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

Chapter 185 A Glorious Era, Wu Zetian's Test (6k views, please vote)
The entire power structure of the imperial court was rapidly shattered within just a few months.

The Guanlong aristocracy suffered a severe blow.

Although Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang seemed unaffected, they continued to handle state affairs in their respective positions.

However, its influence has been severely damaged.

Not only scholars from all over the country entered the court, but the Wu clan behind Wu Zetian also flocked to the court. All of this caused a tremendous change in the power structure of the entire court.

Although Li Zhi still never actively interfered in court affairs.

But his imperial majesty had greatly enhanced his standing among his ministers.

If we're talking about who wasn't affected, then the only one left is the Gu family.

In fact, the Gu family's status within the Tang Dynasty is quite special now. It is not as unattainable as it was during the Han Dynasty, but its stature is still unmatched by others.

The most crucial reason is the family reputation that the Gu family has accumulated over the past few hundred years.

It brought a great deal of convenience to the entire Gu family.

The emperor trusted the Gu family, and the people also had faith in them.

This is the most crucial reason.

Gu Yi had been silently observing all of this, showing no surprise whatsoever at the methods used by Wu Zetian.

In the original history, she was an extremely ruthless woman.

That's just her personality, and it won't change.

What truly surprised her was the attitude of the Gu family members towards this matter.

After Gu Jing had already guessed the whole process, the Gu family members did not make a big fuss about it, which is enough to illustrate the Gu family's flexible moral bottom line.

Of course, this could also be because the Gu family is now focused on the affairs of the nation and looks down on the so-called palace intrigues.

But at least the Gu family members, regardless of their talents, still possess a broad perspective.

Wu Zetian handled everything too cleanly.

If any member of the Gu family were to make a big fuss based on mere speculation, given the Gu family's influence over the entire country and Li Zhi's favor towards Wu Zetian, it would be quite a contrast.

The commotion caused by this matter is sure to be significant.

The most likely scenario is that the entire Tang Dynasty will be drawn into this struggle.

What started as a minor squabble between officials escalated into a conflict between the imperial power and the Gu family, leading to a large-scale factionalism among court officials. The consequences of that were far-reaching.

There isn't even a perfect solution.

The Gu family will inevitably be dethroned, regardless of success or failure.

As this series of events were fully unleashed, the devastation inflicted on the entire Kyushu culture was unimaginable.

All of this has not yet happened, which shows the Gu family's current attitude towards the world.

The Gu family is no longer what it was during the Han Dynasty; their focus now rests solely on the entire Nine Provinces and their own clan.
Time flies by.

Although this large-scale power transition had some impact on the politics of the Tang Dynasty.

However, the overall architecture remains stable.

This is unlikely to cause too much chaos.

Especially the Censorate.

Under Gu Jing's reforms, the Censorate's power has grown increasingly stronger, forming the foundation of the Tang Dynasty and preventing it from descending into chaos.

Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang were completely changed.

They seemed to have realized Li Zhi's thoughts, and stopped thinking about it after that incident came to an end.

Instead, he calmly handled the matters at hand until the day he retired.

For people of their status, having a safe way out is already a rare privilege.

After all, they were people who had defied the emperor's wishes.

The fact that they are still allowed to remain in the imperial court demonstrates Li Zhi's benevolence towards them.

At least in the current situation, Li Zhi still has no intention of killing them.

Everything is gradually getting back on track.

The systems in various regions are also operating as usual. The trade routes in the Western Regions have now been fully opened, and driven by huge profits, the dual citizenship system is also operating as usual.

As people from the Western Regions acquired citizenship in their own countries, they began to integrate into the Tang Dynasty.

This can make a noticeable difference.

In private schools throughout the Western Regions that promoted Confucian education, the number of students was increasing.

Although it is very likely that their parents initially only wanted to gain benefits by having their children learn the Tang Dynasty's writing system, this subtle influence would weaken their original beliefs.

This is the magic of Kyushu culture.

Regardless of your previous habits and customs, once you begin to accept Kyushu culture, your behavior will be subtly changed.

Until you are completely integrated into Kyushu and forget everything from before.

This is the fundamental reason why Gu Jing did this.

Although the Western Regions may seem unchanged today, in just one or two more generations, their current splendor and customs will be completely destroyed.

From the struggle for supremacy among nations to the unification within the nine provinces.

In addition to these, the benefits of various systems are not limited to these.

The obvious benefit is the income from silver and gold brought about by the trade surplus.

Gu Jing prohibited the outflow of silver and gold from the Tang Dynasty. Although it was impossible to control all the people, the Tang Dynasty was currently powerful and its goods were highly sought after by foreign nobles.

Merchants would voluntarily keep Tang Dynasty currency, and the common people also did not recognize foreign currencies, which further prompted merchants to exchange these currencies.

When engaging in foreign trade, merchants also tend to underestimate the value that these currencies can bring.

Of course, some people will choose to privately mint silver coins.

They secretly took out the silver contained within.

However, this matter is not only extremely troublesome, requiring a certain scale to generate profit, but the imperial court is also investigating it, and if it is discovered, the property will be confiscated.

The risks involved are not something everyone dares to take.

This would naturally bring a certain amount of silver and gold to the Tang Dynasty.

This is completely different from the original history.

In the original history, during the commercial boom brought about by the restoration of the Silk Road, the most widely circulated currency was the Sasanian silver coin, which was even recognized by the Tang Dynasty court.

This has a huge impact.

In the end, it even impacted the Tang Dynasty's domestic currency, severely affecting the Tang Dynasty's monetary system.

The indirect impact of this was that it gave those people many ways to exploit the Tang Dynasty by using silver coins.

But things are completely different now.

Gu Jing's policy was to raise the value of Tang Dynasty currency, relying on the Tang Dynasty's strong national power and popular goods.

Although in the long run, this system will certainly have a significant impact.

However, in the short term, this system was definitely another protective umbrella for the Tang Dynasty, and it could maximize the Tang Dynasty's influence.

Gu Yi did not interfere much in this matter.

Every system needs to develop gradually, and the Tang Dynasty has now taken the lead in this respect, surpassing the original history.

That was enough for him.

As the Tang Dynasty's maritime trade chain gradually opens up, the benefits it can bring to the Tang Dynasty will become even greater.

As for the various problems within the system, they will gradually be improved through these developments.

March of the sixth year of the Yonghui era.

Panyu Port.

Another fleet of ships sailed out of the storm, and this fleet was quite different from the previous ones.

It's not just a fleet used to demonstrate military power.

There were also merchants.

These people are all daring; they had already seen the potential benefits and were therefore willing to send people to take the risk.

No one can be sure where the road ahead leads.

But one thing is certain: the first stop on this trip is Ryukyu, where Li Chengqian is located.

It is worth mentioning that Li Chengqian is still alive.

His lifespan has far exceeded that of the original historical record, which may be related to his stronger character, as he endured nearly thirty years of heavy pressure throughout his life.

Moreover, he never declared himself emperor.

He simply proclaimed himself the Ten Directions Ferrymen of the Great Tang Dynasty.

There are many reasons for this.

Not only did Li Chengqian also receive education from the Gu family and have a great admiration for Gu Chen, but he was also sulking with Li Shimin.

This title was what Li Shimin aspired to throughout his life, but it was the only one he failed to achieve.

Although he also proclaimed himself as such, he was no match for Gu Chen.

But for him, that was enough.

The port has now been completed in Ryukyu, and all of this is related to Gu Lei, who persuaded Li Chengqian to think about the whole of Kyushu.

Otherwise, given Li Chengqian's personality, he would have already completely severed ties with Kyushu.

and--

They have now explored the Malay Archipelago, not just the few that had connections with the Tang Dynasty, but islands that had never been recorded before.

This is also the next target for Li Chengqian, Gu Lei, and others.

Gu Yi was extremely concerned about their development, and wished he could directly use the spirit jade to integrate the general terrain map into Gu Lei's mind.

Unfortunately, it requires too many achievement points to achieve.

The Spirit Jade awards different achievement points based on the importance of the information transmitted.

Successfully transmitting this information even requires more achievement points than personally controlling it.

Gu Yi had considered taking control himself.

But after thinking about it, I gave up.

He's thinking too far ahead. Let alone personally controlling someone to occupy those strategic locations, that's completely impossible.

Navigation technology is one aspect.

There are also limitations imposed by ability.

From today's perspective, those strategic locations in later generations may still be inhabited by uncivilized savages.

It would be impossible to completely occupy these places in a short period of time.

After all, stable maritime trade routes have not yet been developed.

Everything needs time to develop gradually.

For the entire Kyushu region, now is the time to broaden its horizons, not to pursue large-scale development!
Being too hasty will only have the opposite effect.

It's good enough as it is now!
Changan.

It was already the end of the sixth year of the Yonghui era.

The national strength of the Tang Dynasty was growing stronger and stronger, and the large-scale development in all aspects had even surprised Gu Yi.

Not to mention the people of Chang'an, even the lives of people in other remote areas have improved significantly.

This was unimaginable for a feudal dynasty.

The stability of the borders, coupled with continuous innovation in planting techniques and the development of commerce, have created the current situation.

As long as there is money, the imperial court can repair water conservancy projects.

This would further benefit agriculture, including the canals that facilitated commerce. None of this was a major problem for the Tang Dynasty at that time.

The impact of Li Shimin's last battle was enormous.

It was this battle that brought about absolute peace for the Tang Dynasty.

At least before Gu Jing was alive, no one would dare to provoke the Tang Dynasty, because no one could bear such a price.

In short—

That means Li Shimin and Gu Jing have already terrified them!

Even if they weren't the ones who got hurt, they were still afraid!
Inside the Marquis of Champion's residence.

Gu Jing was still reviewing the reports from various places from the Censorate, just as he always did.

The Gu family members continued to penetrate deep into the grassroots, exerting influence from the bottom up.

This is related to the talents of the Gu family members.

Perhaps due to another change in history, the talents of the Gu family members have obviously been weakened again, but it is not a major problem.

That's enough for the Gu family now.

At this moment, footsteps were heard, and then Gu Jing's eldest son, Gu Rui, walked in from outside. His brows were furrowed, and he bowed deeply to Gu Jing, saying respectfully, "Father, I have an important matter to report."

"Tell me." Gu Jing immediately sensed the seriousness in Gu Rui's tone, put down the secret letter, and turned his gaze to him.

"Someone secretly reported that Wei Siqi, the Vice Minister of Agriculture, was suspected of accepting bribes."

After Gu Rui finished speaking, he bowed and presented the secret letter in his hand.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jing's eyes narrowed slightly, and he immediately took the secret letter and began to read it.

As for Wei Siqi, the Vice Minister of Agriculture, he was Wei Siqian's cousin.

Gu Jing was not unfamiliar with Wei Siqian.

He was extremely upright and outspoken, and could be considered one of the few remonstrating officials today. His family was also quite extraordinary.

Logically speaking, he should not be charged with this crime.

But the position of Vice Minister of Agriculture was such that he controlled the granaries of the capital and the imperial estates.

The potential benefits involved are so enormous that it would be difficult for one person to remain unmoved.

"Check it out."

Without uttering any unnecessary words, Gu Jing simply said something lightly after reading the secret letter.

He couldn't possibly ignore it.

Even if the Censorate couldn't control all the officials in the entire Tang Dynasty, at least in Chang'an, under its watchful eye, it absolutely couldn't afford to make any mistakes.

This has always been Gu Jing's attitude.

As for who reported him, Gu Jing didn't care at all.

A slight disturbance began to stir in the capital.

The Wei family is one of the eight major surnames in Guanzhong. The family has close ties with the royal family through marriage. Consort Wei during the reign of Emperor Taizong came from this family.

The Censorate's actions against his family members will undoubtedly cause a great stir.

Not only Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang, but even Li Zhi sought out Gu Jing, hoping that Gu Jing would show mercy.

"Grand Tutor, Lady Wei is, after all, a relative of the Empress. Such a large-scale conflict could damage the dignity of the state."

Inside the Taiji Hall, Li Zhi looked at Gu Jing earnestly: "If he has indeed committed a crime, perhaps we can spare his dignity and show him some leniency by dismissing him from his post."

"If Your Majesty speaks up, he can be pardoned."

Gu Jing, his expression unchanged, cupped his hands towards Li Zhi and said, "But has Your Majesty considered what will happen if other family members commit offenses in the future after this pardon?"

"Emperor Taizong once said this."

"The governance of officials is the foundation of a nation, and there can be no slightest error."

"minister"

Before Gu Jing could finish speaking, Li Zhi quickly waved his hand and said, "Never mind, just pretend I didn't say anything."

He didn't seem to have any complaints.

Under Li Shimin's influence, Li Zhi also held Gu in high esteem.

And he understood that too.

Gu Jing deserves a great deal of credit for his ability to now completely relax and become an emperor.

It was only out of courtesy that they defended Wei Siqian.

He didn't care about the Wei family at all.

"Your Majesty is wise." Gu Jing did not hesitate at all and immediately took back his words, bowing to Li Zhi with his hands clasped.

"By the way, has the Grand Tutor considered who should reside in the position of Assistant Minister of Agriculture in the future?"

Li Zhi suddenly changed the subject.

Gu Jing never got involved in these matters, and this time he simply shook his head.

Li Zhi seemed to have anticipated all of this, and the moment Gu Jing shook his head, he spoke directly: "What does the Grand Tutor think of Wu Sansi, the registrar of the Crown Prince's Right Guard?"

"I find this man to be clever, and he is also the Empress's nephew, so he can be trusted."

In an instant, Gu Jing's expression changed.

Wu Sansi?
As a true master of power struggles, Gu Jing's way of thinking has always been that of a standard politician.

He doesn't think about the reasons, he only looks at the results.

Take this current situation, for example.

He didn't care who reported the matter; he only needed to know who the ultimate beneficiary was to make a sufficient analysis and judgment in his mind.

That's it!
The current crown prince of the Tang Dynasty is Li Hong, the eldest son of Empress Wu Zetian.

After becoming empress, Wu Zetian did not seek any power, seemingly out of some fear of Gu Jing. Her family members were also very restrained, and most of them served as officials in the Eastern Palace.

Wu Sansi is now a well-known figure in the capital among the Wu clan.

Gu Jing almost instinctively realized that this was Wu Zetian's test.

Although the Vice Minister of Agriculture was only a minor official of the sixth rank.

But he was a real official with real power, the kind of official who wouldn't trade his position for a regular sixth-rank official.

How can this not be considered a test?
Although Gu Jing never did anything to Wu Zetian, he never completely let down his guard, and he was the same with everyone.

Once a person's character is judged, they will not easily change it.

In his eyes, Wu Zetian was a person with an extremely high desire for power.

From Ganye Temple to the inner palace, then to Zhaoyi, and then to Empress.

All of this speaks to her personality.

Although she behaved very obediently after becoming empress, Gu Jing would not change his judgment of her.

In a short moment, Gu Jing made his decision.

He cupped his hands in a respectful gesture towards Li Zhi and said, "Your Majesty, the Vice Minister of Agriculture controls the imperial granary, a position of great importance in the capital. I intend to entrust it to a member of my family."

Li Zhi thought Wu Sansi was trustworthy!
Then bring out someone more trustworthy!
Sure enough, before Gu Jing could finish speaking, Li Zhi's eyes lit up, and he nodded without hesitation: "Then we will listen to what the Grand Tutor says."

Gu Jing smiled slightly, then said again, "As for the Registrar of the General's Office, I have heard that he is intelligent and very good at communication. There is a position that can be used, and it is also quite crucial."

Li Zhi didn't even bother to ask what position it was, and simply waved his hand, saying, "I will follow the Grand Tutor's orders."

He's really starting to give up more and more now.

Li Zhi's personality was just like that. Although he had some ambition and a bit of the political acumen of an emperor, he didn't need these things in front of people he absolutely trusted.

"Thank you, Your Majesty."

Gu Jing smiled, bowed to Li Zhi again, and then walked out.

The following day, Lizheng Hall was established.

"Aunt, please save your nephew!"

"Grand Tutor, he actually wants to send your nephew to the Western Regions to communicate with other countries. Your nephew will miss you!"

Wu Sansi knelt before Wu Zetian, tears streaming down his face.

Although the Western Regions are now completely accessible.

But for people of their status, it was still a remote place; going there to serve as an official was practically the same as being exiled.

Wu Zetian's face was also gloomy at this moment.

Gu Jing guessed correctly.

This was indeed a test for her, with the aim of using the prestige of the Gu family to get the Wu family to take over some real power.

Unfortunately, she couldn't afford to be too ostentatious.

Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang are still alive. Although she hasn't shown anything yet, given their relationship, she would definitely intervene if she wanted to.

There is hatred involved here.

The Gu family is another example.

Therefore, Wu Zetian sought a minor official position to try and gain real power, gradually accumulating experience.

Unexpectedly, such a cautious attempt was met with a fierce counterattack.

They even wanted to cut off one of her arms.

She sent her most valued nephew abroad.

Although it was nominally a promotion, it was a loss for her no matter how you looked at it.

what is this?
Gu's warning?
He warned her that if she was going to be empress, she should just be a good empress and not interfere with the power in the court.

anger!
An unnamed anger gradually rose in my heart.

She sensed Gu Jing's warning, but that's precisely why she was angry.

Too bad!
Throughout history, where has there ever been a royal family member who was completely free from any real power?
Although Wu Zetian doesn't know why she's doing this, she wants to control power, and her desires are gradually growing as her status rises.

Countless thoughts surged into her mind, making her expression increasingly gloomy.

"Aunt~~~"

Wu Sansi continued to plead on the side.

But Wu Zetian became increasingly irritated the more she listened.

How can we save him?

This is nominally a promotion, as it was proposed by her and Li Zhi, and Gu Jing personally nominated her.

What could she do?
To fight Gu Jing?
Although Wu Zetian had great confidence in her abilities, to be honest, she still didn't have the guts.

It wasn't just because of Gu's status; Li Zhi had also told her about the imperial edict that Li Shimin had left for Gu Jing. With that edict, Gu Jing could even target the emperor, let alone an empress like her!

Hearing the cries, Wu Zetian grew increasingly agitated.

After a moment of silence in the hall, she suddenly slammed her hand on the table, her phoenix eyes filled with sternness as she stared intently at Wu Sansi and shouted, "What's the use of wailing!"

"Since the Grand Tutor has made his decision, you should obey it respectfully."

"This journey will serve to strengthen your resolve!"

Upon hearing this, Wu Sansi froze instantly. He looked up at Wu Zetian's angry expression, wanting to say something but not daring to utter a word.

She felt that her aunt, who usually doted on her, was somewhat unfamiliar.

How could he possibly understand that if Wu Zetian could even harm her own children, let alone her nephew?

Wu Zetian could not have clashed with the Gu family because of him.

For Wu Zetian

Since the initial attempt had failed, she decided to play it safe and wouldn't take any risks until she saw an opportunity.
(P.S.: I'm begging for monthly votes at the beginning of the month. I'd be extremely grateful for your support!)
(End of this chapter)