Chapter 22: Ambition Unfulfilled, Emperor Liu Zhuang Dies

It did not surprise Gu Yi.

Emperor Liu Zhuang, a ruler whose very bones were steeped in obsession with grand ambitions, would never let any opportunity slip away.

After corresponding with Gu Kang.

He decisively ordered the reopening of the Western Regions Protectorate and appointed Gu Cheng as Protector of the Western Regions.

And to maximize the potential gains from this endeavor,

he issued edicts commanding all officials across the realm to practice strict frugality and vigorously promote simple burials.

He led by example, slashing imperial palace expenditures to the bare minimum.

He poured every ounce of Han's human, material, and financial resources without reservation into the critical water control project and Western Regions affairs.

And under these circumstances,

after enduring a full year of forging ahead through thorns and brambles,

——in the summer of Yongping Twelve.

The water control project was finally completed.

When the final shovelful of earth was dug away, the Yellow River surged like a wild horse unchained into its new channel.

Everyone watched this moment with bated breath.

Until reports came in from every region that no levees had broken,

cheers erupted like rolling thunder, shaking the entire Han realm.

The whole nation trembled!

A century of disasters finally came to an end this day.

Gu Kang stood by the riverbank, gazing at the endless flow of water, his eyes also growing slightly red.

His heart surged with emotion, hard to contain; his body trembled involuntarily.

They had truly succeeded.

Though he had already achieved much by now,

for Gu Kang, this was clearly the most important thing.

He had the painter create two paintings.

Perhaps because he had been influenced by Gu Yi since childhood,

Gu Kang was accustomed to preserving things of great significance.

This moment was clearly the most fitting.

He sent one painting back to Hebei and the other to Luoyang.

Gu Yi, of course, was overjoyed.

If every generation could cultivate this habit,

he could hardly imagine how many national treasures his family would one day possess.

Though these items might not survive,

as long as the quantity was sufficient, that was enough!

Even if damaged, such objects carried meaning enough to make them invaluable.

When this matter reached the court, events unfolded exactly as history had recorded.

The entire court was shaken!

Emperor Liu Zhuang was overjoyed.

He had waited for this day longer than he could remember.

This was the first time since his ascension that he had gotten utterly drunk, and he decided to tour the region to inspect the results of the water control project.

Xingyang.

After a year's passage, the emperor and his minister met again.

Gu Kang's transformation was astonishing.

His skin had darkened from the sun, and he looked weary yet brimming with strength.

He resembled no high-ranking official of the court, but rather an ordinary farmer toiling in the fields.

When Liu Zhuang saw him, he paused slightly, his eyes filled with surprise and emotion.

Liu Zhuang was this kind of emperor.

He favored officials like Gu Kang—capable and pragmatic.

Without question, Gu Kang was immediately promoted to the position of Grand Tutor; all others who participated in the water control received their due rewards.

Though the ministers had long anticipated this, when it actually happened, their emotions were complex.

Grand Tutor.

That was one of the Three Excellencies.

Two generations, both with such merit.

Whether Gu Xiao or Gu Kang, neither man's achievements left room for doubt.

Most crucially,

Gu Cheng, the long-overlooked second son of the Gu family, had begun to earn merit as well.

Who in the realm today did not know the emperor's ambitions?

Clearly, he would have many more chances to earn merit in the future.

Clearly, the Gu family's rise was now unstoppable.

This was the view of everyone in the realm.

On the official boat drifting downstream along the river.

Liu Zhuang, dressed in casual attire, stood on the deck.

A light breeze brushed his face.

He carefully observed everything around him—the mountains, rivers, fields, and villages—all within view—while silently listening to Gu Kang's detailed explanation of the intricate principles behind the water management project.

Gu Kang explained why this governance plan had been chosen, and the many benefits it would bring after implementation;

then the profound significance of constructing these canals;

and the area of land that could be irrigated, the projected increase in grain production, and more;

he elaborated on every detail, big or small.

Although Gu Kang had already explained these things to Liu Zhuang more than once before.

But reading letters and seeing it with one's own eyes produced entirely different feelings.

Especially when he occasionally saw the people along both banks kneeling toward the imperial boat, chanting in unison, "Sacred Benevolence of Heaven," Liu Zhuang felt an indescribable surge of emotion and pride.

Only after Gu Kang finished speaking did Liu Zhuang turn to him and say with deep feeling: "You've worked hard to save the world."

His expression was utterly serious; seeing this magnificent achievement, Liu Zhuang could imagine how difficult it must have been to complete.

"For Your Majesty and for the people of the realm, it is my duty—how could it be hard?"

Gu Kang smiled faintly, as modest as ever, showing not the slightest hint of self-congratulation.

Seeing this, Liu Zhuang shook his head.

He had grown accustomed to Gu Kang's humility.

Though he had mentioned more than once that between the two of them in private, such formality was unnecessary, Gu Kang always remained this way.

He could do nothing about it.

Then, without speaking, both men turned to discussing state affairs.

For Liu Zhuang,

what he most desired now was to launch a campaign into the Western Regions.

The Protectorate of the Western Regions was already established; with more troops sent, Han's influence could be continuously expanded.

It would take no long before the Western Regions were fully reclaimed.

He even wished to dispatch troops immediately.

But Gu Kang still seriously explained to him the current state of the realm.

"Your Majesty, though our Great Han's strength has not suffered great damage,

this massive corvée labor has already left the people weary."

As always, Gu Kang did not offer any blunt remonstrance—merely hinted, leaving Liu Zhuang to make his own choice.

But for an Emperor like Liu Zhuang, there was often only one choice.

"Jishi, when do you think we can launch the campaign?"

Liu Zhuang asked without hesitation, seeking Gu Kang's opinion directly.

"At least one year," Gu Kang said solemnly and seriously. "During this water management project, when I excavated the canals, I deliberately surveyed the terrain, resulting in many new fertile fields along both banks."

"Your Majesty can assign these fields to the people for cultivation."

"If no natural disaster strikes, just one year will suffice—by then, our Great Han's treasury will surely be full, and Your Majesty's great undertaking may then..."

"There will be no natural disaster!" Before Gu Kang could finish, Liu Zhuang suddenly spoke with sharp, resolute force, his eyes brimming with absolute confidence: "Our Great Han will never suffer a natural disaster!"

Hearing this, Gu Kang was momentarily startled, a flicker of surprise crossing his face.

Perhaps because of Gu Kang's influence,

Liu Zhuang no longer believed in ghostly or divine matters as he once had.

He shouldn't have said such a thing.

Could someone have influenced the Emperor while he was away from Luoyang?

Gu Kang immediately thought of this possibility.

But before he could speak, Liu Zhuang's voice rang out again.

"Jishi, a few days ago, I dreamed of the late Emperor and my mother."

"In the dream, I seemed to return to my childhood."

"The late Emperor was still as towering and omnipotent as ever."

"He and my mother were still so deeply devoted to each other."

"In the dream, I was carefree—every worry and difficulty was solved by my father and mother."

"I believe this is proof that the late Emperor and my mother approve of my current merits."

"If so, how could our Great Han suffer a natural disaster?"

A gentle breeze brushed past; Liu Zhuang let the wind stir his robes and hair, his eyes filled with unwavering resolve and grandeur.

At this moment, he was radiant with vigor, as if the entire realm lay under his control.

Gu Kang fell silent for a moment, then nodded slightly: "Your Majesty is right—our Great Han will not suffer a natural disaster."

"Exactly!"

Liu Zhuang looked at Gu Kang and laughed aloud: "I feel even Wu Hou would approve of you and Zhenyu."

In an instant, Gu Xiao's face flashed sharply into Gu Kang's mind.

Regarding his own father,

the older Gu Kang grew, the more extraordinary he found Gu Xiao.

Everything he and Gu Cheng knew—every skill they possessed—was learned from Gu Xiao.

Whether commanding troops, managing state affairs, or even farming and water management,

Gu Xiao truly seemed omnipotent.

He thought back to everything Gu Xiao had told him, and the four large characters "Gu Clan, Wan Shi" flashed forth once more.

Would Gu Xiao approve of what he was doing now?

He thought about it.

Then he nodded seriously.

He would surely approve!

Seeing this, Liu Zhuang's smile deepened.

Suddenly, he seized Gu Kang's arm and pulled him to his side, his eyes gleaming as he addressed the two banks of Jiangshan aloud:

"Good!"

"If so, let you and I, sovereign and minister, join hands to forge unprecedented Merit and lay the foundation for Han's Wan Shi!"

"The late Emperor failed to take the Wu Hou with him to Mount Taishan for the Fengshan rites—that was his greatest regret in life."

"I do not wish to have such a regret."

"Jishi! When that time comes, I hope to fulfill the late Emperor's great regret."

Gu Kang had never expected Liu Zhuang to say such a thing; for once, he lost control of his emotions and showed unmistakable surprise.

Looking at the vigorous emperor before him, he drew a deep breath, then quietly nodded:

"Your servant accepts the order!"

After this, Liu Zhuang seemed even more resolute in his goal.

Upon returning to Luoyang again, he became even more diligent in governance.

He still insisted on personally handling every matter, setting an example in all things.

The spirit of frugality did not cease after the flood control ended; instead, it grew even stronger.

He granted those fertile fields to refugees and strictly forbade local magnates from seizing land, vigorously encouraging agriculture and sericulture.

At the same time, Liu Zhuang often took the main seat at the Imperial Academy to lecture.

Although this was not the first time he had done so, the world now had changed utterly compared to past years.

He truly possessed astonishing mastery in classical scholarship.

No matter how many questions the students asked one after another, he gave each one an accurate answer.

Under these circumstances,

the influence of this event rapidly rose throughout Guanzhong, even across the entire Han realm.

Countless people across the land rushed to Luoyang.

All eager to hear the learning of this sage monarch.

"The Confucian scholars held their classics and questioned him before him; those adorned with caps and sashes gathered around the academy gates to listen—numbering in the hundreds of millions."

This phrase might well be the best description of the moment.

The Han truly was different.

The people of the realm had begun to seek things beyond mere survival.

Throughout it all, Gu Kang had remained by Liu Zhuang's side.

Listening to Liu Zhuang answer the students' questions, absorbing the myriad forms of knowledge, he would often sink into deep thought.

Then, Gu Kang actually began to consider writing a book.

Although he had only just begun.

Yet this deeply shook Gu Yi.

Could Gu Kang really develop an entirely new school of thought?

Although for the present Han, Gu Yi could not fully determine the future's path,

if it were truly so,

it would bring nothing but benefit to the entire Gu Clan.

For Gu Kang had truly forged a glorious golden age.

Whether by status or by ability,

he had already earned the right.

If history truly followed its original course, and if Gu Kang truly completed his book, it would offer future Gu Clan descendants another form of protection.

After all, the present golden age stands before us!

Thinking of this, Gu Yi grew even more eager.

The entire Han grew ever stronger within this atmosphere.

It seemed as if it were Heaven's will.

The next year, the Han truly suffered no major disasters.

Everyone knew Liu Zhuang's next plan: to launch a campaign against the Western Regions and realize his grand ambition.

But now, no one dared to oppose him.

With the success of flood control, Liu Zhuang's prestige had reached its absolute peak; the people of the realm all called him "Sage."

An emperor with such prestige was destined to face no further obstacles.

Not only throughout the entire Han.

Even the Western Regions and the Northern Xiongnu were preparing to welcome Han's armies.

But… Liu Zhuang's sudden illness brought everything to a halt.

Not only were the Han ministers stunned, but even Gu Yi was shocked upon hearing the news.

"This shouldn't be…" Gu Yi muttered to himself, "According to the original history, Liu Zhuang should have had several more years of life."

"Could it be that the Gu Clan's influence has grown so great that it has caused such a drastic change?"

This was an unsolvable problem.

The emergence of the Gu clan had utterly altered the entire history of the Eastern Han.

Whether it was the energy expended in governing the realm, or the pressure endured,

there were simply too many possibilities that could have led Liu Zhuang to this state.

Nangong.

The atmosphere was serious and oppressive.

After reading his final edict to the ministers, Liu Zhuang retained only Gu Kang.

At this moment, his face was as pale as paper, his form withered, and all strength to rise had vanished.

The former vigor and heroism were gone entirely; he bore no resemblance to the wise sovereign he once was.

He lay quietly upon the bed, his eyes fixed unblinkingly on Gu Kang, filled with resentment and boundless worry.

"I… have always feared I would fail to fulfill my grand vision…" Liu Zhuang's voice was faint and hoarse, his breath barely there.

Seeing this, Gu Kang hurried forward several steps, barely catching his words.

At the very moment Gu Kang stepped forward, Liu Zhuang seemed to experience a final surge of vitality—his dim eyes suddenly blazed with sharp light.

With all his remaining strength, he thrust out both hands and gripped Gu Kang's arm tightly.

His pupils contracted sharply, as if pouring his last strength and hope into Gu Kang.

"Save the world!!!"

He cried out with all his might, "Watch over this realm for me!"

At this moment, his voice, strained by emotion and weakness, was especially hoarse; his eyes were bloodshot, his face terrifying.

He was truly afraid.

Afraid that the glorious Han era would collapse after his death.

Gu Kang silently gazed at the emperor, who stood on the brink of death, tears welling in his eyes.

He nodded solemnly and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured—I shall assist the Crown Prince and fulfill Your Majesty's grand vision!"

The moment he finished speaking,

Liu Zhuang's grip on Gu Kang's arm instantly loosened.

In that instant, he seemed to lose all strength, his hands falling limply to his sides.

His breathing grew increasingly rapid, until it ceased entirely.

On the Renzi day of the eighth month of the thirteenth year of Yongping;

—Liu Zhuang passed away in the front hall of the Donggong in Luoyang.

His final edict stated: "I have done nothing to benefit the people; follow the system of Emperor Xiaowen, and strive for simplicity and frugality.

Do not build a temple or ancestral hall; keep my spirit tablet in the annex chamber of Empress Guanglie."

Crown Prince Liu Da ascended the throne.

—————————

"On the Renzi day of the eighth month of the thirteenth year of Yongping, the four seas were tranquil, the people joyful and content.

The Emperor harbored vast and grand ambitions, seeking to establish an unshakable foundation for ten thousand generations.

Who could have foreseen that heaven would not fulfill his will? The Emperor suddenly fell gravely ill, his condition worsened, and he passed away in the front hall of the Donggong.

Upon hearing the news, court and realm were shaken with grief; the common folk wept blood, Shanhe shared in mourning.

The Emperor's aspirations remained unfulfilled—a true calamity for the state. Yet during his reign, his benevolent virtue spread far and wide, his civil achievements shone brightly, his grace endured eternally, recorded forever in the annals."

——Records of the Later Han, Annals of Emperor Xiaoming

New week, new book chart refreshed—kneeling for recommendation votes and monthly votes.

The plot after Emperor Ming will accelerate, and differ from the recent tone.

Brothers, don't worry about the plot collapsing… frankly, the author has already fully planned out a long stretch of story.

Actually, I've got a lot I want to say—how about setting up a bonus update rule early next month? To prep for the upcoming subscription surge?

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(End of Chapter)