The representatives of the five families were reeling. They hadn’t yet processed the fact that Fan Li could simply request personnel from Lu Chunqui, let alone that a mere fifth-grade Director of the Imperial Hospital possessed a Heaven-grade spirit treasure.
“Three hundred Qi Condensation cultivators?” Fan Li’s voice held a note of… was it embarrassment?
The five families thought he was faltering.
Then he spoke, shattering their hopes. “Too weak. Lu Chunqui’s students wouldn’t be so… underwhelming.”
The representatives screamed internally.
Amongst the combined population of 280,000 belonging to the Zhang, Lu, Dou, Yin, and Kou clans, they could easily produce not just Qi Condensation cultivators, but even untrained commoners, by the hundreds.
If their family members comprised a significant portion of the 300 apprentices, and if these apprentices learned to refine Heaven-grade pills, their clans would never lack for medicine again. Talent determined a cultivator’s potential, but pills were the steps and handrails that aided their ascent.
They desperately wanted these positions, but pride held them back. The adage “Liu Bei’s three visits to Zhuge Liang’s thatched cottage” echoed in their minds.
Fan Li saw through their charade. Still playing coy? Very well. If they could be patient, so could he.
“Director Yu, I have taken note of your request. I will find you three hundred Qi Condensation cultivators as soon as possible.”
“There’s no rush, Your Majesty,” Yu Shenzi chuckled. “With apprentices, I teach. Without them, I refine pills. Since receiving Your Majesty’s gift of the Staff of Shennong, my medical cultivation has… evolved. Both teaching and alchemy now contribute to my advancement.”
Fan Li’s interest was piqued. “Is that so?”
Yu Shenzi nodded. “Indeed, Your Majesty. My cultivation has improved recently. I estimate that within ten years, by the time Your Majesty reclaims his throne, through diligent alchemy and teaching, I should reach the Great Vehicle realm.”
A Great Vehicle cultivator commanded respect anywhere in the world.
Yu Shenzi’s words prompted the Great Jin officials, led by Wang Ban, to offer their congratulations. The old Daoist returned their greetings.
Fan Li, too, was pleased. A loyal subject’s advancement was always welcome news. But the shifting expressions of the five families’ representatives were truly amusing.
They were shocked not only by Yu Shenzi’s potential but also by Fan Li’s apparent indifference.
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What secrets does Great Jin hold? A Great Vehicle cultivator within ten years? That’s enough to protect an entire kingdom!
Why is the Emperor so calm? Does he not value a Great Vehicle expert? If it were me, I would promote Yu Shenzi immediately, yet he shows no sign of doing so.
Fan Li’s lack of immediate reward had a simple explanation: fairness.
As Yu Shenzi had stated, his potential for reaching Great Vehicle stemmed entirely from Fan Li’s gift of the Staff of Shennong. A further reward was unnecessary. However, future achievements would be recognized generously.
With Yu Shenzi’s matter concluded, Jing Wudi stepped forward. “Your Majesty, my Censorate also requires personnel.”
Fan Li, intrigued, asked, “Director Jing, how many individuals do you require, and what are your criteria?”
The Censorate wielded immense power. Within the court, they monitored the conduct and competence of officials. Throughout the kingdom, they investigated influential families and local officials for any illegal or harmful activities. Beyond the borders, they gathered intelligence and conducted covert operations. Their recruitment standards were notoriously stringent.
But the five families suddenly realized the advantages of having their members within the Censorate. Such influence would provide invaluable protection. They looked at Jing Wudi with newfound warmth.
Jing Wudi, however, ignored them completely.
“Your Majesty, my requirements are simple: orphans, children with no living parents or relatives.”
His words shattered the five families’ hopes. What kind of requirement was that? Was he running a Censorate or an orphanage?
Fan Li, too, was curious. “Just that?” Orphans were plentiful in these tumultuous times. But what about talent and aptitude? Were those not important?
Jing Wudi, understanding Fan Li’s unspoken question, explained, “Your Majesty, the Censorate is your tool. A skilled hand can kill with a single chopstick. A clumsy one can’t even harm with a Heaven-grade spirit treasure. Talent and aptitude are… secondary.”
He glanced pointedly at Yu Shenzi, who responded with a roll of his eyes. I am a healer, his expression seemed to say, what need do I have for killing?
Jing Wudi continued, “Furthermore. I have recently refined my family’s ancestral techniques, Wind’s Lament and Yi River’s Chill, incorporating insights gained from Your Majesty’s gift of the Fish-Gut Sword. I have created a new cultivation method, superior to both, called Night Wandering God. I offer it to Your Majesty, to be the exclusive cultivation technique of the Great Jin Censorate.”
The five families gulped. Another Heaven-grade spirit treasure? The Emperor was so generous, bestowing such valuable gifts upon his officials. They were tempted. They wanted to join the court.
“I shall instruct the Fan Clan Trading Company to gather orphans from Yunzhou, providing ample candidates for your Censorate.”
The five families sighed inwardly. They had initially intended to remain aloof, unwilling to serve under Fan Li, a mere Golden Core cultivator. But the Ministry of Agriculture, the Imperial Hospital, and now the Censorate, each held immense appeal, yet remained out of reach.
Are we… unworthy? The absurd thought flickered in their minds, quickly extinguished. Of course they were worthy! Their value would be recognized eventually.
Unconsciously, their attitudes shifted. Their arrogance softened, replaced by a tentative eagerness. They edged closer to the Dragon Throne, like animals in heat, subtly displaying their merits, hoping to attract the Emperor’s attention.
“Honored officials, are there any other matters to discuss?” Fan Li inquired, feigning ignorance of their change in demeanor.
“Yes!” A powerful, resolute voice rang out, jolting the court to attention.
“Hu Zongxian, Grand Marshal of Great Jin, has a matter to report!”
“Proceed, Grand Marshal,” Fan Li’s presence became serious.
Hu Zongxian, a seasoned military man, was meticulous in his conduct. He unfurled a scroll and began to read.
“I, Hu Zongxian, propose a plan for the expansion of the Great Jin army…”