Unlimited Ambition

"Oh? What is it?" the father asked.

"When I get back to the Northeast, give me an army," I said.

"Do you want to participate in this battle? Isn't it a bit too early?" the father asked with some doubt.

“My father also said that I am precocious. Moreover, since our Cao family is on the front line, it is naturally better to get involved in the war as early as possible.”

My father seemed moved by my words, nodded, thought for a moment, and said, "Then, I'll arrange for you to go to..."

“No, Father, that’s not what I meant,” I interrupted my father.

"What kind of mischievous idea are you up to now? Tell me all at once," the father chuckled and said.

"What I mean is, I want to be the commander of an army, not a staff officer or logistics personnel on a temporary assignment. The army doesn't need to be too big, even a battalion would be fine."

“You’re going a bit too far.” My father shook his head, about to refuse me, when we heard a knock at the door.

"Please come in." The father's expression became much more indifferent, returning to his usual unfathomable demeanor as the Governor-General of the Northeast.

Then a servant opened the door, bowed to my father and me respectively, and then took out an invitation and handed it to my father with both hands.

"Lord Gao invites you to his residence for a chat, and also..." The servant turned to look at me, "If it's alright, please come along, young master."

Chapter Three: As Hostages

Along the way, I did ponder for a moment why this chief eunuch would send a child like me. Asking my father would be an easy explanation; after all, powerful figures like them could talk for days on end if they wanted to. But why bring me along…

Surely this dead eunuch doesn't also have a daughter of marriageable age?

I shook my head vigorously to banish this ridiculous thought from my mind.

Well, we've arrived at the "Gao Mansion," a place whose size rivals that of a typical prince's residence. Just ask him anything.

The car stopped in front of the Gao residence. Although such a powerful figure could certainly afford a car, to show respect, the guest wouldn't drive in. Of course, the host wouldn't allow the guest to walk. A vehicle was already prepared inside to pick up the guest.

It's really troublesome, actually. And it seems like an unnecessary fuss. The other day, when I was accompanying my father on his blind dates, I really couldn't resist the urge to have the driver just barge in. Given my father's status, such an action would at most elicit a whispered "arrogant" behind his back. On the surface, he'd still have to smile obsequiously.

My father is always cautious and wouldn't give anyone anything to gossip about. So usually, I just get off the bus and roll my eyes. But today's incident...

"Master Gao has instructed that Lord Cao's carriage can be driven all the way to the inner residence, so there's no need to trouble him again," said the servant who opened the carriage door for his father.

"How could you? How could I possibly do this?" The father had already stretched out one foot, but upon hearing this, he pulled it back, looking slightly bewildered, but he spoke quickly.

"No, no, no, this is a kind gesture from Lord Gao, please don't be so polite, Lord Cao." The servant seemed to be of high rank, and his tone was respectful but not obsequious when speaking to my father. He was well-trained.

"Is that so? Then I, Cao, will accept your offer without hesitation." The father chuckled, then straightened up and sat down. The servant nodded and closed the carriage door for his father.

After the car entered the Gao residence, it proceeded slowly and steadily, following the lead vehicle. The father's smile remained unchanged, but a hint of worry lingered in his eyes. It seemed that this eunuch's request wouldn't be so simple this time.

"Hopefully it's not an unreasonable request. After all, they are important allies. It wouldn't be good for anyone if things turned sour." The father thought to himself, his expression growing increasingly serious.

I know the principle that every courtesy given must have an ulterior motive, and I know the dead eunuch wouldn't have treated my father like that for nothing. He must have something to ask of him. Then I thought, this dead eunuch even called me along. Surely he doesn't actually have a daughter of marriageable age...

Hehe, hehehe.

Holy crap, could it really be like that? Thinking this, I couldn't help but break out in a cold sweat.

The Gao residence occupied a considerable area, and it took the carriage more than half an hour to arrive. The eunuch himself came out to greet them. My father chuckled and got out of the carriage; the two exchanged pleasantries for a while, like old friends who hadn't seen each other for years.

The eunuch was incredibly enthusiastic, welcoming my father and me into the study. Seeing that there wasn't a single servant in the room, I was certain the eunuch had something to discuss with my father. And this matter was definitely related to me. Otherwise, why would he keep me here?

There wasn't a single servant in the study, but the eunuch was unusually hospitable, personally serving tea to the father. The father repeatedly said he didn't deserve it, but the doubt in his eyes only deepened.

But after the dead eunuch finished pouring the tea, he started chatting with my father about all sorts of things, from the most mundane to the most romantic, and the two of them would burst into laughter every time they talked. I couldn't help but admire him; this dead eunuch really did have some substance, not just offal.

The eunuch was witty, but he didn't utter a single serious word. At first, my father could tolerate it, but after a while, he became somewhat impatient. Seeing that the eunuch was still going on and on, my father took the opportunity, after the eunuch finished telling another amusing anecdote about officialdom in Jiangnan, to ask seemingly casually, "Brother Gao, what is the purpose of inviting my father and me here? Please speak plainly."

The eunuch heard his father say this, but only smiled bitterly and remained silent. When his father pressed him again and again, he could only sigh. Seeing tears glistening in the corners of his eyes, I almost couldn't help but praise him. What a great actor!

The father, however, was no slouch either. After decades of navigating the officialdom, he was spouting nothing but empty rhetoric. His talk of going through fire and water for each other sounded more like sworn brothers. He nearly made the dead eunuch cry, but then abruptly added, "As long as it's within my power." This practically choked the dead eunuch to death.

But this damned eunuch was a seasoned veteran of officialdom, especially since he was a castrated man. When he got shameless, my father couldn't even compare. The next moment, he completely ignored my father's last words. He only remembered all that nonsense about risking his life for his father, and he gripped my father's hands tightly, refusing to let go. It disgusted me to look at him.

Having said all that, the dead eunuch no longer hesitated and revealed his purpose: "The current emperor is young and inevitably lonely in the deep palace. I couldn't bear to see him like this, so I wanted to find some playmates for him. The eldest son of the Duke of Wei is young and intelligent, and is truly the best candidate. Therefore, I dare to ask the young master to serve as a tutor and accompany the emperor."

?

Nani?

That damned eunuch, that damned eunuch actually wants me to stay in the capital as a hostage?

Indeed, in the current situation, the emperor is young and his imperial power is weak. On the other hand, the local lords, like my father, hold great military power and wield considerable influence. This damned eunuch has a plan: to take advantage of this time to force high-ranking officials from various regions to send hostages to the capital. It's not such a bad idea after all.

But before this, we hadn't heard a single word. So this damned eunuch's first stop was our Cao family? We're allies, allies, damned eunuch! Allies of equal status! Not your vassals! Even if he wanted hostages, he should have asked a branch of the clan, not me, he actually came to me.

Everyone in Northeast China knows that I'm the one Father dotes on most. He'll give me anything I ask for, no questions asked. He spoils me rotten. Anyone who dares to lay a finger on me is to be prepared for their entire family to die. I'm Father's only son! The Cao family has been a lineage for hundreds of generations! And now this guy wants me as a hostage?!

Just as I expected, upon hearing the eunuch's request, my father's face immediately turned ashen, like an ancient iceberg. Had it not been for the last vestige of his politician's self-restraint, he would have already punched the eunuch in the face. Even so, he didn't want to waste any more words with the eunuch, and without saying goodbye, he grabbed my hand and started to leave.

"Brother Cao, please calm down! Brother Cao, please calm down!" The dead eunuch, seeing his father's actions, turned green with rage. He grabbed his father's sleeve and offered a torrent of apologies, practically begging for forgiveness.

After all, if they really angered their father and broke their alliance with the eunuch clique, their father would at most lose his central authority. He could still hide in the Northeast and quietly rule as a local tyrant. But the powerful eunuchs would lose their biggest external support. Putting aside everything else, without the huge sums of money the Northeast sent them every year, the eunuch clique could tear this damned eunuch apart.

The eunuch pleaded and begged, finally managing to persuade the father to return. The father's expression softened slightly, but he remained unmoved, his tone cold: "Although my son is incompetent, he is my only son, and the Cao family's lineage for generations rests on his shoulders. If anything goes wrong with him, I, Cao, will not be able to face our ancestors even if I die a hundred times. Serving the emperor is certainly illustrious, but my son is not worthy of it."

Hearing his father's words, the dead eunuch gave a bitter smile. He knew this was indeed a difficult matter. However, not doing it was not an option either. So he thought about how to bring it up and properly persuade his father.

In that short time, I figured things out.

The eunuch faction did indeed need to receive hostages from regional officials. However, these officials were not to be trifled with. They wouldn't easily hand over hostages. Even those who wanted to use their home-field advantage and defy public opinion by force were in grave danger. They didn't need many; just one or two of their father's status who escaped, clarified the situation, and then led troops into the capital under the pretext of "purging the court of corrupt officials," would ensure that none of those corrupt eunuchs could escape.

Therefore, the dead eunuchs still needed to claim the moral high ground. This eunuch leader, surnamed Gao, thought of his father. He wanted to use his status as an ally to get his father's support in setting an example, and then use him as leverage. At that point, anyone who refused to hand over the hostages would lose their moral high ground and might even be killed as a traitor.

The dead eunuch had a very good plan, but he ran into a wall with his father right from the start.

It's true... If the hostage program fails, one can imagine that this little emperor in the central government will lack any authority whatsoever. Local factions, however, will be incredibly powerful, potentially leading to a situation reminiscent of the Warring States period in the Eastern Zhou Dynasty. Back then, things were better; at least there weren't any strong external enemies. But now, the EU and Brittany are no pushovers. If the Chinese Federation truly splits, then national demise won't be far off.

Thinking this, I gritted my teeth. The Chinese Federation cannot collapse, at least not before I take power. So what if he's a hostage? I accept. I don't believe anyone would dare do anything to me.

Thinking of this, I took a deep breath and spoke: "Uncle, I am not very talented, but I would like to ask you: how many years is a term of office for the position of Attendant Reader?"

"Mengde!" My father was pondering how to completely eliminate the idea of ​​killing the eunuch. He never expected me to utter such words. His voice, filled with surprise and a hint of anger, betrayed his shock.

"I dare not accept such praise, my dear nephew. It will only take five years." On the contrary, this dead eunuch was initially surprised when he heard me say this, but then he was overjoyed.

Five years... In five years, with the hostages in her hands, she made the local lords hesitant to act. She slowly established central authority—certainly not the authority of a mere child like the emperor. Five years later, she'll only be seven years old, a tiny child.

So, what about the authority of the eunuchs...?

I nodded and said meaningfully, "Uncle, you are very talented, I admire you. Serving the country is my wish. In that case, I will have to ask you to bear with me."

"Mengde! What nonsense are you spouting?!" This time, the father was truly anxious. If he had only shown a hint of anger before, now it sounded like he was completely furious.

I turned to my father and gave him an apologetic look. Then I shook my head. I turned back, wanting to say something to the damned eunuch. This time, however, my father spoke first.

Knowing that I had a plan in mind and was very determined, my father didn't press the issue further, but instead said, "It's getting late. My son and I will take our leave now. As for what you asked of Brother Gao, we will give you an explanation tomorrow."

The eunuch, seeing that I had agreed, hadn't even had time to rejoice before his father poured cold water on his enthusiasm. However, he knew that ultimately, his father had the final say. And seeing that his father's attitude had softened considerably, this conversation hadn't been entirely fruitless.

Hearing that his father was leaving, the dead eunuch hesitated: "Although it is late, it is just in time to start the banquet. If people find out that we invited Brother Cao over but did not even serve him a cup of wine, we will be ridiculed. This is not the way to treat a guest."

The father forced a smile and said, "I am in a state of utter confusion right now and have no appetite for drinking. I appreciate your kind offer, Brother Gao."

The eunuch tried to persuade my father a few more times, but seeing his resolute attitude, he stopped talking and personally saw us onto the carriage before standing there. For some reason, my past actions resurfaced in my mind. A chill ran down my spine, and I couldn't help but shake my head and sigh.

Chapter Four: Who can remember those things from childhood?

At dusk, my father and I returned to the hotel. After listening to my analysis, my father sighed for a long time. In the end, he agreed to the plan.

The dead eunuch was quite tactful; he assured my father that I would live in his house from now on and that he would never let me suffer any losses.

With his father's assurance, the eunuch didn't hesitate and launched an attack during the enthronement ceremony. He demanded that regional officials send hostages to the capital. As expected, the officials vehemently opposed this, nearly tearing the palace upside down. The young emperor was terrified and burst into tears.

The dead eunuch, however, remained calm and unhurried, directly announcing that his father had already agreed. No one present was a fool. They were all very well-informed and naturally knew how much their father doted on him. For a moment, they were speechless.

In the end, the eunuch, through a combination of beatings and sleight of hand, finally completed his plan. He demanded that the border officials could only leave Luoyang after handing over the hostages; otherwise, they would have to stay there for the rest of their lives.

During this time, I also witnessed the ruthlessness of this damned eunuch. Several men who refused to send hostages to the capital were hacked to pieces in front of all the civil and military officials. Most of the border officials who managed to escape back home died on the way. A few others had their entire families wiped out by the imperial army.

Make an example of them. After this, the actions of regional officials quickened considerably. A brutal crackdown ensued. The eunuchs' prestige also increased. However, rumors of eunuch faction misruling were not uncommon in various regions. No, perhaps even more so.

After my father returned home, he sent a private plane with a huge amount of stuff for me. But looking at it, only the military and historical books and sword manuals seemed useful. The rest were neither good nor bad; they were also available in the Forbidden City.

According to his letter, with the unwavering support of the eunuch faction, his father had managed to gain the upper hand in the war against the EU, winning several minor victories. In this cheerful mood, the pain of separation between father and son was greatly alleviated.

However, after that dead eunuch heard about this, he specially sent people to collect a lot of rare and unique military books and secret manuals to send over, which made me really happy for a while.

The sons and relatives of other high-ranking officials weren't as fortunate as I was. After all, the dead eunuch had already incurred their wrath. They had to be on guard against him escaping. They were all treated like prisoners, surrounded by high walls and layers upon layers of imperial guards. Their food and water were specially prepared. For these pampered second-generation rich kids, this kind of life was worse than death. Quite a few stubborn ones even hanged themselves or banged their heads against the walls.

The eunuch was now in a panic. These hostages could threaten people if they were alive, but if they died, they'd only be food for the dogs. However, under such treatment, there was no guarantee that these spoiled brats wouldn't actually die. But if he really relaxed his surveillance on them, the eunuch wouldn't feel at ease.

Once, the dead eunuch inadvertently told me about this matter. I thought about it and decided to help him. I smiled and said, "Uncle, you're usually so clever, but you've made a foolish mistake. It's not hard to manipulate those guys, is it?"

The dead eunuch gave a bitter smile and said, "Nephew, most of those fellows are delicate and tender, unlike your son, who comes from a family of tigers. A single lash would be enough to kill them. How can you use torture?"

I shook my head and said, "I'm not saying they should suffer; on the contrary, I want them to enjoy themselves. A cup of fine wine mixed with a bit of flour will make them feel like they're floating on air, and in a few days they'll be as obedient as grandsons."

The dead eunuch was overjoyed upon hearing this, thinking, "That's a good idea. This kid is ruthless enough, but luckily he's on our side. I'll have to win him over from now on."

And so, I subtly hinted at a few more things to the dead eunuch. This pleased him, and his attitude towards me became increasingly amiable. Before long, it seemed he truly regarded me as a junior.

After all, this dead eunuch couldn't possibly have children. Seeing how clever and quick-witted I was, he was naturally pleased. After half a year of getting to know me, I actually appreciated his kindness. Anyway, it wasn't a bad thing. The ancestors of the eunuch faction and their lackeys already had their own problems; one more wouldn't make a difference.

Besides, I've learned a lot from him. This man is talented, and quite capable at that. Just look at how he, as a eunuch, managed to oversee the government. With regional governors and viceroys largely disloyal to the central government, only a cunning and ruthless fellow like him could pull it off.

The old man never hid his political affairs from me. He could handle all sorts of diverse matters quickly. Occasionally, there were things I didn't understand, and he would patiently explain them to me. Working alongside him, my political skills improved at an astonishing rate.

The old man was exhausted, extremely exhausted. After observing for a while, he discovered that almost none of these eunuchs were truly capable. He had also won over some court officials, but most were sycophants and opportunists. They were ruthless in embezzlement and bribery, but lacked any real ability. Yet, the old man had no choice but to rely on these scoundrels for support, because he couldn't find anyone else.

"If you can't find any, raise them yourself. In the past two years, several governors and viceroys in various places have been warlike and militaristic. In several southern provinces, there are orphans everywhere. Uncle, you can pick some to raise yourself. Find some teachers to teach them literary and martial arts. In ten or twenty years, wouldn't you have a group of trusted confidants?"

This is the idea I came up with for him. To be honest, I also had my own selfish motives. Two years have passed, and I'm already eight years old. It's time to cultivate my own power (hey! How old are you? What are you cultivating?). Using this old guy's chicken to lay my eggs is indeed a good idea.

Furthermore, over the past two years, I've had numerous video calls with my father, and with his approval, I even went back to Northeast China once. From our conversations, I could tell that his health was deteriorating. Although I'm his only son, the Cao family has several other relatives with the same surname. One of my uncles has even climbed to the position of commander of the Liaoyang Military Sub-district; there are plenty of scoundrels hoping I'll die so they can rise to power in one fell swoop. I need to plan for my future.

The old man thought my suggestion was quite good, even though it would take a while to show results. But he's only in his forties. He can afford to wait a decade or so.

And so, the old man sent a few men who could barely be called his confidants to the south to adopt orphans. The goal was one hundred children per person, regardless of gender. Even if something went wrong, the old man would still have a group of no fewer than five hundred trusted subordinates after a dozen years.

With the old man's influence, these guys can quickly rise through the ranks, at least to the level of mid-level officials or military officers. With their support, the old man's position will be more secure.

Several months later, the group returned one after another. During this time, the old man also gathered some excellent teachers. And just as the sign for Gao's Private Academy was up, I finally achieved my goal of becoming the executive vice-chairman (the chairman, of course, was the old man).

Looking at these energetic children, the old man rarely smiled. He also decided to make this a regular practice, recruiting a new batch every year.