Chapter 392: Qiyun Protectorate General

Time passed very quickly when Yan Liqiang was in the Imperial Academy of Medicine. In just the blink of an eye, the 15th day of the eighth lunar month passed by just like that.

If nothing changed, then today would be the day of Yan Liqiang and Shi Minzhang’s blindfolded archery contest, which was also an ordeal and a hurdle for Yan Liqiang. Since Yan Liqiang had put on an impressive performance, he didn’t have to take part in some dangerous contest at the barracks. Instead, he was being well taken care of by a few imperial physicians at the Imperial Academy of Medicine.

These few days were probably the most relaxing days for Yan Liqiang ever since he came to the Imperial Capital. He led an easy life and only the best was provided to him. Aside from eating, sleeping, and shadow-boxing every day, he also read books. Apart from the slight restrictions on his freedom, this was the kind of lifestyle Yan Liqiang had been pursuing in his previous life.

The engineer from Soul Mountain Sect, Zhang Yourong sent a letter to Yan Liqiang the day after he visited him. He informed Yan Liqiang that he had left the Imperial Capital and wished to hurry back to the Soul Mountain Sect to turn the inspiration Yan Liqiang had given to him into reality. At the same time, he also invited the latter to visit his sect. Zhang Yourong also included a sketch in the letter. The sketch was none other than the design of a steam engine cylinder and a piston valve. The concept was pretty close to the basic structure of the steam engine in Yan Liqiang’s mind.

As expected of the best engineer in the world. If Yan Liqiang was in his previous world, this sketch could probably be auctioned off a few centuries later and fetch a price that was equivalent that of a famous painting.

Just by looking at the sketch, Yan Liqiang knew that the Great Han Empire’s first steam engine would soon be born in the Soul Mountain Sect’s Thousand Engineering Hall. He had no idea what kind of changes this newly-created machine would bring upon the Great Han Empire which was approaching an important historical event. Everything would be up to the Will of Heaven.

Over the past few days, the wounds on Yan Liqiang’s body healed without leaving a single scar behind. Only Yan Liqiang’s dantian which had been left from ‘falling into Qi deviation’, greatly baffled the imperial physicians. Every time they checked up on Yan Liqiang, his dantian remained empty without even an ounce of vital Qi condensed in it.

It went without saying that the imperial physicians had reported Yan Liqiang’s physical condition to the Emperor who was always concerned about him. It was on the 15th day of the eighth lunar month when the ‘discouraged’ Yan Liqiang officially informed Eunuch Liu of his wish to leave the Imperial Capital and return to Gan Province to recuperate. This was also the promise the Emperor had given to him before. Besides, Yan Liqiang also felt that it was about time for him to leave the Imperial Capital city.

The next evening, after Yan Liqiang informed Eunuch Liu of his wish, the latter came to the Imperial Academy of Medicine. Without saying anything, he had Yan Liqiang changed into a brand new official uniform set for an Armed Imperial Guard of the Fifth Grade. Both of them then left the Imperial Academy of Medicine on a horse carriage.

“Eunuch Liu, where are we going?” Sitting in the swaying carriage, Yan Liqiang finally found a chance to speak up.

“We are going to the palace to meet His Majesty, of course!” Eunuch Liu cast a glance at Yan Liqiang and spoke calmly.

“H-His Majesty has given the approval?” Yan Liqiang was shocked.

“The Emperor is not a man who goes back on his wise words. That day, His Majesty gave his consent for you to return to the Gan Province after the blindfolded contest. Even if the blindfolded contest was canceled due to the attempted assassination, his words still stand!” Speaking up to this point, Eunuch Liu gave Yan Liqiang an understanding look.

“I know that life has been difficult for you in the Imperial Capital. You are surrounded by perils that nearly made you lose your life a few times. Perhaps a change in environment will be better for you! It is also His Majesty’s wish to let you gain some exposure outside the Imperial Capital so that perhaps one day, you will be able to serve him by his side. Liqiang, the Emperor has high hopes for you, so I hope that you will not disappoint him!”

Upon hearing that, Yan Liqiang had an emotional expression on his face. “Please rest assured, Eunuch Liu. Even if I am not in the Imperial Capital city, I am still a humble soldier who serves His Majesty and you. I will go anywhere at His Majesty’s and your command!”

“What humble soldier are you talking about? You are already an Armed Imperial Guard of the Fifth Grade. I cannot order you around, and even I serve His Majesty…” Eunuch Liu smiled. He was very satisfied to hear Yan Liqiang’s words of loyalty.

“You are right, Eunuch Liu,” Yan Liqiang responded.

“Oh yes, if His Majesty gives you a reward later, make sure you accept the offer. If His Majesty lets you choose an official title, try your best to choose the highest and best position for you. Do not feel embarrassed. His Majesty sometimes prefers his subjects to speak openly and he prefers those who dare to shoulder responsibilities!”

Yan Liqiang took a deep breath and nodded. “Alright, thank you for the reminder, Eunuch Liu. I will keep that in mind!”

Eunuch Liu then reminded Yan Liqiang of some etiquette and forms of address he should observe during the audience with the Emperor in the royal palace. Of course, Yan Liqiang humbly took them to heart!

The palace only two li away from the Imperial Academy of Medicine. They only sat in the carriage for a little while longer before the carriage arrived at the royal palace. Yan Liqiang got off the carriage with Eunuch Liu and they both showed their identity paizas. After a few rounds of inspection, only then did a palace eunuch lead them inside the heavily-guarded palace.

They passed by many buildings. Just when Yan Liqiang felt like he was going to lose his way, the eunuch finally brought them to a garden. After going through the guard’s inspection outside the garden, only then they were allowed inside and finally taken to the royal study.

An old eunuch whom Yan Liqiang had never seen before was outside the royal study. He smiled warmly at their arrival, then announced to the royal study from outside, “Your Majesty, Eunuch Liu has brought Yan Liqiang here and requests for an audience!”

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“Let Yan Liqiang in!” A familiar voice rang out from inside the study. Eunuch Liu and the old eunuch made a gesture with their eyes. Yan Liqiang calmed himself and entered the study.

As soon as Yan Liqiang entered, he saw the Emperor standing in front of a screen in the large study room, dressed in his golden dragon robe. He was looking at the painting on the screen with his hands clasped behind him.

“Greetings from Yan Liqiang, the Deputy Manager of Deer Villa, Armed Imperial Guard of the Fifth Grade,” Yan Liqiang bowed to the man and spoke up clearly. The man who had been standing in front of the screen turned around, and his burning gaze landed on Yan Liqiang’s face.

“How is your recovery coming along? We heard from the imperial physicians at the Imperial Academy of Medicine that your dantian never managed to condense any Qi?”

“Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I, your humble servant, feel fine. However, I am afraid that it may take me some time to recover from falling into Qi deviation. Therefore, I wish to return to my hometown to heal…”

“That is fine. The Ministry of Justice has ordered an arrest for Lin Zhe these two days. However, he escaped, so an arrest warrant has been issued in place. This is just closure for you.”

“Thank you, Your Majesty!”

“Can you still draw a bow now?”

“Yes!” Yan Liqiang replied firmly.

“Good!” The Emperor nodded in approval and pointed at the screen beside him. “Do recognize what is on this screen?”

Yan Liqiang had already noticed the screen the moment he entered and he wasn’t unfamiliar with the picture on the screen. “That is the map of the Northwestern Great Han Empire and the other western countries!”

“Correct. Indeed, it is the map of the Great Han Empire’s northwestern territories. This is the Yin Province, Lan Province, Gan Province, and this is your hometown, Pingxi Prefecture…” The Emperor’s voice was laced with an indescribable emotion. His finger slid on the screen. “Here lies the Shatu Seven Tribes and here is the Dark Ram Tribe. Beyond the Geli Desert are the eighteen western countries. This region has been plagued by the chaos of war for a thousand years and is a true battlefield. Speaking of the Shatu Seven Tribes, do you still remember what you told Minister Sun the other day?”

“Well… I, your humble servant, have discussed many things with Lord Sun before. Please tell me more, Your Majesty!” Yan Liqiang replied with slight embarrassment.

The Emperor smiled. “That day, when Minister Sun was here, he mentioned to us about your opinion on the Shatu Seven Tribes. You told him that the Shatu Seven Tribes already poses a threat to the northwest of the Great Han Empire. If we wish to regain control over the Gulang Plains and the Mount Qiyun region, then we will have to join hands with the Dark Ram Tribe. We can use the Dark Ram Tribe to drive the Shatu Seven Tribes away, then take back Gulang Plains from the Dark Ram Tribe when they have not established their control over it!”

At the Emperor’s reminder, Yan Liqiang immediately remembered that he indeed told Sun Bingchen something along those lines. “Well, that is merely my naive opinion. I must have made a fool out of myself, Your Majesty!”

The Emperor smiled but didn’t express his opinion. “We have permitted your return to Gan Province. But, we also do not permit your return. Instead, you will be given two official positions to choose from!”

Yan Liqiang felt a burst of energy. “Please continue, Your Majesty!”

“We know that you are talented in the path of mechanics and the investigation of things. Not only that, but you are also good at creating weapons. Therefore, We will appoint you as the superintendent of the Gan Province weaponsmith quarters. The previous one has been imprisoned due to his involvement with Ye Clan’s case. Hence, the position is currently vacant. What do you think?”

Yan Liqiang suddenly felt his mouth going dry. The superintendent of Gan Province weaponsmith quarters wasn’t a low position, but an important position with great pay. In this position, he would have jurisdiction over all the weaponsmith quarters within Gan Province. In his previous world, this position would be called the chief of the Defense Logistics Agency in the Gan Province’s military. This was indeed a well-paid job that the Emperor was presenting to him…

At this moment, Yan Liqiang even remembered Wei Xiaobao [1]. His heart was racing. Even so, he wasn’t eager to make any decisions. After a moment of thinking, he continued asking, “Your Majesty, what is the other position that you have chosen for me?”

A smile appeared on the Emperor’s face. “The other position is an unusual one. It can be considered both as the best or the worst!”

“Oh? I wonder what it is?” Yan Liqiang’s curiosity was immediately piqued.

“Qiyun Protectorate General!” The Emperor spoke gently.

Yan Liqiang, who knew the significance and the history of these three words, was left flabbergasted…