The canal construction project planned at the beginning of the year was put aside, as the snow disaster had to be dealt with first before anything else could be discussed.
Disaster relief is not the most important thing. Beiling suffered heavy losses in this disaster, not to mention the nomadic barbarians to the north.
Winters on the grasslands are already tough, and in previous years, barbarian tribes, intimidated by the military might of the new dynasty, would not easily harass those who could endure the winter.
Now, however, the entire clan is facing a life-or-death crisis, and they may launch a large-scale invasion.
In his memorial to the emperor, the governor of Beiling also mentioned that the barbarians had recently made many probing moves.
Mobilizing troops signifies military power, which most aristocratic families consider themselves upright and disdain to contend for.
However, there were also powerful families who rose through the ranks based on military merit, and these people held considerable prestige within the military.
However, the powerful families were already very influential, and Emperor Gu had been taking frequent actions in recent years to gradually reduce their power. It was impossible for him to relinquish power to them at this time.
Now that a formidable enemy is at hand, it seems that they have only made their own mistakes. Looking at the noisy officials in the hall, Emperor Gu pressed his temples with a headache.
They don't contribute money or effort to disaster relief, but they're quick to fight over the division of military power.
"Your Majesty, I am willing to share your burdens!"
Gu Zhong stood on the side steps, pondering for a long time, without participating in the court's discussion. When he finally spoke, it was like a thunderclap out of nowhere.
"Your subject is willing to go to Beiling to save the people from fire and water and to deter the villains."
No one expected the Crown Princess to say something like personally going to the northern border.
Emperor Gu raised his eyes and glanced at Gu Zhong, then looked at the crowd in the hall without saying a word.
No one knows what the emperor is thinking.
"Her Highness's filial piety is as clear as the sun and moon. However, Her Highness has no experience in disaster relief or warfare, which may be inappropriate."
The physician was the first to voice his opposition.
"According to the physician, is everyone born with these skills? Physician, please rest assured, I am self-aware and will not engage in empty talk."
Gu Zhong sneered and bowed towards Emperor Gu.
“Father, Marquis Wu of Wei is skilled in military affairs and can guard the northern border. As for your son, I am willing to be his vanguard.”
After these words were spoken, no one dared to argue further.
Marquis Wu of Wei was a trusted general who helped Emperor Gu conquer the country. Due to years of fighting, he suffered from injuries and illnesses. Two years ago, he asked to retire from the army, and the court officials gradually forgot about him.
The moment the Crown Princess mentioned it today, everyone recalled the formidable reputation of this god of death.
Moreover, although the Crown Princess's words sounded nice, expressing her willingness to relinquish power to Marquis Wu of Wei, anyone with discerning eyes knew that this Marquis was an exceptionally loyal subject; otherwise, how could he have won Emperor Gu's favor and been granted the title of King or Marquis?
Even though he was in command this time, he mostly gave the Crown Princess pointers on military strategy. Who would dare to let the Crown Princess lead the vanguard?
The Crown Princess is determined to gain military power, and as long as Emperor Gu does not stop her, it is a done deal.
"Indeed, Marquis Wu of Wei is capable of this task. As for the matter of disaster relief, what recommendations does the Crown Princess have?"
Emperor Gu nodded slightly, looking quite satisfied.
Upon seeing this, the officials realized that Emperor Gu wanted to toughen up the Crown Princess, and no one was willing to volunteer for such a difficult task as disaster relief.
The hall was now completely silent, with no one responding, a stark contrast to the lively atmosphere just moments before.
"In my humble opinion, the Left Attendant is very suitable."
Gu Zhong looked righteous and awe-inspiring, truly embodying the image of someone deeply concerned about the country and its people.
When it comes to matters of people's livelihood and disaster relief, Zuo Zhonglang was indeed a capable minister who was second to none.
If he weren't the son of the Imperial Physician, who was naturally weak and couldn't stand the cold, Lingyan would have truly believed that Gu Zhong's suggestion was sincere.
"Your Highness, please forgive me, but the Left Vice Minister was ill and asked for leave a few days ago. I'm afraid he is willing but unable to help with disaster relief."
The physician hurriedly prostrated himself to apologize, fearing that if he hadn't said something sooner, he would have been sent to the north to relieve the disaster. Before the relief efforts were finished, the man was gone.
"Yes, Zuo Zhonglang has always been in poor health. It was my oversight."
Gu Zhong then pretended to realize that she had only teased the physician and was not one to hold grudges, so she would not deliberately torment him.
"Your Majesty, I wish to accompany Her Highness the Crown Princess to the northern border to provide disaster relief."
Seeing that Gu Zhong seemed to have had enough of his antics, Ling Yan stepped forward and pleaded.
"Sir!" Gu Zhong frowned, his face showing disapproval, as if he wanted to dissuade him.
“Excellent. I have read the Grand Master’s policy proposals, and they are quite insightful on disaster relief. With the Grand Master here, the Crown Princess will be more thoughtful in her actions.”
Emperor Gu interrupted Gu Zhong and made his decision hastily.
"Issue the order: Marquis Wu of Wei shall be appointed General of the Northern Frontier, the Crown Princess shall be appointed Commander-in-Chief, and Grand Master Ling shall be appointed Commandant. Take inventory of the troops and provisions, and proceed to Beiling immediately!"
They provided disaster relief and pacified the people, opened roads to transport grain, guarded the northern border, and deterred the barbarians!
The magistrate of Taicang ordered an inventory of the national treasury, and the grain transport teams then set off.
"Your Majesty, we obey!"
The emperor's words were law, and once spoken, they were done. Gu Zhong had no room for maneuver and could only glare at Ling Yan helplessly to show his dissatisfaction.
"Why did you volunteer yourself, sir?" After the court session, Gu Zhong hurried to catch up with Ling Yan and questioned her.
"Your Highness can take it upon yourself to go to the Northern Border, yet you won't allow me to share the Emperor's burdens?"
Ling Yan raised her eyes and glanced coldly at Gu Zhong, and the young prince's imposing aura instantly weakened.
Lingyan was still angry about Gu Zhong's actions today.
Why is this person so bold as to personally enter the northern border as the Crown Princess? Isn't this just giving rebels an opportunity to rebel and cause chaos?
"I can't... I can't always hide under my father's wings."
This campaign in the north has been an excellent opportunity for me to gain experience. If I cannot win the hearts and minds of the people in the court and the army, how will I be able to exert my influence in the future?
Gu Zhong explained hesitantly.
"Your Highness, a wise man does not stand under a dangerous wall. If you insist on taking this risk, please be sure to take me with you."
Because…I would be worried…”
Lingyan spoke earnestly, her tone filled with a tender affection she herself was unaware of.
"I will remember this forever!"
Gu Zhong stared at her blankly for a long time, the corners of his mouth unconsciously turning up slightly, though it was unclear what made him happy.
Banners fluttered in the wind, and black-armored soldiers formed a forest. As dusk fell, the five thousand light cavalry heading to the northern border were ready to set off.
They were all elite soldiers and generals guarding the capital. Emperor Gu specially assigned them to Gu Zhong for disaster relief and protection. If necessary, they could also fight against barbarian tribes. They were under the sole command of Gu Zhong.
As for the northern army, Emperor Gu personally handed the tiger tally to Gu Zhong in the Ganlu Hall today. Although she was nominally the military supervisor, she had the real power to command the army. Emperor Gu truly favored her to the extreme.
With the special protection of Emperor Gu, Lingyan thought her trip would go smoothly until she saw Chen Muxian among the entourage.
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Author's Note:
Lingyan—a dedicated and responsible homeroom teacher who goes wherever she goes.
Chapter 9 The Imperial Tutor and the Crown Princess (Part 8)
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"Your Highness, Lord Ling."
Even during a forced march, the best troops need time to rest and reorganize. Chen Muxian took advantage of this gap to get close to Gu Zhong and Ling Yan's troops.
"What business does Chen Kuling have?"
Even if one dislikes a person, one should maintain a respectful and courteous demeanor in public and respond with gentle words.
Chen Muxian achieved the top rank in the special imperial examination and was appointed by Emperor Gu as the Arsenal Commander, in charge of military equipment. This is the reason why he was able to accompany the army this time.
"It's nothing serious. I just wonder if Your Highness still remembers the temple fair before autumn? I still remember the kindness of the gold gift, but unfortunately, I am of low rank and cannot enter the palace, so I have never had the opportunity to thank Your Highness in person. I have come here today to express my gratitude and return the gold."
Chen Muxian's words were well said. He only mentioned thanking the man and returning the money, without mentioning anything else. Ordinary people would not think much of it and would recognize him as a rare honest person, which would definitely increase their goodwill towards him.
"So that's what happened. I never expected that my casual action would cause Chen Kuling to hold a grudge until now. It was my fault."
However, Gu Zhong was no ordinary person, and she really didn't want to get too involved with Chen Muxian, lest it cause many misunderstandings. She calmly and deliberately avoided the question.
—If you don't want to put Her Highness the Crown Princess in a difficult position, a wise person would let the matter rest and not mention it again.
"Your Highness is kind and benevolent; I was overthinking it."
Chen Muxian smiled shyly, her eyes slightly raised as she looked at Gu Zhong with admiration, striking a pose full of affection. Coupled with his fair and handsome appearance, most girls would probably already be smitten and their hearts would be stirred.
Then, quite tactfully, he bowed and withdrew, no longer bothering her. He must have known that continuing the conversation would annoy the young lady. His ability to read between the lines was truly first-rate.
"The thanks weren't even sincere."
After the person had walked away, Gu Zhong muttered something under her breath. If Ling Yan hadn't been sitting right next to her, she almost wouldn't have heard it.
"It was clearly His Highness who refused, yet it has become the fault of Chen Kuling."
She made a joke, not wanting to attract Gu Zhong's attention.
"Sir, you clearly had a bad impression of this person before, but today you're speaking well of him?"
His words carried a hint of grievance.
"Chen Kuling is a handsome and talented scholar. How could an ordinary woman not be moved? I heard that on the day of his parade, many noble ladies kept throwing hairpins at him, hoping to catch a glimpse of him."
Ling Yan looked at Gu Zhong with a smile, finding her reaction quite amusing.
"Sir, your talent far surpasses that of Chen Muxian; how could you be an ordinary woman?"
Gu Zhong choked, said angrily, and stood up to leave.
Why is Your Highness reacting so strongly?
Lingyan was surprised that she had actually made Gu Zhong angry, and quickly grabbed Gu Zhong's sleeve.
"I...I'm afraid that you'll be fooled by that scoundrel's appearance."
Gu Zhong sat down again, turned his head away, and looked rather uncomfortable.