I Can Control My Ancestors

Zhao Kuangyin was indeed different from the other warlords of the current era.

Just as he said those words.

He had already seen the essence of everything and wanted to make changes in his governance before proceeding.

This is what sets him apart from his historical counterpart.

Although Zhao Kuangyin was born a military general, he didn’t come from a top-notch noble family.

On the contrary—

His family was a product of the chaotic times.

Coming from a middle-ranking military family allowed him to experience many things that others never encountered in their lifetimes. He witnessed numerous tragedies and heard tales of the Great Tang and even the illustrious Han Dynasty.

Including the diverse education within Gu’s School.

He was involved in all of this.

All these experiences cultivated a very comprehensive character in him.

For example, he could rebel directly as he does now.

Including his insights into the Gu Clan.

His attitude towards the Gu Clan was different from that of all emperors; even if in the future there was an opportunity to bring the Gu Clan into his ranks, he wouldn’t consider them merely subjects.

But as collaborators.

The reputation of the Gu Clan, their conduct.

All of these tied them to the entirety of Kyushu.

And Kyushu was the foundation of a dynasty.

This was his perspective on the Gu Clan.

For example, now he needs to improve his governance before he can represent all of Kyushu to ally with the Gu Clan.

This is also the core of his decision.

Truth be told, even Gu Yi was somewhat surprised by this viewpoint of Zhao Kuangyin.

History had indeed undergone significant changes.

Even with constant corrections, it was impossible to align everything with original history, especially when the Gu Clan was involved in education, this clash of ideas further propelled this point.

These things might not affect ordinary people much.

But for true heroes, it was different.

The Tang Sect and Song Founder—

Zhao Kuangyin’s abilities needed no further elaboration. He clearly developed a new worldview amidst these factors.

Imperial power still existed, but it became much lighter.

"Could it be that my Gu Clan is still being restrained?"

At this moment, Gu Yi opened the family attribute panel again, looking at the talents of family members, his feelings became increasingly complex.

If that were truly the case....

Will the Gu Clan produce another top genius in the future?

....

Time passed swiftly.

Zhao Kuangyin indeed achieved the fundamental quality of a hero, which is the unity of knowledge and action.

After quelling the rebellion, he did not directly choose to use military force.

Instead, he implemented various policies within the entire Song domain.

First and foremost was the restoration of ritual system.

The Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms was a period of chaos, and this was the case in original history, but now it was even more exaggerated, as the current turmoil far surpassed that of the original history.

If not for the influence of Gu Academy, this period could absolutely be called the dark age of Kyushu.

The "new rites" promulgated by Zhao Kuangyin focused on pragmatism and order.

It stripped the elements of "sympathy between Heaven and man" and "divine right of kings" from the Confucian system since Dong Zhongshu of the Han Dynasty, instead emphasizing social function, ethical norms, and practical utility.

Yes, that was precisely the essence within Gu’s School.

It was expanded based on the previous works of Gu Kang, combined with the current events.

— Specifying cultural artifacts and clarifying the functions of officials.

And abolishing a series of useless official positions.

Prioritizing practicality above all else.

This can truly be called a revolutionary reform.

The various advancements promoted by Gu Academy finally bore fruit in this unparalleled individual.

If it were in a peaceful era.

This reform could not have been implemented regardless of who was in power.

In simple terms, this was akin to a challenge to traditional Confucian learning, and from the perspective of the emperor, it was not a favorable situation either, since the notion of a "Celestial Mandate" inherently benefited emperors.

But now, it was different.

The ideological wave brought by Gu Academy, along with the collapse of rites in chaotic times, provided an absolute foundation for this reform.

Of course, regardless of what, this would inevitably stir up a storm of controversy.

But Zhao Kuangyin wasn’t afraid.

If rebellion arose, he would suppress it.

Including launching a few small-scale wars simultaneously, which instantly boosted the reputation of this emperor, already adorned with military achievements.

This series of measures quickly silenced all opposition.

He wasn’t concerned about lacking the support of officials.

The new era’s theories coincided with his actions, not to mention that throughout the land, there were countless officials available for his use.

And under this series of measures, changes were happening rapidly throughout the Great Song.

— First of all, there was a strong vitality!

These things might not seem to affect a dynasty much, but in reality, they were significant.

Especially in these chaotic times.

A dynasty possessing a different kind of vitality would have equally unimaginable morale.

And this was only the foundation.

Including the changes brought by the reform.

He wasn’t foolish; for the Song officials, he reinstated the division of power system promoted by the Gu Clan during the Great Tang.

But he clarified the powers and responsibilities more distinctly.

This significantly increased the administrative speed of the Great Song, making the whole nation shine anew.

Including the military system as well.

Zhao Kuangyin was originally a military general and was more familiar with all this.

When other nations focused on the Gu Clan, he initiated an unprecedented reform within the entire Song domain.