Chapter 109: Prince Qilin Arrives

White Heron Prefecture.

Prefectural office.

Changfei General and the others knelt on the ground, announcing Gu Jin Nian's victory.

Zhou He and the others remained utterly silent.

They knew that Gu Jin Nian was so reckless and arbitrary.

It was only because Gu Jin Nian's status was too high that they could not win.

Only when the Prince Qilin arrives can he suppress Gu Jin Nian; no one else can do it.

The Prince Qilin is a prince of a different surname, a prince; in status and courage, he is not comparable to Gu Jin Nian.

The reason everyone cannot suppress Gu Jin Nian is simply because his status is too high.

Besides that, there is no other reason.

At this moment, Zhou He very much hopes that the Prince Qilin will come quickly.

As soon as the Prince Qilin arrives, everything can be discussed.

And in the hall,

Looking at the kneeling Changfei General and others, Gu Jin Nian's eyes showed no pity.

These people are arrogant soldiers.

In their eyes there is not a shred of reverence; apart from the Prince Qilin, they look down on anyone.

In the Da Xia Dynasty, feudal princes have always been a source of chaos, only because the Emperor Yongsheng is still alive and, moreover, the Emperor Jian De previously forcibly reduced the fiefdoms, causing these feudal princes to become considerably weakened.

Otherwise, the feudal princes would have long caused trouble.

After the kowtowing, Gu Jin Nian waved his hand, and Changfei General and the others immediately rose to their feet, standing to one side without a word.

Just then, a voice sounded.

"Your Highness, the Heir Apparent."

"You have already fought."

"You have already caused a disturbance."

"What exactly do you want as an outcome? Just say it straight."

"Why keep dragging this out here?"

It was Zhou He's voice.

At this point, whatever is said is useless; it would be better to just follow Gu Jin Nian's meaning and proceed.

What is your purpose in coming here? To investigate the case, right? Then investigate the case.

Why keep delaying here?

Hearing Zhou He speak, Gu Jin Nian also understood that this commotion was meaningless; what needs to be done now is to investigate the case.

Although I know this in my heart, there is no need for Zhou He to remind me.

He glanced at Zhou He.

Gu Jin Nian directly threw the documents on the table to Zhou He, speaking calmly.

"Alright."

"Then this Heir Apparent will investigate the case."

"May I ask, Governor Zhou, in the past two years, Jiangling Commandery has lost five thousand children; what are your thoughts on this matter, Governor Zhou?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Since you want to investigate the case, Gu Jin Nian will investigate.

Upon hearing this, Zhou He was obviously much calmer than before.

"Your Highness, the Heir Apparent."

"This matter, I am not particularly informed; first, the lower officials are concealing and not reporting."

"Second, there are many affairs in Jiangling Commandery; documents pile up like mountains every day. Although I feel deeply guilty about the missing children, Your Highness may go to each commandery office to inquire."

"Many people report missing children each day, and often they are found three to five days later—either taken by relatives or having lost their way; the authorities will do their utmost to search."

"But just because someone reports a case, should the authorities do nothing and devote themselves entirely to searching for missing children?"

Zhou He spoke, first making excuses for himself, then offering a fallacious explanation.

"If it were only one or two such cases, this Heir Apparent would certainly not argue with you."

"But the problem is that five thousand people have disappeared, and this is as of now; if we wait another two or three days, the number will likely reach at least seven thousand."

"With so many children missing, it cannot be explained away by a casual remark about being busy with official duties."

"Furthermore, the lower officials are concealing things; what courage do they have to conceal? What is their purpose in concealing?"

"As the head of a commandery, if you cannot manage your subordinates, do you still have the face to say that?"

Gu Jin Nian coldly questioned.

Upon hearing these questions, Zhou He did not become angry but instead clasped his hands and said.

"Your Highness, the Heir Apparent, you are absolutely right."

"I am at fault, but since this has already happened, I am aware of it; I will immediately send people to conduct a strict investigation and will do my utmost to locate these missing children."

"Your Highness, the Heir Apparent, may I ask you to calm your anger?"

No one expected Zhou He's response to be this.

He was not angry, not resentful, nor did he argue with Gu Jin Nian; instead, he followed Gu Jin Nian's meaning and voluntarily admitted his mistake.

But this response is truly the best, after all it can leave Gu Jin Nian speechless.

After all, Zhou He's meaning is simple: I have admitted my mistake; what else can you say? 'Now let's conduct a strict investigation?'

"Governor Zhou, do you not think it is too late?"

Facing Zhou He's underhanded tactics, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but sneer.

"His Highness the Crown Prince."

"I, the official, admit my mistake; I will also report this matter to His Majesty. Whatever punishment His Majesty bestows upon me, I will not shirk."

"Dereliction is dereliction."

"But in my view, Your Highness the Crown Prince's words are nothing but a clash of pride; I still hope Your Highness can prioritize the greater good."

"Citizens, may I ask you: do you wish to see Your Highness the Crown Prince punish these lawbreakers, or to find your children?"

Zhou He spoke; he remained calm and composed, and his words were logical.

He again admitted his mistake, while shifting the focus entirely onto locating the children rather than assigning blame.

He even deliberately provoked public discussion.

Sure enough, once these words were spoken, the citizens couldn't help but speak up.

"Please, sir, find our children."

"We earnestly ask you, sir, to retrieve our children."

"If you can find our children, we care about nothing else; we beg you, sir."

In an instant, the citizens all began to speak.

This is, in fact, indirect pressure.

Zhou He's thinking is simple: he must not let Gu Jin Nian control the pace now; it must be his turn.

The lower officials conceal the matter, then look for scapegoats; for their own dereliction, at worst they are demoted a rank—what does it matter even if they are dismissed?

After all, Gu Jin Nian has already blown the matter wide open; it could even become a matter of losing one's head.

If Gu Jin Nian continues to cause such a ruckus, something disastrous will surely happen.

But if we proceed according to our own plan, we can not only keep our heads, but also cause Gu Jin Nian a huge loss.

Hearing the citizens' disputes, Gu Jin Nian immediately spoke up.

"Dear fellow villagers and elders, today I, the Crown Prince, have come to White Heron Residence to thoroughly investigate this matter."

"Please, fellow villagers and elders, trust this Crown Prince; I will give you an answer. The children will be found, and these negligent officials must be severely punished."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, aiming to soothe the citizens' emotions.

But before Gu Jin Nian could continue, Zhou He's voice rang out.

"Then, Your Highness the Crown Prince, please let us depart; we will immediately mobilize the authorities and commence a search operation."

"What is the point of keeping us here? One more person adds one more strength."

"Just idling here accomplishes nothing."

"Moreover, General Chang Fei brought a hundred thousand iron cavalry, didn't he? Your Highness the Crown Prince commands two hundred thousand troops; using that force to search, I believe it won't take long before everything is uncovered."

"Citizens, does what I say make sense?"

Zhou He continued speaking, forcibly cutting off Gu Jin Nian's preparation.

He now seeks to use the people's anxiety to prevent Gu Jin Nian from pursuing accountability step by step.

In fact, every wise person knows.

So many have disappeared—some two years ago, some a year, some half a year, even some just a month ago.

This place is only a few thousand li from the border.

If there truly exists a gang that traffics children, abducting over five thousand, even seven thousand, then this supply chain would be highly developed; a child lost in the morning could be in the Xiongnu lands by the next day.

That possibility is certainly not small.

Once sold to the border, trying to retrieve them is almost impossible.

As for those officials, why conceal? There must be something fishy; otherwise, normal child disappearances would just be reported one by one.

Even if a thousand are lost, reporting it merely gives you a charge of incompetence, and you get replaced.

Perhaps the superiors are unwilling, so they think to hide it, but when the number reaches two or three thousand, essentially no official dares to conceal it.

Report it, and be stripped of office.

If you don't report and get discovered, it's death.

Who would take such a huge risk? Are they out of their mind?

Even if the Lord of White Heron Residence were truly daring, that possibility can't be ruled out, but the question is, what about the subordinates?

Are they fools?

Although the higher‑ups don't handle it, if the lower people also ignore it, I report it, the superiors don't act, I can't do anything—still a co‑conspirator.

The Da Xia Dynasty has explicit laws: if a superior officer neglects an incident, one may directly bypass ranks and report to the Six Ministries.

If you don't report, the court deems you a co‑conspirator.

Thus the conclusion comes down to two points.

Either they also searched internally and found nothing.

Or these officials have serious hidden dealings, inevitably linked to certain people.

Forming a massive supply chain.

Therefore, Zhou He's words are entirely empty rhetoric.

Three hundred thousand iron cavalry go searching—how to search? Where to search? Are there any clues?

If you truly search based on clues, a month would yield nothing.

Now Zhou He wants to use this method to stall for time, since the court may still be unaware of what has happened here.

Prince Qi Lin may not have received the news yet.

If the court learns of Gu Jin Nian's actions, even if His Majesty wishes to favor Gu Jin Nian, it would be useless.

The Six Ministries would not agree.

Even the Duke of Zhen Guo cannot do anything.

Therefore, the Ministry of War will immediately strip Gu Jin Nian of his military authority, and it is very likely they will send Gu Jin Nian back to the capital to be punished; once Gu Jin Nian loses his military authority, everything becomes easy to handle.

A Gu Jin Nian without military authority is like a tiger without claws; they can handle him at will.

It simply means the court takes this case seriously and sends the Great Justice Court, the Ministry of Punishments, the Xuan Deng Office, or the Zhen Fu Office to personally interrogate.

Beyond that, there is no other possibility.

Gu Jin Nian knows they are stalling, trying to buy time.

"Yes, a force of three hundred thousand will surely find my daughter."

"Right, right, three hundred thousand troops will surely find our child; please, sir, save us."

"Sir, please save us."

Voices keep rising.

The common folk began to speak one after another; hearing about a three hundred thousand search, they instinctively thought it would surely work.

After all, three hundred thousand troops.

Is it still hard to find people? Jiang truly is seasoned.

If he agrees to Zhou He's proposal and releases a hundred thousand troops, once Prince Qi Lin arrives, his own leverage will be gone.

But if he refuses, the people's goodwill toward him will gradually wane; his current arrogance stems half from his status and half from popular support.

That move is formidable.

"Citizens, the Crown Prince has already dispatched people to search."

"Furthermore, you should first file a case; the Crown Prince will, based on the filing information, send people to expedite the search."

"So we don't end up clueless, right?"

Facing Zhou He's offensive, Gu Jin Nian can only counter move by move.

He finished speaking, and Zhou He was about to speak, but Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out, cutting off Zhou He's next words.

"Bring them in."

"Summon Zhang Ming's friends, relatives, and all officials of Pingyang County to the office."

Gu Jin Nian did not let Zhou He continue; instead, he turned the tables and launched a thorough investigation of the Zhang Ming case.

As soon as he said that, soldiers quickly stepped away to summon people over.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, isn't this somewhat improper?"

"What case are you actually investigating here? So many children are missing, why bring up other cases?"

Zhou He opened his mouth; having finally seized an opportunity, he naturally would not let it slip.

"Are you the one adjudicating the case here, or is it the Crown Prince?"

"Lord Zhou, why muddy the waters here?"

"You didn't come earlier to investigate the missing children case, yet when the Crown Prince handles it, you chatter here?"

Gu Jin Nian remained calm and asked directly.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, your words are a bit harsh; I am merely concerned about the whereabouts of these children."

"I was unaware before; now that I know, I can distinguish priorities clearly."

"What is the Zhang Ming case? I don't know, nor am I clear, but what I do know is that the Zhang Ming case is just a case; right now many citizens are waiting for a single word from the Crown Prince."

"Just one word from the Crown Prince, and the three hundred thousand troops can fully search for the missing children."

"In a single night, even if only thirty, twenty, or ten are found, it would be boundless merit."

"Zhou He spoke, as if he had struck Gu Jin Nian's sore spot, repeatedly urging to dispatch troops immediately, dispatch troops immediately."

Sure enough, as Zhou He spoke.

The other officials also responded in turn.

"Indeed, Crown Prince, you are devoted to the people; we have heard of this. Since you are devoted, why not send a large army to search? Is it that, holding military power, you want to show off? Or perhaps you wish to suppress us?"

"Crown Prince, we understand your point, but regardless, the people are paramount. Since you are aware of this matter, you should handle it; cases have no size, we must discern urgency, so we ask the Crown Prince to conduct a strict investigation."

"Please, Crown Prince, conduct a strict investigation."

In an instant, voices rose one after another, demanding Gu Jin Nian conduct a strict investigation.

It sounded as if each stood on a moral high ground; at that moment everyone turned into Great Scholars.

Those unaware might think these people are top‑notch officials.

"Crown Prince, if you need manpower, Prince Qi Lin's hundred thousand iron cavalry will respond immediately, searching for the missing children and giving the people justice."

At this moment, even a man beside General Chang Fei also spoke up.

Each was exceedingly enthusiastic.

They know that delaying Gu Jin Nian is the best method for now.

To put it bluntly, they do not know what case Gu Jin Nian intends to investigate, nor do they wish to know.

But being able to disgust Gu Jin Nian makes them happy; they consider it a vent.

Facing the sudden opposition from the crowd.

Gu Jin Nian's expression remained calm; he did not answer, but looked at the outside villagers and spoke with resolute voice.

"Ladies and gentlemen, elders of the villages."

"You have heard what they said, right?"

"Your Highness the Crown Prince is not a tyrant, but I do not heed what they say; I only ask one question."

"Do you trust them, or trust the Crown Prince?"

"If you villagers trust them, the Crown Prince will immediately dispatch three hundred thousand troops to search; but if there is no result, the Crown Prince cannot help you."

"If you villagers trust the Crown Prince, rest assured; within seven days, the Crown Prince will give you an answer."

The crowd's offensive certainly looks fierce, but so what? Gu Jin Nian now leaves this problem to the common people.

If the common folk still believe these people, then Gu Jin Nian has nothing to say.

But if these commoners believe in themselves, then the initiative remains in their hands, and Gu Jin Nian will not disappoint them.

For a moment, faced with this choice, the common people hesitated.

Most people still want to find their own children; naturally they hope Gu Jin Nian will dispatch three hundred thousand troops to search for their children.

But there are also sensible people who know these individuals harbor ill intentions.

"Folks, your children's whereabouts are still unknown; if we act promptly, they might not yet have been sold."

"Yes, fellow villagers, a search by the three-hundred-thousand-strong army will surely yield results; you must trust the Crown Prince, trust the soldiers of our Great Xia."

"If we miss this opportunity, there won't be a next time; three hundred thousand troops is no small force like a mere one or two thousand."

"The entire White Egret Prefecture has only a twenty-thousand garrison; three hundred thousand troops will certainly find your children."

The officials spoke up one after another, trying to persuade the common people to choose them.

But just then.

A voice rang out.

"Folks, don't be fooled; the officials of White Egret Prefecture are corrupt to the core."

"Over the past two years, how many times have we filed reports? Have they even cared?"

"They don't care about our lives or deaths, they conceal news, leaving us common folk in dire straits; now that a Crown Prince has finally come to redress our grievances, we must not trust them."

Someone spoke up—an old farmer holding his farming tools, originally intending to go till the fields, but drawn over by the commotion.

Although he had just been watching the spectacle, at the crucial moment he was the first to awaken.

As the old farmer spoke, another voice immediately rang out.

"Elders and villagers, I have heard of this Crown Prince; he once redressed the grievances of Jiangning Commandery's commoners, executed corrupt merchants, punished greedy officials—he is truly a great man. I believe he will certainly consider things from our commoners' perspective."

"The officials of White Egret Prefecture have blackened hearts; we cannot trust them—what have they been doing all these years?"

Another person spoke up, seemingly possessing some prestige; his words drew considerable response.

"Exactly, exactly, exactly—we must not lose our reason just because our children are missing; the officials of White Egret Prefecture are all corrupt, and we must wholeheartedly support the Crown Prince."

"Indeed, the Crown Prince has brought troops to back us commoners; these scoundrels will eventually be executed—don't believe them."

As the voices continued to sound.

Zhou He's expression shifted slightly; he hadn't expected the officials of White Egret Prefecture to be so lacking in popular support—after all, everything he said was meant to speak for these commoners, yet he hadn't anticipated this outcome.

"Folks, you may choose not to trust White Egret Prefecture, but you may choose to trust Jiangling Commandery."

"I am the Governor of Jiangling Commandery; I will not deceive you."

Zhou He spoke; White Egret Prefecture has utterly lost the people's hearts, he has little to say, and his only hope now is that these commoners will believe in him.

"Get lost, you den of snakes and rats—who doesn't know that?"

"Do you still trust Jiangling Commandery? This old man believes even ghosts wouldn't trust the people of Jiangling Commandery."

"Officials protect one another—who doesn't know that? We will trust the Crown Prince."

"That's right, we will trust the Crown Prince."

Accompanying these voices, they rang out.

Zhou He's face turned grim; for a moment he truly didn't know how to respond.

He could only glare hatefully at the officials of White Egret Prefecture.

Had they shown any initiative, things would not have come to this pass.

He received the commoners' reply.

Gu Jin Nian also let out a long sigh.

But he felt no relief, no joy—only a deeper chill.

The facts prove it.

How ineffectual are the officials of White Egret Prefecture? They know only how to exploit the common folk—they truly deserve death.

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian turned his gaze toward Zhou He.

"Governor Zhou, what else is there to say now?"

Gu Jin Nian inquired.

"Your Highness, I still believe the priority should be a search."

"The commoners merely feel resistance toward these officials; it is not voluntary."

Zhou He continued speaking, hoping for a search.

"Search your mother."

"Have I given you face, Your Highness?"

"Let me ask you this: out of respect for your position as Governor of Jiangling Commandery, I refrain from directly cursing you."

"Do you think I've given you face, you old immortal thing?"

"Why don't you just go die?"

"Still making noise here."

Hearing Zhou He persist, Gu Jin Nian could no longer tolerate it.

This matter need not consult Zhou He; frankly, even if the commoners demand a search, with military authority in Gu Jin Nian's hands, a pretense of searching while actually maintaining control is entirely feasible.

The reason for doing this is to let Zhou He see just how disappointed the commoners are with the officials of White Egret Prefecture.

It also puts the moral high ground on my side; after all, the court will eventually learn of what I have done, giving me a justification.

At least there is some discussion with Zhou He, so it is not wholly my dictatorship.

But I never expected that, after going through the motions, Zhou He actually felt afraid, here spouting nonsense and obstructing at every turn.

Gu Jin Nian couldn't take it anymore.

He just let loose.

After being blasted with anger, Zhou He's face looked a bit unpleasant.

"His Highness the Heir, I'm just making a suggestion; you've never held office, so you don't understand many things."

"Just a couple of suggestions, why does His Highness the Heir get so angry?"

Zhou He spoke; he wasn't angry.

"Damn your mother."

"Old bastard."

Gu Jin Nian returned to his seat and spoke again.

Nothing else, he just likes to scold people.

"His Highness the Heir, you're a scholar; speaking like that is disgraceful."

Zhou He took a deep breath; he was scheming, not wanting to shout insults at Gu Jin Nian here and lose face.

"Damn your mother."

"Someone like you doesn't deserve courteous treatment from the Heir."

"Do you want to act civil with your mother?"

Gu Jin Nian continued his insults, and the more he scolded, the uglier it got; he had not a shred of a scholar's demeanor.

Just like a spoiled young master.

But upon reflection, Gu Jin Nian really is just a playboy.

Not wrong at all.

"His Highness the Heir, I've always been polite to you, yet you repeatedly insult me."

"Now you've even insulted my mother; you've gone too far."

This time Zhou He really couldn't take it.

The previous two insults were tolerable, but now the more he scolds, the more excessive and unpleasant it gets; does this even resemble a scholar?

"What can you do even if I scold you?"

"You bunch of beasts; even if I killed you, what could you do?"

"Furthermore."

Gu Jin Nian spoke coldly.

He then stood up, pointed at Zhou He, and shouted loudly.

"If you dare to keep spouting nonsense here, do you believe the Heir will now torture you?"

"You old bastard, do you think the Heir is here to negotiate with you? The Heir is informing you."

"Listen up, everyone; in Bailu Prefecture, the Heir is supreme—if you disagree, speak up."

"Utter another ghostly wail, and I'll exterminate your nine clans."

Gu Jin Nian's voice was incredibly loud, using martial power, causing these officials' faces to flush red due to surging qi and blood, not from shame.

These people have hardly any sense of shame.

Indeed, this tactic instantly silenced them.

They really didn't dare to provoke further.

If provoked further, they feared Gu Jin Nian would lose his temper and torture them.

After everything fell silent.

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

"Summon the County Magistrate of Pingyang County."

Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath and stopped being long-winded.

The Zhang Ming case is indeed just a minor matter, but this case was handed to me by Su Wenjing; Mr. Wenjing selected this case, surely with his thoughts and intentions.

Now Su Huaiyu and company haven't brought back news, so Gu Jin Nian doesn't want to say much more.

We can only investigate from this case.

Soon.

The County Magistrate of Pingyang County appeared.

He was brought up in custody and immediately knelt on the ground.

"This humble official, Wang Yong, County Magistrate of Pingyang County, greets His Highness the Heir."

Wang Yong knelt on the ground, his expression somewhat flustered; he was merely a county magistrate, where had he ever seen such a scene? "Wang Yong."

"The Heir asks you."

"How did Zhang Ming die?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his voice calm.

Upon hearing this, Wang Yong dared not answer, instead lowering his head, somewhat flustered.

"Speak."

Gu Jin Nian shouted.

At that moment, Wang Yong stammered.

"Zhang Ming secretly entered the residence of Wang the assistant official at night, accidentally killed a servant, was detained by the government office, and the Ministry of Justice sentenced him to immediate execution."

Wang Yong said this with his head lowered.

"Accidentally killed a servant of the Wang family?"

"Why did he go to the Wang residence?"

Gu Jin Nian continued to ask.

"He replied to the Young Master: He, because of the county office's demolition of households, heard rumors from somewhere, thought the Wang family was secretly suppressing him, thus caused a disturbance in the government office and was imprisoned for three months."

"After being released from prison, his drunkenness gave him courage, he then sneaked into Assistant Wang's home and accidentally killed someone."

"This person is addicted to alcohol, lazy and fond of eating, moreover addicted to gambling as if it were life, eventually selling his wife and daughter, truly a thug."

Wang Yong gave an answer.

"The demolition of households?"

"Do you think this Young Master is a fool?"

"Zhang Ming's neighbors and friends have all written down their testimonies."

"Zhang Ming returned from discharge, and just a few days later discovered his wife and daughter had suddenly gone missing; he went to report to the officials, but the government office did not file a case."

"Afterward, Zhang Ming gradually began to drink; as for being addicted to gambling as if it were life, none of these people's testimonies ever mentioned Zhang Ming's gambling addiction—on the contrary, some of his fellow-official friends actively dragged him to the gambling house."

"Is this also called being addicted to gambling as if it were life?"

"As for the demolition of households, that is sheer nonsense; this is Zhang Ming's family deed, which has already been sold to the Wang family's Assistant for ten taels of silver."

"Zhang Ming's family has courtyards both front and back, plus twenty mu of good farmland; if calculated according to the demolition of households, they could at least obtain 2,300 taels of silver—selling it to Assistant Wang for just ten taels?"

"Could there really be no hidden circumstances in this?"

"Wang Yong, this Young Master gives you one last chance; if you confess truthfully, this Young Master can treat you leniently."

Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth.

Su Huaiyu is reliable in his work; not only did he bring the person, but he also recorded a testimony along the way, and Su Huaiyu also wrote down some of his own views and points of doubt.

"This Zhang Ming never sold his children; it was his wife and daughter who went missing. After disappearing, he went to file a report, but after waiting a long time with no news, he gradually began to drink to drown his sorrows."

"As for being addicted to gambling as if it were life, that is completely impossible."

"Moreover, there is a major doubt in all this: the deed to Zhang Ming's family property was actually sold to Assistant Wang for ten taels of silver, even though the deed is worth over two thousand taels of silver—sold for the price of cabbage."

"This is highly suspicious, but the time of the sale was a few days before his imprisonment."

"It should have been voluntary."

"This this, I, the lower official, don't know."

"Please, Young Master, forgive me."

Wang Yong stuttered completely, unable to speak.

"You don't know, right?"

"Someone, summon Assistant Wang."

Gu Jin Nian slammed the gavel, and he had been waiting for Wang Yong's words.

"Soon."

"A figure was escorted over. Assistant Wang."

"After entering the government office."

"Assistant Wang directly knelt on the ground, scared, sweat pouring down his head."

"This commoner has seen you, sir."

"Assistant Wang knelt on the ground and even knocked his head twice loudly, showing how frightened he is."

"He doesn't know who Gu Jin Nian is, only knowing that this person comes from the capital and is a big shot."

"Wang Ping, why did Zhang Ming buy the deed from you for ten taels of silver?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly.

"He asked directly."

"This time, sir, this commoner used a little trick, taking advantage of Zhang Ming's drunkenness to make him sign the deed."

Wang Ping spoke, answering thus.

"But this answer, everyone knows it's false."

"You really won't shed a tear until you see the coffin."

"Getting him drunk, signing the deed—would Zhang Ming not cause a fuss?"

"Someone, behead Assistant Wang's entire family; if he doesn't tell the truth, then let him die for this Young Master."

"Do you really think that if you don't tell the truth, this Young Master won't be able to find out?"

"Gu Jin Nian is very overbearing; he directly issued an order, dragging him out to be beheaded."

"As soon as these words were spoken, Assistant Wang's face turned green with fear."

"I say, I say, I say, sir, I confess."

"Assistant Wang was scared stupid."

"This Young Master doesn't play by the rules, huh? Shouldn't he be refuting himself with evidence?"

"Just come up and chop off heads? Is it necessary to be so overbearing? 'Young Master, your conduct does not follow the rules.'"

"Isn't this extracting a confession by torture?"

"Zhou He spoke up, wanting to stop it at once; Gu Jin Nian's handling of this case completely violates the rules."

"Pa."

"However, Gu Jin Nian on the bench directly took out a metal token, threw it at Zhou He's face with great force, striking him until he saw stars."

"I've said it; if you dare to make noise again, I'll take your dog's life. Someone, slap him twenty times; anyone who dares to obstruct this Young Master handling the case will be hit in the mouth, until they dare not speak."

"Gu Jin Nian won't tolerate that."

"You want to save face, huh? In an instant, two soldiers stepped forward, in front of everyone, and began to strike Zhou He's face."

"Twenty slaps, each louder than the last, striking Zhou He until he was about to suffer a cerebral hemorrhage."

"One is pain, two is humiliation."

And the Changfei General and those beside also kept frowning.

At the same time, they also felt somewhat relieved, relieved that they hadn't completely offended Gu Jin Nian to death; otherwise, if they were slapped twenty times in public, they couldn't bear it.

This is more unbearable than death.

"Speak."

Gu Jin Nian looked at Wang Assistant and shouted angrily.

"Replying, my lord."

He is the Pingyang County Magistrate, who had me privately find Zhang Ming; at that time Zhang Ming's wife and daughter were missing, I lied to him saying I knew their whereabouts, as long as he sold the house to me.

Later he sold the house, I concealed it from him for a month; later the matter was exposed, he realized he had been deceived, so he went to the magistrate's office to cause a disturbance, and Magistrate Wang intervened, imprisoning him in jail for three months.

After he was released from prison, harboring hatred, he killed one of my servants; in the end, I had people arrest him and take him to the county office, where he was sentenced to death.

Wang Assistant gave a truthful account.

"You're talking nonsense here, sir; I didn't do it, it's his greed, it has nothing to do with me."

Wang Yong panicked and hurriedly spoke.

"Shut up."

Gu Jin Nian slapped the gavel, his gaze fierce as he looked at Wang Ping.

"Remember."

This is your last chance.

Did Zhang Ming kill anyone?

Gu Jin Nian spoke, having discovered a loophole.

If Zhang Ming wanted to kill someone, he would only kill Wang Assistant, not a servant; even if discovered, as a martial artist he could ignore these servants.

But the case file records that Zhang Ming had no contact with Wang Ping; he was directly taken away by the county office.

This means someone set it up.

Upon hearing this, Wang Ping fell silent again.

It seems you really want to die.

Gu Jin Nian rose to his feet, his killing intent aroused.

"Sir."

I will speak, I will speak everything; it was Wang Yong who ordered me to frame Zhang Ming.

Zhang Ming indeed did not kill anyone.

Wang Ping wore a grim face.

Answer truthfully.

Speaking out would at most bring misfortune upon oneself; but if he didn't speak, according to Gu Jin Nian's temper, he would likely be punished to the extent of exterminating three clans—though nine clans is an exaggeration.

But he still wanted to protect his clan.

He got the answer.

Gu Jin Nian fell silent.

But Wang Yong directly exhaled a breath, completely at a loss for what to say.

Wang Yong.

This prince gives you one chance; tell the truth, what exactly happened.

This prince can guarantee that your whole family will not be exterminated; your descendants can still live, and your wife and parents will not be implicated.

I only give you this chance.

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

This Wang Yong has issues, Wang Ping also has issues, but these are small fry; knowing the truth is enough.

Other matters are irrelevant.

He wants to ferret out the mastermind.

Indeed, as soon as he said that, Wang Yong raised his head, looked at Gu Jin Nian, opened his mouth, wanting to say something.

But just then.

Xu Ping's voice sounded.

"Wang Yong, you had better tell the truth, spill all the details of what happened before and after; the prince only gives you one chance—if you get it wrong, your nine clans will die."

The voice sounded.

Gu Jin Nian's expression changed instantly.

This is a naked threat.

Indeed, as Xu Ping spoke, Wang Yong widened his eyes, then took a deep breath and slammed his palm hard against his own heart.

He was very resolute.

He had almost no hesitation.

He directly shattered his own heart vessels.

He died on the spot.

Ruthless.

Ruthless.

Ruthless.

Truly too ruthless.

Xu Ping.

Do you want to die?

Gu Jin Nian set off, went straight to Xu Ping, his gaze thick with murderous intent.

"His Highness, the Crown Prince."

"I, the subordinate, merely repeat your words, fearing this fellow would not tell the truth, yet I did not expect Wang Yong to rather die than speak."

"It seems Wang Yong must be linked with those who traffic children; please, His Highness the Crown Prince, investigate thoroughly."

Xu Ping spoke.

He seemed somewhat aggrieved, as if he had only tried to do good but caused trouble.

But everyone knows this is a threat, a threat to Wang Yong.

Although it is a repetition.

But the meaning of this repetition is nothing but telling Wang Yong that if he dares speak, his entire nine clans will die, and Gu Jin Nian cannot protect them.

And behind this, the people involved must be very many, so many that Wang Yong would not even trust a Crown Prince.

"Come, men."

"Clap his mouth shut."

"Beat him until he cannot speak."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Fortunately, the Zhang Ming case is basically understood.

His wife and children vanished, he drowned his sorrow in wine, was deceived again, caused a ruckus at the yamen, was framed, and died unjustly in his hometown.

A few short words can explain it, yet the bitterness within is known by no one.

Wang Yong is dead.

Gu Jin Nian does not mind; instead, he is more certain that this matter involves everyone present, especially Xu Ping.

The soldiers came, seized Xu Ping, and regardless of what he said, slapped him as soon as they reached him.

And Gu Jin Nian's gaze fell once more on Wang Ping.

"There is something you have not told this Crown Prince: you did indeed deceive Zhang Ming."

"But what did you use to deceive?"

"On what basis did Zhang Ming believe your words?"

"In other words, you must possess a token of his wife and daughter, or something extremely important; otherwise, Zhang Ming would not be foolish enough to trust you unconditionally."

"Speak it."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Deceiving him to believe.

Merchants chase profit.

But the question is, why would they believe? And on what grounds would they trust you?

The desperate sick turn to any cure?

Possibly.

But Zhang Ming isn't stupid; he handed you the land deed directly—what if you deceive me?

Unless Wang Ping produces some token.

That would mean Wang Ping truly knows the whereabouts of his wife and daughter, or that Wang Yong knows them.

"Reply, sir."

Wang Ping tried to speak.

A voice rang out.

"Men, carry Wang Yong's corpse down."

The voice belonged to an official of the White Heron Residence, who suddenly spoke at this moment.

Its meaning is the same as Xu Ping's.

It is a warning.

"Clap his mouth."

Gu Jin Nian merely glanced; he knew someone would jump out.

But he was unafraid, and even did it deliberately.

There is no other reason.

If interrogated alone, and this group is absent, the significance is small; both Wang Yong and Wang Ping could change their testimony at any time.

Explaining it face‑to‑face is the best.

Otherwise, letting them later have a chance to recant will cause trouble.

"Wang Ping."

"If you speak, this Crown Prince will dispatch three thousand troops to protect your family."

"When this case ends, this Crown Prince will escort them to the capital and have them reside beside the Duke's Residence."

"I, the Crown Prince, can assure you that if your family becomes entangled in this matter, I will do nothing else in this life but find the true culprit and have them all torn limb from limb, avenging you."

"If you remain silent and later something is uncovered, don't blame the Crown Prince for his ruthless methods."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, threatening Wang Ping.

Only before Wang Ping could answer, a figure rushed forward—it was Xu Jin.

His face was grim.

He hurried to stand before Gu Jin Nian.

"His Highness, the Crown Prince."

"Prince Qi Lin has arrived."

The voice was faint, yet everyone present became excited.

The Qi Lin King has arrived? General Chang Fei and the others could not hide their smiles.

As for Zhou He and the others, they let out a long sigh, and the amusement in their eyes could not be concealed.

The Qi Lin King has arrived.

Their biggest backing has arrived.

A different‑surname king.

Da Xia's different‑surname king.

In terms of status, he is higher than Gu Jin Nian, but not lower.

In strength, this prince is indeed a mighty warrior king.

In tactics, when this prince went into battle, Gu Jin Nian was still drinking milk.

With the Qi Lin King's appearance, he can certainly suppress Gu Jin Nian, and suppress him completely.

Everyone became excited.

But the men of the Shan Kui Military Camp felt somewhat heavy‑hearted.

"Where is it?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"They're about to enter the city, aren't they?"

Xu Jin replied.

"How many people did he bring?"

Gu Jin Nian continued to ask.

"Four maidens."

"But they are elite among elites, very powerful; even a single one would be unbeatable for a low‑ranking officer."

Xu Jin thought for a moment and gave this answer.

"Your Highness, the Qi Lin King is truly not to be trifled with."

"General Wu becomes overly courteous when he sees the Qi Lin King."

"If we speak of rank, the Qi Lin King is only a little below the Duke old man."

"But that slight gap is due to regional matters; the old man is in the capital, and outside the capital it's hard to say."

"You must never fight him; I think the Qi Lin King would still give the Duke of the State some face."

Xu Jin spoke up, saying many words.

The tone conveyed a single meaning.

Do not provoke the Qi Lin King.

You really must not provoke.

"Understood."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

His mood also seemed somewhat heavy.

He knew the Qi Lin King would come, but did not expect him to arrive so quickly.

But he will come sooner or later, so there is nothing to worry about.

He actually wanted to see what this Qi Lin King truly looks like.

Gu Jin Nian said little else.

Instead, he continued to look at Wang Ping.

He glanced again at the others, each of them breaking into a wide smile.

It seemed they were genuinely delighted.

At this very moment,

at the White Heron Mansion City Gate.

The great army guarded both sides.

The men of the Shan Kui Military Camp, usually fierce in spirit, were unusually silent at this moment. The city gate.

A figure slowly emerged.

It was a man wearing a gilded white robe, his stride steady, eight feet tall, appearing before the crowd.

The man stood with his hands behind his back, wearing an extremely fierce golden mask that was intimidating.

Behind him were four maidens, each also masked, not with gold but with silver.

This is the Qi Lin King.

One of Da Xia's most famous princes.

In theory, using "one of" is somewhat inaccurate.

Because Da Xia currently has only this one different‑surname king.

After Emperor Jiande's reign, only this different‑surname king remained; the other different‑surname kings had essentially perished during the Founding Emperor's era, and the few that survived were completely eliminated by Emperor Jiande.

And the Qi Lin King had helped Emperor Yongsheng immensely, which is why he was granted the different‑surname king title.

In theory, a different‑surname king's rank is higher than that of a duke.

King.

It is the highest rank below the emperor, but those who are granted the different‑surname king title generally meet a bad end.

Especially since the Founding Emperor killed many different‑surname kings back then, many prefer the duke's rank to being made a king.

This leads to the prince's power being less than that of a duke.

It's perfectly normal, after all the place where the duke resides is the political center of Da Xia, where grand state affairs are planned.

But the Prince can only govern his own fief, still having to remit thirty percent of the taxes each year, while bearing the rest of the profits and losses himself.

In the city gate.

As Prince Qi Lin's figure appeared, everything fell silent.

All the soldiers looked at Prince Qi Lin, their gazes filled with both respect and awe.

Regardless of their camp, they always harbored a heartfelt reverence for the Prince.

And at that moment.

Prince Qi Lin's figure halted.

He turned his gaze to the left.

Not far away, Kong Zhen had his mouth gagged, baked under the scorching sun, his body riddled with wounds, looking utterly miserable.

Seeing this scene.

Prince Qi Lin's stare did not waver; he spoke lightly.

"Release him."

Prince Qi Lin spoke.

There was no coldness, yet his authority was undeniable.

"Prince."

"The Crown Prince commands."

"Without his order, no one may release him."

A soldier nearby lowered his head and said this to Prince Qi Lin.

Snap.

In an instant, a figure appeared before him and slapped his face.

"You dare disobey the Prince's order? Do you want to die?"

A voice as cold as a forest rang out.

A maid struck, slapping the opponent's nose until it bled.

"Prince."

"Military orders are like a mountain; the Crown Prince has issued a military order."

Another person lowered his head and spoke, his words trembling with fear and helplessness.

On one hand, it was Gu Jin Nian's military order.

On the other hand, it was Prince Qi Lin's command.

He also felt conflicted.

"Put the person down."

Prince Qi Lin's voice sounded again.

This was the second time.

Everyone knew that if Prince Qi Lin were to utter a third sentence, someone would surely be buried because of it.

Finally, a commander stepped forward, released Kong Zhen without a word.

They could not withstand Prince Qi Lin's pressure.

It was terrifying.

They truly could not bear it; as for Gu Jin Nian's order, they were not disobeying—it simply had a different meaning.

Gu Jin Nian was not the commander of the Shan Kui camp; if King Wu Zhi had ordered them to bind Kong Zhen, they would never have done it.

But Gu Jin Nian only acted with a military token, lacking a Ministry of War order and the emperor's dragon seal; reaching this point was already as far as benevolence could go.

After the person was set down, Prince Qi Lin unleashed a surge of martial Dao qi into his body, allowing the half‑dead Kong Zhen to gradually regain his spirit and vitality.

"Prince Qi Lin?"

"Is it the Prince?"

"Prince, you finally came, Prince."

Regaining consciousness, Kong Zhen realized the person before him was Prince Qi Lin and was instantly overwhelmed with emotion, wanting to pour out all his grievances.

He had endured unimaginable suffering these past two days.

It was a colossal torment.

Gu Jin Nian is not human.

"Mr. Kong, be at ease."

"Everything is under this Prince's command."

Prince Qi Lin spoke, soothingly and calmly, then turned his gaze toward the soldiers.

"Remember this Prince."

"Within the western borders, aside from His Majesty, this Prince's orders are military orders."

"Even when King Wu Zhi arrives, they dare not defy this Prince's decree."

"If you dare do this again, you will all die."

Prince Qi Lin said lightly.

After finishing, he walked toward the White Heron Manor's office.

To everyone, these words seemed plain yet left a deep imprint on their hearts.

This is Prince Qi Lin.

Da Xia's only non‑royal king.

Truly, an overbearing aura.

Also, truly arrogant.

But what silenced them inside was that not a single word he said was wrong.

This western border, indeed, is under his command.

As long as the emperor does not personally arrive, Qi Lin Wang is the emperor of this western border, the sole king of the western border.

The supreme king.

Soon.

Inside the White Egret Prefecture.

Gu Jin Nian did not become solemn-faced because of Qi Lin Wang's arrival; he was merely waiting for Wang Ping's answer.

But, just at this moment.

Outside, the common folk caused a commotion.

Inside the government office, the officials became even more excited, knowing this must be Qi Lin Wang's arrival.

In a short while, both outside and inside became lively.

"Gu Jin Nian"

"Indeed, what a grand official aura!"

People's future.

But the sound had already arrived.

Very plain.

No anger.

Also not fierce.

But this plain tone, on the contrary, carries a kind of mighty aura.

Upon hearing this sound.

In the government office.

Gu Jin Nian sat quietly, awaiting the arrival of Da Xia's first king of a different surname.

The next moment.

A figure appeared.

Eight chi tall, dragon-like stride and tiger-like step, white jade long robe, golden ferocious mask.

Qi Lin Wang's figure appeared.

He stepped step by step, step by step, walking to the front of the government office; beneath the golden mask, a pair of eyes filled with calm.

No contempt, no arrogance, no lofty superiority.

But rather, indifference.

The gaze that is indifferent to everything.

This is a king.

Da Xia's first king of a different surname.

An aura cultivated from long battlefield experience, constantly holding high position, and martial strength.

An unparalleled aura.

To speak frankly, Gu Jin Nian's aura cannot compare to Qi Lin Wang's.

This is inevitable.

But Gu Jin Nian's inner righteous aura can let him fearlessly oppose the other's kingly aura.

But even if he does not want to admit it, Gu Jin Nian cannot help but admit it.

This Qi Lin Wang is indeed quite different.

His aura is also good.

His gaze is also okay.

Whether it be identity or status, indeed they are stronger than himself.

But what of it? Between them, the gap is nearly twenty years; twenty years later, Gu Jin Nian has absolute confidence to surpass Qi Lin Wang.

So he is fearless.

Fearlessness from the heart.

"We pay our respects, Your Highness."

"We kowtow to greet you, Your Highness."

In a moment, all civil officials spoke in unison, bowing to Qi Lin Wang.

As for General Changfei and the others, they directly knelt and bowed.

The people of the Mountain Chief Army Camp also must respectfully shout "Your Highness".

With his appearance.

To suppress everything.

But Gu Jin Nian did not perform a respectful salute; instead, he looked at Kong Zhen beside him with a somewhat expressionless face.

"My lord's official aura—where is it greater than Qi Lin Wang's?"

"My lord's military orders, in the prince's eyes, are like a scrap of paper to be torn at will—this is true official authority."

Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded.

He answered Qi Lin Wang's voice.

"Do you also deserve to have military orders?"

"What sort of thing did the Duke of the State teach?"

Prince Qilin opened his mouth, not with contempt, nor disdain, but with a kind of indifference; he was inquiring, and also a bit curious.

Those words were very direct.

It was just short of calling Gu Jin Nian inhuman.

Upon hearing this, everyone burst into joy; Zhou He and the others laughed uproariously.

Well scolded.

That's how he should be scolded.

"What my grandfather teaches is none of your concern."

"I'm curious, what sort of things has my uncle been raising?"

"You're given a bone and still won't obey?"

"According to me, a dog that breaks the rules ought to be killed."

"It's useless to keep it."

Facing Prince Qilin's mockery,

Gu Jin Nian was not used to tolerating it.

"What of a prince? I'll scold him all the same."

But since the other spoke with sarcasm, Gu Jin Nian replied in kind.

"Impudent."

"Bold."

In an instant, two voices sounded—one from a maid beside Prince Qilin, the other from General Changfei.

The two spoke at once, rebuking Gu Jin Nian.

A mighty pressure surged forth like mountains and seas.

It pressed toward Gu Jin Nian.

But just then,

a soft voice sounded.

"Your Highness, the heir apparent."

"Please bear with it a moment."

"Those who acted, I have already noted them all."

"Please rest assured, Your Highness; though I lack other talents, I can still flee."

"When I reach the capital, I will hand this list to the Duke of the State at once."

"The humiliation you now suffer, I believe the Duke will repay you tenfold."

The voice sounded.

It was Su Huaiyu's voice.

At the critical moment,

he appeared.

However, he stood at the gate of the prefecture, holding a small book, sketching the likenesses of these people.

Hmm.

Not bad, it's you.

As Su Huaiyu's voice rang out, the two instantly withdrew their aura, for Prince Qilin had not given an order; their private action was indeed improper.

If it were someone else, it might be forgivable, but the target is Gu Jin Nian, so we must be especially careful.

"Do you think I fear the Duke of the State?"

Prince Qilin's voice sounded.

He did not turn his head, merely spoke lightly.

"The prince certainly does not fear."

"But I can guarantee that if you lay a hand on the heir apparent now,

you should prepare your aftermath; to speak bluntly, the old master has one foot in the coffin, and before he dies, dragging a prince down with him would not be a bad thing."

Su Huaiyu's voice also turned icy.

This was the first time his face had been so cold.

Yet what he said was not wrong in the slightest.

No one knows how strong the Duke of the State truly is, but before the Jian De rebellion he was a perfected Martial King; whether he has broken into the Sixth Realm is unknown.

Prince Qilin is also merely a Martial King, perhaps perfected, but certainly not as strong as the Duke of the State.

Should the Duke of the State go berserk, taking Prince Qilin away would not be a great problem.

It is merely a matter of whether it is necessary.

The prefecture was very quiet.

This has already risen to the level of trying to kill each other, the topic is grave.

"I will give the Duke of the State face."

"But only once."

"Gu Jin Nian, cherish this; were it not for the Duke of the State, you would already be dead."

Prince Qilin spoke lightly.

He did not choose aggression, yet his words, inside and out, remain overbearing.

"If you were not Prince Qilin, you would already be dead."

At this moment, a voice sounded, but it was not Gu Jin Nian speaking; it was Su Huaiyu.

Inside the government office.

Gu Jin Nian couldn't help frowning; how did this guy become like this all of a sudden? Damn, he's too arrogant! To be honest, Prince Qilin's aura is imposing, but I also talked back, so the first round ended in a draw.

In the second round, Prince Qilin was merely using verbal advantage; there's no need to retort like that.

Forcibly provoking Prince Qilin is not a wise thing.

From start to finish, although Gu Jin Nian seemed rash, everything he did was measured—what should be done, what shouldn't be done, who could be spoken to, who couldn't—Gu Jin Nian knew it all in his heart.

Su Huaiyu didn't need to snap back at that remark.

Even if spoken, it would be himself speaking; his words would bring trouble.

Indeed.

As Su Huaiyu retorted like that, Prince Qilin slowly turned around.

His gaze was extremely calm, looking at Su Huaiyu as if looking at a dead person.

"Gu Jin Nian's grandfather is the Protector of the State Duke; I give the Protector of the State Duke face."

"What are you even?"

Prince Qilin's voice was indifferent.

Upon hearing this,

Su Huaiyu took a deep breath, then spoke with a cold gaze.

"What am I?"

"Then please, Prince Qilin, listen carefully."

"My name is Su Huaiyu, the Heaven's Mandate of Da Xia."

"Your Highness, want to test me?"

"I really want to see whether the king's order is harder or the Heaven's Mandate is harder."

This time, Su Huaiyu became completely steadfast.

Before, he would basically flee at the first sign of danger, but he didn't expect to be so steadfast today.

Moreover, he dared to angrily retort Prince Qilin.

Truly impressive.

Boom.

In an instant, the maid beside Prince Qilin made a move; obviously Prince Qilin is overbearing, he truly does not fear the Heaven's Mandate.

But at that very moment, Su Huaiyu quickly pulled out a gold token from his bosom.

He shouted angrily.

"The Da Xia Dragon Talisman is here."

"Who among you dares to act rashly?"

He spoke, and for a moment everyone was stunned; even Prince Qilin's eyes flashed with a hint of surprise.

Gu Jin Nian's heart felt even more incredulous.

Su Huaiyu has the Da Xia Dragon Talisman?

This is an imperial secret order, representing supreme imperial authority.

A half dragon talisman can mobilize a hundred thousand troops.

A whole dragon talisman can mobilize an army camp.

If combined with the War Ministry Tiger Talisman, all army camps of Da Xia must obey.

This dragon talisman equals the emperor's military authority, supreme; even the crown prince cannot possess it, basically only the emperor can hold it.

"Upon seeing this dragon talisman, why do you not kneel?"

Su Huaiyu shouted loudly.

At once, the crowd reacted, all bowing to the dragon talisman.

"Long live the emperor!"

But Prince Qilin did not bow; he merely looked at the dragon talisman, and finally a hint of other emotion appeared in his eyes.

It was doubt.

Obviously, he doubted the dragon talisman was fake.

"By the emperor's secret decree, send the Heir Apparent Prince Gu Jin Nian to Jiangling Commandery to investigate the secret case."

"The emperor's oral decree grants Gu Jin Nian all powers—mobilization, apprehension, interrogation, the privilege of striking first and reporting later—but he must get to the bottom of it; in the investigation process, anyone who obstructs may be killed."

"The Mountain Chief Army Camp will fully cooperate, as if I myself were present."

Su Huaiyu spoke loudly, reciting the oral decree.

Immediately, he looked at Prince Qilin and spoke sternly.

"Will you not pay respects to His Majesty?"

"Do you want to rebel?"

Su Huaiyu shouted angrily, his gaze cold.

Upon hearing this, Prince Qilin's eyes still held curiosity and doubt.

But in the end, he lowered his head and slowly spoke.

"Long live the emperor!"

Prince Qilin spoke.

But he immediately spoke again.

"This dragon talisman, I do not recognize."

"Addressing as 'Wansui' is a sign of respect to His Majesty."

He spoke.

He doubted it was a fake, yet the reason for his bowing was simple.

It wasn't a matter of gambling or not, but of respect or disrespect; even a fake must be respected because he is a king of a different surname.

Any small mistake can easily invite trouble, especially when it involves the Great Emperor Yong Sheng.

"Whether it's real or fake, the prince can go to the capital now to inquire."

"The Dragon Talisman is here; this is indeed real. If you dare to be disrespectful, the nine clans will be exterminated."

Su Huaiyu, regardless of whether he believed it, issued a cold threat, then approached Gu Jin Nian and handed him the token.

"Please, Crown Prince, take charge of the Dragon Talisman and redress the people's grievances."

Su Huaiyu's expression was solemn as he gave the Dragon Talisman to Gu Jin Nian.

"I, a student, will certainly not betray the emperor's grace."

Gu Jin Nian took the Dragon Talisman.

It was heavy.

Upon close inspection, both the carving technique and the patterns were flawless.

Gu Jin Nian also possessed a Da Xia Golden Order; its texture and pattern felt almost identical, with no discernible difference.

It was indeed a Dragon Talisman.

But the question was, why give the Dragon Talisman to Su Huaiyu instead of handing it directly to himself?

To put it bluntly, even the Crown Prince was reluctant to part with the Dragon Talisman, yet it was given to Su Huaiyu.

Don't say Prince Qi Lin doesn't believe.

Gu Jin Nian also felt a bit doubtful.

But Gu Jin Nian was also curious about whether Su Huaiyu had uncovered anything at Qingyuan Temple.

However, seeming to know what Gu Jin Nian was thinking, Su Huaiyu sent a mental message: no clues were found, but the Yaochi Fairy and Yunrou Fairy continued their investigation.

At the same time, he looked at the Dragon Talisman before him, nodded, and instead of a mental message, gave Gu Jin Nian a hint.

A hint that this was the genuine Dragon Talisman.

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian was profoundly shocked.

Although he didn't know why His Majesty handed the Dragon Talisman to Su Huaiyu, he felt it wasn't entirely impossible.

Especially since Su Huaiyu was so earnest.

Moreover, this fellow never takes reckless actions, which implies the Dragon Talisman might indeed be real.

At that moment.

After receiving the Dragon Talisman.

Gu Jin Nian felt immense confidence within.

Prince Qi Lin's pressure on him stemmed not from personal strength but from his authority.

Military orders are like mountains.

Every command he issued was diligently carried out by the Shan Kui army; when told to attack, they attacked.

When told to kill the enemy, they killed the enemy.

But after Prince Qi Lin appeared, he immediately rescued Kong Zhen; wasn't the reason to undermine his own military prestige?

He ultimately was leveraging power, not his own.

The Shan Kui army dared not truly offend Prince Qi Lin, perhaps unable to bear his pressure.

But now it was different.

Grasping the Dragon Talisman.

He still relied on borrowed power.

But the borrowed power was imperial authority.

Previous imperial edicts lacked weight, leaving him uncertain.

But the Dragon Talisman—

decides everything.

Seeing the order is like seeing me.

These five characters alone explain everything.

"Prince Qi Lin."

"Did you release Kong Zhen?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly; with the Dragon Talisman, his confidence was full, and this time he was no longer afraid of seeking or encountering trouble.

Act directly.

"Yes."

Prince Qi Lin stood with his hands behind his back, replying with utter calm.

"Who gave you that authority?"

"You don't know? Is this the Crown Prince's order?"

Gu Jin Nian voiced the accusation.

"I know."

"So what?"

"What authority do you have to bind the Great Scholar of the Kong family to a wooden stake?"

"You are insulting the sage; though I am merely a warrior, I also love reading and understand how to respect the sage."

"And you, clearly a scholar, yet you insult the sage like this; that's why I, the king, am curious—what on earth has the Lord of the State actually produced?"

Qi Lin Wang was unafraid and ignored the Dragon Talisman.

"Are the descendants of the Kong family saints?"

"So the descendants of the Kong family never make mistakes?"

"Prince, what books have you read these years?"

"Fool like you doesn't need to read; just be a good warrior, honestly do your duties, and stop just barking like a dog."

With the Dragon Talisman, Gu Jin Nian no longer tolerates Qi Lin Wang.

Whether it's true or false is irrelevant; the 200,000‑strong army has already been dispatched, so what does adding another charge achieve?

At worst, an extra year in prison.

Prepare yourself mentally.

"I, the king, have already tolerated you twice."

"If you dare say another word, do you believe I, the king, will have the Lord of the State punish you?"

Qi Lin Wang spoke.

He wasn't without temper; he simply didn't wish to pay attention to Gu Jin Nian, yet he couldn't endure Gu Jin Nian's repeated verbal abuse.

But hearing that, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but laugh in anger.

This man is truly overbearing.

Clearly he was the one who first bullied, constantly saying his grandfather had produced some sort of monster.

Now he pretends it's his own insolence that came first? This Qi Lin Wang is truly at the extreme of arrogance, overbearing, and swagger.

Snap.

Gu Jin Nian placed the Dragon Talisman directly on the desk, his face turning cold as he said.

"The Dragon Talisman is here."

"If Qi Lin Wang dares move this prince even a bit, the Shan Kui Army shall obey my command, surround and slaughter Qi Lin Wang's 100,000 iron cavalry, then march to the Shan Kui Army Camp to mobilize the remaining 100,000 troops, let my horse trample the royal mansion, break the enemy and slay their generals."

"Within three days, expel Qi Wang's forces from Da Xia."

"Qi Lin Wang."

"I, the prince, want to see whether you dare punish me on behalf of my grandfather?"

Gu Jin Nian was truly incensed.

He came up and shattered his own army's prestige, then constantly regarded me with indifference, as if an adult looks at a child—not with contempt, but as if he never considered me worth anything.

First he bullied, then spoke insolently, and now he brazenly opens his mouth here.

Honestly, even if Qi Lin Wang communicated normally, you fighting each other, Gu Jin Nian wouldn't get this angry.

Even if Qi Lin Wang brought up some matter to indict him, Gu Jin Nian truly wouldn't know how to reply.

He might suffer a loss.

But this guy is too arrogant, too swaggering, as if he doesn't regard me as a person at all.

Then Gu Jin Nian wants to see who is more reckless.

"Destroy my Qi Wang army? You truly have no sense of life and death."

"Then give the order and see."

Qi Lin Wang truly is a ruthless figure, not frightened at all by Gu Jin Nian's words.

Honestly, General Chang Fei beside them changed color.

He knows how mad Gu Jin Nian is.

Zhou He and the others also changed their expressions.

Others might just be talking for fun, but Gu Jin Nian truly dares to do this.

Snap.

"Shan Kui Army, obey the command."

"Qi Lin Wang disrespects the holy will, disregards the Dragon Talisman, already harbors rebellious intent, seeks to cause chaos; those who disrespect the Dragon Talisman do not respect the sovereign, this is a crime of treason."

"Kill them; slaughter the entire 100,000 iron cavalry cleanly."

"Then march westward, break into Qi Lin Wang's mansion, and eradicate his nine clans."

"Quick!"

"Go!"

When Gu Jin Nian finished speaking, he slapped the Dragon Talisman onto the table.

"Come on."

"Who's a bit crazier? Who's a bit harsher? Then let's see."

"Let's see if you, Qi Lin Wang, are also a madman? Let's see if you dare gamble with your own great army."

"Don't even talk about total annihilation."

"Even if these 100,000 iron cavalry are killed, Qi Lin Wang can peacefully enjoy his remaining years."

"What does 100,000 iron cavalry signify? It represents an invincible force; for the Da Xia Dynasty to cultivate such a unit requires massive manpower and resources."

"These are the troops that Qi Lin Wang's lineage has amassed over generations."

"If the 100,000 iron cavalry disappear, though other troops remain, in the eyes of the Da Xia Dynasty they become completely manipulable."

"Cavalry."

"It is the strongest troop type, without equal; one cavalry beats ten infantry."

"Moreover, if these 100,000 iron cavalry are killed, their warhorses, weapons, and armor will all be taken by the Ministry of Revenue; after three to five years, the Da Xia Military Department will have another 100,000 iron cavalry."

"For the court, that is a good thing."

And frankly, Gu Jin Nian daring to kill would be a tremendous good thing, especially for the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue.

After all, it's over; Gu Jin Nian will bear it.

Blood profit.

It's simply blood profit!

Of course, if they really do this, even the Marquis of Zhen Guo's resignation won't protect Gu Jin Nian.

If the Gu Family sacrifices everything, perhaps they can save Gu Jin Nian.

Then who would be the happiest?

The court.

In one breath the two biggest threats disappear, and they still get to reclaim the twelve border cities for profit.

Now it remains to see whether Qi Lin Wang dares to gamble.

Quiet.

Extremely quiet.

Qi Lin Wang fell silent as well.

If the person before him were the Marquis of Linyang or another prince, Qi Lin Wang certainly wouldn't be afraid.

He is unafraid.

But the person before him is Gu Jin Nian, whom he regards as just a kid.

Yet precisely because the person before him is a kid, he understands even more that Gu Jin Nian truly dares to do this.

"Your Majesty, the commander receives the order."

After a brief silence, a voice finally sounded, giving a response.

It was Xu Jin's voice.

If he doesn't answer again, he won't give Gu Jin Nian a presence; more precisely, he would be denying the emperor face.

That would be a death sentence.

"Enough."

At this moment, Qi Lin Wang's voice rang out.

He stopped Xu Jin from leaving.

If he truly left, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Hearing Qi Lin Wang speak, Gu Jin Nian's face remained unchanged.

"This matter ends here."

Qi Lin Wang continued.

He doesn't want to continue the commotion.

There's no need.

It can be considered a kind of yielding.

"Is this the attitude of you stopping here?"

Gu Jin Nian gave him no respect at all.

Do you have to reach this point yourself before you are willing to yield?

And, is this how you yield?

Can't your attitude be a bit better? Who are you trying to intimidate? "Don't overstep your bounds."

Qi Lin Wang spoke, and a coldness appeared in his eyes.

No longer calm.

This is a good thing.

If the defense is broken, they're easy to handle; it's only when the defense isn't broken that such a person is truly terrifying.

"Is it the prince being overbearing, or is this heir overstepping?"

Gu Jin Nian said coldly.

Qi Lin Wang, by coming up, immediately shattered his own military prestige; how could Gu Jin Nian let him be okay? He also must crush his sharp spirit.

Otherwise, the subsequent matters would be difficult to handle.

"Fine."

"Just now, indeed, I, the king, misspoke."

"It is my fault."

"Is that enough?"

Qi Lin Wang gradually calmed his emotions.

He doesn't want to continue the uproar.

In the end, it's still a matter of a hundred thousand troops in Gu Jin Nian's hands.

If they weren't, he certainly wouldn't have this demeanor.

"Men!"

"Tie Kong Zhen again at the city gate."

"As before, every half hour, draw and strike a whip."

"This time, besides this heir, anyone who dares to release him, no matter who, shall be killed without mercy."

"Those who defy the military order shall be killed without mercy."

Gu Jin Nian gave no reply, but issued another command.

Tie Kong Zhen back again.

The purpose of this practice is very simple.

It is merely declaring sovereignty.

"Gu Jin Nian, do you dare?"

"I am a Great Scholar of the Kong family, I am a Great Scholar of the Kong family."

"Gu Jin Nian, aren't you afraid of completely offending the Kong family?"

"Prince, Prince, save me, Prince."

Kong Zhen's face looked grim; he hadn't expected that he would have to be tied up again. If he had known, he wouldn't have come along.

Isn't this just looking for trouble?

Facing Kong Zhen's plea for help.

Prince Qi Lin remained silent.

He knew Gu Jin Nian was re-establishing military prestige.

If he intervened, the outcome wouldn't change much; better to stay silent.

But silence is not fear.

Nor is it compromise.

It is simply another choice.

"Crown Prince."

"Now that Prince Qi Lin has also arrived, I think we should focus on investigating the case."

"Wang Ping."

"Prince Qi Lin is here; what do you know? Speak up quickly—with the Crown Prince and Prince Qi Lin present, we can guarantee your family's safety."

"If you keep hiding things, you may lose the chance to speak."

Zhou He's voice rang out.

He smoothed things over, bringing the topic back to the case.

Yet these words carried different meanings everywhere.

Extremely disgusting.

But before Gu Jin Nian could speak, Su Huaiyu suddenly drew his long blade and slapped Zhou He's mouth.

On the spot, Zhou He's lips were swollen, and several teeth shattered outright.

In that moment, everyone's gaze involuntarily turned to Su Huaiyu.

Even Prince Qi Lin couldn't help but look at Su Huaiyu.

That was rather harsh.

Even Gu Jin Nian had only ever had people slapped before.

Su Huaiyu really is ruthless.

Many of his teeth were shattered, causing Zhou He's veins to bulge from pain, his whole body trembling, his mouth full of blood.

"When the Ministry of Punishment handles a case, if an official is interrogating, whoever dares to interrupt ends up like this."

"Official Zhou, you're lucky—this isn't the Ministry of Punishment; if it were, your tongue would already be gone."

"But if anyone else dares to speak up from now on, Su's speed in cutting tongues will absolutely be slightly faster than the Prince's strike."

"If you don't believe it, you can try."

Su Huaiyu appeared quite serious.

He is from the Ministry of Punishment; Zhou He's behavior is colluding in testimony and threats, and cutting tongues is lawful.

But considering his high office, we'll let the tongue-cutting slide this time, though next time there won't be a chance.

Listening to Su Huaiyu's voice.

Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but feel moved.

"This guy usually lacks decorum, but when handling a case he is utterly serious and solemn."

Only with someone like him can we intimidate these officials.

Zhou He covered his mouth; this time he could not speak at all, tears streaming because it hurt so much.

"Reply, sir."

"I merely deceived him; I don't know why he trusted me so much."

"Perhaps there was no other way; this is all I could do."

"Please, sir, see clearly."

Wang Ping spoke, kneeling on the ground and crying out.

His spirit was also somewhat broken.

He feared Gu Jin Nian, but feared others even more.

Having received this answer.

Gu Jin Nian was somewhat silent.

With Prince Qi Lin's arrival, things are different.

Earlier Wang Ping still wavered a bit; now he has no wavering at all.

"Crown Prince."

"The Ministry of Punishment has a special technique called Soul Search."

"Crown Prince, would you like to try it?"

Seeing the situation stalemate, Su Huaiyu slowly spoke, informing them of a Soul Search secret method.

"Can it extract his memories?"

Gu Jin Nian was surprised; he had heard of the Soul-Search Technique, but he didn't expect Su Huaiyu to actually do it.

The Soul-Search Technique cannot search others' memories.

Instead, it makes the target's spirit dazed, allowing interrogation; during this time, what he says must be true.

Just like the Confucian Dao's examination of the heart.

However, after the Soul-Search Technique, one will surely die.

Su Huaiyu spoke up, informing Gu Jin Nian of the function of the Soul-Search Technique.

It is not directly obtaining the other's memory.

Good.

If it's murder for profit, death is certain—directly use Soul-Search.

If he truly has concealed something, punish his nine clans.

Gu Jin Nian nodded, directly agreeing to Su Huaiyu's plan.

In an instant, two voices sounded.

"I confess, Your Highness the Crown Prince, I confess."

"Improper."

The first voice was Wang Ping speaking; upon hearing that there was such a thing as Soul-Search Technique, he immediately confessed, otherwise his nine clans would surely die.

Confessing at least offers a sliver of hope.

And the second voice was that of King Qilin.

He directly vetoed it.

"Speak quickly."

Gu Jin Nian ignored King Qilin and instead questioned Wang Ping.

"My lord, I indeed have a token belonging to Zhang Ming's wife and daughter; it was given to me by Wang Yong, and this matter is related to the Lord of Bailu Prefecture."

Wang Ping spoke up and explained everything at once.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian let out a long sigh of relief.

But King Qilin involuntarily rose to his feet, staring at Wang Ping with icy coldness.

"Bold."

King Qilin spoke, and Su Huaiyu instantly felt something was wrong.