Chapter 837 - 63: Gu Lin Enacts Law, The Campaign to Suppress Dissent Turns Against Gu Lin!

Almost simultaneously.

Various events at the transport docks across the Kyushu stirred up a mighty storm.

The occurrence of such incidents in the current Great Song’s crucial transport system was akin to a modern economic upheaval, and it was significant news for the entire realm!

The ensuing impacts rolled in like waves.

— Criticism!

Yes, criticism.

Even though Gu Lin immediately exposed these individuals’ crimes, in this era, neither the common people nor most officials could fully grasp the harm caused to Kyushu.

This was a limitation of perception.

In such an unprecedented situation, how could everyone see through it?

In no time, a deluge of memorials was directly brought up.

Even Gu Lin couldn’t completely shield it, and it went straight to the Emperor, who never meddled in power.

This was the influence of the Gu Clan.

The reason why the emperors of Zhao Song hadn’t been entirely sidelined even to this day was because the Gu Clan held power.

No one, from court officials to common citizens, ever doubted that the Gu Clan would seize the throne.

Despite the Gu Clan having held power for five generations, it was no exception.

Because of this, the emperors of Zhao Song were able to live peacefully across generations, enjoying the dignity of emperors without a shred of worry.

....

Chuigong Hall.

Faced with the mountain-like pile of memorials, Zhao Hanyin felt utterly overwhelmed.

Gazing at the few remaining officials, and without the usual liveliness of the main hall, his face wore a bitter expression, feeling as though sitting on pins and needles on his dragon throne.

"Alas!"

He let out a deep sigh, picked up a memorial, glanced at it for a few moments, and then tossed it aside. Turning to Gu Lin, he said, "Grand Tutor!"

"These trivial matters, you should handle them personally."

"Why bring them to me?"

As he spoke, he picked up several memorials: "They all carry the same content!"

"These people even want me to remove you!"

"Have they gone mad?"

"Do they think I can govern the Great Song? Or do they think Great Song would be where it is today without the Gu Clan?"

His words were blunt.

One might say, through history, no emperor, wise or foolish, would utter such words.

Even if there were, perhaps only Liu Shan could.

But who was Liu Shan facing back then?

It was Gu Chen!

Even Liu Bei treated Gu Chen as a peer, let alone Liu Shan?

One could say that Zhao Hanyin was now on par with Liu Shan.

Even facing a similar situation.

Rather than truly having control over life and death power, Zhao Hanyin actually preferred hiding among the courtiers, free of worries.

"Your Majesty." Gu Lin’s expression remained unchanged, bowing slightly, his voice steady and clear: "These are not trivial matters; they are supervisory reports, directly reaching the Emperor’s ears."

"I am the one being impeached in these memorials."

"What logic is there for the impeached to handle the impeachment reports?"

"This is not something a minister can or should do."

He lifted his head slightly, meeting Zhao Hanyin’s troubled gaze calmly, and continued: "Our ancestors established the censor system to open up channels for advice, ensuring Your Majesty’s wisdom."

"The merits and faults of ministers should be judged by Your Majesty and public consensus."

"If I handle it myself, it blocks the advisory channels and blinds Your Majesty’s ears, something I dare not commit against."

His expression was utterly calm.

Seeing this, the bitterness on Zhao Hanyin’s face grew more pronounced.

How could he possibly deal with Gu Lin?

Gu Lin had already explained the harm it brought to the Great Song, even if some officials felt he went too far and didn’t want to believe it, he did!

He believed every word Gu Lin said.

How could he possibly depose Gu Lin?

Gazing at the pile of memorials before him, Zhao Hanyin suddenly thought of something at that instant.

He reached out and picked up a memorial again.

But just when he opened it, he suddenly let out an exclamation.

"I—"

"My head hurts!"

Saying this, he simply collapsed, right into the pile of memorials!

"Your Majesty!" Gu Lin’s expression changed abruptly.

Seeing Zhao Hanyin fall before him, although he instantly understood what was happening, he couldn’t help but feel a rush of anxiety, followed by helplessness.

Even though he had long been sure Zhao Hanyin wouldn’t take action against him.

Seeing this scene still left him utterly helpless.

Was this what an emperor did?

Playing sick as a ploy alongside him now?

Seeing Zhao Hanyin unresponsive, Gu Lin had no choice but to accompany his act, immediately summoning the Imperial Physician.

That very day.

— The Emperor fell ill, unable to handle memorials, and entrusted all state affairs to Gu Lin, as decreed from Chuigong Hall.

Moreover, this time Zhao Hanyin specifically instructed to block everything.

Not just forbidding meetings with ministers.

Even memorials weren’t to be delivered!

— Tremors throughout court!

Everyone here were seasoned players; who couldn’t see Zhao Hanyin’s intentions?

After all, Zhao Hanyin’s actions were far from sophisticated methods.

But there was no choice.

Though unsophisticated, he was still the Emperor, and whatever he executed became effective, and no one could bypass the barriers he erected.