C14 Prince Kang's Trap

"The Emperor has noted that the King Protector Army is at its peak strength, boasting at least two hundred thousand soldiers. While the Embassy Area is relatively small, we could start by reconstructing a single regiment as a trial..."

The Minister of Finance proved his mettle by swiftly resolving the issue. It was merely a matter of funding for one regiment, and with a few calls here and there, the necessary funds could be raised without much fuss.

Prince Kang gave a covert thumbs-up. He had anticipated the need to rebuild three regiments of the King Protector Army, but now just one would suffice. This young man's capabilities weren't as formidable as he had feared. It seemed all he had to do was sit back and wait for the other shoe to drop.

"This plan is excellent. I support it."

...

A throng of ministers rose to their feet in support. Regardless of their personal grudges against Gao Shaoyi, the consensus was clear with Prince Kang at the helm. Failing to align with him now could mean facing retribution later on.

"Are you certain you can handle this?"

After all, the Emperor was Gao Shaoyi's maternal uncle. If Shaoyi were to refuse, the Emperor could still pull strings on his behalf.

"I cannot claim full confidence, but I will exhaust every effort to serve the Imperial Court faithfully. However, may I request the authority to select soldiers for the King Protector Army from military forces across the nation?"

Gao Shaoyi's response signaled his commitment, leaving the Emperor momentarily disoriented. What had emboldened this young man today to take such a daring stance?

"Are you sure about this?"

The Emperor continued to prod Gao Shaoyi, partly out of familial concern and partly doubting his nephew's competence.

"I have another request. The Embassy Area, while under Shuntian's jurisdiction, is predominantly inhabited by foreign merchants. I seek permission to annex this district into the Embassy Area."

Seizing the moment, Gao Shaoyi aimed to extend his influence. Beyond coveting the land itself, he had his eye on the local security forces, seeking to maximize the number of soldiers under his command.

This young rascal has surely lost his mind.

Everyone in the great hall, the emperor included, believed Gao Shaoyi had gone completely mad. It was an achievement in itself to have managed the officials in the Embassy Area, yet now he had the audacity to want oversight of the nearby merchants as well.

Just how capable do you think you are?

"I humbly request Your Majesty's approval."

Seeing the emperor's silence, Gao Shaoyi promptly knelt down.

Internally, he was fervently pleading, Come on, my dear uncle, just say yes!

"The Young Marquis is indeed a paragon for our empire's youth!"

"We need a formidable general to rein in these foreigners, lest they start thinking our empire is defenseless."

"I wholeheartedly support the Young Marquis's proposal."

The chatter among the assembly picked up once more. At this juncture, it seemed unlikely that the emperor could proceed with his own plan, even if he wanted to.

Five minutes later, the court session concluded, and Gao Shaoyi was appointed as the Patrol City Censor.

He would oversee a fifth of the capital city, including its most bustling district.

The Emperor, watching Gao Shaoyi receive the crowd's congratulations, could only sigh in resignation. At least the situation was contained within the capital; should things go awry, he could still safeguard his life.

"I'm aware of yesterday's incident. You acted commendably, but you were somewhat rash."

Prince Ding, the Chief Minister of the Yamen for Prime Minister's Affairs, approached Gao Shaoyi.

Among the imperial princes, Prince Ding held the highest rank, being the younger brother of the current emperor and Gao Shaoyi's uncle.

The Yamen for Prime Minister's Affairs was also the most pivotal office in the entire Qian Empire.

"Uncle, might you have any guidance for your nephew?"

With his princely uncle, Gao Shaoyi felt none of the constraints he did with his imperial uncle.

"Make a point of visiting me more often when you're free. And remember, don't act on impulse when faced with issues. Learn to think things through."

On the Imperial Court, Prince Ding had to be brief, given his significant role, and after imparting his advice, he took his leave.

"Congratulations to you!"

Prince Kang, too, approached with his characteristic swagger.

"Thank you, Prince Kang, for your support."

Gao Shaoyi's gratitude was heartfelt. Without Prince Kang's intervention, he'd be at a loss, uncertain of his fate, unable to care for his family, and clueless about his next steps after leaving the capital. But now, his path was clear.

Is this young man foolish?

Watching Gao Shaoyi walk away, Prince Kang was uncertain if his actions were right or wrong.

Did Shaoyi possess considerable influence abroad?

Prince Kang suddenly remembered something. The previous day, Ryoji Otomo, the Envoy from East Di Country, was struck by Shaoyi. Everyone expected Otomo to retaliate fiercely, yet a day had passed without a word. Instead, he had instructed all the capital's newspapers to withhold the story.

"Young Marquis, please hold on."

Gao Shaoyi, on the verge of exiting the palace, turned around at the call. It was Eunuch Lee from the Emperor's side.

"What can I do for you, Eunuch Lee?"

Eunuch Lee must be on official business; otherwise, he wouldn't dare to address him so informally within the palace walls, given the Qian Empire's strict protocols regarding eunuchs and foreign officials.

"The Emperor has sent this specifically for you."

Eunuch Lee presented an imperial envelope.

Ten thousand taels of silver!

In this era, that sum was far from insignificant.

Gao Shaoyi glanced towards the distant Administrative Hall.

Emperor Yongde was widely criticized, but his affection for his nephew was genuine.

"Please convey my thanks to the Emperor, Eunuch Lee."

When Gao Shaoyi met with First Wang, he was already holding a set of official robes.

The uniform of a second-grade city patrol censor.

The Ministry of War had given him seven days to assume his post.

With only a week at his disposal, the list of tasks was daunting.

"Take this silver note and round up all the King Protector Army soldiers throughout Zhili. Offer fifteen taels as a resettlement fee to those willing to join. For the rest, use the money to persuade them—even if it means resorting to conscription."

Gao Shaoyi wasted no time in putting the silver note the Emperor had just given him to use, instructing the Wang family's four brothers to act swiftly.

"Understood, Marquis. Rest assured, by this time tomorrow, we shall deliver good news," First Wang declared with enthusiasm. The King Protector Army was comprised of hearty, flesh-and-blood men who held Gao Shaoyi's father in high esteem. Initially dismissive of Gao Shaoyi for his reputation as a frivolous aristocrat, their opinion shifted once the tale of Ryoji Otomo's public slap circulated.

The Qian Empire's common folk had endured foreign oppression for far too long. The promise of substantial resettlement funds was one thing, but even without such incentives, they were bound to rally behind the King Protector Army—an army with a soul...