CHAPTER 666: CHAPTER 666: INSPECTION TOUR

The end of September arrived in the blink of an eye. Zhao Junyao had spent only three or four days at the hunting grounds. After ensuring Xia Ruqing was safely escorted back to the palace, he left the civil and military officials in the Capital City. He then headed north with his confidants and the Hidden Guard.

The harassment by the Grassland Tribes at the beginning of the year had caused much harm to the people beyond the borders. It was necessary to provide some consolation. Moreover, it was also an opportunity to establish authority. Winter was fast approaching. For those Grassland Tribes who depended on the heavens for their sustenance, a single snow disaster could leave them hungry for half a year. In desperation, they would resort to anything, and the Great Chu Dynasty became their most coveted target for plunder.

But how could Zhao Junyao, as the Emperor, tolerate such a thing? The first time was forgiven; out of respect for Heaven’s will, it was not appropriate to engage in widespread slaughter. But should there be a second time, Zhao Junyao would surely make them regret it! Under his rule, the Great Chu Dynasty boasted strong military forces and robust national power. A few minor Grassland Tribes were hardly a concern; it wasn’t that he couldn’t defeat them, but that they were beneath his notice.

Zhao Junyao, along with Xia Tingfeng and others, rode swiftly on horseback and reached the regions beyond the border in seven or eight days. After the fall of Yanguan City, the Ministry of War temporarily took over its management. Upon receiving the sacred command, the Ministry of War had further fortified the city walls, widened the moat by many yards, and stationed fifty thousand troops to guard the area. With these renovations, Yanguan City became as impregnable as a fortress, no longer fearing enemy incursions.

Having inspected the defenses along the way, Zhao Junyao was quite pleased.

"Excellent!"

Minister of War High Official Yang He quickly stepped forward and said, "Thank you, Emperor, for your praise. This is all part of my duty!"

Zhao Junyao looked at Yang He, whose hair and beard were already graying, and then glanced at Yang He’s eldest legitimate son, Yang Chenyi, standing not far behind him. He patted Yang Chenyi’s shoulder and said with a smile, "You! Work hard for a few more years, and you’ll have a successor!"

Yang He, with a clear understanding of the Emperor’s meaning and a cautious nature, hurriedly stepped forward and said, "I am terrified. My son is young and not yet fit for such responsibility!

"He still needs to undergo more training and learning!"

Having served a lifetime in the Ministry of War, he had come to understand one thing: military achievements can’t be feigned. Without true ability, that job is anything but easy. If not handled well, it could even cost one’s life. Therefore, his son must undergo rigorous trials.

As the eldest legitimate son of the Yang Family, Yang Chenyi indeed did not disappoint him. From a young age, he had already acquired splendid skills. Now, at the age of sixteen, he conducted himself with composure, possessed exceptional martial prowess, had thick eyebrows and the eyes of a warrior, and held an agile stature. Indeed, heroes emerge from the ranks of the youth.

Zhao Junyao, seeing his modesty, let out a hearty laugh and said no more. A young man’s aspiration is to make his mark on the world. A few more years of experience won’t do any harm; in the future, he will be another steel-hardened Great General.

Since ancient times, emperors have cherished talent. Zhao Junyao was no different; upon spotting a promising talent, he would rejoice more than at the sight of mountains of gold and silver.

That evening, Zhao Junyao, along with a few leading officers and soldiers, indulged in a ceremonial wine-smashing celebration. After offering encouragement, he then departed.

Yanguan City was now as impregnable as a fortress. Zhao Junyao was relieved. He then continued southwest with the Imperial Forest Army and Hidden Guard at his side. The Commander of the Southwest, Shi Yang, had received news early on and personally welcomed the Emperor’s arrival.

He escorted the Emperor to inspect every city in the southwestern region, examining the military strength and defensive deployment, and personally observing the training grounds of the soldiers. Shi Yang was an old general with considerable skill, having trained his troops to be as strong and resilient as steel.

Zhao Junyao stood on the tall command platform, listening as tens of thousands of soldiers below shook their banners and cried out in unison with raised arms.

"Long live the Emperor, long live, long live forever!"

"Long live the Emperor, long live, long live forever!"

The sound was as deafening as a landslide or an earth-shattering echo, continuously resonating between heaven and earth.

Zhao Junyao felt a surge of pride swelling in his chest, reaching for the skies. The excitement within him was long beyond words. Born in this era, every man harbored a hero’s dream in his heart. Some studied to serve the Imperial Court and bring peace to the common folk, while others trained in martial arts to fight on the battlefield and protect all lives. Either way, they were heroes. Zhao Junyao was no exception. He studied and trained in martial arts, desiring to both bring peace to the common folk and protect all lives. Unfortunately, he stood at the very pinnacle of power, and thus, there was little he could do himself. All his role allowed was to tirelessly recruit talented individuals, identify their strengths, and mitigate their weaknesses. He had to consider their affiliations and family backgrounds, placing them in the positions best suited for them. And he, like a helmsman, stood upon the high ground of all authority. He held the fate of the world’s rise and fall in his hands, controlling the life and death of everyone under Heaven. Because he was the Emperor, he had to keep everything firmly within his grasp. Therefore, from a young age, he had lost his freedom. He grew up amidst constant conflict. He had to learn to discern schemes, to vie for power, and to engage in ruthless struggles. He needed to be both astute and steady, yet also skilled and merciless in his methods. After so many years, he had become accustomed to this. Now, his tactics were so refined that even old court veterans of several dynasties could not help but submit. But, was he truly happy? He was not! How could the secret plotting and scheming compare to the thrill of leading soldiers into battle? Shouldn’t a true man live such a grand and vigorous life? At this moment, he truly envied them. Compared to them, his own heart, full of its intricate schemes and burdens, seemed so wretched!

Zhao Junyao seemed to have pondered much, but in reality, these thoughts were but a fleeting moment, quickly swept away, drowned out by the earth-shaking shouts.

Zhao Junyao, full of high spirit, waved his hand grandly.

"Good!"

The voices below gradually quieted. Zhao Junyao was very satisfied and offered a few words of encouragement. After saying, "Soldiers, you have worked hard!" he descended from the high platform.

He couldn’t stay longer; the more he stayed, the more envious he would feel.

Shi Yang accompanied him all the way back to the camp.

The next day, Shi Yang went out to stroll through the city with the Emperor. Near the encampment was a small frontier town. Though not as large as Yanguan City, it was conveniently located for travel. Merchants journeying from north to south often chose to stop here for a night’s rest before continuing their way. Thus, the small town bustled with people coming and going, and was quite lively.

Local Prefects and civilians, upon hearing that the Emperor had come, rushed to the streets to enjoy the spectacle. They saw Zhao Junyao and his entourage slowly riding their tall horses through the streets. The common folk had never seen the Emperor and couldn’t recognize him at first. But some who were worldly-wise guessed it right away.

"The one leading at the front, that’s the Emperor!"

Their guess was indeed correct. Zhao Junyao was dressed in casual, white, jade-colored robes, his head adorned with a Purple Jade crystal crown, and he held a jade-boned fan. Riding atop a pure black Sweat Blood Precious Horse, his posture was upright, his gaze distinct. Setting aside his appearance, the natural aura of nobility about him was enough for people to guess that this man was of extraordinary origin.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

The civilians knelt one after another. With a slight smile playing on his lips, Zhao Junyao quickly ordered them to rise. His voice was neither too loud nor too soft, magnetic and pleasant, friendly and approachable.