Chapter 35: Liu Zhao Passes Away, Entrusting the Orphan and Regency

Liu Zhao's decree was indeed effective, and it did not cause any turmoil within the imperial court.

Gu Xi's political acumen was certainly sufficient.

Furthermore, he was deeply influenced by the scholarship of Gu Kang.

He had participated in devising strategies for the current administrative system of the Great Han.

Added to this was the assistance of so many others now.

Naturally, no errors would occur while he governed.

Various policies proceeded as usual.

Yet even so, the gloom hanging over the entire Great Han court did not dissipate.

There was no help for it; in this current feudal era.

The Son of Heaven having no heir and being ill—such an impact could not be smoothed over by other means.

The most critical point was—

Liu Zhao's body showed absolutely no signs of recovery.

Before long, there were even signs that he was critically ill.

The impact of this on the entire Great Han was unimaginable.

Even Gu Xi lost his composure.

After all, he was not Gu Kang; in terms of their upper limits, the two were completely different.

In the current Great Han, if Liu Zhao were to truly encounter a problem, all sorts of hidden storms would come surging in.

Although one could adopt an heir and establish him as Emperor.

But to sit firmly on the throne without bloodshed was clearly still impossible.

The entire court was in chaos.

Yet, not many days later, a change occurred in the situation.

Liu Zhao had inexplicably recovered!

This truly exceeded everyone's expectations.

North Palace, Deyang Hall.

"I shall depose the Empress!"

When Gu Xi and the other ministers arrived one after another, Liu Zhao spoke these words in anger.

Hearing this, the assembled officials were somewhat stunned.

Even Gu Xi was taken aback.

He never imagined that the first thing Liu Zhao would say to the ministers after his recovery would be this.

What on earth had happened?

The ministers were all bewildered.

In truth, Liu Zhao's inner palace had never been peaceful.

Ever since Consort Deng entered the palace, she had gained increasing favor from Liu Zhao; there had been talk of deposing the Empress before, though it was never carried out.

But such matters would naturally arouse the dissatisfaction of Empress Yin.

In this inner palace, with the Empress's position uncertain, the hidden turmoil could well be imagined.

But the ministers in the Great Han court were all clever people.

They almost never participated in the disputes of the inner palace.

Now, they were naturally extremely astonished as to why the Emperor would be so angry.

"Hmph!"

Liu Zhao let out a cold snort; his complexion seemed to have returned to its peak, no longer bearing the sickly appearance of the past.

"Some time ago, I was critically ill and near death."

"Since the Yin woman is the Empress, it would be one thing if she did not pray for my recovery."

"Guess what she did?"

Liu Zhao's expression grew increasingly cold, "She actually dared to say she was pleased!"

"She even said that after I died, she would slaughter the entire Deng lineage, leaving no survivors!"

"How can such a vicious woman be the Empress?"

The entire hall fell into silence.

Everyone's expression changed somewhat.

Could these really be words spoken by an Empress?

Setting aside whether it was vicious or not, the Emperor was still alive; how could she be so bold?

Gu Xi was also exceptionally shocked at this moment.

He suddenly recalled the story of Consort Li from the Former Han period.

A single phrase, "old dog," had scolded the dying Emperor Jing back to life.

Had another one appeared now?

They were all divine doctors who saved the world!

Gu Xi wanted to laugh, but he held it back and immediately bowed to Liu Zhao with a solemn face:

"The Empress lacks virtue; I request that she be deposed!"

He did not care if this matter was true, but since Liu Zhao was angry to this extent, his determination to depose the Empress was clearly unshakable.

Moreover, Liu Zhao's improved health was, to him and to the entire world, beneficial in every way and harmful in none.

What reason did Gu Xi have to object?

Once these words were spoken, several other ministers reacted as well.

Seeing Liu Zhao's angry expression, they also immediately cupped their hands.

"The Empress lacks virtue; we request that she be deposed!"

Compared to Liu Zhao's health, the so-called deposition of the Empress naturally became a minor matter.

Liu Zhao was truly furious.

Even so, there was no softening of the anger on his face.

The Emperor issued a decree, and the high-ranking officials of the court all agreed.

The matter was instantly set in stone.

Furthermore, from the moment Empress Yin was deposed, attacks from all sides followed one after another.

First, someone accused Empress Yin and Deng Zhu of having used witchcraft, followed by various impeachments against the members of the Yin clan.

Some even claimed that the fire at the Shengzhuan Gate in the North Palace was related to the Yin clan.

Liu Zhao dispatched the Palace Attendant Zhang Shen and others to investigate the case in the Ye Court prison.

When the tree falls, the monkeys scatter.

From this day on, the entire power of the Yin clan collapsed with a crash.

Deng Feng, Deng Yi, and Yin Fu were all tortured to death in prison;

The father of the Yin clan committed suicide;

Yin Yi, Yin Chang, and the family of Deng Zhu were all exiled;

All relatives of the entire Yin clan were stripped of their official positions and sent back to their hometowns.

This was a great purge.

The anger of an Emperor with real power could shake the world in such an era.

Gu Xi had never participated in this matter.

He continued to govern.

Although Liu Zhao's health had improved, both the ministers and Gu Xi hoped he would not be as diligent as before.

This was not out of greed for power.

It was truly because Liu Zhao's importance was too great.

Now, with the turmoil of the Empress's deposition, if Liu Zhao's health were to fail again, the situation would be completely irreversible.

Of course, when it came to various major affairs, Liu Zhao still had to make the decisions himself.

And it was under these circumstances.

This matter of deposing and establishing an Empress actually seemed somewhat unremarkable.

For the current golden age of the Great Han.

It caused no impact at all.

—The fourteenth year of Yongyuan.

The Shaohe Qiang rebelled and were crushed by the Anding Commandery troops, completely resolving the Qiang threat in the Great and Small Yugu regions of the Western Sea.

Gu Xi possessed the deep agricultural talent of the Gu clan descendants.

Realizing that the land in Great and Small Yugu was fertile, he immediately submitted a memorial requesting the establishment of commanderies and counties.

Liu Zhao naturally would not object to such a matter; he demarcated the Xihan Commandery and dispatched troops there, expanding fertile fields for the people near Qinghai Lake.

At the same time, the reduction in commercial taxes greatly promoted the development of commerce throughout the Great Han.

Ban Chao's prestige in the Western Regions was not something boasted about.

If anyone could surpass Ban Chao.

It would likely only be Gu Cheng, who was known in the Western Regions as the "God of Wrath of Kunlun."

Under his many years of management, the Western Regions were now considered completely stable.

With such geographical advantages and the addition of the imperial court's policies.

The Han Dynasty's trade routes could be said to have reached their peak.

Silk, porcelain, ironware, and the like all ushered in massive development, with vast amounts of gold, silver, and jewels flowing into the Han from abroad.

The national strength of the entire Han reached a new high, truly attaining its zenith.

"Auspicious omens" appeared frequently in various places.

People throughout the world were praising the benevolence and virtue of the Son of Heaven.

The common people's sacrifices to Gu Kang became increasingly prosperous, even gradually forming into a custom.

But the only misfortune was that Liu Zhao's health did not improve for long before it relapsed, becoming even more severe.

Although Gu Xi could still hold things up.

The Son of Heaven's health remained a major matter that everyone worried about.

——The sixteenth year of Yongyuan.

"Jiahe" (auspicious grain) appeared in many places near Luoyang, hailed as an omen symbolizing a bountiful harvest and a peaceful, prosperous nation.

The assembled officials submitted a memorial requesting Liu Zhao to change the era name.

And incidentally to offer sacrifices to the heavens, wishing to protect Liu Zhao's health.

Regarding this, Liu Zhao did not refuse.

However, he did not go to Taishan to perform the Feng and Shan sacrifices as the Guangwu and Zhang Emperors had done in the past.

He merely paid respects to the three generations of former emperors.

Afterward, he announced the change of the era name to "Yuanxing," signifying "all things renewed, the nation revitalized."

Perhaps it was this current era of prosperity that allowed Liu Zhao to pull himself together.

Just after the change of the era name.

He unexpectedly had another heir, and Liu Zhao named him Liu Long.

Seemingly influenced by the previous turmoil in the inner palace, this time Liu Zhao decided to send Liu Long to be raised in secret among the common people.

Although it was unknown whether this child could live to adulthood.

But the Emperor having an heir was naturally a good thing for the world today.

And Liu Zhao was also very happy, to the point that his health even showed signs of improvement.

This change of the era name seemed to have truly had an effect.

But just two months later.

News came from the Western Regions that the Marquis of Dingyuan and Protector General of the Western Regions, Ban Chao, had passed away.

His last wish was to be "buried at Yumen Pass," wanting to continue guarding the entire Western Regions for the Han even after death.

The impact this matter had on the entire Han far exceeded imagination.

Liu Zhao was deeply saddened.

He ordered a grand burial for Ban Chao, complying with Ban Chao's last wish.

And at Yumen Pass, he had portraits of Gu Cheng and Ban Chao carved for future generations to revere.

After this event, he fell ill once again.

And the severity of this illness far exceeded the past; within a few short days, he could not even stand up.

Zhangde Hall.

The atmosphere was heavy and oppressive.

Gu Xi slowly stepped into the hall, looking at Liu Zhao lying on the bed, his eyes also filled with tears.

"Your Majesty."

He called out softly, his voice carrying a hint of a sob.

Liu Zhao opened his eyes languidly; at first, his gaze held a touch of sharpness, but upon seeing that the person who had come was Gu Xi, his expression gradually softened.

"Mingyuan, have the assembled officials all arrived?"

Liu Zhao looked at Gu Xi and asked.

"The officials are already waiting outside for your decree!" Gu Xi replied hurriedly.

Liu Zhao nodded slightly, then laboriously raised his hand and said, "Mingyuan, come here first."

"I have words to say to you."

Gu Xi walked over quickly and knelt directly before Liu Zhao.

Liu Zhao immediately grasped Gu Xi's hand tightly, staring straight into his eyes, and said with exceptional seriousness:

"Although the Empress is virtuous and kind, I must guard against what I encountered in the past."

"I will bestow upon you the power of regency in front of the officials in a moment."

"When Long'er grows up, hand this world over to him intact on my behalf."

Liu Zhao's eyes were bloodshot as he stared fixedly at Gu Xi.

His gaze held both the unwillingness of unfulfilled ambitions and a deep worry for the future situation.

He did not fear death, but was filled with dread for the changes the world was about to face.

The foundation of the state was not secure.

Unless there was an official in the current court with the prestige of Gu Kang, there would certainly be trouble.

Regency!

Gu Xi stared blankly at Liu Zhao; these words from Liu Zhao exploded in Gu Xi's heart like a thunderclap.

Although he had thought that Liu Zhao might let him assist in the government.

But such a heavy responsibility as regency was something he had never considered.

"Your Majesty!"

Gu Xi took a deep breath, gripped Liu Zhao's hand in return, and said earnestly, "The matter of regency..."

"Mingyuan!!" Liu Zhao suddenly shouted to stop Gu Xi.

This sudden surge of emotion seemed to have stimulated his body.

This sudden emotional fluctuation seemed to irritate his already weak body, and his breathing became increasingly rapid.

He stared tightly at Gu Xi, the unease in his eyes growing more intense, "Mingyuan, I truly cannot go on."

"I can no longer walk this path with you."

"Yet our Han world must not decline."

His tone paused, and his voice suddenly began to tremble, "I can only entrust this matter to you."

"Mingyuan, do not fail me."

"Do not fail the beautiful reputation of the four generations of rulers and ministers between my Liu clan and your Gu clan."

Gu Xi was completely stunned.

The Liu Zhao before him no longer possessed his former high spirits.

At this moment, he appeared so weak and helpless, even somewhat pitiful.

Gu Xi's body trembled slightly.

He took a deep breath, struggled to calm his emotions, and after a moment of silence, nodded slightly and performed a grand bow toward Liu Zhao.

"Your Majesty's grace is something this subject could not repay even with ten thousand deaths."

"I shall remain steadfast and unwavering."

"I will watch over the Han for Your Majesty."

Liu Zhao watched Gu Xi quietly, and after a moment of silence, waved his hand.

"Summon the officials inside."

Gu Xi rose and went out to summon the officials.

Before long, Empress Deng and the officials followed him in one after another.

Sounds of sobbing arose.

The historian in the corner also picked up a brush to record everything.

"The former emperor was brilliant and sage-like, upholding the supreme virtues and essential ways of the ancestors; the world was tranquil, and all matters were peaceful."

"."

Liu Zhao did not look at the officials, just stating his final last words like this.

The arrangements for the Han system;

Establishing Liu Long as Crown Prince;

And, finally—the bestowing of the power of regency.

"Appoint Palace Attendant and Prefect of the Masters of Writing Gu Xi as Grand Tutor, to record the affairs of the Masters of Writing and oversee the imperial government."

"Rule the world together with the Empress."

"When the Crown Prince reaches adulthood, return the power to the ruler."

In an instant, the hall fell into a deathly silence.

A complete, deathly silence!

At this moment, even the sounds of sobbing came to an abrupt halt.

The complexions of the officials changed drastically; only Empress Deng, who seemed to have known all of this already, showed no change in expression on her face.

Entrusting the orphan!

Regent!

The assembled officials cast their gazes almost simultaneously toward Gu Xi, who was kneeling at the very front, their eyes filled with bewilderment.

How old is he, exactly?

What is His Majesty trying to do?

How could he issue such an edict?

Someone immediately wanted to speak out in opposition, but the moment he shouted "Your Majesty";

——Liu Zhao turned his head abruptly to look at that person, his bloodshot eyes filled with nothing but killing intent!

In an instant, everyone fell silent once again.

Liu Zhao scanned the officials, and seeing that they no longer spoke, he turned his head back again, murmuring as if to himself:

"Since I was young, I have always heard of the prosperous age built by Emperor Xiaoming and the Marquis of Wencheng."

"At that time, I wondered..."

"Would I ever have the chance to build a prosperous age like that of Emperor Xiaoming?"

"Thus, since taking power, I have worried and sighed day and night, fearing only that I would fail my ancestors and ruin the great world of our Great Han."

"Fortunately, with the assistance of you ministers..."

"Under my rule, the Great Han has not declined, and I can face my ancestors in the afterlife with a clear conscience."

"Yet, my grand ambitions remain unfulfilled, and I am on the verge of death."

"I only lament..."

Liu Zhao's tone paused abruptly, and his breathing became increasingly rapid at this moment.

The unwillingness in his eyes grew intense at this moment.

He seemed to be struggling against the impending death.

The next moment, he sat up abruptly.

Under the astonished expressions of the crowd, he roared twice:

"I only lament that my grand plans were not realized before I fell, leaving behind only regrets that fill the universe."

Having spoken, he seemed to have been drained of all his strength, and he collapsed directly, closing his eyes.

The day of Xinwei in the twelfth month of the first year of Yuanxing;

——Liu Zhao passed away in the Zhangde Hall.

He entrusted the orphan to Gu Xi.

Crown Prince Liu Long ascended the throne.

—————————

In the twelfth month of the first year of Yuanxing, the Emperor passed away in the Zhangde Hall at the age of twenty-seven.

When his illness became critical, he summoned the Attendant-in-Ordinary and Prefect of the Masters of Writing, Xi, to his bedside, grasped his hand, and said: "In the past, the Dou clan was overbearing and nearly endangered the state. You have long been known for your loyalty and caution, and you will certainly not have the troubles of Huo Yu or Dou Xian. The Crown Prince is young, so I entrust you with the responsibilities of Yi and Zhou."

He then issued a final edict, ordering Xi to be appointed Grand Tutor, to record the affairs of the Masters of Writing, and to act as Regent.

Xi bowed his head and wept, swearing: "Even if I die, I will not betray Your Majesty's deep concerns."

———— "Book of the Later Han: Annals of Emperors Xiaohe and Xiaoshang"

I have communicated with the editor; it should be released next week.

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(End of this chapter)