Chapter 887 -s 893–894: Naming, Chen Le’an

Imperial Palace, Imperial Study.

Upon learning that Chang En had entered the palace, with Wu Mi taking care of Chu Ran for the moment, Chen Mo excused himself from Chu Ran’s sleeping quarters and instructed someone to summon Chang En to the Imperial Study.

"Your subject, Chang En, pays respect to Your Majesty." Chang En walked in slowly, and upon seeing Chen Mo, immediately bowed his head, saluting respectfully.

"Quickly, dispense with formalities. Someone, grant him a seat." Chen Mo lifted his gaze and said with a smile. However, at that very moment, his sword-like eyebrows slightly lifted.

For there was a red number "1919" on Chang En’s forehead.

Once Jia Yin had brought in a Master’s Chair and then exited the Imperial Study, Chen Mo said, "Chang En, have you entered the Upper Three Grades?"

After taking his seat, Chang En nodded with a smile, reverently saying, "Thanks to Your Majesty’s vast grace, this subject fortuitously broke into the Divine Power Realm at the start of the year."

"Good, good, good."

Chen Mo shouted three times with joy, his mood exceedingly excited.

It must be understood that the Upper Three Grades martial artists of Great Wei were very few in number, and each addition represented a new "weapon of mass destruction" that could be used continuously, significantly enhancing the overall strength of the army.

The key point is, Chang En is in his prime and not yet forty. Unlike the older generation of Divine Power Realm martial artists like Wu Yanqing and Xiao Jing, he can serve the country for decades and is worthy of vigorous cultivation.

Especially as Chen Mo intended to swiftly hand over the throne to the Crown Prince, Chang En would form an essential part of the foundation for the Crown Prince.

"Youzhou is a land of bitter cold with harsh living conditions. In these past two years, I’ve had you stationed at the border. Do you hold any grievances against me?" Chen Mo said, rising to stand in front of Chang En.

As Chen Mo stood, Chang En dared not remain seated and promptly stood up, respectfully saying, "This subject feels only gratitude toward Your Majesty. In the past, as per my master’s commands, I entered the secular world with nothing to my name. Your Majesty took me in, and later, with your entrustment, allowed me to fulfill my filial duty to my master and deal with his final affairs, gaining opportunities.

Afterward, without having made any contributions, Your Majesty still appointed me to significant military positions. With such great kindness and virtue, this subject is willing to repay Your Majesty with my life, ready to tread through fire and water without hesitation. How could I hold any grievances?

Moreover, without the trials at the border over the past two years, this subject likely would not have broken into the Divine Power Realm."

Chang En clasped his hands heavily towards Chen Mo.

Chen Mo, looking into Chang En’s eyes, could see how much he had grown over the past two years. The words spoken by Chang En now were not something the Chang En of two years ago could have said; moreover, the sincerity and intensity of his words gave a sense of his words aligning with his thoughts.

Chen Mo was very pleased with Chang En’s response and said, "I’ve brought you back to the capital first to let you rest well after your strenuous guard at the border. Additionally, I intend to place more responsibilities on your shoulders, but I don’t know if you’re prepared to take them on."

"At Your Majesty’s command, this subject is willing to be Your Majesty’s vanguard," Chang En replied.

"Good."

Chen Mo patted Chang En’s shoulder and then said, "For your meritorious service at the border, I intend to appoint you as the Captain of the Central Camp of the Divine Brave Guard, concurrently serving as an Assistant Minister of the Ministry of War, overseeing the entire Divine Brave Guard."

Chang En was shocked by what he heard about the Divine Brave Guard, which was the most formidable force in battle apart from the personal guard battalion (Imperial Guard) of His Majesty and was equipped with the best gear.

Having just joined the military not long ago and being entrusted with such heavy responsibilities speaks volumes about His Majesty’s regard for him.

And the Assistant Minister post represents being the second in command in the Ministry of War.

"Your Majesty, this..."

"Didn’t you say you would follow my instructions?"

Chen Mo seemed to have guessed what he wanted to say and directly interrupted Chang En’s words.

"Your Majesty, the position of Captain of the Central Camp in the Divine Brave Guard is currently held by General Cui. If you promote me to this position, then... what will happen to General Cui?" Chang En, though having changed quite a bit, still retained a simple and honest nature, feeling that this situation might put him at odds with Cui Shuang.

"I have other plans for General Cui, so you need not worry," Chen Mo said.

Given that, Chang En accepted the command: "Thank Your Majesty."

Chen Mo removed his hand from Chang En’s shoulder, looking at him: "Chang En, how old are you this year?"

"Replying to Your Majesty, this subject is thirty-three," Chang En said.

"Thirty-three? You’re not young anymore, yet you’re still unmarried, which is not acceptable..."

Saying this, Chen Mo turned around, walking back and forth with his hands clasped behind him, seemingly pondering something. Right after, he suddenly turned back to look at Chang En and said, "I plan to arrange a marriage for you; what do you think?"

"This..." Upon hearing this, Chang En, with a somewhat simple and honest face, blushed instantly.

A martial artist’s energy is naturally vigorous, and having lived in the mountains for two or three decades, Chang En felt repressed. Experiencing worldly life after joining the army just intensified it; to say he didn’t think of women would be false.

Yet, for Chang En, who had never experienced romance, discussing such matters made him bashful and embarrassed. It took him some time to respond.

Seeing him like this, Chen Mo laughed and said, "What are you hesitating about? I will make the decision for you. In a few days, I’ll choose a few good young ladies for you to pick from."

"...Thank Your Majesty." Chang En’s face was red, filled with joy, even happier than his promotion.

"I have high hopes for you, so do not disappoint me," Chen Mo said, patting Chang En on the shoulder again.

Upon hearing this, Chang En once again expressed his loyalty to Chen Mo earnestly.

Chen Mo nodded with a smile, withdrew his hand, and started another topic: "I remember you mentioned having a junior fellow apprentice named Hui Cheng, do you still recall this?"

Chang En nodded; he remembered mentioning this, but he was curious why His Majesty brought it up.