Liver into a martial arts legend: starting with Embroidered Spring Blade

Chapter 175 Yu Huatian's Confidence, Jiang Xuan Returns to the Capital!
Half a month later, in the capital.

A single decree from Zhu Youjian stirred up a storm.

The civil and military officials went around discussing and trying to find a way to persuade Zhu Youjian to give up the idea of ​​restarting the Western Depot, as they did not want to see the eunuch group grow too powerful.

However, Zhu Youjian did not attend court for several days, only summoning cabinet ministers to discuss political affairs, leaving these people with no opportunity to offer advice.

Even when faced with the advice of cabinet ministers, Zhu Youjian remained vehement and resolute, determined to reinstate the Western Depot, cultivate his own confidants, and control the Eastern Depot, the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and all the officials in the court.

The power of the Western Depot was so great that it inspired fear in people.

In recent days, Yu Huatian first gathered a group of core personnel within the palace to form the core framework of the Western Depot.

In just a few days, he promoted Ma Jinliang, Tan Luzi, and Ji Xueyong, the top eunuchs, and personally trained a group of loyal eunuchs. The organizational structure was basically similar to that of the Eastern Depot, and the number of guards under his command was also greater than that of the Eastern Depot.

But so far, the Western Depot has not transferred a single person from the Embroidered Uniform Guard.

Outside Xizhimen, in the spacious Xichang government office, Yu Huatian, dressed in a silver-white python robe, sat behind a desk. He had a delicate and elegant appearance and an extraordinary demeanor. He was organizing the internal files of the Xichang.

Beside him stood Ma Jinliang, the head of the Western Depot, a tall and imposing figure in a light blue official robe. He had icy white eyes, a bronze beast mask, and a cold expression. He said solemnly, "Reporting to the Chief Supervisor, the Embroidered Uniform Guard has not responded yet. They keep delaying us by saying they are too busy with government affairs and refuse to let us mobilize our manpower."

Yu Huatian was not surprised. Without even looking up, he said calmly, "They are waiting for Jiang Xuan to return. Have they found out where Jiang Xuan went?"

Ma Jinliang shook his head: "We don't have enough manpower, and the intelligence networks of the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard refuse to provide us with information. We haven't found anything yet."

Yu Huatian chuckled and said, "They're all waiting to see us make a fool of ourselves. The Emperor appointed me to lead the Western Depot and control the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard, and this is how they resist? Do they think they can leave me without anyone to rely on? What a joke!"

A cold glint flashed in Ma Jinliang's eyes as he said, "Chief Supervisor, why don't we report this to the Emperor? If they dare to defy the imperial decree, then let the Emperor deal with them!"

Yu Huatian waved his hand and said, "They didn't say they wouldn't hand over the person; they were just using the excuse of official business to delay. Even if this matter goes up to the Emperor, they probably won't be severely punished."

"Moreover, the Emperor has already stood up for us and paved the way. If we can't even handle this small matter, how can the Emperor trust our Western Depot?"

"If we were to actually ask the Emperor for help at this point, that would be a very poor move. It would give them a hard time, and how would we be able to intimidate others in the future?"

Ma Jinliang frowned: "But if they keep dragging their feet on handing over the person, our work will be delayed. What should we do then?"

"Not urgent."

Yu Huatian said calmly, "The Emperor has given me six months. As long as we can achieve something within these six months and show the Emperor the capabilities of our Western Depot, the Western Depot can survive. It has only been half a month, so there is no need to rush."

"Moreover, the commanders of the five core units of the Embroidered Uniform Guard are all Jiang Xuan's trusted confidants, and they are all unruly. Putting pressure on them at this time will only bring shame upon ourselves and will not achieve any effect."

"The real core of this matter lies with Jiang Xuan."

"When he returns, I will personally go and talk to him. Once we deal with him, all the problems will be solved."

When the legendary commander of the Embroidered Uniform Guard was mentioned, a hint of fear appeared in Ma Jinliang's eyes. He said, "But this man was also a young and arrogant fellow, and his martial arts skills were extremely high. He once personally helped the emperor ascend the throne and single-handedly wiped out the eunuch party led by Wei Zhongxian."

Outside Yongzhou City, the White Lotus Rebellion was quelled, the leader of the Sun Moon Divine Cult, Dongfang Bubai, and the Five Poisons Child, the master of the Blissful Cave, were killed, and the Miao people's forces were appeased.
Outside Tang County, he defied a Grandmaster at the Grandmaster level and killed the Great Joyful Female Bodhisattva, making him famous throughout the martial arts world;
Last winter, he secretly went to Baoding again, cracked the "Plum Blossom Bandit" case, and suppressed the Shaolin Temple in Baoding;
Three months ago, at the Five Mountains Sword Sects Merging Conference, he killed Zuo Lengchan, the leader of the Songshan Sect, in front of all the martial arts sects, thus intimidating all the sects and gaining great prestige in the martial arts world.

Given this man's domineering nature, he probably won't easily give in and sit idly by while the Western Depot is established. The Supervisor still needs to be careful.

Listening to Ma Jinliang recount Jiang Xuan's legendary deeds, Yu Huatian couldn't help but show a hint of emotion on his face. He nodded and said, "Yes, in just two or three years, he climbed from a lowly Jinyiwei (Imperial Guard) to such a position and accomplished so many legendary feats. Even if it were anyone else, they absolutely could not have done it."

"Even I have to take such a person seriously and avoid his sharp edge... However, he is not without weaknesses."

Yu Huatian changed the subject, smiled faintly, and said, "If such a person were in the martial arts world, even I wouldn't dare to provoke him easily, but he happens to be in the imperial court, which is his biggest weakness."

"What does the Supervisor mean?" Ma Jinliang asked, puzzled.

Yu Huatian said calmly, "The imperial court is the biggest circle of rules in the world. As long as he is in this circle, he has to abide by the rules of this circle. Unless he can jump out of this circle, or become like Wei Zhongxian back then, who held power over the court and became the one who made the rules, he would never dare to disobey the imperial decree."

“He was a smart man. He knew that whether it was the Eastern Depot, the Western Depot, or the Embroidered Uniform Guard, our power came from the Emperor. Whoever was favored by the Emperor held great power.”

“Previously, he was the emperor’s most favored minister, but now the emperor has begun to doubt him and has turned to the Western Depot. So, in front of me, even if he is a dragon, he has to coil up; even if he is a tiger, he has to lie down.”

"Otherwise, the Emperor would be the first to not tolerate him. Without this status, death would be the only thing waiting for him."

Yu Huatian narrated in a gentle and calm tone, yet with great confidence.

Although it was only his first time in power, he believed that as long as he could grasp the overall situation and understand the rules of officialdom, revitalizing the West Depot would be a very simple matter.

The emperor's favor was his greatest source of confidence.

Ma Jinliang nodded, but still had some worries: "But this person's martial arts are extremely high. The Grand Supervisor still needs to be on guard to prevent him from resorting to desperate measures."

Yu Huatian hummed in agreement and said calmly, "He is, after all, my 'senior,' and I will naturally give him the respect he deserves. It just depends on whether he knows what's good for him. If he doesn't want to be dignified, I will find a way to make him dignified."

“If he doesn’t back down, I can use him as a warning to others and a stepping stone for our Western Depot to establish its authority; if he does back down and loses this first step, I can slowly erode his position and gradually take control of the Embroidered Uniform Guard.”

"No matter what move he makes, he has already lost."

Ma Jinliang immediately understood and bowed respectfully, saying, "Your Excellency is wise; I admire you!"

Tread...  

Just then, Tan Luzi, the second-in-command of the West Depot, strode in hurriedly and bowed, saying, "Reporting to the Chief Supervisor, Jiang Xuan has returned!"

Yu Huatian paused, then asked, "Where are we?"

"They've already entered the city, and all the commanders of the Embroidered Uniform Guard have gone to greet them. In addition... Pei Lun of the Northern Garrison and Cao Zhengchun of the Eastern Depot have also led their men to the Commander's Office," Tan Luzi said in a deep voice.

"It seems everyone is already impatient."

Yu Huatian's eyes flickered, and he stood up, saying, "Let's go, it's time to meet this 'senior'."

……

On this day, a low-profile carriage entered the capital, attracting the attention of various forces.

The commanders of the five core units of the Embroidered Uniform Guard were already waiting at the city gate. As soon as they saw Jiang Xuan enter the city, they immediately stepped forward and saluted: "Greetings, Commander!"

Jiang Xuan lifted the carriage curtain, glanced at the massive procession ahead, and, unsurprised, instructed Qiu and Yang, who were driving the carriage, "You two go home first."

The two women were ostensibly his household stewards, so Jiang Xuan wasn't worried about being seen. He changed into the carriage prepared by Xu Longqing and the others. Seeing the excitement on everyone's faces, he naturally understood their concerns, but he didn't say much. He waved his hand and said, "Let's talk about it when we get back." He returned to the yamen.

As expected, Cao Zhengchun and Pei Lun were already waiting here. Zhu Youjian's reopening of the Western Depot would also harm their interests.

These days, the two of them are under immense pressure, waiting for Jiang Xuan to return and take charge of the overall situation.

"Master Jiang!"

"My dear brother, you're finally back!"

Seeing Jiang Xuan return, the two breathed a sigh of relief and quickly stepped forward to greet him.

"It seems you've all had a tough time these past few days?"

Jiang Xuan walked straight into the yamen, invited everyone to sit down, and, seeing the worry in their eyes, made a small joke.

"Oh my, Lord Jiang, how can you still laugh!"

Cao Zhengchun said anxiously, "I don't know what the Emperor is thinking. Having our Eastern Depot and Lord Jiang's Embroidered Uniform Guard is not enough. He has to create a Western Depot and put that young, greenhorn in charge of it. If he really climbs over our heads and shits on us, how are we supposed to live in the future!"

"Yes, my dear brother, these days, I don't know what's wrong with the Emperor. He's been acting arbitrarily and hasn't given me a kind look. I have to be careful every time I go to the palace to report on a case. I really can't live like this!"

Pei Lun also frowned deeply, his face extremely pale.

"What other reason could there be? As long as you haven't done anything wrong, then there must be a problem in the palace."

Jiang Xuan remained calm and looked at Cao Zhengchun, asking, "Eunuch Cao, which palace did Yu Huatian work for before?"

"Where else could he be? He used to serve Consort Wan of the West Palace. It was my choice that I personally picked him out because he was clever and handsome. But I never expected that, despite all the precautions, it's hard to guard against a traitor within the family. Now this little rascal has gained power. I'm so angry!"

Cao Zhengchun looked full of regret, his previous elegant and polite demeanor completely gone, and he was somewhat exasperated.

"Consort Wan..."

Jiang Xuan sighed, looking as if he had expected it, and said, "It seems that it is indeed easier to influence someone's husband by talking to them in bed."

"This vixen, I wonder what kind of magic she possesses that has captivated the Emperor so much!" Cao Zhengchun sighed, his resentment running deep.

He never expected that his careful and diligent efforts to share the emperor's burdens since taking office would ultimately lead to such a result.

"Commander, the Emperor has decreed that men be transferred from the Embroidered Uniform Guard to the Western Depot to expand its manpower. The Western Depot has been urging us several times, but we have been making excuses to delay, saying that we need to wait for your personal approval when you return. Now that you are back, the Western Depot must have received the news, and we have no reason to delay any longer. What should we do now?"

Luo Yangxing's expression turned serious, and he got back to the main topic.

Since Jiang Xuan left the capital, he has been acting as the commander. He can handle internal cases normally, but when it comes to matters concerning the Western Depot, he dares not make decisions easily. The pressure he faces is unimaginable to others.

"The imperial decree has been issued. There's no point in dragging it out any longer. Approve it. Give him as many people as he wants."

Jiang Xuan said calmly.

"what?!"

"Commander, you mustn't!"

Everyone's expression changed drastically; they hadn't expected Jiang Xuan to have this attitude.

“Commander, the power of the Western Depot far surpasses that of our Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot. The Emperor has even bestowed upon it the Imperial Sword, granting it the power to execute first and report later. This is clearly to allow the Western Depot to control our Embroidered Uniform Guard and the Eastern Depot. If we back down now, we will never be able to hold our heads high again!”

Xu Longqing anxiously offered his advice, explaining the pros and cons.

"Commander Xu is right, Lord Jiang. Do you really want that little bastard to climb on our heads and shit on us?" Cao Zhengchun was very puzzled. Given Jiang Xuan's personality, how could he compromise so easily?
Just as Jiang Xuan was about to speak, a series of hurried footsteps suddenly came from outside.

"Reporting to the Commander, Yu Huatian, the head of the Western Depot, has arrived with his men!" a captain reported.

The crowd immediately stirred.

"That dog's nose is really sharp, it arrived so quickly!" Xu Longqing sneered.

Jiang Xuan said calmly, "Let him in. We'll have to face him sooner or later, so it's good to see him now."

"Yes!" The captain quickly left.

Everyone fell silent and waited quietly.

Soon, footsteps sounded again, and Yu Huatian led Ma Jinliang in.

He actually only brought one person with him to visit... Everyone was a little surprised. Although they were enemies, they couldn't help but admire Yu Huatian's courage.

Yu Huatian walked in and saw so many people in the hall, all of whom were key figures from the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard. He was not intimidated at all. Instead, he smiled, cupped his hands, and spoke first, saying, "With so many officials here, the Embroidered Uniform Guard office is quite lively. I am here uninvited, so please don't take offense."

After saying that, he looked at Jiang Xuan, who was in the main seat, and greeted him with a smile: "I am Yu Huatian, the head of the West Depot. I greet Governor Jiang and congratulate Governor Jiang on his triumphant return to the capital."

Jiang Xuan's expression remained unchanged as he sized up the handsome eunuch-like head of the Western Depot. He said calmly, "This time, my departure from the capital was a secret mission. The matter was not announced. How does Lord Yu know that I am returning to the capital in triumph, rather than having failed in my mission?"

Yu Huatian laughed and said, "With Governor Jiang's wisdom and martial arts skills, he can handle any difficult task with ease."

"You do know how to talk."

Jiang Xuan waved his hand and said, "Someone, bring a seat."

Two captains immediately brought over a chair, and whether intentionally or unintentionally, they placed it at the very end, even in front of Xu Longqing and Lu Jianxing.

Upon seeing this, Ma Jinliang's eyes flashed with anger. The supervisor was, after all, the head of the Western Depot, personally appointed by the emperor, and had the Emperor's Sword in his hand. In terms of power and status, he was far above the Eastern Depot and the Embroidered Uniform Guard. How could he be insulted like this?

Upon seeing this, Yu Huatian frowned slightly. He had already given them enough face, yet he was still being treated like this.

If he continues to back down at this point, he can forget about holding onto his position as the head of the Western Depot for good.

He looked at Jiang Xuan and said indifferently, "Governor Jiang, is this how your Embroidered Uniform Guard treats its guests?"

(End of this chapter)