Chapter 139: Please Seek Someone More Capable

Chapter 139: Please Seek Someone More Capable

Following her previous mission to escort Prince Gong, Gao Wenyan once again stunned the court.

The mountain bandits were rampant, and this time even Longnan was not spared from their troubles.

For this reason, Gao Wenyan volunteered to go to Longnan to suppress the bandits.

This was Gao Wenyan's strategy to deal with the Emperor, using the best plan of the Thirty-Six Stratagems—retreat when necessary.

If she could just lay low for a while, perhaps the Emperor would forget about this matter.

General Gao initially disagreed, considering it too dangerous.

"Father, you taught me martial arts and passed on our family's methods. Did you do so just to keep me at home?"

One day, she would have to step out of the Gao family.

Compared to being protected by the Gaos, Gao Wenyan hoped to be the one protecting the Gao family.

When she said these words, her eyes shone brilliantly.

General Gao suddenly felt a sense of weariness; time had indeed flown by.

When she was little, she clung to the red-tasseled spear, refusing to let go. As she grew older, she exerted all her strength to lift the spear.

From wobbling unsteadily to making a stunning debut.

Although General Gao was often away, he had watched her progress from practicing swordsmanship to training with him in spear techniques.

Over the years, Gao Wenyan had become capable enough to stand on her own.

"Good."

He patted Gao Wenyan's shoulder with satisfaction, repeating the same word, "Good."

It was an escape from arranged marriage, but also a genuine desire to do something for the people.

Thus, Gao Wenxi petitioned on her behalf, representing the Gao family's wishes.

The Emperor was quite surprised but had no reason to refuse.

In recent days, several urgent reports from Longnan had arrived, all complaining about the brutality of the bandits and the grievances of the people.

Even if Gao Wenyan had not volunteered, the court would still need to address this issue.

Hearing that these bandits were exceptionally vicious, choosing who should go was a challenge.

Since Gao Wenyan was willing to take on this hot potato, the Emperor had no reason to refuse.

Some officials pointed out that the terrain of Longnan was complex, and despite Gao Wenyan's martial skills, unfamiliarity with the area might put her at a disadvantage.

The Emperor agreed with this view, believing someone familiar with the area should accompany her to increase their chances of success.

"In that case, does the Prime Minister remember living in Longnan?"

Upon hearing this, the court officials were shocked, especially General Gao, who immediately frowned.

Chu Xu also showed displeasure.

"Yes, Your Majesty, I lived there for several years."

The Emperor laughed heartily and said, "That's excellent."

"The Gao family's daughter lacks experience, and having a strategist familiar with Longnan would be ideal."

"The Prime Minister is exceptionally talented. If you take on this task, both the Emperor and the ministers can rest assured."

The court fell into a deathly silence.

Everyone harbored their own thoughts, looking at General Gao and Chu Xu, none daring to speak.

General Gao forced a stiff smile.

"The Prime Minister has only recently recovered; it might not be appropriate."

Chu Xu lowered his head and said, "The Gao family's daughter is General Gao's precious gem. If anything goes wrong, I fear I cannot bear the responsibility."

"Please seek someone more capable."

As always, they were at odds, but the Emperor did not play mediator this time. Instead, he sternly said,

"You two are My left and right arms. You should work together to protect the Great Ning's realm. How can personal differences hinder state affairs?"

Ignoring any further objections, the Emperor made the final decision.

"This matter is settled. In three days, you will depart. This will give you more opportunities to interact and perhaps improve your relationship."

Considering Chu Xu's recent recovery, the Emperor arranged for the best imperial physicians to accompany them.

With such an order, General Gao and Chu Xu could only express gratitude for the Emperor's grace.