Chapter 60: One Man Bears a Nation, Crimson Blood Washes the Cosmos

——A earth-shattering upheaval!

Even Gu Yi had not anticipated that Liu Hong would die outright at this moment.

The current state of the world.

The Yellow Turbans have been quelled but not extinguished; rebels have risen in Liangzhou.

The situation was already dire.

And now, this Emperor Liu Hong has died!

Know that in this era, even if Liu Hong had no popular support.

But an emperor is an emperor—this title carries inherent uniqueness; his death is bound to embolden the rebels.

Some may even see it as a shift in the Mandate of Heaven.

For a feudal dynasty, this blow is fatal.

Could the Han dynasty perish now?

Gu Yi's heart pounded wildly.

Gu Xi is still alive.

His current achievement points are insufficient to control and merge with the role.

If chaos arrives early, will the Gu family change?

Gu Yi's inner tension grew ever tighter.

Indeed, it was no surprise to Gu Yi.

When this news spread across the land.

——The entire realm trembled!

Rumors arose from all directions; the most deadly was the claim that the Han no longer enjoyed Heaven's protection!

The hearts of rebels everywhere swelled with vigor!

In contrast, Han troops were deeply affected, their morale steadily declining.

The most severe region was undoubtedly Liangzhou!

The Liangzhou rebels swiftly advanced toward the Three Auxiliaries, their momentum overwhelming.

The Han dynasty, which had just barely stabilized its realm, was plunged into turmoil once more.

Luoyang.

General He Jin was utterly panicked.

What had he ever faced of such a situation, given his background?

How could his shoulders bear such a heavy burden?

Not just him—even the entire court was caught off guard by this sudden upheaval.

The entire Luoyang court descended into brief chaos.

Under these circumstances, He Jin had no choice but to cooperate with the ministers and resolve to recall Gu Xi to Jingcheng to take charge!

But this move would surely terrify the eunuchs.

Within the Changlegong.

Empress Dowager He looked at the group of eunuchs weeping before her and frowned. "What are you doing?"

Jian Shuo wiped tears from his eyes and sobbed, "We weep for the fate that awaits Your Majesty."

"My fate?" Empress Dowager He's brow furrowed deeper. "What is there to weep about regarding my fate?"

Jian Shuo's sorrow deepened, weeping uncontrollably: "Your Majesty, General He Jin and the court ministers have decided to summon the Grand Tutor back to the capital."

"Do you still remember what became of the former Empress Dowagers when the Grand Tutor held power?"

At these words, Empress Dowager He's expression shifted slightly.

How could she not know of such things?

Aside from Deng Sui, all the others were stripped of power and died in obscurity within the inner palace.

"Why are you telling me this?" Her face darkened with anger as she scanned them. "I have committed no transgression!"

"Even if the Grand Tutor returns, how can he touch me?"

Though she appeared confident on the surface, she was merely holding up a facade.

"Your Majesty," Zhao Zhong continued, shaking his head, "think—can General He Jin truly control the Grand Tutor?"

"You know the Grand Tutor's nature."

"Given the current situation, how could he tolerate interference from others?"

"The Grand Tutor will seize all power for himself."

Empress Dowager He's face grew darker, but she was not easily swayed; she slammed her hand on the table and roared, "How dare you!"

"Are you trying to sow discord between me and the Grand Tutor?"

"I have a clear conscience—what do I fear?"

In truth, her heart had already begun to waver.

Empress He had always been jealous and hypersensitive to everything.

How could she possibly remain unmoved?

At this moment, Zhang Rang spoke up quickly: "Your Majesty, how would we dare such a thing?"

"We only think of Your Majesty's welfare!"

His relationship with Empress Dowager He was different.

Zhang Rang's adopted son had married Empress Dowager He's younger sister; if one traced the ties carefully, they were kin.

In daily life, he was the one closest to Empress Dowager He.

Indeed, as soon as Zhang Rang spoke, Empress Dowager He fell silent.

She scanned the crowd, hesitated for a long while, then finally said: "What do you intend to do?"

"Empress Dowager," Zhang Rang immediately replied, "we servants merely wish for you to prepare in advance."

"You must surely retain some means to restrain the Grand Tutor; the Grand Tutor enjoys immense prestige within the Central Army, so much so that even the late Emperor feared him."

"You must prepare well before the Grand Tutor returns to the capital."

Upon hearing this, the vigilance in Empress Dowager He's eyes immediately lessened somewhat.

If these eunuchs demanded she oppose Gu Xi,

she would never agree.

After all, even Liu Zhi and Liu Hong never dared do such a thing.

But if she arranged things in advance, it would not be unreasonable.

She fell silent for a long time, then finally nodded and spoke at once: "Send someone to summon the General-in-Chief!"

At these words, the faces of the eunuchs immediately lit up with joy.

For them, there was no retreat.

Only by relying on Empress Dowager He could they preserve their lives.

Handan.

Regarding Liu Hong's sudden death, Gu Xi was also deeply surprised.

When he heard the news, he stood motionless, gazing at the sky, silent for a long while.

"Grandfather."

Gu Wei stood behind him, concerned: "You—"

"I am increasingly convinced of Heaven's will," Gu Xi interrupted him, his gaze deep and distant. "Since I decided to enact reforms, I have cultivated my body and mind."

"Fearing I would not finish what I wished to accomplish."

"Hoping the tide of events would change, allowing me to save Han one final time."

"I envisioned every possible scenario—but never this one."

Gu Xi took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, turning his gaze to Gu Wei and asking: "Wenyao, do you think this is Heaven's will?"

Gu Wei fell silent.

He could not answer this question.

Yet, throughout history, no minister had ever been like Gu Xi.

He had lived from the peak of an empire to the outbreak of chaos across the land.

Gu Xi said no more, only raised his head again toward heaven, murmuring as if to himself: "Long ago, I received the late Emperor Xiaohe's dying charge, assuming regency at the age of twenty."

"I have since endured much."

"Back then, I wondered why I had not died."

"Now I see—it is Heaven's will. Heaven intends for me, Gu Xi, to complete this one task: to resolve Han's hidden dangers!"

"To extend Han's mandate by another two hundred years!"

And his entire demeanor changed completely.

As if he had truly returned to those days—even his previously hunched frame straightened.

Gu Wei watched him, his eyes filled with reverence.

Time passed slowly.

Gu Xi was not an emotional man; after a brief moment of reflection, he laid out his orders.

"Send word to Yuzhou."

"Order Huangfu Song to lead his troops to the Three Auxiliaries and suppress the rebels."

"Command Lu Zhi to withdraw the Northern Army from his camp and return with me to Luoyang!"

"Spread the news of my return to the capital to assume regency!"

"Tell the people of the realm that upon my return, I shall perform sacrifices at the Luo River."

"Issue an edict to all great clans: any who seize land from refugees and incite unrest shall be severely punished!"

His voice was firm, powerful, and full of authority.

Gu Wei listened intently, immediately replied "Yes," and departed.

Gu Yi had been watching all of this, his heart growing ever more tense.

It had finally come.

Gu Xi was about to defy Heaven alone!

He meant to use his own prestige to completely overshadow all consequences of Liu Hong's death!

One man bearing the weight of a nation, extending Han's life once more.

Could it succeed?

Gu Yi did not know yet.

But given the current situation, Gu Xi had become the very pillar of the Han court.

If Gu Xi died, Han would collapse instantly.

And the chaos that followed would far exceed the original Three Kingdoms.

Under Gu Xi's deliberate promotion, the news spread rapidly from Jizhou across the realm.

What stunned people was—

Upon hearing this news, the increasingly restless populace actually began to calm down!

For the common people—

Liu Hong is indeed the Emperor, but Gu Xi is a transcendent!

Gu Xi's legends concern neither Han nor barbarians.

Moreover, Gu Xi will perform a sacrifice at the Luo River.

The last time he did this was when facing a heavenly disaster.

And what was the outcome afterward?

That heavenly disaster, which had spread across all Nine Provinces, ceased!

And now, Gu Xi will perform the sacrifice again!

The morale boost this brings to the people is unimaginable.

After many years, Gu Xi has once again become that beam of light piercing through the gloom, casting its glow over the land of Han!

During this time, Gu Xi personally led his troops toward Luoyang.

Lu Zhi, Liu Bei, and others had wished to accompany Gu Xi to Luoyang.

But Gu Xi stopped them all.

Although the Yellow Turban rebellion is not fatal, it must still be contained and cannot be allowed to grow.

At this moment, stabilizing all regions is the most critical matter.

For Gu Xi.

Only by completely resolving the current crisis to the state can he proceed with his next reforms!

—— Jian Ning Year Ten, second month.

Luoyang.

The city gates stand wide open.

The current Grand General He Jin led the young Son of Heaven by the hand, accompanied by the hundred officials, to welcome Gu Xi outside the city.

Behind them stood countless Luoyang commoners.

This scene was truly astonishing.

To muster such a display amid such turbulent times.

Throughout the entire realm today, perhaps only Gu Xi could inspire this.

"Taptaptap…" The sound of hooves drew nearer from afar.

Soon after, the crowd saw thousands of troops marching steadily toward Luoyang.

Yet no one felt fear.

They had already received word.

Moreover, the leader at the front had snow-white hair, strikingly visible among the crowd.

"The Grand Tutor has returned!"

Someone among the commoners immediately cried out.

"It's the Grand Tutor returning~"

Instantly, waves of cheers erupted.

Hearing this, the officials' expressions subtly shifted.

This is Gu Xi's prestige!

The people see him as they would see the Emperor.

After their astonishment, they quickly regained composure, gazing at the man riding ahead of the three armies, each trembling slightly.

Can Gu Xi ride a horse again?

What has happened?

Everyone was bewildered, staring intently at the approaching army, trying to discern who the leader was.

But the more they looked, the more confused they became.

It truly is Gu Xi.

This outcome left everyone stunned.

In truth, Gu Yi had also been deeply astonished at first.

But after thinking it over, he understood.

Because of the Longevity Card, Gu Xi's body has never been sick.

Sometimes, for a person, a shift in mindset can alter their physical condition.

The old Gu Xi had long grown weary.

With that mindset, his body naturally suffered.

But Gu Xi's mindset has changed now!

This greatly improved Gu Xi's physical state—at least, riding a horse no longer causes him trouble.

The officials all bowed their heads.

Especially the twelve eunuchs at the very back.

Though protected by Empress Dowager He, they had some courage, yet facing Gu Xi, fear still crept into their hearts.

"We pay homage to the Grand Tutor!"

As He Jin spoke first, the hundred officials behind him likewise bowed to Gu Xi.

After many years, seeing this again.

For Gu Xi, it stirred complex emotions.

He did not dismount and bow as he had in past years; instead, he remained on horseback, scanning everyone, then fixed his gaze on Liu Bian, whose face bore fear.

Only then did he dismount and walk before him.

Without regard to He Jin's astonishment, he directly took over and gripped Liu Bian's hand, whispering, "Your humble minister has returned; Your Majesty need fear no more."

Everyone froze.

Though only for a fleeting moment, they all felt Gu Xi's transformation.

——Such demeanor, even surpassing his days as Regent!

What is the Grand Tutor planning?

Is he about to reclaim control of state affairs and rescue Han from ruin?

No one considered whether Gu Xi would rebel—he had spent his entire life proving otherwise.

They instinctively assumed Gu Xi intended to resume regency and monopolize power.

This brightened the eyes of many.

Should Gu Xi truly act, whether eunuchs or maternal relatives, all would be crushed beneath him!

For most court officials, this was a great blessing.

But the shrewd eunuchs all changed expression.

Gu Xi uttered no idle words; he simply took Liu Bian's hand and headed toward the city.

White hair atop his head, sword at his waist.

At this moment, it was as it had been before.

In past times, Gu Xi had personally taken Liu Bao by the hand and ascended him to the throne amid great chaos.

Now the chaos was even greater.

With such demeanor, was Gu Xi preparing to restore the dragon throne once more?

All stared dumbfounded at this scene, countless thoughts flashing through their minds.

No one dared to obstruct—not even He Jin!

And the moment Gu Xi stepped through the Luoyang city gate.

Cheers erupted instantly.

The people of Luoyang were elated at Gu Xi's return.

Luoyang itself seemed to come alive once more.

Against Gu Xi, He Jin could not possibly resist his reclamation of the entire Luoyang Imperial Guard.

Soon after, Gu Xi fully seized control of Luoyang, just as in his days as Regent, once again reaching the pinnacle of court authority.

From this day forward, whether eunuchs or Empress Dowager He.

They all withered like wilted flowers.

Especially the eunuchs—they truly felt fear; He Jin and Empress Dowager He's actions had only deepened their insecurity.

They were forced to hide deep within the palace, daring not to show their faces.

But how could Gu Xi let them off?

For Gu Xi, the best way to stabilize the realm was to eliminate the eunuchs!

This move would divert public outrage and calm the hearts of the scholar-officials!

As long as the people's sentiment and the great scholarly clans remained stable,

He could hold the situation firm.

Changlegong.

A group of eunuchs gathered here to weep before Empress Dowager He.

"Your Majesty, your servants face mortal peril! Please, Your Majesty, plead with the Grand Tutor on our behalf—we will surrender everything!"

"Please, Your Majesty, save us! We shall forever follow your every command and never betray your trust."

"."

Looking at the crowd before her, Empress Dowager He's expression grew grim.

She too was afraid.

Since Gu Xi's return to the capital, he had not once come to see her.

Moreover, since Gu Xi's return, He Jin had lost all authority.

This made Empress Dowager He instinctively uneasy.

After long hesitation, she waved her hand, discontented: "What is there to panic about?"

"From today on, remain within Changlegong."

"What can the Grand Tutor do?"

"When the Grand Tutor comes to pay his respects to Your Majesty, I shall speak for you—will that not suffice?"

Hearing this, the eunuchs' eyes all brightened.

They still held a sliver of hope in Empress Dowager He.

But… this was destined to surpass their expectations.

On the Jiazi day.

Gu Xi first ordered all ministers to gather at the Jiade Gate of the Southern Palace, then publicly had someone proclaim the eunuchs' crimes.

"Usurping imperial authority, corrupting the realm; selling titles and offices, eroding the state's foundation."

Each charge made the ministers' gazes grow ever brighter.

Finally!

Gu Xi truly meant to strike at the eunuchs!

With that said!

Gu Xi suddenly drew the sword at his waist, swept his gaze over the ministers, and said solemnly: "Remain here, all of you. Allow me to go seize these criminals!"

"Grand Tutor!" He Jin's face changed instantly. "Recently, the guilty eunuchs have all been in Changlegong."

"It is improper for the Grand Tutor to go himself. Why not send someone to arrest them?"

In truth, He Jin already regretted letting Gu Xi return.

He had believed that with Emperor Liu Hong's edict, he need fear nothing from Gu Xi.

But reality had slapped him in the face.

After Gu Xi's Central Army returned to camp, it swiftly slipped from his control.

He could not stop it at all.

But no matter what, he must uphold Empress Dowager He's dignity—this was the foundation of the He clan.

"Improper?" Gu Xi suddenly stopped walking, his gaze deep as a abyss as he fixed He Jin with a stare. "In years past, I was entrusted by Emperor Xiaohe."

"I helped elevate the Han dragon throne and stabilized the empire."

"Now the situation is dire."

"I seek to capture the villains and quell public outrage—and you tell me it is improper?"

Gu Xi's voice was solemn and commanding.

He Jin felt a chill rise from his heart, and instantly bowed his head.

Gu Xi shook his head slightly, said no more, and immediately led his troops straight toward Changlegong.

Changlegong.

This earth-shattering upheaval shattered Empress Dowager He's last illusion.

Gu Xi truly did not care for her as Empress Dowager.

For Gu Xi now,

he no longer cared for criticism; his only goal was to resolve Han's present crisis utterly.

Listening to the piercing cries outside the hall,

Empress Dowager He's body trembled slightly.

Intense unease surged up instantly.

The next moment, she rushed out like a madwoman, blocking Gu Xi and scolding: "Gu Xi!"

"You are a subject—how dare you forcibly enter Changlegong?"

"You arrest imperial personnel without regard for My will—do you intend to rebel?"

She gasped heavily, her body trembling faintly.

"Rebel?" Gu Xi shook his head slightly, sneering. "If I intended to rebel, why wait until today?"

"The realm is in chaos. Yet you, Empress Dowager, do not worry for the empire's peril—you still protect these guilty eunuchs."

Gu Xi paused, his expression suddenly stern: "And now you accuse me of rebellion?"

At this moment, he could not help but recall Deng Sui of old.

One could only say there was a difference among Empress Dowagers.

If Deng Sui were still alive,

how could so many upheavals have arisen within the palace?

Empress Dowager He was utterly stunned.

Gu Xi's calm expression once again stirred her fear.

She stumbled suddenly and collapsed outright.

Gu Xi paid her no mind.

He merely shook his head slightly and said coolly: "The Empress Dowager is unwell. Immediately return her to the palace to recuperate."

"During this time, no one is permitted to visit her!"

Saying this, Gu Xi turned and walked away.

Then, at the Nangong Jiade Gate, before all officials, he beheaded the twelve leading eunuchs.

He hung the heads of Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong on the gates of Luoyang.

The rest were sent by messenger to each province!

Proclaim their crimes to all under heaven!

Then, within Luoyang, he launched a purge of the eunuchs' allies.

Luoyang trembled!

When the students of the Imperial Academy heard the news, none could hold back their tears; they openly vented their fury.

Then, Gu Xi further met the people's expectations.

He personally led the officials to the Luo River and held a grand sacrifice.

News spread continuously across the land.

Within days, the entire Han Empire seemed to change once more—the restless hearts of the four quarters gradually calmed.

——————

"In the second month of spring, Jian Ning Year Ten, Grand Tutor Gu Xi returned from Jizhou to Luoyang.

On the Jiazi day, he assembled all officials at the Nangong Jiade Gate and publicly proclaimed the crimes of the Chief Eunuchs Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, and eleven others; all were beheaded and their heads displayed on the city walls, their blood soaking the bronze camels' alleyways for three days without drying.

Their heads were sent to thirteen provinces, with the decree: 'Eunuchs corrupt governance—Heaven and Earth jointly punish!'

He then led the dukes and ministers to the Luo River, burned offerings to Heaven, held the dark jade tablet, and swore: 'Today's star-rending silk is not merely to slay the wicked—it is to wash the cosmos in crimson blood, quell the chaos of the four directions, and extend Han's mandate for two hundred generations!'

His voice shook the rivers and lakes; onlookers shouted 'Ten thousand years!' in unison, and the hearts of the four quarters gradually calmed.'

——Records of the Later Han. Biography of Gu Xi

(End of Chapter)