Chapter 1186: Chapter 1022: Refusing to Go to the Border

"Another matter, I have captured the escaped Zhou Yuancong this time!"

"Oh? Really? That’s excellent! Where is the person now?" Even with the Crown Prince’s calm disposition, he couldn’t help but show delight.

Zhou Yuancong must be under someone’s orders to dare to rebel. Otherwise, with such a small number, does he think he can stir up trouble? That would be nothing more than daydreaming.

With many Imperial Guards and Hidden Guards around the Crown Prince, Gu Chengyu thought Zhou Yuancong’s skills still fell short in attempting to capture the Crown Prince in one move.

"He has been imprisoned in the Dali Temple along with the assassins. I believe we should interrogate his leader early to avoid unnecessary delays."

The Crown Prince naturally understood this logic. He thought it over and said, "You shall go with me to interrogate those assassins and Zhou Yuancong. Be sure to find out their mastermind."

The Crown Prince’s eyes were sharp. He hoped this time he would hear the answers he wanted from Zhou Yuancong.

Gu Chengyu quickly nodded in agreement. He also wanted to interrogate those assassins. After all, his senior brother was still at the border. If Da Xing made any move, the border would bear the brunt.

"Let’s go!" The Crown Prince walked a few steps forward, then seemed to remember something and turned back to Gu Chengyu.

"Mr. Gu! I see that your martial arts skills are excellent, able to fight against a hundred. In recent years, Da Xing has repeatedly harassed the border. Its intentions are reprehensible, yet our dynasty lacks generals experienced in warfare to resist them, causing Da Xing’s ambition to grow. When the Emperor’s grandfather conquered the country, he was surrounded by strategists and fierce generals, hence the prosperous kingdom we have today."

"But when it comes to my father defending the kingdom, most of our renowned generals are gone. Even if there are still fierce generals, they are few in number. Thus, I’ve been troubled by this matter recently."

The Crown Prince lightly furrowed his brows, and after a long sigh, looked at Gu Chengyu’s calm face.

Gu Chengyu’s heart sank. What did this mean? Was he considering sending him to guard the border?

The room fell silent instantly, but the Crown Prince couldn’t read anything unusual from Gu Chengyu’s expression, not even surprise. Had Gu Chengyu known about this long ago?

Actually, Gu Chengyu was indeed very surprised at this moment. He had been busy since the previous night, how could he have received the news so quickly?

But he didn’t like to reveal his thoughts on his face, and now he was contemplating who brought up this matter.

Xia Qing had already been imprisoned in Dali Temple, and his followers, afraid of being implicated, were lying low and dared not show themselves.

After a moment of contemplation, he thought of the major aristocratic families in the Capital. He also knew that his presence obstructed the paths of those civil servants.

But now he was seeking promotion, how could he care about others?

If today he were appointed to First Rank, he wouldn’t mind keeping a low profile. But before then, to quickly rise in rank, keeping a low profile was not an option.

Those who could propose such a suggestion were undoubtedly a few high-ranking officials in the court. Those of lower rank wouldn’t dare to oppose him.

Those people had clever planning, wanting him out of the Capital so he wouldn’t hinder them.

Gu Chengyu sneered inwardly, the Crown Prince had not yet ascended the throne, Da Xing was still eyeing covetously, and these people were already starting to eliminate dissidents.

It should be known that when the nest is overturned, no egg remains unbroken. Da Xing had already infiltrated the Imperial Palace, yet these people seemed unconcerned?

Only with a stable dynasty could these officials enjoy endless wealth and glory. Why did they have such narrow vision, only staring at the tiny court?

"Mr. Gu, as you can see, our Dayan Dynasty is not peaceful. Without a fierce general to shock Da Xing, Dayan is in grave danger!"

After speaking, the Crown Prince sighed deeply, pulled back his step and sat at the desk again.

"Crown Prince! There are countless skilled martial artists in the world. Once you ascend the throne, you can grant amnesty, open the military examination, and won’t all talents be at your disposal? The Emperor was weak in previous years, thus the military examination was neglected. Though Dayan values literature over martial arts, the peace of the border still requires these generals."

Gu Chengyu smiled lightly, showing no discontent.

The Crown Prince also knew this matter was somewhat difficult. Gu Chengyu’s achievements were substantial, how could he abandon civil for military?

Actually, he needn’t have asked Gu Chengyu’s opinion. Once ascended, he would be the supreme ruler. If he forcibly dispatched Gu Chengyu to the border, would Gu Chengyu dare defy the imperial decree?

But now he was still the Crown Prince, and the Emperor’s dying entrustment concerning Gu Chengyu was like a sword hanging overhead, so he couldn’t press Gu Chengyu too hard.

Besides, Gu Chengyu’s strategy was exceptional, he would greatly rely on him in the future.

"Your suggestion is indeed good, but seeing the situation at the border now, I’m afraid it can’t wait. At this moment during midwinter, the people of Da Xing are starving and cold, surely eyeing the border populace covetously. Moreover, sending so many assassins into our territory suggests a grand conspiracy brewing."

The Crown Prince looked at Gu Chengyu with full hope, wishing he would voluntarily resolve his troubles.

"Your Highness! I started my education at age five, studying for ten years to enter service through the imperial examination. You know my mother was born a maid and often grieves over it. From the start, I swore to someday have her adorned with the phoenix crown and embroidered robe, as is my filial duty."

Gu Chengyu suddenly spoke of his mother’s background, momentarily surprising the Crown Prince. Then he saw Gu Chengyu’s calm demeanor and felt some comfort.

A child doesn’t disdain a mother’s ugliness, just as a dog doesn’t disdain poverty at home. So, Gu Chengyu’s pursuit of office, partly for his mother’s sake.

The Crown Prince nodded, "Mr. Gu is a person of deep affection and righteousness; this is filial duty. Countless shallow-minded people exist, such opportunists are not worth concerning over."

"Your Highness is correct! Actually, I favored martial arts over literature, but my mother often said if I became a general, I’d be away from home for decades, so how would she cope with missing me? We can’t expect her to leave her homeland, as she is unwilling: truly tied to native soil. I had no choice but to abandon military for literature."

Gu Chengyu sighed slightly, seeming to regret the matter of the past.

The Crown Prince’s expression froze; this was using filial duty to suppress him.

"Mastering civil and martial arts to serve the imperial family, whether through literature or martial path, ultimately serving the court. I should alleviate the Crown Prince’s woes, but filial duty weighs heavy, and I cannot defy my mother’s wishes. Please forgive me, Your Highness."

Gu Chengyu showed a troubled look, knowing the Crown Prince wouldn’t press him too hard, as the Crown Prince hadn’t assumed throne yet.

As long as the refusal passed muster publicly, nothing would ask Mrs. Lv, would it?

Since ancient times, loyalty and filial duty are hard to balance; given the grand ethics, loyalty should naturally take precedence. But he just explained his mother’s aversion to military duty, so not too pressing, right? Dayan Dynasty isn’t without generals.’

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