I Can Control My Ancestors

Chapter 420 - 14: Grand Marshal of the Heavenly Strategy, Turbulence in the Shadows (Double-Length, Please Vote)

Li Shimin’s ambitions were no secret; nearly all the ministers at court were aware of this.

Previously, this didn’t seem to matter much.

But now, as this moment was about to become reality... an invisible storm was rising.

The Ten Directions Expedition Envoy—capable of rivaling the imperial power.

Even at this moment;

This position was even set to surpass imperial authority.

Some couldn’t help but want to step forward and offer counsel, but Li Yuan suddenly changed his tone: "Appoint the Grand General of the Heavenly Strategy, ranked above the princes and dukes."

"He will lead as Situ and Minister of the Secretariat in the Eastern Shaanxi Circuit, commanding nationwide expeditions and presiding over administrative affairs."

As his words fell, the atmosphere within the entire hall found an outlet, and the heavy feeling dissipated instantly.

Was the reward bestowed by Li Yuan substantial?

Extremely substantial!

By rights, it shouldn’t have been a power a royal prince could wield.

But compared to everyone’s expectations of the Ten Directions Expedition Envoy, it fell far short.

At the very least, it couldn’t restrict imperial authority.

This arrangement caught everyone off guard, and at this moment, many inexplicably heaved a sigh of relief, including Crown Prince Li Jiancheng.

Silence!

Absolute silence!

Li Shimin was completely stunned, never expecting that Li Yuan would grant him this position.

Though it didn’t match Gu Chen’s Ten Directions Expedition Envoy.

But the title of "Grand General of the Heavenly Strategy" was also a specially appointed position.

"Could it be that Father believes I haven’t yet pacified the world?"

This thought naturally emerged in Li Shimin’s mind, and as Li Yuan was his father, Li Shimin had no unusual emotions.

This thought was immediately confirmed by him, and without hesitation, he bowed to Li Yuan: "Your son thanks Father Emperor for the great favor."

"I will certainly not disappoint Father Emperor’s expectations and will surely sweep away the bandits for our Great Tang."

The resounding words fell instantly.

Only at this moment did many finally react.

The joy of the "Ten Directions Expedition Envoy" not reappearing dissipated instantly.

Looking at Li Shimin standing resolutely in the hall, many people’s expressions became increasingly complicated.

——Grand General of the Heavenly Strategy!

What difference does it make if it’s not the Ten Directions Expedition Envoy?

Although it couldn’t curb imperial authority, Li Shimin’s power now clearly surpassed that of Crown Prince Li Jiancheng.

What does His Majesty mean by this...?

Could it be he plans to depose the Crown Prince and establish King Qin instead?

Even ministers who hadn’t chosen sides had this thought in their hearts at this moment.

Gu Yi had been silently observing all this.

Seeing the ever-changing expressions of the crowd, he knew well that many things were destined to be unavoidable.

The Ten Directions Expedition Envoy—

In fact, Gu Chen’s emergence had already provided many in later generations another path to follow, but for others, this path was always a dead end.

How did Gu Chen achieve this position?

Not only due to his unique contributions but also because of the prestige cultivated over generations by the Gu Clan.

——Loyalty.

It has always been one of the most crucial labels for the Gu Clan.

Only such people could successfully embark on this path.

And how could others hope to be like him?

The contradictions within the Li Tang had begun to surface.

This was completely unavoidable.

People are destined to be unable to fully control their various emotions.

Ambition and unrest; aspiration and death;

This series of contradictions would lead to increasing conflicts as Li Shimin’s prestige grew.

It was the inevitability caused by human nature; who could stop it?

An invisible storm was brewing within the whole Great Tang.

Although it had not fully erupted at this moment, the grand trend had already begun to quietly unfold.

——With the help of the Gu Clan, Hebei did not fall into chaos as it originally did in history.

Li Yuan’s actions of not killing Dou Jiande and Wang Shichong indeed won him much fame.

A merciful emperor has always been expected by the people.

Li Yuan treated even false emperors who opposed him this way, much less the common people?

Amidst the momentum brought by a great victory in Hulao, this news spread like a tide throughout the land.

Li Shimin did not immediately send out troops to continue pacifying the world.

Instead, he assisted Li Yuan in securing the newly recovered territories by eliminating various small forces within, including rebels in all directions.

What’s the rush?

Even if the rebels from all sides wouldn’t bow in submission, what of it?

Under this overwhelming momentum, their morale would surely crumble.

Li Shimin constantly reminded himself that he aimed to create a flourishing age like Gu Chen, rather than merely engaging in battlefield slaughter.

Li Yuan still personally sent someone to visit the Gu Clan in Julu.

In fact, he wished to go in person.

Even if he couldn’t persuade Gu Yu, he could choose to honor the Gu Clan’s ancestors, which would bring him significant benefits.

However, he ultimately restrained this thought.

An emperor personally visiting would unquestionably elevate the entire Gu Clan.

Li Yuan was a man of dignity, unwilling to do such things.

He merely dispatched an envoy.

But the eventual outcome did not surprise Gu Yi; Gu Yu did not personally make an appearance but sent out those in the family who excelled in governing.

To assist Li Tang in solidifying its territories, offering their first contribution upon entering the court.

In fact, Gu Yi understood why Gu Yu chose this path.

It was simply to preserve the Gu Clan’s last lines, ensuring that the patriarch wouldn’t engage in the chaos, just like Gu Ze in the past.

He would only leave Julu once the world was truly unified.