Swear to Follow to the Death

Once the rules set by the strong were announced, it was inevitable that the Imperial Guards' competitive spirit would be ignited. No one was willing to be weaker than anyone else.

At this moment, the vast grounds were divided into over six hundred pairs. Two people would grapple with each other at intervals, their shouts and grunts filling the air. Fists and feet cut through the wind, creating a grand spectacle that was dizzying to behold, with people constantly being thrown out, their victories and defeats decided.

People arranged by Zhao Jun supervised from the sidelines, preventing the two sides from getting carried away and descending into chaos.

Fortunately, with the Crown Prince and Prince Gong presiding from the upper seats, even those who were unwilling to accept the outcome dared not act rashly, only glaring fiercely at the victor.

In less than the time it takes to brew a cup of tea, only over six hundred people remained on the field.

Shumo spoke, "Pair up again for challenges. The winners will remain."

This method wasn't absolutely fair, but it certainly tested people's eyesight. Those who wished to remain needed not only strength but also luck and intelligence.

The people selected this way, even if not the absolute strongest among the Imperial Guards Army, would undoubtedly include many outstanding individuals.

With Zhao Jun's cooperation, the competition proceeded smoothly. This round was even stricter, reducing the number to just three hundred.

Shumo straightened his small frame, scanned the three hundred people before him, and said, "Now, form teams of thirty. Each team will select one person to be their squad leader. You will have the time it takes for an incense stick to burn to choose your preferred captain."

The three hundred people looked at each other, surprised that it wasn't over yet. With limited time, they couldn't afford to overthink. They instinctively gravitated towards those they were familiar with or knew well, quickly forming ten squads and then selecting their respective captains.

"Captains, step forward again. His Highness requires a commander for the personal guards. You will have another incense stick's worth of time. You can volunteer, or you can fight others for it. Choose your commander. From now on, the Eastern Palace's personal guards will be under his command," Shumo said before stepping back.

Zhao Jun was surprised. A commander of the personal guards was akin to a confidant; only those trusted and close were appointed. Yet, the Crown Prince was allowing them to compete for this position, even encouraging them to vie for it.

The person who emerged as commander through such competition would undoubtedly be the strongest among the ten squad leaders. As long as they could win over the other captains' respect and have them willingly choose him, he could effortlessly subdue the remaining three hundred people.

Similarly, the Crown Prince wouldn't have to spend his energy winning over the hearts of the three hundred personal guards one by one. He only needed to ensure the commander of the personal guards was loyal to him, and the personal guards would fulfill their duty of protecting him.

Zhao Jun was astonished by this method of quickly and effectively winning people over and building a team; it was so refined and skillful.

Was this the Crown Prince's idea? Or was it the idea of Shumo, his close eunuch?

Zhao Jun dared not think further.

The moment this order was given, it immediately caused a stir. The ten squad leaders' eyes ignited with fighting spirit, and they regarded each other as opponents and enemies.

Having come this far, anyone who didn't want to advance further would be lying. Moreover, men were naturally competitive.

Time was limited, so they dared not delay and immediately began to play to their strengths.

First, they cautiously probed and tried to win others over with words. During this time, there were exchanges of sharp words, provocations, and psychological tactics used in turns.

Soon, some people, deeming themselves insufficient in ability, withdrew from the competition and chose to support others instead. Of course, their condition was that the person who became commander would promote them to deputy commander.

The ten people then divided into three small groups, leaving three individuals to compete for the position of commander.

Among these three, Zhao Jun witnessed a masterclass of "borrowing a knife to kill," "looting a burning house," and "smiling while hiding a dagger." Military strategies were employed. For the first time, he realized that his Imperial Guards harbored many hidden talents.

Zhao Jun couldn't help but stroke his chin. Should he emulate the Crown Prince and do something similar? It would surely be spectacular.

More importantly, it would truly unearth talented individuals!

The one who ultimately emerged victorious was Huo Zhizhou, the illegitimate son of the Marquis of Weining's Estate. With his excellent eloquence and decent martial prowess, he subdued the other two captains within the time it took for an incense stick to burn, becoming the commander of the personal guards without any suspense.

Huo Zhizhou suppressed his excitement and stepped forward, cupping his hands towards Shumo. "Esteemed young eunuch, I am Huo Zhizhou of the Marquis of Weining's Estate. I have not failed in my mission and have been recommended as commander by my brothers."

Shumo secretly rolled his eyes. Eunuch is eunuch, why add 'young'? How am I small?

He would be the most relied-upon person by the Crown Prince in the future, immensely powerful.

"Follow me," Shumo said, taking a step towards the Crown Prince's chambers.

Prince Gong, who had witnessed the selection process from above, stroked his beard and praised, "In such a short time, deciding their fate by victory or defeat, though their character wasn't fully assessed, it's still a good way to eliminate the weak and retain the strong. It can be used. Excellent, excellent."

Xiao Qianyu smiled but said nothing. It was merely a process of survival of the fittest. As for loyalty, it would be cultivated slowly over time.

"Crown Prince, your subordinate Huo Zhizhou pays his respects to His Highness the Crown Prince." Huo Zhizhou knelt on one knee, his face displaying the appropriate awe and excitement.

He was only in his early twenties, with a strong but not exaggerated physique. He had handsome features and slightly dark skin, exuding an air of youthful vigor.