If the sword he was struck had been slightly off-target, Jiang He would have died.
Emperor Rongsheng, having seen countless people, could naturally tell whether it was acting or genuine.
However, the current situation forces him to re-examine everything.
He had once again habitually placed his trust in the General Weiwu's mansion.
After the Third Prince left, the Emperor turned to Wang Defu and asked, "Have I been trusting Jiang Zhongyong too much lately?"
Wang Defu glanced at the Emperor and said, "General Jiang is fortunate to have this opportunity because of the Emperor's benevolence."
"You old fool, you're so cunning," Emperor Rongsheng said with a laugh.
Wang Defu thought that if he weren't so cunning, he would have lost his head long ago.
Having served the emperor for so many years, doesn't he know how heartless the emperor can be?
General Jiang retired early to show his loyalty to the emperor.
The general's mansion does not covet power.
His daughter also married into the Lu family, which had no connections whatsoever.
If it weren't for the urgent situation in the Northwest, Emperor Rongsheng would have had no choice but to hand over the military seal to Jianghuai.
Even his eldest son, who was skilled in both literature and martial arts, was unemployed at home.
There was truly no one from the Jiang family serving in the imperial court.
The two twin sons did absolutely nothing.
Jiang He possesses exceptional martial arts skills, while Jiang Hai is brimming with talent; both are hidden deep within.
The emperor saw that Jiang Zhongyong was pragmatic and thus spared the general's family from extermination.
Now, the General's Mansion has been rebuilt.
Emperor Rongsheng was anxious.
Fine, let's summon the Fifth Prince to the palace and ask him, to test his attitude.
If the fifth prince is so eager for this position, it's not too late to suppress the General's Mansion.
Not long after, Lin Muheng was summoned to the palace to meet the emperor. The atmosphere inside the hall was heavy, and Emperor Rongsheng looked sharply at Lin Muheng below.
"Fifth Prince, I have recently heard that your prestige in the court is growing day by day, and you are truly in the limelight," Emperor Rongsheng said slowly.
Lin Muheng hurriedly knelt down and said in a trembling voice, "Father, you flatter me. I am only doing my best to serve you."
Emperor Rongsheng nodded thoughtfully, then asked, "What are your thoughts on the current political situation?"
Lin Muheng hesitated for a moment before cautiously replying, "Father is blessed with great fortune, and all the civil and military officials in the court are loyal and devoted. However, there have been frequent battles on the border recently, so Father needs to pay close attention."
Emperor Rongsheng felt slightly relieved upon hearing this, but still remained calm and said, "I will handle it myself. However, Jiang Huai has won another victory, and the General's Mansion has a great influence in the army. What are your thoughts on General Jiang Huai?"
Lin Muheng knew that the Emperor's paranoia had struck again.
In the past, he would have remained indifferent to such matters, dismissing them with a simple "I don't know much about it."
Things are different now; Jiang Huai is his brother-in-law.
He would not allow the emperor to become suspicious.
Even if it displeases his father, he will speak his mind freely.
He would not allow his father to take action against the Jiang family.
"General Jianghuai has been loyally guarding the Northwest all these years. Military officers are not allowed to return to the capital without being summoned. He has been guarding the Northwest all this time, and he was even unable to attend the wedding ceremony of my son and the princess."
Lin Muheng said, "The fact that Daqing has such a general who is wholeheartedly devoted to the country is a testament to the benevolence of our Emperor."
Emperor Rongsheng stared at Lin Muheng; the fifth prince had become much more tactful in his speech these days.
They actually attributed all the credit to the emperor.
In fact, every word was a reminder to the emperor of whom Jianghuai was serving.
This is a reminder to the emperor to remember the good deeds people have done for him.
"General Jiang has not returned to the capital for three years. However, the situation is turbulent, and the Northwest is in grave danger without him!"
Emperor Rongsheng shook his head and sighed.
It wasn't that he didn't want Jiang Huai to reunite with his family; it was simply that the enemy country was too arrogant.
Lin Muheng is right, he is very benevolent.
"If he can protect the people of this region, I believe General Jiang would be willing to sacrifice his own family for the greater good," Lin Muheng quickly replied.
"The world is not at peace now, and the Turks have repeatedly invaded our borders. We really need a fierce general like General Jiang Huai to guard the border. It is a great blessing for Daqing that General Jiang has achieved so much at such a young age."
Emperor Rongsheng nodded slightly in agreement. He gazed intently into the distance, seemingly deep in thought.
Seeing this, Lin Muheng pressed on, saying, "Your subject believes that the most urgent task is to strengthen the defense of the border and at the same time provide sufficient support to General Jianghuai to ensure the stability of the Northwest."
Emperor Rongsheng remained silent for a moment, then slowly said, "What you say is quite right. Issue my decree to reward General Jianghuai with a thousand taels of gold and a hundred bolts of brocade to commend his loyalty and bravery. In addition, allocate a batch of grain and supplies to the Northwest to support the soldiers on the front lines."
Lin Muheng breathed a sigh of relief.
Money and possessions are minor matters.
However, the emperor made his stance clear.
At least in the short term, rivers and seas will not be affected.
Both of them have shallow foundations and have not yet gained a firm foothold in the court.
In another two or three years, given Jiang He's abilities, if given a chance, he won't be any worse than Jiang Huai.
Jiang Hai is meticulous and thoughtful, always thinking ahead, and possesses outstanding talent. Given time, he will surely become a pillar of the nation.
However, the emperor's suppression of people was always based on his mood.
The day they feel the General's Mansion has risen to power, they will surely launch a new round of suppression.
We need to find a way to put Father Emperor's mind at ease.
Lin Muheng looked at the emperor with concern and cupped his hands, saying, "Father, the border war is now critical, and it may not be possible to hold out for long with just General Jianghuai. I suggest that some elite soldiers and generals be selected from the Imperial Guards in the capital and sent to the Northwest to assist General Jianghuai."
Emperor Rongsheng frowned slightly. "The Imperial Guards are a vital force in protecting the capital. How can they be easily transferred away?"
"The Imperial Guards are full of brave men. If they can be trained, they will surely become a formidable force. Moreover, the situation in the Northwest is crucial to the safety of the nation, and now is the time when we need capable men," Lin Muheng advised.
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