I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 48 - 19: Advancing North to Break the Enemy, The Changing Tide of Attack and Defense

Chapter 48: Chapter 19: Advancing North to Break the Enemy, The Changing Tide of Attack and Defense
From this day onwards, Liu Zhuang truly committed himself to abstinence as an emperor.
He genuinely intended to shoulder all of this himself.
Yet, even so.
The gloom over the court only became thicker.
Although Liu Zhuang diligently continued his governance as usual, and Gu Kang continued to handle court affairs in an orderly manner.
The entire Great Han seemed unchanged, yet it also felt like everything had changed.
Even among the common people, there were various rumors and fears.
In fact, the prosperous era had not departed.
It’s just that people’s hearts were in turmoil.
In this era where prophecies and superstitions prevailed, this issue was fundamentally unsolvable.
Unless—the army of Great Han could truly triumph.
Otherwise, it’s feared that the people across the land would no longer agree to Liu Zhuang’s military actions.
Liu Zhuang seemed to have realized this.
Since then, he had been even more diligent than before.
As if trying to use his actions to restore people’s confidence across the land.
To tell the people that he, Liu Zhuang, could lead the entire Great Han to an unprecedented peak.
Even heaven could not obstruct him.
Yet, human strength always has its limits.
How could prophecies and superstitions be so easily shattered?
Before any news came back from the Han Army, this was destined to be unsolvable.
And under the continued influence of this great environment, Liu Zhuang was gradually affected as well.
That night.
The moonlight was as clear as water, the stars dazzling.
With a solemn expression, Gu Kang hurried to the South Palace.
This was the first time since he took office that he was summoned by the emperor at night.
Being an exceedingly mature politician, Gu Kang had even thought of the worst-case scenario.
This rare wave of panic surfaced in his usually calm heart.
If Liu Zhuang really had a problem at such a time, the impact on the entire country would be unimaginable.
Fortunately, Liu Zhuang’s health showed no issues, though he looked somewhat fatigued, his eyes full of bloodshot veins.
Seeing Gu Kang come in.
He did not make any unnecessary movements, the entire person having lost his former high spirits, he said in a deep voice:
"Jishi, I dreamed of the former emperor."
His voice was low, as if carrying endless thoughts, "This is the first time since I ascended the throne that I’ve dreamed of the former emperor."
"It was the scene when the former emperor received news of Duke Xiao’s passing..."
Liu Zhuang paused slightly, his eyes showing a look of reminiscence, and slowly said: "I remember it very clearly...."
"Before that day, the former emperor had more than once talked to me about his grand aspirations."
"Hoping that one day he could pacify the Western Regions and subdue the Xiongnu, to resolve the century-old worries for our Great Han."
"Back then, I was just wondering... what a magnificent feat it must be?"
"But after that day, the former emperor never mentioned it again, until the ceremony of worship many years later, he spoke of such grand aspirations again."
He sighed softly, his eyes becoming increasingly complex, "Previously, I couldn’t completely understand the former emperor...."
"How could such a heroic figure like the former emperor give up his grand aspirations because of one celestial change?"
"But now.... I somewhat understand."
"How can a monarch ignore the lives of his people?"
Liu Zhuang looked at Gu Kang, "Jishi, our Great Han had just mobilized troops and then such a celestial change occurred."
"I dreamed of the former emperor today."
"Do you think this is the former emperor also telling me that I’m wrong?"
In the dim candlelight, Liu Zhuang’s expression appeared extremely complex, he stared closely at Gu Kang, as if desperately seeking an answer from him.
Clearly, he had already been affected.
Gu Kang’s feelings at this moment were equally complicated.
It’s naturally impossible for him to be completely unaffected.
The limitations of the era were here.
He was also a person within the situation.
But perhaps influenced by the teachings of Gu Yi in his early years, Gu Kang always held a supreme ideal in his heart;
——The Gu Clan must prosper for generations!
Everything under this ideal would be overcome by him!
As long as the two brothers could help Liu Zhuang accomplish his grand aspiration, the prestige of the Gu Clan throughout the land would no longer have any worries about the future.
The current situation was very promising.
How could it be obstructed by celestial phenomena?
In an instant, Gu Kang’s expression became resolute, meeting Liu Zhuang’s gaze, he said decisively and firmly:
"Your Majesty!"
"The army of our Great Han will definitely achieve a complete victory!"
"It certainly will!!!"
At the final words, Gu Kang’s tone inexplicably grew heavier.
This was the first time he showed such emotion in front of Liu Zhuang.
However, Liu Zhuang was not angered.
He just silently looked at the resolute Gu Kang in front of him, seemingly also slightly infected, the confusion in his eyes gradually becoming clearer.
After a long silence, he finally nodded slightly.
"Indeed! The army of our Great Han will definitely prevail!!!"
.....
In this Northern Expedition, the four armies of the Han each had their own targets and routes.
The target of Dou Gu’s army was to capture Yiwulu City.
The location of this city was crucial in the entire Western Regions, and capturing it would tear open the Xiongnu’s defense line in the Western Regions, laying the groundwork for subsequent westward advances.
This was Liu Zhuang’s brilliance.
Clearly, he had listened to Gu Kang’s advice when planning this Northern Expedition, preparing for subsequent plans.
It must be said that Dou Gu, indeed the nephew of Dou Rong, had extraordinary military talent.
Especially now with figures like Geng Zhong, Gu Cheng, and Ban Chao around, making them even stronger.
After some discussions, they swiftly formulated a strategy.
First, dispatch multiple elite scouts to deeply probe the military situation around Yiwulu City.