Chapter 110: The truth is exposed, Gu Jin Nian defies the edict, angrily slaughters the officials, and subjects Zhou He to death by a

Inside the government hall.

As Prince Qilin's voice sounded, Su Huaiyu instantly sensed something was wrong.

Wang Ping had just spoken the truth when Prince Qilin promptly spoke up, angrily rebuking his boldness.

A terrifying force pressed down, this being the oppressive pressure of the Martial King.

He was intimidating Wang Ping.

Moreover, he condensed the power of the Martial King.

"What exactly do you all intend to do?"

Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out at this moment.

He also sensed something was off; Prince Qilin dared to do this at a critical moment, truly having no scruples at all.

Clearly, I am the one presiding over the case.

As a result, first Zhou He and his gang took turns speaking, threatening the prisoner; Gu Jin Nian endured it.

This Prince Qilin, as soon as he appeared, began various arrogant actions.

He is a prince of a different surname in Da Xia, of exalted status, wielding tremendous power; moreover, here in the western border, I only managed to suppress Prince Qilin with the aid of the Dragon Talisman.

Even using the word "suppress" to describe it is somewhat inappropriate.

It is due to status-related apprehension; thus Prince Qilin chose silence, otherwise, would a single Dragon Talisman make him submit? How could that be? Unless one could ensure this Dragon Talisman is genuine.

To be frank, Su Huaiyu's status is still insufficient; if the one producing the Dragon Talisman were Liu Yan or Wei Xian, no one would doubt it.

But regardless, the Dragon Talisman has been produced.

Yet unexpectedly, Prince Qilin still dared to act so arrogantly.

Putting it nicely, Prince Qilin is called unbridled and untamed, a prince of Da Xia.

Putting it harshly, Prince Qilin simply looks down on you, Gu Jin Nian.

After all, Gu Jin Nian is only about sixteen or seventeen, not yet having reached the coming‑of‑age ceremony; Prince Qilin doesn't take him seriously at all.

Pfft.

At this moment, Wang Ping spat a mouthful of blood, his qi and blood churning incessantly, and he fainted on the spot.

How could an ordinary person withstand the aura of a Martial Arts Sovereign? This is still because Gu Jin Nian spoke up first; otherwise, Wang Ping might have died on the spot.

Su Huaiyu immediately went over to check his condition.

He wasn't dead, but had suffered severe internal injuries; it's unlikely he'll recover in a short time.

Seeing the look Su Huaiyu gave him, Gu Jin Nian secretly breathed a sigh of relief, but then the anger in his heart erupted fully at this moment.

"Prince Qilin."

"Do you intend to silence him publicly?"

Gu Jin Nian stared at Prince Qilin and roared.

Feeling Gu Jin Nian's icy gaze, Prince Qilin showed no fear.

On the contrary, he was full of confident arguments.

"This person has publicly framed the Prefect of Bai Lu."

"I believe there must be someone behind this pulling the strings."

"You aim to frame and shift blame, making everyone in Bai Lu feel endangered; as the heir apparent, you should understand this better than I."

"A mere county clerk actually knows the secret of a prefect? Anyone can see he is deliberately framing; of course, he might also be acting under someone's orders."

"Regardless, whether he is acting under orders or framing, I cannot stand by and let him spout nonsense."

Prince Qilin spoke, his words flawless and watertight.

His logic also had no major flaws.

Indeed, how could a mere county clerk possibly know the Prefect of Bai Lu, especially his secret? Though illogical, the matter could be investigated slowly, yet he directly interrupted and even wanted to kill him publicly to silence him.

Such official authority is truly formidable.

Gu Jin Nian remained silent.

At this moment, the voices of other officials also rose.

"Indeed, we cannot believe such a person's words; they are of no use."

"A mere county clerk dares to implicate the prefect—what excuse could there be for adding guilt?"

"Perhaps someone is pulling the strings behind the scenes; otherwise, how could such a person know the prefect's secret?"

Officials from Bai Lu Prefecture and Jiangling Commandery also spoke up, not saying anything themselves but endorsing Prince Qilin's words.

However, Prefect Xu Ping of Bai Lu Prefecture did not speak; firstly, his injuries hadn't healed, and secondly, he chose to remain silent.

It can be said that, aside from the common folk outside the government hall, everyone here is basically my enemy.

Prince Qilin, Zhou He, Xu Ping, the officials of Jiangling Commandery, the officials of Bai Lu Prefecture, plus the scholars and teachers invited—because of Kong Zhen, they are all full of hostility toward me.

Of course, having invited them, Gu Jin Nian also knows what will happen; the purpose of bringing them here is to witness all of this firsthand.

The hall is full of my enemies.

Being attacked from front and back roughly means this.

And all of this boils down to two points: I am fighting alone.

That group is banding together.

One person's strength is indeed hard to suppress.

The pressure is great.

So great that Gu Jin Nian doesn't know what to say.

But just then, a figure rushed into the government hall in haste.

Then, without regard for anyone, he came straight to Gu Jin Nian's side and transmitted a martial voice.

"Crown Prince, a conflict has broken out at Qingyuan Temple; the Yaochi Fairy sensed a problem and wanted to enter the Back Mountain to investigate, but was stopped by a monk. Please, Crown Prince, make a decision."

The broadcast voice rang out.

Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but be startled.

Qingyuan Temple indeed had a problem; he hadn't guessed wrong.

"Immediately send an extra fifty thousand troops to encircle Qingyuan Temple, allowing no one to enter; then issue a secret order that Prince Qi Lin's hundred‑thousand army be tightly controlled, and that within the four city gates of Bailu Mansion, each Xuanmen Gate be used to detain them, while also deploying twenty thousand crossbowmen and making all preparations."

Gu Jin Nian transmitted his response.

He already knew Qingyuan Temple had a problem; now it finally showed its flaw, which is good, and counts as a slight progress.

But the matter is not yet resolved; it must be handled step by step, especially Prince Qi Lin's hundred‑thousand army—Gu Jin Nian truly harbored murderous intent.

Only, the critical moment hasn't arrived, and more importantly, he has no legitimate reason to do such a thing.

He could act on impulse.

He could also be hot‑blooded and slay the hundred‑thousand army, but the consequences of such a slaughter are indeed beyond Gu Jin Nian's capacity to bear.

He can be reckless, yet there is subtlety in his coarseness; if he takes things to an extreme, it will bring him enormous trouble and also bring massive trouble to the Gu Family.

If he were to casually kill the hundred‑thousand army, he could truly atone with his death.

However, for now he must stabilize the situation; he must wait for the investigation results from Qingyuan Temple.

If the children's disappearance is linked to Qingyuan Temple, or if, say, Wang Fugui and others are at Qingyuan Temple and they uncover some information, that could break the stalemate.

Why does Gu Jin Nian not kill these officials?

Why is he rambling and making arguments here?

Is it because he dares not?

No.

It's not that he doesn't dare.

Rather, Gu Jin Nian knows what he must do.

Save these children.

That is the important matter; being restrained by these people, being disgusted by them—these are not big problems.

Children are the most important.

Five or six thousand missing children— even if only half are recovered, Gu Jin Nian can accept that.

As long as a person lives, can return home and reunite with their parents, then everything is fine; a little grievance is nothing.

"Yes."

The latter obeyed the order and quickly left.

As for the others, they all turned to look at Gu Jin Nian; they didn't know what his purpose was in coming, nor what was said with Gu Jin Nian, each filled with curiosity.

"Crown Prince."

"Shall we continue the trial?"

At that moment, Prince Qi Lin's voice sounded again.

He asked Gu Jin Nian whether to continue the case.

Upon hearing that, Gu Jin Nian merely glanced at Prince Qi Lin, who was already on the brink of fainting—what case is there to continue?

However, Gu Jin Nian did not choose to rest; instead he spoke.

"Summon the other witnesses."

Obviously, Gu Jin Nian was buying time; he intended to delay until everything was ready, waiting for a moment to turn defeat into victory.

However, at that moment.

Compared with the undercurrents swirling in Bailu Mansion, Da Xia Capital has already erupted completely.

Gu Jin Nian mobilized two hundred thousand troops to suppress the matter in Jiangling County; it could no longer be hidden, and as the news spread, all officials became fully aware.

And at today's court session.

Before the court even convened, the entire civil and military officials had already started making a commotion.

"How can this be, how can this be? Twenty hundred thousand troops, dispatched at will; the officials of Jiangling County were all detained by Gu Jin Nian and taken to Bailu Mansion—no one knows whether they are alive or dead."

"The necessary routes were also completely blocked by the army; not even a single letter could get through. This Gu Jin Nian literally disregards the king's law, tramples the imperial system underfoot—this is a capital crime, a massive death sentence."

"There is no such precedent—who authorized him to mobilize two hundred thousand troops? Without an order from the Ministry of War, without the Emperor's command, Gu Jin Nian's actions are sheer arrogance, arrogance—this is a death crime. Today I must, on the throne, impeach Gu Jin Nian."

"Yes, it must be impeached. How could one say that this Da Xia Dynasty belongs to the Gu Family? Belongs to Gu Jin Nian?"

Voices rose one after another; officials roared, and except for a few major figures who stayed silent on the matter, the vast majority kept shouting.

Some generals, hearing this, also didn't know what to say; too many events had unfolded in such a short time.

The Xiongnu State and Da Xia are at odds, possibly ready to declare war at any moment.

That aside, not long ago the Marquis of Changyang suddenly died, sparking controversy; that incident had barely passed when this new crisis emerged.

The generals' power seemed to be on a downhill slope; one incident after another weighed heavily on them.

If Gu Jin Nian's actions lack the Emperor's permission, this matter would truly explode.

Even if the Emperor had granted permission, no civil official would be satisfied.

The reason is simple: Gu Jin Nian acted too ruthlessly; moving two hundred thousand troops at a whim has no justification.

It was indeed excessive and indeed chaotic.

Even a Grand Protector could not restrain Gu Jin Nian.

As officials argued, another voice sounded.

"Summon all officials to the court."

As the eunuch's voice rang out.

In an instant, all officials fell silent and slowly walked from the inner chambers into the main hall.

Long live the emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years.

As usual, paying respects.

In the main hall, as the Yongsheng Great Emperor just finished saying 'rise', a voice sounded directly.

Your Majesty.

I have a memorial to present.

The voice sounded, it was the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War.

Present.

The Yongsheng Great Emperor spoke lightly, without any emotion, as if he knew what would happen.

Your Majesty, the grandson of the Duke of the State, Gu Jin Nian went to Jiangling Commandery, privately mobilized 200,000 troops, blockaded Jiangling Commandery, and furthermore detained all officials at the White Egret Prefecture.

According to the scouts' report, Prince Qilin dispatched a 100,000-strong army intending to suppress the inspection, but unexpectedly Gu Jin Nian went berserk, fought Prince Qilin's 100,000-strong army, and for Gu Daquan, the Changfei General chose to surrender.

Now he is controlled by Gu Jin Nian at the White Egret Prefecture.

Privately mobilizing troops, blockading a commandery, detaining officials, intending internal rebellion—these are the four capital crimes; please issue an edict immediately, forcibly reclaim military authority, have the Shankui Army detain Gu Jin Nian and bring him to the capital, and have the Ministry of Justice conduct the investigation.

Interrogate and behead Gu Jin Nian, otherwise the court order will collapse and the realm will fall into great chaos.

The Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of War was also straightforward; he exaggerated nothing and directly convicted Gu Jin Nian.

This is no longer a matter of being targeted or not.

But it is the things Gu Jin Nian has done that are truly unscrupulous; what is most important for a dynasty? It is the rules!

If there were no rules, one could mobilize troops whenever one wanted and do whatever one pleased—wouldn't this country be in utter chaos? The Ministry of Rites, in diplomacy, cannot outshout others; can we just kill them all? The Ministry of Works manufactures goods, but because merchants charge too much, can we just send troops to loot their homes? The Ministry of Revenue has no money to pay officials' salaries; can we just let officials directly extort the people's fat and ointment?

As the Vice Minister of the Ministry of War's voice sounded.

Immediately, another voice also sounded.

Your Majesty, the Kong family reports that Kong Zhen, the Kong family's Great Scholar, was bound by Gu Jin Nian to a wooden post at the city gate merely for speaking one extra word, and subjected to flogging; such conduct is brutally excessive, both insulting the sage and revealing Gu Jin Nian's vicious nature.

Please issue an edict to punish Gu Jin Nian.

He is a Confucian official; the Kong family first sent a letter informing them of some matters, and naturally at the court assembly they had to speak of this.

Your Majesty, Gu Jin Nian's conduct this time treats law as nothing, treats imperial authority as nothing, relying on the Duke of the State's name to act wickedly, outrageously excessive; please punish him.

Voices sounded one after another.

The officials' attitudes reached agreement.

This was not prearranged; it is the things Gu Jin Nian has done that are truly unscrupulous.

He disrupted the rules, he disrupted the court order.

A single sentence to explain.

No matter what happens, one must abide by the rules, yet Gu Jin Nian tramples upon them.

Listening to the officials speak.

The Yongsheng Great Emperor remained silent.

After everyone had completely quieted down, the Yongsheng Great Emperor then slowly spoke.

This time, Gu Jin Nian's going to the White Egret Prefecture is my decree.

The matter of mobilizing troops is also my intention.

The Yongsheng Great Emperor spoke; one sentence left the court officials astonished.

Your Majesty, if this is truly your intention, why not notify the Ministry of War?

A Confucian official spoke up, asking the Yongsheng Great Emperor.

The Ministry of War?

The Yongsheng Great Emperor rose to his feet, then took a memorial from beside him and threw it into the main hall.

You all, widen your eyes and look.

Look at what happened at the White Egret Prefecture.

Look at what else happened in Jiangling Commandery.

In just two years, over seven thousand children have gone missing in Jiangling Commandery.

Why should I notify the Ministry of War? Notify you officials who have blackened consciences?

The Yongsheng Great Emperor's roar sounded.

In an instant, the officials' faces turned extremely grim.

Moreover, many officials showed looks of terror.

They never expected that such a thing would happen in Jiangling Commandery, after all Jiangling Commandery blockaded news, and the limited information they received was also scarce.

Unlike the Six Ministries Ministers, who are all well-connected, it is obvious they already knew, so after the court assembly began they remained silent.

At this moment, all civil and military officials finally understood why Gu Jin Nian had caused such a huge commotion.

Seven thousand children missing?

Within just two years.

This really is not a minor matter; placed in the capital, it is a major affair.

Seeing the officials silent, the Yongsheng Great Emperor continued speaking.

Gu Jin Nian did not privately mobilize troops; everything is my decree.

However, the time is ripe now; I indeed ought to rein in these corrupt officials.

Convey my decree: let the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Punishments, and the Lantern Office go to the White Egret Prefecture to investigate the missing children case.

The Minister of Justice, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Punishments, and the Commander of the Lantern Office shall be the investigators.

All command authority shall be handed over to the Commander of the Lantern Office to handle.

Let Gu Jin Nian return to the capital quickly, prepare the ceremony to confer a marquisate.

When the water recedes and the rocks are exposed, send all criminals to the Capital and punish them without mercy.

Wei Xian, hear my command: I order you to accompany me and record everything you see, not missing a single word. I want to see what kind of person is hidden behind the small White Heron Mansion.

I also want to see whether a massive army of two hundred thousand can suppress Jiangling County.

Do you understand?

Emperor Yongsheng spoke.

In fact, he already knew about this matter; sending Gu Jin Nian over was intended to have Gu Jin Nian stir up the murky waters.

Now the situation has met his expectations, so Gu Jin Nian is no longer needed to intervene.

Gu Jin Nian has already taken on a lot, and given his temperament, he indeed can be hard to control; he can now return.

This matter is known to all civil and military officials, known to this Da Xia Emperor, and later the common people of the realm will also know.

Thus no one can hide this matter.

They have their own ways to resolve it.

"Your servant obeys the edict."

Wei Xian spoke, accepting the command on the spot.

The officials, watching all this, understood in their hearts that Emperor Yongsheng was actually favoring Gu Jin Nian; the matter of moving troops was certainly not that simple— even with imperial authorization, the Ministry of War must be notified.

After all, the deployment involves a massive army of two hundred thousand, not a mere twenty or thirty thousand.

However, the White Heron Mansion caused such a big incident and concealed it, making it the main issue; the officials no longer dared to continue entangling Gu Jin Nian.

Moreover, Gu Jin Nian is to be recalled; his merits and demerits balance out, so he likely won't be punished, provided he returns to the capital honestly.

Thus.

After the court session ended, the officials formed groups of three to five and gathered to discuss the matter.

The Ministers of the Six Ministries were not idle; such a major incident naturally required private consultations.

The Court of Judicial Review, the Suspended Lantern Office, and the Ministry of Justice, upon receiving the news, rushed toward the White Heron Mansion at once.

Especially Gu Ning Ya.

Upon hearing that Gu Jin Nian had gone to the White Heron Mansion, Gu Ning Ya was even more eager to leave, but before departing, he also paid a visit to the Gu Family.

He didn't know whether the master was aware, but this matter still needed to be discussed with the master.

An hour later.

Gu Ning Ya emerged from the Gu Family, his expression calm.

Because the master's intention was simple.

That's about it; Gu Jin Nian will return to the capital, and the remaining matters will be handled by others.

But he added another remark: whatever Gu Jin Nian does represents the Gu Family.

At first Gu Ning Ya didn't understand the meaning of that sentence; after pondering for a long time, he gradually grasped it.

Gu Jin Nian's trip to Jiangling County was arranged by the master, or rather by the master and His Majesty.

But His Majesty thought it was acceptable.

Yet the master did not stop His Majesty, and instead gave Gu Jin Nian the greatest confidence.

A major incident is about to happen.

Although Gu Ning Ya usually jokes around with Gu Jin Nian, now that he sits as the commander of the Suspended Lantern Office, his mind is more meticulous than anyone's.

Thus, several detachments raced swiftly toward the White Heron Mansion.

Thus.

Night fell.

Inside the White Heron Mansion, some civilians were yawning, and even some officials couldn't help yawning, feeling drowsy.

Since Wang Ping's fainting, Gu Jin Nian summoned other witnesses, questioning them from all sides, yet never reaching a conclusion, giving the impression of stalling for time.

Everyone stayed with Gu Jin Nian, enduring until now.

The torches burned, and Gu Jin Nian continued to ask mundane questions—such as where one lives, whether one is married and has children—trivial chatter.

These officials felt some displeasure, but since they were not implicated, they let Gu Jin Nian continue his antics.

Anyway, buying time is beneficial for them; once the court learns of this, Gu Jin Nian will have no chance to flaunt his power here.

Although they also know that once the court learns, it will certainly mete out severe punishment without mercy.

But what is the result of such severe punishment? It would simply be a batch of people beheaded, while most could be spared; there has never been a case of executing all officials of a place.

The law does not hold the masses accountable.

The court operates similarly; as for people like Xu Ping and Zhou He, demotion or dismissal and exile is about all that awaits them.

Because the core of this matter is simply "knowing and not reporting".

One could say that even if they were all captured and taken to the Capital, through various maneuvers the biggest issues would be suppressed bit by bit, a small group would suffer misfortune, and the majority would merely take a loss and be done with it.

Those who dare to do such things have superiors; having superiors makes it easy to handle, a rule since ancient times.

Gu Jin Nian was rambling here, and they knew well that there was simply no way out, and at that moment—

When Gu Jin Nian interrogated some useless information—

The figure that had come to report earlier reappeared.

"His Highness the Crown Prince."

"A grave matter has arisen: a massive army has surrounded Qingyuan Temple; eight hundred monks have gathered there, lighting a pyre. They would rather die than allow the Yaochi Fairy and others to breach the rear mountain. Should anyone cross the forbidden boundary, they will commit suicide within the temple."

"Qingyuan Temple has ties with Da Yin Temple; the Yaochi Fairy sent subordinates to report."

The figure appeared, still the martial messenger.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian immediately set down what he was holding, glanced at Su Huaiyu, and without a word followed the other party.

"Go to Qingyuan Temple."

Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth, and did not ramble.

He didn't know what was hidden behind Qingyuan Temple's back mountain, but the biggest clue now lay inside Qingyuan Temple.

Eight hundred monks using their lives to block? That's the thief's guilty conscience; the greatest breakthrough has appeared, and if used well we can capture them all in one net.

Therefore, Gu Jin Nian wasted no time and rushed off.

"Crown Prince, where are you going?"

Prince Qi Lin rose and asked Gu Jin Nian thus.

Yet Gu Jin Nian didn't even glance at Prince Qi Lin; the warhorses were already prepared outside, and he mounted and left.

In an instant, all officials glanced at each other, finally fixing their gaze on Prince Qi Lin.

The latter didn't chatter either, immediately followed, and seeing the situation the officials hurried after as well.

In a flash, everyone followed Gu Jin Nian.

The Shan Kui army led the way, and Gu Jin Nian and Su Huaiyu rushed toward Qingyuan Temple.

Prince Qi Lin and his party trailed behind.

Quickly.

After an hour and a half of frantic sprinting,

they finally arrived at Qingyuan Temple.

Qingyuan Temple, a famous spot in Jiangling Commandery, has a history of over a hundred years; its first abbot was a senior monk of Great Sound Temple.

Great Sound Temple is the foremost temple of the Buddhist sect.

Because of this, Qingyuan Temple's incense never ceases, and many believers come to burn incense and worship Buddha there.

Some even travel hundreds of li without rest just to do so.

But today,

the interior of Qingyuan Temple seemed very strange.

The hall was empty; iron cavalry surrounded everything, and as soon as Gu Jin Nian and his group arrived, someone stepped forward and led Gu Jin Nian to the back mountain.

Qingyuan Temple's back mountain.

In the distance.

Eight hundred monks blocked the iron cavalry; charcoal piled around them, all the monks sat there, exuding an attitude as if to say, "If you dare to break in, I'll ignite the flames."

Yaochi and Yunrou were blocked outside, standing nearby and quietly watching the monks.

Waiting for Gu Jin Nian's arrival.

Yunrou's voice rang out at once.

"There's a big problem here. The first time we came, we didn't notice anything; our attention was on the temple interior, and we ignored the outside."

"And Yaochi seems to know something; ask her."

Yunrou took a sip of wine and told Gu Jin Nian roughly what had happened.

"Yaochi Fairy, what's really going on?"

Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth, looking at Yaochi.

"I asked them if they knew Prince brother; they said they didn't, but I heard their thoughts—they intend to kill the prince and silence him."

"We found no clues inside the temple, so I think the back mountain is suspicious."

Yaochi replied, this was her answer.

Yaochi possesses some extraordinary talent; she can hear others' thoughts, sometimes useful, sometimes not, and sometimes only hears trivial matters.

But now it has become useful.

"Crown Prince, these monks block the way, saying that if we wish to enter the back mountain we must step over their corpses."

"Da Xia has a law forbidding the killing of monks; we cannot violate the statutes."

"Please, Crown Prince, make a decision."

At this moment, Xu Jin stepped forward, came to Gu Jin Nian, and reported the specifics.

Hearing this,

and combining the earlier events, Gu Jin Nian turned his gaze to the distant monks, each with hands clasped, reciting sutras, appearing as if welcoming death.

In the distance, the highest‑ranking monk seemed to sense Gu Jin Nian's stare.

He opened his eyes, looked at Gu Jin Nian, and shouted loudly.

"General."

"The back mountain is the resting place of our senior monk of Qingyuan Temple, holding immortal Buddhist law; if you trespass, you disturb the monk's soul—this is a sin. Our senior monk has set up an Eternal Light on the back mountain."

"It prays for the people of Jiangling Commandery; the army's killing aura is heavy. Once you step in, you will ruin the prayer site, and Jiangling Commandery will suffer heavenly disaster and human calamity. We hope you, General, will pardon us."

This was the abbot of Qingyuan Temple, who shouted loudly, hoping Gu Jin Nian would raise his noble hand and let it be.

Only a ghost would believe these words.

"All generals, obey the order."

"Gather five thousand iron cavalry, charge into the back mountain, search the situation, and report any findings immediately."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his face icy, and issued the command directly.

Upon hearing this, the monks' faces turned extremely grim; many young, vigorous monks stood up, gripping torches tightly, as if saying, "If you dare to break in, I'll die for you to see."

Da Xia Dynasty does not kill monks, nor does any dynasty in the world kill monks.

The reason is, like the Confucians, the Buddhist sect has ascetics who cultivate blessings for the world, thus receiving heaven's support; killing Confucians brings ruin to a state, killing Buddhists brings misfortune.

If eight hundred monks die here, it is a great matter—not a trouble for Gu Jin Nian, but a trouble for Da Xia Dynasty; both Fuyu Dynasty and Great Jin Dynasty have legitimate Buddhist lineages.

Although Da Xia Dynasty has Buddhism, it has not yet truly incorporated the orthodox; such an incident will surely be used to attack Da Xia Dynasty, given the massive number of believers.

Studying still costs silver, but believing in Buddhism is simple—kneel, bow, and you're a Buddhist follower.

"No."

Qi Lin Wang's voice rang out.

His voice was like thunder, suppressing everyone present, preventing Gu Jin Nian from such actions.

"Why not?"

Gu Jin Nian turned his gaze toward Qi Lin Wang.

"Da Xia forbids killing monks; the Buddhist sect is a pure place, and cannot tolerate your wanton misdeeds."

"Gu Jin Nian, you are inside the prefectural office; whatever you intend, I will not intervene. My mother is a Buddhist disciple, and you trample the sect in this way; I will not consent."

Qi Lin Wang spoke.

He casually found a pretext to stop Gu Jin Nian from exploring the back mountain.

"His Highness the Crown Prince, the back mountain of Qingyuan Temple indeed has a prayer tower, and there is a feng shui belief that if one intrudes and damages the feng shui here, the misfortune will fall upon the people of Jiangling County."

"Yes, yes, His Highness the Crown Prince, this cannot be done recklessly."

"These monks are protecting the people; why would His Highness the Crown Prince cause such suffering?"

"Why come to Qingyuan Temple in the first place?"

Voices rose one after another, and the officials began to object.

However, Gu Jin Nian's expression turned cold as he said,

"Military orders are as solid as a mountain."

"Aren't you going?"

Gu Jin Nian roared, unwilling to waste words with these people; the flaw lies right here, and they still try to stall him?

Upon hearing this, the Shan Kui army stopped their chatter, directly gathering the iron cavalry and charging toward the back mountain.

"How dare you?"

Qi Lin Wang shouted, seeming ready to fight seriously.

"The army assembles; bring me Qi Lin Wang down."

"Send the order again: have one hundred thousand iron cavalry shoot down Qi Lin Wang."

"Prince, your men have already been escorted to the entrance of White Egret Mansion."

"Do you believe that with a single word, a hundred thousand people could vanish in an instant?"

Gu Jin Nian was truly unafraid.

If you have the ability, just see whether your strength is greater or the military order swifter.

Once the message is delivered, the hundred thousand iron cavalry will vanish instantly.

Sure enough, hearing this, Qi Lin Wang fell silent.

Even if he were foolish, he would not be foolish enough to sacrifice his own hundred thousand iron cavalry.

That is his foundation; such a conflict that sacrifices the lives of a hundred thousand iron cavalry would be a massive trouble.

"General."

"If you send the iron cavalry in, we monks will die here."

A monk from afar spoke, his expression resolute.

"Then let the Crown Prince die."

Gu Jin Nian heard this and responded outright, then grabbed a torch nearby and threw it toward the distance.

The torch landed quickly, falling into the fire pit.

In an instant, fierce flames erupted, and the faces of eight hundred monks changed dramatically.

All the officials' expressions also changed.

Who could have thought Gu Jin Nian would be so ruthless, truly daring to kill?

If he were to kill them, it would not be a trivial matter.

And with the iron cavalry entering, there was no longer any taboo; they began searching the back mountain directly.

Under the raging fire.

The monks were completely panicked, each one fleeing; they could only threaten Gu Jin Nian, but if they truly died, they would not dare to die.

As for the officials, they were extremely anxious and ordered people to extinguish the fire.

Fortunately the fire was not large, and the other side was only putting on a show; no one was injured.

However, a few senior monks clearly panicked and got up to leave.

"Detain all these monks."

Seeing this, Gu Jin Nian immediately ordered the monks to be detained.

Thus.

In less than half an hour.

In the back mountain, iron cavalry surged forward, bringing several people.

It was Wang Fu Gui and others.

Sure enough, they were here.

Gu Jin Nian inhaled deeply at once, while the hundred officials were extremely curious.

"His Highness the Crown Prince, in the back mountain, we discovered someone imprisoned."

Xu Jin appeared, releasing Wang Fu Gui, Jiang Yezhou, and several others.

At this moment, Wang Fu Gui and the others were weak, their faces pallid, visibly thinner.

Immediately, the Yaochi Fairy took out some pills, performed celestial technique, and infused them into their bodies.

Gu Jin Nian moved to the side and examined their injuries.

A quarter of an hour later.

Wang Fugui slowly awoke, his eyes dazed; when he saw Gu Jin Nian's face, Wang Fugui, though somewhat weak, tried to grasp Gu Jin Nian's shoulder.

Below the temple.

Wang Fugui spoke; he was very weak, unaware of what had happened, and even after swallowing the spirit pill, he had still fainted.

Below the temple?

Gu Jin Nian frowned.

He simultaneously looked toward the Yaochi Fairy and said.

"Yaochi Fairy, I've entrusted Wang and the others to your care."

He now has no time to tend to Wang Fugui; instead, he stood up and looked at Xu Jin.

"There may be a secret passage beneath Qingyuan Temple; search carefully, and if that fails, overturn Qingyuan Temple for me."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He issued the order.

"Understood."

Xu Jin, without further words, gathered more men and began the search.

Gu Jin Nian's expression was stern.

He didn't need the monks to confess on their own.

He wanted to see the result himself.

Tap tap tap! Tap tap tap! Five thousand elite troops frantically searched Qingyuan Temple, leaving no spot unchecked; they even flipped through some sutras to glance for any issues.

Thus.

An hour later, a voice rang out.

"Found it."

As the voice sounded.

Everyone hurried into the main hall.

A soldier suddenly ran out.

"His Highness, the Crown Prince."

"The Arhat Throne has a mechanism; there's a secret passage beneath the Great Buddha, but it can only accommodate one person."

The soldier spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian as he said.

"Dismantle the passage for me."

Gu Jin Nian didn't waste words; the evidence would appear immediately.

There was no chatter.

Soon, five hundred men entered the hall, wielding axes and hammers, directly expanding the passage beneath the Great Buddha severalfold; some soldiers even smashed the foundation, revealing a huge cavity.

At once, the crowd entered.

Gu Jin Nian also let out a long sigh, thinking that Qingyuan Temple should be the place where the child was hidden.

After all, temples are indeed tranquil; though there are pilgrims, the most dangerous spot is often the safest, and these people are bold.

Even ordinary people wouldn't think of Qingyuan Temple.

As the passage appeared.

Xu Jin and others volunteered, planning to go down and probe the situation for danger.

Gu Jin Nian nodded and agreed.

Then two hundred elite soldiers followed Xu Jin inside.

The stone in Gu Jin Nian's heart finally settled.

Regardless, as long as the commoners' child is recovered, everything he endured is insignificant.

That is the point.

As for what follows, the court will handle it—punish the guilty, execute the condemned.

But Xu Jin and his party spent a full hour in the passage without any sign of movement, which was puzzling.

Fortunately,

After one and a half hours,

Xu Jin and his party emerged.

"Is the child below?"

Seeing Xu Jin's group emerge, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but speak; this was his greatest concern.

However, he keenly noticed that Xu Jin's party wore uneasy expressions, especially the two hundred elite who followed earlier, each bowing their heads with a hint of panic in their eyes.

That soldiers could be frightened was rather thought‑provoking.

"His Highness, the Crown Prince."

"Below."

"Then Your Highness should go and see yourself."

Xu Jin swallowed, seemingly unable to explain the situation, and could only ask Gu Jin Nian to go himself.

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian felt a thump in his chest.

He sensed something was wrong.

But he still nodded.

He entered the secret passage directly, with Su Huaiyu following beside him, moving forward together.

Leaving those officials standing here.

Most of the officials were merely curious.

But only Xu Ping turned an ashen, dreadful pallor.

"Lord Xu, be careful; after the imperial envoys arrive, rest properly."

Just then, Qi Lin Wang's voice rang out, making Xu Ping truly rest.

Hearing that, Xu Ping couldn't help but look up at Qi Lin Wang.

Their gazes met.

At that moment, Xu Ping took a deep breath, and his eyes gradually steadied.

Soon, the group entered the tunnel, which was not particularly spacious.

But the deeper they went, the more spacious it became.

At the back, it was a whole other world, like a subterranean palace, with oil lamps on both sides.

Since he had gone down before, Xu Jin led the group onward, saving some time.

After walking for about a quarter of an hour,

finally a larger space appeared.

But everyone was frozen in place.

In a huge underground clearing.

A blood‑red spider was suspended in the air, clinging to a web.

The spider was enormous—its width alone was over ten zhàng—but all its legs were broken, leaving only its body. The massive web was terrifying.

But the truly frightening thing was not that.

It was.

On the web, there were tangled strands of spider silk, and within those strands were little girls.

Each girl's forehead bore a spider silk as thick as an index finger, inserted at the center of the brow, with strands of blood flowing along the silk and coalescing into the spider's body.

Silence.

Everyone held their breath.

Gu Jin Nian was somewhat stunned.

He stared at it all, half in disbelief, and unsure what to say.

On the web, there were three to four thousand spider clusters of various sizes.

On the ground lay many more spider clusters, each containing a corpse dried to the extreme.

"Blood Demon Spider."

"How can such a monster be here?"

"These beasts feed on human blood to cultivate."

"Yet its legs have been severed, as if being offered in a sacrifice."

"No, impossible—no one would sacrifice such a thing."

"Unless it's for tempering refined blood."

Su Huaiyu was also shocked; he couldn't help speaking, gazing at everything.

He explained the origin of the beast.

But Gu Jin Nian's voice involuntarily rose.

Trembling.

"Can these children be saved?"

Gu Jin Nian's voice trembled, not from fear but from numbness, a tingling all over his body.

He had done so many things.

Mobilized a great army.

Acted lawlessly.

Stood up to the prince.

All of it, everything, was driven by the desire to save these children.

As long as a person lives.

Everything would be negotiable.

"The moment the silk pierces the brow, there is no turning back; these children had already died."

"Some seem to have been pierced only recently, just now."

"They are now merely vessels, vessels for tempering refined blood."

Su Huaiyu didn't want to be too blunt.

But in the end he spoke plainly.

All dead?

Gu Jin Nian's body felt weak; he nearly fainted on the spot.

Fortunately, Xu Jin and the others immediately supported Gu Jin Nian.

"His Highness the Crown Prince."

Several people shouted.

Gu Jin Nian clutched Xu Jin's shoulder, his body trembling, his gaze filled with murderous intent.

It was a murderous fury of epic scale.

Over five thousand children.

Even the missing children of White Heron Mansion, even if they had been trafficked, would not have provoked such emotion in Gu Jin Nian.

If they are kidnapped and sold, at worst we can buy them back, spend some silver to take care of it—it's just a state expense.

But I never expected it to be ten times worse than selling them into kidnapping, a hundred times worse!

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian gave rise to a flood of killing intent.

True killing intent.

"Xu Jin!"

"Listen to me."

"Listen to the prince."

"Now!"

"Now!"

"Go out now and behead those officials on the spot."

"Then tell them, including their families and their nine clans, to let them."

"Besides Xu Ping and Zhou He, keep those two for me."

"No, no, no."

"Keep all the major officials; I want them to die by a thousand cuts."

"Go and relay the order."

"Immediately shoot down the 100,000-strong army of King Qilin."

"I will repay blood with blood, tooth with tooth."

Gu Jin Nian is really going mad.

His speech is somewhat incoherent.

Five or six thousand young children, although their families may not be wealthy, they still have fathers and mothers, and elders who love them.

Their future may not be very splendid.

But they are the foundation of Da Xia.

They have been kidnapped and sold.

Gu Jin Nian has nothing to say; some people are beasts, profits blazing to the heavens.

But now they are subjected to such brutal treatment.

Gu Jin Nian simply does not know how to face the parents of these people.

The families of these people.

How many people will suffer a lifetime because of this?

"Your Highness, Your Highness."

"What's wrong with you, what's wrong with you?"

Voices rang out one after another.

Gu Jin Nian was about to faint, he was faint from anger, he was about to faint from pain.

He could not understand.

Just what kind of beast could do such a thing?

"Prince!"

"Stay calm!"

Su Huaiyu let out a loud shout, he grabbed Gu Jin Nian's shoulder, making him calm down.

Although he himself felt terrible inside, he hoped Gu Jin Nian would calm down.

Otherwise, things would go wrong instead.

Upon hearing Su Huaiyu's words.

Gu Jin Nian gradually calmed down.

Time passed bit by bit.

A full two hours.

Gu Jin Nian stayed here for two hours before he completely calmed down.

"Xu Jin."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his voice hoarse.

The soldiers were silent one by one, but their eyes were firm.

"First, don't move; bring the three clans of those officials outside."

"Let none of them go."

"Detain them at White Egret Manor."

"And Kong Zhen."

"Detain everyone related to them."

"Seal off Clear Distance Temple completely."

"Do not spread the news from here; slay the demon spiders and properly arrange these corpses."

"But do not let it get out, brothers; absolutely do not let it get out."

"This prince earnestly asks you all to keep tight control over your mouths; not a single word should be let out."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He did not want this matter to be spread; if it were spread, it would not be just a matter of influence.

But rather, the parents of these children would be grief-stricken; not telling them leaves them with a lingering hope.

If we told them, it would be too cruel.

Gu Jin Nian cannot do it.

"Please, Your Highness, rest assured, we will absolutely not spread rumors."

The soldiers all spoke up, but there were hot tears in their eyes; although they were soldiers, human hearts are made of flesh.

Seeing this, who wouldn't feel heartbroken?

Thinking of the commoners outside crying out for injustice, they also didn't know how to face it.

Go.

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly, then sat here, silently watching everything.

Although he calmed down.

But this matter left an indelible mark in his heart.

Su Huaiyu sat to the side, silent and speechless.

Although he had not been in contact with Gu Jin Nian for long, he could tell what kind of person Gu Jin Nian was.

Too kind.

It is the kind of nature that cannot bear to see the people's suffering.

It's hard to imagine that a top noble of Da Xia would have such a nature.

But Su Huaiyu clearly knows that Gu Jin Nian's nature will truly win him the people's hearts.

Because he serves the people, never for any profit.

It is doing things for the people from the heart.

Thus.

Time passed little by little.

Outside, no one knew what had happened; they only knew that Xu Jin came out and immediately sealed off Qingyuan Temple with heavy troops, bringing all officials to Bailu Prefecture.

After that, a whole day passed with Gu Jin Nian not appearing, as if everything had calmed down.

But as the commotion of these days...

Within Jiangling Prefecture, many commoners came, all having lost children.

They came here simply to find their own children.

All the way until midnight.

Finally, the imperial edict arrived.

Wei Xian issued the edict, ordering the Ministry of Punishments, the Dali Temple, and the Suspension Lamp Office to jointly investigate the case, and after commending Gu Jin Nian, they asked him to return to the capital.

Here, there is no need for Gu Jin Nian to do anything.

Upon receiving this answer, the officials felt a mix of joy and worry.

The joy was that Gu Jin Nian was leaving; this person who didn't follow the rules indeed gave them a headache.

The worry was that the Ministry of Punishments, the Dali Temple, and the Suspension Lamp Office joining forces to handle the case would likely cause trouble.

But no matter what, Gu Jin Nian is leaving, so everything can be discussed.

Moreover, not having seen Gu Jin Nian for two consecutive days, the officials thought he might have secretly returned to the capital.

And at this moment.

In the underground passage of Qingyuan Temple.

The soldiers were gathering the children's corpses.

Xu Jin came over, informing Gu Jin Nian that imperial emissaries had arrived, and also conveyed Wei Xian's edict to him.

"General Xu, have the other matters been settled?"

Gu Jin Nian inquired of the other party.

"Replying to His Highness the Crown Prince, everything has been settled."

Xu Jin nodded.

"Good."

"Tomorrow at noon, I will return."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his tone fully showing weariness.

"Yes."

Xu Jin nodded; he understood what Gu Jin Nian intended to do.

But he did not stop him.

Because he believed that what Gu Jin Nian was doing.

was right.

Just like that.

With the close cooperation of the Ministry of Punishments, the Dali Temple, and the Suspension Lamp Office, the case began to be investigated piece by piece; the three forces were indeed strong, and they also ferreted out officials one by one.

At the place of handling the case, Gu Ningya and Gu Leng sat respectively on the left and right.

Gu Ningya was somewhat curious why Gu Jin Nian had not yet appeared.

Gu Leng, however, glanced thoughtfully toward the outside of the government office, but ultimately said nothing.

Until.

The next day at noon.

A force of over a thousand elite troops surged forward, directly detaining all major officials of Bailu Prefecture and Jiangling Prefecture, big and small.

Even disregarding the Ministry of Punishments, the Suspension Lamp Office, and the Dali Temple.

The case had already been handed over to the three parties, with all officials detained in one place, each party conducting separate interrogations.

But the suddenly appearing Shan Kui Army, overbearing to the extreme, seized all the officials, drawing the curiosity of all factions.

Prince Qi Lin, the Great Scholar sent by the Kong family, and the court officials all hurried over.

No one knows what happened.

All they saw was Xu Jin leading men, detaining officials at the empty ground of the execution field and binding them to the ground.

It drew a crowd of many townsfolk from the White Heron Residence to watch.

"What are you doing?"

"You ignore the Ministry of Punishments' orders? Are you planning to rebel?"

"People of the Dali Temple, you also dare to forcibly seize them? Planning rebellion?"

Roars of anger rose in succession; the people of the Ministry of Punishments, the Dali Temple, and the Hanging Lantern Office all erupted in fury.

As for Gu Leng, Gu Ningya, and the Dali Temple chief official, they simply did not step forward.

"Crown Prince's command."

Xu Jin's expression turned icy as he rejected everything with those four words.

Crown Prince's command.

That reply piqued everyone's curiosity; everyone assumed Gu Jin Nian had left, but to their surprise, Gu Jin Nian had not yet gone. At that moment—

Inside Qingyuan Temple.

Gu Jin Nian walked out of the temple.

Sunlight streamed down.

Yet it could not dispel the gloom in Gu Jin Nian's heart.

He mounted his warhorse and rode toward the White Heron Residence.

Su Huaiyu stayed by his side without a step's distance.

Yaochi Fairy and the others returned to the White Heron Residence to attend to Wang Fugui and the others.

Thus.

About an hour later.

Gu Jin Nian arrived at the White Heron Residence.

He came to the White Heron Residence once more.

Gu Jin Nian headed straight for the execution field.

Only, someone spotted Gu Jin Nian and couldn't help shouting loudly.

Soon, many townsfolk appeared, and some even knelt on the ground, wailing loudly; their daughters were missing, and upon hearing that Gu Jin Nian was handling such grievances at the White Heron Residence, they rushed here without pause.

Then, more and more townsfolk seeking their lost children appeared, crying and pleading for Gu Jin Nian to lend a hand.

Some people, in order to find their children, exhausted their entire fortunes.

Some people, in order to find their children, gave up everything.

No one knows how much suffering and injustice they endured along the way.

As long as they can retrieve their children.

They are all willing.

Gu Jin Nian did not look at them.

It wasn't that he was unwilling to look.

It was that he dared not look.

In his mind, thousands of children's corpses lingered, impossible to shake off.

And.

When Gu Jin Nian appeared at the execution field, many people immediately came forward.

"His Highness the Crown Prince, His Majesty has issued an edict: this deed of yours greatly pleases the Emperor; please return to the capital promptly to receive your merit."

The first to approach was Wei Xian, who held the imperial decree in his hand; he had been searching for Gu Jin Nian these past days, and upon seeing him, he was overjoyed and came to congratulate.

But Gu Jin Nian ignored him.

He stepped right past him.

"Jin Nian, where have you been these past few days?"

"You need not concern yourself with this matter; it's the old master's wish. Rest well. The Dali Temple, the Ministry of Punishments, and the Hanging Lantern Office will investigate thoroughly. You should return to the capital to rest."

The second to come forward was Gu Ningya.

He had originally worn a beaming smile, but upon seeing Gu Jin Nian's heavy gaze, he restrained his smile.

Yet Gu Jin Nian still stepped past, ignoring his sixth uncle.

From afar, Gu Leng observed all this in silence; he had intended to come over, but in the end did not.

He seemed to know something, understanding Gu Jin Nian's current mood.

As for the third person.

It was Xu Jin who approached; his expression unchanged, he clasped his hands and spoke.

"His Highness the Crown Prince, everything is in order."

Xu Jin's words informed Gu Jin Nian that all matters were fully prepared.

Upon hearing this.

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

Then, looking at the officials kneeling on the ground, his face turned icy as he said.

"Execute!"

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

His voice rang out.

In an instant, hundreds of soldiers, brandishing battle knives, came directly behind the officials to carry out executions.

In that moment, voices rang out one after another.

"No! Jin Nian, His Majesty has issued an edict; I have already taken over this matter, you must not act rashly."

Gu Leng's voice sounded; his complexion changed—he hadn't expected Gu Jin Nian to be so decisive.

Although he had guessed some things, he hadn't expected his own nephew to act this way.

"Jin Nian, don't be reckless; these people still need to be investigated, many matters have no conclusion yet, and the law does not punish the masses. You cannot kill them all at once, so stop speaking carelessly."

Gu Ningya stepped forward directly, urging Gu Jin Nian not to be reckless.

"Gu Jin Nian, the emperor's decree has already been issued; this matter does not concern you. The Dali Temple has taken over—do not act out of turn."

The Dali Temple Minister was also astonished and hurried to intervene.

As for the officials kneeling on the ground, each turned pale with fright.

How did Gu Jin Nian suddenly go mad all of a sudden?

"All the emperor's edicts are present."

"Gu Jin Nian, are you defying the edict?"

"I, the king, am here—who dares to act recklessly?"

Soon, Qi Lin Wang's voice rang out.

He also spoke at the critical moment, restraining Gu Jin Nian's behavior.

He even threatened the Mountain Chief Army.

Only.

Accompanied by a burst of screams.

Quickly, not far away, heads fell to the ground one after another.

But they were not the officials' heads.

They were the heads of their relatives.

Nearby, a group appeared, taking the condemned aside, following Gu Jin Nian's earlier command to behead.

These people then carried out the execution directly.

It was merely because Gu Jin Nian had drawn everyone's attention.

"What is happening?"

"Who are these people?"

"Who gave you permission to kill indiscriminately? What do you consider the Ministry of Punishments to be?"

Sounds of astonishment, confusion, and angry shouts from some Ministry of Punishments officials rose in succession.

Although the officials were not the victims, beheading still raises issues; without verification from the Ministry of Punishments, who can act arbitrarily? "Madam, madam, why was my lady beheaded?"

"Father, father, Gu Jin Nian, why did you kill my father?"

"Brother, that is my brother! Gu Jin Nian, have you gone mad?"

At that moment, the officials' voices kept echoing.

At first they were stunned, and after regaining composure, they were shocked to discover that the recently beheaded were actually their own relatives.

In an instant, these officials began wailing and howling like ghosts.

"Gu Jin Nian, do you want to die?"

"Gu Jin Nian, you are defying the edict."

"Gu Jin Nian, you treat Da Xia law as nothing; the emperor will never spare you."

A roar sounded.

The officials from the capital were completely stunned.

Gu Jin Nian was nothing short of a madman.

Even the emperor had issued a decree, yet no one expected Gu Jin Nian would still want to kill.

"Xu Jin, seize everyone; anyone who dares to disrupt the execution ground will be killed without mercy."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

His voice was icy.

"I, the junior officer, obey the order."

Xu Jin said no more; in an instant, a multitude of soldiers flooded the streets, sealing off everything to maintain order.

The Ministry of Punishments, as well,

the Dali Temple, the Hanging Lantern Office, and so on,

were all secured immediately.

Even Gu Ningya was forcibly pulled aside.

"Jin Nian."

"Don't be reckless."

"You must not kill, truly you must not kill. Sixth Uncle guarantees you that only those implicated in this case will be killed; the guilty will certainly be executed. Do not act on your own authority, and do not defy the edict."

Gu Ningya grew urgent, shouting in haste, hoping Gu Jin Nian would calm down.

"Jin Nian, there is an edict; you cannot act arbitrarily. If you continue, even your grandfather cannot protect you."

Even the usually composed Gu Leng was now a little flustered.

Gu Jin Nian mobilized two hundred thousand troops.

He treated it as a secret imperial authorization, planning to later shift the blame onto Wu Wang Zhi, smooth things over, give the Gu Family some compensation, and consider the matter settled.

Now, however, the emperor has issued a decree; the Dali Temple, the Ministry of Punishments, and the Hanging Lantern Office are jointly investigating this case. To put it bluntly, the court has taken over.

Killing is fine.

Just let it go.

It is also the court's intention, it is the Emperor's intention.

It is the intention of all civil and military officials.

But Gu Jin Nian is now putting into practice the great principle of not rebelling.

This cannot be killed.

Cannot kill it.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, you must absolutely not kill, I beg you, Your Highness the Crown Prince, stay calm."

Even Wei Xian spoke up, earnestly pleading with Gu Jin Nian not to act on impulse.

"Again, behead."

Faced with everyone's persuasion, Gu Jin Nian merely spoke lightly.

He uttered two words.

In an instant, another batch of people appeared, their heads chopped off.

They are the close relatives of these officials.

Head after head rolled to the ground.

These officials emitted heart-rending wails, along with curses.

Even if the Ministry of Justice jointly investigated, at most they would be beheaded, but Gu Jin Nian is so ruthless as to want to kill their entire families.

This is too ruthless.

"Gu Jin Nian, you beast, why did you kill my whole family?"

"Gu Jin Nian, you defy the imperial edict, you ignore imperial authority, you ignore the Ministry of Justice."

"Even as a ghost I will not let you go, ahhh!"

These curses continued without cease.

The onlooking common folk, one by one, did not know what had happened, merely watching like this.

"Again, behead."

Gu Jin Nian's expression did not change.

Again, heads fell to the ground.

Everyone was dumbfounded.

They also became dazed.

"Behead!"

Gu Jin Nian did not pause.

People were being swapped out in batches.

The smell of blood permeated.

Some people felt unwell.

Gu Jin Nian's killing was so chilling that even Prince Qi Lin was moved.

He did not expect that Gu Jin Nian would be so ruthless.

Is this to trade their lives for his own? In the end, Xu Jin's voice sounded.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"All the officials' relatives are to be completely beheaded."

As this voice sounded.

Gu Jin Nian directed his gaze at these officials, his eyes filled with boundless killing intent.

"It's painful, right?"

"It's desperate, right?"

"Have you considered how much pain and despair the common folk who lost their children feel?"

"You officials, who do not seek justice for the people nor relieve their worries, whether for profit or power, harm the people, and ultimately it is you yourselves."

"Today, this Crown Prince, will let all officials of Da Xia know: those who govern without benevolence shall be killed without pardon."

"Behead."

Gu Jin Nian spoke again.

At his command.

The officials' heads fell to the ground instantly.

But soon, another batch of officials were brought in.

These are officials from other prefectural cities.

These past two days, Gu Jin Nian had Xu Jin secretly conduct a swift investigation.

The officials he beheaded were basically those who had come into contact with this matter but took no action.

Anyone who had no contact, Gu Jin Nian would not wrongfully kill the innocent.

As for the families being beheaded, they were the main officials involved.

One is one.

Two is two.

Gu Jin Nian will not, out of anger, indiscriminately kill the innocent; these people all deserve death.

"Behead."

"Behead."

"Behead."

Inside the White Heron Manor.

Gu Jin Nian's extremely powerful voice sounded.

Each voice signified a head hitting the ground.

The Ministry of Punishments was dumbfounded.

The Lamp-hanging Office was dumbfounded.

The Ministry of Justice was dumbfounded.

Wei Xian was also dumbfounded.

The Prefect, the Governor, and some high officials were all dumbfounded.

Gu Jin Nian's actions will surely bring enormous trouble.

This truly is a matter of life for life.

Half an hour later.

Xu Jin spoke again.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, all criminals have been beheaded."

"Execute Zhou He, Xu Ping, and other principal officials involved by lingchi."

Gu Jin Nian spoke again.

Beheading is merely a form of punishment.

As for Zhou He, Xu Ping, and the other officials involved, Gu Jin Nian will show no mercy.

But as soon as these words were spoken, Zhou He's voice rang out directly.

"I am the Governor of Jiangling Prefecture; without the emperor's decree, you cannot kill me."

"Gu Jin Nian, you merely want to rely on military power to harm this old man."

"What gives you the right to kill me? And what basis do you have to condemn this old man's crime?"

"This old man wishes to go to the capital to see the emperor."

Hearing of death by lingchi, Zhou He involuntarily spoke up.

He was clearly unwilling.

"Gu Jin Nian, you are going too far."

"As a governor of a prefecture, is this something you can decide?"

"You've killed so many officials already, not enough—how many more do you want to kill?"

"Killing someone also needs a reason; Governor Zhou merely listened to slander, neglected his duty—exile to the frontier would already be a severe punishment, yet you want to subject him to lingchi. Is the Da Xia law written by you, Gu Jin Nian?"

"This is simply making trouble, making trouble."

The voice kept sounding.

Gu Jin Nian, meanwhile, appeared utterly cold.

But just then.

Someone suddenly knelt on the ground—a woman; she looked at Gu Jin Nian and cried out loudly.

"Sir."

"Is it that our child has already died?"

"Sir, I, the commoner woman, have searched for her for a year; I also know my ill-fated child is not among the living."

"But I, the commoner woman, wish to see her one last time; I implore you, sir, to let me see her."

The woman knelt.

She seemed to have guessed something; after all, the case was still under investigation, yet Gu Jin Nian directly killed so many people.

The common folk did not understand.

But these parents who lost their children gradually came to realize one or two things.

Gu Jin Nian surely knows some hidden details.

He simply hasn't spoken of them.

In an instant, one by one, the common folk knelt on the ground, just like this woman, all kneeling, begging Gu Jin Nian for an answer.

Although they vaguely guessed.

But they still wanted a definite answer.

Seeing this scene.

Gu Jin Nian fell silent.

This is what he fears most.

He does not know how to face these common folk.

He also does not know whether he should speak.

He does not want to speak.

But he fears their meaningless searching.

Yet seeing them kneel on the ground, one by one wailing loudly, hoping Gu Jin Nian will give an answer.

Even if it means death, they want to know the answer.

Listening to the common folk's wailing.

Many people became curious.

Gu Jin Nian, meanwhile, took a deep breath.

Looking at the common folk kneeling on the ground.

Gu Jin Nian knelt before the common folk.

The people's kneeling — he couldn't bear it.

"It's Gu's incompetence."

Gu Jin Nian lowered his head.

He dared not meet the people's gazes.

As soon as he spoke those words,

Those kneeling on the ground lost their souls completely, one by one.

Some even fainted to death outright.

They simply could not withstand this blow.

"Sir, is anyone still alive?"

Someone swallowed saliva, looking at Gu Jin Nian, hoping to see a glimmer of hope; even if only one person remained alive, that would be a kind of hope—but Gu Jin Nian's voice trembled.

He never lifted his head.

He spoke slowly.

"Missing children: 6,452 cases."

"Collected corpses: 6,892 bodies."

The voice sounded.

In that moment,

Everyone present was stunned.

Wei Xian, Gu Ningya, Gu Leng, and so on, and so on.

Everyone was stunned.

Reports filed: 6,400 cases.

But the death toll far exceeded that.

That is to say,

Not a single one survived.

Gu Ningya stood there, dumbfounded.

He also finally understood why Gu Jin Nian had gone mad like this.

And Wei Xian stood there foolishly, motionless.

He knew.

This time, it's not just a simple matter.

Da Xia will tremble.