FIMA Ch86: Ruthless

Gu Siyuan had never thought in his life that the term “little goblin” would be associated with him.

He looked up at the sky, then glanced at Xie Xuan, and coldly said: “It’s getting late, Your Highness. Instead of saying unclear words here, it would be better to hurry back and take your medicine.”

Ha ha, you really are something.

Never seen someone advising others to leave by telling them to go back and take their medicine.

Xie Xuan’s delicate white fingers lightly tapped on his arm and deliberately glared at him with slight resentment: “Just now we were talking about male and female mandarin ducks, but with one bad word, General Gu turns his face and denies knowing me.”

Gu Siyuan, fully understanding his character, naturally ignored his pretense, grabbed his misbehaving fingers, and sternly said: “If Your Highness doesn’t want to leave, you can accompany me to the Huangji Hall for guard duty, then you will have a good reason to explain to His Majesty.”

Xie Xuan’s fingers scratched his palm, and he pouted and reversed the situation: “This prince was just joking, why is General Gu so serious?”

Gu Siyuan ignored him, grabbed his arm, and jumped down from the tree: “I’m leaving!”

“Hey, wait a minute.” Xie Xuan hurriedly pulled his sleeve.

Gu Siyuan turned back indifferently, his eyes clearly saying: You’d better have something important.

Xie Xuan pouted and made a face.

However, this time he really had something important.

He leaned forward slightly and whispered: “The scholar you sent to the mansion last time, after waking up, said some things. I’ve already sent people to verify it. If it’s true, there will likely be a big shake-up in the court.”

Gu Siyuan nodded lightly: “It’s up to Your Highness to decide.”

He was well aware of what happened in Ling County.

Xie Xuan waved his hand, angrily said: “Fine, you can go, you heartless guy who denies knowing people after putting on your pants.”

Gu Siyuan immediately stopped in his tracks, squinted his eyes, and slowly scanned Xie Xuan from his face to his neck, then to his chest, and further down.

The gaze was too sharp, as if it could penetrate him. Xie Xuan couldn’t help but blush at the back of his neck, feeling as if he had been seen through completely.

Gu Siyuan stared at him, a faint smile appeared at the corner of his mouth, exuding a different kind of carefree and dissolute aura: “Since Your Highness is so looking forward to me taking off my pants, next time I’ll definitely let you try it yourself, I won’t disappoint you again.”

“…” Xie Xuan.

Isn’t this flirting?

Gu Siyuan, with his icy face, was flirting with the dignified sixth prince of Da Liang.

Indeed, usually he pretended to be serious, but this terrifying world, how fake people’s hearts are.

…

During the morning court session.

Emperor Jianzhao announced the candidate for the Capital Guards’ Commander, which was Gu Xun, the Zhonglang General of the Imperial Guards.

This final result shocked many people.

Although the emperor now held the tiger tally of the Capital Guards, and the Commander position was just a nominal post without the power to command and deploy troops, it’s still better to have someone in the position who could place confidants over time.

How could they find such a young guy who had never led troops for the Capital Guards’ Commander position?

Among them, the sixth prince Xie Xuan’s faction reacted the most strongly.

They raised all kinds of objections, almost smashing their heads on the ground, expressing that they couldn’t coexist with him.

The factions of the first and second princes, after the initial shock, quickly calmed down.

After the results of the recent sacrificial assassination case came out, both factions suffered significant losses due to Emperor Jianzhao’s severe punishment, while Xie Xuan remained unscathed.

Both factions were worried that with Emperor Jianzhao’s favoritism towards Xie Xuan, he might later appoint someone from Xie Xuan’s faction to the Commander position.

But now, it was given to Gu Xun.

Everyone knew that Gu Xun despised the Lu concubine and the Lu family the most.

So, no matter who the Capital Guards leaned towards, it wouldn’t be towards Xie Xuan.

The factions of the first and second princes, watching the fierce reaction of the sixth prince’s faction in the court, had a bit of a sense of schadenfreude.

Since they had no chance, seeing others’ suffering was also a kind of enjoyment.

In the end, someone from the first prince’s faction even hypocritically submitted a memorial, praising the emperor’s wisdom and stating that Gu Xun, with his outstanding abilities and unwavering loyalty, was indeed a great choice for the position of the Capital Guards’ Commander.

After all, the previous Capital Guards’ Commander was the first prince’s father-in-law, so he was the most affected. Now, being able to support the emperor’s decision showed what a good son he was.

Emperor Jianzhao was indeed very pleased and even rarely praised him a few times.

The first prince then looked at Xie Xuan with schadenfreude.

“…” Xie Xuan deeply looked at his good elder brother.

Heh, you better not regret it.

The fourth prince, Xie Huan, had known the result long ago and, as he never expressed opinions on these factional disputes and was seen as neutral and non-competitive by the ministers, he remained very calm.

Emperor Jianzhao sat high on the dragon throne, looking at the expressions of his several sons, expressionless but feeling quite pleased inside.

After a while, with a hint of secret satisfaction in his stern face, he said: “This matter is settled.”

Xie Xuan, playing his role to the end, even dragged out his voice and called: “Father!”

Emperor Jianzhao sighed: “Xuan’er, don’t be willful. The matter of the Capital Guards is of great importance.”

However, to maintain the illusion that he still valued Xie Xuan, in the end, he placed the people Xie Xuan recommended in a few less crucial positions.

After the court session, the first prince, Xie Hong, still in high spirits, walked up specifically to mock: “Father, in order to deal with the assassination case and help our sixth brother, removed General Wang from the position of Commander of the Capital Guards. As your elder brother, I thought it would be given to someone from your sixth brother’s side. But it turns out, ahahaha…”

“Big brother, don’t be too happy too soon.” Xie Xuan straightened his clothes and gave a cold smile.

Xie Hong thought he was simply enraged and even more loudly jeered a few more times before swaggering away.

“…” Xie Xuan.

During court, it was all an act, and everyone believed it so deeply.

Tsk, now that he finally says something true, no one believes him.

The loneliness of being an actor!

Meanwhile, Gu Siyuan, while taking over guard duties at the Imperial Guards, also received the imperial decree appointing him as the Capital Guards’ Commander.

After a brief moment of astonishment, he immediately accepted the decree with gratitude.

Wang Chengying, standing aside, laughed: “Commander Gu, it’s rare to see you flustered! Still young after all.”

The Chief and Deputy Commanders of the Imperial Guards also came over to congratulate him.

Previously, Gu Siyuan was just their subordinate.

But now, Gu Siyuan held a concurrent position in the Capital Guards. Although it was a nominal third-ranking position, it was parallel in rank with them, making them colleagues.

The key was that Gu Siyuan was so young, just over twenty years old.

Gu Siyuan exchanged a few casual words with these people, then went to the Imperial Hall to thank Emperor Jianzhao, and afterward headed directly to the barracks in the outskirts of the capital with the decree.

Although it was a nominal position, and he wouldn’t be working in the Capital Guards regularly, he was still the Emperor’s representative there. To facilitate future orders and supervision, he needed to familiarize himself with the current commanders and mid-level officers of the Capital Guards.

The Capital Guards had a total of thirty thousand troops, divided into three major camps: the infantry camp, the cavalry camp, and the Shenji (Divine Machine) camp.

Among them, the infantry camp had the most soldiers, over twenty thousand, further divided into three regiments, each led by a commander, focusing on formation and combined arms training, using weapons like broadswords, long spears, and shields.

The cavalry camp had only a thousand soldiers, each equipped with a warhorse, responsible for patrolling and vanguard attacks, and was the most enviable camp.

The Shenji camp mainly consisted of archers, also with only a thousand soldiers, but they used powerful crossbows instead of regular bows. These crossbows were not only easier to use but also more accurate and had a longer range, up to a kilometer, with greater penetrating power capable of piercing armor, and were crucial against cavalry.

After the previous commander was removed, the three camps were led by their respective commanders for daily drills.

Gu Siyuan, with a few Imperial Guards, rode to the outskirts of the capital and directly leaped over the camp’s fence on horseback, loudly declaring: “Imperial decree arrives!”

Gu Siyuan’s voice carried with internal strength, ensuring everyone in the camp could hear it.

The soldiers who were about to stop the intruders immediately changed their expressions and knelt down to receive the decree.

The commanders in the central tent looked at each other upon hearing this.

Having reached their positions, they naturally had their connections and had long heard about the intense court battle over the new Capital Guards’ Commander.

Truthfully, they didn’t want anyone above them, but they knew it was impossible; the Capital Guards’ special status meant the Emperor wouldn’t leave it unchecked.

So, before the new commander arrived, they gathered to discuss which experienced generals in the court were most likely to get the position and how to respond.

Unexpectedly, the decree arrived today.

This meant the Emperor and the various princes had reached a conclusion.

“Let’s go see!”

“Mm.”

The three commanders of the infantry camp, along with the commanders of the cavalry and Shenji camps, a total of five, walked out of the tent one after another.

Seeing Gu Siyuan leading, they were uncertain. Wasn’t he too young?

However, seeing the kneeling soldiers, they no longer hesitated and knelt towards the direction of the palace.

Gu Siyuan looked around, and seeing no one else coming out, he solemnly declared: “By the Emperor’s command: Gu Xun, a loyal and righteous Imperial Guard Lieutenant, is hereby appointed as the Capital Guards’ Commander. Obey this.”

The commanders exchanged glances.

Indeed, the new commander was confirmed.

Gu Siyuan dismounted, looked at everyone, and said indifferently: “Where are the commanders? From today, we are colleagues. I hope we can work together to serve the Emperor faithfully.”

Upon hearing this, everyone slowly stood up and made way.

The five commanders walked out from the middle, stopping in front of Gu Siyuan.

The one in the middle, with a cold expression, looked at Gu Siyuan: “You mean to say you are Gu Xun?”

Gu Siyuan’s expression didn’t change: “Yes.”

Upon hearing this.

“Hahaha… Hahaha… Are you even grown yet?” Several bursts of laughter followed.

“You say you’re the new Capital Guards’ Commander?”

The Capital Guards were not only veteran soldiers but also mostly from noble backgrounds, very hard to control.

Gu Siyuan raised the decree high, his expression indifferent: “It’s not me saying it, but the Emperor’s decree.”

Those people’s expressions changed, and one said in a deep voice: “We naturally follow the Emperor’s decree, but whether the Commander can win the people’s hearts depends on your own abilities, doesn’t it?”

Gu Siyuan raised an eyebrow at them, his expression unchanged: “So, you want to test my skills?”

The commander raised an eyebrow: “Commander, since you put it that way, it’s not impossible.”

“Fine,” Gu Siyuan sneered, handing the decree to the Imperial Guard behind him, and looking at the soldiers present: “Archery, swordsmanship, spearmanship, military formations, what do you want to test?”

Half a day later, as the sun set, Gu Siyuan, accompanied by the Imperial Guards, left the Capital Guards’ camp, with many people seeing him off.

After riding for a while, Gu Siyuan instructed the guards: “No one is to speak a word about today.”

The guards straightened their expressions and responded in unison: “Yes.”

…

That day was the Empress Dowager’s birthday.

After several days of fine rain, it finally stopped.

The sky was clear and blue after the rain, and the sun shone down with a thousand rays of light.

In the small garden of Ning Shou Palace, all kinds of flowers were blooming brilliantly, complementing the young girls walking and laughing among the flowers, creating a scene of infinite beauty.

Empress Dowager Jiang was always frugal, and as usual, her birthday celebration was simple, held only in the small garden of Ning Shou Palace.

However, this time it was a bit different from usual, as she invited many officials and their wives to the palace and specifically asked them to bring their daughters.

Everyone instantly understood that this was to select a consort for the princes.

The Emperor had four grown sons, the eldest and second princes were already married years ago, so the consort selection was naturally for the fourth and sixth princes.

The fourth prince was always insignificant and not in the Emperor’s eyes.

Only the sixth prince, Xie Xuan, was greatly favored by the Emperor. Last month, he even represented the Emperor in the sacrificial ceremony. If nothing went wrong, he might be the future crown prince, so everyone’s attention was naturally focused on him.

“Elder sister, look, this peony is so beautiful, I’ve never seen it before,” Jiang Ruirui, the legitimate daughter of the second branch of Duke Cheng’en’s household, came over holding a flower.

Jiang Yuan casually glanced at it and lazily said: “This is from Luoyang’s White Horse Garden, newly supplied this year.”

Jiang Ruirui laughed and flattered: “Elder sister is indeed well-versed in palace affairs and has seen all the good things.”

Jiang Yuan leaned against a column, dressed in light red, adorned with jewels, looking like a blooming peony herself.

Regarding Jiang Ruirui’s compliment, she replied expressionlessly: “This is nothing.”

It seemed she was completely indifferent to this treatment, which everyone envied.

Jiang Ruirui didn’t find her tone off and instead became even more enthusiastic: “Hehe, yes, today is the Empress Dowager’s birthday, and she invited so many people to select a consort for the sixth prince. Elder sister, when you become the sixth prince’s consort, these will naturally be nothing new.”

Jiang Yuan’s grip tightened, and the peony’s rich sap spilled out, staining her meticulously painted nails.

She frowned slightly and looked at Jiang Ruirui with a sharp gaze: “It’s not just the sixth prince’s consort being chosen, but also the fourth prince’s.”

Why does everyone only see Xie Xuan? Xie Huan is clearly much more outstanding than Xie Xuan.

This ignorant fool in front of her even dared to overlook Xie Huan.

Jiang Ruirui was startled by her sudden change in tone but quickly understood.

She hastily patted her own mouth and added: “Yes, yes, the fourth prince too. The fourth prince and the sixth prince are brothers, and it would be disrespectful to mention only the sixth prince. Elder sister is thoughtful as always, no wonder you will become a consort.”

“Hmph.” Jiang Yuan squinted her eyes, not bothering to look at this fool anymore.

At this moment, there was commotion outside.

Palace attendants announced the arrival of several princes.

The women and girls who were enjoying the flowers quickly shyly retreated behind the curtains and seats.

At the top, the Empress Dowager and the Emperor sat.

The princes, regardless of their usual relationships, now wore sincere smiles and stepped forward one by one to present their birthday gifts.

The eldest prince, Xie Hong, presented a longevity screen, embroidered with auspicious patterns that changed with the light, surprising the Empress Dowager.

The second prince, Xie Kuan, whose mother was from a marquis’s family and always affluent, offered a white jade Buddha statue. The flawless white jade and the radiant Buddha were impressive, especially since it was rare to find such a large piece of jade.

Although the Empress Dowager usually disliked extravagance, she couldn’t help but admire this gesture.

Next was the fourth prince, Xie Huan.

Everyone had always seen Xie Huan as a transparent prince without the Emperor’s favor, and their expectations were low.

But this time, his gift surprised everyone. It wasn’t something rare, just a Buddhist scripture.

However, this scripture was authored by Master Liaochan of Huangjue Temple, revered as the foremost monk in the world, who had not seen outsiders for years, not even the Emperor.

It was said that Xie Huan obtained this scripture by kowtowing every three steps from the foot of the mountain to the top, softening Master Liaochan’s heart.

The filial piety embedded in this gift was highly commendable.

In these times, filial piety was the greatest virtue.

Jiang Yuan secretly glanced at Xie Huan.

These people will see your brilliance and know you are far superior to Xie Xuan.

Xie Xuan squinted his eyes.

His fourth brother had indeed planned well, choosing the perfect occasion to step into the spotlight.

At this moment, the Empress Dowager lovingly looked at Xie Xuan: “Xuan’er, what have you prepared?”

Xie Xuan stood up: “My elder brothers have such grand gifts, I feel somewhat ashamed. I have merely made a simple portrait.”

With that, he handed the portrait to the palace attendant in front of him.

“Magu Presents Longevity?”

The eldest prince sneered as he looked at the slowly unfolding painting: “Indeed, it is ordinary.”

Magu symbolizes longevity, often depicted as a young girl holding a peach, a Buddha’s hand fruit, or a wine jug, accompanied by cranes or deer, with pine trees and the sea of blessings as the background. This is commonly given as a longevity gift to elderly women.

However, people of the royal family, who have been living a life of luxury since childhood, have seen many fine things, and this gift indeed does not stand out.

Although Xie Kuan and Xie Huan did not speak, their disdain was hard to hide in their eyes.

“Ah… this painting?”

At this moment, the palace attendant holding the painting suddenly exclaimed softly.

“What is it?” Someone next to him asked.

Empress Dowager Jiang immediately waved her hand: “Bring it closer, let me have a look.”

Moments later, Empress Dowager Jiang looked at Xie Xuan with surprise: “Xuan’er, what a clever idea, how did you do it?”

The expressions of the eldest prince and the others changed.

What could be so special about this painting?

“This painting is both a ‘Magu Presents Longevity’ painting and a ‘Longevity Painting,'” Xie Xuan said softly.

Everyone present crowded forward to look, their eyes widening slightly after a while.

The Magu in the painting, along with the pine trees and other elements, were not drawn with a brush but composed of countless characters of ‘longevity’, each with different shapes, styles, and colors. The entire painting contained a total of ten thousand characters.

It was truly splendid and profoundly meaningful.

“What a clever idea from the sixth prince!”

“To come up with such a way of painting, truly unprecedented!”

“As expected of the sixth prince, full of filial piety!”

“…”

The eldest prince Xie Hong and others looked at Xie Xuan with resentment. They had put in so much effort, only to be overshadowed by this simple painting.

Especially Xie Huan.

He had been transparent all these years, avoiding many troubles but also missing many opportunities.

He had intended to use this opportunity to make an impression in front of the court officials, making them realize that Emperor Jian Zhao had such a loyal and filial son, but in the end…

Xie Xuan ignored the chaotic gazes and looked towards the Imperial Guard beside him.

The clever idea for this painting was taught to him by that annoying Gu Siyuan.

The deputy general of the Imperial Guard, who was also looking at the painting, nudged Gu Siyuan: “General, the sixth prince’s painting is quite interesting.”

“Just a flashy trick to impress the crowd,” Gu Siyuan sneered disdainfully.

His tone was not deliberately lowered, and many nearby people heard it.

The deputy general felt embarrassed.

Just as everyone thought, General Gu really disliked Consort Lu and the sixth prince.

“…” Xie Xuan turned his head angrily.

This guy was really dedicated to his role.

There was actually someone in this world more committed to acting than himself.

He even scolded his own painting!