I Can Control My Ancestors

Chapter 567 - 63: Relocation of the Capital and Retirement, The Dawn of a New Era

"Tomorrow, you shall go to the palace on my behalf to resign."

Zhangsun Wuji’s face showed neither sorrow nor joy, as if the current predicament of the Guanlong nobility was something he had long anticipated.

Such was his nature.

Just as in the years when Empress Zhangsun was alive, he could relinquish the already secured position of Chancellor with just a few words from the Empress.

And so it is now!

He could no longer afford to hold onto this position.

Even though he no longer wished to engage in conflict, those behind him would still push him forward.

This is the burden one in his position must bear, and Zhangsun Wuji did not wish to meet a tragic end.

Zhangsun Chong remained silent for a long while, but finally nodded his head.

The next day, as the news spread within the court, all the strife seemed suddenly insignificant in the face of this announcement.

This was Zhangsun Wuji, after all!

The second-ranking figure in the Lingyan Pavilion.

The unequivocal leader among the Guanlong nobility!

His resignation could exert an influence far exceeding that of Chu Suiliang’s earlier resignation!

Even the matter of relocating the capital was put on hold this day, as nearly everyone turned their attention towards the Duke Zhao’s residence.

—The imperial visit!

Emperor Li Zhi ultimately did not grant the resignation but resolved to personally visit this pillar of the nation at his residence.

Within the quiet chamber, the scent of medicine lingered softly.

Li Zhi sat by the bedside, tightly holding Zhangsun Wuji’s withered hand, a glint of tears in his eyes, his voice choked with genuine emotion: "Grand Tutor! Dear Uncle!"

"Trouble looms across the realm, and the court is fraught with anxiety! I... as the young and flawed Emperor, devoid of the Grand Tutor’s involvement in state affairs, I cannot afford to lose dear Uncle!"

"Dear Uncle, you were entrusted by the former Emperor."

"Now, with the country yet unsettled, how can you just leave me, abandoning this Great Tang nation?"

His words grew impassioned, wiping his eyes with his sleeve, clasping his hand again earnestly: "Dear Uncle, please rest assured and recuperate. I have ordered the Imperial Medical Bureau to be on duty day and night, ensuring the Grand Tutor’s speedy recovery and return to governance!"

"This realm... cannot do without the Grand Tutor!"

This heartfelt scene of sovereign and minister was fully observed by all the officials present.

Zhangsun Wuji seemed deeply moved as well.

From that day on, he never mentioned resigning again, yet he also never spoke of state affairs, choosing instead to remain secluded at Duke Zhao’s residence under the guise of "restful convalescence."

Over another month passed.

A dire report came again from the Duke Zhao’s residence, stating the Grand Tutor had vomited blood and fallen into a coma. Zhangsun Chong, citing his father’s "ailing condition, fearing no longer being able to serve," entered the palace again to weep and resign.

This time, Li Zhi no longer tried to hold him back, though he still could not bring himself to agree directly.

Another five days passed.

Zhangsun Wuji personally submitted a memorial, with words filled with sorrow, detailing his frail and disordered body, declaring his inability to bear the weight of the nation, humbly requesting to retire.

After a lengthy review, Li Zhi, with deep reluctance and a long sigh, granted his request tearfully.

This major event, which had captivated everyone’s attention, finally came to an end.

Champion Marquis Mansion.

It was Gu Rui who brought this news.

Upon hearing this news, even Gu Jing couldn’t help but be taken aback.

He knew very well that with Zhangsun Wuji’s departure, a brand new era for the Great Tang was about to commence.

This left him with mixed emotions.

It wasn’t really because of Zhangsun Wuji. While Gu Jing was also someone cold on the outside but warm on the inside, he was nonetheless more detached than Gu Quan.

Zhangsun Wuji wasn’t someone worth such feelings from him.

What truly made Gu Jing feel conflicted was the Gu Clan.

Zhangsun Wuji, being in that position, was already forced to make such a decision due to various circumstances.

Would such a day inevitably come for the Gu Clan as well?

If indeed it does.

Given the Gu Clan’s deeply entwined position with the entire Kyushu, could they ever disentangle themselves easily?

As the saying goes, "A wise man ponders a thousand considerations," Gu Jing couldn’t help but think about this issue.

Even though all this seemed utterly impossible now!.....

.....

(Ps: Organizing the outline today only reached over 4k, asking for a monthly ticket at the start of the month, fish kneels in gratitude! By the way, emphasizing once again that Wu Zetian will not become Emperor, this is already planned in the outline.)