My Cultivation Starting from Archery

Many ministers fell silent.

"Your Majesty speaks wisely, but..."

After a long pause, Yan Liang said hoarsely, "Your Majesty, becoming Upper Pillar Country does have strict requirements, at least one act of Heavenly Merit, in addition to numerous Class A military achievements. Mr. Chen has secured Heavenly Merit, but the number of Class A military achievements is insufficient."

"That's easy to fix."

Emperor Longqing, reclining in his Dragon Chair, spoke unhurriedly, "Soon, I will send him to the eastern battlefield and give him another chance to distinguish himself."

"The east..."

Minister of War Gao Bo mused, "Your Majesty, Liangzhou is in the far west; to transfer troops from there to Lai State might be too distant, the cost of moving troops might be a bit too high."

"I had no plans to transfer troops from Liangzhou."

Emperor Longqing pondered, "Just draw three thousand Black Armor troops from the Personal Guard Camps around the Capital; a capable general should have forces at his command, should he not?"

"Your Majesty is wise!"

"Very well, you all may leave, except for the Crown Prince and Fang Qingyun."

"..."

The vast hall quickly emptied until only a few individuals remained.

"Crown Prince."

Emperor Longqing, his calm voice laced with authority, asked, "Tell me, why did that Sha Wenlong refuse to heed Chen San's advice and cross the entire army over the Hongze River to the east?"

"As a general, one must prioritize stability,"

the Crown Prince contemplated, "Had the entire army crossed and encountered blockades, it could have led to irreversible consequences."

"So you say, should I reward them instead?"

Emperor Longqing did not pursue further, shifting his tone, "Fang Qingyun, why are you silent? What is your opinion on the matter of Upper Pillar Country?"

"I too find it somewhat inappropriate."

Seated in his wheelchair, Fang Qingyun replied at a measured pace, "He is, after all, still too young; the prestige that comes with the title of Upper Pillar Country might be too high for him."

"Hmm."

Emperor Longqing's mouth twitched imperceptibly, touching on the point briefly before changing the subject again, "Chen San had written a petition to me, mentioning a man named Xu Wencai, hoping that I would bestow some form of recognition. What do you know of him, Fang Aiqing?"

"Mr. Xu is a talent of the highest caliber, surpassing me in every aspect. Had he not come from humble origins, he would have become a prominent scholarly general by now,"

Fang Qingyun answered, "Having been by Chen San's side, he must have also contributed significantly during the Four Crossings of Hongze; he indeed deserves recognition."

"Even you say so; it seems we have another talent at hand."

Emperor Longqing mused, "He hopes that I grant Xu Wencai an official title, but how come I've heard that Mr. Xu's greatest aspiration in life is to be honored with the title 'Wo Long'? Why didn't Chen San tell me directly? Is he worried that I, being stingy, would not be willing to bestow it?"

"Your Majesty knows all."

Fang Qingyun spoke calmly, "Mr. Xu certainly is fixated on receiving a title."

Emperor Longqing spoke with a tinge of meaning, "'Wo Long,' that title is on the same level as your 'Phoenix.' Do you object?"

"My nickname was originally just a rumor in Jianghu; however, it simply became reality as it spread. Mr. Xu is not less than me; why should there be an issue?" Fang Qingyun said, "The only concern is the corresponding pressure it brings; I wonder if he can withstand it."

"Under pressure? Only with pressure can potential be inspired! I, specifically want to bestow upon him the title of 'Wo Long'."

Emperor Longqing said, "If memory serves me right, there are still some small factions of the rebel army and bandits along the border of You State. Let the 'Wo Long' lead the troops to eliminate them, also giving him an opportunity to independently earn his merits."

"That would be excellent."

Fang Qingyun said meaningfully, "Your Majesty's arrangements, I'm sure Mr. Xu will be deeply grateful."

"You should also join the upcoming battle in Lai State."

Emperor Longqing rose slowly, passing the Heavenly Book over: "Take this as well."

"Why would Your Majesty do this?"

Fang Qingyun did not accept it: "This is the Heavenly Book, your servant..."

"What are you pretending for?"

Emperor Longqing narrowed his eyes: "I know you can understand it. Memorize it and then return it to the court later. Once you're in the East, if you want to teach it to Chen Sansi, do so; I've approved it."

"Your servant obeys."

Only then did Fang Qingyun accept the Heavenly Book.
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Emperor Longqing left with a sweep of his sleeve, quickly vanishing behind the layers of curtains.

Several eunuchs followed closely behind him.

In the great hall, soon only the Crown Prince and Fang Qingyun were left.

"Tap tap~"

The Crown Prince, leaning on a walking stick, stood up, tediously made his way to the scholar, handed over the stick, then, grasping the handles of the wheelchair, pushed him forward: "General Fang, let's go. Allow me to accompany you."

At the doorway of the great hall, when the wheelchair proved too heavy to lift, he called over some young eunuchs from outside to help carry it out, and then continued pushing it forward at a leisurely pace.

A gust of autumn wind blew through, causing both men to start coughing.

"General Fang, you must take care of your health."

"Your Highness should be more careful. You really should not push me anymore; I can manage on my own."

"No matter, no matter. It is not often that you and I get to be together. To walk and talk together is fitting."

Silence.

Having left the Longevity Palace and reached the outer perimeter of the Imperial Palace, Fang Qingyun took the Heavenly Book from his bosom and offered it back: "Your Highness, would you like to see it?"

"Heh, might as well take a look."

The Crown Prince paused, flipping through the Heavenly Book: "I can't understand it. General Fang, after you translate it, please also make a copy for me."

"His Majesty is truly generous."

Fang Qingyun took back the Heavenly Book: "The contents recorded here are genuine Immortal Realm formations, to be shared so openly with everyone."

"Do you know why they've been so generous with you lately?"

The Crown Prince resumed pushing the wheelchair, slightly stooped, almost in the tone of telling a ghost story: "They could agree to the camp expansion and even share the Heavenly Book with you."