Chapter 818 - 55: When the Birds Are Gone, the Bow Is Put Away; When the Rabbits Die, the Hounds Are Cooked?

Gu Yi was also silently watching this scene.

In fact, he wasn’t surprised by the current situation at all.

This day would eventually come.

The accomplishments at the founding of the empire, the conflicts between various forces, including these ever-expanding figures, would inevitably lead to various problems within an empire.

This issue cannot be completely eradicated.

The Gu Clan must face choices as well.

After all, in the present Great Song, the Gu Clan is essentially the ruling power. Many times, they can even be considered the founding royal family.

No matter what, all interests must be appropriately allocated.

.....

Time passed swiftly.

As expected by Gu Yi, Gu Lin finally decided to take action.

Perhaps it couldn’t be called a choice at all.

It was something the Gu Clan had to do. Although it seemed like they were plucking their own feathers, in reality, it was to avoid losing much by ignoring a few.

The military families must be weakened. This isn’t about discarding after use; it’s about making different choices to adapt to the times.

He absolutely cannot allow this matter to continue.

Let us not forget, this is only the beginning.

If he indulges this behavior now, chaos would surely envelop the world in due course.

Daming Prefecture in Beijing, Marquis Wuwei’s residence.

Though far from the power center of Yingtian Prefecture, Guo Xin, having operated in the Northern border for years, has access to his own sources of information.

Rumors from the Imperial Censorate concerning matters in the Southern Desert pastures have secretly reached his ears.

Actually, this alone is enough to indicate the Guo Clan’s exceptional status throughout the Northern Border.

The Imperial Censorate is a separate entity.

It belongs entirely to the Gu Clan.

That the Guo Clan could discreetly probe the movements of the Imperial Censorate shows it’s no ordinary affair.

In the study, the charcoal fire crackled, casting its glow on Guo Xin’s weathered face, which was filled with uncertainty. His fingers unconsciously rubbed the hilt of the saber at his waist, a family heirloom of the Guo Clan.

It was the weapon used by his ancestors who followed Zhao Kuangyin and Gu Jin.

It’s worth mentioning—

This is also one of the recent changes in Kyushu.

The Gu Clan’s habit of preserving items has persisted throughout the years, affecting many notable families. Today, these people all like to keep things worth commemorating.

Just like the saber in Guo Xin’s hand at this moment.

"Father," his eldest son Guo Xiao said beside him, with a face full of indignation, "it’s just a pasture. Those surrendered barbarians would consider having a shelter a great mercy from the heavens. Why should we fuss over these trivial details?"

"Our Guo family has shed blood and sweat for the Great Song, yet we’re being denied even this..."

"Enough!" Guo Xin interrupted sternly, his voice hoarse but filled with undeniable authority.

A glimmer of fatigue and understanding flashed in his clouded eyes.

It’s not that he was ignorant of his family’s activities in the Northern border. But previously, he thought it natural for a military family to gain some property and wealth through military merits. As long as it’s not excessive, the court would mostly turn a blind eye.

But now, the winds have shifted.

Even at this juncture, Guo Xin did not feel he was wrong.

This is simply a matter of perception.

After all, this is the norm in today’s world.

However, he understands the Gu Clan!

As one of the military families of the Great Song, the ties between the Guo Clan and the Gu Clan were numerous. He is well aware of the Gu Clan’s ways and naturally needed to make a decision.

With these thoughts, Guo Xin couldn’t help but sigh gently, ordering Guo Xiao with unwavering determination, "Go!"

"Immediately bind those troublemakers from the third and fifth branches in the Southern Desert!"

"Return every acre of stolen pasture, without exception!"

"No, return it double! Release all forced serfs among the herders immediately and compensate them for a year’s losses of cattle and sheep!"

As he spoke, his tone paused slightly.

Then he shook his head again and said, "You are to go to Yingtian personally, to see Lord Gu on my behalf, and confess to him!"

—He must retreat in order to advance!

His son Guo Xiao, upon hearing this, was initially stunned, before a look of resentment and humiliation appeared on his face: "Father! We’ve already conceded by cleaning our own house, and now you want me to go to Yingtian to confess?"

"This..... how can the Guo family hold its head high among the Northern Border Generals?"

"Foolish!" Guo Xin slammed the table hard, causing the teacup to rattle as he gazed at his son like a blade, "Hold our head high?"

"If we can’t surmount this challenge, the Guo family might not even have a head to hold high!"

"What Lord Gu wants is not how much land our family returns or the punishment of several disciples, but a gesture—a gesture of absolute obedience and fidelity!"

He took a deep breath, lowering his voice with a calculated tone: "You will not be pleading for forgiveness, but showing allegiance."

"Ensure that Lord Gu, and the other court officials see that Guo Xin understands when to advance and retreat, and knows what is important!"

"As long as the foundation of the Guo family and the military power in the Northern border are preserved, what does temporary loss of face matter?"

He pondered for a moment, his eyes sweeping over the ancestral blade, where a hint of resolution gleamed: "Go to the storeroom, bring the pair of Jade Ruyi that was gifted by the Emperor Taizu years ago, as a token of compensation."

"But more importantly....." He paused, his voice almost inaudible, "You must seek a private meeting with Lord Gu and inform him that the military families in the Northern border are intertwined, and many matters affect everything. Our Guo family is willing to take the lead in assisting the court..... in rectifying military discipline."

Upon these words, Guo Xiao gasped violently, looking at his father in disbelief.