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

Chapter 197: The Founding of the Dynasty, Gu Jing's Death (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
Mingzhou government residence

Suppressed coughs could be heard intermittently in the study.

"Cough cough cough," Gu Jing, with his full head of white hair, endured the fatigue surging through his body, his eyes still focused on the memorial in his hands.

Beside him, a group of Gu family members looked at him with concern, wanting to offer advice but unsure how to begin.

Gu Jing's health is deteriorating.

This decline is not due to any illness, but simply due to various problems that arise with age, which is something no one can do about.

As the saying goes, "Even the wisest person can think a thousand times."

Gu Jing was one such example.

Although he did not flaunt his achievements or dedicate himself to the country as much as Gu Kang and Gu Xi did in the past, this was due to a shift in the Gu family's development direction.
The effort he devoted to governing the country was no less than that he put into it.

In short, he was completely exhausted.

Anyone could see this clearly; Li Longji had already sent several letters urging Gu Jing to return to the capital to recuperate.

But Gu Jing refused the offer.

Whether he can safely return to the capital given his current physical condition is unknown.

For him, this was the only thing he could do for the Tang Dynasty and for the Gu family.

After the deed was done, regardless of life or death, there was no strength left.

“These merchants must be treated well.” He spoke with difficulty despite his illness, his voice weak but clear, “and strictly order local officials not to exploit or harass them.”

"The sea route has just opened, and the region is still recovering. Merchants here are like sparks igniting a prairie fire. If another mishap occurs..."

He paused, his eyes filled with deep worry, "The prosperity of our Great Tang's maritime trade may not be restored for another hundred years."

Upon hearing this, everyone present immediately bowed and accepted the order.

Without wasting words, Gu Jing put down the memorial he was writing down about the sea and picked up the next one.

This is a memorial to the throne concerning the navy.

In fact, the Tang Dynasty had been preparing for this for a long time.

The system currently implemented in the Tang Dynasty is still the Fubing system, which, in short, combines soldiers and farmers.

During peacetime, the soldiers were farmers who cultivated the land and received military training during the off-season; in wartime, they were conscripted into the army and brought their own weapons, food and other equipment.

This system saves the country's military spending while ensuring a sufficient supply of soldiers.

But the marines are different.

Fundamentally, the Tang Dynasty's training of its naval forces was not about expanding its territory, but about protecting the sea routes across the Tang Dynasty's various regions.

This means that marines must be on duty at all times.

Everything, including their weaponry and warships, needed to be remanufactured, and even their training was affected.

Gu Jing had already discussed this matter with Li Shimin after the war against Goguryeo ended years ago.

This was preparation for regular marines.

Now it's all fallen into place naturally.

However, this does not mean that things will go very smoothly. Whether it is the marine system, the specific training, or various other matters, it is an extremely complicated matter.

The most important thing for naval personnel is training, and even more so, good generals.

Besides--

Gu Jing still needs to carefully sort out the naval supplies and pay, and all sorts of trivial matters require his personal attention and coordination.

Time flies, and before we knew it, dusk had fallen.

After reading through the memorials from various places, Gu Jing, despite his illness, slowly rose, leaning on the table: "Let's go, to the military camp... let's take another walk."

The Gu family members stood silently, their eyes fixed on him, and no one moved.

Seeing that no one was moving, Gu Jing immediately understood.

A smile appeared on his aged face, and his voice, though hoarse, conveyed a sense of magnanimity: "Lifespan is predetermined, why should you worry about it?"

"When have the descendants of the Gu family ever feared death?"

"His Majesty is wise and there is no longer any place for me in the court. I have been entrusted by Emperor Taizong and am also the head of my Gu family."

"Whether it's for the sake of my Gu family or for the sake of the entire land of China."

"This matter concerning the sea frontier... is my last bit of effort."

His voice was very calm, as if he didn't care at all about his body and the approaching death.

The students watched this scene in silence, and some even shed tears.

Teaching by example is the best form of education.

This is also the biggest reason why the Gu family has been unable to surpass it for so many years.

Regardless of the family.

However, to pass on this spirit and sense of responsibility from generation to generation like the Gu family is extremely difficult.

This is the fundamental reason why the Gu family is so difficult to shake.

Gu Yi had been silently observing all of this, and was equally powerless to change Gu Jing's current state.

Human strength eventually reaches its limit.

That's how it is now.

Even though he still has a lot of points, it's impossible for him to keep Gu Jing going any longer.

However, he did do enough.

In this era of great change, the hardships Gu Jing endured while shouldering the burden of the entire nation are unimaginable.

Although he never flaunts it.

But Gu Yi can see it now.

Gu Jing's decision to stay in Mingzhou was not merely to train the marines; it was also to bring peace to the nation.

Only he and the head of the Gu family were present.

Only then will people and merchants from all over the world believe in the integrity of the imperial court.

Time flies by.

This massive purge has affected various regions to varying degrees.

It is worth mentioning that even though he was greatly affected, Gu Jing still began to expand the city.

And the expenses involved—

They used money and provisions confiscated from merchants from various places and provided by various forces.

They have completely given in.

Now, she only complied with Gu Jing's wishes, unwilling to offend him when he was already in his old age, as if she had been traumatized by Gu Jing.

Now they only regret not agreeing to Gu Jing's request sooner.

Otherwise, where would all these problems come from?

This also greatly reduced the burden on the entire imperial court.

Although the Tang Dynasty is indeed still at its peak, the expenses involved in everything from establishing a naval force to the salaries of officials are considerable.

Gu Jing naturally wouldn't refuse this offer and gladly accepted all the overtures from various factions.

This greatly accelerated the pace of city expansion.

At that very moment, the entire court fell silent with astonishing speed. The clamor and controversy of the past vanished without a trace, as if there had never been any trouble at all.

Even more shockingly, those who had previously criticized Gu Jing are now vying to submit memorials praising him for merit.

There was no other reason than that everyone feared the Gu family's retribution later, and they also saw through the Emperor's intentions.

Li Longji would send his eunuchs to inquire about Gu Jing's health every few days, urging Gu Jing to return to the capital to recuperate. Even the imperial physicians from the Imperial Hospital had been transferred to Mingzhou.

The scale of this "favor" far exceeded the expectations of the court officials.

This is human nature.

They criticized Gu Jing for seeking fame and reputation, and now they are paying the price.

However, Gu Jing didn't care about any of this.

They even stopped Li Longji from punishing them.

Human nature is hard to discern.

While some among them are seeking fame and fortune, there are also many who care about the world, and they are using the guise of offering advice.

This political climate had already been significantly influenced since the reign of Emperor Gaozong. It only gradually revived during the reign of Emperor Renzong.

At least for now, Gu Jing doesn't want to sever this political atmosphere.

Although Li Longji was resentful, he still went along with Gu Jing's wishes and did not target those people too much, but he did not hide his disgust at all.

That's just how young people are.

Li Longji was quite capable; he had his own judgment on politics and relied heavily on the ministers in the court.

But for him, as the emperor, why should he pretend in front of people he dislikes?

If Gu Jing hadn't spoken up...

Even if these people don't die, their official hats must be removed.

Time passed slowly under these circumstances. When Li Longji offered sacrifices at the Imperial Ancestral Temple at the end of the year, the ceremony was completed, and the great wheel of history rolled over the dust of the old year.

The grand curtain of the first year of the Kaiyuan era was finally raised amidst the renewal of all things.

Luoyang Palace, Zichen Hall.

Li Longji sat upright on the dragon throne, scanning the assembled officials below with an extremely serious expression.

"I wish to inspect Mingzhou and visit the Grand Tutor!"

The child's innocent voice echoed throughout the hall on the gentle breeze.

Upon hearing this, the ministers showed no emotion whatsoever, as if they had already anticipated it.

The news just arrived last night.

Gu Jing fainted because he was dealing with government affairs too late, and now he is bedridden and doesn't even have much time left to be conscious.

Clearly, death was imminent for Gu Jing.

How could Li Longji not go in person?
The ministers were well aware of this, but they didn't say anything more.

The emperor's sentimentality is good news for anyone, and this matter is entirely in accordance with etiquette. Gu Jing was both a teacher and a father to Li Longji, so there is nothing to discuss.

The matter was settled under these circumstances.

Li Longji was clearly in a great hurry, giving them no time to prepare, and hastily led some guards and ministers straight to Mingzhou.
Minnesota.

Gu Jing is indeed beyond saving.

The relentless sea breeze and the constant drain on his mental energy were both taking their toll on him.

He can't stop.

Even after putting down the memorial, various questions still involuntarily flashed through his mind.

This major case and its aftermath have completely exhausted his physical strength.

Inside the official residence at this moment.

Amidst the mournful cries, Gu Jing, lying on the bed, finally opened his eyes slowly.

He waved his hand slightly, stopping his disciples from carrying water, and did not send anyone to call a doctor. He simply looked at his descendants silently, his eyes red.

"I'm about to die."

He got straight to the point as soon as he opened his mouth.

He knows his own body best, and he has no time to waste.

As soon as he finished speaking, the expressions of all the Gu family members present changed drastically, and they all knelt down involuntarily.

"There are some things I can't let go of, and I have to tell you about them."

Gu Jing's voice was slightly hoarse, but it was stronger than usual.

Everyone understands what this means.

A somber atmosphere instantly filled the entire room.

"I have sealed Emperor Taizong's last edict within the Julu clan. After my death, my descendants must never use it, lest they give others a pretext for 'treason'."

"This is a great taboo for the Gu family. We must not let a single imperial edict implicate the entire clan."

As Gu Jing spoke, he struggled to sit up, his bloodshot eyes sweeping over the crowd: "As for the Censorate—"

He paused, involuntarily pressing his hands to his forehead, his expression changing drastically as if in extreme pain.

After a short while, he finally caught his breath, took a deep breath, and continued, "The Censorate wields too much power. This is due to the circumstances of the time, and it was also something I did intentionally."

"From the founding of the Tang Dynasty to the present day,"

"The Censorate has always been in the hands of my Gu family."

"However, you are not capable enough, and it is already difficult enough that you can hold onto the Censorate. If someone wants to strip it of its power in the future, you should not fight against it."

"This is the escape route I have provided for you."

—An escape route!
Someone like Gu Jing couldn't possibly not make such preparations, especially since he had already recognized the talent of the family's scions.

A series of mournful cries rang out instantly.

Seeing that the elders of the clan were still worrying about the future of their descendants as they lay dying, how could everyone not feel heartbroken?
"Father! It is your incompetence that has caused you worry even on your deathbed!"

The eldest son, Gu Hao, suppressed his sobs, wiping away his tears as he tried his best to speak clearly, "Father, rest assured, I will do my utmost to preserve the family's legacy and follow the example of you and our ancestors!"

As soon as he finished speaking, the crowd behind him echoed in unison, their voices choked with emotion yet resolute.

Gu Jing leaned against the couch, watching everyone. He wasn't completely at ease because of their vows, but he also knew that he couldn't care less about them anymore.

Explain?
That's enough.

How future generations should conduct themselves is ultimately beyond the comprehension of their predecessors.

He sighed softly, then turned his head to look out the window.

The clear sky came into view, and his gaze became increasingly complicated. A soft murmur escaped his lips: "Father, His Majesty the Emperor Taizong has been well, and has he not failed your expectations?"

"Kaiyuan!"

His voice faded to a whisper, and amidst the gazing gazes of his descendants, he slowly closed his eyes, his breath fading away.

Meanwhile, outside the city gates.

The emperor's carriage finally entered the city.

This trip was rushed, leaving no time for the ministers to prepare. The newly appointed officials had no choice but to go out of the city to greet the emperor.

Without uttering any unnecessary words, Li Longji went straight to the official residence.

However, before they could even step through the gates of the official residence—

Then a group of Gu family members rushed out from inside!

Those pairs of red, tearful eyes pierced his vision, and Li Longji's body suddenly froze!
Gu Hao recognized the emperor and immediately staggered to his knees. The grief he had been suppressing finally broke through his throat, his voice trembling and tearing:

"Your Majesty! My father has just passed away!"

Li Longji's expression changed drastically.

He disregarded everyone present and charged straight into the official residence.

"Grand Tutor!!!"

The first year of the Kaiyuan era, the day of Wuxu in the third month;
Gu Jing died in Mingzhou.

He was posthumously honored with the title of Zhongxiang.

"Zhongqu" means to serve one's lord wholeheartedly; "Xiangqu" means to be meritorious in armor and to be virtuous in opening up new territories.

In accordance with his wishes, he was buried in Julu, Hebei.
------

"Lord Zhongxiang Gu Jing was a figure who spanned the entire prosperous Tang Dynasty. He lived through the reigns of four emperors: Taizong, Gaozong, Renzong, and Xuanzong, and was entrusted with the care of the young emperors in succession."

Its contribution to the entire prosperous Tang Dynasty is self-evident.

Whether it was his role in pacifying Liaodong under Emperor Taizong, Emperor Gaozong's role in pacifying Tibet and developing maritime trade, or his role in supporting Emperor Renzong in establishing Emperor Xuanzong.

He laid a glorious foundation for the entire Tang Dynasty with his life's achievements.

Including its outstanding vision in maritime trade, the development of subsequent dynasties in Kyushu was almost entirely based on it, and its influence on the entire Kyushu region can be called a milestone.

In addition, many contemporary historians believe that given the circumstances of the Tang Dynasty at that time...

If it weren't for Marquis Zhongxiang, Gu Jing, Empress Wu might have had the potential to usurp power.

It is difficult to discern the truth.

However, no matter what, the merits of Marquis Zhongxiang Gu Jing cannot be questioned in the slightest.

With his passing, the entire Tang Dynasty reached a turning point.

—From *The Rise and Fall of the Tang Dynasty*

(End of this chapter)