I Can Control My Ancestors

But the current situation is already different.

Various nations are implementing reforms, especially the formidable northern adversary, Liao, which, on the foundation of the Legalist School, has integrated the thoughts of the new era to establish a completely new system.

They draw upon the ’Law’ of Shang Yang, emphasizing the clarity of decrees and impartial rewards and punishments; adopt the ’Techniques’ of Shen Buhai, focusing on governing officials and assessing performance; and incorporate the ’Power’ of Shen Dao to enhance monarchical authority and consolidate centralization.

The integration of these three schools, with agriculture and military as the foundation of the nation, has sparked a sweeping transformation across the entire Liao territory.

Even Gu Yi has taken notice of this.

The territory of Liao is vast, far surpassing that of the Great Song.

More crucially—

The present Kyushu differs from its original historical trajectory.

Although the foreign race still retains its pastoral traditions, under the continuous expansion of Kyushu culture, the arable land area in various regions has already changed.

For this reason, this agriculture-based military system, originating from the Central Plains but deepening in the northern lands, is especially suitable for Liao.

The entire Liao region seems to have reached two extremes with the Great Song.

Commerce and agriculture—

Each focusing on different priorities.

Even Northern Han is currently undergoing extensive reforms, though it slightly falls short of Liao.

Not only because Northern Han is inherently weaker than Liao.

The most critical reason is that the monarch of Northern Han is too easily swayed, leading to intense factional strife within Northern Han.

It is precisely because of this that Gu Jin had to make this choice.

In a world of great contention, this is how it should be.

However, he also left backup plans—reinstating the Imperial Censorate across the entire Song territory to lay the groundwork for curbing excessive commercial expansion in the future.

Gu Yi has been silently observing all of this.

Undeniably, this era of turmoil truly stirs his emotions more than any other time.

Even surpassing the widely known Three Kingdoms period.

The emergence of new ideas has brought a qualitative leap to Kyushu, building on its original cultural foundation.

Unlike the Spring and Autumn Period and Warring States Period.

The accumulated intellectual resources of predecessors are already extremely rich; new thoughts no longer need to pave new roads and open new lands like the ancient saints did.

Although it may seem there are not many changes in Kyushu compared to the original history,

in reality, this is not the case.

Whether in terms of education or influencing the four corners of the land, today’s Kyushu is far beyond what the original history can compare.

The doctrines of the philosophers—from Confucius and Mencius’s benevolent governance to Han Fei’s legalism, from Mozi’s universal love to Zhuangzi’s naturalism—have all been repeatedly expounded and deeply analyzed.

The emergence of new ideas has only been a comprehensive leap on this foundation.

This is destined to bring forth a host of great talents in the academic realm.

Some individuals were never even seen in the original history.

Take He Yu, for example, who is currently carrying out reforms in Liaodong; he cannot be found in original historical records, yet his achievements today can definitely be hailed as among the brightest of the era.

This is an unprecedented grand tide.

Surpassing all previous chaotic times, the changes it can bring are also unprecedented.

It is not just about the rise and fall of dynasties.

The key lies in ideology.

Just like the coexistence of the various states during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States evolving into unification.

Today, it is the same!

What kind of changes this will bring to the future, Gu Yi does not know yet.

But no matter how you look at it—

this is not a bad thing for Kyushu, nor for the Gu Clan, as every faction centers on unification.

This essentially prevents the conclusion of Kyushu’s division.

Moreover, the progress of thought is definitely an opportunity for scientific advancement, also the best chance for the Gu Clan to spread its influence globally.

Even if the disciples of the Gu Clan may be constrained.

Gu Yi must take action.

....

Time flies.

In this wave of reform sweeping across the world, the atmosphere of tension among Kyushu grows heavier. Open and covert battles continue in various places; anyone can clearly feel that a war encompassing the entire realm seems imminent.

It is worth mentioning that the Great Song has never relaxed in its war preparations, constantly training its army and refining its military capabilities, poised as if ready to launch a northern expedition at any moment.

This is a decision made by Gu Jin.

The Great Song is at the peak of its national strength; such measures not only continuously expand the prestige of the dynasty but also draw more people’s allegiance to the Great Song.

At this moment, outside of Kaifeng City.

Thud... thud... thud.....

A team of cavalry rushes quickly towards the city gate.

The soldiers guarding the city recognize the fluttering banner of the Gu Clan; they dare not obstruct and swiftly open the gate, allowing them to enter freely.

Gu Jin does not slow down, galloping straight into the city, only halting before the Imperial Palace.

"Line up the entire army—wait for my audience with the emperor."

His tone is calm yet unquestionable.

Having said that, he walks briskly towards the palace gate.

"Yes!"

The dozens of armored soldiers behind him do not hesitate, collectively letting out a resounding roar.

The guards outside the Imperial Palace stare at these men, unable to stabilize their flags; although these men do nothing, their aura alone fills them with trepidation.

Unlike the traditional military style of the Gu Clan’s descendants, Gu Jin places extreme emphasis on military discipline.

Over the past year, he has vigorously reformed the Song Army, with strict decrees and high requirements.

This is compelled by circumstances.

The arrogance of military men during the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms period was evident in history, not to mention the currently even more chaotic world.

Strengthening military discipline is something Gu Jin cannot avoid doing.

The results it brought are equally extraordinary; although Gu Jin dealt with many arrogant soldiers and fierce generals, the overall strength of the Song Army far surpasses before, especially in morale, incomparable to the past.

Funing Hall.

"Your subject, Gu Jin, pays homage to Your Majesty."

Upon hearing the voice from outside the hall, Zhao Kuangyin hurriedly put down the memorial in hand and gestured for the eunuch to quickly bring Gu Jin inside, a smile immediately appearing on his face.

His attitude towards Gu Jin is becoming increasingly favorable.

The reason for this is also very simple.

It is because Gu Jin’s various systems have already yielded results.

Unlike agriculture.

The speed of commercial development is naturally faster than that of farming, not to mention that Jiangnan already had a sufficient foundation.

In just over a year.

The tax revenue of the entire Great Song has increased nearly fivefold.

This is an extremely astonishing figure, although there are issues with new military settlements, the main reason does not lie in these.

Gu Jin eliminated much of the land tax.

Especially in newly acquired territories.

Including changes in governance brought about by reviving the Imperial Censorate.

Zhao Kuangyin, although already having a considerable reputation, still cannot match the Gu Clan’s centuries-long prestige.

Especially in the past year.

Gu Jin has successively dealt with arrogant soldiers and even nobles.

This earned him quite a fearsome reputation.

This is the critical factor.

Seeing Gu Jin, clad in armor, entering the hall, Zhao Kuangyin does not mind his attire; before Gu Jin can speak, he smiles and asks, "Huaiyu, what has brought you back to the capital suddenly?"

He pauses for a moment, then continues, "Let me guess—"

"Could it be that you have come for the northern expedition against Northern Han?"

Gu Jin is not surprised that Zhao Kuangyin has guessed his intentions, immediately bowing and responding, "Your Majesty is wise; that is indeed my intention."

His expression becomes solemn as he continues to report, "Recently, I have discovered that Liao’s harvest last year more than doubled compared to previous years, and there are frequent signs indicating its intention to march westward into the Western Regions and eastward to settle Liaodong, aiming to connect trade routes."

"If my assumptions are correct, Liao will inevitably become a major threat to our Great Song in the future."

"Northern Han has always been indecisive and ambivalent. If we do not eliminate this threat while the enemy’s position is not yet firm, it will be too late once they establish themselves and coordinate from the north and the south!"

Upon listening, Zhao Kuangyin’s expression instantly turns solemn.

He has long harbored intentions of a northern expedition against Northern Han, but he does not grasp Liao’s recent specific movements as thoroughly as Gu Jin, who has been on the front line.

At this moment, countless thoughts rapidly surge through his mind.

Zhao Kuangyin has never been an indecisive ruler, and the strategy for a northern expedition has long been brewing in his mind. After a brief deliberation, he decisively responds:

"Great!"....

...

(Ps: At the beginning of the month, I kneel and beg for monthly votes to climb the ranks. I earnestly ask for the brothers’ support; the author is immensely grateful.)