Chapter 1179 - 1015: Transferred to a Military Position
Chapter 1179: Chapter 1015: Transferred to a Military Position
After surrounding the Zhou Mansion, they discovered that apart from slaves and women, no other blood relatives were present, regardless of legitimacy. It was clear that Zhou Yuancong had been planning for days and was well prepared.
What was more detestable was that those women had long since been lifeless, their bodies rigid. Even the personal servants, who served the masters closely, were all dead from poisoning, showing Zhou Yuancong’s ruthlessness.
The Zhou Mansion, encircled by the Crown Prince’s orders, was nothing but an empty shell. Zhou Yuancong’s whereabouts were unknown, as were his potential alliances.
"These treacherous ministers and rebels should be executed!" If it weren’t for Gu Chengyu and others’ intervention that day, they might have succeeded.
Shen Shikang was extremely agitated, remembering how the Crown Prince almost fell into Zhou Yuancong’s hands. The thought still sent a chill through him.
Shen Shikang suddenly realized Gu Chengyu’s outstanding capabilities. If the Crown Prince ascended the throne and continued to rely heavily on him, what future would they, the civil servants, have?
Thus, he shifted his thoughts and proposed, "Your Highness! Gu Shaoqing is skilled in both civil and martial arts, with profound abilities. It would be prudent to appoint him to a military position to ensure the Crown Prince’s safety. At the very least, send him to the border to deal with the Da Xing rebels, where he would surely achieve great success."
Upon hearing this, Qian Licao immediately felt that Shen Shikang’s plan was excellent. During the Emperor’s reign, Gu Chengyu received the Emperor’s favor and stirred up the court, leaving no room for other civil servants to rise.
Be it the tea tax or the reform of the salt tax, or the Jiangnan disaster relief efforts, Gu Chengyu executed them single-handedly, leading the courtiers by the nose, and seemingly standing out alone.
Moreover, Crown Prince’s recent heavy reliance on Gu Chengyu suggests that once he ascends the throne, Gu Chengyu, having enjoyed the favor of two emperors, might become even more overbearing.
Originally, Xia Qing could restrain him, but now that Xia Qing is focused on clearing his name, returning to his former heights is no longer possible.
Even if the Crown Prince shows leniency, Xia Qing’s power has drastically diminished, making it difficult to restrain him again.
Furthermore, he is not only capable but also cunning. Remaining in the court would make him hard to deal with. If he were sent far away, no matter how talented, he wouldn’t be able to stir up much trouble.
"Your Highness! I agree with Mr. Shen’s words. We all witnessed Gu Shaoqing’s prowess yesterday. With such strong martial skills, it would hinder his future if not appointed to a military position."
The officials present had varied expressions; hindering Gu Chengyu’s future wasn’t an unfounded suggestion.
It’s well known that civil servants face significant hurdles in promotions. They need to have accomplishments and seniority. In contrast, military officials have fewer constraints; as long as they achieve merits, they get promoted.
For instance, generals stationed at the border, as soon as war breaks out, can earn merits just by courageously fighting on the battlefield.
Despite the advantages of military positions, noble family descendants prefer civil over military paths. Why is that?
Because Dayan values civil over military, civil servants can enter the Cabinet and rise to the First Rank, becoming the Grand Secretary. The Cabinet drafts bills, reviewing all memorials before presenting them to the Emperor.
The Emperor’s decisions are heavily influenced by the Cabinet’s feedback - what immense power is this? And military officials? Even if you reach the first or second ranks, what then?
Either you are in local administration or go to the border to quell conflicts.
For local administrators, returning to the Capital is not an option, nor can they enter the center of power. If they go to the battlefield, life and death depend on fate, riches are in heaven’s hands.
Civil officials, regardless of rank, if they can stay in the Capital, can simply decide the life and death of generals just by a few words in court, illustrating the difference between civil and military roles.
Moreover, generals holding military power, consistently achieving merits, easily surpass their masters, inciting royal suspicion.
Since the founding of the nation, generals who fought alongside the Emperor, apart from a handful who immediately laid down their arms and gave up military power, forming generations of dukes.
Which renowned general who refused to relinquish power met a good end?
Today’s era is no longer about seizing territory but governing with civility. Even if military officials are on par with civil officials, they are still slightly inferior.
Allow the military officials to deal with Gu Chengyu if he is transferred to a military position!
The Crown Prince frowned upon hearing this; Gu Chengyu’s talents are exceptional, and assigning him to a military position would be too wasteful.
Take for instance the disaster relief effort. Without Gu Chengyu, relying solely on the five thousand taels of Silver from the court to manage disaster relief would be sheer lunacy.
Moreover, Gu Chengyu had settled the victims and quelled the unrest before the disaster relief funds even arrived.
He also fortified the river embankment and implemented the major project of redirecting the river, truly a measure benefiting the people.
Which of these does not require Silver Coin for support? Furthermore, Gu Chengyu has many good strategies to fill the National Treasury; in short, he is a capable minister.
If he assists, the kingdom will surely prosper, and a golden age for Dayan isn’t unthinkable.
But...
The Crown Prince sighed. Now that Da Xing has invaded Dayan, the border’s situation is uncertain. From Da Xing’s movements, war seems imminent.
However, Da Xing has several formidable generals, and Dayan has struggled against them. Gu Chengyu is both brave and wise; commanding and deploying troops would be no challenge, and with his refined martial arts, he might conquer Da Xing in ten years.
This would be a monumental achievement in expanding territory, something even the late Emperor couldn’t accomplish.
Such accomplishments would be recorded in history books, extolled by future generations.
Considering this, the Crown Prince was stirred, his face showing signs of excitement.
"Your Highness! This must not be. Gu Shaoqing, trained formally, also has made contributions at court. With such talent, transferring him to a military role would be a waste of talent!"
The Vice Minister of Ministry of Industry, Jiang Mingyuan, saw that the Crown Prince appeared moved and was inwardly anxious. If Gu Chengyu indeed moved from civil to military roles, what future did he have?
Hu Maoshen lowered his head, a cold smile playing at his lips. Gu Chengyu, oh Gu Chengyu! Is this the ruler you chose?
A wise bird chooses a tree for its nest, yet Gu Chengyu chose this one. How could the master, who values Gu Chengyu so, bear to transfer him to a military post?
And such talent comes effortlessly to the Crown Prince. Is that why he doesn’t appreciate it?
The Crown Prince thinks because Gu Chengyu chose him, he can act without restraint? Hmph! Does the Crown Prince know what kind of man Gu Chengyu truly is?
Today Gu Chengyu chooses you, but tomorrow he might choose another. Hu Maoshen shook his head, seeing this unfold benefits them significantly; just wait and watch!
Ever-changing and unpredictable are these times. If anyone can stir up the winds and clouds, it’s surely this person!
...
"Master! The nearby residents have been thoroughly checked, and no suspicious individuals were found." Ming Yan stepped forward to report to Gu Chengyu.
Gu Chengyu frowned; he stood before a dilapidated shack, looking at the small beggar hiding in the corner, fearfully gazing at him.