It was afternoon!
Xia Chen stayed in the Military Camp and did not go out on patrol as usual.
Messages from various sources indicated that the promotion decree was imminent.
He held a book on military strategy, studying it intently.
This book on military strategy was written by a famous military strategist of this world.
Basically, everyone who studies military strategy has read this book. Xia Chen was not reading it for the first time, and even he had to admit that some of the ideas in this military strategy book were quite profound.
“Sir!”
Just then, a call came from outside the door.
“Enter!”
Xia Chen did not even lift his head, his eyes still fixed on the military strategy book.
Li Xi walked in, his gaze falling on Xia Chen, who was seated at the desk.
He couldn't help but feel a little lost in thought.
What a refined, otherworldly Young Master, with unparalleled looks!
At this moment, Xia Chen held a scroll of military strategy, having removed his armor and dressed in simple casual clothes. His long black hair was simply coiled with a hairpin, appearing natural and easygoing, with a temperament much like an exiled immortal from the heavens.
“What is it?”
Xia Chen asked calmly, his face unperturbed.
“The Lieutenant General wants you to go over. It should be good news!”
Li Xi lowered his head, not daring to look further. He felt that the Captain in front of him had an ethereal, almost immortal aura, as if he could ascend at any moment, not belonging to the mortal world.
“Understood, you may leave!”
Xia Chen waved his hand, still without much emotional fluctuation.
The closer it got to this critical moment, the calmer his mind became, free of distractions.
After Li Xi exited the Military Camp, Xia Chen rose, tidied his appearance and clothing.
Then, unhurriedly, he walked towards Li Wenzhong’s Military Camp.
Xia Chen entered Li Wenzhong’s Military Camp and saw Li Wenzhong seated at his desk. Coincidentally, he also held a military scroll, reading the same book as Xia Chen, titled “Nine Yang Military Strategy”!
“As the military strategy says: ‘A general must clear his mind to plan strategy, and regulate his spirit to organize the army.’”
Before Xia Chen could speak, Li Wenzhong asked first.
“As a general, one must keep their mind clear and calm to formulate strategies, and rectify morale to govern the army.”
Xia Chen answered instantly, without a moment’s thought.
This sentence was the very first line of the “Nine Yang Military Strategy.”
“As a general, no matter what happens, whether it’s great joy or great sorrow, one must maintain absolute rationality and not have too many emotional fluctuations. You have great composure in this regard, truly worthy of being a descendant of the Xia family, which has produced famous generals throughout history!”
Li Wenzhong put down the “Nine Yang Military Strategy” in his hand, a smile appearing on his face as he praised him.
These past few days, no matter how much commotion there was in the capital, Xia Chen had never come to him to ask about the progress of events, nor had he inquired about what rewards he would receive. This kind of composure was not like that of a 17-year-old boy, but rather like an old man seasoned in politics.
“I trust Sir. Since I have entrusted the matter to Sir, I will simply wait for the result!”
Xia Chen smiled, neither humble nor arrogant, exuding composure and confidence.
“I told you to just call me ‘Uncle’ when no one else is around!”
Li Wenzhong waved his hand, motioning for Xia Chen to sit down.
“Are you curious about your reward?”
“Captain Qin told me this morning that it is very likely a promotion, taking his position as Captain, while he will follow Sir to the Dragon Martial Guard.”
Xia Chen said calmly.
“Originally, that was how the higher-ups planned to reward your merits, but now the situation has changed!”
Xia Chen frowned, had something unexpected happened?
As he was pondering, Li Wenzhong’s words continued.
“Both Qin Mu and I have been confirmed to be transferred to the Dragon Martial Guard, the main point is you!”
“Me?”
Xia Chen looked at Li Wenzhong, slightly surprised. He had originally thought there was an issue with Li Wenzhong becoming the Dragon Martial Guard General, but it turned out to be about himself.
“Originally, it was indeed to promote you to Captain, but... Emperor Wen intervened!”
Li Wenzhong took a deep look at Xia Chen.
“Emperor Wen?”
Light flickered in Xia Chen’s eyes. He hadn’t expected Emperor Wen to personally intervene in his transfer to Captain.
“You don’t need to worry too much. Emperor Wen didn’t say he wouldn’t let you be Captain, he just said that your promotion isn’t urgent, and that young people need more tempering!”
Li Wenzhong took a sip of tea and said with a smile, finally seeing some emotional fluctuation on the young man’s face. He was no longer as unperturbed as before, appearing even more mature and steady than himself.
“This is a good thing. There are countless officials in the imperial court, but only a handful can enter Emperor Wen’s sight.”
Li Wenzhong patted Xia Chen’s shoulder.
“Get ready. You’ll accompany me into the palace in a moment!”
“Into the palace?”
“Emperor Wen wants to see you personally!”
Li Wenzhong said with a solemn expression.
In recent years, Emperor Wen had rarely attended court. Many officials could only see the Dragon Martial Guard’s face once a year during the annual New Year’s Court Assembly.
Many matters were handled by Emperor Wen summoning the Grand Secretaries, and after discussion, the Cabinet would directly implement them.
But this time, Emperor Wen was actually going to personally summon Xia Chen. Was this to convey some kind of message to the outside world, or was there another important use for him?
Li Wenzhong couldn’t fathom the imperial will for a moment.
“I understand!”
Xia Chen took a deep breath, calming himself down again. It was just going into the palace. He had rendered great service and was also a consort; that Emperor Wen couldn’t possibly eat him alive, could he?
...
Half an hour later!
Li Wenzhong and Xia Chen got into a carriage, which slowly moved towards the center of the inner city.
“Emperor Wen has reigned for over fifty years. For most of that time, he abstained from women. For the first 20 years, he focused on cultivating Buddhism, and for the next 10 years, he cultivated Taoism. It wasn't until his ministers advised him that the country could not be without heirs that he had the Crown Prince, Second Imperial Princess, Third Prince, and others.
After having heirs, Emperor Wen was no longer as cold and heartless as before, but in the last ten years, Emperor Wen has become increasingly unfathomable, and no one can guess his thoughts. Therefore, when you face the Emperor, do not have too many of your own opinions, do you understand?”
Inside the carriage, Li Wenzhong quietly cautioned, explaining all the precautions for entering the palace one by one.
Xia Chen nodded, having a slightly more accurate image of Emperor Wen in his mind.
Success and failure are both due to the same cause.
Over these 50-plus years, Great Wu under Emperor Wen had grown increasingly powerful, achieving multiple victories in foreign wars.
For example, the Huaiyang Battle 36 years ago almost annihilated Great Feng.
In the war against the Southern Barbarians more than 20 years ago, Great Wu also achieved victory, pushing the Great Wu Dynasty’s border several hundred miles south.
And now, the war between the Eastern Wasteland and the demon race was also nearing its end.
The Great Wu Dynasty now held sway over the world, making the other two countries, the Eastern demon race, and the Southern barbarians deeply wary.
However, constant warfare over the years had been a drain on the people of Wu Country, and domestic conflicts had long become extremely sharp.
“Although Wu Country is currently the strongest country in the world, it seems to have reached the brink of collapse. If no Empress had emerged later, Wu Country would probably have disintegrated completely in the coup five years later, declining from its peak!”
Inside the carriage, Xia Chen continuously analyzed the current situation and future prospects.
Soon, the carriage stopped before a tall and majestic city wall.
Li Wenzhong and Xia Chen simultaneously opened their eyes; they had arrived at the Imperial Palace!
...