Chapter 64: One Man Bears a Nation, Crimson Blood Washes the Universe

—A heaven-shaking, earth-shattering change!

Even Gu Yi had not expected that Liu Hong would die directly at such a time.

The current situation of the world.

Although the Yellow Turbans were suppressed, they were not yet finished; rebels were rising in the lands of Liangzhou.

The situation was already incomparably dire.

And now, this Emperor Liu Hong had actually died!

One must know that in this current era, even though Liu Hong did not have much popular support.

But an emperor is an emperor; this status inherently possesses a special nature, and his death was destined to bolster the momentum of the rebels.

It might even be seen by some as a shift in the Mandate of Heaven.

For a feudal dynasty, the blow caused by this is fatal.

Could it be that the Great Han will perish at this time?

Gu Yi’s heart hammered wildly.

Gu Xi was not dead yet.

His current achievement points were not enough to control and integrate into the character.

If the chaotic times arrived early, would the Gu family undergo changes?

Gu Yi’s heart grew increasingly tense.

Sure enough, it did not exceed Gu Yi’s expectations.

When this matter spread throughout the world.

—The whole world was shaken!

Various rumors arose one after another in all directions, the most fatal being the claim that the Great Han was no longer protected by the Mandate of Heaven!

The hearts of the rebels in all directions were greatly emboldened!

Conversely, the Han Army was deeply affected, their morale declining day by day.

The most serious place was, naturally, Liangzhou!

The rebel army of Liangzhou rapidly approached the Three Auxiliary regions, their momentum overwhelming.

The state of the Great Han, which had only just stabilized, immediately stirred up waves once again.

Luoyang.

Grand General He Jin was completely panicked.

With his background, when had he ever faced such a situation?

How could his shoulders carry such a heavy burden?

Let alone him, the entire court of ministers was caught off guard by this sudden change.

The entire Luoyang court fell into a brief chaos.

And under these circumstances, He Jin had no choice but to choose to cooperate with the court officials, resolving to summon Gu Xi back to the capital to preside over the overall situation!

But this matter would certainly arouse the panic of the eunuchs.

Inside Changlegong.

Empress Dowager He looked at the group of weeping eunuchs before her, could not help but frown, and asked, "What are you doing?"

Jian Shuo wiped the tears from the corners of his eyes and said with tears streaming down his face, "Your servants are worried about your future situation, Empress Dowager."

"My situation?" Empress Dowager He’s frown deepened, "What is there to cry about regarding my situation?"

The sorrow on Jian Shuo’s face grew even heavier, and he cried as if his heart were breaking: "Empress Dowager, the Grand General and the lords of the court have decided to welcome the Grand Tutor back to the capital."

"Do you still remember the fate of the former empress dowagers when the Grand Tutor was regent in the past?"

Hearing this, Empress Dowager He’s expression changed slightly.

How could she not know about such things?

Except for Deng Sui, almost all the others were hollowed out and died of old age in the inner palace.

"Why are you saying these things?" A look of anger immediately appeared on her face as she scanned the crowd and scolded, "I have not committed any improper acts."

"Even if the Grand Tutor returns to the capital, what can he do to me?"

Although she appeared full of confidence on the surface, in reality, she was merely putting on a brave front.

"Empress Dowager," Zhao Zhong continued, shaking his head, "Think about it, can the Grand General really suppress the Grand Tutor?"

"You know the Grand Tutor’s personality."

"In the current situation, how could the Grand Tutor tolerate interference from others?"

"The Grand Tutor will definitely hold power in his own hands."

Empress Dowager He’s expression grew increasingly ugly, but she was not so easily persuaded; she slammed the table and shouted, "Audacious!"

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

"I have a clear conscience, what is there to fear?"

In fact, her heart had already begun to waver.

Empress He was inherently a jealous person and was very sensitive to everything.

How could she possibly not care at all?

At this moment, Zhang Rang hurriedly spoke: "Empress Dowager, how would your servants have such audacity?"

"Your servants are only thinking for your sake, Empress Dowager!"

His relationship with Empress Dowager He was somewhat different.

Zhang Rang’s adopted son married Empress Dowager He’s sister; if one were to calculate carefully, there was a kinship between them.

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

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

She scanned the crowd, hesitated for a long time, and finally said, "What do you want to do?"

"Empress Dowager," Zhang Rang immediately said, "Your servants only want you to make preparations early."

"No matter what, you must keep some means to check the Grand Tutor; the Grand Tutor has extremely high prestige in the central army, and even the late emperor was somewhat wary of him."

"No matter what, you must make preparations early before the Grand Tutor returns to the capital."

Hearing this, the vigilance in Empress Dowager He’s eyes immediately weakened a little.

If these eunuchs asked her to oppose Gu Xi.

She absolutely could not agree.

After all, this was something even Liu Zhi and Liu Hong dared not do.

But if she made some arrangements in advance, it could be considered not too excessive.

She remained silent for a long time, finally nodded, and immediately spoke: "Order someone to summon the Grand General!"

Upon hearing this, a look of joy immediately appeared on the faces of the eunuchs.

For them, there was no way out.

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

Handan.

Regarding the sudden death of Liu Hong, Gu Xi was actually extremely surprised as well.

When he heard this news, he stood quietly on the spot, looking at the sky, and did not speak for a long time.

"Grandfather."

Gu Wei stood behind him like this and said with some worry: "You..."

"Now, I believe in the will of Heaven more and more." Gu Xi interrupted him, his gaze deep and distant, "Ever since I decided to carry out reforms, I have been cultivating my character."

"Fearing that I would not have time to complete my wishes."

"Expecting that the situation would change, allowing me to save the Great Han one last time."

"I have envisioned all kinds of possible situations, but I never thought it would be like this today."

Gu Xi took a deep breath, exhaled slowly, turned his gaze to Gu Wei, and asked: "Wenyao, do you think this is the will of Heaven?"

Gu Wei was silent for a moment.

He also could not answer this question.

But looking at the past and present, one truly cannot find a minister like Gu Xi.

Living from the very peak of a dynasty until changes arose everywhere.

Gu Xi did not say anything more, just looked up at the sky again, and said as if talking to himself: "Thinking back to those years, I was entrusted by Emperor Xiaohé, and I became regent of the court at the age of twenty."

"Later, I experienced quite a lot."

"At that time, I was wondering why I did not die."

"Now it seems, this is the will of Heaven; the will of Heaven wants me, Gu Xi, to finish this one thing and resolve the hidden dangers of the Great Han!"

"To extend the national destiny of the Great Han for another two hundred years!"

And his entire state had completely changed.

It was as if he had truly returned to those years, and even his somewhat hunched body straightened up.

Gu Wei looked at him like this, his eyes full of admiration.

Time passed slowly.

Gu Xi was not an emotional person; after sighing slightly, he stated his arrangements.

"Send someone to deliver a message to Yuzhou."

"Order Huangfu Song to lead the army to the Three Auxiliary regions to suppress the rebels."

"Order Lu Zhi to mobilize the Northern Army from the camp and return to Luoyang with me!"

"Spread the news of my return to the capital to act as regent!"

"Tell the world that after I return to the capital, I will perform a sacrifice at the Luo River."

"Issue another decree to the great clans of the world: anyone who causes unrest by refusing to distribute land to the refugees shall be severely punished!"

His voice was firm, powerful, and filled with majesty.

Gu Wei listened very attentively and hurriedly agreed before leaving.

Gu Yi had been watching all of this, feeling increasingly nervous.

It had come after all.

Gu Xi was finally going to defy the heavens alone!

He intended to use his own reputation to completely overshadow everything affected by the death of the Emperor, Liu Hong!

One man carrying an entire nation, once again extending the life of the Great Han.

Could this succeed?

Gu Yi did not know for the time being.

But looking at the current situation, Gu Xi had already completely become the pillar of the Han court.

If Gu Xi died, the Great Han would surely collapse in an instant.

And the resulting chaos would likely far exceed that of the original Three Kingdoms.

Under Gu Xi's deliberate promotion, the news spread rapidly from the land of Jizhou toward the rest of the world.

What was shocking was—

Upon hearing this news, the increasingly restless hearts of the people actually gradually calmed down!

For the common people.

Liu Hong was indeed the Emperor, but Gu Xi was an immortal!

The legend of Gu Xi had nothing to do with whether one was Han or a barbarian.

Furthermore, Gu Xi was going to perform a sacrifice at the Luo River.

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

And what was the subsequent result?

The natural disaster that had spread across the entire Nine Provinces had stopped!

And now, Gu Xi was going to perform the sacrifice again!

The boost this gave to the hearts of the people was unimaginable.

After many years, Gu Xi once again became that beam of light piercing through the haze, enveloping the land of the Great Han!

During this period, Gu Xi also personally led his army toward Luoyang.

Lu Zhi, Liu Bei, and others originally wanted to accompany Gu Xi to Luoyang.

However, they were all stopped by Gu Xi.

Although the Yellow Turban rebellion was not fatal, it still needed to be contained; it could not be left to develop unchecked.

In the current situation, stabilizing all sides first was the most critical thing.

For Gu Xi.

Only by completely resolving the current crisis of the state could he further implement the reforms that would follow!

——Jianning Year 10, February.

Luoyang.

The city gates were wide open.

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

And behind them were countless citizens of Luoyang.

This scene was truly too astonishing.

To be able to have such a formation under the current turbulent circumstances.

Looking at the world today, perhaps only Gu Xi could do it.

"Da da da..." The sound of warhorse hooves approached from afar.

Immediately after, everyone saw a massive army of thousands galloping toward Luoyang City.

However, no one felt afraid.

They had already received the news long ago.

And the person in the lead had a full head of white hair, which was far too dazzling among the crowd.

"The Grand Tutor has returned!"

Among the common people, someone immediately spoke up.

"It is the Grand Tutor who has returned~"

In an instant, cheers rang out one after another.

Hearing this, the expressions of the crowd changed slightly.

This was the reputation of Gu Xi!

The people saw him as they would see the Emperor.

Beyond their astonishment, the crowd then reacted again; looking at the person galloping before the three armies, their bodies all trembled slightly.

Gu Xi was actually able to ride a horse again?

What on earth had happened?

Everyone was bewildered, staring intently at the approaching army, wanting to see clearly who the person in the lead really was.

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

It... it really was Gu Xi.

This result left everyone stunned.

In fact, regarding this matter, Gu Yi was also very astonished at first.

But after thinking about it, he felt relieved.

Because of the Longevity Card, Gu Xi's body was now free from any illness.

Sometimes, for a person, a change in mindset can change the state of the body.

The Gu Xi of years past had long since grown weary.

Holding that mindset, the body naturally suffered the consequences.

But Gu Xi's mindset had changed now!

This action greatly improved Gu Xi's body; at the very least, there would be no errors when riding a horse.

The hundred officials lowered their heads one after another.

Especially the twelve eunuchs at the very back.

Although they had the protection of Empress Dowager He, which gave them some confidence, they could not help but feel fear when facing Gu Xi.

"Greetings to the Grand Tutor!"

As He Jin spoke first, the officials behind him also bowed to Gu Xi one after another.

After many years, seeing this scene again.

For Gu Xi, he only felt that his emotions were complex.

He did not dismount to return the salute as he had in years past, but instead scanned everyone from his horse, finally letting his gaze rest on Liu Bian, who wore a look of fear.

Immediately after, he dismounted and walked to his front.

Ignoring the astonished He Jin, he directly took Liu Bian's hand in his place and said softly, "The old minister has returned; Your Majesty need not worry."

Everyone was taken aback.

Although it was only for a brief moment, they felt the change in Gu Xi.

——Such an attitude was even more pronounced than when he was regent in the past!

What was the Grand Tutor planning to do?

Could it be that he intended to take control of the government again and save the Great Han from fire and water?

No one thought about whether Gu Xi would rebel; Gu Xi had already proven that with his entire life.

They instinctively thought that Gu Xi was going to act as regent and monopolize power again.

This made many people's eyes light up.

As long as Gu Xi truly took action, whether it was the eunuchs or the relatives of the Emperor, they would all be suppressed by him!

For most of the court officials, this was a great thing.

And the quick-witted eunuchs all had their expressions change.

Gu Xi did not waste any words, holding Liu Bian's hand as he prepared to enter the city.

The full head of white hair, the sword at his waist.

This moment was just like that moment in the past.

In the past, it was Gu Xi who, during a time of great chaos, personally pulled Liu Bao onto the throne.

Now the chaos was even worse.

With such an attitude, was Gu Xi going to support the imperial throne once more?

Everyone stared blankly at this scene, countless thoughts flashing through their minds.

No one spoke to stop him, not even He Jin!

And from the very moment Gu Xi stepped through the gates of Luoyangcheng.

Cheers erupted instantly.

The people of all Luoyangcheng were extremely exhilarated by Gu Xi's return.

It was as if the entire Luoyang had come back to life once more.

Facing Gu Xi, He Jin could not stop him from regaining control over the entire Luoyang Garrison.

Subsequently, Gu Xi completely seized control of Luoyang, just as he had during his regency years ago, once again reaching the pinnacle of the imperial court.

From this day on, whether it was the eunuchs or Empress Dowager He.

They all seemed to have wilted.

Especially the eunuchs; these people truly felt fear, and the actions of He Jin and Empress Dowager He left them feeling even more insecure.

They had no choice but to hide deep within the palace, not daring to show their faces.

But how could Gu Xi let them off?

To Gu Xi, the best way to stabilize the current situation of the world was to take down the eunuchs!

This move could divert public anger and also settle the hearts of the scholars across the world!

As long as the hearts of the people and the great scholar clans were not in chaos.

Then he could stabilize the situation.

Changlegong.

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

"Your Majesty, we servants fear for our lives. We beg Your Majesty to intercede with the Grand Tutor on our behalf; we are willing to offer up everything."

"We beg Your Majesty to save us; in the future, we will surely follow Your Majesty's lead and never fail you."

"."

Looking at the people before her, Empress Dowager He's expression was also somewhat unsightly.

In truth, she was also somewhat afraid.

Since Gu Xi returned to the capital, he had not once come to see her.

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

This made Empress Dowager He instinctively feel uneasy.

She hesitated for a long moment, waved her hand, and said with some dissatisfaction: "What is there to panic about?"

"From today on, all of you shall stay here within Changlegong."

"What can the Grand Tutor do?"

"When the Grand Tutor comes to pay his respects to me, I will speak for you then, won't that suffice?"

Hearing this, the eyes of the eunuchs all lit up.

In their hearts, they still held a sliver of hope for Empress Dowager He.

But... all of this was destined to exceed their expectations.

On the Jiazi day.

Gu Xi first had the officials gather at the Jiade Gate of Nangong, then publicly had someone proclaim the crimes of the eunuchs.

"Usurping power and authority, muddying and disordering the world; selling titles and offices, gnawing away at the foundation of the state."

Those long lists of crimes made the eyes of the officials grow brighter and brighter.

It had finally come!

Gu Xi was indeed going to strike at the eunuchs!

After speaking!

Gu Xi suddenly drew the sword at his waist, scanned the officials, and said sternly: "You all wait here; allow me to go and capture the thieves!"

"Grand Tutor!" He Jin's expression changed, and he hurriedly said, "The guilty eunuchs are currently all in Changlegong."

"For the Grand Tutor to go there personally is against protocol; why not send others to arrest them?"

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

He had originally thought that by relying on the imperial edict of Liu Hong, he would have no need to fear Gu Xi regardless of the circumstances.

But reality had given him a slap in the face.

When the central army led by Gu Xi returned to camp, the entire central army quickly slipped out of his control.

He simply could not stop it.

But no matter what, he had to maintain the dignity of Empress Dowager He; this was the foundation of the He clan.

"Against protocol?" Gu Xi stopped abruptly, his eyes staring into He Jin's like an abyss, and he said in a deep voice, "Years ago, I received the mandate of the Emperor Xiaohé to care for the young heir."

"I have successively supported the dragon throne of the Great Han and stabilized the state."

"Now the situation is in peril."

"I wish to capture the thieves to appease public grievance, and you tell me it is against protocol?"

Gu Xi's voice was solemn and majestic.

He Jin felt a chill rise from the bottom of his heart and almost instantly lowered his head.

Gu Xi shook his head slightly, said nothing more, and immediately led his troops straight toward Changlegong.

Changlegong.

Such a heaven-shaking change completely shattered Empress Dowager He's last shred of fantasy.

Gu Xi truly did not care about her status as Empress Dowager.

For the current Gu Xi.

He no longer cared about criticism; the only thing he had to do was completely resolve the current predicament of the Great Han.

Listening to the piercing cries outside the hall.

Empress Dowager He's body trembled slightly.

An intense sense of unease surged up instantly.

The next moment, as if she had gone mad, she rushed out of the hall, blocked Gu Xi, and scolded: "Gu Xi!"

"As a subject, how dare you force your way into Changlegong?"

"To seize people from the imperial palace without regard for my wishes—are you attempting to rebel?"

She gasped for air, her body trembling faintly.

"Rebel?" Gu Xi shook his head slightly and asked with a cold laugh, "If this old subject wanted to rebel, why wait until today?"

"With the world in turmoil, the Empress Dowager does not worry about the danger to the state, yet still protects these guilty eunuchs."

Gu Xi paused, his expression suddenly turning serious: "And now you say this subject is attempting to rebel?"

At this moment, he could not help but think of Deng Zhi from years ago.

One could only say that there are differences even among Empresses Dowager.

If Deng Zhi were still here.

How could there be so many incidents within the palace?

Empress Dowager He was completely stunned.

Gu Xi's indifferent expression once again evoked the fear in her heart.

She suddenly stumbled and fell directly to the ground.

To this, Gu Xi was completely indifferent.

He merely shook his head slightly and said calmly: "The Empress Dowager is unwell; send her back to her palace to rest immediately."

"During this time, no one is permitted to come and pay their respects!"

Having said this, Gu Xi turned and left.

Subsequently, at the Jiade Gate of Nangong, before the eyes of all the officials, he had all twelve of the leading eunuchs beheaded.

He hung the heads of Zhang Rang and Zhao Zhong at the gates of Luoyangcheng.

He sent the rest to every province!

Proclaiming their crimes to the world!

Afterward, within Luoyang, he began the purge of the eunuchs' factions.

Luoyang was shaken!

Upon hearing the news, the students of the Imperial Academy all wept bitterly, wantonly venting the anger in their hearts.

And subsequently, Gu Xi further catered to the expectations of the people of the world.

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

Successive news spread to all four corners.

Within ten days, the entire Great Han seemed to have changed once more, and the restless hearts of the people in all directions actually gradually settled down.

——————

"In the spring of the tenth year of Jianning, the second month, Grand Tutor Gu Xi returned to Luoyang from Jizhou.

On the Jiazi day, he gathered all officials at the Jiade Gate of Nangong, publicly proclaimed the crimes of the regular attendants Zhang Rang, Zhao Zhong, and ten others, all of whom were beheaded and their heads hung on the city walls; blood soaked the alleys of Tongtuo for three days without drying.

Their heads were sent to the thirteen provinces, with the order: 'The eunuchs have disordered the government; heaven and earth shall execute them together!'

He then led the ministers to the Luo River, burned wood to sacrifice to heaven, held the dark jade tablet, and swore: 'Today I perform the star-warding ritual and tear the silk, not merely to execute the treacherous, but to wash the universe with red blood, quell the chaos in the four directions, and extend the mandate of our Han for two hundred years!'

The sound shook the He-Luo region; onlookers shouted 'Long live' in unison, and the hearts of the people in all directions gradually settled."

—— "Book of the Later Han: Biography of Gu Xi"

(End of chapter)