Chapter 738 - 25: An Unprecedented Prosperous Era, Restoring Yan Yun

This place is not some remote area.

On the contrary, after the development during the Han and Tang Dynasties, this place not only has a dense population and developed agriculture but also a large number of skilled craftsmen.

Even though it can’t completely stop the outflow of corn, influencing it even a little is profitable for the Great Song!

This is also why Gu Jin wants to take direct action!

The entire hall fell silent instantly.

Even though these people had long known Gu Jin’s intentions, when the moment truly arrived, many of them hesitated.

This is human nature.

When they hold a time of prosperity in their hands, they lose the desire to strive and are unwilling to gamble on a future.

After all, for many of them, simply relying on this current prosperity is enough to earn them a good name in history.

—But, their agreement is not needed.

Wang Yingchen has complete control over the Liao’s state affairs.

How could Gu Jin not hold the reins of a nation?

For this matter, not all of them need to agree.

Gu Jin had already made full preparations.

Informing them now is merely a notification, not a discussion.

.....

Kinder Hall.

This is the core hall within the Imperial Palace of the Great Song, where Zhao Kuangyin once discussed state affairs with his ministers.

But now this place has completely lost its former solemnity.

Though still located at the center.

The pity is that the people within have changed.

At least the current steward does not possess the same authority as Zhao Kuangyin once had.

With the moonlight cold and clear, Gu Jin followed the attendant, stepping steadily into the hall.

His expression was calm, without a ripple.

Still, as he recalled when he first returned to Kaifeng and entered this hall, images of chatting through the night with Zhao Kuangyin often appeared in his mind;

Now, those memories have gradually faded with time, no longer stirring any waves.

"Grand Tutor!"

Gu Jin had just stepped inside, not yet moving, when he heard the delighted voice of Zhao Dezhao, who even rose personally to welcome him.

"Your Majesty, I pay my respects," Gu Jin quickly bowed in greeting.

Beside him, Zhao Guangyi also cupped his hands appropriately, "Greetings to the Grand Tutor."

"You are too courteous, King Jin," Gu Jin replied as usual, and was then led inside by Zhao Dezhao to sit.

As always, Gu Jin reported the recent state affairs to Zhao Dezhao, only this time with an additional plan — to organize the troops to march north and reclaim Yan Yun.

Zhao Dezhao nodded frequently as always, but when he saw the streaks of gray in Gu Jin’s hair in the flickering candlelight, a trace of unease flickered in his eyes.

"Grand Tutor... must you go?" He hesitated for a moment before blurting out, "I really cannot do without you."

"Your Majesty," before Gu Jin could respond, Zhao Guangyi interjected, "uniting the realm was the lifelong wish of the late emperor and the Grand Tutor; Your Majesty must not let personal feelings hinder the great cause."

As an imperial uncle, Zhao Guangyi’s words were quite natural.

Gu Jin did not say much in response, merely nodding, "Rest assured, Your Majesty, this old official will surely return victorious."

Although Zhao Dezhao was still reluctant, he could only nod in agreement.

He then continued to speak many words of care until late into the night, after which Gu Jin left with Zhao Guangyi.

Gu Jin had no particular fondness for Zhao Guangyi, yet there was no vigilance either.

Over the years, this King Jin had always been low-key and restrained.

But this time, just as they were about to part at the palace gates, Zhao Guangyi suddenly spoke, "Grand Tutor, this expedition..."

His tone was solemn, his gaze complex as he looked at Gu Jin, "I wonder if I might accompany the army?"

He was no longer young himself.

For Zhao Guangyi, perhaps this was his last chance in life to head to the battlefield and fulfill his ambitions.

"If the Grand Tutor would not mind," Zhao Guangyi said seriously, staring intently at Gu Jin, "I would be willing to drive the carriage."

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin was slightly taken aback.

Under the moonlight.

Looking at the gradually aging Zhao Guangyi in front of him, he suddenly vaguely overlapped him with his memories of Zhao Kuangyin.

After brief silence, Gu Jin eventually nodded, not refusing.

....

(Ps: I humbly ask for votes, requesting more support from my brothers, for which Yu is extremely grateful.)