Chapter 134: Golden Blade Breaks the Edge, the Qilin Son of the Gu Family

Yang Jian was not a man who would hesitate; perhaps this is one of the common traits of everyone capable of achieving great things.

Once he had determined a matter, he would begin to strive for it.

For Yang Jian.

The current situation was extremely difficult.

"If the Liu family does not want the world, he will come to take it!"

Yang Jian’s power within Northern Han was unstoppable.

Especially after confirming this matter, he carried out a series of enticements.

He brought the entire government under his sole control.

And just after all this was settled—

He immediately used his status as a minister entrusted with the orphan to issue a decree to the world.

—Depose the Emperor!

The four corners of the land were shocked!

Since the world fell into chaos, this was the first time an outsider had deposed a Son of Heaven of the Liu family.

The impact of this on the entire world was unimaginable.

In an instant, rumors spread from all directions.

But Yang Jian did not care about any of this in the slightest and immediately installed a puppet Son of Heaven.

Beyond that, he even had people spread rumors.

"The golden blade lacks an edge, the mandate of heaven returns to Guanlong."

"The Liu family has lost the mandate of heaven!"

Rumors arose from all sides.

Yang Jian constantly had people proclaim these things, having them sing praises of his merits and extraordinary nature.

Since the world fell into chaos, many things have already changed.

For the people of the world.

Seeing that the world has been in chaos to this day without being pacified, is there really no one who would think about these issues?

This is inevitable!

It is just that, hindered by superstitious omens, no one dared to speak of it.

And when someone finally brought this matter up, the impact caused was also unimaginable.

Rumors spread everywhere, such as the Liu family abandoning the Gu family, violating the oath established by their ancestor Liu Bei, and having been abandoned by Heaven.

And as this matter gradually spread.

Yang Jian’s reputation rose with the tide.

Just the following year.

Yang Jian did not hesitate at all and immediately began his path of usurping the state.

—Prince Sui of the Great Han!

When this title was bestowed upon Yang Jian.

The prophecy of the golden blade was finally shaken!

Ever since the founding Emperor Liu Bang of Han slaughtered a white horse to swear an oath, decreeing to the world that "anyone not of the Liu family who claims the title of King shall be executed by all under heaven."

Except for the period when Wang Mang usurped the Han.

This was the first time an outsider had claimed the title of King!

Yang Jian was not surprised in the slightest, and was immediately targeted and focused upon by the Liu-surnamed princes!

But what of it?

For Yang Jian, when he chose to take this step.

He had already made all the preparations.

Why did Yang Jian dare to do this?

It was because the Liu family had gradually lost the hearts of the people.

When everyone in the world was competing to be the worst, he was the one who could claim supremacy!

Facing the Liu-surnamed princes coming from all directions to attack him together, Yang Jian felt no fear.

This seemed to be a fuse.

For the world.

If the Liu family could pacify Yang Jian, then the prophecy of the golden blade would be fulfilled once more.

But if Yang Jian could withstand all of this.

And even take a step further.

Then the prophecy of the golden blade would likely come to a complete end.

A shift in the situation had already appeared.

This battle was destined to be earth-shattering.

It was not to say that this battle was particularly intense, but rather its significance for the entire Nine Provinces.

Yang Jian was indeed too fierce.

Perhaps it was truly because the Liu-surnamed princes had become accustomed to the advantages brought by their status.

Their abilities were simply insufficient to compare with Yang Jian.

The descendants of the Liu family had indeed lived too comfortably.

The chaos of these years only exacerbated this point.

As long as their surname was Liu.

And they could claim a connection to the Emperor of the Liu family, they had the qualifications to compete for the world.

Various families would also treat them as honored guests.

Under these circumstances, it was not strange at all that the descendants of the Liu family could reach this point!

Yang Jian swept away the Liu-surnamed princes of Han with the force of a thunderbolt; years of stability had finally caused the Liu family to reap the bitter fruit at this moment.

Gu Yi had been silently watching all of this, and his calm state of mind finally stirred slightly.

Besides observing Yang Jian.

He was also paying attention to the Gu family.

It did not exceed his expectations; as Yang Jian gradually rose to power, the descendants of the Gu family, who had been mediocre for many years, finally saw a change!

As of today, Gu Yi could actually roughly sense the suppression this correction had on the Gu family.

Looking from the very beginning.

He had originally manipulated Gu Xiao to build momentum for the Gu family.

Although it accelerated Liu Xiu’s unification process, overall he was merely following the trend and did not change the major principles of history.

Therefore, the Gu family did not suffer suppression.

The talents of descendants like Gu Kang and Gu Cheng were truly astonishing.

And following Gu Kang’s regulation of the world’s farmland and Gu Cheng’s pacification of the Western Regions and the Xiongnu.

The impact of this time far exceeded Gu Xiao’s following of the trend.

And so, the descendants of the Gu family suffered suppression.

The generation of Gu Liang was extremely mediocre.

As the influence of the Gu family gradually weakened and returned to the norm, it was only then that the rise of Gu Xi’s generation arrived.

But even so.

Gu Xi had faced the crisis of an early death.

But looking at the current situation, the initial suppression was not actually fatal.

—Until Gu Chen’s third revival of the Great Han.

This act could be said to have pushed the suppression of the Gu family to the limit; only when Gu Chen was alive to withstand all the pressure could the Gu family produce talent.

Following Gu Chen’s passing.

The decline of the Gu family had already begun to spread.

If not for Gu Yi’s personal manipulation, even the generation of Gu Ye would likely have struggled to rise.

All of this conformed to the "the greater the change, the greater the force of correction" note in the game instructions.

Thinking of these things.

Gu Yi could not help but shake his head, yet he was not panicked.

This path was destined to be extremely difficult.

To maintain glory, this was ultimately everything the Gu family had to face.

What he had to do now—

Was to lend the descendants of the Gu family a helping hand!

Opening the family panel, Gu Yi earnestly observed the talents of each family descendant.

He was naturally focusing on the seventeenth-generation descendants who were appearing one after another.

Compared to the attributes of their predecessors.

The attributes of this generation of descendants had a clear improvement.

Most people’s strengths were around seventy points, which would have been considered the most excellent in previous generations.

After many years—

The Gu Shizi seemed to finally have a phenomenon of a spurt in talent.

Although their talents could not be compared with the most outstanding descendants like Gu Kang, Gu Cheng, and Gu Xi.

But they were still extremely extraordinary.

Gu Yi naturally focused on the most outstanding descendants in the clan.

He did not intend to take action personally.

The current history was at a critical turning point, and the influence of the Gu Shizi had gradually decreased over such a long time.

If he were to take action, it might indeed allow the Gu Shizi to reach its peak once again.

Utilizing some modern knowledge.

To let the entire Nine Provinces take another step forward.

But as long as he took action, the Gu Shizi would certainly suffer unimaginable suppression once again.

By then, if the achievement points were exhausted and the clan descendants were mediocre, it would truly be difficult to change.

Gu Yi needed to consider the overall situation.

Taking a careful look, Gu Yi immediately noticed one person.

This was the most outstanding descendant of this generation of the Gu Shizi.

Named Gu Yu.

[Internal Affairs: 79; Diplomacy: 70; Politics: 81; Command: 73; Martial Arts: 63]

Although he could not be compared with the few people he had focused on before.

But for the current Gu Shizi, his attributes were already very comprehensive.

Of course—

Gu Yi would not just watch idly.

He had already briefly understood the subsequent history; if he did not take action, this Gu Yu would also find it difficult to change anything.

After the upcoming major trend.

With such ability, he would not be enough to support the Gu Shizi again.

"Draw!"

This time, Gu Yi did not have the slightest hesitation and directly summoned the draw in his heart.

His current achievement points were already close to eight hundred thousand.

This time, Gu Yi did not hold back at all.

He only kept five hundred thousand achievement points and spent all the remaining achievement points.

This was the result of his careful deliberation.

On the basis of ensuring one opportunity for himself to intervene, he also left some achievement points for items like the Psychic Jade.

The next moment, a series of prompts immediately flashed before Gu Yi's eyes.

[Draw successful.]

[Congratulations to the player for obtaining: Mortal-grade item—Mortal-grade item—Cure-All Talisman. Strength Talisman.]

[.]

A series of items flashed by from low to high.

By now, Gu Yi actually did not have such high requirements for all items.

Even the most ordinary Mortal-grade items.

For a clan like the Gu Shizi that needed to be glorious for ten thousand generations, they were also foundations and could play a big role at critical moments.

Mortal-grade items were the same.

However, he still wanted to draw items similar to the Wall-Breaking Card or Longevity Card.

No other reason, these items were too good!

As long as he chose the right cultivation target, it could not only significantly increase the influence of the Gu Shizi, but also bring him considerable achievement point returns.

But unfortunately.

The draw system of this game was just like a certain goose.

The more you wanted something, the less it would appear.

[Congratulations to the player for obtaining: Profound-grade item—Good Luck Card. Focus Card. Flash of Inspiration Card.]

[.]

[Congratulations to the player for obtaining: Profound-grade item—Attribute Card.]

[(Profound) Attribute Card: After use, you can choose to add one point to a clan descendant's attribute.]

[Congratulations to the player for obtaining: Earth-grade item—Luo River Harmony Instrument.]

[(Earth) Luo River Harmony Instrument: A special item. After use, it can be chosen to be integrated into a clan descendant to balance their attributes. At critical moments, it can lower other attributes to increase the required attribute. It automatically unbinds after the clan descendant dies!]

[Current Luck Value: 79%]

A series of prompts.

Gu Yi naturally noticed the final Earth-grade item, and his eyes suddenly turned sharp.

Luo River Harmony Instrument?

Unlike the previous few Earth-grade items.

Whether it was the Psychic Jade or the Xuanji Counting Rods.

These two Earth-grade items belonged to the auxiliary type, while the effect of this item was more direct!

It could adjust attributes.

Adjusting one's other attributes to the required attribute at a special moment.

The function of this item was huge!

Although Gu Yi knew that this kind of adjustment must have limitations.

But this could not make up for its utility!

This thing could directly raise an ordinary descendant to the top!

In an instant, even Gu Yi's breathing became rapid for a moment.

This thing was definitely a top-tier item!

For the long-term development of the Gu Shizi, its effect was simply unimaginable!

He carefully tallied the items obtained this time.

Apart from some basic items, the most useful ones currently were the two Attribute Cards and this Luo River Harmony Instrument.

After considering it briefly.

Gu Yi still chose to increase Gu Yu's Command attribute.

And he directly integrated the Luo River Harmony Instrument into Gu Yu's body, including the Flash of Inspiration Card that could provide an opportunity to raise the upper limit.

Under the current circumstances.

He did not have extra items that could cover the entire clan.

Striving to cultivate one top-tier talent was the most profitable.

Julu.

With a thought from Gu Yi.

A jade ring appeared in the void and directly integrated into Gu Yu's body.

The next moment.

Gu Yu, who was still an infant, seemed to feel something; he suddenly opened his eyes, stretched out his small hands to look at the empty sky, and actually started to laugh.

Time passed in a hurry.

The name of Yang Jian became increasingly loud throughout the world.

—Sui Prince of the Great Han.

The pressure brought by this title even surpassed those princes with the surname Liu.

Three years!

He only spent three years to sweep away all the princes with the surname Liu in the Northern Han.

He completely solidified his status within the entire Northern Dynasty.

Not an emperor, yet better than an emperor!

He completely shattered the filter of the Liu clan and used his own actions to tell the people of the world exactly how useless the Liu clan was.

Everything was just as he had said.

Looking at the Liu princes of the North and South, there was not a single hero among them.

The cycle of cause and effect was vividly reflected at this time.

The Great Han had stood for more than six hundred years.

Ever since the Li Emperor.

With the world in chaos until now, the people of the Liu clan had enjoyed too many transcendent treatments, which also destined today's outcome.

At the same time, Yang Jian did not forget to continue spreading rumors.

Rumors belonging to him, Yang Jian.

What he wanted to do was self-evident!

"The ambition of Yang Jian is known to all."

Rumors had spread not only throughout Northern Han, but even into Southern Han.

Regarding the rise of Yang Jian.

The Liu-surnamed princes of Southern Han were naturally unwilling.

But by now, they no longer had the heart to concern themselves with Yang Jian.

The title of Prince of Sui was like a button, completely unleashing the long-dormant ambitions of the people under heaven.

If even Yang Jian could do it, why couldn't we?

What was the point of supporting the Liu-surnamed princes?

That is the nature of prophetic superstitions.

Before everything has happened, such things can bring great constraints and fear to people.

But when everything is broken, and nothing happens.

Prophetic superstitions become completely ineffective!

Warlords from all directions rose up one after another.

Until now, the entire world seemed to have returned to normalcy.

Returned to that era where warlords rose together and heroes vied for the deer.

Great war broke out once more.

The fragility of the Liu-surnamed princes shocked everyone once again.

Facing the warlords rising one after another, they wanted to suppress them but had absolutely no way to do so.

Some warlords even came from within their own ranks.

For Yang Jian, this was also a once-in-a-millennium opportunity.

Northern Han.

Yang Jian, with a long sword at his waist, walked slowly toward the imperial palace.

A group of soldiers followed behind him.

Facing this scene, no one in the entire imperial palace dared to stop him.

Wherever Yang Jian passed, whether they were palace maids, eunuchs, or palace guards, they all knelt down without the slightest hesitation.

Entering the hall with sword and boots—

The path was completely unobstructed.

It was the morning court of Northern Han, and the Son of Heaven, Liu Rui, looked at the approaching Yang Jian with eyes full of fear.

Even his body was trembling slightly.

Years of control had completely crushed his spine, leaving him with no thought of resistance.

In truth, if it were in the past, he would not have been this afraid.

But this time was different.

Because among the ministers, some had already proposed that he abdicate the throne to Yang Jian.

The Great Han was going to perish in his hands!

Step. Step. Step.

In this silent hall, the sound of Yang Jian's footsteps was extremely loud.

His expression was very calm.

He walked straight into the hall, passed through the ministers, and bowed to Liu Rui: "I pay my respects to Your Majesty."

After speaking, without waiting for Liu Rui's reaction, he stepped over the white jade stairs and walked to the position reserved for him on the side.

Only one level lower than the Son of Heaven!

The morning court began.

Liu Rui sat on pins and needles, constantly watching Yang Jian on the sly.

And the first thing the ministers submitted was not anything else, but the matter of abdication.

As Gao Jiong signaled to the person beside him with his eyes.

Immediately, someone slowly stepped forward and shouted: "Your Majesty, your subject risks death to speak to Your Majesty."

"Reflecting on the Great Han, which has upheld the mandate of heaven for over eight hundred years, the High Ancestor raised a three-foot sword to stabilize the Guanzhong region, the World Ancestor revived the flame and restored the He-Luo region, and the Middle Ancestor connected with Gu to rectify the imperial order; all matched heaven with sacred virtue and aided the world with divine martial power."

"However, the mandate of heaven is not constant; it relies only on virtue."

"Now that Your Majesty has inherited the grand enterprise, originally intending to glorify the ancestors' achievements, alas, the yin and yang are in discord, and disasters occur frequently:"

"Currently, the Emperor Star in the Taiwei Enclosure is dim, while a new star in the Ziwei Enclosure shines as brightly as a dipper, its field corresponding to the Guan-Long region;"

"Last year, the earth in Luoyang cracked three zhang, black water surged out, and the turtle script said this is 'the Earth Virtue has declined, the Wood Virtue should flourish'."

"Children everywhere sing 'The golden knife breaks, the willow branch thrives,' and the elders all say this is the verification of the cycle of the Five Virtues."

"I observe the Prince of Sui, Lord Yang, who possesses the spirit of the rivers and mountains and carries the favor of the vast heaven:"

"Sweeping through the Six Garrisons like wind rolling away remnants, causing the fractured lands of the world to return to royal civilization."

"Restoring the well-field system to pacify the common people, and promoting the imperial examination to select the talented from humble origins, comparable to the Duke of Zhou establishing rites and Xiao He setting laws;"

"I also remember that during last year's eastern hunt at Taishan, a yellow dragon appeared at Gucheng, holding a jade tablet in its mouth that read: 'Wood Virtue replaces Han, the Yang clan receives the mandate'."

"This is the will of heaven."

"In the past, Tang Yao abdicated to Yu Shun, not out of selfishness for the world, but in obedience to the vast heavens;"

"Although the Han house is sacred, how can it violate the cycle of change between heaven and earth?"

"If Your Majesty now follows the example of the ancient sages and hands over the divine vessel to the virtuous, then: it will conform to the heart of heaven above, and pacify the billions below."

The resonant voice spread throughout the hall.

Following the end of his words.

One figure after another stepped out and knelt down toward Liu Rui on the dragon throne.

"We, your subjects, request that Your Majesty follow the example of the ancient sages and hand over the divine vessel to the virtuous!!!"

"We, your subjects, request that Your Majesty follow the example of the ancient sages and hand over the divine vessel to the virtuous!!!"

"We, your subjects, request that Your Majesty follow the example of the ancient sages and hand over the divine vessel to the virtuous!!!"

"..."

These high-pitched cries were like a verdict from heaven, completely announcing the death date of the Great Han.

Tears fell uncontrollably.

Liu Rui looked at the people present, then looked at Yang Jian, whose expression remained unchanged, and finally understood everything.

But the name "Han" still forced him to stand up.

Looking at the crowd present, he wanted to say something.

But the ministers did not give him this opportunity at all.

"Since the Tyrant Emperor rejected Gu, the world has been in chaos until now; could it be that Your Majesty still wants this to continue?"

This question caused the words on the tip of Liu Rui's tongue to remain unspoken.

——The Tyrant Emperor rejected Gu!

Violating the Middle Ancestor's oath, leading to the current outcome.

Over these years, he had heard it too many times.

In truth, there was resentment in Liu Rui's heart.

Resentment toward the Tyrant Emperor.

But by now, what more could he say?

The Great Han was about to perish, perishing in his hands.

The Northern Dynasty is like this.

How long can the Southern Dynasty hold on?

Unlike in the original history, the longer-lasting Great Han was also a greater burden for them.

He felt as if all his strength had been drained away.

Just as he stood up.

He staggered and fell back onto the dragon throne, then slowly looked at Yang Jian and said with a trembling voice: "What is the... intention of the Prince of Sui?"

Yang Jian showed no excitement, stood up immediately, and bowed to Liu Rui: "Your subject dares not overstep."

After speaking, he turned and left.

The ministers also involuntarily cleared a path for him.

There was neither joy nor sorrow on his face.

Even having reached this point today, Yang Jian did not show the slightest excitement.

Why be excited?

For him, from the moment he chose to take this step.

All of this was bound to happen!

He was now thinking about what method to use to pacify the world as quickly as possible.

This was a once-in-a-millennium opportunity.

The current trend is that warlords have risen together, but they are a step behind him.

He had already controlled the entire Northern Dynasty.

The internal chaos of the Southern Dynasty was a once-in-a-millennium opportunity for him!

——Three refusals and three yieldings.

The long-standing drama was staged once again in the north.

Facing the pressure from the assembled officials.

Liu Rui had absolutely no way out, and in the end, he had no choice but to do all of this, yielding the throne to Yang Jian.

The seventh year of Taian in the north; the sixth month.

The Emperor Liu Rui declined the throne three times.

Yang Jian finally accepted.

A grand abdication ceremony was held in Changancheng, and he officially ascended the throne as Emperor.

The era name was changed to "Kaihuang"!

Signifying the arrival of a new Emperor.

The prophecy of the Golden Blade that had formed over the hundreds of years of the Liu clan was finally broken by a hero.

But Yang Jian was ultimately unable to avoid its influence.

Just after taking the throne.

He imprisoned all the members of the Liu clan, and as for Liu Rui, who had abdicated to him, he naturally did not meet a good end and was secretly put to death.

——————

"On the Wuchen day of the sixth month in the seventh year of Taian, the Han Emperor sent Grand Commandant Cui Hongdu and Minister of Education Su Wei to carry the imperial seal and ribbon, presenting the scroll to the Prime Minister's residence to announce that the Mandate of Heaven had shifted.

The High Ancestor firmly declined, saying: 'I am but a warrior from Guanlong, having received great favor from the Han and holding a high position. Now that the world is not yet at peace, how dare I covet the divine vessel!'

The assembled officials and the hundred ministers went to the palace to submit a memorial, requesting that he fulfill the hopes of the millions.

The Emperor declined three times, then consented.

On that day, a white sparrow perched on the owl-tail ridge of the Taimiao in the south of Changancheng, a yellow star appeared in the daytime in the Purple Forbidden Enclosure, and sweet dew descended upon the cypress trees in front of the Taiji Hall.

The Grand Historian Yu Jicai reported: 'The white sparrow is the essence of metal responding to Sui; the yellow star is the earth virtue about to wane. These are signs of a change in surname; Your Majesty should follow the decree of the Vast Heaven.'

On the Gengwu day, an altar was set up on the sunny side of the Ba River.

The Han Emperor personally presented the jade scroll, wearing the imperial robes and holding the jade tablet, and said tearfully to the High Ancestor: 'The King of Sui possesses holy martial virtue and spreads culture; you should rule over the ten thousand states. I fear the Mandate of Heaven; how dare I not entrust this to you as Yao and Shun did?'

The High Ancestor faced north and bowed twice, received the jade tablet and disk, and burned firewood to announce it to Heaven.

The text read:

'Your subject, the King of Sui, Jian, dares to use a black bull to clearly announce to the August Empress and the August Emperor: The virtue of Han has declined, and ominous portents appear frequently. I fear the might of Heaven and reluctantly follow the counsel of the masses. May the gods and spirits bear witness to this!'

After the ceremony, an edict was issued changing the seventh year of Taian to the first year of Kaihuang, and a general amnesty was granted to the world.

That night, the Emperor Star in the Taiwei Enclosure moved west into the Wenchang Palace, its light obscuring the Big Dipper."

—— "Book of Sui: Annals of the High Ancestor"

(End of this chapter)