Chapter 892: Zhao Gou Admits Guilt, End of an Era

“If it were not for his reckless actions and the self-destruction of the Great Wall, how could the people of the world clearly see what kind of thing is truly sitting on the dragon throne?”

“How could the scholars and commoners fully comprehend that the so-called ‘Emperor,’ if his virtues do not match his position, would bring such a calamity upon the nation!”

His tone carried a hint of cold sarcasm, yet it also encompassed a clear understanding of world affairs.

“A living Zhao Gou, who willingly bows and admits his mistakes, is more valuable than a dead Zhao Gou.”

“He is the last symbol of this decaying court, and the most compelling ‘evidence’ for us to implement new policies and cleanse the old filth.”

Gu Hui paused for a moment and continued, his tone carrying an undeniable resolve: “Bring him here.”

“No need for shackles on a prison carriage, but also no reason to treat him with royal courtesy.”

“We must seize this opportunity…”

“To truly awaken the people of the world!”

Upon hearing this, Yue Fei’s body couldn’t help but tremble slightly.

Yet he still did not hesitate in the slightest, simply nodded directly and cupped his hands towards Gu Hui!

…..

The Song Army camp was not far from Guide Prefecture, so the speed of dissemination of this news was naturally very fast.

It was during The 12th year of Shaoxing, October.

Accompanied by gusts of cold wind.

Zhao Gou, who had already shed his emperor’s robes, was finally on his way to Guide Prefecture under the last protection of his elite guards.

His complexion was pale, and he appeared so forlorn.

Yet there was something different.

This difference, when spoken of, might even seem laughable.

Yes, it was the absence of fear.

The moment he knew Gu Hui was willing to see him, his suspended heart finally settled, and he even cried on the spot, saying, “Truly loyal and virtuous is the Gu Clan.”

Even his emperor’s robes were voluntarily taken off by himself.

Nothing can compare to being alive.

Zhao Gou at this moment finally saw through everything.

Face, power, and such were all insignificant.

The army passed through the road all the way.

Although Zhao Gou was coming to meet Gu Hui, Gu Hui still did not delay his process because of him; instead, he seized every opportunity even more tightly, rapidly gathering the remnants of the troops from all places.

And it was under these circumstances that Zhao Gou met Yue Fei.

It was his first time meeting Gu Hui.

Regarding this formidable general, Zhao Gou’s emotions towards him were extremely complex, having undergone several major transformations.

From initial joy, then to later disgust, and now to joy again.

He wanted to say something, yet he didn’t know what to say.

Whereas Yue Fei was all the more disappointed.

In truth, people such as him had fantasized many times about the day they could meet the Emperor.

Now he had met him.

Unfortunately… this person was no longer the Emperor, but a stray dog.

Under Yue Fei’s escort along the way, Zhao Gou was taken into Guide Prefecture to meet Gu Hui.

Inside the government offices.

Zhao Gou looked up at Gu Hui seated at the head, and in those once murky but now startlingly clear eyes due to fear, flashed a complex emotion of humiliation, fear, and even a fawning desire for survival.

He broke free of Wang Jin’s support, took a deep breath, and under the gaze of all the civil and military officials from the Northern Border, he gave a deep bow to Gu Hui, his voice filled with deliberate respect and abasement:

“Sinner Zhao Gou… meets Grand Tutor Gu.”

Sinner!

This was how he referred to himself!

Zhao Gou now was completely free from the influence of imperial dignity.

Is dignity more important than survival?

He remembered that Gu Hui had already abolished his throne, so in front of Gu Hui, he was no longer the Emperor!

He was expressing his attitude.

The expressions of all were varied, even though they had prepared mentally for half a day, they still couldn’t suppress their emotions at this moment.

Gu Hui clearly understood Zhao Gou’s meaning and did not rise; he merely looked at him calmly, and his gaze seemed to penetrate the flesh, reaching the depths of the soul.

He slowly opened his mouth, his voice was bright and clear, yet carried an indisputable authority, echoing through the silent hall:

“Zhao Gou, your throne has been abolished, you must be aware.”

Zhao Gou’s body trembled, and his head hung even lower: “Yes… the sinner is aware.”

“The sinner was dim-witted, leading to the ruin of court order and the collapse of the state, and almost caused an eternal calamity…”

No imperial majesty.

Not even a shred of courage,

At this moment, Zhao Gou’s desire for survival was evident.

“Your faults go beyond this.” Gu Hui’s tone turned cold, “Your cowardice and selfishness, seeking power for yourself, indulging traitors, harming the loyal;”

“Your dim-wittedness and incompetence, failure in leadership, leading to turmoil in the Central Plains, suffering for the masses;”

“You even colluded with foreign enemies, attempting to introduce wolves into the house, which is betraying the fundamental roots of Huaxia! Every charge can’t be covered by a mere ‘dim-wittedness’!”

This reprimand completely tore apart Zhao Gou’s final disguise, exposing his most disgraceful actions to the public.

Zhao Gou’s face was deathly pale, sweat pouring like pulp, nearly collapsing to the ground.

Gu Hui’s voice carried the weight of a final judgment: “According to your crimes, you should have been severely punished to apologize to the world.”

“Yet, considering you once governed the four directions, and you have now realized your mistakes… a death sentence can be spared, but living punishment is unavoidable!”

“If such a penalty is not imposed, how can the laws be set right, how can the wronged souls be comforted, how can future leaders be warned?!”

Punishment!

Two simple words made everyone clear of Gu Hui’s intention.

Of course, he would not kill Zhao Gou!

For someone like Zhao Gou, in his current situation, being alive or dead made no difference!

But the utility… is completely different.

Just like now…

No matter what, ultimately, Zhao Gou was indeed the first to be punished as an emperor by his subjects.

This is a precedent!

It’s Zhao Gou’s agreement, it’s a precedent that Gu Hui meticulously crafted taking advantage of the time, place, and people!

Gu Hui’s gaze swept across the ministers below the hall, finally landing back on the trembling Zhao Gou: “From this day forth, you are to enumerate your misdeeds before all, and proclaim them to the world!”

“Thereafter, relocate to the old residence in Western Capital Luoyang, not to leave without decree, reflect on your wrongs, and live out your remaining days!”

“The national title of Song may remain to continue ancestral rites, but you, Zhao Gou, must pay for your sins with a lifetime of confinement!”

—Confinement!

Indeed, Gu Hui couldn’t publicly try Zhao Gou.

As always, one couldn’t take too big a step.

The people of today’s world can accept co-governing with the Emperor, but if the position of Emperor were directly abolished, it’s completely impossible!

For it shakes the fundamental roots of Kyushu for thousands of years.

This punishment does not take his life, nor does it move the Zhao Song ancestral rites title, but through “lifelong confinement” and “public confession of guilt,” it completely strips Zhao Gou of all substantive power and dignity of the “Emperor.”

It more explicitly declares, even a former Emperor, if having committed wrongdoing, especially such severe wrongs that harm the nation and betrayal of the tribe, is equally subject to punishment by law and morality!

This is a breakthrough of the old stipulation “the law does not punish a lord, and etiquette does not subordinate commoners,” and more so a blatant challenge to the thousand-year rule of “imperial power overriding the law.”

Zhao Gou listened and felt his body go weak, his last sliver of hope was crushed.

Public repentance, lifelong confinement… for him, indeed a painful experience.

But ultimately… still alive.

Even though he felt internal anguish, but under Gu Hui’s penetrating gaze, even a shred of resistance didn’t arise, ultimately he could only use all his strength to kneel down, touching his forehead to the ground:

“Sinner… Zhao Gou… accepts… accepts the punishment… thanks Grand Tutor… for sparing my life…”

Before the words were fully spoken, suppressed sobs had already overflowed from his throat, tears uncontrollably flowed down.

He admits his crime!

From this moment on, even though he had never mentioned abdication, his so-called emperor identity had long vanished.

Perhaps because it was so shocking, whether it was Yue Fei or any of the others present, or even Gu Hui… at this moment, their eyes changed slightly.

An era… had ended!

And a completely new era was destined to arrive!…..

…

(ps: At the end of the month, begging for monthly votes, begging brothers for more support, Yue thanks greatly!!!)