Chapter 57: Pacifying the Southwestern Barbarians Again, the Passing of Liu Zhi

Luoyang.

Gu Xi naturally would not watch the Great Han continue to weaken, especially after seeing that Liu Zhi had no intention of letting him enter the court.

He could only settle for the next best thing, successively contemplating several strategies for disaster relief.

Gu Xi’s attainments in this area were indeed extremely profound.

His experience in disaster relief from years past was not something he just boasted about; during that period, he had attended to every corner of the world.

Although there were constant refugees now, it naturally could not compare to the great disaster of the Nine Provinces back then.

Although Liu Zhi had no intention of letting Gu Xi enter the court, he naturally attached importance to these matters.

But what could be done?

The fundamental reason for the ineffective relief of refugees was that the governance of the Great Han had changed.

In the current era, if one wished to fully implement the court’s systems in the localities, one had to ensure the integrity of the administration.

The illicit gains from refugee relief were simply too great.

When Gu Xi was in charge of disaster relief in the past, he kept a tight watch on this very point, which was how he managed to stabilize the situation.

How could one achieve complete success now?

But this problem was not something the current Gu Xi could solve.

Ever since the day he left the court years ago.

His prestige had been in steady decline, and with the passing of the group of ministers most deeply connected to him.

Coupled with the shifting of "Imperial Favor."

It was destined to result in the current situation.

Of course, the reaction of the common people to this matter was indeed extremely intense.

The court’s refusal to use Gu Xi could be said to have left many people extremely disappointed.

As for the people in all four directions, everyone believed that as long as Gu Xi stepped forward, they would no longer have to live the kind of life they were living now.

This was a legend passed down from their fathers and even their grandfathers.

How could they not believe it?

Yet the more this was the case, the firmer Liu Zhi’s resolve became.

Of course, he also understood that one must never go against the will of the people of the world.

And it just so happened that at this moment, news arrived in Luoyang that the Southwestern Barbarians had rebelled once again.

And this time, Liu Zhi summoned Gu Xi directly.

Northern Palace.

Gu Xi walked over slowly, his eyes like an abyss, his face devoid of any expression.

"Grand Tutor."

Before Gu Xi could offer a salute, Liu Zhi hurriedly stood up, walked quickly to Gu Xi, and reached out to help him up, "The Grand Tutor is advanced in years, yet I have made you walk into the palace; this is truly my fault."

"Pass on my decree: from now on, the Grand Tutor may ride a carriage when entering the palace."

Gu Xi remained expressionless and did not respond to Liu Zhi’s words, instead asking straightforwardly: "Does Your Majesty wish for this old subject to campaign against the Southwestern Barbarians?"

Liu Zhi was slightly startled, and a smile immediately appeared on his face: "I knew it; in the end, I still could not hide it from the Grand Tutor."

"Grand Tutor."

"I remember that in the days of the late Emperor Jingping, you once campaigned against the Southwestern Barbarians."

"The Xianbei, the Southern Xiongnu, and other barbarians all feared you like a tiger."

"I believe that these Southwestern Barbarians must be the same."

"I wonder if the Grand Tutor..."

Although he did not finish his sentence, the meaning was self-evident.

"This old subject is willing to lead the expedition." Gu Xi did not hesitate, his tone firm.

From beginning to end, his expression had not changed in the slightest, as if he had already anticipated all of this.

"Good! Good!" Liu Zhi nodded repeatedly, the smile on his face deepening, "With the Grand Tutor leading the troops, my heart is at ease."

"I will certainly host a banquet within Luoyang to await the Grand Tutor’s triumphant return, and at that time..."

Before he could finish, Gu Xi’s aged yet steady voice interrupted him.

"This old subject only hopes to die on the battlefield."

Liu Zhi was stunned, his expression instantly freezing.

Gu Xi bowed to him, said no more, and turned to leave slowly.

How could he not see through Liu Zhi’s intentions?

Power, in the end, will change a person.

The Liu Hu of the past was like this, and the Liu Zhi of today is the same.

Watching Gu Xi’s back as he walked further and further away, Su Kang hurriedly stepped forward and said indignantly: "How can the Grand Tutor be so disrespectful to Your Majesty?"

"Enough, enough." Liu Zhi, at this moment, was completely devoid of his usual anger and just let out a deep sigh, "The Grand Tutor has rendered service to the state; he is different from others."

Su Kang’s expression changed instantly, and he hurriedly lowered his head: "This old servant spoke out of turn; please punish me, Your Majesty."

Liu Zhi did not even look at him, staring at the palace gate and muttering to himself: "If the Grand Tutor can truly die on the battlefield this time."

"I am willing to bestow a Jade Burial Suit."

"So that his funeral will be no less than that of the Marquis of Loyalty and Martial Valor of the past."

His eyes were extremely complex, with loneliness and anticipation intertwined.

Upon hearing this, Su Kang’s body could not help but tremble.

In the Great Han, a Jade Burial Suit was something only an Emperor could use!

But thinking of Gu Xi’s contributions.

He had nothing to say.

— The fourteenth year of Yanxi, April.

Gu Xi, already seventy-six years of age, left Luoyang once again.

The news spread like a gale across the entire world.

This move by Liu Zhi indeed succeeded in diverting the conflicts of the refugees from all directions.

In fact, the common people of this era were still very simple.

As long as one left them a glimmer of hope, they could persevere.

The most critical thing was that, for these refugees.

They would not worry about whether or not Gu Xi would die on the battlefield.

People are only willing to believe what they want to believe.

In their hearts, Gu Xi was a deity sent down by the heavens.

Since he had not yet solved their life-and-death problems, Gu Xi would certainly not pass away.

Under such circumstances, although the number of refugees from all directions increased daily, no major chaos occurred.

Although the eunuchs in the court were becoming increasingly daring and reckless.

They were not without brains and knew to leave the people a sliver of survival, so as not to drive the refugees to the brink of desperation.

But for Gu Xi, these refugees from all directions held a different meaning.

He had walked from the peak of the Great Han to this day.

Having witnessed the former glory, he understood the current decay.

The most critical thing was—

The news of him leading troops again traveled much faster than he was traveling.

Along the way, there were always refugees who had come specifically for this purpose, kneeling and bowing to Gu Xi’s carriage from all directions.

Some of the bold ones even shouted from all sides.

"Grand Tutor, please save us."

"Lord Gu, save us; our whole family is about to starve to death."

"Immortal... my son is dead, I cannot lose my grandson too; he is the only seedling left in our family, please save us."

"Immortal... our family has never stopped the sacrifices to the God of Agriculture, Immortal... please save my child."

"..."

Sounds of wailing echoed across the four corners of the Great Han.

Gu Xi became increasingly silent.

From then on, every time he passed through a place, he would stay longer to intimidate the local officials and powerful clans.

This did indeed have a certain effect.

But it was clear that this could not cure the root cause.

Given the current situation, it was naturally impossible for the court’s Central Army to be mobilized again.

Gu Xi had no choice but to mobilize the troops of the commanderies to fight this battle.

However, Gu Xi’s prestige was still useful even against foreign tribes, let alone the Southwestern Barbarians.

Qiongdu.

This time, Gu Xi did not even lead his troops to move directly.

He only sent people to deliver a message.

He wished to invite the tribal leaders of the contemporary King of Ailao, King of Qiongdu, and King of Dian to gather together.

If it were anyone else, this matter would naturally be impossible.

——But this is Gu Xi!

Today, there are many legends about him within the barbarian tribes.

Among these tribes, it is said that he has the "ability to manipulate the human heart."

No matter what kind of person they are, he can see through their thoughts and use them to his advantage.

These are legends passed down from generation to generation.

No one does not believe them.

Under these circumstances, these three tribal leaders actually came.

When they saw Gu Xi.

Although the three looked fierce and menacing, their eyes revealed a trace of fear.

"Grand Tutor, you are at such an age, why must you still go out to command troops?"

The contemporary King of Qiongdu looked puzzled, his face even revealing a trace of despair.

Actually, what he wanted to ask was, "Why haven't you died yet?"

But he was somewhat afraid.

Gu Xi's current aura was indeed somewhat terrifying.

Although his hair was white and his face was covered in wrinkles, he gave people a sense of dignity that did not require anger to be felt.

Added to the circulating rumors, they could not help but be afraid.

The other two kings also nodded immediately, their expressions extremely complex.

Gu Xi did not respond directly, but simply pointed to the mats around him and said calmly, "Sit."

The three were stunned for a moment, instinctively looking at each other.

No matter what, they were tribal leaders.

Since they had already come, how could they not even dare to sit?

For the three of them.

It was simply impossible for Gu Xi to use such means to kill them; otherwise, it would incite even greater rebellion.

The three sat down one after another.

Gu Xi looked at them, smiled slightly, and finally answered their question: "If you had not rebelled, why would I need to command troops?"

"Speak, why did you revolt?"

From beginning to end, Gu Xi's tone was extremely calm, as if he were discussing a trivial matter.

But even when faced with such contempt.

These three tribal leaders did not have the slightest bit of anger.

Upon hearing this, they only exchanged a few glances before speaking up one after another.

"Hmph! You Great Han have bullied us too much!"

"Does the Grand Tutor still remember the agreement made with my grandfather years ago? Why has the Great Han broken the agreement all these years and engaged in extortion and heavy taxation within our tribes?"

"That's right, all these years the Great Han officials have engaged in extortion and heavy taxation, bullying our tribe too much!"

"They even look down upon the gods of our tribe."

"."

The three spoke one after another, recounting their dissatisfaction over these past few years.

Simply put, the Great Han officials had become increasingly excessive in recent years, leaving them unable to survive, so they had to unite and rebel.

In fact, this was the fundamental reason why these barbarians often rebelled.

Years ago, when he came to pacify the unrest, Gu Xi had already noticed this point.

Therefore, he formulated a more appropriate system.

There had been no trouble for all these years.

It was not until the last few years that the balance of this system was gradually broken.

Gu Xi listened very attentively.

Gu Xi listened extremely attentively, and after the three finished speaking, he nodded slightly: "You may take your tribes and retreat; I will uphold justice for you in this matter."

"From now on, as long as I am still alive."

"Everything shall remain as the agreement of the past."

His expression remained as calm as water.

Hearing this, the three tribal leaders all frowned deeply.

Seeing them silent, Gu Xi asked again: "What? Do you wish to take up arms against me?"

The three, as if by instinct, instantly avoided his gaze.

The King of Qiongdu hesitated for a moment before asking again: "Is the Grand Tutor's word true?"

"I never speak falsely," Gu Xi answered decisively.

Upon hearing this, the three all breathed a sigh of relief.

Finally, they made their decision.

Immediately, they stood up one after another and bowed to Gu Xi according to their respective customs.

"Good, since that is the case, we shall trust the Grand Tutor."

Having said that, the three left one after another.

Gu Xi would naturally not break his word, and subsequently, he traveled in turn to the commanderies closest to the three tribes.

Perhaps it was because he heard the suffering of the people along the way that his heart was filled with irrepressible anger.

This time, Gu Xi erupted.

In the territory of the three commanderies, he investigated the matter clearly and then began large-scale rectification.

He arrested all the officials who had engaged in extortion and heavy taxation and acted tyrannically in the commanderies.

This matter spread extremely widely.

It could be said that the whole world was shocked!

The people cheered and jumped for joy, shouting toward the direction of Yizhou that the immortal was finally going to save the people.

But for Liu Zhi in Luoyang, this was not a good thing.

Luoyang.

Inside the North Palace.

"Why!" Liu Zhi slammed the table, his expression twisted, roaring in anger, "Why hasn't he died yet!"

He persuaded the three-tribe coalition to retreat before the war even began; he had no real power yet could rectify local officials.

Any slight movement would attract the attention of the people of the world.

The thing he feared most had finally happened.

Gu Xi's prestige was so high that it had far surpassed his own as Emperor.

In fact, Liu Zhi still had feelings for Gu Xi.

But imperial power is selfish after all.

He could not use his imperial power to gamble on the future.

If he were to die, what would happen to the emperors of later generations? As long as the foundation was unstable, it would be possible for the scholars to seize power.

Even if Gu Xi would not, what of it?

From ancient times to the present, how many ministers like Gu Xi have appeared?

How could he not consider these things?

Most importantly, Liu Zhi suddenly felt some fear.

Perhaps because he was too addicted to pleasure, in the past two years he had also gradually felt that his body was increasingly unable to keep up with his will.

——This was a very obvious feeling.

Long-term indulgence had completely hollowed out his body.

And to this day, he still had no heirs.

That's right, even though the scale of the harem reached as many as ten thousand people, Liu Zhi still had no heirs to this day.

Only three daughters.

Now the court was already discussing this matter.

This made Liu Zhi have to take it seriously.

If he were to suddenly have an accident.

Then the court balance he had worked so hard to maintain all these years would be destined to be overturned in an instant.

The eunuchs, without him as their protective umbrella.

How could they be the opponents of the scholars?

As for Gu Xi, would he help the eunuchs?

Liu Zhi panicked somewhat.

Besides having the imperial physicians help him recuperate his body, he even announced a change of the era name to "Yongkang," wanting to try to nurse his body back to health from every aspect.

But all of this was ultimately in vain.

Perhaps because of psychological factors, Liu Zhi instead felt that his body was getting worse and worse.

His temper became increasingly irritable.

The imperial physicians who helped him recuperate were executed one after another.

Whether they were eunuchs or scholars, it became difficult for anyone to obtain a smile from him.

In the sixth month of the first year of Yongkang, an imperial edict was once again sent from Luoyang to all four corners of the land.

—Summoning the heirs of the feudal princes from all regions to the capital.

Once this matter was made public, it could be said that the entire world was shaken!

The signal sent by this decree was far too obvious.

The Emperor seemed to be failing!

Contrary to previous decrees, the common people did not feel surprised by this.

After all, Liu Zhi’s move to not employ Gu Xi had long since stirred up criticism among the people, who one after another claimed that this was him receiving divine punishment.

But the ministers in the imperial court had to pay attention to this matter.

Immediately, there were memorials submitted stating that Gu Xi should be summoned back to Luoyang at once.

In the world as it stood now.

The Emperor passing away and Gu Xi acting as regent had already become common knowledge for everyone.

But how could Liu Zhi ever agree to that?

As long as Gu Xi entered the court, the political balance he had strived so hard to build would be shattered in an instant.

If an accident were to happen to Gu Xi at that time.

These powers would surely be seized by the scholars.

This was a weight he could not accept.

It was precisely because of this that Liu Zhi suppressed all voices, acted decisively, and directly established the position of the Crown Prince.

He appointed Liu Hong, the son of Liu Shu, the Marquis of Jieduting, as the Crown Prince.

And he began to set about helping him accumulate a foundation.

Regarding this matter, Liu Zhi was indeed extremely experienced.

After many years, he had unexpectedly become a role like the Gu Xi of the past, escorting and protecting the Crown Prince, Liu Hong.

Over these years, not all scholars had been opposing the eunuchs; faced with such a new Crown Prince who had no foundation at all, there was simply no one who would refuse.

However, Liu Zhi had not forgotten the eunuchs either.

He did not hand over the eunuchs he had employed to Liu Hong, but instead let Liu Hong cultivate his own.

Regarding all of this, there were naturally people who sent letters to Gu Xi.

But Gu Xi was still in Yizhou at the time; how could he receive the news directly?

And most crucially, Gu Xi no longer cared about these things now.

It seemed that the things he had seen and heard along this journey had caused Gu Xi to begin contemplating the essence of what had caused the current situation.

He began to slow his pace and observe the conditions of the people in various places.

Through this series of inquiries.

He thought of land annexation.

Then he remembered the land measurement policies implemented by emperors of the past, such as the Guangwu Emperor and the Ming Emperor.

He even went on to think about more detailed plans.

These included restrictions on the great clans and assistance for the common people.

He wanted to resolve the problems of the Great Han from the root!

This was not yet finished; perhaps because he was considering things so far ahead, he actually picked up the words that Gu Wei had spoken in his childhood.

He began to think deeply about the possibility of this matter.

This was a monumental step forward!

Gu Yi was exceptionally shaken by this; for a modern person, such a thing would naturally not be worth mentioning.

But for someone like Gu Xi, who lived within the historical limitations of his time.

To have such a leap in thought was as difficult as ascending to heaven!

Could Gu Xi save the Great Han?

Not necessarily.

Whether it was the land measurement or the things he thought of subsequently.

Such things were no longer achievable in the present day.

But if Gu Xi truly brought this matter up, would it cause a massive change in the development of subsequent systems?

Everything remained unknown.

But clearly, everything he was doing now would absolutely cause a fundamental, massive change.

And just before Gu Xi had managed to rush back to Luoyang.

In the second year of Yongkang, on the Dingchou day of the eighth month;

—Liu Zhi passed away in Luoyang.

The Crown Prince, Liu Hong, ascended the throne and changed the era name to "Jianning."

(End of chapter)