Chapter 7, Compliance in Appearance but Defiance in Reality

The lack of smooth communication is largely related to their attitude towards Yang Feng, especially his own demeanor

Yang Biao was astonished, raising his head, his eyes fixed intently on Liu Xie

While practicing martial arts, Liu Xie ordered someone to move his tent up to the plateau

Yang Biao deeply agreed. "What Your Majesty said is indeed true, I am willing to go."

Liu Xie nodded slightly, but did not provide further explanation

The tone of the sovereign is very gentle, yet the implications conveyed in the words are aggressive, making others feel quite uncomfortable

During this time, Fu Wan arrived, but Liu Xie did not immediately discuss matters with him, allowing him to watch them practice martial arts from the side

Yang Gong requested to resign, believing that the mandate of the Han Dynasty was nearing its end, and decided to retreat to Nanshan Mountain to live in seclusion, or perhaps...

Wang Yue instructed Shi A to spar with Wang Chang and Guo Wu, while he himself stood by to provide commentary for Liu Xie

Without further ado, accompanied by Wang Yue and others, Liu Xie officially commenced his military career as the Emperor on horseback

In early winter, as the weather gradually turns cooler, Liu Xie, however, breaks out in a profuse sweat, and his arms are so sore that he cannot lift them.

After careful consideration of the current situation, Liu Xie decided to focus on swordsmanship and equestrian skills

As the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, he also hoped that the Son of Heaven would reside at a higher elevation, which would not only highlight the Son of Heaven's nobility but also facilitate his arrangements for defense

Furthermore, if Jia Xu is also in Duan Wei's camp, please invite him to meet with me

I wish to request Lord Yang to make a trip to convey the court's intentions to Duan Wei, asking him to exercise restraint against the provocations of Yang Feng and others, so as to prevent the escalation of conflict, which would cause pain to our kin and joy to our enemies. In the event that Zhang Ji acts disloyally, having Duan Wei as support would at least ensure that we are not besieged from both sides

Liu Xie slightly nodded his head, and Yang Biao truly lived up to his reputation as a loyal minister, understanding the gravity of the situation. Even if he requested Yang Biao to take the initiative to show goodwill towards Yang Feng for the sake of the greater good, Yang Biao would not refuse

Archery and polearm skills cannot be mastered in just a day or two; swordsmanship is relatively simpler and sufficient for self-defense. As for horsemanship, there is a certain foundation, as riding at a gallop poses no significant issues. With further training, wielding a sword in combat is also achievable.

The emperor's concerns are by no means unfounded; this is indeed the situation he fears the most, yet he cannot find a solution.

"Jia Xu?" Yang Biao was taken aback for a moment, looking at Liu Xie with suspicion. "Your Majesty, has Jia Xu arrived in Huayin?"

Two individuals followed behind him and also stepped forward to pay their respects, each stating their names: Hu Ben Wang Chang and Yu Lin Guo Wu

Liu Xie continued to practice martial arts

It is uncertain whether Liu Xie originally possessed high innate talent or if it was the benefits brought by his time travel, but his comprehension is exceptional; with just a slight hint from Wang Yue, he is able to grasp the underlying principles.

Liu Xie smiled gently, calmly gazing at Yang Biao

It must be said that although Deng Quan has a dismissive connotation, these few individuals are truly skilled. Not only are they proficient in swordsmanship, but they also possess considerable expertise in halberds and crossbows. In particular, the Feather Forest Knight Guo Wu excels in horsemanship, capable of shooting accurately while riding, and is even more adept at charging with a spear, making him a true polymath

Liu Xie waved his hand. "The Three Dukes are the pillars of the court. Now that the Han Dynasty is in peril, I am young and ignorant, lacking in talent and virtue, and I must rely even more on you, gentlemen. Lord Yang, with your high virtue and esteemed reputation, is the foremost among the Three Dukes, having assisted me for many years and contributed greatly. I am deeply grateful."

The martial arts of the Han Dynasty were simple and practical, devoid of unnecessary tricks. Each technique was created with the purpose of overcoming the enemy and achieving victory, and mastering one move yielded its own rewards. Wang Yue taught diligently, while Liu Xie learned even more earnestly. After grasping the techniques, all that remained was practice

If you will retreat to advance, then I will not go with the flow

Liu Xie looked at Yang Biao, feeling both amused and helpless

Yang Biao frowned

Regardless of whether we can ultimately revive the Han Dynasty, we should at least fight with all our might

Looking at the expressions of Wang Yue and others, I began to understand a bit.

"Please give your command, Your Majesty," Yang Biao said loudly

Liu Xie frowned slightly. "Among the Tiger Ben and Yu Lin, are you the only ones capable of fighting?"

Indeed, the Tiger Ben and Yu Lin are filled with useless individuals, unable to select anyone capable. It is merely Deng Quan's perfunctory attitude, a form of soft resistance.

Yang Biao remained silent

Yang Biao was taken aback and quickly bowed deeply. "Your Majesty speaks too highly of me; I do not dare to accept such praise. I serve at Your Majesty's grace and share in Your Majesty's burdens, which is my duty. Failing to assist Your Majesty in overcoming difficulties and being embarrassed by a mere commoner is a dereliction of my duty. I am ashamed and earnestly request Your Majesty to issue a decree to strip me of my official rank, as a warning to others."

The view from a high place is good, and it is also convenient for defense

Your Majesty ... ... " Yang Biao hesitated to speak.

Yang Biao's thick eyebrows were tightly knitted, expressing both surprise and helplessness

"It is better to have none than to have too many," Liu Xie chuckled, signaling Wang Yue to arrange for them to demonstrate their martial skills, while also sending someone to invite the Chief of the Imperial Guards, Fu Wan

I excel at confronting others and labeling them

However, he cannot do this; he has more important matters that he needs Yang Biao to attend to

According to historical records, Jia Xu should now have left Li Jue and temporarily resided in Duan Wei's camp. However, Duan Wei is suspicious and cannot fully trust Jia Xu. Jia Xu is well aware of this, so he has been continuously seeking a new patron. However, his options are limited, and later choosing Zhang Ji and Zhang Xiu was also a reluctant decision; for the time being, he can only take refuge in Duan Wei's army

Deng Quanyang acted in contradiction to his obligations, so he targeted Fu Wan

The Emperor's words are quite tactful, yet their meaning is also very clear

Furthermore, staying away from the officials, even if there are any unorthodox actions, will not be seen by others

Liu Xie spoke in a gentler tone. "Yang Gong, when discussing matters with warriors, one must use words they can understand, don't you think?"

Fu Wan is not only the father of Empress Fu Shou, but also a pure scholar. He is not only uninterested in martial affairs, but also has little interest in holding an official position. He does not possess the strong territorial awareness that Deng Quan has, and would not refuse his selection.

Yet he felt a greater sense of reassurance in his heart

Shi A and the others exchanged glances. Wang Yue hesitated for a moment, then stepped forward and said: "To guard the Son of Heaven, it is only natural to be meticulously selective. Lord Deng's caution is also warranted. Moreover, the number of the Tiger Ben and Yu Lin troops is inherently limited; if too many are drawn away at once, the vacancies will be difficult to fill, which would undermine the dignity of the court"

Yang Biao initially intended to inquire from the Emperor about the source of his information, but after some contemplation, he decided against it

If I truly relieve you of your title, who would be willing to serve me in the future

This is truly a top-tier strategist, and there is no reason not to make use of him for one's own purposes

He was contemplating that in a few days, once he became familiar with them, he would find an opportunity to promote them to the position of regular attendants, or simply to utilize the positions of the scattered cavalry attendants and scattered cavalry regular attendants established by Cao Pi ahead of time.

Standing on the plateau, facing the setting sun, gazing into the distance of Guanzhong, Liu Xie felt a surge of intense emotions.

However, matters concerning the official system are rather complex, so it is better to proceed with caution

After a while, two Tiger Ben warriors and a Feather Forest warrior approached. The leader was a young man in his twenties, tall and agile in his movements. He walked up to Liu Xie and bowed respectfully.

I believe in the judgment of Lord Yang, and Duan Wei will not rebel, but it is difficult to gauge Zhang Ji, who may join forces with Li Jue and Guo Si at any moment. If Zhang Ji is blocked at Shan County, and Li Jue and Guo Si come from the west, what then

Liu Xie deliberately elongated his voice, looking at Yang Biao with a smile that was not quite a smile

Especially when dealing with a gentleman like you who values his reputation

In the blink of an eye, half a day has passed

If there is Jia Xu providing strategies in literature, and Yang Feng and Duan Wei charging into battle in military affairs, along with the reformed Imperial Guards, defeating Li Jue and Guo Si would no longer be an empty statement, but would hold a glimmer of possibility for realization

After exchanging a few pleasantries, Yang Biao withdrew and immediately prepared to meet Duan Wei

With a long sword in hand, I ask who in the world is the hero

This old sly one, how ruthless. I have just opened my mouth, and you are already resigning, not only wanting to resign from your official position but also to return your title

Although Deng Quan felt that the emperor's actions were unnecessary, he did not intervene

Tiger General Shi A, I have seen Your Majesty

Liu Xie stepped forward and extended his hand to help Yang Biao up. "Lord Yang, your family is known for its loyalty and valor, and I trust you completely. However, there is a matter I wish to discuss with you, which may require some sacrifice on your part."

After assessing their martial skills and inquiring about their backgrounds and experiences, Liu Xie appointed them as attendants, frequently keeping them by his side.

Yang Feng sought to ingratiate himself with the Yang family of Hongnong and had always shown him great respect, yet he had consistently received a cold reception from Yang Feng, being kept at a distance of a thousand miles.

Moments later, Yang Biao came to his senses, lifted his garment, and knelt on the ground. "Your Majesty, I, as a subject, have received the grace of the state, have been granted nobility, and hold the position of Grand Commandant. I swear to advance and retreat together with the court."