Chapter Fifty-Eight: It Matters Not if You All Come at Once

As Emperor Yonghe gave his order, the martial contest officially began…

After rigorous selection over the past two days, ninety-nine percent of the participants had already been eliminated. Those who could appear on the final day of the tournament were all men of exceptional martial prowess.

The first to take the stage was a Commander of the Embroidered Guard, skilled in wielding the saber, and his opponent was a Supervisor from the Eastern Depot, adept with the sword.

Both had spent over a decade mastering the Post-Heavenly Realm, separated from the Pre-Heavenly Realm by only the thinnest of veils. On the stage, the two clashed, each probing for weaknesses and exploiting openings. The saber swept and slashed with bold, open movements, while the sword was cunning and ruthless. Amid the flashing blades, the ring of clashing metal sounded from time to time, combining both beauty and danger in equal measure.

Below the stage, the crowd's applause was thunderous…

Meanwhile, Xu Boqing had taken up the role of commentator beside the Empress Dowager, explaining the techniques and their counters in simple, clear language. He elucidated the subtle strategies behind each move, making the intricacies of martial arts accessible and engaging.

Not far away, Emperor Yonghe raised an eyebrow. He had already recognized the young eunuch by the Empress Dowager’s side as the successor recommended by Huang Xingxian, but had paid it little mind at first.

But as time passed and several rounds of combatants rotated through the arena, this young eunuch continued to explain every bout to the Empress Dowager with apparent ease and expertise.

What’s more, his words were vivid and captivating. Even someone like the Emperor, who had little interest in martial arts, found himself listening with rapt attention.

This piqued his curiosity…

Emperor Yonghe glanced at Liu Yuan by his side, noticing the latter’s face was also filled with astonishment and uncertainty. He realized that the young eunuch’s commentary was indeed accurate.

Turning, the Emperor called, “Liu Yuan?”

Startled from his reverie, Liu Yuan hurriedly stepped forward and replied, “This old servant is here.”

“Explain the matches to me as well,” said the Emperor.

Liu Yuan opened and closed his mouth, speechless. He could follow the fights well enough, but had no idea how to articulate what he saw…

Being able to understand and being able to explain so others can understand—these are entirely different skills.

Especially when one’s predecessor set such a high standard, quoting classics and weaving lively stories from dry martial theory.

He… simply lacked the eloquence.

“What’s the matter?” Emperor Yonghe seemed to sense his discomfort and asked, somewhat surprised, “You, Chief Supervisor of the Eastern Depot, can’t explain? Or do you simply not wish to?”

“I wouldn’t dare…” Liu Yuan replied with a pained expression, “The Empress Dowager’s attendant is truly learned; I am ashamed to compare myself.”

“Oh?” The Emperor, hearing this, could tell Liu Yuan was not feigning ignorance but truly could not explain.

It concerned martial arts, and yet the young eunuch in Cining Palace could do it, while the Chief Supervisor of the Eastern Depot, a Pre-Heavenly Realm master, could not!

This intrigued the Emperor even more…

“Isn’t Your Majesty in need of a new Chief Supervisor for the Western Depot?” Liu Yuan, seeing the Emperor’s interest grow, fanned the flames, “From what this old servant observes, that young attendant is deeply versed in martial arts. His own abilities must be considerable.”

Emperor Yonghe nodded thoughtfully, while the eunuch at his side leaned in to quietly relate Xu Boqing’s background.

“Xu Boqing.”

“…?”

When Xu Boqing heard his name, he feigned confusion before realizing he was being addressed. Yet he did not kneel or bow; he simply cupped his hands and answered, “Present.”

The Empress Dowager gave him a playful glare and said to the Emperor, “This attendant has not been in the palace long, and as he has always resided in Cining Palace, he is unfamiliar with court etiquette. I hope Your Majesty will not take offense.”

“You overstate, Mother.” Emperor Yonghe himself wore Daoist robes and cared little for rigid ceremony. Since the Empress Dowager had spoken, he did not mind the breach.

Turning to Xu Boqing, he asked, “I just heard your commentary on the matches, and it was most impressive. I gather you have studied martial arts yourself?”

“Your Majesty flatters me,” Xu Boqing replied without pretense. “Since entering the palace, I have studied under Director Huang. Before he passed, he imparted his inner strength to me through a supreme method, so I understand a little of the martial arts.”

“Alas… Director Huang was loyal to the country. His image as he gave his life in defense of the throne is still fresh in my mind. What a loss,” sighed Emperor Yonghe, recalling the past and regarding Xu Boqing with new appreciation.

Huang Xingxian was one of the late Emperor’s closest confidants, skilled, kind-hearted, uninterested in power, and utterly loyal to the royal family. His last stand during the assassination attempt was ample proof. Since Xu Boqing was personally chosen as his successor, his character could be trusted…

At this moment, Liu Yuan interjected with a grin, “Master Xu is too modest. I fear your knowledge of martial arts is far greater than ‘a little’.”

Before Xu Boqing could respond, Emperor Yonghe raised an eyebrow and asked, “What makes you say so?”

“Your Majesty,” Liu Yuan bowed. “Director Huang was my senior. I know well how profound his internal strength was. For him to pass this on to Master Xu at the end… that shows the weight of his trust.”

He emphasized the word “trust.”

Reminded by this, Emperor Yonghe turned to Xu Boqing and asked, “Xu Boqing, have you reached the Pre-Heavenly Realm in martial cultivation?”

“I would not dare deceive Your Majesty,” Xu Boqing nodded, “I have indeed attained the Pre-Heavenly Realm.”

The Emperor’s eyes lit up, and he said with mock reproach, “Then why did you not compete in the tournament? Do you disdain the post of Chief Supervisor of the Western Depot?”

“….”

“If you must blame anyone, blame me,” the Empress Dowager interjected, seizing the moment. “Before he died, Director Huang charged Boqing with hunting down the assassins who threatened our state. He has repeatedly asked permission to leave the palace and carry out this task, both for the country and to avenge Director Huang. I only refused because he was still young.”

The Empress Dowager paused, then sighed, “Though I am a woman, I know the importance of the moment. With the realm in turmoil and rebels on all sides, how could I continue to hold him back from serving the nation?”

“Mother, your concern for the state shames my own pettiness,” Emperor Yonghe replied with a smile, shifting his gaze to Xu Boqing. “Xu Boqing, are you willing to serve as Chief Supervisor of the Western Depot?”

“I am willing,” Xu Boqing answered solemnly. “I will do my utmost for the country, relieve Your Majesty’s burdens, and avenge Director Huang.”

“Excellent!” Emperor Yonghe clapped his hands in delight, pointing toward the martial stage. “All those fighting on the stage are from the Western Depot. I know you are of the Pre-Heavenly Realm, but they do not. Why not show your skills and win their hearts?”

At these words, those nearby each showed a different reaction. The Emperor was full of anticipation, the Empress Dowager faintly worried, Liu Yuan curious, and Empress Zhang frowned thoughtfully.

Xu Boqing only smiled and said, “That is precisely my intention.”

With that, he drifted lightly toward the stage, as though weightless.

At this time, the two military captains on stage were locked in a fierce test of strength, jaws clenched.

The flagstones beneath their feet cracked like spiderwebs, and waves of energy rippled around them as they matched inner strength.

Suddenly…

Both men froze for a split second—

They had both noticed another person beside them.

“Gentlemen, if you would calm yourselves and yield the stage,” Xu Boqing said, grasping each man’s wrist and gently pulling them apart before tossing them aside with a casual flick.

The two captains, still bewildered, found themselves soaring through the air, only realizing what had happened when they landed, still in a daze.

They stared blankly at the young eunuch in ceremonial attire standing on the martial stage, unsure what had just transpired.

Nor were they alone; the courtiers and spectators alike were all astonished…

When they saw the Emperor wave a hand to let the tournament continue, many seemed to understand.

“I am Xu Boqing, current Chief Steward of Cining Palace,” he announced, cupping his hands to those below. “I will be borrowing the position of Chief Supervisor of the Western Depot for a time. I hope you will cooperate.

“Of course, if any of you object, feel free to come up.”

He paused, and seeing no response, added with a smile, “All at once is fine too.”

“…”