gnovel Chapter 50 Commanding the Army 8
Chapter 50 Commanding the Army 8
Next came the report from the Minister of Justice on the follow-up to the Cui family case:
"...The entire Cui family, consisting of 371 members, has been dealt with according to the law."
The family's property was confiscated, totaling 30,000 spirit stones, 2.2 million taels of gold, 15 million taels of silver, and farmland, shops, and residences valued at approximately 65 million taels.
The Second Prince Zhao Cheng... has been placed under house arrest at the Imperial Clan Court, and his associates Liu Kun, Wang Chongming, and others have been dealt with.
The Empress nodded: "Seventy percent of the Cui family's wealth will go into the national treasury, and the remaining thirty percent... will be used to provide relief to the families of soldiers who died in the northern border, especially the former subordinates of the Duke of Zhenguo, who will receive double the relief."
"Your Majesty is wise!"
Lin Chen's heart stirred slightly. The Empress's actions could be seen as giving the Lin family an explanation.
However, the Cui family is truly wealthy, and they're not even the main family. Lin Chen couldn't help but curse inwardly: "Damn aristocratic families."
After the government affairs report was completed, the Empress's gaze fell on Lin Chen: "Duke Zhenguo."
Lin Chen stepped forward and said, "Your subject is here."
"Half a month after inheriting the title, are you adapting well?"
"Thanks to Your Majesty's great fortune, all is well," Lin Chen said respectfully.
"Hmm." The Empress smiled faintly.
"I heard you've had a very leisurely time these past two weeks? Browsing brothels, listening to music, enjoying delicious food... quite carefree indeed."
Low laughter echoed in the hall.
Lin Chen remained unfazed:
"Your Majesty, I am truly humbled. In truth... I am of limited talent and learning and dare not presume to discuss state affairs. I can only find solace in nature and cultivate my character."
These words were spoken with such confidence that even the Empress was taken aback for a moment before bursting into laughter:
"What a fine way to express your love for nature! But Duke Zhenguo, I have a task for you."
coming.
Lin Chen sighed inwardly, but said aloud, "Your Majesty, please give your orders."
"Dayan was founded on military strength, but its military power has been declining in recent years," the Empress said solemnly.
"I intend to establish a new army called the 'Tiger Guard,' which will be responsible for the defense of the capital and the quelling of rebellions. You will be in command of this new army."
wow——
A commotion broke out in the hall.
A new army will be formed! And it will be led by Lin Chen, that "playboy"!
Duke Dingguo, Xu Zhen, frowned: "Your Majesty, Duke Lin is too young to be fit for this position."
The 200,000-strong Beijing Garrison is sufficient to protect the capital; why form a new army?
The Empress said calmly, "The Capital Garrison is the Capital Garrison, and the Tiger Guard is the Tiger Guard. The former guards the city, the latter is mobile. As for whether the Duke of Lin can handle the job..."
She looked at Lin Chen, "Duke Zhenguo, what do you think?"
Lin Chen cursed inwardly, but remained outwardly respectful:
"Your subject... will certainly do his utmost."
"Good." The Empress nodded in satisfaction.
"The Tiger Guard is composed of 8,000 men, selected from the Beijing Garrison and other guards. You can set the standards."
Military supplies and provisions will be provided by the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue. Within three months, I want to see a fighting elite force.
Eight thousand people?
Lin Chen was stunned for a moment. Wasn't it supposed to be three thousand?
But since the decree was absolute, Lin Chen could only bow and reply, "Your subject obeys."
"Furthermore," the Empress added, "
"That Mr. Yuan in your household... I wish to appoint him as the chief instructor of the Tiger Guard. Are you willing?"
Could Lin Chen say he was unwilling?
"It is an honor for Mr. Yuan to serve His Majesty."
"Very good." A deep meaning flashed in the Empress's eyes. "After the court session, you will stay behind. I have some instructions to give you."
"Yes."
Lin Chen felt drowsy listening to the following court assembly.
Officials argued about taxes, water conservancy, the imperial examinations... all trivial matters.
Until a voice rang out:
"Your Majesty, I have a memorial to present!"
Lin Chen looked up and saw a man in his forties wearing a scarlet robe with a cloud and goose embroidered on his chest—a fourth-rank official.
"speak."
"The Baiyue tribes in the southern border region have recently been frequently causing trouble, raiding the border, and plundering the people. I request that troops be dispatched to quell the rebellion!"
The Empress frowned: "I am aware of the situation in the Southern Frontier, but the Northern Frontier is currently unstable, and it is not advisable to wage war on two fronts. Issue an edict to the Governor-General of the Southern Frontier to strengthen defenses and prioritize appeasement."
"But Your Majesty..."
"My mind is made up."
The official left dejectedly.
Lin Chen understood.
The Dayan Dynasty was surrounded by enemies on all sides—Northern Shuo to the north, Eastern Li to the east, Baiyue and the independent Nanzhao to the south, and various small kingdoms in the Western Regions to the west.
With the northern border in dire straits and the southern frontier in turmoil, the Empress is under considerable pressure.
After discussing a few more matters, the court session finally came to an end.
"Dismiss the court—" the eunuch drawled.
The officials bowed and filed out.
Lin Chen followed Qingluan, the Empress's personal maid, toward the Imperial Study.
……
The Imperial Study.
"How did you feel about today's court assembly?" The Empress gestured for Lin Chen to sit down.
"I'm tired," Lin Chen said honestly. "My legs are numb after standing for two hours."
The Empress chuckled: "You are indeed honest, but do you understand my intention in appointing you to command the Tiger Guard?"
Lin Chen pretended to think for a moment, then asked, "Your Majesty intends to... groom me?"
Yes and no.
"In the Great Yan court, civil and military officials were separated, and numerous aristocratic families and sects stood together."
Although I am an emperor, I am still subject to many constraints.
Your Lin family has been loyal and virtuous for generations. Now that you have distinguished yourself, I will use you and support you.
She turned to look at Lin Chen:
"Although the Tiger Guard only has eight thousand men, I grant you the right to select and train them independently."
The Ministry of War must not interfere. You must train a truly elite force for me; in the future… I will have a great use for them.”
Lin Chen sneered inwardly.
The Empress is cultivating her own loyal forces, and I have been chosen by her.
"Your Majesty, I will certainly not fail in your trust."
"Hmm." The Empress nodded, then suddenly changed the subject, her eyes filled with a mocking tone.
"Duke Zhenguo, you're quite the ladies' man."
"What does Your Majesty mean?" Lin Chen was slightly taken aback, not understanding.
"Pretending?" The Empress smiled faintly. "How come I heard you've already spent the night at Ningxiang Courtyard?"
Lin Chen's heart skipped a beat.
The Empress's information network is incredibly efficient!
The Duke's mansion is now practically impregnable; there's no way it could have any spies or secret agents...
"There are few things in this imperial city that can be hidden from me."
The Empress gave a meaningful smile, then changed the subject.
"This is your family matter, I will not interfere. I just want to remind you—the pleasure quarters are the graveyard of heroes, do not become addicted."
"Your subject will remember," Lin Chen replied obediently, putting his mind at ease.
The Empress suddenly said, "My elder sister seems quite interested in your Drunken Moon Pavilion?"
Princess Zhao Mingyue.
Lin Chen carefully replied, "It is my honor that Your Highness the Eldest Princess has graced Zuiyue Pavilion with your presence."
"It's rare for her to be interested in anything," the Empress mused.
"If you have the chance, spend more time with her. My elder sister hasn't been happy these past few years, but remember what I said last time: don't make any advances towards her..."
"Your subject wouldn't dare!" Lin Chen quickly replied, inwardly cursing.
"Who's after whom is still uncertain; I'm not a widow-collecting machine."
The Empress's eyes flickered slightly. After giving a few more instructions about the Tiger Guard, she dismissed Lin Chen.
Stepping out of the imperial study, Lin Chen let out a long sigh of relief.
The saying "Serving a ruler is like serving a tiger" is absolutely true.
"My lord, shall we proceed to the Su residence now?" Yuan Tiangang greeted him.
Lin Chen nodded, then suddenly remembered something and took out a jade bottle from his system space.
This is the "Shangqing Jade Liquid Pill" obtained from signing in. It is a low-grade Heavenly Rank healing elixir that can repair one's foundation and prolong life. It is perfect for my grandfather.
"Let's go."