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

Chapter 44: Yongjian's Rise, Gu Xi Leaves Beijing

Gu Yi has been watching all this silently.

The turn of events was both unexpected and unsurprising.

It was inevitable for Gu Xi to have such thoughts.

If the next generation of the Gu family is capable, given his character, he will definitely ensure that the Gu family continues to shine in the court.

But the current situation is obviously not suitable for this.

Gu's reputation is already high enough.

As long as there are no accidents, there will be no danger to the entire family.

And this accident can only happen in the court.

Nowadays, no one is willing to offend the entire Gu family for no reason.

As long as the Gu family is safe and sound, but someone takes the initiative to target the Gu family, it will inevitably affect the reputation of the entire family in the world.

Gu Xi did this to preserve the overall interests of the family.

For Gu Yi, this is naturally not a bad thing.

As long as the direct line of the family is safe.

He would be able to take advantage of the opportunity to manipulate and raise the influence of the entire family to its peak again.

The fear is that family members will destroy the entire family for the sake of temporary benefits.

As for Emperor Liu Bao.

Gu Yi was relieved.

In the original history, Liu Bao's ability was not bad.

His reforms to various systems.

It greatly improved the work style of officials in the Eastern Han Dynasty at that time.

The only point worthy of criticism is that he favored Empress Liang Nü and made use of Liang's children.

This led to the emergence of people like Liang Ji.

This completely led to internal turmoil in the late Eastern Han Dynasty.

But it seems that this will never happen now.

Yan Ji's example had a huge impact.

Regardless of whether Liu Bao would be affected, as long as the Gu family and Gu Xi were still there, none of this would ever happen.

Gu Xi is indeed a confident person.

This is his strength and also his weakness.

But he couldn't fall twice on the same issue.

Gu Yi is still very confident about this.

Liu Bao is indeed a very talented child.

Especially now that Gu Xi is in power.

This gave Liu Bao great self-confidence, and he tried to manage the government little by little.

To put it bluntly, Gu Xi can cover for him.

As long as Gu Xi stands there.

All the ministers were frightened.

Even if he made any mistakes, Gu Xi would only give him pointers and hints, allowing Liu Bao to realize his mistakes himself.

Thus making changes.

This is indeed a very useful method.

In addition, Liu Bao himself is talented.

It can be said that Liu Bao's governing ability is improving day by day.

——The second year of Yongjian.

Liu Bao ordered the reduction of taxes and labor service, which caused the people of the world to cheer and express gratitude to the court.

At the same time, he made a series of personnel arrangements in the court.

Promote the ministers who followed Gu Xi and give them rewards.

Win people's hearts.

He also summoned students from the Imperial College and, together with Gu Xi, assessed their talents and promoted the capable ones to official positions.

Under this series of measures.

Liu Bao's reputation in the court and the country was getting higher and higher.

Although he had just ascended the throne not long ago, he had already completely surpassed Liu Hu.

The atmosphere of the entire temple seems to have changed.

"The Image of a Wise Ruler"

It was increasingly mentioned by many ministers, and almost everyone in the court was looking forward to the future.

Of course, Gu Xi’s assistance is indispensable in this.

Gu Xi is improving Liu Bao's abilities in this way.

——The third year of Yongjian.

Liu Bao once again advocated frugality and reclamation, and once again decided to build water conservancy projects.

They even imitated Emperor Xiaoming Liu Zhuang.

He led all officials to perform the "personal farming ceremony" to set an example for the world.

At the same time, he began to tentatively establish his own authority.

His first strike was directed at the palace.

eunuch!

He showed no mercy to any eunuchs in the palace who were a little domineering.

This was the first time the young emperor showed his fangs.

Although he was only facing some eunuchs in the palace.

But it also shows his attitude.

This moment made all the ministers feel a little afraid.

Even though the emperor is young.

But who made Gu Xi still here?
As for the swordsman who always stood beside the emperor, there was no one in the world who could even look him in the eye for ten breaths.

Under these various measures.

Everywhere in the world is excited.

——Five years of Yongjian.

Liu Bao believed that Yiwu was a fertile land.

He decided to open up military farms in Yiwu and appoint a Sima of Yiwu, who was the current Marquis Huan, Gu Han.

for this matter.

Gu Xi did not object.

The land of Yiwulu is close to the Western Regions.

As the contemporary Huan Hou.

There are many advantages for Gu Han to do this.

In addition, Liu Bao successively arranged many ministers in the court, and these people were considered his own confidants.

Gu Xi's authority seemed to have been affected.

But from beginning to end.

He has always stood by the emperor's side and has never changed.

But it was in the winter of that year.

Shangshu Ling Zuo Xiong suddenly found Gu Xi.

Champion House.

Looking at Zuo Xiong who suddenly came, a hint of doubt flashed in Gu Xi's eyes.

During this period of time, as he deliberately delegated power, the ministers would not come to him unless there was something important.

But what big thing can happen now?
"Master."

Zuo Xiong saluted earnestly, then said, "I came here today because of a matter concerning the Han Dynasty."

"I've come to consult with the Grand Tutor."

Upon hearing this, Gu Xi immediately became serious and motioned Zuo Xiong to sit down. He then said, "Bohao, just speak frankly."

"Taifu, please look."

Zuo Xiong didn't say anything and directly took out the written memorial.

"This is the strategy I would like to present to Your Majesty."

"But on second thought."

"I should consult the Grand Tutor first on this matter."

Looking at Zuo Xiong's serious expression, Gu Xi also became a little curious and immediately looked at it carefully.

Immediately, the whole person's expression changed slightly.

Restructure!

And it concerns the most core system of the Han Dynasty!
——The system of recommendation.

In fact, over the years, the system of selecting officials through imperial examinations has undergone great changes after several generations of wise rulers.

But what Zuo Xiong proposed this time was different.

First of all--

It is the age restriction.

It is advocated that people under the age of 40 should not be recommended for official positions. If they want to be officials, they must have a certain amount of life experience and knowledge accumulation.

However, for those with outstanding talents and unusual abilities, age is not a restriction.

also--

This is the core of this memorial.

Those who are recommended are required to first enter the government office to take the exam.

Those who come from a Confucian background are tested on classics, and those who come from a literature and history background are tested on documentaries.

That is, "students are tested on family rules, and clerks are required to write memorials."

After the examination at the government office, there will be a re-examination by the Ministry of the Secretariat.

Looking at the memorial in his hand.

Gu Xi was completely stunned, countless thoughts suddenly exploded at this moment, and his eyes suddenly widened.

He seemed to realize something.
Even his expression changed a little.

Gu Xi has been regent for many years, and it is rare for him to have such obvious changes in expression!
"Okay!"

He nodded slightly, a hint of surprise on his face: "Bohao is really a great talent!"

"This strategy has opened my eyes!"

He doesn't have any nonsense.

He directly returned the memorial to Zuo Xiong and said, "Bohao, please submit whatever you like."

"When the time comes, I will definitely lend a helping hand to Bohao."

Upon hearing this, Zuo Xiong's face immediately showed joy.

Why did he come to see Gu Xi?
I know that if this matter gets out, it will definitely cause dissatisfaction among many people.

Although Liu Bao showed the image of a wise ruler.

But he is still young after all.

Zuo Xiong was afraid that Liu Bao would not be able to handle the pressure.

But now Gu Xi nodded.

Then this matter will definitely be accomplished!

"Your humble servant, I thank you, Grand Master." Zuo Xiong said nothing more, bowing earnestly before leaving. Gu Xi remained seated, lost in thought, reflecting on the contents of his recent memorial.

Gu Yi also noticed this scene, and seeing Gu Xi lost in thought, he also became interested.

Who is Zuo Xiong?

In the original history.

The reforms he proposed laid the foundation for the imperial examination system in later generations.

It was the emergence of this system that greatly improved the administrative situation in the Eastern Han Dynasty.

It even gave the entire Eastern Han Dynasty a sign of revival.

This is the process of improving the system.

Gu Yi didn't know what Gu Xi could come up with.

However, it is precisely because of this unknown that Gu Yi becomes even more expectant.

The next day.

Zuo Xiong submitted a letter during the morning court session.

And explained in full the reasons why the reform was necessary.

As expected, this incident instantly caused a huge shock within the court.

Ministers including Shangshu Pushe Hu Guang and Shangshu Shi Chang immediately wrote a letter of opposition.

It was indeed the first time that Liu Bao had seen such a scene.

No decision was made on the spot.

Inside the North Palace.

As soon as Liu Baofang entered the palace, he immediately looked at Gu Xi and asked, "Taifu, what do you think of Zuo Xiong's memorial today?"

"What do you think, Your Majesty?"

Gu Xi didn't answer but asked instead.

Liu Bao was already accustomed to this approach. After pondering for a moment, he slowly nodded and said, "I think this is feasible."

"Master."

"I believe that this assessment can indeed improve the capabilities of our Han officials."

"It is beneficial to the people of the world."

"."

He told Gu Xi his thoughts seriously.

Gu Xi couldn't help but reveal a look of satisfaction on his face, and nodded slightly: "Since Your Majesty is the king, if you have this intention, you can carry it out."

"But..." Liu Bao hesitated to speak.

"Don't worry, Your Majesty." Gu Xi smiled faintly, "I will help Your Majesty appease the ministers."

Upon hearing this, Liu Bao's eyes suddenly lit up.

This is why he is extremely confident.

Gu Xi can help him solve any problem.

But then, Gu Xi's words made Liu Bao freeze.

"Your Majesty, once this matter is concluded, I will take my leave."

Liu Bao stared at Gu Xi in amazement, then instinctively reached out and grabbed him. "Grandmaster, how could you abandon me?"

"His Majesty."

Gu Xi smiled carefreely: "Since the second year of Yongyuan, I have been valued by Emperor Xiaohe and have been appointed as an official in the court."

"It has been forty years now."

"Since the Emperor Xiaohe entrusted his son to me, I have not dared to slack off in the slightest, fearing I would fail to live up to the heavy responsibility entrusted to me by the Emperor."

"I am now over fifty years old."

"The Han Dynasty is stable, and Your Majesty is a wise ruler."

"I should also put down my burden."

"Enjoy your old age."

The smile on Gu Xi's face was very free and easy.

Upon hearing this, Liu Bao's eyes couldn't help but turn red.

Although he still didn't want Gu Xi to leave.

But looking at Gu Xi's completely white hair, he couldn't say it.

This is a symbol of too much hard work!
The longevity card can indeed ensure that Gu Xi will die of old age, but the hard work he put in also left him with a head full of white hair.

Liu Bao was silent for a long time, and finally just sighed deeply without saying anything else.

Gu Xi, on the other hand, was very calm.

He really wants to retire.

Now it is not just for the family, but because Zuo Xiong's reform has given him a lot of ideas, and he wants to calm down and think about them seriously.

And there's one more thing.

He found that Liu Bao was always dependent on him.

It was because of this that Liu Bao would always ask him first when facing major issues.

This is not a good thing for an emperor.

The hall suddenly fell silent.

Liu Bao seemed really sad.

This time, Gu Xi did not continue to comfort him. Instead, he bowed to him and slowly retreated.

The next day, the struggle between the government and the opposition continued.

But this time is different from the past.

Liu Bao decided in public to adopt Zuo Xiong's strategy.

The ministers wanted to say more.

But Gu Xi got ahead of them, saluted Liu Bao and shouted "Your Majesty is wise."

The hall suddenly became dead silent.

Even though Gu Xi has delegated power for many years.

But the intimidation that the sword-wielding figure brought to the ministers never changed!

Big things are decided in an instant.

And then a few days later.

Gu Xi announced his resignation in the court.

The impact of this incident is so great that it even exceeds the restructuring a few days ago.

Gu Xi resigned?
This name has been at the top of the Han Dynasty for decades!
Since he entered the court as a Lang at the age of eleven!
Gu Xi has become the most prominent figure in the entire Han Dynasty temple.

Later, after countless achievements such as Liu Zhao entrusting his son to Gu Xi, managing natural disasters, and suppressing rebellions in the north, Gu Xi had completely escaped the category of a subject.

Now, such a person is actually going to resign?

It was not until this moment that everyone realized that Gu Xi was over fifty years old.

He is too strong.

He was so powerful that his ministers had become accustomed to his presence and ignored this point.

But the ministers' reaction to this was still huge.

After the previous purge, the temple is now almost entirely populated by capable officials.

Liu Bao is only fifteen years old now.

Having someone like Gu Xi in charge of the court is a good thing for both the ministers and the emperor.

Immediately, countless memorials were sent to Liu Bao.

These people all advised Liu Bao to keep Gu Xi.

Some people even cited the example of King Cheng of Zhou trying to retain Zhou Gongdan, hoping that Liu Bao could retain Gu Xi.

Of course, some people also went to ask to see Gu Xi.

He wanted to persuade Gu Xi not to leave, and talked about the Han Dynasty's country and so on.

But Gu Xi gave the answer very calmly.

He was destined to leave.

But whether it is the Han Dynasty or His Majesty, they can only keep moving forward. How could they collapse just because of the absence of him?

The ministers immediately realized his intention.

From that day on, the entire Han Dynasty court was inexplicably filled with a sense of sadness.

——Autumn, the fifth year of Yongjian.

Inside Chongde Hall, the atmosphere of today's court meeting was particularly depressing and dull.
Many ministers had sadness on their faces, including Liu Bao.

Obviously, they still haven't given up the idea of keeping Gu Xi.

In the court.

The ministers spoke up one after another, begging Liu Bao to persuade Gu Xi to stay.

Liu Bao finally couldn't hold back the tears in his eyes anymore.

He slowly stood up, glanced at the ministers on the steps, and said tearfully, "In the past, it was the Grand Tutor who held my hand and helped me ascend the throne."

"But now the Grand Tutor is old, his black hair has turned white."

"How can I, like I did back then, pull on the Grand Tutor's sleeve and prevent him from leaving?"

Drops of tears kept falling from Liu Bao's eyes.

After hearing his words, the ministers gradually quieted down.

Gu Xi's eyes also turned red. He slowly knelt down and lowered his head silently.

Liu Bao raised his head slightly and announced the imperial decree.

He ordered the historian of Lanting to write a poem to announce Gu Xi's achievements to the world.

He then said that when officials see the Grand Tutor again in the future, it will be as if he is there in person.

Finally, he walked up to Gu Xi, took his hand, and said seriously:
"In the past, it was the Grand Tutor who brought me into the palace. Today, as the Grand Tutor leaves, I will personally see him off."

Although this arrangement was not in accordance with etiquette, none of the ministers objected.

Who can match Gu Xi's achievements?

Everyone knows his position in Liu Bao's heart.

Not father and son, but better than father and son!
The news spread quickly.

When the people of Luoyang heard that Gu Xi was actually leaving the court, they were all deeply shocked.

On the day of the trip, Liu Bao personally held the purple reins and drove the car for Gu Xi, and civil and military officials in red court robes lined the road to see him off.

When passing by the street market.

The people of Luoyang came out spontaneously to see Gu Xi off, and the sound of sobbing was endless.
--------

"In the autumn of the fifth year of Yongjian, Grand Tutor Gu Xi submitted a petition to request his remains be returned to his hometown.

At that time, the court was in an uproar. Some said, "If the country is old and its pillars are gone," while others said, "The wise ruler should follow the example of King Cheng and retain Duke Zhou."

The emperor wept and said, "When I ascended the throne at a young age, the Grand Tutor led me up to the Ninth Floor and held my hand, teaching me the doctrine of 'The Heaven sees as we see the people' as stated in the Great Oath.

Now the heroes of three dynasties wish to resign from the government. Although I am extremely reluctant to let them go, how can I follow the example of a child pulling at his clothes?

He then ordered the Lanting Lingshi to write "Taifu Fu" to praise his virtue and announce it to the world.

The text reads: "He stopped the locust plague in the nine provinces and filled the granaries; he deterred the rebellions of the Southern Xiongnu and Western Qiang and brought peace to the borders; he stopped the tyranny of the Dou and Yan families and restored the peace of the ancestral temples. These are all the heroic deeds of the Grand Tutor who held the key position and saved the country from collapse."

When he went out, the emperor personally held the purple reins and drove the carriage, and officials in red robes lined the road.

When the people of Luoyang heard that the emperor's carriage was passing through the market, the elders burned incense on the outside of the streets, and the children broke willow branches by the roadside.

Xi, dressed in plain clothes, passed through Kaiyang Gate in a carriage. Suddenly, the north wind blew up the curtains, revealing his white hair and frosty temples. All the onlookers wiped their tears.

At that time, a Qiang noble who had returned to China knelt down at the palace gate and bowed profusely: "You once saved my tribe from being slaughtered, saving tens of thousands of people in the western frontier. Now that you have resigned and left for the east, I can still hear the sounds of horns and drums from those days!"

Upon hearing this, the emperor was deeply saddened. He pointed his jade whip at the Cloud Tower in the Southern Palace and said, "The beams and pillars here should be engraved with the achievements of the Grand Tutor, so that they will be remembered for generations to come."

——"Book of the Later Han Dynasty. Biography of Gu Xi"

(End of this chapter)