Not to mention he had no time—even if he did, he would not first remove such an enormous community of cultivators from the mortal realm, only to train up another batch for the imperial family. Nor did he wish to make Shi Xiaotian lose face. He perfunctorily lectured the princes, imperial grandsons, and Princesses about putting the people first, stressing that if he discovered anyone preying upon the common folk, he would sooner or later come personally to deal with them.
After frightening the younger generation into meek obedience, Yue Qianchou used fatigue as an excuse to drive them all away. Only Shi Xiaotian, still apologizing, remained in the grand hall. With his back to him, Yue Qianchou lifted a cup of fragrant tea and blew on it twice. Then he suddenly spread his palm, and two glittering golden command plaques swiftly condensed into being. They appeared in his hand, and he tossed them behind him. "Take a good look."
Puzzled, Shi Xiaotian examined the two plaques. Both front and back were identical: one side bore the character "Command," the other the two words "Suppress the Nation." Their borders were decorated with vividly lifelike birds and beasts. After looking them over, he asked in confusion, "Boss! Are these for me?"
Yue Qianchou set down his teacup, took one plaque back from Shi Xiaotian's hand, and waved it lightly. "Use this plaque as a token from now on. One is for you, and the other I will give to someone else. Should someone one day come to find you carrying this one, help them if you can, but do so without showing your hand. You may help no more than three times. After three times, take this plaque back."
Shi Xiaotian nodded. "I'll remember."
Putting away the plaques, Yue Qianchou said