Chapter 282 Question
Wen Zhiming asked calmly, "A military general has defected? Which one of the court officials is it? Where is he now?"
This man didn't seek refuge earlier or later, but instead took the initiative to surrender just as he was about to arrive in the capital, making it hard not to suspect anything.
Cao Ran probably understood this principle, but his expression showed surprise and delight, indicating that he trusted this person quite a bit.
Cao Ran said, "It is General Gu. Your Highness, don't underestimate him because of his young age and low rank. Not long ago, he won first place in the martial arts examination held by the Emperor."
Wen Zhiming still had some impression of Gu Yan.
This person is quite honest and kind, not like someone who is afraid of death or would do anything for credit.
Wen Zhiming said gently, "The capital is in dire need of military officers. Since he has won the title of Martial Arts Champion, His Majesty should give him an important position. Why would he suddenly pledge allegiance to me?"
Gu Yan traveled very quickly. The message that Wen Zhiming's secret guards had sent him was still halfway there when Gu Yan arrived at the military camp. Therefore, Wen Zhiming and his party were temporarily unaware of what was happening in the capital.
Cao Ran glanced at Meng Lingge and, seeing that there was no one else in the tent, felt a sense of satisfaction.
"I have already inquired. Prime Minister Meng died while suppressing bandits, and the Emperor sent Consort Xi home to visit her family. On her way back to the palace, she happened to encounter General Gu capturing thieves. The two thieves, in their haste, broke into Consort Xi's carriage. Although the thieves did not harm Consort Xi, they were captured and imprisoned by General Gu. However, the Emperor was displeased that Consort Xi was in a private carriage with the thieves. He accused her of having an affair with a man outside the palace and of defiling the palace, and wanted to have her beaten to death. General Gu believed that this matter was caused by him, so he went to the Emperor to plead for her."
At this point, Cao Ran paused for a moment, and seeing that Wen Zhiming and Meng Lingge both looked tense, he continued.
"General Gu argued his case with reason, but the Emperor did not have enough evidence to prove that Consort Xi had an affair with a man. In the end, he had to change the punishment for Consort Xi from being beaten to death to being banished to the Cold Palace. However, General Gu's actions also angered the Emperor. The Emperor, on the grounds of interfering in the inner palace, had him beaten twenty times and had his token of free access to the palace revoked."
Upon hearing this, both Wen Zhiming and Meng Lingge breathed a sigh of relief.
They thought that after openly killing and secretly rescuing Meng Xingyuan, the Meng family in the capital would be safe for the time being. They never expected that in the past few days, Meng Xiyao would be in such a dangerous situation and almost be beaten to death by the emperor.
If this is true, then Gu Yan is indeed a rare and excellent man.
Although this matter originated with him, the fault does not lie with him.
It's truly remarkable that he would go to such lengths for Meng Xiyao.
Therefore, it makes sense that Gu Yan came to surrender at this time, but this alone is not enough to fully trust the other party.
Especially at this crucial moment.
The couple exchanged a glance and both understood what the other was thinking.
Wen Zhiming said, “General Gu has come from afar and is the top martial arts champion in the court. Since he has chosen our Tiger Soaring Army, I cannot treat him poorly. Let him stay in the army as a centurion for now. General Gu must have come without the knowledge of the officials in the capital. Be careful to protect his identity and don’t let this news get back to the capital, as it would be bad for his family.”
Cao Ran looked up at Wen Zhiming, puzzled.
General Gu was a lieutenant in the capital, but now that he has joined the Tiger Flying Army, the prince has only given him the lowly rank of centurion. Isn't this considered mistreatment?
But what the prince said makes sense. If Gu Yan is given too high an official position, and the news gets to the capital, I'm afraid the emperor will take action against General Gu's family.
However, Gu Yan saved the princess's half-sister and is also a brave and resourceful military general. If such a person comes to seek refuge, the prince should at least summon him and meet him.
Before he could figure it out, Wen Zhiming instructed again: "Only you, me, Commander Ren, and General Liu know about the Princess's identity in the military camp. Remember not to tell anyone else."
Cao Ran realized this time that the prince did not trust General Gu Xiao enough.
"I understand, but..."
He was just too happy to see Gu Yan and excitedly said that the prince would definitely meet him and give him an important position. Now that Wen Zhiming is so indifferent to Gu Yan, he will be embarrassed when he sees Gu Yan later.
But he caused this problem, and he's so ashamed that he'd have nowhere to hide his face if he told anyone.
Seeing his face scrunched up, Wen Zhiming guessed what was going on and said with a light smile, "General Cao, don't worry, General Gu will understand. He has just joined the army and will have many opportunities to make meritorious contributions in the future. Everyone in the Tiger Soaring Army is equal. As long as General Gu is a gem, he will shine sooner or later."
“Your Highness is right.” Cao Ran’s face turned red as he realized he had been seen through.
Seeing Cao Ran leave, Meng Lingge turned to the page about Gu Yan in the Record of Officials and handed it to Wen Zhiming.
This page is filled with praise; he is one of the few upright officials in this record of officials, without any vices.
The only negative aspect is that he is too straightforward and incorruptible.
"I don't have much of an impression of this young general, but it says here that he has a handsome face and an outstanding temperament. He would definitely be a good match for Xi Yao if he stood next to her. He risked offending the emperor to insist on saving Xi Yao. In my opinion, besides the fact that he is indeed a good person, he must also have had his own selfish motives."
After all, Gu Yan had a special upbringing and a strict grandmother, so it was quite unusual for him to do this for an emperor's concubine.
She initially suspected that this might be a conspiracy between the Emperor and Gu Yan, intended to allow Gu Yan to gain Wen Zhi Mo's trust.
However, judging from the description of the solitary inkstone on this page written by Meng Xingyuan, this possibility seems unlikely.
Therefore, it can only be due to romantic feelings between a man and a woman.
Wen Zhiming closed the book and looked at Meng Lingge, saying, "Whether Gu Yan was sent by the Emperor or came here sincerely to surrender, it is not easy for him to gain my trust. In this world, only you, my wife, can gain my complete trust without lifting a finger."
This man was speaking normally, why did he suddenly become sentimental?
Yet he still maintains such a serious demeanor.
Meng Lingge stared wide-eyed, feeling utterly helpless towards Wen Zhiming.
But in my heart, I felt that Wen Zhiming was right to be wary of Gu Yan. Although Gu Yan did save Meng Xiyao, although Gu Yan had enough reason to surrender, and although my father praised Gu Yan highly, the fact that someone with so many good qualities would appear at this time was the biggest problem in itself.
But compared to worrying about Gu Yan's intentions, Meng Lingge was more worried about the Meng family in the capital.
News of Meng Xingyuan's tragic death had only recently reached the capital, and now Meng Xiyao had been banished to the Cold Palace. It's unknown whether she will be bullied, and her mother and younger brother must be extremely frightened and helpless.
"According to the itinerary, we should arrive in the capital in two days."
Hopefully, by the time they arrive, it will still be in time.
Wen Zhiming pulled her into his arms. "Yes, there are still two days left. We've received the worst news, and everything that follows will be good news."
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