Martial Cultivator

On the day of Cold Dew, the morning court session proceeded as usual with prior notification, leaving most court officials with solemn expressions, lacking their usual casual demeanor. Chen Chao departed from the Left Guard’s office, riding in a carriage with Song Lian who had nothing on him, while Chen Chao carried a saber at his waist. As the only military official with the right to bear arms into the palace for a court session, Chen Chao understood the need to keep a low profile. But after careful consideration, he felt something was amiss without his saber. Thus, he disregarded the public criticism, knowing the privilege of carrying arms was granted by the Emperor’s decree, so no one would dare to object in public.

But even so, as the sole military official allowed to carry a saber, Chen Chao attracted numerous gazes when he got off the horse carriage. Emotions among the military officials varied greatly, a mix of envy and jealousy, while the feelings among most civil officials were far more complicated.

Song Lian kept his eyes straight ahead. The Emperor had specifically invited the entire warden faction to attend the court session this time, and Song Lian knew the reasons behind it. As for Chen Chao, he walked in silence too, closely following Song Lian.

Since it was not a grand court session, the protocol for entering the palace was less strict. Civil and military officials mingled together, all walking with whomever they were normally on closer terms with. An intriguing phenomenon was noticeable: military officials rarely walked alongside civil officials, while civil officials mostly stayed grouped together, within similar ranks.

In the Great Liang Dynasty, being an official required more than just scholarly knowledge, many people had to study social dynamics too. Otherwise, one could easily face subtle retaliation. This place was right under the Emperor’s eyelids, where opportunities for rapid advancement were numerous, but one had to be exceedingly cautious at the same time, as a single misstep could lead to a disastrous downfall.

Thus, the regional officials envied those in the capital, yet among the capital officials, there were those who envied regional officials too.

However, such matters were subjective, and no one could truly convince the other - like chickens talking to ducks.

Chen Chao initially intended to avoid any complications, but after a few steps, he spotted a familiar face. After pausing and exchanging a word with Song Lian, he quickly made his way over.

This familiar face was none other than precisely Mi Ke who had recently been transfered to the Divine Capital.

They had previously met at the Ministry of Works, but since then, Chen Chao had not met this Lord Mi again. This was partly because Chen Chao had traveled far, missing out on some cultivation time, and partly because Mi Ke who was newly arrived in the capital had many tasks to handle. Even during his days off, Mi Ke dared not leave his residence lightly, fearing unforeseen circumstances that might leave a poor impression on his superiors if they could not find him.

The two met and walked side by side. With a straightforward smile, Chen Chao said, ”My reputation in the Divine Capital isn’t very good right now. Elder Brother Mi, walking with me might bring you trouble later. Don’t blame me if you face any difficulties.”

Mi Ke was taken aback and then said angrily, ”Why didn’t you say so earlier? Why did I even greet you then?”

Chen Chao smiled and did not speak. He naturally knew how much truth these words held. Having been in the Divine Capital for some time, Mi Ke would surely have inquired about Chen Chao’s reputation in the Divine Capital.

Seeing that he had not managed to scare Chen Chao, Mi Ke laughed and said, ”Being able to serve as an official in the Divine Capital is already satisfying enough for me. Whether I can rise to higher ranks is something to think about only when one has no other worries. Our friendship is more important. If I avoided you just for my career, I’d feel guilty even if I became the premier.”

Chen Chao said with a teasing smile, ”Elder Brother Mi has become much more open-minded over the years. You’re not as stingy as you used to be.”

Mi Ke shook his head and said, ”You got it wrong, Younger Brother. Being in the Divine Capital made me realize how hard things can be. This elder brother’s salary isn’t enough to cover many expenses. I’ve heard there’s a famous street in the Divine Capital, but I haven’t dared to visit it. Listening to songs and enjoying the pleasure sounds delightful, but my wallet isn’t fat enough.”

Chen Chao quickly interrupted, ”Elder Brother, don’t say that. I’ll treat you to many things, but I can’t accompany you to such places of ill repute.”

With a righteous look, Mi Ke said, ”Younger Brother, you’re mistaken. Those places are frequented by literati and refined guests, not just for the pleasures of the flesh.”

Chen Chao looked helpless, genuinely impressed by Mi Ke’s ability to spin it into something righteous sounding.

”Listen to Elder Brother, a young man like you should go out and experience the world. It’s all about cultivating one’s mind and character.”

Mi Ke appeared disappointed, seemingly disheartened by Chen Chao’s lack of enthusiasm.

Chen Chao asked curiously, ”Didn’t your wife come with you to the Divine Capital?”

Mi Ke nodded, ”The journey was too long and difficult, so I let her stay at home by herself.”

Chen Chao then understood, ”No wonder.”

When Mi Ke was in Tianqing County, he was known for being afraid of his wife. If she were here, he would not have such ideas.

”Don’t get the wrong idea, Younger Brother. I just love my wife dearly, it’s not what you’re thinking.” Mi Ke stroked his beard, exuding a somewhat refined yet roguish air.

Chen Chao laughed, ”I didn’t say anything. But Elder Brother does have a point, those places should be visited, if only to broaden one’s horizons.”

Mi Ke smiled knowingly.

After a pause, Mi Ke lowered his voice and asked, ”Today’s court session seems unusual no matter how I look at it. With your connections, can you tell me if this is about dealing with those court officials who caused a commotion outside the palace gates recently?”

Chen Chao shook his head, ”It’s not related to that matter. If you’re thinking about advancing, Elder Brother Mi, it’s probably not the right time.”

Embarrassed that Chen Chao had seen through his ambitions, Mi Ke smiled awkwardly. Serving as an official in the Divine Capital, each had their own task and there was nobody to spare. Wanting to secure a better position was not easy.

As they stepped into the corridor leading to the imperial palace and walked out of it, Mi Ke sighed as they arrived before that great hall, ”For many people, their whole life is spent bowing step by step. By the time they finally enter that great hall, most of them have white hair. Yet, even so, they feel it’s worth it.”

Chen Chao smiled but did not speak. This was the typical journey for most ordinary people.

However, Chen Chao soon smiled and said, ”Elder Brother, if you keep working diligently, you’ll surely achieve great success one day.”

Mi Ke laughed and replied, ”I’ll take Younger Brother’s word for it.”

Mi Ke then joined the ranks of the civil officials, while Chen Chao positioned himself behind Song Lian.

This time, the Left and Right Guards each formed their own line, and as the deputy commander of the Left Guard, Chen Chao naturally stood behind Song Lian.

Even so, as the only one carrying a saber, he drew the attention of numerous court officials.

……

……

The court session commenced as usual. At the start, His Majesty the Emperor and the key ministers, who could be considered the pillars of the nation, discussed state affairs inside the great hall. Meanwhile, those officials who did not have the privilege to enter had to wait patiently outside. On clear days, this was not much of an issue, but if it rained, many of the frailer civil officials would end up falling ill.

Today, although it was not raining, it was already autumn, and the weather was turning cooler, leaving many civil officials looking pale.

Therefore, saying that being an official was no easy task, was not just an empty statement. However, compared to the power, wealth, and reputation that came with holding office, many people still found it worthwhile.

Compared to the civil officials, the military officials were more robust and less affected by the elements.

After waiting for over two hours, even Chen Chao started to feel a bit restless. He could not help but feel grateful that the warden faction usually did not have to attend court sessions.

Soon enough, the officials inside the hall began to file out and rejoin their respective groups, indicating that the initial discussions were over. Next up, it would be the matter of great importance, which the entire Divine Capital was concerned about.

The Emperor, adorned in his emperor robes, slowly walked out, with Li Heng closely following behind.

This was the first appearance of the Great Liang Emperor since the tragic loss of his daughter. He looked just as he always did, showing no difference despite the recent events.

Li Heng paused for a moment, then stepped out from behind the Emperor. He walked up to the jade steps and began to read aloud the imperial decree in his hands:

”In the 215th year since the founding of the Great Liang Dynasty, since the founding emperor’s time, we began the construction of the Northern Frontier Great Liang Emperor. Since then, countless men of the Great Liang have fought for the human race, ensuring over two hundred years of peace and stability, preventing calamities like those of the former Qi.”

Li Heng’s voice was steady and calm, but every word reached the ears of the assembled court officials. Over the past two centuries, although the Great Liang Dynasty had not completely eradicated the scourge of demons within its borders, the Northern Frontier Great Liang Dynasty had never been breached by the demon race. There was even a significant victory last year that brought more peace to the Great Liang.

”Even in peaceful times, the threat of the demon race persists. We must remain vigilant. His Majesty, the Demon Emperor, and the Temple Master of the Infatuation Daoist Temple have agreed that young cultivation geniuses will be selected to train in the desolate northern lands.”

Li Heng continued to read the edict, but his gaze remained fixed on Chen Chao.

Chen Chao sighed silently. He understood the situation well enough - it was nothing more than the demon race, the Great Liang Dynasty, and the foreign lands, these three parties trying to gauge each other’s strength.

After all, prior to this, whether was it the Myriad Willow Convention or the wars between the Great Liang and the demon race, the former had little impact, and the latter was a conflict only involving cultivators. There had never been a true clash involving young cultivators.

Song Lian softly remarked, ”This is truly a life-threatening mission.”

Chen Chao bitterly smiled but did not speak.

”We want to discuss with everyone, do we have any suitable candidates?”

After Li Heng stepped back, the Great Liang Emperor finally spoke.

Up until this point, everything announced had been a unilateral declaration by the Great Liang Emperor, leaving no room for dissent.

This was the Great Liang Emperor’s will, some matters could be discussed, but others were never open for debate.

At this moment, all eyes turned to Chen Chao, but he merely looked toward the Heavenly Imperial Institution. Leading them was a vice-chairman, with no sign of the chairman himself.

Chen Chao was actually very curious about the chairman of the Heavenly Imperial Institution. However, for some reason, during the previous grand court session, even though the Lord Warden Commander and the Great General were present, the chairman of the Heavenly Imperial Institution seemed to have never shown face.

Now, with the selection of candidates, it was obvious that he would be one of them. As a place for Great Liang to interact with the foreign lands, the Heavenly Imperial Institution had no shortage of young cultivators who would undoubtedly be chosen. But why did the chairman still not appear?

Before Chen Chao could ponder further.

A voice suddenly sounded out.

”This subject recommends the Deputy Commander of the Left Guard, Chen Chao!”

——