Chapter 98: Gu Chen Passes Away (Begging for Monthly Tickets)

The news from the lands of Jiangdong swept through like a raging gale.

—Every corner of the realm heard of it and turned pale.

Gu Chen's forceful stance once again deepened the dread the world's noble clans held toward him.

Even clans with no fault to their name felt a chill in their hearts.

Everyone clearly realized that the times had utterly changed.

The noble clans' ideal of "a world held in common" had at last become a bubble.

So long as Gu Chen remained in the world, there would be no turning back for this realm.

Liu Shan, for his part, did not much care about any of this.

He only cared about Gu Chen's health.

Though Gu Chen had won a great victory at the Battle of Tianmu Mountain Range, his body had finally buckled under the strain, and the hidden ailment long concealed within him gradually burst forth.

Gu Yi even drew from the lottery ten more times for this reason.

Hoping to see if he could pull a "Longevity Card" to shield Gu Chen.

Gu Chen truly was too powerful.

So powerful that even Gu Yi felt that as long as Gu Chen lived, he alone could resolve everything.

But alas—things could never all go as one wished.

Though he had drawn a "Cure-All Talisman," enough to deal with Gu Chen's current hidden ailment, he had not drawn a "Longevity Card."

It was as if it were the will of heaven.

Although Gu Chen's hidden ailment could now be cured, for the Gu Chen of today this was not enough to help him defy fate and alter his destiny.

Years of constant travel and battle, in an era like this, would inevitably shorten one's lifespan.

Back then, Gu Xi.

It was only because of the effect of the "Longevity Card" that he had been able to live so long despite having done so much.

And compared to him, would Gu Chen's burden be any lighter?

—No!

The path he had walked was far more arduous than Gu Xi's in those years.

He, who had inherited Gu Xi's unfinished will.

Bore upon himself, imposed upon himself, a pressure far exceeding what Gu Xi had borne back then.

Even with the "Cure-All Talisman" escorting him, Gu Chen's road was clearly reaching its end.

Liu Shan once more sent a letter to Gu Chen.

In it he had said more than once that he wanted Gu Chen to return to Luoyang at once, and even Zhuge Liang and the others had sent letters in succession.

Unlike Liu Shan.

Liu Shan's letters mostly used sentiment as a pretext.

Whereas Zhuge Liang and his like were clearly far more shrewd; they spelled out just how great a help it would be to the Great Han if Gu Chen could but take care of his health.

But how could Gu Chen bring himself to halt his steps?

Everything that had happened in the lands of Jiangdong had once again roused his vigilance.

No matter what, he had to keep pressing forward.

The fourteenth year of Zhangwu.

Gu Chen set out once more for the other commanderies and provinces of the Great Han, continuing his inspection of the realm.

Now the white hairs on his head grew ever more numerous.

Gazing upon those roads he had once traveled when conquering the realm, even Gu Chen's eyes would flash with a trace of reminiscence.

Perhaps that is simply the way of people.

The older one grows, the more one loves to dwell on the past.

In those years he had swept across the realm; wherever the edge of his blade pointed, the lords of the land looked on in dread.

Now his prestige was greater still; he no longer even needed to muster troops—one name alone was enough to make all hearts tremble with fear.

—He had risen higher and higher.

And at the same time came to understand Gu Xi of old all the more.

The questions he had once been unable to puzzle out were gradually resolved in the days that followed.

Why had Gu Xi, knowing full well the road ahead was fraught with hardship and might even cost him his life, still resolutely chosen to leave Julu and return to court?

The expectations of the world;

The glory of the clan;

The golden age that forebears and he himself had built over half a lifetime;

There were always too many, too many reasons, enough to sustain a person in transcending life and death in their day.

He had once found this utterly incomprehensible.

But now he understood, and without realizing it had once again taken the old road Gu Xi had walked in those years.

—Teaching by word and deed is the finest education.

This was perhaps also the most important reason the Gu clan had reached where it stood today.

Generation after generation of its sons had been deeply shaped by their forebears, following the path the Gu clan must walk unto death, never wavering.

Looking back over seven generations of the Gu clan's sons.

The only one who had enjoyed a measure of peace was Gu Xiao, whom Gu Yi had once controlled.

Every other son, no matter how far they had risen, had never paused while alive, always laboring for the realm and for the clan.

This was perhaps the inheritance long since fused into the very bones of the people of Huaxia.

Set aside the superficial inheritance of status and titles.

Gu Chen became even more terrifying.

He seemed to have figured something out; his entire demeanor grew even more still, his eyes like a deep abyss, capable of seeing through all conspiracies and deceptions.

In the days that followed, Gu Chen did not mobilize troops again.

——He had reached the realm of universal awe!

Whenever he arrived at a place, his arrangements—even if sharply targeted against local aristocratic clans—would be obeyed without resistance.

As for corrupt officials, they were even more powerless to resist.

Eventually, upon hearing of Gu Chen's approach, some officials would die of fright—or even commit suicide.

Gu Chen's prestige had reached its absolute peak.

His prestige had even surpassed that of any emperor in history.

The common people trusted him absolutely;

The aristocratic clans and officials were utterly cowed by him;

No one in the realm could possibly stop Gu Chen.

——Not even the barbarians of the four quarters.

The Xiongnu revered Gu Chen as "Wolf Lord" and "Chengli Gudu."

The wolf was the Xiongnu's totem.

In the Xiongnu language, "Chengli" meant "Heaven," and "Gudu" meant "Son."

This title even surpassed that of the Xiongnu Khan.

The Qiang revered Gu Chen as "Great Seer of the Snow Mountain."

Through their own shamanistic beliefs and their veneration of the Snow Mountain, they had bestowed upon him this exclusive title, granting him the highest status.

The southern barbarian tribes revered Gu Chen as "Luoju Zuo" and "Ghost Lord Da Mukuai."

In their language, "Luoju" meant "ferocious tiger," and "Zuo" meant "ruler."

They used this to express their fear of Gu Chen.

"Ghost Lord" was their spiritual belief, and "Mukuai" meant "chief of the tribal alliance."

This honorific title surpassed even their own chieftain.

Each tribe used these titles to declare their attitude toward Gu Chen's supremacy.

These honorifics rooted in faith and totem, alongside the Han's own title of "Ten-Fang Pilgrim Envoy"—which surpassed even the Emperor—proved that Gu Chen had utterly reached the summit.

The common people of the realm delighted in recounting these honorifics.

The complete submission of the four barbarian tribes intensified the Han people's innate pride.

But Gu Chen cared not at all.

What did honorifics matter? What did "Ten-Fang Pilgrim Envoy" matter to Gu Chen?

He only wished to do what he wanted to do.

That was all.

He continued advancing at his own pace, touring the provinces and commanderies.

And under the effect of the "Cure-All Talisman,"

Gu Chen's hidden illness was healed and did not manifest any other symptoms.

Yet the gloom surrounding him grew ever denser.

Even though he still stood tall, refusing to stoop, anyone could see that Gu Chen was nearing his end.

The fifteenth year of Zhangwu.

The Han Empire opened its second official imperial examination.

In truth,

the Han should long ago have held another official selection; it was Gu Chen who delayed it by three full years.

The gap between commoners and aristocratic youths was too great.

Since there was still no shortage of officials, granting time was meant to allow the common people to catch up to the aristocratic youths.

He needed the people to see tangible hope.

Only then could they truly understand the benefits this system could bring.

Gu Chen paid close attention to this selection of officials.

Not only because it was the core of the Han's current system,

but also because Gu Chen had begun to sense changes in his own body.

Though he suffered no illness,

his decline in vitality was unmistakable.

Besides observing the outcome of this official selection, Gu Chen also intended to use this opportunity to leave Liu Shan a cadre of officials he could fully trust.

——Though he remained abroad,

Gu Chen was fully aware of the situation within the court.

Zhuge Liang's meticulous nature ensured he informed Gu Chen of every detail occurring in the court.

Moreover, for the court ministers,

Gu Chen had already met them all.

His judgment of human nature had even surpassed that of Gu Xi in his prime.

He did not need to return to Luoyang.

He could select many officials based solely on his own judgment.

The grand official evaluation rose across all provinces of Han.

Perhaps because Gu Chen had just purged the corrupt elements hidden throughout the four regions of Han, officials from all quarters dared not show even the slightest favoritism or fraud.

The entire evaluation was extremely strict.

The most closely watched region was naturally the capital.

"Chuxue" still had a long way to go before it could cover the entire Han Empire.

Under these circumstances, the evaluation results from the four provinces were swiftly sent to Luoyang.

Luoyang.

Liu Shan sat upon the dragon throne, his brow tightly furrowed as he stared at the examination paper in his hands; after long hesitation, he finally stamped it with the imperial seal unique to the Son of Heaven.

At this moment, Zhuge Liang hurried in.

Upon seeing this scene, his expression instantly changed slightly.

"Your Majesty," Zhuge Liang said with Serious Expression, bowing deeply to Liu Shan, his face tinged with helplessness, "this action must not be taken—how could you act in such a manner?"

Liu Shan usually paid little attention to court affairs.

Today, upon hearing that the Emperor had requested the examination paper of an ordinary commoner's son, Zhuge Liang had already guessed part of the Emperor's intent—but he had arrived too late.

"Prime Minister," Liu Shan gently set down the paper, his eyes filled with sorrow, "I..."

"I merely heard that Shangfu took special interest in this imperial examination, and wished to make Shangfu happy upon hearing of it."

Though he had long been Emperor,

when Liu Shan spoke these words, his expression still carried a childlike innocence.

He had conceived this idea after hearing Zhuge Liang discuss with court ministers how Gu Chen had paid special attention to the poor scholar candidates in this examination.

Liu Shan truly did not know what else he could do for Gu Chen; he only felt that this act might earn Shangfu a smile.

Upon hearing this, Zhuge Liang's helplessness deepened.

How could he not understand the reason behind Liu Shan's action?

But this act concerned the fairness of Han's official evaluation—how could it possibly make Gu Chen happy?

Zhuge Liang fell silent for a moment, then slowly spoke, carefully explaining the stakes to Liu Shan.

This time, indeed, some sons of commoners had been selected.

But compared to the sons of aristocratic families,

there remained a considerable gap between them.

Although Gu Chen had delayed the official selection, this gap could not be bridged by ordinary commoners in such a short time.

Han currently had no specific distinctions such as Zhuangyuan or Tanhua,

but based on the evaluation results,

officials were assigned to different positions.

If someone lacking ability were placed in a critical post, the consequences would be far more than minor.

Liu Shan listened with intense focus; when Zhuge Liang finished, a flash of panic crossed his face, and he quickly shook his head: "I had no such intention."

Here, Liu Shan paused, sighed deeply, and fixed his gaze on Zhuge Liang: "Prime Minister, I care only for Shangfu's happiness."

"Shangfu grows older, and has long been campaigning far from court—I worry..."

Liu Shan did not finish the second half of his sentence.

But its meaning was self-evident.

Upon hearing Liu Shan's heartfelt words, Zhuge Liang's expression grew complex.

He gazed at the sorrowful Liu Shan before him, sighed deeply, bowed again to the Emperor, and said with emotion: "Your Majesty's filial piety shines as bright as sun and moon."

"Yet if you wish to ease Gu's peace of mind, Your Majesty must safeguard the state and ensure the people live in peace and prosperity."

"Only thus can Gu Gong truly find comfort."

Upon hearing this, Liu Shan froze.

After a moment, he nodded solemnly, then tore apart the examination paper already stamped with the jade seal.

Zhuge Liang bowed once more to Liu Shan, then turned and left.

He joined the other officials in carefully reviewing the examination papers.

Afterwards, having settled everything, he obeyed Gu Chen's edict and traveled to Yangzhou.

Night.

Stars glittered brilliantly; the night was deep and profound.

Gu Chen read through the examination papers one by one while listening to Zhuge Liang recount the court's situation.

Given Zhuge Liang's nature, he would never conceal Liu Shan's actions.

Upon hearing this, Gu Chen paused, the paper he was reviewing slipping from his fingers.

He looked up slightly, his expression complex, and sighed deeply:

"The Emperor is truly a benevolent and filial ruler."

Zhuge Liang deeply agreed, slowly nodding, his eyes fixed on Gu Chen, Serious Expression returning; after a brief pause, he finally asked: "Gu Gong, do you now intend to return to the capital?"

"Return to the capital?" Gu Chen repeated softly, his voice tinged with surprise.

In an instant, a rare smile appeared on his face; he shook his head gently, his demeanor carefree yet resolute: "I fear I cannot return."

"Hm?" In an instant, Zhuge Liang trembled, his face filled with shock and disbelief.

Gu Chen's expression was calm, his gaze steady; his smile grew warmer, as if discussing something utterly ordinary: "If my intuition is correct, within a month or so, I shall pass from this world."

These words struck like thunder from a clear sky.

Zhuge Liang stood frozen, his eyes wide with astonishment and disbelief.

Gu Chen gazed at him quietly, his smile deepening, his tone certain: "Since I rose to action, this premonition has never been wrong."

"And this time."

"This premonition was even stronger."

"This is also why I summoned you."

Gu Chen was acutely aware of the changes in his own body; it was no surprise he could make such a judgment.

Zhuge Liang's expression grew increasingly complex, his heart pounding wildly, unable to utter a single word.

Gu Chen's expression remained casual as he looked at Zhuge Liang and said softly, "Kongming."

"After I die."

"I will abolish the position of Ten Directions Crossing Envoy, and issue an edict that my Great Han shall never again appoint this office."

"Your Majesty is benevolent, yet lacks sufficient skill in governing the state."

"I have prepared a list of officials; I will send it to Luoyang and petition Your Majesty to entrust all major state affairs to you."

"Thud."

Zhuge Liang immediately knelt before Gu Chen, his eyes gradually reddening.

With his wisdom, how could he not have realized by now that Gu Chen's meeting with him carried the meaning of entrusting an orphaned heir?

"You are my brother's disciple."

"To me—you are also a junior."

"The court ministers, including Your Majesty, all feel the burden on my shoulders is too heavy, that I live too hard."

"But to me—"

"Among my Gu clan's contemporaries, only my brother suffered the most."

"My brother's lofty ambitions were buried within the continuation of the Gu clan."

"Only you—"

"Can inherit my brother's aspirations."

"Let my brother's renown endure in the annals of history."

Zhuge Liang's eyes grew even redder.

How could he not understand the immense sacrifice Gu Ze made for the Gu clan?

Even for his own posthumous title, he dared not request one, for the sake of the family.

This was a tremendous sacrifice.

Unless something unforeseen occurs, Gu Ze's name will eventually be buried by history; even if faintly recorded, it would stir no ripple.

Zhuge Liang nodded solemnly.

"Your Majesty is benevolent and filial; upon hearing of my death, he will surely show grace to the Gu clan."

"But the true affairs of the world rest in men."

"The Gu clan has outstanding talents, yet they lack experience and cannot yet uphold the Great Han."

"Tell Your Majesty not to force growth."

"The Gu clan's descendants each have their own paths."

Gu Chen continued speaking carefully; he had already made thorough arrangements for all Gu clan descendants.

Then he assessed the current court ministers, including the generals he had stationed in the four quarters.

Based on their abilities, temperaments, and his own judgment,

he laid out his plans for Zhuge Liang.

Zhuge Liang listened with utmost attention; every word Gu Chen spoke could not be ignored by anyone in the world.

Gu Chen's expression also gradually grew more serious.

The two spoke for a long time.

Only then did Zhuge Liang take his leave.

Gu Chen did not detain Zhuge Liang longer; he continued with his plan to eliminate all risks within Yangzhou.

His premonition had not been wrong.

Since learning that commoners had appeared among the examination results, Gu Chen had felt as if a knot in his heart had been untied; his tightly wound spirit finally eased slightly.

But perhaps precisely because of this—

his body visibly deteriorated rapidly.

This had nothing to do with illness.

It was merely natural depletion and aging; even Gu Yi could do nothing about it.

September;

As Gu Chen completely cleared Yangzhou and set foot again upon every province of the Great Han,

he seemed to have fulfilled some destiny;

—he collapsed in Yang County.

The sudden shock caught everyone utterly off guard.

No one could have anticipated that Gu Chen, who had ridden his warhorse just the day before, would suddenly lose even the strength to rise.

He had finally exhausted the last of his body's functions and collapsed completely.

The news spread swiftly.

This could not possibly be concealed.

—A cataclysmic upheaval!

For the entire Great Han, Gu Chen's collapse carried an impact surpassing even that of Liu Bei's death.

From Yang County;

The common people across the four directions erupted in thunderous motion, swiftly initiating sacrifices at nearby sites, seeking Heaven to extend Gu Chen's life.

And this behavior rapidly spread in all directions.

Originally, the people of the realm had been focused on the outcome of this official selection, but upon hearing this news, all of it was cast aside.

Thick gloom swiftly descended upon the rising dynasty.

Wu Xu day;

Wanling.

From military commanders and armored soldiers down to common civilians.

Dense gloom spread throughout all of Wanling.

At this moment, within the Governor's Mansion.

Candle flames flickered, shadows dancing across the room.

Gu Chen lay on his bed, face pale as paper, breath faint.

He forced his eyes open, gazing slowly over those in the tent; his eyes held no fear of death, nor any special emotion.

If there was any—

Perhaps only a trace of concern for Han's future.

All within the hall wore sorrowful expressions, silently weeping.

Looking calmly at them, Gu Chen spoke slowly, his voice weak yet carrying a touch of grandeur: "My life has weathered countless storms; I have finally subdued the realm and fulfilled the ideal my grandfather could not complete—I die without regret."

His tone was utterly calm.

Hearing this, all present could not help but tear up.

Gu Chen's gaze swept over each of them in turn, saying nothing more.

He had already arranged everything and sent it to Luoyang.

Including judgments on Han's future political situation, appointments of officials, and all else.

If anything remained unarranged, it seemed only himself.

"After my death—"

"Given Your Majesty's benevolent and filial nature, he will surely hold a grand funeral."

"Tell Your Majesty for me."

"Han is newly founded—do not waste extravagance; everything must be simple. Under no circumstances must my funeral surpass my grandfather's."

"My life, though bearing some merit for the state, was built entirely upon the shoulders of my ancestors. I must not violate ritual propriety."

The historian beside him carefully recorded every word.

The soldiers' faces grew even more sorrowful; their mournful cries could not be suppressed.

Gu Chen's voice grew weaker.

He leaned against the bed, gazing out the window at the clear sky, as if recalling the turbulent years of his past.

Perhaps it was a hallucination.

Gu Yi clearly saw Gu Chen's eyes suddenly change, his lips moving slightly.

But alas, his voice was too faint.

Even Gu Yi could not make it out, only discerning two words from his lip movements.

"Grandfather—"

Suddenly, a look of release appeared on Gu Chen's face.

In that instant, he gently closed his eyes, his breath gradually fading until it ceased.

All witnessed this moment clearly.

In an instant, wailing filled the room!

All fell to the ground, unable to rise; grief saturated the entire hall.

In the fifteenth year of Zhangwu, ninth month, Wu Xu day;

——Gu Chen, Ten Directions Expeditionary Envoy of Han, died in Wanling.

——————

"As the most legendary family in the world today,

the official selection system initiated by the grandfather-grandson pair Gu Xi and Gu Chen was not merely the precursor to the imperial examination system, but also one of the most central institutions of our feudal era.

Before Gu Chen—

the Gu family's influence was confined within the Nine Provinces, but with Gu Chen's rise, the Gu family's renown spread outward, carried by titles bestowed by various ethnic groups.

The impact was unimaginable.

It laid a solid foundation for the glory of our later dynasties.

He was also, in our history, the only undisputed monarch without a crown."

——Reflections on "The Gu Clan History: Biography of Lord Chen"

(End of Chapter)