Chapter 278 The Mission in the Dark
Needless to say, the two of them went through a lot of hardship to subdue the Lion Army in Yingzhou. Zhao Youchen had been through life and death several times, but his spirit did not diminish with each brush with death. On the contrary, it fueled his competitive spirit and desire for challenge.
Fortunately, he and Number Twenty-Two won in the end. Together, they eliminated the Deputy Envoy and the forces that belonged solely to him and were unwilling to return to the Lion Army's duties, ultimately gaining control of the Lion Army.
However, he also knew that with his late-career approach, even with Number Twenty-Two helping him, he still couldn't relax—neither in terms of his personal qualities nor his control over the Lion Army.
He wanted this Lion Army to become a force absolutely loyal to Xiao Qing.
As for the future of the Lion Army, he studied the current situation of the entire Lion Army personnel and was now presenting the true situation of the entire Lion Army to Xiao Qing.
Zhao Youchen was a general who commanded troops, and he knew very well what abilities and qualities were needed to train an army that could go to the battlefield and win battles.
It's not that he can't practice, but he feels the cost is too high.
These people were clearly influenced by their long-standing lifestyle of living in seclusion among the people; they were better at staying hidden behind the scenes than on the battlefield.
Especially after Mr. Wu's guidance, this army is better suited to stand behind Her Majesty and become a hidden force protecting her.
Although Xiao Qing could understand the logic behind Zhao Youchen's suggestion, she still felt a sense of regret looking at the person in front of her.
Although she does need a strong guard that the enemy cannot detect.
If it weren't for the Lion Army, Zhao Youchen would actually be more suited to the battlefield. His personality and abilities seem to be born for the battlefield.
If he were to lead the Lion Army to hide in the shadows all day long... her eyes unconsciously revealed her disapproval.
Zhao Youchen, on the other hand, was quite philosophical about it. After all, he had already considered this issue repeatedly on his way back.
“Your Majesty, wherever I am, I am more than willing to serve you. Moreover, given the current situation of the Lion Army, it is indeed more suitable for me to remain hidden. My return to Nanhua to avoid being seen by many eyes and ears is also for the sake of the Lion Army.” Zhao Youchen knelt on one knee again, expressing his determination.
Xiao Qing pondered for a moment, then unconsciously turned her gaze to Fu Mingyi, who had been sitting silently to the side.
Fu Mingyi knew where his emperor was hesitating, but in fact, his thoughts were the same as Zhao Youchen's.
His Majesty certainly needs this type of person by his side. The four people he provided are far from enough. Whether considering the current situation where the enemy is in the dark while we are in the light, or from the perspective of consolidating imperial power in the future, Zhao Youchen's choice is extremely advantageous to His Majesty.
“General Zhao is right. However, I’m afraid we need to reconsider the position of commander of the Imperial Guard.” Based on his understanding of Zhao Ziyuan, once he knew that Zhao Youchen had returned to Nanhua, he probably wouldn’t want to stay a day longer and would turn around and go back to Yingzhou to train his troops.
Zhao Ziyuan was not idle here either. He didn't say anything when he was on duty, but whenever he was off duty, he would definitely be studying the map of Xiaoshui North and South. It seems that he had already made plans for the war to restore the country. He was just waiting for Zhao Youchen to return so that he could go back and make arrangements.
Zhao Youchen nodded. The commander of the Imperial Guard was a very important position, and Zhao Ziyuan could not stay in Nanhua for long. He needed to think carefully about who would take over the position.
"We'll discuss this matter later. You haven't rested on your journey back, and I already know the situation in Yingzhou. Go back and rest now, and I'll host a welcome feast for you tomorrow!"
Zhao Youchen accepted the order and quietly withdrew.
Ma Hong and Chu Lianzhou were busy for a while, and seeing that the young emperor was in a stable mood and was willing to eat, and seemed to have no intention of locking himself up again, they were finally relieved.
Xiao Qing went through the events of the past few days in her mind, slowly organizing her thoughts.
Everyone is working steadily toward their goal, and she should also pull herself together and make some careful plans.
Taking back the area north of Xiaoshui is now imperative. The rats hiding in the shadows must be eliminated, and the forces around her must be reorganized.
There isn't much time for sadness—even for the efforts and expectations of so many people.
After leaving the palace, Zhao Youchen quickly went back to wash up. Before he could even go find Fu Mingyi, his uncle was already waiting for him at his door.
Are the Imperial Guards really that free?
"Oh, you're back?" Zhao Ziyuan was in high spirits. "Hey, it's a deal! I'm leaving now that you're back! I have a ton of things to do in Yingzhou, I don't have time to take over your duties!"
Having grown accustomed to Yingzhou, Zhao Ziyuan felt that even the air in Nanhua was different from Yingzhou. Although the young emperor was diligent in his duties and kind-hearted, and serving in front of him was quite pleasant, he still preferred Yingzhou. He even missed dealing with that old, stern-faced, dead-fish-eyed lord!
As soon as Zhao Youchen returned, he couldn't sit still. He rushed over to intercept him as soon as he finished his shift.
Zhao Youchen rubbed his forehead, thinking that if he were to go from the light to the shadows and Zhao Ziyuan were to return to Yingzhou, the Imperial Guards would definitely need someone to take charge of the defense. Ying Ying was definitely out of the question, so he could only choose from the existing deputy commanders.
A thought flashed through his mind: "You're in such a hurry to leave, did you bring Li Dingwu with you?"
Speaking of Li Dingwu, Zhao Youchen became interested. "Li Dingwu is a good prospect. Although he is a bit rigid, the Imperial Guard is responsible for protecting His Majesty and the safety of the palace. Being too flexible is not good. I think he is also measured in handling matters. Taking on your job will not be a problem for him."
Zhao Ziyuan knew that as long as the Northern Expedition was within the plan, Zhao Youchen would definitely not limit himself to the position of commander of the Imperial Guard.
The Zhao family are born for the battlefield.
Zhao Youchen nodded. "Alright, since you're leaving, inform His Majesty and go quickly." Counting the days, Zhao Ziyuan also needed to hurry back to train the troops.
Seeing that he didn't mention the Phoenix Perch Gorge in Yingzhou, Zhao Ziyuan didn't ask either. After a brief chat, Zhao Youchen slipped away.
Zhao Ziyuan scratched his head. "Very good, the secrecy work must be done."
Soon, Zhao Ziyuan entered the palace. After speaking with the young emperor and the Grand Tutor for half a day, he bid farewell to the young emperor and rode back to Yingzhou. At the same time, the positions of the commander and deputy commander of the Imperial Guard were changed accordingly. Li Dingwu was appointed commander of the Imperial Guard, while Zhao Youchen was suspended from his post. Ostensibly, he went to Yingzhou with Zhao Ziyuan to serve in the Yingzhou army, which could be considered as returning to the Zhao family's old territory. All information about Zhao Youchen in the Ministry of Personnel ended there. All his records were compiled, sealed separately, and sent to Xiao Qing.
Inside the secret chamber, Zhao Youchen, dressed in black, knelt on one knee before Xiao Qing, his eyes fixed solely on his emperor.
“From now on, your code name will be Star, and you will lead the Dark Division.” Xiao Qing looked into his eyes without looking away.
"Yes, Your Majesty. Your subject Xingchen will always be by Your Majesty's side, and swears to serve Your Majesty to the death." His gaze was sincere and firm, without a trace of hesitation or regret.
This is his mission and his vow.
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