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

Chapter 18: All the people are guilty, and the fault lies with me

——The golden age has arrived!
This is something that everyone in the world firmly believes in.

Gu Yi also agreed with this.

You must know that in the original historical trajectory, the period of Emperor Ming of Han was a key stage in the rapid recovery of the Eastern Han Dynasty's national strength.

At that time, natural disasters gradually decreased, and various policies benefiting the people were implemented.

Originally in history, Liu Zhuang had successfully restored the national strength of the Han Dynasty to a certain level.

What's more, now we have Gu Kang's help?

The promotion of scientific farming is bound to affect the recovery progress of the entire Han Dynasty, and even make the national strength of the entire Han Dynasty far beyond its original history.

The combination of Liu Zhuang and Gu Kang, the monarch and his minister, was destined to create a completely prosperous era.

After the bumper harvest in the seventh year of Yongning, Liu Zhuang and Gu Kang quickly adjusted their direction and ordered the counties and states to give public land to the poor, distributing it in varying amounts according to population.

It is also strictly forbidden for local powerful families to occupy farmland.

The impact of this incident was comparable to the first time Liu Xiu measured the land.

But no one can disobey.

Everyone has benefited from this matter. Offending the emperor at this time would be more trouble than gain.

In addition, Liu Zhuang also sent serious criminals from the Central Plains to the border areas to open up land and guard against foreign enemies.

This move can be said to kill two birds with one stone.

It not only relieves the pressure on the border, but also increases the arable land of the Han Dynasty.

It even gradually reduced the crime rate in the world.

Similarly, Liu Zhuang left hope for these criminals. As long as they could resist foreign enemies or reclaim some land, their sentences would be reduced!

Under these measures.

In just two years, the national strength of the entire Han Dynasty had completely recovered, and its development momentum far exceeded that of the early Han Dynasty.

This gives people an extremely obvious feeling.

The whole big man seemed to have been reborn.

Even the people at the bottom of society had surplus food and smiles on their faces.

"The whole country is at peace, people are free from corvée labor, the harvests are abundant year after year, and the people are prosperous."

This is the best description of the current era.

And it is precisely because of this that both Emperor Liu Zhuang and Gu Kang, the leader of the world in farming, have achieved unimaginable reputations.

Every time the harvest came, the people would consciously bow towards Luoyang, calling him "Saint" to show their respect to the emperor.

As for Gu Kang, the people regarded him as an immortal who could bring them a great harvest.

This reaction is unprecedented.

It is precisely because of this that the reputation of the entire Gu family is growing under such circumstances.

It is even higher than when Gu Xiao was alive!

This was something Gu Yi had never expected.

Today, Gu Kang's status in the entire Han Dynasty has reached a height that no one can reach.

Even though his identity is still one of the Nine Ministers.

But this official position obviously cannot fully reflect his current status.

Whether from the emperor's favor or his own merits, he has gradually gained the power of his father, and no one can ignore what he says.

Moreover, all the officials in the court are the ones who benefit the most, so how could they block Gu Kang's way?
This is what it means to reach the top in one step.

As the country's strength gradually recovered, Liu Zhuang's attention gradually shifted to the enemy.

In fact, since Liu Xiu revived the Han Dynasty, the border of the Han Dynasty has never been peaceful.

Because they lost control of the Western Regions, they are now in chaos and have become a complete tonic for the Northern Huns.

The Northern Xiongnu used the human and material resources of the Western Regions to greatly increase their strength, and repeatedly invaded the Hexi counties of the Han Dynasty, causing great suffering to the local people.

The Western Regions were vast, and this problem was simply impossible to solve at that time.

The world at that time could not withstand a war of such scale.

It is precisely because of this that Liu Xiucai never intervened in the Western Regions. Even when the countries in the Western Regions came to surrender, he maintained the same attitude.

As for the Northern Huns, the main focus was on defending the city.

This was completely a helpless act at the time.

But now that the Han Dynasty's national strength has recovered, Liu Zhuang naturally has to completely resolve this risk.

In fact, Liu Zhuang had been thinking about this for a long time.

His attitude can be seen from his continuous strengthening of the border, the appointment of the General Du Liao, and the dispatch of generals to all directions.

But when Liu Zhuang said he wanted to raise an army.

This time, almost all the ministers were opposed.

He even brought up the incident in which Liu Xiu rejected the Marquis of Langling Zang and the Marquis of Yangxu Ma Wu in order to pacify the people, trying to persuade Liu Zhuang not to mobilize troops rashly.

There is no way. The surge in grain production in various places has made these people deeply aware of the benefits.

War is bound to affect farming.

In today's situation, no one wants to fight.

To put it bluntly, they just haven't made enough money!

Liu Zhuang was helpless when faced with the ministers using this excuse to oppose the military action.

What can I do?
The Han Dynasty ruled the world with filial piety!
And as he has set an example over the years, the people of the Han Dynasty now care more and more about morality.

Especially filial piety and respect for teachers.

He could use his status as emperor to enforce this matter, but doing so would undoubtedly be destroying his own foundation.

Some things, if done.

If you want to make up for it again, you will have to spend more effort.

Liu Zhuang was obviously aware of this, so he never made up his mind.

Nangong.

Today, Liu Zhuang discussed this matter with Gu Kang as usual.

Gu Kang is becoming more and more popular now.

But when facing Liu Zhuang, he always abided by the etiquette between the monarch and his subjects, and showed no signs of being arrogant because of his favor.

He bowed respectfully to Liu Zhuang and said, "Your Majesty, it is as I see fit."

"Not all the ministers are against mobilizing troops."

"Now, our great generals who helped the late emperor to establish the Han Dynasty have passed away one after another."

"The young generals are eager to make great achievements, but they are afraid to speak rashly because of the great changes in the world."

"But Your Majesty can take your time."

"It's not that the ministers don't want Your Majesty to mobilize troops, but they don't want Your Majesty to mobilize troops on a large scale."

"If Your Majesty announced at this moment that he would simply send his generals to attack and defeat them, the ministers would be overjoyed and would definitely not refuse."

"We can also take this opportunity to train our young generals."

"Wait another two years, and the Han Dynasty's national strength will be fully restored, even surpassing that of Emperor Wen. Then the ministers will no longer have any reason to hinder Your Majesty."

"By then, our Han Dynasty will have a strong army and numerous generals. Your Majesty will have no reason to worry about not being able to accomplish the great cause you have in mind."

Gu Kang looked calm and analyzed the political situation for Liu Zhuang in an orderly manner.

Perhaps because of his impatience, Liu Zhuang in the past would definitely be able to come up with various ways to deal with these officials, but now he still needs Gu Kang's guidance.

But it's not his fault
Any emperor with great ambitions in his heart would not choose to waste time.

What's more, the appearance of Gu Kang gave Liu Zhuang greater ambitions.

He wants to make the Han Dynasty stronger than any other dynasty!

Even during the peak of the former Han Dynasty, it was impossible!
How could Liu Zhuang, who had such ambitions, just watch time pass by in vain?
However, after hearing what Gu Kang said, Liu Zhuang gradually calmed down.

He looked at Gu Kang with a complicated expression, was silent for a moment, and sighed again: "If only all the ministers of the Han Dynasty were like Ji Shi."

"I really can't imagine how prosperous the Han Dynasty will be."

These words are similar to what I said back then, but they are filled with deeper emotion.

"My talents can only be fully utilized under a wise ruler like Your Majesty." Gu Kang said modestly, without any intention of seeking credit.

"I won't take your words as flattery this time." Liu Zhuang smiled, obviously having figured the matter out.

He then summoned all his ministers and announced the matter directly.

The ministers' reactions were just as Gu Kang had expected, and they all praised Liu Zhuang for his wisdom.

In fact, the ministers felt the greatest pressure when competing with such a strong emperor like Liu Zhuang.

If it weren't for Liu Xiu's actions back then as a shield.

Who in the world dares to oppose Liu Zhuang?
Now that the emperor has said that it is Xizhi, it means that there will be no large-scale military deployment. How can they continue to hold on?

The big thing was decided in this way.

And when Liu Zhuang calmed down completely, his outstanding talents were fully demonstrated.

He quickly formulated a strategy of a four-pronged army to attack the Northern Xiongnu: Taipu Jizhu led 11,000 cavalrymen from Hedong, Beidi, Xihe Qiang and Hu, and the Southern Chanyu out of Gaoque Pass;

Dou Gu, the commander of the imperial carriages, led 12,000 cavalrymen from Jiuquan, Dunhuang, and Zhangye, as well as Qiang and Hu people from Lushui, out of Jiuquan.
Geng Bing, the son-in-law of the emperor, led the recruited soldiers from Wuwei, Longxi, and Tianshui, as well as 10,000 Qiang and Hu cavalrymen, out of the Guyan Pass.

The Cavalry Commander Lai Miao led 11,000 cavalrymen from Taiyuan, Yanmen, Daijun, Youbeiping, Dingxiangjun, as well as Wuhuan and Xianbei troops out of Pingcheng Pass.

The four armies advanced northward together to attack the Northern Huns.

After many years, the Han Dynasty's war machine finally started up again.

Although they are not putting in as much effort as they did when the world was in chaos, considering the current national strength of the Han Dynasty, the strength of these four armies is incomparable to the past.

"Zhong Sheng!"

Gu Sheng rushed to find Ban Chao and shouted excitedly, "The chance for you and me to make a contribution has finally come!"

"Your Majesty has allowed me to accompany the Imperial Chariot Commander to the battle!"

He has been feeling depressed for too long.

Over the years, although small-scale wars broke out occasionally in the Han Dynasty, he was never deployed and had always been staying in the central army to train soldiers.

Now that the opportunity has finally come, how can he not be excited?
Hearing this, Ban Chao was overjoyed. He immediately stood up, grabbed Gu Sheng's arm, and asked anxiously, "Are you serious, brother?"

The two of them really got along very well, and after spending some time together they even became sworn brothers.

"Of course I'm serious!" Gu Sheng nodded. "Why would I joke about this?"

Ban Chao suddenly became excited.

In fact, when he first heard Gu Sheng say that he would recommend him to the army, he was very happy.

Because Ban Chao always felt that he was not suitable to hold a pen.

I thought the next thing I would face was to achieve great things, but who could have expected that I would have to wait for so many years?
Now, this opportunity has really come!
"Zhongsheng, you and I, brothers, must seize this opportunity."

"My brother told me that if we can achieve great success this time, His Majesty will definitely use us!"

"Your Majesty is a wise and virtuous ruler. We are so lucky to have you here, and we must not let you down!"

Gu Sheng looked at Ban Chao seriously and said.

"Don't worry, brother. I won't bring shame to the Minister of Agriculture!"

Ban Chao obviously still remembered Gu Kang's recommendation.

This is the Han Dynasty today.

At a time when moral character is increasingly valued, the favor of recommendation is also a great favor.

"I'm asking you to live up to your talent!"

Unexpectedly, Gu Sheng suddenly became serious, staring at Ban Chao intently, and asked, "Do you still remember that fortune teller from back then?"

"He once said that you and I, my brother, would both be granted titles thousands of miles away."

"I have always remembered this."

At the end, Gu Sheng patted Ban Chao's shoulder in an extremely serious manner, his eyes full of expectation.

Looking at Gu Sheng's eyes, they seemed to be shining.

Ban Chao was stunned for a moment, took a deep breath, and then nodded very seriously.

For today's Han people.

A military mobilization of this scale will naturally not cause any major disturbance.

However, the ministers would often bring up this matter.

They seemed to have noticed Liu Zhuang and Gu Kang's thoughts.

From time to time, he would say something like the people of the world are hoping that Your Majesty can continue to recuperate.

It seemed that he wanted to use the name of the people of the world to dispel Liu Zhuang's thoughts.

Just farm!
Why fight a war when there is nothing to do?

The Western Regions are so far away. How much manpower would it take?
As for the Northern Huns, there is no need to say more.

Emperor Xiaowu fought for so many years, but in the end he still failed to eradicate the rebellion completely?

Look how much people all over the world love you now.

As long as you don't start a war and continue to govern the world in this way, your evaluation in the future will definitely not be lower than that of Emperor Wen.

Why bother?
Liu Zhuang and Gu Kang, two political masters, naturally knew very well what the ministers were thinking.

However, Liu Zhuang was too lazy to respond.

This time you are using the late emperor's actions as a shield.

When the national strength of the world far exceeds that of the former Han Dynasty, if he still dares to talk nonsense, then it can't be blamed on him.

He is not an emperor who can tolerate it forever!

Deyang Hall.

When Liu Zhuang heard someone talking about the people in a certain place praising him again, he frowned instinctively.

This kind of talk has been heard more and more recently.

When the people's praise has political connotations, it will also change.

He was just about to scold and ask the officials not to bring up this matter so often in the future.

Unexpectedly, the next moment, the weather suddenly changed!

A familiar scene happened again.

The sky was slowly getting darker at a speed visible to the naked eye.

The words stopped abruptly.

All the officials noticed this scene, and their expressions changed instantly.

Liu Zhuang and Gu Kang were also stunned.

This scene instantly brought back their memories.

When Gu Xiao passed away, the celestial phenomena changed dramatically. Liu Xiu used this as an excuse to prevent officials from calling him "saint".

This matter is no secret in the world.

It is precisely because of this that no one in the court can remain calm when they see the sudden change in the weather.

After a brief silence, the three ministers in the court immediately stood up, took off their crowns, and kowtowed to the heavens.

At the same time, some officials were shouting in panic.

"There haven't been any natural disasters in years, and now, just as our Han Dynasty has begun to mobilize, this sudden change has occurred. Could it be that Heaven has forbidden our Han Dynasty from launching an army?"

"Your Majesty! This sudden change in the celestial phenomena is definitely not accidental. I, this old minister, implore Your Majesty to withdraw the troops and calm the people, lest we anger the heavens and bring harm to the people!"

"."

Hearing these shouts, Liu Zhuang's expression became more and more ugly.

Just like the people in the world today.

Even though Liu Zhuang was extremely talented, he could not completely avoid superstition about ghosts and gods.

Even Gu Kang, who was educated by Gu Yi, couldn't do this completely, let alone others?
But just this one action made him abandon all the ambitions he had in his heart for so many years.

How can this be?

He is Liu Zhuang!

He is the emperor who will lead the entire Han Dynasty to the peak!

How can we give up just because of this sudden change in the weather?
In just a short moment, countless thoughts surged into Liu Zhuang's mind.

It seemed that the three dukes were about to take the lead and kneel down.

Just at this moment.

His scolding sounded suddenly.

“No need!!!”

Everyone immediately looked at Liu Zhuang.

At this time, the sky had not yet completely darkened, and there were still candles around, which did not affect everyone's vision.

Liu Zhuang stood up slowly with a serious expression and said solemnly in front of all the ministers:

"Everyone is guilty, but I am the one to blame."

"You don't need to kneel down, just do your job."

"From today on, I will fast."

"If the Han army cannot win the first battle."

"I will never eat meat again!"

The whole hall was shocked!

The entire hall fell into absolute silence at this moment.

Gu Kang looked at Liu Zhuang in a daze, and Liu Zhuang also looked at Gu Kang at this time.

The king and his ministers looked at each other.

With just one glance, they realized each other's determination.

Without saying anything, Gu Kang just took a deep breath and bowed deeply to Liu Zhuang.
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(End of this chapter)