Chapter 686 - 4: Embarking on the Tang Sect Path, Reviving Wencheng’s Han-Ming Legacy
Zhao Kuangyin has never been one to be indecisive.
With his current prestige in the Great Song, even if some in the army are unwilling to see him pause the offensive in such a momentum, no one can truly obstruct his decision.
Of course, they do not forcibly oppose.
But whether for Zhao Kuangyin’s safety or the national fate of the Great Song, everyone believes this journey must be meticulously planned.
They all need thorough planning for this matter.
Especially Zhao Guangyi, who places great importance on this, even suggesting that Zhao Kuangyin lead the army personally to Julu.
In his view, only with military might escorting can absolute safety be ensured.
However, Zhao Kuangyin resolutely rejected this proposal.
He merely ordered the army in the Song territory to be ready for battle, while personally writing a letter and sending an envoy to Julu, expressing his intent to pay a visit.
The news spread, and civil and military officials and generals all felt increasingly uneasy, fearing this journey might be perilous.
Zhao Kuangyin, however, only responded calmly:
"If I were to die in Julu, then the world could be settled within ten days."
Even the most muddled monarchs of other nations are not fools; they would never dare make a move against Zhao Kuangyin in Julu, creating a mortal feud with the Gu Clan out of thin air.
Even if there were truly reckless individuals, the Gu Clan is by no means helpless—after all, Julu is the territory of the Gu Clan, whose foundation has been established over hundreds of years, as solid as a rock.
Unless someone could annihilate Julu in one fell swoop, there is absolutely no possibility of acting against Zhao Kuangyin there.
And this, is his greatest sincerity towards the Gu Clan.
Unlike the present-day feudal lords, Zhao Kuangyin carries a true heroic spirit.
Personal life and safety are a trivial matter to him.
His gaze is always fixed on the entire realm.
....
News continued to spread.
The whole world remained shocked by the changes in the Great Song, with countries like the Southern Tang actively preparing for war, meticulously guarding against the movements of the Song Army.
Zhao Kuangyin certainly would not reveal his entire itinerary.
Watching as the Song Army actually halted its offensive, these people did not find it too strange, but rather immensely relieved.
Meanwhile, the Gu Clan promptly received the visiting card sent by Zhao Kuangyin.
Julu.
Gu Mansion study room.
A gathering of core members of the Gu Clan, all with exceptionally serious expressions.
Whether it be the strength currently demonstrated by the Great Song, or Zhao Kuangyin’s deeds since ascension, this visiting card is sufficient for the entire Gu Clan to treat it with solemnity.
"Father, uncles," Gu Jin stood in the hall, looking solemn, his voice clear, "In my opinion—this Song Monarch is indeed a hero capable of sweeping away the chaos of the world!"
Previously, he might have only slightly acknowledged Zhao Kuangyin.
But after learning about what happened within the Song territory.
Now, he has completely affirmed this statement.
Compared to other feudal lords, the heroic spirit Zhao Kuangyin possesses is truly too conspicuous; not to mention him, even many scholars can sense it, let alone the people in this room now.
However, even so.
But for the Gu Clan, without absolute certainty, it is ultimately difficult to make a decision.
Actually, this is inevitable.
Perhaps it is precisely because of the continued mediocrity of the clan’s descendants, combined with the stable environment provided by the Gu Clan.
Even Gu Yi himself can sense, amid this chaos, let alone anything else, even the people within the family have lost much of their vigor.
The younger generation like Gu Jin fares somewhat better.
The youth have zeal—that’s one aspect.
The key reason is that they were born alongside a wave of new thinking, giving them a lot of motivation.
But people like Gu Yan from the older generation are just too conservative.
To put it plainly, it’s like losing the spirit of progress.
The pride of the Gu Clan still exists.
But precisely this burden has broken the backbones of these people, making it difficult for the elder generation always living in stability to make many choices.
Now, it’s just like this.
Watching as everyone present furrows their brows, Gu Jin was silent for a moment, eventually cupping his hands again and said, "Father, why not leave this matter to me!"
Upon hearing this, the expressions of everyone present suddenly became complex.
Gu Yi also watched this scene.
Seeing those elders who were discussing again say that one should be prudent, he couldn’t help but shake his head, once more using the Spirit Communication Jade to influence Gu Yan’s consciousness.
Actually, he doesn’t oppose the prudence of the clan members.
After all, if there is recklessness in a family, then there must be prudence.
These two can complement each other.
But now seeing that the times are changing, if they still think about being cautious, that is unacceptable to him.
With a thought.
Gu Yan seemed to sense something, suddenly raised his hand to silence all the discussions, deeply looking at Gu Jin, and finally nodded: "Alright."
His tone paused, his face was still, but his eyes were filled with emotion.
He slowly stood up, saying one word at a time: "We are all old."
"This world’s grand trend.... Ultimately depends on you, the young people."
He scanned the brothers present, finally turning his gaze back to the faces of the younger generation like Gu Jin, speaking solemnly: "This matter, leave it to you guys."
"Thank you, Father!"
Gu Jin cupped his hands in thanks to everyone.
Then, he headed outside the hall.
Time swiftly passed.
The news of Zhao Kuangyin heading to Julu was certainly impossible to conceal, individuals moved accordingly, all with ulterior motives.
But Zhao Kuangyin was utterly unconcerned about this.
Within the Song territory, he is Emperor.
As for within Julu—
He trusts the Gu Clan.
Even Gu Yi was somewhat shocked by Zhao Kuangyin’s act; in such troubled times, being a ruler of a nation, to do such a thing, merely this action far surpasses others.