Next, in accordance with his orders, an army of 500,000 will be sent to the west and southern borders respectively, with their training set on the forts.
Those who were loyal to the throne that were suppressed by the nobles were given positions inside the Imperial Court, with the titles of nobility given to the leaders of the Gongsun Faction.
"Your Majesty.." Gongsun Yi, who was kneeling on his position below the stairs to the throne, spoke, "We shall assist you in your endeavour. My descendants and aides are extremely skilled in military strategy, training, politics, and management. Your Majesty can use them to your liking."
"Thank you for your trust, Duke Zhong." Matthias smiled. During the speech, Matthias gave the loyal men of Qin titles of nobility. Gongsun Yi was given the title of Duke Zhong of Qin, with the Zhong meaning loyalty.
"I'll assign military trainers to those armies of 500,000. The remaining. Teach them archery mainly. For the remaining 1.995 billion men must train in the capital. They must be trained in the art of war and battle. We must prepare for anything." Matthias ordered.
"Then, for the weapon and armor, I'll handle it. I can forge those quickly." Matthias said, but Gongsun Yi immediately rebutted, "Your Majesty, you need not bother yourself with doing such tedious things! Let us, your subjects, handle it."
"But-" Matthias wanted to do it but the others joined Gongsun Yi, "Your Majesty, please let us handle the tedious tasks!"
"Please reconsider, Your Majesty!"
"Let us serve you, Your Majesty!"
The officials kowtowed and pleaded, making him smile wryly. "Okay. I'll let you all handle it. You can all rise up now." He waved his hands resignedly.
The officials smiled and bowed once more, "Thank you for your reconsideration, Your Majesty!" Gongsun Yi said.
"I now conclude that the first Imperial Court Assembly ended. You may go now."
"We shall do as Your Majesty told us!" The officials cupped their hands.
Cane then stepped forward, "For the military officials, please wait for His Majesty's summon for the council of war."
In accordance with the Imperial etiquette, Matthias stood up and left the Throne Hall with Cane behind him at the back hall before the officials exited the Throne Hall by kneeling with their heads bowed down facing towards the Imperial Throne.
Behind Matthias, Cane smiled with satisfaction, "Your Majesty, you gained a strong and stout ally. The Gongsun Faction is filled with hidden talents. Tapping into them, we can stabilize the territory once we pass through this problem."
Matthias smiled. He then glanced at Cane, "Have you finished setting up the commerce?"
"Black has already found someone. He will establish contact with the target once his loyalty is guaranteed and his skills fully verified. Once all is clear, Black will bring him here." Cane answered.
Matthias nodded.
Matthias then donned his military uniform, a black and red military robe with a leather armor on top. He then unmounted a golden sword on a rack hanging at the top of the wall behind the Imperial Bed.
He caressed the sheath then unsheathed the sword, revealing the shiny golden blade that is incredibly majestic.
On the blade was an inscription using the old Qin Script, on it was the phrase "*Chinese Characters*", May the Empire rule for all ages, written in red ink filled with energy.
On the other side of the sword was another inscription, which says "*Chinese Characters*", Whoever holds the sword leads the empire to conquer.
In every war of the past, when the Empire was still at its peak, the Ceremonial Sword always accompanied the monarchs in battle.
But when the second emperor died, the lineage was lost and they were besieged by enemies. No one had the authority and strength to wield the sword, so they fought with limited morale support.
Now that Matthias was enthroned as the third emperor, he was bound to make the empire glorious once more.
Cane looked at the sword with dreamy eyes, "The Ceremonial Sword that accompanied the Emperors of old. Only those who are worthy can even think of wielding it. It was said to be crafted from the fallen stars of Aeginos."
Matthias returned the sword to its sheath and hung it at his side.
He then looked at Cane and nodded as a signal. Cane understood and left the Emperor's Room.
Cane went to the Throne Hall and announced, "Generals, Follow me to the Hall of War. His Majesty will be there shortly." He then turned around and left.
The military officials followed suit and lined up behind Cane, walking their way towards the Hall of War, west of the Imperial Palace.
The Hall of War was a separate building from the main palace. It was an armory and a meeting hall. Its yellow roof tiles and red walls were the only ones that remained imperial-like after the war. When Matthias ascended the throne and the palace glowed and fixed itself, regaining its glorious appearance, the Hall of War retained its old structure from the era of the First Emperor.
They entered the hall and went straight to the meeting hall. The hall was spacious and its corners were filled with ancient armors from the old generals of the past.
Unlike the Throne Hall, this assembly room has chairs with the same heights. The phrase "Emperors and Generals equally defends the realm" was written on a plaque hanging on the wall.
They then sat on their respective seats and waited for their Emperor.
A while later, Matthias reached the Hall of War. He entered the other door meant to be used solely by the Highest Grand General, which was the Emperor.
The Highest Grand General title was the title of the Emperor in the battlefield or in the times of war.
He walked out and entered the sight of the military officials and generals. Cane stood up and announced, "The Highest Grand General has arrived!" He then bowed reverently.
"We welcome your arrival, Highest Grand General, Your Majesty!" The generals and military officials stood up and bowed.
"At ease." Matthias waved his hand down, making them sit.
Matthias went to his seat and sat on it, "Now, we aren't just going to rely on the untrained soldiers, aren't we? We would train them, but there just isn't enough time. What are your ideas?"
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