Chapter 490: Selection of the Protectorate General of Annan
The next day, Xiao Yanci recommended Fang Chengyu as the prefect of Nanzhao Prefecture.
The ministers were unable to react for a moment to realize who Fang Chengyu was, but they still had some impression of this surname. Only then did they come to their senses and realize that he was a member of the Fang family.
Someone immediately objected, "The Fang family is a criminal. The emperor was merciful and didn't remove Fang Chengyu from his post, but how could he promote him again and again?"
Xiao Yanci retorted, "A hero doesn't question his origins. The Fang family's affairs have nothing to do with Fang Chengyu. The emperor didn't pursue them, yet you're still holding on to them. Are you questioning the emperor's decision? Besides, Fang Chengyu is indeed quite capable and very skilled in governing local affairs."
Xiao Yanci ordered people to organize Fang Chengyu's political achievements in Cizhou and displayed them in front of all the ministers.
After seeing those tangible political achievements, many people were speechless.
It does take some means to restore the scattered state of Cizhou to its full potential within a year.
But there are still people who oppose it.
Xiao Yanci asked in return, "Could it be that you gentlemen have a better candidate? Or are you willing to go to Nanzhao Prefecture in person to help the court?"
With just one sentence, the other party was blocked and became obedient instantly.
Emperor Defeng also had an impression of Fang Chengyu. After weighing the pros and cons, he nodded and agreed to this matter.
"Do you have anyone to recommend for the position of Protector General of Annan?"
Xiao Yanci did not speak, and other court officials recommended several people one after another, but they were all too young and lacked qualifications. Before Emperor Defeng could speak, the other court officials rejected them.
Someone recommended Zhou Weihai.
During the crisis in southern Yunnan, Zhou Weihai stood up in time and protected the emperor. After Xiao Yanlin's party was liquidated, he was promoted and appointed the commander-in-chief of the three major camps of the Beijing Camp, which was an important defense for the capital.
If he were transferred to Nanzhao Prefecture, the three major camps of the Beijing Camp would be without a helmsman, and the security of the capital might be compromised. Emperor Defeng would certainly not agree.
Sure enough, this proposal was rejected by Emperor Defeng.
The ministers were at a loss for a moment.
Emperor Defeng was a little annoyed. "In such a huge country like Da Qi, can't they recommend a capable person?"
The Great Qi Dynasty has always valued civil officials over military officials. Last time when Xiao Yanlin and his party were purged, many military generals were also taken away. Now there is indeed a lack of young military generals in the court.
At this time, Xiao Yanci finally spoke, "Father, I think it would be better to select a brave general from southern Yunnan and send him to Nanzhao Prefecture. The soldiers from southern Yunnan Prefecture have the best timing, location, and people. They are the most suitable in every aspect."
His proposal made Emperor Defeng frown, but he did not speak for a while.
A minister observed his expression and immediately raised objection.
"Your Majesty, the King of Southern Yunnan already controls 40,000 border troops. If he were to take control of Nanzhao, half of the southwestern part of China would be his. I'm afraid this is not a good idea."
Emperor Defeng's frown immediately relaxed, obviously these words touched his heart.
He pretended to ponder and nodded slowly.
"What He Aiqing said is not without reason."
Xiao Yanci wanted to say something else, but finally swallowed his words back.
After choosing and choosing, he still couldn't find a suitable person. Emperor Defeng began to have a headache and looked a little tired.
At this time, another veteran minister stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, I believe that the General Zhenxi can take on this position. He is originally from southern Yunnan and is more familiar with the geography and climate of Nanzhao Prefecture than any other official in the capital. He has made outstanding military achievements in Xiping and is also qualified for the post of Protector-General of Annan. However, he is currently serving in an idle position in the capital, which is a waste of his talent."
The person who spoke was Yan Chongli, the Minister of War, an old minister in the court. He had some friendship with Gu Qishan, so it was reasonable for him to recommend Gu Qishan today.
But everyone in the court is a shrewd person, and Emperor Defeng is obviously afraid of Gu Qishan, so it is useless to leave him alone.
They couldn't tell Emperor Defeng's situation, so naturally they didn't dare to bring it up rashly.
Emperor Defeng remained silent for a moment. A minister named Qin rolled his eyes and immediately objected, "I think this is inappropriate. The General of Zhenxi is recuperating in the capital, and he has been away from southern Yunnan for over 20 years. I'm afraid he may not be able to adapt to the climate of Nanzhao Prefecture..."
It is not wrong to say that he is recuperating from his injury. Gu Qishan has indeed been recuperating recently. He has been on leave for some time and did not show up today.
Some agreed, some disagreed, and everyone started arguing again.
Emperor Defeng's mind became more and more confused as he listened. He looked at Xiao Yanci and asked, "What do you think, Crown Prince?"
Xiao Yanci pondered and said, "I think what Lord Qin said just now is somewhat reasonable. General Gu is seriously ill and has been away from southern Yunnan for many years. I'm afraid he won't be able to adapt to the climate of Nanzhao Prefecture. We should select someone from southern Yunnan Prefecture to take over temporarily. It won't be too late to go and take over once the court finds a suitable candidate."
Xiao Yanci's words made Emperor Defeng's expression fade a little.
"How can such an important position be replaced so casually? Prince, you are not thinking carefully about this matter."
Emperor Defeng's tone was full of criticism, and Xiao Yanci immediately bowed his head and said, "This son was not thoughtful enough. I will need to continue to hone my skills in the future."
Emperor Defeng tapped the table with his fingertips and finally made a decision.
"When Nanzhao first annexed the country, it was impossible to secure the border without a seasoned general. General Zhenxi is known for his unwavering loyalty and bravery, and his awe-inspiring influence in the barbarians makes him worthy of the position of Protector-General of Annan. I hereby order General Zhenxi to proceed to Nanzhao Prefecture immediately to oversee the military and civilians and pacify the wilderness."
He gave the order directly with a tone that left no room for questioning. Upon hearing this, all the ministers praised the emperor for his wisdom.
Xiao Yanci was among them. He lowered his head, hiding the true expression on his face.
The words he just spoke were discussed together with Lu Zhiran.
Emperor Defeng was afraid that Gu Qishan would become powerful and he took away his military power in Xiping with great difficulty. He was afraid that he would not let him take charge of the army again easily.
If Xiao Yanci had come forward to recommend him, Emperor Defeng would have rejected it without hesitation.
Therefore, Xiao Yanci took an unconventional approach. Instead of recommending Gu Qishan, he proposed to select someone from Southern Yunnan Prefecture.
Emperor Defeng would never agree to this. If he really selected people from the Southern Yunnan Prefecture, the southwestern gateway would all fall into the hands of the Southern Yunnan King. Emperor Defeng was afraid that he would become more powerful with his army.
Xiao Yanci's repeated proposal of this matter actually prompted Emperor Defeng to reconsider Gu Qishan and finally make a decision to agree to it.
But this also has risks, which is that it will cause Emperor Defeng to be dissatisfied with Xiao Yanci and have subtle fears.
Lu Zhiran raised this concern, and Xiao Yanci thought about it and decided to do so.
The relationship between royal father and son is always delicate.
As imperial power passed from one generation to the next, conflicts and frictions between father and son, monarch and minister were inevitable.
Xiao Yanci's love for Gu Qishan's talent outweighs everything else.
Gu Qishan had been away from Xiping for three years. Ren Zongping and Ge Xubai had now formed a rivalry in Xiping. In the future, it would be impossible for Gu Qishan to go back.
Xiping no longer had a place for Gu Qishan to stand, and his temperament was not suitable for seeking advancement in the capital. He was more suitable to be a frontier official.
Nanzhao Prefecture is the most suitable place for him.
If Emperor Defeng assigned someone else to Nanzhao Prefecture, when Xiao Yanci ascended the throne in the future, even if he wanted to use Gu Qishan again, he would not know how to arrange for him.
He is trapped in the capital, and his later years will be dull and bleak. This is cruel for him and a great loss to the Great Qi Dynasty.
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