I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 261 - 1: Liu Bei’s Passing, A World Renewed

Chapter 261: Chapter 1: Liu Bei’s Passing, A World Renewed

Gu Chen utilized his judgment of human nature to quickly build a cohort of young talents centered around the new political policies, gradually taking over the responsibilities from the elders.

Zhangwu, the tenth year, June;

Xun Yu passed away with a smile.

This person, who could be considered the first to choose to follow Gu Chen, finally reached the end of his life.

Perhaps because too many people had left.

Gu Chen felt only numbness towards this.

On his deathbed, Gu Chen went to see him and asked what he wished for.

But Xun Yu merely shook his head with a smile.

To him, being able to preserve his family’s lineage, to see the Great Han rise again, and to lessen the shame in historical records for his family, he was already content. What more could he desire? 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

He didn’t even ask Gu Chen to take care of his descendants.

As one of the core figures in the court, Xun Yu understood the current changes in the Great Han very well.

For a family to continue its glory, it must rely on its own efforts; he had long come to terms with this.

Gu Chen posthumously honored him with the title of "Marquis Xianyi."

And right after the funeral.

Gu Chen also gradually handed over the affairs of state to Zhuge Liang.

He wanted to eliminate some threats for this broad and beautiful world within the time he had left!

....

North Palace.

Fragrant incense curled up into the air.

Liu Shan looked at Gu Chen with a face full of tension and reluctance: "Are you really going to lead the army out?"

"At your age, I truly worry."

"I cannot do without you."

Even though he had been Emperor for several years, Liu Shan was still as hesitant as before, and more so when facing Gu Chen, emulating Liu Bei, not daring to call himself the sovereign.

At this moment, Zhuge Liang also arrived upon summons.

He immediately sensed the unusual atmosphere as soon as he stepped into the hall.

First, he glanced at Liu Shan, who was filled with reluctance. With a hint of understanding, his eyes subtly changed.

"The Grand Tutor has arrived."

Liu Shan didn’t think much at all and didn’t wait for Zhuge Liang’s salute, instead quickly opening his mouth: "Quick, quickly help persuade the Senior Guardian, he must not be allowed to risk himself."

"Kongming, take a seat."

Gu Chen’s expression remained unchanged as he pointed to the prepared seat beside him.

Hearing this, Zhuge Liang quickly cupped his hands.

Then he sat over there, asking in a deep voice: "Is Lord Gu planning to campaign against the barbarians in the four directions?"

With his intelligence.

He naturally already had some speculation.

Gu Chen slightly nodded his head, and in a deep voice said: "Even if this battle cannot eradicate the barbarians, it must at least blunt their edge."

"To win ten years of peace for the Great Han."

Gu Chen’s tone was very calm, as if talking about a trivial matter, but no one would think of Gu Chen as arrogant.

This was a plan he had long decided upon.

The Great Han still needed time to recover.

No matter what, the stability of the world must be maintained.

Hearing this, Zhuge Liang also softly sighed, knowing it was difficult to persuade Gu Chen, yet he couldn’t help but speak: "Why must Lord Gu personally lead the troops?"

"Generals are ample in the field...."

Before Zhuge Liang could finish, Gu Chen directly interrupted him: "My grandfather could still mount a horse and kill enemies at nearly ninety years of age back then."

"Now, I am just over sixty; how can I retreat?"

"If a man should die peacefully in bed, is there any promise in that?"

His tone paused, he slightly shook his head, his gaze particularly firm: "I cannot tolerate any threat to the world today!"

"Absolutely not!"

In an instant, both Zhuge Liang and Liu Shan fell silent.

This was Gu Chen’s nature.

An iron-willed man like him, once he decided on something.

No one could stop him!

——————

"The seventh spring of Zhangwu, the tenth day of February, the Emperor passed away in the North Palace of Luoyang.

In his final moments, he urgently summoned Gu Chen to the palace, handing him the Emperor’s Sword and said: ’The Crown Prince is unworthy, if he cannot be assisted, you may proceed with dethronement and establishment.’

After Chen took charge, he abolished the liquor monopoly, reduced the head tax, and dispatched embroidered emissaries to inspect the greed and corruption in the provinces and counties.

In the eighth year, early summer, he established the "School of Esteeming Rites" in the Capital Region, to enlighten the people.

It was ordered that Imperial College students must study at county schools for half a year before being appointed, using ’Gu Li’ to educate and enlighten the students.

The assessments were divided into three categories: those proficient in classics were appointed as Doctors, those familiar with administrative affairs were appointed as clerks, and those skilled in interpretation were promoted to academic officials.

He also instituted the "Monthly Critique" system, requiring the provinces to evaluate scholars based on virtue, talent, and achievements in three grades.

At that time, students from Luoyang’s Imperial College sang and played instruments: ’Lord Gu establishes rites, raising phoenix feathers from humble origins.’

——"Yan Han Book, Biography of Gu Chen"