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

Chapter 248 A Completely Diverged Path, The War to Unify the Central Plains Begins (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

Zhao Guangyi eventually arrived.

Although he was terrified by Zhao Kuangyin's sudden summons, he finally made up his mind and personally rushed from Kaifeng to the front line.

No one knows what the two brothers said in the main tent.

Even Gu Jin didn't know.

From beginning to end, he led his men to guard outside the tent, leaving all the space to the two brothers.

In the end, Zhao Kuangyin did not reveal the conversation between the two brothers.

He simply told Gu Jin, "The Prince of Jin will not rebel again."

Subsequently, it was released back into Kaifeng.

Gu Jin fully supported Zhao Kuangyin's decision.

In fact, from beginning to end.

He never considered Zhao Guangyi to be an extremely difficult opponent, let alone the fact that Zhao Kuangyin was still alive.

Even if Zhao Kuangyin were dead.

With his current power to control all the elite troops of the Song Dynasty, he could eliminate everything at any time.

It was simply that he didn't want the Song Dynasty to experience civil war.

Gu Yi was, of course, silently observing all of this. He was still very curious about the relationship between the two brothers, Zhao Kuangyin and Zhao Guangyi.

Who wouldn't be curious about the story of "the shadow of the candle and the sound of the axe"?
Unfortunately, history has clearly changed.

None of the events that occurred in history actually happened.

Zhao Kuangyin didn't waste any time with Zhao Guangyi. After reminiscing about the past, he asked Zhao Guangyi a very important question.

"Can you possibly defeat the Gu family?"

He then told Zhao Guangyi about his decision.

Zhao Guangyi remained silent.

Even though he was a very proud person, he had to recognize his own limitations in the face of the Gu family.

Fighting the Gu family?

How to fight?
Putting aside the Gu family's immense prestige, all of the Song Dynasty's elite forces are still in Gu Jin's hands, a reality he has to accept.

Everything once again unfolded along two different paths from the original historical narrative.

It seems that once new ideas began to sprout...

Now, all of this has developed beyond our control.

But upon closer reflection, this is actually inevitable.

The Gu family has indeed done enough. Starting from the generation of Gu Kang and Gu Sheng, the development of this history has gradually become blurred with the original history.

The two paths diverged, but through correction, they repeatedly converged.

This is not to say that the Gu family members in the past did not do enough.

On the contrary, each generation has actually done something quite remarkable.

However, in the face of this long history, everything they have done is far from enough to overwhelm everything and withstand correction.

Their appearance did indeed allow Kyushu to briefly take the lead over the original history.

But as these people passed away, the Gu family fell into a trough, and the invisible corrective force would stop everything until the timeline completely overlapped, and history returned to its original state.

In fact, judging from the changes in later generations, the biggest changes caused by the Gu family so far have been during the Han Dynasty.

—Gu Chen suppressed a chaotic era.

He established a dynasty with unparalleled prowess.

He abandoned the imperial throne and swept away the barbarians.

This laid the foundation for the Han Dynasty to become the world's number one.

Then, when Gu Yi personally took control, he implemented the system of ethnic integration, which laid the foundation for the Nine Provinces to encompass all things.

Upon careful consideration, this is the only event that has brought about the greatest change to modern times.

It has largely resisted the forces of correction, allowing the entire course of history to proceed along a different path.

But in Gu Yi's view now, even considering the impact of the entire Han Dynasty.

It was actually far from what it is today.

Dynasties may fall, but ideas will live on forever.

The influence of Confucianism on the entire land of Kyushu is unimaginable, and even in modern times, we can still see traces of Confucianism.

The emergence of new ideas is now challenging the most fundamental elements of the original history.

When all of this started to spiral out of control.

History is naturally constantly changing.

Gu Yi's mood grew heavier and heavier. He could hardly imagine what kind of restrictions the Gu family would face next. This was definitely the biggest test the Gu family had ever faced since it rose to power.

Not only did they have to shoulder the responsibility for their entire family, but also for the Song Dynasty and the entire Nine Provinces.

But again -

For the Gu family, there is no turning back.

Time flies.

Not long after Zhao Guangyi returned to Kaifeng, the Censorate presented another report.

Those who had incited him to rebel have all been secretly executed.

This seems like a statement, an explanation to Zhao Kuangyin and Gu Jin.

However, neither Gu Jin nor Zhao Kuangyin paid much attention to this.

Their gazes had already turned once again to the entire land of Northern Han.

"I intend to personally act as bait to lure the main force of the Northern Han into a decisive battle." Zhao Kuangyin's voice was deep and resonant as his gaze swept over everyone. "What do you all think?"

The tent fell into a deathly silence, then erupted in uproar.

"Your Majesty! You must not!"

"This humble general is willing to go in His Majesty's place! How can we let the Emperor risk his life?"

"This matter concerns the very foundation of the nation; Your Majesty, please reconsider!"

"."

Amidst the surging noise, only Gu Jin stood silently, his brows furrowed.

Zhao Kuangyin had already informed him of the plan.
The emperor wanted to finish everything he needed to do before his life ended, and to bear all the infamy alone.

Don't forget, Liu Jiwen is still alive.

The Song Dynasty had made many promises to him, and Zhao Kuangyin wanted to settle these matters one by one before he left.

Zhao Kuangyin slowly raised his hand, silencing all sounds.

He stood up and walked outside the tent, the night wind ruffling his already graying temples.

"I understand what you're saying." He gazed into the deep night, his voice carrying an almost heavy calm. "But I... have no time left."

The generals fell silent for a moment, all bowing their heads.

"The world is divided to this extent, with Youyun still unrecovered and Yanyun still unconquered. This is a great pain in my heart." He turned around abruptly, his eyes burning with fire, and his voice suddenly rose, "Unifying the world is something I dare not even dream of in this lifetime!"

"But in my lifetime, I must at least connect the Central Plains into a unified land!"

He stepped forward, stood with his hand on his sword, and his figure remained as upright as a pine tree even under the lamplight.

“In the current situation, the Liao army can only rely on the high walls and deep moats—but they are all afraid of me.” Zhao Kuangyin sneered, “Then I will give them a chance. A chance that seems like they can win the battle and capture and kill me.”

"Your Majesty!" An old general knelt down, his voice choked with emotion.

Zhao Kuangyin shook his head, his tone resolute: "No need to persuade me any further! If I can exchange my life for the unification of the Central Plains and thirty years of peace on the frontier, it is worth it."

He looked at everyone with a burning gaze, as if he wanted to etch each person's face into his heart.

"My mind is made up for this battle."

Silence fell over the tent.

Although they sensed the emperor's determination, the generals still showed signs of struggle, their gazes involuntarily turning to Gu Jin, who remained silent.

Gu Jin was staring intently at Zhao Kuangyin, as if trying to read the final answer from his eyes.

After a long while, he finally closed his eyes slowly, and when he opened them again, there was complete silence.

The next moment, he bowed solemnly and paid his respects.
"Your subject obeys." This voice, like metal striking the ground, broke the silence in the tent. The generals looked at Gu Jin in astonishment, then at Zhao Kuangyin, who was smiling.

Finally, without further hesitation, they all bowed deeply, clasped their hands in salute, and roared, their voices echoing through the tent:
“Here!!!”

From that day on, the entire Song army seemed to suddenly come alive.

The problem that had been troop shortages or low morale for the Song army was not a lack of troops, but rather the stalemate caused by the Liao army's constant avoidance of battle and their stubborn defense of the city.

Wang Yingchen was indeed an extraordinary person.

Under his swift and decisive rectification, the Liao army obeyed orders without question, and no one dared to disobey military orders and launch an attack without authorization.

Although the Song army had fought for years and possessed formidable strength and a far-reaching reputation, it could never find an opportunity for a decisive battle.

The Liao army, taking advantage of the terrain, held the city firmly. If they were to launch a forced assault, the casualties would be far greater than what the Song Dynasty could bear.

That is why Zhao Kuangyin was determined to use himself as bait to lure the enemy into revealing a weakness.

According to Gu Jin's judgment.

Even if the Liao army is unaffected, Liu Jiyuan will definitely be affected.

He was an extremely tyrannical person.

It is absolutely impossible to stand by and watch Liu Jiwen, this false emperor, still live in the world.

Time passed quietly, and with the two armies locked in a standoff, no small movement could escape the other side's notice.

The frequent troop movements of the Song army quickly alerted Wang Yingchen.

Inside the Prime Minister's residence in Linhuang Prefecture, Shangjing.

"Is the Song army planning to retreat?"

Several advisors stood around the huge geomantic map, their brows furrowed, discussing amongst themselves.

Wang Yingchen remained silent, his gaze never leaving the mark of the Song army's central camp on the map.

In recent days, the Song army's movements have almost all revolved around the central army, seemingly a convergence, but in reality, it conceals a hidden strategy.

He squinted slightly, his fingers unconsciously tapping the edge of the table.

“No.” He suddenly spoke, his voice low but clear, “Zhao Kuangyin is not retreating his troops.”

He raised his eyes, looked around at everyone, and continued, "He's deliberately feigning weakness to lure us out of the city."

After he finished speaking, the tent fell silent for a moment.

The strategists exchanged glances, all showing signs of sudden realization.

"Your Excellency is wise," someone immediately bowed in agreement.

But at that moment, another person murmured, "What if...Zhao Kuangyin is truly seriously ill?"

This sentence immediately caught Wang Yingchen's attention.

In fact, they had already received many rumors about Zhao Kuangyin's health.

Although Gu Jin acted swiftly, Zhao Kuangyin was old, and his recent behavior was quite different from his usual actions, which was enough to arouse suspicion.

Wang Yingchen had been secretly investigating this matter for some time, and upon hearing this, he couldn't help but feel a stirring in his heart.

"It's not impossible," he murmured, his gaze fixed on the geomantic map before him, his brows furrowing deeper and deeper.

“The Crown Prince of Song is too young to shoulder such a great responsibility.”

"Some time ago, Zhao Kuangyin suddenly summoned his younger brother, the Prince of Jin, and subsequently several ministers in Kaifeng died one after another."

He habitually and quietly sorted through the various signs of the past few days, his eyes growing increasingly profound.

The strategists in the tent all fell silent in thought, and a tense silence filled the air.

After a moment, one of them stepped forward and cautiously asked, "Prime Minister, why not send someone to test the waters?"

"The current situation—if the Song emperor is truly seriously ill, it may be the perfect opportunity for our army to launch an attack."

Upon hearing this, someone immediately nodded in agreement.

These people were young scholars.

They simply weren't willing to give up any opportunity.

And don't forget—

The Liao Dynasty now practices Legalist policies, and the rewards and titles that can be earned through military merit are enough to tempt anyone.

However, Wang Yingchen shook his head resolutely: "No!"

"Our soldiers are eager for battle. If we rashly start a war now, I'm afraid it will have far-reaching consequences!"

His expression was solemn. After a moment of contemplation, he solemnly ordered again: "First, send spies to infiltrate the Song camp and find out their strengths and weaknesses!"

"I have not given any orders—"

"No one is allowed to send troops without authorization!"

His gaze was sharp as a knife, sweeping across the entire scene. The strategists and generals, who had been somewhat agitated, immediately composed themselves and bowed their heads in obedience.

—The battle situation seemed to tighten suddenly at that moment.

Although the fighting within the territory of the Northern Han has temporarily ceased, the covert probing and clashes have become increasingly frequent and alarming.

This is a test by the Liao Dynasty.

Zhao Kuangyin and Gu Jin were completely unaffected.

They proceeded according to their established plan as if they were completely unaware of the spies sent by the Liao Kingdom.

And things unfolded exactly as the two of them had predicted.

Wang Yingchen was indeed a wise man.

Such people never give up any opportunity.

Seeing that the Song army was being mobilized more and more frequently, and that Zhao Kuangyin had not shown his face for many days, he immediately sent many people to spread the news among the Song army.

This was to spread the message that Zhao Kuangyin had already died of illness.

The death of an emperor has a profound impact in any era.

Not to mention in the current situation where the two armies are locked in a standoff.

An inexplicable sense of panic instantly enveloped the entire Song army.

This was not an act.

From beginning to end, Zhao Kuangyin was gambling with everything he had, so it was impossible for him to reveal such a plan to the lowest-ranking soldiers.

This panic was merely an instinctive reaction of the soldiers.

Rumors spread more and more wildly throughout the Song army, and morale began to waver.

Gu Jin did not hesitate.

As the Grand Tutor of the court, he appeared almost immediately to quell the storm. He not only refuted the rumors in a stern manner, but also personally donned armor, mounted his horse, and led a team of elite troops to launch a surprise attack on a small outpost of the Liao army, killing dozens of enemies before returning.

With swift and decisive action, all the rumors were suppressed in the first instance.

However, Zhao Kuangyin never showed up from beginning to end.

and--

Most importantly, Liao spies also discovered that a lot of extremely smelly salted fish had recently appeared near Zhao Kuangyin's main tent.

Although it is consumed at a fixed rate every day.

It looked just like normal food, but all of this was still uncontrollably fueling other people's speculations.

night.

The moonlight was as clear as if it had been washed, and the starlight was dazzling.

Song Camp.

"cough cough"

Suppressing a series of violent coughs, Zhao Kuangyin, his face pale, involuntarily looked at Gu Jin: "Huaiyu, do you think this plan will succeed?"

"I don't know."

Gu Jin shook his head, looking at Zhao Kuangyin with a complicated expression: "Your Majesty need not worry about it, we have done our best."

He was naturally referring to the Liao army.

He didn't care much about the remaining Northern Han troops that Liu Jiyuan had.

Liu Jiyuan will definitely fall for it!

This is for sure.

Upon hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin's expression became complicated once again.
(P.S.: I'm begging for monthly votes! I'd be incredibly grateful for your support, brothers.)
(End of this chapter)