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

Chapter 215 Controlling Two Religions, the Gu Family Achieves Godhood (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Lhasa City.

After considering everything, Gu Yi manipulated Gu Xuan to meet with Da Xin of the Bon religion and Khenpo of Buddhism.

The attitude expressed is also very simple.

Gu promised to support both religions.

To put it simply, we need to give them a level playing field.

Only in this way can the conflict between the two religions be fully brought to the surface. Given the current situation in Tibet, the struggle between the two religions will affect everything, leaving them no time to attend to anything else.

On the surface, Gu Xuan appeared to be impartial and unbiased.

However, in private meetings, Gu Yi did not hesitate to manipulate Gu Xuan, secretly encouraging both sides to debate and attack each other on doctrines, rituals, and historical origins.

And besides that——

Gu Yi also put another matter on the agenda, which was to deify Gu Chen within the two sects!
This was a decision made by Gu Yi after careful consideration.

While the Gu family might not acknowledge apocryphal texts and superstitions, they couldn't avoid using them altogether.

The Gu family is indeed infamous in many religious sects, but they have never actually performed any deification.

This is also a prelude.

As the Gu family's position in religion gradually becomes more secure, and with the continuous development of time, as the productivity of Kyushu becomes sufficient and the influence of the Gu family grows, this will definitely accelerate the integration of various regions into Kyushu.

And this is currently the only opportunity.

Because whether it's Bon or Buddhism, under the current circumstances, they all need to consider the Gu family's opinion.

At least within a century.

If they want to gain a firm foothold in Tibet, they will definitely choose to help the Gu family cultivate their influence; this is simply human nature.

As for why Gu Chen was chosen, the reason is equally simple.

It's because Gu Chen is the most suitable person.

The infamous reputation of the Gu family within various sects was almost entirely due to his efforts, although his descendants, such as Gu Ye and Gu Jing, who expanded the territory, also had a reputation.

But compared to Gu Chen, he is indeed far inferior.

Gu Chen truly managed to suppress an entire era single-handedly.

First, he pacified the nine provinces, then waged wars in the south and north, and wiped out foreign tribes.

Such a person has already become a god, whether in Buddhism or Bon religion, and already has a certain influence.

Doing so now is a natural progression.

The two religions remained noncommittal on this matter.

Although he hesitated for a few days, he agreed to the matter directly.

Buddhism refers to Gu Chen as the "Church of the Universal Monarch who protects the Dharma," a great monarch prophesied by the Buddha to protect the Dharma; while in Bon religion, Gu Chen is called the "God of War," an existence that protects the entire sect.

A special sacrificial ceremony was held for this purpose.

Of course, it's impossible for all of this to take root in people's hearts in a short period of time.

However, given the Gu family's deep-rooted foundation and the cooperation between the two religions, pushing this matter forward was not too difficult.

In addition, Gu Yi naturally wanted to establish the Gu family's position.

What is religious control?
Gu Yi needed to ensure that the Gu family was above religion, and through this, he could subtly change the mindset of the lower-class people in Tibet.

This is destined to be an extremely troublesome matter.

At the end of October in the first year of the Zhide era.

Gu Yi manipulated Gu Xuan to hold a grand sacrificial ceremony in the city of Lhasa, simultaneously initiating sacrifices for both religions and erecting the Gu family's banner above both religions.

This move will undoubtedly bring a lot of criticism to the Gu family.

If this had happened during the Former Han Dynasty, Gu Yi would never have had such a thought.

But things are completely different now.

The Gu family is bound to the entire Nine Provinces!

The rise and fall of a single dynasty is no longer the Gu family's goal. As long as this action is a good thing for the entire country, that is enough for the Gu family.

The Gu family no longer needs to pay any attention to the criticisms of others.

Of course, there are also many other troubles.

Regardless of the religious sect, there will always be a large number of fanatical believers. This is a common occurrence even in modern times, let alone in Tibet today.

——Trouble reappears.

Even the leaders of both religions harbored some reluctance.

However, Gu Yi's approach to this was also very simple: he used the most direct means to suppress these people.

Furthermore, this incident served as a pretext to re-establish rules for both religions.

The purpose of placing Gu Chen's shrine in important locations of the two religions was to elevate the Gu family above both religions.

In any other period, neither religion would have agreed to this.

—But this moment is different!
Trisong Detsen's past promotion of Buddhism and suppression of Bon had already dealt a heavy blow to the powerful Bon religion;

The current stalemate between the two religions has made their situation even more difficult.

Even for the sake of their own sect's survival, they had no choice but to submit to Gu Yizhi's demands.

They were deeply afraid of angering Gu Xuan.

If Gu Xuan were to abandon any of these sects, they would surely face utter ruin.

In fact, the two sects originally planned to use various means to influence Gu Xuan, but they soon discovered that Gu Xuan really did not trust them.

That is why they were forced to accept Gu Xuan's various demands.

It is worth mentioning that--

Gu Yi originally intended to directly take control of the training of the leaders of the two sects, but after careful consideration, he had to give up this radical idea.

The impact of such a thing would be even greater if it were actually done.

Buddhism aside.

The Bon religion might actually choose to confront the Gu family head-on if pushed to the limit.

Although the Gu family was not afraid of these things.

However, if the entire Tibetan Empire is turned into a battlefield from which it is difficult to extricate itself, then it would be a case of losing more than it gains.

For some things, taking that first step is enough.

The rest can be left to time.

With everything settled, Gu Yi then manipulated Gu Xuan to lead his army on their return journey as late autumn drew to a close.

The news kept spreading.

—The matter of Gu Xuan's campaign against Tibet and its various outcomes are no longer a secret in the Tang Dynasty.

No one doubted the outcome of the battle. Even when the Tang army suffered repeated setbacks during the advance, the people of the world still had absolute confidence in the Gu family.

But things are completely different in the imperial court.

Compared to the masses of ordinary people, these people were well aware of just how strong Tibet was, and how great the impact of the "mountain calamity" was on their soldiers.

Even Li Heng considered persuading Gu Xuan to withdraw his troops, but was ultimately stopped.

At this moment, in Luoyang.

White banners, like snowflakes, hung from the city walls, a deathly silence and sorrow weighing heavily on this magnificent imperial capital.

Emperor Emeritus Li Longji has passed away.

Just like in the original history, he died in the deep palace as the retired emperor.

But compared to his historical counterpart, it seems that it was Gu Xuan's questioning of him before the people of Luoyang that completely awakened his conscience, or perhaps tore away his last shred of dignity. Within a few short months, Li Longji died in the deep palace.

The Tang Dynasty is currently in a period of national mourning.

However, compared to the previous emperors of the Tang Dynasty, whether officials in the imperial court or ordinary people in the city, it was difficult to find much grief at the death of Li Longji.

Even if there is sorrow, it is only for the Ming Emperor who created the Kaiyuan era of prosperity, and certainly not for the incompetent rulers of the Tianbao era.

And it is under these circumstances.

This so-called "national mourning" has naturally become a joke.

Whether it's officials or ordinary people, everything remains the same as before.

On this day, the messenger's cries further diminished the already sparse atmosphere of sorrow.

"Make way! Urgent message! Great victory! Great victory—!!!"

A hoarse yet extremely excited shout came from afar, like a thunderclap, on Zhuque Street. A messenger on horseback, covered in dust and foaming at the mouth, rushed into the city gate like an arrow released from a bow.

"Tibet is pacified! Lhasa has fallen!!!"

"Grand Tutor has won! Grand Tutor Gu Xuan has decisively defeated the Tibetans! He has seized all their territory!!!"

The messenger's voice, hoarse from a long journey, resonated like a great bell, echoing repeatedly in the empty, silent streets and striking the white banners hanging on both sides.

"Grand Tutor's divine might! He has displayed our nation's prestige atop the snow-capped mountains!!"

"We won! Grand Tutor has won!!"

"."

The shouts spread instantly, plunging the entire city of Luoyang into a brief silence, followed by a surge of ecstasy that completely dispelled all sorrow.

Such reports of great victories are always like this, intended to boost the people's confidence.

Cheers echoed throughout Luoyang.

The envoy was then quickly taken to the palace.

When Li Heng heard the news, he almost involuntarily stood up, his face flushed, and he laughed wildly in the court, disregarding his mourning clothes.

This is a feat that even Emperor Taizong could not accomplish!
It was actually completed within his single reign.

Even though this matter had nothing to do with him, as the emperor, this tremendous achievement was enough to secure him a place in history that would be remembered for all time!
How could Li Heng not be overjoyed? How could he not be ecstatic?
Inside Luoyang Palace.

"Great! Great!!!"

"Grand Tutor is truly a pillar of our Great Tang Dynasty and a cornerstone of the entire nation!"

"reward!"

"I wish to bestow a reward—"

Overjoyed, Li Heng blurted out these words almost without thinking. This had become his most frequently used tactic recently: to lure people with benefits.

But then he froze.

What can he bestow upon the Gu family?
Is it power or position?
Or money?

Or reputation?

What of these things is the Gu family lacking?
In this great upheaval, what did he do besides using some tricks to seize the throne at the beginning?
Even his ascension to the throne was secretly guided by the Gu family.

Soldiers from all directions respect Gu Xuan; people all over the world trust the Gu family.

What could this so-called supreme ruler possibly bestow upon the Gu family?

An invisible thorn rose in Li Heng's heart for a fleeting moment, but he ultimately remained rational and immediately smiled:
"When the Grand Tutor returns in triumph, I will personally go out of Luoyang to welcome the meritorious officials in the suburbs!"

Although Lee Hyung reacted extremely quickly.

But which of the ministers who were able to establish themselves in Luoyang wasn't a cunning old fox? How could they not see through Li Heng's thoughts?
However, they couldn't say much more.

As for the Gu family, their actions over the past few centuries speak for themselves.

Since Gu Chen, the Gu family has been subtly showing signs of breaking away from imperial power, which is obvious to everyone.

Whether those in power rely on the Gu family or doubt them, it doesn't matter.

These are human nature.

No one can interfere.
Gu Yi naturally had no knowledge of what was happening in Luoyang, nor did he have the inclination to observe it.

Compared to the previous two times he controlled the vehicle, this was probably the biggest change in Gu Yi's control this time.

He no longer values ​​imperial power as much as he used to.

This courage was actually given to him by the Gu family's heritage, allowing him to focus more on the development of the entire Kyushu and the Gu family.

After the Tang army officially returned to Longshan.

News from all over the world was then delivered to Gu Xuan.

Just as Gu Yi had predicted.

Although he led a large army to attack Tibet, the Nine Provinces also underwent tremendous changes.

—Jiangnan is now at peace!

Human beings' inherent tendency to seek advantage and avoid harm ultimately led these people from Jiangnan to make the most correct choice after hearing about the Battle of Tongguan.

Even without the court issuing a direct order, these people had already begun to help the court stabilize the situation.

It seems they want to seize the initiative while the current chaotic situation is not yet completely settled.

Gu Yi didn't have any other thoughts about this.

It's unrealistic to try to find out the whole story.

Regardless of whether the truth can be found out, doing so will only create greater chaos. Kyushu is currently in a state of disarray and needs to be rebuilt. Doing so would be counterproductive.

At least for now, Gu Yi won't bother with these people.

In addition, the pirate situation is now completely under control.

Upon receiving the message from the Gu family, the Ryukyu navy immediately dispatched troops to fight several major battles against the pirates who appeared from nowhere.

The damage ratio is extremely absurd.

The development of the Ryukyu navy was indeed far beyond that of the rest of the world today; it was simply incomparable to those pirates.

And it is precisely because of this that another voice has emerged again in the court.

That would mean launching another campaign against Liaodong.

This naturally implies a reckoning or liquidation.

It is worth mentioning that the Gu family members who returned from Ryukyu also brought a lot of news about Ryukyu, mostly about the development of the Gu family.

Gu Yi didn't care much about the other aspects; his main concern was Gu's Academy.

Today, Gu's Academy is developing rapidly.

Apart from Ryukyu, Gu's Academy already exists on several islands in the Malay Archipelago.

What surprised Gu Yi the most was that, perhaps because Gu's Academy focused on teaching Gu's philosophy, Gu Kang was actually called a figure comparable to Confucius.

Gu Lei was designated a semi-saint in recognition of his contributions to educating the people.

This matter was indeed far beyond Gu Yi's expectations.

Although he had been paying attention to this matter and had thought that Gu Lei, an enlightener, would be elevated to a high position, he never expected things to develop to this point.

This certainly piqued Gu Yi's curiosity.

If the Gu family continues its glory, at its current rate of development, how far will the Gu family grow in the future?
In the past, all he could think about was wealth.

But things are completely different now.

Although Gu Yi couldn't fully predict what would happen to the Gu family at this point, he was certain that if that time truly came, wealth would likely be the least important thing in the Gu family's possessions.
(P.S.: I'm desperately asking for monthly votes to help me climb the rankings! I'd be incredibly grateful for your support!)

(End of this chapter)