sjar Chapter 348 Anyone could become a piece on this chessboard.
Chapter 348 Anyone could become a piece on this chessboard.
Gu Junze nodded. "I am aware of this matter. General Wang was ordered by the late emperor to quell the border rebellion. Now that he has returned in triumph, he should be welcomed with proper courtesy."
Zhao Yunci narrowed her eyes and gave Gu Junze a meaningful look.
"Wang Wu was a close advisor to the late emperor, wielding considerable military power, and has just achieved great merit. Tell me, what is the proper course of action for me?"
Gu Junze understood Zhao Yunci's unspoken meaning and pondered for a moment: "Is Your Majesty worried that Wang Wu's skills are too great and overshadow the emperor?"
“That’s not entirely untrue.” Zhao Yunci rose and walked to the window. “Wang Wu served the late emperor for many years and holds military power. If he were to harbor any other intentions…”
"Does Your Majesty intend to reclaim the military power held by General Wang?" Gu Junze directly revealed Zhao Yunci's thoughts.
Zhao Yunci turned his head, his expression complicated: "If we directly strip him of his military power, I'm afraid he'll be branded as someone who ostracizes loyal ministers."
"Although you were the one who put in the effort for this peace negotiation, the late emperor did appoint him as the commander-in-chief, so he has made a contribution."
"In my opinion, General Wang has worked hard all his life and has made great contributions this time. He should be granted a noble title," Gu Junze said calmly.
Zhao Yunci frowned: "A title? Wouldn't that just encourage his ambitions? If he becomes arrogant because of it, wouldn't he be even harder to control in the future?"
Gu Junze smiled slightly: "Your Majesty, as far as I know, General Wang's mother is old and needs to be cared for."
"If we can take this opportunity to let him retire and return to his hometown, it will not only show His Majesty's benevolence, but also solve the problem of military power."
Zhao Yunci's eyes lit up, then he fell into deep thought: "What a clever move, a promotion in name only. If I do this, won't people say that I'm excluding meritorious officials right after ascending the throne?"
“General Wang also has a son who can serve in the Ministry of War,” Gu Junze added. “This way, the Wang family can remain in the court, and His Majesty can show his respect for meritorious officials.”
Zhao Yunci picked up her teacup and took a sip: "As far as I know, Wang Wu's son is neither brave nor resourceful. Even if he enters the Ministry of War, he will not amount to anything."
He put down his teacup, a slight smile playing on his lips. "What a clever way to flatter someone to death."
"This is merely a suggestion; the decision is entirely up to Your Majesty," Gu Junze said, neither humble nor arrogant.
Zhao Yunci stood up and patted Gu Junze on the shoulder: "Your idea is excellent."
"Wang Wu has made great contributions, but he is getting old. It is only right to let him enjoy his old age. His son's entry into officialdom is also a way for me to take care of the descendants of meritorious officials."
"General Wang fought for the country for many years, and it is a wonderful thing that he can enjoy family happiness in his later years."
Gu Junze smiled faintly and remained silent. With each new emperor comes a new set of officials; who wouldn't want to hold power firmly in their hands?
Zhao Yunci nodded in satisfaction: "Then it's settled. The day after tomorrow, I will personally preside over the grand ceremony to commend Wang Wu and other generals, and to confer upon Wang Wu the title of Marquis of Dingyuan and grant him a thousand acres of fertile land."
Gu Junze bowed and said, "Your Majesty is wise."
Two days later, at the ten-mile-long pavilion outside the capital, the honor guard to welcome the returning army was already lined up and ready.
Zhao Yunci, dressed in a bright yellow dragon robe, sat on a high platform, surrounded by civil and military officials, creating a lively yet solemn scene.
In the distance, the banners of an army appeared, approaching from afar, their military bearing impeccable and their momentum overwhelming.
Wang Wu rode on his warhorse, clad in full military attire, looking imposing. His face showed slight fatigue, but his eyes remained resolute.
He never imagined that, after being delayed for more than a month due to affairs between the two countries before returning to the capital, the emperor would have already passed away.
Now, he doesn't know what kind of person the new emperor is.
However, on the way back to the capital, he heard that Gu Junze had become a rising star in the court and a close advisor to the emperor, which made him feel a little uneasy.
He and Gu Junze didn't get along in the army. Would Gu Junze make things difficult for him?
Wang Wu dismounted and led his soldiers to pay their respects to the high platform: "Your subject Wang Wu has returned with a large army to pay respects to Your Majesty!"
Zhao Yunci stood up and said in a loud voice, "Minister Wang has lived up to my expectations, quelled the border troubles, and rendered meritorious service to the country. I am very pleased!"
Wang Wu took a deep breath and stepped forward.
"Your Majesty, I have been guarding the borders for many years. Now that the border troubles have been quelled, I am willing to voluntarily relinquish my military power. I humbly request Your Majesty's permission!"
"I am getting old, and my elderly mother needs care. I also wish to return to my hometown as soon as possible to enjoy my family life."
A new emperor brings a new court; it's always better to take initiative than to be forced to pack up and leave.
Upon hearing this, Zhao Yunci's eyes flashed with surprise, but she secretly praised Wang Wu for being pragmatic.
Turning around, I saw that Gu Junze still had that calm look on his face, as if he had expected everything.
This guy probably guessed it all along, which is why he gave him that kind of advice.
On the high platform, Zhao Yunci announced: "Today, I will reward those who have rendered meritorious service. Wang Wu has served the country for many years and has repeatedly made military achievements. He is hereby granted the title of Marquis of Dingyuan and a thousand acres of fertile land to recognize his merits!"
Wang Wu quickly kowtowed to express his gratitude: "Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness!"
Zhao Yunci looked at Wang Wu with satisfaction.
A minister who voluntarily relinquishes power in this way not only relieves the minister of any worries about the future, but also demonstrates his benevolence.
"Wang Wu's son, Wang Ming, can serve in the Ministry of War to continue the Wang family's reputation for loyalty and bravery!"
Although he lost his military power, he gained a noble title and fertile land. More importantly, his son was able to establish himself in the court, which was already the best possible outcome.
"Your Majesty, I thank you for your great kindness!" Wang Wu kowtowed again.
On his way back to the manor, Gu Junze saw a familiar figure—it was Lin Jingchuan, who had been captured by the Zheng Kingdom.
This once spirited young prince has become more composed and less sharp-tongued.
Lin Jingchuan saw Gu Junze and bowed slightly in greeting: "General Gu."
Gu Junze stepped forward and patted him on the shoulder: "It's good that you're back safe and sound."
Lin Jingchuan nodded, a complex look flashing in his eyes.
"I heard that the Emperor has passed away and the Third Prince has ascended the throne?"
“Yes, things change and are unpredictable,” Gu Junze said meaningfully.
Lin Jingchuan smiled slightly: "I should go back to my residence now; my family should be waiting for me."
"Respectfully seeing off the young prince." Gu Junze watched Lin Jingchuan leave.
Lin Jingchuan strode towards the Prince Yong's residence.
His time as a prisoner of war taught him the fragility of life and the preciousness of family.
Whenever the night is quiet, he always thinks of his family in the mansion, especially his younger sister whom he grew up with.
As soon as Lin Jingchuan stepped into the mansion, a petite figure rushed out from the inner courtyard.
"Brother!" Lin Xingyao cried out, tears welling in her eyes, and threw herself into Lin Jingchuan's arms.
Lin Jingchuan caught her steadily and gently patted her back: "It's alright, it's alright now!"
"Mmm." Lin Xingyao gripped her brother's sleeve tightly and nodded like a little bird nestled against him.
Lin Jingchuan smiled as he looked at his sister, his heart filled with boundless affection.
Her younger sister is the most clingy!
He gently wiped away her tears, unaware of the complex emotions hidden in Lin Xingyao's heart.
Lin Xingyao gazed at her brother's familiar yet unfamiliar face, her heart pounding faster.
The feelings they developed from spending so much time together far exceeded the bond between siblings.
But she knew all too well that this hurdle could never be overcome.