"Dad, this isn't just a problem with my brothers. You also have to discipline our relatives."
He Shuhua said seriously: "The more we stand out, the more we should keep a low profile."
He Shengda also promised: "Don't worry, Dad has lived a lifetime, how could he not understand this?"
After hesitating for a moment, He Shuhua asked, "Dad, is General Zheng okay?"
Since being conferred the title, Zheng Hongtao has been at the peak of his career, but in He Shuhua's view, he is like oil boiling on a raging fire, and if he is not careful, he might end up getting burned.
I got to know Zheng Hongtao from my father and her ex-husband. In the early years, their family took refuge with His Majesty, and many people looked down on them because of their merchant background, but Zheng Hongtao was very helpful to their family.
He Shuhua's concerns were naturally clear to her father. He Shengda's face straightened, "Don't worry, His Majesty once said that His Majesty is not afraid of anyone being more powerful than the Lord, as long as the Duke of Zhenguo can remain sober."
…
The protagonist Zheng Hongtao mentioned by the two was called to the palace by An Jingzhi again.
"I heard that many people have visited your house these days." An Jingzhi said casually.
Zheng Hongtao's expression froze, and he quickly said respectfully, "They were all a group of people who wanted to seek my protection. I did not meet them."
Zheng Hongtao was more cautious than He Shengda had imagined. Although An Jingzhi had said before that he would not do anything to a military general just because his achievements surpassed his master, he himself had to be aware of this and not become arrogant because of his favor.
"Alright, alright. I didn't mean to criticize you. I was just chatting casually. It seems these people still don't trust me and are afraid that I will settle accounts with them later."
Zheng Hongtao said, "Many of the officials who surrendered from the Chu State did not make it to Wujiang. They probably thought that Your Majesty would not tolerate them."
An Jingzhi: "That group of people bullied the people and even issued massacre orders multiple times. How could I tolerate them? If the wicked can instantly become Buddhas by laying down their butcher knives, how unfair is that?"
Considering the stability of Wujiang City, he thought for a moment and said, "If someone comes to you again, tell them that those who died deserved it. As for them, I don't have that much free time to pay attention to them. As long as they behave themselves in the future, the huge Dayu Dynasty will have room for them."
"Yes." Zheng Hongtao said.
"Okay, I came to see you today for another important matter," An Jingzhi said, "Do you remember the military academy I mentioned?"
"Your Majesty," Zheng Hongtao said excitedly. How could he forget this? It concerns the future of his family's younger generation. "Is the military academy going to be established?"
"The Military Academy was actually completed a long time ago. You may not have realized it after fighting outside for a year. It is located outside the East City."
"Now that the world is at peace, if you have nothing to do at home, you can go to the academy and serve as instructors."
An Jingzhi jokingly said, "Don't worry, I won't ask you to work for nothing. You will get a salary."
Zheng Hongtao also smiled and said, "Then I would like to thank Your Majesty in advance."
…
After Zheng Hongtao returned home from the palace, some people came to visit him one after another. He followed An Jingzhi's instructions and spread his words.
Although Xu Fengchang and his group had received permission from the He family, they were still very uneasy because their gifts were confiscated. However, after hearing the news from the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion, they felt a little relieved.
When they wanted to take the gifts to the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion to inquire about some details, they found that they couldn't even get in the door.
The gate of the Duke of Zhenguo's mansion was blocked by a crowd of carriages and horses.
Xu Fengchang politely handed a tael of silver to the servant of the Zhenguogong Mansion and asked, "Why are there so many guests at the Zhenguogong Mansion today? Did something happen?"
The man accepted the silver and said happily, "These generals are here to discuss the Military Academy with our master. His Majesty has decided that the Military Academy will officially start recruiting students in half a month!"
"As long as you graduate from the military academy, you can become an officer in the future."
"Our Majesty is the president of the Military Academy. From now on, not only scholars can call themselves disciples of the emperor, but military generals can too!"
After the other party finished speaking, he went to busy himself with leading the horses and parking the carriage. Although people nearby would not mind the traffic at the entrance, it would damage the reputation of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion.
The people around Xu Fengchang nudged him and said, "It seems that the person in the palace really doesn't care about us."
The stone in my heart suddenly fell to the ground, "From now on, let's not think about those messy things. It's good enough to just live this life honestly."
Xu Fengchang didn't have time to listen to what he was saying. "Military Academy?" He kept chewing on the words in his mouth.
"Are a group of bigwigs worthy of building an academy specifically for their education?"
He gazed at the imperial palace in the distance, feeling an inexplicable awe for the emperor who had achieved great unification.
"What are you doing here? If you want to visit my master, please leave a visiting card. If he has time, he will naturally inform you. If you don't have anything else, don't block us here."
The steward of the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion came over to chase them away. After they got the answer in their hearts, they stopped staying. Although they felt ashamed and angry that a tiger in the open was bullied by a dog, they did not dare to force their way in.
Ding Shangbiao quickly glanced at the departing figures of Xu Fengchang and others and then looked away.
He strode forward and walked into the Duke of Zhenguo's Mansion.
"Brother, can a bunch of us rough guys teach others?"
"Haha, big brother, can you please talk to His Majesty and let me experience the thrill of being a role model?"
One person said disdainfully, "I've been rewarded with an extra place by His Majesty for my meritorious service. All three of my sons can attend the Military Academy. You, a half-witted fellow, shouldn't go in and harm my sons."
"How can you say that? How can I be considered a half-baked warrior? I've won so many battles, and you're not as good as me!"
The man said with a look of disgust: "Okay, okay, I'm not as good as you. No matter how good you are, you're not as good as Old Ding and Brother Zheng. I'd love for them to teach. As for you, forget it. Don't make things worse."
Seeing that the two were about to fight, Zheng Hongtao hurriedly stopped them, "Alright, alright, stop arguing. His Majesty said we can all go, General Xu," he said to the man who wanted to teach at the academy.
"Your Majesty said that each general has different strengths. Some are good at attacking cities, some are good at defending cities, and some are good at training troops. You can apply to Your Majesty to take a public class."
Before anyone could ask what a public class was, he began to explain, "Public classes are open to everyone. Military academies teach students separately based on their abilities, and we take exams and promotions every year. But public classes don't require separation; everyone gathers together to listen to your lectures."
General Xu's face lit up with smiles. "That's great! I'm going to take the public class!"
Zheng Hongtao glared at him and said, "Don't be too happy too soon. I haven't finished what I'm saying yet."
Continue read on readnovelmtl.com