Control your ancestors and create an immortal family starting from the Eastern Han Dynasty

Chapter 11: Alone in Hebei, and in the world

Although everyone had expected this, the entire court was still shocked when they heard the news from Liu Xiu himself.

You know, the current court is mainly composed of the Hebei clan and the Nanyang clan.

Even after Liu Xiu unified the country, he promoted many Guanzhong clans in order to completely balance the situation in the court.

However, these latecomers have always been unable to shake the foundations of the Hebei and Nanyang factions at the core power level of the court.

The reason for this is that the Hebei and Nanyang clans both assisted Liu Xiu in achieving his imperial ambitions and made great contributions to his success.

This achievement is inherently superior to others.

Moreover, they have been operating in Liu Xiu's sphere of influence for many years and have already become deeply rooted. How could they be easily shaken?

Especially the Hebei clan.

Because Liu Yang never rebelled, the Hebei clans have not been purged, and the interests of all parties are deeply intertwined.

Especially after Liu Qiang was appointed Crown Prince.

These people have become his supporters, and they occupy the majority in the court.

Now it seems that Liu Xiu is really going to depose Guo Shengtong.

This group of people naturally have to take action.

Almost on the same day, a flood of petitions of opposition were submitted to Liu Xiu.

But Liu Xiu was too lazy to pay attention to these people.

He gave the most direct response.

That is to directly abolish the titles of Guo Shengtong's brothers.

Times have changed, and Liu Xiu is no longer the emperor who could only rely on the Hebei clan.

After unifying the country for many years and using many drastic measures, he had already completely grasped the imperial power.

Now that Gu Xiao has gone to Hebei, Liu Xiu is not afraid of any threats at all.

Sure enough, as soon as this method was used, the entire court fell silent in an instant.

No matter how unwilling these people were, they had no choice but to accept it when faced with an emperor like Liu Xiu who had real power.

Although they all want to make a profit.

But I didn't dare to go against the wind.

I can only console myself with the excuse that "at least His Royal Highness the Crown Prince hasn't been deposed yet."
Jizhou, Julu.

Gu Xiao's fiefdom was in the Julu area, including Julu, Yingtao, Renxian, Pingxiang and other places.

Different from those great families in the world with a long history.

Although the Gu family has become a popular new family, it faces the dilemma of a small population.

Gu Xiao was stationed in Luoyang all year round.

Many affairs of the fiefdom of Hebei had to be handled by his younger brother Gu Chen.

It is worth mentioning that Gu Yi did not use Gu Xiao's identity to seek any official position for Gu Chen, and even declined Liu Xiu's kindness to grant Gu Chen an official title.

The reason is also very simple.

——Gu Chen’s attribute panel is really too mediocre.

And the most important thing is that he has no opinion of his own.

If he were to become an official, as Gu Xiao's younger brother, he would most likely be used by people with ulterior motives, thus indirectly damaging the reputation of the entire Gu family.

In this era, reputation is crucial to the rise and fall of a family.

Now Gu's company is at a critical stage of starting up and cannot afford any mistakes.

It was precisely because of this that Gu Yi simply let Gu Chen return to Hebei first, and also let him marry a woman from a prominent family in Hebei.

I have to say, this is indeed a wise decision.

Although these Hebei clans all had their own purposes in helping the Gu family, their help did play a big role for the current Gu family.

In just a few years.

The plan is to completely take root in Hebei.

Because he was worried about Gu Xiao's health, Gu Yi did not let Gu Xiao rush on his journey.

When he arrived in Julu, Hebei officials and people from major clans who had already received the news were already waiting there.

These people came specifically to welcome Huo Xiao.

And the person who is the leader;
———It was none other than King Zhending Liu Yang!

In fact, logically speaking, King Zhending was a vassal king.

Not to mention actual power, at least in terms of status, he is superior to Gu Xiao.

But in the Jianwu Dynasty today.

Facing Gu Xiao, the most favored and first meritorious official, no one would dare to put on airs.

Even Liu Yang can't do it.

Liu Yang is really not young anymore. It has been several years since we last met, and he now has a head full of white hair.

But the aura of being a superior became stronger and stronger.

As soon as Gu Xiao got off the carriage, he laughed loudly twice and said loudly:
"It's been a while since we last met. Champion Hou is still as elegant as ever, and even more heroic than before!"

The two exchanged pleasantries.

Gu Yi had been watching all this silently. Although King Zhending had a smile on his face, Gu Yi could clearly feel Liu Yang's anger towards Gu Xiao's appearance in Hebei from the depths of his eyes.

Although the news of Liu Xiu's dethronement had not yet been received.

But for these old foxes, the result was self-evident from the moment Gu Xiao appeared in Hebei.

Naturally, he was angry with Gu Xiao.

But since he did not choose to take action directly, it already shows Liu Yang's attitude at this time.

Gu Yi did not interfere, but watched it all silently.

Sure enough, after three rounds of drinks, Liu Yang asked all the people from the big families to leave and left himself alone to face Gu Xiao and express his thoughts.

"Grand Marshal, the Queen once wrote to me, saying that she had sent people to visit the Grand Marshal many times, but was always turned away by him."

"I really don't understand why the Grand Marshal is unwilling to help the Queen."

"The Grand Marshal's fiefdom is in Hebei. When the Grand Marshal's brother came to Hebei, I offered him assistance more than once. Why did the Grand Marshal do this?"

"Then what good will it bring to the Grand Marshal if the Nanyang Yin Clan gains power?"

Winning over?

Gu Yi guessed Liu Yang's thoughts in an instant.

This is also the most common method used by clans in this era. Clans from all over the country are bound together by interests and are extremely xenophobic.

Liu Yang is saying
Since the Gu family is already trying to gain a foothold in Hebei, why not help Guo Shengtong?
Gu Yi was too lazy to respond to this question.

Pride

This is one of the common problems of almost all the big families in the world today.

Liu Yang was obviously very sure that if the Gu family wanted to gain a foothold in Hebei, they would need his help.

However, he didn't know that the real trump cards that allowed the Gu family to survive were only Gu Xiao and Liu Xiu!

As long as these two are still here.

No one can shake Gu's current position.

Seeing that Gu Xiao had no intention of speaking, Liu Yang did not get discouraged. He sighed softly and then spoke again: "Marquis of Champion."

"I can make a promise on behalf of the Queen."

"If the Marquis of Guanjun could speak a few good words for the Queen in front of His Majesty."

"Give it time, wait for the crown prince to ascend the throne."

"No matter what happens in the world, the Gu family's status will never change!"

Still temptation!

But this time it will be more direct.

This time, Gu Yi could no longer remain silent. He immediately controlled Gu Xiao to respond.

Smile lightly.

"Gu Xiao!"

This faint smile seemed to have touched a nerve in Liu Yang. He immediately frowned and slammed the table: "I have come here to personally wait for you, which is already giving you enough face."

"Are you underestimating this king?"

"Do you really think that I am afraid of you, the so-called champion marquis?"

Facing the furious Liu Yang, Gu Yi just felt annoyed.

If Liu Yang really rebelled or sent someone to assassinate Gu Xiao, Gu Yi might have looked up to Liu Yang.

But now?

When Gu Xiao arrived in Hebei, he came to wait in person.

This already explains his attitude.

People are getting old
Not to mention rebelling, he didn't even dare to think about expressing his dissatisfaction directly to Liu Xiu.

Can only fall into a temptation.

To be honest, it's about inducement.

Liu Xiu could directly give Gu family a marriage alliance from the royal family, what can you give?
Gu Yi controlled Gu Xiao and waved his hands, as if to suppress Liu Yang's anger. Then he said directly, "Your Majesty."

"I have a word of advice."

"The world is different now." "Your Majesty can do whatever he wants, and no one can stop him."

"If the king can obey orders, I think he can enjoy his old age in peace. This is also for the benefit of his descendants."

"But if Your Majesty truly has other thoughts, I can only advise You to calm down."

It has to be said that Gu Xiao is truly a pure warrior.

When Gu Xiao said what Gu Yi wanted to say, it was as if he was saying, "You'd better be obedient, or I'll beat you to death."

In fact, Gu Yi was very calm. At least for now, he didn't take Liu Yang seriously.

Not to mention that he is already old now.

In the original history, even Liu Yang, who dared to rebel, was killed directly by Geng Chun without Liu Xiu having to do it himself.

Not to mention the current situation.

Hearing this, Liu Yang's expression became even uglier.

But it was also what Gu Yi expected.

Liu Yang really has lost his fighting spirit now. Even if he is facing Gu Xiao instead of Liu Xiu, he dare not vent all his anger.

He just snorted coldly and walked away!

"Tell someone to spread the news of what just happened."

After Liu Yang walked out, Gu Yi immediately made arrangements.

The news of Liu Xiu's dethronement should be spread soon. These people have their own connections in Luoyang and will definitely know everything.

Plus everything that just happened.

Gu Yi didn't believe that these people would dare to have any other thoughts.

It’s time for the clans in Hebei to stand on their side again!

Afterwards, Gu Yi manipulated Gu Xiao to write a letter and had someone send it to Liu Xiu.

He had to tell Liu Xiu what happened today.

With him around, Hebei will not be in chaos!
Luoyang.

But it is not a palace.

"Your Majesty, with the ability of the Grand Marshal, it is reasonable for him to conquer Hebei alone."

At this moment, Deng Yu, who had just finished reading Gu Xiao's letter, was expressing his thoughts to Liu Xiu.

Since Gu Xiao left the capital, he naturally became the person closest to Liu Xiu.

In fact, logically speaking, compared to the time Gu Xiao followed Liu Xiu, Deng Yu, who had known Liu Xiu since childhood, was obviously closer to him.

But for some reason, Liu Xiu liked Gu Xiao more.

"I know."

Liu Xiu had a hint of relief on his face and sneered, "I still overestimated the King of Zhending."

"Facing Da Sima, you don't even have the courage to get angry."

"Is this kind of person worthy of being the king of the Han Dynasty?"

Although Liu Xiu had long expected that Gu Xiao would be able to conquer Hebei, he was still a little angry when he saw Liu Yang's performance.

This person is bringing shame to the Liu family!
Deng Yu lowered his head and dared not say more.

He is not a reckless man like Gu Xiao.

Although he was Liu Xiu's childhood friend, from the moment Liu Xiu became emperor, the relationship between the two sides naturally could not remain the same.

It was impossible for Deng Yu to be as casual in front of Liu Xiu as he was before.

The hall suddenly became quiet.

After a moment's silence, Liu Xiu put down the letter and his expression returned to normal.

"Hebei is stable, and I am at peace."

He seemed to be talking to Deng Yu, but also seemed to be talking to himself, and sighed: "The world is so exhausted."

"Since I unified the country, I have successively rectified the administration, dismissed officials, reduced the military, freed slaves, and repaired water conservancy projects. All of these measures are intended to help the country recover quickly."

"Yet disasters continue to occur, and the people are in panic, unable to protect themselves."

Liu Xiu paused and looked at Deng Yu. "Zhonghua, you are very talented. Do you have the strategy to save the people of the Han Dynasty from disaster?"

Deng Yu had been listening carefully to every word Liu Xiu said, and had some guesses in his mind, but when he heard the last question, his expression changed slightly.

All the policies have been mentioned. Except for one.

Spend the field!

This was the answer Deng Yu instantly determined, but for some reason he couldn't put it into words.

What is measuring land?

To measure land means to survey the land and check the population.

Although Liu Xiu's previous measures weakened the power of the powerful families, they were far less effective than the land measurement.

Just ask, among the big families in the world today, which one has not annexed land and concealed population?
If the land is measured, the big families will inevitably give up the people and land they have been hiding, and their strength will decline by decades.

And Deng Yu also came from a prominent family in Nanyang!

In fact, Deng Yu was not a person who was greedy for money and power.

On the contrary, over the years, he has shown a tendency to become the second Gu Xiao, and he also ignores the struggles in the court.

But perhaps it was really because of his origin from a prominent family that Deng Yu inexplicably had some resistance to Du Tian.

Although he also understood that as slaves and servants all over the world became commoners, the land that was once uncultivated was obviously no longer sufficient.

Dutian will definitely be able to solve this problem.

But he just didn't want to say it.

This feeling is very contradictory, perhaps because he doesn't want the Nanyang Deng family to bear the label of offending others, or for other reasons.

He just remained silent.

Liu Xiu had been looking at Deng Yu. Seeing that he had not spoken for a long time, he guessed what he was thinking, and a hint of disappointment flashed in his eyes.

This is one of the reasons why he likes Gu Xiao more.

In today's court, only Gu Xiao can truly be united with him.

"Thinking back to when Wang Mang was wreaking chaos on the country, the fields were in disarray. Since I have restored the Han Dynasty, it is only right that I measure the fields, perhaps to relieve the people's fatigue."

He suddenly broke the silence, staring intently at Deng Yu and asked, "What do you think, Zhonghua?"

"Your Majesty is wise!"

Deng Yu took a deep breath and said in a deep voice, "But the Grand Marshal has just taken up residence in Hebei. If the news from the court reaches Hebei, it will definitely cause a stir."

"If we measure the land again at this time, I am afraid that it will arouse opposition from the scholars."

He said this not because he meant to disagree, but because he was really worried.

When Liu Xiu said the word "measure the land", the confusion in his heart was gone and he began to think about the follow-up of the matter!

"Humph!"

Liu Xiu sneered, his eyes filled with murderous intent. "I don't want to mobilize troops again, not because I am no longer able to wield a sword."

"It's so that the people of the world can recover and live."

"If they are unwilling to give the people a way to survive, then it is not my fault!"

Liu Xiu's tone was extremely cold. He had already had this idea in mind.

But Liu Xiu also understood.

The land transfer will definitely arouse opposition from major families all over the world.

Although Liu Xiu was not afraid, he really didn't want to trouble the people again at this time.

But Gu Xiao's letter this time reminded him.

The world has changed!

The clans in the world today are no longer the clans they were during the time of chaos. They no longer dare to wield knives like they did before!
"Your Majesty is wise!"

Deng Yu took a deep breath and bowed to Liu Xiu, "I am willing to support Your Majesty!"

He had already felt Liu Xiu's determination.

"it is good!"

Liu Xiu immediately smiled and looked at Deng Yu and said, "Zhonghua, you must go to Nanyang immediately and wait for my order."

"See for me if anyone dares to deceive me!"

Deng Yu lowered his head, without much hesitation, and nodded directly, bowing and saying:
"promise!".
------

"In the thirteenth year of Jianwu, autumn.

Disasters occurred frequently and there was no end in sight. The people were trapped in this situation and were exhausted everywhere.

The emperor said with pity, "Today the world suffers from many hardships, with frequent disasters and anomalies, and the people are in dire straits. I have thought deeply about this and believe that measuring the land is the only way to save the people and relieve their suffering."

He then issued an edict to the prefectures and counties, ordering them to check the number of acres and carefully examine the age of the household members to ensure that everything was accurate and without any concealment.

He also ordered an investigation of the officials with the rank of 2,000 stone to see if they had shown any partiality or injustice in this matter. If there had been any injustice, they would have been severely punished to uphold the law and bring peace to the people.

——"Book of the Later Han Dynasty: Chronicle of Emperor Guangwu"

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(End of this chapter)