I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 34 - 14: Posthumous Title of Loyal and Martial, Emperor Passes Away at Fengshan

Chapter 34: Chapter 14: Posthumous Title of Loyal and Martial, Emperor Passes Away at Fengshan
Although long before this, the rumors that Gu Xiao was in poor health and probably wouldn’t live much longer had already spread throughout the Great Han.
But when this day truly arrived, the entire world was still profoundly shocked.
Gu Xiao is dead!
The Grand Commandant of the current dynasty, Champion Marquis, and leader of the meritorious faction just died like this!
Upon hearing this news.
Many people felt a sense of relief as if a great stone had finally landed, even those with no personal enmity with the Gu Clan.
There was nothing they could do about it; for all the ministers of the Jianwu Dynasty.
The name Gu Xiao itself was a gigantic stone.
If he did not die, no one could truly approach the Emperor.
Now that Gu Xiao is dead, obviously, the entire world’s situation will undergo changes.
Powers will be reshuffled!.....
.....
Luoyang.
Since that solar eclipse, an eerie atmosphere had pervaded the court.
Because Liu Xiu had just decided to perform the Fengshan ceremony at Mount Tai.
At such a critical moment, such a celestial anomaly appeared, leaving them unable to avoid overthinking.
But they dared not discuss the Emperor, so they could only suppress these thoughts in their hearts.
Even Liu Xiu himself was plunged into self-doubt.
He had somewhat admired the Modern Literature School of Confucianism, though he did not entirely believe in its prophecies.
Yet, this incident had a profound impact on his state of mind, making him indecisive.
"Could it be that I haven’t done enough?"
This question lingered in his mind, and no amount of persuasion could set his heart at ease.
And in this situation, news from Hebei finally arrived.
"Your Majesty..."
The bearer of the obituary was Gu Cheng, kneeling in front of Liu Xiu with reddened eyes and a choked voice as he slowly recounted Gu Xiao’s last words,
"My father passed away in his residence on the last day of March, Wushen day."
Liu Xiu was utterly stunned.
This was a look he had never shown since ascending the throne.
And within the court, all the ministers’ expressions drastically changed, and they couldn’t help but kneel down.
When Liu Xiu heard that Gu Xiao was concerned about not letting him harm his body before his death, his expression changed slightly again.
But before he could say anything, his whole body suddenly staggered and immediately passed out.
"Your Majesty!!!"
In an instant, the court descended into chaos.
When Liu Xiu opened his eyes again, he was already lying in his bedchamber.
Beside him was Yin Lihua, staring intently at him, with the Crown Prince Liu Zhuang standing nearby.
"Your Majesty, you’re awake?"
Seeing Liu Xiu awake, Yin Lihua quickly grasped his hand, asking with a face full of concern, "How do you feel?"
After speaking, she instinctively wanted to call the Imperial Physician.
"I’m fine!"
Liu Xiu shook his head, his expression surprisingly calm.
But Yin Lihua immediately noticed his unusual demeanor and became even more worried.
"No need to worry, Empress..." Liu Xiu held her hand, softly comforting her, then turned his head towards Liu Zhuang, "Zhuang-er."
"Father!" Liu Zhuang, also filled with concern, quickly responded, "I am here."
"Summon the ministers..."
Liu Zhuang hesitated slightly, as if realizing something, his expression changed dramatically, and he hurriedly left.
Before long, the ministers slowly entered.
Expressions varied....
But their eyes all carried a hint of worry.
Liu Xiu, at this moment, paid no mind to what the ministers thought.
As the ministers slowly entered the hall, it was as if he had long decided, his expression calm and unperturbed as he said:
"Issue the decree."
"The Champion Marquis has passed away, and I am deeply grieved."
"From this day, court is suspended for seven days to express our mourning."
"The Grand Commandant’s lifetime achievements should serve as a model for all people."
"Instruct the students of the Imperial College to give him commendation."
"Since the Grand Commandant’s last wish was to be buried in Hebei, it shall not be changed, yet with his achievements, recognition is necessary to set the world right."
"Command the artisans to carve a statue of the Grand Commandant, and in the manner of the Grand General Huo Guang of old, mobilize the Northern Army’s five schools, war chariots, and armored soldiers to send him off, burying him beside the Imperial Mausoleum, and honoring him in the Grand Ancestral Temple."
"Let the Crown Prince lead the officials to pay their respects."
"And have the officials discuss a posthumous title for the Grand Commandant."
This series of edicts was indeed earth-shattering!
In the past, perhaps someone among the ministers would have stepped forward to advise, as some of these arrangements were truly astonishing.
But at this moment, looking at Liu Xiu’s emotionless expression, everyone inexplicably felt a slight fear and dared not speak.
Liu Xiu lay there, and only at this point did his expression slightly change.
He let out a deep sigh and spoke again: "From today, the matter of the Fengshan need not be mentioned again."
"The celestial change, and now the loss of the pillar of our Great Han."
"It seems my virtues are still lacking."
"From today, when you officials submit your memorials, you shall not refer to me as ’Holy’."
At these words, everyone was astonished!
Every expression changed, none had expected Liu Xiu to say such a thing.
Not to call him holy?
This.....
Liu Xiu paid no heed to their reactions.
After speaking, he waved his hand, indicating for everyone to leave.
The ministers, with varied expressions, retreated.
In the end, only Yin Lihua remained to attend to him.
Only then did Liu Xiu’s face reveal intense grief, holding Yin Lihua’s hand, he spoke with a slightly trembling voice: "Empress..."
"Do you think... the Champion Marquis’s death is heaven’s punishment for me?"
"Your Majesty!"
Yin Lihua held Liu Xiu’s hand tightly, "You have reestablished the Great Han, loved the people, your achievements surpass the ancients."
"The length of one’s life is predestined."
"The Champion Marquis’s last words even mentioned that Your Majesty should not impair your health because of this."