Chapter 623 Who would have thought that the general would compete for favor with his own children at home
Gu Lu said it lightly, but Chu Ruohan and Gu Junze both understood the meaning behind it.
Cold treatment!
This is a common tactic used by the court to wear down the enthusiasm of newcomers.
"Oh? The old archives room of the Ministry of Revenue?" Gu Junze's fingertips tapped lightly on the chessboard, making a crisp sound.
A meaningful glint flashed in his eyes. "When I asked you to look at the old accounts, they weren't really accounts."
Gu Luluozi's hand paused slightly, and he looked up at Gu Junze with questioning eyes.
Gu Junze picked up the tea bowl, blew off the foam, and said slowly: "The emperor sent you to that place not to gain experience, nor to be treated coldly."
"He wants you to see who and what are hidden behind those dusty files."
"The Ministry of Revenue's accounts are the lifeblood of the nation. The accounts from the time of the previous emperor may seem like old history now, but the people who handled them back then weren't necessarily clean. Their descendants might still hold high positions in the court today."
Gu Junze put down the tea bowl, his eyes sharp.
"Your Majesty has given you a knife to sharpen yourself."
"If you can sharpen your skills quickly and effectively, you will be able to cut off some of the entangled old forces, relieve His Majesty's worries, and pave the way for yourself."
"But if it gets dull or worn out, then you, the runner-up, will have to spend your whole life in the old archives, piled with old papers."
These words were like a revelation.
Gu Lu understood instantly.
He originally thought that this was a deliberate harassment by the dean of the academy, a way for the newcomers in the officialdom to be intimidated.
But I didn't expect that there was a deeper meaning behind this from the emperor.
This is a test, but also an opportunity.
He looked at the chessboard. The game, which had been deadlocked just now, now became extremely clear in his eyes.
Those seemingly scattered black spots can be connected together and turn defense into offense as long as they find a key position.
And that key position is hidden in the mountains of old files in the Ministry of Revenue.
"I understand." Gu Lu said in a deep voice.
The last trace of confusion on his face disappeared, replaced by a sharp and aggressive look.
He no longer hesitated and pressed the black piece in his hand heavily on the Tianyuan position of the chessboard.
One move brings life to the whole board.
Gu Junze looked at his move and laughed out loud.
"Good! Good move!"
He threw the white piece in his hand back into the chess box and said, "No more moves, you win."
Chu Ruohan looked at the uncle and nephew, one gave her some advice, the other had an epiphany, and her mind became clear.
She knew that Gu Lu, the dormant eagle, was finally about to open his claws.
I'm afraid that the water in the capital will become even more muddy because of him.
Gu Lu stood up and bowed deeply to Gu Junze and Chu Ruohan.
"Thank you for your advice, uncle. I'll take my leave."
His uncle was too outstanding. Whether in terms of literary or military strategy, he could never reach his level. But Gu Lu was lucky to have such a guiding light...
"Go ahead." Gu Junze waved his hand. "Remember, haste makes waste. Don't underestimate those old officials."
Gu Lu nodded again, turned around and strode away.
His back was straight and his steps were firm, like a general about to step onto the battlefield.
As the night deepened, the main courtyard returned to peace after Gu Lu left.
Chu Ruohan picked up the chess pieces one by one and put them back into the chess box, but Gu Junze was still looking towards the door, as if thinking about something.
"What are you thinking about?" Chu Ruohan asked casually.
Gu Junze withdrew his gaze and fell on her face. Under the candlelight, her profile was soft, which made his heart soften as well.
He suddenly said, "Ruohan, let's go out for a walk."
Chu Ruohan stopped picking up the chess pieces. She looked up, a little surprised: "Now? It's dark, going to the back garden?"
Gu Junze shook his head, his deep eyes looking at her in the candlelight, filled with emotions that she could not understand.
"I mean, a long journey." He paused and added, "Just the two of us."
Chu Ruohan was completely stunned.
At this time, he wants to leave the capital?
Gu Lu had just made his mark, and the situation in the court was turbulent. How could he, the Duke of Zhenguo, just leave like that?
Gu Junze seemed to see through her thoughts. He walked to her, held her hand, took the last chess piece from her fingertips, and put it back into the box.
"When I was in the capital, they were like a group of rabbits being watched by hawks, only daring to peek out of their holes and perform some petty tricks that were not worthy of public display."
His voice was calm, yet it revealed an all-knowing indifference.
"I have to give them a chance to stick their heads out completely."
Chu Ruohan's heart was shocked and she understood instantly.
"You are paving the way for Gu Lu."
"Paving the way is also a test." Gu Junze pulled her up, walked to the window, and looked at the dark night outside.
"The emperor gave him a knife, but no matter how sharp it is, if it doesn't draw blood, it will always be just a piece of scrap metal. The real battlefield is not in the pile of old papers, but in the court where people's hearts are treacherous."
When he is not around, those ghosts hiding in the dark will truly surface and stretch out their claws towards Gu Lu.
At that time, Gu Lu will face the real test.
Chu Ruohan had to admit that he thought deeper and further.
"Okay." She nodded, "But how long will it take? I have to prepare some things. Also, what about Xuan Ge'er and Qing Chen? I can't just leave them at home, can I?"
At the thought of going on a long journey, her maternal instincts kicked in, and her mind began to calculate the luggage, manpower, and the food, clothing, housing and transportation of her two children along the way.
"No." Gu Junze interrupted her decisively.
"Just the two of us."
He turned around, gently put his arms around her waist from behind, rested his chin on her shoulder, and his voice carried a hint of grievance and dependence that would never be there in his usual tone.
"You haven't spent any time with me in a long time. All day long you're either worried about Xuan Ge'er's homework or worried about what trouble Qing Chen has gotten into. Now, there's another person, Gu Lu, who you have to worry about."
"What about me?"
Chu Ruohan was left in a state of confusion by his sudden act of coquettishness.
She turned her head and reached out to squeeze his hand on her waist. "Oh, our majestic Lord Zhenguo, do you feel neglected?"
She jokingly said, "If this gets out, and those ministers in the court who are terrified of you hear it, I'm afraid their eyes will fall out."
"Who would have thought that the general would compete for favor with his own children at home."
Gu Junze let her laugh at him, but he tightened his arms a little.
"They can't hear me," he muttered, "I've already made arrangements."
Chu Ruohan turned around and faced him: "What have you arranged?"
Gu Junze looked at her seriously, "Now that we're gone, those who want to propose marriage to Gu Lu don't have to bother you anymore."
"As for Xuan'er, that kid is not good at studying at all. You're forcing him to sit in the study every day, which is really making things difficult for him."
"I sent him to Dongying a few days ago and asked Cheng'an to take care of him."
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