I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 58 - 22: Ambitions Unfulfilled, Liu Zhuang’s Demise

Chapter 58: Chapter 22: Ambitions Unfulfilled, Liu Zhuang’s Demise
Afterwards, Gu Kang surprisingly had the idea of writing a book.
Although it had just begun.
This deeply shocked Gu Yi.
Could it be... that Gu Kang might create a new school of thought?
Though for the current Great Han, Gu Yi could not entirely foresee the future direction.
But if it truly is so.
For the entire Gu Clan, it would only be beneficial without any harm.
Because Gu Kang has indeed forged a splendid era.
Whether from his status or capability.
He already had this qualification.
If history truly unfolds as it originally did, should Gu Kang complete the book, it would offer another kind of protection for future descendants of the Gu Clan.
After all, the current flourishing era is right before us!
Thinking of this, Gu Yi suddenly became more eager.
....
The entire Great Han was growing stronger in this atmosphere.
It seemed like it was truly destined by the heavens.
The following year, no major disasters occurred in the Great Han.
Everyone knew Liu Zhuang’s next plan would be dispatching troops to the Western Regions, to fulfill his grand ambition.
But now, no one dared to oppose.
With the successful water management, Liu Zhuang’s reputation had reached its pinnacle, and all the people honored him as "Sacred."
This kind of emperor’s prestige destined that there would be no more obstacles.
Not only in the Great Han.
Even the Western Regions and Northern Xiongnu were preparing to welcome the Great Han’s forces.
But.... Liu Zhuang’s sudden illness abruptly halted everything.
Not to mention the ministers of the Great Han, even Gu Yi was shocked upon hearing this news.
"It shouldn’t be..." Gu Yi murmured to himself, "According to original history, Liu Zhuang should have several more years of life."
"Could it be because the Gu Clan’s influence is too great, causing such a huge change?"
This is destined to be an unsolvable question.
The emergence of the Gu Clan has utterly changed the entire history of the Eastern Han.
Whether it’s the efforts to govern the land or the pressure to endure.
There are indeed too many possibilities that could lead to Liu Zhuang’s condition.
South Palace.
The atmosphere was heavy and oppressive.
After reading out his final edict to the ministers, Liu Zhuang was left alone with Gu Kang.
At this moment, his face was as pale as paper, his appearance gaunt, and even the strength to rise had vanished completely.
The vigor and grandeur of his youth were gone, utterly devoid of the former image of a wise sovereign.
He lay quietly on the bed, staring fixedly at Gu Kang, his eyes full of unwillingness and endless worry.
"I... have always worried about not being able to fulfill my great ambitions..." Liu Zhuang’s voice was weak and hoarse, his breath fading.
Seeing this, Gu Kang hurriedly stepped forward a few steps, barely able to hear his words clearly.
Just as Gu Kang stepped forward, Liu Zhuang suddenly seemed to revive, his originally dim eyes bursting out with a flash of brilliance.
He used all his strength, suddenly stretched out his hands, and firmly grasped Gu Kang’s arms.
His pupils shrank dramatically, as if trying to inject his last strength and hopes into Gu Kang.
"Save the world!!!"
He shouted hoarsely, "For me, watch over this world!"
At this moment, his voice was extremely hoarse from excitement and weakness, his eyes filled with bloodshot, his face appearing somewhat terrifying.
He was truly afraid.
Afraid that the current Great Han prosperity would collapse due to his departure.
Gu Kang quietly watched the emperor before him, who was at the end of his life, tears welled up in his eyes.
He solemnly nodded and said, "Your Majesty, rest assured, I will assist the Crown Prince and fulfill Your Majesty’s great ambitions!"
As soon as the words fell.
In an instant, Liu Zhuang’s hand that was clutching Gu Kang’s arm suddenly loosened.
And at that moment he seemed to lose all his strength, his hands falling powerlessly.
His breathing grew more and more rapid, until... it completely stopped.
In the thirteenth year of Yongping, on the day of Renzi in the eighth month;
——Liu Zhuang passed away in the front hall of the Eastern Palace in Luoyang.
His final edict stated: "I have done nothing for the people, follow all the institutions of Emperor Xiaowen, and be diligent in thrift.
Do not establish a mausoleum, place my spirit tablet in Empress Guanglie’s changing room."
Crown Prince Liu Da ascended the throne.
—————————
"In the thirteenth year of Yongping, on the day of Renzi, the world was at peace, and the people were joyful.
The Emperor harbored broad vision and grand plans, desiring to lay an eternal foundation.
Yet, unexpectedly, it did not go as heaven would have it, the Emperor suddenly fell seriously ill, his disease severe, passing away in the front hall of the Eastern Palace.
The news of his demise shocked the court and commoners alike, the populace wept blood, and the land mourned in unison.
The Emperor’s aspirations were unfulfilled, a real sorrow for the state. Yet, during his reign, his virtue was widespread, his governance illustrious, his benevolence eternal, forever recorded in history."
———"Book of the Later Han. Emperor Xiaoming’s Annals"