I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 43 - 17: Merit for the Present Age, Legacy for Millennia

Chapter 43: Chapter 17: Merit for the Present Age, Legacy for Millennia
[Gu Liang]
[Domestic Affairs: 73; Foreign Affairs: 68; Politics: 75; Command: 63; Martial Force: 65]
Even though he doesn’t excel in any single area, his strength lies in being well-rounded.
In fact, this is also inevitable...
How can a family produce talents generation after generation?
This attribute is already considered qualified, and Gu Yi is somewhat satisfied with it.
As Fang Fu stepped into the hall, Liu Zhuang immediately noticed Gu Kang’s unusual demeanor. He understood at once and laughed heartily, "Was a child born?"
"Thanks to Your Majesty’s concern, mother and child are both safe."
Gu Kang nodded, earnestly saluted, and said.
"Mother and child?"
"Is it a boy?"
Liu Zhuang was momentarily stunned, then also burst into laughter, "Good, Ji Shi (Gu Kang) has an heir, and he is also my nephew. I am at ease."
These words were spoken from the heart.
Liu Lai, his sister, was fine, but the main reason was because of Gu Kang.
In fact, Liu Zhuang’s attitude towards the imperial relatives now is still one of suppression, but he makes an exception for the Gu Clan.
Gu Kang really conquered Liu Zhuang with his own abilities.
Though the matter of improving agriculture has yet to yield results,
Gu Kang’s talents in other aspects have also been recognized by Liu Zhuang.
Their personalities complement each other well.
Seeing Gu Kang constantly busy for the court yet having no offspring, Liu Zhuang had mentioned it several times.
But for such matters, he was also helpless.
Could he issue a decree urging Gu Kang to indulge more in women?
Now, hearing that Gu Kang finally had a child, he was genuinely delighted.
The two chatted for a while, then, as usual, they started discussing state affairs again.
"Hmm!"
Liu Zhuang snorted, glanced at Gu Kang, and said, "In the second year of Yongping, I issued a decree forbidding officials to use the term ’sage’ as an example, prohibiting flattery from officials."
"How much time has passed since then?"
"And now, someone dares to violate the edict I issued back then. Ji Shi, what do you think I should do?"
When it came to discussing politics, Liu Zhuang’s entire demeanor changed, his eyes filled with harshness.
Just as in history, Liu Zhuang was particularly stern with his ministers.
He even set a precedent for officials—caning punishment!
Over the years, ministers were often beaten for mistakes, and Liu Zhuang even personally administered punishment.
All officials were particularly fearful of this.
It’s not about how severe the beating is, but the public humiliation of being punished was truly disgraceful.
Under Liu Zhuang’s leadership, the Great Han increasingly values ethics and reputation.
Being punished in private was one thing... but being punished publicly meant one’s career had come to an end.
Who wouldn’t be afraid?
As a Minister, Gu Kang naturally understood the matter Liu Zhuang spoke of.
The court officials praised Liu Zhuang’s sage-like wisdom, citing the lack of major disasters this year.
This was considered normal.
But this time, it was not just about that.
This was also targeting Gu Kang.
As if by destiny, the sixth year of Yongyuan saw no major disasters.
Furthermore, the Gu Clan had been rooted in the Hebei region for many years, deeply familiar with the mountains and terrain there.
With the cooperation of powerful families,
They built irrigation works; fertilized fields; weeded and prevented disasters;
All preparations beneficial to agriculture were executed flawlessly by Gu Kang.
No mistakes were made at all.
The ministers observed all this.
Though they couldn’t openly attack,
Blocking the Gu Clan’s retreat through this method cost them nothing, so why not do it?
Even with the example of Julu,
They didn’t believe Gu Kang could truly increase production throughout the Hebei region.
Currently, the Great Han is governed by Confucianism, and the superstition of the Modern Literature School prevails.
What a joke!
Such a feat could not be accomplished by a mere mortal!
In such a prevailing environment, even with his trust in Gu Kang, Liu Zhuang naturally had moments of doubt.
The issue at hand clearly stemmed from this reason.
He feared wasting time.
For an emperor with grand ambitions, time has always been the most important thing.
It’s not that Liu Zhuang didn’t understand, but rather the limitations of the era.
Gu Kang’s scientific methods to increase production were naturally hard for people to accept.
If it were any other superstitious emperor, even if they could employ Gu Kang, they likely wouldn’t agree to undertake the agricultural reforms.
Gu Kang had already prepared for this.
Without hesitation, he bowed to Liu Zhuang and earnestly said, "Your Majesty need not worry about this matter."
"The Great Han today is unlike the past, the signs of a prosperous era have already appeared."
"The officials celebrate your achievements, Your Majesty may gladly accept their praise."
If you doubt, I’ll provide you with the most direct response!
Upon hearing this, Liu Zhuang slightly furrowed his brows, "Ji Shi, since when have you resorted to flattery?"
"Your Majesty."
Gu Kang remained calm, saying steadily, "I came this time precisely to discuss this with Your Majesty."
"The granary situation in Hebei far surpasses that of the past."
"This year is destined to be a bountiful one."
Liu Zhuang quietly watched Gu Kang, without making any comments.
He was an emperor who looked at results, not swayed by any minister’s words.
But Liu Zhuang also understood Gu Kang’s character.
He would never joke in front of the emperor.
With this in mind, Liu Zhuang nodded slightly, "Good!"
"With Ji Shi’s words, I am reassured."
He didn’t bring up this topic again but directly returned to discussing current state affairs with Gu Kang as usual.
Gu Yi, who silently observed all this, was not surprised at all.
Liu Zhuang was precisely such a character as an emperor.
He couldn’t completely trust any minister all the time.
The fact that he used spies to monitor all officials already explained everything.
However, Gu Yi wasn’t worried at all.