Tang Dynasty Demon Suppression Division

"You've worked in the Demon Suppression Division for so many years, you have more experience than anyone else, and most importantly, you are an upright person. I can only feel at ease entrusting the Suzhou Demon Suppression Division to you."

Xu Sheng looked at him, his lips moved, and finally he nodded heavily: "Rest assured, sir, Xu Sheng will never let you down!"

In order to allow Xu Sheng to gain a foothold as soon as possible, Li Yuan also transferred Zhao Hu and Zheng Yuan to him, and selected two other people from the Demon Suppression Division to supplement him.

Li Yuan specially used a special communication channel for the personnel appointment, and Ye Hongyu did not make things difficult for her, approving it directly with a stroke of her pen.

On the day the appointment was made, Xu Sheng put on his brand-new captain's uniform and stood in front of the gate of the Suzhou Demon Suppression Office, his eyes a little red.

He started as an ordinary demon-hunting guard, working his way up for most of his life, never imagining that one day he would be able to sit in this position.

If Chen Shuo were still alive, everything would be perfect.

He turned around, faced Li Yuan, and bowed solemnly.

Everything in Hexi Circuit was undergoing reform and innovation, while the imperial court in Chang'an, thousands of miles away, was bustling with activity.

The case of Lü Ming caused a huge uproar in the capital, shaking the court and the public. Officials were outraged and submitted memorials demanding severe punishment.

Privately, the various factions were rapidly reshuffling, and some even united to oppose the emperor. For a time, the atmosphere was tense and the undercurrents were surging.

Chang'an City, Taiji Hall.

"Knock knock knock!"

After the morning court bell rang three times, civil and military officials lined up on both sides according to their rank, standing respectfully with their hands at their sides.

The atmosphere at today's court assembly was somewhat delicate. The case of Lü Ming, the military governor of Hexi, was nearing its end. The evidence was irrefutable and there was no room for reversal. What remained was the redistribution of power.

Some were happy, some were sad; a bunch of people were holding their breath, waiting to divide the cake.

As soon as the court assembly began, the censors from the Censorate were the first to launch their attack.

"His Majesty!"

"Lu Ming, the military governor of Hexi, colluded with the demon race to murder loyal officials, embezzled military funds, and amassed power through his own army. The evidence against him is irrefutable, and he is an outrage to both gods and men!"

An elderly imperial censor with gray hair and beard stepped forward, his voice booming.

"Your Majesty, I implore you to punish this severely to uphold the law!"

As soon as he finished speaking, several more officials stepped forward and echoed his sentiments.

In an instant, the Taiji Hall was filled with impassioned voices, and the officials instantly became the embodiment of justice, wishing they could tear Lü Ming to pieces.

Li Yan sat upright on the dragon throne, expressionless, tapping his fingers impatiently on the throne. His gaze swept over the silent figures at the front of the hall, and he sneered inwardly, thinking, "These old guys are quite composed."

After the officials had finished speaking, Li Yan slowly said, "The evidence in the case of Lü Ming is conclusive. I have issued an edict to dismiss all relevant personnel from their posts and to investigate them, and to hand them over to the three judicial departments for joint trial."

"As for the position of Jiedushi of Hexi..." He paused deliberately, intentionally whetting everyone's appetite, "I would like to hear your opinions."

Upon hearing this, someone finally couldn't hold back any longer and stepped forward to say, "Your Majesty, this matter is of great importance. A mature and prudent person should be chosen to take charge. I recommend..."

"Nonsense! The Hexi Circuit is of utmost importance; we should choose a person with ambition and drive. I recommend..."

Immediately, the court became noisy and bustling, like a marketplace.

"Bang!"

Suddenly, a teacup crashed onto the floor of the hall with a loud bang.

Everyone immediately fell silent, looking at Li Yan in fear.

The young emperor's face was now as cold as ice: "Each of you is related to Lü Ming in some way. I have already shown extraordinary leniency by not punishing you all for the crime of collective punishment!"

Lu Ming had been navigating the court for decades. As a third-rank official, his network of connections extended throughout the court. If one were to investigate carefully, few of those standing in the Taiji Hall would be innocent.

The hall was deathly silent.

At this point, anyone who dares to step forward is risking the emperor's wrath, which would be a losing proposition.

"There is no need to discuss this matter further; I have already made my decision."

Li Yan's voice was icy cold: "Hereby appoint Zhang Tingyu, the former Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue, as the Military Governor of Hexi. He shall take up his post immediately."

Upon hearing this, a low murmur of discussion immediately arose in the hall.

Zhang Tingyu came from a humble background and passed the imperial examinations. He was a trusted confidant whom the emperor had promoted in recent years. He was honest, upright, and capable, and had achieved considerable political success during his tenure at the Ministry of Revenue.

More importantly, Zhang Tingyu was a civil official, so there was no need to worry about him monopolizing military and political power and becoming too powerful to control.

Originally, everyone had their own ulterior motives, wanting to place their own people in order to get a share of the spoils. But now they all shut up, and no one dared to offend the emperor, lest he make them the scapegoat.

"Your subject Zhang Tingyu accepts the imperial decree and thanks Your Majesty for your great favor!"

Zhang Tingyu said loudly.

A smile crept onto Li Yan's lips; he was in high spirits seeing these guys get their comeuppance.

After the court session ended.

Li Yan went straight to the Imperial Study, sat down behind the desk, and rubbed his throbbing temples.

Eunuch Wang quickly handed over a cup of hot tea and said softly, "Your Majesty, Lord Luo and Lord Ye from the Demon Suppression Division are waiting outside."

Li Yan took a sip of tea: "Let them in."

A moment later, Ye Hongyu and Luo Xuan walked into the imperial study side by side and bowed in unison: "Your subject greets Your Majesty."

No need for formalities.

Li Yan put down his teacup, looked at the two of them, and smiled. "Sit down."

The two thanked each other for their seats, and Ye Hongyu immediately reported on the situation in Hexi Road.

"Li Yuan did a good job and did not disappoint me."

Sending Li Yuan to Hexi Circuit was ostensibly his own request, but in reality, it was a deliberate move by the emperor.

The forces in Hexi were deeply entrenched, and only the new talent was unaffected by their vested interests. Li Yan placed high hopes on him.

But to his surprise, Li Yuan was able to strike swiftly and decisively in such a short time, uprooting Lü Ming and his gang, giving him a pleasant surprise.

"Thank you for your appreciation, Your Majesty. Now that the affairs of Hexi are concluded, wouldn't it be a waste of his talents to keep him here?"

Ye Hongyu followed the emperor's words and spoke calmly. She knew that Li Yuan's greatest wish was to go to the front line. Taking advantage of the emperor's good mood, she would help him without making a sound.

"Oh? What you say makes sense, but what does Li Yuan himself mean?"

"Li Yuan is devoted to cultivation and has a pure mind. He only obeys orders. It was I who acted presumptuously and I only feel sorry for him."

Ye Hongyu felt a chill run down her spine, but fortunately, having held a high position for many years, she was already adept at handling such situations.

"Pure-minded..."

Li Yan repeated those four words, then smiled meaningfully, "These days, there aren't many people with pure hearts. I hope he can continue to maintain that."

"Very well, I will consider it. You need not worry, my dear minister."

With the Emperor's words, Ye Hongyu felt much more at ease. She knew that it was best to stop there; saying more would only make His Majesty suspicious. So she quickly changed the subject.

After Ye Hongyu and her companion took their leave, Eunuch Wang quietly refilled the Emperor's hot water. Li Yan casually asked, "Eunuch, tell me, should I release Li Yuan to Longyou?"

"Your Majesty, this old servant has been observing him for a long time. This boy is not only exceptionally talented, but also quick-witted. Given time, he will surely achieve great things."

"He is destined for greatness!"

Li Yan picked up his teacup but didn't drink it. He frowned and said, "In peaceful times, I would not have allowed him to rise so quickly. But now, with the world in turmoil, I have no choice but to take a gamble."

Grandpa Wang stood with his hands at his sides, expressionless.

Li Yan put down his cup, his gaze becoming profound, and sighed softly, "I hope I haven't misjudged him..."

A few days later, an imperial edict was delivered to Suzhou, bestowing upon Li Yuan a purple-gold fish pouch, three hundred high-grade spirit stones, ten bottles of Qi Condensation Pills, and a piece of extraterrestrial meteorite iron.

Li Yuan was temporarily put in charge of military affairs in Hexi, effectively giving him supreme decision-making power in Hexi Circuit.