I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 287 - 10: The Tale of the Locust Catcher, Disaster Averted
——A great upheaval!
The reforms brought by Gu Yi this time have stirred a massive wave in the current Great Han dynasty.
When hearing about each of Gu Yi’s motivational measures,
including the arrangements for locust control;
the impact on the court ministers was unimaginable.
In fact, if all these had been proposed by Zhuge Liang, they would not have been so surprised.
But the problem lies right here.
Gu Ye is too young, displaying such intelligence at such an age,
inevitably reminds everyone of one person.
——Gu Xi!
He who once led the Great Han through a period of natural disasters, daring to speak of overcoming fate.
The outcome of this matter was already predestined.
The strategy proposed by Gu Yi was merely a simple upgrade of the current disaster relief system, given the current configuration of the Great Han’s court, understanding the relationships within is not difficult at all.
The true hesitation lay in the method of handling locusts.
Actually, there are people who eat locusts out of desperation.
But for them, this matter was still somewhat unfamiliar.
Moreover, the most critical issue is that in this era where superstition ramps as widely, some people regard locusts as an ominous sign.
Many among them felt this way.
Gu Yi’s approach would make many feel uncomfortable.
To this, Gu Yi had already thought of a solution.
Before they could come to a final conclusion, Gu Yi had already directed Gu Ye to the Grand Ancestral Temple to find Cao Zhi.
Currently, Cao Zhi could be said to be thriving.
Perhaps for someone like him, being immersed in the ocean of poetry and literature, free from the original historical struggle for power, was the best place to be.
Gu Ye asked him to compose an essay titled "On Locust Catching".
He wanted to turn this action into a reasonable one with the influence of the current Imperial College.
As for the Gu Clan,
Cao Zhi has always held them in high esteem.
Although Gu Ye is still young, he did not neglect this matter, and in less than a day, he composed the essay "On Locust Catching".
The style was still resplendent and romantic, characteristic of Cao Zhi.
Gu Yi refrained from immediately releasing the essay.
Instead, he waited silently.
A few days later, Zhuge Liang approached Gu Ye again.
He elaborated on many specifics of this discussion.
Indeed, someone had suggested looking into old records in the Gu Clan’s private library about locusts.
It was no secret within the entire Great Han that each generation of the Gu ancestors left something behind.
What lay within had become one of the highest pursuits for many literati, even more attractive than the royal library.
However——
No one dared to voice this due to the Gu Clan’s prestige.
This time, it was seen as an opportunity for them.
...
Night.
The moonlight was cleansing, and the starlight brilliant.
By the faint candlelight, Gu Yi, with Gu Ye, looked at Zhuge Liang and asked, "Chancellor, do you trust me?"
He directly took out the essay written by Cao Zhi, his eyes fixed intently on Zhuge Liang, saying, "Chancellor, you may order the locusts to be caught and offer a sacrifice at the Luoshui River."
"In front of ten thousand people at that time."
"I am willing to eat locusts publicly, breaking the stigma of locust disasters."
Gu Ye’s expression was very calm.
Hearing this, even Zhuge Liang couldn’t help but reveal a look of surprise, not expecting Gu Ye to be so bold.
He remained silent.
The Luoshui River ceremony was the most potent card for the current Great Han.
He had never used it because this event was exceedingly important.
By Zhuge Liang’s character,
As long as the Great Han hadn’t reached an absolute dead end, he wouldn’t resort to such a risky strategy.
Zhuge Liang said nothing but took the essay and read it carefully.
And Gu Yi also took this opportunity to continue, "As soon as we break the stigma of locust disasters, the students from the Imperial College can build momentum."
"And with the current situation——"
"Eating locusts can reduce the court’s disaster relief pressure, and feeding locusts to livestock, Chancellor, you might not know.... locust powder can make livestock stronger."
"...."
Gu Yi, directing Gu Ye, spoke very calmly.
Not to mention that the Gu Clan actually lacked such things.
Even if they had them, he wouldn’t allow anyone to casually probe into the Gu Clan’s foundation.
Eating locusts.
Just needs a process.
In the original history, the truly documented period of eating locusts was during Emperor Taizong of Tang’s era.
History is a gradual process.
Strange things always evoke fear, and now it is just so.
Zhuge Liang’s expression was very serious.
He was increasingly resembling the old Gu Xi and Gu Chen, his face always unsmiling.
"Chancellor."
"When my Grand Ancestor faced disasters in years past, he once said, united as one, the people can defy heaven."
"Now you bear the heavy burden of a nation."
"How can you hesitate like this?"
As soon as Gu Yi finished speaking, Zhuge Liang just finished reading the essay in his hand.
He stared at Gu Ye with a complex expression, his thoughts unknown.
Until a long time passed——
He finally nodded slightly: "The Young Master is right, it is just me being overly cautious."
"Given the current situation, there must be a strategy to break the deadlock."
"If so;"
"Then I shall heed the Young Master’s words, and on the day of the ceremony, I will eat locusts in front of all the people, breaking the superstition."
Gu Yi didn’t hesitate for a moment and promptly bowed to Zhuge Liang: "Chancellor, wise choice!"
This is actually how Zhuge Liang is.
The weight on his shoulders forces him to be cautious, but once he is sure of something, he will not hesitate any further.
