[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl":3,"chapter-controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-chapter-102":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Controlling My Ancestors: Building an Immortal Clan Starting from the Eastern Han Dynasty",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2285771,4471,"Chapter 102: The Passing of Gu Chen (Seeking Monthly Votes)","controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-chapter-102",102,"\u003Cp>News from the lands of Jiangdong raged through the world like a gale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—There was nowhere in the world that did not turn pale upon hearing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen’s forceful attitude once again intensified the fear the world’s noble clans held for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even noble clans that had committed no faults felt a chill in their hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone realized clearly that the era had completely changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The noble families’ ideal of a \"public world\" had finally become a bubble.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as Gu Chen remained in this world, there would be no chance for the world to turn back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Chan did not care much about these things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He only cared about Gu Chen’s health.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Gu Chen had won a complete victory in the battle of the Tianmu Mountains, his body was ultimately unable to bear the burden, and the hidden ailments that had been concealed within him gradually erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because of this, Gu Yi drew ten more times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wanted to see if he could draw a \"Longevity Card\" to protect Gu Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen was indeed too strong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So strong that even Gu Yi felt that as long as Gu Chen was alive, it was enough to resolve everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was a pity—things in this world cannot always go as one wishes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he drew a \"Cure-All Talisman,\" which was enough to resolve Gu Chen’s current hidden ailments, he did not draw a \"Longevity Card.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This felt just like the will of Heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he could now resolve Gu Chen’s hidden ailments, for the current Gu Chen, this was not enough to help him defy the heavens and change his fate again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Years of rushing about and fighting would inevitably shorten one’s lifespan in an era like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi of the past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was only because of the effect of the \"Longevity Card\" that he was able to live so long after doing so many things.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And compared to him, would Gu Chen’s pressure be any less?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—No!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The path he had walked was far more arduous than that of Gu Xi in the past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He, who inherited Gu Xi’s legacy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The pressure he bore and placed upon himself far exceeded that of Gu Xi back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with the \"Cure-All Talisman\" to safeguard him, Gu Chen’s path was clearly coming to an end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Chan sent another letter to Gu Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The letter stated more than once that he wanted Gu Chen to return to Luoyang immediately, and even Zhuge Liang and the others sent letters one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unlike Liu Chan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Chan’s letters mostly used emotion as an excuse.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>While Zhuge Liang and the others were clearly much smarter; they spoke of how much help it would be to the Great Han if Gu Chen could protect his health.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But how could Gu Chen stop his footsteps?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything that happened in the lands of Jiangdong had once again piqued his vigilance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what, he had to persist and walk on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fourteenth year of Zhangwu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen traveled to other provinces and commanderies of the Great Han, continuing to inspect the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, the white hair on his head was becoming more and more abundant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at those roads he had traveled in the past while conquering the world, even a trace of reminiscence flashed in Gu Chen’s eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps people are just like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The older they get, the more they like to reminisce.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, he fought across the world, and wherever his blade pointed, the warlords looked on in fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, his prestige was even greater; he did not even need to mobilize troops, as his name alone was enough to make everyone feel fear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—He was standing higher and higher.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, he understood Gu Xi of the past more and more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those questions he once could not fathom were gradually resolved in the days that followed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did Gu Xi, knowing clearly that the road ahead was difficult and would even involve life and death, still resolutely choose to leave Julu and return to the imperial court?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The expectations of the world;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The glory of the family;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The prosperous age that his ancestors and he himself had built over the better part of a lifetime;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There are always too many reasons, enough to support a person in transcending life and death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been extremely unable to understand this back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he understood it now, and invisibly, he had once again embarked on the old path of Gu Xi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Leading by example is the best education.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was perhaps the most important reason why the Gu Shizi could reach today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Generation after generation of descendants were deeply influenced by their ancestors, unswervingly following the path the Gu Shizi had to take until death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the seven generations of the Gu Shizi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only one who could enjoy a shred of peace was Gu Xiao, who was controlled by Gu Yi back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the other descendants, no matter how far they had gone, they never rested while they lived, always working for the world and for the family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was perhaps the heritage that had long been integrated into the bones of the Huaxia people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Setting aside the inheritance of status and position on the surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen was becoming increasingly terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He seemed to have figured something out; the temperament of his entire being became increasingly tranquil, and his eyes, like an abyss, seemed capable of seeing through all conspiracies and schemes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the days that followed, Gu Chen never mobilized troops again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—He had reached the realm of making the world submit!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every time he arrived at a place, even if the arrangements he made were highly targeted against the local noble clans, those people would obey obediently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the corrupt officials, they were even more vulnerable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Later on, upon hearing that Gu Chen had arrived, some officials would be so frightened that they would die of shock or even commit suicide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen’s prestige had completely reached its peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His prestige had even surpassed that of any emperor throughout history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The common people trusted him absolutely;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The noble families and officials were completely cowed by him;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was no longer anyone in the world who could stop Gu Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Including the barbarians of the four directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Xiongnu honored Gu Chen as \"Wolf Lord\" and \"Tengri Qut.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The wolf was the totem of the Xiongnu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And in the Xiongnu language, \"Tengri\" meant \"Heaven,\" and \"Qut\" meant \"Son.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This title was even higher than that of the Xiongnu Khan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Qiang people honored Gu Chen as the \"Great Shaman of the Snow Mountains.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Based on the witchcraft they believed in, combined with the snow mountains they worshipped, this was a title specially requested for Gu Chen, and its status was extremely high.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The various tribes of the Southern Barbarians honored Gu Chen as \"Luoju Zuo\" and \"Ghost Lord Great Mukui.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In their language, \"Luoju\" meant fierce tiger, and \"Zuo\" meant master.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They used this to express their fear of Gu Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And \"Ghost Lord\" was their belief, while \"Mukui\" was the leader of the tribal alliance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This title of honor had already surpassed their own leaders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People of various tribes used this to express their attitude of submission to Gu Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One title after another based on beliefs and totems, added to the Great Han title of \"Envoy of the Ten Directions\" which was even higher than that of the Emperor, all indicated that Gu Chen had completely reached the summit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The common people of the world enjoyed talking about these titles of honor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This complete submission of the barbarians of the four directions intensified the pride in the bones of the Great Han people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Gu Chen did not care about this at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Whatever titles of honor; whatever \"Envoy of the Ten Directions\"—to Gu Chen, he did not care about any of it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He only wanted to do what he wanted to do.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still maintained his own pace of moving forward, inspecting the provinces and commanderies in all four directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And under the effect of the \"Cure-All Talisman.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The hidden ailments in Gu Chen’s body were also healed, and no other illnesses erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the aura of twilight on his entire being became increasingly thick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though he still held his body upright and did not let himself hunch over, anyone could see that Gu Chen was not far from the end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fifteenth year of Zhangwu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The second imperial examination in the sense of the Great Han began once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In truth, logically speaking.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Han should have selected officials again long ago; it was Gu Chen who postponed this matter by a full three years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gap between commoners and the children of noble clans is far too great.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the current circumstances where there is no shortage of officials, yielding this time was intended to allow the common people to catch up to the footsteps of the noble clans' children.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He needs to let the common people see hope that is truly attainable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only in this way can the common people better realize the benefits this system can bring.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regarding this selection of officials, Gu Chen is also extremely attentive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not only because this is the core of the current Great Han system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is also because Gu Chen has already sensed changes in his own body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even without any illness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The decline in his energy is still very obvious.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Beyond looking at the results of this official selection, Gu Chen also intends to use this opportunity to leave behind officials worthy of trust for Liu Chan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Although he has always been away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen is still well aware of the situation within the imperial court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang’s meticulous nature ensures that everything happening in the court is reported to Gu Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, regarding the ministers within the court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen has also long since had contact with them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His judgment of human nature has even surpassed that of Gu Xi in his day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is no need to return to Luoyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He can select many officials based on his own judgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The vigorous assessment of officials has risen across all provinces of the Great Han.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because Gu Chen had just swept through the parasites hidden in the four corners of the Great Han, the local officials dared not engage in the slightest bit of favoritism or fraud.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire assessment was extremely strict.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most closely watched area was, naturally, the capital region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The development of \"Elementary Learning\" still has a long way to go before it covers the entire Great Han.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under these circumstances, the assessment results from the four provinces were quickly sent to Luoyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Luoyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Chan sat upon the dragon throne, his brows tightly furrowed as he looked at the answer sheets in his hands; after hesitating for a long time, he still stamped them with the seal belonging exclusively to the Son of Heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Zhuge Liang walked in hurriedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon seeing this scene, his expression changed slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty.\" Zhuge Liang’s expression was grave; he bowed to Liu Chan with a look of helplessness on his face and asked, \"This action must absolutely not be taken; how could you act in such a way?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Chan usually pays little attention to court affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing today that the Emperor had actually requested the answer sheet of a common student, Zhuge Liang had already guessed the Emperor’s intentions, but he had arrived a step too late.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Prime Minister.\" Liu Chan gently set down the answer sheet in his hand, his eyes filled with sorrow, \"I...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I merely heard that the Imperial Foster Father was particularly concerned about this imperial examination, and I wanted to let the Imperial Foster Father hear of this so he might feel joy.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he has been the Emperor for a long time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Liu Chan spoke these words, his expression still carried a touch of childlike innocence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had only conceived this idea after hearing Zhuge Liang discuss with court ministers how Gu Chen was paying attention to the students from humble backgrounds in this examination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Chan truly did not know what else he could do for Gu Chen, only feeling that doing this might bring a smile to the Imperial Foster Father.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, the look of helplessness in Zhuge Liang’s eyes grew even heavier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he not have guessed the reason for Liu Chan’s actions?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this matter concerns the fairness of the Great Han’s official assessment; how could it possibly make Gu Chen happy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang was silent for a moment before slowly opening his mouth to explain the pros and cons to Liu Chan in detail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This assessment did indeed have offspring of commoners selected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But compared to the children of noble families.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is still a significant gap between them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Gu Chen had already postponed the selection of officials, this gap is not something these commoners can close in a short time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the Great Han does not yet have specific divisions like Top Scholar or Third Place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But according to the different assessments.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The positions assigned to officials also differ.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If someone with insufficient talent is assigned to an important position, the impact would be more than just a little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Chan listened with great focus; when Zhuge Liang finished speaking, a flash of panic crossed his face, and he hurriedly shook his head, saying, \"I had no such intention.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this point, Liu Chan’s tone paused, he sighed deeply, and looked straight at Zhuge Liang, \"Prime Minister, my heart is set only on seeing the Imperial Foster Father smile.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Imperial Foster Father is advancing in age and has spent years campaigning abroad; I am worried...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Chan did not finish the second half of his sentence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the meaning was self-evident.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing these heartfelt words from Liu Chan, Zhuge Liang’s expression became complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He looked at the sorrowful Liu Chan before him, sighed deeply, bowed to him once more, and remarked with emotion, \"Your Majesty’s heart of benevolence and filial piety is witnessed by the sun and moon.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, if you wish to put Lord Gu at ease, Your Majesty must guard the state well and let the people live in peace and contentment.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only in this way can Lord Gu be completely at ease.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, Liu Chan was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A moment later, he nodded earnestly, then tore up the answer sheet that had already been stamped with the imperial seal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang bowed to Liu Chan again before turning to leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He joined a group of officials to carefully review the answer sheets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Afterward, having settled everything, he followed Gu Chen’s decree and rushed to Yangzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Night.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The stars were brilliant, and the night was deep and serene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen looked through the answer sheets one by one while listening to Zhuge Liang recount the situation in the court.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Zhuge Liang’s character, he would naturally not conceal Liu Chan’s actions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Gu Chen was slightly taken aback, and the answer sheet he was reviewing slipped from his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He raised his head slightly, his expression complex, and sighed with emotion:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Emperor is truly a benevolent and filial ruler.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang agreed deeply, nodded slowly, and stared intently at Gu Chen with a grave expression; after a moment of contemplation, he finally asked, \"Lord Gu, do you have any intention of returning to the capital now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Return to the capital?\" Gu Chen repeated softly, his tone carrying a trace of daze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, a rare smile appeared on his face; he shook his head gently, his expression carefree, his tone casual yet filled with resolve: \"I am afraid I cannot go back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hmm?\" In an instant, Zhuge Liang was shaken, his face filled with astonishment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen’s expression was calm, his gaze frank, and his smile grew warmer, as if he were discussing the most ordinary of matters: \"If my calculations are correct, within the month, I shall depart from this world.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once these words were spoken, it was like a thunderclap on flat ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang froze in place, his eyes filled with shock and disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen stared at him quietly, his smile deepening, his tone firm: \"Since I began my cause, this kind of premonition has never been wrong.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And this time.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This premonition is even stronger.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is also the reason I summoned you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regarding the changes in his own body, Gu Chen was all too clear; it was no surprise that he could make such a judgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang’s expression grew increasingly complex, his heart pounding wildly, unable to utter a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen’s expression remained as casual as ever, looking at Zhuge Liang and saying faintly: \"Kongming.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After I die.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I will abolish the position of the Ten Directions Conquest Envoy and issue a decree that our Great Han must never establish this position again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although the Emperor is benevolent, he has shortcomings in governing the state.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have already prepared a list of officials, which will be sent to Luoyang, and I will memorialize the Emperor to entrust all major state affairs to you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a \"thump.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang knelt directly before Gu Chen, his eyes gradually turning red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his wisdom, how could he not see by now that Gu Chen’s meeting with him carried the weight of entrusting an orphan to his care?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You are my elder brother’s disciple.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"To me—you are also a junior.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The court ministers, including the Emperor, all feel that the burden on my shoulders is too heavy and that I have lived too bitterly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But to me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Among my Gu clan brothers of the same generation, the one who suffered the most was my elder brother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My elder brother’s lofty ambitions were buried in the continuation of my Gu clan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And only you...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only then can I inherit the will of my elder brother.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Let the prestige of my elder brother be passed down through the annals of history.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang’s eyes grew increasingly red and moist.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he not understand what a great sacrifice Gu Chen had made for the Gu family?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the sake of the family, he did not even dare to request a posthumous title after his death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a tremendous sacrifice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there were no surprises, Gu Chen’s name would eventually be buried by history, and even if there were some records, they would certainly not cause any ripples.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang nodded earnestly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"His Majesty is benevolent and filial; if he hears the news of my death, he will surely bestow grace upon the Gu family.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"However, the actual affairs of the world depend on people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My Gu family descendants have outstanding individuals, but they still lack experience and are not yet enough to support the world of the Great Han.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell His Majesty, there is no need to pull up the seedlings to help them grow.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Gu family descendants all have their own paths.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen was still speaking in detail; he had long since settled the Gu family descendants properly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And subsequently, he commented on the current ministers in the court, including the generals he had left stationed in the four directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Based on their abilities, temperaments, and his own judgment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He spoke his arrangements to Zhuge Liang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang listened very attentively; no one in the world could ignore the words spoken by Gu Chen.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen’s expression also became increasingly serious without him realizing it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After the two chatted for a long time like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Zhuge Liang then took his leave.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen did not keep Zhuge Liang any longer, but continued to follow his own plan to clear away all risks within Yangzhou.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His premonition was not wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ever since he learned that commoners had appeared in the results of this assessment, Gu Chen felt as if a knot in his heart had been resolved, and the mindset he had been keeping taut finally relaxed a little.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But perhaps it was precisely because of this—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body also visibly deteriorated rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This had nothing to do with illness or pain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was natural consumption and aging; even Gu Yi was helpless against this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ninth month;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Gu Chen completely cleared out Yangzhou and stepped across every piece of land in the Great Han once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was as if he had completed some kind of mission;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—He collapsed in the land of Yang County.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sudden and unexpected change caught everyone off guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one could have expected that Gu Chen, who could still charge on horseback the day before, would suddenly not even have the strength to stand up.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had finally exhausted the last bit of his body’s functions and collapsed completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The news spread rapidly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This matter could not possibly be kept hidden.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—A heaven-shaking, earth-shattering change!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the entire Great Han, the impact brought by Gu Chen’s collapse even surpassed that of Liu Bei back then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Starting from Yang County;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people in all directions were moved like thunder, and one after another, they held sacrificial ceremonies in nearby places, wanting to ask the heavens to extend Gu Chen’s life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And this behavior spread rapidly in all directions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people of the world were originally still paying attention to the results of this official selection, but after hearing this news, all of this was thrown to the back of their minds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thick haze quickly descended upon this rising dynasty.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wuxu day;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wanling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the generals and armored soldiers in the army, down to the common people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A thick haze spread throughout all of Wanling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this time, inside the Governor’s Mansion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The candle flames flickered, and light and shadows swayed in the room.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen lay on the couch, his face as pale as paper, his breath weak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He forced himself to open his eyes, his gaze slowly sweeping over everyone in the tent; there was not a shred of fear of death in his eyes, nor any special fluctuations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there was anything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps it was only a trace of worry for the future of the Great Han.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people in the hall all had sorrowful expressions, silently shedding tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at everyone indifferently, Gu Chen spoke slowly, his voice weak but filled with a sense of heroism: \"In this life of mine, I have experienced countless storms and finally pacified the world, completing the ideal that my grandfather could not complete; I can say I have no regrets in death.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His tone was extremely calm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, everyone could not help but have their eyes wet with tears.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen’s gaze swept over everyone one by one, not saying anything more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had long since arranged everything properly and sent it to Luoyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Including judgments on the future situation of the Great Han, the appointment of officials, and everything else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there was anything that was not arranged properly, it seemed to be only himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After I die—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With His Majesty’s benevolent and filial character, he will surely conduct a grand funeral.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Tell His Majesty for me.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Great Han is in its early rise; one must not be extravagant or wasteful. Everything should be simplified; my funeral must never exceed that of my grandfather.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In this life of mine, although I have some merits for the state, everything was done standing on the shoulders of my ancestors. One must never overstep the rites.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The historian on the side carefully recorded everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sorrow on the faces of the generals and soldiers grew even thicker, and the sounds of grief could not be suppressed no matter what.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Chen’s voice grew weaker and weaker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He leaned on the couch, his gaze looking toward the clear sky outside the window, as if he were recalling the glorious years of the past.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I do not know if he had developed a hallucination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yi clearly saw Gu Chen’s eyes change abruptly, and his lips moved slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it was a pity that his voice was too small.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Gu Yi could not hear it clearly, and could only distinguish two words vaguely by the lip shape.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Grandfather—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A trace of a relieved smile suddenly appeared on Gu Chen’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this very moment, he gently closed his eyes, his breathing gradually weakening until it stopped.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone clearly saw this scene.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a time, the sound of crying in the room shook the heavens!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone prostrated on the ground, unable to rise, and a sense of grief permeated the entire hall.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fifteenth year of Zhangwu, the Wuxu day of the ninth month;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—The Great Han Ten-Direction Expedition Envoy Gu Chen passed away in Wanling.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As the most legendary family in the world today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The official selection system developed by the grandfather and grandson Gu Xi and Gu Chen is not only the predecessor of the imperial examination system, but also one of the core systems that accompanied our country’s feudal period.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before Gu Chen—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The influence of the Gu family was mostly within the Nine Provinces, but since the rise of Gu Chen, the prestige of the Gu family continued to spread outward along with the titles given by various ethnic groups.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The impact it brought is unimaginable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It laid a solid foundation for the brilliance of our country’s later dynasties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He is also the only undisputed uncrowned monarch in our country’s history.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Reflections on \"Gu Family History: Biography of Lord Chen\".\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",4273,"2026-06-20T03:16:01.192Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","02f5917287e9541a34ac1db107634acfb0cbe6b3f43136e3732b196adb46da08","controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-chapter-103","controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-chapter-101",167,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fcontrolling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-cover.jpg"]