Chapter 29: The Coup for Power, the Emperor Bestows a Courtesy Name

On this day, after leaving the palace, Gu Xi returned directly to his mansion and found Gu Liang.

In the current Gu family, Gu Liang publicly bore pressure from all sides, presenting himself as the leader of the anti-Dou faction.

But in private, whenever important matters arose, he would consult Gu Xi.

He had truly recognized Gu Xi's extraordinary talent.

Whether in political vision or in assessing the situation.

Although Gu Xi was young.

Yet he already possessed a sense surpassing Gu Liang's.

"Eliminate Dou Xian?"

When Gu Liang heard this news, he froze completely.

How could it be done?

In recent days, court ministers had privately discussed this matter endlessly.

But they had found no solution whatsoever.

The Dou clan had already amassed overwhelming power.

As long as Empress Dowager Dou held power and refused to act, no one could touch the Dou clan.

Even if one cited the example of Wang Mang.

It would still have no effect whatsoever.

The Han Dynasty governed by filial piety; now that the Son of Heaven is young, the Empress Dowager's edicts are imperial decrees.

How can Dou Xian be eliminated?

"Father, I believe we should send a messenger swiftly to the Western Regions to notify the Marquis of Ding Yuan."

Gu Xi spoke with serious expression and earnest words: "In past years, our uncle-grandfather dominated the Western Regions, his prestige towering among all generals under heaven."

"Those soldiers are still alive today."

"And the Marquis of Ding Yuan is our uncle-grandfather's sworn brother; over the years, he has roamed the Western Regions and also earned widespread renown."

"If the Marquis of Ding Yuan were to act."

"Then today's Dou Xian could not possibly compare."

"We could also notify our uncle, urging him to come under his title as Marquis Who Pacifies the Barbarians."

"Our uncle-grandfather once trained the Central Army; his prestige in the Northern and Southern Armies was immense."

"If our uncle carries the Emperor's written order, he can surely stabilize the troops. When the Emperor moves, he can publicly proclaim the Dou clan's crimes—and this matter will be settled!"

Gu Liang's expression shifted slightly, a flicker of worry and hesitation crossing his eyes.

"But if this becomes a coup."

"What if the Empress Dowager decides to depose the Emperor? Won't our Gu clan be utterly destroyed?"

His nature was firmly fixed; he could not make a decision that might determine his family's survival.

"Father."

Seeing this, Gu Xi quickly gripped Gu Liang's hand tightly, his expression resolute, his voice deep: "Our Gu clan must now advance forward."

"For us, there is no retreat."

"Father, abandon any thought that failure still allows us to retreat to Hebei or play both sides."

"This is a fight to the death!"

"Our Gu clan must meet the challenge head-on."

"Even if we ultimately fail, we will not have lost our Gu clan's integrity; we will have honored our ancestors."

Though Gu Xi's voice carried the youthfulness of a boy, it brimmed with strength and determination, each word striking the ear, deafening and profound.

Gu Liang weighed the matter repeatedly in his heart, then finally gave a slight nod and resolved:

"Very well!"

Gu Yi had been watching all of this; now, his heart felt not the slightest ripple.

In his view, this matter had no possibility of failure.

After all, in the original history, without the Gu clan's existence, Liu Zhao still succeeded in seizing power—how much more so now that the Gu clan exists?

The Gu clan's presence has already weakened the Dou clan far more than in the original history.

Court ministers opposed to the Dou clan would naturally align with the Gu clan, sparing Liu Zhao the need to secretly court them one by one.

Gu Sheng had roamed the Western Regions and utterly crushed the Northern Xiongnu.

Thus, Dou Xian could no longer achieve the same military exploits as in the original history.

In the original history, Liu Zhao, fearing Dou Xian, had endured and deferred for years, only striking with thunderous force when he lured Dou Xian back to Luoyang.

But now, with the Gu clan.

He clearly need not do so.

The Gu clan itself, plus its various allies, is sufficient to eliminate the entire Dou clan!

Ban Chao is now the Protector of the Western Regions; sending a messenger to him will naturally be a lengthy process.

Liu Zhao was not concerned whether Ban Chao would aid him, this powerless Emperor, or the Gu clan.

Who did not know the relationship between Ban Chao and the Gu clan?

Since Gu Sheng's death, the Gu clan had continuously shielded Ban Chao from the storms of court politics.

This bond, in today's world, was something others could scarcely imagine.

What Liu Zhao truly feared was arousing the Dou clan's suspicion.

And Gu Xi also advised Liu Zhao to use this opportunity to carefully screen the court ministers.

After all, at such a time, it is the best moment to discern men's true hearts.

Liu Zhao naturally did not refuse.

Precisely because of this, from that day onward, Liu Zhao became increasingly obedient to Empress Dowager Dou.

Whatever Empress Dowager Dou intended to do.

He fully approved it.

Regardless of scale, whether it was officials she recommended or promotions for Dou clan members, he nodded and agreed to all.

Empress Dowager Dou appointed all those close to the Dou clan to official posts and enfeoffed them as marquises.

The most prominent among them was Dou Xian.

He was truly building prestige, leading troops into the steppe, first annihilating the rebellious tribes of the Southern Xiongnu.

Then he slaughtered every last wandering barbarian left on the steppe, pushing all the way to Yanran Mountain.

On the mountain, he had inscriptions carved to emphasize his achievements.

Seizing this opportunity, Empress Dowager Dou directly elevated him to the position of Grand General.

This move shook the court and the realm.

At this moment, the Dou clan's authority reached its absolute peak.

From the highest halls of power down to every prefecture and commandery, no one dared to provoke the Dou clan.

During this period, Gu Yi also played the role of leading the charge, constantly opposing Empress Dowager Dou's autocracy.

In truth, this was an extremely dangerous course of action.

Had it not been for the Gu clan's two generations of prestige in Han being utterly terrifying.

Any other family attempting this would have easily faced ruin and death.

But this was the Gu clan!

Although the Gu clan's power had declined greatly since the time of Emperor Ming.

Their prestige among the people of the realm had not yet faded.

The common people of the realm still remembered the Gu clan's merits.

And nearly all the frontier generals had received favors from Gu Sheng.

This was the Gu clan's greatest source of strength.

Precisely because of this, the entire court gradually split into two factions.

One faction consisted of those promoted by Empress Dowager Dou or seeking to ally with the Dou clan.

The other faction comprised those under the Gu clan who harbored intentions to remove the maternal relatives.

And the Dou clan was certainly not idle.

When they realized the Gu clan could never be won over and was the greatest obstacle to their complete control, they launched a series of actions.

Appointing Dou clan members to key posts within the Central Army and promoting Dou Xian to Grand General were precisely for this purpose.

They sought to use the opportunity to remove all generals tied to the Gu clan.

Slowly eroding the Gu clan's influence within the military.

Then, at the right moment, they would strike decisively and dismantle the entire Gu clan.

But they were destined to run out of time.

When Gu Xi informed Liu Zhao that Marquis of Ding Yuan Ban Chao was already on his way back to the capital, Liu Zhao did not hesitate—he immediately decided to act!

——The third month of the second year of Yongyuan.

Liu Zhao summoned the Dou clan's allies to the palace under the pretext of holding a council.

In truth, it was to cut off internal and external communication.

Simultaneously, Gu Sheng's son, the current Marquis of Pinglu, Gu Nian, entered the Southern Army camp and publicly declared Dou Xian's crimes, seizing command of the Southern Army.

Gu Sheng's prestige within the Central Army was indeed immense.

In today's Southern Army, many Captains and even Commandants were originally under Gu Sheng's command.

In truth, this was a desperate measure.

To gain prestige within the military.

Aside from winning battles, only years of patient cultivation could achieve it.

The Dou clan had held power for far too short a time!

Who was Gu Sheng?

Leaving aside his achievements.

He had served as Military Commandant in the Central Army for many years; nearly every officer and soldier in the Central Army had been trained by him.

Such prestige was unimaginable.

Although Gu Nian was not Gu Sheng.

His title as Marquis of Pinglu already granted him immense advantage, not to mention that he now held Liu Zhao's imperial edict!

The entire Southern Army rapidly underwent a dramatic transformation.

Gu Nian swiftly purged the Dou clan's loyalists from the military.

He then immediately proceeded to the Northern Army and the Tiger Guard Camp, until he fully controlled the Central Army and secured the gates of Luoyang.

When he led the imperial guards into the palace.

Liu Zhao immediately produced the edict he had long prepared, publicly announced their crimes, ordered all arrested and executed, and dispatched his confidants to seize control of Changle Palace to prevent Empress Dowager Dou from causing chaos.

He would not kill Empress Dowager Dou.

Han ruled by filial piety.

Even if he had countless justifications, he could not directly kill Empress Dowager Dou—otherwise he would invite public condemnation.

Liu Zhao was not that foolish.

Then he immediately summoned his ministers.

When the ministers learned this news, they were all stunned.

Even Yuan An was no different.

There was no choice—this matter required secrecy above all.

How could he possibly reveal such a thing?

But when they saw Liu Zhao followed closely by Gu Nian and the Imperial Guards, they immediately guessed what had happened.

In an instant, many who had aligned with the Dou clan changed expression drastically.

This was the first time since Liu Zhao's ascension that he truly felt what it meant to be Emperor.

He spared no words.

Arrest all those promoted by the Dou clan or who had aligned with them.

Watching one official after another being led away by armored soldiers.

Throughout the hall, the ministers were gripped by fear.

Liu Zhao was young.

Yet the thunderous authority unique to the Son of Heaven still filled everyone with dread.

Even those who opposed the Dou clan.

The entire hall fell into an eerie silence.

Liu Zhao sat upon the Dragon Throne, scanning the crowd, and spoke loudly: "Since my ascension, this is the first time I have truly felt what it means to be the Son of Heaven."

"My lords, do not be nervous."

"You are all the pillars of Great Han, all loyal ministers."

"I will not blame any one of you."

"After this matter, there will be rewards."

Liu Zhao displayed astonishing political talent.

His words were both a promise and a reassurance.

The relationships among the court ministers were intricate, with varying degrees of kinship ties.

He naturally could not carry out mass purges and cause the ministers to turn against him.

Indeed, upon hearing these words, many officials' expressions gradually softened.

Liu Zhao wasted no time, turning directly to Gu Liang and saying:

"Minister Gu, where is your son?"

At these words, the ministers instantly widened their eyes, utterly bewildered by the Emperor's intent.

Your son?

What does this mean?

"Your Majesty, Xi Er has been waiting outside the hall!"

Gu Liang paid no heed to the ministers' startled glances and immediately bowed and replied.

"Good! Summon him! Bring him in at once!"

Liu Zhao made no effort to conceal his anticipation for Gu Xi, even the sharpness in his gaze dimming slightly.

Not long after, Gu Xi walked steadily into the hall.

When the ministers saw Gu Xi's youthful appearance, they all froze.

How old is he?

Due to his extreme youth, Gu Xi had little renown across the realm.

Great Han had not yet reached the point where children were groomed from infancy to build reputation through mutual flattery.

The ministers were naturally stunned by the Emperor summoning such a young boy, each staring intently at Gu Xi.

Yet Gu Xi showed no sign of fear.

He walked calmly to the center of the hall, bowed to Liu Zhao, and spoke clearly and resolutely:

"Your servant Xi pays homage to the Son of Heaven!"

"Rise quickly," Liu Zhao hurriedly waved his hand, his eyes fixed tightly on Gu Xi.

Though they met for the first time, there was not the slightest trace of unfamiliarity between them.

This made the others find it even stranger.

Same age;

Nearly identical height;

Both slightly childish yet with unusually bright eyes;

Though only for an instant, it gave the impression that these two were born to be partners.

"Minister Xi, Dou Xian now commands troops in Liangzhou; he will inevitably learn of the changes in Luoyang—this is a threat to Great Han. What is your opinion?"

Liu Zhao asked Gu Xi directly.

The entire hall fell silent.

The ministers stared in shock and confusion at the scene before them.

Dozens of ministers stood in the hall, yet the Emperor directly questioned a child?

Today's events were simply too bizarre.

Each of them watched Gu Xi intently, waiting to hear what he would say.

"Your Majesty!"

Gu Xi ignored the gazes around him and spoke calmly, "I do have a strategy."

"I humbly request Your Majesty to list Dou Xian's crimes of 'secretly plotting regicide,' 'usurping ritual propriety,' and 'forming cliques to attack the dissident,' and proclaim them to the world."

"Our Great Han's national fortune is at its peak."

"Xi can be certain that once the soldiers of Great Han learn of this matter, they will surely no longer follow Dou Xian."

"Moreover, the Marquis of Ding Yuan is already on his way back to court."

"Once the soldiers hear of this, they are bound to be struck with fear."

"Regardless of the outcome, this Dou Xian is on a dead-end road."

The childish voice fell, and time seemed to freeze at this very moment.

The ministers widened their eyes, finding it somewhat hard to believe that such a mature stratagem had come from the mouth of a child.

Some immediately glanced at Gu Liang, instinctively feeling that this had been taught by Gu Liang.

Some also felt that this was a duet between the Gu clan and the Emperor.

All manner of thoughts surged into their minds.

For a moment, the entire great hall fell into an inexplicable silence.

However, this silence did not last long.

After a brief moment of contemplation, Liu Zhao nodded with satisfaction, looked at Gu Xi before him, and laughed twice:

"Good! Good!"

"Truly worthy of being the Qilin son of the Gu clan."

He suddenly turned his head to look at Gu Liang: "Minister Gu, may I bestow a courtesy name upon your son?"

A courtesy name?

The ministers were shocked once more, finding it somewhat hard to believe.

According to the *Book of Rites · Qu Li*, barring any accident, a man could only be capped and given a courtesy name at twenty, signifying that he could participate in all manner of affairs.

The Emperor personally bestows a courtesy name?

What does this represent?

Could it be that after the two former marquises of Zhongwu and Wencheng, the Gu clan is to produce yet another minister who alone enjoys imperial favor?

"Your subject, kowtowing to thank Your Majesty!"

How could Gu Liang possibly refuse such an honor? He hurriedly performed a grand obeisance to express his thanks.

"Xi carries the meanings of 'brightness,' 'prosperity,' and 'harmony.'"

As Liu Zhao spoke, he looked once more at Gu Xi and murmured: "The character 'Ming' also carries the meaning of brightness, while the character 'Yuan' takes the meaning of lofty ambition."

"Let 'Mingyuan' be your courtesy name, then."

"Mingyuan, from this day forth, you shall serve as Palace Attendant within the palace, accompanying me, offering me counsel and strategy!"

A Palace Attendant at eleven years old?

The ministers' faces changed abruptly.

Looking through the ages, has there ever been such a figure?

Immediately, some stepped forward to remonstrate.

The struggles of the court have always been like this.

When the Dou clan held absolute dominance, the ministers would naturally struggle under the shelter of the Gu clan.

But now that the Dou clan showed signs of decline, while the Gu clan once again displayed the bearing of former years, the ministers naturally did not wish to see this come to pass.

But Liu Zhao's attitude was resolute. He swept his gaze over the ministers and spoke directly: "Mingyuan assisted me in rooting out the traitor—this is the Primary Merit!"

"."

He directly laid out everything Gu Xi had done during these past days.

The ministers' expressions grew increasingly grim.

Only at this moment did they come to realize exactly what all of this was about.

—This, this was the Merit of Following the Dragon!

What more could be said?

No merit surpasses that of following the dragon.

Gu Xi's contributions were beyond doubt.

But... to be so favored at such an age, just how far will he go in the future?

Most crucially, this child's talent also appeared to be quite extraordinary!

At this moment, there were already some who had begun to wonder whether eliminating the Dou clan was truly a good thing after all.

The entire court session concluded amid an atmosphere of myriad thoughts and tangled, unfathomable feelings among the ministers.

Liu Zhao naturally would not loosen his grip on the control of Luoyang.

At the same time, following the advice put forth by Gu Xi, he immediately proclaimed Dou Xian's crimes to the world.

In truth, this could hardly be considered any brilliant stratagem.

The ministers of the court could have thought of it as well.

Great Han had just passed through three reigns of enlightened rule—Emperor Guangwu, Emperor Ming, and Emperor Zhang—and its national fortune was at its peak.

Leveraging the general trend was enough to resolve many problems.

As for whether those charges were actually true, who would care?

If the Emperor says they are true, then they are true!

Moreover, there was still the assistance of the Gu clan?

The Gu clan's reputation throughout the realm was something other great clans could scarcely match!

Once this news spread, the Dou clan's years of arrogance and tyranny finally met with a fatal counterstrike.

Liangzhou.

When Dou Xian heard this news, he froze in place.

He found it hard to believe.

Such a shocking upheaval had occurred in Luoyang.

He was a bold man by nature, and immediately conceived the idea of open rebellion, declaring that the Emperor, being young, had been misled by wicked ministers.

He would raise troops to exterminate these traitors!

But such a move was destined to be futile.

Although Dou Xian had spent these past years cultivating his own loyalists within the military.

Yet against the Emperor, who wielded the overwhelming tide of the realm's support, it was still insufficient.

Most crucially, the news of Ban Chao's return to the capital had also reached him.

The Marquis of Ding Yuan.

He was none other than Huan Hou's sworn brother.

The two had roamed the Western Regions, driving the Northern Xiongnu into western flight.

To many, such a figure was one who existed only in stories.

How could anyone dare resist him?

The already unstable morale of the army shattered completely at this moment; mutiny broke out among the troops.

In despair, Dou Xian took his own life.

His younger brothers and dozens of loyalists were imprisoned and sent back to the capital, later executed on the orders of Liu Zhao.

Liu Zhao formally assumed personal rule.

—————————

"The second year of Yongyuan, third month.

The Emperor and the Gu family secretly devised a grand plan.

On Bing Shen, the Emperor issued an edict summoning Dou's partisans to appear at the Southern Palace, cutting off all communication between inside and outside.

The Marquis of Pinglu, bearing the Emperor's personal edict, led the Feathered Forest cavalry in a swift charge into the Northern and Southern Armies, pacifying Luoyang; all within and without fell silent.

The Emperor personally appeared before the Front Hall and issued an edict arresting Gu Ju and thirty-six others of Dou's faction, executing them all in the marketplace.

He then publicly proclaimed Dou Xian's crimes: plotting regicide and subverting the moral order, to all four seas.

At the time, Dou Xian was in Liangzhou; upon hearing of the upheaval, he sought to raise the border troops to resist, but his subordinates turned against him, and the soldiers erupted in mutiny.

Dou Xian realized the cause was lost, and wept: 'I have betrayed the Han court; I must die to atone before the world!' Then he slashed his throat in his camp.

His brothers Dou Du, Dou Jing, Dou Gui, and his loyalists Deng Die and others were placed in iron cages and brought back to the capital; the Grand Inquisitor investigated them, and all were executed."

—— Records of the Later Han, Annals of Emperor He and Emperor Shang

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(End of Chapter)