I Don't Agree to the Terms
Chapter 497 - 274: Submitting to the Imperial Court to Assume an Official Position_2

Chapter 497: Chapter 274: Submitting to the Imperial Court to Assume an Official Position_2

"Unfortunately for Emperor Long, he is still a puppet, just previously he was the puppet of one person and now of a group."

"This group is truly ruthless, they ordered a million Daoist Soldiers killed just like that."

The leader of the soldiers naturally died, his Daoist Soldiers were not spared either, as for those soldiers who had initially defected, they too had surrendered, except for the odd few unlucky ones who were killed, most were divided among the victors.

So this feast came to an end, but it only marked the beginning of another.

This commotion resulted in Dalong’s national strength visibly plummeting to its lowest point.

Even the Royal Family’s dignity was left in tatters, and what followed, whether it be making the Emperor issue orders to the feudal lords or some other change, was yet unknown.

"Teacher, what should we do next?" Jiang Lu hurried over within less than half an hour.

"What to do? Of course, you should present a petition to His Majesty proposing that you be appointed as the Liang State Governor, what else?" Gu Shanhai suggested.

"Ah? A petition?" Jiang Lu had not expected this at all; after all, Emperor Long had been so unnoticeable lately, merely becoming this puppet or that, furthermore, most of Liang State’s territory was illicitly acquired, so he hadn’t considered legitimacy.

He had thought that Gu Shanhai would suggest they join in the plunder, but he hadn’t expected this advice.

"Of course, don’t forget that you are a relative of the Royal Family. You rely on this legitimate righteousness. With the title of Liang State Governor, later on you can completely carry out a purge of the court or an imperial command to quell troubles—all turning illegitimacy into legality."

"Zhan Yan and others never mentioned all this? They are really incompetent as advisors."

Gu Shanhai hadn’t expected that this group would be so ignorant, or perhaps there were other considerations?

If it were a time of chaos and turmoil, then any pretext could be fabricated because, after all, everything depends on force—but it’s not chaotic yet, and at the very least they ought to maximize the advantage of being related to the Royal line.

Jiang Lu could consolidate his rule over Liang State and gain an influx of talents through the Recruitment Order partly because of his martial prowess, and partly because of his identity as Lord Wen’an and related to the Royal Family—or else, did they really think so many would flock to his side?

Just like the previous rebels, there had been no relevant talents actively joining; most had been coerced.

In ancient times, legitimacy and moral righteousness were very useful.

"But, will this work?" Jiang Lu hesitated, he too had seen this intelligence report; the reason those under him hadn’t suggested it was largely because the court of the Long Dynasty was too chaotic now, with the real power-holders of various states gathering together.

It might be a large temple, but undoubtedly there was a fierce storm inside.

Each engaged in overt and covert strife, grappling to reap benefits—who could possibly hand over Liang State to him?

"Draft your petition humbly, adopting a lower stance—crying children get the milk. Also, subtly express that if they don’t comply, you will make trouble. There is a high probability they will accept it begrudgingly." Gu Shanhai knew this was the best time, as they were all preoccupied with each other and wouldn’t be too concerned about Jiang Lu and something as minor as Liang State—

Just a little speck of dirt to them.

Indeed, there should be some haggling, as even though Liang State was small and remote, it was still one of the one hundred and eight states of Dalong, and there were those desirous of it.

"Alright, what do we do next?" Jiang Lu felt convinced by the plan, it was worth a try anyway, since it was just a petition after all.

"There’s no ’next,’ I’m just giving you a suggestion. Surely you’re not expecting me to provide a full strategy guide?" Gu Shanhai retorted.

He didn’t have a complete strategy guide, it was a matter of taking one step at a time.

Besides, he wasn’t that confident about the Liang State Governor position; intra-elite bargaining still required some pretense, unlike Gu Shanhai’s aptitude for physical bargaining, if someone tried to deceive him, he would directly rip out their heart—at least, no one would dare employ such tactics until the situation truly descended into chaos.

"Teacher, can you give me a complete suggestion each time, at least provide a solution for handling the aftermath?" Jiang Lu was somewhat speechless.

"Why don’t you consult the many advisors and strategists under your command? Always coming to me..." Gu Shanhai figured this lad must have some issues, always coming to him for solutions.

He wasn’t a professional; he could only grudgingly offer little bits of advice, thinking about it was just bizarre.

"They don’t have teachers as thoughtful as you," Jiang Lu said with a resigned smile. He really depended on Gu Shanhai, always seeking him out whenever something came up.

"I..." Gu Shanhai wanted to curse, frustrated that because he thought things through, people came to him for solutions.

"Forget it, I won’t talk about this anymore. Your son must be almost one month old, right?" Gu Shanhai asked.

A year ago, Jiang Lu had married a woman from a prominent family for a political alliance. Their relationship couldn’t be described as deeply emotional, but they respected each other, and he had taken a few concubines. Now his main wife had given him a healthy baby boy, who would be one month old in a few days.

At this stage in Jiang Lu’s life, having an heir was extremely important.

"Indeed, Disciple was thinking after Si’er turns one month old, he could stay by your side for you to guide him," Jiang Lu looked towards Gu Shanhai.

Si’er, which means rhinoceros, was the nickname for Jiang Lu’s son, chosen in the hopes that he would grow up strong.

"That’s too much, expecting me to take care of him at just one month old. Why not let your wife take care of him herself?" Gu Shanhai was surprised at how Jiang Lu continually found ways to give him more responsibilities.

"If he is reared in the inner courtyards, solely by women, I fear he may not achieve greatness," Jiang Lu said with conviction.

Gu Shanhai hadn’t expected Jiang Lu to be so entrenched in feudal nonsense.

"Let’s wait until he has gone through toddler education before sending him over," Gu Shanhai flatly refused, not wanting to take care of a one-month-old child.

Of course, the best method was to wait until the child was of a more suitable age for training. He had seen Si’er and found his talents to be average.

Such that he wasn’t outstanding but not lacking either; while it might be possible for him to achieve greatness, it was very unlikely he would surpass Jiang Lu.

Thus, his development could only be directed towards becoming a competent custodian of achievements. If Jiang Lu couldn’t establish a dynasty in his generation, it would be remarkable if Si’er managed not to falter.

It didn’t rule out the possibility of late success.

Even if Gu Shanhai were to teach him, perhaps he could turn the tables, or perhaps it would backfire.

However, Gu Shanhai couldn’t concern himself with those outcomes, as he wouldn’t be in this world forever, staying only until he advanced to the Heavenly Scenery Stage, which would be around twenty to thirty years.

That time would be sufficient for him to implement his plans.

Seeing how resolute Gu Shanhai was, Jiang Lu didn’t dare to press further.

Afterwards, the two chatted a bit more, and Jiang Lu presented several doubts for Gu Shanhai to clarify before he finally left Gu Shanhai’s residence.

"I always feel somewhat like a surrogate father," Gu Shanhai complained.

Back when Jiang Lu got married, Gu Shanhai was the one being honored in the tea ceremony.

Not just Jiang Lu, but also his three sworn brothers behaved likewise, except for Li Yu, who certainly didn’t receive such treatment, having married early, and concubinate relationships were certainly not given such formal proceedings.

Only a main wife received such acknowledgements.

As for what their wives looked like, Gu Shanhai didn’t know. He hadn’t seen them, as they were veiled during the wedding and then lived sequestered deep within their residence, seldom stepping out, which meant Gu Shanhai naturally never met them.

It was always Jiang Lu and others who visited Gu Shanhai, accompanied only by the Daoist Soldier and attendants. It would be improper to bring their families on casual visits.

Gu Shanhai never thought about meeting them anyway; seeing them wouldn’t change anything. While he was curious, his focus remained on more important matters—who would go out of their way just to see what their disciple’s wife looked like?

That would be outright absurd.

"Never mind, it looks like I’ll be busy again soon," Gu Shanhai rubbed his temples. Though he wasn’t directly involved in managing the affairs of Liang State Governor, it would still impact him somewhat since it was his initiative. Perhaps Zhan Yan and others would come to consult him on various matters.

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