I Can Control My Ancestors

Chapter 637: Chapter 93: Zichen Claims the Throne, Gu Clan Sounds Its Blade

This is currently the most suitable system for the Great Tang.

As for the others, Gu Yi can’t manage that much for now.

Luoyang City.

Amidst the resounding music, Li Heng, dressed in dragon robes, personally led the civil and military officials outside the city to welcome Gu Xuan, with thousands of people eagerly watching, creating a grand scene.

This was an extremely astonishing sight.

Even Gu Yi was somewhat dazed by it all.

Between reminiscences, he had almost forgotten how long it had been since the Gu Clan received such treatment.

It seemed that since the fall of the Great Han, no matter the merits achieved by every generation of Gu Clan descendants, it was difficult to return to the Capital within their lifetime.

Gu Quan did return.

Unfortunately, his identity destined him not to enjoy such courtesy, Li Shimin was indeed not stingy, but Gu Quan would absolutely refuse.

For the Gu Clan, this was a rare honor unseen for many years.

But unfortunately, Gu Yi did not favor Li Heng as Emperor, and thus did not feel much about it.

The carriage sauntered forward until it halted stably before the imperial front.

Gu Xuan immediately got up and dismounted the vehicle, intending to bow and pay respects to Li Heng.

"Grand Tutor, please don’t!" Li Heng stepped forward swiftly, earnestly holding him, his words accompanied by clasping Gu Xuan’s hand.

He gazed at Gu Xuan’s face tinged slightly by adversity, his voice choking: "Grand Tutor, for the sake of our Great Tang’s establishment... you truly have labored hard!"

This scene was one anyone would call the wise emperor and virtuous minister.

But under Gu Yi’s influence.

Gu Xuan wasn’t particularly touched by Li Heng’s demeanor, merely indulging in superficial courtesies, then followed the crowd into the city.

The current court situation was extremely complicated too.

Those who supported Li Heng ascending the throne naturally were greatly employed.

However, the rift between them and Li Heng was impossible to completely turn over; frankly speaking, they were Li Longji’s ministers, not Li Heng’s personal confidants.

Li Longji’s restrictions on Li Heng were exceedingly substantial, which largely determined the present circumstances.

Li Heng always harbored a slight distaste for these individuals.

Of course, he wouldn’t choose to directly target them at such a time.

Li Heng may not be considered a wise ruler.

Yet, he did possess some political maneuvers, as the situation gradually stabilized, he persistently contested with these old foxes on the court, promoting various people.

Including his trusted eunuch Li Fuguo.

Gu Yi was completely indifferent to these court struggles.

Holding Taizong’s posthumous edict, along with contributions in quelling the An Lushan Rebellion, not to mention Li Fuguo and these people, Gu Yi didn’t need to overly regard even Li Heng as Emperor.

Even if he was unwilling to expose the Gu Clan openly.

But given the current condition of the Gu Clan, there were many methods to swiftly change the entire Great Tang.

This time returning to Luoyang.

The Gu Clan had only one matter before them — reform!

The Great Tang must change; if the Gu Clan is destined to bear a great cost, then better to go all out, at least securing another century of development for Kyushu and the Gu Clan.

....

Luoyang Palace, Zichen Hall.

Within the resplendent hall, incense curled up in wisps.

Seated on the dragon chair, Li Heng’s face had shed most of the fervor from the welcoming ceremony, replaced with deep doubts and a faint trace of subtle vigilance.

The civil and military officials lined the sides.

Emperor Xuanzong’s old subordinates like Miao Jinqing and Wang Yu kept calm expressions, their eyes harboring assessment, while Li Heng’s newly promoted dignitaries, including eunuch Li Fuguo, bore traces of contemplation and observation.

"Majesty," Gu Xuan’s voice was low, yet distinctly echoed in the silent hall, "Though An Lushan has been defeated, wounds are everywhere, and the treasury is bare;"

"Though Hebei is stabilized, hidden worries persist, Tubo may submit, yet not sincerely acquiesce."

"This is not a situation solvable by ordinary consolation or recuperation; if merely following old practices, the foundation of flourishing Tang will ultimately crumble."

"Minister, requests reform!"

Gu Xuan’s voice, though low, distinctly echoed in the silent hall, each word like stones cast into a deep pool, arousing layer upon layer of ripples.

"Reform?"

Li Heng almost subconsciously repeated, his voice carrying incredulity, he tightly fixed on Gu Xuan, fingers unconsciously clutching the sleeves of his dragon robe, "Grand Tutor... why such urgency?"

"Our Great Tang has been established for a century, and laws have always existed."

"An Lushan’s chaos was man-made, not flaws in the laws, relying upon ancestry’s protection, soldiers’ devoted duty, Grand Tutor’s majesty, only then were we able to rectify disorder."

"When stabilizing hearts and restoring vitality is proper, abrupt reform would rock the nation’s foundation?"

"The realm is freshly settled, people long for peace!"

Li Heng’s words spoke for the sentiment of the vast majority of officials within the hall.

Though they still didn’t know what ideas Gu Xuan proposed, many ministers immediately nodded.

— The changes brought by reform are too much.

Regardless of the current state of Great Tang, these individuals didn’t have much thought, mainly focusing on their personal interests.

Supporting Li Heng’s enthronement had already brought them a considerable amount of benefits.

If reform indeed went forward, they’d struggle not to be affected.

Immediately, a minister stepped forward and loudly concurred, "Majesty is wise! Grand Tutor’s achievements are remarkable, yet governing the country requires prudence!"

"The rental and labor system, and the militia method, both established by Taizong and Emperor Gaozong, are proven effective."

"Though disrupted by war, merely easing taxes, reducing conscription, encouraging agriculture and mulberry cultivation, given time, restoration is possible, but sudden reform may lead to unpredictable changes!"

"Precisely!" Another official chimed in, subtly aiming at Gu Xuan’s authority, "’The Book of Rites’ states: ’If benefits are not a hundredfold, do not change the laws; if achievements are not tenfold, do not alter the instruments.’"