Gu Zhan raised an eyebrow, growing even more puzzled, and said, "My lord, what do you mean by this?"
"No other meaning," Gu Chuan replied, "just answer directly."
Gu Zhan pondered for a moment, then said, "To be honest, I do!"
"Then I'll give you a chance," Gu Chuan smiled as he took a document from the table and handed it to Gu Zhan, saying, "Now I give you an order: investigate the case of land encroachment in Mud Bottle Lane thoroughly. The entire Embroidered Uniform Guard of the East Courtyard will be at your disposal, with priority."
Gu Zhan took the document, somewhat hesitant, and said, "My lord, to what extent should I investigate?"
"Investigate to whatever extent you wish," Gu Chuan said with a hearty laugh, "so long as it's within the bounds of Great Xia's laws. Even if you pierce the very heavens of Linjiang Prefecture, I'll bear the responsibility for you. The East Courtyard's Embroidered Uniform Guard is at your command. As for pressure from the government office, you needn't worry at all. No matter how deep the force behind the Celestial Water Gang flows, I'll take it all on."
Gu Zhan frowned slightly and asked, "My lord, what kind of result do you wish for?"
"That depends on what result you want," Gu Chuan tapped his fingers gently on the table. "Whether it's the Embroidered Uniform Guard or the martial world gangs, just see how far your abilities carry you. I'm merely giving you the opportunity. If you can even overturn the Hundred Households Office, I can let you have my post as Hundred Households."
Gu Zhan's heart skipped—a suspicion arose that Gu Chuan was testing or warning him. He cupped his fists and said, "My lord, I…"
"No need for overthinking," Gu Chuan said. "This is neither a warning nor a test. Your guess about my intentions isn't wrong. I am still young, and I have a background. Such a mere position as Hundred Households is certainly not my destination. Just do as I have instructed."
Gu Zhan nodded slightly and cupped his fists: "I obey, my lord!"
"Go, then," Gu Chuan smiled, "I look forward to it."
Gu Zhan cupped his fists and slowly left.
In the slightly dim inquiry room, a scholar stepped out from behind the screen and said in a soft voice, "Master, you seem very optimistic about Small Banner Gu?"
"Hmm."
Gu Chuan nodded. "There aren't many men with such blood and vigor in the Embroidered Uniform Guard nowadays. Moreover, this young brother Gu Zhan isn't just passionate; he also reacts swiftly and is gifted."
In the incident with the killing of Cao Feng, he acted decisively and magnanimously. And in today's affair, he was calm and responsive. It's enough to prove he is capable. If I were to let such a talent go unused, should I resort to keeping old deadwood like Lei Yun?"
The scholar considered for a moment, then said, "But this Gu Zhan is too young, easily impulsive. Moreover, young men who rise too quickly and too high can become swollen with pride. My lord's favor now may well stoke great ambition in him that, in time, could turn against you."
"You overthink it," Gu Chuan said. "We are the Embroidered Uniform Guard—a court institution, not a martial world gang. If Gu Zhan truly has talent and ambition enough to surpass me, I won't mind becoming his patron. I could even use my family's influence to support him."
"But," the scholar said, "if he doesn't fall under your control, what's the point of all this?"
Gu Chuan smiled, looking at the scholar. "You are fine at giving counsel, but unfit to govern—your vision is lacking. Remember, in this world, those who can aid you are not simply your own subordinates. Friends, partners, comrades—all can be your strength."
The scholar slowly nodded, saying, "So, my lord, what will you do now?"
Gu Chuan let out a gentle sigh. "This Linjiang Prefecture has become filthy. So, it must be cleansed. And Gu Zhan's arrival is perfect in timing. Let's first wipe out the Celestial Water Gang!"
The scholar frowned and said, "Your humble student knows my lord has always wished to suppress Linjiang Prefecture's martial world, but given these troubled days, even if you destroy one Celestial Water Gang, another Earth and Water Gang will arise."
"I do not seek to quash the entire martial world,"
Gu Chuan rose and spoke slowly, "but wherever I, Gu Chuan, reside, no martial world power will be allowed to overshadow the Embroidered Uniform Guard. Furthermore…"
Gu Chuan raised his head and looked toward the door. "The Thousand Households has grown old and useless. It is time for a replacement!"
...
When Gu Zhan stepped out of the Main Hospital,
Chen Fei and several other captains hurried over, all of them tense, and anxiously inquired, "My lord, how did it go? What did Lord Hundred Households say?"
Gu Zhan handed them the official document and said, "Lord Hundred Households is loyal to the country and cares for the people. Naturally, he gives his utmost support to our Embroidered Uniform Guard as we purge evil and seek justice for the common folk!"
No one took Gu Zhan's polite words to heart, but all breathed a long sigh of relief. Forced onto this ship, they had already become enemies with the Celestial Water Gang. If Gu Chuan hadn't come forward with his support, their path would have been fraught with danger, even risking their lives.
But now, with just a word from Gu Chuan,
they could rely on the Embroidered Uniform Guard. No matter how rotten the government office, or how strong the martial world, the Embroidered Uniform Guard remains the Embroidered Uniform Guard. As long as they carried this identity, no matter how powerful the Celestial Water Gang, it wouldn't dare go too far.
"My lord is wise and resourceful."
The men all began singing Gu Zhan's praises.
Gu Zhan only gave a slight smile,
knowing that this gamble had paid off.
He had already deduced that Gu Chuan, so young, could not be content to simply guard this Hundred Households Office. And now, seeing that the Thousand Households of Linjiang Prefecture was already aged, Gu Chuan was surely eyeing that position.
But Gu Chuan was too young, lacking in seniority,
and to strive for the post of Thousand Households would demand ruthless effort.
Thus, taking the lead himself fit perfectly with Gu Chuan's intentions.
From all he knew of Gu Chuan's past, when Gu Chuan first arrived a few years prior, he was determined to cleanse Linjiang City, yet one man could not prop up such a rotten South City Hundred Households Office, so he had to halt his ambitions. But he could not have been resigned forever.
Sure enough, judging from Gu Chuan's response today,
things matched his own speculation exactly.
As for what other schemes Gu Chuan might have, Gu Zhan did not care. He now cared only about one thing: with Gu Chuan's strong support at his back, he could seize this opportunity.
In this era, only one's own strength is the true hard truth.
Only by the blade can all problems be solved.
"Captain Chen," Gu Zhan put the document away and ordered, "go immediately to the Embroidered Uniform Guard's Imperial Prison. Start with those few Celestial Water Gang members we brought in today, gather the evidence. I want to take the initiative!"
...
The Embroidered Uniform Guard, though decayed now, was still the court's hound that once made the martial world tremble at its name. What it drew most criticism for was its tortures.
The Celestial Water Gang members, under the cruel tortures of the Embroidered Uniform Guard, could not hold out for more than a few days, and soon spilled everything they knew.
The moment Gu Zhan got those confessions,
he immediately dispatched men to summon the other three Small Banners of the East Courtyard.
With Lord Hundred Households Gu Chuan's personal order and documentation,
even though the Small Banners were of equal rank with Gu Zhan, all of them hurried over in turn.