Chapter Six, the Elder Statesman Yang Biao

His objectives have already been achieved, and there is no need to be unconventional, arguing with the ministers and wasting words

The late emperor did not make a mistake back then, it was just ... ...

What happened, Boyuan?

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Just follow the two lords

Very good?" Yang Biao looked at Deng Quan with dissatisfaction

Deng Quanhai was drenched in sweat, feeling an immense sense of grievance in his heart

It is one thing for the Son of Heaven to learn swordsmanship, but he actually subdued Yang Feng as well

However, in this case, he simply cannot bring himself to say it.

Liu Xie was only fifteen years old. Over the years, life had been difficult, and he suffered from malnutrition, standing at around 1.6 meters tall, barely qualifying as a seven-foot man. Carrying a ring-headed saber that was over 1.5 meters long and weighed more than 1.5 kilograms felt very uncoordinated, and after a while, it became quite strenuous.

Deng Quan took out a handkerchief, wiped the fine sweat from his forehead, glanced back, his expression complex. "It's nothing, Your Majesty is doing well"

The ministers were greatly impressed by Yang Biao, and in addition to his tall and sturdy physique, his thick eyebrows and large eyes, along with his serious demeanor, made him a figure that inspired fear in others

Deng Quan's face flushed, and he awkwardly remained silent

Sensing Yang Biao's dissatisfaction, Deng Quan felt a jolt in his heart, becoming much more alert. He quickly retracted his smile and recounted what had just happened.

Yang Gong? Liu Xie collected himself, glanced back at Yang Biao, and a sense of inexplicable unease swept through his heart

Such skills and a composed demeanor, yet stagnating in a lowly position like that of a Tiger Ben Lang for over a decade, while the young scion Yuan Shu can attain the rank of Tiger Ben Zhonglangjiang at a young age, indicates that the bureaucratic system of the Han Dynasty is severely afflicted and has significant issues

The combat capabilities of the Tiger Ben and Yu Lin are indeed concerning, but this is not solely the responsibility of Deng Quan. Blaming Deng Quan will not resolve the issue; it can only be addressed step by step, starting from oneself. It is hoped that Deng Quan can take the initiative to follow up.

Even though Deng Quan held the position of one of the Nine Ministers, he did not dare to act arrogantly in front of Yang Biao, let alone the fact that he, as the Minister of Rites, was nominally still subordinate to the Grand Commandant.

Liu Xie discussed with Deng Quan to select some skilled and combat-capable individuals from the Tiger Ben and Yu Lin, who would be commanded and trained by Wang Yue, serving both as guards and sparring partners.

In front of others, he can be unrestrained. However, in front of Yang Biao, he does not possess such confidence

Liu Xie slightly raised the corner of his mouth, revealing a smile that was full of meaning. "It's simple, just tell him he can't win. It is of no benefit and only harmful; even if you let him fight, he won't be able to do so."

What is seen before us, combined with what Deng Quan has said, indicates that although the Son of Heaven has undergone some changes, he remains relatively rational, unlike the late emperor who acted with stubbornness.

Yang Biao waved his hand, signaling Deng Quan to make himself comfortable, then tidied up his clothes and slowly ascended the plateau

What emotion it is, and whose emotion it is, he does not know

Wang Yue, who was standing nearby, also felt it was inappropriate and stepped forward to bow. "Your Majesty, I believe that Lord Deng is experienced in statecraft and his words are reasonable"

Merely taking Yang Feng for his own use is not enough; one must also be strong oneself. He needs to quickly enhance his own strength, including martial prowess

Yang Biao hailed from the Hongnong Yang clan, and his wife was from the Runan Yuan clan, being the younger sister of Yuan Shu. He gained fame at a young age and had a smooth career path, eventually rising to the position of Grand Commandant.

At such a young age, he bears such heavy responsibilities; not only has the Son of Heaven not been crushed by them, but he also strives to improve himself, practicing martial arts to strengthen his body. This sheer determination alone is enough to move people.

After listening to Deng Quan's narration, the confusion in Yang Biao's eyes deepened

In front of a large crowd, the emperor shouts and yells, showing no dignity whatsoever; is this considered good?

Wang Yue repeatedly expressed his reluctance and withdrew.

Deng Quan could not find a reason to object, so he could only acquiesce, uttering some superficial remarks about His Majesty's wisdom, and hurriedly went down to make arrangements

Your Majesty. Yang Biao stepped forward slowly, glanced at Liu Xie’s glistening forehead, and gently advised: "Your Majesty, it is important to be persistent in martial arts, and one should not be overly hasty. As your health is just beginning to recover, it is better to rest more."

Liu Xie seized the opportunity to seek guidance on swordsmanship from Wang Yue

Yang Biao looked at Liu Xie in astonishment. "Your Majesty, how did you stop Yang Feng?"

Deng Quan was taken aback. It is understandable that the Emperor wishes to have Wang Yue attend to him closely, as it pertains to learning swordsmanship, which can also be accepted. However, the formality of the request, especially the use of the phrase "to seek guidance," is indeed quite out of order.

In recent years, the Son of Heaven has suffered greatly

Mr. Yang, is there something you need?

Without waiting for Deng Quan to express his opposition, Liu Xie earnestly said, "The world is full of troubles. I shall follow the example of Emperor Guangwu, studying literature and practicing martial arts, in hopes of reviving the Han dynasty and restoring peace once again"

Yang Biao was momentarily taken aback and couldn't help but smile wryly, realizing that the Son of Heaven had used this method to persuade Yang Feng

Yang Biao quietly observed all of this, stroking his beard, feeling greatly pleased

During the Han Dynasty, there were two prominent families with the title of "Four Generations of Three Dukes": the Yuan family of Runan and the Yang family of Hongnong

Deng Quan felt that as a senior official and one of the Nine Ministers, he had the responsibility to remind the Emperor. "Your Majesty, you honor the virtuous and treat the talented with respect, which reflects the qualities of a wise ruler and is a blessing for the realm. However, in the relationship between sovereign and subjects, propriety must be maintained, and it is not appropriate to act inappropriately. I hope Your Majesty will think thrice about this."

Although Dong Zhuo had ulterior motives in deposing and reinstating the emperor, it must be said that the Son of Heaven is more suited to the throne than his brother Liu Bian

Deng Quan quickly completed the paperwork, transferring Wang Yue to the position of Tiger Ben Shilang, serving alongside Liu Xie.

Indeed, it is simple and effective, but...

The Tiger Ben does not wear a sword, but rather a ring-headed saber, known as the Huangshi Tiger Pattern. The ring-headed saber is a straight blade, equivalent to a single-edged heavy sword, and can be used in swordsmanship as well, but it is more suited for chopping and requires greater strength.

In fact, in recent years, if it were not for his reliance on the influence of the Hongnong Yang clan to contend for propriety and force, compelling Li Jue and Guo Si to restrain themselves, the situation of the court would have been even more dire

The Son of Heaven spoke with the Grand Commandant; he had no need to stand aside

The Grand Marshal Yang Biao stopped the hurriedly passing Deng Quan, his brow slightly furrowed, looking worriedly at the Emperor who was laughing heartily at the top of the plateau

Liu Xie glanced at Wang Yue, somewhat surprised, but did not insist further

There is true meaning within, yet the desire to discern has already made me forget the words

"Rest assured, Yang Gong, it won't escalate anytime soon," Liu Xie said, waving his hand and deliberately speaking in a nonchalant manner.

Wang Yue was very satisfied, while Liu Xie felt somewhat uncomfortable.

Huben's performance just now was truly embarrassing, rendering all his previous admonitions nothing more than unrealistic grandstanding

The Tiger Ben and Yu Lin were originally terms for elite troops, so why have they come to be in such a state

He is indeed the Grand Master of Ceremonies, but the decline of the Tiger Ben and the Feather Forest is not solely his responsibility, at least not his alone

Yang Biao nodded. He came to see the Son of Heaven, and aside from checking whether the Son of Heaven had gone mad, he indeed had matters to discuss

Seeing Deng Quan speechless, Liu Xie said nothing further

Wang Yue is merely a warrior, and also a valiant soldier; these are all part of his duties, so why must there be such reverence

If he possesses this capability, does it make a difference to Lord Yang whether I agree or disagree

Even without Dong Zhuo, he would still have arrived at this point

However, with the long sword in hand, the weighty sense of power stirred Liu Xie’s emotions, seemingly awakening a long-dormant feeling

Liu Xie returned the ringed sword to Wang Yue. "Let us conclude here for today. I shall ponder over it some more and seek the counsel of the Minister tomorrow"

Yang Biao is astute and experienced; can one really deceive his eyes?

Liu Xie held the sword in his hand, swung it a couple of times, and couldn't help but burst into laughter

Yang Feng is a person whom Yang Biao is very clear about; he is a rude and uncouth warrior, one who does not adhere to reason

Watching the slender emperor wield the ring-headed sword, practicing each move with precision, Yang Biao felt a pang of sympathy, but more than that, he was filled with emotion

He let out a gentle sigh. "Wang Yue not only excels in swordsmanship but is also a person of great composure. I intend to have him serve by my side, so that I may conveniently seek his guidance on swordsmanship. Please take care of this matter, Deng Qing."

He thought for a moment and then said, "Your Majesty, do you believe that if the military strength is sufficient, Yang Feng could launch an attack on Duan Wei?"

Reflecting on the trials and tribulations of these years, Yang Biao let out a quiet sigh

Wang Yue was originally a Hu Ben Lang, equivalent to 300 dan, and was promoted to Hu Ben Shilang, equivalent to 400 dan, which can be considered a step up in rank

Although he held the position of San Gong during Dong Zhuo's rule, it was not a gift from Dong Zhuo

Your Majesty, I have heard that Yang Feng and Yang Ding intend to attack Duan Wei, which causes me great unease. I dare to guarantee with my life and family that Duan Wei harbors no ill intentions. On that day, he donned armor to meet Your Majesty and did not dismount to pay his respects, but this is merely due to his suspicious nature and fear of slander and punishment, which compelled him to act in such a manner. In recent days, Duan Wei has made continuous contributions, which demonstrates his intentions. I hope Your Majesty will issue an edict commanding Yang Feng and Yang Ding to withdraw their troops, and not to act hastily, in order to prevent any calamity.