With Mochin taking the lead, most people were willing to stay on the spot, while some said they needed to think about it.

Zhao Shu wasn't angry. She tolerantly let them consider it and instructed Xiao Zhu to pass on the message that the selection of the commander of the garrison and centurions would be held the next day, with a fighting arena set up at the training ground.

After so much preparation, the matter was finally about to be finalized, and Zhao Shu breathed a sigh of relief.

A day passed quickly. Xiao Guozi and Uncle Fu were in charge of the more than 600 people who were not chosen to stay, while Zhao Shu sat high on the judges' table to watch the competition.

Of the two hundred people, only one hundred and fifty-one ultimately chose to stay, while forty-nine chose to return to their hometowns.

As for whether these people would stay or leave, Zhao Shu let it be; forcing them to stay was useless if they couldn't be kept.

One hundred and fifty-one people, who felt they were capable enough, all signed up to participate in the competition.

On the day of the actual competition, Zhao Shu got up early and was escorted to the training ground by a group of people.

From afar, one could hear soldiers sparring in the training ground, their roars sounding like wild beasts in the jungle.

"It's exceptionally lively today," Zhao Shu said.

"Yes, those more than one hundred soldiers who stayed behind were all strong, healthy, and full of vigor," Uncle Fu explained with a smile.

The mansion is becoming increasingly different now, and seeing this, he feels that the fat on his body has become much lighter.

As they spoke, they arrived at the entrance of the training ground. Through the door, they could see Wang Jiyang, dressed in coarse cloth, talking to Mo Qin.

Zhao Shu raised an eyebrow, "When did Lord Wang arrive?"

Uncle Fu glanced at it hurriedly, and his face immediately turned green. "This old servant will go and find out who let Lord Wang in."

"Has Father gotten up?" She didn't remember that Wang Jiyang had any close relationship with her father.

Uncle Fu shook his head, "The prince rested late yesterday and probably just got up today."

This means that the person was definitely not let in by Prince Yong, and if Prince Yong had let in, Bi Qiao would definitely have sent someone to inform Zhao Shu.

"So it wasn't you who let them in. Then investigate thoroughly. I want to see who dares to be the master of my Prince Yong's mansion!" It seems some people just don't learn their lesson.

The people following behind hurriedly lowered their heads, feeling a chill in their hearts, and dared not utter a sound.

Wang Jiyang turned around following Mo Qin's gaze, saw Zhao Shu, and forced an ugly smile. "This humble official greets the Princess."

"Good morning, Lord Wang. I didn't know you had come to my residence so early. What brings you here?" One cannot hit a smiling face, even though Wang Jiyang's smile would make a timid child cry.

"Last time we parted in haste, and I didn't have time to explain to the Princess that Lord Wei entrusted me with a matter before leaving the capital. I heard that the manor is holding a competition today to select the commander of the manor's troops, so I came uninvited. I hope the Princess will not take offense." As Wang Jiyang spoke, he had already arrived in front of Zhao Shu. He said "this humble official" but his back was straight and his face was normal. He did not have the slightest sense of being a humble official.

However, Zhao Shu didn't mind. She was just one of many princesses. If you really wanted to compare them, although she had a title, Wang Jiyang, a minor official, was nothing compared to her rank. However, Wang Jiyang was born into a prestigious family, and for him to call her "your subordinate" was already a great respect.

As for the explanation for why he appeared at Prince Yong's residence, Zhao Shu believed it was probably to repay his father's kindness in recommending him.

Wang Jiyang is now like a tiger fallen into the plains, while the Prince Yong's mansion is no longer just a bullying dog.

With the Wang family's influence, it would be a piece of cake for them to enter the imperial court as officials; however, every family has its own troubles.

"I must thank Lord Wang for coming. My father doesn't manage affairs, and I am just a young girl who is still inexperienced in many things. Now that you are here, I will entrust the affairs of the guards to you. Please take good care of them."

She readily agreed. Since people wanted to do her a favor, wouldn't it be impolite to refuse and shameful to accept it?

Wang Jiyang's smile widened, and he quickly clasped his hands and bowed, "Your Highness is too kind. Entrusting this matter to me is a sign of the Prince and Your Highness's trust in me. I have gained the Prince's trust and fulfilled Lord Wei's instructions. I have truly benefited."

The two exchanged words, but they were essentially saying the same thing: it would be far better for Wei Tingsi and Wang Jiyang to handle this matter than for any of the masters of the Yongwang Mansion to do it.

It is only right for Prince Yong's mansion to continue to live a life of leisure, detached from worldly affairs.

Liang Yunsi, who had been waiting outside for a while, entered after the two finished speaking, and called out in a high-pitched voice: "This servant greets the princess. May the princess be blessed with good health and happiness."

Zhao Shu turned her head, and Liang Yunsi was already standing in front of her with a smile on his face, followed by two eunuchs.

"Eunuch Liang?" She was somewhat surprised, but glancing at Wang Jiyang out of the corner of her eye, she found that he was not surprised, and she understood.

Liang Yunsi smiled so hard his eyes narrowed into slits. He bent over and said, "His Majesty specially sent this old servant with an imperial edict to support the Princess. I'm not late, am I?"

Emperor Mingde was quite a clever man. He clearly felt that the military system she had established was very beneficial for regaining military power. Fearing that someone would attack the Prince Yong's residence, he hurriedly used the pretext of playing with a child to support her.

On the one hand, Wei Tingsi and Wang Jiyang wanted to intervene, while on the other hand, Emperor Mingde wanted to make the matter seem trivial, leaving them with a way out. The cooperation between the emperor and his ministers was seamless.

"It's not too late. May I ask what message the Emperor asked you to deliver?"

Seeing that the guards around him were secretly looking in their direction, Liang Yunsi said loudly, "His Majesty said that the princess is a member of the royal family. If she has any grievances, she can go to the Taihe Hall in the palace to appeal to His Majesty. His Majesty will definitely make a decision for the princess."

"Ah Jun thanks Your Majesty, Uncle." He kowtowed in the direction of the palace to express his gratitude.

After conveying the imperial edict, Liang Yunsi returned home.

Zhao Shu sat upright on the high platform that had been set up. A beaded curtain separated her from the viewer, and through the shadows, she could only see a little girl sitting inside behind the curtain, but she couldn't make out her face.

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