Chapter 106: Shocking case, Gu Jin Nian goes mad, kills officials, redeploys a hundred thousand troops

White Egret Prefecture.

Iron cavalry entered the city, revealing an utterly chilling atmosphere.

The hundred-thousand-strong army granted Gu Jin Nian limitless power.

Last time he came, Gu Jin Nian finally understood what it meant to live under another's roof.

This time, upon his arrival, Gu Jin Nian became the law of White Egret Prefecture, the law of Jiangling Commandery.

The city gate entrance.

When Gu Jin Nian declared a punishment of one hundred strokes,

He panicked immediately; undergoing one hundred strokes would cost him half his life.

But these soldiers didn't care about anything; before them, military orders were everything—even if you were the crown prince, as long as someone gave the command, they would strike without hesitation.

Instantly, Xu Ping was forcibly pressed onto the torture device, his hands bound, leaving him utterly immobile.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"This has nothing to do with me; she went mad from worrying over her missing daughter, accumulating resentment, and has no connection to me whatsoever."

"Gu Jin Nian, do you know what you're doing?"

"You're using private punishment, a grave crime; the Ministry of Rites will not let you off."

"Gu Jin Nian, oh dear."

Xu Ping kept struggling and shouting; although he wasn't cursing Gu Jin Nian, each utterance was a threat.

Smack.

However, these soldiers gave Xu Ping no chance.

They struck him directly on the buttocks.

On the spot, a heart-rending scream rang out.

This is a military cane.

It's not an ordinary torture device; one blow leaves a normal person bruised purple, and even these soldiers can't withstand the military cane.

Just one strike left Xu Ping unable to speak, only able to emit a pig-slaughtering wail.

Watching this, Li Ji beside him felt his scalp go numb.

"Beat, beat him hard."

Li Ji was extremely excited, then turned his gaze to these officials.

"Uncle Jin Nian, these people aren't any better; they've been squeezing us everywhere—can we beat them together?"

Li Ji was extremely excited.

Half a month ago, they came to White Egret Prefecture, restricted everywhere, holding in anger; now, with a hundred-thousand-strong army, they suppress this place, and that resentment is fully vented.

He felt so refreshed he could soar.

But he hadn't forgotten those who had offended him.

As soon as Li Ji spoke, the officials' faces fell.

"We're here to investigate a case; we can't carry out punishment without cause."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, and the officials relaxed a little.

But his next sentence left the officials numb.

"However, a child abduction case has occurred within White Egret Prefecture; your lax handling is truly dereliction of duty."

"Bring them."

Gu Jin Nian's voice was ice-cold; he remembered each of these officials, and none of them should think of escaping.

"The subordinate is here."

In an instant, Wang Peng spoke, clasping his fists.

"Arrest all officials of rank seventh grade and above in White Egret Prefecture, execute them on the spot, each receiving thirty strokes."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his expression cold.

"The subordinate will obey the order."

Wang Peng had no hesitation; with a wave of his hand, hundreds of elite troops moved out and seized the officials directly.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, this matter has nothing to do with us."

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, please spare my life; I am sixty-two, and thirty strokes will truly send me to the Yellow Springs."

"I beg Your Highness the Crown Prince to spare my life."

In a moment, cries of suffering rose; each lacked any backbone.

But it wasn't that they lacked backbone.

Look at those nearby who have backbone: one was whipped and is still baring his teeth.

Another was bound to a stool, nearly beaten to blood; his wails nearby are terrifying.

Faced with everyone's pleas, Gu Jin Nian felt no pity.

These people feast daily on mountain delicacies and seafood, taking countless supplements; thirty strokes are nothing to them—they're just trying to sell misery.

Without Gu Jin Nian's order, the soldiers didn't care much; they grabbed people and beat them.

With one blow, a hundred wails rose in unison.

Crying for father and mother.

Watching this, Li Ji felt utterly refreshed; his resentment was half gone.

As for Su Huaiyu and the two others, they simply watched silently.

About a quarter of an hour later.

The punishment ended.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince."

"Many people have fainted; shall we wake them up?"

Wang Peng spoke, and after a round of execution, many people actually fainted, but Gu Jin Nian could tell they were merely pretending.

"No need."

"Whoever pretends to faint, beat them until they wake; if they never wake, let them never wake in this life."

Gu Jin Nian remained indifferent.

Since a hundred thousand troops have been dispatched here, there's no need to be timid.

As the saying goes, either don't provoke, or if you do, fight to the death.

Otherwise, sending a hundred thousand troops would just be for show? Indeed.

Upon hearing that, all the officials who were feigning faintness opened their eyes, each with tears in their eyes, truly in pain.

But just as Gu Jin Nian had thought, these people may look aged, yet each has a mouth full of oil from eating, and their physical condition is outstanding.

The most important rule for officials is to live long.

Their methods of health preservation surpass anyone; perhaps even the emperor is inferior to them. They wield only thirty military staffs, which cannot kill.

But Xu Ping was different; after a hundred military staffs struck him, he collapsed on the bench, his eyes vacant, his buttocks covered in blood, with no hesitation.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"You're ruthless enough."

"I, the old man, have recorded this lash."

"I have done nothing wrong, only asked you a question, yet I was struck so."

"After this matter ends, I will go to the capital to file a petition; I will bow to death in the imperial palace's main hall."

At this very moment.

Kong Zhen's voice rang out, his body trembling, his words laced with sobbing and anger.

He is the illustrious Great Scholar of the Kong family.

Highly virtuous and respected.

Who in the world would not give him face? Though he holds no official post, it shouldn't warrant such a lash for merely speaking a word, right? Gu Jin Nian showed no mercy; the lash left a deep bloodstain on his face, which, if not treated, could become a scar.

Follow him for a lifetime.

But the pain is not the main issue.

The humiliation is.

What a colossal humiliation.

"Stop pretending before this Crown Prince."

"What if I lash you again?"

"This Crown Prince acts by imperial decree; you have no office, yet you chatter here, opening your mouth with rules, closing it with rules. I, the Crown Prince, am telling you what true propriety is."

"If you dare nag again, do you believe this Crown Prince will lash you once more?"

Gu Jin Nian's disgust for Kong Zhen reached the extreme.

There is no other reason.

This matter has nothing to do with him; after arriving at the White Heron Residence, I intended to investigate covertly and not stir up trouble.

But Kong Zhen insisted on stepping forward, staring at me, and secretly backing Xu Ping.

Using a pretext to disgust me.

Such a person is even more hateful.

Although the two families bear a grudge, using such means to disgust me, Gu Jin Nian will retaliate with another method of disgust.

Hearing Gu Jin Nian's cold voice.

Kong Zhen was not afraid; instead, he roared.

"Then kill me."

"I, the old man, am right before you; what use is the lash?"

"If you have the ability, kill the old man."

"I want to see how strong the Grand Duke's grandson truly is—whether he can kill at will."

"I am the Great Scholar of the Kong family; do you dare?"

Kong Zhen spoke almost hysterically.

His gaze held anger, but even more, fearlessness.

He simply didn't believe Gu Jin Nian would truly dare to kill him.

"Bring the men."

Hearing the other's shouting, Gu Jin Nian did not nag.

"Your servant is here."

Wang Peng spoke again, but his heart was still a bit nervous.

"Kill a Great Scholar? Or the Kong family's Great Scholar."

"Isn't that a bit exaggerated?"

But military orders are like mountains; if Gu Jin Nian truly lets him kill Kong Zhen, he truly has no objection.

"Bind Kong Zhen in the city gate, seal his mouth; every half hour, give me a lash, and without my order, no one may release him."

"Also, beside him, inscribe the characters 'Kong Dog'."

The voice rang out, allowing Wang Peng to relax slightly.

As long as it's not killing a Great Scholar, everything else is fine.

But once that was said, Kong Zhen's complexion turned exceedingly ugly.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"You might as well kill me outright."

"If you have the ability, kill me directly."

Kong Zhen roared in anger.

They bound him at the city gate and, every half‑hour, flogged him with a whip—to humiliate him, to ruin his reputation.

It was a humiliation of the highest order.

Especially the term "Kong Dog," which he could not bear.

It was sheer humiliation, a humiliation of the greatest magnitude.

Only Gu Jin Nian ignored him, and Wang Peng immediately covered his mouth with a cloth.

Fearing that he might truly anger Gu Jin Nian and bring about a death sentence.

"Prince Heir."

"Investigate the case as the priority."

At that moment, Su Huaiyu whispered into Gu Jin Nian's ear.

Now the Qi has also been released.

The most important matter remains the investigation.

"Understood."

Hearing Su Huaiyu speak, Gu Jin Nian nodded.

"Su brother, lead five thousand elite troops to Pingyang County to investigate the Zhang Ming case; summon all persons involved to White Heron Mansion."

"Including Zhang Ming's neighbors or relatives, summon them all and provide a silver stipend."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He ordered Su Huaiyu to investigate the case and bring the people.

He then looked toward the Yaochi Fairy and said,

"Yaochi Fairy, lead a thousand men to Jinping Silk Brocade Manor to investigate Brother Wang's whereabouts."

"Yunrou Fairy, you lead a thousand men to Qingyuan Temple and see if anything is amiss."

Gu Jin Nian spoke again.

More manpower is needed for the expedition to Pingyang County.

Investigating Wang Fugui's whereabouts requires only a thousand men; after all, the overall situation is already under control, and we need not fear the opponent's tricks.

As for Qingyuan Temple, first, it was mentioned in the letter from Wang Fugui.

Second, through gold‑purchased intelligence, the ancient tree's information also pointed to Qingyuan Temple.

There are some issues with Qingyuan Temple.

And when Qingyuan Temple is mentioned,

the half‑dead Xu Ping's resentful gaze involuntarily flashed a hint of panic.

Only no one noticed.

The three said nothing and led their men away directly.

"Uncle Jin Nian, what should I do?"

Seeing the three occupied, Li Ji grew curious and asked Gu Jin Nian what he should do.

"Follow me and handle the case."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, then looked at the officials of White Heron Mansion and said directly,

"Detain them and bring them to the prefectural office."

"Wang Peng, have the soldiers beat drums and gongs throughout the city, proclaim that the court has sent an imperial envoy, and gather the populace in the prefectural office to settle grievances."

Gu Jin Nian ordered.

Deploying a hundred‑thousand‑strong army, Gu Jin Nian was gambling—betting that White Heron Mansion harbored a world‑shaking case, and that the Zhang Ming case concealed an even greater one.

If the gamble is right, merits and demerits will cancel, and he will remain unharmed.

But if he loses, he will truly be in dire trouble.

Fortunately, Li Ji was with him, so he was not alone.

"The junior officer obeys."

Wang Peng did not chatter and directly ordered the soldiers to spread the word.

Meanwhile, the officials were forcibly detained in the prefectural office.

"Xu Jin."

"You, accompany Tai Sun, and go to that woman's house to question the neighbors about how she went mad."

Gu Jin Nian said.

"Very well."

"Uncle Jin Nian, rest assured, we will complete the mission."

Hearing there was work to do, Li Ji became very excited.

He watched Li Ji leave.

Gu Jin Nian led his troops into the prefectural office.

The army immediately garrisoned around the prefectural office, maintaining order, while Gu Jin Nian entered and sat at the head seat.

Flanking him were lieutenants, exuding unmatched majesty.

As for the officials, each stood uneasily, unable to utter a single word for a long while.

Xu Ping also appeared silent.

Gu Jin Nian's move was something no one had anticipated.

He dispatched a hundred thousand troops.

That was truly crazy.

But what bothered him even more was why Wu Wang Zhi gave Gu Jin Nian a military token—did he have no brain? He simply didn't believe the emperor would hand the dragon token to Gu Jin Nian; even if the emperor dotes on Gu Jin Nian, it couldn't be like that. Moreover, the Ministry of War would never give the tiger token to Gu Jin Nian.

If a major case or any matter truly needed to be investigated, the court has so many capable officials—does it have to rely on Gu Jin Nian? But now, saying anything is of no use.

Gu Jin Nian holds military power and acts arrogantly; to put it bluntly, he really provoked Gu Jin Nian, and in a fit of rage, he cut off his own head.

Wouldn't that make him unlucky?

Looking back, the worst Gu Jin Nian could face is punishment; he is the grandson of the Lord of the State, the Gu Family's only male descendant for three generations.

Unless it's a coup or treason, whatever Gu Jin Nian does cannot lead to his execution.

And what am I? In Jiangling County I have some standing, I can be considered a high official, but in the Da Xia Dynasty, I'm merely a prefect whose death matters little.

To put it bluntly, if Gu Jin Nian kills an ordinary commoner, the controversy it sparks would far exceed that of killing himself.

Therefore, he dares not speak, nor does he wish to speak.

About less than the time it takes for a single incense stick to burn.

Outside the prefectural office.

One after another, many commoners appeared.

These commoners only stood outside the office, unwilling to enter, watching Gu Jin Nian from a distance and surveying the scene inside.

Seeing this, Gu Jin Nian spoke outright.

"Send a message outward."

"Those who are wronged may directly enter the office to seek redress; the Imperial Envoy will grant them justice."

Gu Jin Nian said.

He ordered someone to go outside and spread the word.

Immediately, a soldier hurried out to convey Gu Jin Nian's words.

In an instant, someone entered.

A man and a woman, a married couple.

After entering, they fell with a splash, knelt down, and then looked at Gu Jin Nian, crying loudly.

"Imperial Envoy, we earnestly beg you to show compassion and look for our daughter."

Crying rose.

The two seemed flustered, as if they wanted to speak, but after entering the office they immediately knelt and shouted their grievances while crying.

Missing?

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but frown.

Another missing-person case?

Before Gu Jin Nian could speak, figures kept appearing, realizing that the Imperial Envoy was present.

The commoners surged in almost as a crowd; thirty to forty of them entered, and after stepping into the office they immediately knelt, each wailing loudly, and the matters they described were almost identical.

"We earnestly request you, sir, to dispatch troops to find our granddaughter."

"Sir, my daughter has been missing for over a month; the government has filed a case for this long and still has no clue. If we don't spend money, they won't act."

"Please, sir, find my daughter, she..."

Various cries rose at that moment.

The entire office instantly became noisy.

But the officials each bowed their heads, seeming unable to face it.

Seeing this scene.

Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but knit his brows.

Child disappearance cases occur daily throughout the Da Xia Dynasty, after all, trafficking is cheap.

This is also a very normal occurrence.

But for a single White Heron Prefecture to have so many child disappearances at once seems unreasonable, and most are girls; only a few claim the missing ones are boys.

"Silence."

Gu Jin Nian knocked on the wooden gong.

After the office quieted down,

he turned his gaze toward Xu Ping and the others.

"Since the start of this year, how many child disappearance cases have occurred in White Heron Prefecture?"

Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth, questioning Xu Ping.

A voice sounded.

Xu Ping did not answer; instead, he looked at another official, a prefectural officer equivalent to the Ministry of Justice's chief in White Heron Prefecture.

Feeling Gu Jin Nian and Xu Ping's gazes, the latter swallowed and slowly spoke.

"Twelve cases have been filed."

He spoke, and after saying that, lowered his head, unable to speak further.

Bang.

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian slammed the table, his eyes filled with anger.

"Twelve cases filed?"

"Are you treating the heir apparent like a fool?"

"Just the people filing reports here already far exceed twelve."

"Exactly how many?"

Gu Jin Nian roared.

He vaguely sensed that the White Heron Mansion concealed a case of colossal magnitude, certainly not a minor case.

The involvement is huge.

"Lord Crown Prince, there are only twelve cases filed; as for the others, I truly do not know."

"I, too, merely act according to the rules."

The latter, with a mournful face, looked at Gu Jin Nian and said thus.

"Rules?"

"What exactly are these rules?"

"The common folk gather here, crying out in endless suffering; their children have vanished, yet you do not file a case and instead discuss the word 'rules' with the Crown Prince?"

"Do the rules of your White Heron Mansion outrank Da Xia law?"

"Finally, the Crown Prince asks you: within the White Heron Mansion, how many children have been lost?"

Gu Jin Nian asked sharply.

Flames seemed ready to burst from his eyes.

When those words were spoken, the latter still stammered and could not utter a single sentence for a long while.

He watched the other speak hesitantly.

Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath, truly impressed.

At this point, and the mouth is still so stubborn?

"Come."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his gaze icy.

"The subordinate general is here."

At once, the assorted generals all spoke together, their voices resonant.

"Drag this person down, behead him for the public, then inform all the people of the White Heron Mansion."

"If any children are missing, promptly go to the mansion office to file a case, tell the people that the court is aware, and that an imperial envoy has been sent to avenge the people."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he had no time for idle words and directly beheaded the man for the public.

"Lord, lord, lord, spare me, lord, spare me, this matter has nothing to do with me."

"Please, lord, spare me."

At the sound of the beheading, the latter panicked, immediately began crying out for his father and mother, kneeling on the ground and begging Gu Jin Nian for mercy.

"His Highness Crown Prince."

"This must never happen."

"You mobilized troops to come, intending to investigate; I, the old man, have yielded."

"The old man knows that His Highness Crown Prince grew angry because we delayed our work in recent days."

"We have already recognized our mistake, but regardless, we still ask His Highness Crown Prince to spare lives under the blade."

"Killing a court-appointed official is a grave sin; even if the Crown Prince does not consider himself, he must consider the Duke."

"Now on the court, the ministers are in a chaotic dispute over the expedition; the Duke's mind is unsettled, and if the Crown Prince acts rashly, the Duke will be even more distressed."

"Please, His Highness Crown Prince, think thrice."

Xu Ping spoke, also deeply moved.

Gu Jin Nian wanted to fight and cause trouble; they could not help it, taking a few blows was no issue.

But killing is different.

If anyone defies Gu Jin Nian and is killed for confronting him, they deserve it; one cannot live after self‑inflicted sin.

But killing because of official duty is different.

Once this terrifying might is established.

Then all officials will be filled with dread.

Seeking death and being killed are two different concepts.

He will not allow it.

"Shut your mouth, Crown Prince."

"If you dare to babble again, I'll kill you as well."

"You don't think the Crown Prince is afraid, do you?"

"The Crown Prince dares to dispatch a hundred‑thousand‑strong army; even if he annihilates all of you, he remains unafraid."

"Drag him down."

Gu Jin Nian doesn't play by any script; if he kills you, he kills you, without any needless chatter.

"Not convinced?"

"If you're not convinced, also dispatch a hundred‑thousand army."

"Let's see who can beat whom?"

When those words were spoken, everyone's face turned extremely grim.

The latter was outright terrified; when the soldiers arrived and dragged him away, he was utterly frightened.

"His Highness Crown Prince, I speak, I speak."

He cried out, completely no longer daring to hide.

"Speaking now, it's too late."

"Kill."

Gu Jin Nian threw out the order.

What could a criminal clerk possibly know? He now intends to kill a chicken to warn the monkey, to let these people know he asks only once; anyone who dares to play tricks on him will die.

Sure enough.

When Gu Jin Nian said this, each of the officials showed a look of panic in their eyes, and their bodies couldn't help but tremble.

Gu Jin Nian is too fierce.

His aura of killing is too heavy.

As for these subordinate generals, they remained silent, only surprise in their hearts.

I had thought Gu Jin Nian, being Da Xia's top aristocrat, would be a typical rich young master, but I didn't expect his killing to be so decisive.

No wonder he's the Grand Duke's grandson; truly a dragon begets a dragon, a phoenix begets a phoenix.

The Grand Duke's grandson is simply different.

The person was dragged down.

Without any mercy.

And the common folk kneeling inside the office each looked immensely excited.

Although they didn't know who Gu Jin Nian was, seeing his decisive killing made them feel as if hope had appeared.

At that moment they all shouted Gu Jin Nian to the heavens.

Facing the people's shouts, Gu Jin Nian showed no joy, but his face was solemn as he spoke.

"Elders and fellow villagers, rest assured, today this Crown Prince will investigate thoroughly to the end; please all be at ease."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his seriousness extreme.

This case is certainly not as simple as it appears; he will investigate to the very end.

Upon hearing Gu Jin Nian's reply, the people grew even more excited.

It seemed hope was right before their eyes.

"Lord Xu."

"Crown Prince, I ask again: how many missing cases are there exactly!"

The next moment, Gu Jin Nian turned his gaze toward the other side.

Xu Ping dared not speak.

He cast his gaze again at another official.

Because he truly did not know how many.

Being stared at by Xu Ping, the latter could not help but curse inwardly, but this time he dared not be verbose.

"Reply, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"From start to finish, roughly three hundred and something cases, but only twelve have been formally recorded."

A voice sounded.

Gu Jin Nian was stunned on the spot.

Over three hundred cases?

Is this a joke?

More than three hundred missing children with no trace at all? If you said thirty or so per year, that would be reasonable, since child disappearances were fairly common in ancient times.

But a year with over three hundred missing children is unreasonable, right?

And they are all children.

If you claim there are no ghosts involved, who would believe it?

"Sir, please do not be deceived by these corrupt officials; it is certainly more than three hundred."

"From top to bottom within the office, at least five hundred children have vanished, and that's only what we know; the rest is unknown."

"Sir, we commoners unanimously suspect that the White Egret Residence has been infiltrated by mountain bandits who lure children, and that it must be linked with these officials, selling the children to the border as slave labor."

"A Da Xia slave is worth five hundred taels of silver in the Xiongnu State; a girl fetches three thousand taels, and a particularly fair‑looking one exceeds five thousand taels."

"Please, sir, see clearly." An elderly man knelt shakily on the ground, directly exposing the other's lie, and said so.

"Five hundred?"

Gu Jin Nian's eyes instantly flashed with murderous intent.

Three hundred was already shocking.

Five hundred? If this reached the capital, it would shock the court.

A White Egret Residence has a total population of only about a million, with newborns accounting for at most fifteen percent.

That means out of ten thousand children, five hundred went missing?

Missing and premature death are two different matters.

Five hundred missing children would cause panic throughout Jiangling County, yet the court has not heard any rumor.

Impressive.

Impressive indeed.

"Xu Ping."

"You have such a huge nerve."

"In the office you govern, over five hundred have disappeared, all children, and you dare not report it to the court; you truly have become fed up with life."

Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth, looked at Xu Ping, and said coldly.

At these words, the latter immediately replied.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, this matter is not as simple as you think."

"These over five hundred people have been disappearing intermittently over about a year; I have been constantly monitoring, dispatching patrols for night watch, and even searching for the missing children."

"Not reporting is not about concealment; it's to find some clue before reporting to the court. The dossier has already been filed and can be submitted at any time. His Highness the Crown Prince, may you review it?"

Xu Ping spoke.

It was obvious that he was shirking responsibility.

"I won't look."

"What is the point of having a backup dossier?"

"You are quite formidable."

Gu Jin Nian stared coldly at the other party, then turned to Wang Peng and said.

"Wang Peng, have these common people record the time and place the children went missing; appoint three detachment commanders, dispatch twenty thousand troops, and have me search for the children's whereabouts around White Heron Mansion."

"Dig three chi into the ground; leave no place unchecked."

"If any issue is discovered, investigate it immediately; if anyone dares to obstruct, they may be slain without question—execute first, report later, no need to file a report."

Gu Jin Nian erupted in anger.

It was not because of Xu Ping and the others' inaction.

It was the disappearance of over five hundred children; if they can be recovered, everything is permissible.

But if they are sold to the Xiongnu Nation, that would be a real trouble.

The Xiongnu Nation, the Fuyu Dynasty, and the Great Jin Dynasty have in recent years indeed liked buying Da Xia slaves.

Especially Da Xia women, because of their water spirits, are favored by the nobles of the Xiongnu Nation, the Fuyu Dynasty, and the Great Jin Dynasty, who purchase them as slaves.

Once taken away, life becomes worse than death.

Men fare even worse; as children they are slaves, and when grown they are sent straight to black kilns or mines, and after being drained of everything, they may even be captured for drug testing.

Such matters have been suppressed by the Da Xia Dynasty's court in recent years, and the Ministry of Rites has been continuously negotiating.

Yet the bans are repeatedly ineffective.

After all, the profit is huge: a boy under ten sells for one hundred to five hundred taels of silver, while a girl starts at two thousand taels.

Within Da Xia, the crackdown on human traffickers is severe but not very effective.

Profit drives many shady industries.

It's terrifying.

And also horrifying.

"Understood."

Wang Peng spoke; upon hearing the matter, a fire roiled inside him, and he immediately appointed three detachment commanders and issued a death order, demanding a thorough investigation.

Dig three chi, and we must retrieve them, retrieve Da Xia's children.

"That's that."

Time passed bit by bit.

More and more common people arrived, and Wang Peng was to tally them.

About two hours later.

Wang Peng approached with a grim expression.

"His Highness the Crown Prince."

"The preliminary tally is complete for now; up to this point, the missing children total 1,257 cases."

Wang Peng spoke.

He explained the reason for his grim demeanor.

In an instant, the hall erupted in uproar; even these battle‑hardened soldiers were utterly shocked at that moment.

1,257 children vanished? That's absurd, and this is only White Heron Mansion.

Jiangling Commandery has more than just this one mansion city.

At that moment, everyone realized this was a major case.

A case large enough to shock the imperial court.

Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but tremble.

He looked at Xu Ping and the others.

He truly couldn't utter a single word.

To be honest, if his earlier disgust toward them was because they had been causing him trouble and disgusted him,

now Gu Jin Nian's hatred runs deep to the bone.

"Are you truly unafraid of implicating even nine families?"

At this very moment.

Gu Jin Nian spoke in a voice that was almost a roar.

He gazed at the officials.

He wished he could execute their entire nine families right now.

From the initial twelve, to three hundred, to five hundred, and now over 1,200 as of now.

Although fewer commoners are reporting now, people keep coming in, meaning the final number could reach as high as 1,500.

So many have vanished, yet they still dare to conceal it.

Logically, the military camp should take over, conduct a thorough investigation, set aside whose fault it is, and the key is to find the children.

"You deserve death!"

"Damn it!"

"Damn it!"

Gu Jin Nian pointed at the noses of this group and roared in anger.

Child.

They are Da Xia's future, Da Xia's hope, Da Xia's foundation, the bedrock of a nation; if someone strikes at them, that would destroy Da Xia's foundation.

Listening to Gu Jin Nian's roar.

The officials glanced at me, I glanced at them, heads lowered, unable to speak.

Some officials, having not expected so many disappearances, turned ashen.

They knew clearly that whatever punishment Gu Jin Nian faced, they would be doomed too; even execution might not be enough, they could be implicated along with nine families.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, please forgive me; I was momentarily confused, momentarily confused."

"Please, Your Highness the Crown Prince, forgive me; I will now send someone to investigate thoroughly and give an explanation."

"I beg Your Highness the Crown Prince for mercy."

At that moment, the officials could no longer sit still; they knelt on the ground, suppressing the pain from the recent beating, and kowtowed, begging for mercy.

They panicked.

They were utterly panicked.

As for Xu Ping, he remained calm, standing aside, his thoughts unreadable.

And then, at that moment.

A figure hurried forward.

It was Li Ji.

His complexion was also grim.

Seeing Li Ji's heavy expression, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but frown.

He knew more bad news had arrived.

"How was the inquiry?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"Uncle Jin Nian."

"The question has been clarified."

"That woman, after the commotion at the banquet…"

"…was indeed sent back."

Li Ji spoke, his words heavy.

"It was only two days later."

"Someone delivered a package to her home."

"After she opened it, she went mad."

Li Ji took a deep breath, tears seeming in his eyes.

"What was it?"

Gu Jin Nian clenched his fist, vaguely guessing what it was.

"Her daughter's two hands."

"And her two eyes, two ears."

Li Ji's voice trembled.

In an instant.

Silence.

Silence.

A deathly silence.

Gu Jin Nian was stunned.

He stood up, his whole body stiffening.

A woman.

She bore her daughter in October, then raised her through hardship.

Day by day she watched her daughter grow.

Though life was poor and austere, there were moments of warmth in the ordinary life.

But one day, her daughter vanished.

She went to the magistrate's office, weeping and pleading.

She searched everywhere.

After many fruitless days of desperate searching, she tried every means, even daring to crash a powerful person's banquet, willing to bear punishment, refusing to give up that sliver of hope.

Yet she never imagined.

After a few days, she saw her daughter's hands, eyes, ears.

How cruel could that be?

How terrifying could it be? Ordinary people cannot bear it, let alone a mother; how could it not drive one mad?

Inside the Great Hall.

Unparalleled quiet.

After Li Ji finished speaking, he could not hold back his tears.

As a Grandson enjoying wealth and honor, he had heard of common people's suffering, but never of such suffering.

"Xu Ping, I will curse your ancestors for eighteen generations."

At this moment.

Li Ji let out a loud roar, clenched his fists, charged at Xu Ping, aimed at Xu Ping's face, and hammered him hard.

He was originally very excited; Gu Jin Nian had assigned him a task.

He investigated earnestly.

But after the investigation, his heart was in unbearable pain; had this matter been only hearsay, he would have felt sorrow.

Yet this matter also counted as something he was involved in.

A few days earlier, he had personally seen a woman come seeking help, but he never expected that two days later such a human tragedy would occur.

How could he not be angry? His fist struck down, Xu Ping let out a wail, yet no one around tried to intervene, nor dared to.

Li Ji was truly enraged.

A few punches later, blood spurted instantly.

But what of that? Even if he killed Xu Ping, could it restore the girl's life?

Hatred.

An indescribable emotion spread throughout Gu Jin Nian's chest.

"Wang Peng."

"Recruit another twenty thousand soldiers and investigate for me."

"Send ten thousand to the surrounding prefectural cities to ask the populace whether any children have gone missing."

"Add another ten thousand and intensify the search; I will dig three feet into the ground to find those children."

"Investigate thoroughly and leave nothing unclear."

"I don't care about the process, only the result."

"And also."

"Transport all the main officials of Jiangling County to the White Heron Mansion."

"It's a transport."

"Understood?"

Gu Jin Nian was truly angry.

Originally, he didn't want to make a big fuss; resolving it at White Heron Mansion would have sufficed.

But now he realized this matter far exceeded his expectations.

He intends to wipe out all Jiangling County officials; anyone involved will have their entire family killed.

No more idle talk.

Over a thousand children missing, concealed and unreported, is a grave crime.

Now, with such shocking events, this is a capital offense.

Even the trafficking of children Gu Jin Nian could tolerate, after all he could find a way to bring them back.

But such methods are simply inhuman.

"Understood."

Wang Peng inhaled deeply; he was also stunned.

But before he could set off, Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out again.

"Dispatch another two hundred cavalry to rush to Shan Kui Military Camp, inform Wu Wang Zhi, and send me an additional hundred thousand troops."

"Tell him, if he doesn't send an extra hundred thousand troops, I'll wipe out all Jiangling County officials; when I go berserk, even His Majesty can't stop me."

"I'm saying it!"

Gu Jin Nian lifted his head; in his eyes burned murderous intent, a terrifying, unparalleled killing aura,

It wasn't directed at Wu Wang Zhi, but at these beasts.

He was truly on the brink of collapse.

He was truly about to go mad.

If Wu Wang Zhi doesn't send men, he guarantees to cause a world‑shaking incident.

To hell with the rules.

To hell with the law.

If trouble arises, Gu Jin Nian will bear it alone; even death he won't shy away from.

Hearing this, Wang Peng couldn't help but swallow a mouthful of saliva.

He could see that Gu Jin Nian was truly gone mad.

Send another hundred thousand troops?

General Wang would certainly refuse.

But he knew even more that Gu Jin Nian would definitely keep his word.

"Understood."

Wang Peng said no more, immediately led two hundred cavalry to the Shan Kui Military Camp.

He dared not delay a moment.

"Xu Ping."

In the next instant, Gu Jin Nian rose, pushed Li Ji aside, and seized the blood‑splattered Xu Ping.

"I will give you a promise right now."

"Tell me everything that happened."

"I can make your death less painful."

"That woman just saw me, and two days later she saw her daughter's mangled corpse."

"It must be you pulling strings in the shadows."

Come clean now.

I can guarantee you'll die with your body intact, making your end a little less painful.

Otherwise, I'll make you wish you were dead.

Gu Jin Nian roared in anger.

Saliva splattered onto his face.

But facing Gu Jin Nian's roar,

Xu Ping shook his head slightly, his gaze unfocused, yet deep down a hint of mockery remained as he stared straight at Gu Jin Nian.

I, the lower official, don't know.

Moreover, this is something the Heir Apparent could never uncover.

It's obvious.

He has immense confidence.

And he surely has great reservations, so he dare not speak, not even to the point of death.

Good.

This is your choice.

Gu Jin Nian struck, sending a stream of true qi into his body.

He couldn't move, let alone bite his tongue to kill himself.

Gu Jin Nian let him know what cruelty meant.

Li Ji.

You will lead two thousand iron cavalry.

Rush to the capital.

Report this to His Majesty.

Also inform my grandfather and Mr. Wen Jing.

Within a day, let this spread throughout the capital, understand?

Gu Jin Nian grabbed Li Ji, then lowered his voice, urging him to hurry back to the capital to deliver the message.

Xu Ping fears no death; surely he has a powerful backer, and with that hundred‑thousand‑strong army, we likely cannot turn the tide.

He must have Li Ji make a trip to the capital.

Let His Majesty know about this.

Otherwise, we're likely to run into trouble again.

Good.

Li Ji, having regained his composure, nodded quickly, said no more, and led his men away.

Thus.

Inside the government office.

Gu Jin Nian drew a deep breath, trying to calm himself.

Boom—

Thunder crashed across the heavens.

As if foreshadowing a terrifying crisis.

Soon.

The army departed from the outskirts of White Egret Prefecture, searching for children and heading to other prefectures to gather information.

Li Ji led two thousand elite troops racing to the capital.

Wang Peng led two hundred men rushing to Mountain Kui Camp.

Xu Jin, meanwhile, took three thousand elite troops toward Jiangling Prefecture to make arrests.

All sides moved in concert.

Thus.

Half a day passed, and it was already late at night.

Wang Peng arrived at the camp.

Report!

I, the General, by order of the Heir Apparent, request an additional hundred‑thousand troops as reinforcement.

Wang Peng entered the camp, spoke directly, and bowed to Prince Wu Zhi.

Inside the camp, seven or eight people sat upright, discussing military matters.

Upon hearing this, everyone present frowned at once.

Send another hundred thousand?

Your Highness the Heir Apparent sure talks big—do you really think the camp is your personal estate?

Tell him it's impossible; sending another hundred thousand? We've already sent a hundred thousand as a favor to the Heir Apparent—what more do you want?

If we send another hundred thousand, any crisis in Jiangling Commandery could not be contained—it's impossible.

Hu Lai, this is sheer nonsense; even if the Duke of the State's Guardian came in person, we couldn't mobilize so many troops without the tiger or dragon tallies—giving us a hundred thousand troops is already enough; why add another hundred thousand?

For a moment, various voices rose in the camp.

All the generals refused.

Earlier we heard that Gu Jin Nian had dispatched a hundred thousand officers, and they were already dissatisfied, but after all, it was the Wu Commander‑in‑Chief who had agreed.

They also found it hard to object.

Now adding another hundred thousand? This isn't a joke, is it?

In the military camp, Wu Wangzhi's face was also ice-cold.

Go tell the Crown Prince, giving him 100,000 troops is already giving him face.

Adding another 100,000 is simply impossible.

Wu Wangzhi's expression was not looking good.

Even mobilizing 100,000 troops for him requires reporting to the court; Gu Jin Nian acting like this, he has already given him plenty of face.

Still want to add more? Do you really think you're the number one person under heaven? Even if the Crown Prince came, it would be useless.

Hearing these remarks, Wang Peng also felt somewhat uneasy, but he continued to speak.

General.

A major case has occurred in Bai Lu Prefecture: over 1,200 children have disappeared successively this year, involving great implications.

The officials of Bai Lu Prefecture cover up for one another, deceiving superiors and hiding from subordinates; that is why the Crown Prince would add another 100,000 troops.

Wang Peng spoke up.

As his words fell, the entire camp fell silent instantly.

Over 1,200 children have disappeared?

What are you saying again? How could this be possible?

With so many children disappearing, hasn't the Prefect of Bai Lu Prefecture reported to the court? Who did you hear this from?

This is impossible? Has Xu Ping lost his desire to live?

At this moment, even these commanders could not sit still.

Over a thousand people have disappeared, and they are all children? This isn't just a disappearance; it will shock the court and the populace.

It is absolutely true; the commoners came to file a report, and I, the subordinate, personally filed the case—there is no falsehood.

Wang Peng spoke up; he himself could not believe it, but the facts are exactly so.

Thus, the camp fell completely silent.

Wu Wangzhi also furrowed his brows tightly.

After pondering for a moment, he then slowly spoke.

Even so, we cannot dispatch an additional 100,000 troops.

However, we can send an additional 3,000 personnel to assist in the search.

This was Wu Wangzhi's reply.

Adding another 100,000 is simply impossible.

Having said this, Wang Peng had nothing more to say; he could only grit his teeth and speak.

General.

The Crown Prince said.

If you do not agree, he will kill all officials of Jiangling Commandery, guilty or innocent alike.

When Wang Peng spoke, he dared not raise his head, but these are Gu Jin Nian's original words, and he must speak them out.

Hiss.

In an instant, everyone in the camp sucked in a breath of cold air.

Kill all officials of Jiangling Commandery?

What is this supposed to be? Trying to overturn the heavens? If Gu Jin Nian really does this, the Da Xia Dynasty will suffer a massive upheaval.

How many people would be involved? If we count the families of these officials, at least five.

If Gu Jin Nian does this, everyone present will have no good outcome, especially Wu Wangzhi; regardless of whether this matter is related to him, he is finished and can go home to prepare his afterlife.

Yes.

Wu Wangzhi's face turned very grim.

Extremely grim.

He never expected Gu Jin Nian to be this ruthless, using this tactic to force him.

I want to see whether he dares to kill.

He's truly gone mad.

Wu Wangzhi stood up, clenching his fists tightly.

He yields to softness but not to hardness.

General.

The Crown Prince definitely dares.

From the Crown Prince's eyes, I have seen a terrifying killing intent.

Moreover, there is a woman whose daughter went missing; she sought redress from the Crown Prince, but two days later someone sent her daughter's mutilated remains to him.

The Crown Prince has already gone mad.

I can guarantee with my life that if troops are not dispatched...

The Crown Prince really dares to slaughter all officials.

Wang Peng raised his head, his eyes firm.

He believes Gu Jin Nian dares to do this.

He can see the look of a madman.

Just looking at Gu Jin Nian's gaze back then made him afraid.

Therefore he fully believes.

Upon saying this.

The camp fell completely into dead silence.

Wu Wang Zhi also fell silent.

What he just said were angry words.

He didn't dare to bet.

Damn it!

Send troops, send troops.

You go back and tell Gu Jin Nian.

He will bear all responsibilities.

Furthermore, without evidence, officials must not be killed indiscriminately.

Crazy, crazy, truly crazy.

Wu Wang Zhi could no longer contain his anger.

But he could only compromise.

What if he doesn't compromise? Gu Jin Nian, when he goes mad, will even die himself.

He now deeply regrets.

He regrets having listened to Gu Jin Nian's words.

Why hold back?

Now, something major is really going to happen.

The junior general obeys the order.

Wang Peng didn't waste words, took the military tally again, left the military camp directly, and went to mobilize troops.

He knew.

The Da Xia Dynasty is about to face an unprecedented turmoil.

During the Yongsheng era.

After the Jiande difficulty, it is the greatest turmoil.

It is even very possible that there is nothing else like it!

Gu Jin Nian.

Really, one must not provoke him.

(End of chapter)