Chapter 21: Ten Thousand Directions Bear Guilt, the Sin Lies in My Own Person

—The age of prosperity has arrived!

On this point, everyone under Heaven is deeply convinced.

Gu Yi is also deeply of the same opinion.

One must know that in the original historical trajectory, the reign of Emperor Ming of Han was the key stage for the rapid recovery of the Han Dynasty's national strength.

At that time, natural disasters gradually decreased, and various policies beneficial to the people were successively implemented.

Liu Zhuang, in the original history, had already successfully restored the national strength of the Great Han to a certain height.

How much more so now, with the help of Gu Kang?

The promotion of scientific farming is destined to influence the entire recovery progress of the Great Han, and even cause the national strength of the Great Han to far exceed that of the original history.

The combination of this monarch and minister, Liu Zhuang and Gu Kang, is destined to be able to forge a complete age of prosperity.

After the great harvest in the seventh year of Yongning, Liu Zhuang and Gu Kang quickly adjusted their direction, ordering the commanderies and kingdoms to bestow public fields upon the poor, distributed according to population, in varying amounts.

They also strictly forbade local powerful clans from encroaching upon the land.

The impact of this matter was as great as when Liu Xiu first measured the fields in the past.

Yet, fundamentally, no one could defy it.

Everyone had already received benefits from this matter; to offend the Emperor at such a time would be to lose more than one gained.

Furthermore, Liu Zhuang also sent the most serious criminals from the Central Plains to the border regions to reclaim land, while simultaneously guarding against foreign enemies.

This move could be described as achieving multiple goals at once.

It not only eased the pressure on border defense but also increased the arable land of the Great Han.

It even gradually caused the crime rate under Heaven to drop.

Likewise, Liu Zhuang left hope for these criminals; as long as they could resist foreign enemies or reclaim a certain amount of land, their sentences could be reduced!

Under these successive measures.

In a short span of two years, the national strength of the entire Great Han had completely recovered, and its momentum of development far exceeded that of the Former Han period.

The feeling this gave people was extremely obvious.

The entire Great Han seemed to have been reborn.

Even the lowest-level commoners actually had surplus grain, and smiles appeared on their faces.

"The world is peaceful, the people are free from forced labor, the years are like a bumper harvest, and the commoners are prosperous."

This is the best description for the current era.

And it is precisely because of this that both the Emperor, Liu Zhuang, and the man who led the cultivation of land under Heaven, Gu Kang, saw their reputations reach unimaginable heights.

Whenever the fields were harvested, the commoners would consciously bow toward Luoyang, calling out "Sage" to honor the Son of Heaven.

As for Gu Kang, the commoners regarded him as an immortal who could bring them great harvests.

This kind of reaction was unprecedented.

It is also precisely because of this that the reputation of the entire Gu family grew higher and higher under these circumstances.

It was even higher than when Gu Xiao was alive!

This was something Gu Yi had not anticipated at all.

Today, Gu Kang's status in the entire Great Han court has completely reached a height that no one can match.

Even though his rank is still that of the Nine Ministers.

But this official title clearly cannot fully indicate his current status.

Whether from the Emperor's favor or his own meritorious service, he has gradually acquired the influence of his father; no one can ignore the words he speaks.

And since the court officials are all the greatest beneficiaries, how could they block Gu Kang's path again?

To ascend to the heavens in one step—that is exactly what this refers to.

And as the national strength gradually recovered, Liu Zhuang's thoughts also gradually shifted to the enemies.

In fact, ever since Liu Xiu restored the Great Han, the borders of the Great Han had never been peaceful.

Because control over the Western Regions was lost, the current Western Regions could be described as a chaotic mess, and they had completely become a potent tonic for the Northern Xiongnu.

The Northern Xiongnu utilized the manpower and resources of the Western Regions to greatly increase their strength, repeatedly invading the various commanderies of the Great Han in Hexi, causing the local commoners to suffer unspeakably.

The Western Regions were vast, and this problem could not be solved at all back then.

The world at that time simply could not bear a war of such scale.

It was precisely because of this that Liu Xiu never intervened in the Western Regions; even when the various states of the Western Regions came to surrender, he maintained the same attitude.

And regarding the Northern Xiongnu, he also focused mainly on defending the cities.

This was entirely a helpless move at the time.

But now that the Great Han's national strength has recovered, Liu Zhuang naturally wants to completely resolve this risk.

In fact, Liu Zhuang had long been thinking about this matter.

One can see his attitude through the continuous strengthening of the borders, the establishment of the General Who Crosses the Desert, and the successive dispatching of great generals to the four directions.

But when Liu Zhuang announced his intention to raise an army.

This time, the court officials were almost all in opposition.

They even brought up the matter of how Liu Xiu had refused the Marquis of Langling, Zang, and the Marquis of Yangxu, Ma Wu, in the past to spare the people, trying to persuade Liu Zhuang not to mobilize troops lightly.

There was no help for it; the explosive growth in grain production in various places had made these people deeply aware of the benefits involved.

Fighting a war is destined to affect farming.

Under the current circumstances, no one was willing to fight.

To put it bluntly, they just hadn't earned enough yet!

Facing the court officials using this excuse to oppose the mobilization of troops, Liu Zhuang was also very helpless.

What could he do?

The Great Han governs the world through filial piety!

And over these years, as he has used himself as an example, the people of the Great Han have become increasingly concerned with morality.

Especially filial piety and respecting teachers and the Dao.

He could have used his status as Emperor to forcibly execute this matter, but doing so would undoubtedly be destroying his own foundation.

Some things, if done.

To make up for them again would require even more effort.

Liu Zhuang was clearly aware of this, which is why he had never made up his mind.

Nangong.

Today, Liu Zhuang, as usual, discussed this matter with Gu Kang.

Gu Kang is increasingly favored now.

But when facing Liu Zhuang, he always strictly observed the etiquette between monarch and minister, showing not the slightest sign of arrogance due to favor.

He respectfully bowed to Liu Zhuang and then said, "Your Majesty, in this subject's view."

"Not all of the court officials are opposed to the matter of mobilizing troops."

"The great generals who followed the late Emperor to restore the Han in the past have passed away one after another."

"The young generals all yearn to establish merit and build a career, but they are held back by the overwhelming momentum of the world and dare not speak rashly."

"But Your Majesty can plan for it gradually."

"The court officials do not want to prevent Your Majesty from mobilizing troops; they just do not want Your Majesty to mobilize troops on a large scale."

"If Your Majesty were to announce at this time that you are only sending generals to launch a surprise attack, the court officials would surely be overjoyed and would never refuse."

"And one can take this opportunity to train the young generals of our Great Han."

"Wait another two years, when the national strength of the Great Han has completely recovered, and even exceeds that of the time of Emperor Wen, the court officials will have no more reasons to block Your Majesty."

"By then, our Great Han will have strong soldiers and sturdy horses, and numerous generals; why would Your Majesty worry about not being able to complete the great cause in your heart?"

Gu Kang's expression was calm as he analyzed the political situation for Liu Zhuang in an orderly manner.

Perhaps because of his impatience, while the Liu Zhuang of the past would definitely have thought of various ways to deal with these officials, he now needed Gu Kang's guidance.

But this could not be blamed on him.

Any emperor with great ambitions in his heart would not choose to waste time.

Moreover, the appearance of Gu Kang had given Liu Zhuang even grander aspirations.

He wanted the strength of the Great Han to surpass all previous dynasties!

Even the peak of the Former Han would not suffice!

With such ambitions, how could Liu Zhuang watch time slip away in vain?

However, after hearing these words from Gu Kang, Liu Zhuang gradually calmed down.

He looked at Gu Kang with a complex expression, was silent for a moment, and sighed again, "If all the ministers of our Great Han were like Jishi."

"I truly cannot imagine what a prosperous scene the Great Han would present."

These words were similar to what he had said in the past, yet they were filled with even deeper emotion.

"My talent can only be displayed under an enlightened monarch like Your Majesty," Gu Kang said humbly, without the slightest intention of claiming credit.

"This time, I will not take your words as flattery," Liu Zhuang smiled, clearly having thought the matter through.

Subsequently, he summoned the court officials and directly announced the matter.

And the reaction of the court officials was just as Gu Kang had expected; they all praised Liu Zhuang for his wisdom.

In fact, the pressure on the court officials when dealing with a strong emperor like Liu Zhuang was the greatest.

If not for being able to use Liu Xiu's past actions as a shield.

Who under Heaven would dare to oppose Liu Zhuang?

Now that the Emperor has already spoken of a punitive expedition, it signifies that there will be no large-scale mobilization; how could they possibly continue to hold out?

The major matter was settled just like that.

And after Liu Zhuang had completely calmed down, his exceptional talent was able to be fully displayed.

He swiftly formulated a strategy for four great armies to jointly attack the Northern Xiongnu:

———General of the Household for All Purposes Ji Tong to lead 11,000 cavalry from the Hedong, Beidi, and Xihe Qiang and Hu tribes, as well as the Southern Chanyu’s troops, out of the Gaoque Pass;

Commandant of the Chariots Dou Gu to lead 12,000 cavalry in total, consisting of armored soldiers from Jiuquan, Dunhuang, and Zhangye, along with the Lushui Qiang and Hu tribes, out of Jiuquan;

Commandant of the Imperial Son-in-law Geng Bing to lead 10,000 cavalry, consisting of recruited soldiers from Wuwei, Longxi, and Tianshui, along with the Qiang and Hu tribes, out of the Juyan Pass;

Commandant of Cavalry Lai Miao to lead 11,000 cavalry, consisting of troops from Taiyuan, Yanmen, Dai Commandery, Youbeiping, and Dingxiang, along with the Wuhuan and Xianbei, out of the Pingcheng Pass.

The four great armies were to advance north together to jointly attack the Northern Xiongnu.

After many years, the war machine of the Great Han was finally set in motion once again.

Although it was not a full-scale effort like during the time of great chaos under heaven, given the current national strength of the Great Han, the power of these four armies was not comparable to the past.

"Zhong Sheng!"

Gu Cheng hurried over to find Ban Chao and shouted excitedly, "The opportunity for you and me, brothers, to perform meritorious service has finally arrived!"

"His Majesty has already permitted me to join the expedition with the Commandant of the Chariots!"

He had truly been stifled for too long.

Over these years, although small-scale wars had occurred in the Great Han from time to time, he had never been deployed and had always been holed up in the Central Army training soldiers.

Now that the opportunity had finally come, how could he not be excited?

Upon hearing this, Ban Chao was also overjoyed; he stood up immediately, grabbed Gu Cheng’s arm, and asked urgently, "Is what you say true, brother?"

The two of them indeed got along very well, and after spending some time together, they had even become sworn brothers.

"Naturally it is true!" Gu Cheng nodded, "How would I joke about such a matter?"

Ban Chao became agitated at once.

In fact, when he first heard Gu Cheng say he would recommend him to the army, he had been very happy.

Because Ban Chao had also always felt that he was not suited for holding a brush.

He had thought that what followed would be building a career, but who could have expected that he would wait for so many years?

Now, this opportunity had truly arrived!

"Zhong Sheng, you and I, as brothers, must seize this opportunity."

"Brother told me that as long as we can perform a great service this time, His Majesty will certainly entrust us with important tasks then!"

"His Majesty is a heroic and wise monarch; this is our good fortune, and we must never let him down!"

Gu Cheng looked at Ban Chao earnestly and said.

"Rest assured, brother, I will certainly not lose face for the Grand Minister of Agriculture!"

Ban Chao clearly still remembered the favor of Gu Kang’s recommendation.

This was the Great Han of today.

At a time when moral character was increasingly valued, the grace of a recommendation was also a great favor.

"I am telling you not to let your own talent down!"

Unexpectedly, Gu Cheng suddenly became serious; he stared fixedly at Ban Chao and said, "Do you still remember that physiognomist from back then?"

"He once said that both you and I, brothers, would be enfeoffed as marquises ten thousand miles away."

"Your brother has always kept this matter in mind."

Speaking to the end, Gu Cheng patted Ban Chao’s shoulder with extreme solemnity, his eyes full of expectation.

Looking at Gu Cheng’s eyes, which seemed to carry a radiance.

Ban Chao was stunned for a moment, and after taking a deep breath, he nodded with unusual seriousness.

For the Great Han of today.

A mobilization of this scale naturally would not cause any excessive turmoil.

However, the officials would often bring up this matter.

They seemed to have sensed the thoughts of Liu Zhuang and Gu Kang.

From time to time, they would say things like how the common people of the world all longed for His Majesty to continue resting and recuperating.

It seemed they wanted to use the name of the common people to dispel the thoughts in Liu Zhuang’s heart.

Just focus on farming!

Why go to war for no reason?

The Western Regions are so far away... how much manpower would that cost?

As for the Northern Xiongnu, there is even less need to mention them.

Back then, the Filial Martial Emperor fought for so many years, and in the end, was he not still unable to cut the weeds and dig up the roots?

Look at how much the common people of the world love you today.

As long as you do not raise the sword and continue to govern the world like this, your evaluation in the future will definitely not be lower than that of Emperor Wen.

Why bother tossing and turning?

Regarding this little scheme of the officials, Liu Zhuang and Gu Kang, these two political masters, were naturally well aware of it.

However, Liu Zhuang was simply too lazy to respond to this.

It was one thing for you to use the actions of the late Emperor as a shield this time.

When the national strength of the world far exceeds that of the Former Han, if you dare to talk nonsense again, then you cannot blame him.

He was not an Emperor who could tolerate things forever!

Deyang Hall.

When Liu Zhuang heard someone mention again where the common people were praising him, he instinctively frowned.

Recently, such talk had become more and more frequent.

When the praise of the common people acquired political implications, it would also change in flavor.

He had just wanted to reprimand them and tell the officials not to mention this matter often in the future.

Unexpectedly, at the very next moment, the sky changed drastically!

A familiar scene occurred once again.

The sky was darkening slowly at a speed visible to the naked eye.

The sound of voices came to an abrupt halt.

All the officials noticed this scene, and their expressions changed instantly.

Liu Zhuang and Gu Kang were also stunned.

This scene instantly stirred their memories.

Back when Gu Xiao passed away, the celestial phenomena changed drastically, and Liu Xiu used this as a reason to prevent the officials from calling him "Sage."

This matter was no secret in the world.

It was precisely because of this that now, seeing the sudden change in the sky, no one in the imperial court could remain calm.

After a brief silence, the Three Excellencies of the court immediately rose one after another, intending to remove their crowns and kowtow to Heaven.

At the same time, there were also officials shouting in a panic.

"For many years there has been no celestial change, yet now that our Great Han has just raised an army, there is this sudden change; could it be that Heaven does not allow our Great Han to raise an army?"

"Your Majesty! The sudden change in celestial phenomena is by no means a coincidence; this old subject kowtows and requests Your Majesty to stop the army and give the people rest, so as not to anger Heaven and implicate the common people!"

"..."

Listening to these shouts, Liu Zhuang’s expression grew increasingly unsightly.

Like the people of the world in this era.

Even though Liu Zhuang was exceptionally talented, he could not completely avoid the superstition regarding the Dao of ghosts and gods.

Even Gu Kang, who had received Gu Yi’s education, could not fully achieve this, let alone others.

But to say that this alone would make him abandon all the ambitions he had held for so many years.

How could that be possible?

He was Liu Zhuang!

He was the Emperor who would lead the entire Great Han to its peak!

How could he give up just because of this one celestial change?

In a fleeting moment, countless thoughts surged through Liu Zhuang’s mind.

Watching as the Three Excellencies were about to take the lead in kneeling down.

At this very instant.

His reprimand rang out sharply.

"No need!!!"

Everyone immediately looked at Liu Zhuang.

At this time, the sky had not yet completely darkened, and there were still candles around, so it did not affect everyone’s vision.

They saw Liu Zhuang with a serious expression, slowly rising, and in front of the officials, he said solemnly:

"If there is guilt in the ten thousand directions, the guilt lies with me."

"You need not kneel; just attend to your respective duties."

"From this day forward, I shall fast."

"If the army of our Great Han cannot win the first battle."

"From this moment on, I shall never eat meat again!"

The entire hall was shocked!

The whole grand hall fell into absolute, deathly silence in that instant.

Gu Kang stared blankly at Liu Zhuang, and Liu Zhuang also looked toward Gu Kang at this moment.

Sovereign and subject locked eyes.

With just a single glance, they both perceived the other's resolve.

Without any excessive words, Gu Kang simply exhaled deeply, then bowed profoundly toward Liu Zhuang.

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(End of this chapter)