[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl":3,"chapter-controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-chapter-67":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Controlling My Ancestors: Building an Immortal Clan Starting from the Eastern Han Dynasty",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2285736,4471,"Chapter 67: Manpower Cannot Turn the Tide of Heaven; Gu Xi Dies and the Han Collapses","controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-chapter-67",67,"\u003Cp>Xiuwu County.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The war situation is becoming increasingly tense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rebels have had a very difficult time lately.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi has not shown the slightest mercy; since the battle at Huaixian, he has attacked the rebels with thunderous force, driving them into a steady retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within ten days, he had completely forced the rebels back into the dense forests and marshes between the southern foothills of the Taihang Mountains and the Yellow River.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This place is indeed a suitable location for hiding troops.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And most crucially, there is clearly someone among the rebels who understands the terrain here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With the advantage of the local geography, they have actually managed to stabilize the situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regarding this, Gu Xi is also helpless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The terrain here is highly variable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although there are dense forests, there are also many marshes due to the proximity to the Great River and the Dan River.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He cannot even use fire attacks.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Without an understanding of the terrain, he can only send men to blockade the Qin River channel, intending to cut off the rebels' provisions and drag them to their deaths here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is indeed a good method, as rebels have been attempting to break out one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But such terrain has its advantages and disadvantages.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi only needs to have men occupy the high passes and shoot those attempting to break out to block all the rebels here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the world today, it can be said that everyone is watching the battlefield in Henei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although this great battle is named after Gu Xi's suppression of the rebellion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Aside from the common people living at the very bottom, who else cannot see the power struggle hidden beneath the surface?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this news, all four corners of the land were shaken!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though they had long known of Gu Xi's strength.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Such a battle situation still shocked everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These people are not those rebels without equipment or training!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet they still cannot withstand Gu Xi's offensive?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere of the entire Great Han seemed to change from this day on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Undercurrents are constant in every region.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although no one is willing to be the first to stick their neck out, they naturally cannot allow Gu Xi to continue like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Within a few days, rebel forces rose up one after another across the land.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The momentum was so great that it shook the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These rebels acted as if they had agreed in advance, heading straight for Henei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Gu Xi is not unprepared for this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why did he not join forces with the Gu family's past allies?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because an alliance for this matter is a fantasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How can there be an alliance in this world that never changes?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The clans that allied with the Gu family in the past, although they were not yet on par with the Gu family, were without exception among the most prominent people in the world today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reforms Gu Xi intends to carry out this time affect them the most.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The act of joining forces is a fantasy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But this era is just like this; if Gu Xi's actions can harm one group, then they are beneficial to another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>By doing this, he intends to redistribute resources.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Who could not be jealous of the status of the noble clans?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given the current situation in the world, who cannot see what Gu Xi is actually trying to do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is a power struggle belonging to two classes!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if these people do not surface and can only act in the shadows, it is already enough for the current situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since there are rebels in various places, there are naturally righteous men recruiting troops to stop them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The policy Gu Xi once implemented to encourage the \"humble families\" is still in effect.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing these so-called rebels, suppressing the rebellion naturally occupies the moral high ground.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the winds and clouds of the world began to stir.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mengjin Pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As one of the eight passes of Luoyang, the geographical location of the entire Mengjin Pass is extremely important.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It is not only one of the gateways to the north of Luoyang but also an important ferry crossing on the Yellow River, which can be called a transportation hub connecting the north and south.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi has made many arrangements within all eight passes of Luoyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The generals who control the entire pass are all loyalists to the Gu family.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Every one of them is a son of Julu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They have received the grace of the Gu family for generations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore, there is not just one person in each pass; nearly half of the officers, both high and low, are of this kind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But no matter how strict the defense is, there will always be loopholes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Anyone, when faced with immense benefits, may turn into a devil.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—It was on the twentieth day of the seventh month, in the second year of Zhaoning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Changes occurred in all eight passes almost simultaneously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Armored soldiers killed their squad leaders one after another, and there were even squad leaders leading their subordinates to kill their battalion commanders.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was destined to be a great upheaval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one knows exactly what happened within it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But facing this sudden internal rebellion, although the generals guarding the passes reacted quickly, they were fundamentally unable to stop it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And who could have imagined it?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is the eight passes of Luoyang, the last line of defense for the capital of the Great Han.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Liu Xiu re-established the Great Han until now.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When has a rebellion ever occurred near Luoyang? Let alone one that happened from within?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And right after the great upheaval.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The handwritten letter from Empress Dowager He was also circulated one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This letter quickly stabilized those soldiers who were completely unaware.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire eight passes of Luoyang were thrown wide open on this day; it was under these circumstances that Dong Zhuo led his troops straight through Mengjin, crossed the Yellow River, and bypassed the Dan River valley to avoid being detected by Gu Xi's scouts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Consequently, he headed straight for Henei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo was clearly fully prepared this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even until now, he has not told his subordinates whom he is going to attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He only led his army in a rapid raid.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His original idea was to directly attack the rear of Gu Xi's army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But a person under his command named \"Jia Xu\" came up with a plan for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That was to split the troops into two paths: one to attack Gu Xi's supply camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And the other to be led by him personally to launch an attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>According to Jia Xu, this move would be of great use regardless of the outcome.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the attack did not succeed, cutting off their provisions would still allow them to control the victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They must ensure Gu Xi has no chance to counterattack; otherwise, they would all be in danger of losing their lives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo felt this made a lot of sense, so he simply divided his three thousand men into two groups.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One group of one thousand was led by his son-in-law Niu Fu to charge straight at the Han army's granary.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One group of two thousand raided the rear of Gu Xi's forces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi's granary was located in the western suburbs of Huaixian, backed by the Qinglong Ridge of the Taihang Mountains to the north and connected to the Dan River valley to the south, making the terrain easy to defend and difficult to attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a very reasonable tactical arrangement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Provisions are the most important thing for the three armies, and Gu Xi would naturally not place all the burden on Luoyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jia Xu's move seized upon this point, wanting to put pressure on Gu Xi's army through their provisions.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The three armies rushed forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo was born among the powerful clans of Liangzhou, was particularly skilled in riding and archery, and had befriended Qiang leaders since childhood; almost all his subordinates were Qiang cavalry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These people were particularly skilled at rapid raids.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under the current situation, this indeed proved to be of great use.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These people did not even know who they were facing before they began their charge against Gu Xi's army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi indeed had not anticipated such a great change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo's detour indeed served a wonderful purpose.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Qiang cavalry, who suddenly charged into the battlefield, instantly broke up Gu Xi's encirclement of the rebels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And facing such a huge change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rebels, who had been watching the movements of Gu Xi's army, naturally would not let this pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rebels hiding in the mountains, forests, and marshes launched a counterattack once again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, the troops Gu Xi led this time were the most elite Central Army.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Most crucially, Gu Xi’s presence here gave these men a firm belief in victory, preventing them from completely collapsing due to the sudden turn of events!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This is the importance of morale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If a great army collapses, it will surely suffer a crushing defeat in such a situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet, under the current circumstances, the entire Imperial Army was also rapidly falling into a disadvantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo naturally would not hold back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he chose to lead his army through the pass, there was no turning back; he had people spread rumors claiming \"the Imperial Army's granary has been destroyed,\" hoping to further disrupt their morale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The situation changed completely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across the entire battlefield, the sounds of killing were constant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Inside the military camp.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere was incredibly heavy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Report!!! Inform the Grand Tutor, the rebel army has broken out of our encirclement, and we are being attacked from both front and rear!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Report! Grand Tutor, the enemy has broken through our right flank.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing these successive battle reports, Gu Xi’s expression also changed somewhat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His eyes were filled with killing intent.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi coordinated the world from within Luoyang; how could he not know that Dong Zhuo was stationing troops at Anyi?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was simply that he had not paid it any mind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was not Gu Xi’s arrogance, but rather the result of the times.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In this battle, he intended to use the force of a thunderbolt to crush all the ambitions of the noble clans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, there were already a great many private armies throughout the world today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If he had to worry about all of them, he would have no need to think about anything else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In Gu Xi’s eyes, he only needed one great victory to suppress those in the world with ulterior motives.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Furthermore, the eight passes of Luoyang were important strongholds.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although the land of Anyi was close to Luoyang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The idea of directly crossing the eight passes to enter Henei was nothing but a pipe dream.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had set the entire battlefield in Henei precisely for this reason, wanting to use the land of Luoyang to free himself from worries in the rear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if Dong Zhuo could suddenly appear here now, there was only one reason.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Something had gone wrong in Luoyang, something had gone wrong with Empress Dowager He!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only the Empress Dowager’s decree from Empress Dowager He.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Could open the gates of the eight passes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at this moment, thinking about these things was already useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi had to stabilize the current situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He did not care about the \"granary\" destruction that Dong Zhuo claimed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Setting aside whether it was truly destroyed, even if it were, it would have little impact on the current situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had absolutely no intention of turning back to provide reinforcements.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What Gu Xi truly needed to consider was how to resolve the current predicament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Facing such a situation, his talent for commanding troops was also fully unleashed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi quickly made a judgment, ordering the light cavalry of the Yueqi Camp to harass the enemy’s advance, while he simultaneously led the three armies to retreat.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yi had been watching the entire battle situation and was not surprised by this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could the methods of the noble clans be so simple?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the face of profit, anyone could become a pawn in another’s hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was there to be surprised about?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had originally thought Gu Xi would choose to retreat to Huaixian; after all, given the current situation, retreating to Huaixian to plan for the future was the most prudent method.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But to his surprise, Gu Xi had no such intention at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could Gu Xi retreat?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This battle was about charging forward, about securing the world in a single fight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once he retreated, there would be no chance of success.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he could fight his way back later, it would be useless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Because his \"invincible\" golden body would have been shattered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that time, the noble clans of the world could cultivate countless personnel to wear Gu Xi down to death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he tolerate such a thing happening?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Gu Xi, although the current situation was dangerous, it was not entirely unsolvable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The descendants of the Gu family for these past few generations had one virtue: they were pragmatic.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi had long since carefully scouted the nearby terrain, deciding to use this opportunity of the rebel army pouring out of their nest to use the terrain to completely pacify the rebels.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He selected a dangerous pass at the southern foot of the Taihang Mountains—Qinglong Ravine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The terrain here was very unique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ancient paths on both sides were narrow, the cliffs were a hundred fathoms high, and the mountain tops were heavily forested.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Gu Xi had first scouted the terrain, he had said this place was a spot for an ambush, but he had not expected to use it here today.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He ordered the three armies to act like a routed force all the way, intending to lure the entire enemy army in.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sacrificing small gains to hook a large enemy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And using the time bought by the Yueqi Camp light cavalry.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To quickly set up an ambush.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Employing fire attacks to keep all the rebel troops here, and in one stroke, completely subdue the entire world!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was destined to be an extremely risky move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even the Central Army generals who had absolute confidence in Gu Xi were turning pale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Gu Xi was very calm as he pacified the generals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"In the past, when the Nine Provinces suffered natural disasters, I could even overcome natural disasters, let alone human chaos?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi scanned the generals and said in a resonant tone: \"If this battle is won, the world will be at peace.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"At that time, you will all be ministers who saved the nation, and your descendants will all enjoy glory and wealth.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A simple sentence quickly reignited the fighting spirit of the officers and soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was Gu Xi’s mastery over the human heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compared to human chaos, natural disasters were naturally more terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the Grand Tutor could even overcome natural disasters, what was human calamity?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And had the Grand Tutor ever been defeated?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Countless thoughts flashed through the minds of the officers and soldiers.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under these circumstances, Gu Xi’s towering reputation could naturally soothe the hearts of the people at such a time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire Han Army moved toward Qinglong Ravine at a very fast speed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And acted as if they were abandoning their armor and weapons along the way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon reaching the valley entrance, they immediately seized the high ground, hid the troops in the forest, and held the entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the same time, they piled up dry grass within the valley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Waiting for the enemy to arrive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Hahahaha!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Although the Grand Tutor is the subject of constant rumors, looking at it now, he is nothing more than this!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I can surely replace him!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo was in high spirits at this moment, his face glowing with excitement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In his view, this current situation was already equivalent to defeating Gu Xi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a military achievement that no one else in the world had ever attained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he not be proud?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ru was also somewhat smug at this time, but compared to Dong Zhuo, he was much calmer and couldn't help but advise: \"My lord, we must still be careful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"No matter.\" Dong Zhuo waved his hand, not caring at all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>On horseback, he pointed at the armor on the ground and laughed: \"Wenyou, look.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"With so much armor, it is clear the Central Army’s morale has collapsed and they have become a routed force.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is there to fear?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Such an opportunity is once in a thousand years.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If we don't take this chance to eliminate the Grand Tutor, I fear we will have endless trouble in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ru did not feel the slightest bit relaxed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the current battle, they seemed to have won a complete victory, but compared to the results he had envisioned, there were still many discrepancies.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This kind of opportunity for a sneak attack was extremely rare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one would have ever expected them to be able to pass through Mengjin Pass.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet under such circumstances, Gu Xi was still able to stabilize the situation and lead the center army in a retreat; this had already exceeded his expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could he feel at ease now?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was just a pity that Li Ru’s military capability was not top-tier.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His talent leaned more toward political strategy and the analysis of human hearts and the current situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And Jia Xu had gone with Niu Fu to raid the center army’s granary and was not here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he felt that something was slightly wrong.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He could not figure out the reason why.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Moreover, that remark from Dong Zhuo had indeed served as a reminder to Li Ru.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If they could not seize this opportunity, they were destined to face endless future troubles.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After thinking about it this way, Li Ru nodded slightly and said in a deep voice, \"My lord’s words are correct.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Since that is the case, we must pursue the Grand Tutor immediately.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Good!\" Dong Zhuo laughed loudly and immediately gave the order to lead the great army in pursuit.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Green Dragon Ravine.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The valley path was as narrow as a throat, and the cliffs on both sides were as if carved by knives and axes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ru observed the surrounding terrain, his expression growing increasingly ugly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that Dong Zhuo truly wanted to step directly into the valley, he hurriedly spoke up, \"My lord, this place is perilous; we should first send scouts to probe the path.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why must Wenyou be like this?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo sneered, pointing to the chaotic footprints and hoofprints on the ground within the valley, \"One look at these footprints tells you they only advanced and did not retreat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Besides, after such a crushing defeat, how could Gu Xi have any strength left to set an ambush?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already dared to call Gu Xi by his full name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It showed just how arrogant and conceited Dong Zhuo was at this very moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord.\" Li Ru was still somewhat worried, frowning tightly as he said, \"Regardless, we should be careful.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Why not—\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Before he could finish, Dong Zhuo waved his hand directly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Wenyou, no need to say more; I have my own strategy in mind.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having said that, Dong Zhuo ignored everything else, immediately waved his hand, spurred his horse, and led the army straight into the canyon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His personality was just like this.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When he was full of pride and satisfaction, he could not tolerate anything else.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ru sighed softly; seeing that he could not dissuade Dong Zhuo, he could only spur his horse and follow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The great army filed in one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The sounds of footsteps and hoofbeats echoed through the valley, stirring up waves of reverberations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo kept his eyes fixed firmly ahead.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As if imagining that in the next moment, he could directly catch up to the Han Army and capture Gu Xi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He naturally would not kill Gu Xi himself.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in war, after all—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How could there be no deaths?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo had already thought everything through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thinking of this, the look of pride and satisfaction on Dong Zhuo’s face could not help but grow more intense.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at the very next moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Suddenly, a golden bell rang out from the cliff top.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sudden change instantly gave everyone a slight jolt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo yanked the reins, only to see cold light appearing between the cliffs on both sides—that was not the reflection of the autumn sun, but the cold gleam of countless crossbows being drawn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Ambush!\" Dong Zhuo’s expression changed drastically, and he roared like thunder, \"Retreat! Retreat quickly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he had reacted extremely quickly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in such narrow terrain, everything was already destined!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Han Army’s banners suddenly appeared on the cliff top, and Gu Xi looked at the countless rebel soldiers in the valley, his voice like a booming bell: \"Release arrows!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, logs soaked in fire oil poured down, and the rain of arrows blocked the sky like locusts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was currently autumn, and the ground inside the canyon was full of withered leaves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fire ignited almost instantly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The burning wood ignited the dry grass, and the valley floor turned into a purgatory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The panicked neighing of warhorses resounded throughout the entire canyon.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The entire army in the valley fell into chaos in an instant.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that retreat was impossible, Dong Zhuo could only spur his horse forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ru and a group of loyal guards also followed by his side, helping him block the arrows filling the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what could that do?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi had also set an ambush at the valley entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under such chaotic circumstances, how could Dong Zhuo easily escape?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Screams rang out one after another.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi stood on the cliff looking at this scene, his expression particularly complex.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Perhaps because he was too excited, his hands were actually trembling slightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Won...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Really won...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Winning this battle would be enough to shock the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, he could rally the people of the world, use his influence to suppress all sides, reclaim military power, and carry out reforms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Great Han could rise again!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, Gu Xi’s eyes even turned red.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yi was also watching this scene, and he felt equally invigorated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Was it really going to succeed?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Gu Xi could truly annihilate all the rebel forces in this battle, the blow to all the noble clans would be fatal, and he might truly be able to revive the Great Han.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was a monumental change.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The reforms Gu Xi intended to implement could be said to have completely changed the dynasty of the Great Han.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at the dynastic cycle of the original history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it could truly succeed, it might really grant the Great Han another two hundred years of life!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wouldn't this mean the entire future would change?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If it could really succeed, the record of the Gu family for these few generations would be enough to lay an immortal foundation, right?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yi’s heart beat faster and faster, unwilling to miss any detail.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sounds of wailing resounded across the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The rebel army, like mad demons, charged toward the valley entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the Han Army hidden on both sides would not give them this chance at all, and dense arrows fell continuously like a rainstorm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo felt somewhat desperate.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Looking at Li Ru beside him, he said with full regret: \"Wenyou, I regret not listening to your words!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Today... you and I are going to die here.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Li Ru was also incredibly desperate at this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only until this moment did he fully realize what kind of opponent Gu Xi was.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Why all the noble clans of the four directions dared not openly oppose him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And only dared to use profit to lure him!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Under such circumstances, he actually disregarded the granary behind him and directly ambushed them in a counterattack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of courage was this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sighed deeply, looked at Dong Zhuo, and said: \"My lord, saying these things now is already useless.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"We must not give up; we must kill our way out of the valley!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As he spoke, he was about to shout fiercely and lead the men to charge the valley again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But at this very instant, a loud noise suddenly erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Rumble!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This loud noise was like a thunderclap, instantly drowning out all the clamor in the world.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, Li Ru and Dong Zhuo were both startled, and then they simultaneously looked up at the dark, heavy sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They saw that at some point, the sky was already filled with rolling dark clouds, pressing down in a black gloom.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Immediately after, drops of rain fell quietly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Drip... drip... drip...\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sudden turn of events shocked everyone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Gu Xi was stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He first slowly reached out to wipe the rainwater from his face, and as if unable to believe it, he suddenly raised his head to look at the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His entire body suddenly staggered.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Rain!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's raining??\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shouts of excitement rang out continuously from within the valley, even drowning out the screams.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo and Li Ru were also somewhat unable to believe it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But seeing that the facts were as they were, smiles also appeared on both their faces.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Heaven does not forsake me, Heaven does not forsake me!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Dong Zhuo laughed loudly, the despair on his face instantly dissipating.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"My lord, that Heaven provides assistance, does this not prove that you are a person favored by Heaven?\" Li Ru said excitedly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After speaking, he suddenly looked up directly at Gu Xi on the cliff wall and shouted: \"Grand Tutor, such is the will of Heaven, why continue to struggle?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi did not reply, only staring blankly at the sky.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The raindrops grew more numerous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In just this brief moment, it had directly turned into a torrential downpour.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Grand Tutor!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A group of central army generals wanted to help Gu Xi block the rain, but Gu Xi pushed them all away, his eyes, deep as an abyss, staring straight at the heavens as if wanting to see through the firmament.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, a trace of blood slowly overflowed from the corner of his mouth, the bright red bloodstains appearing exceptionally jarring under the washing of the rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This sudden downpour seemed to have completely extinguished the raging fire burning in his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fire in the valley grew weaker and weaker under the ravages of the rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Those cries of \"The Heavenly Gods protect us\" directly brought the morale of the rebel army in the valley to its peak.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Conversely, the Han Army was somewhat dispirited at this very moment.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though they still occupied the favorable terrain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They had lost their morale.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And most crucially, at this moment, sounds of shouting and killing also came from outside the valley.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—It was the army led by Dong Zhuo's son-in-law, Niu Fu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had come to save Dong Zhuo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sounds of slaughter erupted instantly, and the rebel army once again launched an assault on the entire valley entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi just stared blankly at the sky, his expression becoming increasingly unsightly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His full head of white hair had long since been soaked by the rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His entire frame had suddenly become much more hunched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Grand Tutor!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The surrounding generals stared tightly at Gu Xi, asking in a somewhat panicked manner: \"What should we do?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Immediately lead the army back to the capital; do not hesitate.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth, not looking at the others, and said directly: \"Protect His Majesty.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing this, the generals were all shaken, looking at Gu Xi in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Grand Tutor, what about you?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Blood continued to overflow from the corner of Gu Xi's mouth, and the light in his eyes grew increasingly dim.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, he recalled many memories.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At this moment, numerous memories of the past surged into his heart like a tide.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought of himself in the past, high-spirited and determined to assist the Emperor and revitalize the Han Dynasty;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He thought of himself, once full of heroic spirit, boasting that he could \"win half a move against Heaven.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had once thought of countless possibilities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet in the end, he had not expected it to end in such a way.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Late Emperor... your subject has failed you...\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His lips trembled slightly, and as if muttering to himself, he kept repeating: \"Ancestors, Father, your child is incompetent and ultimately failed to uphold the prestige of our Gu clan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have brought shame upon you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The soldiers and generals stared blankly at Gu Xi, everyone's expression changing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They all involuntarily knelt down, shouting anxiously: \"Grand Tutor!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Go back.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi finally looked at them, ignoring the blood at the corner of his mouth and smiling faintly: \"Protect His Majesty, you will all be meritorious officials in the future.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I cannot leave.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already sensed the abnormality in his body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The feeling of his bodily functions rapidly disappearing was very clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood that his time had come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Everyone stared blankly at Gu Xi, tears mingling with the rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Gu Xi no longer looked at them at this moment, instead casting his gaze toward the direction of Jizhou, his eyes full of hope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The next moment, he suddenly closed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He just fell over like that.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yi was also completely stunned, watching Gu Xi's figure fall into the rain, never expecting such a turn of events.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Could it be that the Han Dynasty's fate is exhausted, and human effort cannot reverse the collapse of Heaven?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yi sighed leisurely, also feeling a sense of desolation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi was, after all, too old.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If only he could have been a little younger, he might have completely reversed the outcome for the Han.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already done enough.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the tides of such an era, he had gone against the great trend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To want to reverse the decline of a feudal dynasty with the strength of one person—there are few such people in all of history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>All of history would remember his name.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Yi had intended to log out of the game to see what changes would occur in reality.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But after thinking about it, he suppressed this thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Time within the game would continue to move forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>And with Gu Xi's passing, the chaotic times were clearly unstoppable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Regardless, he had to make full preparations to see if he needed to intervene in the current situation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although Gu Xi had backup plans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had sent the Gu clan descendants to the four corners of the land, not merely to let them avoid disaster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was also to let them get close to those who were still loyal officials.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what use could that be?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the world today, the only person capable of holding up the entire Han Dynasty was Gu Xi alone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it is a pity that this time, he ultimately fell.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ninth day of the eighth month of the second year of Zhaoning;\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—Champion Marquis and Regent Grand Tutor Gu Xi passed away at Qinglong Ravine in Henei.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The immortal's strength is exhausted; the Han Dynasty is about to perish.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>——————\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Of all dynasties, only the Han perished by strength, while others perished by weakness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gu Xi's reform was the final attempt to resolve the class contradictions under the Eastern Han system at that time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>It was also a swan song intended to allow this dynasty to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>We cannot use the perspective of later generations to understand the state of mind of the people of that era; it is hard to imagine with what wisdom and state of mind he could step onto a path different from everyone else's.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even less can we imagine what changes would have been caused to later history if Gu Xi's reform had succeeded.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For this minister whose life was filled with countless legends.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He is ultimately the regret of history.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>From the moment he fell, the entire Eastern Han central government completely lost control over the localities.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This once immensely glorious dynasty existed in name only.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—《History of the Rise and Fall of the Eastern Han Dynasty》\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>(End of chapter)\u003C\u002Fp>",5396,"2026-06-20T03:16:01.192Z",1,"Gemini 3.1 Flash Lite","4189a352459a28adca47bee9740ec214fd2d106e5d6cb347da9c6d541105ce35","controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-chapter-68","controlling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-chapter-66",167,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fcontrolling-my-ancestors-building-an-immortal-cl-cover.jpg"]