Chapter 1442: Untitled

After hearing Emperor Liu's instructions, Yang Ye fell into an uncharacteristic silence—a sign of deep thought, even tinged with hesitation. Such a state appearing in Yang Ye was a rare sight indeed.

In the past, whenever Emperor Liu gave an order, no matter how difficult the task, even if it meant braving a mountain of swords or a sea of fire, a path strewn with thorns, he would accept without the slightest hesitation, setting out with unwavering resolve.

Of course, it was the same now—his hesitation at this moment was merely because he harbored certain doubts about the military academy matter, or rather, he had not fully grasped Emperor Liu's intent.

Unable to thoroughly comprehend the Emperor's intentions, Yang Ye did not dare rashly take the whole burden upon himself. Yang Ye did not conceal his confusion, and seeing this, Emperor Liu adopted a gentle, soft-spoken manner and said, "There's no rush in this matter; it requires meticulous preparation. I'll give you half a year!"

Yang Ye nodded and, cupping his hands, said, "Your Majesty, I fear this task cannot be accomplished by me alone. For the sake of thoroughness and to not fail your trust, I hope to have a capable official dispatched to assist me!"

That was only natural—no matter how much Emperor Liu trusted Yang Ye, he could not let him preside over this matter alone. Hearing this, Emperor Liu replied without a moment's thought, "I've already found you a good helper—Han Hui!"

"Minister Han handles affairs with great competence; with his assistance, I can relax!" Yang Ye said with a light laugh. He naturally knew how highly Emperor Liu regarded him.

Emperor Liu instructed, "I will keep close watch on this matter. The two of you must work in close coordination and complete the preparations well. First, discuss matters such as the academic system, student recruitment, and instructors, then draft a memorial proposal. Any problems or ideas can be refined through further discussion later.

Let me offer a few points for your reference: the academy's instructors should encompass officers of all ranks and types from the various armies of the Great Han—all must be experienced and skilled at teaching. The teaching regulations and lesson plans can be made quite detailed, organized by subject and category..."

As Emperor Liu spoke, Yang Ye took notes, for these were all things that could effectively convey the imperial will. After a moment's deliberation, Yang Ye finally asked the question that puzzled him most: "Your Majesty, you mentioned earlier that the military examination selection targets officers and soldiers of the Han army, but the academy's recruitment is to be broader. Where should the candidates be drawn from?"

Yang Ye's question hit the nail on the head. Emperor Liu glanced at him and said softly, "Naturally, it should not be limited to the military. We should select those with ambition and talent from across the entire realm—regardless of background, regardless of rank, regardless of ethnicity!"

"Of course!" Pausing for a moment, Emperor Liu continued, "It's not without restrictions either. First, academy students must be under twenty-five years of age, from families of clean standing and good character, with no record of breaking the law. They must be physically healthy, and more importantly, they must be loyal to the Great Han and to the court, able to withstand the test of loyalty...

Think through the specific requirements yourselves. In short, the academy's gates should not open lightly—especially regarding the selection and admission of students, you must exercise great care. Additionally, upon graduation, military academy students will automatically qualify for the military examination!"

After hearing all of Emperor Liu's instructions, Yang Ye finally gained a clearer understanding, and a more distinct recognition and plan formed in his mind. He bowed and replied, "Your servant accepts the command!"

"Your Majesty, Prince Wei and the others have returned!" Yan Tuo, sharp-eyed, suddenly pointed into the distance to alert Emperor Liu.

For this leisurely hunting outing, besides Yang Ye, Emperor Liu had also brought Liu Min along, as well as the newly crowned military champion, Yang Yanlang. Emperor Liu's favor toward the Yang family was not only due to Yang Ye but also because he held great fondness for his sons as well.

Looking out, a line of riders emerged from the sparse shade of the trees, spurring their sturdy horses as they galloped toward them. Leading the group were Liu Min and Yang Yanlang. As they drew near, they dismounted early to avoid startling the Emperor, landing with exceptionally light and agile grace.

Seeing Liu Min and the others, a smile naturally spread across Emperor Liu's face. He turned to Yang Ye and said, "Seeing these young men so spirited and full of vitality only makes me feel my own advancing years! The future of the Great Han will have to be safeguarded by them!"

Yang Ye said, "They are young after all. The nation still needs Your Majesty's leadership to stride forward steadily and surely!"

"In the end, the future belongs to them!" Emperor Liu said.

"We pay our respects to Your Majesty!" Liu Min led the way, stepping forward to offer his salutations, his face full of heroic vigor, a hint of carefree delight showing through his handsome features.

The months since returning to the capital had clearly treated him well—Liu Min appeared to have grown considerably, his body having recovered from the harsh rigors of the cold, while a resolute temperament had settled within him. Before Emperor Liu, he conducted himself with ever greater composure and dignity.

"It seems you've had quite a good harvest!" Emperor Liu's gaze swept over the game hanging from their horses, his face full of warmth.

Liu Min waved behind him, and two guards carried forward a deer, laying it on the grass. An arrow was lodged in its neck, and fresh blood still seeped from the wound. Liu Min cupped his hands and said, "We hunted this deer—I offer it to Your Majesty!"

"I accept this gift of yours!" Emperor Liu said with a smile, then immediately instructed Yan Tuo, "Make preparations—we'll share this deer right here on the spot!"

In the open wilderness, cool breezes blew in gusts, grass blades drifting on the wind. Emperor Liu and his party sat on the ground, set up a fire, roasted meat over the flames, drank wine, and chatted.

Yang Ye personally took up the knife, skinning and butchering the deer, preparing the venison with practiced skill. Watching his movements, Emperor Liu remarked, "I never expected that even after rising to such a high position, your skill at roasting meat hasn't diminished in the slightest—you're still so adept! It's been years since I last tasted your cooking, and I can't help but salivate!"

Yang Ye flipped the roasting venison, now turning golden and crisp, his hands moving swiftly as he added seasonings and brushed on sesame oil. He replied, "Other things I can set aside, but this skill of preparing game—I dare not forget!"

Liu Min chimed in from the side, "I remember back at Golden Mountain, the most delicious thing I ever ate was the meat roasted personally by Lord Yang. It's just a pity we lacked seasonings then—even salt was scarce. Now, I can feast to my heart's content again!"

Emperor Liu glanced at Liu Min, his gaze carrying a measure of kindness. He noticed that since returning to the capital, this sixth son had become considerably more cheerful than before, and could speak more freely in his presence. This change brought Emperor Liu a sense of comfort.

"Yang Ye is a man of many talents—worth studying diligently by you young ones!" Emperor Liu said.

Liu Min nodded and said, "I hold Lord Yang in the greatest admiration!"

Hearing this exchange between father and son, Yang Ye naturally expressed his humility, and the atmosphere grew ever more harmonious with these few words.

Roasting by the fire, eating meat, drinking wine, and chatting—this was a pleasure that allowed Emperor Liu to relax. His gaze fell upon Yang Yanlang, who sat to one side, and he asked, "Yanlang, where has the Bureau of Military Affairs assigned you to serve?"

Compared to his father and elder brother, Yang Yanlang's features were not as rugged; his facial lines were softer, making him quite handsome, and he exuded a vigorous masculine energy.

Of course, facing Emperor Liu, he couldn't help but feel somewhat nervous. Upon being addressed, he instinctively moved to stand and answer, but Emperor Liu reached out a hand to stop him.

"To answer Your Majesty, your servant has been assigned to garrison Shanyang, serving as a cavalry commander under Imperial Son-in-law Li!" Yang Yanlang replied.

According to the plan put forward by the Bureau of Military Affairs and the Ministry of War, this batch of military jinshi were all assigned to various armies, both internal and external, for practical training. Those with existing military posts were promoted two to three grades; those without were sent out to the armies, starting at the rank of centurion. The remaining military officers who took the examination but did not pass as jinshi were also promoted according to their performance in the assessments.

With this arrangement settled, the Great Han's military examination had thoroughly become a promotion assessment for lower-ranking officers and soldiers—whether one passed as a jinshi or not, there were benefits to be gained.

"Shanyang—that's a fine place. The frontier is in turbulent times, which is precisely where you young men can put your abilities to use. Make sure you perform well—I'll be waiting to hear of your achievements and to grant you rewards!" Emperor Liu said.

"Yes! Your servant will surely remember Your Majesty's teachings!" Yang Yanlang said immediately.

The Imperial Son-in-law Li that Yang Yanlang referred to was naturally Li Jilong, who had married the eldest princess. Shortly after their wedding, he had been dispatched to Shanyang to lead troops, in line with Emperor Liu's intention to train and temper the young and talented.

In fact, even Princess Liu Jia had accompanied him north to reside in Yunzhong, so that the couple would not be separated by too great a distance. For this, Emperor Liu had even drawn a round of complaints from Consort Fu.