I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 47 - 18: The Fault of All Under Heaven Lies with Me (Part 3)

Chapter 47: Chapter 18: The Fault of All Under Heaven Lies with Me (Part 3)
Ban Chao was momentarily taken aback, and after taking a deep breath, he nodded with unusual seriousness.
.....
For the current Great Han.
Such a large-scale mobilization of troops naturally wouldn’t cause much of a stir.
However, the ministers often brought up this matter.
They seemed to have sensed the intentions of Liu Zhuang and Gu Kang.
Every so often, they would say things like how all the people of the empire hoped the Emperor could continue to rest and recuperate.
It seemed they wanted to use the name of the people to dispel Liu Zhuang’s thoughts.
Just farm, that’s all!
Why wage wars when there’s no need?
The Western Regions are so far... how much manpower would it take?
As for the Northern Xiongnu, that’s not even worth mentioning.
Back in the day, Emperor Xiaowu fought for so many years, and in the end, wasn’t able to root them out completely, was he?
Look at how much the people love you today.
As long as you don’t recklessly wage wars and continue to govern the empire in this manner, your future evaluation will surely be no less than that of Emperor Wen.
Why bother with all the trouble?
Liu Zhuang and Gu Kang, these two political experts, were naturally well aware of the ministers’ thoughts.
But Liu Zhuang couldn’t be bothered to respond.
This time, using the actions of the previous Emperor as a shield is one thing.
But if they dare to speak nonsense again once the strength of the empire far surpasses that of the former Han, then they can hardly blame him.
He is not an Emperor who can endlessly tolerate!
Deyang Hall.
When Liu Zhuang heard someone mention again how the people were praising him, his instincts made him frown.
Recently, such remarks were becoming more and more frequent.
When the people’s praises take on a political meaning, they can lose their original flavor.
He was just about to harshly rebuke them, telling the officials not to often bring up this matter in the future.
Unexpectedly, at the next moment, the sky suddenly changed dramatically!
A familiar scene unfolded once more.
The sky was slowly dimming at a speed visible to the naked eye.
The voices immediately ceased.
All the officials noticed this scene, and each one’s expression changed instantly.
Liu Zhuang and Gu Kang were also stunned.
This scene instantly triggered their memories.
Back when Gu Xiao passed away, a massive celestial change occurred, and Liu Xiu used this as a reason to prevent officials from calling him "Saint".
This matter was not a secret in the empire.
And precisely because of this, when the court saw the sky’s sudden change, no one could maintain their composure.
After a brief silence, the Three Ministers immediately rose, intending to remove their crowns and bow to the heavens.
At the same time, there were officials shouting in panic.
"There hasn’t been a celestial change in many years, and now as soon as our Great Han mobilizes troops, there’s such a sudden change; could it be that the heavens don’t want us to go to war?"
"Emperor! The sudden change in the heavens is no coincidence. As your old minister, I earnestly entreat you, cease the mobilization and rest the people, lest you anger the heavens and bring calamity to the people!"
"..."
Listening to these cries, Liu Zhuang’s expression grew increasingly stern.
Like the people of the present day.
Even though Liu Zhuang was extraordinarily talented, he couldn’t completely avoid superstition regarding the ways of gods and spirits.
Even Gu Kang, who was educated by Gu Yi, couldn’t fully achieve this, let alone others?
But to think that just because of this, he would completely abandon all his aspirations of so many years.
How is that possible?
He is Liu Zhuang!
He is the Emperor who would lead the entire Great Han to its pinnacle!
How could he give up just because of this celestial change?
In a brief moment, countless thoughts surged through Liu Zhuang’s mind.
The Three Ministers were about to lead the bowing.
At this instant.
His voice suddenly rose with a commanding tone.
"No need!!!"
Everyone immediately looked towards Liu Zhuang.
At this moment, the sky had not yet completely darkened, and with candles around, no one’s vision was affected.
They saw Liu Zhuang’s stern expression as he slowly rose and solemnly said in front of the ministers:
"If there are transgressions from all directions, the fault lies with me."
"You need not bow; just perform your duties."
"From today onward, I will fast."
"If the army of our Great Han fails to achieve victory in its first battle."
"I shall never eat meat again!"
The entire hall was shocked!
The whole Deyang Hall fell into complete silence at that moment.
Gu Kang looked at Liu Zhuang in a daze, and Liu Zhuang also looked towards Gu Kang at this time.
The emperor and minister met eyes.
With just a glance, they sensed each other’s determination.
Without many words, Gu Kang just took a deep breath and then deeply bowed to Liu Zhuang....