novelSusiti Chapter 75. King Gao conspired with his advisors and sent his trusted ministers to distant lands.
Chapter 75. King Gao conspired with his advisors and sent his trusted ministers to distant lands.
Upon hearing Wang Hong's words, Gao Huan frowned slightly, but still reached out and took the joint letter to read it.
Lou Zhaojun stepped forward slowly, bent down to glance at a few lines, and her brows, which had just relaxed, suddenly furrowed.
In the letter, Sun Teng and others first confessed to their crimes of embezzling public funds, selling official positions, and abusing their power to deceive their superiors over the years.
Then, the author shifted focus, bitterly criticizing Gao Cheng for his arrogance, humiliation of Yuan Xun, transgression of etiquette, and disregard for the emperor.
After reading the entire text, Gao Huan frowned and remained silent for a long time.
After a long pause, he gently tossed the letter onto the table, then shook his head and sighed, "I recall when Xindu raised its banner of rebellion, heroes from all directions followed. We braved thorns and brambles, rising from humble beginnings. At that time, Sun Teng exhausted his family's wealth to fund the army; Sima Ziru broke through the encirclement alone, traveling far to beg for reinforcements; Gao Yue and Gao Long donned armor and braved blades, sustaining numerous wounds, fighting to the death without retreating. How magnificent were the spirits of you gentlemen!"
"Unexpectedly, before long, my former comrades have fallen to such a state."
Lou Zhaojun frowned and nodded, sighing, "Wealth and honor corrupt the bones; this has always been the case. They were once heroes, but once they settled in Yedu, indulging in ornate buildings, wine, women, fine clothes, and sumptuous food, even the most refined steel gradually became dull and dull."
A hint of melancholy flashed across Gao Huan's eyes as he slowly said, "It's already a pity that our spirit has been worn down; now, we are further obstructed and our plans ruined. We've committed corruption, yet we feign pitifulness and grovel. These old fools are so muddle-headed, do they not realize that my son's shrewdness and strategic acumen are even superior to mine?"
Upon hearing this, Lou Zhaojun fell silent for a moment.
She and Gao Huan rose from humble beginnings and stayed together for half their lives. She always had a deep affection for the group of old subordinates who had followed her to quell the rebellion.
Seeing my old friend's reputation ruined in his later years, I can't help but feel regret.
However, given the current situation, she understood that the situation in Yecheng was so dire that a single misstep could have far-reaching consequences, leaving no room for sentimentality.
Since Gao Cheng placed the joint letter from the nobles of Ye in Jinyang, it was destined that she and Gao Huan would have to make a choice.
After a moment of silence, she suppressed her emotions and solemnly said, "People's hearts are fickle and unpredictable. Your Majesty, do not grieve unnecessarily. The situation is now clear, and we should decide on a course of action as soon as possible. These four men all served under Yuanxun, and if they are all punished and executed, it may discourage the meritorious officials of the realm."
Gao Huan leaned back on the couch, his eyes slightly closed, lost in thought and silent.
This was because what Lou Zhaojun said was exactly what he was most concerned about.
For him, ordering the execution of the four nobles was certainly easy.
However, the four nobles were, after all, old subordinates of Xindu, loyal followers of the emperor. If they were to be exterminated in this way, it would surely discourage the other meritorious officials.
However, if we condone and indulge him, it will inevitably alienate Gao Cheng and further lose the support of the court and the people.
Therefore, after much deliberation, he turned to Wang Hong and asked, "You have come from Ye, so you should tell the truth. What exactly is Cheng'er's intention towards those four people? If they truly intend to kill them, will this letter not reach my hands?"
Upon hearing this, Wang Hong immediately bowed and replied respectfully, "Your Majesty is wise; the Crown Prince indeed intended to release this letter."
Upon hearing this, Gao Huan immediately understood and nodded slightly.
After a short while, he couldn't help but laugh and curse, "You cunning little brat! You've set up a trap, even ensnaring your own father. He doesn't want to bear the infamy of slaughtering his former officials, so he's forcing this old man to plead his case and show him mercy!"
Upon hearing this, Lou Zhaojun instantly understood Gao Cheng's meaning.
He smiled gently and patted Gao Huan's hand lightly, saying, "Your Majesty is mistaken. The Crown Prince governs Ye with swift and decisive policies, cracking down on corruption and reforming the court; Your Majesty, residing in Jinyang, cherishes the bonds of friendship and spares the lives of meritorious officials. This achieves two goals: firstly, it purifies the bureaucracy and brings peace to Ye; secondly, it preserves the dignity of the meritorious officials, ensuring that the elders are grateful for your kindness. Is this not a win-win strategy?"
"snort!"
Gao Huan snorted softly, but a smug smile involuntarily crept onto his lips. He feigned a rebuke, saying, "This child is as cunning as a net. He was full of schemes back in Jinyang, and now that he's in charge of Ye City, he even dares to plot against his own father. He's truly audacious."
However, despite his words, the satisfaction and pride in his eyes were unmistakable.
After speaking, he glanced at the letters on the table again and muttered under his breath, "But those people are truly incompetent. How can a few tearful words cover up their corrupt and lawless acts?"
Lou Zhaojun sighed softly: "At its root, it is the wealth and honor that corrupt the heart. In the past, when they served the king, they ate coarse food and wore simple clothes, yet they still found it sweet; now that they enjoy wealth and honor, they feel it is not enough."
Gao Huan nodded slightly, unwilling to dwell on the past.
After deliberating for a moment, he finally sighed and made his decision: "Very well. Since Cheng'er is determined to reform Ye's administration and rectify the court, I cannot dampen his spirit."
After speaking, he immediately spread out paper and pen, dipped them in ink, and quickly drafted a handwritten edict.
He immediately blew the ink dry, sealed it in a brocade box, summoned Gai Fengle, and loudly instructed, "You shall immediately return to Chengye City with Wang Hong. In all matters, obey the Crown Prince's orders and assist him with all your might."
"only!"
Gai Fengle and Wang Hong bowed and accepted the order, then turned and quickly left the hall.
After the two left, the council chamber returned to silence.
Gao Huan stared at the letter on the table, his expression still complex.
Lou Zhaojun observed his expression and knew that he was troubled and unable to discuss matters today. She immediately dismissed the rest of her officials and confidants from the hall.
Seeing this, Gao Huan did not stop him, but the look of deliberation in his eyes deepened.
After everyone had left, Gao Huan suddenly turned to look at Lou Zhaojun and said in a deep voice, "Zhaojun, now that Ye City is about to be pacified, although Cheng'er has the support of the powerful families of Hebei, he still lacks experience in overseeing the overall situation. If we rely solely on them, I'm afraid it will be difficult to manage the affairs of Ye City."
Upon hearing this, Lou Zhaojun looked somewhat puzzled and asked, "What is Your Majesty's intention?"
Gao Huan stroked his beard and slowly said, "I intend to send Chen Yuankang, Yang Yin, and Zhai Song to Ye to assist Cheng'er in governing. These three gentlemen are meticulous, capable, and especially skilled in complex matters. With their assistance, Cheng'er can have some peace of mind. What do you think?"
However, when Lou Zhaojun heard that Gao Huan intended to send Chen Yuankang, Yang Yin, and Zhai Song to Ye, she was immediately shocked.
Gai Chenyuankang, Yang Yin, and Zhai Song were the three key ministers of the Jinyang Bafu (a powerful government in Jinyang).
Chen Yuankang, needless to say, was the most important talent in the government, responsible for everything from general affairs to logistics.
Yang Yin also served as the Grand Marshal of the Capital, overseeing all affairs of the Jinyang Grand Mansion.
As for Zhai Song, he was the top strategist of the Bafu, especially skilled in sowing discord and using spies. The falling out between Heba Yue and Houmo Chenyue was due to his scheme.
After a long moment of shock, she finally calmed down and frowned as she advised, "Your Majesty, please reconsider. Preparations for the western expedition are imminent. Moving the three ministers to Ye now may jeopardize the important military and national plans."
Upon hearing this, Gao Huan remained unconcerned and said calmly, "It's alright. There are still half a year until the western expedition, enough time to send more men."
"Moreover, next spring, when I lead my troops westward, Cheng'er will surely return to Jinyang to take charge of the capital and oversee the rear."
"Sending Yuan Kang and the others to Ye City first will allow them to familiarize themselves with the situation there; once Cheng'er returns to Jin, leaving them in Ye to guard this territory in our place would be convenient for both sides."
Lou Zhaojun still had doubts after hearing this.
However, seeing Gao Huan's confident demeanor, she did not try to dissuade him further, but simply nodded and said, "Very well, since Your Majesty has already made plans, I have no objection."
Seeing that she agreed, Gao Huan said no more and immediately summoned the guards, ordering, "Quickly summon Chen Yuankang, Yang Yin, and Zhai Song to see me."
"only!"
The guard obeyed and left.
Shortly after, Chen Yuankang, Yang Yin, and Zhai Song arrived together, bowing respectfully and saying, "Greetings, Your Majesty and Your Highness."
"No need for formalities!"
Gao Huan nodded slightly and then said directly, "I have summoned you all here today because I have an important matter to entrust to you."
The three men straightened up, cupped their hands, and asked, "May we ask Your Majesty for instructions?"
Gao Huan didn't keep him in suspense and said directly, "When Crown Prince Gao Cheng first took charge of the government in Ye, the affairs of state were numerous and complex, and he lacked capable assistants. Therefore, I wish to send you gentlemen to Ye to assist the Crown Prince and manage the affairs of state. I wonder what you gentlemen think?"