Chapter 419 - 219: I Want to Command All of the Prefecture’s Military Forces

Chapter 419: Chapter 219: I Want to Command All of the Prefecture’s Military Forces

By then, not only will you be able to seize a massive amount of resources, but with this achievement, you will also forge a grand reputation here in Yunzhou and establish a true foundation for yourself!"

"As for the counterattacks and pressure from other factions..."

Chu Zhengnan waved his hand grandly, his voice full of power:

"The ghouls and demons in the shadows may be hard to guard against, but I will bear all the overt pressure for you. What do you say? Do you dare to take on this mission?"

Chen Sheng fell silent, his eyes downcast.

According to the Celestial Book, this matter was a move Chu Zhengnan had been secretly planning ever since he took office. It was a continuation of the court’s warning and reckoning against the various powers in Yunzhou following the great Taiping Dao rebellion last year.

The goal was to gradually weaken and discipline those restless top-tier factions.

However, this was a delicate matter—pulling one hair could move the whole body. Chu Zhengnan couldn’t very well charge into battle himself, as it would easily trigger an all-out confrontation and cause uncontrollable turmoil.

He needed a suitable entry point.

A sharp blade that could both break the stalemate and keep the conflict contained within certain limits.

And he, Chen Sheng—young, full of potential, resourceful, and ruthlessly decisive—was a near-perfect choice. Crucially, he was also about to gain the support of the Nie Family.

Furthermore, his own actions in Ning’an Prefecture had left Chu Zhengnan quite satisfied.

Seeing Chen Sheng’s continued silence, Chu Zhengnan didn’t rush him. He simply picked up the teacup by his side, gently skimmed the foam from the surface, the picture of calm composure.

After a moment, he spoke again, his tone turning neutral:

"The second matter concerns the upcoming Martial Examination to be held by the court."

"The Martial Examination?"

Chen Sheng snapped out of his deep thought, slightly taken aback.

’The Celestial Book hadn’t warned me about this one.’

"This will be the second Martial Examination held throughout the realm since the current Emperor ascended the throne. It will take place in about a year."

Chu Zhengnan set down his teacup:

"In the first Martial Examination, although the court recruited many talented individuals, the one who took the top spot... refused to serve the court, causing it a great loss of face.

This time, the court is even more determined. The decision was made three months ago to select the realm’s finest heroes and bring them into the fold, thereby bolstering the court’s prestige."

Chu Zhengnan looked at Chen Sheng, his gaze filled with expectation:

"You are already on the Dragon and Tiger List, making you one of the most promising candidates from our Yunzhou government system to make a name for yourself in the Martial Examination. If you can place in the top three, His Majesty will personally bestow upon you fame, rank, and treasures—an unparalleled honor.

Even if you don’t take first place, as long as you can make it into the top thirty-six finalists, I can work my connections and have you promoted to a fourth-grade official rank, allowing you to truly enter the echelons of high officialdom."

This, in fact, was the main reason Chu Zhengnan had initially taken notice of and planned to summon Chen Sheng.

It was only later, when Chen Sheng’s performance in Ning’an became too dazzling, that he attracted the swift attention of the Nie Family, disrupting Chu Zhengnan’s original plans.

Moreover, the court’s high officials placed extreme importance on this Martial Examination, strictly ordering every province to select capable individuals to strive for high rankings.

And Chen Sheng was the most important card in his hand.

"This subordinate obeys. I will do my utmost to prepare and not disappoint you, my lord."

Chen Sheng clasped his hands and solemnly accepted the command.

’The Martial Examination is still a year away. I have time to prepare without rushing.’

"As for that first matter we discussed..."

Chu Zhengnan’s tone shifted back, and his gaze sharpened once more:

"I will give you three days to think it over carefully and weigh the pros and cons."

’Three days?’

Chen Sheng thought to himself.

’Things have already come this far. Chu Zhengnan has laid all his conditions, promises, and risks on the table.’

’It seems like I have a choice, but in reality, my options are already limited.’

’Besides, purging the Jianghu influence in Ning’an aligns with my own goals of eliminating potential threats, plundering resources, and establishing my own authority.’

’I’ve long wanted to get rid of the likes of Golden Spring Temple and Qingfeng Temple. I’ve just had too many reservations before and could only proceed slowly.’

’Now that I have a clear order from above, along with solemn promises and backing, it’s the perfect time to ride the current and unleash my full strength.’

"There’s no need for three days."

Chen Sheng looked up, his gaze now firm:

"This subordinate... has already made a decision."

"Oh?"

A flash of surprise crossed Chu Zhengnan’s eyes. He then leaned forward slightly, staring at him intently:

"So, will you accept or not?"

"This subordinate is willing to accept this assignment!"

Chen Sheng’s voice was steady and resonant:

"However, I have two conditions, which I implore you to grant, my lord."

"Speak."

"First, if the situation escalates and provokes a strong backlash and pressure from various factions, I sincerely hope you, my lord, will keep your promise and shield this subordinate from the majority of the pressure.

My foundations are still shallow; it would be truly difficult for me to bear the full weight of Yunzhou’s many top-tier factions alone."

"That is a given."

Chu Zhengnan answered without hesitation:

"Since I am the one employing you, I will naturally shelter you from the storm. You need not worry that I will sacrifice a pawn to save the chariot. After your marriage alliance with the Nie Family, your status will be completely different.

I still need to leverage the Nie Family’s strength; why would I destroy my own great wall?

Besides, with the Martial Examination approaching, I am counting on you to bring glory to our Yunzhou’s Jingwu Bureau."

"Second,"

Chen Sheng’s eyes were bright as he spoke, each word sharp and distinct:

"I want command of all military forces in Ning’an Prefecture!"

"Hmm?"

Chu Zhengnan’s brow furrowed slightly.

"The Jingwu Bureau, the Prefecture Government Office, and the Military Preparation Army all operate independently of one another, making it difficult to coordinate. Only by integrating all their forces can this subordinate cast off my shackles and act freely."

"You brat... you’ve certainly presented me with a difficult problem."

Chu Zhengnan’s fingers tapped lightly on the tabletop as he sank into thought, seeming to weigh the decision.

Chen Sheng was currently only a Junior Fifth Grade official. According to regulations, it was absolutely impossible for him to command all the military and administrative power of an entire prefecture.

Moreover, the Jingwu Bureau, the Military Preparation Army, and the Prefecture Government Office belonged to different systems, with overlapping jurisdictions designed to check and balance one another.

To consolidate the authority of all three bodies and grant it to a single person would not only require breaking rank restrictions, but would also need the approval of both the Governor of Yunzhou and the Yunzhou Garrison Commander—a task that was by no means easy.