Chapter 831 - 60: The World as Enemy, Gu Clan Unsheathes Its Sword

Not to mention them, even Gu Yi is a bit hesitant at this moment.

The same phrase echoes—

The Gu Clan does not vie for the rule of one generation, but for eternity.

At this point, the Gu Clan has already left too much for all of Kyushu; even if they courageously retreat now, it could be seen as a way to preserve themselves.

After all, the Gu Clan will always face the pressure of correction.

Retiring gradually at this peak surely would help the Gu Clan face the coming tribulations more composedly.

However, this move would also impact everything the Gu Clan is currently doing.

And that is why he hesitates.

Rationally speaking, he thinks retreat could be wise.

But emotionally, he wants the Gu Clan to compete once more!

After all, the appearance of the Gu Clan itself was a defiance of fate, and a struggle is inevitable, so why hesitate?

This is also why Gu Yi has never interfered through the "Spirit Communication Jade."

The choices to charge forward or retreat both have their reasons.

Facing such a scenario, he prefers to leave the decision to the family members.

The Gu Clan is not a puppet in his hands.

The dedication of countless generations is too substantial; Gu Yi is not a puppet and cannot possibly control everything deliberately!

Amid the discussions, Gu Lin remains silent.

How could he not see the intrigue within?

But his situation is equally difficult.

Actually, as the current Patriarch of the Gu Clan, he has long considered returning power to the Emperor, as both emotionally and logically the Gu Clan should not continue to wield power above imperial authority.

Moreover, the talents of today’s descendants of the family are quite mediocre.

If it weren’t for their interference...someone of his character would certainly have handed over the power after his death.

But now it’s different.

He will relinquish power to avoid tarnishing the Gu Clan’s reputation.

But definitely not now!

He cannot tolerate the current powerful trend of the world being undermined by these people!

With that thought, he waved his hand, halting the discussions: "The return of power from the Gu Clan to the Emperor is due in manners, laws, and the traditions of the ancestors."

"This matter needs no others to urge; when the time is ripe, the Gu Clan will act naturally."

"But, certainly not at this moment!"

"Definitely not when these petty scoundrels, using despicable means, exploit the people’s will and attempt a coup!"

"The five generations of the Gu Clan’s dedication, forging this glorious foundation, is not for the rights of one family or one surname but for the welfare of the myriad beings of Kyushu, for the inheritance of the flame of civilization!"

With that, he slowly stood up: "Therefore, only after I clear these specters, purify the court, ensure the continuation of the national policies, and stabilize the glorious age, shall the Gu Clan return power, thus not failing the Great Ancestor’s trust, nor the millennia of responsibility to protect by the Gu Clan!"

His gaze was fiery, issuing commands: "Gu Zhao, task you with liaising with the Imperial Censorate’s core members, do not directly impeach with talks of returning power, but instead deeply investigate Chen Mingyuan, Wang Pu, and their backing families, demonstrating evidence of corruption, deceit, and exploitation of the people in canal transport, maritime trade, and local governance."

"Besides—"

"Also those petty scoundrels behind them!"

"This time, we must catch all these parasites!"

"Gu Qi, you swiftly return to Julu; the affairs of the Academy must not be disturbed, from today you are to be the Patriarch of Julu, matters of the court are of no concern to you!"

His expression was exceedingly solemn.

Knowing well, Gu Lin is no longer young now.

Years in high positions have endowed him with a demeanor others find hard to match.

Coupled with his serious demeanor, even standing there, he settles everyone’s mind.

But that was not the end!

Immediately after, Gu Lin uttered another statement that slightly changed everyone’s expression!

"Keep a close eye on the Emperor—"

"Remember, do not let petty scoundrels influence the Emperor!"

How could he overlook the Emperor’s aspect?

Actually, for the current Gu Clan, to truly strike the essence of the Gu Clan, only two paths are available.

The first path is utilizing the soft knife of public opinion.

Because it is the core foundation of the Gu Clan.

The second is the Emperor.

The imperial mark of Kyushu.

Of course, Gu Lin is not contemplating any rebellious deed.

He has no interest in the emperor’s throne and will not foolishly exchange the millennial foundation of the Gu Clan for an opportunity to become an emperor.

He aims to prevent!

Prevent these people from influencing the Emperor.

The Gu Clan can retreat.

But it is for prestige, for the glorious eternal plan of the entire Gu Clan, and it must not be manipulated by scoundrels.

Certainly, this statement is not about imprisoning the Emperor.

To ensure avoiding the Emperor being influenced, with Gu Lin’s current power, he has far too many means!

Indeed, he intends to unsheath his sword!

....

——The situation abruptly transformed.

The movements of the Imperial Censorate are impossible to hide from those who are keen.

The various actions targeting the Gu Clan this time indeed carry deep implications.

Throughout Kyushu.

Almost half of the capable ones have already been involved.

This feeling is very similar to the time at the end of the Eastern Han, when the world’s noble families targeted Gu Xi, it was the same too, facing the entire world as enemies, the same reason being Gu Xi blocking everyone’s path.

The same is true now.

But differently—

The Gu Clan back then was far inferior to today’s Gu Clan.

Even though Gu Xi of the past was also overwhelmingly powerful, the foremost minister of the court.

Yet the Gu Clan of today, in many aspects, has transcended the category of being merely a minister.

The only entity that could restrict today’s Gu Clan is the Gu Clan itself!