Upon hearing this, the commander of the guards was overjoyed and quickly thanked him respectfully. With the military pay, the restoration of combat strength would be just around the corner.

Zhang Xiu said in a deep voice: "There is one thing you must remember: your king has handed over command to me."

From this day forward, all actions of the guards must be carried out under my orders. No one is permitted to move without my command!

"Please rest assured, General!"

The commander of the guards responded loudly.

Subsequently, the commander of the guard relayed Zhang Xiu's orders.

Upon learning that they would soon receive their old military pay, the soldiers were overjoyed and cheered. Naturally, they obeyed Zhang Xiu's orders without question.

Zhang Xiu also incorporated the fifty Imperial Guard soldiers he brought with him into the guard as platoon leaders, each responsible for leading forty men, thus taking control of the guard's basic command.

After dealing with the guards, Zhang Xiu once again led his men to the palace.

Upon seeing Lan Ming, Zhang Xiu immediately said, "I've heard that the Later Cheshi have been charging you exorbitant annual tributes for the past few years?"

Lan Ming: "In reply to the angel, that's right!"

Zhang Xiu's expression hardened: "Have you submitted this year's?"

Lan Ming shook his head: "Not yet, it was originally scheduled to be paid in April every year!"

Zhang Xiu waved his hand: "Then there's no need to pay. Your Gaochang Kingdom is a vassal state of our Great Han. How can you pay tribute to others? If the Houcheshi are not satisfied, let them come and argue with our Great Han!"

"The angel is right, Xiao Wang understands!!"

Seeing that Zhang Xiu had taken over the matter of tribute to the Han Dynasty, Lan Ming couldn't help but feel a surge of joy.

Over the years, the exorbitant annual tributes have emptied the Gaochang Kingdom, putting immense pressure on Lan Ming.