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

Chapter 186 Relocation of the Capital and Retirement: The Arrival of a New Era (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

From that day on, Wu Zetian was much more at ease.

She seemed genuinely wary of Gu Jing, not only suppressing all her desires but also taking the initiative to write the book "Internal Training".

It was used to promote certain principles of being a relative of the emperor, and to intentionally or unintentionally imply that she would never interfere in politics.

But if it were anyone else...

Perhaps they really would be misled by Wu Zetian's methods.

After all, they didn't know much about Wu Zetian, and they certainly couldn't imagine how ambitious a woman could be.

But Gu Jing was different after all.

From the moment Wu Zetian emerged from Ganye Temple, he had already noticed her.

Not to mention all the things that happened afterward.

Gu Jing cannot afford to be careless, not only towards Wu Zetian, but towards anyone.

The imperial court was a place of unpredictable and treacherous intrigue.

The various political parties check and balance each other, and target each other, creating a strange balance.

Despite the conflict.

However, it has always been firmly controlled by the Gu family, which is completely unlike the court struggles in later generations in the original history.

Simply put, there is still a bottom line.

At least for now, no one dares to voluntarily leave the Gu family.

This ensured that the internal strife within the Tang Dynasty would be brought under control and would not affect the overall balance.

But as time went by, people came and went in batches in the imperial court.

April of the seventh year of the Yonghui era.

Chu Suiliang formally resigned in the imperial court.

He is indeed quite old; in essence, he has served as a veteran official for three reigns during the Wude era.

Given the current situation, it's natural to feel the urge to back down.

For him.

This ending is far better than the original historical account.

In the original history, after Wu Zetian came to power, he was dismissed by her repeatedly. In the end, he even personally submitted a memorial to Emperor Gaozong of Tang, recounting his contributions to the Tang Dynasty over the years in an attempt to plead for mercy, but to no avail.

He eventually died of illness in Iowa.

Even after his death, all his descendants were exiled.

This outcome is enough for him now.

In fact, Chu Suiliang still had some energy and was not completely unable to handle state affairs.

Ultimately, this desire to retreat stemmed from his genuine feeling of exhaustion.

He was tired of the court, tired of everything.

He wanted to dedicate these last moments to his hobbies.

He wanted to visit Julu and personally walk up to the "Yunshao Pavilion," which has now become a sacred place for literature, to leave his calligraphy there.

This news shocked both the court and the public.

As one of the regents of the reigning dynasty, he was in charge even though the power of the Guanlong aristocracy was no longer what it once was.

But whether it was Changsun Wuji or Chu Suiliang, their positions have always been difficult to shake.

Even Emperor Gaozong (Li Zhi) felt a little reluctant to part with the two of them.

But seeing Chu Suiliang's full head of white hair, she finally had no choice but to agree and accompany him through the standard "three invitations and three retentions".

He was posthumously granted the title of Minister of Works and given a ceremonial staff to escort him back to his hometown, which can be considered as giving this veteran official of three dynasties a final moment of dignity.

And perhaps it is precisely because of reaching a certain age.

After everything had settled down, Chu Suiliang suddenly felt a little melancholy.

Looking at Chang'an, a city I've been gazing at for who knows how long, I even feel a unique sense of longing.

That's just how people are; the older they get, the more nostalgic they become.

But the more he thought about the past, the more he cherished the hard-won opportunity to return home safely.

On the eve of his departure, not only did officials from the court come to see him off, but even Gu Jing came.

Changsun Wuji's feelings were quite complicated.

His relationship with Chu Suiliang was originally very close, but in the past two years he has gradually and deliberately avoided him.

It wasn't because the two had a bad relationship.

However, both of them have already realized the current situation and are deliberately avoiding suspicion.

Chu Suiliang has now landed safely.

This had a great influence on Changsun Wuji.

The two didn't say much, but it seemed like they had said a lot, and their eyes welled up with tears as they looked at each other.

In the end, Chu Suiliang even bowed to Gu Jing, a junior, to express his gratitude.

Others might not realize it yet.

But how could Chu Suiliang and Changsun Wuji not sense the emperor's fear of the Guanlong nobles?

They were not the Gu family after all.

If it weren't for the Gu family keeping them in check, they would have done even worse than they have now, and their fate would have been obvious.

He was thanking Madam Gu for saving his life!

This matter had a great impact on the entire court, causing the power of the Guanlong aristocracy to shrink once again.

The key is--

Everyone could see that Changsun Wuji also seemed to be considering retiring. And it seemed that day wouldn't be too far off.

Sure enough, just as Chu Suiliang's political influence was waning,
A cry suddenly arose in the imperial court:
—Move the capital to Luoyang!
In fact, there had always been calls within the Tang Dynasty to move the capital.

Not only during the Wude era, but also during the Zhenguan era, Li Shimin had this idea and even brought it up several times, but it was always blocked.

The geographical limitations of Chang'an are undeniable.

Moving the capital to Luoyang would be a very good choice.

However, Chang'an was the core of the Guanzhong aristocracy, and whether it was during the Wude or Zhenguan reigns, accomplishing this task would not have been particularly easy.

If Li Shimin were to insist on going his own way, it wouldn't be a problem.

Unfortunately, he was not that kind of emperor.

The fact that a minister in the current court would bring up this matter so readily already demonstrates the rapid decline of the power of the Guanlong aristocracy.

Tai Chi Hall.

The palace was deep and spacious, with sunlight slanting across the vermilion pillars, where dust hung suspended and a pin drop could be heard.

All officials stood solemnly.

"Your Majesty! Last year's disaster relief efforts consumed 800,000 shi of grain from the imperial granary, and now only 30% of the granaries in Guanzhong remain." Minister of Revenue Du Zhenglun solemnly reported in court, "However, the annual loss of cargo ships at Sanmenxia still exceeds 40%—I request that the capital be moved to Luoyang!"

—Move the capital!
The moment those two words were uttered, it was as if a nerve had been touched, instantly changing the atmosphere in the entire hall!
Whispers of discussion immediately arose.

The officials in the court were naturally aware of all the details of last year's great famine.

Although the impact of this great famine was far less than in the original historical records due to the strong national power of the Tang Dynasty, it was still a huge loss for the Tang Dynasty.

Moreover, it completely exposed the fatal flaws of Chang'an's location!
The newly appointed Vice Minister of the Chancellery, Li Yifu, slowly stepped forward and bowed to Li Zhi, saying, "What Lord Du said is truly a sword hanging over my head!"

"When Emperor Yang of Sui built the Eastern Capital, it was not out of extravagance, but because 'the treasury of Chang'an was empty while that of Luoyang was full.'"

"The grain stored in the Hanjia Granary is sufficient for ten years, and the Bian Canal transports four million bushels of grain annually without any obstruction."

"To cling to a precarious situation is hardly the wisdom of a wise ruler."

"How dare you!" A sharp shout suddenly rang out.

Yu Zhining, the Junior Tutor to the Crown Prince, stared coldly at Li Yifu: "You two only see the grain, not the people's hearts!"

"Last year there was a famine, and the people of Guanzhong all believed that the imperial court could save the country."

"If we abandon it now that the disaster is over, how will the world judge Your Majesty?"

"Moreover, repairing the Guangtong Canal and excavating the Zhizhu Mountain would only cost a million strings of cash to solve the problem of grain transport. Why should we move the capital and waste money and resources on the people?"

As a high-ranking official in the Guanzhong region, he naturally opposed this matter vehemently. The power of the Guanzhong nobles was already quite weak.

If the capital was moved to Luoyang.

When Changsun Wuji retires, how can the Guanlong nobles still hold a place in the court?

Of course, while there may be opposition, the reasons must be presented in a respectable and plausible manner.

Yu Zhining's words instantly ignited a battle in the entire court. Han Yuan, the Chamberlain, also stepped forward and said, "Although the Luoyang Palace still exists, it has not been repaired for many years."

"If we were to suddenly relocate the six palaces and nine government offices, it would likely cost tens of millions—saving ten years' worth of grain transport costs would not be enough to offset a year's worth of construction work!"

The sounds of arguing almost instantly filled the hall.

Various forces are vying for power in this matter.

Apart from the Guanzhong nobles, almost everyone longed for the Tang Dynasty to move its capital to Luoyang.

And who wouldn't want more opportunities?

The Guanlong aristocracy has dominated the court for too many years, and the Gu family's position is unshakeable, but they can!
This is the best opportunity ever!

Looking at the noisy officials in the hall, Li Zhi couldn't help but frown.

He somewhat disliked these customs left over from the Zhenguan era.

However, Li Zhi did not say much, but only turned his gaze to Changsun Wuji who was standing to the side.

Changsun Wuji was determined to leave. The court, with its tedious politics and endless infighting, had long since left him weary.

Throughout, he remained silent as a stone, not uttering a single word.

But his status speaks for itself.

Even if Li Zhi remained a bystander, the courtiers would still steer the conversation toward him.

Especially those nobles from Guanzhong.

Changsun Wuji is their last remaining source of confidence!
Seeing that everyone's eyes were on him, including Li Zhi's, Changsun Wuji remained silent for a moment before slowly getting up to speak.

Just at this moment!

His body swayed suddenly, and he fell forward without warning, immediately losing consciousness.

"Grand Commandant!!"

In an instant, the chaos in the entire court was drawn to Changsun Wuji, and the previous disputes vanished in an instant.

That night.

The moonlight was as clear as if it had been washed, and the stars were dazzling.

In the mansion of Duke Zhao.

After the ministers who were worried about Changsun Wuji's health left one after another, the bedroom finally fell silent. On the bed, Changsun Wuji slowly opened his eyes, but did not make a sound.

Not long after, the eldest son and grandson Chong returned from seeing off the guests.

He had just stepped into the room when he suddenly froze—clearly not expecting his father to have woken up. His initial shock instantly turned to ecstatic joy, and he opened his mouth to cry out—

But Changsun Wuji's silent yet sharp gaze froze him in place!
"Silence." Changsun Wuji's voice was extremely soft, yet it carried an undeniable weight.

Suppressing his excitement, Changsun Chong hurriedly lowered his voice and leaned down to ask urgently, "Father, are you alright?"

Even if you're slow to react.

At this moment, how could he not understand that the family physician had lied to everyone? Changsun Wuji did not look unwell at all.

"I'm fine." Changsun Wuji waved his hand, then sat up abruptly, staring straight at Changsun Chong. "But I have to go."

His tone was extremely calm.

Upon hearing this, Changsun Chong's expression changed slightly.

He knew that Changsun Wuji had long intended to retire, but he did not expect it to happen so suddenly.

"The ministers advised on moving the capital. Although the Grand Tutor did not interfere, judging from the Gu family's current practices, he will eventually support the move."

"The same applies to His Majesty."

"Given the terrain of Chang'an, Emperor Taizong considered moving the capital several times in the past."

“This is the inevitable trend, and I cannot go against it. However…” He shook his head slightly, stopping his words at the right moment, and looked at Changsun Chong with a deep gaze, “This is the best opportunity for me to withdraw.”

"Tomorrow, you will go to the palace on my behalf to resign."

Changsun Wuji's face showed neither sorrow nor joy, as if the predicament of the Guanlong nobles today was something he had long anticipated.

That's always been his nature.

Just like when Empress Zhangsun was alive, he was able to give up the prime ministership he had already obtained because of a few words from her.

The same is true now!

He can no longer sit in this position.

Even if he no longer wants to start a war, the people behind him will push him forward.

This is what someone in his position must endure; Changsun Wuji was unwilling to suffer a tragic end.

Changsun Chong remained silent for a long time before finally nodding.

The following day, as the news spread throughout the court, all the struggles seemed insignificant in the face of this news.

This is Changsun Wuji!
He is the second most important person in Lingyan Pavilion.

The absolute leader among the Guanzhong aristocracy!
The impact of his resignation far exceeds that of Chu Suiliang back then!
Even the plan to move the capital was halted on this day, with almost everyone focusing their attention on the Duke of Zhao's residence.

—The Emperor himself has arrived!
Emperor Li Zhi ultimately refused the request and decided to personally visit this pillar of the nation at his residence.

The quiet bedroom was filled with the faint scent of medicine.

Li Zhi sat by the couch, tightly holding Changsun Wuji's withered hand, his eyes glistening with tears, his voice choked with genuine emotion: "Grand Commandant! Uncle Yuan!"

"The world is in turmoil, and the court is filled with anxiety! I am young and lack virtue, and the Grand Tutor never interferes in politics. Our Great Tang Dynasty cannot do without my maternal uncle!"

"Yuanjiu was entrusted with the care of the young emperor by the late emperor."

"Now that the country is not yet at peace, how can you just leave me and abandon this great Tang dynasty?"

When he got emotional, he gently wiped the corner of his eye with his sleeve, then held his hand tightly and said earnestly, "Uncle Yuan, please relax and rest. I have ordered the Imperial Physicians to be on duty day and night to ensure that the Grand Commandant recovers as soon as possible and returns to the court!"

"This empire... ultimately cannot exist without the Grand Commandant!"

This scene of harmonious relations between the emperor and his ministers, and their sincere affection, was witnessed by all the ministers present.

Changsun Wuji also seemed deeply shaken.

Since that day, he never mentioned resigning again, but he also never spoke of politics. He stayed in the Duke of Zhao's mansion under the pretext of "quietly recuperating from his illness."

More than a month later.

News came again from the Duke of Zhao's mansion that the Grand Commandant had vomited blood and fallen into a coma. Changsun Chongfang, citing his father's "serious illness and fear that he may no longer be able to serve as a loyal servant," went to the palace for the second time to bid a tearful farewell.

This time, Li Zhi did not insist on keeping him, but he still did not give a direct answer.

Five more days passed.

Changsun Wuji personally presented the memorial, his words filled with sorrow and lamentation. He pleaded that he was too frail and ill to bear the weight of the nation's burdens, and earnestly requested to retire.

After examining the document for a long time, Li Zhi finally gave a long sigh, "with great reluctance," and tearfully granted permission.

This momentous event, which had captivated everyone's attention, has finally come to an end.

The Marquis of Champion's Residence.

It was Gu Rui who delivered this message.

Even Gu Jing was taken aback when he heard the news.

He was well aware that with Changsun Wuji's departure, a brand new era was about to begin for the Tang Dynasty.

This left him with mixed feelings.

It wasn't because of Changsun Wuji. Although Gu Jing was also a person who was cold on the outside but warm on the inside, he was much more ruthless than Gu Quan.

Changsun Wuji is not worth such treatment.

What truly complicated Gu Jing's thoughts was the Gu family.

Changsun Wuji was forced to make this choice due to various circumstances.

Will the Gu family ever face such a day?

If it really exists.

Given the Gu family's current position, which is intertwined with the entire Nine Provinces, can the Gu family really extricate themselves easily?
As the saying goes, "Even the wisest person can think of a thousand things," and Gu Jing couldn't help but think of this question.

Although all of this seems absolutely impossible now!
(P.S.: Today's outline is only 4k+ words. I'm asking for monthly votes at the beginning of the month. I'm so grateful! By the way, I want to emphasize again that Wu Zetian will not become empress. This was originally planned in the outline.)
(End of this chapter)