Qin Zhaoyue was actually quite surprised.
In her view, the Xuanji Guard was equivalent to the Embroidered Uniform Guard in the history she knew.
Moreover, it lacked the checks and balances between the Eastern Depot and the Western Depot, and its power was more concentrated and terrifying.
It could even be said that the Xuanji Guard was a somewhat distorted product born out of a specific historical context.
After all, the Empress Dowager had only been on the throne for fourteen years with her iron-fisted rule. Although her foundation was solid, it was far from a time when she could rest easy.
In fact, some clues had already appeared.
For example, in counties and prefectures where iron ore is illegally mined or ironware is privately cast, the Xuanji Guards lurking in the area are very likely to have been corrupted and won over.
It is strong, but it has a major problem: a lack of checks and balances.
However, Qin Zhaoyue wasn't too worried about it.
Firstly, she herself is now at the Divine Martial Realm level and possesses the Heavenly Disc, giving her sufficient confidence;
Secondly, and most importantly, she was confident that she could save her mother.
Once the Empress Dowager recovers her health and is fully restored, these coveted powers will be nothing but fleeting clouds.
Ultimately, it will have to be returned intact; she has no interest in dealing with those tedious tasks every day.
Having figured this out, Qin Zhaoyue turned to look at the five commanders of the Xuanji Guard present.
He raised his head proudly once more, his tone carrying a hint of nonchalant provocation.
"What's wrong? You guys don't seem too convinced either?"
Pan Yue witnessed firsthand the terrifying battle outside the palace and the Sixth Prince's miraculous healing techniques.
Now that he had few doubts, he immediately clasped his hands in a respectful gesture and said:
"I wouldn't dare, Your Highness..."
"Shut up!" Qin Zhaoyue snapped, her beautiful almond-shaped eyes narrowing slightly. "During official business, please address me by my title."
Everyone: ...
It seems this newly appointed commander has quite the airs of authority.
"Yes, Commander!"
Pan Yue, Dou Zhan, Yan Bing, and Ling Duo immediately clasped their hands in greeting.
Only one person remained frozen in place, silent.
Qin Zhaoyue's gaze swept over and landed on the veiled figure, whose upright posture exuded a stubbornness. She drew out her words.
"This commander?"
His fists, hidden in his sleeves, were clenched tightly, his whole body tense like a fully drawn bow.
He exhaled a deep breath after a full three breaths, as if he had used all his strength to suppress some turbulent emotions.
He awkwardly clasped his hands in a fist salute, forcing out a few words through gritted teeth:
"Commander... sir!"
The way he gritted his teeth made it seem as if he wanted to pounce on her and bite her right then and there.
Qin Zhaoyue felt a surge of satisfaction.
Like drinking ice-cold plum juice on a sweltering summer day, it brings a sense of complete comfort.
She listened intently to her mother's faint words of advice.
The playful expression on his face faded, replaced by seriousness. His gaze shifted to Pei Xuanyun and Meng Guang.
"My two ministers, the Empress is currently unwell, and I... am also not very mobile."
She gestured to her hand, which was still pressed against His Majesty's chest.
"Then let my third sister, on behalf of the Empress, pay her respects to the two of you."
"In the future, the court will need the two of you to devote yourselves wholeheartedly to stabilizing the overall situation."
Princess Qin Zhaowan immediately stood up, straightened her robes, and bowed deeply to Pei Xuanyun and Meng Guang.
Pei Xuanyun and Meng Guang dared not be presumptuous; the woman before them was the Regent Princess, a very likely successor to the throne, and they immediately returned the greeting with deep respect.
"Your Majesty and Your Highness will do their utmost to live up to your trust!"
Then Qin Zhaoyue continued, relaying the Empress's will:
"Prime Minister Pei, if you doubt someone, don't use them; if you use someone, don't doubt them."
The Pei family is a family with a long tradition of scholarship; they should properly cultivate their successor.
The Empress Dowager was very pleased that Pei Xueqiao was able to gain experience in the Six Departments.
Pei Xuanyun's heart skipped a beat, and he immediately bowed:
"Your Majesty, I am deeply humbled! I will certainly teach you diligently and live up to Your Majesty's grace!"
"With you in charge of the Phoenix Pavilion, the Empress Dowager is at ease."
The difficulties and obstacles encountered during this women's imperial examination can be imagined.
Your Majesty has instructed you to do your utmost to ensure the smooth implementation of this policy.
It is already difficult for a woman to stand in the court. Among all the civil and military officials, the Empress Dowager has thought it over and over and can only entrust this matter to you, Prime Minister Pei.
It is hoped that this policy will solidify the foundation, and if it continues for two generations, future generations may no longer need to be bound by the distinction between men and women.
Pei Xuanyun bowed deeply with a solemn expression:
"Your Majesty, I obey! I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's trust!"
Qin Zhaoyue then turned her gaze to Meng Guang, whose hair and beard were all white but who was still full of energy.
"General Meng is a pillar of the nation."
The Empress Dowager instructs you to work harder, to stabilize Fengjing for the sake of Dagan and the royal family, and to safeguard the foundation of Dagan.
The safety of the capital region rests on the general's shoulders.
Meng Guang immediately knelt on one knee, clasped his hands in a salute, and spoke in a booming voice:
"Your subject, Meng Guang, is willing to die ten thousand times!"
The most important things were explained one by one.
It was visibly that Qin Minghuang, lying on the soft couch, breathed a slight sigh of relief, her tense spirit seemingly relaxing a little.
She mustered her last bit of strength and whispered a few words.
Upon hearing this, Qin Zhaoyue frowned slightly and turned her gaze to Ling Duo, a commander of the Xuanji Guard whom she was not familiar with.
Lingduo clearly heard His Majesty's instructions and stepped forward without hesitation, clasping his hands in greeting:
"Mr. Xue, I'd like to trouble you with Zhang Kaiyu."
What His Majesty is about to say concerns the very foundation of the nation; it is top secret and must not be leaked in the slightest!
As he spoke, his gaze subtly drifted to the side, where Jiang Wuyai and Chu Xinglan stood.
Jiang Wuyai immediately curled his lip.
If it weren't for his junior sister being there, he wouldn't bother listening to these royal secrets.
He was now focused solely on stabilizing the situation as quickly as possible, and then finding a way to persuade his junior sister to return to the Heavenly Evolution Sect's sacred ground with him.
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