Cloud Strife shrugged, "Then what do you think his purpose is? Fourteen thousand guards are not much different from commoners in my eyes; I can kill them with ease!"
"You exaggerate! Do you think God's Divine Army was just for show? Why could the royal family sit on their throne in Dongjing without a powerful army?
The members of the God's Divine Army were carefully selected from various armies, ensuring loyalty and having families. Many soldiers like Qi Deng from the Western Army were transferred to the God's Divine Army over the years. You even frequently provided recruits for them. Thus, while the royal family does not lack loyal warriors, it lacks a capable general to command them.
You've always been curious about why His Majesty remembered selecting generals through such harsh methods. I never told you before, but this was actually how they selected their main commanders."
Prince Xinyi came to Sichuan just to monitor you in person. Previously, people thought that staying at Dousha Pass meant you were like a tiger crouching and waiting for the right moment or a dragon trapped on the shore. However, you managed to take control of the Western Grasslands almost overnight.
Moving west, you could advance towards Dali; moving south, you could head to Lingnan; moving north, you could enter Tubo. Everyone thought you were restless, eager to reclaim your lost territories.
Han Lin paused and then said, "You really think so? When you returned to Dousha Pass, the first thing you did was attack the Western Grasslands..."
Cloud Strife looked confused, "I only advanced into the Western Grasslands after receiving orders from the Military Council. It wasn't as complicated as you make it out to be. Haven't I been nothing but a farmer since then?"
Han Lin shook his head, "Never mind; I'm going on your ship anyway. If we die, let's die together."
Cloud Strife chuckled, "Tell me about Prince Xinyi. I have no idea about him."
After much thought, Han Lin said, "No one really knows him. I only know that the Intelligence Office dealt with two cases related to Prince Xinyi: a case of escaped slaves and another of stolen property.
These were minor cases, but they involved Deputy Commander Wang Lie, who was unusually serious. The reason these cases stick out is because his subordinates suffered significant losses while investigating them. Even Commander Wang himself lost an arm. You should know that he is one of the best martial artists in our office."
"Then how did those cases end?" Cloud Strife's curiosity was piqued.
Han Lin looked confused at Cloud Strife, "The most peculiar part is that I have no idea! The case of stolen property remains a mystery. All I know is that the escaped slave who fled was a tanner specifically hired to make leather goods for Prince Xinyi."
Hearing Han Lin mention a tanner, Cloud Strife's expression turned strange because he remembered an excellent tanner from his own subordinates.
There were many tanners in the world, but few dared to skin people, especially those who also knew martial arts. The selection was even more limited.