Chapter 894 - 86: Turmoil Across the Land, Collapse of Rituals and Music?

When he spoke passionately, his eyes reddened. He suddenly tore off the scholar’s cap from his head and violently threw it to the ground, "These books are not worth reading!"

After speaking, he actually turned around and under the gaze of the complex expressions of the crowd, walked away resolutely.

He was one of those who "threw down the pen and left."

However, some students remained calm, their expressions serious but unperturbed.

One slightly older student spoke in a deep voice, "Gentlemen, let’s remain calm."

"Master Gu’s actions are not for personal vendetta but for public justice, to establish new rules for the world!"

"If the old order is corrupt to its core, how can we establish the people’s mandate without breaking it?"

"Zhao Gou’s confession genuinely declares ’the Emperor’s crimes are equal to those of commoners’ — this isn’t empty talk! This is the beginning of breaking a thousand-year shackle!"

"We students must consider how, during this time of breaking the old and establishing the new, to find a path that truly ensures long-term peace and stability, rather than stubbornly clinging to outdated conventions, keeping fragments and protecting remnants!"

In the square, within the corridors, similar debates were everywhere.

Friends and classmates, due to differing beliefs, argued till their faces turned red, and some even severed ties.

The fierce collision between ideals and reality, the sharp conflict between loyalty to the monarch and populist ideas, was vividly displayed in this hall that champions new learning.

Meanwhile.

Yingtian Prefecture, Chuigong Hall.

Digunai sat just like that in the place where Zhao Gou once sat, also wearing the celestial coronation robe in accordance with Han traditions.

The hall’s gold and jade remained unchanged, the incense curls gently, but it was filled with a mood of calm and control belonging to the conqueror, different from before.

He caressed a detailed secret report that had just been delivered, regarding Zhao Gou’s confession and submission at Guide Mansion. His rugged face revealed little expression, only his eagle-sharp eyes slightly narrowed, with a cold light swirling within.

Although he had long anticipated Zhao Gou’s outcome, even welcoming it, when the words "Emperor admits guilt" and "lifelong confinement" were tangibly before him, an indescribable anger and chill uncontrollably rose from his heart.

"Gu Hui... such a move." He murmured, his voice particularly clear and cold in the empty hall.

This was not merely disposing of a foolish emperor; it was trampling on the inherent supremacy represented by the word "Emperor!"

Today, Gu Hui forced Zhao Gou to admit his crimes. Tomorrow, will he also use the same "law" against him, Digunai?

Once this precedent is set, what remains of the majesty of imperial power?

In the eyes of the world, how is he, the Emperor of Greater Jin, essentially different from Zhao Gou?

A violent murderous intent nearly overwhelmed reason, but ultimately, he was not Zhao Gou.

Taking a deep breath, he forcibly suppressed those surging emotions, his face reverting to its usual unfathomable solemnity.

He is the Emperor, a hero, showing emotions leads to disaster.

Anger cannot solve problems; only absolute power and victory can consolidate his throne and silence all doubters.

"Summon Wanyan Wushu and Han Chang to meet." He spoke in a deep voice, his tone devoid of doubt.

Moments later, the core civil and military ministers of Jin stood solemnly in the hall.

Digunai casually tossed the secret report onto the imperial desk, his eyes sweeping over the group, bearing a calm and decisive understanding of the situation:

"With Zhao Gou’s submission and Jiangnan initially secured, the north remains unresolved, and vital threats still persist." He spoke bluntly with no evasive words, "Gu Hui and Yue Fei, given this momentum, their edge will surely be sharper than before."

"Their actions are not solely to contend with me but to undermine the roots of emperors throughout the world!"

"Can I, as the Emperor, simply stand by?"

His voice gradually rose, carrying a kind of power mixed with strong confidence and an unassailable authority: "The previous wars may have had setbacks, but now is different!"

"I have rightly ascended the throne, wielding the rich lands of the Central Plains, carrying the Celestial Mandate, alongside popular support. How can I be compared to the frightened Zhao Gou?"

He abruptly stood up, the dragon adorned on his coronation robe seemed to rise with its head high. His eyes were blazing, like flames: "This war is no longer a simple territorial dispute but a battle for the continuity of orthodoxy!"

"I seek not only to defeat Gu Yue but to completely incorporate this entire Kyushu world into the Greater Jin’s map, achieving an unprecedented empire!"

"Relay my decree!" His voice was resolute, like the clash of metal, "The three armies are to intensify preparations, stockpiling provisions at Kaifeng, Yingtian! Order Hebei and Hedong forces to maintain vigilance!"

"Appoint Wanyan Wushu to command the central army; Han Chang to assist, keep a close eye on Yue Fei’s movements, and if there is any action, strike hard without sparing cost!"

"Additionally, dispatch elite cavalry deep into Shandong and the Two Huai regions, using a blend of suppression and appeasement, sever their wings, and ensure Gu Hui cannot easily consolidate Jiangnan’s power!"

Each command was clear and precise, revealing his unwavering determination to wage war and comprehensive planning.

He was no longer relying solely on the swift raids of cavalry as before, but beginning to exhibit a more imperial-like strategic vision, overseeing the entire situation.

He was going to conduct a decisive battle, using the freshly secured Jiangnan’s might, with Gu Hui and Yue Fei to determine the world’s alignment!

"I will not give them any further chances," Digunai finally scanned the ministers, his tone chilling, "This battle, either I will crush the Northern Border and unify the world, or... everything will be annihilated! There’s no third option!"

The generals felt the resolve and great confidence in the Emperor’s words, all in awe, unanimously pledging, "We obey Your Majesty! Willing to follow you, sweep aside the northern threats, and unify the world!"

The orders were quickly relayed.

The entire Jiangnan stirred almost instantly.

This was utter contrast to the Jiangnan under Zhao Gou’s rule; after series of purges, Jiangnan has been crafted into an iron fortress by Digunai.

In recent times, he relied on the core forces of the Jurchen Alliance Army, recruiting large clans and wounded soldiers, continually enhancing his strength!

This was Digunai’s exceptional quality!

Gu Yi’s judgment was indeed correct.

In the current age, Digunai was undoubtedly among the foremost heroes.

However, for all of this, Gu Yi still found no cause.

Regardless of Gu Hui’s and Yue Fei’s abilities, even if these two were entirely excluded, the issues Digunai faced were not limited to these.

The bondage of thought has been shattered by Gu Hui.

Attempting to seal thoughts again is no simple task.

Moreover..... Digunai has grown old!

——————

"In the autumn of The 12th year of Shaoxing, Emperor Gou personally led the expedition against the northern threat, stationing troops at Guide.

Yet at the moment, he hesitated, fortifying himself within a tortoise-shell formation, causing disheartenment among the soldiers.

Meanwhile, Jin Monarch Digunai attacked Yingtian, Wan Qixie rebelled, shaking Jiangnan.

Upon hearing the news, Gou went mad, killed three close attendants, and stained the imperial tent with blood.

On the Gengshen day of October, Gou donned white garments and went to Guide Mansion.

At that time, Gu Hui sat solemnly in the hall, sternly enumerating his crimes: "You fear the enemy and discard territory, slaughter Yue Fei; favor Qin Hui, indulge Wan Qixie; secretly collude with foreigners, bringing disaster to Huaxia."

"These ten crimes are all present, dare you still claim the revered title?"

Gou fell to the ground, trembling, and confessed to all charges.

Hui then judged: "Consideration of the royal family leads me to spare your life. However, you must wear plain clothes, announcing at the ancestral temple, and retire to Luoyang, apologizing to the world."

Gou kowtowed and cried, surrounded by onlookers.

This act shook the ancient and modern world.

The northern people ran and proclaimed, "Today we know, the Emperor’s crimes are equal to those of commoners!"

Scholars and gentry in Jiangnan paled at each other in shock, students of the Imperial College tore their crowns, some abandoning scholarship, and within three days, 120 disciples left Julu Academy.

Though Jin Monarch Digunai feigned calm, he summoned senior ministers at night, secretly ordered the three armies to prepare, saying: "Gu Hui’s precedent truly undermines the foundations of emperors."

It is said: Since the three dynasties, the divine-right sovereignty has been unbreakable.

Hui, as a subject, corrected the crimes of a father and sovereign, more severe than Shang Tang’s expulsion of Jie and King Wu’s conquest of Zhou.

He broke the mire of thousands of years, enlightened the populace, despite being slandered worldwide without regret.

However, observing Zhao Gou’s actions, abandoning the Central Plains like old shoes, slaughtering loyalists like straw dogs, even as the nation faced peril, he still deceived himself and others; his retention of leadership was pure luck! Later commentators say: It was not Gu Hui’s harshness, but Zhao Gou’s folly, that cut him off from Heaven."

——Song History. Gu Clan Family