Chapter 45: Empress Yan's Chaotic Decree, the Peril of the State (Seeking First Subscription)

Night.

Inside the Northern Palace.

Liu Hu slowly drifted back to consciousness; the moment he opened his eyes, he saw Empress Yan.

"Your Majesty!"

Empress Yan was overjoyed and hurriedly leaned in, "You are awake?"

"Summon the Grand Tutor to the palace at once!"

Seeming to have already sensed the state of his own body, Liu Hu said with a hint of urgency.

"Summon the Grand Tutor?"

Empress Yan was stunned, "Your Majesty, why do you wish to summon the Grand Tutor?"

"Do you know of the edict you issued earlier?"

A flash of pain crossed Liu Hu's eyes, and he looked at Yan Xian with great difficulty.

"If I were still in good health... perhaps it could be done."

"But now that my life hangs by a thread... this matter must be abandoned."

Liu Hu's eyes still held anger, yet he was helpless.

"Your Majesty, how can that be?"

Empress Yan was truly starting to panic.

If Liu Hu really entrusted the great enterprise to Gu Xi, she would likely never have a good end in this life.

She hurriedly grasped Liu Hu's hand: "Your body will recover."

"Even if Your Majesty truly meets with an accident, I will certainly follow your wishes."

Liu Hu looked at Empress Yan and ultimately shook his head: "Summon the Grand Tutor..."

"No! You must not summon the Grand Tutor!"

Empress Yan immediately shook her head and suddenly shouted, no longer possessing her usual docility.

"Empress, you..."

Liu Hu's expression changed abruptly; he stared fixedly at Empress Yan, his eyes filled with disbelief.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, I will certainly help you accomplish what you wish to do."

Empress Yan was trembling all over.

The ambition in her heart was running wild.

Ignoring Liu Hu's expression, she pulled her hand away directly.

She let Liu Hu's emotions grow increasingly agitated.

Covering her own mouth, she did not make a sound.

Liu Hu's expression grew increasingly desperate.

He had never expected that such a change would occur.

Perhaps it was precisely because his emotions were becoming more and more agitated.

His breathing suddenly became rapid; he tremblingly raised a finger to point at Empress Yan, and before he could speak, he closed his eyes completely.

Empress Yan stared intently at this scene, gasping for air.

She forced herself to calm down.

Immediately, she sent someone to summon Yan Xian, covered up the news of Liu Hu's passing, and completely sealed off the palace.

No one would have expected such a thing.

Liu Hu's health had always been good; although he was somewhat addicted to pleasure, he was, after all, still young.

Who would have thought that the Emperor would suddenly pass away?

Even Gu Xi had not expected it; he had merely suppressed Liu Hu's edict.

As the Regent, Gu Xi held the Secretariat and could naturally suppress the edict.

How could he possibly allow a vassal prince's heir to enter the capital?

Human hearts are prone to change.

The struggle for the foundation of the state always involved immense interests; he could not afford to gamble.

Gu Xi had even prepared himself to act like Huo Guang of the past.

However, after a few days had passed this way, he vaguely sensed some anomalies.

Empress Yan was constantly winning over court officials and had replaced all key positions in the Imperial Guard with members of the Yan clan.

Actually, this could be considered a normal signal.

But the morality of the Gu clan members was simply too flexible.

Furthermore, Liu Hu had been unable to make an appearance.

How could Gu Xi not have suspicions?

At once, he sent the Gu clan members out of the capital.

As he headed to the imperial palace once more and was blocked, Gu Xi became certain of the matter.

But clearly, Empress Yan also knew it could no longer be hidden.

She had already secretly had Liu Yi, the son of Prince Hui of Jibei, Liu Shou, brought into the capital.

Then, with lightning speed.

Before Gu Xi could take action, she announced Liu Hu's death and proclaimed the last will to the world.

Liu Bao was devoid of virtue, so his position as Crown Prince was revoked.

Liu Yi was installed as the new Crown Prince.

And Empress Yan would preside over the court as regent.

The Northern Palace.

The officials had varied expressions.

Some prostrated themselves and wept, shouting: "We shall strictly obey His Majesty's last will!"

Others had cold, stern faces.

At this point, who could not see the clues in all this?

Liu Yi, the son of a vassal prince.

He had appeared in Luoyangcheng suddenly while Gu Xi had already suppressed Liu Hu's edict, and he was about to inherit the throne.

If one were still completely unaware at this time, how could one stand in this imperial court?

Gu Xi's expression was also extremely ugly.

At this moment, his eyes were like sharp blades, staring fixedly at Empress Yan.

And Empress Yan, at this time, no longer had her usual fear of Gu Xi, meeting his gaze without flinching.

Seeing that Gu Xi had still not knelt, she asked: "What is the meaning of this, Grand Tutor?"

"His Majesty has passed away; as a subject, how can the Grand Tutor not kneel?"

Before Gu Xi could respond, Deng Zhi snorted coldly: "Empress, when exactly did His Majesty pass away? Why are we only receiving the news now?"

Empress Yan glanced coldly at Deng Zhi, a flash of killing intent in her eyes: "His Majesty was struck by imperial rage, and his heart was overwhelmed by agitation."

"There was simply no time to summon the officials before he returned to the heavens."

"What is the intention of the General of Chariots and Cavalry in questioning me like this? Could it be that you are doubting me?"

As soon as she finished speaking, the Palace Attendant Fan Feng added with a sobbing tone: "His Majesty passed away suddenly; it was truly an unexpected event, and there was no time to summon the ministers."

"Could it be that the General of Chariots and Cavalry intends to disturb the hearts of the officials with these words?"

"Grand Tutor," Jiang Jing also spoke while weeping: "You are a high-ranking official of the court; how can you watch the General of Chariots and Cavalry disturb the hearts of the officials at such a time?"

Both of them were close ministers of Liu Hu.

Their successive statements undoubtedly gave Empress Yan's claims more credibility.

Seeing this, other officials spoke up one after another.

"Grand Tutor, you have served through three reigns and possess immense power; the late Emperor always trusted you deeply. How can you act in this manner?"

"Since the late Emperor has left a last will for the Empress to preside over the court, we should comply. Is it possible that the Grand Tutor is reluctant to let go of the power in his hands?"

"The Gu clan has been deeply favored by the throne; in the past, the Marquis of Loyalty and Martial Arts returned to Jizhou, and the Marquis of Literary Achievement relinquished power—both were models of virtuous ministers. What is the purpose of the Grand Tutor's current actions?"

"..."

Question after question surged in like a tide.

Empress Yan's political maneuvering was indeed not to be underestimated.

She attempted to overwhelm others with force—

Borrowing the strength of the officials to stir up the situation; using the Emperor's favor to solidify the cause of death; and relying on the last will and other conditions to directly pressure the prestige of the Gu clan.

She was determined to force Gu Xi to bow his head!

The atmosphere grew increasingly heavy, as if a conflict were about to erupt at any moment.

Just then, the Grand Marshal Yang Zhen shouted fiercely: "Silence!"

"What exactly are you all trying to do?"

"The Grand Tutor is a high-ranking official entrusted by the late Emperor Xiaohé, and Empress Dowager Héxi also entrusted the heavy responsibilities of the Great Han to the Grand Tutor."

"The late Emperor treated the Grand Tutor as if he were his own father; how could he possibly have left such a last will?"

"In my view, this is clearly a forged edict!"

Yang Zhen was known in the court for his integrity and uprightness, and he was deeply valued by Gu Xi.

At this very moment, for public or private reasons, he was certain to speak.

As he spoke, it was as if some switch had been triggered.

Lai Li also said angrily, "That is correct!"

"When has the Crown Prince ever been lacking in virtue?"

"How could he be deposed for no reason?"

"Furthermore, if it were truly as the Empress says, that the late Emperor suddenly passed away, then where would this talk of a last testament come from?"

Minister Chen Zhong stood up directly, glared at Jiang Jing and the others, and shouted angrily, "You are all usurping the state!!!"

"You dare to slander the Empress?" Yan Xian was provoked and glared at Chen Zhong, "The Emperor's last testament is right here!"

"If you continue to slander, it is equivalent to treason!"

"Correct!" Situ Liu Shou spoke coldly, scanning the crowd, then looked at Gu Xi and said in a deep voice, "Grand Tutor, since the late Emperor has a last testament, it must not be changed."

"This official requests that the Grand Tutor think thrice; the reputation of the Gu family's ancestors for generations now rests entirely upon you alone."

"Liu Shou, you are aiding the tyrant in his oppression!"

"Hmph! Do you all truly wish to commit treason? You dare to disobey the late Emperor's last testament and slander the Empress!"

"."

Questions rose one after another.

Even though it was the sorrowful moment of the Emperor's passing, the imperial court at this moment was like a noisy marketplace.

Who could back down?

Whether for the sake of profit or for the integrity that remained in their hearts.

This was destined to be an unprecedented struggle.

Yan Ji had been watching Gu Xi the entire time.

She had already made full preparations.

If Gu Xi truly insisted on fighting to the end, she would disregard everything else and bury Gu Xi directly within this deep palace.

She no longer had a way back.

Things like this must either not be done, or be done thoroughly.

As long as she could control the imperial court.

Then she could call black white, and even if it were recorded in history later, she would have no fear.

Gu Xi had not spoken at all.

He only coldly scanned Yan Ji, Jiang Jing, and the others.

Then, without any wasted words, he turned and left.

No one had expected this scene.

The arguing stopped abruptly.

Deng Zhi, Yang Zhen, and the others did not hesitate in the slightest; they stood up and left one after another.

Watching their backs, the anger on Yan Xian's face grew more intense, and he said furiously, "Why not take this opportunity to kill them all?"

"No!"

Before Yan Ji could speak, Liu Shou hurriedly shook his head: "The Grand Tutor's reputation throughout the world is extremely high; if we act rashly, it will surely trigger a great chaos."

"Correct."

Yan Ji also nodded and said faintly, "Now that the Tiger Guard and the Southern Army are all in our hands, no matter what he does, as long as he does not leave Luoyang, he cannot escape my control."

"If he truly wants to rebel—"

As she spoke, a hint of a smile flashed across Yan Ji's face, "That would be exactly what I desire, and there would be no need to worry about the people of the world anymore."

"The Grand Tutor will certainly not rebel."

Liu Shou shook his head and said, "The Gu family's reputation in the Great Han world is immense."

"The Grand Tutor is a clever man."

"He will never gamble with the Gu family's reputation."

The crowd nodded one after another.

Liu Shou looked at Yan Ji and added, "The urgent matter now is to have the new monarch ascend the throne as soon as possible."

"As long as this is accomplished, the great matter is settled!!!"

Yan Ji nodded slightly, indicating her approval: "Correct. Issue the Empress Dowager's decree, ordering the new monarch to ascend the throne tomorrow!"

"Yes!"

The people in the room hurriedly bowed.

From beginning to end, not a single person cared about the Emperor's remains, which had already begun to emit an odor.

It was fortunate that it was not summer.

Plus, Yan Ji had used some methods for preservation.

If not for that, Liu Hu's corpse might have already rotted.

Champion Marquis Mansion.

The officials naturally followed Gu Xi all the way back to the mansion.

Their expressions were all somewhat unsightly.

At this moment, they had reached a desperate situation.

If they let Yan Ji settle this matter, then they were destined to have no day of recovery, and the Great Han was destined to head down a path of no return.

Looking at the solemn-faced officials.

Only after walking into the mansion did Gu Xi speak for the first time, his expression somewhat complex, as if sighing: "I am truly not as good as my grandfather."

"Grand Tutor..."

The expressions of the crowd also changed slightly.

"If my grandfather were still alive, I imagine the Great Han would certainly not have reached this day..."

Gu Xi did not care and continued to mutter.

After saying this, he looked at the officials, his expression returning to normal, and said, "You need not panic."

"These people are wrong in thinking that the reason my Gu family has reached this day is entirely due to me alone."

"If I have guessed correctly."

"They will certainly have the new monarch ascend the throne as soon as possible."

"At that time, you may all follow me to welcome and serve the Son of Heaven."

Hearing this, the expressions of the crowd changed drastically.

Welcome and serve the Son of Heaven?

Could it be that Gu Xi really intended to give up?

"Grand Tutor!" Yang Zhen spoke immediately, "What are you doing?"

He found it somewhat hard to accept.

Gu Xi was a minister entrusted with the orphan.

How could he tolerate this happening?

"Boqi, do not be anxious; just watch."

Gu Xi waved his hand directly, as if unwilling to say more.

Seeing this, the crowd could not help but become even more panicked.

But Gu Xi was unwilling to say more; he sent everyone away and immediately went to see Liu Bao.

"Grand Tutor... has Father Emperor really... passed away?" The eleven-year-old Liu Bao was full of sorrow.

Gu Xi looked at him with a grave expression and nodded slowly: "Crown Prince, there is no need for excessive sorrow."

"Tonight, Your Highness must remember to rest well."

"Tomorrow may perhaps be the time for Your Highness to ascend the throne."

The imperial throne?

These two words, both familiar and strange, suddenly surged up from Liu Bao's heart.

He stared blankly at Gu Xi and asked in confusion, "Isn't Father Emperor going to depose me?"

"It was merely a forged decree."

Gu Xi smiled faintly, looking at Liu Bao with a firm expression: "With me here, I will never let the Great Han suffer any turmoil."

Liu Bao stared blankly at Gu Xi, and out of absolute trust in Gu Xi, he nodded.

He then reached out his small hand to grab Gu Xi's arm and stammered, "Grand Tutor, please rest assured."

"If I can truly become Emperor."

"I will certainly not be like Father Emperor and fail the Grand Tutor's painstaking efforts."

He was indeed very clever.

Especially under Gu Xi's education.

He could see the changes in the court and the public even more clearly.

He knew very clearly exactly why all of this had been brought about.

Gu Xi smiled and also nodded: "Good!"

Gu Yi had been silently watching all of this, and his heart was also somewhat panicked.

Even he had not expected things to develop to this point today.

The move by Gu Xi to eliminate Wang Sheng back then indeed had a massive impact.

It not only saved the Great Han from the decay of Wang Sheng’s era of absolute power but also prevented Liu Hu from having the opportunity to wreak havoc on the court and the country.

This was undoubtedly a good thing for the Great Han.

But in all things, fortune and misfortune are interdependent.

The weaknesses in Liu Hu’s character were seized upon, which completely brought about this situation.

The existence of the Gu Shizi changed the grand trend.

Yet, the weaknesses in a person’s character cannot be completely changed.

Liu Hu had actually changed somewhat.

It was just that the flattery over these years had made him somewhat blindly confident, causing the weaknesses in his character to be exposed once again.

He could roughly guess what Gu Xi wanted to do.

In fact, the most powerful weapon of the Gu Shizi today is their reputation.

This is not just reputation in the court and the country, but also within the military!

This is a reputation cultivated over generations of great service to the world, which no other family can compare to.

Everything Yan Ji has done is already very good.

Winning over the ministers and controlling the Imperial Guards to create a momentum.

She has even done this better than she did in the original history.

If not for the existence of the Gu Shizi, she would absolutely have become the master of the Great Han.

But now, it is otherwise.

The prestige of Gu Xi is so high that it even surpasses that of Gu Kang.

Even Gu Kang was once able to deter all the officials with his own strength.

How much more so for Gu Xi?

Although, if one were to speak of maximizing benefits, it would be best for Gu Xi to play it safe now.

But for these people.

There are always some things destined to exceed life itself.

Gu Yi was also unable to interfere.

After thinking about it, he still did not let Gu Xi take the risk.

Instead, he took out what might be the only item that could have some effect at the moment—the Good Luck Card.

He chose to use it directly.

Although Gu Yi was not sure if this thing would be effective, he had to try.

After all, it is also a Profound-grade item.

Judging by the example of the Longevity Card, the effects of Profound-grade items are not bad.

And unlike the Longevity Card.

The Good Luck Card has a time limit.

The effect can only last for one day.

Logically speaking, the effect it brings should be even better.

As for drawing a lottery specifically, Gu Yi still held back.

This incident is indeed a bit of a crisis for the Gu Shizi.

However, it is not enough to make Gu Yi use his achievement points again.

The reputation of the Gu Shizi over several generations is too great.

Moreover, Gu Xi had long since sent the Gu Shizi descendants back to Hebei.

Even if Gu Xi were to fail, the Gu Shizi would at most be dismissed, and there would be no threat of death.

And next, they are about to face the chaotic era of the Three Kingdoms.

If there really were a mistake, he would have plenty of opportunities to step in personally and defy the heavens to change fate.

(End of this chapter)