Chapter 1317: Chapter 1153: Recommending Worthy Men Without Avoiding Kin

"Emperor! Although this matter has its reasons, a country must have laws. If others imitate this in the future, wouldn’t our Dayan be in chaos? It also makes it easy for some with ulterior motives to exploit it. Naturally, this person must be punished. How does Your Majesty plan to deal with it?"

"Naturally, punish him severely, dismiss him from his position as a warning to others." Using a warning tactic is necessary, this Jing Hui cannot be retained.

"Emperor, actually this person has already sided with another. If you dismiss him, he might act recklessly. However, he is not a worry; what truly needs attention is that he still holds military power. As for Prince Jing, aren’t you planning to send some troops to help him defend? Relying solely on Fengqing Prefecture’s military power to confront Prince Gong might be difficult!"

Gu Chengyu had already thought of a plan, a plan that would put Prince Jing in a dilemma.

"You think I should send troops to aid the Fourth? What are your insights, quickly tell me!" The Emperor looked over with a curious gaze, knowing Gu Chengyu had thought of a plan.

"Emperor! Let’s not talk about Commander Jing for now, but focus on Prince Jing! Fengqing Prefecture was attacked by Prince Gong’s army. Both emotionally and logically, the court should send reinforcements. Why not send more troops, which can serve as an excuse? If Prince Jing disagrees, then he is disloyal. If he agrees, then it’s even better. We can take this opportunity to eliminate his influence; anyway, we hold the moral high ground, let’s see how he chooses."

"But deploying troops is easier said than done. At least sixty to seventy thousand troops are needed. Yuhe Pass absolutely cannot be touched; otherwise, if Da Xing comes back, we’ll struggle to deal with it."

The Emperor was troubled by the lack of troops for reinforcement. He naturally thought of this plan, but the border is far away. Moreover, he didn’t know how much strength the Fourth had; if inadequate, not only would sacrifices be made, but manpower might be lost as well.

"Isn’t there already a source? The Commander’s Office! If it’s not enough, then conscript soldiers."

The Emperor paused, "Conscription? I’ve just ascended the throne, what’s needed now is to pardon the world, how could conscription be possible?"

The Emperor frowned tightly; the idea of conscription was absurd. Not considering the matter of pardoning the world, this year isn’t even time for conscription.

"The Emperor misunderstood, the border is a harsh and cold land, with many starving individuals. Difficult circumstances make some willing. It’s all voluntary, not forced!"

Though becoming a soldier is dangerous, it’s better than starving. In the cold weather at the border, many freeze to death every year.

"However, after Commander Jing is dismissed, the Emperor must select someone trustworthy to go to the border. Otherwise, if this person is again bewitched by Prince Jing, we’d truly be sending troops as gifts. As long as Prince Jing is kept in check, no matter his intentions, he’ll remain static. After dealing with Prince Gong, then focus on him."

"Let it be so! I will send someone to the border immediately." The Emperor was contemplating whom to send to the border, yet after thinking over it, still couldn’t decide.

In this vast Dynasty, it’s difficult to even select a trustworthy military general. The Emperor sighed, planning to think about it thoroughly later.

"Emperor, if you haven’t decided on someone yet, I have a recommendation." Gu Chengyu smiled; he had seen this person who was capable. Of course, reliability is most crucial.

"Oh? Who?" The Emperor was somewhat surprised; he had gone over all the court’s military generals in his mind and found none suitable.

"My senior brother’s relation by marriage, Wang Yin! This person does have some ability; I have seen him before. What does the Emperor think?"

Gu Chengyu’s suggestion was not entirely due to Wang Yin being a cousin to Second Senior Brother Wu An but because he had seen him before. Though his temper wasn’t great, his skills were apparent. His straightforward nature, without convoluted thinking, was notable.

Most importantly, being connected to his senior brother, he barely counts as one of his own. Navigating the court, he couldn’t always act alone; some foundational support was necessary.

This matter only required him to discreetly hint a few things to Second Senior Brother, who through Mrs. Wu’s wisdom, would naturally know how to proceed.

The Emperor looked at Gu Chengyu quietly for several moments, seeing Gu Chengyu’s composed expression without any avoidance, he suddenly smiled.

"You indeed recommend the capable without avoiding kinship; if I remember correctly, this person is merely a Commander, while the Commander’s post is Standard Second Rank. Promoting by two levels would certainly stir controversy among the court!" Returning to the Imperial Desk, although saying so, he didn’t outright reject the idea.

"I merely recommend; if the Emperor finds it unsuitable, it can be dismissed!" Gu Chengyu said with a smile.

He wasn’t insistent on this person; it was mere recommendation, there’s always a next time!

"This person was considered by me before, he has the ability, but unfortunately lacks complexity in thought!" The Emperor’s tone carried some disdain, yet Gu Chengyu detected interest from the Emperor.

"Then assign a few strategic advisors to assist him, it won’t be a problem."

"I have another matter to report!" Gu Chengyu stood up from the chair.

"What is it?"

"Reporting to the Emperor, not far from the Capital in a small county, I saw a woman resembling Princess Rong Jia. I sent someone to follow, discovered she truly was. Considering Princess Rong Jia’s direction, they might aim to join one of the factions at the border."

Qin Min has only a few thousand troops; it’s astonishingly perplexing that the court hasn’t captured them yet.

Upon mentioning this, the Emperor’s expression indeed darkened.

"What’s wrong with He Chaoguang, can’t even handle this! With just a few thousand troops, despite my dispatching the army for help, he still can’t capture these two, it’s utterly absurd!"

Speaking of He Chaoguang, the Emperor’s dissatisfaction was palpable, although previously showing some capability, recent performances were truly disappointing.

After a moment of contemplation, Gu Chengyu spoke: "Emperor! If you find General He unusual, he should be thoroughly investigated."

"You mean?" The Emperor raised his head, surprised, inspecting Gu Chengyu—did this suggest He Chaoguang had already aligned with others?

"I merely speculate, daring not to speak rashly! Heir Qin’s men progress northward, living harshly along the way; having become court enemies, those soldiers must be anxious, leading to numerous desertions. Their morale wanes, supplies are inadequate, logically, they shouldn’t withstand prolonged attack."

After Gu Chengyu spoke, the Emperor’s expression grew more severe.

"This matter will be immediately investigated! If his disloyalty proves true, he shall be torn to pieces!" The Emperor harbored intense scorn for traitors; Gu Chengyu’s words positioned He Chaoguang under suspicion.

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