I Can Control My Ancestors

We must proceed with caution!

A series of admonitions came from those with a mature heart for the state.

Even Gu Rui could not simply say that their thoughts were wrong.

He listened quietly, his expression as calm as still water, revealing nothing of his thoughts.

It wasn’t until a moment later, when everyone had quieted down again, that he spoke again: "Every word you gentlemen said is precious, all are words of gold and jade."

"The dangers of the Northern Expedition and the Western Conquest are like facing an abyss, like treading on thin ice, how could Gu Rui not know?"

His voice was initially low, and as he spoke, he slowly stood up, walking steadily back to the Map of the Four Seas.

His finger did not point directly at the Liao or Western Xia, but instead heavily tapped on the territory of the Great Song, from the bustling Bianliang, through the reclaimed Yan Yun, to the vast Central Plains and Jiangnan, and even Liaodong.

"I also know well, why my predecessor in his later years chose to endure in silence, hiding many ambitions."

"Not unwilling, but constrained by the same concerns as you gentlemen."

As he spoke, his tone suddenly changed, "Yet, have you ever thought, since my ancestor, the Prime Minister, recovered Yan Yun, allowing our dynasty to stand straighter, decades have passed."

"In these decades, my predecessor, and you gentlemen present here, and those virtuous ministers and generals who have passed, they have toiled tirelessly, reformed taxes, rebuilt military preparations, and pushed for innovation, for what purpose?!"

In an instant.

The expressions of everyone were momentarily stunned.

"Definitely not just to be satisfied with a corner, guarding this half of the country!"

Gu Rui’s voice resounded again, even more emphatic: "The unfinished work of my ancestor was not due to his lack of wisdom or strategy, but rather the timing was not completely ripe, or new territories needed to be consolidated."

"But has his aspiration to unite the Kyushu ever extinguished even half a point?"

"No!"

"It burned stronger, passed to my grandfather, passed to my father!"

"Now, this raging fire, this unfulfilled ambition, has been passed into my hands!"

He looked around at everyone, his gaze burning, "Today, our Great Song has an unstoppable New Army, strong armor, and sharp blades."

"The treasury can support ten years of conquest;"

"The people’s morale, all longing to achieve great feats once more."

"This is the time to inherit the ancestors’ ambition, to fulfill the people’s expectations, to comply with heaven and resonate with humanity, to complete this final step!"

"How can we hesitate because of fear of difficulty? How can we betray our forebears, stopping at this illusory stability because of fear of danger?"

"As for your concerns..." Gu Rui’s tone paused slightly, his gaze becoming sharp and profound, "I, Rui, naturally understand, but if we hesitate in everything, placing all hope on the enemy weakening themselves."

"How would the world be?"

His words, like a grand bell, struck heavily on everyone’s hearts.

In truth, the current Gu Rui and these old ministers in the court represent the most authentic situation of the Great Song.

The prudence of the old ministers... and the ambition of the newcomers.

Behind each of them stand numerous people.

This is also why Gu Rui must do this now.

He must unite all forces, get everyone to work together on this matter.

The chamber grew increasingly silent.

The ministers looked at each other, their gazes revealing struggle.

In truth, regarding the unification of the world.

How could they not desire it?

But the habits formed over many years, along with their gradually declining bodies, made them hesitant to take this step.

Even though Gu Rui has said so much now.

They are still the same.

Of course, they will also make the most suitable decision.

"Reporting to the Grand Tutor, this old minister is aging, and my health has been deteriorating more recently. I have long decided to submit a request to His Majesty tomorrow, asking for permission to retire."

Fu Bi was the first to break the silence, giving his response.

He still could not take this step.

However, he also clearly stated he would not obstruct Gu Rui’s path forward.

This, naturally, contains some personal motives. For someone like Fu Bi, at his age and position, whether creating an unparalleled accomplishment or bringing about disaster, it would hardly alter his personal historical evaluation.

His achievements are already sufficient to leave a significant mark in the annals of history, his silence and non-obstruction at this moment are both a weighing of the situation and a protection of his political position.

Everyone present, seasoned through the vicissitudes of officialdom, understood Fu Bi’s considerations immediately upon hearing his words.

With his words, several other old ministers followed suit and declared their retirement.

Others also ceased further opposition.

The remaining people, seeing this situation, realizing the tide was set, despite many thoughts, spoke no more.

The night wore on, and the ministers departed in silence one after another.

The chamber returned to its quiet, with only the candlelight flickering and crackling.

Gu Rui stood alone before the huge Map of the Four Seas, gazing sharply and complexly at the vast rivers and mountains depicted.

In truth, he now truly understood the mindset Gu Jun had those years ago.

This final step towards the unification of the world, seemingly within reach, yet its weight felt like a thousand-layered burden.

If it were not so difficult, why would the Gu Clan hesitate and wander for two generations, spending their lives gazing at this map to entrust endless aspirations?

But, he is different.

With this thought, the last trace of hesitation in Gu Rui’s eyes vanished, replaced by a resolute determination akin to burning bridges of retreat.

He turned around, sat back at the desk, spread out the rice paper in the flickering candlelight, dipped the brush in ink, the brush’s tip hovering momentarily, then steadily descended, the forceful writing leapt onto the paper.

"The founding emperor started the enterprise but died halfway, my ancestor valiantly took up the crisis, stabilizing the state, yet the tripartite division of the world remained unchanged, the recovery of Youyun notwithstanding, the northern desert and West River remained outside the borders. This is truly a generational regret, the reason His Majesty and we, the ministers, could not rest or enjoy food."

"Now, with internal governance refined in our Great Song, treasury full, soldiers well-armed, and morale high, this is indeed the moment granted by the heavens for His Majesty to unify all beneath the sky!"

"...."

"Therefore, I boldly request, to emulate the feats of the ancestors, to lead the army over the Yin Mountain, plow through the Liao Court, westward past the Xiao Pass, to pacify the western territories."

"Striving to exhaust my meager abilities, expel the treacherous villains, accomplish the grand unification, illuminate Huaxia with new glory. This is how the Gu Clan will repay the founding emperor for recognizing our worth, fulfill the lifelong wish of the whole family in this campaign!"

"Tears fell upon presenting this, uncertain of how to express."

The last stroke fell, the ink glistened solemnly in the candlelight, Gu Rui slowly put down the brush, gazing intensely at the memorial in front of him, then solemnly wrote three vigorous characters at the end—

Memorial to the Emperor!....

.....

(Ps: Begging for monthly votes, asking brothers for support, immensely grateful.)