I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 372 - 35: The Fall of Han, Yang Guang Heads to Julu
After arriving in Julu, Yang Guang showed no signs of disrespect.
The Gu Clan currently held no official titles.
In contrast, Yang Guang was the most prestigious prince of the Great Sui at present.
Yet Yang Guang remained exceedingly courteous.
Under the watchful eyes of Julu’s citizens, upon seeing Gu Can and the others, even before Gu Can could speak, he first bowed deeply to Gu Can and the others: "Greetings, Lord Gu."
"King Jin, you mustn’t."
Gu Can’s expression slightly changed, and he hurriedly tried to stop Yang Guang: "How can a commoner like me bear the courtesy of His Highness King Jin?"
"Ah~" Yang Guang’s expression remained unchanged, insisting on the salute: "Lord Gu is an elder, and the Gu Clan has bestowed favors upon Kyushu."
"Even my ancestors received kindness from the Gu Clan."
"Why would Lord Gu not accept this courtesy?"
As he spoke, he bent deeply toward Gu Can.
Seeing such, Gu Can had no choice but to return the salute with the members of the Gu Clan.
Behind the crowd.
Gu Yu had been watching Yang Guang all along, the thoughts behind his bright eyes unknown.
Afterward, Yang Guang followed Gu Can to the Gu Clan’s ancestral hall.
Throughout the journey, he behaved with utmost humility, laughing and chatting with Gu Can and the others.
He mentioned that he had admired Marquis Zhao Lie, Gu Chen, since childhood.
This was a grand ceremony.
The Gu Clan’s ancestral hall was completely different from those of other families, as the people of Julu often came to worship the ancestors of the Gu Clan, ensuring that incense burned continually in the hall.
Yang Guang did not display the slightest princely demeanor.
Regarding this ceremony,
Everything he exhibited was full of sincerity, even more earnest than the Liu clan’s lords who came previously.
Especially when offering sacrifices to the effigy of Gu Chen, Yang Guang’s expression was extremely earnest.
He unabashedly expressed his reverence for Gu Chen before the effigy.
Striving to achieve unprecedented accomplishments like Gu Chen.
This act undoubtedly brought him a more resounding reputation.
Who in the entire world does not hold the Gu Clan in the highest esteem?
Unquestionably, the people of Julu.
Yang Guang’s series of actions even gave Julu’s citizens the impression that his attitude towards the Gu Clan was akin to that of the ancient Emperor Zhao Wu of the Great Han towards them.
Even Gu Can and others were affected.
As the influence of the Gu Clan gradually diminished and they had completely declared non-involvement in any struggles,
The Gu Clan had long forgotten how long it had been since any lords had worshipped with such seriousness.
Yang Guang’s current conduct,
Even made the people of the Gu Clan gradually grow fond of him in their hearts.
Gu Yu continuously accompanied the Gu Clan youths alongside Yang Guang, observing Yang Guang’s every move, without speaking a word from beginning to end.
This time, the ceremony lasted several days.
Yang Guang naturally would not linger excessively in Julu; after a brief day of rest following the ceremony, he immediately decided to leave.
"Lord Gu."
Before departing, facing the farewell from Gu Can and others, he remained polite, saluting Gu Can: "The chaos of today will soon cease, and the world will be unified."
"Now is the time when everything is in urgent need of restoration....."
"I often hear my father speak of the governance abilities of Wencheng, Marquis Wenxiang, and others."
"I understand the ancestral teachings of the Gu Clan and dare not force the Gu Clan to do anything."
"But if indeed, there is a remarkable talent from the Gu Clan,"
"I am willing to invite them on behalf of my father to come to Daxing."
Saying this,
He directly knelt before Gu Can in front of everyone.
This kneeling action was nothing less than earth-shattering.
Yang Guang’s expression was so earnest, it truly seemed as though he was thinking for the entire world.
"Your Highness!"
Gu Can was utterly shocked, quickly pulling Yang Guang up and earnestly reciprocating the courtesy, saying: "Your Highness must not do this, if the Gu Clan indeed produces a great talent, they will surely emerge."
"Good!"
Yang Guang immediately showed a slight smile, nodding earnestly: "In that case, I shall take my leave."
From beginning to end,
Yang Guang never referred to himself as king.
His various behaviors left no room for criticism.
Seeing this, people from all directions began to salute Yang Guang, all marveling at his benevolence and virtue.
The smile on Yang Guang’s face grew wider.
He mounted his horse and departed slowly, gazing at the scenery of Julu, suddenly bursting into laughter: "Everyone says Julu is the sacred land of Kyushu, and now it appears this is not an empty saying!"
"The land of Julu is truly a place of outstanding people!"
He spoke energetically, then directly cupped his hands toward the populace from all directions: "My fellow townspeople, farewell!"
Yang Guang swung his horsewhip.
Under the people’s watchful eyes, he rode away directly.
"King Jin is extraordinary indeed."
Watching Yang Guang’s departing figure, Gu Can’s expression was equally complex, sighing involuntarily: "It seems the unification of the Great Sui is now unstoppable."
"Indeed."
The brothers behind him couldn’t help but nod.
Yang Guang’s behavior over these few days had entirely convinced them of his extraordinariness.
From beginning to end, he was always so courteous;
Not touching a drop of wine....
Completely lacking any princely airs, taking frugality to the extreme.
In their eyes, Yang Guang already possessed the makings of a wise ruler of the era.
But at this moment—
Gu Yu’s youthful voice rang out.
"King Jin is but a hero with ulterior motives."
Everyone immediately looked over at the sound; if it were another family, the younger member would have surely been scolded for reckless remarks.
But the Gu Clan was ultimately different.
Regarding Gu Yu, these elders all knew of his talents and had high hopes for him.
"What does my child mean by this?"
Gu Can even directly stepped forward to ask.
"This man’s mind is as deep as an abyss; all his behavior these days indicates he harbors ambitions for the throne." Gu Yu directly made his judgment.
Hearing this, everyone couldn’t help but frown, but they didn’t think much of it.
The moral bottom line of the Gu Clan had always been flexible. 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢
Being a great hero, having ambitions for the throne seems normal.
But soon after, Gu Yu’s voice rang out again: "This man’s ambition is stronger than ordinary people."
"Although he portrays everything with perfect execution...."
"But when I closely observe his words and actions, I always feel there’s a discord between them and his true thoughts."
"Father, uncles,"
"I believe.... if one truly harbors such ambition, there’s no need to portray everything so perfectly.... King Jin’s actions... I always feel they were a bit too deliberate."
As he spoke, Gu Yu also furrowed his brows slightly.
Hearing this, the expressions of everyone present became increasingly complex.
Gu Yu was not wrong.
Yang Guang’s behavior was indeed too perfect.
Compared to those previous sages, he had no faults at all, Gu Yu’s judgment was accurate.
Gu Yi had been silently observing all this, and hearing Gu Yu’s assessment, he was equally taken aback in his heart.
Gu Yu’s ability to discern people.... was somewhat extraordinary indeed.
Regarding Yang Guang himself, Gu Yi initially considered using the Spirit Communication Jade to influence Gu Yu.
There was no choice—
Yang Guang’s pre-coronation behavior truly resembled that of a wise ruler.
He did not wish for Gu Clan’s youth to be deceived; Yang Guang’s hidden disposition and character were not suitable for the Gu Clan’s youth.
But now it seems.... perhaps there’s no need for that!
The group did not continue discussing Gu Yu’s judgment further.
At least for now, the Gu Clan did not need to concern themselves with these matters.
Julu once again returned to its tranquility.
And as time flowed, the three armies dispatched by Yang Jian also began their expeditions.
Perhaps it was truly because of the overwhelming influence of "Sui," or because the world had been in chaos for too long, that people from all sides gradually yearned for unification.
The assault of these three armies was extremely swift.
In the ninth year of the Kaihuang era, on the day of Bingzi in the first month;
The city walls of Jiankang were shrouded in lead-gray morning fog.
The black banners of the Sui Army swept over from the Suzaku Ferry, the clashing of their armor shattering the winter silence.
When the vermilion lacquer of the Suzaku Gate splintered under the battering ram, the situation became irrevocably determined.
Wave after wave of the Sui Army surged into the city.
The puppet Emperor of the Southern Han, Liu Yong, was captured alive by Yang Guang.
In despair, the final silhouette of this dynasty was etched in memory.
The Yangtze River continued to flow eastward, yet could no longer mirror the prosperous scenes of "the land of Southern beauties, the imperial capital of Jinling."
Over the course of eight hundred years, the "Great Han,"
With the locking of Jiankang’s palace walls, was forever imprinted on the yellowing pages of Kyushu’s annals.
The Han ended.
