124: Appointed the Northern Frontier Prefecture Chief

Inside the Imperial Study, the candlelight flickered, reflecting the tightly furrowed brows of Sovereign Li Xuan.

He pondered for a long while, still finding it inconceivable, his heart churning with an indescribable sense of shock and confusion.

The leader of his trusted secret guards, "Flying Eagle," stood respectfully with hands down, his voice low and clear:

"Reporting to Your Majesty, the information found is indeed so. Situ Jun's Family has indeed been attached to the Northern Frontier City Lords Mansion for generations, but they are not a prominent house. Situ Jun himself is only at the Late Foundation Establishment Stage. He serves as a commander of the Spirit Stone mine guards in the Northern Frontier defense force. His official rank is not high, and he hasn't attracted much attention before."

"Late Foundation Establishment Stage?"

Li Xuan's fingertips subconsciously tapped the red sandalwood tabletop. The soft 'thump-thump' was exceptionally clear in the silent room, as if it were the manifestation of his inner doubts.

His gaze was deep, revealing an ill-concealed suspicion:

"A Middle Stage Foundation Establishment deputy commander can make Commander Zhu Changpo personally recommend him for City Lord? Zhu Changpo is at the Early Golden Core Stage, holds high prestige in the Northern Frontier army, and is a veteran. This..."

"This is exactly what is strange, Your Majesty."

Flying Eagle's voice continued without a ripple:

"Commander Zhu's recommendation letter was written with extreme sincerity, highly praising Situ Jun for being 'meticulous, fair in his dealings, and having won the hearts of the troops.' He especially mentioned that Situ Jun has made significant achievements in 'coordinating mine affairs and pacifying miners.' The letter even stated that although Situ Jun's cultivation is not high, his 'vision for the big picture and talent for governance' far exceed his cultivation, making him the best choice for stabilizing the current situation in the Northern Frontier."

Li Xuan's brows furrowed even deeper.

A Foundation Establishment Cultivator being so highly praised by a Golden Core superior, to the point of being willing to give up such a key position as the City Lord of the Northern Frontier? The reason behind this is truly irrational.

His thoughts involuntarily drifted to his sister, Li Danying. Remembering the undisguised admiration and trust in her eyes when she spoke of Situ Jun, as well as that bashful blush of a young girl in love, his heart couldn't help but tighten.

"Have you checked his relationship with Zhu Changpo? Is there any exchange of interests or special background?"

Li Xuan pressed further, his voice carrying an unquestionable majesty.

"We are digging deeper; currently, there are no special connections on the surface. Commander Zhu has always been known for being strictly professional. This recommendation has also caused quite a stir in the Northern Frontier army. Some are surprised, some are confused, but due to Commander Zhu's prestige, no one dares to publicly question it."

Flying Eagle reported truthfully.

Li Xuan stood up and paced to the window, gazing at the deepening twilight.

His heart was full of conflict and struggle. He owed his sister too much happiness. He truly couldn't bear to extinguish the light in her eyes with his own hands.

But the Northern Frontier... that was the Dynasty's northern gateway, facing the pressure of the Zhou Dynasty and the covetousness of complex internal forces. A single misstep could lead to eternal damnation; how could it be treated as child's play?

"Cultivation is, after all, a fatal flaw."

He murmured to himself, his voice filled with helplessness and worry.

"At the Late Foundation Establishment Stage, how can he suppress those arrogant soldiers and fierce generals of the Northern Frontier? How can he handle potential Golden Core-level conflicts? Zhu Changpo's recommendation seems more like he is endorsing Situ Jun, forcefully elevating him."

His heart was heavy with suspicion; Zhu Changpo's motives were equally questionable.

Was he truly recommending a talent for the sake of the country?

Or was he being manipulated by Situ Jun through some means?

Or... was he himself involved in something?

However, Li Danying's hopeful gaze and her words of guaranteeing with her life repeatedly surfaced in his mind like sharp blades, piercing his heart.

The Emperor's responsibility and a brother's guilt clashed fiercely in his heart. He sighed heavily, as if trying to dissipate all the internal conflict and helplessness with that breath.

"Forget it."

Li Xuan finally turned around, his eyes regaining the depth and decisiveness of an Emperor:

"Since Princess is so persistent and Zhu Changpo has staked his own prestige as a guarantee, I... will give him a chance. But Flying Eagle..."

"Your subordinate is here!"

Flying Eagle immediately responded, his posture as upright as a pine tree, his eyes flashing with a sharp light.

"After the decree is issued, your people must be pinned to the Northern Frontier like shadows! Watch Situ Jun's every move closely! Who he meets, what he handles, how he interacts with Zhu Changpo, what involvements he has with the various forces at the mine... everything, no matter how small, must be reported secretly every day! If there is any misconduct or if he lacks the ability to control the situation, report back immediately! I can give him a high position, but I can also strike him down into the dust in an instant!"

Li Xuan's voice carried an unquestionable chill, every word like ice:

"As for Zhu Changpo... watch him as well."

"By your command!"

Flying Eagle's figure was like a ghost, silently merging into the shadows as if he had never appeared, leaving behind a room of silence and Li Xuan's heavy thoughts... Three days later, the morning court session.

In the Golden Throne Hall, the atmosphere was solemn and grave.

The civil and military officials, dressed in their court robes, stood in neat rows. The air was thick with a tense and oppressive atmosphere.

When the eunuch attendant read the decree regarding the appointment of the City Lord of the Northern Frontier in a loud voice, the entire court was shaken, their faces showing expressions of disbelief.

"...The former commander of the Northern Frontier mine guards, Situ Jun, is promoted to City Lord of the Northern Frontier, overseeing all military and political affairs of the Northern Frontier. The former Commander Zhu Changpo, for his meritorious assistance, is granted the title of General Who Guards the North. He shall remain in charge of Northern Frontier military affairs, assisting City Lord Situ Jun in defending the borders and ensuring the peace of the people! May you all work together with one heart and not fail the Imperial grace! Respect this!"

As soon as the decree was issued, suppressed murmurs immediately broke out in the court.

Situ Jun?

An obscure Foundation Establishment Stage commander? To actually reach the heavens in a single bound and leap to become the City Lord of the Northern Frontier, almost on equal footing with Zhu Changpo? Although Zhu Changpo was given the title of General, the position of City Lord is the true core of the Northern Frontier!

This appointment was so inconceivable that it left everyone dumbfounded!

Some veteran officials showed worried expressions, their brows tightly knit, looking as if they wanted to speak but hesitated.

But when they saw Sovereign Li Xuan's calm yet majestic face, and Princess Danying standing by his side with a composed expression—even carrying a hint of subtle joy—they ultimately swallowed their doubts.

The Sovereign's mind was made up, and with Zhu Changpo's recommendation and the Princess's guarantee, opposing now would not only be futile but might also provoke the heavenly wrath and bring about disaster.

Li Danying's heart began to beat like a drum the moment she heard the name 'Situ Jun,' and a blush instantly stained her cheeks.

It's done! Royal Brother finally agreed!

Joy, like melting snow in spring, instantly soaked through her entire body; her heart was full of sweetness and happiness.

She tried hard to maintain her dignified princessly bearing, but the smile in her eyes could not be hidden, as if she could already see the future where she and Situ Jun stood side by side on the walls of Northern Frontier City, sharing glory and power.

After the court session was dismissed, Li Danying returned to her palace almost impatiently and immediately activated that cherished sound transmission talisman.

Her fingertips lightly stroked the sound transmission talisman, her voice carrying a seductive, coquettish tone:

"Husband, my brother has already announced you as the City Lord of the Northern Frontier in court. How are you going to thank me?"

A low, husky chuckle came from the other side of the sound transmission talisman, carrying a hint of tenderness:

"My wife is the most capable. If you hadn't helped pull some strings for your husband, how could I have had such a smooth time? Once I go to the Royal City, I will definitely cherish you well."

Li Danying's cheeks were crimson as she bit her lip and said softly:

"You only know how to coax me... And you said back then you just had to... Now look, we have our little baby, and my waist has grown a whole size."

"Thicker is better; it feels soft and comfortable to touch."

Situ Jun's voice grew even deeper, as if a scalding heat was traveling through the sound transmission talisman. "When I return, I will definitely spend time with you and make up for all the longing during this period."

"How annoying! You only know how to say such nonsense." Li Danying acted coquettishly, yet she couldn't hide her sweetness. "Then when are you coming? I look forward to meeting you every day."

"Soon. Once I have settled the affairs in the Northern Frontier, I will travel day and night to see you. At that time, we..." Situ Jun deliberately trailed off, his voice laced with obvious teasing.

Li Danying's heart beat like a drum as she spat softly:

"You only know how to bully me, I'm ignoring you!"

Even though she said so, her fingers were reluctant to put down the sound transmission talisman.

The two flirted for a long time. Li Danying was immersed in immense happiness and longing for the future, feeling that the sunlight had never been so bright.