You get Lu Bu as your starting character.

Chapter 333 The Great General of Tianbao? Yuwen Chengdu
royal palace.

After inspecting the young ladies, Zhou Chen returned to the Hall of Mental Cultivation.

After Zhou Chen left, Du Ruhui selected nine women for the imperial concubine selection based on the list given by Cao Zhengchun.

Du Ruhui led the nine young women to the inner palace and arranged accommodations for them.

Having done all this, Du Ruhui turned and left.

As a subject, Du Ruhui, the Minister of Rites, was not suited to stay in the inner palace for long.

Now that Her Majesty has made her selection of the nine ladies-in-waiting, the remaining matters are no longer the concern of Du Ruhui, the Minister of Rites. The people of the inner palace will take care of everything for these nine ladies-in-waiting.

After Du Ruhui left, the nine young women exchanged glances, a hint of wariness surfacing in their eyes.

During the imperial court's selection of concubines, hundreds of thousands of women from all over the country participated...

But in the end, only nine of them stood in this harem.

These nine women who emerged victorious from the crowd were all exceptionally beautiful.

However, the nine young women understood that being chosen by the emperor and entering the deep palace was not the end for them.

Within the deep palace walls.

Each of them had only one goal.

That is to please the emperor.

They did everything in their power to gain the emperor's favor and affection.

There are no concubines in the imperial harem who are indifferent to worldly affairs.

If you don't fight for it, you might disappear without a trace one day...

Within the palace walls, human relationships are as cold as paper; anyone would pay any price to climb onto the emperor's bed.

The nine young women observed each other.

They knew perfectly well that in order to please the emperor, they would inevitably engage in open and covert struggles, even to the point of life and death.

It can be said that from the moment they were selected, they all regarded each other as rivals.

Just as the nine young ladies were filled with mixed emotions...

A stern-faced court lady entered and instructed the young women on the rules of the harem and how to dress...

The nine young women listened attentively.

Because they knew that what the female official was saying now would be the foundation for their future peace of mind and livelihood within these palace walls.

……

The Hall of Nourishing Heart.

Zhou Chen sat upright on the dragon throne, reviewing all the information about the nine selected women.

Don't assume that it's enough for a woman to pass the investigation by the Ministry of Rites before entering the palace.

We still have to get past the Eastern Depot.

As the emperor's ears and eyes, the Eastern Depot was responsible for the emperor's safety.

All nine women who entered the palace were thoroughly investigated by the Eastern Depot.

Even the ancestors of the nine selected women were thoroughly investigated by the Eastern Depot for three generations.

It's not that the Eastern Depot is making a mountain out of a molehill.

For the Eastern Depot, anything involving the emperor's safety was of utmost importance.

After all, these nine young ladies-in-waiting would serve the emperor after their marriage, making them the closest people to the emperor.

If the backgrounds of the nine candidates are not thoroughly investigated, and if any of them cause problems that are detrimental to the emperor, the consequences will be unbearable for anyone.

Zhou Chen flipped through the information of the nine candidates.

Their identities, family backgrounds, and ancestors for three generations are all readily apparent.

Even how the nine women participated in the selection process was recorded, and everything in the selection process was documented.

"These powerful officials still like to play these tricks."

Zhou Chen smiled and casually set aside the information of the nine candidates.

As early as yesterday, Zhou Chen had already basically grasped the backgrounds of these young women.

Otherwise, Zhou Chen wouldn't have been able to prepare the list of candidates for the imperial concubine selection in advance.

The selection of these nine women was, frankly speaking, essentially a political compromise.

Even though Zhou Chen was the emperor, sometimes he had to make concessions in such matters.

Just like the women from the Zhang family, the imperial uncle's family, and the women from the Langya Wang family, Zhou Chen chose them all.

This served to appease the powerful families and reassure the Empress Dowager Cining Palace.

After putting down the information of the nine candidates, Zhou Chen immersed himself in the sign-in system.

It has been more than a month since the last check-in.

Zhou Chen hasn't signed in yet this month.

I wonder which outstanding person will be the next one to sign in this month.

"Sign in."

Zhou Chen murmured to himself.

【Ding……】

[Check-in successful.]

[Congratulations, host, for gaining the loyalty of the character Yuwen Chengdu.]

Yuwen Chengdu?

General Tianbao?
Zhou Chen's spirits lifted, and a smile spread across his face.

Speaking of Yuwen Chengdu, he firmly holds the second-highest position among the Thirteen Heroes of the Sui and Tang Dynasties.

Apart from the invincible Li Yuanba, among all the heroes and great men of the Sui and Tang dynasties, no one could surpass this Tianbao General.

When Emperor Yang of Sui was on his southern tour, he was ambushed by rebel forces. Even though this General Tianbao was seriously injured, he fought against Xiong Kuohai, Wu Yunzhao and Wu Tianxi with his wounded body. He fought against three opponents and was undefeated, with no clear winner.

It should be noted that Xiong Kuohai, Wu Yunzhao, and Wu Tianxi are all among the strongest of the Thirteen Heroes.

Furthermore, all three of them ranked very high.

Among them, Xiong Kuohai firmly holds the fourth position among the Thirteen Heroes.

Yuwen Chengdu was able to fight three people despite being severely injured, and the battle ended in a draw.

This demonstrates just how formidable Yuwen Chengdu's strength was.

However, what is most admirable about Yuwen Chengdu is not his martial prowess, but his loyalty and bravery.

The whole world regarded Emperor Yang of Sui as a tyrant and wanted him killed as soon as possible, but only General Yuwen Chengdu of the Tianbao era always tried his best to protect Emperor Yang of Sui.

Unfortunately, Yuwen Chengdu, this great general of the Tianbao era, ultimately could not withstand the heroes of the world.

Zhou Chen never expected that the outstanding person who signed in this time would be this General Tianbao.

"Your humble servant Yuwen Chengdu pays his respects to Your Majesty."

A man who was ten feet tall, with a waist ten spans wide, a golden face, a long beard, tiger-like eyes, and thick eyebrows appeared in front of Zhou Chen.

He wore a golden helmet with two phoenixes on his head, a golden chainmail armor, and held a golden halberd with phoenix wings. He was extraordinary and exuded a remarkable heroic aura.

As Yuwen Chengdu bowed to Zhou Chen, his imposing aura instantly vanished.

Zhou Chen looked at Yuwen Chengdu.

Yuwen Chengdu's information instantly appeared in Zhou Chen's field of vision.

[Character: Yuwen Chengdu]

[Cultivation level: Peak of Yin and Yang.]

[Weapon: Phoenix-winged gilded halberd.]

[Evaluation: The most powerful and invincible warrior under heaven, the Thunderous Universal Venerable of the Upper Realm descended to the mortal world, bearing the destiny of a dragon for three years.]

……

Yin-Yang Peak?

Zhou Chen looked somewhat shocked.

After reading the history of the barbaric world, Zhou Chen already knew about the various realms of martial arts cultivation.

The realms from the ninth rank to the first rank are collectively referred to as the mortal realm in the Wilderness Realm, signifying the mundane martial arts path, which still belong to the category of ordinary people, those with mortal eyes.

Only by breaking through the barrier between heaven and man and achieving the body of a celestial being can one be considered to have stepped into the gate of cultivation, shed the mortal realm, walk on the air, and transcend the mundane martial arts.

Above the celestial beings lies the Realm of Life-Seizing, where one contends with the heavens for their own destiny.

Each time one fights against the heavens and earth for life, one's life level will transform upwards, until after nine life-snatching attempts, one attains Nirvana.

Reborn from the ashes, roaming freely between heaven and earth.

The realm of Yin and Yang is beyond Nirvana.

Seeing through the illusions of Yin and Yang, transcending life and death, and stepping into the cycle of reincarnation.

Leaving aside the realms of life and death and reincarnation, just considering the realm of Yin and Yang, the ability to see through Yin and Yang is already astonishing.

A powerful being at this level can easily shatter mountains and rivers with a wave of their hand, or single-handedly subdue an entire army.

Zhou Chen hadn't expected that Yuwen Chengdu's strength was actually at the Yin-Yang Realm, where he could see through Yin and Yang.

Moreover, he was at the peak of Yin and Yang, just one step away from entering the realm of life and death.

Yuwen Chengdu's strength is currently the strongest among all the outstanding talents under Zhou Chen's command.

Even Lu Bu, the man among men and the horse among horses, is currently no match for Yuwen Chengdu.

"No need for formalities." Zhou Chen looked at Yuwen Chengdu and nodded in satisfaction.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Yuwen Chengdu stood up.

Zhou Chen looked at Yuwen Chengdu and said, "Yuwen Chengdu, the Imperial Guards in the palace are currently lacking a commander. Why don't you take on the role of commander for now?"

The Imperial Guards within the palace have always been controlled by three commanders who check and balance each other.

The purpose was to prevent the concentration of power of the Imperial Guard in the hands of one person.

No matter how loyal someone is, for those in power, the key is to maintain a balance of power and checks and balances; they will not place power in the hands of any one person.

This has nothing to do with loyalty.

Zhou Chen was no exception.

Two of the three commanders of the Imperial Guards had been removed, leaving only Jin He.

Later, Zhou Chen signed in and recruited Dian Wei, making him the commander of the Imperial Guards.

Now, the Imperial Guards are still lacking a commander, and Zhou Chen is happy to have Yuwen Chengdu, the Tianbao General, take up the post.

Moreover, the palace's defenses were too weak.

Especially in terms of strong individuals, there is only one Dian Wei and one Cao Zhengchun.

For a royal palace, two powerful individuals are a pitifully small number.

Therefore, Zhou Chen appointed Yuwen Chengdu as the commander of the Imperial Guards, which can be seen as supplementing the palace's defensive capabilities.

"The general will obey the order."

Yuwen Chengdu bowed and accepted the imperial decree.

Afterwards, Zhou Chen had someone take Yuwen Chengdu away.

After Yuwen Chengdu left, Zhou Chen smiled faintly, in a very good mood.

Zhou Chen never expected that he would actually sign in with Yuwen Chengdu this time.

Previously, Zhou Chen was somewhat worried about the various situations that Da Zhou might face next.

Now that the sign-in revealed General Yuwen Chengdu, the Great General of the Heavenly Treasure, the Great Zhou has gained another trump card.

However, the person who checked in last time was Cao Youxiang, a top talent.

This time it's Yuwen Chengdu again.

Both times they checked in, they were top-notch individuals.

Has the probability of signing in to top talents increased since the system was upgraded?
Zhou Chen thought to himself.

……

The Ministry of Justice, Minister's Office.

Wang Yangming, the Minister of Justice, sat in the main seat.

Four or five officials from the imperial court were seated below.

One of the officials looked at Wang Yangming, who was seated in the main seat, and said, "Lord Wang, His Majesty's selection of concubines has ended. His Majesty has chosen nine women, most of whom are from our aristocratic families."

"Yes! Besides Lord Wang's niece, there are four other of us who have been selected to enter the palace."

"Lord Wang, do you think we should make some arrangements for them in the palace, secretly helping them so that they can serve His Majesty as soon as possible?"

The other officials spoke, all looking expectantly at Wang Yangming in the main seat.

Even they hadn't expected that five of the nine women chosen by His Majesty belonged to their aristocratic families.

This is definitely good news for their family.

As long as these five young ladies can establish themselves in the palace, their noble families will have hope.

If any of these five young ladies were to be the first to give birth to a royal heir, it would be even more advantageous for their noble family.

The status of the eldest son of the emperor is extremely prestigious.

"Are you looking to die?"

Wang Yangming calmly surveyed the group.

Upon hearing this, the group of people were all taken aback.

They didn't quite understand what Wang Yangming meant.

How is it considered courting death for them to secretly help those five young ladies?

"Do you think His Majesty is deaf or blind?"

“Since ancient times, all matters of the palace have been taboo.”

“It is especially taboo for foreign officials to extend their influence into the palace.”

"You actually dare to try to bribe the palace? If you want to die, don't drag me down with you."

Wang Yangming's words caused the faces of the officials present to change, and they all came to their senses.

A bead of cold sweat appeared on their foreheads.

If Wang Yangming hadn't rebuked them, they would have truly forgotten this point.

indeed.

Since ancient times, matters of the imperial court have been taboo.

In particular, it is a grave taboo for foreign officials to try to extend their influence into the palace.

In the past, it wasn't a big problem for their family to operate in secret like this.

This has always been how their family has always done things.

But things are different now than before.

His Majesty now is not like the emperors of the past; he cannot tolerate any injustice.

If they dare to make such a move, they are absolutely courting death.

Perhaps, the entire family will be wiped out.

Wang Yangming glanced at the expressions on their faces and then slowly said, "Don't say such things anymore. We've done what we can. The rest is up to them."

"If they don't even have this much skill, then it's questionable whether they can even survive in the palace, let alone gain a foothold there."

Wang Yangming reminded the group.

Some things can be said, and some things can be done.

But there are some things that cannot be said, and some things that cannot be done.

You have to find the right balance and clearly see the boundaries.

otherwise.

That would be a disaster.

Upon hearing Wang Yangming's words, they all nodded solemnly; "Lord Wang is right, we were rash."

Several people said this sincerely.

Fortunately, this was the residence of the Minister of Justice, which was heavily guarded.

Otherwise, if their words were to get out, they would be in big trouble.

If things go wrong, they might all have to go to the Eastern Depot's prison.

"Lord Wang, I heard that among the nine women chosen by His Majesty, one of them is from the Zhang family, the Imperial Brother-in-law?"

After calming themselves down, one of the officials looked at Wang Yangming, who was seated in the main seat, and asked him a question.

Wang Yangming nodded; "Yes, among the nine selected ladies, one is from the Zhang family, the family of the emperor's brother-in-law. This is probably related to the Empress Dowager in Cining Palace."

"If nothing unexpected happens, the first among the nine candidates to win the top spot should be this candidate from the Zhang family, the brother-in-law of the emperor."

Wang Yangming guessed.

With the Empress Dowager in Cining Palace present, this young lady from the Zhang family, the emperor's brother-in-law, had a significant advantage.

Even His Majesty in the Hall of Mental Cultivation had to consider the Empress Dowager's feelings.

Several officials frowned slightly upon hearing Wang Yangming's words, knowing that he was right.

The Empress Dowager in Cining Palace was a special person.

She could be considered the mistress of the harem.

With the Empress Dowager's protection, the young ladies from the Zhang family, the brothers-in-law of the emperor, indeed had a great advantage.

Perhaps, this young lady from the Zhang family, the emperor's brother-in-law, is very likely to stand out first and rise to the position of Imperial Concubine.

Even a backcourt position is not out of the question.

Of course, this is just their speculation.

The power struggles within the imperial harem are fraught with intrigue and unpredictability.

No one dares to claim victory until the very last moment.

Just like the Empress Dowager in Cining Palace, she was a palace maid by Consort Zhen's side when she was young.

Who would have thought that this palace maid who served Consort Zhen would eventually rise to become the highest-ranking person in the harem?

He can be considered a winner in life.

"It seems I'll have to keep in touch with that brother-in-law of the emperor more often from now on."

The officials were all secretly pondering this.

……

(End of this chapter)