With his strength greatly increased, especially after obtaining the quota for three hundred Iron Eagle Elite Soldiers to possess their souls, Zhang Shihao immediately couldn't sit still.
He wanted to manifest these three hundred Iron Eagle Elite Soldiers as soon as possible.
The Iron Eagle Elite Soldiers were simply too tempting.
Out of Qin's new army of 200,000, only 1,600 Iron Eagle Elite Soldiers were selected.
One can imagine how terrifying the Iron Eagle Elite Soldiers would be.
Everyone has great ambitions, and Zhang Shihao was no exception.
If he had three hundred such super-strong subordinates, even if his identity were exposed in the Imperial Harem and the Emperor sent troops to surround and kill him, he could face it with relative composure.
…
In Changle Palace, within the Imperial Harem.
Inside the Empress's bedchamber, which was filled with an extremely strong and unpleasant herbal scent.
Zhang Shihao once again helped the pale and weak Liu Hong change his medicine, smiling as he said:
"Your Majesty's wound is recovering very well. At this rate, it won't be long until the wound heals completely, and Your Majesty will be able to get out of bed."
Listening to Zhang Shihao's words, Liu Hong's smile immediately deepened, and Empress He Lian's beautiful and delicate face also showed a smile, though it was a somewhat resentful one, as she said:
"Your Majesty, yesterday was truly too dangerous. It's really thanks to Xiao Haozi. Otherwise, we might all have met a terrible fate. Xiao Haozi is skilled in both medicine and martial arts; he's truly a treasure. This servant is truly reluctant to part with him, but alas, Your Majesty snatched him away from me."
Hearing the Empress's words, Liu Hong laughed even more heartily, saying:
"Haha, Empress, don't be so reluctant. It's just that I have no one reliable by my side. I had placed great hopes in Jian Shuo, but who knew Jian Shuo would be so useless? He was injured by that assassin in a single exchange. It's quite fitting for Xiao Haozi to take Jian Shuo's place."
Suddenly, Liu Hong, who was speaking, seemed to remember something and asked Zhang Shihao:
"Oh, right, Xiao Haozi, how is Jian Shuo doing now?"
Hearing Liu Hong's words, Zhang Shihao immediately bowed to Liu Hong and replied:
"Your Majesty, Commander Jian has pulled through under Xiao Haozi's treatment, but his injuries are too severe. It will likely take at least several months for him to recover."
"That's good. Although Jian Shuo failed in protecting me, he has followed me for many years. I truly wouldn't want to lose him," Liu Hong sighed.
Just as Liu Hong was sighing and expressing reluctance about Jian Shuo, he noticed a hesitant look on Zhang Shihao's face and couldn't help but say:
"Xiao Haozi, if you have anything to say, just say it."
At this moment, Empress He Lian and Zhang Rang in the bedchamber also looked at Zhang Shihao.
Unlike the Empress's gaze, which was filled with affection for Zhang Shihao, Zhang Rang cast a dark, sidelong glance at Zhang Shihao.
As the gazes of the few people in the bedchamber shifted to him, Zhang Shihao's expression seemed a bit hesitant, but he still said:
"It's like this, Your Majesty. This morning, you appointed Xiao Haozi as Commander of the Palace Guards, responsible for Your Majesty's safety. Xiao Haozi feels a lot of pressure. After returning, I thought about how to protect Your Majesty and then went to observe the Imperial Guards. I found that the Imperial Guards are too weak."
"Hmm? The Imperial Guards are too weak?"
Hearing Zhang Shihao's words, Liu Hong, Empress He Lian, and Zhang Rang were all momentarily stunned.
However, in an instant, they recovered from their surprise.
Zhang Rang, seeing Zhang Shihao clearly trying to stir up trouble, immediately frowned, looking suspicious.
Liu Hong's smile unconsciously lessened, and he said with a faint smile:
"Oh, too weak? Then, Xiao Haozi, what method do you propose?"
Empress He Lian also furrowed her delicate brows but did not speak immediately.
Zhang Shihao seemed not to notice the reduction in Liu Hong's smile and said:
"Your Majesty, there is naturally a way. Xiao Haozi wishes to recruit strong Eunuch Guards again, and then train them to forge a powerful Imperial Guard for Your Majesty!"
As soon as Zhang Shihao's words fell, Zhang Rang's expression instantly changed dramatically, and his sharp voice rang out:
"Presumptuous! Zhang Shihao, how dare you! You've just become Commander of the Palace Guards, and you're already so eager to cultivate your own influence?"
As Zhang Rang's voice echoed, Liu Hong and Empress He Lian's expressions instantly changed slightly.
Liu Hong's face looked displeased.
A hint of panic also appeared on Empress He Lian's beautiful face, and she looked at Zhang Shihao worriedly, fearing that Zhang Shihao might say something he shouldn't.
The Empress's bedchamber instantly fell silent, and the atmosphere became heavy.
However, Zhang Shihao's expression remained unchanged; he was very calm. Without even looking at Zhang Rang, he bowed to the displeased Liu Hong and said:
"Your Majesty, Chamberlain Zhang's words are half-right, but not entirely."
"What? Still half-right!"
Hearing Zhang Shihao actually admit that Zhang Rang's words were half-right, Liu Hong's face became even more displeased.
However, before anyone could say anything, Zhang Shihao's serious and solemn voice continued:
"Chamberlain Zhang is right; I, Shihao, indeed have the idea of cultivating my own influence. But who doesn't have their own influence?"
"In the imperial court, General He Jin has his own influence, doesn't he? The Yuan family has its own influence, doesn't it? Even in the Imperial Harem, the largest faction should be Chamberlain Zhang, shouldn't it? Even Empress has her own Changle Palace influence. However, no matter whose influence it is, ultimately, they are all loyal to Your Majesty."
"Your Majesty appointed Xiao Haozi as Commander of the Palace Guards. Xiao Haozi should lead the Imperial Guards to protect Your Majesty. It's just that Xiao Haozi fears he cannot command the Imperial Guards!"
"Assassins easily infiltrated the Imperial Harem. Xiao Haozi doesn't believe there was no one in the Imperial Harem, nor does Xiao Haozi believe the assassins were unfamiliar with the Imperial Harem's layout. Therefore, Xiao Haozi feels that assassins might have even infiltrated the Imperial Harem itself."
"There must be Chamberlain Zhang's people among the Imperial Guards, right? And there must be Commander Jian Shuo's people, right? Various Powerful Families all have people among the Imperial Guards. Only Xiao Haozi, being new, doesn't know who to trust among the Imperial Guards."
"Even if Xiao Haozi possesses immense ability, can he truly command this Imperial Guard, which is interfered with by various Powerful Families, to protect Your Majesty?"
"Furthermore, in Xiao Haozi's opinion, this Imperial Guard is truly too weak, practically vulnerable."
"Therefore, after careful consideration, Xiao Haozi wishes to recruit strong Eunuchs again and then train a powerful Imperial Guard for Your Majesty to ensure Your Majesty's safety!"
Zhang Shihao's expression was respectful and solemn. He bowed to Liu Hong, his voice echoing through the Empress's bedchamber.
Zhang Rang was utterly dumbfounded. Zhang Shihao actually dared to openly admit to cultivating his own influence, and with such a righteous demeanor?
Empress He Lian was also stunned, looking at Zhang Shihao in surprise.
At first, she felt Zhang Shihao was somewhat reckless and foolish.
However, listening to Zhang Shihao's refreshingly frank explanation of wanting to cultivate his own influence.
She suddenly felt that Zhang Shihao was not so simple after all.
Because, this reason was very powerful!
Just as Zhang Shihao said, who doesn't have their own influence!
Zhang Rang had his own influence!
She, the Empress, had her own influence!
He Jin had his own influence!
…
Everyone had their own influence!
Since they were all loyal to Liu Hong.
Then why couldn't Zhang Shihao have his own influence?
Moreover, Zhang Shihao was commanding the rather special Imperial Guards.
Zhang Shihao needed to be able to command them as if they were his own arms.
Anyway, Zhang Shihao was loyal to Liu Hong.
Zhang Shihao's words must have resonated with Liu Hong, right?
Empress He Lian looked at Liu Hong.
Indeed, just as Empress He Lian had thought, Liu Hong, lying on the sickbed, had an uncertain expression at this moment, looking at Zhang Shihao with a suspicious gaze.
Zhang Shihao's words had indeed resonated with Liu Hong.
Or rather, Liu Hong was startled by Zhang Shihao's words, "assassins might have infiltrated the Imperial Harem, and various Powerful Families all have people among the Imperial Guards."
Liu Hong was not against his subordinates having their own influence.
In fact, Eunuchs like Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, and the Ten Attendants were all influences he, Liu Hong, had painstakingly cultivated.
Even General He Jin was tacitly allowed by Liu Hong, and could be considered supported by him.
This was why the situation in the imperial court, where Powerful Families and scholar-Officials once held sole dominance, had now transformed.
It had become a tripartite stand-off between Eunuchs, the Empress's family He Jin, and the Powerful Families Officials, allowing Liu Hong to reap the benefits.
However, Liu Hong was also somewhat hesitant. Although Zhang Shihao had saved his life, this was, after all, the Imperial Guards. If he truly agreed, then the Imperial Guards would likely all become Zhang Shihao's people in the future.
And his acquaintance with Zhang Shihao had not been truly long.
Inside the Empress's bedchamber, Liu Hong's expression was uncertain, and he remained silent for a long time, seemingly making a decision.
Zhang Shihao was not in a hurry; in fact, he wasn't worried at all that Liu Hong would disagree.
Because he had already implied to Liu Hong that the Imperial Guards were interfered with by various Powerful Families and were no longer pure.
Now, Liu Hong had just been assassinated and was in a state of fear, with the assassin still at large. Zhang Shihao had also demonstrated formidable martial prowess, making him the perfect candidate to protect Liu Hong.
Therefore, Zhang Shihao was not too worried that Liu Hong would disagree.
Zhang Shihao was not in a hurry, but Zhang Rang on the side was anxious to death.
Previously, when Zhang Shihao was appointed Regular Attendant, Marquis of Yiyang, and Commander of the Palace Guards, Zhang Rang already felt a huge threat. However, Zhang Rang was not too panicked, because, as Zhang Shihao said, most of the Imperial Harem Guards were his, Zhang Rang's, eyes and ears.
Even if Zhang Shihao took office, he, Zhang Rang, could make Zhang Shihao a figurehead.
But he didn't expect Zhang Shihao to be so ruthless, pulling the rug out from under him, preparing to recruit new Imperial Harem Guards. This was uprooting his, Zhang Rang's, eyes and ears in the Imperial Harem Guards.
"Your Majesty, Zhang Shihao has just become Commander of the Palace Guards, and he is already so impatient to replace them with his own people. His intentions are still unknown, Your Majesty must not trust him lightly!"
Zhang Rang immediately couldn't sit still and said to Liu Hong.
"Hmm?" Hearing this, Liu Hong frowned.
Zhang Shihao looked at Zhang Rang, who had jumped out to obstruct him, his expression slightly displeased.
However, before Liu Hong could react, Empress He Lian spoke at this moment.
"Your Majesty, this concubine disagrees with Zhang Rang's words. What intentions could Xiao Haozi possibly have?"
"Xiao Haozi presented sleep-aid incense for Your Majesty's happiness, and when Bian'er was seriously ill, he brought out precious medicine to cure him. Furthermore, if not for Xiao Haozi yesterday, Your Majesty, this concubine, and Bian'er would all have been killed by the assassin. Xiao Haozi has saved our lives repeatedly, without asking for rewards. Now, for Your Majesty's safety, he wishes to reorganize the Imperial Harem Guards, but in Zhang Rang's mouth, it has become 'having ulterior motives'?"
"He, Zhang Rang, indeed holds immense power in the court and has influence throughout the Imperial Harem, but why were assassins and killers able to enter the Imperial Harem as if it were an unmanned territory? Who truly has ulterior motives?"
"Moreover, Xiao Haozi said the Imperial Guards were too weak and that he could train a powerful Imperial Guard. This must have stepped on Zhang Rang's tail, making him fearful, which is why he slanders Xiao Haozi as having ulterior motives? Xiao Haozi saved this concubine's life, and this concubine will not allow anyone to slander Xiao Haozi!"
It seemed that Zhang Rang's slander of Zhang Shihao instantly ignited the Empress's inner strength.
Her voice, like an oriole leaving the valley, also gained some power.
This made Zhang Rang's scalp tingle and his heart pound. He quickly knelt down, crying out:
"Your Majesty, this servant truly doesn't know how the assassins entered the palace! This servant was protecting Your Majesty at the time! This servant is only concerned about Your Majesty's safety, after all, the Imperial Harem Guards are incredibly important…"
Liu Hong, on the sickbed, was greatly annoyed by Zhang Rang's crying and shouting, and said impatiently:
"Enough, I didn't say you had anything to do with the assassins."
"Thank you, Your Majesty, thank you, Your Majesty!" Zhang Rang repeatedly kowtowed.
Liu Hong ignored Zhang Rang and looked at Zhang Shihao, taking a deep breath, and said:
"Xiao Haozi, you said you could train a powerful Imperial Guard?"
As Liu Hong's words fell, Zhang Shihao and Empress He Lian both trembled.
A flicker of joy passed through Zhang Shihao's eyes. How could he not know that Empress He Lian's assistance had made Liu Hong make a decision? His goodwill towards the Empress grew stronger in his heart.
Zhang Shihao, however, maintained a calm expression and said solemnly:
"Your Majesty, I, Shihao, dare not conceal it. I indeed possess a secret method for training soldiers. It was discovered along with the 'Bian Que's Inner Canon' when I was young. The secret method states that if trained successfully, one soldier can be worth ten, making them the strongest soldiers of the era."
"It's just that this method of training soldiers consumes a lot of money, provisions, equipment, and armor. Xiao Haozi has never trained them before, but Xiao Haozi is willing to try and forge a powerful Imperial Guard for Your Majesty!"
"A secret method for training soldiers, and if successful, one can be worth ten!" Listening to Zhang Shihao's words, a glint flashed in Liu Hong's eyes, and he immediately became greatly interested, saying:
"How many do you plan to train?"
Listening to Liu Hong's words, Zhang Shihao was ecstatic inside, but his face remained calm as he said:
"Three hundred! If they can be trained, three hundred strong soldiers will be enough to protect the Imperial Harem's safety and suppress all evil!"
"Good, then I will grant you a quota of three hundred. All provisions, equipment, armor, and other supplies will come from my treasury!"
Hearing that Zhang Shihao only asked for a quota of three hundred, Liu Hong smiled and readily agreed, and then said meaningfully:
"Of course, if you can truly train a strong army where one is worth ten, I will have other important uses for them!"
"This… Thank you, Your Majesty. Xiao Haozi will definitely not disappoint Your Majesty and will train a strong army for Your Majesty!"
Hearing Liu Hong directly agree, Zhang Shihao was immediately overjoyed and quickly expressed his gratitude.
However, hearing Liu Hong say, "if a strong army is trained, there will be other important uses," Zhang Shihao instantly thought of something, and a strong excitement flashed in his eyes. Could it be…
Inside the Empress's bedchamber, Zhang Shihao was delighted, and a smile also appeared on Empress He Lian's beautiful and delicate face.
If Zhang Shihao took control of the Imperial Guards, then, given her relationship with Zhang Shihao.
She would definitely be more at ease and live more comfortably in the Imperial Harem, without fear of being harmed by villains.
However, Zhang Shihao and Empress He Lian did not notice that Zhang Rang, kneeling on the ground, was trembling with rage.
Zhang Shihao was actually going to completely take control of the Imperial Guards and was about to rise to power?