I Can Control My Ancestors-Chapter 297 - 12: Epoch-Making Reform and the Easing of the Forbidden Powder

Chapter 297: Chapter 12: Epoch-Making Reform and the Easing of the Forbidden Powder

Unexpectedly, even Cao Zhi, who is nearly at the end of his life, was found to be indulging in the Forbidden Powder.

Helpless, he could only let Gu Ye write it himself.

Fortunately, Gu Ye’s abilities were not lacking.

Although he couldn’t match Cao Zhi’s almost supernatural literary talent, it was still considered an excellent work.

The very next day, Gu Yi immediately directed Gu Ye to head straight for the court and present the "Memorandum on Prohibiting the Powder" before the ministers.

——A monumental change!

...

In the North Palace.

Gu Yi was directing Gu Ye to read aloud the "Memorandum on Prohibiting the Powder" before hundreds of officials.

Silence enveloped the hall.

——Only the resonant voice of Gu Ye echoed continuously.

The expressions of the ministers were somewhat shocked, but alongside the shock, there was also some dissatisfaction.

Prohibit the indulgence in the powder?

In the current Great Han, indulgence in the Forbidden Powder had already become a refined pursuit.

Even someone as esteemed as Cao Zhi within the Imperial College indulged in it, showing how influential it had become.

This act was destined to cause resistance in everyone’s hearts.

Even if some had never indulged in the powder.

The benefits it could bring, however, still rendered them dissatisfied with Gu Ye.

Liu Shan was also surprised by this matter, never expecting Gu Ye would propose such a thing.

Although he himself never indulged in the powder.

He had heard of its rise to popularity, becoming a refined pursuit for the frustrated youth across the world.

Originally intending to try it when there was an opportunity, he was caught off guard by Gu Ye’s proposal.

If someone else had suggested it, he might not have cared.

But after all, Gu Ye bore the Gu name!

After a moment of hesitation, Liu Shan asked, "Zhao De, why must this indulgence be forbidden?"

This was the reason no one could understand.

Not understanding why Gu Ye would propose to ban the indulgence in the powder.

Gu Yi, with an iron will and not the slightest hesitation, immediately directed Gu Ye to speak firmly: "Your Majesty!"

"I have heard that one who ingests minerals may temporarily find relief; however, poisonous influences permeate to the marrow, ultimately leading to concerns for one’s life."

"In the past, Zhong Jing formulated prescriptions to treat serious illnesses; He Yan’s misuse, however, squandered courage and determination in cups."

"In the lanes and alleys of Luoyang, many are seen cloaked in crane feathers and with loosened hair, imitating Ji Kang and Ruan Ji’s outward ease, yet losing integrity; at Ye’s desolate graves, who mourns the souls standing with decaying forms, who admired He Yan’s elegance only to fall into the records of ghosts?"

"Your Majesty, observe the autumn wind withering the wood, the cold crows circling the withered—this is not a calamity demonstrated by heaven and earth, but indeed a self-affliction by mankind!"

"I humbly request Your Majesty to proclaim an edict, sternly prohibiting it, so minerals return to the furnace, and herbs to the forest,"

"Do not let the formula of ’Five Minerals’ further erode the Yang of our Great Han."

Gu Ye’s voice was incomparably firm.

This was the first time ever that Gu Yi was so determined to accomplish something.

Perhaps it is precisely because he knows the harm of such things and the impact "similar products" will have on this land in the future.

He absolutely cannot allow this matter to continue!

The entire courtroom was enveloped in deathly silence!

Everyone stared blankly at Gu Ye, never expecting his attitude to be so resolute!

"Nonsense!"

Immediately someone stood up to oppose, cupping his hands towards Liu Shan: "Your Majesty, there are numerous disheartened scholars in the world today."

"These individuals are dismayed by their inability to become officials, so they choose indulgence in the powder to relieve their troubles."

"If indulgence in the powder is prohibited,"

"not only would it displease many towards the court,"

"but how will these disheartened scholars find a way to relieve their troubles in the future?"

A chorus of discussion erupted instantly.

As more voices joined in, the entire court was thrown into a great debate over whether to "prohibit the indulgence in the powder"!"

At that moment, a resonant shout of anger suddenly echoed.

"How dare a group of pedants presumptuously discuss matters of state!"

This outcry captured everyone’s attention, prompting them to turn their heads.

King Liu Chen of the North strode in from outside with an expression full of anger, looking at those present: "Our Great Han’s Grand Ancestor was merely a lowly official, yet he dared speak that a real man should be thus when facing Emperor Qin!"

"Emperor Xiaowen; Emperor Xiaowu;"

"Then there was our Great Han’s Emperor Guangwu, who revived the Han Dynasty, until Emperor Zhao Wu and Lord Gu restored the Han once again."

"When did the people of our Great Han...."

"Really become so reliant on indulgence in the powder to relieve their troubles?"

Liu Chen’s gaze was razor-sharp, sweeping over everyone: "If one fails an exam once, then they give up, and such a person can be called a scholar?"

"Marquis Wenchang once said...."

"Man stands capable of defying the heavens!"

"Our Great Han to this day, can even resist natural disasters!"

"If this continues.... can the hearts of our Great Han’s people ever rise with fortitude?"

While speaking, he pushed through the ministers and walked to the front, kneeling before Liu Shan: "Father, I plead, prohibit all people from indulging in the powder!"

After these words fell, the hall instantly quieted.

Liu Chen brought forth all past emperors of the Han and forebears of the Gu Clan.

No one dared to refute such statements.

Liu Shan’s expression shifted subtly as he glanced at everyone present, nodding slightly: "My son is right."

"I remember...."

"The Duke once said... that indulgence in the powder was a non-human act."

"No matter what... I cannot betray the Duke."

——The dust has settled!

Liu Shan, although lacking particularly praiseworthy skills.

But this is the point where he is most commendable.

Others’ words might make him hesitate.

But what Gu Chen once said, he always keeps foremost in his mind.

This emotion even surpasses his feelings for Liu Bei.

Because Gu Chen had far too accurate insight, after meeting Liu Shan, he held no unrealistic hopes for him personally.

He was exceedingly kind to Liu Shan, unlike Liu Bei, who would still educate Liu Shan.