My Cultivation Starting from Archery

"Train the last batch of disciples well, and Supervisor Sun can retire to enjoy the years of his life,"

Mr. Hou said in a drawn-out tone, "Our household is truly envious."

"Indeed."

Governor Liu added, "Mr. Sun has worked hard for the court all his life, and he should rest well. The heavy responsibility of the Northern Territory's border defense and the Eight Camps will be taken up by us juniors on behalf of the court!"

Sun Xiangzong lifted his teacup, skimming the froth off the tea, without speaking.

"Supervisor Sun."

Governor Liu leaned forward, "Nan Xu Country has had frequent exchanges with the barbarian envoys recently, stirring trouble. The main and deputy generals of the Azure Dragon, White Tiger, and Vermilion Bird camps will likely need to assist Prince Zhen Nan after the Selected Point concludes. The southern border needs such talented generals."

Find your next read at empire

"What's the rush?"

Sun Xiangzong drank his tea unhurriedly, "We'll talk about it when the time comes."

"Supervisor Sun, what do you mean?"

Governor Liu, clearly not expecting such a response, said solemnly, "We had an agreement before."

"Times change."

Sun Xiangzong removed the tea from the brim of his cup, "Even if someone like Governor Liu stayed behind in Yunzhou ten days ago, with the Eight Camps present, it would be barely enough to keep an eye on the Northern Territory. But after ten days, I fear it won't suffice."

Even if, barely...

Hearing himself described in such terms, Governor Liu maintained a smile, "Then what do you suggest, Supervisor Sun?"

"Within ten days in Yunzhou, they conducted a blood sacrifice with unclear intent; both of you should be well aware of this. The longer we delay, the more likely the barbarians will grow stronger, until they are completely uncontrollable,"

Sun Xiangzong said lightly, "Before I retire, I must at least annihilate two barbarian tribes to ensure that for fifty years no one dares to invade on a large scale."

"My disciples still need to stay and assist me. I'm afraid they can't be transferred away in a short time."

"Moreover, I need to expand the army.

"From Eight Camps to Twelve Camps, the total military force should be expanded to over one hundred and fifty thousand."

"The funds, grain, and medicinal materials required have all been calculated by me, and I hope the court can cooperate."

"Expand the camps?"

Governor Liu and Mr. Hou were both taken aback before almost simultaneously saying, "Supervisor Sun, it's a major decision, not something you can determine with a single word."

Sun Xiangzong reached into his chest, slowly pulling out a letter he had written, "I have prepared the petition; please trouble Mr. Hou to deliver it to His Majesty. His Majesty should grant his approval after reading it."

"What's there to be agitated about?

"I am a man on the brink of death, merely hoping to do something for the people before I pass away. Once I'm gone, let alone twelve camps, even if there are twenty, aren't they all His Majesty's, the court's? Or are you worried that I might rebel?"

"Supervisor Sun, your words are too harsh. Who in the world would doubt your loyalty to the court?"

Mr. Hou took care of the letter, "This confidential letter, I will deliver to His Majesty as soon as possible."

"That's settled."

Sun Xiangzong reclined again in the Grandmaster Chair, squinting his eyes, "Let's watch the Selected Point."

"Yes."

Governor Liu nodded deeply, "If His Majesty really approves Supervisor Sun's petition, these young people will be the core force of the new four camps."

"Dang——"

Li Qianzong sounded the battle drum, "Enter!"

"Buzz——"

The wooden doors of the Martial Arts Arena opened.

The first candidate for the Selected Spear Generals, Cui Yongping, began his assessment.

Soon after, the three examiners discussed and gave a rating: second-class.

"The formation was smooth, but he took too long to recover from the initial surprise attack. Even though he eventually stabilized the formation without crumbling, second-class is the highest he can achieve."

"Next!"

"Jie Sishu!"

...n/o/vel/b//in dot c//om

"Next, Chen Sansi!"

"..."

"Chen Sansi?"

Governor Liu remarked, "Isn't that the young general who escorted the civilians across the river?"

"Exactly."

Mr. Hou said, "Mr. Chen is favored by His Majesty, exceptionally promoted to third-rank honor. If he further establishes military achievements, a title of nobility awaits him."

"I've spent half my life in officialdom and am now just a second-rank governor with the title of an upright senior minister. For him to achieve third-rank at such a young age, he indeed has a limitless future."

Governor Liu lamented, "It's just a pity he doesn't know how to stay clean and has already gotten mixed up with Young Master Yan. He will inevitably be tainted by corruption and end up in disgrace."

"Mr. Liu, mind your words,"

Mr. Hou retorted, "Elder Yan is held in high esteem; how could you describe him as a treacherous official in your words?"

"Isn't he?"

Governor Liu snorted, "Thirty years ago, the Capital City purge, twenty years ago, the flood caused by dyke demolition, fifteen years ago... in short, how many loyal ministers have died because of the Yan Party? They were lawless because they once carried out reforms and won the Emperor's trust. Is he not a treacherous official? And about the fall of An Ding Prefecture's Great Wall, General Li Yuan, who was in charge of the Great Wall, wasn't he once Yan Liang's student? It's very likely that he betrayed the country!"

"If you don't have evidence, how can Mr. Liu make such accusations? Those of us in the palace dare not gossip, or we wouldn't survive three days,"

Mr. Hou sneered, "Whether Elder Yan is loyal or not, it is for the wise Emperor to judge. As for you, Mr. Liu, I really want to remind you, the current Emperor is pursuing the way of immortality, and who knows, he might ascend one day. You and Mr. Gao frequently contact the Crown Prince of the Eastern Palace. I wonder what you're scheming. Don't forget, whether it is Elder Yan, Mr. Gao, or the Crown Prince, they are all servants of the Emperor!"

"No need for Mr. Hou's reminder."

Mr. Liu snorted, "Our loyalty to the Emperor is clear for all to see!"