I Can Control My Ancestors

Chapter 381 - 3: Building the Grand Canal and Creating Luoyang, Arrogance and Extravagance

No one knows what really happened that night in Ren Shou Palace.

But Yang Jian’s death became an incontrovertible fact.

Amidst the ministers’ support—

Crown Prince Yang Guang officially ascended the throne, succeeding the position of Emperor.

In any feudal dynasty.

The Emperor’s demise is an event significant enough to influence the entire realm.

Moreover, Yang Jian’s reputation was quite commendable.

After years of chaos, Yang Jian, who reunified the empire and stabilized the situation, was someone deeply cherished.

Now, he is gone.

Fortunately, Yang Guang’s reputation is also good.

Over the years, his fame for benevolence and love for the people has spread across the land.

This filled the people everywhere with anticipation for the new Emperor.

After all, whether Liu Zhuang or Liu Shan, these emperors who inherited the burdens from their fathers could be called benevolent rulers.

Capable of leading the entire realm into a new era of prosperity.

Yet, only the court officials could sense the brewing storm within.

—Especially Gu Zhe.

From that day forward, Gu Zhe shut himself indoors and never came out.

Although he hadn’t witnessed anything personally.

Yang Guang hadn’t acted against him yet, but the blow and suspicion struck him deeply.

He knew very well that if it were true, the world would undoubtedly be thrown into chaos under Yang Guang’s rule!

...

Daxing Hall.

Although still the time of national mourning, Yang Guang seemed indifferent.

He wore a full smile, gently caressing the outline of the dragon throne with pride in his eyes: "Ah, ah, ah~"

"I—"

"Have waited far too long for this day."

Without regard to those present, he softly murmured a few words and sat directly on the throne, his exuberance reaching its peak at this moment.

"Greetings, Your Majesty!"

Those present didn’t hesitate at all, immediately kneeling before Yang Guang.

They were all his confidants.

Yang Guang looked at them with satisfaction, his smile growing wider, "No need for such formality, loyal subjects. You are all my confidants."

"Upon my ascension, rewards will follow."

His face remained adorned with a smile.

Upon hearing this, all swiftly expressed their gratitude.

Isn’t this the outcome they desired?

"Your Majesty!" At this moment, Yuwen Shu seemed to have thought of something and suddenly spoke: "I advise that given the current situation, the Minister of Personnel Gu Zhe should be dealt with!"

—Deal with Gu Zhe!

This was a matter of concern for all of them.

Not only because Gu Zhe visited Ren Shou Palace that day, but also due to the longstanding image of the Gu Clan in everyone’s eyes.

No minister wanted the Gu Clan in court.

Because if the Gu Clan gained power, other families would struggle to reach the pinnacle.

Including when Yang Jian summoned the Gu Clan into court.

There were quite a few protests from within the court.

But Yang Jian had to do so to quickly stabilize public sentiment.

Yet, despite this, he never particularly favored the Gu Clan over the years.

Now that public sentiment has settled.

Naturally, they wanted to take action against the Gu Clan during the new dynasty, ensuring they wouldn’t have any more chances.

"Gu Zhe?"

Upon hearing this, a hint of mockery flashed in Yang Guang’s eyes, followed by a smile: "No need to bother!"

He understood these people’s thoughts too well!

He wouldn’t move against the Gu Clan now.

Even though the Gu Clan’s influence had waned over time and was no longer as impactful as before.

But he hadn’t ascended yet.

If he acted against the Gu Clan now, wouldn’t he just be creating trouble for himself?

Upon hearing this, those present immediately showed signs of disappointment.

Yang Guang noticed this.

A smile reappeared on his face: "Rest assured, everyone."

"I am not Liu Bei!"

"My Great Sui is not like the Former Han!"

"An Emperor is an Emperor, there is no coexistence of Liu and Gu ruling the world, no Liu Dynasty cauldron bearing Gu Clan’s name."

"Such things will never occur in my Great Sui!"

His expression suddenly became serious, scanning those present: "I aim to be an unprecedented Emperor!"

"Irrespective of the Gu Clan."

"No matter who—must submit to my rule."

This was both reassurance and a warning.

Even as those present were his confidants, Yang Guang remained unfazed.

They were all sly foxes.

How could they not discern the meaning in Yang Guang’s words?

Yet they dared not say more, once again prostrating before Yang Guang, proclaiming "Your Majesty’s brilliance."

"Alright."

Yang Guang’s demeanor suddenly relaxed, his unruly smile once again appearing on his face, "Loyal subjects, no need to be nervous."

"I—am aware of your loyalty; I was just speaking casually."

"The Emperor is indeed the Emperor."

"The unnecessary traditions of the previous dynasty will not appear in my Great Sui."

"As for Gu Zhe...."

"For now, have someone monitor him; do not let him leave."

"The immediate concern is Yang Yong!"

He turned to Yuwen Shu, "Bo Tong, how goes the task I entrusted you with?"

"Rest assured, Your Majesty, I’ve had my son Yuwen Huaji go to take care of the deposed Crown Prince Yang Yong." Yuwen Shu replied promptly, without hesitation.

"Good! Good! Good!"

Yang Guang, in delight, repeatedly exclaimed praise, looking at Yuwen Shu and said: "Once this task is completed, your son shall no longer remain a palace guard."

"Make him a Deputy Minister."

He spoke casually.

Yuwen Shu’s face instantly lit up with joy, swiftly expressing gratitude.

The eyes of other ministers revealed envy.

Yang Guang watched this scene, his smile growing ever more intense.

He relished the feeling of controlling everything.