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

Chapter 177 The End of an Emperor's Reign, the Attire of a Myriad Nations (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
No one could have imagined that such a thriving empire as the Tang Dynasty would suddenly experience such a series of changes in such a short period of time.

The transfer of power was bloodless.

It is unlikely to have a significant impact on the national strength of the Tang Dynasty.

However, the courtiers, despite the urgency of the situation, remained on edge, seeing threats everywhere.

Everyone felt immense fear towards Li Shimin, an emperor who was already in his twilight years.

They were afraid of being affected in any way by this vortex of power.

Li Shimin was indeed in a very bad mood.

The more indifferent Li Chengqian appeared to be about this matter, the stronger his regret became.

He finally faced the reality of his failure in education.

And this led him to reflect on his own gains and losses.

Actually, for him...

He also had no choice in many things.

Just like he did in the past, he only wanted to become the Ten Directions Crossing Envoy of the Tang Dynasty, but in the end he had no choice but to walk down this path.

The same is true today.

Although Li Shimin was an emperor, he was able to control everything.

But whether for the sake of the Tang Dynasty's empire or for the sake of future generations, this is the best choice.

April of the 21st year of the Zhenguan era.

The large ship has been officially completed.

Emperor Taizong of Tang (Li Shimin) personally bestowed upon it the name "Tuohai".

It symbolizes the expansion of the ocean.

Actually, he wanted to go to Lingnan in person to see the Giant Expansion Ship, but unfortunately, his current physical condition was no longer sufficient to support him in doing so.

With the development of the times, traveling from the Central Plains to Lingnan is no longer as dangerous.

But this distance is not something he can bridge now.

He can't be too willful yet.

Perhaps feeling somewhat guilty towards Li Chengqian, Li Shimin made thorough preparations for the crew of this voyage.

He selected 5,000 elite soldiers for Li Chengqian from various places.

This included countless supplies of grain and provisions.

This was undoubtedly a significant weakening of the Tang Dynasty.

Moreover, although it was a large ship, going to the open sea was bound to be extremely dangerous, and it was very likely that the entire fleet would be annihilated and lost at sea.

But his attitude was very firm, and this was the foundation he laid for Li Chengqian.

As long as we can safely reach land.

These people are his biggest bargaining chips.

Under his insistence, the courtiers ultimately had no choice but to give up their advice.

The Gu family is also making preparations.

It is worth mentioning that--

Gu Lei was determined to go with Li Chengqian, which surprised even Gu Yi.

The Gu family naturally insisted on sending someone over.

But for someone like Gu Lei to make such a decision is truly remarkable.

Gu Yi suddenly discovered another characteristic of the Gu family's descendants.

—A person of deep affection!
Perhaps only by living in a family like the Gu family can one have absolute faith in love; it seems that generations of people in the past all had this characteristic.

After some discussion, a total of twenty people from the Gu clan decided to go to sea.

This includes the eighteenth generation descendants who are already in their twilight years.

As Gu Yu's younger brother.

He is now truly on the verge of death.

But he was not afraid at all. In his words, "To be able to die at sea is enough for me in this life. It is a way to live up to my ancestors' expectations."

No one can stop it.

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, it was time to leave.

Although it is said that "there is no lasting grudge between father and son," the relationship between Li Shimin and Li Chengqian was completely different.

Since that day, their relationship has become even more complicated.

Li Shimin genuinely wanted to make amends to Li Chengqian, especially emotionally, and wanted to atone for the mistakes he had made over the years.

But Li Chengqian seemed to have completely let go, and was even unwilling to continue acting.

He truly had no feelings for Li Shimin.

From the time he could remember, Li Shimin was always away on military campaigns. After his return to the capital, Li Chengqian felt uneasy every day, and it was Empress Zhangsun who always stayed by his side.

Later, he became the crown prince.

Li Shimin then began to subject him to a grueling education.

What kind of feelings could there be in that?
According to historical records, Li Chengqian rarely visited Li Shimin when he was the crown prince.

Not to mention nowadays.

He only saw Li Shimin one last time on the eve of his departure.

The father and son faced each other, but the atmosphere remained tense.

Li Shimin seemed to sense the turmoil in Li Chengqian's heart, and said nothing more, only gazing deeply at him: "If I am no longer here when you achieve your goal."

"You may also inform me during the sacrificial ceremony."

He didn't even use the word "朕" (zhen, meaning "I" or "the emperor").

Upon hearing this, Li Chengqian's eyes suddenly trembled.

Gazing at the emperor's graying temples, he felt for the first time that the seemingly insurmountable distance between them had melted away.

His Adam's apple bobbed slightly, and he finally nodded solemnly, then prostrated himself, performing a most solemn salute to Li Shimin:

"I take my leave."

"I earnestly hope that Father Emperor... will take good care of himself!"

Say it.

Li Chengqian slowly got up and left, his movements just as they always were.

But Li Shimin no longer harbored any thorns in his heart.

Gazing at his son's receding figure, his eyes reddened further, his hunched shoulders trembled slightly, and a single tear finally rolled down his cheek.
As the Gu family had been preparing for many years, Li Shimin personally determined the future path for the Tang Dynasty.

The launch of the Takumi into the sea has attracted nationwide attention.

Even Gu Jing put everything aside and started paying attention to this matter, but unfortunately, he was no longer a free man.

Of course, it was impossible for him to abandon everything and personally go there to investigate in detail.

Panyu.

Panyu today has undergone tremendous changes compared to the past.

Gu Yi's migration plan laid a sufficient foundation for Panyu, although it failed to completely Sinicize the entire Lingnan region.

However, starting from Panyu, the people in the surrounding hundreds of miles had already become Han Chinese.

No matter how unique their previous customs were, or where they lived.

This is what makes Chinese civilization so great.

Its strong ability to integrate has given this land countless possibilities.

This speed is actually considered slow.

no way.

Since Gu Ye's death, the Yan Han dynasty has rapidly declined, leading to widespread chaos. The fact that this outcome has been achieved is already quite remarkable.

We just need to wait until the sea route is fully established.

Driven by enormous profits, this place will surely be quickly integrated into Kyushu.

This is for sure!

The foundation laid by the Gu family is already sufficient; what Panyu truly needs now is a period of stability.

One by one, laborers were carrying goods in front of the dock.

This matter involves a great deal of issues.

Whether they were Han Chinese or people of other ethnicities, countless people gathered in front of the dock, watching a scene that was destined to be recorded in history.

The head of the Gu family branch in this area is named Gu Li.

Although it is far from Kyushu, the relationship between them remains unbroken.

He upheld the fine traditions of the Gu family.

People were asked to paint in front of the dock.

The entire Tuohai ship, along with the people of various ethnic groups, was depicted in the painting and sent to the imperial court and Julu.

This has become a habit for every member of the Gu family.

July of the 21st year of the Zhenguan era.

The scorching sun beats down like fire, melting gold and scorching stone.

In the height of summer in Lingnan, the sea breeze, carrying waves of salty heat, sweeps across the bustling Panyu port, where the gazes of the masses converge, amidst the deafening shouts and prayers.

The Tuohai finally set sail. On the towering deck of the Tuohai, Li Chengqian and a group of Gu family members stood by the railing, their gazes also fixed on the receding Panyu Port.

The sea breeze whipped and billowed their robes, but it couldn't dispel the heavy weight that settled between their brows.

From here lies a vast expanse of misty waters, stretching for thousands of miles across the boundless ocean.

Will I ever be able to set foot on my homeland again in this lifetime?

No one could answer.

This path was far too unfamiliar; whether they succeeded in traversing it or not, these people were destined to be remembered by history.
The news was immediately sent back to Chang'an, and then gradually spread throughout the world.

Poems, lyrics, and songs were born one after another.

for this matter.

Scholars throughout the land were paying close attention.

This is the effect of subtle influence.

The importance that Gu Shi and Li Shimin attached to this matter had already subtly changed the attitude of the people.

The vast ocean is no longer a desolate and deadly place that makes people hesitate to go there. It has been transformed into a boundless fertile land beyond the nine provinces, waiting for generations of brave and resolute people to overcome obstacles and expand their territory!

This is destined to be a long and arduous journey, measured in blood and sweat.

And the pioneers on this path—

Their names, their aspirations, and their achievements will surely be engraved in history and live on forever!

From the day the "Takumi" set sail, Li Shimin's overall condition deteriorated.

He is not far from his end.

All that remained for him was boundless loneliness, a constant companion.

The Tang Dynasty still had a future ahead, but its strength was exhausted, and it could no longer spur its horses and personally lead expeditions to distant lands.

For the sake of future generations, he finally set aside the complicated state affairs on his desk and devoted his remaining energy to the unfinished task of paving the way for the Tang Dynasty.

This also cannot be rushed.

Li Shimin had been taking care of his health, hoping to hold on a little longer.

News of the Tang Dynasty's voyages to the seas spread far and wide.

Such a momentous event naturally attracted great attention from all sides. Although no results had been achieved yet, under the majesty of the Tang Dynasty, envoys were dispatched to offer their congratulations.

At Gu Jing's suggestion, Li Shimin finally agreed to hold a grand celebration.

He wanted to dispel the current sense of despondency in the Tang Dynasty caused by him.

This was the last thing Li Shimin could do for the Tang Dynasty; he wanted to leave behind a prosperous and thriving court.

It was the end of January in the twenty-second year of the Zhenguan era.

Emperor Li Shimin of the Tang Dynasty celebrated his fiftieth birthday.

In this era where "it is rare for a person to live to seventy," being able to peacefully reach the age of "knowing one's destiny" is already extremely rare.

Moreover, Li Shimin was a diligent emperor who worked tirelessly day and night for more than 20 years to govern the country!

Such longevity, such achievements, such dedication—these are truly astonishing in the annals of history!

People from all nations, dressed in their finest attire, gathered in Chang'an!
The entire Tang Dynasty attached great importance to this matter.

The court and the people wanted to promote the prestige of the nation, and even the common people felt proud of the current prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.

Although I am not feeling well.

However, in front of envoys from all over the world, Li Shimin still endured all his physical pain and freely proclaimed his majesty at the banquet.

Tai Chi Hall.

The golden palace stands majestically, its lights gleaming brightly.

Envoys from all nations came to pay their respects in turn, presenting rare and precious treasures, and the sounds of birthday greetings resounded throughout the palace and echoed to the heavens.

"Congratulations on the long life of the Heavenly Khan! This is a treasure from the Dragon Palace of the Deep Sea, and only the Holy Emperor of the Celestial Dynasty is worthy of its glory!"

"May the spread of Buddhism to the East protect Your Majesty! May Your Majesty's health remain forever, as indestructible as Vajra!"

"The divine steed of the snowy lands is offered to Your Majesty! May Your Majesty's spirit as a dragon-horse soar, and your might over the eight wastelands!"

"."

One by one, the envoys entered the hall and presented the gifts their countries had prepared for Li Shimin.

All the officials watched this scene unfold.

Some people looked excited, while others had tears in their eyes.

Such a prosperous era is relevant to all of them, and this is enough to make any scholar feel proud.

Li Shimin sat upright on the dragon throne, also watching this scene.

Despite his ill appearance, sunken cheeks, and weary expression, his dignified bearing remained undiminished.

No one dared to look him in the eye; the fear that came from the depths of his soul was enough to make Li Shimin intimidate everyone without him saying a word.

He remained silent, conserving his energy.

Until all the messengers had finished offering their congratulations.

Li Shimin finally made a move. After taking a deep breath, he suddenly stood up, scanned the crowd, and calmly spoke:
"Your Excellencies have come from afar to congratulate me on my birthday, which further demonstrates the friendship among nations. I am very pleased."

His voice wasn't loud, but in the silent hall, it could still be clearly heard by everyone.

All eyes turned to Li Shimin at that moment.

"As I observe the world, since the Zhenguan era—"

"From the sea in the east to the shifting sands in the west, from Zhuya in the south to the vast desert in the north."

"Merchants and travelers flocked to the Silk Road, the common people lived in peace and prosperity, and the foreign lands admired its culture."

Li Shimin's gaze swept over everyone, and his tone grew increasingly serious: "This is not due to good fortune, but rather to the clear laws and regulations, the elite military, the unity of the ruler and his ministers, and the concerted efforts of all the people!"

"I have heard that a tree that stands out in the forest will be felled by the wind; a mound that rises above the bank will be eroded by the current."

"Yes——"

"The trees of my Great Tang Dynasty have roots that run deep, and cannot be shaken by ordinary winds!"

"The shores of my Great Tang Dynasty are built on a foundation of solid rock, which cannot be eroded by ordinary currents!"

His gaze sharpened, and his imposing presence was fully revealed at that moment: "I wish to share the blessings of peace with all nations and perpetuate our harmonious friendship forever."

"Yes——"

"If anyone is ignorant of the times, disregards the common people, disregards the law, recklessly incites war, disturbs our territory, disrupts our trade routes, or harms our subjects..."

He slowly walked to the side, picked up the bow and arrow that had been with him for most of his life once more: "Do not say—"

I wasn't warned!

Even though I am old and frail—

"My armored soldiers;"

"My capable generals;"

"My glorious laws and regulations shall, like Mount Tai and the North Star, forever uphold the heavens and the earth!"

Having said that, Li Shimin, drawing strength from who knows where, once again drew back the powerful bow in his hand.

The movements were fluid and graceful, as if time had turned back, recreating the heroic figure of riding a horse, drawing a bow, and dominating the battlefield!

Nocking an arrow!

Draw the string!

Loosen your grip!

"Whoosh-!"

A sharp sound suddenly rang out inside the Taiji Hall, and the feathered arrow pierced straight into the center of the hall.

Not to mention the envoys from those vassal states, even the officials of the Tang Dynasty had never expected this scene, and their faces involuntarily showed expressions of shock.

But being court officials, they reacted very quickly.

As Changsun Wuji stood up first, all the officials immediately knelt down and bowed to Li Shimin.

"Your Majesty is divinely mighty! The might of Heaven is awe-inspiring!"

"Your humble servants—respectfully bow!"

The sound shook the palace!

Amidst these shouts, the envoys from all directions finally reacted, and disregarding their fear, they hurriedly bowed to Li Shimin once more.

—A deterrent!
Li Shimin clearly wanted to intimidate the surrounding vassal states one last time, which was also the last thing he, as emperor, could do for the Tang Dynasty.

Gu Yi was also watching this scene, and he couldn't help but feel a little bittersweet.

Perhaps this is what makes history so fascinating.

No one is perfect.

Regardless of right or wrong, merit or demerit, for an emperor, achieving these things is already sufficient.
------

"The Zhenguan era can be considered a key milestone in the development of Chinese history."

After a long period of turmoil in the land of Kyushu, Emperor Taizong of Tang, Li Shimin, successfully achieved unification and stability, simultaneously promoting national strength growth and cultural dissemination.

He enabled the multi-ethnic integration system, which had begun during the Yan and Han dynasties, to be further developed throughout the Zhenguan era.

This move demonstrates the powerful integrative nature of Chinese culture and lays a foundation for future generations.

Although his coastal expansion strategy did not yield immediate results, its foundational contribution to later development is undeniable.

—The Rise and Fall of the Tang Dynasty

(End of this chapter)