[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl":3,"chapter-controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-chapter-23":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Controlling My Ancestors: Building an Immortal Clan Starting from the Eastern Han Dynasty",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2285692,4471,"Chapter 23: Governing the Great River and Sending Envoys to the Western Regions, Blossoming on Two Fronts","controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-chapter-23",23,"\u003Cp>—What a perfect assist!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once Gu Kang said this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the atmosphere inside the great hall changed abruptly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assembled officials understood immediately; their gazes first turned toward Gu Kang, then immediately darted toward Liu Zhuang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Their lips trembled slightly, as if choked by something, and in the end, they could not speak a word.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What else was there to say?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The momentum was already set!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By using Liu Xiu’s past actions and adding this celestial omen, they had already forced Liu Zhuang into a dead end.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And now, they had to bear the consequences of the tide turning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The momentum was already irreversible!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although only one of the four great armies had achieved a great victory this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The other three, while yielding no results, had also suffered no casualties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was enough!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If anyone still wanted to use this as an excuse to block Liu Zhuang, they would first have to ask themselves if their necks were hard enough!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These officials were by no means dull; after a brief silence, they bowed to Liu Zhuang one after another and shouted in unison:\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Congratulations, Your Majesty!!!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Zhuang looked at Gu Kang, the smile on his face deepening.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He favored Gu Kang so much not just because of his talent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was also because Gu Kang could always stand on the same front as him and provide him with perfect coordination.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good! Good!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Zhuang exclaimed repeatedly, then immediately ordered, \"Proclaim this to the world at once.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Our Han Army has won!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"And it is a great victory at that!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Additionally, convey my edict: the Northern Expedition army shall all be rewarded!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Liu Zhuang displayed the demeanor of an enlightened ruler, methodically carrying out a series of reward measures.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dou Gu was directly promoted to General Who Conquers the Caitiffs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was within expectations; after all, Dou Gu was originally a Commandant of Chariots and Cavalry, and having performed a great service, becoming a general with a miscellaneous title was reasonable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was surprising was Gu Cheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Zhuang actually wanted to appoint him as General Who Breaks the Caitiffs, making him a general with a miscellaneous title just like Dou Gu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This decision truly exceeded everyone's expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One must know that although Gu Cheng had also performed a great service this time, he was originally only a Military Sima, far below Dou Gu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Logically, being appointed as a Lieutenant General would have been most appropriate, and appointing him as a general with a miscellaneous title was going a bit too far.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The assembled officials were all shocked.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Some even immediately spoke up to remonstrate, saying this move might cause instability on the frontier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, if both were generals with miscellaneous titles, who would listen to whom in the future?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Liu Zhuang did not care in the slightest and directly suppressed the sentiments of the crowd.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the situation they spoke of might be correct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was not applicable to the present.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who was Gu Cheng?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was the son of Gu Xiao!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His status already carried enough influence among these meritorious families.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention that the Gu family today was no longer what it was when Gu Kang and Gu Cheng first stepped into Luoyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the world today, who would dare underestimate the Gu family?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not to mention that Gu Cheng had performed such a great service this time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regarding this, Gu Kang did not say much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He naturally knew that Liu Zhuang was doing this to prevent Dou Gu from becoming too powerful alone on the frontier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If there were no suitable choice, Liu Zhuang might not have done this, but now that he had Gu Cheng, he was destined to arrange everything.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was that kind of Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The art of kingship, the way of balance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Subsequently, Liu Zhuang appointed Ban Chao as Military Sima and rewarded all the soldiers of this expedition.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Nangong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahaha, satisfying! Today is truly satisfying!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After many days, Liu Zhuang’s hearty laughter finally rang out within Nangong once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had been suppressing himself for too long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even as an Emperor, it was impossible to completely resolve such matters, so he could only keep them suppressed in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Today, this knot in his heart was finally completely untied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Kang also rarely showed a smile in front of Liu Zhuang at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheng had finally performed a meritorious service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was much closer to the goal he had set when he returned to Luoyang all those years ago.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as things continued to go smoothly like this, the entire Gu family might reach the grand state of having two marquises in one generation during Liu Zhuang's reign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By then, the Gu family would have the prestige to rank among the most powerful clans in the world!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he not be happy?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Jishi, you shall dine in the palace today.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Zhuang was in high spirits and said impatiently, \"You and I, monarch and subject, shall have a good talk, just like in the old days.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Clearly, the fact that Liu Xiu’s great cause was unfinished and he died prematurely had left a deep impression on him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not want to waste any time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This subject obeys.\" Gu Kang smiled and bowed in acceptance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two dined together in Nangong, and then naturally discussed state affairs.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that the momentum was set, their eyes naturally turned toward the Western Regions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And things were developing just as they had in original history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Zhuang intended to send Ban Chao as an envoy to the Western Regions, relying on the prestige of this great Han victory to pacify the Western Regions in one stroke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Kang expressed deep agreement with this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Ban Chao and Gu Cheng became sworn brothers, he had also contacted Ban Chao many times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>People with high political acumen usually have one characteristic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That is, the ability to judge people.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Kang had long understood Ban Chao’s talent, not to mention that he had now performed meritorious service.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Gu Kang brought up another matter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Water control!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since the time of Emperor Ping, the Great River and the Bian Canal have repeatedly breached and flooded, and the people have suffered greatly, with countless casualties.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Later, the world fell into chaos, and it has never been rectified.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that a prosperous age has arrived, the people on both banks still suffer deeply; this subject has investigated this matter in detail, and the people all hope that the imperial court can rectify the Great River.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This is the desire of the people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"This subject believes the time has come to carry out water control.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Kang poured out what was in his heart without reservation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In fact, he had long had this thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Kang was already extremely proficient in farming and knew well the harm water disasters caused to agriculture.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since managing the fields of the world, he had become even more aware of the current state of the Great River and the Bian Canal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had made preparations for this, having successively gathered a group of people with great attainments in water conservancy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the matter of water control would surely have a great impact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He saw the minds of the officials too clearly; he had been waiting for an opportunity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, this opportunity had finally arrived!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this, Liu Zhuang could not help but frown slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He naturally knew about the water disasters of the Great River and the Bian Canal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He also understood very well that if this could truly be accomplished, it would certainly be a deed that would benefit future generations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the Great Han, it would be of nothing but benefit and no harm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he wondered, did the Great Han of today really have the ability to attend to both of these major tasks at the same time?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Ban Chao was being sent as an envoy to the Western Regions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There would certainly be a great army to protect him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, it was not to accompany Ban Chao all the way to the Western Regions, but to provide deterrence.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This matter could be significant or trivial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Zhuang’s original idea was to mobilize a large army directly; once the Western Regions were settled, he would immediately march to thoroughly eliminate the Northern Xiongnu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if the work of water control were to be undertaken, then that matter would have to be shelved.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He must absolutely not mobilize too many troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Managing the Bian Canal and the Great River is destined to be a task of immense consumption, and he cannot afford not to consider it carefully.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty, if the water control can truly be successful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Not only can it benefit the people on both banks, but the additional farmland that can be reclaimed during the process is also a benefit.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\".\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Kang was still analyzing the pros and cons for Liu Zhuang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Zhuang listened very carefully, and after Gu Kang finished speaking, he made a decision in his heart and nodded directly: \"The scourge of the Great River is indeed the heart-trouble of our Great Han.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Now that the world is peaceful and healthy, the disaster of the Northern Xiongnu is temporarily resolved.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If we can take advantage of the pacification of the Western Regions to resolve this scourge, it is indeed a matter that will bring blessings to the world.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Zhuang is a very wise Emperor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Especially when it comes to the people, he is never stingy, and he did not dwell on it too much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was nothing more than temporarily putting aside the major matter in his heart and sending fewer troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the past, Liu Xiu could refuse the \"merit of carving stone for ten thousand generations\" for the sake of the people's rest; how could he lose face for Liu Xiu?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your Majesty is wise!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Kang bowed to Liu Zhuang again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately, he began to explain his plan to Liu Zhuang in detail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Gu Kang’s calculations, at least one hundred thousand armored soldiers must be conscripted, and there must also be hundreds of thousands of commoners.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is destined to be a major event.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two of them talked until late at night, just like in those years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yi had been silently watching all of this, and his expression could not help but become increasingly complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Compared to the people of the world today, he is clearer about exactly what level the national strength of the Great Han has reached.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Control the Yellow River, pacify the Western Regions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as Liu Zhuang does not launch that kind of large-scale war, doing these two things at the same time is actually not enough to hurt the foundation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What really makes Gu Yi care is the time when these two things happened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everything has been advanced!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The emergence of the Gu Shizi not only saved Liu Xiu from a lot of trouble during the founding period and reduced countless casualties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now it has made Liu Zhuang’s reign even more prosperous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yi remembers very clearly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the original history, during the reign of Emperor Ming of Han, looking at the current time point, let alone the Northern Expedition, even water control would have to wait another two years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for the Northern Expedition, it would have to wait until the sixteenth year of Yongping.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now the Great Han has the ability to do both at the same time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From this, one can see how great the gap between the two is.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yi is now thinking, if the Great Han has already become this strong during Liu Zhuang’s reign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then how much change will happen in the future?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Gu Shizi is always there.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Will such a strong Great Han still end in the way it did in the original history?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This question, even he himself cannot be completely sure of at this moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Zhuang and Gu Kang are neither indecisive people; on that very day, after the two of them discussed the various details in detail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next day, they announced the matter directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this era, facing an enlightened monarch and a wise minister firing on all cylinders, the world is destined to face huge changes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the imperial court, Liu Zhuang first announced the arrangements for the Western Regions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After his discussion with Gu Kang, it was decided not to mobilize troops first, but only to keep the original troops stationed there and order the soldiers to farm in the city of Yiwulu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Taking advantage of the prestige of this great victory, they would obtain the interests of the Great Han in the Western Regions as much as possible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When the officials heard this news, they were all happy in their hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is His Majesty giving up on large-scale mobilization?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The haze dispersed instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every one of them hoped to continue to maintain the current peace and develop agriculture with all their might.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But immediately after, Liu Zhuang announced the matter of water control.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When they heard the number of people to be conscripted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The court and the public were shocked!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone’s expression changed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in just an instant, they all calmed down again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to large-scale military mobilization, water control was indeed easier for them to accept.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because they could also benefit from it!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the most critical point is that, facing Liu Zhuang and Gu Kang who were riding the momentum, the officials had no reason and dared not oppose it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Liu Zhuang bestowed upon Gu Kang the \"Classic of Mountains and Seas,\" the \"Book of Rivers and Canals,\" the \"Tribute of Yu,\" and other charts before the throne.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And ordered all commanderies and kingdoms to strictly implement the conscription.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone among the local powerful clans who dared to use various means to exempt themselves from corvée labor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Would be punished with heavy penalties without exception!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The strength of the Great Han was fully displayed on this day.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was clearly a conscription for corvée labor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But when the people of the world heard that the Great River was to be managed, especially since the person managing it was Gu Kang, they still cheered for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>You must know that once the Great River breaches its banks, it is not just the people on both banks who are affected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Qing, Ji, Yan, and even Xu and Yu provinces have all suffered from it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The people of the world have long been waiting for the day when the imperial court could come to manage the Great River!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, this day has finally come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The most critical thing is that the person managing the Great River is Gu Kang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Kang today, in the hearts of the people of the world, can be said to be like an immortal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is an immortal who can bring them a bountiful harvest.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, he has come to manage the Great River again!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The world turned its gaze!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the moment the news spread, countless people in the world chanted Gu Kang’s name and bowed toward Luoyang, grateful for the benevolence of the Son of Heaven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Gu Kang quickly made all the arrangements, and immediately left Luoyang with his men.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yiwulu City.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ban Chao was saying goodbye to Gu Cheng.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Elder brother, you need not worry.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If one does not enter the tiger’s den, how can one catch the tiger’s cub?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My trip will surely spread the national prestige of our Great Han and shake the Western Regions.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the serious-faced Gu Cheng before him, Ban Chao smiled, \"Elder brother has told me many times about what the physiognomist said to the two of us brothers in the past.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Isn’t this my opportunity now?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was not a hint of fear on Ban Chao’s face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheng just looked at him, his thoughts racing in his mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He naturally knew the danger of this trip.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He even thought about going with Ban Chao, but Ban Chao would not agree at all, and even refused Gu Cheng’s idea of giving him more troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to his words, the thirty-six men he had before were sufficient; if an accident occurred, more people would be a burden instead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regarding this, Gu Cheng was also extremely helpless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What Ban Chao said was indeed correct.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Western Regions are vast, and this mission is different from the last one; how many troops he takes does not have much significance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only thing he can rely on is the prestige of the Han army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheng obviously knew this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For this reason, he had long been prepared to fight the Northern Xiongnu again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If this great victory could not make the Western Regions understand the current strength of the Great Han.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then fight another battle!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two battles!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only constant great victories could make Ban Chao safer.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After a moment of silence, Gu Cheng also revealed a faint smile.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just like in those years, he patted Ban Chao’s shoulder lightly again, and then said loudly: \"Good!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today, you and I, brothers, part ways here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Only wait for the day you pacify the Western Regions and I sweep away the Northern Xiongnu; when that time comes, across the ends of the earth, we brothers shall meet again!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two brothers’ gazes met, and they immediately burst into loud laughter.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Bring wine!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheng had the armored soldiers bring wine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two brothers clinked their cups and drank it all in one gulp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two said nothing more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ban Chao merely cupped his hands to Gu Cheng in farewell, then swiftly turned, mounted his horse, and led his men away in a cloud of dust.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A lonely plume of smoke in the vast desert.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The blood-red setting sun stretched the shadows of Ban Chao and those thirty-six men to an extreme length.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Cheng also did not linger; he turned and returned inside the city.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once a real man has made up his mind, what need is there for more words?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wait for the day of reunion after being enfeoffed as a marquis, to drink wine and sing long songs of our glorious years.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(PS: Requesting monthly tickets and recommendation tickets; also, brothers, please do not let the book sit unread in your library!!!)\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This chapter counts as a key transition; what follows is the most critical plot of Emperor Ming's reign.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>I'm completely numb; transition chapters are truly hard to write no matter how I do it, I can only keep revising, one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",3104,"2026-06-20T03:16:01.192Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","3f9125f8c0d271e57c03fb05c1dd7e37e0fb697e9404c4b6dc4d2fd6dbfca6f0","controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-chapter-24","controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-chapter-22",167,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fcontrolling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-cover.jpg"]