Chapter 814 - 53: Divine Level Items, Capital Relocation, and Ding Studies

"In the past, to resist the Liao Nation, it was necessary to station forbidden troops, costing vast sums."

"Now, though the world seems unified, the Northern Border is extensive, the newly annexed Grassland still harbors potential enemies."

"Placing the national center in this war-ridden land; if an alarm is raised, the whole situation will be shaken!"

"This is a military peril."

Another official from the northern regions solemnly declared, "Your Majesty, Lord Gu!"

"I speak with boldness!"

"The layout of Kaifeng has always been the capital of the Central Plains, not the capital of the world!"

"The court residing here for so long inevitably narrows its perspective to traditional Han territories, often out of touch with the newly incorporated West River and even more distant lands."

"In time, this might breed division and hinder integration."

"This is a political shortcoming!"

One minister after another spoke tirelessly.

And the voices of opposition soon followed.

An elderly minister, long residing in Kaifeng, trembled as he stepped forward, "Lord Gu! Esteemed sirs!"

"Kaifeng is the capital chosen by the Great Ancestor; after centuries of prosperity, the ancestral temples and altars are all here. How can we speak of abandoning it lightly?"

"Moreover, building a new capital would exhaust the people, waste finances, and shake the foundations of the nation. It must not happen!"

"My lord, this statement is erroneous!" Zong Ze responded like a booming bell, immediately retorting, "Precisely because we care for the state, we must plan for eternal peace!"

"How can we continue in this old way, turning a blind eye to existing evils without change?"

"In the past, the Great Ancestor designated Kaifeng as the capital out of necessity of the times."

"Now the times have changed, and we ought to have the courage to surpass our predecessors!"

"Indeed!"

Someone immediately echoed, "In my opinion, it would be better to move the capital to Hebei, Julu is a sacred land in Kyushu, cultivated by the Gu Clan for millennia. With the Gu Clan here, the nation’s security is assured!"

The hall immediately descended into an even more intense debate.

Each party cited classics, exchanging fierce words, all seemingly for the country’s planning, every word concerning the nation’s governance, the military and economy.

—— But in fact, it was all about interests.

The matter of relocating the capital, though seemingly simple, is actually tantamount to uprooting and redistributing the power and wealth structure that has sustained the empire for a hundred years.

For those residing in Kaifeng for generations, possessing countless lands, shops, and connections, the relocation means their century-long advantages centered in Kaifeng would instantly vanish.

The massive assets valued in Kaifeng would plummet, and their political network built on homeland roots would greatly lose its effectiveness.

This is akin to gouging out the foundation of their livelihood, prompting the fiercest resistance.

For the southeastern aristocrats and related bureaucratic groups, who profit from the canal transport, a northern relocation of the capital would greatly diminish reliance on southeastern grain transport.

This economic lifeline flowing with gold and silver once withered, would drain their continuous wealth and the political influence gained through it.

Therefore, whether openly or secretly, they are also staunch opponents of the relocation.

And for officials from the northern regions or those with influences there, as well as ambitious people eager to establish achievements in the new dynasty and break the old patterns, relocation presents a rare opportunity.

With the capital moving north and the political center shifting, their familiarity and foundation in northern affairs will stand out as an advantage.

On a deeper level, this is a contest between the homeland and new domains.

Such is human nature.

When external threats are no longer present, internal court struggles naturally begin.

At that moment, the noise within Chuigong Hall was incessant.

Gu Yi was also silently observing this scene.

He, of course, understood the motivations of these people, but he was also very clear that relocating the capital was an unavoidable step.

As for the suggestion to move the capital to Hebei...

This was clearly impossible.

Actually, Gu Yi didn’t initially understand all the changes topography could bring, but over time, he started to discern some of the situation.

The land of Hebei lacks the strategic value of safeguarding the Northern Border and connecting north and south, and is likewise unsuitable for canal transport.

This is evidently contrary to today’s Kyushu.

Some wish to exploit the Gu Clan’s name for their own benefit; he certainly won’t allow this.

In other words —

Does today’s Gu Clan still need a dynasty’s capital to increase its benefits?

This matter brings all harm and no benefit!

But to truly decide where to relocate the capital, even he is somewhat hesitant at this moment.

Actually, what Gu Yi truly desires is Yingtian Prefecture, now Nanjing.

The reason is similarly simple.

Establishing the capital in Yingtian Prefecture aligns with the various trends of today’s Great Song.

Whether it’s for canal transport or Tuo Hai,

Jiangnan has its own advantages.

Of course, this also comes with risks, but when has anything ever brought all benefits and no harm?

Before the capital of a nation.

Such a thing is clearly impossible.

However, Gu Yi had no intention of directly interfering; the people of today’s Great Song aren’t lacking in capability. Although all sides are contending, as long as Gu Lin is present, they are unlikely to make any wrong choices.

Moreover, compared to these people, Gu Yi doesn’t feel he has grown to surpass them as of now.

Such a matter is still not worth his intervention!....

....

(Ps: It’s the end of the month, I’m begging for monthly votes, I sincerely thank my brothers for more support.)