CHAPTER 445: 343. REQUEST FOR ASSIGNMENT_2

That year, he went alone to the capital to take the exams, and now he is still alone.

He even left the books he always held close at the Zhi Xing Academy in Luocheng City, because those sage classics could not help him.

...

...

Wang Daosheng walked alone out of Chengtian Gate, gazing at the familiar yet strange Chang’an Street.

In the 15th year of Jianing, after the naming ceremony outside Eastern Hua Gate, he rode a tall horse with red silk draped on his chest, confidently traversing this stone street.

That day, he held a burning heart, believing he could use his lifelong learning to benefit the common people, but all he got was six years of copying documents at the Hanlin Academy, writing three hundred and sixty volumes of Ning Shi.

Six years, and he merely went from a scholar at Hanlin Academy to a compiler, watching as his classmates achieved their careers while he became the laughingstock as the "Second Rank Compiler" among the officials.

Sarcastically, during his research, he suddenly realized that history had no shortage of people like him.

Wang Daosheng looked blankly at the street ahead, wondering how many valedictorians, how many second rank scholars, how many third rank scholars had walked this street in these fifteen years?

Did they fare any better than him?

"Mr. Wang, long time no see."

Wang Daosheng returned to his senses and turned his head.

He saw Chen Ji standing across Chang’an Street, draped in silver armor, greeting him with a distant salute.

Wang Daosheng’s eyes slowly brightened: "Chen Ji?"

He lifted his robe with one hand, stepping through Chang’an Street. Midway, a squad of Jiefan Guard raced by on horseback, causing Wang Daosheng to pause and wait until they passed before moving forward again.

He reached Chen Ji: "I just learned you joined the Yulin Army... it’s a pity, with such achievements at Guyuan, how could they leave you here idle?"

Chen Ji smiled: "Aren’t they also leaving you idle in Luocheng City?"

Master and disciple exchanged glances for a moment, then burst into laughter.

Wang Daosheng looked Chen Ji up and down: "I received a letter from Hu Junxian detailing your deeds at Guyuan, asking me to write a recommendation to Official Hu for you to enter the Ministry of War. He said you fit better into court politics than me, claiming someone like you is needed in the court, lest there’s no one to speak for us."

Chen Ji paused: "Didn’t expect General Hu to speak highly of me, considering he always wore a stern face in front of me."

Wang Daosheng chuckled: "He, though not verbally, knows well in his heart. Are you upset he didn’t mention you in the border army reports? Don’t fault him, the court fears generals establishing factions with ministers, so he must distance himself from you for the court to dare employ you."

Chen Ji shook his head: "I’m not upset with General Hu."

Wang Daosheng patted the armor on his shoulder: "That’s good, a few years in waiting may not be bad for you, fame in youth bears a cost, every step thereafter must tread on disputes, like walking on blades and fire."

Chen Ji softly asked: "Are you speaking of yourself, Master?"

Wang Daosheng playfully pointed at him: "You, you, your tongue is becoming as sharp as your master’s."

Chen Ji did not exchange further pleasantries, directly asking: "Is Master going to campaign against Korea?"

Wang Daosheng nodded: "The court appointed me as Pingdong General, holding the Pingdong General’s Seal, commanding the Ning Dynasty Navy, and can recruit forty thousand Cao Yun Officials, adding the Standard Third Rank title as Vice Minister of the Ministry of War. They’ve also exceptionally granted me the title of Doctor of Guanglu, Bestowal of the Loyal and Brave Gold Medal, allowing me to take action before reporting if needed."

Chen Ji originally thought Wang Daosheng was underutilized in the court, yet as soon as he rejoined, these titles were granted?

But, no. The Divine Machine Camp, Longevity Army, and Five Armies Camp were not granted, just forty thousand Cao Yun Officials for him to lead into Korea?

After the sea embargo, the Ning Dynasty Navy fell idle, less effective than Xu family’s smuggling pirates. And the Cao Yun Officials are botched, long infiltrated by the Cao Guild and officials, serving as protection for big salt merchants and grain merchants.

To lead such a force is more symbolic than practical.

Just for show.

Chen Ji hesitated: "Master, must you go this time?"

Wang Daosheng laughed: "What can I do about the court’s decisions? Besides, the Korea envoy threatened suicide, and rumors spread blaming Jing Dynasty for poisoning the Korea envoy. The public is increasingly agitated, the court must act to pacify them."

Chen Ji furrowed his brows: "But..."

This is a trap.

Jing Dynasty likely has troops prepared in Korea, quietly waiting for Ning Dynasty reinforcements.

Should he remind them?

Even if he does, would Master Wang believe him, and how to explain how he knows?

Even if Wang Daosheng believes, this isn’t something he can control: whether to deploy troops, it’s the court’s decision.

Even if the court agrees not to deploy troops, how to ensure the Jing Dynasty Military Intelligence Department doesn’t find out he influenced it, Si Caogui certainly won’t let him go.

At that time, not only might he lose his mission, but his life might be in danger.

Wang Daosheng noticed his expression, and with a frown asked: "What troubles you?"

Chen Ji fell into silence, then smiled: "Nothing, just worried about the danger Master might face in Korea."

Wang Daosheng patted his shoulder: "It won’t be an issue, my responsibility is primarily to educate and appease the vassal state, fighting the Jing Dynasty is secondary and not dangerous."

Chen Ji nodded.

Standing outside the gate in the dark night, he ultimately chose not to give any warning: "Master, where will you settle after arriving in the capital, do you have a place to stay?"

Wang Daosheng casually replied: "The Ministry of War office has lodgings prepared for clerks, I can stay there with them."

Chen Ji offered: "Why not stay at the Chen family home? There’s a small courtyard with two vacant rooms."

Wang Daosheng smiled warmly: "It’s fine, Henan Province still has hundreds of thousands of disaster victims with nowhere to stay, having a place at the Ministry’s lodging is already good for me."

At this moment, footsteps echoed behind Chen Ji, along with the clash of armor.

Li Xuan arrived before Wang Daosheng, bowing with clasped fists: "Subordinate Li Xuan, greets Mr. Wang."

Wang Daosheng chuckled: "I often saw General Li at the Imperial Palace Gate years ago, three years apart and your demeanor remains as vigorous."

Li Xuan got straight to the point: "Is Mr. Wang deploying to Korea?"

Wang Daosheng nodded: "Indeed."

Li Xuan bowed again: "I learned martial arts from my father, and find little opportunity to display them in this Capital. Upon hearing Mr. Wang is leading troops to Korea, I request to follow, hoping Mr. Wang allows me to accompany him."

Wang Daosheng studied Li Xuan, thought for a moment, and asked: "General Li, Hu Junxian mentioned you in his letter, saying you possess unparalleled courage and can seize flags in battles. But... are you discontent in the Yulin Army?"

Li Xuan seriously replied: "The Yulin Army is fine but not my ambition. Out of five hundred Yulin Army at Guyuan, only thirty-eight remain after battle. The court promised to recruit new soldiers but delayed this. The Yulin Army is already nominal."

Wang Daosheng fell silent.

Li Xuan, seeing no agreement, grew anxious: "Mr. Wang, we are good men, should wield our swords and achieve greatness, how can we remain idle here? I beg for your approval!"

Wang Daosheng shook his head: "No. Although General Li has achieved at Guyuan, he hasn’t practiced naval battles, fear it might not suit him."

Li Xuan sought Chen Ji’s help, but Chen Ji merely stood silently.

Desperate, Li Xuan sought Wang Daosheng again: "Are you worried about my high rank? I can resign, and serve as an infantryman under you, starting anew."

Wang Daosheng lifted Li Xuan, sighing: "There’s no need to endure such hardship, Lord Li shouldn’t follow me into this chaos, going to Korea is more symbolic than practical, and won’t achieve great merit. It’s late, I’ll find a bed at the Ministry’s lodging, you should return."

As he spoke, Wang Daosheng’s words held a compelling force, gradually dulling Li Xuan’s eagerness to join the expedition.

Wang Daosheng turned toward the Ministry of War office, walking firmly yet alone.

However, at this moment, Chen Ji’s voice pierced the silence from behind: "We want to join Mr. Wang in Korea, I hope you permit us."

Wang Daosheng turned back in astonishment, seeing Chen Ji bowing with sincere words.

Wang Daosheng stood in the center of Chang’an Street, contemplating for a long while: "Tomorrow I’ll send a memorial to request the court to transfer you under my command."

Li Xuan’s face lit up with joy: "Thank you, sir!"