Since the founding of the Reun Dynasty, except during the reign of the founding emperor—when constant warfare made martial prowess a source of pride—the nation gradually shifted toward governance through wisdom and higher learning once stability was achieved.
The status of scholars rose higher and higher, while martial practices fell into decline. Other than those forced to practice martial arts due to being unable to get an education, it was mostly martial arts sects that kept the tradition of martial training alive.
The official who had spoken derisively was Zhang Li, a man nearing fifty who was known for his ordinarily steady demeanor.
As a vice minister responsible for assisting the External Prime Minister in governance, Zhang Li’s loyalty to the Qi faction was no secret. Everyone present knew clearly that Zhang Li was a staunch supporter of Qi Zongbi, often the first to cheer him on whenever he acted.
However, when Zhang Li’s words left his mouth, not only did the military officers' faces turn sour, but even the members of the Qi faction present looked displeased. Everyone knew that the Ruen Dynasty valued scholars over warriors, but no one dared to say so openly under such public scrutiny for good reason.
The scholars, clever as they were, understood that wars ultimately depended on generals. While they might privately look down on warriors, they avoided making their disdain too obvious. This was not only to prevent a backlash from the military but also to avoid creating chaos that would leave the Emperor with a mess to clean up, forcing them to bear the brunt of the fallout.
That such words came from the typically composed Zhang Li surprised everyone. As soon as he finished speaking, another official from the Qi faction quickly tugged at his sleeve, trying to rein him in.
Su Yi calmly turned his head to look at Zhang Li. Their gazes met for a fleeting second before they both looked away.
Then Zhang Li continued loudly, "Why are you trying to stop me? Did I say anything wrong? Did I? Minister Qi is at the border in the midst of a critical battle. Sending someone to take over now would be reckless! Minister Qi might already have a plan. How can we risk ruining it by sending a general to interfere?"
"You old fool—" A military officer could no longer tolerate it. He stepped forward, grabbed Zhang Li by the collar, and punched him squarely in the face. "I can't stand you today!"
Li Qingling, the military officer, was a captain of the Imperial Guards and came from a hereditary military family. He often clashed with scholars, and tensions between the two groups ran high whenever he was involved.
Zhang Li, a frail old man, couldn’t withstand such a punch. He was knocked to the ground and lost two teeth in the process.
Spitting out a mouthful of bloody saliva, he lay on the ground shouting loudly, "You brat from the Li family, how dare you behave so outrageously in the grand hall—His Majesty should execute your entire clan!"
Li Qinglong had been about to mount Zhang Li to deliver more blows, but these words startled him into freezing mid-action, his fist suspended in the air.
"Outrageous! Outrageous!" Eunuch Yue finally spoke up. "Have you all lost your minds?"
In truth, he could have stopped this farce much earlier, but for some reason, he waited until the situation had nearly spiraled out of control to intervene.
Chen Xun cast a glance at Yue Dou. Seeing Yue Dou give him an almost imperceptible nod, he cleared his throat and said, "Beloved ministers, settle down."
When the Emperor spoke, the officials quickly fell silent and returned to their places. All eyes were on the man seated on the dragon throne, waiting to hear what he would say.
"Captain Li, return to your position at once," Chen Xun said, pointing at Li Qinglong. He then ordered the guards outside the hall, "Guards, since Lord Zhang has been injured, take him back and summon the imperial physician to treat him at his residence."
From his tone, the emperor seemed to have no intention of punishing anyone. The officials were puzzled, unable to fathom what game the young Emperor was playing.
After calming the chaos, Chen Xun spoke again. "Grand Tutor Su, earlier you mentioned dispatching a general to defend the border. Do you have someone in mind?"
In the grand hall, a faint but palpable tension spread. Whether among the Qi faction or the military officers, everyone caught the familiar scent of something—they smelled intrigue.
Su Yi’s lips curled slightly as he stepped forward and said, "The General of Might and Strategy Qi Yanzhu is most suitable for this task."
The grand hall erupted in uproar once again.
"Silence!" This was the third time Eunuch Yue had shouted the word, but this time his voice was especially loud, reverberating through the hall and momentarily stunning everyone into submission.
He cast a cold gaze over the officials and said icily, "Esteemed ministers, do not break protocol again. You are well aware of the penalty for causing an uproar in the Golden Hall. His Majesty is merciful, but do not mistake leniency for indulgence."
After saying this, Yue Dou gave Chen Xun another discrete signal. Chen Xun then spoke again, "I recall clearly... The General of Might and Strategy Qi Yanzhu is currently stationed at the northeastern border, defending against the Oirat incursion. Why would the Grand Tutor recommend him for this task?"
The generals in the grand hall all stared at Su Yi's back. Some looked anxious, others had peculiar expressions as they shifted through the full range of emotions.
With deliberate calm, Su Yi said, "This is, of course, a decision I arrived at after careful deliberation. General Qi Yanzhu has been guarding the northeastern border for three years, during which he has ensured the safety of our dynasty from Oirat harassment.
"Three years ago, border reports frequently mentioned Oirat raids on our people, but such incidents have become rare over the past two years. I believe the reason is clear to everyone present.
"Since General Qi assumed the role of border defense three years ago, he has diligently trained his troops, even devising the 'linked shield formation' to counter the Oirat’s infamous spear-throwers. Furthermore, he adopted an aggressively defensive strategy, dealing the Oirat such blows that they no longer dare to invade.
"I have also heard that General Qi was originally a scholar before pursuing a military career. He is a well-read general with expertise in military strategy. Given his strengths in defense, he is the most suitable candidate to take command at Liangzhou Prefecture."
"Hmm..." The young Emperor appeared thoughtful. "An excellent plan!"
By this time, several people in the grand hall had pieced together the underlying motives.
Several officials immediately stepped forward, including civil servants from the Qi faction and some military officers, hurriedly cupping their hands as they began, "I wish to speak on—"
"I—I also find this plan feasible." All other voices were abruptly interrupted by this one.
The others froze mid-sentence, their words stuck in their throats. It turned out that Fan Shaolin, who had seemed to be dozing in his chair, had opened his eyes at some point.
Chen Xun smiled and said, "Senior Fan agrees as well? Then it is settled!"
"Your Majesty, this cannot be!" Seeing that the decision was almost irrevocable, a member of the Qi faction finally stepped forward, unable to contain himself.
"Minister Qi must not be recalled! The distance between the capital and Liangzhou Prefecture is too great. Communications and battle reports will inevitably be delayed, which may cost us precious opportunities on the battlefield!"
Immediately, another general stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, General Qi cannot be easily reassigned. If he leaves, who will defend against the Oirat?"
Su Yi responded lightly, "That’s simple—send Marshal Ying to the northeastern border. With his extensive experience, I’m sure defending against the Oirat would be a mere trifle for him."
"Su Yi, you brat!" A general, enraged, pointed at Su Yi and cursed, "You’ve gone too far! Marshal Ying is not someone you can reassign at will!"
Unperturbed, Su Yi cupped his hands toward Chen Xun and said, "Your Majesty, I leave it to your judgment."
"Beloved ministers, calm yourselves." Chen Xun gestured for the court to settle down and said, "What you have said all makes sense. In my view, let’s proceed as follows—issue an edict commanding General Qi to proceed immediately to Liangzhou Prefecture, where he will assume the position of battle strategist and take command of all troops.
"Marshal Ying will temporarily move to the Oirat border for defense, handing over military command to General Qi during the transition. As for Minister Qi, he shall remain in Liangzhou for the time being to collaborate with General Qi in planning military operations."
With these words, the decree was effectively made. The Emperor’s word was law, and the officials could no longer object. They had no choice but to kneel and praise in unison, "Your Majesty is wise—"
"Court is dismissed." Chen Xun proclaimed. He waved his hand and disappeared behind a screen with the assistance of two eunuchs.
Eunuch Yue exchanged a glance with Su Yi, who was still kneeling in the grand hall, before loudly announcing, "The officials are dismissed!"