Chapter 847 - 66: Gu Hui’s Enlightenment, Crimson River

In other words—

When these common people, usually at the lowest rung, break free, the oppression naturally rises upward, especially as war commences, the overall trade regulation by Great Song naturally becomes weaker.

And as the war drags on, this matter will be infinitely magnified.

In the face of such a situation.

The authorities will only naturally choose to continue relaxing regulations, exchanging interests for more support to serve as military funds.

This is a vicious cycle.

Thankfully, maritime affairs haven’t been too affected, given the Gu Clan’s overarching control, an existence unshakable by others, as long as Ryukyu and the Malay Archipelago remain under the Gu Clan’s banner, no one can sway them.

This, in many instances, alleviated the overall decline of Great Song.

Yet, weak is indeed weak.

Of course, during this period, naturally many hope for the Gu Clan to step forward again, whether for public spirit or personal gain, having the Gu Clan step in is indeed a good choice.

But how can all this be so simple?

The struggle between the Delicious Group and the oppressed group is just like this.

The oppressed want the Gu Clan to step in, while those benefiting groups will naturally obstruct.

And without exception.

These people are often those in power within the court.

Especially the one at the very top.

No one wants to divide the power they hold, especially after tasting the flavor of power, this becomes exceedingly apparent.

Throughout history.

How many could completely act with public spirit for Kyushu to do something?

As the Gu Clan has proactively stepped back, those wanting the Gu Clan to remain dormant are countless; how could they easily open the gates again?

The Zhao family’s world.

The one sitting on the dragon throne remembers only this phrase, unwilling to relinquish power.

And it’s more so with the Delicious Group.

Since it’s the Zhao family’s world, whether prosperous or not, what does it have to do with them?

Of course, in such times, heroes will emerge.

Amid increasingly fierce factional struggles, talk of reform has finally been raised.

Although focused only on an overall transformation of the commercial system, it unsurprisingly gets stifled in its infancy, and the outcome is extremely tragic, be it reputation or ratings in history books, they end up exceedingly dire.

Only within the Gu Clan’s chronicles is there a record of his various deeds, leaving one sighing deeply.

.....

Julu.

"Master, I wish to join the army!"

Inside Gu Academy, Gu Hui looked at the young man before him, tall with resolute energy between his brows, and sighed lightly: "Pengju, why must you be like this?"

"You are learning and practicing both literature and martial arts in the academy, and you may not necessarily fail to establish the country with good strategies like my ancestors did someday, isn’t that far better than risking your life on the battlefield?"

The man referred to as "Pengju" was none other than Yue Fei.

He was from Xiangzhou, Tangyin.

Also a major talent studying from Xiangzhou State Gu Academy to Julu, and a friend of Gu Hui.

Despite his youth, his gaze was already as steadfast as iron, and hearing this, he bowed deeply to Gu Hui, his voice steady and powerful: "Master, Brother Hui!"

"I have always admired your knowledge and understanding, Pengju."

"However, war on paper always feels shallow!" He raised his head, his eyes flickering with a glow of concern for the country and its people, "Currently at the Northern Border smoke rises, Liaodong is restless, Tubo also waits for opportunities."

"The court....the court indeed has soldiers, yet the wars are prolonged, often resulting in defeats, do you know why?"

Without waiting for Gu Hui’s answer, Yue Fei asked and answered himself, his tone suppressed with indignation and urgency: "It’s not that the soldiers won’t give their lives, but that up at the court, constraints are too many!"

"Military supplies often delay due to various hindrances;"

"Command in battle often suffers from the remote control of civil officials who understand not military matters;"

"Even more egregious, frontline soldiers bleed and die, yet others, for personal gain, secretly trade with the enemy to finance them!"

"In such a situation, without good strategies, how could we pacify the border troubles and save all the people from hanging upside down?"

He advanced a step, his expression earnest and determined: "Pengju may lack talent, but was taught by Gu’s School, and deeply understands that ’the rise and fall of the world is the responsibility of every man’!"

"At this moment of crisis, how could we sit idly in the study, discussing empty theories?"

"I hereby vow, emulating Ban Chao’s resolve to serve by casting aside the pen for the sword, to personally go to the border, wield weapons and defend the country! Even if wrapped in horse hide, I shall not feel shame, nor betray Gu’s School’s teaching of ’making a real-world impact’!"

He saluted again, his words resolute, with a belief that allowed no doubt: "My decision is made!"

"This journey is not for fame or fortune, but only a wish, with the long spear in my hand, to clear the borders for Great Song, to fight for peace for the suffering people in the Northern Border, Liaodong and all over the world!"

"I hope you will grant your blessing!"

Upon hearing this, Gu Hui couldn’t help but shake his head, knowing he could no longer dissuade and could only nod helplessly, but couldn’t help advising: "Pengju, with your actions, you might be pressured by others."

"If truly there is an accident, you may send a letter."

——Promise!

A promise from Julu!

Under the current circumstances, it can definitely be called the most reassuring thing.

Although the Gu Clan is no longer what it was before.

Yet no one would lightly touch this behemoth.

"Thank you, Master!"

Yue Fei didn’t hesitate, immediately saluted Gu Hui again and then turned to leave.

But when reaching the door, he stopped once more, turned his head with a somewhat complex gaze towards Gu Hui: "Master, is the Gu Clan truly..."