Young Master Gao? Call me Little Grand Secretary!

Upon hearing this, Gao Zhao glanced at him, then quickly looked away, saying in a cold tone, "Rest assured, Prince Consort Xuan, the success in suppressing the bandits today is largely due to your merit. I will report the truthfully and will not let your contribution go unrecognized!"

Upon hearing this, Xuanzan felt a chill run down his spine instead of being pleased. He realized that his hesitation in the face of temptation had indeed angered the young master.

Xuan Zan hurriedly tried to explain, but before he could finish, Gao Zhao waved his hand to interrupt him, saying calmly, "You don't need to say anything more. Seeking advantage and avoiding harm is human instinct, and there's nothing wrong with that!"

Upon hearing this, Xuan Zan relaxed slightly and was about to offer a few flattering words when Gao Zhao added, "However, such instinctive beasts also exist!"

The casual remark was like a bucket of ice water poured over Xuan Zan's head. The slight relaxation that had just appeared on his face instantly froze, and he stood there stunned, as if struck by lightning.

"Seeking profit, avoiding disaster, coveting merit, and fearing power; eating when hungry, avoiding when in distress, pursuing profit, and fleeing from harm—these are the instincts of animals, possessed by all living beings."

"The difference between humans and beasts is slight."

"The difference is never in physical appearance or official rank, but in the ability to restrain one's instincts, uphold propriety and righteousness, and be loyal and responsible!"

Gao Zhao looked up at Xuan Zan, his tone calm yet imposing: "Just now, those powerful figures made a few empty promises and offered some bait for future prospects, and you've already shaken the morale of the army and hesitated to give orders..."

"At that moment, you were driven by selfish instincts and lost your moral compass as a general and a subject."

"When commoners abandon benevolence and righteousness, they become like beasts; when soldiers abandon loyalty and courage, they become rebellious soldiers! Xuan Zan, you want to be respected, but have you ever seen anyone respect a two-faced person?"

This question, though not harsh in tone, sent a cold sweat down Xuanzan's back, made his legs go numb, and made him lower his head, not daring to look up, filled with shame and fear.

Xuan Zan was a military officer by profession, so he was naturally literate. Later, he became the son-in-law of the emperor, and he often received scholars and literati. In order not to be looked down upon, he also read a lot of books.

Therefore, he could understand the deeper meaning behind Gao Zhao's words.

At that moment, he had only one thought in his mind: he was wrong, he had misjudged this young master!

I had heard many rumors about his unruly behavior in the past, and from what I had seen him before, I thought he was frivolous and shallow, a typical playboy.

But have you ever seen a spoiled brat who can so clearly explain the difference between humans and animals in Mencius's teachings, and even use it to warn and remind himself of this?

How could he be some kind of good-for-nothing playboy?

This insight and this kind of reasoning even surpass those of many well-read civil officials in the imperial court.

It seems everyone in the world has been fooled by this young master!

Xuan Zan bowed deeply, his voice slightly hoarse, and solemnly said, "The sect's reprimand is correct. This humble servant lacks resolve and has failed the sect's high expectations. This humble servant is extremely ashamed and begs the sect to give this humble servant another chance!"

He had no choice. Tonight's actions, whether sincere or not, had already offended those powerful figures. If he were to further offend Gao Zhao now, he would truly have nowhere to turn!

Seeing his sincere attitude, Gao Zhao's expression softened slightly. The young master was magnanimous and wouldn't care about such things. What mattered most was Xuan Zan's attitude!

Of course, running out of words was also a minor reason!

It's a pity that I didn't pester my old teacher to teach me a few more words when I was studying at Biyong!

This thing is incredibly useful for both showing off and insulting others; you really do regret not having enough knowledge when you need it!

Mencius truly deserves his reputation as a master of insults... a sage of Confucianism!

You still need to study!

Gao Zhao did not respond immediately, but simply looked at him quietly with a calm expression.

An invisible pressure spread out. Xuanzan bowed his head, feeling breathless and unable to breathe in the oppressive atmosphere. The surroundings were silent, and he could only hear his own heartbeat getting faster and louder.

"Xuan Zan!" Gao Zhao finally spoke, his voice not loud, but it hit Xuan Zan's heart like a heavy hammer, making him tremble all over. He felt as if air was leaking from his chest, and he gasped for breath.

"The gatekeeper... this humble... this humble servant is..." Xuan Zan said, bowing his head in shame. He was a man in his fifties, yet he was overwhelmed by the aura of a teenager, so nervous that he couldn't speak. It was truly embarrassing.

"The opportunities one encounters in life are few, and those who can defy fate are even fewer!"

Gao Zhao spoke calmly, yet each word was forceful: "You are a prince consort, yet you are trapped here, unable to use your talents, long relegated to a lowly position, being driven by others. I couldn't bear to see your ambition wane and you sink into despair, so I gave you a chance, but you... alas!"

"I...I did have some inappropriate thoughts just now, but thankfully I didn't act on them! I hope you will forgive me!"

Xuan Zan felt ashamed and embarrassed. He bent over even more, his heart filled with mixed emotions and fear. If Gao Zhao really abandoned him, he would be finished. Those powerful people would never let him go, and his fate would be unimaginable!

Gao Zhao observed his expression, and seeing that the time was right, he said in a low voice, "You thought you were just hesitating? You're wrong. This is betrayal! You've betrayed me, the one who dared to defy the Prince's authority and give you this opportunity, and you've also betrayed your comrades who shared life and death with you!"

"You think you're all-powerful, but you're actually incredibly foolish."

Gao Zhao's tone grew increasingly cold, completely crushing the last shred of hope in his heart:

"Do you think letting powerful and influential people go will earn you favors or a better future?"

"These privileged sons of noble families, today they offer you high-ranking positions and generous salaries while you're in dire straits, but tomorrow, once the storm has passed, their first act will be to silence you! Do you know all the evidence of their crimes at Guifanlou and their illegal minting? Do you think they'll tolerate you?"

"Even if they could tolerate it, who would want to employ a traitor, especially one whom you betrayed when you were down on your luck and gave you a chance!"

Xuanzan trembled violently, his scalp tingled, his knees almost buckled, and he became completely stiff.

In his mind, he was able to get the opportunity from Gao Zhao because of his own abilities; he persuaded Gao Zhao with his intelligence and wisdom.

In fact, whatever means he used to obtain this opportunity, it was given to him by Gao Zhao, and that is an established fact!

Conversely, his betrayal is also an undeniable fact!

None of these things are subject to his personal will!

Gao Zhao stopped looking at him, stepped into the wind and snow, and walked slowly forward.

Xuanzan hurriedly chased after him for two steps, reaching out to stop him, but when he opened his mouth, he didn't know what to say. He could only stop dejectedly, his mind a mess, not knowing what to do.

"Xuan Zan, this will be your last chance to be rewarded for your merits. Think carefully!"

Gao Zhao's voice came from afar, his tone was calm, but it was like a shot of adrenaline to Xuan Zan's heart!

He abruptly raised his head, his face beaming with barely suppressed joy, his eyes gleaming with unwavering determination. He bowed deeply once more, saying, "Many thanks for your guidance, esteemed Master Gao! Xuanzan will certainly live up to your expectations!"

[Gratitude points from Xuanzan +1]

You have acquired the basic archery skill.

Gao Zhao looked at the pop-up window that flashed before his eyes and smiled with satisfaction.

What a rewarding day!

Next, it's time to continue extracting benefits from those powerful and influential people!