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

Chapter 283 An Unparalleled Prodigy Emerges, the War to Unify the World Begins (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
Gu Rui has passed away.

This pillar of strength, so vital to the Song Dynasty, ultimately fell with the passage of time, and its impact on the entire world was equally significant.

Upon receiving the message.

Whether they were nobles of the Liao Dynasty or the Western Xia Dynasty, almost all of them cheered and wept with joy.

Gu Rui has indeed put immense pressure on them.

This pressure even surpasses that of any generation of Gu family members in the Song Dynasty to date. Even Gu Jin is no match for him. After all, Gu Jin started his business and was actually laying the foundation for future generations. How could his sense of pressure compare to Gu Rui's?

For the increasingly weakened Liao and Western Xia dynasties, Gu Rui's death was nothing short of divine intervention.

Given its significant status, the Song Dynasty will find it difficult to launch another military campaign in the short term!
This is a consensus among them all!
To this end, they even had people manipulate things throughout the land, promoting various aspects of filial piety, all in an attempt to influence the Song Dynasty's offensive.
The news continued to spread.

Just as these people predicted, Gu Rui's death did indeed have a significant impact on the Song Dynasty.

However, they also underestimated Gu Rui.

—If someone like Gu Rui is already prepared to face death, how could he not have left a backup plan?
Regarding the transfer of power.

This includes the training of family members and court officials.

Gu Rui had already taken all of this into account.

Most importantly, Gu Rui left behind an order that no one should be affected by his death in the expedition. Now that this edict is in place, especially with the Song Dynasty united as one, it is a powerful and effective measure.

There was simply no one who could stop the Song Dynasty's advance.

Almost at the same time
The great war will then reignite across the entire land of Kyushu.

As the person in charge of the Gu family, Gu Lin's will was also very firm, seemingly wanting to comfort the ancestors of the Gu family generation after generation.

at the same time.

Liao Dynasty.

On the banks of the Huntong River, the spring chill lingers.

Before the ice floes on the river had completely melted, Yelü Yanxi's camp stretched for miles, its banners obscuring the sun and its armor gleaming.

This is the annual "First Fish Feast".

This is a highly symbolic part of the Liao Dynasty's Spring Hunting Ceremony.

The so-called "first fish banquet" originated when Yelü Yanxi caught the first fish of the year after the river opened, and then held a banquet to entertain his ministers and tribal leaders from all directions.

Its purpose was far more than an ordinary banquet; it was in fact a meticulously planned political ceremony.

Through this grand event, Yelü Yanxi not only demonstrated the power of divine favor, but also aimed to reaffirm his suzerainty over the subordinate tribes. The tribal leaders came to pay homage and submit to the Liao Dynasty, which in itself was a confirmation and consolidation of the Liao Dynasty's ruling order.

After falling completely into a vicious cycle.

The development of the Liao Dynasty today is increasingly aligning with its original history.

In fact, since Wang Yingchen implemented reforms years ago, many changes have already taken place in the Liao Dynasty's systems, so there was no need for such a fish feast to demonstrate the emperor's majesty.

However, as the central authority weakened and the balance between itself and the various factions was gradually broken, the significance of this fish feast was once again brought to the forefront.

Over the years, it has become an indispensable part of the Liao Dynasty's etiquette.

The grand feast was held in a huge felt tent overlooking the river, where the steaming heat of the wine and meat mingled with the chill outside.

The Liao nobles sat high on the throne, dressed in brocade robes, laughing and talking noisily.

The tribal leaders seated below, especially the chieftains of the Jurchen tribes, were also present, but they seemed out of place. Dressed in fur hunting attire, their faces were roughened by the winds and frosts of the north. Amidst this luxury, they looked more like a flock of eagles being observed.

The Liao nobles paid them little attention.

This also applies to the emperor, who held the highest position.

The Jurchen chieftains seemed to have long been accustomed to this atmosphere and did not show much resistance. Only one man kept his brows furrowed, completely different from the enthusiastic atmosphere around him.

This man was named Wanyan Aguda, and he was the Jiedushi (military governor) of the Wanyan tribe of the Jurchen people.

This was not his first time attending the first fish feast, but each time, the deep-seated humiliation he felt had not diminished; on the contrary, it had deepened with the Liao Dynasty's increasingly aggressive policies and the growing resentment within the Jurchen people.

Looking at Yelü Yanxi's seemingly kind but actually contemptuous smile; listening to the drunken clamor of the Liao nobles around them and their critical discussions about the Jurchen tribute; feeling the gazes that fell on them, these "outsiders," as if they were being appraised as merchandise.

The warmth inside the tent could not dispel the chill in his heart.

The surrounding noise only made him hear more clearly the indignation surging in his blood.

His hands, resting on his knees, were clenched into fists, his knuckles turning slightly white from the force, as if they were about to explode at any moment.

Just as the wine had been flowing for a while, Yelü Yanxi's voice rang out again.

"I have long heard of the bravery of the Jurchen chieftains."

"At this grand gathering, why not come forward one by one, dance to add to the festivities, and let me witness your grandeur?"

As soon as he finished speaking, the tent fell silent for a moment, then erupted into even louder agreement and laughter.

coming.

Wanyan Aguda sneered inwardly; the most unbearable scene had finally unfolded.

He saw the tribal chiefs beside him suddenly stiffen, their faces drained of color, their eyes filled with anger and fear, clearly showing their deep resentment.

This is no longer about adding to the fun; it's about trampling on human dignity and rubbing it repeatedly underfoot.

The intention was to crush their dignity and test their obedience.

But what can you do if you're unwilling?

Under those intense gazes, they still had no choice but to stand up, walk into the arena, and mechanically begin to dance.

One, two
When Yelü Yanxi's teasing gaze finally landed on Wanyan Aguda, who remained seated, the laughter inside the tent gradually subsided.

Everyone sensed something was wrong.

"Wanyan Aguda," the attendant called out loudly, urging, "Your Majesty's grace is on your side."

All eyes were fixed on him like sharp arrows.

Wanyan Aguda slowly raised his head. His face was expressionless, except for his eyes, which were sharp as a hawk's and met Yelü Yanxi's gaze directly on the throne. There was no fear or pleading in his eyes, only a cold calm and a surging killing intent beneath the calm.

He did not rise, but simply clasped his hands slightly, his voice not loud, yet clearly reaching everyone's ears: "Your subject has practiced archery and horsemanship since childhood, knowing only how to fight bears and tigers to protect the tribe and to answer Your Majesty's call."

"This kind of dancing is not my forte, nor do I deign to do it."

"Please forgive me, Your Majesty."

The moment those words were spoken, everyone in the tent was astonished!

Time seemed to freeze at that moment, and even the flames in the charcoal brazier seemed to stop flickering.

Yelü Yanxi's smile froze instantly, his eyes suddenly turned cold and sharp, and an invisible killing intent spread out as if it were a tangible thing, making it hard for people to breathe.

The Liao palace guards standing at the corner of the tent had their hands on their sword hilts; at a single command, blood would splatter five steps away.

The air was as taut as a fully drawn bowstring.

Countless gazes swept back and forth between Yelü Yanxi and Wanyan Aguda. Everyone held their breath. Some Jurchen leaders were so frightened that their faces turned pale, cold sweat poured down their backs, and they almost collapsed to the ground.

But Wanyan Aguda remained calm throughout.

He absolutely could not tolerate this any longer.

Over the years, the oppression from the Liao Kingdom has become increasingly severe, and the strength of the central government is no longer what it used to be, which has given him an opportunity to resist!

But why did it happen at this first fish feast?

Wanyan Aguda also had his own plans.

He must step forward and unify the various departments!

And this is clearly the best opportunity.

As for whether the people of Liao would take action against him, he was not certain but also had no fear.

It's just death, what is there to fear?
Moreover, if Wanyan Aguda dies here, it will definitely arouse the resistance of the various tribes again. In any case, this is an opportunity for the Jurchen tribes!
It's worth the risk!
Yelü Yanxi's chest heaved slightly, his eyes gleaming with murderous intent.

The chief of a small border tribe dared to openly defy orders and challenge his authority on such an important occasion, in front of all the tribal leaders and subjects!

If he is not severely punished, how will he save face?

What face does the Liao Dynasty have left?

Before he could finish his thought, he was about to give the order.

However, at this critical moment, a more composed senior member of the imperial family leaned slightly and whispered a few words in Yelü Yanxi's ear, which immediately made Yelü Yanxi's hand freeze on the spot, and his expression changed again.

The old minister's words were very simple.

I analyzed with him the current situation in the Liao Kingdom and what the consequences would be if internal strife broke out again.
But that alone was enough to make him hesitate.

Wanyan Aguda could kill him at any time, but he couldn't do it so obviously.

Yelü Yanxi's expression shifted constantly as he stared intently at Wanyan Aguda, as if trying to etch his image into his heart. The air inside the tent seemed to freeze at that moment.

After a long while, Yelü Yanxi finally let out a very soft, yet chilling snort from his nose.

He didn't look at Yan Aguda again, but instead picked up his wine glass and turned to others, as if nothing had happened.

"Then play music, then dance."

The taut string was suddenly released.

But that sense of oppression never dissipated.

Despite Wanyan Aguda's statement, many of the Jurchen chieftains were still making a show of force, but unfortunately, the atmosphere inside the tent became increasingly complicated.

The banquet ended hastily in an extremely strange and awkward atmosphere.

Wanyan Aguda stood up, looked straight ahead, and strode out of the tent.

The cold wind from the riverbank swept over him, ruffling the collar of his fur robe, yet it brought him a sense of relief.

He never looked back, but he knew that from this day forward, the path would be clear.

He not only reclaimed his dignity, but also issued a silent cry to all Jurchens.

The Liao emperor's forbearance was not magnanimity, but rather the best proof of his weakness.

The news couldn't be kept secret.

The details of this fish feast will surely spread, and thoroughly prove Wanyan Aguda's innocence!
And things unfolded exactly as Wanyan Aguda had predicted.

It wasn't even before the news had fully spread.

That very night, the Jurchen chieftains found him.

Dark as ink.

In an extremely remote camp.

There was no singing or dancing inside the tent, only the crackling of tallow torches illuminating several solemn and resolute faces.

The Jurchen chieftains who were forced to dance at the first fish feast today are all here. Their humiliation has not yet subsided, and their eyes are all turned to the steady figure in the center, as solid as a mountain—Wanyan Aguda.

"Aguda!" The fiery-tempered leader of the Heshilie tribe spoke first, his voice hoarse with suppressed anger, "The humiliation we have suffered today is etched into our bones!"

"The Liao dogs are going too far. Are we going to continue to tolerate this and be slaughtered like lambs year after year?"

“Excellent!” Another chieftain slammed his fist on the table and stood up. “The tribute has been increasing year by year, and if anything is not to our liking, we are whipped and humiliated. Countless sons of my tribe have been forcibly conscripted into slavery!”

"I can't swallow this insult!"

Inside the tent, the crowd was in an uproar, and years of pent-up resentment erupted at this moment.

That's how people are.

If it weren't for Wanyan Aguda's actions first, they might have continued to endure it.

But now they have found a perfect outlet for their frustrations.

All eyes finally turned to Wanyan Aguda, awaiting his decision.

Clearly, thanks to his actions today, Wanyan Aguda has now become the backbone of these people.

Wanyan Aguda slowly raised his eyes, his gaze sweeping over every face filled with humiliation and anticipation.

“Endure?” His voice was deep, yet carried an undeniable power. “From this day forward, we Jurchen men no longer need to endure.”

He stood up, his imposing figure appearing even taller in the firelight.

"The Liao emperor was tyrannical, and the country was already in decline."

"He fears the Western Xia in the west and the Song Dynasty in the south, and now even in front of us, he is all bark and no bite!"

"Why didn't he dare kill me at the banquet today?" he sneered. "It wasn't that he didn't want to, but that he couldn't! His bones and muscles are already hollow; he's nothing more than an old wolf that's terminally ill!"

"What we must do is unite all the tribes and completely topple this rotten giant tree!"

Upon hearing this, the tent fell silent for a moment, followed by a collective gasp.

Rebel against the Liao Dynasty?

These were thoughts buried deep in their hearts, thoughts they dared not easily utter.

“But,” an older chieftain said with a worried look, “even though the Liao Kingdom is in decline, it is still a behemoth.”

"Our forces are scattered and our weapons and armor are scarce. How can we possibly fight them?"

"If we were to start a war, wouldn't that be like throwing an egg against a rock?"

“Therefore, we need your help.” Wanyan Aguda’s eyes flashed with a sharp light. “The Southern Song Dynasty is an old enemy of the Liao Dynasty. Now, its military strength is at its peak, its national power is formidable, and it is already poised to unify the world.”

"As long as we seize the opportunity, we can coordinate with the Song Dynasty in the north and south, making it difficult for the Liao Dynasty to attend to both ends!"

He paused, his voice growing increasingly resolute: "Even if one day our Jurchen people have to submit to the Song Dynasty and seek survival under its banner, it would still be a hundred times better than living a life of humiliation and subjugation under the iron heel of the Liao Dynasty!"

"What the Song Dynasty wants is tribute and nominal submission, while what the Liao Dynasty wants is our lives and the dignity of being slaves for generations to come!"

This truth was straightforward and cruel, moving everyone present.

But the entire tent remained silent.

Almost all the chiefs' expressions changed, showing a mixture of excitement and fear.

"But I've heard that Grand Tutor Gu Rui has already passed away."

One of the chiefs quietly uttered a comment.

Although not all of his thoughts were expressed, the meaning behind his words was quite clear.

This is everyone's question.

Not only them, but also the royal families of the Liao and Western Xia dynasties were very concerned.

Will the Song Dynasty go to war again?

This question hit the nail on the head, bringing the entire tent back into silence.

Wanyan Aguda was silent for a moment, then suddenly let out a short and hearty laugh. He walked to the edge of the tent, abruptly lifted the felt curtain, and let the biting cold wind rush in, causing the torch to flicker.

He pointed south, his voice booming: "If the descendants of the Gu family in the Southern Dynasty are truly so incompetent, unable to protect the foundation laid by Gu Rui, and powerless to end this chaotic world..."

As he spoke, he suddenly turned around, his eyes like two bolts of lightning, sweeping over the chieftains in the tent, a surge of soaring pride and confidence bursting forth: "Then let my Jurchen iron cavalry, let me, Wanyan Aguda, sweep away this world!"

"Let's trample all these heroes from the North and South beneath our horses!"

"This world is never short of overlords!"

"If the Gu family can't handle it, then I'll take their place!"

As soon as the words fell, they struck the hearts of every chieftain like a thunderclap. They looked at the figure standing proudly in the cold wind, at the undisguised ambition and domineering spirit in his eyes, and the blood in their chests seemed to be ignited instantly.

The previous hesitation and fear transformed into determination and high spirits at this moment.

The leader of the Heshilie tribe was the first to draw his short sword, slash his palm, and let blood drip down: "My Heshilie tribe is willing to follow Aguda! To rebel against Liao!"

"My Pucha tribe is willing to go!"

"Wendy is willing to go!"

Shouts rang out continuously.

Looking at everyone present, Wanyan Aguda smiled again, his eyes filled with unwavering determination!
Gu Yi also noticed this scene.

Looking at Wanyan Aguda surrounded by the crowd, his feelings were also somewhat complicated.

He could certainly see through Wanyan Aguda's plan.

Regardless of whether the Song Dynasty will mobilize its troops, this is his only chance!
Moreover, Wanyan Aguda didn't need to care about the Song Dynasty, because the Liao Dynasty was afraid of the Song Dynasty. All he needed to do was use the Song Dynasty's name and banner to gain influence!

"This is an unparalleled genius!"

Recalling all that Wanyan Aguda had done in the original history, and considering his current performance, Gu Yi immediately made a decision.

This person's behavior is even more terrifying than in the original history!
His abilities are absolutely top-notch in this day and age.

Thinking of this, Gu Yi couldn't help but sigh softly.

As a modern person.

Knowing the history, Gu Yi didn't actually have a particularly good impression of Wanyan Aguda and his ilk. But now that history has completely changed, he has no idea how things will develop next.

However, there is no need to worry about this issue now.

As far as the Song Dynasty was concerned.

The most important thing next is actually to launch an attack and unify the world!
(P.S.: It's almost the end of the month, so I'm begging for monthly votes and recommendations. I'd be extremely grateful for your support.)
(End of this chapter)