There are too many ruthless, domineering women who are considered "losers"!

"Are there women in this army?"

Lu Chang'an seemed to have remembered this person; he was the imperial guard who had been forced to kneel in the heavy snow that day.

Surprisingly, she actually survived that night.

But how did I become a common soldier now?

Could it be that he was dismissed?

Out of caution, he did not bring it up and instead chose to pretend he did not know the person.

Qin Huaiyi stepped forward and reported: "This general is quite familiar with this person. This woman is named Chen Zhihu, and her nickname in the army is Rouge Tiger. Your Majesty, please do not underestimate this woman."

Lu Chang'an raised an eyebrow and asked, "Oh? Where should I begin?"

Qin Huaiyi said earnestly, "The Chen family has been generals for generations. Their ancestors came from the Palace Guard. Unfortunately, there is no male heir in this generation. In order to inherit the family business, Chen Zhihu joined the army at a young age. She is also very capable. At a young age, she has already broken through the tenth level of the Grandmaster and become a Grandmaster."

"He was ruthless and infamous in the army; many men feared him like a tiger. If he hadn't offended the Empress Dowager, he wouldn't have ended up as a lowly soldier."

After hearing about Chen Zhihu's many deeds, Lu Chang'an also gained a lot of understanding of this extraordinary woman.

"Since she's a fierce warrior, then it's her!"

Lu Chang'an has always been someone who trusts those he employs and doesn't employ those he doesn't trust.

With such a prophetic ability, it would be difficult for him to misjudge people.

In fact, none of what Qin Huaiyi said was what he cared about.

What he valued most was that Chen Zhihu had offended the Empress Dowager.

The Empress Dowager dismissed her from her post and almost killed her.

This single point alone destined him to a tragic end, as he was aligned with the Empress Dowager's faction.

Only by entrusting such a person with important responsibilities can one feel at ease.

This includes Qin Huaiyi.

So many Tiger Guard soldiers deserted their posts to go out drinking and carousing, and then went home, but he alone guarded the gate of the stronghold diligently.

How can someone who works so diligently not be given an important position?

"Thank you, Your Majesty!"

Chen Zhihu clasped his hands in a military salute, stepped out from the ranks, walked with his hand on his sword, his posture upright and his back straight, exuding a heroic and awe-inspiring air.

However, this woman's appearance was exceptionally beautiful.

A pair of willow-leaf eyebrows, sharp and defined.

His eyes were firm and bright, clearly those of a veteran who had served in the military for over ten years.

Lu Chang'an clearly saw the expressions of many soldiers who wanted to look but dared not.

Judging from this, this woman's prestige in the army is higher than that of many captains.

If she were to take command of the Imperial Guard in the future, it would be a good choice.

Chen Zhihu returned to the place he had longed for, and couldn't help but feel emotional.

Just a few days later, he was demoted from an officer to a regular soldier.

He rose from an ordinary soldier to become a deputy commander.

The world is full of such unevenness.

She knew that although the positions were the same, their future prospects were completely different.

I used to fight in the military and didn't know what a superior was.

One dies today, another one comes tomorrow.

Now that she has become a bodyguard for the new emperor, she can see that this emperor is in need of capable people.

With such an opportunity and meritorious service, if she were not granted a marquisate in the future, she would truly have no face to face her ancestors.

Her Chen family had a long tradition of martial arts and military service.

However, it has been a full hundred years since a famous general has emerged.

With the fall of the previous dynasty and the lack of a title to inherit, the family gradually declined.

To be granted a title and appointed as a general is the ultimate goal of a soldier's life.

She must seize this opportunity.

Lu Chang'an selected another group of soldiers who would don armor at night to join the Tiger Guard Army. There weren't many, only a few hundred.

However, the fact that these soldiers were able to maintain military discipline in such an environment demonstrates their high level of competence.

The generals dared not say anything more.

I just consider it a loss I suffered in silence.

......

A network of trusted confidants has been initially established within the military.

On the way back to the palace, Lu Chang'an didn't have much of a smile on his face.

Zhang Ze is dead.

He had to give the Empress Dowager an explanation.

You always have to save face for the other person.

He still didn't know what to do.

Xuanyuan Qingfeng seemed to have already seen through his thoughts and asked directly, "Is Your Majesty worried about what the Empress Dowager will do?"

Lu Chang'an sighed and said, "You are the one who truly understands me, senior."

"Your Majesty, why don't you seek out Advisor Yang?"

Xuan Yuan Qingfeng immediately pointed out the way for Lu Chang'an and smiled slightly.

Lu Chang'an, however, had some concerns and said, "Grand Councilor Yang served seven emperors with a single-minded dedication to public service, never paying attention to power struggles. When I ascended the throne, he did not stand up to speak a word for me. He certainly did not have a place for me as the emperor in his heart."

Xuanyuan Qingfeng said earnestly, "Your Majesty, success depends on human effort."

After listening to the Sword Saint's words, Lu Chang'an took a deep breath and decided to give it a try.

"By imperial decree, the imperial carriage shall be moved to Yangfu."

......

The backyard of the Yang family mansion.

A gentle breeze blows, and the wind chimes tinkle.

An old man sat listlessly on a chessboard. The game was neither a brilliant one nor a timeless endgame masterpiece; it was simply an old man passing the time in his leisure.

"Father, His Majesty's carriage has arrived."

Yang Yujing, dressed in a moon-white ruqun (a type of traditional Chinese dress), knocked on the door to report.

"not see."

Yang Dacan said calmly.

The white pieces in front of him were actually floating in mid-air, emitting a faint glow.

He held the black piece, searching for a way to break the deadlock.

"Father is probably worried about angering Empress Dowager Murong and causing trouble for nothing."

He pondered, looking up at the Jade Capital.

She had just heard that His Majesty had gone to the military camp and not only came out unharmed, but was also accompanied by his generals.

This method is quite unusual.

Even without the Black Cloud Commandery, this emperor could easily win the trust of his generals.

But doing so would definitely offend the Empress Dowager.

Although it is unknown how His Majesty managed to pry a sliver of military power from the Empress Dowager, it was merely a drop in the ocean.

If we were to come and ask my father for help this time, I'm afraid we would return empty-handed.

My father has always been indifferent to fame and fortune, never causing trouble or taking sides.

He only did two things.

To bring peace and prosperity to the people, and to teach and promote education.

She was young, but her father often taught her some principles.

Even among the poor, there are wicked people who forget great kindness for small gains.

Even children from poor families can become thieves, occupy positions of power in the government, and dominate a region.

The sages bestow their blessings, but the chaotic world repeats itself, and those who enjoy temporary pleasures suffer the consequences.

Immortals, gods, spirits, demons, monsters, good and evil, grudges and karma—even a saint cannot keep track of them all.

She understands some of it, but still doesn't understand some of it.

However, to summarize, it can be summarized into one point.

Just take care of yourself, don't try to be some kind of saint.

My father was never like other scholars who revered sages and promoted pedantic Confucian doctrines of benevolent rule...

He is like a majestic, unmoving mountain, sheltering people from wind and rain, yet he never speaks of his own merits.

That's why he was able to serve seven emperors and still sit firmly in the court today.

However, even though the emperor is right outside the door, he cannot see him.

Such a lack of manners will likely lead to impeachment charges being delivered to my desk in a few days.

Although my father was the prime minister, there were very few people in the court who truly respected him.

He dared not show his anger on the surface, remaining extremely respectful, but in private, he wished his father would die soon and hand over the position of prime minister.

They'd love for him to step down as soon as possible.

My father never paid attention to these voices; he would usually throw the impeachment warrants into the stove to burn for cooking.

In his words, it's about not wasting resources.

Outside the mansion, it was late at night and all was quiet.

"Your Majesty, there is no movement."

The young eunuch Gao Chonggui returned to Lu Chang'an's side and reported.

Lu Chang'an waved his hand: "Let's wait."

"Here you are."

Xiao Gaozi immediately retreated.

"Since this old man doesn't want to see you, why waste your time?" Gu Wushuang was getting impatient and questioned him.

For the first time, she became more talkative, her brows furrowing: "My followers from the Rakshasa Sect will arrive soon. Whether the Prime Minister's residence exists or not will make no difference. This world has been corrupt for too long, and so has this old man. Why bother?"

Lu Chang'an took a deep breath and remained seated as still as a bell.

He only said one word.

"wait."

......