Chapter 758 33: Changing Eras, the Gu Clan's Name Resounds Across the World

Gu Jin indeed had thoroughly prepared for all of this.

Yet, for Wang Yingchen, it was ultimately a regret.

Throughout his life, he was busy revitalizing the Liao, but never once led the soldiers openly to fight out of the Liao, always defending.

This person was indeed extraordinary.

But unfortunately, he encountered Gu Jin.

No, it should be said that he encountered the Gu Clan.

If relying solely on his own abilities, without the support of the "Luoshu Harmonizing Device," Gu Jin's attributes absolutely couldn't compare to his, not to mention that Gu Jin himself also had the natural support of the Gu Clan.

But this matter needs no further elaboration.

Wang Yingchen was an unrecorded figure in original history, because it was the emergence of the Gu Clan that created his brilliance, yet also destined his end.

It can only be said that he both rose and fell because of the Gu Clan.

Great Song.

The development of the Great Song continues.

Under the various arrangements made by Gu Jin, the entire Gu Clan has completely inherited the Imperial Censorate, leading the entire Great Song in the right direction.

Although Gu Jin has passed, the strategy he set for Yan Yun remains unchanged.

The Imperial Censorate, under the leadership of the Gu Clan, strictly follows the "Order for the People of Yan and Yun" and existing policies, continuously promoting the revival of the Yan Yun region.

The benefits of tax exemption and reduction continue to attract people from Hebei, Hedong, and even the Central Plains.

Desolate ridges are plowed anew, and abandoned villages once again see rising smoke.

Corn here shows astonishing adaptability, its golden kernels not only filling the grain stores of newly settled people but also becoming a symbol of agricultural revival in Yan Yun.

As the canal transportation system extends northward, Yan Yun's furs, timber, and mountain products easily move southward, while southern textiles, salt, iron, and ceramics flow in, gradually bringing commercial vitality into every corner of Yan Yun.

The "workshop areas" in Youzhou, Shunzhou, and other places are expanding in scale.

The past primary processing relying on resources gradually gives rise to more distinctive industries.

The woolen blankets produced by the wool workshops in Youzhou, praised for their thick and durable quality, are much favored by the northern Border Army and grassland tribes; the wood processing in Tan Province, due to proximity to the border, has gradually developed into a unique category specializing in repairing military equipment and making siege defense tools.

In just a few years, the registered population of the states in Yan Yun has doubled since its recovery.

Though it has not reached its peak, the thousand-mile fertile fields no longer bear the scars of devastation as in the past.

It is worth mentioning that Gu Yi did not interfere with any of this.

He wanted to let the Gu Clan be somewhat dormant, hoping to allow the talents of the family's youths to recover slightly.

However, this approach clearly no longer works.

The Gu Academy continues to grow.

The trend of the hundred schools of thought contending has once again reached a peak with the advent of this peaceful era.

Especially after the struggle among the Three Kingdoms.

This further exacerbates the contest among the hundred schools.

The Gu Clan has never intervened in the development of the Gu Academy, even when someone like Wang Yingchen, who is hostile to the Great Song, appears among its members. Yet, the Gu Clan has always interfered with the academy's development.

This naturally is Gu Yi's idea.

Struggle is the foundation of progress.

Just like the collapse of the Celestial Mandate, if the Gu Academy wants to stay at the forefront, it must ensure academic neutrality.

This, in fact, predestines the difficulty in restoring the Gu Clan.

History is destined not to completely return to what it was in the original history. Gu Yi even feels that sooner or later, the Gu Clan will face a unique catastrophe, though no signs of this are visible yet.

It is worth mentioning that as time goes by, many people have gradually emerged, having explored the core subjects of the Gu Academy.

Indeed, these are people exploring fundamental science.

Some of these people were notable in original history, such as Chu Yan, while others, like Wang Yingchen, were obscure.

But these people can undoubtedly be considered talents of an era.

Their capabilities even exceed those in the court or regarding military tactics.

Even within the Gu Clan, several have emerged one after another.

Of course, these people are essentially pioneers, and ultimately it's impossible for them to explore everything fluently and completely walk this unprecedented path.

But—it's not without results.

Take the interactions among these people, combined with many craftsmen from within the Gu Clan, for example—they've researched glass and telescopes.

Couldn't this be considered a breakthrough of an era?

Leaving aside glass's utility, consider the telescope.

Its assistance in military affairs, maritime operations, including canal transport, is enormous.

And this is just the basic level.

The creation of such things demonstrates that these individuals have begun to explore optics, albeit at the most elementary level, but it also lays the groundwork for future breakthroughs.

All of this is merely a beginning.

On this point alone, it is fated that the Gu Clan will find it difficult to return to its original state.

Notably—the Gu Clan's endeavor to send people to sea continues.

In recent years, with Gu Yi's help, Gu Che has methodically conducted overseas explorations and occasionally dispatched people to return with bits of information, greatly assisting the Gu Clan's maritime expansion.

This time, Gu Yi also influenced Gu Che through the "Spirit Communication Jade."

His journey now extends beyond mere exploration of the seas.

It also promotes the Gu Clan.

The force led by Gu Che in this maritime endeavor is not weak. Utilizing this move to spread the Gu Clan's influence is most fitting.

Currently, the Gu Clan has already made a name for itself among various sects.

The strength of Kyushu is indeed formidable.

After receiving the Gu Clan's support, this aspect has become even more exaggerated; relying on the force led by Gu Che alone is enough to announce the exceptional nature of Kyushu and the Gu Clan to the world.

He even established several Gu Academies in succession.

Though these academies cannot easily connect with the Gu Clan currently, they showcase the spreading influence of the Gu Clan.

Gu Che is like a missionary.

Utilizing the deep foundation of the Gu Clan, he gradually expands the Gu Clan's influence across the world.

Of course, although this action seems to have some religious significance.

In this era.

To fully spread the Gu Clan's prestige, there is no better way than through such means.

Regarding the Gu Clan's involvement in religion, Gu Yi's attitude has always been quite complex.

As a person from Kyushu.

Concerning these religions, Gu Yi has always maintained the same attitude as many others, and only through the metaphor of eggs could they gain followers in Kyushu.

But now he must admit, as the legend of the Gu Clan grows, it has inherently acquired some religious significance.

Yet he cannot interfere in this regard.

As for beyond Kyushu.

He fears nothing more.

This is indeed a significant change; in this era, any matter taking on religious implications tends to spread rapidly.

Even within just a few short years, the Gu Clan has garnered quite a following overseas.

Leading this group is undoubtedly Gu Chen.

To various overseas kingdoms, Gu Chen's existence is indeed extremely rare!

Gu Yi also watches this matter closely.

——Expanding overseas.

It has always been one of the most important endeavors for the Gu Clan, from start to finish.

It's not only a retreat path for the Gu Clan but also preparation for future generations.

Gu Yi can distinctly sense.

As times progress, all these efforts by the Gu Clan will eventually bear fruit, destined to cement the Gu Clan's absolute position in the world.

....

(Ps: Wishing everyone a happy National Day. At the beginning of the month, earnestly asking for monthly votes during this double period, seeking strong support from everyone, for which Yu is immensely grateful.)