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

Chapter 235 The Collapse of Destiny, The New Giant Deer (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Zhao Kuangyin did not do this intentionally.

Perhaps it was the "unified" ideology and related concepts that the Gu family had long promoted that had an effect. Although the current world situation is still returning to its original historical trajectory, it has still had an undeniable impact.

The first thing to be affected was the decline of the concept of "Mandate of Heaven".

Under the advocacy of Gu's Academy for many years, the concept of "human determination can conquer nature" has long been deeply rooted in people's hearts, giving rise to many different understandings and responses - and this is destined to leave a deep mark in the tide of the times.

Many events that occurred during this chaotic period subtly promoted a shift in the values ​​of the people of Kyushu.

Zhao Kuangyin was like that. He made no attempt to conceal it, nor did he feel that there was anything wrong with his behavior.

That young emperor was unable to shoulder the responsibility of the Great Zhou Dynasty, let alone quell the chaos in the world.

If that's the case, why not replace it?
Snowflakes continued to fall.

On that very day, when Zhao Kuang personally led his army into Kaifeng, the fate of the entire Zhou Dynasty was completely rewritten.

In the darkness, Gu Yi has always been silently watching the development of the entire world.

He had already taken notice of Zhao Kuangyin.

They had also long been aware of the changes that had taken place throughout the world and in the original history.

His initial plan seemed to be on the verge of success.

The decline of prophetic and apocryphal power was absolutely the beginning of scientific development.

In fact, Gu Yi had considered using the Gu family to drive the evolution of the entire Kyushu and quickly usher it into the next era.

But after careful consideration, he abandoned that option.

It's not that Gu Yi is unwilling to lead the Nine Provinces.

He just can't force things to grow too fast.

Why did Gu Yi so vigorously promote mathematics, including physics and other subjects at Gu's Academy?

All of this is in preparation for future scientific developments.

Paving the way for the future.

The development of any technology is a gradual process, driven by the progress of productivity, evolving little by little.

In the original history.

Even the steam engine, which was produced during the First Industrial Revolution, had a development history of more than two hundred years.

The impact it brings is not as simple as it appears on the surface.

The emergence of capitalism and the restructuring of the entire social structure are the changes it has brought about.

If all of this were to happen in Kyushu, it would have an immeasurable impact.

Similarly, push all of this forward too quickly before there is a corresponding understanding.

Don’t say anything else.

The prophetic power of the Nine Provinces will definitely develop to a point that is difficult to eradicate, which may lead to the Gu family being completely deified throughout the Nine Provinces.

This kind of deification is different from the past, and also different from the various ways the Gu family has done in different religious sects.

Its impact on the entire Kyushu region is unimaginable.

Gu Yi would never do that.

The Nine Provinces are too vast, so he can only gradually guide everything to happen naturally.

And you should never try to force growth.

Silently watching Zhao Kuangyin, who was already sitting on the throne, Gu Yi's gaze grew increasingly profound, and he silently murmured to himself.

The next instant, the attribute panels of the Gu family members flashed out.

Julu.

Outside the city, wheat fields stretched to the sky; inside, fields were neatly arranged, mulberry and hemp fields covered the land, and wisps of smoke rose from chimneys.

The flames of war over the years seem to have deliberately avoided this place.

Even after hundreds of years, the Gu family remains a pillar of stability, maintaining peace in this place.

Even now, one can still vaguely see the splendor of the Han and Tang dynasties.

It is completely different from the great chaos in the world today.

At this moment, inside Julu Academy.

An elderly man with a strong, clear voice was speaking in the lecture hall:

The Book of Documents, in the section on the Announcement of Shao, states: "The Supreme God of Heaven changed his first son."

"Heaven watches over the people, bestowing blessings upon the benevolent and righteous, and calamities upon the violent and tyrannical—the world is in great chaos today, which is precisely Heaven's instruction!"

Before the words were finished, a young scholar stood up and retorted: "This is utterly a fallacy!"

“In the past, when Yu the Great controlled the floods, he neither burned the shamans nor prayed for rain. Instead, he dug the Dragon Gate and opened up the nine canals to save the people. Does this mean that Yu the Great was not ordained by Heaven?”

"Besides—"

“Last year, I surveyed the underground water veins of Julu and, based on the principles of mathematics, worked with craftsmen to build a brand-new waterwheel, which enabled the irrigation of thousands of acres of dry land—if what you all say is true, could it be that I too have been granted a destiny by heaven?”

The old man stood up, his voice booming: "How dare you, young man, presumptuously interpret the will of Heaven!"

"The divine map bestowed by Yu and the Luo River writing emerging from the Yellow River—how could these be achieved by human power?"

"Your act of causing the car to overturn is merely a skillful technique; how can it compare to the great achievement of a sage king who established the heavens and the order of things!"

The young scholar did not back down, but instead stepped forward and said politely, "As Mencius said, 'Heaven sees as the people see.'"

"The people are drowning in water and fire; how can they be saved by simply sitting and discussing principles?"

"If disasters are warnings, then we should do human things to respond to Heaven's will—when there was a locust plague in Youzhou, the government opened the granaries; when there was a flood in Weibo, the soldiers built dikes. This is not because Heaven's will is on our side, but because the people are struggling to survive!"

"Gu Xue says to respect ghosts and gods but keep them at a distance."

"Marquis Wenkang also said that man can conquer nature."

"If there truly is a divine mandate, are you suggesting that Wen Cheng and Wen Kang are evil people?"

Before the old scholar could even speak, a middle-aged scholar stroked his beard and interjected, "But then, Zhu Wen's usurpation of the Tang dynasty and the Khitan's invasion of the south—are these not signs of the collapse of the Way of Heaven?"

"When we read the books of sages and virtuous men, we should understand that calamities and anomalies are signs of Heaven's benevolence and a warning to the world."

"If we disregard destiny and prioritize human effort, wouldn't we fall into the trap of domineering and utilitarianism?"

At this moment, another young student suddenly stood up, his eyes gleaming: "An excellent question!"

"But may I ask, regarding the 242 years of natural disasters recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals, did Confucius ever teach people to spend their days divining and praying for blessings?"

Wang Zhongren once said: "The way of Heaven is natural and inactive; Du Boshan's commentary on the Zuo Zhuan also clearly states that the way of Heaven is far away, while the way of man is near."

"In this chaotic world, we must emulate Wen Cheng's pragmatic approach to agriculture and sericulture—dredging rivers and canals, promoting education, and strengthening military preparedness. This is the true way for scholars to serve the people and the country!"

"."

The sounds of debate continued to rise.

Such clashes of ideas occur almost daily within the Gu Family Academy, implicitly illustrating the various impacts of this matter.

The Gu family's influence was indeed significant.

With its deliberate promotion, young scholars absorbed much of it, while many elders still rejected the budding of this new idea, yet were unable to stop its emergence.

The entire Julu region became increasingly vibrant amidst this clash of ideas.

There was absolutely no sense of chaos or disorder.

In addition, it also includes the development of artisans in Julu.

It is completely different from the original history.

In the original history, artisans were always regarded as resources. Apart from a few very capable artisans, the status of countless artisans was very low.

But things are different now.

Since the Gu family started managing artisans, they have invisibly influenced the entire world, greatly raising the status of artisans.

Especially in Julu.

Over the years, these craftsmen have also been working hard in Julu, innovating everything that can be used, and have a very special status in Julu, deeply loved by the people.

Gu Yi, too, has consistently influenced generations of Gu family heads through the Spirit Jade.

To provide these artisans with a solid foundation for research and development.

They improved agricultural tools, built water conservancy projects, and innovated technologies, earning the deep respect of the people. This included the development of ocean-going vessels.

This is also one of the reasons why the Gu family is still so successful today.

Although these things are difficult to transcend the limitations of their time, the vigorous development of each generation under favorable conditions is constantly driving the continuous progress of various tools.

Gu Yi did not allow anyone to interfere with the thoughts of these craftsmen.

These measures ensured Julu's rapid development, showing no signs of chaos whatsoever.

At this moment, inside the Gu residence.

"Father."

Gu Jin, clad in full armor, hurriedly crossed the gate of the mansion and rushed into the study while shouting: "Urgent report from Zhou: Zhao Kuangyin, the military governor of Guide Army and Grand Commandant, has rebelled and seized the throne from the young emperor of Zhou."

"Change the country's name to Song".

As he spoke, he handed the letter in his hand to Gu Yan.

Gu Yan's expression remained unchanged, as if he had already grown accustomed to all of this. He didn't look at the letter directly, but instead stared intently at the bloodstains on Gu Jin's body, frowning as he asked, "Are you injured?"

"How could a mere thief possibly harm my son?"

Gu Jin smiled disdainfully and wiped the blood off his armor: "This is the blood of thieves."

Perhaps it was because of Julu's wealth.

During this period of chaos, although no feudal lords openly attacked Julu, countless bandits emerged.

Each group had a very clear objective: to seize everything around Julu.

Fortunately, the Gu family possessed abundant martial virtue.

That's why there were no major consequences.

Seeing that Gu Yan was still staring at him, Gu Jin hesitated for a moment before taking off all his armor and lifting his clothes to show Gu Yan, which put the latter at ease. Then he turned his attention to the letter in front of him.

Looking at the above information about what happened in Kaifeng and the various actions taken by Zhao Kuangyin after leading his army into Kaifeng.

Very detailed.

The Gu family had dedicated intelligence agents.

Given the Gu family's influence throughout the land, including their previous experience controlling the Censorate, developing spies in various places during this chaotic era would be far too easy.

Although the Gu family did not participate in the chaos of the times, they still needed to know about the development of the entire world.

Looking at the letter in his hand, Gu Yan remained silent for a long time before finally saying softly, "This person is extraordinary. If he stays for a long time, the world will change."

As the current head of the Gu family.

Although Gu Yan's attributes cannot compare with those of his ancestors who have long been hailed as saints, with the help of the "Luoshu Carrying the Laws Instrument", his average attributes have reached about seventy points.

He naturally had his own judgment on the overall situation of the world.

Indeed, as development gradually aligns with the original history, the talents of the Gu family members are also being restored.

Let's not even talk about Gu Yan.

Among the current 25th generation disciples, led by Gu Jin, many have attributes exceeding 70, with Gu Jin himself approaching 80.

Although this is still a long way from the peak.

However, with the help of the "Luoshu and the instrument of law", he can be called a great talent.

Gu Yi was already very satisfied with this.

“This person is indeed extraordinary.” Gu Jin nodded in agreement with his father’s words: “He also has the spirit of the new learning of our Gu family.”

As she spoke, a slight smile appeared on Gu Jin's face again.

It's unclear whether this is a result of the gradual evolution of the Gu family.

Not to mention Gu Yi, even the elders of the Gu family could sense the difference between the young man and the previous Gu family members.

Of course, this does not refer to his or her nature.

However, the characteristics of the new generation are obvious in their words and deeds.

Gu Yan frowned slightly, as if pondering. After a moment of silence, he looked up at Gu Jin again and asked, "Have you found out the origins of the thieves who attacked this time?"

“No.” Gu Jin shook her head. “I originally wanted to leave them alive, but as always, once they realized there was no way to escape, they immediately committed suicide.”

"What do you think?" Gu Yan asked, her gaze fixed on him.

Just like the Gu family's method of cultivating their children, using current events to hone their judgment, Gu Yan was also guiding Gu Jin to analyze the situation.

Gu Jin's expression became even more solemn. After hesitating for a moment, he spoke: "I originally thought it was the work of the Khitans."

"Over the years, there have been quite a few Khitans who have vowed to avenge past grievances and have become enemies of the Gu family."

"But after careful consideration, I felt that there might be something else going on in this matter."

"Today, the Khitan are deeply influenced by the culture of our Nine Provinces, and their ambition is to become the supreme ruler of the Nine Provinces, unify the world, and achieve a great cause for all ages."

"They should not be hostile to the Gu family at this time."

"Even if we were to actually take action, we would never hesitate and waver like this."

"Therefore, I speculate that either someone has set up a conspiracy to lure my Gu family into the world and compete with the Khitan, or someone within the family has selfish motives and is secretly causing trouble."

He paused slightly at this point.

His expression relaxed again, and he said with a smile, "However, in my opinion, the Gu family doesn't need to investigate the origins of these thieves."

"Oh?"

Gu Yan, who had initially shown approval, frowned slightly upon hearing this.

"Many people in the Khitan resent the Gu family. Under no circumstances should we allow them to rule the Central Plains."

Gu Jin's tone was resolute, and she finished with a cold laugh: "Who cares who did it?"

“In the eyes of the Gu family, he could only have been a Khitan.”

He suddenly bowed respectfully and asked solemnly, "Father, what do you think of my talents and those of my younger brothers?"

Gu Yan remained silent for a moment, offering no further comment, only nodding slightly in approval.

“Father, I recently read through the family history books and compared the current situation with that of the late Han Dynasty.”

Gu Jin's expression grew more somber, and his tone carried a hint of regret: "How similar it is to the past and to this day."

"My Gu family had been dormant for many years, but once a talented person reappeared in the clan, a figure like Emperor Wen of Sui also emerged."

"Given the current state of affairs, is the world about to return to a time of unification?"

“I am not arrogant, nor do I dare to say that we are as capable as our ancestors.”

"But if that's really the case..."

His voice was low, his gaze solemn: "What will become of the Gu family?"

Hear the words.

In an instant, Gu Yan's expression also turned serious.
------

"In the spring of the seventh year of Xiande, on the day of Gui Si in the first month, the Khitans joined forces with the Northern Han to invade and captured Zijing Pass. Chanzhou was in dire need of help."

At that time, Emperor Shizong's mausoleum was not yet completed, and the young emperor ascended the throne at a young age. Zhao Kuangyin, the Commander of the Palace Guards and Grand Commandant, saw that the court was not in order and that the young emperor was playing on the steps. The ministers looked at each other in dismay and then volunteered to lead a northern expedition.

The Empress Dowager issued an edict granting them 30,000 elite troops.

Chancellor Fan Zhi led the officials to see the emperor off outside Xuande Gate. Holding Emperor Taizu's hand, he sighed and said, "This battle is not only about defending against the invaders, but also about the stability of the ancestral temple and the state."

Emperor Taizu remained silent and did not respond.

When the army marched out of Bianliang, he turned to his guards and said, “The emperor is young and inexperienced. How can he bring peace to the world? In the past, Emperor Shizong braved wind and rain to pacify the Central Plains. Now, treacherous heroes are lurking all around. Although I am not talented, I will carry on Emperor Shizong’s legacy and unify the four seas.”

Upon hearing this, all the soldiers wept and pledged to fight to the death.

Emperor Taizu knew that to repel external threats, one must first secure the internal stability, so he turned his army back south. Civil and military officials came to the army gate and pleaded, "The emperor is young and the country is in doubt. We hope that the general will follow the examples of Yi Yin and Huo Guang to bring peace to the world."

The Empress Dowager then issued an edict: "My son and I are all alone and helpless, and the state is in grave danger. General Zhao is a minister entrusted with the care of Emperor Shizong. He shall be given overall command of important military and state affairs, be granted the title of Grand General, and be authorized to lead expeditions."

On the day of Jiazi in the second month, Emperor Taizu ascended the throne in Chongyuan Hall and issued an edict saying: "I was originally a minister of Emperor Shizong. I have encountered many difficulties in this era. How dare I not follow the opinions of the people? When the successor comes of age, I will return the power to the Ming court."

The reign title was changed to Jianlong, and a general amnesty was granted.

On that day, the snow cleared, and the room was filled with a red glow; all the people cheered like thunder.

—From the Annals of Emperor Taizu of Song

(End of this chapter)