Control your ancestors and create an immortal family starting from the Eastern Han Dynasty

Chapter 103 The Crown Prince's Turmoil, On the Eve of the Great Battle (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
October of the eleventh year of Yanxi.

The Wuhuan and Xianbei forces, numbering in the tens of thousands, attacked Youzhou.

Although they were driven back by Lu Kang and Wen Qin.

But this is undoubtedly a signal, further confirming Gu Yi's guess.

Clearly, this war between the Nine Provinces and the barbarians was destined to be unavoidable.

Gu Yi must be prepared no matter what.

Compared to Gu Yi's caution, neither the officials nor the common people of the Han Dynasty took it seriously at all.

Perhaps it was because Gu Chen's achievements back then were simply too great.

This greatly exacerbated the disdain of Han officials and common people towards the barbarians from all directions.

Even though the Han Dynasty is still in the recovery phase.

But the common people remain the same.

To them, the attack on the Han Dynasty by the barbarians from all sides was like a mayfly trying to shake a tree.

This kind of thinking is destined to be a hidden danger.

Although the Han Dynasty is indeed quite powerful now, if everyone were not so arrogant, they would definitely pay a heavy price.

But to think that these things can be changed is nothing short of wishful thinking.

The Han people's disdain for barbarians was deeply ingrained in their very being.

This is a habit formed over thousands of years of prosperity.

Gu Yi wouldn't be so naive as to focus his efforts on this aspect.

He was simply more concerned with the frontier, including not only Youzhou but also the barbarians in all directions.

This includes the tribes that Gu Chen migrated there back then.

In fact, Gu Yi had always felt that the most amazing thing about the Kyushu culture was its inclusiveness.

In the original history;

—Throughout Kyushu's thousands of years of history, there have been far too many tribes that have been assimilated by Kyushu's culture.

This is how these tribes are now.

Gu Chen initially selected tribes that were skilled in farming.

These tribes had a strong yearning for the culture of the Central Plains and were more suited to the culture of Kyushu.

Now they have even developed a sense of identification with the Han Dynasty.

Especially newborn children.

Their recognition of Kyushu culture has even surpassed that of their original tribal culture.

As long as the Han Dynasty exists, this phenomenon will inevitably become more and more severe with each generation.

This phenomenon gave Gu Yi a lot of ideas.

—For example, the great integration of cultures.

To truly lay a solid foundation for the future of Kyushu.

But after some deep thought, he suppressed these unrealistic ideas.

This idea is far too naive.

At the very least, with the current level of productivity, the Han Dynasty does not have the strength to suppress all the barbarians, so this idea is impossible to realize.

Time flies by.

Gu Yi gradually relinquished his interference in court affairs, choosing to entrust everything to Zhang Huazhong, Du Yu, and others.

Fortunately, these people are quite capable.

Furthermore, due to the influence of the Gu family, they also maintained a firm attitude towards the various systems established by Gu Yi.

In addition, the court officials' will to resist was getting weaker and weaker.

This finally freed up some time for Gu Yi to begin preparing supplies from all directions.

As Gu Yi's actions became more and more significant, the officials in the court gradually discerned his intentions, and the prevailing opinion in the court inevitably shifted to this matter.

Many ministers suspected that Gu Ye intended to emulate Gu Chen and wage war against the barbarians on all sides.

This is no small matter for them.

No one wanted to break the peace and suddenly start a war.

The current Han Dynasty has been replaced by its third generation, and it has completely lost the courage and determination of those who came through the war.

To them, waging war against the barbarians in all directions was a completely harmful and unprofitable thing.

Even if we win, what then?

The lands of the surrounding barbarians were, in their eyes, barren wastelands.

More and more memorials piled up at Zhang Hua's office.

At first, Zhang Hua was able to suppress these memorials, but as Gu Yi's actions became more frequent, the voices opposing such things grew stronger and stronger.

Gu Yi had absolutely no interest in paying attention to these people.

In fact, if he hadn't known what would happen next, he might have been one of these people.

This kind of thing is hard to explain.

Gu Yi simply went to see Liu Shan and reiterated everything that Gu Chen had done in his later years.

Then——

Liu Shan then suppressed these memorials.

However, Liu Shan was also somewhat worried about this, as he was unwilling to let Gu Ye leave Luoyang.

The rumors circulating in the imperial court made him very nervous.

Liu Shan is no longer young; in fact, he could be said to be in his twilight years.

But that's precisely why.

His attitude toward this matter was very firm.

Even after being emperor for so many years, he still relied heavily on the Gu family, just as he had in the beginning, and this dependence only grew stronger.

He feared that the story of Gu Chen and Zhuge Liang would repeat itself.

But when it comes to matters concerning a nation, how can they be changed because of the will of one person?

Gu Ye was eventually going to leave Luoyang.

This is for sure!

But this time, Gu Yi still managed to get Gu Ye to agree to Liu Shan's request.

He needs more time.
July of the thirteenth year of Yanxi;

News has arrived from Yizhou that General Deng Ai, the General Who Guards the West, has died in Chengdu.

Since then——

All the generals that Gu Chen left behind for the Han Dynasty have passed away.

A glorious era has come to a complete end.

Unlike other generals, Deng Ai's achievements were not limited to guarding a region, but also included meritorious service in land reclamation.

Although Gu Chen was involved in this.

However, it cannot be denied that Deng Ai's ability to establish military settlements was equally extraordinary.

Liu Shan was deeply saddened by this and held a grand funeral for him as well.

Gu Yi sent Yang Hu to Yizhou to take over Deng Ai's official position.

This was the result of his careful consideration.

It was precisely because the policy of military colonization was so successful in Yizhou that the southwestern barbarians were the most friendly to the Han Dynasty among all the various barbarian groups.

Gu Yi could not possibly send someone who only knew how to wage war to Yizhou.

Yang Hu is a very suitable choice.

But bad news followed one after another; Liu Shan suddenly fell ill after the funeral.

When the emperor falls ill, it is no small matter, regardless of its severity.

Although Emperor Liu Shan was more like a mascot in the Han Dynasty, he still held power.

The sudden illness caught everyone off guard.

Even Gu Yi was surprised that this would happen.

According to Gu Yi's assessment, Liu Shan's lifespan would definitely exceed the original historical record.

After all, history has changed too much, and even Zhuge Liang lived several years longer than in the original historical account.

A person with Liu Shan's personality would definitely live longer than in the original history.

I never expected this to happen.

The key is--

Liu Shan's illness made him realize another potential threat to the Han Dynasty.

That was Crown Prince Liu Xuan.

There are not many records about Liu Xuan in the original history, and Gu Yi's understanding of him is only based on his current direct contact with him.

Before Liu Shan fell ill;
Although Liu Xuan was dissolute, his character was acceptable.

In addition, due to Liu Shan's influence, he has always held the Gu family in high esteem over the years.

But after Liu Shan fell ill
As Crown Prince Liu Xuan gradually gained some power, his character flaws began to surface.

This person is extremely stubborn and ambitious.

He can be said to be the complete opposite of Liu Shan in character.

Liu Shan knew he lacked the ability to do things, so he never thought about anything else and entrusted everything to capable ministers.

But Liu Xuan was completely different—

Even though he had absolutely no experience in politics, he still wanted to get involved.

Although Liu Xuan's attitude towards Lady Gu was not bad.

But this alone is enough to illustrate the characteristics of his personality.

Don't forget, Liu Xuan is not the emperor yet!

This quickly put Gu Yi on alert; in fact, he had considered this issue before.

After all, Liu Shan would eventually die.

If a major war were to actually break out at that time, then the position of the emperor would be extremely crucial.

However, Liu Xuan's true personality had not yet been fully revealed.

But that's different now.

Liu Xuan's talent was quite mediocre; if such a person were to become emperor...

With his personality
What will the Han Dynasty look like then?

Gu Yi's personality is such that he would not hesitate when faced with important matters.

Especially after such a long period of observation and hands-on experience, Gu Yi's skills have improved without him even realizing it.

This is a matter of great importance, concerning the fate of the entire nation and the life and death of the Gu family.

He absolutely cannot tolerate any mistakes.

However, the Gu family must, at least openly, absolutely not be involved in the disputes over the succession of imperial power.

Otherwise, it would definitely leave a huge risk.

The world is no longer in chaos, and Gu Yi must consider the future.

Under these circumstances—

A thought quickly arose in Gu Yi's mind.

After considering everything.

Gu Yi immediately manipulated Gu Ye to release the news that he was also ill.

They then closed the gates of the Marquis of Champion's residence and did not see anyone.

Luoyang.

The series of upheavals eventually plunged the Han Dynasty court into chaos.

Regarding Liu Shan's illness.

In fact, the courtiers were able to accept it, after all, Liu Shan was already quite old.

But regarding the news of Gu Ye's illness
The ministers were quite surprised.

Zhang Huazhong and others arrived with their cameras, but Gu Yi refused to see anyone, only accepting Liu Shan's condolences. This situation was even more puzzling.

An invisible undercurrent instantly swept through the entire Han Dynasty court.

Fortunately, Zhang Hua and others were highly capable, which stabilized the situation in the court and prevented it from descending into chaos.

But with the return of the Han Dynasty's imperial examinations...

This precarious balance was eventually disrupted once again.

Prime Minister's House.

"Prime Minister, I want to set the questions myself!"

Liu Xuan stared intently at Zhang Hua and said with a serious expression, "As the Crown Prince of the Han Dynasty, it is only natural for me to select capable people for the Han Dynasty."

"Why won't the Prime Minister agree?"

Looking at Zhang Hua in front of him, Liu Xuan's face was full of anger.

As Gu Ye continued to stay indoors, and Liu Chan's health showed no improvement.

His authority as the crown prince was growing.

“Your Highness,” Zhang Hua said earnestly, meeting Liu Xuan’s angry gaze without the slightest fear, “The examination papers for the imperial examinations of our Great Han Dynasty have always been determined based on actual events.”

"The examination papers for this imperial examination were already decided by Master Gu long ago."

"How can it be changed arbitrarily?"

"Please forgive me, Your Highness, but I absolutely cannot agree to this."

Zhang Hua's expression was very serious, and he did not budge an inch.

Upon hearing this, Liu Xuan's dissatisfaction intensified, but he did not lash out directly. Instead, he retreated and said, "Then I want to add 'horse racing' to the Special Branch!"

Without the slightest hesitation, Zhang Hua immediately shook his head: "Your Highness, this is absolutely unacceptable."

"The imperial examination system is the method for selecting officials in our great Han Dynasty."

"The people of the world are all waiting for this matter."

"If Your Highness were to add horse racing and recreation to the Special Branch, it would surely encourage people from all directions to enjoy these activities."

"It is of no benefit to the country."

Zhang Hua's attitude remained resolute from beginning to end.

"Zhang Hua!"

Liu Xuan was furious. He slammed his fist on the table in front of Zhang Hua and shouted, "I am the Crown Prince of the Han Dynasty! How dare you treat me like this?"

Zhang Hua didn't speak, but just silently looked at Liu Xuan.

The anger on Liu Xuan's face intensified.

But after all, Zhang Hua was the prime minister, and no matter how proud he was, he dared not do anything to Zhang Hua.

He simply stared intently at Zhang Hua, gave a cold snort, and then turned and left.

But how could this matter end like this?

When a person is completely free of any constraints, the weaknesses in their character will only be exposed more and more.

At the beginning, there were ministers who supported Liu Xuan.

But this undoubtedly emboldened Liu Xuan, and his actions eventually caused increasing dissatisfaction among people throughout the court.

Ultimately, the current court of the Han Dynasty is still on a positive track.

Although the ministers would compete for interests.

However, they all share a common bottom line.

Liu Xuan, a crown prince who had been suppressed for too long and was suddenly released, was bound to arouse dissatisfaction among everyone.

Just three days later.

Liu Xuan did something even more significant.

Upon returning from a hunt, he galloped through Luoyang on horseback, trampling a civilian to death.

The moment the grievance bell rang beneath the "Wailing Wall".

This matter eventually reached the imperial court!

The entire court was shaken!

Upon hearing this, almost all officials, both in and out of the government, were furious.

Of course, their anger was not solely due to the dead civilians.

The most crucial factor was Liu Xuan's actions.

Liu Shan is still ill.

As the crown prince, Liu Xuan disregarded filial piety and dared to go hunting outside the city, even trampling civilians to death.

How could they not be angry?
The courtiers still had feelings for Emperor Liu Shan.

At least—

Emperor Liu Shan was arguably the most good-tempered emperor; as long as you didn't cross his line, there was no risk involved.

The administration of the Han Dynasty has not collapsed like that of the Former Han Dynasty.

This incident ultimately aroused public outrage.

Even Zhang Hua could no longer suppress the overwhelming flood of memorials, and the entire court was in an uproar.

It was under these circumstances that...

Liu Xuan finally felt a little panicked.

He first went to see Zhang Hua, hoping that Zhang Hua would help him suppress all these memorials.

But Zhang Hua never even saw him.

Subsequently, Liu Xuan could only go to the Marquis of Champion's residence, hoping that Gu Ye could help him get through this ordeal.

This was his first time visiting Gu Ye.

Even Gu Yi hadn't expected Liu Xuan to change like this in such a short time.

Although he had already thought of it.
Given Liu Xuan's personality, he would definitely cause trouble if he were no longer restrained.

But hasn't this mess gone way too far?
It can only be said that there are reasons why Liu Xuan's record in the original history is not as good as Liu Chen's.

History has completely changed.

However, when it comes to an individual's personality, it is ultimately difficult to change.

Gu Yi naturally wouldn't go to see Liu Xuan.

He did this to sever all ties between the Gu family and all of this.

Liu Xuan was utterly desperate.

He was just the crown prince; the anger of the entire court was not something he could bear!

Especially now that Liu Shan is still alive.

He could only pray that Liu Shan would not wake up again.

But some things are already destined.

Just two days later.

Liu Shan's health finally improved, and he was able to stay awake for longer periods each day, eventually hearing about the matter.

That very night—

Immediately, someone from the palace rushed to the Marquis of Champion's residence, wanting to summon Gu Ye to the palace.

This time, Gu Yi made a move.

That night.

The atmosphere in the silent palace was extremely heavy.

Gu Ye followed the eunuch all the way to the North Palace and immediately saw Liu Shan on the bed.

For some reason—

Gu Yi suddenly felt that Liu Shan in front of him had changed.

There was a new emotion in his eyes.

Gu Yi was no stranger to this kind of gaze.

That's a worry about the future.

"Your Majesty." Gu Yi immediately instructed Gu Ye to bow.

This time, Liu Shan behaved very maturely, unlike before when he was casual. Instead, he looked at Gu Ye seriously and asked, "Zhaode, how is your health?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. I am well." Gu Yi quickly replied.

Upon hearing this, Liu Shan nodded leisurely: "It's good that you're alright."

He paused slightly in his speech.

A tear suddenly rolled down his cheek, and his voice was full of regret: "Zhaode, I am unfilial."

"His Majesty!"

Without Gu Yi's intervention, Gu Ye's expression suddenly changed, and he immediately knelt down: "Your Majesty, why are you doing this?"

"Ha~"

Liu Shan smiled self-deprecatingly and looked up at the sky: "I have failed the expectations of the late emperor and my tutor, and have raised such a crown prince."

"Am I not unfilial?"

As he spoke, tears continued to stream down his face.

He did indeed neglect the education of the princes.

Perhaps because Liu Bei was too strict with him at the time, Liu Shan always had a psychological shadow.

Therefore, he was lenient in his approach to the education of his children.

I thought that even the worst outcome would be like his.

Unexpectedly, reality dealt him a severe blow.

"Your Majesty must not even entertain such a thought," Gu Ye quickly said.

But before he could finish speaking...

Liu Shan waved his hand and looked at Gu Ye again: "Zhaode, I am old."

"I"

"I'm afraid there's not much time left."

"How can I be at ease with the Crown Prince's personality?"

This was the first time Liu Shan had worried about the state, and he couldn't suppress this feeling at all.

This serious illness, coupled with Liu Xuan's behavior, completely panicked him.

Looking at Liu Shan in front of him.

Without hesitation, Gu Yi took a deep breath and immediately said, "Your Majesty, I request that the Crown Prince be deposed!"

"The deposed crown prince?"

Liu Shan did not show any dissatisfaction with Gu Ye, but looked at Gu Ye and asked, "Deposing the eldest son and establishing the youngest is not a way to invite disaster?"

"like"

"Your Majesty!" Gu Yi interrupted Liu Shan without regard for etiquette, cupping his hands and saying earnestly, "An incompetent general can cause the death of the entire army."

"If the emperor is without virtue, the state is in danger."

"Given the Crown Prince's character, we must not allow him to become the ruler."

"How many heroic souls have perished to bring our great Han dynasty to this point? Your Majesty, I urge you to reconsider."

As soon as he finished speaking, the entire North Palace fell silent.

Liu Shan stared intently at Gu Ye.

After a long silence, he finally said quietly, "In your opinion, Zhaode, who should be chosen as the crown prince?"

"King of the North—"

Without hesitation, Gu Yi immediately replied, "Liu Chen!"

Upon hearing this, Liu Shan's eyes narrowed slightly, and he fell silent again.

He seemed to be reflecting on Liu Chen's personality.

After a long while, he finally nodded slightly.

P.S.: Requesting monthly votes.
(End of this chapter)