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

Chapter 98 The Locust Catcher Says, Disaster Relief Completed (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

—A huge uproar!
The reforms brought about by Gu Yi have stirred up a tremendous wave in the current Han Dynasty.

When I heard about Gu Yi's various incentive measures...

This includes arrangements for locust control;

The impact on the court officials was unimaginable.

If all of this had been proposed by Zhuge Liang, no one would have been so surprised.

But that's where the problem lies.

Gu Ye is too young; he has shown such talent at such a young age.

This involuntarily reminded everyone of one person.

—Gu Xi!
That man who once led the Han Dynasty through a period of natural disasters and dared to say that he was half a move ahead of Heaven.

The outcome of this matter was already predetermined.

Gu Yi's proposed strategy is simply to upgrade the existing disaster relief system. Given the current configuration of the Han court, figuring out the relationship between these two systems is not difficult at all.

What really made them hesitate was the method of dealing with the locusts.

In fact, there are people in the world who eat locusts.

Because they had been driven to the brink of despair.

But for them, this matter was still somewhat unfamiliar.

And most importantly, in this era of rampant prophecy and superstition, there will always be people who feel that locusts are an ominous symbol.

Many of these people share this feeling.

Gu Yi's actions will make many people uncomfortable.

Gu Yi had already come up with a solution to this problem.

Before they could even reach a final conclusion, Gu Yi had already manipulated Gu Ye to go to the Imperial Ancestral Temple and find Cao Zhi.

Cao Zhi is now enjoying great success.

Perhaps for someone like him, the best place to belong is to immerse himself in the ocean of poetry and songs, free from the power struggles of history.

Gu Ye asked him to write a prose poem about "Catching Locusts".

The aim is to leverage the influence currently exerted by the Imperial Academy to legitimize this behavior.

Regarding the Gu family.

Cao Zhi was always highly respected.

Although Gu Ye was still young, he did not ignore this matter. In less than a day, he wrote "The Locust Catcher's Tale".

The style remains that of Cao Zhi, characterized by ornate and romantic language.

Gu Yi did not directly present this poem.

Instead, they waited silently.

Just a few days later, Zhuge Liang found Gu Ye again.

He recounted many details of the meeting.

Sure enough, someone asked to see the records about locusts in the Gu family library.

In fact, it is no secret in the entire Han Dynasty that the ancestors of the Gu family left behind something in each generation.

The contents of that library have become one of the most cherished dreams of many scholars, even more attractive than the imperial library.

only--

Because of the Gu family's prestige, no one dared to speak out about this matter.

This is a good opportunity for them.

night.

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

By the dim candlelight, Gu Yi, controlling Gu Ye, looked at Zhuge Liang and asked, "Prime Minister, do you trust me?"

He took out the essay written by Cao Zhi and stared intently at Zhuge Liang, saying, "Prime Minister, you can order someone to collect locusts and perform a sacrifice on the Luo River."

"At that time, in front of all the people."

"This young man is willing to eat locusts in public to dispel the name of the locust plague."

Gu Ye's expression was very calm.

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang couldn't help but show surprise in his eyes, not expecting Gu Ye to be so bold.

He was silent.

The Luo River sacrificial ceremony is currently the most effective bargaining chip for the Han Dynasty.

He had not used it until now because the matter was far too important.

Given Zhuge Liang's personality...

As long as the Han Dynasty has not reached a desperate situation, he would never use such a risky strategy.

Zhuge Liang did not speak, but took the essay and read it carefully.

Gu Yi took this opportunity to continue, saying, "As long as we can dispel the name of the locust plague, we can then have the students of the Imperial Academy create momentum."

"And given the current situation—"

"Eating locusts can not only reduce the pressure on the imperial court in disaster relief, but also feed livestock with locusts. The Prime Minister may not know that locust powder can make livestock stronger."

"."

Gu Yi, controlling Gu Ye, spoke very calmly.

Not to mention that the Gu family doesn't have these things.

Even if he did, he wouldn't allow anyone to casually explore the Gu family's resources.

They eat locusts.

It just takes time.

In the original history, the only recorded period of locust consumption was during the reign of Emperor Taizong of Tang.

History is a gradual process.

Unfamiliar things always evoke fear, and that's exactly what's happening now.

Zhuge Liang's expression was very serious.

He's becoming more and more like Gu Xi and Gu Chen from back then; he's always so serious and unsmiling.

"Prime Minister."

“When my great-grandfather faced natural disasters, he once said, ‘If all people are of one mind, we can eventually defy the heavens.’”

"Now the Prime Minister shoulders the heavy responsibility of the nation."

"How can we remain stagnant and make plans in this way?"

Just as Gu Yi finished speaking, Zhuge Liang had just finished reading the essay in his hand.

He stared intently at Gu Ye, his expression complex, lost in thought.

Until a long time later—

He then nodded slightly: "What you say is correct, young master. I was being too cautious."

"Given the current situation, there must be a way to break the deadlock."

"If that's the case;"

"Then we will listen to what you say, young master. On the day of the sacrifice, Liang will appear before all the people and eat the locusts to break the prophecy."

Without the slightest hesitation, Gu Yi immediately bowed to Zhuge Liang: "The Prime Minister is wise!"

Zhuge Liang was exactly like that.

The heavy burden on his shoulders forced him to be cautious, but once he was certain about something, he would not hesitate for a moment.

The very next day—

The news that the imperial court was about to hold a sacrificial ceremony on the Luo River quickly spread from Luoyang.

The news caused a stir in all directions!

The people of the world have been waiting for this for far too long.

It is unknown how many people have regarded this as the only way to quell the natural disaster.

Upon hearing that the imperial court had finally taken action.

How could the people not be excited?
The impact of this incident far exceeded everyone's expectations.

The public sentiment, which had been fluctuating, stabilized at an astonishing speed.

Even Zhuge Liang did not expect this to happen.

But precisely because of this, the pressure on his shoulders is getting heavier and heavier.

Zhuge Liang had no choice but to secretly send back locusts to test for poison, following the method proposed by Gu Yi.

At this moment, he cannot afford to be careless.

Only after confirming that eating locusts would not kill people did he add Cao Zhi's essay to the collection and order the students of the Imperial Academy to write their own essays.

The news spread instantly.

Cao Zhi's literary works already enjoyed considerable fame in the Han Dynasty.

Moreover, Zhuge Liang deliberately had people help spread the word, so the matter spread even faster in a short period of time.

The whole place is in an uproar!

Eating locusts?

In today's context, this kind of thing wouldn't have much of an impact.

But in this era...

The consequences of this are unimaginable!
Locusts have always been considered an ominous sign by ordinary people, but now some people are even suggesting eating locusts!

This had a devastating impact on ordinary people, as if their worldview had been shattered!
but--

This was followed by the support of the Gu family members from all directions.

How could Gu Yi not know the impact of this matter?

He had already used the magic jade to influence the seventh generation of the Gu family who were currently in disaster areas.

This matter is far too trivial.

They didn't even need many achievement points to form the corresponding ideas in their minds.

Although Gu Chen has long since passed away.

However, the impact that the Gu family could have had was still unimaginable, especially since the seventh generation of the Gu family were already living in disaster-stricken areas.

With them setting an example, this matter will proceed much more smoothly!
Gu Yi didn't want to waste a single moment!
Clouds move in all directions!

Although all of this alone is not enough to completely dispel the gloom over the Han Dynasty.

But everyone could sense it;
—The oppressive atmosphere gradually dissipated, both in the imperial court of the Han Dynasty and in the hearts of the people from all directions.

Finally, in June of the second year of the Yankang era;
Everything is ready.

Zhuge Liang led his civil and military officials in a grand sacrificial ceremony on the banks of the Luo River.

It wasn't just the first emperor of the Han Dynasty.

This also includes the ancestors of the Gu family, and even Gu Xiao is among them.

People gathered together!

Although this sacrificial ceremony was not led by members of the Gu family, its impact was no less than that of the sacrificial ceremony held by Gu Xi in the past!

Countless people have already flocked here from all over the country!

The power of faith can make people forget hunger, and even death;
And it was during this very sacrificial ceremony.

As prime minister, Zhuge Liang led his ministers who were willing to follow him to eat locusts in public.

They didn't even grind it into powder.

Right in front of everyone, he ate the dried locusts.

Of course, Gu Ye was among them.

It even includes Liu Chen, the Prince of Beidi and son of Liu Shan.

From the imperial family;

Then to the court officials;

Then there's the Gu family, the most unique entity;

Each side had a corresponding person who, in front of the people, ate the dried locusts, thus settling the matter completely!

In the Han Dynasty, whether eating locusts would bring disaster was already a highly controversial issue.

The influence of prophecies and superstitions is simply too great.

But things are completely different now.

What calamity could possibly withstand the protection of the two Dukes, Wenxiang and Zhaolie?
Everything has finally settled down.

Taking advantage of the sacrificial ceremony, Zhuge Liang swiftly implemented his new disaster relief strategy.

Although these measures may not show results in the short term.

But the east wind of this Luoshui sacrificial ceremony alone has already dissipated much of the gloom that has always hung over the Han Dynasty.

Gu Yi did not rush to manipulate Gu Ye into doing anything.

Gu Ye is still too young.

He has not yet reached his peak in any aspect.

But this single action changed Gu Ye's status in the world.

Everyone knows that—

A genius young man has emerged from the Gu family, just like Gu Xi in the past, and has formulated a general strategy for this disaster relief.

This kind of reputation will be beneficial to Gu Ye's future development.

It will play a decisive role. Of course, the impact is not limited to these aspects.

Now, all the seventh-generation descendants of the Gu family are away, and Gu Ye has naturally become the pillar of the Gu family in Luoyang.

After all, with the example of Gu Xi's rise to power in the past, no one would treat Gu Ye as a child now.

However, Gu Ye did not offer any comments without authorization.

He would only share his views with Zhuge Liang after each discussion.

Gu Yi did not interfere in any way;
He could tell that Zhuge Liang was deliberately grooming Gu Ye.

Time flies by;

The response to this policy came extremely quickly, with the support from powerful figures from all sides for the new system exceeding everyone's expectations.

Reputation, assessment;

These two points perfectly hit the nail on the head regarding the powerful figures' weaknesses.

They are not the Gu family after all. If they want their family to continue to prosper, they can only expand their family's influence in this area.

Either have a high reputation;
Either there are high-ranking officials in the imperial court.

This is a full-blown competition.

Disaster relief and grain donation;
They began competing in every aspect, all vying for the honor.

Zhuge Liang had already established a more detailed system to classify the grain brought by powerful families in more detail and to make the best use of it.

The effects of the work-for-relief policy were even more pronounced.

When refugees who had lost hope for the future regained their hope.

The power they can unleash may even surpass that of the past.

The most egregious example is in the capture of locusts.

The locusts, which once represented calamity, were finally stripped of their superstitious and prophetic nature under the influence of the east wind of this sacrificial ceremony.

At first, the people were still somewhat wary.

But as more and more people began catching locusts...

This fear eventually dissipated.

This year, disasters continued to occur in all directions.

But the entire Han Dynasty was completely transformed, and the fear in the hearts of the people regarding the continuous natural disasters had dissipated considerably.

In the third year of the Yankang era, the locust plague ended.

China is indeed a very magical land.

After discovering that eating locusts did not cause any harm, people from all directions developed various ways of eating locusts to their fullest extent according to their own customs.

Gu Yi's initial decision to grind it into powder is no longer necessary.

Moreover, people were surprised to find that livestock that consumed locust powder were much stronger.

Many businessmen immediately recognized the business opportunities involved.

Zhuge Liang already had very strict control over grain prices, and when merchants realized that locusts could bring more profits...

Locusts became a rare commodity.

The wisdom of a businessman when pursuing profit is unimaginable to outsiders.

Instead of risking angering the imperial court by selling locusts within the Han territory, they sent the locusts to nomadic barbarian tribes in exchange for livestock calves and other items.

As this gradually develops into an industry chain, it will inspire merchants who specialize in buying locusts.

Some people were even willing to trade their grain for it.

This absolute ecological environment greatly alleviated the survival pressure on refugees from all directions.

Catching locusts is not a difficult task for them; even the children in the family can catch some locusts.

When this kind of thing happens more and more often.

The locusts will then die out at an alarming rate.

Even Gu Yi hadn't expected things to turn out this way, but after thinking about it carefully, he felt relieved.

This is perhaps the innate wisdom of the Chinese people.

The chain reaction caused by this incident was enormous.

In fact, given the Han Dynasty's resources and capabilities, the main challenge it faced was the sheer scale of the disaster.

As the pressure from the disaster in one area decreased sharply.

The Han court would then be able to free up more resources to deal with other disasters.

The only problem is that the disasters of this year have not yet ended.

It is still raining in Jiangdong;

Earthquakes and landslides still occur in various places.

However, compared to the impact of previous disasters, this year's calamities were not fatal and had no effect on people's hearts.

Even the solemnity in Zhuge Liang's eyes seemed to have lessened somewhat.

In the fourth year of the Yankang era, the great disaster continued.

However, the impact of the disasters that year can be considered negligible.

The floods in Jiangdong have shown signs of being brought under control.

The work-for-relief system was fully successful under the incentive of capital, and the construction of irrigation canals in various places greatly reduced the impact of floods.

Of course, casualties are inevitable in this process.

But in this feudal dynasty era, what system could completely prevent casualties in the face of natural disasters?
The situation is so much better than it was in the original history!

Although disaster relief efforts must continue, the Han dynasty is no longer at risk of instability.

However, the problems facing the imperial court that year were not limited to disaster relief.

Rather, it's the performance evaluation of officials for that year.

The court officials continued to debate this matter.

Some people believe that the Han Dynasty has suffered from natural disasters year after year, so holding an official assessment at this time is a useless move, and even if it can be taken as a reference, it is only the sons of powerful families.

Because ordinary people cannot afford to have their children study the classics under such circumstances of consecutive years of natural disasters.

However, some people believe that it must be held no matter what.

This will ensure that the practice of evaluating officials takes root in the hearts of the people.

This time, Gu Yi rarely spoke when faced with Zhuge Liang's question.

"Prime Minister."

"In any case, the assessment process should continue."

"This move will not only allow the assessment system to take root in the hearts of the people, but also stabilize their minds."

"The same applies to the powerful figures from all directions."

"This move will only further stimulate their profit-seeking mentality."

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang nodded, his gaze towards Gu Ye growing increasingly satisfied.

With his wisdom, how could he not have an answer in his heart?

This applies to both ordinary people and powerful figures from all directions.

This round of official performance evaluations must continue.

Gu Yi did not propose any improvement measures.

Although this was not a difficult task for him, he could have used the imperial examination system of later generations to further improve the corresponding system of the Han Dynasty.

But this is not a good time for the Han Dynasty now.

After all, the people have only just gotten used to this assessment system.

Sudden changes will only have the opposite effect.

The matter was quickly settled.

As expected by the court officials, almost all those selected this time were sons of powerful and influential families, unlike previous official assessments.

There were fewer than a hundred people from ordinary backgrounds.

It is far less than the previous proportion.

But what can we do about it?

For the people all over the country, it was remarkable that the imperial court was still able to conduct official assessments under such circumstances.

Doesn't this already say everything?
The people of the land had no complaints about this matter; on the contrary, they were even more grateful to the court.

The impact of major disasters is diminishing.

When there is hope for the future, all the hardships are no longer so insurmountable.

However, it's not without its downsides.

That year, several more people in the court passed away.

One by one, the pillars that Gu Chen had left behind for the Han Dynasty collapsed, and even two of the seventh generation of the Gu family members passed away.

The relentless passage of time has finally begun to take its toll on these people.

Zhuge Liang's health was also deteriorating.

Liu Shan repeatedly advised Zhuge Liang to let go of some of his burdens and get more rest.

But given Zhuge Liang's personality, how could he possibly stop?
He seemed to have become a second Gu Chen.

Gu Chen originally wanted to eliminate the threats from all sides.

Before he has completely resolved the current natural disasters in the Han Dynasty, he is destined not to stop his progress.

In the fifth year of the Yankang era, the floods in Jiangdong were finally over.

The irrigation canals lead in all directions;

It not only solved the problem of flooding on the Yangtze River, but also brought more land to the Han Dynasty.

While providing disaster relief, Zhuge Liang immediately began implementing the restoration system.

In the name of the imperial court, grain, seeds, and oxen were lent to the people.

We will not miss any opportunity to help the Han Dynasty recover its strength.

Although this harvest is undoubtedly a drop in the ocean compared to the imperial court's expenditures, it has a completely different significance for the Han Dynasty.

Everyone could sense that dawn was approaching through this change.

This natural disaster—

It seems like it's really coming to an end.

However, Zhuge Liang did not let his guard down and kept a close eye on everything around him. At the same time, he once again proposed a plan to govern Yanzhou.

The severe drought in Yanzhou continues unabated.

This is also the area in the Han Dynasty that is currently the most severely affected by the disaster.

If it weren't for the fact that the Han Dynasty possessed a foundation far exceeding that of the original history, the disaster in Yanzhou would have definitely escalated into a cataclysmic event.

Putting aside everything else, the scene of "people eating each other" will definitely occur.

The current level of water conservancy in the Han Dynasty far surpasses that of the original history.

After all, there was the experience left behind by Gu Kang.

After discussions among the court officials, Zhuge Liang immediately made a decision to divert water from the Yellow River and the Ji River to solve the drought in Yanzhou.

The effectiveness of the work-for-relief program in Jiangdong gave everyone great confidence.

Even if it is not possible to completely divert water across Yan, at the very least, reservoirs should be built in drought-stricken areas.

The primary reason for the drought in Yanzhou is actually the insufficient water volume in its tributaries.

This matter required a great deal of manpower.

Only now that things have gradually stabilized can we do this.

Zhuge Liang was also extremely skilled in water conservancy.

Therefore, he even took the initiative to shoulder the heavy responsibility and personally went to Yanzhou to oversee this construction project.

Luoyang.

Liu Shan stared intently at Zhuge Liang, whose hair was now completely white, his eyes filled with reluctance: "In the past, my esteemed advisor left me in the same way."

"Prime Minister, are you also leaving me today?"

After many years, Liu Shan finally possessed the majesty befitting an emperor.

However, he still held Zhuge Liang in high esteem.

"His Majesty."

Zhuge Liang slowly rose, cupped his hands towards Liu Shan, and showed a hint of reminiscence on his face: "Your subject still remembers what Lord Gu said back then."

"A real man who dies on his bed is a coward."

"I am not Lord Gu."

"Furthermore, one cannot be like Lord Gu, who, even in his later years, was still able to gallop across the battlefield."

"But I think what Lord Gu said is correct."

As he spoke, Zhuge Liang paused slightly and bowed deeply to Liu Shan: "Your Majesty, my life is nearing its end."

"It is only through Heaven's grace that I have been able to reach this point."

If we are truly fortunate...

"Your Majesty, I will certainly eliminate this last hidden danger for the sake of the Han Dynasty."

His tone was very calm, but incredibly firm.

Upon seeing this, Liu Shan's face immediately showed a look of deep emotion, filled with reluctance.
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(End of this chapter)