Chapter 680 - 1: Collapse of the Celestial Mandate, A New Julu

"No, I haven’t," Gu Jin shook his head. "I originally wanted to capture them alive, but as always, once they realized there was no escape, they immediately committed suicide."

"What do you think?" Gu Yan’s gaze was fixed on him.

As with how the Gu Clan has cultivated its disciples through the ages, honing their judgment with current affairs, Gu Yan was also guiding Gu Jin to analyze the situation.

Gu Jin’s expression grew more solemn. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke: "I originally thought it was the work of the Khitan people."

"Over the years, there have been many among the Khitan who have declared their desire to avenge past grievances, standing against our Gu Clan."

"But upon careful consideration, I feel there might be something else at play here."

"The Khitan are now deeply influenced by our Kyushu culture; their ambition lies in claiming supremacy over Kyushu, reunifying the world, and achieving eternal greatness."

"They would not make enemies of our Gu Clan at this moment."

"Even if they intended to act, they would not be so hesitant and indecisive."

"Therefore, I speculate that either someone has set a trap to provoke our Gu Clan to emerge and compete with the Khitan, or someone within harbors private interests, causing trouble in secret."

At this, he paused slightly.

His demeanor relaxed again, and he said with a smile, "However, in my view, our Gu Clan need not delve too deeply into the origins of these bandits."

"Oh?"

Originally, Gu Yan’s face showed approval, but upon hearing this, he frowned slightly.

"Many among the Khitan resent our Gu Clan, and under no circumstances can we allow them to rule the Central Plains."

Gu Jin’s tone was firm, and by the end, he let out a cold laugh: "Does it matter who exactly is behind it?"

"To us in the Gu Clan, it is simply the work of the Khitan."

He suddenly bowed with a gesture of respect and asked seriously, "Father, what do you think of me and my younger brothers’ abilities?"

Gu Yan remained silent for a moment, offering only a slight nod of approval without further comment.

"Recently, Father, I have been reviewing the family chronicles and compared the current situation to the late years of Yan Han."

Gu Jin’s expression grew heavier, and his tone carried a touch of solemnity: "The past and the present are remarkably similar."

"Back then, our Gu Clan rested in obscurity for years, yet as soon as talents emerged within the family, figures like Emperor Wen of Sui also appeared."

"Given the current grand situation...is the world once again nearing a time of reunification?"

"I am not boastful, nor do I dare say our talents match those of our ancestors."

"But if that is indeed the case..."

He lowered his voice, with a solemn gaze: "Where should our Gu Clan go?"

Upon hearing these words.

In that instant, Gu Yan’s expression also involuntarily turned serious.....

——————

"In the seventh year of Xiande, in the spring of January on the day of Guisi, the Khitan allied with the Northern Han to invade, capturing Zijing Pass and alarming Chanzhou State.

At that time, the mausoleum of Emperor Shizong was not yet completed. The young heir ascended the throne at a tender age. Inspector General Zhao Kuangyin observed the disorganized court ceremonies, the young ruler playing on the crimson steps, while the court officials looked at each other in dismay, thus ardently volunteering to lead an expedition northward.

The Empress Dowager granted him thirty thousand elite troops.

Prime Minister Fan Zhi led the officials to bid farewell outside Xuande Gate, holding the hand of the founding emperor and lamenting: "This campaign is not merely about repelling invaders; it concerns the significant matter of the royal temple and nation."

The founding emperor remained silent and did not respond.

As the troops departed Bianliang, addressing his personal guard, he said: "The ruler is young and immature; how can he bring peace to the world? In the past, Emperor Shizong faced hardships to stabilize the Central Plains. Now, treacherous figures are watching closely. Though I lack talent, I must carry on Emperor Shizong’s legacy and unify the four seas."

The three armies were moved to tears upon hearing this, pledging their utmost allegiance.

The founding emperor understood deeply that to repel external threats, internal stability must first be achieved, so he turned the troops back southward. Civil and military officials arrived at the army camp’s entrance, requesting: "The ruler is young and the nation uncertain. May the general follow the examples of Yi Yin and Huo Guang to stabilize the world."

The Empress Dowager then issued an edict: "As mother and son, we are solitary and helpless, and the nation is in peril. General Zhao was entrusted by Emperor Shizong; let him assume leadership of military and state affairs, open a provisional government aligned with the Three Excellencies, and wield full command for expeditions."

On the day of Jiazi in February, the founding emperor ascended the throne as Emperor in Chongyuan Hall, issuing an edict: "I am but an old minister of Emperor Shizong, having faced many difficulties; how dare I not earnestly follow the opinions of the masses? When the young successor matures, the government shall be returned to the rightful court."

The era name was changed to Jianlong, and a general amnesty was declared.

On that day, as the snow ceased, red light filled the hall, and the cheers of ten thousand surnames thundered like a storm.

——"The Song History. The Chronicle of the Founding Emperor"