The Li Family's council hall was solemn and dignified.
Under the high-hanging dome, Zhang Yu sat in the main seat.
Although he was not wearing a dragon robe or imperial crown, he exuded an aura of supreme authority, causing all the powerful figures and core members gathered below to hold their breath and stand respectfully in awe.
"Establishing Divine Dynasty is no ordinary undertaking; it requires meticulous preparation and cannot afford any mistakes."
Zhang Yu's gaze swept over everyone, and his voice was steady and powerful as he began to assign specific tasks.
Li Yuansheng.
He first looked at Li Yuansheng was standing at the very front and looked very energetic.
"Your subordinate is here!"
Li Yuansheng immediately stepped forward, bowed, and responded with utmost respect, even going so far as to address him respectfully as, "Please give your orders, Your Majesty!"
"Um."
Zhang Yu nodded slightly, accepting the title "Your Majesty" with ease.
You are in charge of all internal preparations.
The first priority is to build Altar for Heaven-Sacrificing Dao-Establishment in the center of the Ancestral Land, according to the Formation Diagram I have given you, as quickly and to the highest standard, and it must be completed within three days.
At the same time, in the name of my 'Great Xia', I hereby issue an edict to Three Thousand Great Provinces of the world, proclaiming the establishment of my Great Xia Divine Dynasty.
You are fully responsible for these two matters. If any coordination is needed, you can mobilize all available resources and personnel.
"My lord, I obey the order!"
Li Yuansheng bowed deeply, his voice booming with barely suppressed excitement.
Preparing for the founding ceremony of the nation is the work of the founding fathers, Your Majesty's entrustment of this important task to him demonstrates his trust in him.
"Shadow Kill." Zhang Yu's gaze shifted to the black-clad figure standing to one side like a shadow.
"Your subordinate is here!" Shadow Kill knelt on one knee, his voice hoarse but firm.
"You will lead the Shadow Department and be responsible for all security, protection, sentry duty, and counter-espionage matters in the entire 'Imperial City' —the core area of my Li Family Ancestral Land —during the founding ceremony of the nation."
We must ensure the smooth running of the ceremony and not allow any troublemakers to cause any disruption.
If there is any unusual activity, act first and report later!
Zhang Yu's voice turned cold, carrying a chilling Killing Intent.
In the early days of the nation's founding, chaos was most likely to arise, making security of paramount importance.
"Your subordinate obeys and will certainly not fail Your Majesty's trust!"
Shadow Kill responded solemnly, his figure seemingly blending even further into the shadows.
"Li Tian, Li Di, Li Ren, Zhao Tianyi."
Zhang Yu looked at the four strongest people present.
These four men are all direct descendants of the Li Family or were among the first to join their ranks. They are now each in command of an Elite Army.
"Your subordinate is here!"
The four men stepped forward in unison, their armor clanging loudly, their voices booming like bells.
"You four will each lead your Elite Troops to guard the four gates of the Imperial City: east, south, west, and north."
During the ceremony, while the exterior appeared relaxed, the interior remained tense, with strict precautions taken against infiltration and disruption by external forces.
Without my order, no one may leave their post or allow unauthorized persons to approach the core of the Imperial City.
Do you understand?
"This subordinate understands and will obey Your Majesty's orders!"
The four men clasped their hands in a fist salute, accepting the order with a murderous aura.
Guarding the four directions and protecting the capital region is the essential duty of a military general leading troops.
A series of clear and specific orders were issued by Zhang Yu, arranging all aspects of establishing the Divine Dynasty, including sacrifices, proclamations, internal affairs, defense, and military matters, in an orderly manner, showing that he had already given it much thought.
Everyone obeyed with awe, their hearts filled with even greater reverence and trust for the "Your Majesty" who was about to ascend the throne.
At this moment, Zhang Yu's gaze fell on two people in the crowd who looked slightly uneasy— Zhou Wentao, the sect Sect Master of the Soul Refining Sect, and Xia Hongjue, the Grand Elder.
With Tiantian's help, these two were able to break through to the Early Heavenly Immortal back then.
Through years of diligent practice, coupled with some resources left behind by Zhang Yu, his Cultivation some progress.
However, placed in this council hall, their Cultivation and qualifications did indeed seem somewhat "unworthy of being presented."
The two stood in the crowd, feeling somewhat at a loss, excited to be able to participate in such a grand event, yet also uneasy about their own inadequacy.
Zhang Yu naturally noticed their predicament.
The Soul Refining Sect, after all, the sect from which he nominally came from, and Zhang Yu had not forgotten this bond of kinship.
"Zhou Wentao, Xia Hongjue," Zhang Yu said calmly.
The two men shuddered and quickly stepped forward, bowing respectfully, their voices tinged with nervousness:
"Your subordinate is here!"
"You two should use the existing disciples of the Soul Refining Sect as the backbone, and then select loyal, reliable, and upright elites from various armies and departments to form the 'Imperial Guard'."
This army is directly under my command and is responsible for the defense of the Imperial City, ceremonial duties, and... my personal guard.
Zhang Yu said slowly.
Should we form an Imperial Guard, or an Imperial Guard responsible for His Your Majesty's personal protection?
Zhou Wentao and Xia Hongjue were stunned at first, then overjoyed, almost unable to believe their ears.
This is not just recognition, but a tremendous trust and honor.
The Imperial Guards were the emperor's personal troops, and only trusted confidants could serve in them.
His Your Majesty entrusted them with this important task, clearly indicating that he regards them as trustworthy members of his own people!
"Thump!"
The two were so excited that they knelt down on the ground, their voices trembling.
"Your subject Zhou Wentao (Xia Hongjue) kowtows in gratitude for Your Majesty's great favor and vows to protect Your Majesty and the safety of the Imperial City with his life."
Around them, some core members of the Li Family, as well as some leaders of forces they had later subdued, all showed a hint of disapproval on their faces.
The position of Commander of the Imperial Guard is such a crucial one, yet it was given to two people who had just reached the Early Heavenly Immortal and came from "minor sects"?
In terms of Cultivation, seniority, and ability, there are many who are stronger than them.
But this dissatisfaction only flashed through their minds, and no one dared to show it in the slightest.
Everyone knows that Zhou Wentao and Xia Hongjue are considered His Your Majesty's "former subordinates".
His Your Majesty's decision to give him an important position out of consideration for past relationships is entirely reasonable.
Moreover, His Your Majesty's power is currently at its zenith, and no one dares to question his decisions.
However, the way they looked at Zhou Wentao and his companion now carried a hint of scrutiny and subtle jealousy.
Zhang Yu took in everyone's subtle reactions but said nothing.
Trust those you employ, and don't employ those you don't trust.
The Soul Refining Sect may not be particularly strong, but loyalty is especially crucial in the early stages.
Besides, with him in charge, there's no need to worry about what trouble the people below can cause.
After a detailed assignment, Zhang Yu seemed to remember something, and looked at Li Yuansheng again, his tone calm but unquestionable:
"Li Yuansheng, the founding ceremony of the nation was extremely expensive, and the expenses incurred in various places need to be clarified."
You shall immediately compile a detailed list of all the treasures, industries, resources, and profits of the Great Xia Kingdom's treasury, including Spirit Stone, minerals, spirit medicine, Law Treasure, and all other valuable items, and report it to me as soon as possible.
I want to review it personally so I know what I'm doing.
Upon hearing this, many core members of the Li Family and leaders of affiliated forces in the hall exchanged glances, but then lowered their heads and looked submissive.
His Your Majesty is taking stock of the nation's resources and making final arrangements for resource allocation in preparation for the founding of the country.
However, this "personally reviewing and having a clear understanding"... is perhaps a bit too meticulous.
However, considering His Your Majesty's meticulous nature, it's not surprising.
Only a very few people, such as Li Yuansheng and Zhou Wentao, who were among the first to follow Zhang Yu, understood the situation and even secretly wanted to laugh.
They were well aware of their "His Your Majesty's " past "glorious deeds" of Plucking Feathers from Passing Geese and taking advantage of every opportunity to embezzle.
Zhang Yu is about to become the ruler of a country, and the entire Divine Dynasty will belong to him. It will obviously be impossible for him to "embezzle" his own resources to "Top Up" the cheat software in the future.
So, in this final review before the founding of the nation, he was seizing the last opportunity to see if there was any "profit" left to gain, so that he could further Cultivation.