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

Chapter 52: Conquering the Southwestern Yi Again, Liu Zhi Dies

Luoyang.

Gu Xi would naturally not watch the Han Dynasty continue to weaken, seeing that Liu Zhi had no intention of letting him enter the court.

He could only settle for the second best and came up with several disaster relief strategies.

Gu Xi's attainments in this area are indeed profound.

His experience in disaster relief in the past was not exaggerated. During that period, he took care of all parts of the world.

Although there are still many refugees now, it is certainly not as severe as the great disaster in Kyushu.

Although Liu Zhi had no intention of letting Gu Xi enter the court, he certainly attached importance to these things.

But so what?

The fundamental reason why relief for refugees was unsuccessful was the change in the Han Dynasty's official administration.

In the current era, if we want to implement the court system in its entirety at the local level, we must ensure the integrity of official administration.

There is really huge profit in providing relief to refugees.

In the past, when Gu Xi was providing disaster relief, he kept a close eye on this point in order to stabilize the situation.

How can we accomplish our goal now?

But this problem is not something that Gu Xi can solve now.

Since the day he left the court.

His reputation will continue to decline as the ministers most closely connected with him die one after another.

Plus the transfer of "holy favor".

That would inevitably lead to the current situation.

Of course, the reaction of the common people to this incident was indeed extremely huge.

Many people were extremely disappointed that the court did not use Gu Xi.

For the people from all directions, everyone believed that as long as Gu Xi came forward, they would no longer live the life they are living now.

This is a legend passed down from their fathers and even grandfathers.

How could they not believe it?

But the more this happened, the more determined Liu Zhi became.

Of course, he also understood that he must never go against the wishes of the people.

Coincidentally, at this time, news of the Southwestern Yi's rebellion was sent to Luoyang.

This time, Liu Zhi directly summoned Gu Xi.

North Palace.

Gu Xi walked over slowly, his eyes were as deep as the abyss, and there was no expression on his face.

"Master."

Before Gu Xi could even salute, Liu Zhi hurriedly stood up, walked quickly to Gu Xi, and helped him up. "Grand Tutor, you are old, and it is my fault that I allowed you to walk into the palace."

"Pass on my decree that the Grand Tutor may ride in a carriage when entering the palace in the future."

Gu Xi had a blank expression on his face and did not respond to Liu Zhi's words. Instead, he asked directly, "Your Majesty, do you want me to fight against the Southwestern Barbarians?"

Liu Zhi was slightly startled, then a smile appeared on his face: "I knew that I couldn't hide it from the Grand Tutor after all."

"Master."

"I remember that you once conquered the Southwestern Yi during the reign of Emperor Jingping."

"The Xianbei, Southern Xiongnu, and other barbarians all fear you like a tiger."

"I believe that the Southwestern Yi must be like this as well."

"I don't know, Master."

Although he didn't finish his words, his meaning was self-evident.

"I, an old minister, am willing to go to war." Gu Xi said without hesitation and in a firm tone.

From beginning to end, his expression never changed at all, as if he had already thought of all this.

"Okay! Okay!" Liu Zhi nodded repeatedly, his smile growing wider. "With the Grand Tutor leading the troops, I feel at ease."

"I will definitely hold a banquet in Luoyang and wait for the Grand Tutor's triumphant return."

Before he could finish his words, Gu Xi's old but steady voice interrupted him.

"I, this old minister, only hope to die on the battlefield."

Liu Zhi was stunned and his expression froze instantly.

Gu Xi bowed to him, said no more, turned around and slowly left.

How could he not see Liu Zhi's thoughts?
Power will eventually change a person.

This was the case with Liu Hu in the past, and it is also the case with Liu Zhi now.

Watching Gu Xi's receding figure, Su Kang hurried forward and said indignantly, "How could the Grand Tutor be so disrespectful to His Majesty?"

"Forget it, forget it." Liu Zhi didn't have any of his usual anger at this moment. He just sighed deeply, "The Grand Tutor has made great contributions to the country. He is different from others."

Su Kang's expression changed instantly, and he quickly lowered his head: "This old servant spoke out of turn, please punish me, Your Majesty."

Liu Zhi didn't even look at him. He stared at the palace gate and muttered to himself, "If only the Grand Tutor could really die on the battlefield this time."

"I wish to grant you a golden jade robe."

"Let his funeral be no less than that of the Marquis of Zhongwu in the past."

His eyes were extremely complicated, with loneliness and expectation intertwined in them.

Su Kang couldn't help but tremble when he heard this.

The Golden Jade Burial Suit is only used by the emperor in the Han Dynasty!
But thinking about Gu Xi's contribution.

But he had nothing to say.

——April, the fourteenth year of Yan Xi.

Gu Xi, who was already seventy-six years old, left Luoyang again.

The news spread all over the world like the wind.

Liu Zhi's move did succeed in diverting the conflicts among refugees from all directions.

In fact, the people of this era were still very simple.

As long as they are left with a glimmer of hope, they will be able to persevere.

The most important thing is for these refugees.

They didn't worry about whether Gu Xi would die on the battlefield.

People are only willing to believe what they believe.

In their hearts, Gu Xi is a god sent by God.

If he hasn't helped them solve the problem of life and death yet, Gu Xi will definitely not die.

Under such circumstances, although the number of refugees from all directions increased, no major chaos occurred.

Although the eunuchs in the court became more and more arrogant.

But they were not brainless. They knew how to give the people a glimmer of hope and not force the refugees into desperate situations.

But these refugees from all directions have different meanings to Gu Xi.

He has come this far from the peak of the Han Dynasty.

Only after witnessing the past glory can we understand the current decline.

The key is--

The news that he was leading the army again spread much faster than he could travel.

Along the way, there were always refugees who came specifically for this purpose, kneeling down towards Gu Xi's carriage from all directions.

Some brave ones even shout loudly in all directions.

"Master, please save us."

"Mr. Gu, please save us. Our whole family is going to die."

"My son is dead. I cannot live without a grandson. He is our only child. Please save us."

"My lord, our family has never stopped offering sacrifices to the God of Millet. My lord, please save my child."

"."

Wailing sounds were heard all around the big man.

Gu Xi became increasingly silent.

From then on, whenever he passed by a place, he would stay longer to intimidate the local officials and nobles.

This did play a role.

But it's obvious that this won't cure the problem fundamentally.

Given the current situation, it is naturally impossible for the court's central army to be used again.

Gu Xi had no choice but to mobilize troops from the prefectures and counties to fight this battle.

However, Gu Xi's reputation is even useful to foreigners, let alone the Southwestern Yi?
Qiongdu.

This time, Gu Xi didn't even lead the army directly.

He just sent someone to deliver the message.

I would like to invite the current tribal leaders, the King of Ailao, the King of Qiongdu, and the King of Dian, to come together.

If it were someone else, this would naturally be impossible.

——But this is Gu Xi!
There are now many legends about him among the barbarian tribes.

All of these tribes say he has the "ability to control people's minds."

No matter what kind of person they are, he can see through their thoughts and take advantage of them.

These are legends passed down from generation to generation.

Everyone believes it.

Under such circumstances, the three tribal leaders actually came.

When I met Gu Xi.

Although the three of them looked ferocious, there was a hint of fear in their eyes.

"Master, you are already so old, why do you still want to go out and lead the troops?"

The contemporary King of Qiongdu looked puzzled, and even revealed a hint of despair on his face.

What he actually wanted to ask was, "Why aren't you dead yet?"

But he was a little scared.

Gu Xi's current aura is indeed somewhat terrifying.

Although he has a head full of white hair and a face covered with wrinkles, he gives people a sense of majesty without being angry.

Coupled with the rumors that were circulating, they couldn't help but be afraid.

The other two kings also nodded immediately, their expressions extremely complicated.

Gu Xi did not respond directly. He simply pointed to the mats around him and said calmly, "Sit down."

The three of them were stunned for a moment and looked at each other instinctively.

After all, they are tribal leaders.

Now that you are here, why wouldn't you even dare to sit down?

For the three of them.

It was impossible for Gu Xi to kill them using such means, otherwise it would cause greater rebellion.

The three of them sat down one after another.

Gu Xi looked at them, smiled slightly, and finally answered their question: "If you hadn't rebelled, why would I need to lead the army?" "Tell me, why did you rebel?"

From beginning to end, Gu Xi's tone was extremely calm, as if he was talking about a trivial matter.

But even in the face of such contempt.

None of the three tribal leaders were angry at all.

Upon hearing this, they just looked at each other for a few seconds and then started talking.

"Humph! You big men are bullying us too much!"

"Taifu, do you still remember the agreement you made with my grandfather? Why has the Han Dynasty violated it and imposed heavy taxes on my tribe all these years?"

"Indeed, over the years, the Han officials have been levying heavy taxes and oppressing our people!"

"They also despise our tribe's god."

"."

The three of them chatted with each other, expressing their dissatisfaction over the past few years.

To put it simply, the officials of the Han Dynasty have become increasingly excessive in recent years, making it impossible for them to survive and forcing them to unite and rebel.

In fact, this is the fundamental reason why these barbarians often rebel.

Gu Xi had already noticed this when he came to quell the troubles years ago.

So a more appropriate system was developed.

There has been no trouble over the years.

Until recent years, this institutional balance has gradually been broken.

Gu Xi listened very carefully.

Gu Xi listened very carefully. After the three of them finished speaking, he nodded slightly and said, "You can take your tribe away. I will seek justice for you in this matter."

"From now on, as long as I live."

"Everything remains as it was before."

His expression remained calm.

After hearing this, the three tribal leaders all frowned.

Seeing that they were silent, Gu Xi asked again, "Why? Do you want to fight me?"

The three of them instinctively avoided his gaze.

King Qiongdu hesitated for a moment before asking again, "Are you serious, Grand Tutor?"

"I never lie." Gu Xi answered firmly.

After hearing this, the three of them breathed a sigh of relief.

Finally a decision was made.

They immediately stood up and bowed to Gu Xi with their own etiquette.

"Okay, in that case, we will trust the Master."

After saying that, the three of them left one after another.

Gu Xi would not go back on his word, so he rushed to the prefectures and counties closest to the three tribes one by one.

Perhaps it was because he heard about the suffering of the people along the way that he was filled with anger.

This time, Gu Xi exploded.

In the three counties, he investigated the matter thoroughly and then began a large-scale rectification.

All officials who levied heavy taxes and abused their power in the counties and states will be arrested.

This matter spread widely.

It can be said that the whole world was shocked!
The people were all cheering and shouting towards Yizhou that the immortal was finally going to save them.

But for Liu Zhi in Luoyang, this was not a good thing.

Luoyang.

Inside the North Palace.

"Why!" Liu Zhi slammed the table, his expression twisted as he roared angrily, "Why isn't he dead yet?"

He persuaded the three allied forces to retreat before the war started; although he had no real power, he was able to discipline local officials.

Any slight movement will attract the attention of people all over the world.

The thing he feared most finally happened.

Gu Xi's reputation was so high that it far surpassed that of the emperor.

In fact, Liu Zhi still has feelings for Gu Xi.

But imperial power is ultimately selfish.

He cannot gamble his future with his imperial power.

If he died, what would happen to future emperors? If their foundation was unstable, it would be possible for scholars to seize power.

So what if Gu Xi doesn’t know how to do it?
Throughout history, how many ministers like Gu Xi have appeared?

How could he not consider these?

The most important thing is that Liu Zhi suddenly felt a little afraid.

Perhaps because he was too addicted to pleasure, he gradually felt that his body was becoming increasingly unable to cope with the situation in the past two years.

——This is a very obvious feeling.

Long-term enjoyment has completely drained his body.

But he still has no children.

That’s right, even though the size of his harem is as high as 10,000 people, Liu Zhi still has no children.

Only three daughters.

There is already a lot of discussion about this matter in the court.

This forced Liu Zhidu to take it seriously.

If he really had an accident.

The balance in the court that he had managed to maintain with great difficulty over the years was destined to be overturned in an instant.

The eunuchs no longer have his protection.

How could he be a match for the scholars?

As for Gu Xi, would he help the eunuch?

Liu Zhi was a little panicked.

In addition to asking the imperial physician to help him recuperate, he also announced that the reign title would be changed to "Yong Kang", hoping to try to improve his health in all aspects.

But all this was in vain.

Perhaps due to psychological reasons, Liu Zhi felt that his health was getting worse.

His temper grew worse.

The imperial doctors who helped him recuperate were executed one after another.

It was no longer possible for either eunuchs or scholars to get a smile from him.

In June of the first year of the Yongkang period, an imperial edict was once again transmitted from Luoyang to all directions.

——Summon the princes and heirs of various vassal states to come to the capital.

When this incident happened, the whole world was shocked!
The signal of this intention is really too obvious.

The emperor seems to be dying!
Contrary to the previous situation, the people were not surprised by this.

After all, Liu Zhi's failure to reuse Gu Xi had long aroused criticism from the people, who said that he was accepting divine punishment.

But the officials in the court had to pay attention to this matter.

At that moment, a memorial was submitted stating that Gu Xi should be recalled to Luoyang immediately.

In today's world.

It has become common knowledge to everyone that Gu Xi became regent after the emperor's death.

But how could Liu Zhi agree?

As long as Gu Xi enters the court, the political balance he has worked so hard to build will be broken in an instant.

If Gu Xi had another accident at that time.

These powers will be seized by scholars.

This was a burden he could not accept.

It was also because of this that Liu Zhi suppressed all voices and directly established the position of crown prince.

Liu Hong, the son of Liu Shu, Marquis of Jieduting, was made the crown prince.

And start to help them accumulate the foundation.

Liu Zhi is indeed very experienced in this matter.

After many years, he has become a role like Gu Xi in the past, protecting the crown prince Liu Hong.

Not all scholars have been fighting against eunuchs over the years. Faced with a new prince who has no foundation, no one would refuse.

However, Liu Zhi did not forget the eunuchs.

He did not hand over the eunuchs he trusted to Liu Hong again, but let Liu Hong train them himself.

Regarding all this, someone sent a letter to Gu Xi.

But Gu Xi is still in Yizhou now, how can he receive the news directly?

And the most important thing is that Gu Xi no longer cares about these things now.

It seemed that what he saw and heard along the way made Gu Xi start to think about the essence of the current situation.

He began to slow down and observe the sentiments of the people in various places.

Through this series of explorations.

He thought of land annexation.

Then I remembered the land measurement policies implemented by emperors such as Emperor Guangwu and Emperor Ming.

Even go on to think about more detailed plans.

This includes restrictions on large families and assistance to the common people.

He wanted to solve the problem of the big man fundamentally!
This is not over yet. Perhaps because he was thinking too far ahead, he actually picked up the words that Gu Wei said when he was a child.

Really thought deeply about the possibility of this matter.

This is huge progress!

Gu Yi was extremely shocked by this. For modern people, this matter was naturally not worth mentioning.

But for people like Gu Xi who live within the limitations of history.

It is as difficult as climbing to the sky to have such a leap in thinking!
Can Gu Xi save the Han Dynasty?
Not necessarily.

Whether it is to transfer the land or what he wants to do next.

This kind of thing is not possible nowadays.

But if Gu Xi really brought this up, would it cause a huge change in the subsequent institutional development?

Nothing is known.

But it is obvious that everything he is doing now will definitely cause fundamental changes.

And just before Gu Xi rushed back to Luoyang.

On the Dingchou day of the eighth month in the second year of the Yongkang reign;

——Liu Zhi died in Luoyang.

Crown Prince Liu Hong succeeded to the throne and changed the reign title to "Jianning".
(End of this chapter)