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

Chapter 239 The Meeting at Julu: The Head of All Martial Sects (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
Inside the study of the Gu family mansion, the candlelight flickered red.

Zhao Kuangyin and Gu Jin sat facing each other, each wiping their hair, which was soaked by the heavy rain. They were relaxed, as if they were not a king and a noble young master, but two companions who were temporarily taking shelter from the storm.

Both of them had a faint smile on their lips.

Gu Jin smiled because he had personally witnessed his judgment—Zhao Kuangyin was indeed a true dragon among men, not someone to be confined to a pond.
Zhao Kuangyin smiled because Gu Jin had followed him into the rain without hesitation and traveled with him all the way back.

They didn't say much to each other, yet a tacit understanding had quietly taken root between them.

The Past Stories of Emperors Han, Ming, and Wen—

This matter has long been a model of wise rulers and ministers who have gone down in history. How could Emperor Zhao Kuangyin and Gu Jin, a member of the Gu family, not know about it?

The night is long, there's plenty of time.

Why be in such a hurry?
It is worth mentioning that Gu Yi has taken the "Luo Shu Carrying Laws Artifact" from Gu Yan and placed it on Gu Jin.

This also led him to discover another function of the "Luoshu Carrying Instrument".

It doesn't mean you have to wait until the host dies to retrieve it; it just requires spending some achievement points.

Under normal circumstances, doing this rashly would definitely result in a loss.

But things are completely different now.

The new era is about to arrive, and the minds of Gu Yan and others cannot bear the weight of this new era, so naturally, a younger generation must be born.

Even with the blessing of "Luoshu carrying the law instrument".

It's not enough to make Gu Jin reach the top-tier attributes of Gu Kang and Gu Xi, but it's enough for this era.

In the quiet study.

The two sat facing each other, their expressions unconsciously becoming serious.

Zhao Kuangyin did not speak directly, but instead spread the map of the Nine Provinces hanging in his study onto the table before speaking seriously: "Young master, look at the world—all the feudal lords are eyeing Julu."

"Like crows gathering on a withered tree, everything awaits a single word from the Gu family to determine the fate of the dynasty."

“But I am different.”

"I believe that to bring peace to the world, we must address the root causes."

His voice was deep and resonant, each word like a knife: "Ritual system? Mandate of Heaven? Empty words!"

"The decline of the Han and Tang dynasties was not due to weak armies or lazy people, but to outdated systems and corrupt officials!"

"I do not want officials to kowtow and praise auspicious omens; I want them to perform their duties as if they were their own arms—just as within my Song territory, there are no idle officials, no nominal positions, and no right to shirk responsibility!"

His tone was extremely serious.

Although the purpose of this trip was to gain the assistance of the Gu family, Zhao Kuangyin, as the ruler of the country, also needed to assess the talents of this young master of the Gu family.

This may seem ordinary, but it is not so in fact—Zhao Kuangyin is extremely pragmatic now, as can be seen from his actions since ascending the throne.

If there are no great talents among the Gu family, even if he joins forces with them, he will not rely on them too much.

Everything was just like when Emperor Ming of Han, Liu Zhuang, consulted Gu Kang for advice.

Gu Jin naturally understood the deeper meaning behind Zhao Kuangyin's words. Everything was as the other party had said. Restoring the Han dynasty and establishing the Ming dynasty were old matters. Without the slightest hesitation, he smiled and replied, "Your Majesty's reforms are not to break with tradition, but to establish a solid foundation."

“In the past, my ancestor Ye wrote the ‘Memorial on the Separation of Powers’, which also advocated the balance of power and responsibility, and the harmony of the government and the people.”

"However, the feudal lords of the nine provinces are still trapped in power struggles and deceit, and have not seen the root of the problem."

Gu Jin had already studied Zhao Kuangyin's reforms.

Most importantly, he was a son of the Gu family.

They also have unique insights into the new ideas emerging at the Gu's Academy.

Gu Jin's political acumen is quite high.

He is not a specialist in one area, but a true all-rounder, especially now that he has the blessing of "Luoshu with Law Instruments", his level of domestic affairs has reached 79 points.

That's enough.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin immediately nodded in agreement, and a smile returned to his face: "Therefore, they are not worthy of ruling the world!"

"My ability to pacify Shu in one fell swoop was not due to divine favor, but rather to a clear military system, unimpeded supply lines, and the soldiers' unwavering loyalty!"

"The reason why my Song Dynasty is able to govern so quickly is because I have cut off the ropes that bind feet."

"I not only want to decentralize power, but I want to decentralize it thoroughly!"

"Both civil and military affairs should be pursued, both for the people's war and for the nation's strength!"

Once Zhao Kuangyin had started talking, he began to tell Gu Jin about the various changes that had taken place within the Song territory.

He has already achieved the pinnacle of new ideas!
Gu Jin listened very attentively, nodding in agreement from time to time. Only after Zhao Kuangyin finished speaking did he continue, "Your Majesty has implemented the new policies with thunderous force, abolishing redundant officials, establishing practical functions, restoring the system of separation of powers and clarifying responsibilities. This has truly ushered in a new era."

"The Song Dynasty is now in a state of smooth governance and bursting with vitality, which is truly unmatched by other countries."

"Your Majesty's words on addressing the root causes are deeply insightful and capture the essence of Gu Xue's teachings."

At this point, he abruptly changed the subject: "Ran Jin has something to say, something that's stuck in her throat, and she has to say it."

"Your Majesty's forceful implementation of reforms is like a good doctor prescribing strong medicine. Although it is effective quickly, it may damage the body's vitality."

Zhao Kuangyin's brows furrowed instantly.

Gu Jin didn't hide anything and immediately spoke again: "Its shortcomings are threefold."

"First, it emphasizes systems while neglecting people's hearts."

"Although the new policies have been established, officials across the country are not necessarily convinced by the sudden and dramatic changes."

"Some may outwardly comply but inwardly defy, or some may find it difficult to change their old habits."

"The system is the skeleton, and people's hearts are the flesh and blood. If the skeleton is in place but the blood does not flow, the body will remain stiff."

"Secondly, they are eager for quick success and neglect education."

"Your Majesty has abolished the empty talk of the Mandate of Heaven and established a culture of practical work. This is a great virtue."

"However, the transition between old and new ideas is not something that can be accomplished overnight."

"Without systematic education to correct the old ways of thinking, they will grow like weeds whenever they are rained on."

"It is important to know that it is easy to destroy and difficult to establish. After destroying, how to establish and what to establish are of paramount importance."

"Thirdly, the governance of the Song territory may be difficult to extend to the whole country."

"Your Majesty's strategy is based on the foundation of the unity of military and civilian administration in the Song region, which is why it can be implemented so smoothly."

"However, the situations and customs vary greatly across the nine provinces."

"If the world is unified in the future, should the Song system be imposed on all under heaven, or should we adopt a system of harmony with different customs and govern according to local conditions?"

"This is a long-term concern, and we should plan for it as soon as possible."

Gu Jin directly stated everything he had thought of during this period, each point pointing directly to the crux of the current situation of the Song Dynasty.

To put it simply, these three points...

One of the points is that all reforms within the Song Dynasty were based on the authority of Zhao Kuangyin.

As long as Zhao Kuangyin encounters any unexpected event.

This new policy will collapse instantly.

Secondly, it refers to the development after the reform. Zhao Kuangyin was a military general who rose to power. He was able to use his prestige to do these things, but he had not yet thought about the subsequent development.

The third point is the key to it.

Just like in the Warring States period of the past.

The policies of one country cannot be fully implemented throughout the entire world; otherwise, they will only have the opposite effect.

The Song Dynasty is in the same situation today.

Zhao Kuangyin's brows furrowed more and more deeply.

Gu Jin's words did not contain the verbose and classical quotations of ordinary Confucian scholars, but every sentence went straight to the point.

He understood the deeper meaning behind these three points almost instantly, and the entire study fell silent.

After a long silence, Zhao Kuangyin spoke again: "What do you think is the solution to the predicament of my Song territory?"

"However, changes in the world cannot be accomplished quickly by force alone."

Gu Jin smiled again and said loudly, "Your Majesty's system is the foundation, and practical action is the weapon, which is indeed superior to all others. However, if you want the whole country to enjoy this spirit, you still need the power of Julu." As he spoke, he pointed to Julu on the map.

Although the key point was not explicitly stated, Zhao Kuangyin immediately understood his meaning.

The reputation that the Gu family had built up over hundreds of years.

This includes the status of Gu's Academy and Yunshao Pavilion as sacred sites of literature and Taoism.

If the Song Dynasty can join forces with the Gu family, it can resolve these three critical issues.

Of course, this also takes time.

Zhao Kuangyin's brows furrowed deeper and deeper, but Gu Jin became increasingly relaxed.

Just moments later.

Gu Jin started the conversation again.

The two men's discussion this time was no longer about a specific policy for the Song Dynasty, but rather a broader view of the entire country and a discussion of all the feudal lords.

They even discussed how the Song Dynasty should deploy its forces and advance if it wanted to establish itself as the supreme power.

Gu Jin remained composed throughout, without the slightest hesitation in her speech.

He had been waiting for this moment for far too long.

—No, it's not just him.

The Gu family's ambitious descendants have been waiting for such an era, especially their generation.

From a young age, they often played a game called "representing the states as tutors".

With the intelligence from various countries continuously sent by Gu's spies, they conducted simulations based on the real-time global situation, from governing the country and managing affairs of state to training troops and procuring provisions, and even unifying the nine provinces, repeatedly playing their games on the sand table and with pen and paper.

Although it may seem like a game, it actually greatly hones everyone's character and wisdom.

Gu Jin herself had long since lost count of how many times she had put herself in the shoes of the "Great Song Dynasty" and deduced all sorts of possibilities.

Now that he was truly facing Zhao Kuangyin's question, how could he hesitate?

The emperor and his minister, through question and answer, deepened their understanding of each other's topics.

Zhao Kuangyin's expression grew increasingly solemn. As a follower of the new ideology, everything Gu Jin said aligned with his own beliefs. Although the two had slight differences on specific strategies for unifying the country, Zhao Kuangyin was not dissatisfied. On the contrary, he appreciated Gu Jin's talent even more.

Time slipped by unnoticed, and the torrential rain outside the window had long since stopped.

Only the two of them remained in the study, their voices mingling.

In the end, Gu Jin finally asked the most crucial question.

—What is your opinion on the Gu family?
Julu's strength and prestige are already well-known, a fact that no one who aspires to rule the world can ignore.

As the true foundation of the Gu family, centuries of management have made this base an unshakeable entity. For both him personally and the entire Gu family, Zhao Kuangyin needs to give a clear answer.

Zhao Kuangyin's answer to this was surprisingly simple.

He simply smiled and instead asked Gu Jin a question: "Young Master, do you know why my will is so firm, and why I have always scoffed at that notion of destiny?"

"Oh?" Gu Jin frowned slightly upon hearing this.

This was indeed a question that had been on his mind for a long time.

For a ruler of a country to reject the concept of "Mandate of Heaven," which is most advantageous to him, seems unusual no matter what.

Seeing the puzzled look on Gu Jin's face, Zhao Kuangyin burst into laughter, then quickly composed himself and said seriously, "It is precisely because of the Gu family."

Zhao Kuangyin slowly stood up, his eyes becoming even more profound at this moment: "I was born in a chaotic world and grew up amidst war, but I also witnessed the tranquility of Julu in my youth."

"At that time, I was thinking—"

"If there truly is such a thing as destiny, then what about the Gu family, which has stood strong since the Later Han Dynasty and has become increasingly glorious despite the vicissitudes of life?"

"The Gu family has witnessed the rise and fall of countless dynasties and survived countless chaotic times, yet it still thrives. If the Mandate of Heaven truly favors the emperor, then does it favor the rulers of those long-destroyed dynasties more, or does it favor your Gu family of Julu more?"

"I was young then and couldn't understand this principle."

"But over the years, I have shed blood on the battlefield and pondered governance in the court. Only when I recall the Gu family's actions over the past hundreds of years have I gradually come to understand."

His voice suddenly became deep and solemn, each word carrying immense weight: "So-called destiny is actually the will of the people!"

"If the Gu family had not repeatedly saved the people from suffering and saved the nation from collapse, how could they have weathered hundreds of years of trials and tribulations and still be admired by the world today?"

—Directly addressing the core issue.

Not to mention Gu Jin, even Gu Yi, who was in the dark, was stunned for a moment, never expecting Zhao Kuangyin to express such a penetrating insight.

The word "human nature" is something that everyone in the world can readily say.

However, throughout history, many heroes have spoken of the will of the people, yet their actions have contradicted it.

But Zhao Kuangyin is completely different now.

His gaze was piercing as he stared intently at Gu Jin. Meeting the other's scrutinizing eyes, he said with utmost sincerity and unwavering resolve, "I wish to invite the Gu family to come out of seclusion and join me in conquering the world."

If you will not abandon me—

"I wish to entrust the power of commanding the three armies to the position of Grand Tutor of the Gu family; I will also issue an edict to allow the Gu family to inherit the position hereditarily and without fail, to be the martial emperor of the world forever, and to share the glory and disgrace with my Great Song!"

Everything is quiet!

At this moment, even Gu Yi felt a slight, noticeable skip in his heartbeat.

Emperor Taizong of Tang and Emperor Taizu of Song.

Although it was already known that Zhao Kuangyin's abilities were extraordinary.

But he never expected that Zhao Kuangyin would have reached this point.

The emergence of new ideas, coupled with Gu's actions over the past few centuries.

This has clearly brought about unprecedented changes to this most dazzling person of our time.

I hereby grant you hereditary and perpetual control of the Song Dynasty's military power;
Not to mention the mere army of Julu?
These few words were like a thunderclap splitting the sky, exploding loudly in the ears of Gu Jin and Gu Yi.

Gu Jin was stunned for a moment, almost blurting out, "Your Majesty, aren't you afraid that the Gu family will turn the tables on us in the future?"

"Humph!"

Zhao Kuangyin gave a cold laugh, his gaze as firm as a rock as he stared at the other party, and calmly replied, "The Gu family has never claimed the title of emperor for hundreds of years. I treat you with this sincerity today, so that one day the Gu family will be forced to rebel—"

He paused, a hint of almost arrogant calm flashing across his face, and said decisively:

"That is because my descendants, Zhao Kuangyin, are incompetent, and my Great Song Dynasty deserves to perish!"

The words fell.

The entire study fell silent instantly.

Gu Jin stared intently at Zhao Kuangyin in front of her, her gaze growing increasingly resolute.

The next moment, he slowly rose, his robes fluttering slightly, and bowed solemnly to Zhao Kuangyin, performing the rites of a subject:
"Your Majesty, Gu Jin—"

"Greetings to Your Majesty."

Just as he finished speaking, the first rooster crowed outside the window, its clear and long sound breaking the silence of the night.

The candlelight dimmed, and the dawn broke.

Its daybreak.

------

In the fourth month of summer in the third year of the Qiande era, the emperor visited Julu.

It was going to rain heavily, and a man named Gu Zijin came to greet us on the left side of the road with an umbrella.

The emperor then abandoned his carriage and, together with Jin, held an umbrella as they toured the city, inquired about water conservancy, observed the customs of the people, and upon arriving at the state school, heard the students debating the meaning of the classics. The emperor then sternly denounced the fallacy of the Mandate of Heaven and expounded on the proper conduct of human affairs, his voice resounding throughout the school.

As dusk fell, he summoned Jin to his private residence and consulted him on current affairs.

Jin presented three essential points for the new policies, all of which were incisive and addressed the current problems. The emperor deeply appreciated them and sighed, "Without the Gu family, it would be impossible to accomplish great things."

He then entrusted him with the power of the three armies and the position of Grand Tutor, promising to share the world with him.

Jin bowed and accepted the order; the meeting ended at cockcrow.

—From the Annals of Emperor Taizu of Song

(End of this chapter)