Chapter 124: The End Point, Gu Ye Passes Away (Begging for Monthly Tickets)

An invisible gloom shrouded the Great Han.

The Emperor had passed—

And such a sage ruler as Liu Chen, no less.

He had not done nothing!

Within the court, he steadied the state and kept a firm grip on the administration; the bounty he bestowed upon the common folk was in no way inferior to that of the Great Han's renowned rulers one after another.

He had simply handed the ideals and ambitions of his youth over to Gu Ye.

And bore himself the burden that the position of Emperor ought to bear.

All the people grieved.

Beginning from Luoyang, the common folk of every region, upon hearing the news, were without exception overcome with sorrow.

Liu Chen's sudden passing at once brought the once-flourishing Great Han to a halt.

Gu Ye, too, was utterly grief-stricken.

From that day onward, he grew ever more taciturn.

Gradually, his whole being came to exude that very same air that Gu Xi and Gu Chen had carried in their later years.

He had to Shoulders the Burden!

No matter how deep the grief in his heart, no matter how frail his body.

At this most sensitive moment for the Great Han's altars of state, he had to step forward and safeguard the empire's course from here on.

Luoyang.

The drip of the bronze water-clock grated harshly in the deathly silent great hall; civil officials and military generals stood on either side of the vermilion steps according to rank, their dark court robes hanging like frozen tides.

The atmosphere within the entire hall was utterly solemn.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

As the footsteps drew nearer one by one, the assembled ministers turned to look almost of their own accord.

The next moment—

They saw Gu Ye in court robes, a long sword at his waist, leading Liu Jun by the hand as he slowly walked into the hall.

The ministers' gazes hardened in an instant.

Though they had long harbored certain suspicions, seeing it with their own eyes still left them unable to suppress the surging emotion, their bodies trembling.

The scene of Gu Xi leading Liu Da to his accession in years past was reenacted today.

Yet everything was entirely different.

Back then, Liu Da had still been young, and the Great Han had just emerged from upheaval and could not endure further turmoil.

But Liu Jun now was by no means young!

The shock this dealt was of an entirely different magnitude.

Gu Ye's gaze was steady; paying no heed whatsoever to the ministers' eyes, he led Liu Jun toward the dragon throne just like that.

Liu Chen had arranged things well.

Liu Jun's temperament was indeed a touch weak.

Even at this stage, his hand was still faintly trembling.

From beginning to end, Gu Ye's expression remained that very same composure, as he slowly drew Liu Jun toward the white jade steps.

The entire hall was utterly silent.

The ministers' eyes followed Gu Ye and Liu Jun all the while, watching helplessly as Gu Ye helped Liu Jun up onto the dragon throne.

Then—

Gu Ye, just as Gu Xi had once done, stood at Liu Jun's side with one hand resting on the long sword at his waist.

"Proclaim—"

"The late Emperor's final edict."

Gu Ye's voice rang through the great hall.

His gaze, deep as an abyss, swept across the assembled ministers; as the attendant's recitation of Liu Chen's final edict fell silent, he spoke again: "Ministers, pay homage to the new Emperor!"

Thud. Thud.

As if by instinct, the ministers immediately prostrated themselves before Liu Jun.

And Gu Ye did not remain standing either.

He too knelt deeply toward Liu Jun on the dragon throne, his brow beaded with cold sweat.

From beginning to end, Gu Yi had never interfered with any of this.

In truth, he could understand Gu Ye perfectly well.

A Son of Heaven with a weak character was absolutely no blessing for a feudal dynasty.

He wanted Liu Jun to grow confident.

Strange as it was, an Emperor of Liu Chen's temperament had somehow produced a Crown Prince of Liu Jun's temperament.

It was truly just like those so-called laws of the great clans.

After three generations of outstanding men, mediocrity was bound to follow.

Liu Shan had in fact been quite ordinary.

Yet his character had been quite extraordinary.

At least in Gu Yi's eyes—

This Liu Jun fell far short of Liu Shan; perhaps it was truly because Liu Chen's temperament had been too forceful, leaving Liu Jun feeling a profound lack of security.

And he kept a certain distance from everyone.

Even when facing Gu Ye, he did not dare fully open his heart.

This already explains the issue.

The good thing is that the current Han court is relatively clear-minded; at least there are no corrupt officials who ruin the state and harm the people.

Otherwise, after Gu Ye's death, the Han would be thrown into chaos.

But even so, Gu Yi can be certain:

With Liu Chen's death—the peak era of the Yan Han Dynasty—seems to have truly come to an end.

From this day onward, Gu Ye fully revealed his methods.

He held a grand coronation ceremony for Liu Jun and proclaimed a new era name: "Chang Xu."

"Chang" signifies prosperity and clarity, reflecting the splendor of a golden age;

"Xu" implies beginning and inheritance.

Its meaning is to continue the current golden age of the Han.

Afterwards, Gu Ye began his formal regency.

In truth, although Gu Ye had long been rising in power, he had never truly held authority or intervened in governance.

This was due to Gu Yi's influence.

Throughout his life, Gu Ye governed the Nine Provinces and Huaxia—not merely the court.

All his influence within the court was carried out through Zhang Hua, Zhong Hui, and others.

This indeed caused many to misunderstand Gu Ye's abilities, believing he had no skill in internal politics or court struggles.

Human greed is unimaginable.

Perhaps because the first three chancellors were extraordinary, many developed rebellious intentions.

Especially those whom Liu Chen had left for Liu Jun.

They had, in fact, earned Merit from supporting the throne.

With Liu Jun's ascension, these men rose rapidly, and their ambitions soared completely.

Of course—

They were not foolish enough to challenge Gu Ye or seize his power.

Their goal was to restore the previous court structure.

They wanted Gu Ye to leave the capital!

But they ultimately underestimated Gu Ye; Gu Ye had never been an incompetent man.

His attributes, compared to Gu Kang and Gu Xi and others, were indeed inferior.

But as the most outstanding disciple of the Gu clan in this generation, and having been immersed in Gu Chen's influence, his abilities and methods could not possibly be ordinary.

Facing these men's attacks,

Gu Ye showed not the slightest mercy.

He had seen Liu Jun's character clearly and would leave no hidden dangers for the Han.

Ambition is endless!

Even if these men did not intend to directly target Gu Ye, the moment their ambitions rose, their fates were sealed.

Fortunately, these men still possessed some ability and had not gone too far.

This allowed Gu Ye to spare their lives, merely exiling them from Luoyang.

——The court and realm were shaken to their core!

Gu Ye's actions this time utterly terrified everyone.

These were the Emperor's loyal ministers who had helped him ascend the throne—yet Gu Ye showed no hesitation, not even a trace of caution.

How could anyone not feel fear?

From then on, Gu Ye immediately began reshuffling court appointments.

He swiftly built a core around Liu Jun based on officials' character and talent.

His methods were extremely decisive.

Perhaps precisely because he understood he could not last much longer, he acted this way.

Under all these measures, everyone clearly realized one thing:

Gu Ye was not ignorant of court tactics.

He had merely chosen not to interfere in state affairs before.

Gu Yi did not interfere much in this.

He still needed to learn the details of politics.

Gu Yi was increasingly fond of observing and reflecting; he could clearly sense his own progress in this.

This progress had nothing to do with backward institutions.

It was about mindset—

For example, in military matters, Gu Yi could now identify key positions based on terrain.

Such mental advancement was extremely rare.

The same applied to politics.

Although the Han's current institutions were vastly backward compared to the modern era, Gu Yi already possessed a modern perspective, and with his evolving mindset, he could apply it even in the modern world.

The Gu clan's most crucial education had always been learning by example.

Gu Yi was one of its students.

He followed each generation of capable individuals, learning their abilities and mindset.

Gu Ye understood Liu Jun's character very clearly.

Although he now held complete power.

But he did not overstep boundaries.

He used another method to slowly build Liu Jun's confidence.

Whenever facing matters of state, he would ask Liu Jun's opinion.

At first, Liu Jun kept saying, "Let the Grand Tutor decide," but as he gradually adapted, he began attempting to answer.

Small Small Yugu Yi's eyes, this was not a good thing.

A person without security who suddenly gains confidence may do something reckless.

But after deep thought, he chose not to interfere.

The northern frontier and Lingnan did not experience large-scale unrest.

Merely this fact proves that Gu Yi's system had gradually taken root in people's hearts.

As for the future of Han,

Gu Yi could not interfere.

If it were truly possible for a dynasty to flourish for ten thousand generations, he would have already placed the Gu clan in that position.

Now, the Gu clan faces a generational gap, with talent hard to find; the future of Han must be entrusted to the people of this era.

The only thing Gu Yi interfered with was leaving behind many things through Gu Ye.

It was primarily for the sake of the family.

Aside from more concrete improvements to the ancestral precepts,

Gu Yi made the Gu clan's moral bottom line more flexible and strengthened their mission across the Nine Provinces.

He absolutely could not bind the Gu clan to a single dynasty.

This was something Gu Yi must do!

Time passed swiftly.

Indeed, the current Han court required no excessive interference from Gu Ye—he only needed to control the key points.

Of course, Gu Ye also closely monitored Lingnan.

As the days since his departure from Lingnan grew longer, Lingnan eventually descended into some disorder.

Unlike the disorder Gu Yi had originally imagined,

this unrest was not caused by the Baiyue who had not yet fully integrated into Han.

——but by the Han people who had migrated there.

Someone will always go mad for profit.

With the development of trade routes over the years, certain goods in Lingnan had been driven to exorbitant prices, and the core issue lay here.

Upon hearing of this, Gu Ye immediately responded.

He tightened control over Lingnan even further.

What Gu Yi had not anticipated was that perhaps because a new obsession had taken root in his heart, though Gu Ye's health remained poor, he nonetheless persisted.

He devoted all his time to governing state affairs and instructing his heirs.

Based on Liu Chen's earlier evaluations of the court ministers' personalities and abilities, he managed everything with perfect order.

And under these circumstances—

The gloom cast over the entire Han dynasty by Liu Chen's death finally began to dissipate.

Although Liu Jun had not demonstrated any ability,

for the common people, the Gu clan's regency was a matter of great reassurance.

But—time is merciless.

No matter how deep Gu Ye's obsession, how could he possibly sustain it forever?

In the second year of Changxu, fourth month;

Wen Yang died.

This general, who regretted being born too late, ultimately could not resist the erosion of time and passed away in Luoyang.

Compared to original history, he had indeed changed greatly.

But he could not escape the fate of military commanders in this era.

This was an absolute fatal blow to Gu Ye.

Although the initial training of Wen Yang had been carried out under Gu Yi's manipulation,

this "manipulation" was never about controlling puppets—it merely stirred corresponding thoughts and actions within the heart.

Gu Ye's feelings for Wen Yang were no different from those for family.

In fact, they were even closer.

When he watched Wen Yang die before his own eyes, boundless grief finally shattered his obsession.

And with his current physical condition, the moment his obsession dissolved,

his fate was sealed.

Champion Hou Fu.

Crimson tiles and azure eaves, unchanged for a hundred years; bronze bells hung from eaves, swaying through the ages, steadfast through all seasons.

Liu Jun hurried in, his robes fluttering as he stepped into the mansion.

"Grand Tutor! Grand Tutor!"

His urgent cries echoed through the corridors.

As he pushed open the inner chamber door, he saw Gu Ye lying on the bed, breathing faintly.

The atmosphere in the room was suffocatingly heavy.

Those inside had red-rimmed eyes, tears welling in their eyes, having forgotten to bow.

At this moment, etiquette could not compare to the grief in his heart.

"You may all withdraw for now." Gu Ye saw Liu Jun arrive; his dim eyes flickered with a faint glimmer. He raised his trembling hand, signaling everyone to leave.

Though filled with reluctance, they could only retreat, tears in their eyes.

Liu Jun walked slowly to the bedside, gripping Gu Ye's bony hand tightly, his voice choked: "Grand Tutor, please take better care of your health—Han cannot do without you!"

"Your Majesty, your humble servant's time has come. I must descend to the underworld to report to Emperor Xiaomu."

A faint, relieved smile curled at the corner of Gu Ye's lips.

He gazed at Liu Jun, his eyes brimming with concern: "Your Majesty, have you ever pondered how Han's future path should be forged?"

This was a question Gu Ze had asked and pondered countless times during this period.

"Grand Tutor, rest assured—I shall inherit the late Emperor's will and protect Han's Jiangshan!" Liu Jun's gaze was resolute, his tone firm and powerful.

Though his ascension had been recent.

Yet this "position" had changed him greatly—he was now utterly confident.

But Gu Ye's worry did not fade. He stared deeply at the young emperor, lips parting, then falling silent, finally letting out a long sigh: "If Your Majesty remembers the late Emperor's ways of governance, that shall be Han's blessing."

These words carried too much meaning.

Gu Ye had gradually sensed the flaws in Liu Jun's character.

But at this moment, even a thousand words could not be spoken further.

"Your Majesty, your humble servant's abilities are limited. Though I have served near two years, I have failed to cultivate for you ministers of the caliber of those in our ancestors' time—this is my failure."

"Thus, I am far inferior to my forebears."

"Yet the ministers of today all harbor loyalty and righteousness; Your Majesty need not overly worry."

"As for Lingnan and the Northern Frontier, Your Majesty must know: never rashly resort to arms—prioritize stability. Over time, these lands will naturally integrate into Han, and Your Majesty shall achieve an immortal legacy."

Gu Ye mustered his fading strength to voice every concern within him.

Liu Jun's expression was solemn; he listened intently, nodding occasionally in response.

Outside the mansion, chaos had already erupted.

Any movement of a my lord like Gu Ye would send unimaginable ripples through Han.

The ministers had already arrived in succession.

But due to Liu Jun's presence inside, none dared approach.

Their expressions were profoundly complex.

All of them understood clearly.

Once Gu Ye falls—Han will undergo a complete transformation!

Even though the Gu clan's status remains unshakable, its current power in court is no longer sufficient to control the court.

Since Liu Bei declared himself Emperor,

Han must now face a day without the Gu clan.

For all of them, this is an unprecedented opportunity—how could their thoughts not be tangled?

Gu Ye truly spoke much.

Under Gu Yi's subtle influence, he had accumulated too many regrets for Han.

Now, at last,

he only wished to stabilize Han's current golden age.

Liu Jun listened until Gu Ye's voice faded completely, then gently patted his hand: "Grand Tutor, rest easy—I shall not disappoint you."

"Then your humble servant may rest easy," Gu Ye replied, his body growing even weaker.

Liu Jun sighed again softly, looking at Gu Ye: "Grand Tutor, do you have any final words?"

"After your servant dies—"

Gu Ye's breath grew more labored, yet he clung to his last breath for final instructions: "Your Majesty… no lavish burial. Simply bury me as my Gu ancestors were—return me to Julu."

"My life, though marked by some merit to the realm—"

"is insignificant beside my clan's forebears. No ceremony may surpass their standards."

His voice grew weaker.

The moment he finished speaking, all sound vanished.

In that instant, Gu Yi's vision plunged into utter darkness.

Simultaneously, the game's prompt reappeared.

【The character you controlled has died.】

【As this character was under your control, no achievement points may be earned.】

【Would you like to control again?】

Seeing the prompt, Gu Yi did not hesitate—he selected "No."

He still had achievement points to spend.

But for the Gu clan, this was not the right moment.

The prompt vanished instantly.

The next moment, Gu Yi's vision gradually sharpened—he returned to his previous overhead perspective.

He once again became a divine-like presence.

From the unseen depths, he gazed down upon the world.

Liu Jun felt Gu Ye's death; he gently released his hand.

Slowly rose.

Walked toward the door.

Gu Yi could clearly sense that, compared to Liu Jun of the past, at this moment his frame had suddenly straightened considerably.

—Creak.

As the chamber door was pushed open, the Gu clan juniors and court ministers waiting outside immediately looked over.

Liu Jun stood tall and straight, gazing at the crowd.

Meeting their gazes, he was silent for a moment before slowly speaking:

"The Grand Tutor has passed away."

"You ministers, go pay your respects at once!"

As his words fell.

The sounds of kneeling rang out one after another, and at the same time came the sounds of weeping.

The second year of Changxu, on the day Yiwei of the fourth month;

—The eighth Champion Marquis, Regent Grand Tutor Gu Ye, passed away in Luoyang.

Posthumous name: Jingxiang.

'Great foresight and broad deliberation is Jing; opening up land with virtue is Xiang.'

——————

"In the second year of Changxu, on Yiwei of the fourth month in summer, Regent Grand Tutor Gu Ye passed away in Luoyang.

He served three reigns, relieved famine across the nine provinces, forbade vanity and falsehood, and set right the hearts of men in an age of moral decline;

He pacified the four frontiers, the barbarians bowed their heads, the realm was peaceful and clear, reaching an age of utmost prosperity.

When he passed, the Emperor donned plain mourning robes at the palace hall, and suspended court for five days.

The nine markets of Luoyang closed their doors; taverns and teahouses hung white silk from their eaves; old farmers of Henei burned their plows in the fields, and children east of the Yangtze tossed their stick-horses into clear streams.

A garrison soldier from Longxi removed his armor and bowed southward, his tears staining his halberd;

Fishermen of the South Sea bound white sails into banners, making distant offerings to the stars.

On the day of the funeral procession, white mourning garments filled the twelve main streets, plain carriages and white horses stretched for thirty li; an old woman held up a wheat cake and wept before the bier, saying: "When you were here, old woman could eat this cake; now that you are gone, who shall the cake feed?"

Daoist temples of the Guanlong road cast a golden statue of him, with the two characters 'Ding Ding' inscribed on its back; the native chieftains of Lingnan carved wood into a shrine, beating bronze drums and singing every night.

Posthumous name Jingxiang, buried at Julu, the back of his stele inscribed: 'The people's yarrow stalk and tortoise shell, the pillar of the state. On the day you carry your child to watch the sacrifices, remember Lord Ye.'

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

(End of this chapter)