Chapter 38: Yan Ji

With Deng Sui's sudden passing, Gu Xi's burdens grew heavy once more.

He could no longer keep walking.

He had to oversee all directions from Luoyang.

Although Liu Hu's age was already considerable, Gu Xi could see that Liu Hu lacked the potential to become a wise ruler.

Even after Deng Sui's death.

He still showed not the slightest desire to seize power.

He continued to entrust everything to Gu Xi, while calmly seated upon the dragon throne.

It appeared to be profound trust in Gu Xi, yet in truth, Gu Xi saw deeper dangers.

Old friends gradually passed away.

Time ultimately destroys all things.

If he were to die one day, what would become of Han and the Gu clan?

Precisely because of these concerns, Gu Xi placed even greater emphasis on educating the Gu clan's young, pouring more of his energy into cultivating Crown Prince Liu Bao.

Since Gu Kang, the Gu clan had established specific family rules.

To prevent branches of the family from drifting apart.

After surviving early childhood, clan youths were gathered and trained uniformly.

This measure indeed preserved familial bonds within the clan, and as the Gu clan remained ever glorious and prosperous, this tradition endured to this day.

But education, by nature, still depends on talent.

Even though the Gu clan's educational methods led their time, the upper limits their youths could reach were ultimately constrained by talent.

Among this generation of Gu clan youths.

Perhaps some might be fit to serve as provincial governors, or even secure a place in court.

But finding one truly capable of shouldering the Gu clan's banner was exceedingly rare.

Yet such matters could not be changed by human effort.

Gu Xi naturally understood this, and thus placed even higher hopes on Crown Prince Liu Bao.

If Liu Bao, the Crown Prince, could be properly cultivated,

it would be a tremendous blessing for both Han and the Gu clan.

Liu Bao was indeed exceptionally intelligent; at just six years old, he showed remarkable talent in reading, making Gu Xi value him greatly.

Even the eunuchs serving him were carefully selected by Gu Xi.

Among them, one caught Gu Yi's attention.

——Cao Teng!

Gu Yi had truly never anticipated that the Gu clan now had ties to both the Yuan and Cao clans.

This Cao Teng was Cao Cao's grandfather!

Although Gu Yi currently did not know whether history would still unfold as it once had,

if it truly remained unchanged,

might this be the Gu clan's chance to avoid the chaos of the coming age?

For this, Gu Yi's thoughts ran wild.

The very existence of the Gu clan had visibly altered Han in countless ways.

In original history,

Emperor Liu Hu disregarded the nation's condition, launched massive construction projects, and squandered countless resources.

But now, it was entirely different.

Gu Xi's presence was like a divine anchor, firmly holding the Han court on the correct path of development.

Yet beneath the sunlight lay shadows, let alone within this treacherous court.

The ministers had now completely abandoned their attacks on Gu Xi.

Just as Gu Kang had once done, Gu Xi had long since possessed the power to intimidate all officials alone.

The ministers naturally no longer dared offend Gu Xi.

Instead, they turned on each other.

To this day, Gu Xi had begun to take on the role of an arbiter, gazing down from above upon the court's intrigues.

Yet even with Gu Xi's piercing gaze, there were still things he could not perceive.

——Such as the inner palace.

Empress Yan Ji was a jealous woman.

In truth, many reasons had allowed Yan Ji to become Empress.

In those days, Gu Xi was occupied with famine relief, and he had never wished to interfere in the Emperor's harem affairs—this matter had been directly handled by Deng Sui.

Deng Sui's stance within court had always been to suppress powerful clans.

Yan Ji, though from a distinguished family, was by no means a major clan.

Her grandfather, Yan Zhang, had served as Minister of the Secretariat during Emperor Ming's reign; Yan Zhang's two sisters had both been noble ladies in Emperor Ming's harem.

Logically, the Yan clan's status should have risen accordingly.

But forget not that during Emperor Ming's reign, all imperial clans except the Gu clan had been harshly suppressed.

The Yan clan gained no benefit whatsoever.

Precisely because of this, Deng Sui deemed her family modest, and since she enjoyed Liu Hu's favor, she was made Empress.

In the past, with Deng Sui in the inner palace, things were manageable.

But with Deng Sui's death—

Yan Ji's true nature was revealed at once.

Years without an heir had only intensified her jealousy.

She turned her gaze toward Liu Bao.

She wanted to seize the Crown Prince's position and install an emperor she could control!

Liu Bao was utterly out of the question.

Even though his mother, Lady Li, had already passed away, Gu Xi's presence made him impossible for her to manipulate easily.

Though Liu Bao was nominally Crown Prince, he had no protection within the inner palace.

Yan Ji had always been especially favored.

Even with Gu Xi around, Liu Hu had gradually promoted several members of the Yan clan, even posthumously ennobling Yan Ji's mother as the Lady of Xingyang.

Under these circumstances, it was far too easy for Yan Ji to target a young Crown Prince.

Yet perhaps because Gu Xi was still alive,

Yan Ji always had some reservations.

So she decided to first turn her spearhead against Liu Bao's wet nurse, Wang Nan, and the kitchen supervisor, Bing Ji, among others.

Beigong.

Yan Ji leaned lazily against Liu Hu's chest, her beauty exquisite, her allure intoxicating.

Amidst the music, she occasionally traced her fingers lightly across Liu Hu's cheek.

Liu Hu, flushed with delight, was utterly entranced by Yan Ji's tender caresses and the dancing and singing before him.

His current life was truly blissful.

He had no worries over court affairs, nor any more lectures from Deng Sui.

Gu Xi never interfered with his indulgence in pleasure.

This made Liu Hu sink deeper into it, unable to extricate himself.

At that moment, Liu Hu suddenly felt the enchanting touch cease, and he looked down at Yan Ji in his arms.

Seeing her face clouded with sorrow, he frowned and asked, "What's wrong, Empress?"

"Your Majesty."

Yan Ji whispered softly, her sorrow deepening, "Your servant has something to say, but I'm unsure whether I should speak it."

"Empress, speak freely."

Liu Hu grew even more puzzled. "I am here, and the Grand Tutor aids me—what could you possibly not say?"

He was truly confident now.

The people praised him as Emperor, calling him a benevolent ruler.

Even though he had done nothing, the current era's prosperity was still attributed to him.

This undeniably greatly inflated his self-confidence.

"This matter must not be told to the Grand Tutor!"

Yan Ji's expression instantly turned frantic; she glanced at the dancing courtesans in the hall.

Liu Hu's brow furrowed, suspicion rising in his heart.

He immediately waved his hand, dismissing everyone, then turned back to Yan Ji and said seriously, "Empress, speak quickly."

"Your Majesty!"

Yan Ji suddenly sat upright from Liu Hu's arms, staring at him with solemn intensity. "Lately, I've heard rumors within the inner palace."

"About the Crown Prince's wet nurse, Wang Nan, the kitchen supervisor, Bing Ji, and others—secretly cursing Your Majesty."

"Wishing for Your Majesty to die soon."

"Then, when the Crown Prince ascends the throne, they will rise to heaven at once!"

Yan Ji's expression was utterly serious, as if every word were true.

Liu Hu froze for a moment, then fury surged within him.

He slammed his fist onto the table before him and roared, "How dare you!"

"Who dares curse me in secret?!"

Omen and divination superstitions were an unavoidable element of every feudal dynasty.

Liu Hu was truly enraged.

He had forgotten how long it had been since anyone dared to so despise him, the Son of Heaven!

The raging fire of his wrath obliterated all his reason.

Without a word of hesitation, Liu Hu barked, "Guards!"

"Immediately imprison and execute the Crown Prince's wet nurse, Wang Nan, the kitchen supervisor, Bing Ji, and others—send their families into exile!"

After speaking, he turned to Yan Ji, his gaze sharp as a blade. "Did the Crown Prince take part in this?"

"Your servant does not know."

Yan Ji lowered her head, her expression of distress deepening.

She had said nothing—but that very expression only intensified Liu Hu's anger.

"Good! Good!"

Liu Hu laughed bitterly, his smile terrifying. "This is my son!"

"The Crown Prince of Great Han!"

Liu Hu's face twisted into a horrifying grin as he roared, "Summon! Summon the Grand Tutor at once!"

"I will depose the Crown Prince!"

Not long after, Gu Xi hurried in.

As soon as he entered the hall, he sensed something was amiss.

Upon seeing Liu Hu's furious expression, he slightly furrowed his brow and bowed with hands clasped: "Your servant, pays homage to Your Majesty."

"Why is Your Majesty so enraged?"

Seeing Gu Xi, Liu Hu's anger finally eased somewhat.

He immediately rose and walked to Gu Xi's side, grasping Gu Xi's arm, and said solemnly: "Grand Tutor, I intend to depose the Crown Prince!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Xi's expression changed instantly.

He immediately turned his gaze toward Yan Ji, as if already guessing part of the reason.

Yet he said nothing more.

Gu Xi's political acumen was still very high.

Liu Hu was no longer a child, but a true Emperor.

He paused in thought, then slowly asked: "Why does Your Majesty wish to depose the Crown Prince?"

Liu Hu revealed everything without concealment, speaking with righteous indignation: "At such a young age, he harbors such malicious intent."

"Our Great Han has always governed the realm through filial piety—how can such a son ascend the throne?"

Gu Xi's expression grew even more solemn; he silently glanced at Yan Ji.

Yan Ji lacked even the courage to meet Gu Xi's gaze, instinctively lowering her head.

"Your Majesty."

Gu Xi shook his head slightly and gently advised Liu Hu: "Since the time of Emperor Xiaohe, our Great Han has never stabilized the succession."

"The Crown Prince has committed no moral transgression."

"How can we possibly depose and replace him?"

Liu Hu was clearly taken aback by Gu Xi's response.

He first froze, then wore an expression of disbelief as he looked at Gu Xi: "Grand Tutor."

"Is cursing me to die not a moral transgression?"

Gu Xi did not directly answer Liu Hu, but turned to Yan Ji and asked sternly: "Does the Empress have proof for her claims?"

His gaze locked tightly onto Yan Ji.

Yan Ji kept her head lowered, daring not to meet Gu Xi's eyes, and merely shook her head: "Grand Tutor, I know nothing of this matter."

Gu Xi's gaze grew colder.

But seeing Liu Hu's still furious expression, he said no more, only urged again: "Your Majesty."

"Our Great Han is now flourishing—its foundation must not be shaken."

"I know the Crown Prince's character."

"I dare swear the Crown Prince would never commit such an act of treason."

"I humbly beg Your Majesty to reconsider."

Gu Xi still held great weight in Liu Hu's eyes.

Hearing this, Liu Hu grew somewhat calmer.

He stared intently at Gu Xi, pondered long, then finally gave a slight nod: "Enough, enough."

"Grand Tutor speaks wisely—I still trust your judgment."

"But I will not forgive Wang Nan and the others."

Gu Xi did not urge further, yet did not leave.

Instead, he glanced at Yan Ji, then turned again to Liu Hu: "Your Majesty, I request that the Crown Prince reside for a time in the Hou Fu."

"This will allow me to better instruct the Crown Prince."

Upon hearing this, Yan Ji immediately frowned, instinctively wanting to object.

But Liu Hu paid her no mind, waving his hand directly: "Let Grand Tutor decide this matter."

"Your servant, accepts the order." Gu Xi bowed again to Liu Hu, then turned and left.

Liu Hu's mood remained poor, his face still clouded with faint gloom.

Watching Gu Xi depart,

he sat back down, about to summon the singing girls again, when suddenly he heard Yan Ji sigh softly.

Liu Hu immediately turned to Yan Ji and frowned: "Why do you sigh, Empress?"

"Your maidservant… merely feels Grand Tutor shows some disrespect to Your Majesty."

Yan Ji's eyes suddenly reddened, as if tears might fall at any moment.

"Your Majesty summons Grand Tutor at once for every family matter."

"What great trust is this?"

"Yet Grand Tutor lectures Your Majesty—does Your Majesty not know these reasons himself?"

"Grand Tutor still treats Your Majesty as a child."

Yan Ji's expression grew sadder with every word.

Hearing this, Liu Hu felt his mood grow even more vexed, yet he suppressed the emotion and embraced Yan Ji, soothing her:

"Empress, never speak such words again."

"Grand Tutor is the trusted minister entrusted by Emperor Xiaohe."

"He has rendered Great Merit to our Great Han."

"To me, Grand Tutor is both teacher and father…"

"I know," Yan Ji suddenly interrupted Liu Hu, tears streaming down her cheeks as she gazed at him and wept: "I only grieve for Your Majesty."

"Now throughout the realm, the people sing praises of the Gu family's virtues."

"In the court, the ministers are cowed by the Grand Tutor, and the Gu clan still controls the Central Army."

"All across the realm, people speak of how the Gu clan is this and that."

"But without the successive wise rulers of our Great Han, where would the Gu clan's present glory come from?"

"Could it be that without the Gu clan, the successive enlightened rulers of our Great Han could no longer build a golden age?"

"Could Your Majesty no longer govern the realm?"

"This concubine is merely feeling wronged on behalf of the successive former rulers and Your Majesty…"

Liu Hu stared fixedly at Yan Ji, the look of irritation on his face growing even heavier.

This time, he did not say anything more; instead, his gaze grew ever more profound.

Clearly, he had taken these words to heart.

That very day, Liu Hu issued edict after edict.

He promoted members of the Yan clan to key posts within the Imperial Guard, putting them in charge of the Emperor's personal guards.

Once this news broke, the entire court was shaken to its core!

These people were all old foxes.

Such an overt decree from Liu Hu was clearly aimed at stripping the Gu clan of its power!

Everyone figured it out.

There must have been a rift between Liu Hu and Gu Xi.

Gu Yi had been silently watching all of this, and felt no surprise whatsoever in his heart.

This Emperor Liu Hu, in the original history, had believed plenty of slanderous words.

This was entirely due to his character.

Even though the Gu clan had now altered the course of great events, how could they possibly alter a person's character?

And in Gu Yi's view, the most crucial thing was not Yan Ji's slander at all.

To put it simply.

Liu Hu had grown arrogant.

He truly believed he no longer needed to rely on anyone.

This was the fundamental cause of the estrangement between him and Gu Xi!

The Champion Marquis's Hou Fu.

Gu Xi did not react too strongly to this; instead, he comforted Liu Bao.

Liu Bao had truly been frightened out of his wits.

Only ten years old, he had lost his mother early and was deeply attached to his wet nurse Wang Nan.

But today he had watched helplessly as the guards led Wang Nan and the others away.

The psychological harm done to him was simply unimaginable.

Fortunately, Gu Xi had taken him straight out and kept comforting him, which prevented an even more serious situation from occurring.

"Father."

After personally watching Liu Bao fall asleep, Gu Xi had just stepped out of the room when his eldest son Gu Lin hurried up and asked:

"Why has Your Majesty changed so suddenly?"

"Today's move, your son truly cannot see through it."

His aptitude was indeed quite ordinary, and he simply could not fathom why such a great upheaval had occurred.

Before this, hadn't the Emperor still trusted the Gu clan greatly?

"How can sovereign power be shared with another?" Gu Xi said calmly, his expression serene.

"Sigh." Gu Lin let out a soft sigh. "Looking back to the beginning, if it had not been for Father helping Your Majesty—"

"Hold your tongue!"

Gu Xi snapped sharply, cutting him off, and said sternly, "Never speak such words again in the future!"

Gu Lin hurriedly lowered his head.

Gu Xi looked at him like that, gave a slight shake of his head, his eyes filled with disappointment and worry.

He suddenly found himself somewhat understanding the actions of Gu Kang in his later years.

Setting aside court affairs and outwardly showing an intent to withdraw.

But compared to the situation back then, the present circumstances were far more complicated.

Once he was gone, what would become of the Gu clan?

A flood of emotions welled up in his heart.

Gu Xi could not help but turn his head to look once more at the room where Liu Bao lived, his gaze growing ever more resolute.

(End of this chapter)