I Can Control My Ancestors

Chapter 545 - 55: The Death of Li Shimin and the Entrustment of the Realm

The news spread, and Kyushu was shaken.

The end of an era under a Holy Emperor is enough to stir the hearts of all the people in the world.

An inexplicable sense of sorrow quickly enveloped the entire Kyushu.

Countless people prayed for Li Shimin, hoping that heaven would grant this Emperor some more time.

More and more people traveled to the Luoshui River to perform rituals.

In the end—

Even Li Shimin had to issue an edict, telling the people of the world not to worry for him.

He did not fear death, nor did he want to delay agricultural work for prayers, including officials from across the land, who should not delay state affairs to seek auspicious signs.

This was the last bit of kindness Li Shimin could leave for the people.

Under the influence of his edict.

Although the gloom never easily dissipated, the Great Tang remained on its right track, always moving steadily forward.

Most importantly, perhaps because of a sudden relief.

Li Shimin’s health showed some improvement.

This was indeed a fortunate event for the entire Great Tang.

But it seemed like destiny.

In the twenty-third year of Zhenguan, Duke Weei Li Jing passed away.

This general, who had fought for the Great Tang for many years, could not withstand the erosion of time.

Li Shimin was deeply saddened by this, and it even affected his own health, ultimately ushering in his own end.

...

The twenty-third year of Zhenguan, May.

Taiji Hall.

"Father!"

Li Zhi knelt by the bedside, watching as Li Shimin’s breathing suddenly grew rapid, his expression changed abruptly.

"Summon—"

Li Shimin’s face was pale, his voice weak. After a while, his breathing gradually calmed, and he firmly grasped Li Zhi’s hand: "Quickly summon the Grand Tutor."

Li Zhi hurriedly got up and went outside the hall.

Outside the hall, the ministers were already standing solemnly, each face covered with a layer of sorrow and honor.

No one could deny that Li Shimin was a wise monarch, no matter how he treated the people of the world or his sitting ministers.

The departure of such an Emperor was enough to make anyone feel sad.

"Grand Tutor!"

Under the eyes of the ministers, Li Zhi walked anxiously to Gu Jing, "Father commands the Grand Tutor to enter the hall."

—Instantly, the pressure eased.

Many ministers sighed in relief at this moment, clearly unwilling to accept the worst news.

Next, the ministers couldn’t help but look at Gu Jing.

No one felt anything else.

Though he was also a minister of governance, Gu Jing was younger than Zhangsun Wuji and Chu Suiliang, but no one dared to underestimate him.

Whether in court prestige or in military roots.

With Li Shimin’s deliberate support, Gu Jing’s influence had long surpassed both.

Moreover, with the name of the Gu Clan standing there.

Who would dare to speak more?

Gu Jing said no more unnecessary words, directly following Li Zhi into the hall.

The heavy scent of medicine lingered, and although the furnishings in Taiji Hall remained as before, an overwhelming suppression persisted.

Gu Jing slowly approached Li Shimin’s bedside, knelt down, and whispered, "Your Majesty, the subject is here."

"An Zhi!" Li Shimin struggled to open his bloodshot eyes, his gaze firmly locked on Gu Jing, "I...fear it won’t be long."

"Your Majesty." Gu Jing’s heart suddenly sank, looking at the Emperor before him, with eyes red and hair white, he could no longer restrain the grief within him.

But before he could speak, Li Shimin suddenly grabbed his arm, his voice urgent and hoarse: "I can die, but the country...must not fall!"

"This is the beginning of a change through eternal generations."

"It must not be affected."

His gaze blazing, firmly locked on Gu Jing, "These days, I’ve been constantly pondering this matter."

"Today, I’ve finally made up my mind."

With that said, he turned with difficulty towards Li Zhi: "The Crown Prince is gentle by nature, though he can sustain a regime, yet...I fear he may be controlled by others."

His gaze then returned to Gu Jing’s face, with a heavy trust: "An Zhi, I’ve...pondered over this several times..."

"This burden of state, only you...can bear it!"

Li Shimin’s gaze was iron-clad, welded onto Gu Jing, "I do not expect the Gu Clan to produce another figure like Marquis Jingxiang, but this isn’t just about the Great Tang, but also the fate of millions in Kyushu!"

"An Zhi...must not refuse!"

With that, he took out a long-prepared edict from under the pillow and personally handed it to Gu Jing.

Gu Jing slowly unfolded the decree according to its command.

Even though he had already expected this, when he saw the ink words, Gu Jing’s pupils still suddenly contracted!

The imperial edict contained but a few words, yet its weight was heavier than a thousand jun—

Whenever the world is in turmoil, Gu Jing may wield this edict to mobilize the entire military forces of Great Tang without requiring imperial approval!

This is not merely entrusting an orphan, but entrusting the entire realm!

Even if it were someone else, Li Shimin would never grant such authority; even if granted, no one could successfully command the military forces of a nation.

The entanglement within is too deep.

It will inevitably become mired in the struggle for interests among various parties.

However, the Gu Clan alone is different.

The standing of the Gu Clan in the hearts of the people across the land is firmly established, and their deeds over the centuries have destined them not to be embroiled in the conflicts of other families.

Only such a family can bear the weight of Li Shimin’s entrustment.

"Your Majesty."

Gu Jing’s body involuntarily trembled slightly, looking at Li Shimin, and tears fell uncontrollably.

What trust is this?

With this paper alone, if Gu Jing had the mind, he would have the right to rightfully carry out an abdication and establishment!

This entrustment is deep and weighty, far beyond a typical orphan’s entrustment.

"An Zhi," Li Shimin’s gaze was like a torch, firmly locked on him, speaking in fragmented whispers yet each word carried immense weight, "You and I are not merely ruler and minister; we also share the uncle-nephew bond."

"I have watched you grow, knowing your heart well."

"You, like Ziyuan, are both cold on the outside but warm on the inside."

"Ziyuan’s accomplishments for me, I...engrave on my heart."

"The blood and tears shed by the Gu Clan for the people of Kyushu, the common folk...must also be remembered forever!"

"Such heavy responsibility, only placed in your hands, can I...rest in peace."

"Never...refuse again!"

The voice gradually weakened, barely audible.

Beside them, Li Zhi, already with tears streaming down his face, choked and pleaded, "Grand Tutor! Please quickly promise the Emperor!"

Gu Jing stared at the emperor’s gaunt visage, silent as a mountain, for a long while, finally bowed deeply and spoke each word with unwavering certainty:

"Rest assured, Your Majesty."

"This minister will uphold the sacred decree!"

"I will use the sword in my hand to keep the nation and the mountains steadfast, not allowing the slightest unrest within the realm!"

The vow’s echoes resonated within the beams of the hall.

Upon hearing this, the tight strings of Li Shimin’s heart finally loosened, as if a burden of immense weight was removed.

The last ounce of strength seemed to leave him, an indescribable fatigue instantly engulfing him, carving deep lines into his pallid face.

"Summon—"

His breath was weak, yet he clearly ordered:

"Gather.....the ministers."

His complexion grew increasingly pale.

Gu Jing dared not delay, immediately rising and stepping out of the hall.

Moments later, the ministers followed in succession, filing in to solemnly bow before the throne.

Li Shimin struggled to open his clouded eyes, his gaze swept arduously over the ministers kneeling in front of the hall, his voice weak as a whisper yet gathered with final dignity and entrustment:

"All ministers...must unite in efforts..."

"Assist...the Crown Prince..."

"Safeguard...our...Great Tang’s...foundation..."

Each word exhausted his remaining strength, the words scattered amidst the heavy scent of medicine and sorrow, yet fell heavily upon each minister’s heart.

After speaking, the last glimmer in his eyes finally faded completely.

"Father—!!!"

Li Zhi’s heart-wrenching cry instantly exploded within Taiji Hall.

"Your Majesty—!!!"

Following was an outpouring of wails like tides of the sea, drowning out all sound.

Gu Jing tightly held the imperial edict, kneeling heavily, tears uncontrollably streaming from the corner of his eyes.

On the Jisi day of May, the twenty-third year of Zhenguan;

——Li Shimin passed away at Taiji Hall in Chang’an.

His last edict read: Funeral rites to follow Han Dynasty customs, without disturbing the common people.

Posthumously named Emperor Wen, temple name Taizong, buried at Zhao Ling.

Crown Prince Li Zhi ascended the throne before his remains.

——————

"On the Jisi day of May, the twenty-third year of Zhenguan, the Emperor passed away at Taiji Hall, Spring and Autumn fifty-two years old.

His last edict ordered the Crown Prince to assume the position of Emperor before the coffin, with funeral rites following Han Dynasty customs.

On Bingzi in August, the ministers bestowed the posthumous title Emperor Wen, temple name Taizong.

On Gengyin, buried at Zhao Ling."

——"Tang Book. Chronicle of Taizong"