205 Strategist Of The North (2/2)

”This old man is undeserving of such a title your Majesty, for you see I am not a strategist, but a mere humble servant.”

The Emperor's frown deepened. ”Then you mean…”

His eyes shifted to the youth beside the man. The youth's body was dressed in white robes with a bamboo hat veiling his face. He looked ordinary but decent.

”You're the strategist?” The Emperor couldn't conceal the shock in his voice.

He was so young. Too young.

”Is this a joke? Do you dare take me as a fool?” The Emperor's cold gaze pierced down on the two from above his seating.

Although the look in the Emperor's eyes was terrifying, the youth remained calm and lowered their head to remove the hat from their head. When they raised their eyes again, the Emperor's anger paused for a moment, replaced by shock. Even the eunuch standing behind him was stunned.

A pair of sparkling, emerald eyes stared back at him. The look within them reflected a serene calm, similar to that of a running stream in the spring. They lit up like the purest of jade.

For some unknown reason, the Emperor felt the look within those eyes was too clear – too calm.

The youth bowed his head. ”This humble one greets your Majesty. It is true; I am a strategist from the north. And no, I would not dare take your Majesty as a fool. I've simply come to help establish a stronger army.”

”Is that so?” The Emperor leaned forward a little in his seat. ”Then tell me, how do you plan to do that?”

Elevating their head a little, the youth's smile revealed a small dimple on the left that added a touch of aptitude to his appearance.

”If your Majesty grants me a group of your newest recruits, I can promise to have them trained and readily skilled at the same level as your best men within one month's time.”

A look of surprise came upon the Emperor's face, but it was quickly concealed.

”That's a bold promise.”

”Bold promises often come with a reason.”

The Emperor stared fixedly at the young man's appearance and in a split-second, his previous dissatisfaction diminished a little.

”Why do you wish to help? What do you get out of this?”

The youth tilted his head as if in deep thought. With a smile still on his face, he replied, ”Perhaps you could say your Majesty and I share a common goal. Truth be told, I wish to maintain peace amongst my people as does your Majesty.”

The Emperor was pleasantly surprised by the youth's words. There was silence within Qianqing Hall. Two pairs of eyes just stared at one another. One looking down with a doubtful gaze, the other looking up with composure.

”I will see what you have to offer me, northern strategist. Tomorrow morning, I will assign you new recruits to train. Until your worth is to be established, I will have my imperial guards observe your movements. If by any means I hear that you do not carry out your promise, I will decide to have you banished...or killed. It all depends on how poorly you fail me.”

Despite the Emperor's last words, the youth's expression hadn't changed from the beginning. He smiled and bowed his head.

”Thank you, your Majesty. I promise I will not disappoint you.”

The Emperor's eyes narrowed before he turned to the eunuch beside him.

”Have the servants set up a room for the strategist and his servant.”

Catching the Emperor's gaze, the eunuch nodded his head.

”Yes, your Majesty.”

Standing up from his seat, the Emperor looked down at the two figures below before twisting his body, his heavy robes sweeping behind him.

…

In the imperial palace's study, the Emperor leaned back in his seat and stared out the open window. The moonlight shone down on his figure, lighting up his yellow, dragon robes.

”Your Majesty, the northern strategist…is it wise to trust him?” The eunuch from before asked with concern.

”Are you questioning my decision?” The Emperor's voice dipped a few degrees.

Trembling, the eunuch shook his head. ”This lowly servant doesn't dare question your Majesty's decision.”

Coldly glancing away from the eunuch, the Emperor's dark eyes stared at the starlit sky.

”Did you see his eye color?”

The eunuch nodded his head. ”Yes, your Majesty. Perhaps he's of mixed blood. I have never seen a color like that before.”

The Emperor was silent for a moment. His eyes were deep and unreadable.

”I have.” He mumbled to himself, lips pulled back into a bitter smile.

”Your Majesty?” The eunuch tilted his head in confusion.

The deep pools of the Emperor's eyes flashed for an instant, quickly masking over the change as if he had never been dazed in the first place.

”It's nothing. Just keep watch on him. That boy…he's smarter than he appears.”

After saying so, the Emperor looked back down at the view below, his eyes filled with a faint gleam.