Chapter 688 - 5: The Julu Council—Foremost Among the Martial Sects

In the study of the Gu Mansion, the candlelight flickered red.

Zhao Kuangyin and Gu Jin sat opposite each other, each wiping the rainwater from their hair, appearing leisurely, as if they were not an emperor and a noble scion, but merely two fellow travelers seeking shelter from the storm.

Both had a faint, indistinct smile at the corners of their lips.

Gu Jin smiled because he witnessed his judgment proven true—Zhao Kuangyin was indeed a true dragon among men, not a creature to remain in a humble pond;

Zhao Kuangyin smiled because Gu Jin unhesitatingly stepped into the rain with him and accompanied him all the way back.

Though few words were exchanged, an unspoken understanding quietly took root between them.

The old tale of Emperor Ming and Wencheng—

This incident had long been an epitome of enlightened ruler and virtuous minister. How could Zhao Kuangyin as the Emperor and Gu Jin as a member of the Gu Clan not know?

The long night loomed ahead; there was plenty of time.

Why rush?

It is worth mentioning that Gu Yi had already taken the "Luo Calendar with Laws" from Gu Yan and placed it onto Gu Jin.

This also allowed him to discover another function of the "Luo Calendar with Laws."

It did not have to wait until the host’s death before being extracted; it merely required the expenditure of some achievement points.

Under normal circumstances, such rash action would certainly result in a loss.

But now it was completely different.

The new era was about to arrive. The minds of Gu Yan and others could not withstand the great ship of this new era, so naturally the younger generation had to emerge.

Even with the blessing of the "Luo Calendar with Laws,"

it was not enough for Gu Jin to reach the exceptional attributes of Gu Kang or Gu Xi, but for this era, it was already sufficient.

In the silent study room.

The two sat opposite and looked at each other, their expressions inadvertently becoming solemn.

Zhao Kuangyin did not speak directly; instead, he unrolled the Nine Provinces Geomancy Map hanging in the study onto the table before solemnly speaking, "Young master, behold the realm—the vassal states all look to Julu."

"Like crows gathering on a withered tree, just awaiting a word from the Gu Clan to settle the realm."

"But I am different."

"I believe that to pacify the realm, one must address the fundamentals."

His voice was as firm as iron, each word like a knife: "Rituals? Celestial Mandate? Mere empty words!"

"The decline of the Han and Tang Dynasties was not due to ineffective weapons or unmotivated populace, but due to outdated systems and muddled authority!"

"I do not want officials bowing and praising auspicious omens; I want them to perform their duties, working like parts of a well-oiled machine—just as in my Song realm, there are no idle officials, no hollow positions, no powers evading responsibility!"

His tone was exceptionally earnest.

Though this visit was to seek the assistance of the Gu Clan, Zhao Kuangyin, as the emperor, also wanted to see the talents of this Gu scion.

What seemed ordinary was actually not—Zhao Kuangyin now extremely pragmatic, evident from his actions since ascending the throne.

If there was no talent in the Gu Clan, even if he allied with them, he would not overly rely on them.

Everything, just like when Emperor Ming of Han, Liu Zhuang, sought counsel from Gu Kang in the past.

Gu Jin naturally understood the profound meaning in Zhao Kuangyin’s words; everything was as the other said, reviving the old story of Emperor Ming and Wencheng, to which he showed no hesitation, slightly smiled, and replied, "Your Majesty implements reform not to destroy rituals, but to establish realism."

"Back then my ancestor Lord Ye wrote the ’Memorandum on Decentralization,’ advocating the balance of power and responsibility, and governance through harmony."

"Yet the vassals of Kyushu...remain trapped in scheming and deception, not seeing the fundamentals."

Gu Jin had long researched Zhao Kuangyin’s reforms.

Most importantly, as a scion of the Gu Clan,

he had a unique understanding of the new ideas emerging from the Gu Academy.

Gu Jin’s political acumen was not low.

He was not a one-trick pony but a true all-rounder, especially with the "Luo Calendar with Laws" blessing, achieving a level of 79 in domestic governance.

This was already sufficient.

Hearing this, Zhao Kuangyin immediately nodded with approval, his face once again revealing a smile, "Therefore, they do not deserve the world!"

"I was able to peacefully take Shu not due to divine blessing, but because the military system was clear, supply lines smooth, and soldiers used effectively!"

"Now the swiftness of governance in my Song realm is because I cut off the binding fetters!"

"I not only want decentralization but also to make it thorough!"

"Advancing both civil and military, all fighting for the people and strengthening the nation!"

Zhao Kuangyin, as if opening the floodgates, discussed the various changes within the Song realm with Gu Jin.

He was already the embodiment of new ideas!

Gu Jin listened intently, nodding in agreement from time to time, until Zhao Kuangyin finished speaking, then he continued, "Your Majesty enacts reforms with thunderous momentum, abolishing redundant officials, establishing practical duties, restoring a system of clear responsibilities, truly ushering in a new era."

"The Song realm now thrives with clear governance and vitality, unmatched by other nations."

"Your Majesty’s focus on fundamentals captures the essence of Gu’s School."

Here, his tone suddenly shifted, "Yet I have a word to speak, as if a thorn in my throat, which I cannot withhold."

"Your Majesty enforces reform with a firm hand, likened to a good doctor administering strong medicine, achieving rapid effects, yet fearing it may harm the vital spirit."

Watching Zhao Kuangyin’s brows knit instantaneously,

Gu Jin did not hold back, immediately speaking again, "Its shortcomings are threefold."

"Firstly, valuing the system over the people’s hearts."

"Though the new policy stands, officials nationwide facing sudden changes may not all be convinced."

"Some might outwardly comply but inwardly resist, others unable to change old habits."

"Systems are the bones, but the people’s hearts are the flesh and blood; if bones stand but blood does not flow, the body remains stiff."

"Secondly, focusing on practical achievements while neglecting education."

"Your Majesty abolishes the empty words of celestial mandate, establishing a culture of pragmatic diligence, which is a great good."

"Yet the alternation of new and old concepts is not the work of a single day or night."

"Without systematic education to rectify the roots, old ideologies will sprout like weeds, growing with the rain."

"Breaking is easy but establishment is difficult; after breaking, how to establish and establish what is the crucial focus."