I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 274 - 5: Gu Chen Passes Away

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

Yet the meaning was already self-evident.​​

Upon hearing these heartfelt words from Liu Shan, Zhuge Liang’s expression became complex.

He looked at Liu Shan, whose face was full of sorrow, sighed heavily, and once again bowed to Liu Shan, saying with emotion, "Your Majesty’s benevolence and filial piety are as evident as the sun and moon."

"However, if you want to ease Lord Gu’s mind, Your Majesty must only guard the state well, allowing the people to live and work in peace and contentment."

"Only in this way can Lord Gu be completely relieved."​​

Hearing this, Liu Shan was momentarily stunned.

After a moment, he nodded seriously, then proceeded to tear up the written response that had already been stamped with the Jade Seal.

Zhuge Liang once again saluted Liu Shan and then turned to leave.

He, along with other officials, carefully reviewed this round of examination papers.

After ensuring everything was settled, he followed Gu Chen’s edict and rushed to Yangzhou State.

.......

Night.

The stars shimmered brilliantly, the night deep and tranquil.

Gu Chen read through the examination papers while listening to Zhuge Liang’s account of the court’s current affairs.

With Zhuge Liang’s character, he certainly would not hide Liu Shan’s actions.

Upon hearing about this matter, Gu Chen was slightly taken aback, and the paper he was reviewing inadvertently slipped from his hand.

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

"His Majesty truly is a benevolent and filial ruler.

Zhuge Liang wholeheartedly agreed, nodding slowly, his gaze fixed intently on Gu Chen. His expression was grave, and after a moment’s contemplation, he finally spoke, "Lord Gu, do you currently have any intention of returning to the capital?"

"Returning to the capital?" Gu Chen repeated softly, with a hint of bewilderment in his tone.

In an instant, a rare smile appeared on his face. He gently shook his head, his demeanor relaxed, his tone casual yet resolute, "I’m afraid I won’t be going back."​​

"Hmm?" In a moment, Zhuge Liang was shocked, his face full of astonishment.

Gu Chen remained calm, his gaze candid, his smile growing even gentler, as if discussing a most ordinary matter, "If I am not mistaken, within a month or two, I shall depart from this world."

These words burst forth like a sudden clap of thunder.

Zhuge Liang stood frozen in place, his eyes filled with surprise and disbelief.

Gu Chen quietly gazed at him, his smile more pronounced, his tone firm, "Since I commenced my undertakings, such premonitions have never been wrong."

"And this time..."

"This premonition is even stronger."

"This is also why I summoned you."

Gu Chen was acutely aware of the changes in his body, so his assessment was not surprising.

Zhuge Liang’s expression grew increasingly complex, his heart racing uncontrollably, unable to utter a word.

Gu Chen’s demeanor remained as casual as ever, looking at Zhuge Liang and said lightly, "Kongming."

"After I pass away."

"I will abolish the position of the Ten Directions Expedition Envoy and decree that the Great Han shall never establish this position again."

"Though His Majesty is benevolent, he still lacks in governance."

"I have prepared a list of officials, which will be sent to Luoyang at that time, to be presented to His Majesty, entrusting all major affairs of the court to you."

A thud.

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

With his wisdom, how could he not recognize that Gu Chen’s meeting him this time was already with the intention of entrusting a legacy?

"You are a disciple of my elder brother."

"To me, you are also a junior."

"Court officials, including His Majesty, think the burden on me is too heavy, and I have lived too harshly."

"But to me."

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

"My elder brother’s soaring ambitions were buried in the continuation of the Gu Clan."

"And only you...."

"Can inherit my elder brother’s ambitions."

"To let my elder brother’s illustrious name be passed down in history."

Zhuge Liang’s eyes became increasingly moist.

How could he not understand the immense sacrifice Gu Ze made for the Gu Clan?

He dared not even seek a posthumous title for himself for the sake of the family.

This was an enormous sacrifice.

If nothing unexpected happened, Gu Ze’s name would ultimately be buried by history. Even if there were some records, they would surely cause no ripples.

Zhuge Liang nodded seriously.

"His Majesty is benevolent. If he hears of my death, he will surely show favor to the Gu Clan."

"However, worldly affairs depend on people."

"Though the descendants of the Gu Clan are outstanding, they still lack experience, and are insufficient to support the Great Han’s realm."

"Inform His Majesty, there is no need for forced growth."

"The descendants of the Gu Clan all have their paths."

Gu Chen continued to speak carefully, having already arranged everything for the Gu Clan’s descendants.

He then commented on current court officials, including generals stationed in various places.

According to their abilities and personalities, combined with his own judgment, he shared his arrangements with Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang listened attentively; the things Gu Chen said could not be ignored by anyone in the world.

Gu Chen’s expression unconsciously became more serious.

After the two talked for a long time, Zhuge Liang finally took his leave.

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

His premonition was not wrong.

Since discovering that commoners appeared in this assessment’s results, it was as if Gu Chen had resolved a mental block; his once tightly wound mentality had finally eased somewhat.

But perhaps precisely because of this—the deterioration of his body became increasingly visible.

This had nothing to do with illness.

It was a natural depletion and aging, and even Gu Yi was helpless against it.

September;

As Gu Chen thoroughly cleared Yangzhou and once again traversed every state land of the Great Han,

it was as if he had fulfilled some mission;

—he fell in the land of Yang Commandery.

The sudden unexpected change caught everyone off guard.