"Thus, the situation is settled. Prepare yourselves to assist the national advisor in military reform and wait for the imperial court’s proclamation of expedition. Is there anything you’d like to add?" Ichuan Fei asked.
"I just worry whether the Wu Family might do sothing to win the national advisor’s support. From Hua State to Qi State, they have never given up," Huayu Xuan said.
"You had contact with the delegation beyond West Outer Heaven, what do you think?" Ichuan Fei asked.
"I personally think these Western Continent people value courtesy and don’t seem as keen on force like the Wu Family. Although their military power is indeed strong, most of the ti they only participate in the Demon Clan’s military propaganda and construction without fully engaging in war," Huayu Xuan contemplated and said.
"Therefore, I believe the national advisor will definitely understand our approach," Ichuan Fei said.
"Hopefully..." Huayu Xuan sighed deeply, apparently having more to say but not expressing it.
"If that’s the case, let’s disperse. Gaofeng Yang, don’t forget to contact the delegation and invite them to assist," Ichuan Fei said.
"Understood, I’ll arrange it imdiately," Gaofeng Yang nodded and said.
"Do I have anything to arrange?" Huayu Xuan asked.
"You had a tough ti returning from the expedition beyond West Outer Heaven, so don’t exhaust yourself further. Stay in the imperial court," Ichuan Fei said.
"Alright..." Huayu Xuan lowered his head, sounding reluctant.
The five quickly dispersed, but as Jiuyun Shuang was about to leave, he received a notification from an attendant that Ichuan Fei intended to et him alone and requested him to co to the back garden of Ichuan Fei’s mansion imdiately.
Upon hearing this, Jiuyun Shuang quickly arrived at the back garden where Ichuan Fei had prepared tea and awaited his arrival.
"You’ve co?" Seeing his arrival, Ichuan Fei smiled and greeted.
"Greetings, Manor Lord!" Jiuyun Shuang respectfully bowed and said.
"There’s no need to be so formal during a private eting," Ichuan Fei said, waving his hand indicating for all attendants to leave.
Jiuyun Shuang sat across from Ichuan Fei feeling sowhat anxious, unsure of what to say. Ichuan Fei brewed tea for him and, smiling, asked, "Do you find frightening?"
"No, just a bit nervous," Jiuyun Shuang answered truthfully.
"No need to be nervous. I regard you as a brother, just like your elder brother. I hope you can do the sa," Ichuan Fei said, gesturing.
"Even if you were my elder brother, I wouldn’t dare to easily overstep, much less with Manor Lord," Jiuyun Shuang said, lowering his head.
"You are indeed as your elder brother described," Ichuan Fei said, satisfied.
After a brief pause, Ichuan Fei set aside his smile and looked seriously at Jiuyun Shuang, asking, "Do you know why I tasked you with leading the expedition to Yipa’s three tribes?"
"I understand, with weak forces and deep expeditions, my father certainly wouldn’t sit idly," Jiuyun Shuang was clearly aware of the connections involved.
"Do you think it’s excessive?"
"Not at all," Jiuyun Shuang shook his head, speaking earnestly, "Serving the country is inherently my father’s duty; harboring private soldiers while indulging in national crisis is not conduct befitting a loyal subject."
"As long as you understand, that’s why I am willing to trust you," Ichuan Fei said with great satisfaction. "Though the expedition to Yipa might not be as substantial as overthrowing The Pretender’s Regi, should you succeed, all the glory will be yours. Thus, you will have grounds for future success."
"Thank you, Manor Lord, for your recognition," Jiuyun Shuang said, a bit excited.
"You are intelligent and virtuous, given ti, you absolutely can stand alone. Work hard, and I plan for you to lead the Wen Family’s cabinet in the future," Ichuan Fei suggested, his tone calm despite the shocking news.
"That, that wouldn’t be appropriate," Jiuyun Shuang exclaid with wide eyes.
"There’s nothing inappropriate about it. The Wen Family isn’t the Yichuan’s Wen Family, nor is the cabinet Yichuan’s cabinet. Those who are able can hold great positions; if unable, Yichuan would act as proxy. Yet, the Hundred Chiefs of the cabinet cannot always be Yichuan mbers," Ichuan Fei said leisurely.
"But, my background..."
"As long as you conquer Yipa’s three tribes, even today’s imperial court won’t dare criticize your background," Ichuan Fei stated.
Jiuyun Shuang’s apprehensions are not unfounded; being born of the Northern Province as a natural supporter of the Wu Family, his appointnt as the Wen Family’s cabinet chief would undoubtedly cause turmoil among the court.
"Only Manor Lord could undertake such a responsibility," Jiuyun Shuang knelt, bowing respectfully.
"My ti is scarce, hence my decision to regard you as my successor," Ichuan Fei said calmly.
"This..." Jiuyun Shuang widened his eyes in shock.
"Upon returning from the expedition, proceed as discussed, and marry Ayin. That way, you will beco one of our clan," Ichuan Fei continued.
"This, it’s too abrupt..." The news was evidently more staggering than before; Jiuyun Shuang was almost speechless.
"You don’t like it?"
"No, no, no, what virtue or capability do I have to marry the Young Master of the Yichuan Clan..." Jiuyun Shuang bowed his head.
"Don’t be so reserved. I’ve discussed your situation with Ayin, and she’s quite pleased with you. You can go see her anyti to cultivate so feelings," Ichuan Fei continued.
"Um..."
"Unsatisfied? Though Ayin is of a collateral branch, I regard her as kin..."
"No, that’s not what I ant, just at a loss..." Jiuyun Shuang said excitedly.
Seeing his reaction, Ichuan Fei smiled gently, stood up to assist him up, and said softly, "I regard you as a brother just as I do your elder brother. Since he recomnds you, I naturally see you as a brother as well. Thus, I hope you view as a brother, not a superior."
"Brother treats with such great favor, I have nothing to repay except to serve the country to requite brother’s kindness," Jiuyun Shuang said, sniffing.
"No need for such dejected words, I have every confidence in you, believing you’ll achieve great things," Ichuan Fei said.
"Other manor lords are equally outstanding, why does Brother..." Jiuyun Shuang asked hesitantly.
"Though they are admirable, they each have flaws, so evident and fatal, thus cannot be entrusted with such responsibilities," Ichuan Fei said, sighing deeply, showing a hint of regret, "I had high hopes for Huayu Xuan; he is indeed excellent, but I sense a malignancy in his heart, excessively ruthless, unlike your righteous nature."
"Your brother was once my right-hand man, yet regrettably due to accumulated injuries and illness, he ultimately passed away. Fortunately, he recomnded you, and you, I’m very optimistic about."
"Graced by brother’s confidence, I will exert all efforts in reviving the Wen Family’s imperial court!" Jiuyun Shuang said excitedly, seemingly forgetting his identity as a cultivator.
"Whenever possible, engage more with the Western Continent people. They crossed the sea on Kunzhou, aiding the Demon Clan army in defeating the Heavenly Army, hence should know quite a bit about new military tactics. Spend about a month nurturing relations with them," Ichuan Fei patted his shoulder.
"Yes, I will go, Senior Brother," Jiuyun Shuang nodded.
"Very well, then I won’t hold you here any longer. Make yourself comfortable, I intend to sit here for a while," Ichuan Fei nodded satisfactorily.
"Is Brother’s illness serious?" Jiuyun Shuang asked cautiously.
"Haha," Ichuan Fei chuckled lightly, shaking his head, "don’t worry, not dying yet."
"Nevertheless, please take care of your health thoroughly. Without Brother here, I truly struggle to stand alone," Jiuyun Shuang said.
"Aren’t you exaggerating too much there?"
"These are my heartfelt words," Jiuyun Shuang responded.
"Well then, stay and accompany more; anything unclear, feel free to ask , I’ll tell you everything I know," Ichuan Fei offered.
"Yes, then forgive for intruding," Jiuyun Shuang said, sitting back down.
anwhile, after leaving, Huayu Xuan didn’t return ho directly but wandered around before arriving at a secret alley.
Confronted by the encirclent of people, he spoke unhurriedly, "If you wish to turn the tables, be courteous to ; I happen to know so information extrely beneficial to you."
"Like what?" A burly man asked.
"For instance, your Princess has finally returned," Huayu Xuan said with a cold smile.
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