Chapter 34

——Adding insult to injury!

This sudden piece of devastating news instantly shattered Gu Xi's relief efforts.

The people's morale, which had just begun to stabilize, grew restless once again upon hearing the news.

The court and realm were thrown into uproar!

The word "defeat" had become almost foreign to Han.

Even the ministers had forgotten how long it had been since they last heard such news.

Since Gu Cheng swept through the Western Regions in his day.

Han's imperial prestige had reached the heavens.

All surrounding nations had submitted.

And now it has lost like this?

In the past, all of Han would have been enraged, determined to show these barbarians what true heavenly might truly meant.

But now it is different.

The unceasing natural disasters, coupled with this sudden defeat, are bound to shake the ministers' resolve.

Anger, fear, and a host of other emotions surged within them.

In the imperial hall, the ministers argued endlessly, each holding to their own view.

Some were filled with righteous fury, adamantly advocating for war.

After all, Han's heavenly might could not be defied;

Others argued that natural disasters had already plagued the realm.

To launch another war now, should it end in defeat, might shake the very foundation of the state.

But whether for Deng Sui or for Gu Xi, there was only one choice.

—Fight!

This was a reality Han could not escape, a challenge it must confront.

Moreover, in Gu Xi's view, this matter was not entirely bad.

A great victory would be enough to swiftly stabilize the people's hearts!

This was risk—and opportunity!

Chongde Hall.

Solemn and dignified, all ministers gathered as one.

Gu Xi stood tall upon the Grand Steps, his gaze blazing like a sharp sword, sweeping fiercely over the ministers, his voice resolute and thunderous:

"Fight!"

"We must fight, no matter what!"

"Our Han's people are now in turmoil."

"This barbarian provocation is a heavenly gift—a perfect chance to stabilize our people's hearts!"

"Just one great victory!"

"Our Han's hearts will be settled!"

As he grew older,

Gu Xi exuded an aura of awe-inspiring authority.

His eyes were like knives; every minister he looked upon involuntarily lowered their head.

Liu Hu stared intently at Gu Xi, his admiration deepening.

He had been favored since childhood by Liu Zhao, and naturally had encountered Gu Xi more than once.

He had long admired Gu Xi's talent and wisdom.

Now, witnessing Gu Xi dominate the court with such authority, he felt a powerful yearning rise within him.

How wonderful. When will I be like this?

Liu Hu could not help but think, about to speak in agreement.

At that moment, Deng Sui's solemn and commanding voice rose slowly beside him:

"The Grand Tutor speaks truly—how can Han's heavenly might be disgraced?"

"Since Emperor Guangwu first accepted the Southern Xiongnu."

"Han has always shown benevolence and grace toward the Southern Xiongnu."

"Yet now, as Han suffers calamities, Chudī Chanyu dares to betray us, forgetting our kindness."

"This cannot be forgiven!"

"No matter what, we must fight!"

Deng Sui's tone was firm, unquestionable.

She rose slowly, her gaze sweeping over the ministers, as if seeing through every thought.

Seeing the silence, she finally fixed her eyes on Gu Xi and asked:

"Grand Tutor, whom do you propose as commander?"

Gu Xi did not hesitate, as if he had long planned it, and replied directly: "I propose to lead the campaign myself!"

The stakes were too great; he could not trust it to anyone else.

He wanted nothing less than a great victory.

A victory like the one Gu Cheng achieved when he pacified the Western Regions.

Though he was not as gifted a commander as Gu Cheng had been,

as a six-sided warrior, Gu Xi could wield military power for political ends—not merely for war.

Being able to completely stabilize the hearts of all under heaven was also his goal.

At these words, all ministers were stunned.

The Grand Tutor himself will lead the campaign?

Deng Sui also furrowed her brow, having not anticipated Gu Xi's intention.

Yet before anyone could speak,

Liu Hu's panicked voice suddenly rang out.

"Will the Grand Tutor lead the campaign himself?"

"Absolutely not!"

"The Grand Tutor is a pillar of our Great Han, a cornerstone of the court—how can we let him risk himself?"

His tone was frantic; as he spoke, he even stood up abruptly, his face filled with fear.

This sudden change instantly drew everyone's gaze.

Seeing the fear on Liu Hu's face and his avoidance of Deng Sui's eyes, Gu Xi immediately sensed something amiss.

But he said nothing, only bowed to Liu Hu: "Your Majesty need not worry."

"I have made all necessary preparations for this matter."

"No matter what, it will bring our Great Han a great victory!"

Liu Hu stared at Gu Xi, his eyes brimming with reluctance and concern, still unwilling to let Gu Xi undertake such a risk.

But he felt Deng Sui's piercing gaze upon him like thorns.

For a moment, he did not know how to speak; after long inner struggle, he could only nod helplessly.

Deng Sui had watched Liu Hu in silence, her expression calm as still water, utterly unruffled.

Seeing Liu Hu say nothing further, she shook her head slightly, seemingly disappointed in his performance.

Then she turned to Gu Xi and asked: "Has the Grand Tutor made up his mind?"

Gu Xi gave a slight nod.

"Good!"

Deng Sui did not hesitate; she waved her hand and declared loudly: "Since the Grand Tutor has decided, I shall say no more."

"I shall take charge of disaster relief—no mishaps will occur."

"The Grand Tutor may rest assured."

She understood Gu Xi's character too well.

If Gu Xi had made such a decision, he had already planned everything—what need was there for more words?

This was also the greatest reason Gu Xi could depart for battle without worry.

Over the past few years, he had come to fully comprehend Deng Sui's capabilities.

If she were truly to be sovereign,

Deng Sui would undoubtedly be a capable ruler—this was certain.

Gu Xi said no more; he merely bowed to Liu Hu and Deng Sui.

Night.

Northern Palace.

When he heard Gu Xi had come, Liu Hu personally ran out to greet him.

The moment he saw Gu Xi,

he eagerly seized Gu Xi's hand, his face filled with worry, his gaze fixed intently on Gu Xi, and asked:

"Will the Grand Tutor truly leave Your Majesty?"

Gu Xi did not directly answer his question; instead, he looked at him with concern and asked:

"Why are you so afraid of the Empress Dowager?"

At this, Liu Hu's expression changed slightly, a flicker of panic crossing his eyes.

He glanced cautiously left and right, confirmed no one was nearby, then sighed deeply and said:

"Grand Tutor, you do not know—my mother may be displeased with me; she may depose me."

In truth, over the past few years, Gu Xi had paid little attention to palace affairs.

At first, he had kept watch.

But once he became certain Deng Sui was not like Empress Dou, he let the matter drop entirely.

He was not Gu Kang.

Constant natural disasters across the land, the grim situation, forced him to devote all his focus to handling them.

Moreover, Liu Hu was no longer young—he had long passed the age of high infant mortality.

How could he possibly keep constant watch over Liu Hu?

Gu Xi frowned slightly and asked with concern: "Why do you say such things?"

Liu Hu sighed deeply, his face filled with helplessness and grievance: "Grand Tutor, you do not know—I have walked on thin ice these past few years."

"Afraid of displeasing my mother."

Perhaps it was the influence of his childhood.

Small Small Yugu Xi's presence, Liu Hu always felt an inexplicable sense of security.

He clearly understood Gu Xi was the one who could protect him, so he finally voiced all the suppressed thoughts he had carried for so long.

It was that Deng Sui held him to impossibly high standards—any failure, no matter how small, brought scolding and reprimands.

Gu Xi listened very carefully.

When Liu Hu had finished pouring out emotions he had held back for so long, Gu Xi looked at him and said solemnly: "Your Majesty need not entertain such thoughts."

"Now, natural disasters plague every corner of our Great Han, and all under heaven look to Your Majesty to restore the Han."

"The Empress Dowager naturally holds Your Majesty to a higher standard."

"As for Your Majesty's inner worries—"

Gu Xi paused slightly in tone, then bowed to Liu Hu: "As long as Your Majesty does not betray the virtue of past emperors, I am content to guard the entire realm for Your Majesty."

This was a direct and firm pledge.

Liu Hu stared at Gu Xi, his eyes red, silent for a long while before finally giving a slight nod.

"Grand Tutor, rest assured. I understand."

After speaking with Liu Hu for a long while longer, Gu Xi rose and departed.

The night was deep.

Gu Xi's figure swiftly vanished into the darkness.

Just before the palace gate, he halted and summoned Zheng Zhong.

Zheng Zhong was indeed quite old now, yet he still held the position of Grand Director of the Palace and retained considerable influence.

Perhaps due to his past covert opposition to the Dou clan, Zheng Zhong had always deeply respected Gu Xi.

He was clearly bewildered by this sudden midnight summons.

He knew Gu Xi's character too well—unless it was urgent, he would never abruptly summon him.

After bowing, he voiced his question.

And Gu Xi was direct, stating his purpose outright:

"Replace all palace maids and eunuchs attending Your Majesty. Dismiss all current ones and secretly execute them."

"Also investigate who else has visited Your Majesty recently besides maids and eunuchs."

Torchlight flickered, casting Gu Xi's already stern face in a sinister glow.

Upon hearing this, Zheng Zhong's expression changed instantly.

He was no ordinary eunuch who merely abused power and corrupted governance.

To have risen from Emperor Liu Zhao's reign to today and still hold his position proved his methods.

Instantly, Zheng Zhong sensed something was wrong.

As Grand Director of the Palace,

overseeing all palace affairs,

Zheng Zhong naturally had his own people within the palace.

Liu Hu was merely a powerless emperor; few ever came to pay him visits.

Soon, Zheng Zhong uncovered the answer Gu Xi sought—and his expression changed drastically.

"Recently, Your Majesty's wet nurse, Wang Sheng, has visited him multiple times."

Hearing this, Gu Xi's gaze sharpened slightly; after a moment's thought, he spoke: "She is, after all, Your Majesty's wet nurse."

"To spare Your Majesty sorrow, let her drown."

His expression was utterly calm.

Zheng Zhong's expression changed again; after hesitating, he asked his question:

"Grand Tutor, may I ask what crime they have committed?"

"Sowing discord between the Empress Dowager and Your Majesty's mother-son bond," Gu Xi said without concealment, calmly.

Though Liu Hu had not told him this,

how could Gu Xi not see it?

Liu Hu is still just a child.

Even if he fears Deng Sui deeply, without someone sowing discord, he would never constantly suspect he will be deposed.

To Gu Xi, this was easy to see.

Hearing this, Zheng Zhong drew in a sharp breath.

Someone dared do such a thing?

He knew full well how grave this was; he immediately nodded: "Grand Tutor, rest assured. I will see this done."

"Good!"

"Do not let Your Majesty learn the truth."

Gu Xi said no more, waved his hand, and walked straight out of the palace.

Gu Yi had been silently watching all this, and was somewhat surprised.

So Wang Sheng will die like this?

She was a figure who once loomed large in the original history!

Gu Yi did not know how much this event would alter the future.

But clearly, with Wang Sheng's death, history would change drastically.

Gu Xi had no intention of mobilizing the Luoyang Central Army; he only summoned troops from the northern frontier commanderies, the Du Liao Camp, and the dependent states.

This was, in fact, a very reasonable arrangement.

Though the enemy alliance appeared to be advancing with overwhelming force,

in truth, given their national strength, completely conquering the entire Great Han was pure fantasy.

The current effect was only possible because the Great Han suffered constant natural disasters and its people were already unsettled.

Yet Gu Xi did not grow careless.

He was indeed different from pure warriors like Gu Xiao and Gu Cheng.

After gathering sufficient intelligence, Gu Xi demonstrated his art of mastering human hearts.

For politicians like them,

any emotion in the human heart can be used as a weapon.

The Southern Xiongnu, Wuhuan, and Xianbei, though allied, were internally divided.

Benefits—this thing has never been capable of perfect fairness.

This gave Gu Xi an opening.

He first concentrated his elite forces and pierced directly through the weakest point of the enemy alliance, routing them outright and blocking the enemy entirely within Gaoqu Valley.

Then, during the stalemate,

he sent a letter to Wu Han's chieftain, Wuhe.

It said: "After quelling the rebellion, not only will the Wuhuan not be punished, but they will be rewarded."

Know that, facing the Han army's counterattack, the Southern Xiongnu, Xianbei, and Wuhuan had already merged their troops.

Such a letter could never be kept secret!

Once the seed of suspicion is sown, it becomes nearly impossible to remove.

The Southern Xiongnu's Chudi Chanyu and the Xianbei leader Qiulun did not directly break with Wuhe,

but the atmosphere of discord within the alliance grew even thicker after that day.

And Gu Xi's tactics were not yet finished.

He not only continued spreading rumors, but in the following battles against the Southern Xiongnu and Xianbei armies, he would concentrate all his strength for a major clash.

But when facing the Wuhuan army, he ordered his troops to feign surrender.

He repeatedly sent letters to Wuhe, his words growing ever warmer, until finally he deliberately erased several characters.

Under this relentless assault, and seeing the battle situation grow increasingly dire, morale began to collapse.

This so-called alliance

finally suffered a backlash!

Gu Xi had been waiting for this day; as soon as the alliance fractured, he immediately ordered a fierce offensive.

This was destined to be a brutal battle.

Perhaps it was truly because the Han Dynasty was now so powerful that every soldier carried his own pride.

Facing the barbarians who dared to rebel and attack,

these soldiers all harbored suppressed rage.

The outcome of the battle was already decided!

Gu Xi's primary target was naturally the Southern Xiongnu Chanyu.

Upon realizing the tide could not be turned, he had already led his troops back to Huze.

But how could Gu Xi let him escape?

He personally led the army in pursuit.

Gu Xi's martial attributes were far from low.

Moreover, under these circumstances, the Han army's morale had reached its peak.

Facing this Han army like a tiger,

the Wanshi Shizhudi Chanyu finally felt fear.

He dared not resist further, removed his cap, went barefoot, knelt before Gu Xi to beg forgiveness, and offered to send hostages to Han.

Wu Han's chieftain Wuhe begged to surrender.

The Xianbei army suffered heavy losses and was forced to retreat beyond the frontier, sending one hundred and twenty clans as hostages to Han.

One battle, and the northern border was secured!

——————

"In the third year of Yongchu, the year Wu Shen.

That year, the sun turned red as blood, the rivers Luo and He overflowed, locusts darkened the fields of Yan and Yu, and the people fled.

The Wanshi Shizhudi Chanyu of the Southern Xiongnu eyed the northern deserts, secretly allied with the Wuhuan and Xianbei tribes, and led seven thousand elite cavalry to raid Yunzhong and Wuyuan.

Wherever their iron cavalry passed, they burned homes, plundered women and children; border beacon fires burned day and night, and every lonely city on the frontier flew red banners.

At the time, Grand Tutor Gu Xi oversaw all affairs, drew his sword upon the grand steps, and resolved to lead the campaign in person.

Noting that though the enemy's strength was great, each faction harbored divergent intentions, he secretly dispatched spies to forge alliance documents, sowing suspicion that the Xianbei and Southern Xiongnu believed the Wuhuan had secretly accepted Han silk, causing their hearts to fracture.

On the third day of the third month of the fourth year, they achieved a great victory over the enemy army.

The Wanshi Shizhudi Chanyu bared his flesh and went barefoot, crawled to the army gate, presented a golden knife and the crown of heaven, and sent his prince and twelve right and left virtuous kings as hostages to Luoyang.

The Wuhuan chieftain cut his braids and begged to submit; the Xianbei king of the Murong clan led one hundred and twenty tribal chiefs to pay homage, offering a thousand fine horses and nine carts of white wolf pelts.

The northern frontier was thus pacified."

—— Records of the Later Han. Biography of Gu Xi

(End of Chapter)