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

Chapter 93 Gu Chen's Death (Seeking Monthly Tickets)

News from Jiangdong swept through the land like a raging storm.

—The news caused fear and trembling throughout the land.

Gu Chen's assertive attitude further intensified the fear that the powerful clans of the world had of him.

Even the most virtuous and innocent noble families would feel a chill run down their spines.

Everyone clearly realized that times had completely changed.

The aristocratic families' ideal of "public ownership of the world" ultimately came to naught.

As long as Gu Chen is still alive, there is no turning back for this world.

Liu Shan didn't really care about these things.

He only cared about Gu Chen's health.

Although Gu Chen won a great victory in the battle of Tianmu Mountain, his body eventually could not withstand the strain, and the hidden ailment that had been hidden within him gradually erupted.

Gu Yi then drew the prize ten more times.

They wanted to try and see if they could draw the "Longevity Card" to protect Gu Chen.

Gu Chen is indeed too strong.

So powerful that even Gu Yi felt that as long as Gu Chen was alive, he could solve everything.

Unfortunately, things don't always go as planned.

Although he drew the "Cure-All Talisman," which was enough to cure Gu Chen's current hidden illness, he did not draw the "Longevity Card."

It was as if it were the will of Heaven.

Although they were able to resolve Gu Chen's hidden ailment, it was no longer enough to help him defy fate in his current state.

In this era, constant running around and fighting will shorten one's lifespan.

Gu Xi back then.

It was because of the effect of the "longevity card" that he was able to live so long despite doing so many things.

In comparison, is Gu Chen under less pressure?

--Do not!

The path he has taken is far more difficult than that of Gu Xi in the past.

He inherited Gu Xi's will.

The pressure she bears and puts on herself far exceeds that of Gu Xi back then.

Even with the "miracle cure" protecting him, Gu Chen's path is clearly coming to an end.

Liu Shan sent another letter to Gu Chen.

The letter repeatedly stated that it wanted Gu Chen to return to Luoyang immediately, and even Zhuge Liang and others sent letters in succession.

Unlike Liu Shan.

Liu Shan often used emotions as an excuse in his letters.

Zhuge Liang and his ilk were clearly much smarter; they pointed out how much help Gu Chen would provide to the Han Dynasty if he could protect his health.

But would Gu Chen stop there?

Everything that happened in Jiangdong once again aroused his vigilance.

No matter what, he must persevere and keep going.

The fourteenth year of Zhangwu.

Gu Chen then traveled to other prefectures and counties of the Han Dynasty to continue his tour of the land.

Now he has more and more gray hair.

Looking at those paths he had traversed during his conquests of the world, even Gu Chen's eyes would flash with a hint of reminiscence.

Perhaps that's just how people are.

The older you get, the more you like to reminisce.

In his heyday, he conquered the world, and wherever his army went, heroes trembled in fear.

Now his prestige is even greater, and he doesn't even need to use troops; his name alone is enough to instill fear in everyone.

—He stood higher and higher.

At the same time, he came to understand Gu Xi from back then more and more.

The problems that he couldn't understand before gradually came to a solution in the days that followed.

Why did Gu Xi, knowing full well that the road ahead would be difficult and even involve life and death, still resolutely choose to leave Julu and return to the imperial court?

The expectations of the world;
Family honor;

The prosperous era created by our ancestors and ourselves over most of our lives;
There are always far too many reasons to support a person's past beyond life and death.

He didn't understand it at all at the time.

But now he understands that he has unknowingly walked the same old path as Gu Xixi.

— Leading by example is the best form of education.

This is perhaps the most important reason why the Gu family has been able to get to where it is today.

Each generation of descendants is deeply influenced by their ancestors, and they follow the path that the Gu family wanted to take until their dying breath.

Looking at the seven generations of the Gu family.

The only one who could enjoy even a moment of peace was Gu Xiao, whom Gu Yi had once controlled.

The rest of the descendants, no matter what state they reached, never stopped working during their lives, always for the sake of the world and the family.

This is perhaps the inheritance that has long been ingrained in the bones of the Chinese people.

Let's set aside the superficial inheritance of status and position.

Gu Chen is becoming increasingly terrifying.

He seemed to have figured something out, and his entire demeanor became increasingly calm and composed, his deep, unfathomable eyes seeming to see through all conspiracies and schemes.

In the days that followed, Gu Chen never mobilized his troops again.

—He has reached a point where the whole world is subdued!
Whenever he arrived in a new place, even if the arrangements he made were highly targeted at the local aristocratic families, those people would obediently follow his instructions.

As for corrupt officials, they are even more vulnerable.

Later, upon hearing that Gu Chen had arrived, some officials would die of fright or even commit suicide.

Gu Chen's reputation has reached its peak.

His prestige has even surpassed that of any emperor throughout history.

The people trusted him absolutely;

The powerful officials were completely subdued by him;
No one in the world can stop Gu Chen anymore.

—Including the barbarians from all directions.

The Xiongnu honored Gu Chen as "Wolf Lord" and "Plowing the Lonely Path".

The wolf was the totem of the Xiongnu.

In the Xiongnu language, "撑犁" means "heaven" and "孤涂" means "son".

This title even surpasses that of the Khan of the Xiongnu.

The Qiang people revered Gu Chen as the "Great Shaman of the Snow Mountain".

Based on their belief in witchcraft and the snow mountain they worshipped, they specially requested a title for Gu Chen, which signified his extremely high status.

The various tribes of the Southern Barbarians revered Gu Chen as "Luo Juzuo" and "Ghost Lord Da Mu Kui".

In their language, "Luo Ju" means tiger and "Zuo" means ruler.

This was to show their fear of Gu Chen.

"Ghost Lord" is their faith, and "Mu Kui" is the leader of the tribal alliance.

This title has surpassed that of their leader.

People of all ethnicities used this to express their attitude towards Gu Chen's rise and fall.

The numerous titles related to faith and totemism, coupled with the title of "Ten Directions Expeditionary Envoy" which was even higher than the emperor's in the Han Dynasty, all indicated that Gu Chen had completely reached the pinnacle.

The people of the world were quite fascinated by these honorific titles.

The complete submission of the barbarian tribes from all directions intensified the inherent pride of the Han people.

But Gu Chen didn't seem to care at all.

For Gu Chen, titles and the title of "Envoy of the Ten Directions" were of no concern.

He just wants to do what he wants to do.

That's it.

He continued to move forward at his own pace, inspecting the surrounding prefectures and counties.

And under the effect of "medicine cures all diseases".

Gu Chen's hidden ailment was also cured, and no other symptoms developed.

However, the weariness emanating from him grew stronger.

Even though he still stood tall and refused to hunch over, anyone could see that Gu Chen was not far from the finish line.

The fifteenth year of Zhangwu.

The second imperial examination system in the Han Dynasty was launched.

In fact, logically speaking...

The Han Dynasty should have held another election long ago, but Gu Chen postponed it for three whole years.

The gap between ordinary people and the children of aristocratic families is too great.

In a time when there is no shortage of officials, giving up time is to allow ordinary people to catch up with the sons of noble families.

He needs to give the people real hope that will actually come to fruition.

Only in this way can the people better understand the benefits that this system can bring.

Gu Chen also paid close attention to this selection of officials.

Not just because it is the core of the current Han Dynasty system.

This is also because Gu Chen has already felt the changes in his body.

Even without any symptoms.

However, the decline in energy levels is still quite obvious.

Besides observing the results of this selection of officials, Gu Chen also intended to use this opportunity to leave behind officials whom Liu Shan could trust.

—Even though he's always away.

However, Gu Chen was also fully aware of the situation within the court.

Zhuge Liang's meticulous nature meant he would inform Gu Chen of everything that happened in the court.

Moreover, this applies to the ministers in the imperial court.

Gu Chen had already met him before.

His judgment of people's hearts has even surpassed that of Gu Xi back then.

There is no need to return to Luoyang.

He could then select many officials based on his own judgment.

A grand examination for officials was launched in all provinces of the Han Dynasty.

Perhaps because Gu Chen had just cleaned up the corrupt officials hiding throughout the four regions of the Han Dynasty, the officials from all sides dared not engage in any favoritism or malpractice.

The entire assessment was extremely rigorous.

The region surrounding the capital is of course the most attention-grabbing.

The development of "beginner learning" still has a long way to go before it can be implemented throughout the entire Han Dynasty.

Under these circumstances, the assessment results from the four prefectures were quickly sent to Luoyang.

Luoyang.

Liu Shan sat on the dragon throne, his brows furrowed, looking at the answer sheet in his hand. After hesitating for a long time, he finally stamped it with the imperial seal that belonged exclusively to the Son of Heaven.

At this moment, Zhuge Liang hurriedly walked in.

Upon seeing this scene, his expression changed slightly.

"Your Majesty," Zhuge Liang said solemnly, bowing to Liu Shan with a hint of helplessness in his eyes, "this is absolutely unacceptable. How could you act in this way?"

Liu Shan rarely paid attention to court affairs.

Upon hearing that His Majesty had actually requested the answer sheet of an ordinary scholar, Zhuge Liang had already guessed His Majesty's intentions, but in the end, he was still a step too late.

"Prime Minister." Liu Shan gently put down the answer sheet in his hand, his eyes filled with sorrow. "I..."

"I merely heard that Your Excellency is paying special attention to this imperial examination, and I wish that Your Excellency would be pleased to hear of it."

Although he had been emperor for a long time.

But when Liu Shan said these words, his expression still carried a childlike innocence.

He conceived this idea after hearing Zhuge Liang discuss with court officials Gu Chen's attention to students from poor families in this imperial examination.

Liu Shan really didn't know what he could do for Gu Chen, but he felt that doing so might bring a smile to Shangfu's face.

Upon hearing this, the helplessness in Zhuge Liang's eyes deepened.

How could he not understand the reason behind Liu Shan's actions?
But this matter concerns the fairness of the evaluation of Han Dynasty officials, so how could it please Gu Chen?

Zhuge Liang remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking, explaining the advantages and disadvantages to Liu Shan in detail.

This time, however, the children of ordinary people were selected for the assessment.

But compared to scions of aristocratic families.

There is still a significant gap between them. Although Gu Chen has postponed the selection of officials, the gap is not something that ordinary people can close in a short period of time.

Although the Han Dynasty does not yet have specific distinctions such as the top scholar (状元) and the third-place scholar (探花).

However, this varies depending on the assessment criteria.

The positions assigned to officials also varied.

If someone with insufficient talent is assigned to an important position, the impact they can have is far more than just a little.

Liu Shan listened intently, and when Zhuge Liang finished speaking, a look of panic flashed across his face. He quickly shook his head and said, "I had no such intention."

At this point, Liu Shan paused, sighed deeply, and looked directly at Zhuge Liang. "Prime Minister, my only wish is for you, my lord, to be happy."

"My lord is getting old and is often away on campaigns, which worries me..."

Liu Shan did not finish the second half of his sentence.

But the meaning behind it is self-evident.

Upon hearing Liu Shan's heartfelt words, Zhuge Liang's expression became complicated.

Looking at Liu Shan, whose face was full of sorrow, he sighed deeply, bowed to Liu Shan again, and said with emotion, "Your Majesty's benevolence and filial piety are as clear as the sun and moon."

"However, if Your Majesty wishes to put Gu An at ease, you must protect the country and let the people live in peace and prosperity."

"Only in this way can we put Lord Gu's mind at ease."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shan was stunned.

After a moment, he nodded seriously, and then tore up the answer sheet that was already stamped with the imperial seal.

Zhuge Liang bowed to Liu Shan again before turning and leaving.

He and a group of officials carefully reviewed the answers.

After settling everything in, he obeyed Gu Chen's order and rushed to Yangzhou.

night.

The stars shone brightly, and the night was deep and dark.

Gu Chen looked at the answer sheets while listening to Zhuge Liang recount the situation in the court.

Given Zhuge Liang's character, he would not conceal Liu Shan's actions.

Upon hearing this, Gu Chen was slightly taken aback, and the answer sheet he was grading slipped from his hand.

He slightly raised his head, his expression complex, and sighed deeply:

"His Majesty is indeed a benevolent and filial ruler."

Zhuge Liang agreed wholeheartedly and nodded slowly. His gaze was fixed on Gu Chen, his expression solemn. After a moment of contemplation, he finally asked, "Lord Gu, do you have any intention of returning to the capital?"

"Return to the capital?" Gu Chen repeated softly, his tone slightly dazed.

In an instant, a rare smile appeared on his face. He shook his head slightly, his expression carefree, his tone nonchalant yet resolute: "I'm afraid I can't go back."

"Huh?" In an instant, Zhuge Liang was shocked, his face full of astonishment.

Gu Chen's expression was calm, his gaze was open, and his smile became even more gentle, as if he were talking about something perfectly ordinary: "If I am not mistaken, I will pass away within ten days."

These words were like thunder from a clear sky.

Zhuge Liang froze on the spot, his eyes filled with astonishment and disbelief.

Gu Chen gazed at him quietly, his smile widening, and said with certainty, "Since I started this uprising, this premonition has never been wrong."

"And this time..."

"This premonition is even stronger."

"That is why I summoned you."

Gu Chen was all too aware of the changes in his own body, so it was not surprising that he could make such a judgment.

Zhuge Liang's expression grew increasingly complicated, his heart pounding wildly, and he found it difficult to utter a single word.

Gu Chen's expression remained casual as he looked at Zhuge Liang and said calmly, "Kongming."

"After I die."

"I will abolish the position of the Ten Directions Conquest Envoy and issue an edict that the Great Han Dynasty shall never again appoint such an envoy."

"Although Your Majesty is benevolent, you are not without shortcomings in governing the country."

"I have already compiled a list of officials, which will be sent to Luoyang and presented to His Majesty at the meeting. I will entrust all the important affairs of the court to you."

"Plop" sound.

Zhuge Liang immediately knelt down before Gu Chen, his eyes gradually reddening.

With his intelligence, how could he not see that Gu Chen's meeting with him this time already implied that he was entrusting his son to someone else?

"You are my elder brother's disciple."

"To me—they are also juniors."

"The court officials, including His Majesty, all feel that I bear too heavy a burden and am suffering too much."

“But for me.”

"Among my brothers of the same generation in the Gu family, the one who has suffered the most is my elder brother."

"My elder brother's lofty ambitions have been buried in the continuation of the Gu family."

"And only you."

Only then can he inherit his elder brother's ambition.

"May my elder brother's illustrious name be recorded in history."

Zhuge Liang's eyes grew increasingly red.

How could he not understand the immense sacrifices Gu Ze had made for the Gu family?

For the sake of his family, he didn't even dare to ask for a posthumous title.

This is a huge sacrifice.

Barring unforeseen circumstances, Gu Ze's name will eventually be buried by history, and even if there are some records of him, they will certainly not cause any ripples.

Zhuge Liang nodded seriously.

"His Majesty is benevolent and filial. If he hears of my death, he will surely show kindness to the Gu family."

"However, the truth of the world lies with people."

“My Gu family has some outstanding members, but they are still inexperienced and not enough to support the Han dynasty.”

"Inform His Majesty that there is no need to force growth."

“The Gu family members all have their own paths.”

Gu Chen continued speaking carefully, having already made sure the Gu family members were well taken care of.

He then commented on the current court officials, including the generals he had left behind in the four directions.

Based on their abilities, personalities, and my own judgment.

He explained his plans to Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang listened very attentively; no one in the world could ignore what Gu Chen said.

Gu Chen's expression unconsciously became more and more serious.

The two chatted like this for a long time.

Zhuge Liang then took his leave.

Gu Chen did not keep Zhuge Liang any longer, but continued to eliminate all risks within Yangzhou according to his plan.

His hunch was right.

Since learning that commoners had appeared in the assessment results, Gu Chen felt as if a knot in his heart had been untied, and his tense mentality finally relaxed a little.

But perhaps it is precisely because of this—

His health also deteriorated rapidly, as could be seen with the naked eye.

This has nothing to do with illness.

It is the natural process of aging and decay, something even Gu Yi is powerless to change.

September;

As Gu Chen completely swept away Yangzhou, he once again set foot on the land of every state of the Han Dynasty.

He seemed to have completed some kind of mission;
—He fell in Yangjun.

The sudden and shocking change caught everyone off guard.

No one could have predicted that Gu Chen, who was riding a warhorse the day before, would suddenly be too weak to even get up.

He finally exhausted the last bit of his body's energy and collapsed completely.

The news spread quickly.

There was no way this could be kept secret.

—A tremendous change!
For the entire Han Dynasty, the impact of Gu Chen's downfall was even greater than that of Liu Bei's downfall.

Starting from Yang County;

People from all directions were greatly moved and began to hold sacrificial rites in the nearest places, hoping to ask heaven to extend Gu Chen's life.

And this behavior quickly spread to the west and in all directions.

The people of the world were originally focused on the results of the official selection, but after hearing about this, they forgot all about it.

A thick gloom quickly descended upon this rising dynasty.

Wuxu day;
Wanling.

From military generals and soldiers to ordinary citizens.

A thick haze spread throughout Wanling.

At this moment, inside the prefect's residence.

The candlelight flickered, casting dappled shadows on the room.

Gu Chen lay on the couch, his face as pale as paper, his breath weak.

He forced his eyes open, his gaze slowly sweeping over everyone in the tent. There was no fear of death in his eyes, nor any special fluctuation.

To be honest, yes.
Perhaps the only concern is for the future of the Han Dynasty.

Everyone in the hall wore sorrowful expressions and silently shed tears.

Looking calmly at everyone, Gu Chen slowly spoke, his voice weak but filled with pride: "In my life, I have experienced countless storms and finally swept away all obstacles and fulfilled the ideal that my grandfather could not achieve. I can say that I have no regrets in dying."

His tone was extremely calm.

Upon hearing this, everyone's eyes welled up with tears.

Gu Chen glanced at everyone, but didn't say anything more.

He had already made all the arrangements and sent them to Luoyang.

This includes everything from assessments of the future situation of the Han Dynasty to the appointment of officials.

If there's anything that wasn't arranged properly, it seems only he himself is left to blame.

"After I die—"

"Given His Majesty's benevolent and filial nature, he will surely hold a grand funeral."

"Please inform His Majesty for me."

"In the early days of the Han Dynasty, we must not be extravagant and wasteful. Everything should be kept simple. Under no circumstances should my funeral be more extravagant than my grandfather's."

"Throughout my life, although I have made some contributions to the country, everything I have done has been based on the work of my predecessors, and I must never overstep the bounds of propriety."

The historian standing nearby meticulously recorded everything.

The sorrow on the faces of the soldiers deepened, and their grief could not be suppressed.

Gu Chen's voice grew weaker and weaker.

He leaned against the couch, gazing at the clear sky outside the window, as if recalling the glorious past.

I don't know if he was hallucinating.

Gu Yi clearly saw that Gu Chen's eyes suddenly changed and his lips moved slightly.

Unfortunately, his voice was too soft.

Even Gu Yi couldn't hear it clearly; he could only vaguely make out two words by looking at the shape of the lips.

"grandfather--"

A relieved smile suddenly appeared on Gu Chen's face.

In that instant, he gently closed his eyes, his breathing gradually weakening until it stopped.

Everyone clearly saw this scene.

In an instant, the sound of weeping filled the room!
Everyone prostrated themselves on the ground, grief filling the entire hall.

On the day of Wuxu in the ninth month of the fifteenth year of Zhangwu;
—Gu Chen, the Great Han Dynasty's Ten Directions Expeditionary Envoy, died in Wanling.
------

"As one of the most legendary families in the world today."

The official selection system developed by Gu Xi and Gu Chen was not only the precursor to the imperial examination system, but also one of the most core systems that accompanied my country's feudal period.

Before Gu Chen—

The Gu family's influence was mostly within the Nine Provinces, but with the rise of Gu Chen, the Gu family's reputation continued to spread outwards with the titles bestowed upon them by various ethnic groups.

The impact it has had is unimaginable.

This laid a solid foundation for the glory of later dynasties in our country.

He is also the only undisputed uncrowned emperor in Chinese history.

— Reflections on reading "The Biography of Chen Gong" from the Gu Clan History.

(End of this chapter)