At the tender age of eight, he was hastily dragged out and made emperor!

Another day.

Imperial Garden Training Ground.

"Da da~"

"stop!"

"follow up!"

The two cavalry teams charged into battle, and a dark figure darted back and forth between the riders and horses. Some of the noble sons on horseback seemed to have found an outlet for their frustrations and performed with even greater ferocity than before.

"it is good!!"

"Ha ha!!"

As the polo ball darted back and forth, Sun Ben smashed it into the net with a single shot, and shouts and cheers immediately erupted. The sons of noble families in his team were all beaming with smiles.

On the other hand, many sons of nobles in Zongzhi and Changfeng's cavalry gritted their teeth, especially those with injuries on their faces, whose anger was even more obvious.

'It seems that some of these nobles in Beijing are only superficially supporting Li Bin, but actually have other ideas.' Chu Ling, sitting on his throne, couldn't help but feel a sense of感慨 (gan3kai3, a complex emotion encompassing both admiration and regret) upon seeing the scene before him.

The noble sons currently on the training ground are all willing to vouch for Li Bin. To understand what they have experienced after leaving the palace and returning home, a special occasion is needed to guide them.

Therefore, playing polo is undoubtedly the most suitable option.

In such intense competition, everyone has a time to vent their emotions. Even the most precocious and shrewd young man will inevitably reveal some of his true feelings.

This is not.

Sun Ben, who is usually composed and serious, showed some emotion during the competition just now. Although he quickly concealed it, Chu Ling saw it clearly.

'This is quite interesting.'

Staring at the crowd before him, Chu Ling recalled the events of this morning, a slight smile playing on his lips. 'This is the only time since his ascension to the throne that he hasn't held a morning audience. It seems the three empresses have different attitudes regarding Li Jin's rebellion. Li Zhong's Plum Blossom Guards truly have some promising talents.'

"Li Bin?!"

A gasp rang out, and Chu Ling composed himself, looking in the direction of the sound of the chains. He saw Li Bin, who was wearing his original robes, with his feet bound by long iron chains under the guard of several eunuchs. His once spirited demeanor was gone, replaced by a cold expression.

Bound by Tieling, every step Li Bin took was difficult.

As some sons of noble families rushed toward Li Bin, Li Bin stopped, a complex expression appearing on his usually indifferent face.

More and more sons of noble families flocked to Li Bin.

Without exception, they all vouched for Li Bin.

Li Bin's return to duty as a member of the Imperial Guard surprised them. In fact, many people did not expect that the Emperor would actually bring Li Bin back.

But when they saw the iron chains binding Li Bin's feet, they were horrified!

Some people ran to see Li Bin, while others stood still.

Chu Ling saw the expressions of the noble sons gathered outside the training ground: some were indifferent, some hesitated, and some remained calm.

Once a person makes a choice, regardless of their motivation, they must pay the price for it.

Compared to those who are indifferent and calm, what Chu Ling dislikes most is actually those who hesitate. In Chu Ling's view, this is a typical case of not having a firm stance.

When faced with crucial decisions, their hesitation and indecisiveness can cause significant changes in the situation. Therefore, in Chu Ling's mind, these people are no longer considered members of the Imperial Guard.

The Imperial Guards were the emperor's trusted confidants.

Perhaps during the Zhengtong era, this guard was not truly under the emperor's command, but in Chu Ling's eyes, it was one of his future reliance.

What Chu Ling needs to do now is to make a selection.

Who are the people worth winning over?

Who are the people worth cultivating?

This is something Chu Ling has been doing secretly.

"Your Majesty~"

Li Zhong's voice brought Chu Ling back to her senses. Following Li Zhong's gaze, she saw that the eunuch guarding Li Bin was not allowing the noble sons to come forward.

Chu Ling frowned slightly.

Tell them to get lost!

Chu Ling's voice rang out.

"Here."

Li Zhong responded and then quickly walked forward.

Chu Ling frowned as she watched Li Zhong's retreating figure.

Having finally found an opportunity to sow seeds among the guards, how could Chu Ling allow some people to ruin such an opportunity?

Compared to directly recruiting civil and military officials from the court, recruiting the sons of nobles from among the meritorious guards is much easier in Chu Ling's view. This is because these sons of nobles are young and have not yet been corrupted by the world's filth. Simply put, Chu Ling only needs to pay a very small price to win the hearts of some people from among them.

For example, recognition.

For example, praising.

For example, trust.

These privileged children, born with silver spoons in their mouths, do not pursue wealth and status, nor power and position, for their ancestors and fathers have already earned these for them.

But people have to pursue something in life, otherwise life would be too boring.

Chu Ling had been through this age group himself, so how could he not know what these young men were thinking?

"Your Majesty, I, a subject of this crime, pay my respects!"

Surrounded by Sun Ben, Zong Zhi, Chang Feng, Dong Heng, and others, Li Bin, who was bound by iron chains, raised his hand and bowed to Chu Ling.

However, Li Bin's hand visibly trembled slightly as he said this.

For such a proud person as him, experiencing something like this is worse than death!

Li Bin couldn't understand it.

"Criminal subject?"

Chu Ling smiled, stepped down from the throne, and walked towards Li Bin. "Those who can serve in the Imperial Guard are all descendants of meritorious officials of our Great Yu. You say you are a traitor? What? Do you already admit in your heart that your grandfather really betrayed Great Yu?"

"No!!!"

Li Bin roared.

This made many sons of noble families nervous.

They were afraid that Li Bin would act recklessly.

The group of people in front of the emperor, especially the eunuchs, were all watching Li Bin warily. If Li Bin dared to make any unusual move, they would capture him immediately, or even kill him!

"Then raise your head and look at me!!"

Chu Ling said calmly.

Li Bin slowly raised his head, his eyes slightly red, with tears welling up in the corners, but his face revealed a stubborn expression.

He doesn't agree!

He was dissatisfied!

This was the only thing he could do.

"When Heaven is about to place a great responsibility on a person, it will first test his mind, strain his muscles and bones, starve his body, leave him destitute, and thwart his actions, so as to strengthen his resolve and increase his abilities."

Chu Ling stood with his hands behind his back, sizing up Li Bin. After a moment of silence, he said something that changed Li Bin's expression, while Sun Ben, Zong Zhi, and the others all showed different expressions.

Your Majesty is truly wise!

Li Zhong, who was serving nearby, was startled when he heard these words. Although it was the first time he had heard them, he understood the meaning behind them perfectly.

“Since some things are beyond your control, then choose to accept them.” Under these circumstances, Chu Ling stepped forward, looked up at Li Bin, and said, “A mere set of chains, is that all it takes to break you? I know you feel wronged, but what good will feeling wronged do right now?”

Chu Ling's words made Li Bin lose his composure.