The emperor would rather have a

Chapter 227 Commander of the Capital Garrison

"Thank you for your grace, Your Majesty!" Li Yi led the way, followed by Zuo Congtan. Under the emperor's gentle gaze, the two respectfully took their leave and slowly withdrew from the Zichen Palace.

The tall hall doors closed silently behind us, shutting out the sandalwood incense and warmth from the inner chamber.

The afternoon sun of spring shines on the wide bluestone palace path, bringing a touch of warmth. The air is filled with the scent of newly sprouting plants, which invigorates the spirit.

Walking out along the long corridor, with towering vermilion pillars on both sides and guards standing solemnly like pines, the sound of footsteps echoed between the empty palace walls, making the silence even more pronounced.

Reaching a corner and out of the eunuchs' sight, Zuo Congqin sighed almost imperceptibly, turned to look at Li Yi beside him, and whispered, "The royal Taoist temple, the incense offerings... General, your 'compromise' method has made it difficult for this humble Taoist to find peace of mind from now on."

Upon hearing this, Li Yi shook his head with a helpless smile and replied in a similarly low voice, "His Majesty's words are law, and he insists on rewarding me. Your firm refusal, Daoist, is not making His Majesty feel embarrassed? I know that I do not seek fame or fortune, but since I have entered this mortal world, how can I not be attached to worldly pleasures?"

Zuo Congtan gazed at the blue sky outside the palace walls, which was divided into squares, and said in a somewhat ethereal tone: "If it were thirty years earlier, I might have fought for fame and status. But now... I have reached the age of sixty and have long regarded wealth and honor as fleeting clouds. All I ask for is a quiet corner and to follow my heart."

Seeing the expression in Zuo Congqin's eyes, Li Yi could understand his state of mind.

The fact that Zuo Congtan, who once harbored great ambitions, ended up with his family destroyed and his life ruined during the transition from the Liang to the Tang dynasty was a great blow to him.

When people encounter such a tragedy, it is difficult for their mentality not to undergo a huge change... After all, not everyone can be like Guo Wei and Chai Rong, who could remain steadfast in the face of the slaughter of their wives, children and family.

If it weren't for meeting Zuo Ling'er's mother and having Zuo Ling'er as a bond, Zuo Congqin probably wouldn't have been willing to come to Tokyo, this "place of heartbreak."

Li Yi comforted him, saying, "His Majesty has personally bestowed this place for quiet cultivation, so I imagine no one will dare to disturb it easily. Once the Taoist temple is completed, the Taoist priest will become the abbot, and Taoists will surely come to him by name. The Taoist priest can also recruit disciples himself, and worldly affairs can be handled by a dedicated person, so the Taoist priest does not need to worry about them."

"Take the Xiangguo Temple in the inner city of Kaifeng, for example. It was converted into an imperial temple during the Yanhe era of Emperor Ruizong, and it has been more than two hundred years since then. During this time, its incense has been burning brightly, yet it has never hindered the practice of those virtuous monks. What is there for you to worry about, Daoist?"

As they spoke, the two arrived at the palace gate between the inner and outer courts. Zhao Pu, who was waiting there, immediately went to greet them when he saw them come out.

Seeing this, Li Yi knew that Zhao Pu had something to report. He turned to Zuo Congtan, cupped his hands and said, "Daoist, today's audience with the Emperor is over. I still have official business to attend to, so I will not accompany you back to your residence. Daoist, please make yourself at home."

Zuo Congtan returned the salute with his hands clasped: "General, you are busy with military affairs, so there is no need for you to worry about me. I will go back on my own."

He looked up at the sky and said, "Perfect timing. Taking advantage of this free time, I would like to go to the nunnery outside the city to find my junior sister and ask her if my senior brother has left the palace."

Upon hearing this, Li Yi nodded slightly: "In that case, please proceed, Daoist."

He watched as Zuo Congqin, led by an official, gradually disappeared at the end of the passageway before slowly turning his gaze away.

Zhao Pu, who was standing respectfully to the side, immediately bowed and reported, "General, Luo Yanhuan has arrived at the yamen and is waiting in the signing room. The imperial decree promoting him has been issued: he has been appointed as the Commander of the Palace Guard. He has come to the Palace Guard to assume his post in accordance with regulations and has come specifically to pay his respects to you, General."

Zhao Pu spoke concisely and clearly, explaining the matter in just a few words.

Li Yi's eyes flickered slightly, and he nodded to indicate that he understood.

A few days ago, he asked Wang Pu, who had been promoted to Vice Privy Councilor, to ask for a reward for Luo Yanhuan's hard work in the reconstruction of Longjin Street.

At the time, Li Yi was preoccupied with official duties and did not inquire further about the matter after it was mentioned. Unexpectedly, Wang Pu acted so swiftly and efficiently that the matter was completed and issued in just two or three days.

But after a moment's thought, Li Yi realized it was quite reasonable.

Luo Yanhuan came from a relatively powerful family; his father had served as the governor of Bizhou. During the Later Jin Dynasty, Luo Yanhuan entered officialdom through his father's influence, initially being appointed as a palace guard, which was a respectable starting point in the imperial guards.

During the Later Han Dynasty, he was promoted to Commander of the Protectorate Army.

If it weren't for the far-reaching Wang Yin case several years ago, with Luo Yanhuan's qualifications and military background, he would have already risen through the ranks in the Imperial Guard to become a colonel-level military officer.

Now that Luo Yanhuan has made clear contributions, and with the endorsement of Wang Pu, the Deputy Privy Councilor, it is only natural and reasonable for him to be promoted from Military Inspector (Commander) to Chief of the Capital Garrison.

This not only affirmed Luo Yanhuan's personal abilities but also reflected the imperial court's approval of the reconstruction of Longjin Street.

"Is he in the signing room?" Li Yi asked.

At the same time, he began to walk towards the direction of the Palace Guard Office.

Zhao Pu and several of his close followers hurriedly followed...

……

Inside the signing room, a burly man in brand-new military uniform stood solemnly, his brows revealing the sharpness of a warrior and a hint of undisguised joy. It was Luo Yanhuan.

Upon seeing Li Yi enter the room, his eyes lit up, and his face instantly filled with excitement and respect. Without hesitation, he knelt on one knee, his voice loud and clear, filled with heartfelt reverence.

"This humble general, Luo Yanhuan, pays his respects to Commander Li! Thanks to Commander Li's great fortune, I have been granted the honor of being appointed as a junior commander today! This favor and virtue are all thanks to your cultivation and promotion! I have come here to express my gratitude to Commander Li!"

Li Yi stopped and looked at Luo Yanhuan, a gentle smile appearing on his lips.

Although the other party was wearing a new military uniform, the familiar fierceness between his brows had not diminished, and at this moment, he appeared particularly sincere due to his excitement and gratitude.

This grateful attitude pleased Li Yi greatly. And he naturally accepted this sentiment.

"Get up." Li Yi reached out and helped Luo Yanhuan up, patted his shoulder, and encouraged him, "The duties of the guards in the palace are of utmost importance. Now that you have joined their ranks, you should keep your responsibilities in mind, guard against arrogance and impetuosity, and not fail the Emperor's grace, nor fail... my expectations."

"This humble general will keep in mind Commander Li's teachings!" Luo Yanhuan replied in a deep voice, head held high.

"Alright, go ahead. I'll have someone show you around and familiarize you with your men later."

"I will retire at the end!"

After Luo Yanhuan left the signing room, Li Yi immediately sent someone to summon the commander of the scattered troops and ordered him to personally lead Luo Yanhuan to the army to familiarize himself with his subordinates.

With the support of the army's commander-in-chief, Luo Yanhuan could adapt to his new position more quickly. As for whether he could ultimately gain the trust of his subordinates, that would depend on his own abilities.

As dusk fell, Li Yi finished inspecting several military camps and hurried home.

With the day of departure fast approaching, Fu Erniang and her infant children became his greatest concern.

He is now a thousand miles away from Huainan, amidst the flames of war. The days when he can hold his wife and children in a warm bed are numbered.

(End of this chapter)