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

Chapter 294 Enemies All Over the World, Gu Family Draws Its Sword (Seeking Monthly Tickets)
These people clearly have a lot of energy.

Almost immediately, rumors about whether the Gu family should return power to the emperor spread throughout the land.

No, perhaps it's not that these people have great power.

No matter how much power they wield, how could it possibly surpass that of the Censorate?

There were just too many of them!

Moreover, the Gu family is involved, which is a matter of great concern to the people of the world.

Don't forget, there's a historical precedent for the Gu family's return of power.

The deeds of those generations have long been common knowledge in the hearts of the people through stories passed down from generation to generation.

The people naturally do not want to disrupt the current prosperity.

But as I said before—

Not everyone is clear-headed, and even those who are clear-headed may make different choices due to huge interests.

This is the constraint imposed by the ideology of imperial power.

For ordinary people...

They were naturally pleased with the return of power to the Gu family, because they always felt that the emperor was the emperor and the Gu family was the Gu family.

Even if all power is handed over to the emperor.

Gu Shi was always the Grand Tutor.

And will always continue to lead the people of the world in their endeavors.

That's right, that's the idea.

It may seem simple, but it is the most basic thought of ordinary people.

They didn't understand the intrigues of the court, nor could they see the conflicts of interest; they simply felt that this was the best arrangement for the Gu family and for the entire world.

This is a soft knife.

What these people said is actually quite right.

The Gu family's millennia-long reputation is indeed one of the foundations of its enduring legacy, but it is also its greatest burden.

Gu Yi had already sensed this more than once.

However, Gu Yi was unable to change this.

If the Gu family takes this as their foundation, they will inevitably have to bear the backlash it brings.

Nothing in this world is ever truly solved once and for all!
The Gu family must get through this hurdle no matter what!
Yingtian Prefecture, the residence of the Marquis of Champion.

A group of Gu family members gathered.

"Too deceiving!"

Gu Yun, one of the more upright members of the younger generation, was filled with rage. Looking at the memorials from the Censorate, his eyes were filled with undisguised killing intent. "Five generations of the Gu family have devoted their lives to creating this prosperous era!"

"Now that the world is at peace, these parasites can't wait to jump out and use such insidious means to try to force the Gu family to hand over power?"

"They don't even consider that without the Gu family, how could we have achieved what we have today!"

“Brother Yun, be careful with your words.” The more composed Gu Zhao pressed his hand down, his brows furrowed. “Anger is useless.”

"This argument for returning power to the people may seem unfounded, but it actually hits two key points."

"One reason is simply the old precept of Emperor Taizu, who entrusted military and political affairs to the emperor before the country was fully established;"

"Secondly, the good reputation that our Gu family has left behind through generations of successful retirement has unexpectedly become a sharp blade held to our necks."

Upon hearing this, a series of helpless sighs rang out.

"The most troublesome thing is that this argument is not just empty talk, but rather it incorporates some public opinion."

"Many people do believe that now that the world is at peace, the Gu family should return the reins of government to the emperor to maintain the proper relationship between the emperor and his subjects, while the Gu family can continue to serve as the Grand Tutor and assist the emperor as before. They think this is for the good of the Gu family."

Gu Qi had been listening in silence, but now she slowly spoke, her voice tinged with weariness: "I also heard similar discussions in Julu."

"Even some young students in the college were influenced by him and came to ask me whether the Gu family should follow the example of their ancestors and retire gracefully to preserve their reputation for all time."

He gave a bitter smile. "The people's hearts are like water; they can carry a boat, but they can also capsize it. The hopes that the Gu family has accumulated over a thousand years have now become shackles binding our hands and feet."

That's right, even a scholar like him has arrived now.

The impact of this matter is indeed enormous.

No one from the Gu family could possibly ignore the overwhelming trends of the world today.

It's the general trend!

Public opinion, the imperial court, businessmen, and established families.

Everything in the entire Kyushu region seemed to have turned against the Gu family.

Although the reasons for these differences are different, the underlying principle is the same.

Moreover, this matter is not so easy for the Gu family to handle, as it concerns the reputation of the entire family. They cannot be too lenient or too harsh.

Gu Zhao looked at Gu Lin, who remained silent with his eyes closed, and said in a deep voice, "Uncle, this matter is truly thorny."

"If we forcefully suppress the discussion, it may solidify our reputation as powerful ministers, damage the Gu family's good name, and play right into their hands."

"But if left unchecked, this argument will only intensify, not only shaking the political situation but also hindering the implementation of new policies. For example, regarding the maritime transport policy, those people will surely use it to attack us for seizing power and profiting."

"It's a dilemma—to advance or to retreat!"

Discussions and murmurs continued to rise.

Almost all the young men were talking about the connection, and the implication was clear: they were not willing to accept it.

Who would be willing to accept that?

It is the result of five generations of hard work that has created the great situation we have today!
It can be said--

Today, the Gu family's contributions to the entire Song Dynasty have far surpassed those of any previous dynasty.

This has nothing to do with the throne, nor with power struggles.

The Gu family genuinely wanted to see what the entire Kyushu would look like if it continued to develop in this way.

But they couldn't say these words.

Under the imprint of imperial power and the mindset of a subject, coupled with the Gu family's tradition of returning power to the emperor, no matter how unwilling they were, they could not reveal all their thoughts at this time.

Not to mention them, even Gu Yi was hesitant at this moment.

Again--

The Gu family does not contend for one generation, but for ten thousand generations.

Having reached this point, the Gu family has already left too much for the entire Nine Provinces. Even if they choose to retire now, it can be considered a way to survive.

After all, the Gu family will always face the pressure of making corrections.

Gradually retiring at this peak will definitely allow the Gu family to face the upcoming calamities with greater composure.

However, this move will also affect everything that the Gu family is currently doing.

This is also why he hesitated.

Rationally speaking, he felt he could retire.

But emotionally, he wanted the Gu family to compete again!
After all, the emergence of the Gu family was a move that defied fate and was bound to fight for it sooner or later, so why should they have any reservations?

This is also why Gu Yi never interfered through the "Spirit Jade".

There are reasons for both moving forward and retreating.

When faced with this situation, he was more willing to leave the choice to his family.

The Gu family was not a puppet in his hands.

The effort that generations have put in is simply too heavy, and Gu Yi is not a block of wood, so it is impossible for him to deliberately control everything!
Amidst the murmurs and discussions, Gu Lin remained silent.

How could he not see the truth behind this?

But his situation was also very difficult.

In fact, as the current head of the Gu family, he had long considered returning power to the emperor. After all, it was neither morally nor logically appropriate for the Gu family to continue to control this power that was above the imperial authority.

Moreover, the descendants of the family are now quite mediocre.

If these people hadn't interfered, given his personality, he would have been absolutely willing to relinquish power after his death.

But things are different now.

He would relinquish power to avoid tarnishing the Gu family's reputation.

But definitely not now!
He could not tolerate that the great trend of the world today was being ruined by these people!
Lost in thought, he immediately waved his hand to stop the crowd's discussion: "The Gu family's return of power to the emperor is in accordance with propriety, law, and the old precedents of my ancestors."

"This matter does not require anyone else to urge us. When the time is right, the Gu family will take care of it on its own."

"However, not now!"

"This is not the time for such petty people to use despicable means to manipulate public opinion and attempt to force the emperor to abdicate!"

"The five generations of my Gu family have poured their hearts and souls into building this prosperous foundation, not for the power of one family or clan, but for the well-being of all the people of this land and for the continuation of this civilization!"

As he spoke, he slowly stood up: "Therefore, I should wait until I have swept away these demons and monsters, cleaned up the court, and ensured the continuation of national policies and the consolidation of the prosperous era before returning power to the emperor. Only then will I live up to the trust placed in me by the founding emperor and the responsibility that my Gu family has upheld for a thousand years!"

His gaze was intense as he issued the order: "Gu Zhao, you are to contact the key figures in the Censorate. Instead of directly impeaching those who advocated returning power, you should thoroughly investigate the evidence of Chen Mingyuan, Wang Pu, and their families' corruption and embezzlement in the Grand Canal, the Maritime Trade, and even local government affairs, as well as their exploitation of the people!"

"besides--"

"And those scoundrels behind them!"

"This time, we must catch all these parasites!"

"Gu Qi, return to Julu immediately. Do not disturb the affairs of the academy. From this day forward, you shall be the head of the Julu family. Matters of the court are none of your concern!"

His expression was extremely serious.

It should be noted that Gu Lin is no longer young.

His years in a high position have given him a unique charisma that is hard for others to match.

Coupled with his serious expression, even just standing there, he could put everyone at ease.

But that wasn't all! Then, Gu Lin uttered another sentence that caused everyone's expression to change slightly!

"Keep a close eye on the emperor—"

"Remember, we must not allow petty villains to influence the emperor!"

How could he forget the emperor's authority?
In fact, for the Gu family at present, there are only two ways to truly deal a blow to them.

The first method is to use the soft power formed by public opinion.

Because this is the core foundation of the Gu family.

The second one is the emperor.

It is the mark of imperial power in Kyushu.

Of course, Gu Lin had no intention of doing anything rebellious.

He disdains the throne and wouldn't be foolish enough to trade the Gu family's millennia-long foundation for a chance to become emperor.

He's on guard!
To prevent these people from influencing the emperor.

The Gu family can withdraw.

But that was for prestige, for the Gu family's plan to achieve lasting glory, but it must not be because of being misled by villains.

Of course, this does not mean that the emperor should be placed under house arrest.

With Gu Lin's current power, there are far too many ways to prevent the emperor from being misled!

That's right, he's about to unleash his power!

—The situation suddenly changed.

The actions of the Censorate could not possibly be kept secret from those who were interested.

The various actions taken against the Gu family this time are indeed deeply related.

The entirety of Kyushu.

Almost all capable people have already participated in it.

This feeling is very similar to that at the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, when all the powerful families in the world targeted Gu Xi. In the same way, he was an enemy of the whole world, and in the same way, Gu Xi blocked everyone's path.

The same is true today.

But the difference is—

The Gu family of yesteryear was far inferior to the Gu family of today.

Even though Gu Xi was once incredibly powerful and the most important minister in the court.

But nowadays, the Gu family has, in many ways, transcended the role of a subject.

The only thing that can restrain the Gu family today is the Gu family itself!

And it is precisely because of this that these people cannot force the Gu family into the same predicament as before.

Faced with the coordinated actions of the Censorate.

The general atmosphere in the world remained unchanged.

This is what makes their actions so extraordinary.

They are manipulating public opinion and scholars, while they themselves are hiding behind the scenes.

And the most important thing is——

Among these people were clearly individuals who still wielded considerable influence within the Censorate. Despite the Censorate's investigation, these individuals managed to maintain their composure on the surface, preventing the Censorate from gaining any results whatsoever.

This is clearly also related to the relatively clean and efficient administration of the Song Dynasty at that time.

All these circumstances indicate that, at least in the short term, it is impossible for the Censorate to uncover all the problems.

Chui Gong Hall.

This place is the residence of the emperor.

As a newly built imperial palace in the new capital, this place is no less impressive than the former Kaifeng Imperial Palace, and even surpasses Kaifeng in terms of overall style and area.

The current emperor, Zhao Hanyin, still resides in this place.

They seek pleasure every day.

The Gu family was actually quite helpless about the current situation of the Zhao Song emperor.

Although the Gu family ruled the country in their place.

But none of the five generations of family heads actually gave up on cultivating the emperor and crown prince. It's just a pity that the emperors of the Zhao Song dynasty were as if they were cursed. Not only were they incompetent, but they also had no desire to strive for anything.

Even Gu Yi wondered if this was because of the revisions.

After all, the emperors of the Song Dynasty were all outrageous in the original history. Even with the Gu family's full support, it seems difficult to completely restore the declining imperial fortune.

Inside the Chuigong Hall at this moment.

The sounds of silk and bamboo instruments were melodious, the dancers' sleeves fluttered, and the fragrance of rouge mingled with the aroma of wine, permeating the carved beams and painted rafters.

The current emperor, Zhao Hanyin, sat on his throne with a rosy complexion and slightly dreamy eyes. He was gently tapping his knees to the rhythm of the music, completely immersed in the peaceful and prosperous atmosphere.

Just then, Gu Lin's solemn voice came from outside the hall.
"Your subject, Gu Lin, pays his respects to Your Majesty."

His voice pierced the music with clarity and power.

Instantly, the musicians and dancers inside the hall paused, their eyes timidly glancing at the tall and majestic figure outside.

Zhao Hanyin laughed nonchalantly and waved his wide sleeves: "No problem, no problem! Keep playing the music, keep dancing!"

As he spoke, he slipped on his silk slippers, stood up somewhat unsteadily, and walked past the dancers whose movements were stiff with nervousness, heading towards the palace gate with a warm but slightly exaggerated smile on his face: "The Grand Tutor has arrived?"

"Quickly come and share this joy with me!"

"I have composed a new 'Song Army Battle Song,' Grand Tutor. Please take a look and see how it compares to the old tunes from previous dynasties."

"Does it possess even a fraction of the heroic spirit of the founding emperor?"

As his name suggests, Zhao Hanyin is indeed quite accomplished in music, composing new pieces every so often.

But for an emperor, this is clearly not a remarkable skill.

Looking at Zhao Hanyin in front of him, a hint of disappointment flashed in Gu Lin's eyes.

As the emperor he watched grow up.

His feelings for this emperor were undeniably complex.

I remember back then, he even personally educated this emperor, but I never expected that he would end up like this.

However, he didn't say much more.

Instead of dismissing the dancers as usual, he calmly followed Zhao Hanyin into the hall, and then, just as Zhao Hanyin had said, sat quietly to the side, watching the song and dance with a blank expression.

The singing and dancing continued.

Although Zhao Hanyin was also surprised by Gu Lin's unusual behavior, she didn't ask him anything further.

Gu Lin has indeed worked too hard. He used to often want Gu Lin to take a break and enjoy life with him. Now he thinks that Gu Lin must be thinking of relaxing a bit now that the world is at peace.

Time slipped away quietly amidst these bursts of music.

After a short while, another voice came, but this time it was the voice of a eunuch. It was clear that the person who came could not enter the central government like Gu Lin.

"Your Majesty, Zhao Wenyuan, the Director of the Personnel Evaluation Department of the Ministry of Personnel, requests an audience."

Zhao Hanyin was taken aback upon hearing this, and subconsciously turned to look at Gu Lin: "Could it be that he's here to see the Grand Tutor?"

He knew exactly what these ministers were like.

In the past, apart from formal court meetings, no one would ever come to the Chuigong Hall to see him.

"Your Majesty might as well grant me a meeting," Gu Lin said calmly, his expression unchanged.

Seeing that the Grand Tutor had said this, Zhao Hanyin, though unwilling, had no choice but to wave his hand and say, "Bring him in."

The eunuch hurriedly ran out to deliver the message.

Meanwhile, Zhao Wenyuan, standing outside the hall, was also extremely nervous.

Thinking back on all the discussions we've had these past few days.

He couldn't help but start imagining how he should behave when he met the emperor later.

"We must never try to sow discord directly!"

"We should subtly and gradually arouse the Emperor's suspicion of the Grand Tutor. Only in this way can we sow discord between the two without leaving a trace, so as to destroy the entire Gu family in one fell swoop!"

He kept reminding himself of this.

When the eunuch came running to greet him, he took a deep breath and followed him into the palace.

Tap tap tap.
The sounds of heartbeats and footsteps overlapped, followed by bursts of music.

Instead of showing any dissatisfaction, Zhao Wenyuan lowered his head even further and bowed deeply upon entering the hall: "Your subject, Zhao Wenyuan, Director of the Personnel Department, pays respects to Your Majesty!"

His voice was exceptionally strong, an attempt to demonstrate his loyalty and win the emperor's favor.

"Why must Minister Zhao perform such a grand ceremony?"

The emperor's voice came almost immediately.

Without a second thought or even raising his head, Zhao Wenyuan was about to seize the opportunity to reaffirm his loyalty.

But the next moment, a casual remark from the emperor froze him in place.

"The Grand Tutor is also here. What urgent matter do you have, Zhao Qing? Please speak freely."

"Your Majesty is wise."

The words that had been uttered came to an abrupt halt.

Zhao Wenyuan's body trembled inexplicably, and he quickly raised his head to look at Gu Lin, who was watching him indifferently. In that instant, he seemed to wilt like a frostbitten eggplant, and his body inexplicably trembled.

"Grand Tutor."

"Your humble servant... Your humble servant," his voice trembled, instinctively trying to find the right words to smooth things over.

But perhaps because he was too nervous, he couldn't say a word!
(P.S.: I'm begging for monthly votes at the beginning of the month. I would be extremely grateful for your support.)
(End of this chapter)