Mythical Qin: I, Gao Yao, will never be a eunuch!

Chapter 1027 Open and covert struggles, each employing ingenious tactics!

He kept in mind Gao Yao's teachings: when others give you face, it's a favor; you must know your limits and not get carried away and forget who you are.

After the guests and hosts were seated, servants served tea. Gao Zhe didn't bother with pleasantries or beating around the bush; he went straight to the point, which actually made Er Niu, who wasn't good at scheming, feel more relaxed.

“Uncle knows my temperament; I’m straightforward and don’t like beating around the bush.” Gao Zhe looked intently at Er Niu. “I’ll be frank. I suppose my brother has already come by. My purpose in coming is the same as his: to gain Uncle’s support.”

Erniu nodded, not denying it.

Gao Zhe continued, "I know that in many people's eyes, whether in terms of prestige in the court or in terms of literary talent and strategy, I may not be as good as my brother. He has the support of the Empress Dowager and the backing of many civil officials, and his foundation is deep. I admit all of this."

He changed the subject, leaned forward slightly, lowered his voice, but his tone was unusually solemn: "However, Uncle, I know a little bit, and this little bit concerns your future life and career. I hope you will consider it carefully!"

"Oh? Please speak, Second Young Master." Erniu was also affected by his serious attitude and sat up straight.

“Uncle,” Gao Zhe said, emphasizing each word, “whatever conditions my brother has promised you today, it is nothing more than allowing you to wield more power, reach the pinnacle of your position, and enjoy unparalleled wealth and glory. This is certainly tempting. But I must remind you of one thing—you should understand my brother’s character. He is benevolent and filial, but sometimes he can be somewhat indecisive. If he truly ascends the throne, have you considered whether the one who truly holds power in the Southern Court will be my brother Gao Lin, or… the Empress Dowager, who resides deep within the palace?”

These words struck Erniu like a thunderclap! His expression subtly changed, and his grip on the teacup tightened. This was precisely his deepest, most pressing worry! While he had suspected something when Gao Lin visited, it was nothing compared to Gao Zhe's blunt and sharp words now!

He had witnessed Empress Lü's domineering nature, shrewdness, and cunning. If Gao Lin became emperor, given his personality, it would be difficult for him not to be controlled by Empress Lü. At that time, would his and Er Niu's contribution in supporting Gao Lin's ascension become a growing threat in Empress Lü's eyes?

Gao Zhe keenly noticed the change in Er Niu's expression and pressed his advantage, his words like daggers, piercing straight to the heart of the matter: "As a son, I shouldn't presume to comment on the Empress Dowager's character. But I'm sure Uncle, having served in court for many years, understands her. She is by no means content to remain behind the scenes. Given time, if my brother truly ascends the throne, the Empress Dowager's power will be even greater. At that time, if Uncle truly becomes the most powerful military general in the court due to his role in supporting the emperor, wielding a large army and protecting the capital... Do you think, given the Empress Dowager's personality, she would feel at ease? Would she tolerate it?"

He paused, giving Erniu time to think, and then presented an even crueler choice: "At that time, how will Uncle conduct himself? Will he voluntarily relinquish his military power, give up all authority, return to his hometown to live out his days in peace, and exchange it for a peaceful end? Or... when the birds are all gone and the bow is put away, when the rabbit is dead and the dog is cooked, will he be forced to... turn against you?" He spoke the last two words, "turn against you," very softly, yet they carried the weight of a thousand pounds.

"Second Young Master is joking!" Er Niu suddenly stood up, his face flushed, his voice trembling with excitement. "This is absolutely impossible! I have received great kindness from Your Majesty, and in this life, I will never betray Your Majesty! I will never be an unfaithful and unjust person!" This was his bottom line.

Gao Zhe also stood up, patted Er Niu's shoulder reassuringly, his tone softening but still firm: "Hehe, Uncle, please calm down. Gao Zhe naturally believes in you, and is convinced of your loyalty to Father, as heaven and earth can attest! That is precisely why I must remind you!"

His gaze burned brightly, as if carrying the flame of an ideal: "My father's wish was never to be a king who guards a corner of the land! His ambition was to sweep away all rivals, unify the world, and establish an unshakeable dynasty for all ages! If Uncle is willing to support me, Gao Zhe hereby swears that he will be the successor of my father's will and the pioneer of my southern territory! I will lead my southern cavalry to overcome all obstacles in our path and fulfill my father's unfinished dream! This is the spirit that men of the southern territory should have, and this is the best way to inherit my father's great cause!"

"That's all I have to say. I hope you will carefully consider the pros and cons, Uncle!" After Gao Zhe finished speaking, he bowed deeply to Er Niu, then turned around decisively and left Er Niu's residence with his entourage and the gifts that had not yet been displayed.

They came quickly and left quickly, but left behind a set of words that stirred Erniu's heart and sent chills down his spine.

Once again, Erniu was alone in the study, but he felt even more agitated and had a headache than before. Gao Lin's promise was grand and tempting; but Gao Zhe had directly pierced the potentially fatal veneer covering it. Maintaining the status quo versus expansion, stability versus risk, the shadow of Empress Lü versus the allure of military merit… various thoughts clashed fiercely in his mind, leaving this fierce general, accustomed to battlefield combat, feeling an unprecedented mental and physical exhaustion.

What he didn't know was that Gao Zhe's seemingly rash and direct visit was actually guided by a mastermind. This person was none other than Wu She, the Second Grand Secretary and Military Advisor.

Wu She was a man of great learning and meticulous thinking. Although his position in the cabinet was not as high as that of Xiao He and Cao Can, and he was not as high as that of veteran generals like Han Xin in the Grand Council, he was well-informed and had a complex network of relationships, spanning the two core departments of the military and the government.

Of all the princes of Gaoyao, he favored Gao Zhe the most. The reason was simple: Gao Zhe possessed a spirit of enterprise and a willingness to wage war, which aligned perfectly with Gaoyao's long-standing strategy of building a strong military and a powerful nation, aiming to conquer the world. In his view, with the world still unsettled and surrounded by powerful enemies, a strong and pioneering monarch was needed. Gao Lin might be capable of maintaining the status quo, but lacked ambition; if he were to succeed to the throne, it could very well lead to stagnation in the southern borders, and even put them at a disadvantage in future power struggles.

Gao Zhe's self-confidence and enthusiasm for military achievements were precisely the qualities needed in the war of unification. Moreover, Gao Zhe had his natural advantages: although his birth mother, Lady Yu Shu, was not as powerful as Empress Lü, she was still deeply respected by Gao Yao; and in the army, he had the support of a valiant general like Batu.

Batu was a man of outstanding military achievements. More cleverly, he used his ethnic background to unite and win over generals from various Baiyue ethnic groups in the army, forming a force to be reckoned with. In addition, many officers in the well-equipped and powerful special forces division that Gao Yao had built up were also inclined to support the daring and aggressive second son.

These constitute Gao Zhe's potential and powerful support base within the military. If he could also win over some younger, ambitious generals eager for military achievements, or some veterans who agree with Gao Zhe's strategic vision, then Gao Zhe could almost lock in most of the military's influence.