Chapter 489: Won ‘t Disappoint The Emperor
Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Lord State Duke continued, “Your Majesty, the generals at the southern border are indeed occupied, but I believe that Qin Silong’s combat experience is not inferior to the other officers.
“I propose that we make an exception and grant Qin Silong the temporary rank of major general. We can allocate 5,000 troops from the military camp and 5,000 from the local area to assemble a force of 10,000 soldiers.”
The Emperor remained unconvinced. “Appointing a chiliarch to suddenly command 5,000 to 10,000 troops appears rather far-fetched!”
Aware that he couldn’t resist the Public House’s influence and was uncertain of their intentions, the Emperor sought to challenge their proposition and discern their motives.
As anticipated, Lord State Duke responded, “Do not fret, Your Majesty. We can assign an experienced deputy general to accompany him.”
“If Qin Silong returns triumphant, we shall promote him to the rank of major general.”
The Emperor inquired further, “What if he fails?”
Was the Public House attempting to exploit this opportunity to penalize him?
Lord State Duke addressed the Emperor with utmost gravity, saying, “Your
Majesty, it is a grave offense to anticipate defeat before embarking on a military campaign! ”
Reprimanded by Lord State Duke on the spot, the Emperor flushed with embarrassment but refrained from reacting strongly.
Thankfully, Lord State Duke swiftly softened his stance. “However, the unpredictability of victory and defeat is an inherent aspect of warfare. It is not uncommon for the Emperor to harbor concerns.”
“In the event of an unfortunate defeat, the situation will be evaluated objectively. Those deserving of punishment shall be penalized, while those who should be spared will not be unfairly blamed. Is that not so, Your Majesty?”
The Emperor responded awkwardly, “Lord State Duke, you are correct.”
And so, the decision to dispatch Qin Silong to lead troops to quell the unrest was confirmed.
Su Bin’s transfer order had finally reached his hands, and upon receiving it, he immediately began making preparations for his departure.
Initially, he had assumed that the transfer would not occur so rapidly, intending to send Qin Zhenzhen out of the capital first. However, with the sudden issuance of the transfer order, Su Bin changed his plans and decided to leave the capital with Qin Zhenzhen and his sister.
Before Su Bin’s departure from the capital, the emperor, perturbed by the uncertainties of the Public House’s intentions towards Su Bin, summoned him to the palace for questioning.
The emperor couldn’t fathom whether the Public House was planning to destroy Su Bin or entice him. If their goal was to eliminate Su Bin, they could have simply imposed the death penalty. Why then expend so much effort to transfer him to Shanglin Prefecture?
Moreover, suggesting that Qin Zhenzhen’s fourth brother lead the troops to quell the unrest indicated that the Public House might be aiming to attract talented individuals.
The first step involved moving Su Bin, who had spurned their advances, out of the capital. The harsh conditions in Shanglin Prefecture would serve to wear down his sharpness and pride. When he was on the brink of death, they would rescue him and thereby earn his gratitude.
The emperor did consider an alternative possibility but deemed it unlikely.
“Do you know why I’ve arranged for your transfer out of the capital?” the emperor inquired.
Su Bin responded respectfully, “I believe it’s to refine my temperament, Your
Majesty.”
The emperor examined him closely. “Is that the only reason?”
Su Bin replied, “As far as I am aware, that is the primary reason, Your Majesty.”
The emperor was aware of the situation with the Public House, and Su Bin also knew that he was being tested. Nevertheless, they could maintain a tacit understanding without delving into these matters.
Why did the emperor feel compelled to inquire about the reasons behind his actions?
The emperor posed another question, “Have you ever harbored resentment toward me for your transfer out of the capital?”
Su Bin couldn’t help but find this amusing. He recognized that the emperor was testing him, but there was no way he would allow the emperor to see through his true feelings.
Su Bin feigned fear, responding, “Your Majesty, you must be jesting. How could
I ever hold any resentment against you?”
“Since Your Majesty granted Jiang Chen the exceptional position of Primus, I have been exceedingly grateful. Now, as the emperor arranges for Jiang Chen to become an official in Shanglin Prefecture, my gratitude towards Your
Majesty only deepens.”
Su Bin’s flattery left the emperor feeling uncomfortable and a bit irritated. “You are being demoted! Why would you be so grateful?”
Nevertheless, Su Bin remained steadfast, saying with conviction, “Your Majesty, I do not see this as a demotion. There’s an ancient saying that before bestowing a great responsibility, the heavens first temper a person’s will and strength. I view this as Your Majesty giving me an opportunity for training.”
“I will wholeheartedly manage Shanglin Prefecture, and I promise not to disappoint Your Majesty..”
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