Chapter 143.1
Two days later, he arrived at the Great Xia capital city, travel-worn and dusty.
After making some inquiries, he learned that this place was Great Xia, and the current Emperor was Lin Beifan, a notoriously foolish emperor.
He had heard of the foolish emperor before.
But at that time, he was earnestly pursuing the True Dragon Sovereign Star, so he didnt take this foolish emperor seriously, never expecting that they were actually one and the same person.
With this revelation, he couldnt help but take it to heart.
He continued to gather information and discovered that indeed, Emperor Lin Beifan had committed many acts of folly.
Not long after becoming Emperor, he had traded away his kingdoms territory for the sake of a beautiful woman.
Stirring up trouble everywhere, waging wars on all fronts.
Dismissing wise ministers, appointing corrupt officials and treacherous advisors.
Indulging in pleasures, steeped in luxury and debauchery, undertaking grand construction projects without considering the states foundations, making the entire nation serve his singular desires.
He offended the great noble families, as well as neighboring countries.
It can be said that whatever a foolish emperor ought to do, he has pretty much done it all!
Many things that even ordinary foolish emperors would not dare to do, he also did!
But the nation not only did not weaken but instead grew stronger and stronger, and now it has the potential to establish its own dynasty!
In less than two years, he has developed a small kingdom into a quasi-dynasty, truly the Sovereign Star! But judging from his actions, he is still a star of calamity! he said with a wry smile.
Having seen many emperors, he had never encountered such a unique one!
No matter how foolish or bewitching the other party might be, he now just wanted to find a way to enter the court to serve and work for the true dragon
He took out five copper coins from his pocket and gently tossed them in his hand.
Seeing the divination signs, he felt greatly reassured, and with a smile, he said to himself: Theres no need to go out and search; a fated person will naturally meet me!
So, he just stayed where he was, not going anywhere.
Just then, Yan Song came by in a carriage. Glancing through the carriage window, he caught sight of the other person and couldnt help but be greatly astonished.
The other person had an elegant and noble demeanor, with the aura of an immortal, clearly not an ordinary individual.
He had received the emperors command to seek out talents and extraordinary individuals for Great Xia, and at first glance, this person seemed to fit the bill perfectly.
So he ordered the carriage to halt: Stop! Stop right now!
Whoosh~
The carriage came to a stop.
Yan Song leaped down from the carriage, adjusted his hat slightly, and then approached the man with a pleasant smile, bowing with a laugh, Greetings to you, sir!
The man turned his head to look and, at a glance, recognized that the other was the fateful person he was meant to meet, a subtle smile playing at the corners of his mouth as he returned the bow, May I know what brings the gentleman to approach this humble one?
I am Yan Song, a Supervisor of the Ministry of Civil Service in Great Xia!
Yan Song continued with a smile, Just now, I saw the sir from my carriage and felt that you are truly a dragon amongst men, hence I wished to make your acquaintance!
I see, it is the esteemed Yan Song. I am Yuan Tiangang! Yuan Tiangang bowed in greeting.
Haha, theres no need for such formality!
Yan Song caught the others hand as he bowed, laughing heartily, Its time for the evening meal, and I would like to invite you to my residence as a guest. May I have the honor?
You are too kind. It would be my honor as well! Since you extend such a gracious invitation, I shall comply with the saying, Theres no respect greater than obedience!
Haha, Sir Yuan is a straightforward man, please get in the car!
Having returned to his mansion, Yan Song immediately extended a warm welcome, and the two of them drank and chatted merrily.
After a period of conversation, Yan Song discovered that the other party was skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting and had penetrating insights into current world affairs. He was certain that this man was a great talent, someone who could be recommended to His Majesty.
Thus, Yan Song immediately shared his thoughts.
Yuan Tiangang was secretly delighted, as this was precisely his intention.
After a brief moment of contemplation, feigning deep thought, he then bowed and said, As a commoner, I too have the desire to serve His Majesty. So I will trouble Master Yan to speak favorably of me to His Majesty!
Sir Yuan, you are too modest, that is no trouble at all! Yan Song laughed heartily.
On the second day, the two of them set out together, preparing to visit the imperial palace to meet with His Majesty.
Yan Song had also invited another person to join them in their audience with the Emperor.
The man had a square face, sharp eyes, a calm complexion, broad shoulders, and a thick waist. He walked with his head held high and a stride that conveyed the air of a high-ranking general.
Yuan Tiangang glanced at the mans facial features and smiled, saying, You have the talent of a commander; surely you will be heavily relied upon by His Majesty!
Then I shall count on your auspicious words! speaking in a deep voice, the other man replied with a clasped-hand salute.
Half an hour later, the three of them entered the palace, and not long after, they arrived at the rear garden where Lin Beifan was accompanying his beloved consort in enjoying the scenery.
Yuan Tiangang saw Lin Beifan from a distance and couldnt help but be greatly surprised.
Indeed, he was a true dragon! And not just any ordinary true dragon!
Such a thick imperial aura; truly, if he does not soar to the heavens, then all is still, but once he takes flight, he will surely shake the world!
Ive really come to the right place, haha!
At this moment, the three of them had already approached Lin Beifan.
Greetings, Your Majesty, long live the Emperor!
Lin Beifan smiled and asked, Minister Yan, youve arrived. And these two are?
Your Majesty, I have bowed and searched for talents to serve the Great Xia as you commanded. These two individuals are the great talents I have found from among the common folk! Yan Song said with a slight bow and his head lowered.
Excellent! Lin Beifan said joyfully, his gaze first turning to the man with the square face.
The man remained composed, bowed deeply, and said loudly, Your humble subject Wu Sangui greets Your Majesty!
(TLN: Wu Sangui: played a key role in the fall of the Ming dynasty and the founding of the Qing dynasty in China. In Chinese folklore, Wu Sangui is regarded as a disreputable Han Chinese traitor.)
Lin Beifans eyebrows raised slightly, and he cast a subtle glance at Yan Song. This man really knew how to pick them, introducing another treacherous official to me.
However, as long as he is talented and can be of use to me, why do I care if he is treacherous or not?
So your name is Wu Sangui. What skills do you possess? Tell me in detail! Lin Beifan said with a smile.
Your Majesty, I have been well-versed in military texts and tactics since childhood, and I am most skilled in commanding troops and engaging in battle! Moreover, I have practiced martial arts from a young age, and now my strength has reached the pinnacle of first-rate level! the man said with a bow.
You claim to be skilled in commanding troops and engaging in battle, so let me test you!
Lin Beifan cleared his throat and, after taking a sip of tea, immediately set about testing him with several questions.
After a few questions, Lin Beifan was certain that the man was indeed skilled in commanding troops and was also a talent fit for a general or marshal.
He was not much different from the historical figure Wu Sangui.
The only question was whether he would, like in history, betray the nation by opening its gates to the enemy.
Meanwhile, Wu Sangui was also extremely astonished.
He had not anticipated that the emperor before him was also a master of military strategy, so well-versed in the art of war. Only someone who had studied military tactics could ask such tricky questions.
Thus, he regarded Lin Beifan with an added measure of respect.
Your scholarship has already impressed me!
Lin Beifan said with a beaming smile: Our Great Xia has just completed recruiting troops, yet we lack talented generals. Your arrival is timely! Therefore, I plan to have you first serve as a teacher at the military academy, assisting Cao Cao with the training work! After this task is completed, I will reward you based on your performance!
He was aware of the Great Xia Military Academy; it was an institution personally established by the emperor, renowned as the cradle of generals.
Currently without position or title, going there seemed quite appropriate. It would allow him to make many contacts with the generals of Great Xia, which would be extremely beneficial for his future development!
Thank you, Your Majesty! Wu Sangui said loudly.
After getting what he wanted, Wu Sangui stepped back and stood respectfully to the side.
Lin Beifans gaze moved to the second person: And this is
This humble servant Yuan Tiangang at your service, Your Majesty!
Lin Beifan was somewhat surprised, another familiar figure. (TLN: Tang dynasy fortune teller. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tui_bei_tu)
Moreover, this one was a bit different.
According to history, this man was skilled in divination and fortune-telling, as well as in astronomy and geography, with uncanny accuracy.
He had even once read the fortune of a young Wu Zetian, telling her she was destined to rule the world, a prediction that was eventually proven true.
***
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