Chapter 599: Chapter 77: Manipulation Once More, Gu Yi Makes His Move
And the reason they stayed in Luoyang was equally simple.
It was naturally because of the Battle of Talas and the sudden rebellion of the Gelulu, which led to Gao Xianzhi’s defeat.
Although the developments were not entirely the same as the original history, Gao Xianzhi was similarly punished by Li Longji, relieved of his position as Jiedu Envoy of Anxi’s four towns, and recalled to the capital to serve as the Grand General of the Right Golden Spear Guard.
The same was true for Feng Changqing.
Both of them had real skills, especially Feng Changqing, who was often considered a backdrop to Gao Xianzhi. His current military excellence resembled that of the Gu Clan.
He was even much stronger than he was in original history.
The same could be said for Gao Xianzhi.
Although he could not escape his "greedy" nature, Gu Yi used to care about such things, but now he had completely let it go.
Human nature is such that no one can be immune.
It’s the most foolish thing to obsess over someone’s character and expect everyone to be a saint.
Thinking thus, Gu Yi directly maneuvered Gu Xuan to head towards the Gao Mansion.
Although the influence of the Gu Clan had waned quite a bit in the court, using the name of the Gu Clan to meet any minister was still not a difficult task.
The Gao Mansion, with its deeply recessed courtyard.
Gao Xianzhi, in a martial outfit, was practicing spear techniques in the yard.
Though now trapped within Luoyang, Gao Xianzhi still firmly believed that one day he would return to the battlefield because Li Longji was immensely driven to expand territory towards the West Garden.
Gu Yi even felt that this ambition of his far exceeded what it was in history.
Though as he aged, this behavior gradually ceased, but a person like Li Longji could never stand being idle as long as he lived.
"General," the old butler stepped forward quietly, bowing to report, "A message has been received at the mansion’s gate; Gu Xuan, the young master of the Gu Clan, has sent his card requesting an audience."
Upon hearing this, Gao Xianzhi was momentarily stunned.
"The young master of the Gu Clan?"
He retracted his spear, pointing the tip to the ground. His brow furrowed slightly, pondered briefly, and then remembered who Gu Xuan was.
His ties with the Gu Clan were not significant.
It wasn’t due to anything else, but because anyone with clear sight could see the Emperor’s attitude toward the Gu Clan and wouldn’t want to provoke the Emperor at such a time.
Even if there were some interactions, they were mostly with the elders like Patriarch Gu Hao, and impressions of the younger generation like Gu Xuan were naturally vague.
"General," the butler added in a low voice, "Master Gu especially asked me to report that his purpose of this visit is to meet the general and to invite Doctor Feng to join the meeting."
Gao Xianzhi’s gaze sharpened, and his brows furrowed even more tightly.
After a moment of silence, he handed the spear to the personal guard standing beside him and instructed in a deep voice, "Escort him to the study and serve tea."
"Immediately send someone to invite Doctor Feng to the mansion to discuss."
The sudden approach from the Gu Clan must indicate something significant.
Allowing Gu Xuan, a youngster, to make the visit probably meant that Gu Hao did not want to draw too much attention, and Gao Xianzhi instinctively thought of this.
Sitting upright in the study.
Before long, Gu Xuan entered the study with steady steps.
Without waiting for Gu Yi to direct him, Gu Xuan calmly bowed, performing an impeccable courtesy gesture, demonstrating a dignified and composed demeanor that reflected the deep heritage of a noble family:
"Junior Gu Xuan greets General Gao."
Gao Xianzhi sat in the primary seat, his gaze piercing, examining this outstanding youth of the Gu Clan with great interest. Seeing that his manner was appropriate and his demeanor clear and bright, Gao Xianzhi nodded slightly, showing a trace of approbation on his face:
"It is often said the young master of the Gu Clan is upright and dignified, much like his illustrious ancestors."
His voice was deep, yet carried a perfectly measured detachment:
"Meeting you today, I realize the world has not deceived me."
— Though the words were gentle, the sentiment was indeed distant.
Gu Yi immediately saw through Gao Xianzhi’s deliberate politeness. A truly reproachful elder would never say such things when meeting a junior.
Yet, he was not displeased by it.
Let alone Gao Xianzhi himself.
Even throughout the entire illustrious history, how many could withstand the likes and dislikes of an emperor with real power and deal with someone not significantly connected to themselves?
Gao Xianzhi paid no mind to this, raising his hand to gesture for Gu Xuan to be seated, then directly asked:
"Young Master came personally to my humble abode today; may I know what brings you here?"
His gaze sharp, getting straight to the point:
"Is it the command of the Grand Tutor?"
Gu Yi’s mind stirred, immediately controlling Gu Xuan to nod calmly: "Indeed, my father has important matters to discuss with the General."
Such matters as leveraging authority must be done.
The prestige the Gu Clan had cultivated over centuries was for the use of the family’s younger members, and Gu Yi was not foolish enough to abandon this advantage.
Gu Hao, as the Patriarch of the Gu Clan and the Grand Tutor of the dynasty.
In some respects, he already represented the Gu Clan.
Sure enough, Gao Xianzhi’s expression suddenly became serious!
He subconsciously glanced at the tightly closed door, confirming there was no issue, then lowered his voice, leaning slightly forward, an attitude markedly different from before:
"What instructions does the Grand Tutor have? Gao is all ears!"
— Entirely different from how he behaved with Gu Xuan!
Before Gu Xuan, he was the elder.
But before Gu Hao, he must be formal.
"Let’s wait for Doctor Feng to arrive; discussing it then is not too late." Gu Yi, controlling Gu Xuan, spoke in a steady tone and, having said that, calmly sat with downcast eyes, appearing serene and no longer spoke.
The more secretive it appeared, the tighter that string in Gao Xianzhi’s heart pulled.
He didn’t know exactly what the matter at hand was, but considering the Grand Tutor of the Gu Clan conveyed the message in such a covert manner, the weight of it could be easily imagined.
His back was straight, his expression growing solemn, and the very air in the study seemed to condense somewhat.
Time slipped by in the stifling silence.
Finally, the sound of footsteps approached from afar.
Feng Changqing, travel-worn and weary, pushed the door open and entered.
