Imperial Guard Selection

"Three hundred is fine," Xiao Qianyu didn't mind, it was better than nothing.

A smile touched his lips: "Then this son shall choose them himself."

Emperor Yongchang was eager for him to leave. "Go, go. I'll have the Commander of the Imperial Guards, Zhao Jun, cooperate with you. Defu, accompany the Crown Prince."

The chief eunuch, Defu, immediately stepped forward to accept the order. "This servant receives the decree."

Prince Gong, being perceptive, also bowed and took his leave. "This old minister shall take his leave now."

Xiao Qianyu's eyes briefly swept over the assembled officials before he bowed and withdrew.

The officials whose gazes were met by his felt an immense aura of authority, and involuntarily lowered their heads slightly in deference. Emperor Yongchang gritted his teeth inwardly—these were his subjects, don't go charming them!

Leaving the inner study, Defu first arranged for someone to inform Zhao Jun of the Crown Prince's intention to select personal guards from the Imperial Guards, while he himself led the way.

Xiao Qianyu walked alongside Prince Gong, with Shumo and a group of attendants following behind.

Prince Gong first inquired about the Crown Prince's return to the palace.

Xiao Qianyu replied: "Thank you for your concern, Uncle-Grandfather. Although there's a sense of things having changed, it's certainly no worse than being in prison."

Prince Gong sighed inwardly. The Crown Prince's experiences had indeed been peculiar and arduous. He said gently, "Do you not know that when Heaven is about to bestow a great responsibility upon a person, it first tests their resolve with hardship, exhausts their body with toil, starves them, strips them of their possessions, and confounds their actions? Thus, it stimulates their spirit, hardens their nature, and enhances their deficiencies. His Highness the Crown Prince is favored by Heaven and will surely become a wise ruler and achieve an unparalleled legacy. Who knows if today's trials are not a test from Heaven? I implore the Crown Prince to set his mind at ease and not be troubled by trivial matters."

The former Crown Prince was nothing like this. He held his noble position without oppressing the weak, was kind and approachable to everyone, and greeted all with a smile that could warm the heart.

He was benevolent to those who served him, forgiving even when tasks were done incorrectly with a mere smile.

He was especially caring towards his siblings. Even when angered by their bullying of palace servants, his scolding and threats were meant to guide them towards improvement; he would never be so heartless as to take their lives, no matter how much he disliked their actions.

He was simply not the kind of person who would kill.

His personality had changed drastically, ultimately due to the injustice and hardship he had endured. He harbored resentment towards Emperor Yongchang and the Empress, and unable to act against them, he could only vent his anger on the princes and princesses.

In Prince Gong's opinion, if he were in the Crown Prince's position, he might have resorted to even more extreme and sinister methods. The Crown Prince of a nation had nearly died on the executioner's block, yet his parents and family offered no belief, while they continued to live in luxury and comfort. It would be strange if he hadn't become twisted.

The Grand Princess and the Third Prince had brought their fates upon themselves. Their deaths by imperial decree were their own doing. Prince Gong was loyal to the imperial family and genuinely wished for the Great Xi dynasty to endure for thousands of generations, for his descendants to prosper alongside the nation and enjoy eternal glory and wealth.

He saw Xiao Qianyu as a restorer who could revive the Xiao imperial family. This stemmed partly from a selfish desire to build a closer relationship, and partly from concern for the court. He wanted to persuade Xiao Qianyu to let go of his grievances soon, repair his relationship with Emperor Yongchang, and avoid making enemies everywhere.

Xiao Qianyu smiled faintly and said, "Thank you for your concern, Uncle-Grandfather. This lonely one has it under control."

Fearing he had said too much and would become tiresome, Prince Gong ceased speaking on the matter.

During their casual conversation, they arrived at the plaza in front of the Hall of Martial Valor. The Commander of the Imperial Guards, Zhao Jun, had already assembled three thousand Imperial Guards, those not on duty, and was waiting in formation.

Upon seeing Xiao Qianyu, Zhao Jun immediately stepped forward and saluted, his movements precise and flawless.

After yesterday's events, he no longer dared to underestimate His Highness the Crown Prince.

Prince Gong moved to the side to wait. Defu had already arranged for seats and tea to be brought, so they could wait comfortably.

Xiao Qianyu was left to arrange the selection of his personal guards.

Zhao Jun asked cautiously, "Reporting to His Highness the Crown Prince, all the Imperial Guards who are currently off-duty are here. How would you like to proceed with the selection?"

He pondered that if the Crown Prince wanted him to recommend someone, he would have to bring out the most elite and capable guards. Whether the Crown Prince chose them would be beyond his control.

It was evident that Zhao Jun was capable. At the very least, the guards stood tall and straight, were tall and robust, and maintained strict discipline; they were not merely decorative.

Of course, it was difficult to say how effective the Imperial Guards Army truly was in combat.

Xiao Qianyu clasped his hands behind his back, his gaze sweeping over the rows of faces. He smiled and said, "Firstly, this lonely one does not wish to force anyone. Everything will be based on voluntary participation. Those who wish to become this lonely one's personal guards, please step to this side. Those who do not, please step to the other."

Zhao Jun's eyes widened in surprise, but he said nothing. He loudly relayed the order to the Imperial Guards.

The Imperial Guards were the Emperor's personal troops, responsible for protecting the palace and the Emperor. Most of them were from respectable families, and many were also sons of powerful officials and meritorious subjects.

Some were simply serving their time without ambition, while others hoped to rise above their station and be favored by the Emperor one day.

They had all heard about the Crown Prince's affairs. He was a person favored by Heaven, undoubtedly the next in line for the throne.

Becoming the Crown Prince's personal guard was akin to pre-booking a meritorious service. Ambition flared in the eyes of some.

Following the order, the formation immediately split into two sides.