Qi Jingyun suddenly felt a bit of regret. Why had he previously harbored thoughts of disdain? Why couldnât he offer an olive branch earlier when he first got news of him? At that time, perhaps this person would have been his right-hand man, even if Yang Ruxin didnât follow him, he could still serve him.
"Prince, is there anything inappropriate about me?" Gu Qingheng naturally noticed Qi Jingyunâs scrutiny, and straightforwardly asked.
Qi Jingyun smiled, showing no embarrassment at being caught: "Iâve long heard of General Guâs outstanding character and talents in both civil and military affairs, yet I never had the chance to make his acquaintance. Now it seems the rumors werenât exaggerated at all..."
Gu Qingheng was quite composed: "The Prince overpraises me. I am merely a humble peasant striving fiercely just to secure some protection for my family."
Qi Jingyunâs mouth twitched, a peasant? Has he truly severed ties with the Gu Family?
But Gu Sheng is the Minister of Rites, with many disciples, always a target for numerous factions to win over. Now, with this person clearly stating separation from the Gu Family, what is the Crown Princeâs reaction? Did he truly abandon the Gu Family for this person?
"I have been on the battlefield since youth. Though I dare not claim glorious military achievements, Iâve at least maintained the Qi familyâs honor." Qi Jingyun sighed slightly, "So, over these years, I havenât really had any confidant friends..."
Gu Qingheng looked slightly surprised, turned his head to glance at Qi Jingyun, meeting his smiling gaze. Though his heart trembled, he didnât show it on his face and offered a slight smile: "The Prince has always been known as the âWar Godâ, with significant military accomplishments for Daxuan Country, truly a pillar of the nation."
"Pillar of the nation?" Qi Jingyun was momentarily stunned, then burst into laughter before scoffing self-deprecatingly, "Is a pillar all I got in return for risking my life?"
Gu Qingheng didnât comment.
"I have also heard that General Gu is proficient in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting." After laughing, Qi Jingyun turned his gaze to Gu Qingheng, changing the subject, "I too have loved chess since childhood. If thereâs a chance, could we compete a bit?"
"My chess skills are superficial, merely touching the surface." Gu Qinghengâs smile deepened, "I dare not embarrass myself."
Qi Jingyunâs eyes grew deep: "Is General Gu holding disdain for me?"
"Iâm not daring enough." Gu Qingheng slightly nodded but didnât utter another word.
Qi Jingyun frowned for a long time without saying anything more, continuing on his way.
Inside the carriage, Yang Ruxin listened to the conversation outside, frowning deeply. Though outwardly it sounded like small talk, in reality, Prince Qi was probing Gu Qingheng.
Throughout history, the royal struggle for succession has always been bloody and ruthless, with various factions vying against each other while forming alliances and cliques.
When the Crown Prince extended an olive branch to Gu Qingheng in the past, he had actually already given up on the Gu Family, yet the Gu Family is, after all, a powerful minister. The Minister of Rites has always been called the "Prince Regent", implying that the Minister of Rites is bound to enter the Cabinet.
Yang Ruxin had studied history in previous dynasties. Although she couldnât remember the details well, she still understood some ancient official systems. During the Tang and Song Dynasties, there were already positions like Academician, but until the Ming Dynasty, the Cabinet was formally established. However, at that time, members of the Cabinet didnât have high ranks, probably Fifth-rank, and it wasnât until the Qing Dynasty that they became First-rank officials.