Chapter 361 Undercurrent
When it comes to government affairs, the most important thing is reputation, and this applies to both military generals and civil officials.
The favor of promotion and recommendation is a great favor in the officialdom.
If he cut off ties with the Gu family for the sake of his future, how would others view him?
"There's nothing to worry about. Although our two families are old friends, we are all ministers of the Song Dynasty. The emperor and the country are the most important, and everything else comes second." Gu Yankai said.
This is a good thing for Song Chaozhong and the Gu family, but he doesn't care.
"I understand. I will go to the palace now and ask to see Your Majesty," said Song Chaozhong.
"Yeah." Gu Yankai nodded and said, "I didn't know about this situation before. Now it seems that it is not appropriate for Tingwei to follow you to quell the rebellion. Let's just forget about it."
"Lord Gu, I don't think it's necessary to do this. It's not good to be too deliberate about some things. Besides, this matter can be regarded as my repayment to Lord Gu for his support in the past." Song Chaozhong said.
Gu Yankai hesitated for a moment after hearing this, then nodded and said, "Okay."
He could see that Song Chaozhong actually wanted to cut off ties with the Gu family for the sake of his future.
But because the Gu family had done a favor for the Song family, they were a little hesitant.
Song Chaozhong insisted on having Gu Tingwei by his side for the sake of reputation.
No matter what, he brought Gu Tingwei with him, which was considered as repaying the favor.
"Then I'll take my leave first!" Song Chaozhong stood up and bowed.
…………
In the palace, Zhao Xing learned that Song Chaozhong had gone to Gu's house, but he didn't care too much.
Gu Yankai's guess was correct. The reason why he didn't say anything was to see whether Song Chaozhong would go to the palace to ask for an audience first or go to Gu's house first.
However, the main purpose is not to fear that the Gu family will become powerful in the future.
In fact, those so-called factions are themselves a kind of dependent relationship.
Once his status in the Song Dynasty improves in the future and he feels that he no longer needs to rely on the Gu family, he will cut off his relationship with the Gu family.
The purpose of his doing this was to see whether Song Chaozhong was smart enough and whether he could be of great use.
"Your Majesty!" Sanshui saluted and said, "Song Chaozhong, the commander-in-chief of the Shen Ce Army, requests to see you!"
Zhao Xing was startled when he heard this, and shook his head slightly, saying, "Let him in."
Now it seems that the Song Dynasty is still not very useful.
If Song Chaozhong came directly to the palace instead of going to Gu's house, or went to Gu's house instead of coming to the palace, Zhao Xing would think that this person could be used.
The former shows that this person is ambitious and smart enough to do anything for his future.
Such people may not be very loyal, but they are smart and capable enough and can still be used.
As long as you can stay sober and vigilant enough, you don't have to worry about betrayal.
When you feel like you can't control yourself one day, you can get rid of it.
If it is the latter, it means that the Song Dynasty was not that smart, but had its own persistence.
Gu Yankai might not be able to guess his purpose, but he would definitely remind Song Chaozhong to maintain a relationship with the Gu family in the future.
Under such circumstances, Song Chaozhong still chose to enter the palace, which shows that he would do anything for his future.
It seems to be no different from the former, but in fact the difference is very big.
The former was something he noticed himself, but the latter was something he was reminded of by others.
Zhao Xing dared to employ those who were smart but unscrupulous, but he did not dare to employ those who were not so smart but also unscrupulous.
An ambitious but smart person knows what to do and what not to do.
But the latter may not be the case.
After a while, Sanshui led Song Chaozhong into the hall.
"Your Majesty, I pay my respects to you!" Song Chaozhong bowed and saluted.
"Be flat!"
Zhao Xing waved his hand and looked at Song Chaozhong. He was in his thirties, with a sturdy build and strong appearance. It was obvious that he had been practicing martial arts for many years.
There are many military generals in the court, some are fat, some look weak. One can tell at a glance that these people have long been addicted to enjoyment.
Based on this point alone, the Song Dynasty was much stronger than those military generals.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!"
After thanking him, Song Chaozhong said, "Your Majesty has valued me and appointed me to lead the army to suppress the rebellion. However, I have not led troops for many years. I am a little worried and afraid that I have failed your majesty's trust!"
Zhao Xing smiled and said, "Song Aiqing is also from a military family. I heard that Song Aiqing is skilled in archery and horse riding, and is also good at military tactics. It's just that some people are rebelling. I believe Song Aiqing will not let me down."
"Your Majesty trusts me. I will repay your grace with my life!" Song Chaozhong expressed his loyalty with a serious face.
"Haha." Zhao Xing nodded with satisfaction and said, "Then I will wait for your good news."
"The people rebelled this time because they were forced by the corrupt officials in Jiangzhou, and some people secretly instigated them. My dear minister, when you suppress the rebellion this time, as long as the ordinary people are willing to surrender, don't kill them wantonly."
"I obey your order!" Song Chaozhong bowed.
"Also, try your best to catch those who incite the people to rebel. I want to see who is so brave!" Zhao Xing said coldly.
"Yes!" Song Chaozhong felt an invisible pressure and responded quickly.
"The rebellion must be suppressed without delay. Food, fodder, and troops will be mobilized today. My dear, you will set out early tomorrow morning. Go home and spend time with your family today." Zhao Xing said.
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Song Chaozhong bowed and said, "I have something else to report!"
"What's the matter?"
"After I received the imperial edict, Ningyuan Hou sent someone to invite him to accompany me to quell the rebellion and gain some experience."
Upon hearing this, Zhao Xing became even more disappointed with Song Chaozhong. It showed how stupid he was that he could say such superfluous words.
It was also because I had too high expectations of this person at the beginning.
If we really want to discover some talented military generals, it seems we have to look for them in the northern and northwestern armies.
Although the Western Suburbs Camp was heavily armed, many of them were generals.
But in essence, the Xijiao Camp is almost a place for military generals to retire.
Unless there is a major war, these generals are usually only responsible for training the troops. Even if the border troops are replaced, their own troops will be transferred and the generals will not go.
This is the tradition of the Song Dynasty: the generals do not know their soldiers, and the soldiers do not know their generals.
Border troops are rotated every three years, with soldiers replaced but generals not replaced, to prevent border generals from becoming self-reliant with their own troops.
However, it is indeed a bit strange that Gu Tingwei wants to join the army to quell the rebellion.
Gu Yankai had only three children. The eldest son was weak and sickly and was not likely to live a long life.
Gu Tingye is already in the army, so there is no need for Gu Tingwei to join as well.
Gu Tingwei was appointed to the Wucheng Bingmasi, which was a good place to spend a living.
Was this matter proposed by Gu Tingwei, or did Gu Yankai think that there was no danger in suppressing the rebellion and let Gu Tingwei go along to get some credit?
Although it has not been confirmed yet, inciting the people to rebel is related to the wizard cult.
But Zhao Xing always felt that it had something to do with the Wizarding Church.
Gu Tingwei often goes in and out of the shop that is suspected to be secretly opened by the Wizarding Cult, and it is very likely that he has some connection with the Wizarding Cult.
Thinking of this, Zhao Xing pondered for a while and said, "Marquis Ningyuan was stationed in the northwest for many years. He has made great contributions. Since he has asked, you can take him with you."
"Yes!" Song Chaozhong responded.
"If you have nothing else to do, my dear Lord Song, please go back and prepare," said Zhao Xing.
"I'm leaving now!" Song Chaozhong bowed and walked out.
"Sanshui, summon Yin Hanzhang to meet the emperor!" Zhao Xing said.
(End of this chapter)