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

Chapter 187 Dominating the Four Seas, Swallowing the Eight Seas (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
The situation in the imperial court was constantly changing.

The complete retirement of Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang seemed to signal the end of the Guanlong aristocracy, marking the end of an incredibly glorious era.

The entire Tang Dynasty ushered in a brand new chapter.

The seventh year of the Yonghui era, at the end of the year.

The imperial court finalized all matters concerning the relocation of the capital, officially concluding the matter.

—When the news spread, the whole world was shocked.

In any era, the shift of the political center has a wide-ranging impact, affecting not only the imperial court but also the people in various regions.

This naturally brings a lot of uncertainty, but at this point there is no room for maneuver.

The Gu family has never been involved in this matter.

The successive departures of Changsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang forced Gu Jing to take on many tasks.

He needed to ensure the stability of the court and manage the power transition after the departure of the Guanlong nobles.

We must never allow one company to dominate the market and become the second Guanlong Group.

We also can't afford to cause too much trouble.

The Tang Dynasty has now reached a critical juncture, whether in terms of its maritime foundation or the expansion into the Western Regions, including Liaodong.

The prerequisite for all these systems to function smoothly is that the Tang Dynasty must maintain stability.

Chaos must not be allowed to occur in the Tang Dynasty!

This is the bottom line that Gu Jing must defend to the death!
It was precisely because of this that none of these disturbances caused much of a stir. Regardless of the various factions that rose up one after another, no one dared to shake the Gu family's position in this treacherous court.

Gu Jing certainly deserves credit for this as well.

Why did he consistently refrain from interfering in politics?
Not only because his political acumen was mediocre, but also because he didn't want the Gu family to become too power-hungry, like they had become the common enemy of all aristocratic families during the Later Han Dynasty, and to be completely bound to the imperial family once again.

This was also something Gu Jing was considering.

In any case, he had to control everything, only in this way could he not have let down the Gu family or Li Shimin.

April of the eighth year of the Yonghui era.

—After nearly two years, some of the merchant ships that had departed from Panyu Port finally returned.

Although the casualties were enormous, the benefits that could be gained were also considerable.

When this news was sent to the imperial court and gradually spread,

This quickly sparked heated discussions throughout the Tang Dynasty, with almost all merchants setting their sights on this lucrative opportunity.

It is worth mentioning that--

Surprisingly, the Japanese envoy also accompanied the caravan this time, bringing with him tribute to the Tang Dynasty once again.

Japan is not unfamiliar to Kyushu.

As early as the Later Han Dynasty, Japan had already made contact with Kyushu. Emperor Guangwu even granted them seals and recognized their status as a vassal state.

Over the years, regardless of how power has changed hands in Kyushu.

The ruling class in Japan has always maintained the tradition of offering tributes.

Gu Yi also noticed this matter and carefully observed the attitude of these Japanese envoys.

Indeed, the saying "barbarians fear power" is not wrong.

In the original history, Gu Yi remembered very clearly that although Japan continued to pay tribute to the Tang Dynasty during this period, it was always pursuing an equal status with the Tang Dynasty in the name of diplomacy.

Simply put, these tributes were no longer tributes from vassal states, but rather purely diplomatic exchanges between the two countries.

But things are completely different now.

The Japanese envoy's attitude was extremely respectful, even more so than ever before.

The reason is also quite simple.

That is because they witnessed the strength of the Tang Dynasty. Li Chengqian had already sent people to Japan and even wiped out many bandits who wanted to plunder.

This strength instilled fear in the Japanese, who naturally became extremely submissive.

It is worth mentioning that--

Li Chengqian has now launched an offensive in the Malay Archipelago, openly asserting his power and occupying territory to build ports.

This even included small countries that had interacted with the Tang Dynasty.

Of course, Li Chengqian was much more lenient with these people, simply occupying their coastline under the guise of "borrowing" it, making thorough preparations for the maritime trade routes that the entire Tang Dynasty would be developing next.

Unfortunately, he only had five thousand men under his command.

Furthermore, while ensuring expansion, Li Chengqian also needed to properly build his own foundation.

Compared to Kyushu, these natives who have lived on the islands for many years are far too backward, and educating them is an extremely arduous task.

Gu Lei is only thirty-four years old, but his hair is already completely white.

This shows just how much effort was put into it.

Such dedication will naturally bring great rewards.

Leaving aside other places, in Ryukyu alone, Ryukyu people have begun to adapt to Kyushu customs, and many children have begun to learn to read.

Li Chengqian's visit brought them not only advanced systems, but also a rich cultural heritage.

For Li Chengqian, and for the Gu family.

Their faith is extremely strong, including their faith in Kyushu.

They were fascinated by the profound and extensive culture of Kyushu.

Although many of them had never been to the Tang Dynasty, the phrase "people of the Tang Dynasty" gradually became ingrained in their very being.

It is already quite remarkable that such progress has been made in just a few years.

Of course, Gu Lei wouldn't just stop there.

Although the Gu family members living in Ryukyu today no longer have the energy to travel to more distant places to teach, the disciples they have taught are indeed capable.

This is not Kyushu.

And they need to teach those extremely profound classics, but only to educate the natives of those desolate lands, to teach them to know and understand Kyushu.

Today, numerous Gu Academy schools have been established throughout the Malay Archipelago.

Although it's just a few simple courtyards.

But the significance it can bring is extraordinary.

In addition, their exploration has never stopped. Whether it is Li Chengqian or Gu Lei and other members of the Gu family, they have never forgotten their mission.

That is exploration!
Li Chengqian was in poor health.

His foot ailment had a significant impact on him, and given his position, he couldn't always go to sea and be on the front lines, so he had to delegate these tasks to others.

The extraordinary nature of the Takumi was fully demonstrated at this moment.

It already possesses the ability to sail long distances.

Although it is not yet strong enough to withstand the storms of a long journey, as long as the right opportunity is seized, it can travel a much farther road.

Under Gu Yi's observation.

They have now even explored the vicinity of the Strait of Malacca in later generations, although no more forces have the power to occupy such a remote place.

But this is of extraordinary significance to the entire Kyushu region.

As all of this gradually stabilizes, the maritime foundation of the Tang Dynasty will gradually form a complete maritime lifeline interwoven with key shipping routes and strategic hubs over time.

In short—

All of this benefits the present and will last for generations!

The only regrettable thing is that both Gu Lei and Li Chengqian's health is gradually declining.

They ultimately paid too high a price.

Li Chengqian was alright, though he already had health problems.

Gu Lei, on the other hand, simply couldn't handle the amount of effort required.

Not only the Gu family members, but even Li Chengqian advised him that he could return to Kyushu, even if he couldn't recover his health, so that he could eventually return to his roots. This man, who was once considered unconventional and unlike the traditional Gu family members, now resolutely made the same choice as his ancestors.

Faced with everyone's advice, he said seriously:

"I am unfamiliar with the intricacies of court politics, nor am I skilled in military strategy."

"Now, I am fortunate to use my meager abilities to spread education in foreign lands and to display the might of Heaven on the sea frontiers—what is there to regret about my mere crippled body?"

"I only ask that I live up to this aspiration and be worthy of my ancestors!"

This is the pride in the hearts of all the Gu family members.

It is the best teaching left to future generations by our ancestors based on their own experiences.

To Gu Yi's surprise—

In present-day Ryukyu, the people have even come to regard Gu Lei as a saint, an influence that has far exceeded his expectations.
April of the ninth year of the Yonghui era.

Luoyang.

The relocation of the capital has now been completed, and Luoyang is no longer what it used to be, having once again become the political center of a powerful empire.

Li Zhi had gradually taken over the administration of the court, although he still did not actively interfere in anything, just as he always had.

But as an emperor, he also firmly held the power of decision.

The atmosphere inside Luoyang Palace was solemn and heavy.

"Your Majesty!" Li Yifu's voice broke the silence, filled with urgency, "Tuyuhun Khan Nuohebo has sent an urgent report via express courier!"

"The Tibetans have repeatedly violated our territory and provoked us constantly. Now they have mobilized their army in a large-scale invasion of Tuyuhun!"

"Nuohebo earnestly requests that our Great Tang Dynasty immediately dispatch troops!!!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the air in the hall seemed to freeze.

A surge of suppressed anger instantly rose in the hearts of the assembled officials.

How long?
How long has it been since the majesty of the Tang Dynasty was subjected to such blatant offense?
Tuyuhun was a vassal state of the Tang Dynasty and a buffer state between the Tang and Tibet. Tibet's move was tantamount to putting a sword directly to the neck of the Tang Dynasty!

This is no longer a provocation, but a blatant disregard for the Celestial Empire!

All the officials in the hall were bristling with anger, their faces showing their fury.

Even the usually composed Gu Jing suddenly had a sharp, cold glint in his eyes.

Gu Yi was also silently watching this scene, and was not too surprised by it.

The Tang Dynasty was indeed very powerful.

However, under the influence of the Kyushu culture, the development of the Tubo Kingdom today has also surpassed its original history, and it has long since ruled the entire Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Naturally, one would turn their attention to the more prosperous areas around them.

This is absolutely unavoidable!

However, this differed from the original history, as Tibet was well aware of the power of the Tang Dynasty.

Especially when Gu Jing was alive.

This imposed significant limitations on Tibet.

But the same problem applies here: Tibet was a military state, and its regime relied on tribal alliances and military plunder to maintain its cohesion.

In addition, there are geographical limitations imposed by the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

Once their internal situation is completely saturated, their failure to focus on external affairs will incite domestic strife.

Therefore, they could only turn their attention to the Tang Dynasty, hoping to test its reaction.

They've been putting up with this for years.

If we continue to tolerate this, the internal conflicts will overturn everything.

Before Li Zhi could speak, Gu Jing slowly stood up and walked to Li Yifu's side, took the secret letter from his hand, and immediately looked over with a sharp gaze.

The entire hall fell silent instantly.

Even Li Zhi didn't say much.

Who doesn't know Gu Jing's skills on the battlefield?
As time passed and veteran generals passed away one after another, Gu Jing is now the undisputed number one commander of the Tang Dynasty.

After a moment, Gu Jing bowed slightly to Li Zhi and said, "Your Majesty, this is a rebellious act by the Tubo."

"I will also personally lead the army to Tuyuhun."

A simple sentence, yet it instantly caused gasps of astonishment to fill the hall!

Gu Jing personally led the army!

The ministers couldn't help but think of the ancient war against Goguryeo!
This was the first time Gu Jing had considered sending troops since that battle!
"Does the Grand Tutor intend to start a war with Tibet?" Li Zhi stared intently at Gu Jing, remaining silent for a long time before finally asking.

Gu Jing slowly shook his head, his gaze deep and unfathomable: "Your Majesty, Tibet is not Goguryeo. Its country is situated on the plateau, a natural barrier and a remote region."

"After a long march, the troops were deep in enemy territory and had to endure excruciating pain and even the pain of a splitting headache to barely stand."

"The road is extremely dangerous and narrow; one man can hold the pass against ten thousand."

"Now is not the time to start a war!"

He paused slightly, then said solemnly again, "My purpose in going there is to force them to pull back from the brink, to know the difficulty and retreat, and not to dare to cross the line again!"

--deterrence!
This was Gu Jing's purpose.

How could he not see that this was Tibet testing the Tang Dynasty?
This is his response!
He went there in person!
Gu Jing absolutely could not tolerate Tibet affecting the development of the Tang Dynasty at this time, especially in the Western Regions!

From the perspective of the Tibetan political structure.

As long as they have any reservations, the internal conflicts will erupt completely in a short period of time.

He personally took action and also expressed his stance to various forces in the Western Regions. The dual-citizenship system is at a critical moment, and Gu Jing's personal visit will add more leverage to the implementation of this system!
The entire hall was silent.

After remaining silent for a long time, Li Zhi finally nodded and agreed to the matter.

—The news kept spreading.

Once everything was ready, Gu Jing left Luoyang without hesitation.

This was the first time he had left the political core since that war.

He had no worries.

Everything in the Tang Dynasty has gradually stabilized. Even though he is not in Luoyang, as long as the Censorate is there, nothing will go wrong.

Gu Jing's trip was indeed just for intimidation, hence the great fanfare.

Sure enough, after learning about this...

The Tibetan offensive stopped instantly. Without the slightest hesitation, they quickly retreated back to the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and even sent someone to express their stance to Gu Jing.

There was no way around it—although they were all absolutely convinced that the Tang army could not break through the terrain of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.

But the Gu family is shrouded in countless legends among the barbarian tribes.

In addition, there was the Goguryeo War, which had been deliberately publicized in the past.

Gu Jing's reputation has now surpassed Gu Chen's in many ways. Although he has only experienced one battle, he is too ruthless.

No small country could withstand his kind of slaughter.

This reputation, earned through battle, is bound to be feared.
Gu Jing didn't say much, but simply gave the envoy the Gu family's banner and had it taken back.

Furthermore, he did not choose to return directly to Luoyang.

While directing troops in this frontier region, he oversaw the work of the Censorate in the Western Regions and continued to exert pressure on the entire Tibetan Empire.

He seemed to want to drag it out.

Let's wait until the internal conflicts within Tibet fully erupt before making any decisions.

This truly brought a sense of despair to the entire Tibetan region.

But before long, at the end of the ninth year of Yonghui, Luoyang sent an urgent message.

—Li Zhi fell ill and was unable to manage state affairs.

Gu Jing, please return to the capital immediately!
(P.S.: Requesting monthly votes at the beginning of the month. Please support me, brothers. Just to reiterate, Wu Zetian will not become empress. The most powerful period of the Tang Dynasty is about to arrive. Don't make wild guesses or spread rumors!!!)
(End of this chapter)