stonecrandall Chapter 1056 You can't catch a wolf without risking your cub!
Chapter 1056 You can't catch a wolf without risking your cub!
When Gao Yao heard Zhang Liang suggest that Gao Zhe lead the troops into battle and volunteer to join the army, the chess piece in Gao Yao's hand stopped in mid-air.
"He's certainly willing to go." A barely perceptible smile appeared on Gao Yao's lips. "Sending Gao Zhe... What was Zhang Liang thinking?"
Xiao He cautiously replied, "Zhang Liang believes that although the Qiang threat is urgent, it is merely a minor ailment for Your Majesty. If it weren't for the covetous eyes of the Chu army, there would be no need for such a large-scale war. The Second Prince has loved reading military books and discussing military affairs since childhood, so it would be beneficial to give him some experience. With Your Majesty in charge in Xianyang, there is naturally no need to worry. In addition to General Gao Niu's assistance, we should temporarily appoint Zhang Liang as a military advisor to avoid any mishaps. This is the best strategy."
He paused, then added, "Zhang Liang also said that this move could temporarily ease the tense atmosphere in Xianyang."
Gao Yao gently placed the chess piece on the board, making a soft "snap" sound. Silence fell over the hall, broken only by the occasional faint crackling of the lamp wick.
"What do you think of Zhang Liang's plan?" Gao Yao suddenly asked, his gaze sharp as he stared directly at Xiao He.
Xiao He felt an invisible pressure. He was being asked to make a statement, not just on military deployments, but also on the direction of the succession to the throne. He remained silent for a moment, a moment that felt as long as an hour.
Finally, he spoke, his voice steady but each word clear: "I believe Zhang Liang's plan is feasible. The Qiang tribe is merely a minor trouble for Your Majesty. If it weren't for the Chu army's covetous gaze, there would be no need for such a large-scale mobilization. Furthermore, the Second Prince has loved military affairs since childhood, so it would be good to give him some experience through this matter. With Your Majesty in charge of Xianyang, there is naturally no need to worry. In addition to General Gao Niu, Zhang Liang should also be temporarily transferred to the Fourth Army Group as a military advisor to avoid any mistakes. This is the best course of action!"
He was referring to Zhang Liang's advice, but every word he spoke was carefully considered. The word "experience" was used cleverly, affirming Gao Zhe's abilities while implying that he still needed to hone them; "the king is in charge" indicates that no matter what happens, the final decision-making power remains in Gao Yao's hands.
Gao Yao listened quietly, his fingers lightly gliding along the edge of the chessboard. The lamplight cast flickering shadows on his face, obscuring his expression. After Xiao He finished speaking, the hall fell silent again, with only the sound of their breathing mingling together.
After a long silence, Gao Yao slowly nodded: "Alright, then let's proceed with this plan."
Xiao He felt a little relieved and was about to take his leave when he suddenly remembered something. After hesitating for a moment, he still spoke up: "Your Majesty, there is one more thing that you seem to have overlooked."
"What?" Gao Yao looked up at him.
Xiao He carefully considered his words: "That is, whether the Second Young Master himself is willing to fight, after all, the situation in Xianyang is currently..."
He stopped there, but his meaning was crystal clear: this was a crucial period in the struggle for succession. If Gao Zhe left Xianyang now, although he would gain military power, he would have no real influence on the city's political situation in the short term. If Gao Lin, Gao Ning, or Gao Qun seized the opportunity to cultivate their influence in court, or even gain the support of Lady Yu Shu, Gao Zhe, despite holding military power, would be at a disadvantage in name only. If someone were to declare themselves king first, Gao Zhe would be in an extremely passive position—whether to recognize the new king or rebel. Either choice would lead to division.
Gao Yao's gaze deepened; he clearly understood Xiao He's unspoken words immediately. His fingers tapped unconsciously on the chessboard, producing a rhythmic, soft sound.
The sound of a night watchman's drum came from outside the hall; it was already past 3:45 PM. The last rays of the setting sun seeped in through the cracks in the window lattices, casting golden spots of light on the bluestone floor. The spots of light moved slowly, like the passage of time, silent yet unstoppable.
“I’ll leave this matter to you to handle,” Gao Yao finally spoke, his voice calm and even. “You’re the Grand Secretary, and it’s inconvenient for me to appear in person right now. You can go and vouch for him. With you as the Grand Secretary vouching for him, he should believe you.”
Xiao He smiled bitterly to himself; this was exactly the situation he had feared most. As the Grand Secretary, he was supposed to remain neutral among the princes, at least outwardly. If he personally vouched for Gao Zhe, it would be tantamount to publicly declaring his support for Gao Zhe. This would put him in the eye of the storm, making him a target for the other princes and their supporters.
But he also understood that Gao Yao was right—besides Gao Yao himself, only his guarantee as the Grand Secretary was enough to reassure Gao Zhe and make him leave Xianyang. Cao Can was not influential enough, Gao Niu was a military general and not suitable to get involved, Wu She's thoughts were unpredictable, and although Zhang Liang offered suggestions, his status was special... Only he, Xiao He, the Grand Secretary who had followed Gao Yao the longest and held the most administrative power, could give a substantial promise.
"This..." Xiao He opened his mouth, wanting to say something, but in the end it turned into a sigh, "Yes."
That single word, "Yes," carried immense weight. He could almost see the turmoil that would engulf the court once this news spread. How would Gao Lin react? What would Gao Ning do? How would the officials secretly observing choose their sides?
Gao Yao looked at him, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. There was trust, a sense of entrustment, and perhaps even a hint of apology. But he said nothing, only waved his hand.
Xiao He bowed and withdrew, each step heavy. As he pushed open the palace door, the light of the setting sun rushed in, making him squint. The world outside was bright and clear, a stark contrast to the dimness inside.
The journey from the side hall to the inner cabinet office should have taken only the time it takes for an incense stick to burn, but it took Xiao He a full half hour. He walked very slowly, his mind racing with thoughts of everything he was about to face.
Gao Zhe, just turned twenty this year, is Gao Yao's second son. His birth mother died early, and he was raised by Lady Yu Shu. Unlike his elder brother Gao Lin's composure and steady demeanor, or his younger brother Gao Ning's intelligence and quick wit, he has a distinct personality, loves martial arts, enjoys military books, and often associates with military generals. Precisely because of this, he has few supporters among civil officials, but enjoys considerable prestige in the military.
In times of peace, such a prince might have become a renowned general. But with the throne still undecided, his preferences have become a double-edged sword—military support is his asset, but it also makes the civil service suspicious of him.
Xiao He recalled the court assembly three months prior. During the discussion of northern border defenses, Gao Zhe proposed reforming the military system and strengthening the border troops, his words sharp and almost leading to a heated argument with Cao Can, who was in charge of finances. It was Xiao He who intervened to mediate and quell the conflict. At that time, Gao Zhe's eyes burned with the fire of youth—a fire that could illuminate the path ahead, or it could destroy everything.
They arrived at the duty room. Xiao He pushed open the door and entered. The room was simply furnished, with only a table and a chair, and shelves full of bamboo slips. He sat down at the table, but did not immediately summon Gao Zhe. Instead, he spread out a silk scroll and picked up a brush to write.