Watching Gu Yan silently shed tears, all the Gu Clan juniors were also in silent tears, and the eyes of some of the younger ones grew more complex as they witnessed this scene.

Teaching by example has always been the best educational method.

Even if Gu Yan dies, this legacy will never be severed.

The Gu Clan will continue to cultivate this land.

Until——

It completely integrates into the Kyushu.

...

Chang’an.

Whether it be the old comrades of Li Shimin or the court officials, everyone clearly felt the relentless passage of time.

Li Shimin had grown old.

The ailments left from past battlefields gradually manifested on him, and the ministers who rose with him were passing away one by one.

An inescapable heaviness enveloped the entire Great Tang court.

Li Shimin also became increasingly silent, no longer as spirited as he once was.

Time will eventually take everything away, causing a new generation to replace the old.

Taiji Hall.

After discussing state affairs, Li Shimin once again recalled the past.

Perhaps this is human nature.

Once reaching a certain age, one begins to yearn for the past, and Li Shimin was no exception.

He and his ministers reminisced about the past.

He mentioned Gu Quan, the process of becoming acquainted with everyone, including resolutions to rebel, and even mentioned Li Jiancheng.

His eyes reddened as he spoke, and eventually tears fell.

Gu Yi once sighed over this.

Li Shimin changed, no longer the person easily moved to tears as historical records once described.

But as he grew older, this sentimental nature gradually emerged.

Loneliness——

This seems to be a trial every emperor with great talents must eventually face.

The ministers were also filled with emotions.

At this moment, Li Shimin seemed to suddenly remember something and abruptly stood up: "I want to build a pavilion!"

"To enshrine all those who have rendered meritorious service to me and to my Great Tang!" 𝙛𝓻𝒆𝓮𝒘𝙚𝙗𝒏𝙤𝙫𝓮𝒍.𝓬𝒐𝙢

"To share the worship of future generations with me!"

The sudden decision stunned everyone, but their eyes brightened soon after.

Who wouldn’t wish to enjoy the worship of future generations?

During the Zhen Guan era.

Even up to this day, this era remains unparalleled.

These ministers were destined to be remembered in history!

"Your Majesty is wise, if this pavilion is built, the scholars throughout the land will surely praise Your Majesty’s heart for valuing talents!"

"Your Majesty is wise!"

In an instant, the cries of acclamation echoed around.

Everyone agreed to this matter.

Li Shimin was not a hesitant person and immediately settled the matter, ordering the construction of the pavilion within the imperial city Taiji Palace.

He also named it——

Lingyan Pavilion!

The entire court took notice of this matter, and everyone yearned to be selected.

This achievement was unprecedented for them, even surpassing the age-old dream of scholars being recorded in the annals of history.

Only Li Shimin could decide who would enter this pavilion.

Li Shimin clearly took this matter very seriously.

He entrusted state affairs to Li Chengqian, while he pondered deeply.

While remembering meritorious officials, it was naturally not just about reminiscence.

An emperor must consider the political implications of every action, especially an enlightened emperor like Li Shimin.

The attention of the entire court was focused on Lingyan Pavilion.

Everyone was filled with anticipation.....

Until a few days later, Li Shimin finally confirmed the selections.

——A total of twenty-seven meritorious officials.

The goal encompassed not only the Zhen Guan era but also the Wude era, including various factions.

Guanlong Group, Shandong heroes, Jiangnan nobility, maternal relatives, and the imperial clan.

In truth, regarding this list.

Though the ministers were filled with anticipation, they had long had suspicions, as the founding of the Great Tang was recent, and it was easy to judge who merited what based on accomplishments and proximities to Li Shimin.

But upon seeing this list, everyone was still shocked.

Zhangsun Wuji, Li Xiaogong, Du Ruhui, and other ministers were expected, but even Wei Zheng among others was included.

That was not the critical part.

What truly shocked the ministers was Li Shimin actually ranked them.

Moreover—

The person at the top of the list turned out to be Gu Quan.

This name had not appeared in the court for many years, and when people saw this ranking, they were naturally surprised.

Gu Quan’s contributions were indeed significant.

However, to the ministers, they did not feel he should be placed first in the Lingyan Pavilion.

After all, in their view, Gu Quan had died too early.

Throughout the entire Zhen Guan Golden Age, he had no considerable achievements to speak of, and there were even those who sought out Zhangsun Wuji and others, wanting to join them in petitioning.

But without exception, Zhangsun Wuji and the others all refused.

Regardless of Gu Quan’s contributions.

In terms of Gu Quan’s character, they all felt ashamed of themselves by comparison.

One might endure having their face cut.

But Gu Quan’s act of giving up a lifetime of fame and honor was something they could never do.

Gu Yan and Gu Zi were also among them.

Gu Yan needs no further mention. He truly inherited Gu Quan’s fame and renown across the world, and even if he were placed first, the ministers would not object.

As for Gu Zi, he was also extraordinarily meritorious to the entire Great Tang.

In this list, triggering countless speculations about political motives, these three were like a clear stream, naturally drawing attention to the core purpose of this building.

The news spread continuously.

In the cultural upsurge of the present, Li Shimin’s action instantly caused a sensation.

—Holy Emperor!

This title had already become a consensus among the people across the world.

Without any surprise, Li Shimin’s move naturally made scholars across the land yearn even more for the court.

As the saying goes, "Benevolent rulers and wise ministers."

For those scholars with great ambitions, who would not dream of serving under the current Holy Emperor?

Today’s Kyushu had fully entered a period of cultural flourishing, especially after the Gu Clan established the "Yunshao Pavilion," this ethos thrived even more.

Pieces of poetry and song praising Li Shimin spread from all around.

From the court to the populace.

All were grateful for his virtues.

The entire Great Tang was once again engulfed in a wave of enthusiasm.

Yet beneath this surface wave, Li Shimin only felt increasingly lonely.

Lingyan Pavilion.

Li Shimin, all alone, walked slowly into the pavilion, passing by portrait after portrait, lighting incense for those who had already passed away.

Yin Kaishan; Qu Tutong; Zhang Gongjin; Du Ruhui; Qin Shubao.....

Li Shimin did not show any perfunctory behavior.

While offering incense, he could even recount the achievements they made and the reasons for their passing.

Tears had unknowingly started to flow.

Until at last—

He walked into the deepest part of the Lingyan Pavilion, where Gu Quan’s portrait hung.

"Ziyuan."

Li Shimin lit the incense and, regardless of his demeanor, sat directly beside the portrait, just like back when Gu Quan was alive, as if they were sitting idly and chatting.

"I’m getting old too..." he said calmly, with not a trace of fear of death in his voice, "Wait for me, there probably isn’t much time left."

His gaze shifted to the person in the painting, and he sighed longingly, "Time flies, old friends fall one after another... I am lonely."

After a moment of pause, his voice carried an undeniable firmness:

"But rest assured."

"The ambitions in my heart have never been extinguished. Many think I’m old and should retire." He softly smiled, revealing a hint of worldly wisdom, "But I’m just waiting!"

"Waiting for the Western Regions to be pacified, waiting for the great ships to be built!"

"What Lord Gu said back in the days, I haven’t dared to forget for even a day."

"As a ruler, the hardest thing is to keep one’s original intentions."

"I sincerely believe in this now."

"Rest easy, even if I cannot fully walk the path ahead during this reign, I can still pave the way for future generations to tread through the mire and take this step!"

"..."

Now I deeply understand this."

"Rest easy. Even if I cannot walk the full path in this reign," his voice suddenly grew deep and resolute, with the determination to cut through mountains and open paths, "I am determined to forge ahead for future generations and take this step through the mire!"

...

Thus Li Shimin, speaking to the portrait, recounted the court’s troubles, the plans in his heart, and even his considerations about Crown Prince Li Chengqian.

Gu Quan’s legacy had eventually dissolved the grudges he held toward the Crown Prince in his heart.

Though there was no closeness, there was a bit more acceptance.

"Rest assured, Ziyuan," he addressed the portrait as if making a vow, "I will not be foolish!"

Not until the candle tears finally ran dry, with the embers still slightly warm, did Li Shimin slowly rise.

Alone, he stepped out of this high pavilion, which housed the portraits of meritorious officials, into the light outside the hall.

....

(Ps: A transitional Chapter, the Zhen Guan reign won’t end like this, there are greater things ahead, asking for a monthly ticket, brothers, mwah!)