The Human Emperor c1-2382

by Huangfu Qi (皇甫奇)

  At this very moment, the person that Wang Chong desired to meet the most was his mother. Back then, when he wrote the memorial to the Sage Emperor, he acted on his own whim. He failed to inform his mother about it, and given the huge mess he had gotten himself into, it was hard to imagine how worried his mother was.

  His mother had probably suffered great agony in the past three months.

  Even though Wang Chong didn’t see his mother amidst the cheering crowd, he knew that it was not because she was unconcerned but that it was inappropriate for her to do so given her position.

  “Third brother, you’re back!”

  As soon as Wang Chong alighted from his carriage, a small girl’s eyes lit up. She dashed forward and pounced into Wang Chong’s embrace. The immense force in her movements caused Wang Chong to stagger, and he nearly tumbled over despite driving his Origin Energy to withstand off the impact.

  “Little sister, seems like you have grown stronger!”

  Hugging his younger sister, Wang Chong smiled bitterly.

  He had been working diligently during this period of time, training whenever he could, thus inducing an significant growth in his cultivation.

  However, it seemed like his younger sister hadn’t been slacking either. Most cultivated by putting their bodies through great torture, but Wang Xiao Yao did so through eating.

  There was probably no one else other than his younger sister who could render him helpless with just brute strength.

  “Third brother, you aren’t allowed to mock me. Otherwise, I’m going to get angry!”

  Wang Family’s little sister lifted her gaze and stared at Wang Chong furiously. ‘Killing intent’ raged within her little eyes.

  Wang Chong burst into laughter, but he didn’t dare to say anything.

  His little sister might be innocent, but she was a force to be reckoned with when she flew into a rage. Even with Wang Chong’s current strength, he might not necessarily be a match for her.

  After parting with little sister, Wang Chong went to greet his mother before looking for Shen Hai, Meng Long, Arloja, Ablonodan, Tuoba Guiyuan, Li Zhuxin, and Miyasame Ayaka.

  “Master, welcome back.”

  This was Miyasame Ayaka.

  “Hehe, I thought you weren’t going to return.”

  This was Li Zhuxin.

  Toward Miyasame Ayaka, Wang Chong smiled in appreciation. But toward Li Zhuxin, Wang Chong could only roll his eyes.

  “Mister Li, aren’t you afraid of not having any pay for the next month?”

  “Haha, that’s true. There aren’t many wealthy employers like gongzi around.”

  Li Zhuxin chuckled.

  Even though they were interacting as per normal, Wang Chong could sense that everyone’s attitude was a little different.

  However, this didn’t impede their intimacy.

  On top of that, Wang Chong had also received a huge pile of letters from Han generals all over Great Tang.

  Everyone knew when Wang Chong was going to be released, and they calculated the timing to send the letters over precisely. Other than congratulating Wang Chong on his release, they also extended an invitation to him to join their army.

  Given the generals’ power of appointment, it was a simple feat for them to grant him the position of a captain or even a major as soon as he joins them.

  Just by this itself, Wang Chong would have a huge headstart.

  “Gongzi, of all of these invitations, which one are you going to accept?”

  A voice echoed behind. When Shen Hai and Meng Long walked into Wang Chong’s study and saw that huge pile of invitation letters on the table, their eyes grew hot in agitation.

  The both of them came from the military so they understood the significance of this opportunity. They couldn’t help but feel slightly envious.

  That was the position of a captain and a major!

  The both of them had never achieved such heights in the military before.

  It was unthinkable for one to be given such a high position as soon as one joined the military. For many, such heights were unreachable for them throughout their lives.

  Yet, to their young master, it was just a matter of nodding his head.

  If it was anyone else, it would surely result in acrimony. However, given that it was the young master, they believed that no one, from the royal court down to the generals and the troops, would dare to utter a single word of complaint.

  Most probably, even the Sage Emperor would be delighted to see this happen.

  Otherwise, he wouldn’t have protected Wang Chong despite the immense pressure from the Hu.

  “Hehe, even though it’s extremely tempting, I won’t accept any one of them.”

  After taking a brief glance, Wang Chong placed the invitation letters back onto the table.

  “Ah? Why?”

  The two of them were dumbstruck.

  “Gongzi, it’s a captain and major rank! If gongzi becomes a captain or a major as soon as you enlist, you’ll be spared from many years of effort!”

  Shen Hai and Meng Long exclaimed in shock.

  “Hehe, let me ask you then. Given my current strength, do you think that I’m qualified to be a major? The military is a place where might reigns supreme. Even if I manage to land that position, I’ll never earn the respect of my men.”

  Even before such a huge opportunity, Wang Chong was still able to retain his composure. The thought of it was wonderful, but Wang Chong knew that this wasn’t what he wanted.

  “Besides, the training camps are about to open. I can’t possibly join other armies now.”

  Many things had happened in the last three months. Not only was the matter regarding the Three Great Training Camps confirmed, the rough construction of the training grounds was also completed.

  All of the instructors, involved personnel, and required equipment had been brought into the camps as well.

  ——This was what Uncle Li Lin told him.

  Wang Chong only had two to three days to prepare, so he was sorely lacking in time.

  Wang Chong thought that he would miss this huge affair due to his three months of imprisonment, but it seemed like the Sage Emperor had considered this matter on his behalf.

  “However, even if you graduate from the training camp, it’ll still be difficult for you to become a major in the short run!”

  Meng Long protested, unable to understand the rationale behind his young master’s decision.

  “Hehe, Meng Long, it’s hard to explain the matter now, but you’ll understand it in the future. The Three Great Training Camps is a huge matter, and becoming a part of it will bring far greater benefits than climbing onto a high position.”

  Wang Chong chuckled.

  “However, even if that’s the case, gongzi can put the invitation on hold and come under a general right after you graduate from the training camp too!”

  Shen Hai said.

  Wang Chong’s father, Wang Yan, was a general of Great Tang. However, of those who sent the letters, there were many who possessed far greater standing than him.

  This time, Wang Chong only shook his head silently.

  He had his own considerations. He didn’t like being restrained, and before the huge catastrophe that was about to befall Great Tang, he couldn’t go about doing things the standard way like the others.

  This wasn’t where Wang Chong’s ambitions lay. Becoming an ‘influential official’ was a mean, not a goal.

  Walking out of the study, Wang Chong welcomed the first batch of guests.

  “Paying respect to gongzi!”

  Eight well-built men stood in a line before Wang Chong. They were all former instructors of the Imperial Army. They had some age to them, and even the youngest of them was in his late forties. They carried an authoritative disposition, and with a single glance, it was clear that they had weathered through many storms.

  They were figures who would be well-respected even within the royal palace. Yet, before Wang Chong, all of them lowere
d their heads and bent their taut backs.

  “Lord Wang Mi has brought us over. There’s a rule among Imperial Army instructors that even after retirement, one is to not serve as an instructor for others casually. Initially, we’re worried that gongzi might harbor some other intentions, but from the looks of it, it seems like we were overthinking it. Given gongzi‘s character, no matter what gongzi wants us to do, we’re willing to give it our all!”

  “Money and such are just insignificant material possessions. Just on gongzi‘s reputation itself, we’re willing to volunteer our services without remuneration!”

  “The eight of us are only the first batch. We’ve talked to another eight highly-qualified instructors for gongzi, and they’ve indicated their willingness to work for gongzi without remuneration as well. They’ll be arriving tomorrow!”

  …

  The eight of them spoke respectfully toward Wang Chong.

  “Great!”

  Wang Chong was stunned for a moment before furious joy gushed into his heart. These Imperial Army instructors were reputed for being difficult to employ, and each of them had an incredibly obstinate character.

  No matter how high the price one offered, the other party might not necessarily be willing to offer his services.

  Thus, for a very long time, there was no news from little uncle.

  Wang Chong didn’t expect that the reputation he earned from the regional commanders incident would aid him in convincing these obstinate Imperial Army instructors.

  In Wang Chong’s initial plan, it would already be great if he could hire three Imperial Army instructors. Thus, he intended to pick the more outstanding students to lead the new recruits so as to slowly broaden the number of instructors.

  Even though it would take a much longer time, it was still feasible.

  But at this moment, eight highly-qualified Imperial Army instructors had come to look for him, and this was only the first batch. This had far surpassed Wang Chong’s expectations.

  Furthermore, these obstinate men were actually willing to work for him without any remuneration.

  This was a thought that Wang Chong dared not harbor.

  With the help from these people, Wang Chong would be able to push forward his plan.

  There was no better news than this to him at the moment.

  It could be said that this was the best news he had heard today.

  “Everyone, I am delighted that you are all willing to offer your services. Regarding the matter of remuneration, I appreciate your thoughts. However, it is something I’ve decided upon from the start so I’ll still pay you all according to the initial agreement made.”

  Wang Chong said.

  “Wang gongzi, this is something we’ve all decided upon beforehand. The reason why we’re willing to help you without demanding any compensation is out of admiration for you, that’s why we chose to respond to Lord Wang’s invitation.”

  “If gongzi were to insist on paying us, we’re going to take it as an insult.”

  One of the instructors who was built like a bear spoke up with a stern expression.

  “This…”

  Wang Chong was tongue-tied.

  He knew that these qualified Imperial Army instructors were obstinate people, and once they had decided on something, it would be difficult to change their mind. But to think that they would be stubborn on such a matter as well!

  Chapter 178: Yang Zhao Requests For Poem!

  “Everyone, this decision is made in consideration for the long-term interest of the training camp. If others were to think that I don’t offer remuneration for their hard work, no one will think of coming here in the future. How about this then? If you all still find the matter difficult to accept, why don’t we reduce the original price by half then.”

  Wang Chong smiled.

  “This… alright then!”

  The eight Imperial Army instructors stared at one another, and feeling that Wang Chong’s words were logical, they finally nodded in agreement.

  Upon seeing this sight, Wang Chong smiled.

  Following which, they began to finalize the details.

  Wang Chong’s training camp would be built right on top of the spirit vein; this matter had already been decided beforehand. His teacher, the Demonic Emperor Old Man, would be there to guard the area. Furthermore, considering the incredible strength of these Imperial Army instructors, there was no need to worry about its security.

  Smaller powers wouldn’t even dare to dream of touching Wang Chong’s spirit vein.

  As for the construction of the training camp…

  Wang Chong had already invested money into it quite a long time ago. Even though it probably wasn’t completed yet, there should be a rough outline of it already.

  “Great! To think that gongzi would even find a spirit vein! That explains why you wish to recruit so many Imperial Army instructors. Don’t worry, we’ll travel there tomorrow and do as you say.”

  The eight powerfully-built Imperial Army instructors were excited. Even though the Wang Clan was influential, its accumulation and strength in various aspects were lacking.

  They had only come in awe of Wang Chong’s character. They did not think that Wang Chong’s preparations would be so thorough.

  A spirit vein was not something that just any power could obtain.

  The Imperial Army instructors were trustworthy and reliable people. As soon as they agreed to Wang Chong’s request, they immediately headed off to the spirit vein under the lead of a group of Wang Family Residence guards.

  …

  “Wang gongzi, it has been long since we last met!”

  Not too long after the eight Imperial Army instructors left, a white-robed, middle-aged man wearing a silk hat and carrying a refined disposition walked into the room.

  Wang Chong’s memorial had shaken the world.

  As such, various powers had turned their eyes to him, and they had been waiting in anticipation for his release. Thus, he was destined to be unable to enjoy tranquility, at least for this period of time.

  “You are?”

  Wang Chong frowned in bewilderment when he saw a foreign man walking in.

  Wang Chong didn’t think that the residence guards would allow any stranger to walk in easily. However, Wang Chong truly didn’t recognize the person before him.

  “Hahaha, Wang gongzi, we’ve just met a few months ago. Back then, you gifted me with a thousand gold taels. Have you forgotten the matter already?”

  The guest chuckled heartily.

  “A thousand gold taels?”

  Wang Chong was getting more and more baffled. Even though he was wealthy in the truest sense now, a thousand gold taels wasn’t a small sum at all. It should be impossible for Wang Chong to send out such a huge sum of money.

  “How is that possible? Who is this man?”

  Wang Chong narrowed his eyes in doubt. He didn’t think that he was a forgetful person; if he had seen this man before, he would surely be able to remember him.

  However, Wang Chong truly had no impression of him at all!

  “Hehe, gongzi, you sure are a forgetful person. Do you remember the man whom you helped near Bluebottle Pavilion back then?”

  The guest finally retracted his smile and asked slowly.

  Boom!

  As though a strike of lightning, Wang Chong abruptly widened his eyes as he stared at the white-robed man in disbelief.

  “It’s you! …”

  Wang Chong finally knew who the guest was. However, this only left Wang Chong in greater disbelief.

  Yang Zhao!

  This person was Yang Zhao! The man whom he met outside the Bluebottle Pavilion, that unkempt, thug-like man!

  The future Imperial Uncle of Great Tang!

  The reason why Wang Chong had such a deep impression of him was due to another resounding alias that he would assume in the future:

  Yang Guozhong!

  Yang Zhao was his original name whereas ‘Guozhong’ was the alias he took on
when he was at the peak of his power.

  However, other than Wang Chong, no one knew about it at the moment, not even Yang Zhao himself.

  “It’s actually him! But how can a person’s disposition change so much?!”

  Wang Chong suffered a tremendous shock.

  This was the first time Wang Chong saw a person’s disposition changing to such a huge extent.

  He had seen Yang Zhao in his worst state; back then, he was no different from a gangster.

  However, the current Yang Zhao looked no different from a refined academic. His every movement exuded grace that would leave even the influential officials in the royal court red in embarrassment. He was even more scholarly than the scholars!

  “It’s no wonder why he’s able to make a name for himself in the royal court later on. Just by his appearance and disposition itself, he wasn’t inferior to the other officials already.”

  Wang Chong knew about Yang Zhao’s background.

  But even so, he couldn’t help but feel impressed by the other party at this moment. Even he himself was incapable of making such an abrupt, massive change.

  “Hahaha, gongzi still don’t know who I am, right? My surname is Yang and my name is Zhao. Consort Taizhen is my close cousin!”

  Bending his back, Yang Zhao introduced himself with a gleeful smile.

  It was a pity that his glee ruined the refined image that he had built up with great difficulty. On the inside, Yang Zhao was still an oaf.

  “I see, so you’re Consort Taizhen’s cousin!”

  On the surface, Wang Chong looked surprised, but on the inside, he was chuckling.

  He had already known Yang Zhao’s background the first time he met him. However, he couldn’t possibly reveal it before the other party.

  “I’ve been wanting to thank gongzi for your generous gift back then. Thus, I’ve prepared a thousand gold taels on my carriage outside, and I’ll have my men carry it in later on.”

  Yang Zhao said with a serious expression.

  “I’ll be a fool if I believe you.”

  Wang Chong scoffed within. Knowing the character of the man before him, it was impossible for him to have a thousand gold taels in his carriage.