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

Chapter 154 All that the sun and moon shine upon belongs to Tang territory! (Seeking monthly votes)
The matter was quickly and completely settled.

At the same time, Gu Quan also began to quell the rebellion throughout the Hetao region.

He acted as a protector to Xue San and other members of the Gu family, always acting in the name of Gu Yan and doing his best to bring honor to the entire family.

It wasn't just Gu Yan and others who felt bitter; even Gu Yi felt the same way.

Gu Quan is truly a rare find.

His character, his sense of responsibility to the entire family, and his unwavering commitment are unmatched by anyone else.

He didn't care about fame or fortune at all.

They have always adhered to their own principles.

While contributing to the Gu family's prosperity, he also helped Li Shimin realize his grand ambitions.

Especially after integrating the Luoshu Harmonizing Weapon, his command attributes have become the pinnacle of his time.

Now he——

It was the sharpest blade between the Gu family and the Tang Dynasty.

With Li Shimin ensuring stability in the court and among the people, no one could stop his rise to power.

This is a perfect pair of ruler and minister.

Li Shimin's courage and ability gave Gu Quan absolute motivation, and this kind of monarch-minister relationship is extremely rare in the entire history of China.

In just a few months—

All the chaos in the four directions came to an end, and all the Hu nobles who were dissatisfied with this system were buried under the iron hooves of the Tang Dynasty.

Gu Quan showed absolutely no mercy.

Like Li Shimin, he always adhered to one principle: stability only exists under the sharp blade!
Clouds move in all directions.

Gu Quan and Li Shimin maintained a balance, ensuring that things on the frontier would not affect the development of the entire Kyushu region.

As the Tang Dynasty's system gradually unfolded...

The migration of the four tribes gradually came to an end and began to stabilize, including the strict control over officialdom.

Under these measures

The national strength of the Tang Dynasty was rising at an astonishing rate.

The resilience of the people of Kyushu is truly astonishing!

With Li Shimin continuously strengthening land supervision and reclaiming land to help poor farmers, this substantial increase was inevitable.

Especially with the ongoing revival of commerce.

Although this is just the beginning, the benefits of various tribes integrating into Kyushu are already becoming apparent, and the orderly development of commerce is undoubtedly helpful to a dynasty!

Good news kept arriving in Chang'an from all directions.

Li Shimin became increasingly confident.

All of this development did not bring him satisfaction, but rather aroused his even greater aspirations.

Unsurprisingly, he set his sights on the Western Regions.

Western Turks and Goguryeo.

These were all goals he had set long ago.

In addition, he also set a plan to repair post stations, deciding to repair post stations throughout the world, with Chang'an and Luoyang as the center.

This is no small project.

Li Shimin wanted to repair more than just one or two post stations.

He wanted to cover the entire country, setting up a post station every thirty li, thus maximizing the administrative efficiency of the entire Tang Dynasty!
This is indeed a big deal.

For a dynasty that had only recently unified the country, undertaking such a large-scale project was not a very prudent thing to do.

Especially considering the example of Yang Guang in the past.

In the Tang Dynasty court today, Yang Guang has become a prime example, and many ministers mention him in their remonstrances.

In just a few years, offering advice and remonstrances had become the norm in the Tang Dynasty court.

But this is the Tang Dynasty!

Moreover, it was the Tang Dynasty, which was based on the Gu family!
Since Gu Kang, the productivity of the entire Kyushu has far exceeded its original historical level and continues to develop over time.

The current recovery of Kyushu is the best example!

Repairing post stations was not a particularly difficult task for the Tang Dynasty.

Faced with the advice of his ministers.

Li Shimin earnestly told his ministers, "Don't look at the Tang Dynasty with the eyes of the previous dynasty. What they are going to create is an unprecedented golden age!"

In fact, at this point, it has become a universally acknowledged fact.

Li Shimin's abilities and courage were extraordinary.

Moreover, he was good at accepting advice.

How could an emperor with such character not create a prosperous era?
For the officials, being born in this era was definitely a stroke of good fortune!
Hetao region.

The twilight was as red as blood, and the setting sun burned the clouds on the horizon crimson.

Three hundred warhorses formed a square formation, their iron hooves crushing the gravel on the wasteland and raising billowing dust.

The burly men on horseback were clad in black armor, their curved swords gleaming coldly in the afterglow of the setting sun. The wolf head totems on their chests rose and fell with their heavy breathing, as if they were about to burst through the armor at any moment.

"kill!"

As a powerful horn sounded, the front-row cavalrymen simultaneously drew their scimitars, the blades slicing through the air with a piercing whistle.

In an instant, the entire plain trembled from this perfectly synchronized movement.

The scimitar drew a sharp arc in the air, its target being the straw man targets ahead.

In an instant—the straw on the scarecrow was shredded by the blade and flew everywhere.

The central army drum suddenly blared, its thunderous beats resounding like thunder. The infantry formation moved at the sound, raising their spears like a forest, their tips pointing straight to the sky.

They marched forward in unison to the rhythm of the drums, each step causing the earth to tremble.

"kill!!!"

"kill!!!"

"kill!!!"

Shouts of battle erupted from the chests of over a thousand soldiers, the sound waves were overwhelming, startling the birds in the distance into scattering and fleeing. Even the eagles circling high in the sky were frightened and swooped down, not daring to linger in this desolate airspace.

Gu Yan stood atop the high slope, watching this scene with a serious expression on his face.

He had been following Gu Quan's instructions, making a series of preparations for future battles, and training new soldiers.

Strong children are selected from various tribes and trained from a young age.

This is also a cultural rupture.

Li Shimin's arrangements for the four tribes were indeed based on everything Gu Yi had done when he manipulated Gu Ye in the past, preserving their culture and beliefs while carrying out a series of integrations and modifications.

These people today are the best examples.

As these people gradually came of age and took power in their respective tribes, they were considered to be people of Kyushu.

This is an open strategy—no one can reverse it.

Gu Yan watched all of this intently, supervising everyone's movements, and relying on the experience left by Gu Yu's years of training to train these people's endurance and teamwork.

In Gu Yi's view, almost everyone in the Gu family today is a master of training troops.

It has nothing to do with talent.

Relying solely on the experience left by our predecessors is sufficient!
But just then, the sound of galloping warhorses suddenly came from behind.

Gu Yan immediately turned his head and saw that Xue San and the other guards who had always followed Gu Quan had arrived.

Instantly, Gu Yan's expression became even more serious.

He quickly stepped forward and, without waiting for Xue San and the others to speak, asked, "What is it?"

Gu Quan rarely shows up in person.

The arrival of these people means that Gu Quan must have something on his mind.

"Young Master." Xue San immediately dismounted from his warhorse, still using his usual form of address, and bowed to Gu Yan, saying, "The eldest young master requests that you return to camp immediately."

Upon hearing this, Gu Yan frowned.

However, he did not say much. He simply summoned the generals who were training the troops, gave them a few instructions, and then headed straight for the main camp without further ado.

Upon seeing Gu Quan, he immediately asked, "Brother, what happened?"

He understood Gu Quan's personality very well.

Gu Quan would never send someone to find him directly unless it was something important.

"Make preparations. If I'm not mistaken, His Majesty will definitely order a western expedition within two months." Gu Quan didn't waste any words and spoke directly, saying seriously, "This matter should be put into practice."

His tone was very calm.

Upon hearing this, Gu Yan's eyes lit up instantly: "Is His Majesty finally planning to make a move?"

"Elder brother, how did you learn of this?" "Was it His Majesty who sent a letter?"

Li Shimin and Gu Quan maintained a correspondence.

He truly gave Gu Quan absolute trust; if Gu Quan had the will, he could even be said to be able to establish himself independently in the Hetao region.

Such trust is extremely rare in an emperor.

Gu Quan nodded, picked up the letter from the table in front of him, and handed it to Gu Yan, saying calmly, "His Majesty has not allowed me to return to the capital for two months in a row, so it seems that his mind is made up."

Perhaps it was truly out of personal motives, but in each of Li Shimin's letters, he wanted Gu Quan to return to Chang'an so that he wouldn't have to travel so far.

It happens every time!

However, Li Shimin did not mention the matter again on these two occasions.

Based on Gu Quan's understanding of Li Shimin, he had definitely made up his mind.

Although we cannot take drastic measures yet.

But he also needs to make preparations and plans in advance for this.

Gu Yan read the letter in his hand carefully, his expression becoming increasingly excited.

And which general doesn't want to fight?
But as a member of the Gu family, he was still somewhat worried. After pondering for a moment, he looked at Gu Quan and asked, "Elder brother, isn't the world currently repairing post stations?"

"If Your Majesty were to directly mobilize troops, wouldn't you become like Yang Guang of the past?"

He didn't continue, but the meaning of his words was already quite clear.

Because of Gu Zhe and other members of the Gu family, the entire Gu family now has a very poor attitude towards Emperor Yang Guang.

From the rise of the Gu family to the present day—

Having witnessed countless wise and foolish emperors, Yang Guang was the first emperor to force the Gu family members to their deaths. How could the Gu family possibly have any goodwill towards him?
"Do you think we will lose?" Gu Quan shook his head lightly: "Although we cannot be arrogant about the war, the Tang Dynasty of today is not the tyrannical Sui Dynasty of the past."

"The people's trust in the court and their adoration for His Majesty far surpasses that of Yang Guang in the past."

"Furthermore, the Western Turkic Khaganate remains internally unstable—"

"Whether they are internal tribes or small kingdoms in the Western Regions, they all have people who are loyal to our Great Tang. So what is there to fear?"

He paused slightly as he spoke.

Seeing Gu Yan nod, he spoke again: "This time, not all of us brothers can go to war. The river has only just been stabilized, and the Gu family must not leave."

"Only the Gu family currently has control over the Hetao region."

"You should inform your brothers."

"In addition, the provisions prepared in the past few days."

Gu Quan seemed to have already thought everything through, and told Gu Yan about his arrangements without any hesitation.

Gu Yan listened very attentively.

Looking at Gu Quan's scarred face and the gray hair that was gradually growing on his head, his expression became increasingly complicated.

He wanted to say something, but he couldn't bring himself to speak.

Gu Quan was indeed carrying too much on his shoulders.

In comparison, he, the so-called current head of the family, is far too incompetent.

But he ultimately couldn't say anything.

He understood Gu Quan's personality; no matter how much he wanted to do something for him, Gu Quan would never agree.

Do not--

Perhaps the only way he could be considered to be in accordance with Gu Quan's wishes was to do nothing.

The two brothers talked for a long time.

The very next day, the Hetao region, which had only recently calmed down, began to stir again.

Changan.

Gu Quan's guess was correct. As the repair of post stations gradually unfolded in various places without causing any impact on the overall Tang Dynasty, Li Shimin once again focused his attention on the Western Regions!
He's about to swing his sword again!
Tai Chi Hall.

"Your Majesty, the world is now prosperous, and construction projects are still underway. How can we wage war now? I humbly request that Your Majesty wait a while longer until the post stations in all directions are completed before taking any military action!"

"I second that proposal!!!"

"Your Majesty, remember that during the tyrannical Sui Dynasty, Emperor Yang Guang launched a campaign against Goguryeo while simultaneously undertaking construction, which led to the decline of the empire. Your Majesty should take this as a lesson!"

"."

The shouts were deafening, and their expressions were so solemn, as if they would die trying to persuade Li Shimin if he didn't listen to their advice.

Essential characteristics of feudal dynasties

When the world is completely at peace, these civil officials in the court will no longer want to fight.

And who would want to disrupt the current balance?

For these people, the Tang Dynasty is already strong enough!
Li Shimin looked calmly at the group of people in front of him, without saying a word. He looked at Changsun Wuji and the others at the head of the group and said indifferently, "Fuji, Xuanling, why don't you speak up?"

Upon hearing this, the hall immediately fell silent.

Fang Xuanling is currently the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, and Changsun Wuji is the Left General of the Martial Guard.

Both of them were Li Shimin's confidants.

His position in the court was self-evident.

Upon hearing this, the two did not hesitate and immediately spoke up for Li Shimin.

How could they not know Li Shimin's thoughts?
Fang Xuanling was alright; he was quite steady in character and actually agreed in his heart that it was better to wait until other major issues were resolved before launching a military campaign.

But Changsun Wuji spoke very vehemently.

As the two spoke in turn, a debate immediately erupted throughout the hall.

This is the current political atmosphere of the Tang Dynasty.

The ministers dared to offer their advice!

Li Shimin silently watched this scene with a faint smile on his face. Only after the ministers had finished arguing did he wave his hand to quiet everyone down.

Seeing Li Shimin's calm expression, everyone immediately understood his decision.

At that moment, his expression became increasingly complicated.

Smoke rose from the bronze incense burner inside the hall, and the assembled officials stood with their hands at their sides.

Li Shimin glanced around at the assembled officials before slowly breaking the silence in the hall with his words.

"When it comes to important military matters, one should first consult the commander-in-chief."

"Summon Li Jing, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, to an audience."

The calls of the interpreters and attendants came out one after another.

In a short while, the clanging of armor could be heard from below the steps.

An elderly general with many gray hairs entered, wearing armor. He seemed to already know everything that was happening inside the hall, and his eyes were exceptionally firm.

"Your subject Li Jing respectfully listens to Your Majesty's instructions." The old general crossed his hands and bowed earnestly to Li Shimin.

Under the watchful eyes of everyone, Li Shimin descended the steps and personally helped him up: "I wish to recover the Western Regions and open the Silk Road. Can the old general still take up his sword and fight?"

—Very direct.

However, this has left many people extremely alarmed.

Even some of Li Shimin's confidants were unwilling to do this.

It wasn't for any other reason, just a difference in governing philosophy stemming from personality.

But at that very moment, Li Jing suddenly raised his head, his eyes flashing with a sharp light, and said in an extremely firm and earnest voice, "Although I am old, I can still draw a five-stone bow!"

"I am willing to serve Your Majesty with the same ambition as Marquis Huan of Dingyuan, even if it means dying on the battlefield wrapped in a horse's hide."

Before Li Jing could finish speaking...

Li Shimin suddenly laughed twice, reached out and patted his shoulder, interrupting him: "Good!"

As he spoke, he paused slightly.

He looked at the assembled officials once more.

Under the watchful eyes of the assembled officials, he ascended the jade steps once more, his gaze sharpening with each passing moment.

"Immediately issue my edict, and proclaim the decree of the Heavenly Khan to all corners of the land—"

"All that is illuminated by the sun and moon belongs to the Tang Dynasty."

"Anyone who dares to carry weapons—"

"Destroy their ancestral temples and eradicate their descendants!"

There was silence in the hall.

Li Shimin was such a decisive person.

He could be incredibly merciful to the people of Kyushu, to his own subjects, so much so that he executed fewer than a hundred prisoners a year.

But he shows absolutely no mercy to his enemies.

This edict of his!
This serves as both a warning to all sides and a preparation for the upcoming major battle!
(P.S.: I'm feeling a bit better today, so I updated early. Please give me your monthly votes, brothers! Also, brothers, please comment on what kind of side stories you'd like to see, and I'll try to write them when I have time. I've learned a lot lately, and I feel like I'm improving.)
(End of this chapter)