novelraw Chapter 396 - 8: What Is a Flourishing Age? Julu’s Declaration of Resolve
Chapter 396 - 8: What Is a Flourishing Age? Julu’s Declaration of Resolve
But from beginning to end, Li Shimin always remained cheerful and relaxed.
Xue San initially thought that Li Shimin would gradually distance himself upon discovering Xue San’s identity.
After all, no one likes to have someone sent by others to watch over them.
But Li Shimin didn’t mind at all.
He even grew closer to Xue San.
Along the way, he kept asking Xue San about the situation inside Julu.
With the exception of a few key questions, Xue San did not withhold information and told Li Shimin about the lives of the people in Julu.
Every time he spoke of it, there was always a look of nostalgia on his face.
Simple and ordinary.
Yet they were incredibly content.
Li Shimin listened attentively, compared to those exaggerated rumors, what Xue San said was much more normal, without any exaggeration.
Yet Li Shimin did not feel disappointed at all.
On the contrary, he became more desirous of Julu.
A commandery that could enjoy centuries of peace— isn’t that a paradise?
Why need all those ghostly rumors?
Most importantly, Xue San’s words gave Li Shimin a deeper understanding of the prosperous era he wanted to create.
He didn’t ask for any secrets, like how many people like Xue San are there in the Gu Clan, or such trivial matters.
Li Shimin didn’t care about any of that.
Instead, he was even more interested in knowing the people’s evaluation of Gu Chen.
Upon hearing this question, Xue San’s face instantly displayed an irrepressible admiration, and after being silent for a long time, he began to answer.
"Our ancestors have been benefiting from the Gu Clan since the time of Emperor Guangwu."
"For generations, even to this day it is still the same."
"In years of disaster, the Gu Clan would give us grain; in times of chaos, the Gu Clan would protect us."
"Even in ordinary years..."
"The Gu Clan would teach us to read, cure our illnesses..."
He did not speak of Gu Chen specifically.
Because in the hearts of every citizen of Julu, each generation of the Gu Clan is the same, always being grateful to them.
It’s not appropriate to single out examples like Gu Chen and Gu Xi!
"It is the Gu Clan that allows every household to have surplus grain... it’s the Gu Clan that lets us survive in these times..."
Li Shimin listened attentively, and so did the others present.
This was their first time understanding Julu from another perspective.
Unknowingly, Li Shimin became increasingly silent.
The scenes Xue San described were markedly disconnected from the reality before them.
War; refugees; bandits; thieves;
Everything in current reality seemed to remind Li Shimin of something.
How could Gu Chen’s path possibly be easy?
Turning chaos into order, creating prosperity.
Favorably timed opportunities, geographical advantage, and human concordance— all essential.
But would Li Shimin shrink from this?
Clearly not!
Gu Yi was also silently observing all of this, and inwardly, he gradually began to anticipate as well.
This was the spark ignited between the Gu Clan and Li Shimin.
Although he didn’t know what changes future history might bring, it still filled him with great anticipation!
.....
After spending nearly a month, Li Shimin finally reached Julu.
They naturally encountered a lot of dangers along the way.
But it was merely some bandits, unable to inflict any harm on them.
The moment Li Shimin formally set foot in Julu Commandery, he could clearly feel the difference.
Refugees were gone;
Bandits were gone;
Chaos and turmoil seemed to have disappeared;
Even Gu Yi had never conceived this in advance, after generations of effort, Julu had completely become a sanctuary for the entire Kyushu, even influencing modern times.
He had never anticipated this initially.
Even whenever he saw everything within Julu, he would feel shocked, let alone Li Shimin.
He had never remembered any so-called prosperity.
Though everyone claimed the Emperor’s reign to be a true golden age, it still fell far short compared to Julu.
This time, Li Shimin was completely silent.
From the cheers and laughter of the people, to the diligent students attending the Gu Clan’s academy, to the waterwheels in the fields and the busy farmers.
All of this brought tremendous shock to Li Shimin.
Could this truly be prosperity?
His mind became increasingly complex, and he grew more silent, following Xue San directly toward the Gu Mansion.
He couldn’t make a grand entrance, nor reveal his identity.
Actually, Li Yuan had sent Li Shimin with some gifts, all were rare treasures.
But when Li Shimin saw them firsthand.
Suddenly he felt those gifts seemed inadequate for the Gu Clan.
The influence of this family.
Had completely surpassed any sort of material possessions.
Does the Gu Clan need money?
Do they need those so-called rare treasures?
How could these things match up to the Gu Clan?
Perhaps even Li Shimin himself didn’t realize that his understanding of prosperity had unconsciously begun to take some shape.
...
The Gu Mansion.
When Gu Yu saw Li Shimin, he was extremely surprised.
To prevent news from leaking.
Li Shimin hadn’t sent a visiting card in advance, nor had Xue San sent any message.
This wasn’t because Xue San had a change of heart.
There was simply no need.
With so many visitors to Julu every day, what damage could Li Shimin possibly inflict with just a few people?
Why say more?
Nonetheless, Gu Yu immediately recognized Li Shimin upon seeing him.