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

Chapter 158 The Curtain Rises, a Tremendous Change in the Palace (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
The message traveled straight to the Western Regions.

The Western Regions were both surprised and unsurprised by this system of the Tang Dynasty.

Because Gu Quan had already started taking action.

He has now occupied strategic locations such as Yiwu and Qiemo, and is still deploying troops at the same time.

Add to that the fate of the Eastern and Western Turks.

It's not difficult to guess what the Tang Dynasty is thinking.

However, when the news actually arrived, some people still couldn't help but choose to rebel. It wasn't just the idea of ​​those small country rulers; there were too many factors forcing them to make a choice.

No one can completely avoid all of this.

Gu Quan showed no mercy to those who chose to rebel at this time.

—He was well-versed in the art of making an example of someone to deter others.

All that was left for them was death.

The reforms in the Western Regions are in full swing, and Gu Quan must take advantage of the current height of the Gu family's and the Tang Dynasty's prestige to occupy key locations in the Western Regions.

Besides--

He also needed to popularize the dual-track system that the Tang Dynasty was preparing to implement, so that all the small countries around him would accept this policy.

The Western Regions are a vast area, and this was destined to be a major event that would take time.

However, Gu Quan doesn't need to be in a hurry.

He only needed to make minor adjustments. With the help of the Luoshu Xielu instrument, none of these details were difficult for him, not to mention that Li Shimin was also sending officials to the Western Regions.

April, the tenth year of Zhenguan.

The Silk Road was reopened.

The reopening of the trade route does not mean that the trade route has been restored. In fact, the trade route between the Western Regions and the Central Plains has never been interrupted. There will always be people who risk their lives to trade in pursuit of profit.

This integration signifies the formation of a concrete system.

This includes taxes and post stations along trade routes.

The Tang Dynasty was also building, while the construction of the Western Regions was entrusted to the various kingdoms of the Western Regions.

This must be done.

The post stations not only allowed merchants to rest and promote commerce, but also enabled the rapid dissemination of Tang Dynasty policies to the Western Regions, playing a significant role in subsequent governance.

It is worth mentioning that Li Shimin took action regarding currency.

This is a momentous event that completely transcends the original history.

Since the chaos at the end of the Sui Dynasty, the currency system in the nine provinces was in great disarray. After Li Yuan ascended the throne, he issued the Kaiyuan Tongbao coin. As the Tang Dynasty gradually rose to power, the currency system gradually stabilized.

Now Li Shimin has decided to issue Zhenguan Tongbao coins.

It was designated as the legal tender for the four-way trade and the Western Regions trade route, and a special department was established to supervise the overall currency and handle exchange business.

This was Gu Zi's suggestion.

This move was earth-shattering, and even Gu Yi had not expected that a member of the Gu family would think of this.

But this is normal.

The Gu family's culture was already far ahead of its time, and Gu Zi was already skilled in domestic affairs, but now it seems he also has a deeper understanding of finance.

Gu Yi remembered it very clearly.

In the original history, although financial institutions with foreign exchange business appeared one after another in the Central Plains, their limitations were very high.

For example, the flying money system implemented in the Tang Dynasty, the convenient money rolls in the Song Dynasty, and even the Yuan, Ming, and Qing Dynasties all followed this pattern.

However, its fundamental limitations have never been resolved.

Most of them were joint ventures between government officials and businessmen, and they were not common.

But now that it's directly managed by the imperial court, things are different.

As commerce continues to develop, currencies from all four directions are destined to appear in Kyushu.

This department can not only oversee the currency as a whole, but also adjust different exchange rates in real time.

Given the current strength of the Tang Dynasty.

If this department could be properly established, it would bring unimaginable wealth to the imperial court.

This is far too ahead of its time.

Not to mention that the Gu family has now emerged, even in the original history, the productivity of Kyushu and its various handcrafted treasures far surpassed those of other regions, let alone now.

This is a crucial step forward for the entire Kyushu!
Of course, Gu Yi understood as well.

The difficulty of this matter is unimaginable in this era that still belongs to the feudal dynasty. Not to mention that the whole thing will be exactly as he imagined, even changing the currency will take a great deal of time.

But what can we do about it?
Any system, once it emerges, will gradually take root in people's hearts and improve over time.

Now, just the fact that it has appeared is enough!

The rest is up to time.

—Peace and tranquility prevail throughout the land.

With the continuous elimination of external enemies, the entire Kyushu region has entered a virtuous cycle.

Grain production has repeatedly reached new highs.

With Li Shimin keeping a close eye on the administration of officials, the whole country was moving in the right direction.

This move further stimulates business.

With the complete pacification of the Hetao region and the continued development of commerce, including the smooth operation of the Silk Road, the entire Tang Dynasty was brought back to life.

Everything is moving in the right direction.

However, it's not without its downsides.

Li Yuan died.

This retired emperor, who had been forgotten by the world, finally passed away in Chang'an.

He saw Li Shimin again before he died.

Now, he has completely accepted Li Shimin. Even if he is unwilling to admit it, he knows that not only Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji, but even he himself cannot compare to Li Shimin.

Li Shimin held a grand funeral for him.

His posthumous title was "Taiwu", and his temple name was "Gaozu".

He was Emperor Taiwu of Tang, Li Yuan.

This incident did indeed deal a blow to Li Shimin, after all, Li Yuan was his father.

But he also understood that everyone has a time to leave this world, and no one can stop it.

In fact, Gu Yi was able to perceive another change in Li Shimin, perhaps because he admired Gu Chen too much, which made Li Shimin inevitably influenced by the Gu family.

That is, he was never afraid of death and was very calm about it.

However, there were still important things on his mind.

That is, Empress Zhangsun is ill. Although her life is not in danger, her condition is difficult to cure.

Li Shimin was quite worried about this.

Gu Yi also noticed this, but he didn't feel anything.

Whether it was Empress Zhangsun or Li Yuan, these people had all lived longer.

There are many factors involved.

It wasn't just because the Gu family's emergence accelerated the unification of the world, relieving them of excessive worries, but also because of the continuous progress in medicine.

He didn't know how much longer Empress Zhangsun could live.

July of the eleventh year of the Zhenguan era.

Gu Quanzheng swept away all the rebellious forces in the Western Regions, laying the foundation for the implementation of the system.

The entire Western Regions submitted to the iron hooves of the Tang Dynasty.

Then——

The big event has officially begun.

Gu Quan had his men occupy strategic locations throughout the Western Regions, and from there, he began to gradually expand outwards to neighboring countries.

While introducing everyone to the Han Dynasty system.

Li Shimin also sent the books he had prepared to the Western Regions. These were mostly Confucian classics compiled in the scripts of the Western Regions and the Han script.

At the same time, Gu Quan also subtly implied to Gu Yan and others that if they wanted their offspring to inherit their position, they must send them to learn the language and writing of Kyushu.

He also imposed restrictions on the military strength of various countries.

While demanding a certain number of troops from them, the government began to recruit able-bodied men from various Western Regions countries from the bottom up, creating an army belonging to the Tang Dynasty.

He did not force him.

The culture of Kyushu emphasizes persuading people with reason.

These people will make the most appropriate choice.

The Gu family's reputation has reached its peak in the entire Western Regions. This reputation is truly earned by Gu Quan and is enough to make anyone feel fear.

Of course, no matter how much Gu Quan does, it will take time to have a gradual impact, and it could even be said that it is something that a generation cannot accomplish.

However, neither Li Shimin nor Gu Quan will remain at the starting point; they will always move forward.

October.

Under the pressure of the prestige of the Tang Dynasty and the Gu family, the King of Goguryeo finally could not withstand the pressure and formally sent envoys to declare himself a vassal of the Tang Dynasty.

This force, which once dragged the Sui Dynasty into the abyss, finally realized the changes in the Nine Provinces.

Li Shimin was quite surprised by this. Both he and Gu Quan had long envisioned attacking Goguryeo, but they had only been waiting for the situation to stabilize completely.

Today, Goguryeo does not submit to the Tang Dynasty as it did in history.

This is the first time.

However, Li Shimin was not too happy. Ever since Empress Zhangsun fell ill, he had been unable to find peace of mind.

This little thing wasn't enough to make him too happy.

Time has taken so much away.

Not only Li Yuan, but also generations of old ministers who had followed Li Shimin in the past.

Li Shimin did indeed begin to show his talent at a young age, and many ministers were older than him, so they could not withstand the power of time.

This made Li Shimin very sad.

He was, after all, an emperor who valued emotions, and he cared deeply for each and every one of the ministers who had followed him.

But what can we do about it?
Even if he were the emperor, the Khan, it would be impossible for him to keep everyone.

It is precisely because of this.

Li Shimin was increasingly eager for Gu Quan to return to Chang'an.

But Gu Quan would not agree. Although Goguryeo had already submitted to him, he could not leave the Western Regions now, at least not yet.

In fact, Li Shimin and Gu Quan had similar personalities.

Both of them had their own stubbornness.

One was for the prosperity of the Tang Dynasty, and the other was for their own family.

The two could only keep moving forward.

Time flies, and Li Shimin tried many methods to treat Empress Zhangsun's illness. He, who had never believed in anything, saw that the treatment was useless and began to have people pray for Empress Zhangsun.

But this could not stop Empress Zhangsun's illness.

Under these circumstances, the entire Tang Dynasty court seemed to be shrouded in a shadow.

Regarding Empress Zhangsun.

Not only did Li Shimin care about her, but the court officials also held her in high esteem.

Especially Crown Prince Li Chengqian.

As Empress Zhangsun's condition worsened, his own condition deteriorated, but he insisted on praying for her well-being.

Chang'an, East Palace.

"Your Highness, Your Highness."

As shouts rang out, a very handsome young man walked in without any hindrance.

His name is Gu Lei, and he is Gu Yan's eldest son.

He was also the member of the Gu family in the contemporary era who had the best relationship with Crown Prince Li Chengqian.

It wasn't because of his talent, but simply because the two of them got along well.

In fact, Gu Yi had already noticed this person long ago.

Unlike the other members of the Gu family, Gu Lei's personality is very similar to his father, Gu Yan. He is also somewhat unruly and full of youthful chivalry.

Although his attributes were average, he was extremely talented in literature, which even surprised Gu Yi.

"Your Highness, it is three-quarters past 9:40!"

Gu Lei lifted the beaded curtain, his gaze sweeping over the empty desk, his tone growing increasingly anxious, "If we're any later today, those censors and officials will probably submit a joint memorial!"

Recently, the court has been filled with remonstrances. Li Chengqian, who bears the responsibility of being the crown prince, not only has a heavy workload but also has to attend court assemblies with Li Shimin.

If he slacked off even slightly, the remonstrating officials would seize on it relentlessly. Last winter, he was late for morning classes twice due to typhoid fever, and the remonstrating officials impeached him in court.

To put it bluntly, it's about using Crown Prince Li Chengqian to boost their reputation.

After all, advising the crown prince was much easier than advising Li Shimin.

This kind of thing has happened frequently over the past two years.

Li Shimin didn't care about this at all; on the contrary, he was very satisfied with the advice his ministers gave to the crown prince.

His calls echoed in the bedchamber, but seeing that no one responded, Gu Lei's heart tightened, and he rushed towards the bedchamber.

The moment the gilded beast-head gate with its ring handle was pushed open, Gu Lei's expression changed instantly upon seeing the scene inside.

Li Chengqian collapsed in front of the so-called statue, seemingly unconscious at some point!

"Your Highness!——"

A startled cry shattered the silence of the Eastern Palace.

It wasn't until Li Chengqian slowly regained consciousness that Li Shimin arrived and learned the reason.

Li Chengqian was indeed exhausted.

The already heavy workload, coupled with Li Shimin's gradual exposure to court politics and his deep concern for Empress Zhangsun, ultimately broke the young man.

The fact that he didn't faint without being noticed by others was due to Li Chengqian's repeated requests that no one should disturb him while he was praying.

After learning everything, Li Shimin's expression was somewhat complicated.

Looking at Li Chengqian, whose face was a little pale, he sighed softly and comforted him, "Don't worry about your mother."

"You should rest well these next few days."

Although Li Chengqian had been longing for rest, he showed no joy at this moment, still worried about Empress Zhangsun.

Li Shimin patted him gently, then turned and left.

But at that moment—

Gu Lei, who had been standing to the side, suddenly took a deep breath, knelt down abruptly, and said loudly, "Your Majesty! I have something to say!"

His expression was extremely solemn.

Li Shimin stopped in his tracks and looked at Gu Lei in surprise: "What are you doing, kid?"

Gu Lei was usually very carefree. As the son of Princess Pingyang, he never addressed Li Shimin as "Your Majesty" but as "Uncle." He was also very casual in his daily life.

This is the first time it's been this formal.

"Everyone in the world knows that His Majesty is willing to listen to advice. Although I am young, I also have something to say."

"I wonder if Your Majesty would like to hear it?"

Upon hearing this, a look of surprise flashed across Li Shimin's eyes.

Other emperors might have been angry, but Li Shimin actually quite admired Gu Lei's personality.

The ministers behind him were also very surprised, including Gu Zi and other members of the Gu family.

No one could have imagined what Gu Lei was going to do.

"Speak." Seeing Gu Lei's serious expression, Li Shimin also composed himself.

Upon hearing this, Gu Lei bowed deeply, his voice clear and firm: "Your Majesty! I have heard the Zuo Zhuan say: 'Think of danger in times of peace; if you think of danger, you will be prepared; if you are prepared, you will have no worries.' What Your Highness the Crown Prince has done is exactly in accordance with this principle!"

"Firstly, Your Highness rises early and retires late, diligently pursuing your studies; this is the duty of the crown prince, and it is for the sake of the nation's peace."

Secondly, Your Highness, being new to court affairs, has not dared to slacken your efforts; this is out of consideration for the well-being of the nation.

"Thirdly, I am worried about my mother's health. I pray to the gods with the utmost sincerity, even to the point of fainting. This is because I am thinking of my loved one's danger and want to make every effort to protect her!"

"Your Highness's concern for the country, the government, and your family all stem from the utmost sincerity. Although you are young, your will is pure and loyal, and your self-discipline is so great that you are truly a model for a subject!"

"This humble servant is presumptuous and dares to humbly request Your Majesty to commend His Highness's filial piety, diligence, and sense of responsibility, so as to recognize his virtue, comfort his heart, and let the world know Your Majesty's emphasis on filial piety and brotherly love, and your encouragement of loyalty and diligence!"

The clear, youthful voices of a boy echoed throughout the palace.

Li Shimin looked at Gu Lei with surprise, then at Li Chengqian, who was also somewhat surprised, on the bed, and suddenly smiled.

"Okay!"

"As expected of a member of the Gu family, and as expected of my nephew."

Li Shimin hadn't smiled for many days. He didn't agree directly but looked at the equally stunned ministers and asked, "What do you all think?"

"Young Master Gu is absolutely right!"

"Your Majesty, I believe the Crown Prince's intentions should be commended."

Voices rang out instantly, and even Wei Zheng agreed with the matter.

Li Shimin's smile deepened. Seeing that Gu Lei was still kneeling and unable to get up, he raised his hand to help him up: "Get up."

Before the words were even finished, he had already given his promise: "I grant it."

Gu Lei instantly shed his restraint, his eyebrows arching: "Thank you, Imperial Uncle!"

The last syllable of his voice was filled with joy, no longer carrying the solemnity he had just displayed.

"You kid."

Li Shimin shook his head helplessly, and without lingering, led his ministers out.

The tinkling of jade pendants outside the palace gates faded into the distance, leaving only the trembling gauze curtains and the lingering fragrance of sandalwood in the sleeping quarters.

"Brother Lei truly has spirit." Li Chengqian leaned against the dragon-patterned couch, his eyes filled with admiration.

Gu Lei stepped forward quickly and said in a low voice, "Once His Majesty speaks, those remonstrating officials will have to quiet down."

Li Chengqian was about to nod when he suddenly froze as if struck by lightning.

His pale knuckles gripped the bed curtains tightly, and cold sweat instantly soaked his back.

"My leg! My leg!"

A suppressed roar escaped Li Chengqian's throat, his body curled into a bow, and the veins on his forehead throbbed.
(P.S.: It's almost the end of the month, brothers, it's time to use your monthly tickets, they'll expire if you don't! I've worked so hard, I deserve this reward!!!)

(End of this chapter)