C137. Seize the Crown: A Call to Emperorship.

C137. Seize the Crown: A Call to Emperorship.

Chu Hechao trained them in the field for a day, and for the next two days, he took them to the army.

On the third evening, he finally let the two of them go back.

Yuan Li was waiting in the dining hall, and as soon as he saw them return, he asked, "How did it go?"

Chu Hechao wiped his sweat, sat down next to Yuan Li, picked up a glass of water and drank it all in one go, and succinctly said, "These two are both good."

He paused, then added, "Especially the thin and weak one, he's a good seedling."

Yuan Li pondered, "Gu Yue?"

Chu Hechao nodded, "Yes. If he had a better background, he would already be a renowned commander by now. This man has the bearing of a great general and can be of great use."

Chu Hechao rarely praised people, so when he did, Yuan Li knew that both Gu Yue and Kong Ran could be sent to train the navy in Bohai.

Gu Yue could be promoted to the rank of navy captain to command the navy, with Kong Ran as his deputy. Being from the same hometown, working together could yield great efficiency.

Although Yuan Li had this thought, he didn't immediately inform these two.

Promoting them to such high positions in one step, Yuan Li feared they might become arrogant or that the soldiers wouldn't respect them. It would be better to see what achievements they could make first, and then reward them accordingly.

The next day, Gu Yue and Kong Ran were tasked with training the navy on the shores of Bohai.

And the navy they were to train consisted of a whopping fifty thousand soldiers.

Gu Yue and Kong Ran almost thought they had misunderstood.

But seeing Yuan Li's confident expression, a belated sense of joy overwhelmed them.

They knew this was an opportunity, but they never expected it to be such a massive one!

Fifty thousand soldiers...

Kǒng Rán's heart was filled not only with excitement and joy but also with deep concern.

Fifty thousand people, could they really handle it?

It felt like a heavy burden had been placed on his shoulders, making him somewhat hesitant.

But standing beside him, Gu Yue showed no hesitation as he respectfully saluted Yuan Li, his eyes determined and resolute, as he firmly declared, "I will not disappoint our lord's trust."

Kong Ran looked at Gu Yue in astonishment, unsure of where his confidence was coming from. However, seeing Gu Yue's unwavering expression that showed he was ready to give his life for success, Kong Ran was also moved.

Taking a deep breath, he too knelt down, echoing Gu Yue's resolve, "I am the same."

Yuan Li praised them, helped them up, and instructed, "Prepare yourselves quickly, depart within two days. I need you to get ready on the shores of Bohai, as the fifty thousand navy troops will arrive in Bohai within two months."

After speaking, Yuan Li handed them a letter and deeply looked at the two of them, saying, "Remember to use the methods outlined in this letter to train the navy."

The two men bowed and immediately left. The next day, they eagerly left Jixian.

By the end of the month, the fifty thousand best naval soldiers from Youzhou had been selected and discreetly set off towards Bohai.

Within a few days, a letter arrived from Zhou Gongdan through the Grain Allocation Department.

The letter mentioned Wei Ji had died, Mi Tai had fled, and nearly eighty percent of the knowledgeable people within Jizhou had abandoned Wu Shanshi and left the province. Now, Zhou Gongdan had become the most trusted adviser to Wu Shanshi.

Only God knew what Wu Shanshi's state of mind was when he returned to Jizhou and saw the messy state of the Provincial Governor's Mansion.

His uncle had died, presumably infuriated by him. His subordinates had fled, and not a single trusted strategist from Runan was left.

Upon learning that Zhou Gongdan remained, Wu Shanshi cried and cursed while holding Zhou Gongdan's hand, viewing him as a savior.

Unable to bear this injustice, Wu Shanshi directly sent a letter to his family in Runan. He demanded they hand over the traitorous Mi Tai who had fled back to Runan, and requested his family to send some talented individuals to aid him.

However, the people of Runan were extremely disappointed in Wu Shanshi. The Wu family of Runan was a typical aristocratic family, willing to invest many resources to cultivate and assist Wu Shanshi.

But when Wu Shanshi made a major mistake, associating with rebel officials and tarnishing his reputation to the point of possibly implicating them, the Runan Wu family made a decisive choice.

They decided to cut ties and save themselves, forsaking Wu Shanshi the Provincial Governor in order to preserve the reputation of the Wu family in Runan and protect the other talents of the family.

After realizing he had been abandoned by his family, Wu Shanshi was in disbelief. He locked himself in his room for two days, and upon emerging, his temper became extremely erratic.

As one who had been abandoned by his subordinates and his family, mocked by the people, Wu Shanshi had lost most of his composure. He started to become somewhat insane. And it is those who are mad who are easier to control.

Upon reaching this point, Yuan Li suddenly had a whimsical idea.

Maybe he could use Wu Shanshi...

The idea seemed absurd and was quickly brushed aside by Yuan Li.

Collecting himself, he continued reading and, after finishing, Yuan Li couldn't help but let out a silent laugh.

Chu Hechao pulled him down to sit beside him and asked, "What did Zhou Gongdan write that has you so delighted?"

With a smile on his face, Yuan Li's mood was jovial as he said, "Brother, I think Zhou Gongdan could be my confidant. Our thoughts always seem to align effortlessly."

Confidant?

Chu Hechao narrowed his eyes and inquired calmly, "Oh? Once again, your thoughts align effortlessly?"

Yuan Li folded the letter slowly, "He wants to lure Wu Shanshi into declaring himself emperor."

Chu Hechao's eyes sharpened in an instant, "Declare himself emperor?"

"Yes," Yuan Li affirmed, "Emperor."

With a chuckle, he couldn't help but smile, "In times of chaos, the first person to declare themselves emperor is often not the ultimate winner. However, they play a crucial role, which is..."

Chu Hechao calmly interjected, "Informing the world that Northern Zhou might undergo a change in dynasties."

Exactly.

In order to be the ultimate victor amidst chaos, one must accumulate provisions, build high walls, and delay taking the title of king.

The concept of "delaying the title of king" is especially important, essentially meaning not to rush into things prematurely.

An outspoken individual will inevitably attract attention, and the first one to declare themselves emperor during turbulent times will often incite the anger of the masses and be targeted by various lords, branded a traitor.

However, the first person to declare themselves emperor is crucial for other ambitious lords.

Once someone declares themselves emperor, the people will be shocked or enraged, but beyond anger, they will be greatly impacted.

They will clearly realize that - this world is no longer under the rule of the Qin family.

Someone could overthrow the Northern Zhou dynasty, a new emperor could ascend the throne, and the world could witness a change in dynasties.

Having this first emperor is like that pivotal brick in a game of dominoes, its importance is self-evident.

Yuan Li, sharing the same thoughts as Zhou Gongdan, believed that Wu Shanshi was a suitable pawn for such a role.

As they were not far from Jizhou in Youzhou, one of the most powerful northern lords, they envisioned seamlessly replacing the imperial forces and attacking Wu Shanshi, the self-proclaimed emperor, legitimizing their claim to conquer Jizhou.

This conquest would allow them to unify the three northern provinces, enabling Yuan Li to take the first step towards achieving his goal.

With a smile curling on his lips and a flicker of determination in his eyes, Yuan Li gazed ahead.

Observing his demeanor, Chu Hechao's eyelids twitched suddenly. After pondering for a moment, he decided to directly ask, "Yuan Li, do you intend to change the dynasty?"

Taken aback, Yuan Li realized he had not yet shared his thoughts with Chu Hechao.

Should he disclose such a radical idea to Chu Hechao?

Would Chu Hechao even accept such a treasonous plan?

These concerns should have weighed on Yuan Li's mind, but as he met Chu Hechao's gaze, his worries dissipated within a fleeting moment. Unable to suppress his smile, he candidly nodded, "Yes."

"Ciye, there are many things I wish to accomplish," Yuan Li didn't evade the question or offer vague responses. He earnestly laid out his thoughts to Chu Hechao, revealing the fire in his heart, "And these are things that no one else can achieve, and no one else is willing to do. So, I have come up with a plan, a method that will enable me to achieve what I want."

His eyes sparkled brighter, as if they could ignite everything in their path, Yuan Li declared, "That plan is for me to become the Emperor, to possess the power to change the world."

The fire in Chu Hechao's heart seemed to be ignited by the brightness in Yuan Li's eyes, causing it to boil within him as well. He chuckled lightly, tapping his thigh with gloved fingers, "That sounds quite audacious. Tell me, what is it that you want to do? Why is it something others cannot achieve?"

Yuan Li replied, "It's quite simple."

He flashed a relaxed smile, speaking as if deciding what to eat for dinner, "I want to uproot the entrenched hereditary cliques and aristocratic families, break the scholarly monopoly of the gentry, reclaim half of the Northern Zhou land seized by the nobles for the common people, and rescue those who cannot even afford a decent meal."

Each word left Chu Hechao stunned.

He had never considered the things Yuan Li mentioned.

It challenged the interests of the noble families and powerful elites, it was overly ambitious, even naive.

Yuan Li was always calculated and mature in his actions, growing stronger and more regal, never hesitating to be ruthless when necessary. Logically, he shouldn't harbor such naive ideas, but when expressed by him, Chu Hechao couldn't help but find it all coherent.

Yuan Li wasn't finished yet. His voice grew softer, but the force within his words felt as if it could move mountains and oceans, carrying a majestic momentum that shook the core, "Ciye, I want to abolish the recommendation system, shatter the scholar's monopoly on official positions. I want to provide a path for the generations of farmers toiling in the fields, a path where they can cross the heavens and become officials - that path is the imperial examination system."

"Bring all talents into the court, and then bestow blessings upon the world."

Yuan Li's eyes seemed to shine with anticipation as he looked at Chu Hechao. Like a galaxy brimming with vastness, it left Chu Hechao unable to refuse. Yuanli continued, "Ciye, I want you to help me."

Chu Hechao took a slow breath, then chuckled lightly, reaching out to touch Yuan Li's chin, "Have you already decided that I will agree to your proposal?"

Yuan Li's lips quirked into a smile, "Pretty much."

He still had that confidence.

If there was anyone in the world who would unhesitatingly and wholeheartedly shield Yuan Li, it would only be Chu Hechao.

And Yuan Li believed in Chu Hechao wholeheartedly.

Chu Hechao was inherently unrestrained, unafraid of imperial power, and saw the nobility's military forces as inconsequential.

He held a disdainful and indifferent attitude towards the Northern Zhou court, the late emperor, and the current ruler.

What did it matter to him if the emperor lived or died?

Why would it matter who sat on the imperial throne?

In an era where imperial authority reigned supreme, this monster nurtured among ancient nobles coincidentally met Yuan Li, the eccentric freak who paid no mind to societal norms.

Bound by destiny.

Destined to be together, the monster and the freak.

Chu Hechao leaned in, his mouth unsparing as he sank his teeth into Yuan Li's lip, his voice a harsh whisper, "Then let's do it!"

A radiant smile bloomed across Yuan Li's face in an instant.

In his heart, he thanked the heavens.

For bringing him into this world, where he found the one who loved him and the one he loved in return, embarking on a life as tumultuous and captivating as the grandest tales of history.

Yuan Li had no idea what the future held.

But whether good or bad, he would face it head-on.

———

TNote:

This passage encapsulates the profound concept of 缘分 (yuánfèn) in Chinese ancient culture.

Yuánfèn, often translated as "fate" or "destiny," signifies the intricate connections and preordained relationships that bind individuals together.

It's the notion that certain encounters and bonds are not mere coincidences but rather the unfolding of a cosmic plan.