Li Chen spoke with righteous indignation, he was inwardly overjoyed. Bringing Wan’er along and engaging in a few frivolous acts would only further cement his image as a debauched ruler. With this stunt, it would surely be another heavy blow to the morale of the soldiers!

As he was still calculating, a call came from outside. "Your Majesty, General Zhao Kuo has sent the list, and the army is currently assembling!"

A servant hurried into the hall and handed the list of personnel drafted by Zhao Kuo to Li Chen. Originally feeling somewhat impatient, Li Chen became invigorated upon hearing it was Zhao Kuo’s list. Zhao Kuo’s highest rank had previously been only a captain; for such a man to suddenly serve as a commander-in-chief would clearly be difficult to justify to the masses. Thus, Li Chen was curious about whom he would employ.

However, after taking the list and reading only the name of the deputy general, Li Chen grew anxious. He truly had not expected Zhao Kuo to select Zhao Yun, a famous general with established prestige in the military.

This was a joke. Even setting aside the famous general of a similar name from his memory, Zhao Yun’s own service record alone meant it was impossible for Li Chen to employ him.

"Quick! Prepare the imperial procession! I am going to the military camp! Also, send men to intercept Zhao Kuo! Zhao Yun must not serve as deputy general! As for the candidate, I will decide personally!"

Facing Li Chen’s outburst, Wan’er and the palace servants were startled, but dared not say a word.

Shortly after, at the military camp.

Because he could not think of a suitable deputy general, Li Chen’s face was extremely gloomy. Behind him, a bewildered and even terrified Zhao Kuo could only follow silently, not daring to draw a full breath. As they walked, Li Chen was suddenly attracted by voices nearby.

"Just because of you? A groom, and you want to go to the battlefield?"

Listening to the cold, sharp mockery from the person nearby, the man in simple cloth clothes showed no expression, merely replying indifferently, "That is true, I am only a groom."

Hearing the conversation, Li Chen felt a surge of curiosity and walked over. Upon seeing Li Chen, both men hurriedly knelt.

"What is your name?"

Hearing Li Chen’s inquiry, the man in cloth clothes appeared terrified. "Reporting to Your Majesty, this humble one is named Huo Huan."

Upon hearing the name, Li Chen nearly lost control and burst into laughter. Huo Huan—"Calamity." Hahaha, no matter how one listened to it, the name sounded as if the Great Zhou would fall, which perfectly suited his desires.

Was this not the most suitable deputy general?

Without hesitation, Li Chen directly ordered the nearby Zhao Kuo, "Let this man be your deputy general!"

Once these words were spoken, even Zhao Kuo, who had been promoted beyond his rank, could not help but be stunned. To let a groom become a deputy general? Was there anything more absurd in the world? However, just as he hesitated about whether to dissuade Li Chen, he suddenly realized a possibility.

How could His Majesty do things so casually? There must be a deeper meaning. Or perhaps this person was someone His Majesty had chosen long ago, just waiting to tell him today. Yes, that must be it. His Majesty might also be intentionally hinting at him: he could give him power, and he could take it back. He must work honestly and fulfill his duties.

Pondering this silently for a moment, Zhao Kuo hurriedly and respectfully accepted the order. Meanwhile, Huo Huan, having suddenly obtained the position of deputy general, still appeared to be in a dream. When he heard Zhao Kuo’s voice, he finally snapped back to reality and hurriedly spoke.

"Your Majesty, I am only a groom. I fear I am not fit for this position. If..."

Before he could finish, Li Chen interrupted him. "What of being a groom? Prime ministers must rise from local counties, and generals must emerge from the ranks! You just focus on being this deputy general; even if mistakes occur, I will not blame you! Even if you are just coasting, it is no big deal. Just be at ease!"

Hearing this, Huo Huan was first astonished, but then he realized something. Reflecting on his experiences over the years, he suddenly realized that Li Chen must have eyes like pearls, recognizing that he had been buried and thus giving him this chance. If His Majesty could treat me this way, even saying such things to reassure me, how could I not serve His Majesty with absolute loyalty?

...

Two days later, at the Prime Minister’s residence.

"I ask you, my lords, didn't we agree to ask the Prime Minister to join us in submitting a joint petition to His Majesty? Why, when the time comes, are you all keeping silent?" Zhang Cong looked at his colleagues who had come with him, appearing somewhat angry.

Ouyang Yu frowned slightly. She had actually guessed Zhang Cong’s intent, but she had not yet decided whether to accept his idea. Seeing the awkward atmosphere, Bai Lian spoke up first.

"Lord Zhang, what is it that you wish to do?"

Zhang Cong glanced at Bai Lian and responded with fury. "What do I wish to do? Naturally, to remonstrate with His Majesty! You are all important figures in the court. It is one thing for His Majesty’s recent thoughts to be whimsical! But to arrange for a captain who committed a serious crime to be the commander-in-chief, and to appoint a groom as his deputy—where does this put the affairs of the state? The Japanese forces are coming aggressively; if any mistake is made, we will be the sinners who ruined the Great Zhou!"

Unfortunately, Li Chen was not there, or he would certainly have called Zhang Cong a kindred spirit. At this moment, everyone’s gaze gathered on Ouyang Yu. She knew she had to say something today.

"Lord Zhang’s words seem a bit severe. His Majesty naturally has his own thoughts and plans for how he does things. Haven't his previous measures all achieved good results?"

In truth, even now, she did not understand Li Chen’s intentions, but privately, she had already sent people to inquire about Huo Huan’s background. As Prime Minister, logically, since she had said this, others should not have contradicted her. But perhaps because Li Chen’s recent actions were indeed somewhat radical, before Zhang Cong could respond, another official stood up.

"My lords, I do not understand military affairs, so I cannot say much, but the Western Depot is searching everywhere and arresting people. What kind of decorum is this? Our Great Zhou has its own laws, yet these people, regardless of your status, will arrest you on the street the moment they set their sights on you, completely disregarding the consequences or impact. Even worse, these wolves and tigers will target people just for saying a few words. Is this not absurd? For His Majesty to use such people, he is simply a dim-witted ruler!"

Once these words were spoken, the crowd fell silent. After all, this was an act of treason; who dared to echo it?

Seeing this, the man continued on his own. "We have received the state’s grace for many years. Today, with His Majesty acting so perversely, how can we sit idly by? If you are all afraid, then I will go to the imperial palace to remonstrate to the death. At the very least, I will request His Majesty to abolish the Western Depot!"

Ouyang Yu’s expression was strange, and as she hesitated, other officials began to express their stance.

"Count me in. The Western Depot is bullying people too much, completely disregarding us and the law. How can it be allowed to exist!"

"The Western Depot must be abolished, otherwise the Great Zhou will surely descend into chaos!"

Seeing that many had responded, Zhang Cong simply stood up as well. For a moment, it seemed that most of the officials in the room had chosen to support the petition.

...

At the same time, at the Prince of Dai’s residence.

The Prince of Dai poured a cup of tea and pushed it toward Cai Jing. "The Yang Yuhuan you mentioned earlier—don't tell me there is still no news?"

Cai Jing accepted the tea with a fawning expression and was about to explain, but as her fingers touched the cup, her heart sank. The tea in the cup was cold; this was clearly the Prince of Dai expressing his dissatisfaction with her inefficiency.

Cai Jing hurriedly explained. "My Lord, the situation has been volatile lately, but your subordinate has been trying hard to find her! I imagine..."

However, before she could finish, a series of rapid footsteps came from outside. Immediately after, Li Shuyi burst in clutching an imperial decree, complaining the moment she spoke.

"Mother, that dim-witted ruler has gone too far!"

She handed over the decree. "The people from the Western Depot just came and said that to fund the construction of the Royal Academy, they actually want us, the imperial clan, to pay! And every family must contribute at least five hundred thousand!"