stonecrandall Chapter 1031 Subordinates' Advice: Seeking Self-Reliance?
Chapter 1031 Subordinates' Advice: Seeking Self-Reliance?
“General, if it were truly that simple, why would I have risked my life to plead your case!” Feng Gu’s tone was filled with anguish. “I know you have always disliked court intrigues and only wish to focus on military affairs on the battlefield. But the tree may wish to remain still, but the wind will not cease! You must consider a crucial issue: your current position and power stem from the King’s complete trust! But what if the King… is no longer here? Your relationship with the princes is superficial, with no personal connection. If any prince were to ascend the throne, how would they treat a general like you, whose achievements threaten the king but who is not a trusted confidant? Would they be able to confide in you as the King did, allowing you to continue commanding the most elite First Army in the land?”
"What do you mean by this?!" Han Xin's voice rose again, filled with offended anger. "Do you think the princes would turn against a meritorious official like me without cause? My loyalty to the Gaoyao Dynasty is as clear as the sun and moon!"
"General, this is not a case of petty suspicion, but a political maneuver we must be wary of!" Feng Gu continued his analysis without backing down. "Currently, the important officials in the court, such as Xiao He, Cao Can, and even Li Zhao, have probably already secretly pledged allegiance to a certain young master. Their positions and futures are already tied to the interests of the new emperor. Only you, General, have been left here at Mount Li! Forgive my bluntness, but while this excavation is certainly important, does it really require you, the general commanding the entire nation's troops, to be here day and night to oversee it? Doesn't Lord Xiao He's intention in leaving you here warrant deep consideration? Perhaps it is because someone does not want you to return to Xianyang too soon and get involved in the succession dispute!"
"Even if we take a step back and assume that the young master ultimately inherits the throne, General, your situation is extremely dangerous!" Feng Gu's words were like cold needles, piercing Han Xin's deepest, most hidden worries.
"Nonsense! If you dare to disrupt the morale of my army again, I will kill you!" Han Xin's eyes flashed with murderous intent once more. This time, with a clang, he drew his sword from his waist, the cold blade instantly pressed against Feng Gu's neck. As the blade touched the skin, a thin line of blood seeped out. The air inside the tent seemed to freeze, filled with killing intent.
However, facing this imminent threat of death, Feng Gu showed little fear, but rather a martyr-like composure. He remained kneeling upright and said in a deep voice, "General! I am deeply indebted to you and have long since disregarded my own life! Every word I speak today is for your sake, for your life and for your future!"
"The King's trust in you is unparalleled throughout history, unmatched by anyone else! But precisely because of this, once you lose the King, no one else can give you the same trust! Your First Army Group, after years of expansion, now numbers a full 100,000! Its equipment is the best among all armies! Moreover, this large army has long been stationed in Dongjun, far from the center of power. May I ask, General, after the new king ascends the throne, facing such a powerful force that only obeys you and is far from your control, can he sleep soundly? Will he dare to do what the King did, not only not suppressing or suspecting you, but also allowing you to return to the army unscathed and continue to lead this army of 100,000 fierce warriors?"
Feng Gu's series of questions struck Han Xin's defenses like a heavy hammer. Even if he was unwilling to admit it, reason told him that Feng Gu's words were not entirely unreasonable. Trust is the most luxurious and fragile thing in the world.
The greater Han Xin's reputation and military achievements, the stronger his control over the First Army Group became. After losing Gao Yao, his only patron, he appeared increasingly powerful and intimidating, attracting even more suspicion. The First Army Group was indeed unique; its mid- to high-ranking officers were almost all young and promising men he had personally promoted. Their admiration and obedience to Han Xin sometimes even surpassed their deference to the abstract imperial authority. Apart from Gao Yao, no one in the court could easily control this army.
"At that time," Feng Gu saw the flicker in Han Xin's eyes and knew his words had worked, so he pressed on, "regardless of which prince successfully ascends the throne, the best outcome for you, General, will likely be to be kept in Xianyang under the guise of assisting in governance and enjoying a life of leisure, stripped of your military power, and unable to leave even a step! The court will certainly send their trusted confidants to take over the First Army Group. And you, General, will likely only receive a high-sounding but empty title, relegated to a life of idleness until old age. And this is still considered a relatively merciful ending... If the new emperor and his regents are worried that you might be dissatisfied and harbor even greater risks, in order to eliminate future troubles, they might... might even seek an opportunity to threaten your life, General!"
Feng Gu kowtowed heavily, his voice choked with emotion: "The situation is so perilous. I beg you, General, to consider this carefully for your own sake and for the sake of the soldiers who have followed you for many years! Everything I have said today comes from the heart of a loyal servant, and I have no other intentions!"
"You...you're trying to persuade me to betray the King?!" Han Xin's voice trembled slightly, and the sword against Feng Gu's neck unconsciously loosened its grip. Betrayal—the word was far too heavy.
"General, how can this be betrayal!" Feng Gu suddenly looked up, his eyes flashing with a strange light. "Now, the progress of the Lishan matter is entirely up to you, General! We both know the King's chance of survival. At this moment, you could use the urgent military situation in Dongjun and the instability of the border as an excuse to decisively leave Lishan and lead your personal guard back to the Dongjun camp at top speed! This is a clever escape plan!"
"As long as the Grand General can safely return to Dongjun and take command of the 100,000-strong army, whoever ultimately succeeds to the throne in Xianyang will have to take your existence seriously and carefully consider their attitude towards you. At that time, the Grand General can plan carefully before acting and observe the situation. If the new emperor is indeed tolerant and willing to continue to trust and rely on the Grand General, it will not be too late for you to submit your submission. However, if the court truly shows the intention to reduce your power or even harm you, as I have predicted..."
Feng Gu lowered his voice even further, yet it carried a seductive power: "Then, with 100,000 elite troops at your command, you can advance south, seize control of the coastal navy, and open up maritime supply lines; or you can rely on the foundation of Dongjun, defend strategic locations, and establish your own independent regime! With the fighting power of 100,000 troops and the continuous supply from the navy, you will be invincible no matter what, at least... able to protect your own life and the future of your soldiers!"
A deathly silence fell over the tent. Only the occasional crackling of the oil lamp and the howling night wind outside broke the silence. Han Xin's sword finally fell slowly to the ground with a clatter. He didn't pick it up, but slumped back into his command chair, burying his face in his hands, lost in an unprecedented struggle and deep contemplation.