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

Chapter 206 Li Longji Returns to the Capital, His Words of Insight (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

—A momentous change.

No one could have imagined that such a huge change would occur in the Tang Dynasty in such a short period of time.

Li Longji just left, didn't he?
And they were going to hunt down thieves.

Could it be that the crown prince is also planning a rebellion?

This was the first reaction of the people of Luoyang after they learned that Li Heng had ascended the throne. Amid the sensation, various rumors began to circulate among the people.

The specific content stated that Li Longji was not rebelling, but rather trying to escape.

No one knows who spread these rumors.

And nobody actually admits it.

Li Heng was furious about this, and the court officials cooperated by quickly suppressing the matter. Although they ostensibly prohibited the spread of rumors, they were in no way able to suppress them.

Then——

Li Heng then made a surprising move, leading his officials to the Marquis of Champion's residence.

—To reinstate the Gu family, Gu Xuan was appointed Grand Tutor by imperial decree.

For the people of Luoyang at that time, this was naturally a major event that deserved everyone's attention. The panic caused by the rumors about Li Longji gradually subsided at this time.

Throughout the entire process, the Gu family never appeared in public.

But this does not diminish the prestige of the name "Gu Family" in the hearts of the people.

The "foolish" emperor dismissed the Gu family, ushering in chaos throughout the land.

Now that the "wise" crown prince has ascended the throne and revitalized the Gu family, the deep-seated problems will naturally be eradicated.

This is a common thought among almost all ordinary people.

And Gu Yi naturally wouldn't refuse.

It's time; the Gu family needs to rise again.

Is public sentiment wavering?

Having come this far, this is perhaps what the Gu family fears least.

Unless the Gu family members actually commit heinous acts that will be remembered for eternity, suffer a crushing defeat, or become enemies with a monarch who can be called one of the greatest emperors in history.

Otherwise, the Gu family's illustrious reputation accumulated over hundreds of years would be enough to quell any unrest.

That's what Luoyang is like today.

When Gu Xuan re-entered the court as the head of the Gu family and jointly issued an imperial edict with Li Heng, the overwhelming momentum, as massive as a mountain, instantly ceased.

And what criticisms are there that are worth following to the death?
Li Longji's abandonment of Luoyang was his biggest mistake, just as he abandoned Chang'an in the original history. All that awaited him was the backlash after losing power.

Gu Yi would not waste any time.

On the very day he quelled the unrest in Luoyang, he dispatched troops in batches, sending them out of Luoyang to all directions.

Some were heading to Hebei, others to Tongguan, and still others to the border regions.

Although Gu Yi has not yet contacted many of these people.

But what Gu Yi needs to do now is—

The point is to raise this banner high.

Now that Li Longji has fallen, he cannot allow An Lushan to seize the entire city of Luoyang as he did in the original history.

Similarly, this also includes the Tibetans who later invaded Chang'an.

The atrocities these people committed against the entire Kyushu region are unimaginable to outsiders.

Gu Yi can accept the occurrence of turmoil.

Because this is a reshaping of order and a step forward for civilization.

But he couldn't let this war damage the very foundation of the entire Kyushu!

Tongguan.

After a long and arduous journey, Li Longji, already exhausted, finally arrived at Tongguan.

Actually, Luoyang is not far from Tongguan.

However, Li Longji was already very old, and he was under a lot of mental pressure, so he suffered a lot along the way.

Yang Guozhong had already made thorough preparations and was waiting for Li Longji to arrive.

His original intention was to leave immediately.

They were not only afraid of An Lushan's attack, but also afraid of causing other troubles.

However, Li Longji's body could not withstand such a long journey.

Left with no other option, Yang Guozhong could only wait.

In fact, he also had his own selfish reasons for wanting Li Longji to go to Shu, because many of his confidants were now in Shu.

It can be said that once Li Longji went to Shu, the region was already under his control.

This is the most crucial reason.

Although there were still some concerns about unforeseen complications, Li Longji's health was such that he could do nothing about it.

It is worth mentioning that--

Gao Xianzhi and Feng Changqing are currently inside Tongguan Pass.

Since leaving Luoyang, they had some contact with Yang Guozhong and followed Gu Yi's instructions to act obediently. Now, Yang Guozhong has long regarded them as his own people.

Faced with life and death, Yang Guozhong seemed to be able to distinguish between what was important and what was not, knowing that his abilities were insufficient, and had long ago recalled the two men.

Inside and outside Tongguan, no one knew that Luoyang had undergone a complete upheaval.

Upon arriving at the pass, Li Longji was still somewhat shaken. However, after a good night's sleep, his long-standing habits of extravagance entwined him like vines, instantly dispelling his fear.

Right here at the front line, where war clouds loomed, he surprisingly rekindled his old hobbies and began to frolic and feast with Yang Yuhuan and a group of palace maids.

Yang Guozhong saw this and was very anxious, and tried to persuade him several times.

Li Longji simply waved his hand lazily: "Rest for two more days."

It was as if closing down the defensive line built by 100,000 soldiers gave him an endless sense of security.

However, the very next day...

The envoy sent by Li Heng and the messenger sent by Gu Yi to secretly meet with Generals Gao and Feng arrived at Tongguan almost simultaneously.

When Li Longji received the envoy and heard the news that Li Heng had already "obeyed the Mandate of Heaven," accepted the urging of the officials, and ascended the throne in Luoyang, he stood frozen on the spot like a clay sculpture.

Yang Guozhong, standing to the side, was also deathly pale.

This news was like a bolt from the blue, tearing the sky apart!

They both understood what this meant.

"Insolence!" Li Longji's face turned ashen. In his shock and anger, he slammed the jade cup in his hand to the ground without thinking, shattering it into pieces!
"How dare this unfilial son commit such a heinous act?!"

The rumors circulating in Luoyang that the envoy had told him—rumors that he was not fighting a rebellion but fleeing in panic—pierced his mind like poisonous needles.

The last thin "fig leaf" used to conceal his incompetence and panic was ruthlessly torn away in public.

This former "Kaiyuan Holy Lord" has now completely lost his reason. Like a lion whose disguise has been exposed in public, he is left with only rage and madness, having lost all dignity and order.

"Get it!!!"

"kill him!!!"

"Kill this treacherous minister!!"

He pointed tremblingly at the messenger, his face deathly pale as he vented his anger.

Upon hearing this, Yang Guozhong immediately reacted. He first glanced at Li Longji, then at the stunned envoy, and finally waved his hand.

Amidst the cries of protest.

The envoy was immediately pulled away by the guards on either side.

Once the hall quieted down again, Yang Guozhong hurriedly stepped forward, cupped his hands, and said, "Your Majesty, at this critical moment, we should immediately proceed to Shu!"

"Go to Shu?" Li Longji looked on in astonishment and glared angrily at Yang Guozhong. "How can I, as the emperor, go to Shu at this time when my rebellious son has rebelled?"

"Quickly reorganize the troops!"

"Follow me and march back to Luoyang!"

Whether out of fear or excessive anger, Li Longji's body was trembling uncontrollably.

"Your Majesty!" Yang Guozhong wanted to add more words.

But at this moment, Li Longji was completely consumed by rage and ignored Yang Guozhong's words, only issuing orders hysterically.

Despite his reluctance, Yang Guozhong had no choice but to comply.

His only reliance was the crumbling emperor before him. If he lost Li Longji as his support, given his actions over the years, he would definitely not have a good end.

He had no choice but to summon everyone and order them to return to Luoyang.

But instead of being obeyed by the soldiers, they were met with resistance.

— Led by Feng Changqing and Gao Xianzhi, all the Tongguan garrison commanders controlled their troops and suppressed Yang Guozhong and Li Longji's last hope in front of them.

"By order of His Majesty the New Emperor and Grand Tutor Gu! The rebel An has caused chaos, and the nation is in grave danger. We must faithfully perform our duties and defend Tongguan!"

Gao Xianzhi's gaze swept over Li Longji and Yang Guozhong, who were both pale-faced, and he continued, "Starting today, escort the Emperor Emeritus and the Right Chancellor back to Luoyang immediately."

The last sentence carries an undeniable determination, but also implies a chilling warning:
"—To prevent the mutinous troops from taking advantage of the situation and causing further unforeseen disasters!"

Looking at the armored soldiers before them, Li Longji and Yang Guozhong were completely drained of color. Not to mention Li Longji, who had already collapsed.

Even Yang Guozhong began to tremble involuntarily.

At this moment, all they felt was despair.

They didn't understand why these people had come together, but what could they do at this point?

To unite their forces?

Not to mention that they would never have that opportunity at all.

Even if they did, both Li Longji and Yang Guozhong were well aware of their current image in the eyes of the soldiers.

The deep-seated love for one's homeland among the Chinese people is unmatched by any other nation.

No one wanted to leave Luoyang.

Not to mention, the Gu family has now stepped forward.

How could a retired emperor who has lost his prestige, power, and status compare to the Gu family at this time?

Gao Xianzhi disregarded the expressions of the two men, but did not overstep her authority.

He looked directly at the eunuch serving Li Longji.

His eyes suddenly changed, filled with obvious killing intent. "Immediately pack the Emperor Emeritus's belongings. I will send someone to escort the Emperor Emeritus back to Luoyang today!"

After saying this, he led his generals to bow to Li Longji.

Then he disregarded everything else.

He walked straight out of the hall.

They didn't have much time to waste; An Lushan was already on his way. They had to make the most of every moment.

This was the task Gu Yi assigned to them.

He would not interfere in all military matters, but they had to keep An Lushan out of Tongguan.

This is the core of the entire plan.

An Lushan's strategy relied on speed, accuracy, and ruthlessness. The key to preventing large-scale turmoil was to cut off their morale.

And as long as a tug-of-war begins.

With the Tang Dynasty's prosperity over the years, the Gu family's influence, and An Lushan's extremely long battlefront, it was enough to completely destroy An Lushan.

Gu Yi's real concern is still post-war recovery, including dealing with the current foreign tribes.

This is what Gu Yi needs to pay attention to.

On that very day, Gao Xianzhi immediately dispatched a contingent of imperial guards to escort Li Longji and his entourage back to Luoyang.

The roads remain the same, and the scenery is unchanged.

They took the same route that Li Longji took when he fled to Tongguan.

It didn't even take more than five days.

But their state of mind seemed to be decades apart, making the already aged Li Longji look even older, and Yang Guozhong also looked ashen-faced and withered.

Gu Yi had received the news in advance.

Two days later, Gu Xuan, along with Li Heng and others, waited in front of the city gate, with millions of people from Luoyang standing behind them.

A royal carriage slowly approached.

Li Longji could faintly feel those gazes from afar. In the past, he might have felt ashamed, but now, having become so despondent, he was numb.

He just wanted to ask the Gu family why they were helping Li Heng.

Why abandon the wisdom of the Gu family accumulated over hundreds of years?

In his view, this was tantamount to rebellion.

A gentle breeze swept by.

Under everyone's watchful eyes, the carriage finally arrived at the city gate. Li Heng immediately rushed over, his eyes red, and knelt on the ground: "Your son greets Father Emperor!"

The assembled officials all bowed deeply in respect.

Amidst these shouts, Li Longji pulled back the carriage curtain and glanced at Li Heng at the front with a complicated expression, before looking at the assembled officials behind him.

Ignoring the hateful gazes of the common people, he directly focused his attention on Gu Xuan and the other members of the Gu family.

He slowly got up and stepped down from the carriage.

Li Heng had intended to feign concern and offer him a helping hand, but Li Longji didn't even glance at him and walked directly to Gu Xuan.

"Gu family, why are you rebelling?"

He stared intently at Gu Xuan, as if trying to find the answer in that calm face:

"I do not employ the Gu family because their members have committed acts of disloyalty."

"I am the Son of Heaven—"

"How can one be forced by one's subjects in every matter?"

"Since I ascended the throne, have I ever ceased offering sacrifices to the Marquis of Zhongxiang for even a single day?"

"Even now, his spirit tablet is still enshrined in my bedchamber!"

His voice suddenly rose, filled with a sense of utter betrayal and a questioning tone: "The Gu family!—Why have they rebelled?!"

A gentle breeze kept blowing.

Li Longji's voice wasn't loud, but he was already under scrutiny at the time, and almost all the ministers around him heard his question.

Almost all of them involuntarily lowered their heads, their expressions inexplicably complex.

After all, he was an emperor for decades.

Although Li Longji had lost everything, his habits over the years still evoked complex emotions.

Even among the Gu family members, quite a few would do the same.

But Gu Xuan's expression remained perfectly calm. He looked at Li Longji with equanimity, pondered for a moment, and then asked earnestly, "Then..."

"Your Majesty, why then—abandon the country and leave?"

boom--!
What was said lightly was like a thunderbolt from the heavens to Li Longji!

The grief and questioning on his face froze instantly, all color draining from his face, as if he had been struck hard by an invisible giant hammer.

Gu Yi gave him no chance to catch his breath. His gaze was sharp as lightning, pressing forward step by step, and he manipulated Gu Xuan to say again, "Abandon the country? Abandon more than just Luoyang?"

"What we have abandoned is the very foundation upon which our Great Tang Dynasty was founded, the vast land that Emperor Gaozu and Emperor Taizong painstakingly built!"

"Does Your Majesty still remember the dragon flag that flew over Luoyang?"

"Do you still remember the magnificent scene of the officials shouting 'Long live the Emperor' in the Hanyuan Hall?"

Gu Xuan's voice grew louder and louder.

"In the past, Emperor Taizong had not yet ascended the throne when he entered Julu."

“My ancestor Yu Gong once said that the most difficult thing for a ruler is to maintain his original intention amidst the chaos of war, to never abandon his subjects in the face of danger, and to remember his original aspiration in the midst of a glorious era.”

Emperor Taizong wholeheartedly agreed!

"In his later years, he often used this to admonish Emperor Gaozong. For this reason, he even left a special edict for our Gu family. What he was worried about and feared was that future generations would forget their original intentions."

"Your Majesty, I dare to ask—"

"You constantly say that you worship the spirit tablet of Marquis Zhongxiang every day, and you always mention that you miss him."

"So! Do you still remember—"

"When you first entered Luoyang, full of vigor and ambition, you declared the change of era name to 'Kaiyuan' at the Wu Zetian Gate, determined to create a new golden age and glorify your ancestors. Where was that original aspiration then?!"

Li Longji was struck as if by lightning; his body swayed violently, and all color drained from his face.

That cry of "original aspiration" stirred countless thoughts within him. The contrast between his lofty ambitions in the early years of the Kaiyuan era and his current panicked westward escape was like hell, making him almost unable to stand.

Gu Xuan's expression remained unchanged as he bowed deeply and formally to the distraught figure.

This gesture was filled with the most extreme irony and resolute determination:

"His Majesty!"

"You abandoned Luoyang like a worn-out shoe, leaving the city's elders to be slaughtered by the rebel army, and letting the ancestral temples crumble and the imperial artifacts gather dust!"

Such behavior—

Gu Xuan's voice suddenly turned stern, like a final judgment:
"Compared to those so-called 'disloyal' members of the Gu family that you speak of, who has truly betrayed the blood and sweat of our ancestors in establishing the Tang Dynasty?!"

"Who has failed the hundreds of millions of people who eagerly awaited and relied on the emperor's protection?!"

"That being the case——"

His final words, though now light and airy, were more destructive than any roar, echoing clearly in everyone's ears:

"How can the actions of the Gu family today be considered 'rebellion'?!"

The words ended, their lingering echoes seeming to drain all life from the surrounding area.

Dead silence.

Absolute, suffocating silence.

Centered on Gu Xuan's upright figure, the air seemed to freeze into solid ice.

The ministers hung their heads, holding their breath, not daring to utter a sound.
(P.S.: It's the end of the month, so I'm begging for monthly votes. Please support me, brothers. I'll pay attention to my writing style and stop habitually emphasizing repetitive content.)
(End of this chapter)