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

Chapter 131 What is a prosperous age? Julu demonstrates its ambition (Seeking monthly votes)
Li Shimin's idea surprised everyone.

Chang'an is not exactly close to Julu.

Moreover, Dou Jiande has now occupied most of Hebei. Although he did not attack Julu, he did hold a sacrifice to enhance his prestige.

However, this does not mean that Li Shimin's trip to Julu was safe.

He is no longer an unknown player.

Although his reputation is far from being world-renowned, he has already begun to gain fame.

If Dou Jiande were to learn of this, Li Shimin would definitely be in danger.

Because he couldn't possibly bring many men with him on this trip.

Even Gu Yi was quite surprised by this, never expecting Li Shimin to make this decision at such a time.

Not only did Li Yuan disagree, but Xue San also tried to dissuade Li Shimin.

But Li Shimin had his own reasons.

Changan.

“Father, you must go no matter what.”

Li Shimin looked at Li Yuan with a solemn expression and said seriously, "The world is in chaos. Lord Gu has sent people to investigate the various lords. What does this mean?"

"—The Gu family already has the intention to withdraw from the world!"

Instantly, Li Yuan's expression changed slightly.

"Although the Gu family's prestige has been gradually declining in recent years, in the current situation, the emergence of the Gu family would definitely affect the situation of the various lords."

"Although my Li family now occupies Guanzhong, it seems that our foundation is already solid."

"Yes——"

"Has Father ever considered what title he should use to address the world?"

Li Shimin couldn't help but ask again.

This is one of the changes.

Because Li Yuan believed that the Gu family supported him, he did not use the name of supporting the Sui Dynasty to revitalize the court as originally stated in history.

He also has ambitions.

If the Gu family can support him, why can't he seize the throne?
But the situation is different now.

Li Shimin was lying to him.

Moreover, news of Yang Guang's death had not yet arrived, so Li Yuan was naturally taken aback.

But after only a brief moment of consideration, he slowly said, "We may establish Prince Yang You of Dai as the ruler."

He cannot become emperor.

Under the current circumstances, declaring himself emperor would certainly make him a target of public criticism, and Li Yuan was no fool.

Upon hearing this, a hint of disappointment inevitably arose in the eyes of everyone present.

They all hoped that Li Yuan would become emperor.

This can bring them unimaginable benefits.

Only Li Shimin's expression remained unchanged as he looked at Li Yuan earnestly and asked, "But what if the Gu family helps us?"

A simple sentence caused the atmosphere in the hall to change abruptly.

Even Li Yuan was stunned.

If he could get the Gu family's help, then there would be no need to say more about what he wanted to do!
"Father."

Li Shimin looked at Li Yuan seriously and said, "Since the reign of Emperor Li of the Former Han Dynasty, the world has been in chaos. Although the people of the nine provinces have enjoyed a few years of peace, it is of no use."

"The hearts of the people are weary."

"If my Li family truly wishes to rule the world and create a new golden age, the Gu family can be our right and left arms!"

He earnestly explained his analysis.

Li Shimin's goal was too firm.

He wanted to be the second Gu Chen, whether in martial arts or in civil administration.

He wants to turn the entire Kyushu region right.

To create a truly prosperous era.

Now is the turning point. Since the Gu family has shown their intention to emerge from the world, winning their support is far more important than continuing to conquer cities and territories.

He is laying the foundation for a prosperous era.

This demonstrates Li Shimin's accurate assessment of the situation!
He was naturally aware of the dangers involved.

But Li Shimin's courage was unmatched by others; once he made a decision, he would not hesitate any longer.

In fact, having Li Yuan go in person would have been the most effective way to handle this matter.

Even at the very least, he was Li Jiancheng, the eldest son.

Unfortunately, Li Yuan, as the commander of the three armies, could not go, and Li Jiancheng was in the same situation in the rear.

And the dangers involved in this action.

Only Li Shimin, who always dared to lead from the front, would dare to go.

The entire hall was completely silent.

In fact, for Pei Ji and others, allowing the Gu family to enter the court again was a huge blow to them.

But things always have two sides.

With the world still unsettled and the future uncertain, the Gu family could bring them immense benefits.

That's why these people's expressions were so complicated.

Li Yuan was the same. He looked at his son seriously and remained silent for a long time before asking, "Second Brother, have you really thought this through?"

"My mind is made up!"

Li Shimin did not hesitate at all.

Seeing this, Li Yuan couldn't help but sigh again, then waved his hand and said, "In that case, you may go."

"If this can be accomplished..."

"One day you will surely be the envoy of the Li family to conquer all directions!"

Having the Gu family's assistance is beneficial to the overall situation.

As the commander of the three armies, Li Yuan could not say much.

And so the matter was settled.

Li Yuan was still very worried about Li Shimin and wanted to have Li Shimin bring as many elite troops as possible.

But Li Shimin refused to do so.

He didn't even bring any extra troops, only a few of his trusted men.

—Li Jing; Qu Tutong; and Xue San and others.

Why bring any troops?
The principle of this trip is to be fast, accurate, and ruthless.

For Li Shimin

A thousand troops are useless; these few people are enough!
Running all the way.

Li Shimin truly longed for Julu; from childhood to adulthood, he had dreamed of this "sacred place" countless times.

Although they face danger at all times.

But throughout, Li Shimin's mood remained relaxed and cheerful.

Xue San originally thought that Li Shimin would gradually distance himself from him after learning his identity.

After all, no one likes having someone else send them to watch over them.

But Li Shimin didn't care at all.

She even grew increasingly close to Xue San.

Throughout the journey, he kept asking Xue San about the situation inside Julu.

Aside from a few key issues, Xue San did not hide anything and told Li Shimin about the lives of the people of Julu.

Whenever he talks about these things, he always looks nostalgic.

Simple and ordinary.

But I am incredibly content.

Li Shimin listened very attentively. Compared to those exaggerated rumors, what Xue San said was much more normal and not exaggerated at all.

But Li Shimin was not disappointed at all.

On the contrary, he longed for Julu even more.

Isn't a prefecture that can enjoy hundreds of years of peace a sacred place?

Why bother with so many ghost stories?

Most importantly, Xue San's words gave Li Shimin a deeper understanding of the prosperous era he wanted to create.

He didn't ask anything secretive, such as how many people like Xue San the Gu family had.

Li Shimin didn't care about these things.

In contrast, what he wanted to know even more was the opinion of the people of Julu regarding Gu Chen.

Upon hearing this question, Xue San's face instantly lit up with undisguised admiration, and he remained silent for a long time before answering it.

“Our ancestors have been receiving the favors of the Gu family since the time of Emperor Guangwu.”

"This has been true from generation to generation, and it remains true to this day."

"In years of great disaster, the Gu family will provide us with food; in times of great chaos, the Gu family will protect us."

Even in ordinary years

"The Gu family also taught us to read and treated our illnesses."

He did not mention Gu Chen separately.

Because in the hearts of every resident of Julu, every generation of the Gu family is the same, and they have always been grateful to them.

It is inappropriate to single out Gu Chen, Gu Xi, and others!
"It was the Gu family that ensured every household had surplus grain; it was the Gu family that allowed us to survive in those times."

Li Shimin listened very attentively, as did the others.

This was the first time they had come to understand Julu from a different perspective.

Unbeknownst to him, Li Shimin had become increasingly silent.

The scene Xue San described was clearly disconnected from the reality they were seeing.

War; refugees; bandits; robbers;
Everything in reality seemed to have made Li Shimin think of something.

Gu Chen's path will not be so easy.

Turning the tide of chaos into a golden age.

Favorable timing, advantageous location, and harmonious relationships are all indispensable.

But will Li Shimin back down?

Obviously not!

Gu Yi was also silently observing all of this, and anticipation was gradually growing in his heart.

This is the spark that flew between the Gu family and Li Shimin.

Although he doesn't know what changes history will bring in the future, he is still extremely excited about it!
It took Li Shimin nearly a month to finally reach Julu. Along the way, they naturally encountered many dangers.

However, it only describes bandits; they were completely ineffective against the group.

From the moment Li Shimin officially stepped into Julu County, he could clearly feel the difference.

The refugees have disappeared;
The bandits have disappeared;
The chaos and disorder seem to have disappeared;
In fact, even Gu Yi had never thought of this. Through the efforts of generations, Julu has become a sacred place in the entire Kyushu, and it can even influence the modern world.

This was something he had never imagined.

Even he was sometimes shocked when he saw everything inside Julu, let alone Li Shimin.

He had absolutely no recollection of the so-called golden age.

Although everyone says that the Kaihuang era was a true golden age, it still falls far short of Julu.

This time, Li Shimin remained completely silent.

The sounds of laughter and joy from the people, the students diligently studying at the Gu family school, the waterwheels in the fields, and the busy farmers.

All of this greatly shocked Li Shimin.

Is this what a golden age looks like?
His feelings grew increasingly complicated, and he became more and more silent, following Xue San straight to the Gu residence.

He couldn't make a big fuss, nor could he reveal his identity.

In fact, Li Yuan did send Li Shimin some gifts, all of which were rare treasures.

But after Li Shimin saw these things with his own eyes...

Suddenly, I felt that these gifts were really unworthy of the Gu family.

This family influence.

It has completely transcended any external object.

Does the Gu family need money?
Do we need those so-called rare treasures?

How could these things possibly be worthy of the Gu family?
Even Li Shimin himself may not have realized that his understanding of a prosperous era had been taking shape imperceptibly.

Gu Mansion.

When Gu Yu met Li Shimin, he was extremely surprised.

To prevent the news from leaking.

Li Shimin did not send a formal invitation in advance, nor did Xue San send any message.

This does not mean that Xue San has any ulterior motives.

Instead, there's no need to do that.

How many people come to the land of Julu every day?

Li Shimin did not come to attack Julu; he only brought a few men with him, so he could not possibly pose any danger to Julu.

Why bother saying more?
However, Gu Yu recognized Li Shimin the moment he saw him.

Although Li Shimin looked a bit disheveled after a long journey, his resemblance to Li Yuan was still easily discernible.

"Li Shimin, the second son of the Li family, pays his respects to Lord Gu!"

Li Shimin was clearly prepared, and the moment he saw Gu Yu, he immediately bowed respectfully to him.

"I've met the young master."

Gu Yu returned the greeting respectfully, then gestured for them to enter, leading them inside.

Everything in the Gu residence bears the marks of time.

Li Shimin had been so casual the whole way, but he suddenly became a little nervous after entering the Gu residence.

Gu Yu did not show any particular attitude.

He treated the other feudal lords with the same courtesy, and even though he had guessed Li Shimin's purpose, he never said anything from beginning to end.

He was indeed somewhat surprised, not expecting Li Shimin to be so bold as to come to Julu.

But it's not enough to make a decision like that.

To his surprise, Li Shimin seemed to have forgotten the purpose of his trip, having not mentioned it at all in the two days leading up to his arrival.

He observed the Gu residence; he observed everything within Julu.

From the perspective of official administration;
To the daily lives of ordinary people;

He became increasingly silent.

Three days later, he finally found Gu Yu again, bowed respectfully, and said, "Please enlighten me, Lord Gu."

"I will speak frankly and without reservation." Gu Yu seemed to have been prepared for this all along, and even brought Li Shimin into the study.

Gu Yi could sense it.

Gu Yu also seems to have developed an interest in Li Shimin.

Li Shimin's actions over the past three days have indeed completely exceeded his expectations.

The study was unusually quiet.

Gu Yu looked at Li Shimin calmly and asked, "Does the young master have any questions?"

Li Shimin frowned slightly, remained silent for a long time as if organizing his thoughts, and then asked, "How should we build a prosperous era?"

Julu's situation was completely beyond his comprehension.

This raised many questions in him.

"Young Master, what kind of world do you think can be called a golden age?" Gu Yu asked instead of answering.

This time, Li Shimin did not hesitate and said directly, "We should be like Julu."

This came entirely from his heart.

Everything about Julu was something he had never seen before.

But Gu Yu shook his head this time: "Young master is mistaken. Julu has achieved its current state only after hundreds of years of peace. Is what you want to ask about merely the prosperity of a single prefecture?"

"The world!" Li Shimin immediately shook his head.

Gu Yu smiled and said, "Then I can tell you, young master, if one day you can ensure that most of the people in the world have enough to eat, then it can be called a golden age."

His tone was very casual.

Throughout history, perhaps no one understands the so-called golden age better than Gu Yu.

Even during the Kaihuang era, this could not be achieved.

But that could be considered a golden age!

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin fell silent once again, his brows furrowed.

He is still too young.

From the chaotic land to the sacred place of Julu, and then to Gu Yu's assessment of the prosperous era.

The stark contrast between before and after made his thoughts increasingly chaotic.

Gu Yu didn't say anything more, allowing Li Shimin a long time to process it before speaking softly again: "Having traveled this far, what are your thoughts on the world, young master?"

"Water can carry a boat, and it can also overturn it."

Li Shimin paused for a moment, then spoke seriously.

Gu Yu couldn't help but nod this time, praising, "Young master is wise and truly worthy of being called a celestial being."

After he finished speaking, the entire study fell silent once again.

Li Shimin's expression was extremely complex.

He actually had a lot to say, but he didn't know where to begin.

All of this—

It seemed really too early for him.

Gu Yu was indeed interested in Li Shimin. Seeing Li Shimin's state, he surprisingly agreed to let Li Shimin see the classics left by generations of Gu family ancestors.

Since the reign of Emperor Xiaoshun.

This was the first time a feudal lord had received such treatment.

Li Shimin felt extremely honored and wanted to thank Gu Yu, but he didn't know what to give in return.

As for those so-called rare treasures...

He had already given them to Xue San and felt embarrassed to present them as gifts.

But Gu Yu reassured him to observe with peace of mind.

This period of time was not particularly long. Li Shimin's talent was already quite good, not to mention that he was so dedicated to his work that he forgot to eat and sleep.

Gu Yi had been paying close attention to all of this, wanting to see firsthand how things would change.

Actually, this is not a particularly important thing.

Especially after so many years of talent shortage in the Gu family, those classic texts could no longer keep up with the changes in the world.

Most of these are pieces of advice from our ancestors.

To put it bluntly, it's about keeping the family members clear-headed.

But this is often the most difficult part, especially for those in power.

Only by staying constantly alert.

That way, we won't make too many wrong decisions.

Li Shimin watched very carefully, and seeing the efforts and sacrifices made by generations of people to ensure the continuation of the Gu family line, he seemed to gradually understand some of the reasons behind it.

A prosperous era;

Compromise and sacrifice.
It is through the efforts of generations that we have achieved everything we have today.

Li Shimin's gaze grew increasingly resolute.

Just half a month later, he seemed to come back to life, returning to his former spirited state.

His gaze was even more determined than before!
Gu Yu asked Li Shimin what he was thinking.

Li Shimin didn't say much, but simply wanted Gu Yu to take him to the Gu family ancestral hall to pay his respects.

If it were according to the past—

Li Shimin would at most bow to those few stone statues, and the one he bowed to most was Gu Chen.

But things are different now.

Li Shimin solemnly performed a sacrificial ceremony concerning the entire Gu family, and only at the very end did he reach Gu Chen's stone statue, kneel down directly, and say in a firm tone:
"Only today do we realize that a prosperous era is not a gift from heaven, but rather the product of human effort!"

"In this life, I, Shimin, am willing to uphold this heart, and wield a three-foot sword to usher in an era of lasting peace!"

He's making a declaration of his will!
------

"In the fourteenth year of the Daye era at the end of the Sui Dynasty, the world was in chaos. Li Shimin traveled east from Chang'an, intending to pay homage to the Gu family, and encountered the following along the way:"

In the north of the Wei River, starving corpses filled the roads, and old women cooked their own bodies; in the east of the Yellow River, people sold their children to fill their stomachs, and withered bones were left exposed in the wilderness.

Upon reaching the border of Julu, they suddenly saw:

The fields are neatly arranged, and the sounds of plows and hoes can be heard; young children recite "The Deer Cry" in the school, and old men distribute porridge on the street.

There are no backlogged cases in the courtroom; there are public scales in the marketplace.

Afterwards, he paid homage to Gu Chen and discussed the affairs of the world. He then observed politics for three days and read Gu Chen's classics for half a month. Before Gu Chen's portrait, he made a vow:
"Now, looking at Julu, I realize that 'a solid foundation ensures national peace' is the result of hard work and cultivation."

With this heart, I wish to ensure that all the people of the nine provinces may live under benevolent governance!

—From the Chinese Dictionary: Julu Mingzhi

(End of this chapter)