Chapter 113: The Crown Prince Crisis, Eve of the Great War (Seeking Monthly Votes)

The eleventh year of Yanxi, October.

The Wuhuan and Xianbei combined their forces, numbering in the tens of thousands, to attack Youzhou.

Although they were repelled by Lu Kang and Wen Qin.

This was undoubtedly a signal, further confirming Gu Yi’s suspicions.

It was clear that this war between the Nine Provinces and the barbarians was destined to be unavoidable.

No matter what, Gu Yi had to be prepared.

Compared to Gu Yi’s caution, the officials and commoners of the Great Han alike were completely indifferent to this.

Perhaps it was because Gu Chen’s achievements back then were simply too great.

This greatly intensified the disdain the officials and commoners of the Great Han held for the barbarians of the four directions.

Even though the Great Han was still in a stage of recovery.

The commoners remained this way.

To them, the barbarians of the four directions attacking the Great Han was like a mayfly trying to topple a tree.

This mindset was destined to be a hidden danger.

Although the current strength of the Great Han was indeed not weak, if everyone remained so arrogant, they would certainly pay a painful price.

But wanting to change this was undoubtedly a pipe dream.

The disdain the Great Han commoners felt for the barbarians had long since been ingrained in their marrow.

This was a habit formed over thousands of years of prosperity.

Gu Yi would not be naive enough to exert effort in this regard.

He simply paid more attention to the frontiers, looking beyond the land of Youzhou to the barbarians of the four directions.

Including those tribes that Gu Chen had relocated back then.

In truth, Gu Yi had always felt that the most magical aspect of the culture of the Nine Provinces was its inclusiveness.

In the original history;

—Looking across the thousands of years of history of the Nine Provinces, there were simply too many tribes that had been assimilated by the culture of the Nine Provinces.

These tribes were like that now.

The tribes Gu Chen had chosen back then were almost all those skilled in farming.

Such tribes already had a strong yearning for the culture of the Central Plains and were better suited to the culture of the Nine Provinces.

Now, they had an even greater sense of identification with the Great Han.

Especially the newly born generation.

Their level of acceptance of the culture of the Nine Provinces had even surpassed that of their original tribal culture.

As long as the Great Han remained, this phenomenon would surely grow heavier with the influence of each passing generation.

This phenomenon gave Gu Yi many ideas.

—For example, a great cultural integration.

Truly laying a solid foundation for the future of the Nine Provinces.

But after much deliberation, he suppressed these impractical thoughts.

Such a notion was simply too naive.

At the very least, with the current level of productivity, the Great Han did not yet have the strength to suppress all the barbarians; such an idea was impossible to realize.

Time passed in a hurry.

Gu Yi gradually let go of his interference in state affairs, choosing to leave everything to Zhang Hua, Zhong Hui, Du Yu, and the others.

Fortunately, the abilities of these people were not poor.

And because of the influence of the Gu family, they also maintained a firm attitude toward the various systems established by Gu Yi.

Coupled with the fact that the resistance from the court officials was growing weaker.

This finally allowed Gu Yi to free up some time to begin preparing provisions for the four directions.

As Gu Yi’s actions grew more significant, the ministers in the court gradually discerned his intentions, and the prevailing wind in the court could not help but shift toward this matter.

Many ministers suspected that Gu Ye wanted to emulate Gu Chen and wage war against the barbarians of the four directions.

To them, this was no small matter.

No one was willing to break the peace and suddenly start a war.

The current court of the Great Han had already iterated to the third generation and completely lacked the boldness of those who had walked through the chaos of war back then.

In their eyes, waging war against the barbarians of the four directions was entirely a matter of harm with no benefit.

Even if they won, what of it?

The lands of the barbarians of the four directions were, in their eyes, barren wastelands.

More and more memorials piled up at Zhang Hua’s place.

At first, Zhang Hua could suppress these memorials, but as Gu Yi’s actions became more frequent, the voices opposing this matter grew increasingly intense.

Gu Yi had no interest in paying any attention to these people.

In fact, if it were not for the fact that he knew the future, he might have been one of these people himself.

Such things could not be explained clearly.

Gu Yi simply went to see Liu Chan and brought up to him once more everything that Gu Chen had done in his later years.

Subsequently—

Liu Chan suppressed these memorials.

However, Liu Chan was also somewhat worried about this; he did not want to let Gu Ye leave Luoyang.

The rumors in the court made him very nervous.

Liu Chan was no longer young now; one could even say he had reached his twilight years.

But it was precisely because of this.

His attitude toward this matter was very firm.

Even after being Emperor for so many years, he still possessed a strong reliance on the Gu family, just as he had back then, perhaps even stronger.

He was afraid that the situation between Gu Chen and Zhuge Liang would repeat itself.

But when it involved the affairs of a nation, how could it be changed by the will of one person?

Gu Ye would eventually have to leave Luoyang.

This was certain!

But this time, Gu Yi still manipulated Gu Ye into promising Liu Chan.

He still needed time.

The thirteenth year of Yanxi, July;

News arrived from Yizhou that the General of the West, Deng Ai, had passed away in Chengdu.

From this point on—

All the generals that Gu Chen had left behind for the Great Han had passed away.

A glorious era had completely come to an end.

Unlike other generals, Deng Ai’s merits were not limited to guarding a region; he also held the merit of agricultural colonies.

Although Gu Chen’s influence was involved in this.

It was undeniable that Deng Ai’s ability in agricultural colonies was also extraordinary.

Liu Chan was very saddened by this and likewise held a grand funeral for him.

Gu Yi had Yang Hu rush to Yizhou to succeed to Deng Ai’s official post.

This was the result of his careful deliberation.

It was precisely because the policy of agricultural colonies had been a great success in the land of Yizhou that the Southwestern Barbarians were the most intimate existence among all the barbarians at present.

Gu Yi could not let someone who only knew how to wage war rush to Yizhou.

Yang Hu was a very suitable choice.

But bad news followed one after another; Liu Chan had suddenly fallen ill after the funeral.

When an Emperor falls ill, it is never a small matter, regardless of its severity.

Although Liu Chan, as an Emperor, was more like a mascot in the current Great Han, he still held power in his hands.

His sudden illness exceeded everyone’s expectations.

Even Gu Yi had not expected that such a thing would happen.

According to Gu Yi’s judgment, Liu Chan’s lifespan would certainly exceed that of the original history.

After all, history had already changed too much; even Zhuge Liang had lived several years longer than in the original history.

Someone with Liu Chan’s personality would definitely be longer-lived than in the original history.

He had not expected at all that such a thing would happen.

The most critical point was—

Liu Chan’s illness allowed him to discover another potential threat currently facing the Great Han.

That was the Crown Prince, Liu Xuan.

Regarding this person, Liu Xuan, there were not many records in the original history, and Gu Yi’s understanding of him was only judged through their current face-to-face contact.

Before Liu Chan had fallen ill;

Although Liu Xuan was unrestrained in his comings and goings, his personality was considered acceptable.

Coupled with Liu Chan’s influence, he had also held the Gu family in high esteem all these years.

However, following Liu Chan’s illness,

the Crown Prince, Liu Xuan, gradually gained some power, and the flaws in his character began to manifest.

This person was extremely self-opinionated and highly ambitious.

It could be said that his personality was the complete opposite of Liu Chan’s.

Liu Chan knew his own talents were insufficient, so he never thought about other matters, leaving everything to capable ministers.

But Liu Xuan was completely different—

even though he had absolutely no experience in state affairs, he insisted on interfering in them.

Although Liu Xuan’s attitude toward the Gu Shizi was not poor,

this point alone was enough to illustrate the characteristics of his personality.

Do not forget, Liu Xuan was not yet the Emperor!

This quickly made Gu Yi vigilant; in fact, he had considered such issues before.

After all, Liu Chan would eventually die.

If a great war were truly to occur at that time, then the position of the Son of Heaven would be extremely critical.

It was just that Liu Xuan’s personality had not been fully revealed before.

But now, it was different.

Liu Xuan’s talents were very mediocre; if such a person were truly allowed to become Emperor,

given his personality,

what would the Great Han become at that time?

Gu Yi’s personality was not one to hesitate in the face of major events.

Especially after such a long period of observation and hands-on control, Gu Yi’s own abilities had also improved imperceptibly.

This was a major matter concerning the rise and fall of the Nine Provinces and the life and death of the Gu Shizi.

He absolutely could not tolerate any mistakes.

But the Gu Shizi, at least on the surface, absolutely could not be involved in the disputes over the succession of imperial power.

Otherwise, it would definitely leave behind great risks.

It was no longer a chaotic era, and Gu Yi had to consider the future.

Under these circumstances—

a thought quickly emerged in Gu Yi’s mind.

After considering everything,

Gu Yi immediately manipulated Gu Ye to release news to the outside world that he himself was also ill.

Afterward, he tightly closed the gates of the Champion Marquis Mansion and refused to see anyone.

Luoyangcheng.

The successive upheavals finally caused chaos in the Great Han court.

Regarding Liu Chan’s illness,

the ministers were actually able to accept it, as Liu Chan was truly no longer young.

But regarding the news of Gu Ye’s illness,

the ministers’ attitudes were all very surprised.

Zhang Hua, Zhong Hui, and others came to visit one after another, but Gu Yi never saw anyone, only accepting Liu Chan’s condolences.

This situation made people feel even more puzzled.

An invisible undercurrent instantly swept through the entire Great Han court.

Fortunately, Zhang Hua and the others were exceptionally capable, which stabilized the situation in the court and prevented it from falling into chaos.

But as the day of the Great Han imperial examination arrived once again,

this barely maintained balance finally faced turmoil again.

Prime Minister’s Mansion.

"Prime Minister, I wish to set the examination questions myself!"

Liu Xuan stared intently at Zhang Hua and said with a solemn face: "As the Crown Prince of the Great Han, it is only natural for me to select capable people for our Great Han."

"Why does the Prime Minister not agree?"

Looking at Zhang Hua before him, Liu Xuan was full of anger.

With Gu Ye continuing to stay behind closed doors and Liu Chan’s health showing no signs of improvement,

his authority as Crown Prince was growing ever larger.

"Your Highness." Zhang Hua was not afraid in the slightest; meeting Liu Xuan’s angry gaze, he said earnestly: "The imperial examination papers of our Great Han have always been based on current affairs."

"The papers for this examination have already been set by Lord Gu."

"How can they be changed at will?"

"I beg the Crown Prince to forgive this minister for being unable to agree."

Zhang Hua’s expression was very serious, and he did not give an inch.

Upon hearing this, the dissatisfaction in Liu Xuan’s eyes grew more intense, but he did not lash out directly, instead retreating to advance: "Then I want to add 'horse racing' to the special subjects!"

Zhang Hua did not hesitate at all and immediately shook his head: "Your Highness, this must not be done."

"The imperial examination is the policy by which our Great Han selects officials."

"The people of the world all look toward this event."

"If Your Highness adds horse racing and games to the special subjects, it will surely encourage the people everywhere to indulge in play."

"It is of no benefit to the state."

From beginning to end, Zhang Hua’s attitude remained that resolute.

"Zhang Hua!"

Liu Xuan was completely enraged; he slammed his hand on the table in front of Zhang Hua and rebuked: "I am the Crown Prince of the Great Han, how dare you treat me like this?"

Zhang Hua did not speak, only silently watching Liu Xuan.

The anger on Liu Xuan’s face grew even more intense.

But after all, Zhang Hua was the Prime Minister; no matter how self-satisfied Liu Xuan was, he dared not do anything to Zhang Hua.

He only stared coldly at Zhang Hua, snorted, and then turned and left directly.

But how could this matter end like this?

When a person is completely without any constraints, the weaknesses in their character will only be exposed more and more.

At the beginning, there were still ministers who supported Liu Xuan.

But this undoubtedly made Liu Xuan even more reckless, and his actions finally caused more and more people in the court to be dissatisfied with him.

The current Great Han court was, at its core, still upright.

Although the ministers would compete for interests,

they all had a common bottom line.

A Crown Prince like Liu Xuan, who had been suppressed for too long and suddenly released, would inevitably arouse the dissatisfaction of everyone.

Just three days later,

Liu Xuan committed a major incident.

He led men on a hunt and, upon returning, galloped through Luoyangcheng, trampling a commoner to death.

The moment the bell for grievances under the "Wailing Wall" rang,

the matter was finally brought to the court!

The entire court was shaken!

Upon hearing this, almost all the officials in the court and the public were enraged.

Of course, their anger was not just because of the dead commoner.

The most critical point was Liu Xuan’s actions.

Liu Chan was still ill.

As the Crown Prince, Liu Xuan did not respect filial piety, dared to leave the city to hunt, and even trampled a commoner to death.

How could they not be angry?

The ministers still had affection for Liu Chan as Emperor.

At the very least—

Liu Chan could be said to be the best-tempered Emperor; as long as one did not touch his reverse scale, there would be no risk.

The current administration of the Great Han had not collapsed like that of the Former Han.

The impact caused by this incident finally aroused public indignation.

Even Zhang Hua could no longer suppress the overwhelming number of memorials; the entire court was in an uproar.

Under these circumstances,

Liu Xuan finally felt a bit panicked.

He first went to see Zhang Hua, wanting him to help suppress all these memorials.

But Zhang Hua did not even see him.

Afterward, Liu Xuan could only go to the Champion Marquis Mansion, wanting to ask Gu Ye to help him survive this crisis.

This was his first time coming to visit Gu Ye.

In fact, even Gu Yi had not expected that Liu Xuan would change into this state in such a short time.

Although he had already anticipated it.

Given Liu Xuan’s personality, without any constraints, he would certainly cause trouble.

But isn't this trouble a bit too big?

One can only say there is a reason why Liu Xuan’s status in the original history was recorded as less significant than Liu Chen’s.

Although history has completely changed.

When it comes to individual personality, it is ultimately hard to change.

Gu Yi naturally would not go to see Liu Xuan.

By doing this, he intended to distance the Gu Shizi from all relations to this matter.

Liu Xuan was completely desperate.

He was only the Crown Prince; he could not yet withstand the anger of all the court officials!

Especially now that Liu Chan was still alive.

He could only pray that Liu Chan would not wake up.

But some things were already destined by fate.

Just two days later.

Liu Chan’s body finally took a turn for the better; the time he remained conscious each day grew longer, and he finally heard of this matter.

That very night—

Someone from the palace immediately rushed to the Marquis of Champion’s residence, wanting to summon Gu Ye into the palace.

This time, Gu Yi made his move.

That night.

In the silent imperial palace, the atmosphere was incomparably heavy.

Gu Ye followed the palace attendant all the way to the Beigong and immediately saw Liu Chan on the bed.

For some reason—

Gu Yi suddenly felt that the Liu Chan before him had changed somewhat.

There was actually an extra emotion in his eyes.

Gu Yi was no stranger to this kind of look.

It was worry for the future.

"Your Majesty." Gu Yi immediately controlled Gu Ye to bow.

This time, Liu Chan appeared very mature; he was not as casual as before, but instead looked at Gu Ye earnestly and asked, "Zhaode, how is your health?"

"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty; your subject has recovered." Gu Yi hurriedly spoke.

Hearing this, Liu Chan nodded slowly: "It is good that you have recovered."

His tone paused slightly.

A tear suddenly fell from the corner of his eye, and his tone was full of remorse: "Zhaode, I am unfilial."

"Your Majesty!"

Without needing Gu Yi to control him, Gu Ye’s expression changed abruptly, and he hurriedly knelt down: "Why does Your Majesty say such things?"

"Heh~"

Liu Chan gave a self-deprecating smile and looked up at the sky: "I have failed the expectations of the late Emperor and the Prime Minister, to have actually raised such a Crown Prince."

"Am I not unfilial?"

As he spoke, tears continued to slide from the corners of his eyes.

He had indeed been negligent in the education of the Imperial Princes.

Perhaps because Liu Bei had been too strict with him back then, Liu Chan had always harbored psychological trauma.

Therefore, his education of his offspring was mostly lenient.

He had thought that at the very worst, they would be like him.

Yet he had not expected that this reality would deal him such a heavy blow.

"Your Majesty must never have such thoughts." Gu Ye hurriedly spoke.

But before he could finish.

Liu Chan waved his hand directly and looked at Gu Ye again: "Zhaode, I am old."

"I"

"Fear that I do not have much time left."

"With the Crown Prince’s personality, how can I be at ease?"

This was the first time Liu Chan had worried about the state, and this feeling could not be suppressed no matter what.

This severe illness, coupled with Liu Xuan’s actions, had completely panicked him.

Looking at the Liu Chan before him.

Gu Yi did not hesitate either; after taking a deep breath, he immediately said: "Your Majesty, your subject requests the deposition of the Crown Prince!"

"Depose the Crown Prince?"

Liu Chan did not show any dissatisfaction with Gu Ye, but looked at Gu Ye and asked: "Deposing the elder to establish the younger... is that not a path to disaster?"

"If"

"Your Majesty!" Gu Yi interrupted Liu Chan regardless of etiquette, bowed, and said earnestly: "An incompetent general exhausts the entire army."

"If the Emperor lacks virtue, the state is in danger."

"Given the Crown Prince’s personality, he must never be allowed to rule."

"Our Han state has reached this day through the sacrifice of so many heroic souls; your subject implores Your Majesty to think thrice."

As his voice fell, the entire Beigong suddenly became quiet.

Liu Chan stared fixedly at Gu Ye.

After a long silence, he said softly: "Who does Zhaode think should be established as the heir?"

"The Prince of Beidi—"

Gu Yi did not hesitate and immediately said: "Liu Chen!"

Hearing this, Liu Chan’s gaze narrowed slightly, and he fell silent once more.

He seemed to be recalling Liu Chen’s personality.

After a long while, he nodded slightly.

Ps: Seeking monthly votes.

(End of chapter)