"The Imperial Factory needs talents like him!"

Hearing these words, Chen Yuan felt a chill run down his spine. Yang Yuanqing, Cao Zhengxian's adopted son, felt even more envious and resentful towards Chen Yuan. He didn't know why, but he just didn't like Chen Yuan.

As if sensing Chen Yuan's reluctance, Cao Zhengxian continued, "Not everyone in the Imperial Factory needs to be castrated. You don't have to worry. Rest assured, as long as you are willing to enter the Imperial Surveillance Department, this Supervisor will definitely value you greatly. Your talents will not be buried."

Cao Zhengxian pinched his orchid fingers and pointed at Chen Yuan with a smile.

Zhang Yantong snorted softly, "Is Supervisor Cao implying that Chen Yuan is being buried in my Sky Survey Division?"

"Isn't it? With Chen Yuan's talent and strength, he should have been transferred to the capital long ago. But you few Divine Envoys have been making excuses and fighting each other in the dark. You've let such a good seedling as Chen Yuan stay in that remote corner of Qingzhou for so long. If Chen Yuan were from the Imperial Surveillance Department, this Supervisor would never have allowed it."

"This Envoy deliberately placed Chen Yuan in Qingzhou to temper him. Doesn't Supervisor Cao know that even this Envoy's son is serving in a lower-level prefecture? Without such tempering, how could Chen Yuan have defeated all the heroes in the world and topped the Hidden Dragon List? If he were in the Imperial Surveillance Department, hehe... I'm afraid it wouldn't be the same."

"Does Envoy Zhang have a problem with my Imperial Surveillance Department?"

"What if I do? The Imperial Surveillance Department has been bullying my Sky Survey Division these past few years. What, do you think there's no one in my Sky Survey Division? Supervisor Cao, my Sky Survey Division is full of iron-blooded men, not some trouble-making fellows."

Even in Jingtai's presence, Zhang Yantong didn't flinch at all in front of Cao Zhengxian. Even though there were various factions fighting within the Sky Survey Division, they could still unite against the Imperial Surveillance Department, which was trying to seize power.

This was exactly what Jingtai wanted to see, so he generally wouldn't stop them, but would instead actively deepen the conflict between the two departments. As long as it was within the rules, he would let them fight.

People can't be idle, or they will cause all sorts of trouble.

"Nonsense, absurd!"

Cao Zhengxian snorted and continued, "That's because your Sky Survey Division is incompetent. If you're really so powerful, then go and pacify those demonic heretics in Blood Province."

"Why doesn't the Imperial Surveillance Department go? If Supervisor Cao dares to go, my Sky Survey Division will follow closely behind."

Seeing that the two of them were about to argue, Jingtai coughed lightly and said calmly, "You are both important officials of the court, Transformation Yang Perfected Cultivators. What kind of spectacle is this?"

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. It's just that Eunuch Cao is too欺人 (qī rén, bullying), and I couldn't help but want to retort."

"Your Majesty, please forgive me. This old official was just telling the truth, but I didn't expect Envoy Zhang to still be unconvinced."

Jingtai turned his gaze to Chen Yuan and said calmly, "Supervisor Cao and Envoy Zhang both value you so much. What do you think?"

Chen Yuan's expression remained unchanged. He cupped his hands to Cao Zhengxian and said, "Thank you for Supervisor Cao's kindness, but I'm used to being in the Sky Survey Division. I'm afraid I won't be comfortable in the Imperial City Surveillance. I hope Factory Supervisor won't blame me."

"It's alright. If you're not happy in the Sky Survey Division in the future, you can always come to me. There will always be a place for you in the Imperial Surveillance Department." Cao Zhengxian said, looking at Chen Yuan with a smile that wasn't a smile.

"With this Envoy here, how could Chen Yuan not be happy?"

"Chen Qing (卿, qing, term of endearment for a minister), you defeated all the heroes in the world and topped the Hidden Dragon List, enhancing the prestige of the court. You also governed Tangshan Prefecture well, which is a great achievement. Originally, I wanted you to break through in the secret realm of the capital, with a Transformation Yang Perfected Cultivator protecting you. But since you have already successfully broken through, let's drop the matter. I've long said that I want you to serve in the capital and entrust you with important tasks. What position in the Sky Survey Division do you desire?"

Jingtai stared at Chen Yuan and asked.

"This subject is惶恐 (huáng kǒng, apprehensive), I don't deserve Your Majesty's kindness."

"This subject is just a brick of the court. Wherever it's needed, Your Majesty can move it there. Serving Your Majesty and contributing to the court are all within my duties. I dare not make any requests."

Chen Yuan bowed and said.

Jingtai looked at Chen Yuan with some admiration. Although the other party was unwilling to kneel and acted very偏激 (piān jī, radical), this loyalty and attitude were very good.

If he were to cultivate him, he would surely become a pillar of the court and an arm of his in the future.

"What positions do you two think Chen Qing is suitable for?"

He turned his gaze to Zhang Yantong and Cao Zhengxian.

Cao Zhengxian looked at Chen Yuan with a smile that wasn't a smile, "This old official believes that since Qing Envoy Chen has done so well in Tangshan, he might as well become a City Patrol Commander. The capital has been quite turbulent in recent years and needs to be suppressed."

"Envoy Zhang?"

Zhang Yantong said in a deep voice, "The City Patrol Commander is a job that offends people. With Chen Yuan's personality, he will inevitably cause some trouble. However, one of the four Imperial City Commanders is currently vacant. This subject believes that it might be a good idea to let Chen Yuan take this position. This way, those warriors who are eyeing the court will have nothing to say."

Since Chen Yuan was summoned to the capital, there has indeed been some clamor in the Jianghu, speculating what position Jingtai would give Chen Yuan. If it was too low, it would inevitably cause criticism.

Cao Zhengxian immediately retorted, "This old official believes it's not feasible. Qing Envoy Chen has only recently broken through. If he is directly appointed as an Imperial City Commander, it will inevitably cause criticism. There are many Core Formation Grandmasters in the Imperial Surveillance Department and the Sky Survey Division who are eyeing the position. Although Qing Envoy Chen has made great contributions, it's still inevitable that some people will be dissatisfied. After all, since the founding of the dynasty, the lowest cultivation level for those who have served as one of the eight commanders inside and outside the capital has been Solid Core. There has never been an exception. With Qing Envoy Chen's strength, the City Patrol Commander is more suitable. When Qing Envoy Chen breaks through to Solid Core, it won't be too late to entrust him with one of the eight commanders."

The City Patrol Commander is one level lower than the eight commanders, but he is not subordinate to the eight commanders. Instead, he directly obeys the four Divine Envoys of the Sky Survey Division, which can also be considered a high position and great power.

Generally, they are candidates for the eight commanders. Compared to the outside, they are slightly stronger than the deputy envoys of the various provinces. However, if the deputy envoys have real power, then they are on par.

"Moreover, the triennial ancestral sacrifice is about to begin. Qing Envoy Chen has no experience whatsoever. If he doesn't do well, not only will Qing Envoy Chen be criticized, but Your Majesty will also be..."

Cao Zhengxian has long been eyeing the recently vacant commander position, which was prepared for Yang Yuanqing. Although his status beside the emperor is not low, his real power is ultimately too little.

Only by serving as an Imperial City Commander can he legitimately inherit his Supervisor position in the future. Cao Zhengxian has been racking his brains for this adopted son.

Moreover, Yang Yuanqing was recently reprimanded by the emperor, and the emperor's favor is gradually disappearing. Preparations must be made early.

"This subject thinks that Supervisor Cao's words are wrong. Now everyone in the world knows that Your Majesty summoned Chen Yuan to the capital and entrusted him with important tasks. If he is only given the position of City Patrol Commander, it will inevitably make people feel petty. Chen Yuan enhanced the prestige of the country and became the first person in the court to top the Hidden Dragon List. Such achievements are not enough to silence those gossiping mouths? As for what experience is, it's even more of Supervisor Cao's 无稽之谈 (wú jī zhī tán, nonsense)."

Hearing the four words '无稽之谈 (wú jī zhī tán, nonsense),' Cao Zhengxian's expression changed slightly. Even though he was a eunuch, he didn't want others to call him that.

In fact, with his cultivation and strength, he would have been able to find spiritual objects to regrow his limbs long ago, but... it was useless in this harem.

Furthermore, he himself wasn't interested in such things. Isn't it just that little bit of coming and going?

"The triennial ancestral sacrifice is just a matter of following the old routine, replicating the past years. Moreover, the Imperial City Commanders are only responsible for guarding. The sacrificial rites and etiquette are all under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Rites."

"Supervisor Cao said before that Chen Yuan is a pillar of the country and a talent. Is such talent not capable of holding a mere Imperial City Commander position?"

Envoy Zhang said in a deep voice.

"Your Majesty..."

Cao Zhengxian was about to say something, but Jingtai interrupted him by raising his hand and said calmly, "Both of you have some valid points, but Chen Qing has indeed made no small contributions to the court. If he is not generously rewarded, how can we convince the people?"

Hearing these words, Cao Zhengxian frowned and quickly said, "Your Majesty, it is true that Qing Envoy Chen has made contributions, but Yang Yuanqing has also served Your Majesty diligently for so many years. This old official originally intended for him to serve as the Imperial City Commander."

He knew very well that the emperor had been intentionally weakening the power of the Sky Survey Division in the capital in recent years, wanting the Imperial Surveillance Department and the Sky Survey Division to restrain each other. The fact that the Imperial Surveillance Department had seized two Imperial City Commander positions from the Sky Survey Division before was intentionally done by Jingtai.

That's why the Imperial Surveillance Department was able to succeed, and that's why the Divine Envoys of the Sky Survey Division didn't react too strongly. Otherwise, with the strength of the Sky Survey Division, the Imperial Surveillance Department would not be able to compare at all.

Hearing these words, Jingtai's tone stagnated, and he didn't continue what he was about to say. He originally wanted to directly appoint Chen Yuan, which was why Cao Zhengxian interrupted him.

The emperor's words are absolute and contain the constitution of heaven. Once spoken, they will not be changed, especially in front of so many people. This would damage the emperor's prestige.

"You also want to serve as an Imperial City Commander?" Jingtai turned his gaze to Yang Yuanqing.

"This subject also wants to contribute to the country and guard the Imperial City for Your Majesty." Yang Yuanqing immediately bowed and said. He didn't say that he had been by the emperor's side for too long and wanted some real power.

That would kill people!

In fact, the reason why he asked his adoptive father to transfer him to the position of Imperial City Commander was not only because he wanted real power, but also because he wanted to be further away from the emperor. In recent years, he felt that the emperor had become even more terrifying and capricious.

Serving the emperor is like serving a tiger, and he was a little timid.

That's why he wanted to stay away. Otherwise, if only in terms of power and status, working by the emperor's side would be better than the eight commanders or even the Gold Envoys of some remote prefectures.

Those concubines and palace maids in the Imperial Palace who wanted to seek the emperor's favor had to serve him and let him manipulate them.

Jingtai tapped the table with his fingers, his eyes slightly narrowed, thinking about some things. The reason why the Imperial Surveillance Department was able to seize two commander positions from the Sky Survey Division in the Imperial City was, as Cao Zhengxian thought, because he had authorized it.

That's why the Imperial Surveillance Department was able to succeed, and that's why the Divine Envoys of the Sky Survey Division didn't react too strongly. Otherwise, with the strength of the Sky Survey Division, the Imperial Surveillance Department would not be able to compare at all.

And his real purpose was to completely separate the inner and outer cities. The four commanders of the outer city would be handed over to the Sky Survey Division, while the four commanders of the inner city would be controlled by the Imperial Surveillance Department.

The Sky Survey Division was too strong. A Peerless True Lord was seeking to break through to the Sixth Realm, four Refinement Spirit experts were stationed in the capital, and more than ten Gold Envoys guarded their respective areas.

If they had any ulterior motives...

It was inevitable that the events of the imperial family that year would be repeated.

Of course, not only the Sky Survey Division, but Jingtai was also gradually weakening the military, dispersing the troops in the capital and holding them firmly in his hands.

To revitalize the Great Jin and eliminate the decline, the first step was to take all the power into his own hands. Only in this way could he stop the increasingly declining court.

Looking at Jingtai's contemplative appearance, Zhang Yantong frowned and naturally thought of some things. I'm afraid Chen Yuan's ascension to the Imperial City Commander was not so simple.

After all, this violated Jingtai's consistent plans.

And Chen Yuan also narrowed his eyes, raised his head and exchanged glances with Yang Yuanqing, who was next to him. A hint of coldness flashed in both of their eyes, and they both disliked each other.

If Cao, the阉狗 (yān gǒu, castrated dog), hadn't mentioned Yang Yuanqing just now, his Imperial City Commander position would have already been finalized.

"Are there any vacancies for the Gold Envoys of the various provinces recently?"

Jingtai turned his gaze to Zhang Yantong.

"There are no vacancies, but the Gold Envoy of Liang Province has sent a letter saying that the Northern Liang Royal Residence has almost emptied him, and the entire military and political affairs of Liang Province are in the hands of the Northern Liang King. He hopes that the court can reprimand the Northern Liang King."

Zhang Yantong said in a low voice.

"Northern Liang King..." Jingtai took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "Since Liang Province lacks people, promote an Outer City Commander to become a Gold Envoy, and if one isn't enough, then promote two. We must stabilize the situation in Liang Province, at least... it must be presentable."

He would never reprimand the Northern Liang King. The reason why the border between Liang and You Province was still impregnable was because the Northern Liang King had withstood most of the pressure in Liang Province.

If he were to become dissatisfied with the court because of the reprimand and deliberately create some trouble, it would inevitably give him a headache. Since the founding of the Great Jin, they had repeatedly tried to weaken the power of the Northern Liang King.

But he had avoided them one by one. If he couldn't avoid them, he would directly signal his subordinates to open up loopholes and allow the barbarians to enter the Central Plains.

His elite 300,000 Northern Liang Iron Cavalry was something that even the court was wary of.

When the battle formation was formed, it would be invincible.

"This subject obeys."

Zhang Yantong understood that this was the emperor's roundabout way. He didn't want to be criticized for not valuing Chen Yuan, nor did he want to return the power to the Sky Survey Division.

But fortunately, the position of Outer City Commander was not inferior to that of Inner City Commander. Chen Yuan was also being entrusted with important tasks. The only one who would suffer a loss might be the Outer City Commander who was about to be transferred from the capital.

Although the Gold Envoy has a high position and great power, it depends on where they are. Even if they become Gold Envoys in Liang Province, they would be jointly governing with others. Moreover, with the Northern Liang King there, it was not a good job at all.

"Chen Qing, Yang Qing, there is currently a shortage of a commander in the outer city, which is not inferior to the Imperial City Commander. You two have both made contributions, so each of you should choose one."

The implication was that he wanted Chen Yuan to serve as the Outer City Commander, causing Yang Yuanqing to curl up his mouth in a cold smile.

But Chen Yuan, not reaching his goal, would not give up?

He said with a solemn expression to Jingtai, "This subject dare not have any objections to where Your Majesty places me. There is no difference between the inner and outer cities. If it were someone else, this subject could let him choose first, but Yang Yuanqing is different. This fellow has some personal grudges with this subject, and this subject is unwilling to give in. Please allow this subject to fight him. If he wins, this subject can choose later. If this subject wins..."

"Arrogant and conceited."

Yang Yuanqing narrowed his eyes. He had also wanted to fight him for a long time. Hearing Chen Yuan's words, he immediately bowed and said, "This subject is also willing to fight Qing Envoy Chen, but the conditions must be changed. If this subject wins, I hope Qing Envoy Chen will serve as the City Patrol Commander. If this subject loses, it will be the same!"

Jingtai's gaze sank slightly, "Does朕 (zhèn, I, used by emperor) decision allow for play?"

"Your Majesty, please forgive me."

"Your Majesty, please forgive me."

Chen Yuan and Yang Yuanqing said quickly.

Cao Zhengxian's gaze flickered and echoed, "Your Majesty, since Qing Envoy Chen and Yang Yuanqing have some personal grudges, it's better to take this opportunity to settle them. This way, they can better serve the court and avoid hindering each other in the future. Moreover, it is said that Qing Envoy Chen's battle prowess is unparalleled and that he can fight beyond his level. Presumably, it will not be difficult to defeat Yuanqing. Also, Your Majesty admires Qing Envoy Chen so much, don't you want to see his strength?"

Zhang Yantong frowned and looked at Chen Yuan. In his opinion, this dispute could be completely avoided. The Outer City Commander was no weaker than the Inner City Commander. It was really unwise for Chen Yuan, who had only recently formed a Core, to fight Yang Yuanqing with his nascent Core cultivation.

Was it just to vent his anger?

Of course not. In fact, Chen Yuan just wanted to find a suitable excuse. Otherwise, he could only serve as the Outer City Commander, which would violate too much of his plan with the Dao God Palace.

He was determined to win the Imperial City Commander!

Meeting Zhang Yantong's gaze, Chen Yuan gave him a reassuring look, allowing him to stare for a moment before he agreed, "Supervisor Cao's words are not without reason. Since there is a grudge between Chen Yuan and Eunuch Yang, it is better to take this opportunity to completely settle it. If Chen Yuan loses, it will prove that his current strength is indeed insufficient. It is good to be a City Patrol Commander, which can better silence the world's gossiping mouths. If he wins, give him the position of Imperial City Commander, and Your Majesty can rest assured."

Jingtai slowly glanced at the two of them and said softly, "Do you two really want to compete?"

Chen Yuan stepped forward, "Please Your Majesty to approve."

"Please Your Majesty to approve. It is said that Demon Saber Chen Yuan is the best in the world. This subject has always disagreed. Today, I have the opportunity to see it for myself, and it is also a fulfillment of this subject's wish."

Yang Yuanqing said loudly.

Jingtai's face couldn't show joy or sorrow and continued to say, "Since you are determined to have a fight, I will not stop you, but today is after all a contest of temperament. If anyone loses, don't blame朕 (zhèn, I, used by emperor) afterwards."

"This subject dare not."

"This subject dare not."

"If anyone wins, the position of Imperial City Commander will be his, and there will be no more objections. In addition,朕 (zhèn, I, used by emperor) will re-select the Outer City Commander."

His intention was to have Chen Yuan serve as the Outer City Commander and Yang Yuanqing as the Imperial City Commander, but since both of them were dissatisfied, the winner would be the first.

The loser will get nothing.

This is the end of defying him.

There is nothing to be happy about. One commander is selected, and one is selected. At present, there is only one position left.

"This subject understands."

"This subject understands."

Chen Yuan and Yang Yuanqing bowed one after the other.

Jingtai's gaze swept over the two of them and looked at Zhang Yantong and said, "This battle determines the position of Imperial City Commander. If the other Divine Envoys want to come, they can come and watch."

"Yes..."