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

Chapter 178 Li Shimin's Death, Entrusting the World (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
Li Shimin has really grown old.

Although he only drank a few glasses of wine, his body was already too weak to handle it, and he had to leave the banquet early.

Death is at hand.

Even Li Shimin himself sensed this.

But he persisted in maintaining his dignity in front of envoys from all directions.

The celebrations were felt by every household, not just within the palace.

This includes the people of Chang'an.

This grand celebration also freely proclaimed the current prosperity of the Tang Dynasty.

The entire city of Chang'an was brightly lit, and almost everyone wore a smile. This was the capital of the Tang Dynasty, the pinnacle of the world.

It will also leave behind endless legends for future generations.

Of course—

For Li Shimin, all the splendor had faded, leaving only a bone-chilling loneliness.

He did not return to his palace.

Instead, he slowly and deliberately ascended the Lingyan Pavilion alone.

The dim candlelight gradually lit up.

Li Shimin was truly lonely, and perhaps only these people who had passed away could truly open his heart to him.

He slowly walked into Lingyan Pavilion, lit incense and candles for his deceased old comrades, and told them about the power of the Tang Dynasty.

Not all of these people are actually that close.

But now these people have long since become irreplaceable fragments in his memory.

Until the end——

Only then did he walk up to Gu Quan's portrait.

"Ziyuan, the great ship is complete. I have named it Tuohai and it has now set sail."

As he lit the candle for Gu Quan, he recounted the recent events in the court, saying, "It's a pity that I've reached an age now."

"I can't just impulsively abandon everything and go to Panyu myself."

"Otherwise—"

"I must carefully examine whether the Tuohai can live up to our aspirations."

"But don't worry, I have already seen the portrait, and I will tell you in detail when the time comes."

His tone became increasingly complicated.

Looking at Gu Quan's portrait, scenes from the past flashed through my mind once again.

From their first meeting to their subsequent cooperation on the battlefield.

Those scenes are incredibly clear.

Until the Xuanwu Gate Incident, Gu Quan abandoned everything and returned, disfiguring his face to help him.

An endless sense of loneliness kept creeping in.

The surging emotions in my mind just wouldn't go away.

Thinking about Gu Jing's actions and his final moments, Li Shimin suddenly had a thought while looking at the portrait in front of him.

He suddenly turned around!

He grabbed the red pen from the desk used for writing memorial texts!

Without the slightest hesitation, it fell heavily—

The thick, rough ink instantly covered Gu Quan's delicate features in the portrait.

Li Shimin only stopped when the face in the portrait gradually matched his memory of Gu Quan's appearance in his later years.

His body began to tremble uncontrollably, and tears streamed down his face.

The celebration continues; it is a grand feast for all, radiating from the imperial court to the common people, and from Chang'an to all parts of the country.

Under Li Shimin's instruction, Gu Jing also began to get involved in the relocation of people.

In fact, in the history of my country's feudal dynasties.

Regardless of any dynasty—

The relocation of people can be considered a major event among major events.

Given the limitations of productivity, population becomes everything, and the stability of a region is inextricably linked to all of this.

Why did Lingnan stabilize so quickly ahead of schedule?

It was precisely because Gu Yi relocated the people of Jizhou that the foundation for Panyu was truly laid.

The same is true today.

Li Shimin had already decided to completely integrate the entire Goguryeo defense line into Kyushu.

There are many issues involved.

It's not just about the losses incurred along the way; we also need to consider how the people will make a living after they migrate there. The manpower and resources required are enormous.

Fortunately, the Tang Dynasty is indeed strong enough now, providing a sufficient foundation for this matter.

In addition, Gu Jingwei's prestige is rising daily.

With the Censorate overseeing the situation, no official dared to tamper with the matter, and the entire relocation process went quite smoothly.

It is worth mentioning that--

Perhaps it was because the might of the Tang Dynasty was simply too terrifying in the battle between Goguryeo and Tang.

The pace of education in the Western Regions has surprisingly become smoother.

All resistance forces have now been quelled.

More than a decade of effort finally began to bear fruit in the Western Regions. With the suppression of all resistance forces, the entire Tang Dynasty's educational system had been fully implemented in the Western Regions.

Furthermore, the first group of students from the Western Regions who were at the forefront of pacifying and educating the people had also completed their studies.

They began returning to the Western Regions and spreading the culture of the Nine Provinces to various places.

The seeds of Kyushu civilization were then sown in more distant territories.

The glory and majesty of the Tang Dynasty reached their zenith at this point.

Within the four borders, all the vassal states held their breath—

No one dared to look up at the Emperor's face, let alone challenge his sharp edge!

Peace reigns throughout the land, and everything is renewed.

Everything seemed to be steadily progressing towards an unprecedented golden age.

however--

Just as the empire was at its zenith, Li Shimin's body could no longer withstand the ravages of time, and he finally collapsed.

July of the 22nd year of Zhenguan.

Li Shimin suddenly fainted.

This was like a switch being turned on. Although Li Shimin eventually regained consciousness under the treatment of the imperial physicians, he was still unable to control the court.

The trend of the times is irreversible, and destiny is hard to defy.

Li Shimin had no choice but to hand over the court to his son, Crown Prince Li Zhi.

He ordered Gu Jing, Changsun Wuji, and Chu Suiliang to assist in governing, and began to face his own death head-on.

The news spread, and the entire land was shaken.

The final years of a wise and benevolent emperor were enough to stir the hearts of all the people under heaven.

An inexplicable sense of sadness instantly permeated the entire Kyushu.

Countless people are rallying for Li Shimin, hoping that Heaven will grant this emperor some more time.

More and more people are going to the Luo River to perform the sacrificial ceremony.

In the end——

Even Li Shimin had to issue an imperial edict to reassure the people that they need not worry about him.

He is not afraid of death, nor does he need to delay the busy farming season to pray for him, nor should officials from all over the world delay their political affairs to seek any auspicious omens.

This was also the last act of benevolence that Li Shimin was able to leave to the people of the world.

Under the influence of his imperial edict.

Although the gloom never easily dissipated, the Tang Dynasty remained on the right track and continued to move forward slowly.

Most importantly, perhaps it's because I suddenly feel much more relaxed.

Li Shimin's health actually improved.

This is a great blessing for the entire Tang Dynasty.

But it seemed like fate.

In the twenty-third year of the Zhenguan era, Duke Li Jing of Wei died of illness.

This general, who fought for the Tang Dynasty for so long, could not withstand the erosion of time.

Li Shimin was deeply saddened by this, which even affected his health, ultimately leading to his death.

May of the twenty-third year of the Zhenguan era. Taiji Hall.

"Father!"

Li Zhi knelt before the bed and saw Li Shimin's breathing suddenly become rapid and his expression change drastically.

"Summon—"

Li Shimin's face was deathly pale, and his voice was weak. After a long while, his breathing gradually calmed down, and he tightly grasped Li Zhi's hand: "Summon the Grand Tutor immediately."

Li Zhi quickly got up and went outside the palace.

Outside the hall, the assembled officials stood solemnly waiting, each face shrouded in a sense of solemnity and honor.

No one can deny that Li Shimin was a wise and benevolent ruler, both in his treatment of the people and his officials.

The departure of such an emperor is enough to fill anyone with sorrow.

"Grand Tutor!"

Under the watchful eyes of the assembled officials, Li Zhi hurriedly approached Gu Jing and said, "Father commands the Grand Tutor to enter the palace."

—Instantly, the pressure lessened.

Many ministers breathed a sigh of relief at this moment, clearly still unwilling to accept the worst news.

The next moment, the assembled officials couldn't help but look at Gu Jing.

No one felt anything else.

Although they were all regents, Gu Jingnian was a generation younger than Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang, but no one dared to underestimate him.

Whether it was his prestige in the imperial court or his foundation in the military.

With Li Shimin's deliberate support, Gu Jing's influence had long surpassed that of the two men.

In addition, the Gu family's reputation precedes them.

And who dares to speak out?

Gu Jing didn't waste any words and followed Li Zhi directly into the hall.

The air was thick with the smell of medicine. Although the furnishings in the Taiji Hall remained the same, a lingering sense of oppression permeated the atmosphere.

Gu Jing walked slowly to Li Shimin's bedside, knelt down, and whispered, "Your Majesty, I have arrived."

"Anzhi!" Li Shimin struggled to open his bloodshot eyes, his gaze fixed on Gu Jing. "I'm afraid I'm not going to make it."

"Your Majesty." Gu Jing felt a pang of sorrow in his heart. Looking at the emperor before him, whose eyes were red and whose hair was white, he could no longer suppress the grief in his heart.

But before he could speak, Li Shimin suddenly grabbed his arm, his voice urgent and hoarse: "I may die, but the country and its people must never fall!"

"This is the beginning of a great upheaval that will last for all ages."

"It must not be influenced by anything."

His gaze was intense, fixed on Gu Jing. "These days, I have been thinking about this matter every moment."

"Today, my mind is finally made up."

After speaking, he turned to Li Zhi with difficulty: "The Crown Prince is kind and gentle by nature. Although he can be a ruler who maintains the status quo, I fear he may be controlled by others."

His gaze returned to Gu Jing's face, carrying a heavy entrustment: "Anzhi, I have thought it over again and again."

"This heavy responsibility for the nation rests solely on your shoulders!"

Li Shimin's gaze was fixed on Gu Jing as if cast in iron. "I do not expect the Gu family to produce another figure like Marquis Jingxiang, but this is not only for the Tang Dynasty, but also for the fate of all the people of the land!"

"We absolutely cannot refuse to accept this!"

After speaking, he took out a scroll of imperial edict that had been prepared beforehand from under his pillow and personally handed it to Gu Jing.

Gu Jing slowly unfolded the document as ordered.

Even though he had a premonition, Gu Jing's pupils still contracted sharply when he saw the ink characters on it!
The imperial edict, though brief, carried immense weight.

Whenever the world is in turmoil, Gu Jing may use this decree to mobilize the entire army of the Tang Dynasty without imperial approval!

This is not entrusting an orphan to someone, but entrusting the world to someone!

Even if it were someone else, Li Shimin would never have bestowed such power upon them; and even if he had, no one would have been able to successfully command the army of a nation.

The implications of this are far too complex.

It will inevitably become embroiled in a struggle for interests among various parties.

However, the Gu family was different.

The Gu family's standing in the hearts of the people is undeniable, and their actions over the past few centuries have ensured that they will not be drawn into conflict with other families.

Only a family like this could bear such a responsibility entrusted by Li Shimin.

"His Majesty."

Gu Jing's body trembled slightly, and as he looked at Li Shimin, tears welled up in his eyes.

What incredible trust!

With this document, if Gu Jing so desires, he has the legitimate right to depose and install emperors!
This entrustment is so weighty and profound that it far surpasses the ordinary entrustment of an orphan.

“Anzhi,” Li Shimin said, his gaze fixed on him with intense intensity, his voice weak yet each word carrying immense weight, “we are not only ruler and subject, but also uncle and nephew.”

"I have watched you grow up and know your heart well."

"You and Ziyuan are both people who are cold on the outside but warm on the inside."

"I will always remember the great achievements Ziyuan has made for me."

"The blood and tears that the Gu family shed for the people of China should be forever remembered by all the common people!"

"Only by entrusting such a heavy responsibility to you can I die in peace."

"Do not resign again!"

The voice faded, becoming almost inaudible.

Li Zhi, kneeling beside him, was already in tears, choking back sobs as he pleaded, "Grand Tutor! Quickly grant Father's request!"

Gu Jing gazed at the emperor's withered face, silent as a mountain. After a long while, he finally kowtowed deeply, each word resounding with conviction:

"Your Majesty, rest assured."

"Your Majesty, I will heed your decree!"

"We will use the sword in our hands to ensure the eternal stability of our land and rivers, and we will never allow the nation to suffer even the slightest turmoil!"

The echoes of the vow reverberated between the beams of the palace.

Upon hearing this, Li Shimin's tense nerves finally relaxed, as if a huge burden had been lifted from his shoulders.

His last ounce of strength seemed to drain away with him, and an indescribable weariness instantly engulfed him, etching deep lines on his pale face.

"Summon—"

His breath was weak, but he gave the order clearly:

"The court officials pay their respects."

His face grew increasingly pale.

Gu Jing dared not delay and immediately got up and walked out of the hall.

A moment later, the courtiers followed closely behind, filing in and bowing respectfully before the imperial bed.

Li Shimin struggled to open his cloudy eyes, his gaze sweeping laboriously over the kneeling ministers before him. His voice was barely a whisper, yet it carried the final weight of authority and a profound sense of entrustment:
"My lords, we must unite as one and work together."

"Assistant to the Crown Prince"

"Defend our Great Tang Dynasty"

Every word he uttered exhausted his remaining strength. His words drifted away amidst the heavy smell of medicine and sorrow, yet they struck heavily into the hearts of every minister.

After he finished speaking, the last glimmer of light in his eyes finally faded completely.

"Father Emperor—!!!"

Li Zhi's heart-wrenching screams instantly echoed throughout the Taiji Hall.

"His Majesty--!!!"

What followed was a deafening roar of weeping, the cries of the ministers drowning out all other sounds.

Gu Jing gripped the imperial edict tightly, knelt heavily on the ground, and tears streamed uncontrollably down his face.

The day of Ji-Si in the fifth month of the twenty-third year of Zhenguan;
— Li Shimin died in the Taiji Hall in Chang'an.

The will stated: The funeral rites shall follow the system of the Han Dynasty and shall not disturb the common people.

He was posthumously honored as Emperor Wen, with the temple name Taizong, and was buried in Zhaoling.

Crown Prince Li Zhi ascended the throne before the coffin.

------

"On the day of Ji Si in the fifth month of the twenty-third year of Zhenguan, the Emperor passed away in the Taiji Hall at the age of fifty-two."

The will stipulated that the Crown Prince should ascend the throne before the coffin, and that the mausoleum system should follow the Han dynasty precedent.

On the day of Bingzi in the eighth month, the court officials bestowed upon him the posthumous title of Emperor Wen and the temple name Taizong.

In the year Gengyin, he was buried in Zhaoling.

—From the Annals of Emperor Taizong of Tang (Book of Tang)

(End of this chapter)