Chapter 1205

"…"

Imperial Study.

Wu Zhao, in a golden dragon robe, sat upright on the dragon throne.

Beside her, Shangguan Wan'er was reading the news.

"Your Majesty, ever since Lord Gao left the palace, he went straight to the residence of General Wang Lao and took the Tiger Guard Captain Wang Xiao under his command first!"

"And… a strange event has occurred in Changan."

Speaking of this, Shangguan Wan'er paused, her beautiful eyes looking at Wu Zhao.

Wu Zhao put down the memorial in her hand, feeling a bit curious.

"What happened?"

"The Han Lin scholar Chi Potian couldn't stand General Wang Lao's lack of integrity and gave him a lesson outside his residence."

"What?"

Wu Zhao was somewhat shocked upon hearing this.

Soon, Shangguan Wan'er recounted the matter.

Even the Empress Wu Zhao, after hearing the story, fell completely silent.

After a long while, Wu Zhao said, "This Chi Potian is a ruthless person!"

"Order the Western Depot to pay more attention to him."

Shangguan Wan'er looked shocked and asked, "Has Your Majesty developed a heart for cherishing talent?"

Wu Zhao said indifferently, "If this Chi Potian can withstand this blow, his inner resilience will be unpredictable."

"I can indeed make good use of him!"

Upon hearing this, Shangguan Wan'er nodded in total agreement.

If he could withstand this, face the criticism of Changan, and remain calm, he was indeed a character.

At this moment.

Xiao Yuan pushed open the palace door and walked in.

"Reporting to Your Majesty!"

"News has come from the Left Guard camp!"

Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow upon hearing the news. "Just selecting some personal guards, and Gao Yang can still stir up trouble?"

Xiao Yuan's expression was complex as she said directly.

"Lord Gao's eight hundred personal guards consist of four hundred armored soldiers who used to mine, and four hundred… Xiongnu!"

"Da Qian soldiers who mined?"

"Xiongnu?"

Shangguan Wan'er was a bit dazed upon hearing this.

"What is Gao Yang messing around with now?"

Wu Zhao's phoenix eyes narrowed, her slender fingers tapping slowly on the dragon desk.

"This Gao Yang is likely trying to use barbarians to control barbarians, but since ancient times, our Da Qian generals have used many Xiongnu, and the results haven't been good."

"Those not of our race must have different hearts!"

"Didn't General Lu remind Lord Gao?" Wu Zhao asked.

Xiao Yuan's expression was complex.

"Your Majesty, this time it seems different; not only are the Xiongnu excited, but other Da Qian soldiers have also surrounded Lord Gao in envy. Lord Gao's memorial should be arriving shortly."

"Oh?"

Wu Zhao seemed to suddenly think of something, her face darkening. "Did this guy promise these Xiongnu a lot?"

Xiao Yuan nodded. "Besides more money, Lord Gao also gives extra money for killing Xiongnu."

"And under Lord Gao, there will absolutely be no embezzlement of military merit. If they unfortunately die in battle, the pension is doubled, their children can attend school for free, and Lord Gao also promised to speak to Your Majesty so they can participate in the imperial examinations and change their own destiny."

Wu Zhao: "…"

Shangguan Wan'er: "…"

"With these conditions out, I finally understand why those Xiongnu are willing to risk their lives for Lord Gao."

On the side, Shangguan Wan'er's eyes flickered as she said, "Your Majesty, is this move too overstepping?"

Logically, she shouldn't say it, but for Gao Yang's sake, she had to test Wu Zhao's attitude in advance, though she couldn't be too obvious.

Wu Zhao's phoenix eyes were cold as she shook her head. "Has this guy done few things that were overstepping?"

"Forget it; if these Xiongnu can truly risk their lives for our Da Qian, then they are heroes of our Da Qian, and these conditions are not excessive."

"Moreover, in my eyes, this is not a bad thing; on the contrary, it's a good thing!"

Shangguan Wan'er felt strange and asked Wu Zhao, "A good thing?"

Wu Zhao said indifferently, "This commotion doesn't look like he's just trying to mix in for military merit; perhaps Gao Yang can bring me a different kind of surprise?"

"It's just that I can understand the Xiongnu, but why the Da Qian soldiers who mined?"

Wu Zhao frowned, feeling curious.

Xiao Yuan said, "I heard that today was just a preliminary selection; tomorrow at noon, Lord Gao will conduct harsh training on those selected, survival of the fittest!"

Wu Zhao raised an eyebrow. "Lord Gao also knows military strategy?"

She hesitated, then finally made a firm decision. "Tomorrow at noon, follow me to take a look."

Wang Residence.

Wang Zhong stepped forward with a smile on his face.

"Xiao'er, I just went out and heard some good news!"

Wang Xiao raised his head to look at Wang Zhong upon hearing this.

His face was ashen, and his whole world seemed to have turned dark.

"Father, what good news?"

"I heard that the brat Gao Yang went to the Left Guard camp and is recruiting Xiongnu!"

"The Xiongnu have always admired strength and look down on those who use schemes. It is said that after the Living Yama spoke, only a few responded, and the scene was extremely awkward."

Wang Xiao's eyes brightened slightly upon hearing this.

"And then?"

"The Living Yama was embarrassed? Couldn't get off the stage?"

Wang Zhong shook his head. "No, he pulled out a 'money power' move."

"Once the extra money and various conditions were out, not only were the Xiongnu excited, but our Da Qian soldiers were also excited, surrounding the Living Yama and wanting to join his command."

Wang Xiao widened his eyes upon hearing this.

He was stunned.

"Father, is this good news or bad news?"

"Is your son not miserable enough in your heart?"

Wang Zhong heard this.

He shook his head, hating that his son wasn't living up to expectations. "Xiao'er, you are simply foolish!"

"In full view of everyone, could that Living Yama really let you act alone? Could he really let you observe the Xiongnu charge at close range?"

"If that were true, would I let it go? On the contrary, since the Living Yama is playing such a big hand, it must be for military merit. If you follow him, although you might suffer a bit, the opportunities will be greater!"

"With military merit in hand, as you said, thirty years east of the river, thirty years west of the river; who fears whom then is really hard to say!"

Following Wang Zhong's words, Wang Xiao's eyes suddenly brightened.

He stroked his chin, having his own thoughts.

"…"