“Your Majesty, the investigation is complete.”
In the Imperial Palace, the Emperor was very interested in the conflict between Jia Yu and Gao Hu.
After learning about the situation, he had the information organized and re-investigated.
“Is the truth confirmed?”
The Emperor had already reviewed the previously concluded case files, which involved the remnants of the Prince of Wu.
“The situation is true.”
Xia Shou Zhong held up a recently received letter: “Zhou Yun, originally intended to eliminate the hidden threat for the new 探花 (Scholar-Official) Ouyang Xu.
However, he unexpectedly encountered the 節帥 (Regional Commander) who was dining at the teahouse.”
Xia Shou Zhong lamented Zhou Yun’s terrible luck, while secretly reminding himself not to interfere in other people’s affairs.
If Zhou Yun had not interfered in Ouyang Xu’s matter, he wouldn’t have ended up like this.
“Ouyang Xu?” The Emperor pondered, a handsome, noble young man appearing in his mind.
“Indeed, one cannot judge a person by their appearance.” The Emperor shook his head: “I seem to recall that Gao Hu wanted to marry his daughter to Ouyang Xu?”
Xia Shou Zhong respectfully replied: “Your Majesty, Minister Gao wishes to emulate the example of the Duke of Rong Guo, selecting a worthy son-in-law.
Apart from his character, Ouyang Xu stands out in both talent and appearance, ranking first among this year’s graduates.”
“Talent and appearance are important, but character is even more critical.” The Emperor thought of Jia Yu, who was still unmarried: “How about I help Gao Hu, have Gao Hui marry Jia Yu? What do you think?”
The Emperor’s idea startled Xia Shou Zhong. The union of the current number one civil official with the number one military official.
This would be a major earthquake for the political landscape of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
The Emperor also sensed that it was not a good idea, shaking his head: “Let Jia Yu worry about his own marriage.”
“During the daily Grand Assembly, you and Liu Hong, double check, double check, absolutely no mistakes allowed.”
“Yes!”
Xia Shou Zhong breathed a sigh of relief, seeing that the Emperor had abandoned the idea of a forced marriage.
Now he was the Grand Supervisor of the Palace, while Liu Hong, with Jia Yu’s support, became the Commander of the 錦衣衛 (Embroidered Uniform Guard), also commanding a newly established intelligence organization.
The Embroidered Uniform Guard was an intelligence organization bestowed upon the Emperor by the Retired Emperor. Whether the Retired Emperor had left any hidden hands within it remained unknown.
But one thing was certain, the information they received was also available to the Retired Emperor.
…
Dragon Head Palace.
The Retired Emperor, with his white hair, looked healthy. After facing various setbacks, his physical and mental state had not deteriorated further.
After the Battle of East Hua Gate, he witnessed the Emperor maneuvering through the capital with various schemes.
He valiantly held up the entire government.
This filled him with joy.
His least favored son, despite all his efforts to hinder him, had managed to stabilize this nation recently devastated by war and bring it back on track, allowing it to begin healing its wounds.
He was also very satisfied with the Emperor’s infiltration of the Capital Garrison. The Capital Garrison was founded by Duke of Rong Guo, Jia Dai Shan, with its commanding officers coming from the ranks of military nobility.
While Duke of Rong Guo, Jia Dai Shan, was alive, the Jia family was the leader of the entire military nobility.
Even the military officials he promoted later to counter the founding military nobility had no way of competing against Duke of Rong Guo, Jia Dai Shan.
According to the Great Zhou Law, members of the military nobility must serve in the military to inherit their titles.
The Nine Borders were too dangerous.
The Capital Garrison was the best choice, not only being close to home, but also, according to his old habits from his youth, when he visited the Capital Garrison every few days.
It was also the best way for the sons of the military families to meet the Emperor.
Back then, he had maintained strict control over the military forces of the entire country through regular visits to the Capital Garrison.
He had created the prosperity of the Great Zhou Dynasty.
However, he had always wanted to place his own people in key positions within the Capital Garrison, but he had never succeeded.
Even when he directly assigned personnel to the highest military post, he was still unable to penetrate the heart of the Capital Garrison.
“Your Majesty, tomorrow is the day to discuss merit. The Emperor has sent an invitation, requesting your presence to preside over the occasion.” Dai Quan stood beside him, cautiously.
Since the Emperor had broken free from his control, the Retired Emperor’s temper had become increasingly erratic, requiring Dai Quan to be extra careful in serving him.
“What am I supposed to do there? To disrupt their celebration?” The Retired Emperor shook his head: “The capital was besieged, countless civilians were displaced or killed by the Mongols.
As the main culprit, my presence would only make them uncomfortable.”
“The Emperor is doing a good job.” The Retired Emperor sighed and instructed Dai Quan: “Send one million taels of silver to the Emperor’s privy purse, we must not let the meritorious officials grow cold.”
Dai Quan looked at the Retired Emperor in surprise. The Retired Emperor chuckled: “This old body of mine, how many years can it last?
Won’t this country eventually fall into his hands?”
In the Retired Emperor’s heart, the other princes had lost their capital to compete with the Emperor.
Dai Quan was greatly shocked.
The Retired Emperor had taken the Prince of Wu from the Emperor, not to let him rise again.
Perhaps that idea existed at the beginning.
But as the Emperor’s power grew stronger, this idea disappeared.
He knew about the changes in the Capital Garrison earlier and in more detail than the Emperor.
Jia Yu’s military training skills were no less than his grandfather and ancestors.
The Emperor had such a sharp weapon in his hand.
How could the other princes compete with him?
…
Jia Yu, who was being watched by two top figures of the Great Zhou Dynasty, slowly opened his eyes.
The warm winter sun shone in through the window.
It was now noon.
He had returned to the inn before dawn, so he had woken up very late.
Jia Yu walked to the window, watching the bustling crowds of commoners below, their shouts echoing through the streets.
Knock, knock, knock!
Three knocks came from outside the door, a gentle voice filtering through the crack.
“Third Master, are you awake?”
…