I Can Control My Ancestors

Chapter 568 - 64: Awe Across Four Seas, Devouring Eight Oceans

Constant changes occur in the court.

The complete retirement of Zhangsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang seemed to have fully proclaimed the end of the Guanlong nobility, an incredibly glorious era has finally turned its page.

The entire Great Tang welcomed a brand new Chapter once more.

...

The seventh year of Yonghui, end of the year.

The court completely finalized all matters concerning the relocation of the capital, formally settling the matter.

——The news spread, causing a shock throughout the world.

No matter the era, the transfer of the political center will cause numerous impacts, involving interests not only of the court but also of the people across various regions.

This naturally brings great uncertainty, but at this moment, there is already no space for reversal.

The Gu Clan has not been involved in this matter.

The successive departures of Zhangsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang forced Gu Jing to take over managing many affairs.

He needs to ensure the stability of the court, control the power transition after the retreat of the Guanlong nobility.

Absolutely cannot let a single family dominate, becoming a second Guanlong Group.

Also cannot let any major chaos occur.

The current Great Tang has reached an extremely critical period, whether in terms of maritime trade foundations or the expansion situation in the Western Regions, including Liaodong.

The prerequisite for all these systems to proceed smoothly is that Great Tang must guarantee stability.

Great Tang absolutely cannot fall into chaos!

This is the bottom line Gu Jing must steadfastly guard!

Because of this, none of these waves caused major disturbances, regardless of the rise of various factions, no one in this intricate court dares to shake the position of the Gu Clan.

Among these, Gu Jing’s contribution is certainly present.

Why does he always refrain from interfering in political affairs?

Not only because his political level is average, but also because he does not want the Gu Clan to overly seize power, like during the Later Han, becoming the public enemy of all noble families and binding completely with the royal family.

This consideration is also in Gu Jing’s mind.

Regardless, he must control all this well, only then he would not fail the Gu Clan nor Li Shimin.

....

The eighth year of Yonghui, April.

——A merchant ship departing from Panyu Port, after nearly two years, finally someone returned.

Though the casualties were significant, the profits brought are equally substantial.

When this news reached the court and spread gradually.

It quickly stirred up a heated discussion throughout Great Tang, almost all merchants have their eyes set on this piece of fat meat.

Worth mentioning——

A minister from Japan unexpectedly followed along in this merchant fleet and brought tribute gifts for Great Tang once again.

For Kyushu, Japan is not unfamiliar.

As early as the Later Han, Japan had already made contact with Kyushu, and Emperor Guangwu once granted them a seal, acknowledging their status as a vassal state.

Over the years, regardless of how Kyushu’s power transitioned.

The authority of Japan has always maintained the tradition of offering tribute.

Gu Yi also took note of this, and seriously observed the attitudes of these Japanese ministers.

Indeed, the saying "Barbarians fear power" is not wrong.

In the original history, Gu Yi remembers very clearly, Japan during this period also maintained tribute to Great Tang, but always pursued an equal status in diplomatic terms.

Simply put, these tributes no longer belonged to vassal state tributes, but pure diplomatic exchanges between two nations.

But now it is completely different.

The attitude of the Japanese envoy is extremely humble, even more so than any previous instance.

The reason is equally simple.

That is, they have witnessed the strength of Great Tang; Li Chengqian had already sent people to Japan and even eradicated many bandits who wanted to plunder.

This strength has instilled fear in Japan, naturally making them exceedingly humble.

Worth mentioning——

Now, Li Chengqian has launched an offensive in the Malay Archipelago, boldly declaring his power, occupying territories, and constructing ports.

This even includes small countries that have had exchanges with Great Tang.

Of course, towards these people, Li Chengqian is much softer, only under the guise of "borrowing" occupying their coastlines, making thorough preparations for the maritime trade route Great Tang will expand in the future.

Unfortunately, he has only five thousand troops under his command.

While ensuring expansion, Li Chengqian also needs to carefully establish his foundation.

Compared with Kyushu, these island natives who have lived on the islands for years are far too backward; educating them is an extremely tiring task.

Gu Lei is now only thirty-four years old but already has a head of white hair.

This shows how much effort has been expended in this.

Such efforts naturally yield significant rewards.

Not to mention other places, just speaking of Ryukyu alone, Ryukyu has now begun to adapt to Kyushu customs, and many children have started to learn to read and write.

Li Chengqian’s visit this time not only brought them advanced systems but also culture.

Toward Li Chengqian, toward the Gu Clan.

Their belief is immensely fervent, including toward Kyushu.

This profound Kyushu culture captivates them.

Although many have never been to Great Tang, the phrase "Great Tang citizens" has gradually become engraved in their bones.

In just a few short years to have such progress, it is already very rare.