Wan Province Imperial Palace.
Great General Who Pacifies the Nation Gu Chengxuan entered the Imperial Study and respectfully bowed to Li Nan, who sat behind his desk.
Li Nan did not stand on ceremony. Raising a hand to indicate that no excessive formalities were needed, he said directly, "I summoned you here because there is something I wish to discuss. General, you hold an important post and have labored for Da Yang for many years. It is time you enjoyed some peace and comfort."
After speaking, Li Nan looked calmly at Gu Chengxuan.
Gu Chengxuan's heart thudded. Li Nan wanted him to surrender his military authority.
Now that the Red Eyebrow Army of Yan Province had marched south, Da Yang's last remaining forces were locked in battle with them at the border of Wan Province.
Yet at such a moment, Li Nan wanted him to hand over his military authority!
Neither agreeing nor refusing was an option. Caught completely off guard, Gu Chengxuan darkened his face. "Your Majesty, the Late Emperor entrusted Your Majesty to me. Your Majesty's orders are naturally for this servant to obey. But war has broken out again. If I hand over military authority now, I fear it will shake the army's morale."
After hearing this, a false smile appeared on Li Nan's face. "The Great General need only hand over military authority. As for the war at the front, I will still need the General to oversee it."
Having said that, he simply looked calmly at Gu Chengxuan.
Knowing that there was no muddling through this matter today, Gu Chengxuan's expression grew grave. Slowly clasping his hands, he said, "This servant obeys the decree!"
With that, Gu Chengxuan reached into his robes, took out a golden tally, and personally presented it to Li Nan.
Li