Chapter 50: Liu Bao is Critically Ill, A Heaven-Shaking Change

The entire Great Han was flourishing.

The actions taken by Liu Bao during his Fengshan ceremony at Mount Taishan greatly promoted the moral standards of the entire Great Han.

Scholars from all over the world took pride in becoming officials like Gu Xi.

This was entirely the will of the people.

Coupled with the institutional reforms implemented previously, the administration of the Great Han truly ushered in a state of clarity.

And from then on, Liu Bao became even more diligent in his governance.

He seemed truly desirous of creating a prosperous age like that of the Filial Ming Emperor, and began to govern with even greater dedication.

Yet, all of this had absolutely nothing to do with the Gu family.

Just as in the days of Gu Xiao, the Gu family sat on the sidelines, overlooking the changes in the world.

No one dared to touch them, and no one could reach them.

This was also a good thing for Gu Yi.

With his influence already sufficient, it was best for the family to remain in absolute safety.

Of course, there was other good news besides this.

That was that Gu Xi had a grandson!

That’s right, with the passage of time, the sixth generation of the Gu family had been born one after another.

Gu Yi had carefully observed their attributes; most were extremely ordinary, but one of them caught Gu Yi's attention.

—Gu Wei.

[Internal Affairs: 83; Diplomacy: 70; Politics: 72; Command: 44; Martial Arts: 50]

Perhaps it was truly because it had been too long since he had seen attributes that made Gu Yi feel brightened.

Although Gu Wei’s attributes could not be considered particularly outstanding.

They were far superior to the fifth generation of descendants.

This was enough to make Gu Yi very satisfied.

As long as he could be controlled and manipulated, the gap in attributes could be compensated for.

Of course, better attributes naturally had their benefits, allowing for better execution of Gu Yi’s plans.

But as long as it was close enough, that would suffice.

And this was just the beginning; the number of sixth-generation Gu family descendants would surely continue to grow.

Gu Xi was still very capable these days.

Gu Yi did not know how long he could keep it up.

But as long as he was still alive, there was no need to be anxious; more choices would always appear.

In fact, what Gu Yi looked forward to even more was the matter of national policy that Gu Xi had been considering all these years.

These years of governance had indeed allowed Gu Xi to accumulate a great deal of experience.

Even though he had long since left the imperial court, Gu Xi could still make certain judgments regarding the situation across the world.

The results of Liu Bao’s reforms this time.

He saw them clearly.

This made Gu Xi settle his heart even more to consider the problems within them.

And what shocked Gu Yi was—

With the passage of time, in the fourth year of Yonghe, Gu Xi had actually thought of a system that resembled the imperial examination.

In fact, this also had to do with Gu Yi.

The teaching methods Gu Yi left behind when he controlled Gu Xiao allowed the Gu family descendants to engage in different in-depth learning methods according to their different aptitudes.

This greatly caught Gu Xi’s attention.

People’s talents are all different.

Those good at literature are not necessarily good at martial arts; those good at martial arts are not necessarily good at literature; and those good at literature are divided into governing the world and political maneuvering; those good at martial arts are divided into leading troops and charging into battle.

Gu Xi had formulated a more detailed set of examinations.

And he inserted these examinations into the recommendation process.

Simply put.

It meant that after local recommendations, a more detailed examination would be conducted within the commanderies.

The subjects within it varied.

Aside from a few fixed subjects, other subjects could be added according to the needs of the imperial court, allowing the recommended individuals to choose for themselves.

And supervisory officials were appointed.

Although this matter did not seem like a big deal from the perspective of a modern person.

But this was the feudal era!

To break through the limitations of the era, the difficulties involved were unimaginable.

This theory that Gu Xi had formulated.

To put it bluntly, it was more like a further refinement of the current system of recommendation.

It made the assessments more detailed.

It could select more talent for the imperial court.

And it added supervisory officials, making the entire system a bit fairer.

In the original history.

The system of recommendation gradually became a plaything in the hands of powerful clans as time passed.

Interests between large clans were intertwined, coupled with various factors such as the personal preferences of local officials.

Eventually, this led to the phenomenon of "recommending scholars who do not know books; examining filial and incorrupt officials whose fathers live separately."

Gu Yi did not believe that Gu Xi’s theory could change this phenomenon.

This was a problem with the system of recommendation itself.

This reform of Gu Xi’s might make this phenomenon appear later, but it was clearly impossible to change it completely.

However, for Gu Yi.

This was enough.

The formation of a system was definitely not an easy task.

The influence of such a thing was enormous.

Since Gu Xi had accomplished this, it would definitely bring him a great many achievement points!

The Gu family.

A group of Gu family descendants were listening intently as Gu Xi explained the core of his reform.

Although Gu Xi had always been immersed in studying systems, he had never neglected the education of his family descendants.

In fact, it had already become a tradition.

Now, almost all Gu family descendants had this mindset.

That is, only by having extraordinary talent.

Could one, like Gu Xiao, Gu Kang, Gu Cheng, and others of the past, add bricks and tiles to the eternal foundation of the entire family.

This was the manifestation of being influenced from a young age.

Gu Kang had influenced the generation of Gu Liang.

Gu Liang had influenced the generation of Gu Xi.

Gu Xi naturally passed this philosophy down.

Listening to Gu Xi, the group of Gu family descendants all fell into deep thought.

The talents of the fifth-generation descendants were indeed a bit too mediocre.

Anyone with some talent was currently serving as an official in the provinces; those who could remain in the clan were the ones with the least talent.

How could they possibly understand it quickly?

Gu Xi waited for a while, and seeing that no one spoke, he couldn't help but shake his head slightly.

The talents of the family descendants were indeed too poor.

He had already sent someone to deliver this reform matter to Liu Bao.

According to his understanding of Liu Bao.

Liu Bao would definitely be able to see the benefits and would certainly implement it with all his might.

He had originally wanted to give his family descendants a hint, allowing them to seize the initiative.

But alas, the family descendants were too lacking in talent.

Now, he could truly understand Gu Liang’s state of mind back then.

Carrying the banner of a family like the Gu family was truly not an easy task.

Only by ensuring that the descendants could take up the heavy burden could one set one's heart at ease.

Gu Xi now only felt that the future was filled with confusion.

And how could he be at ease now?

Gu Xi sighed softly, then immediately began to explain in detail the deep meaning behind his various measures.

Just as he said that this move could recruit more talent for the imperial court.

A crisp voice suddenly rang out.

"Grandfather..."

"If one wishes to recruit talent, why can't one recruit from the entire world?"

"Those who can be recommended are destined to be the minority."

The speaker was naturally Gu Wei.

At this time, he was only four years old, yet he had already displayed some talent.

Like Gu Xi back then, he belonged to the type of early-blooming genius.

Gu Xi looked at Gu Wei, a gratified smile immediately appearing on his face.

"Wei'er is right." He first gave his affirmation, then shook his head and said, "But although there are many commoners in the world, among them, those who do not read or know characters—"

Gu Xi's voice stopped abruptly.

He seemed to have suddenly realized something, his brows furrowing instantly.

But immediately after, he shook his head slightly, as if denying some speculation that had just arisen in his mind.

He waved his hand gently, signaling Gu Wei to come to his side.

Immediately, he picked up Gu Wei, faced the crowd again, and continued to expound on his theory.

Only, the expression on his face was somewhat different from just a moment ago.

Gu Yi watched this scene with interest, not having expected such a thing to happen.

Of course, he also understood that this was not because Gu Wei possessed world-shaking talent.

It was simply because he was still young.

He was not deeply influenced by the limitations of the current era, which was why he could say such things.

As for how much impact this could cause, he did not know for now.

But looking at Gu Xi's appearance, he was clearly somewhat moved.

For an Emperor like Liu Bao who had performed the Fengshan sacrifice at Taishan.

Reform was naturally not a difficult matter.

However, this reform still caused a great stir.

As for the reason, it was also very simple.

That was that the changes were too great!

This time was different from the reform of Zuo Xiong back then.

Not only were examinations added, but there were also officials for supervision and more.

Compared to the past, it was much more complex.

This was destined not to be something that could be achieved overnight.

It could only be implemented slowly.

Little by little, letting the people of the world adapt to the change in the system.

Of course, besides this.

Within the imperial court, there was still too much government business.

What the ministers cared about more was the matter of the foundation of the state.

That’s right, the current Liu Bao was also facing the same predicament as Liu Zhao had years ago.

That was the early death of the Imperial Princes.

As Liu Bao grew older, this had almost become a heart-worry for the ministers, and some had even sent letters to Gu Xi.

There was no help for it.

The Great Han had encountered this problem before.

Following the sudden passing of Liu Zhao.

From then on, the Great Han began to suffer from continuous natural disasters.

Moreover, an unsettled state foundation was destined to give rise to many changes.

Humans are animals that breed ambition according to different environments.

Liu Bao also realized this problem.

—It was in the ninth year of Yonghe.

He finally set the position of Crown Prince, naming Liu Bing, the son born to Consort Yu, as the Imperial Crown Prince.

Gu Yi also immediately noticed this matter, and subsequently began to pay attention to Liu Bao as well.

One must know, in the original history.

Liu Bao passed away from illness not long after establishing the Crown Prince.

The current Great Han had already undergone too many changes.

At least from Gu Yi's observation.

Liu Bao currently showed no signs of illness.

This might be related to the pressure he endured.

In the original history, without the existence of the Gu family, the pressure Liu Bao faced far exceeded the present.

And now.

Having performed the Fengshan sacrifice at Taishan, with overwhelming power, he had reached the limit of an emperor.

This kind of transformation was destined to cause different changes.

Sure enough, it was as Gu Xi had expected.

Liu Bao's body indeed did not have any problems.

But Liu Bing, just like in the original history, had health problems.

In the following year, at the age of only three, he passed away from illness in the palace.

This matter dealt a huge blow to Liu Bao.

Just after learning the news, he actually vomited blood in public and fainted directly.

The court and the public were shaken!

Liu Bao's sudden collapse.

Could be said to have completely ignited the ambition within human nature!

Everyone's thoughts were instantly set in motion.

Of course, they naturally would not have thoughts detrimental to Liu Bao.

It was the foundation of the state!

The Great Han's state foundation was not yet settled!

Liu Bao had no sons, and he had vomited blood!

In this era, vomiting blood and fainting was enough to pronounce a death sentence.

Everyone understood that Liu Bao could not hold on for much longer.

Then, this position of Crown Prince...

Night, Beigong.

Liu Bao slowly regained consciousness; the moment he opened his eyes, he saw Liang Na guarding by his side.

"Your Majesty, you are awake." Liang Na was overjoyed and hurriedly spoke.

Liu Bao seemed to still feel unwell, frowning slightly, his body unable to stop trembling slightly.

After a moment of silence, he nodded slowly and said in a deep voice, "I am fine."

"Your Majesty, I will call for the imperial physician immediately."

Liang Na still could not set her heart at ease.

But Liu Bao directly grabbed her hand, looked at her earnestly, and asked, "Empress, what are the movements of the ministers today?"

Liu Bao was not a dull person; with the previous example, Liu Bao immediately thought of the worst-case scenario.

Liang Na was a very intelligent woman to begin with.

Over these years, Liu Bao often discussed government affairs with her, so she naturally understood what Liu Bao was concerned about.

But to say that the ministers would directly start taking action would truly be insulting their intelligence.

"Your Majesty, rest assured, the court and the public are stable."

Liang Na shook her head slightly, looking at Liu Bao with worry, and hesitated before saying, "Your Majesty, why not summon the Grand Tutor back to the imperial court?"

"If the Grand Tutor were here..."

"Our Great Han would never encounter any accidents."

Hearing this, a trace of loneliness flashed in Liu Bao's eyes.

How could he not know that summoning Gu Xi back was the best solution at the moment?

But Gu Xi was already sixty-two years old.

In this era, such an age was already the twilight of life.

A long journey might mean he would not even reach Luoyang before losing his life on the way.

How could he have the heart to do that?

Seeing Liu Bao silent, Liang Na instantly understood his thoughts, her eyes turning slightly red.

"Empress, no need to worry." Liu Bao squeezed out a smile, held her hand, and said, "To let the Grand Tutor return to the capital, I truly cannot bear it."

"The Grand Tutor has exhausted his heart and blood for our Great Han."

"Now that he has reached the age of destiny, I absolutely cannot trouble him further."

His tone paused slightly, as if he had made some kind of decision, and his expression became increasingly serious in that instant:

"I will certainly be able to hold on!"

"Before everything is settled."

"I, will certainly hold on!"

When Liu Bao said this, his tone was exceptionally firm.

Liang Na gripped his hand tightly and nodded earnestly.

The next day, Liu Bao convened a grand morning court.

Although he tried his best to appear no different than usual.

Anyone could see his clearly pale complexion.

Liu Bao did not say any superfluous words today.

Instead, he issued an edict directly.

Summoning the sons of the vassal kings from all regions to the capital!

Everyone knew what this meant, and they had long anticipated it.

There were also a few people like Liang Na who submitted a memorial in the court, stating, "Gu Xi should be summoned back to the imperial court to deal with this time of crisis."

Everyone understood Liu Bao's current state.

To prevent any accidents, summoning Gu Xi back to the capital was clearly the best method.

As long as Gu Xi returned.

The imperial court of the Great Han would absolutely not fall into chaos.

But the imperial court today is different; it is not just one person who does not want Gu Xi to return to the capital.

After all, the interests involved are far greater than one could imagine.

The sons of the vassal kings entering the capital is a heaven-sent opportunity for them.

Who would not want to become the second Gu Xi?

How could they allow Gu Xi to return to the capital?

Immediately, someone in the court sternly rebuked those people.

"The Grand Tutor is now over sixty years old."

"Traveling all this way, are you trying to put the Grand Tutor in danger?"

"Our Great Han has always respected the elderly; the Grand Tutor has contributed such great merit to our Great Han over these years, and now he has only enjoyed a few years of prosperity?"

"And you want to make the Grand Tutor return to the court again?"

These words could be described as righteous and awe-inspiring.

Naturally, they could not use any other means to target Gu Xi.

The reason for not letting Gu Xi return to the capital was very simple.

It was to use Liu Bao's feelings for Gu Xi to make him completely abandon this idea himself.

After all, in this era, traveling a long distance meant risking one's life.

Sure enough, after hearing these words, Liu Bao's eyes grew even dimmer.

He seemed to want to say something.

But the moment he opened his mouth, he staggered and almost fainted in the court again.

In just a few short days.

The Great Han, which had been flourishing, already showed signs of spiraling out of control!

PS: Seeking guaranteed monthly tickets in the middle of the month.

(End of this chapter)