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

Chapter 176 The Tang Dynasty Undergoes a Change of Rule, Gu Jing Establishes His Authority (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
From that day on, the atmosphere in the entire Tang Dynasty court changed completely.

An invisible shadow loomed over the court.

Everyone is focused on the position of crown prince.

But no matter how much attention they paid to this matter, no one dared to mention it or get involved.

Gu Lei was released by Gu Jing.

He then went to persuade Li Chengqian, hoping that he would admit his mistake to Li Shimin and make a promise.

But Li Chengqian's attitude remained as firm as ever.

In his words—

As soon as Li Shimin issues the decree to depose the crown prince, he will immediately commit suicide in front of Empress Zhangsun's spirit to appease Li Shimin.

Otherwise, he will surely rebel after the new emperor ascends the throne.

Li Shimin always found it difficult to make a choice.

Under these circumstances, the once thriving atmosphere of the Tang Dynasty seemed to have stagnated.

This is an inevitable phenomenon.

The crown prince is the foundation of the state. In any feudal dynasty, an unstable crown prince inevitably leads to unease among the people.

This atmosphere even spread beyond the imperial court.

I don't know where the news leaked from.

Rumors about the position of "Crown Prince" gradually began to circulate throughout the land, causing unrest among the people in various regions.

There was no way around it; Li Shimin was simply too old.

Even though the people of the world hoped that Li Shimin could live to be a hundred years old, they also knew that...

There is no such thing as immortality.
This is the impact of rapid cultural development. Gu Kang's scholarship already had a great influence on Kyushu, and now its influence is even more extraordinary.

But it is precisely because of this that the people are increasingly worried about this matter.

After all, how long ago was the Sui Dynasty's example?

Who wouldn't be afraid?
The burdens of the Tang Dynasty now far exceed those of the Sui Dynasty, and no one would want their current good life to be affected in the slightest.

The entire government and the public were in turmoil.

Li Shimin's health also deteriorated under this high pressure.

Ten full days—

He didn't release any information.

Li Shimin did not even attend court, which was the first time since he ascended the throne.

Fortunately, the political system of the Tang Dynasty was still relatively stable, and with officials performing their respective duties, it did not affect the administration.

But clearly, an invisible storm is slowly gathering in the shadows.

Everyone knew perfectly well that something big was about to happen in the Tang Dynasty!

Tai Chi Hall.

Gu Jing arrived as ordered.

In fact, at times like these, people would naturally think of the Gu family.

All that Gu Xi did for the Han Dynasty in the past.

It is now considered a sage's act, but unfortunately, the Gu family cannot go back to their old ways and interfere with the foundation of the Tang Dynasty.

Li Shimin was also aware of this.

Therefore, during this period of time, the Gu family has never been asked to do anything.

It was only on this day that Gu Jing was summoned.

Inside the Taiji Hall, there was deathly silence.

Gu Jing followed the palace eunuch to the emperor's bedroom. As soon as he stepped into the palace, his feet froze on the spot, and his pupils shrank.

Where is even a trace of the former Heavenly Khan's majesty on the imperial throne?
Li Shimin's hair was completely white, like frost and snow, and his face was withered and bloodless.

In just over ten days, it seemed as if decades had been taken away from him; he was emaciated and his breath was so weak that he seemed about to be blown away by the wind at any moment.

"His Majesty!"

Gu Jing's throat tightened, and his call was filled with undisguised shock and pain, his eyes instantly brimming with deep fear.

Yes, it is fear.

Even he couldn't imagine what would happen to the entire Tang Dynasty if Li Shimin suddenly died under such circumstances.

Regardless of who succeeds to the throne, the Tang Dynasty will most likely quickly split apart.

This is for sure.

“Anzhi…come closer.”

A soft call came from the dragon bed. Li Shimin raised his hand slightly to acknowledge it. His eyes, though etched with illness, were still as deep and unfathomable as an ancient well.

Gu Jing dared not hesitate, and hurried to the bedside, his voice trembling with worry: "Your Majesty, your health..."

"I... am nearing my end." Before he could finish speaking, Li Shimin calmly cut him off.

His tone was indifferent, without a trace of fear of death, as if he were stating something ordinary.

"His Majesty--!"

Gu Jing was terrified and knelt down heavily with a thud, his forehead touching the ground. "I beg Your Majesty to take care of your health! The world... the world cannot do without Your Majesty!"

Gu Jing's words were heartfelt and deeply moving.

"What do I fear of life and death?" Li Shimin's voice was soft, yet every word was clear. Before he finished speaking, he forced himself to sit up, his gaze passing over Gu Jing and landing in the depths of the void, as if speaking to himself, or perhaps making a final plea:

"However—I may die, but the nation must not perish!"

That resolute tone seemed to be a declaration of war against an invisible fate:

"Don't worry. The country is not yet stable, and the successor is uncertain..."

"I will definitely hold on!"

"Get up."

Gu Jing got up as instructed and sat down on the couch as indicated by the emperor.

Looking at the emperor so close to him, a surge of inexplicable emotions welled up within him, and even Gu Jing's eyes reddened slightly.

Time is ultimately too merciless; even the greatest heroes cannot stop its passage.

Li Shimin was indeed a great emperor.

There is no doubt about this.

He may have made some mistakes, but who is without fault?
From the perspective of an emperor.

Whether in terms of his literary and military talents, his achievements, or his ability to maintain his original aspirations to this day, Li Shimin's extraordinary nature is already evident.

Even such a great emperor has now reached the point of being old and frail.

With these thoughts in mind, Gu Jing lowered his head and silently wiped away the tears welling up in his eyes.

"The affairs of the state must be settled; there can be no more hesitation."

Li Shimin ignored Gu Jing's actions and silently watched him, then expressed his judgment over the past few days: "The Crown Prince is stubborn. Although he is capable, he is also biased."

"If he succeeds to the throne, he will surely die; no one can stop him."

"By then——"

"It is extremely difficult to stop the brothers of the royal family of our Great Tang Dynasty from fighting each other."

Perhaps because he was facing a member of the Gu family, Li Shimin did not hide anything and fully expressed his thoughts.

This is for sure.

Xuanwu Gate; the struggle between the Eastern Palace and the King of Wei.

Two generations of the Tang Dynasty have been trapped in this vicious cycle.

If left unchecked, there will be no shortage of infighting among future generations.

That's human nature; no one can stop it.

Gu Jing's expression changed slightly, but he didn't say anything more.

"Don't think my words are abrupt." Li Shimin's voice was low and weary, as if bearing a heavy burden. "The Crown Prince... resembles me back then."

He paused, a trace of pain flashing in his eyes, and slowly said, "Some time ago, he said: If I depose him from the throne, he will immediately go to Zhaoling and commit suicide; if I keep him in the throne, he will surely rebel one day!"

Those words and phrases were like knives and halberds.

"With such a mindset," Li Shimin sighed heavily, filled with endless disappointment, "how can this vast empire be entrusted to him?"

He closed his eyes wearily, and when he opened them again, only a cold resolve remained: "As for the King of Wei... he is utterly useless!"

Regret was useless; Li Shimin had already accepted reality.

This is also why he summoned Gu Jing.

"What do you think should be done with the two of them?" Li Shimin opened his eyes again and looked at Gu Jing.

Killing is out of the question.

This is his own son.

Moreover, Li Shimin now understands that he himself made mistakes in this matter.

His current task is to find the most suitable way to handle this.

Li Tai is alright.

The main problem is Li Chengqian.

His status as the eldest son of the legitimate wife, coupled with his temperament and the words he spoke, seemed to be forcing Li Shimin to harden his heart, and had become a source of anxiety for Li Shimin.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jing's expression changed slightly.

Looking at the withered-looking emperor before him, he remained silent for a long time before finally making up his mind and saying in a deep voice, "Some time ago, news came from Lingnan."

"It is said that the great ship is about to be completed."

"His Highness the Crown Prince once studied military strategy with my late father, who praised his exceptional talent."

"Although he has a foot ailment, he may still be capable of being a regional commander." "Your Majesty may allow the Crown Prince to go to sea."

"If His Highness the Crown Prince is truly capable, he will surely be able to establish a foundation overseas."

—Going global!
This is the most suitable option at present.

Wherever Li Chengqian went, he was bound to rebel after Li Shimin's death.

Unless you really kill him!

Going to sea is different; the ocean is boundless and fraught with danger.

This is also the field that the Gu family is about to enter.

This is currently the best approach.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin's expression immediately became complicated.

He is old.

However, one can instantly understand the gains and losses involved, and even knowing that this is the best choice, one's heart cannot help but tremble.

This is his eldest son.

Heading to the sea?

Wouldn't that mean a near-death experience?
Li Shimin did indeed stay true to his original aspirations, and he would certainly do the thing of crossing the sea, but how can a person be free from selfish desires?
That's just how people have always been.

Countless thoughts flashed through Li Shimin's mind, and he fell silent, unable to make a decision.

"Your Majesty, given the Crown Prince's personality..."

"If you learn of this matter."

"I will definitely agree without hesitation."

Gu Jing lowered his head and spoke again.

He didn't put it that directly.

But Li Shimin understood what he meant.

Just like his initial thoughts about Li Yuan, he wanted to use his abilities to make Li Yuan regret his actions.

Clearly, he did succeed.

Given Li Chengqian's personality, he would not hesitate for a moment.

Li Shimin's eyes reddened again, he sighed deeply, and suddenly waved his hand.

"You go ahead."

"I hereby appoint you to head the Censorate and investigate the recent events."

"Anyone who disobeys the law—"

"Never forgive."

The conversation suddenly turned to politics.

Gu Jing remained silent for a moment, his gaze flickered slightly, and he cupped his hands towards Li Shimin, saying, "Your subject takes his leave."

"Your Majesty, please take care of your health!"

Neither of them explicitly stated their choice for the crown prince, but they already understood each other implicitly.

The crown prince is unfit, and the King of Wei is also incompetent.

The only remaining candidate was Prince Li Zhi of Jin.

Although Li Shimin had many children.

But in reality, there are only these three who are qualified to be the crown prince.

Prince Li Zhi of Jin was known for his benevolence; to put it bluntly, he was rather soft-hearted.

Li Shimin's move was clearly intended to help Gu Jing quickly establish his authority in the court.

He's already paving the way for what will happen after he's gone!

Gu Jing clearly knew what Li Shimin wanted.

It is precisely because of this.

When he started to act, he showed absolutely no mercy.

In fact, only the Gu family could do such a thing.

We must strengthen the governance of officials.

No matter which family did this, they were destined to make countless enemies.

The same applies to the Gu family.

But unlike other families, the Gu family was not afraid of these things.

Today, the Gu family relies on the admiration of the people.

The advantage of being bound to the Nine Provinces lies in this: anyone who wants to harm the Gu family must pay an enormous price.

Although the Gu family was at the center of the court's vortex, they were completely different from others.

—A major upheaval occurred in the imperial court.

Gu Jing acted very decisively.

The Censorate has been under the control of the Gu family for many years, but it lacks a triggering authority. They already have far too much information in their hands.

This move is sure to terrify everyone.

One by one, deeply entrenched corrupt officials were brought to justice, including many high-ranking nobles and ministers.

Gu Jing was impartial and showed no mercy.

During this period, Li Shimin finally returned to the court. He overruled the objections of the majority, suppressed countless impeachment memorials, and demonstrated an unquestionable attitude to his ministers.

So far——

All the officials in the court had realized that the emperor's days were numbered.

He was paving the way for the empire he would later establish.

This aging lion, while still possessing its former might, is determined to clear away the thorns for its successor and leave behind loyal ministers to assist it.

Gu Jing's prestige continued to rise.

His reputation in the military was already high enough.

Gu Jing was already famous throughout the world after the battle against Goguryeo.

Now, it is right here in the imperial court.

Only members of the Gu family could receive such treatment, making an emperor willing to build up their prestige.

Not to mention other families, even members of the royal family might be wary.

But that's just how the Gu family is.

What generations have accumulated is something that no other family can match.

Even when Li Shimin first ascended the throne, there were not so many upheavals within the Tang Dynasty. This was the first time since the Zhenguan era.

The entire Censorate was mobilized.

Officials are being killed every day.

The officials were all terrified, fearing that they would be implicated in some crime.

Under these circumstances, the question of the crown prince was finally brought up.

Li Shimin issued an imperial edict without consulting any of his ministers.

Li Chengqian was deposed from his position as crown prince.

Li Tai was deposed as King of Wei and demoted to Prince of Liaodong. His fiefdom was the area along the Goguryeo defense line. Li Shimin decided to relocate the people and integrate that area into the Nine Provinces.

Prince Li Zhi of Jin was appointed as the crown prince.

—A bolt from the blue!
Even though the court was already in turmoil, the officials were still shocked by this decree.

But no one dared to say anything about it.

Even those officials who usually seemed to have no scruples were now somewhat afraid. Only some scholars who did not know the truth dared to speak out and felt that the matter was inappropriate.

After all, Li Chengqian was the eldest son of the legitimate wife.

But ultimately, they couldn't change anything.

Within just a few months, the entire Tang Dynasty underwent a rapid transformation without any major upheaval.

At the foot of Jiuzong Mountain.

Li Chengqian did not climb the mountain, but stood silently at its foot.

These mountains are the final resting place of two of his dearest loved ones:

Empress Zhangsun; Gu Quan.

At this moment, his eyes were slightly red, but his expression was unusually firm. Gu Lei stood silently to the side, his face also shrouded in a sense of melancholy.

A gentle breeze swept by, ruffling their hair and causing it to flutter softly.

Li Chengqian remained silent for a long time. As the tear stains on his cheeks gradually dried, he suddenly knelt down and bowed deeply to the majestic mountains.

"Mother, Master," Li Chengqian whispered, a disdainful smile curving his lips, "they are just taking advantage of your absence."

The smile deepened, but the gaze grew even more intense.

"Although I am no longer the crown prince and have no chance to inherit the throne, I will never disgrace you two!"

Gu Jing is right.

Li Chengqian could not possibly refuse this opportunity.

Upon hearing the news, Li Chengqian even felt a lighter burden on his shoulders, feeling far more at ease than when he was the so-called crown prince.

The foundation that Li Shimin laid for the Tang Dynasty was too deep and solid.

He wanted to go out and rebuild his career, a career he would build himself without relying on anyone else.

Just like Li Shimin in the past!
(P.S.: Please vote for me! My updates have been really slow this month. I've had too many minor health issues, and there's just nothing I can do about it. I'll definitely resume updates completely after I've recovered.)
(End of this chapter)