Chapter 817 - 54: The Age of Transformation, Severing One’s Own Wings?

Champion Marquis Mansion.

Indeed, since the unification of the world, the Gu Clan has finally regained this title.

In fact, as early as when Gu Jin first stepped out of Julu, Zhao Kuangyin intended to grant him the title of Champion Marquis, but Gu Jin ultimately refused.

According to his words—

At that time, Kyushu was still in turmoil.

As a member of the Gu Clan, having not restored the glory of his ancestors, naturally, he could not inherit their title.

And it is precisely for this reason.

After over a hundred years, the Gu Clan has once again regained this title of Champion Marquis.

At this moment, in the study.

The newly appointed Imperial Censor Zhang Shuye stood solemnly below the hall, his expression grave, holding a memorial in his hands, he reported in a deep voice: "Lord Gu, the Imperial Censorate recently received a confidential report from the Northern Border, concerning... Marquis Wuwei, Guo family."

Gu Lin’s hand holding the pen paused slightly, but he did not look up, only said lightly, "Speak."

"Yes." Zhang Shuye unfolded the memorial, "The Guo Clan’s members, while assisting in pacifying the newly affiliated tribes in the Southern Desert and designating residence areas, used the court’s authorization to carry out real expansion."

"Their methods... though not involving weapons, used fewer goods for more, falsifying quality, encroaching on, and annexing large premium pastures originally meant to be distributed to the surrendering herders, reportedly over a thousand hectares."

"More egregious, they forced some herders to become tenant farmers, who must pay half of their cattle and sheep as rent each year."

Zhang Shuye paused, his voice lowered a few notches: "Local officials, either fearing the Guo family’s military reputation or... or having connections with them, mostly adopt a permissive or even protective stance."

"This matter has caused undercurrents and widespread grievances among the various tribes in the Southern Desert, and if it continues, it may harm the court’s appeasement strategy, as well as damage the court’s reputation in the Northern Border."

His expression was extremely grave.

After all, the Guo Clan’s status is not just boasts.

Their roots are from the meritorious and noble followers of Zhao Kuangyin during his uprising, and they were heroic in this unification war, with their patriarch Guo Xin being granted the title of Marquis Wuwei, guarding the Northern Border, with pupils and old acquaintances spread throughout the military.

And most crucially, these military families are considered part of the Gu Clan’s wings, as since the establishment of the Great Song, the Gu Clan has held the title of the foremost Martial Sect in the world.

The study was momentarily silent.

Gu Lin too had already put down the memorial, his fingertips habitually tapped lightly on the rosewood table, making a series of light sounds.

Zhang Shuye held his breath, waiting for Gu Lin’s decision.

This matter appeared to be typical greedy behavior common among border generals, but what it involved beneath the surface was a profound conflict between the meritorious group and the court’s laws, core interests, and border stability after the establishment of the new dynasty.

This is what every empire has to face when newly established.

Throughout the ages, there have been no exceptions.

After a long silence, the tapping stopped abruptly.

Gu Lin’s gaze remained on the open memorial, his tone calm and resolute, yet embodying an undeniable power: "Guo Xin... is old."

These short four words made Zhang Shuye’s heart skip, but he dared not reply.

Guo Xin is the current head of the Guo family.

What did Gu Lin mean by this?

Could it be that he truly intends to clean up the various issues currently plaguing the court?

Almost instantly, he thought of this question.

As a minister renowned even in original history, Zhang Shuye’s capabilities need no further comment.

And as a core of the Imperial Censorate, he also would not doubt the Gu Clan’s integrity.

But even so... he found it hard to believe.

Could it be that the Gu Clan will truly take action against their own wings?

But if no action is taken, what should be done?

This matter, no matter what, must be addressed!

If not, it would not have come to him personally to discuss with Gu Lin.

In fact, it involves not just the Guo family, and not just military families, it’s extremely crucial to the current situation of the Great Song, and no matter what, this matter must be thoroughly resolved.

In short—this is about drawing a line.

Just like the former Han Guangwu Emperor... like Emperors such as Li Shimin, placing a shackle on everyone!....

....

(Ps: It’s the end of the month, begging for monthly votes, asking for lots of support from brothers, Fish is immensely grateful.)