Chapter 348 Anyone can become a chess piece on this chessboard
Gu Junze nodded. "I've learned of this. General Wang, under the orders of the late emperor, suppressed the rebellion on the border. Now that he has returned victorious, he should be welcomed with courtesy."
Zhao Yunci narrowed her eyes and looked at Gu Junze meaningfully.
"Wang Wu is a close minister of the late emperor, commands a large army, and has recently achieved great merit. What do you think I should do with him?"
Gu Junze understood the implication of Zhao Yunci's words and pondered for a moment: "Your Majesty, are you worried that the prince's martial arts skills will surpass yours?"
"That's true." Zhao Yunci stood up and walked to the window. "Wang Wu served the late emperor for many years and held military power. If he had other thoughts..."
"Your Majesty, do you want to take back the military power from General Wang?" Gu Junze directly revealed Zhao Yunci's thoughts.
Zhao Yunci turned around, a complicated expression on her face. "If I deprive him of his military power outright, I'm afraid I'll be known as someone who excludes loyal officials."
"Although it was you who contributed to this peace negotiation, after all, the late emperor ordered him to take command, so he can be considered to have made a contribution."
"I think that General Wang has worked hard all his life and has made great contributions this time, so he should be awarded a title." Gu Junze said slowly.
Zhao Yunci frowned. "A title? Wouldn't that just encourage his ambitions? If he becomes arrogant because of it, wouldn't it be even harder to control him in the future?"
Gu Junze smiled slightly: "Your Majesty, as far as I know, General Wang's mother is old and it is time for her to serve him."
"If we can take this opportunity to let him retire and return home, it will not only show your majesty's grace, but also solve the problem of military power."
Zhao Yunci's eyes lit up, then he fell into deep thought: "What a tactic! A promotion in name only, a demotion in reality. If I act this way, will anyone say I'm squeezing out meritorious officials right after ascending the throne?"
"General Wang has a son who can serve in the Ministry of War." Gu Junze added, "This will not only allow the Wang family to remain in the court, but also show His Majesty's respect for meritorious officials."
Zhao Yunci picked up the teacup and took a sip. "From what I know, Wang Wu's son is neither brave nor wise. He won't amount to anything even if he joins the Ministry of War."
He put down his teacup, the corners of his mouth slightly raised, "What a trick of flattery."
"I am just making a suggestion. Your Majesty will decide everything." Gu Junze said neither humbly nor arrogantly.
Zhao Yunci stood up and patted Gu Junze on the shoulder: "That's a good idea."
"The king has great military achievements, but he is already old. It is only right for him to live out his days in peace. His son's entry into the government is also my care for the descendants of meritorious officials."
"General Wang fought for his country for many years, and it is a blessing that he can enjoy the happiness of family in his later years."
Gu Junze smiled faintly without saying anything. A new emperor has new ministers. Who doesn’t want to hold power tightly in his hands?
Zhao Yunci nodded with satisfaction: "Then it is settled. The day after tomorrow, I will personally preside over the ceremony, commend Wang Wu and other soldiers, confer the title of Marquis of Dingyuan on Wang Wu, and grant him a thousand acres of fertile land."
Gu Junze bowed and saluted: "Your Majesty is wise."
Two days later, at the ten-mile pavilion outside the capital, the ceremonial guard to welcome the returning army was already lined up and on standby.
Zhao Yunci was wearing a bright yellow dragon robe and sitting upright on a high platform. Civil and military officials gathered around him. The scene was lively and solemn.
In the distance, the flags of an army have appeared, coming closer and closer, with a neat military appearance and a strong momentum.
Wang Wu, dressed in military uniform, was riding on his warhorse, looking majestic. His face looked slightly tired, but his eyes remained firm.
He never expected that the emperor would pass away after he had been delayed for more than a month due to the affairs of the two countries before returning to Beijing.
Now, he didn't know what the new emperor's personality was like.
However, on the way back to Beijing, he heard that Gu Junze had become a new upstart in the court and a close minister to the emperor, and he couldn't help feeling a little uneasy.
He and Gu Junze don't get along in the army. Gu Junze won't make things difficult for him, right?
Wang Wu dismounted and led his soldiers in saluting toward the platform: "I, Wang Wu, have returned with the army and am here to pay my respects to Your Majesty!"
Zhao Yunci stood up and said in a loud voice, "My dear Lord Wang, you have lived up to my expectations, pacified the border troubles, and made great contributions to the country. I am very pleased!"
Wang Wu took a deep breath and took a step forward.
"Your Majesty, I have guarded the army for many years. Now that the border threat has been resolved, I am willing to voluntarily surrender my military power. I beg Your Majesty's permission!"
"I am old and my mother needs care. I also want to return home as soon as possible to enjoy my family."
A new emperor appoints new ministers. It is better to take the initiative than to pack up and leave.
When Zhao Yunci heard this, a hint of surprise flashed in her eyes, and then she secretly praised Wang Wu for knowing the current situation.
Turning around, I saw that Gu Junze still had that calm look on his face, as if he had expected everything.
This guy must have guessed it a long time ago, which is why he gave him such advice.
On the high platform, Zhao Yunci announced, "Today, I will reward you according to your merit. Wang Wu has served the country for many years and has made numerous military achievements. I hereby grant him the title of Marquis of Dingyuan and a thousand acres of fertile land to honor his achievements!"
Wang Wu quickly kowtowed in thanks: "I thank Your Majesty for your grace!"
Zhao Yunci looked at Wang Wu and felt satisfied.
Such a minister who voluntarily handed over power not only relieved him of his worries, but also demonstrated 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 title and fertile land. More importantly, his son also had a foothold in the court. This was the best outcome.
"I thank Your Majesty for your grace!" Wang Wu kowtowed again.
On the way back home, Gu Junze saw a familiar figure - it was Lin Jingchuan who was captured by Zheng State.
The young prince who was once full of vigor and vitality has now become more calm and less aggressive than before.
Lin Jingchuan saw Gu Junze and bowed slightly, "General Gu."
Gu Junze walked forward and patted him on the shoulder: "Just come back safely."
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 in the world change unpredictably." Gu Junze said meaningfully.
Lin Jingchuan smiled slightly: "It's time for me to go home. My family should be waiting for me."
"Farewell, young prince." Gu Junze watched Lin Jingchuan leave.
Lin Jingchuan walked quickly towards Prince Yong's Mansion.
Life as a prisoner of war made him understand the fragility of life and the preciousness of family affection.
Whenever it was late at night and everyone was asleep, he would always think of his family back home, especially his younger sister who he grew up with.
As Lin Jingchuan stepped into the mansion, a petite figure rushed out from the inner courtyard.
"Brother!" Lin Xingyao, with tears in her eyes, threw herself into Lin Jingchuan's arms regardless of everything.
Lin Jingchuan caught her steadily and stroked her back gently: "It's okay, it's okay!"
"Yeah." Lin Xingyao held her brother's sleeve tightly and nodded like a little bird.
Lin Jingchuan looked at his sister with a smile, feeling infinite love in his heart.
Her younger sister is the most clingy!
He gently wiped away the tears from her face, but he had no idea what kind of complicated feelings Lin Xingyao was hiding in her heart.
Lin Xingyao looked at her brother's familiar yet unfamiliar face, and her heart beat faster.
The feelings accumulated from spending time together day and night have long gone beyond the love between siblings.
But she knew very well that this hurdle could never be overcome.
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