Chapter 113: Heaven and earth possess righteous qi; it mingles and gives form to all things

The crown prince will be interrogated and executed in seven days.

In the capital.

The news spread quickly, in less than half a day reaching all four commanderies surrounding the capital.

That night.

The people of Jiangling Commandery also received the news.

No one would have thought that Gu Jin Nian, who wholeheartedly served the people, would be interrogated and executed.

This is inconceivable.

Especially the people of White Egret Prefecture, they knew that Gu Jin Nian had given too much for the people, and they also understood that this time when he returned, he would certainly be punished.

But they could do nothing; the only thing they could do was go and recount Gu Jin Nian's deeds.

They hoped to let more people know what Gu Jin Nian had done.

But they never expected the punishment to be so severe—interrogation and execution in seven days?

After one night has passed, that means interrogation and execution in six days?

This is something the people cannot accept.

If it were only a light punishment, they would remember his kindness, but hearing of interrogation and execution fills their hearts with guilt.

That night.

Inside White Egret Prefecture, some figures moved back and forth along the streets.

In groups of four, they were elders of White Egret Prefecture, some with prestige; some held paper and brush, some carried supplies, going door to door to knock.

As soon as the door opened, the elder's voice rang out directly.

"Yongshu, do you know about the crown prince's affair?"

"We plan to write a Ten Thousand Peoples' Petition for the crown prince, begging the emperor for mercy to spare him."

"Will you write it or not?"

The elder spoke, asking this household.

"I will write."

"I will definitely write it, but, uncle, is this Ten Thousand Peoples' Petition useful?"

The latter had no hesitation, but was also curious whether this Ten Thousand Peoples' Petition had any effect.

"Where the people's hearts point, it will certainly be useful."

"Fine, write your name; I still need to go to the next house. If you recently go visiting relatives, remember to spread the crown prince's deeds. We'll do what we can, help a little if we can."

The elder spoke, giving a reminder.

"Okay, uncle."

The man nodded, and immediately an elder handed over a bag of millet as a small gift for the Ten Thousand Peoples' Petition.

But seeing the millet, the man immediately stopped him.

"Uncle, what are you doing? My family doesn't lack this bit of rice; I wrote my name sincerely. Giving me this rice makes it seem like I'm doing it for this."

"It's not early, the weather is cold and freezing. Uncle, you few go rest; leave the things to me, I'll call Old Three and Old Four to come out, and let us young people do it."

"The crown prince's grace, we all keep it in our hearts. To put it bluntly, if he seeks justice for us and we don't lend a hand, our conscience will be devoured by dogs."

The man refused the millet and spoke from the bottom of his heart.

Upon hearing this, several elders nodded, feeling somewhat relieved.

But they still refused his request to come forward and help.

"Go to sleep early; leave this to us old men. We have some standing, so even if we disturb people late at night, nobody will say anything about us old fellows."

"Go on, let's go to Old Ren's house."

The elder spoke, taking several people to the next house.

Seeing this, the man said nothing, simply followed behind, doing nothing but lending a hand, so as to prevent those elders from coming to harm.

Such scenes occurred in many places of White Egret Prefecture; these were people voluntarily petitioning, wanting to write a Ten Thousand Peoples' Petition for Gu Jin Nian, begging the emperor for mercy.

One could say that the whole White Egret Prefecture was lit up, many people responded to the call and spontaneously petitioned.

Not only that.

The next day.

Before dawn, a large number of people left the city gates; they were returning to their hometowns to spread Gu Jin Nian's deeds, also carrying the Ten Thousand Peoples' Petition, hoping to draw on the strength of the entire Jiangling Commandery to plead for him.

Carriages were readied one by one; these were grain transport carriages, originally used to carry grain, but upon hearing that the people were petitioning for Gu Jin Nian's Ten Thousand Peoples' Petition, the head of the grain transport waved his hand and waived all fees.

Even a little help is still help.

Even a little action is still action.

Like a spark, it gradually began to spread like a prairie fire.

Not only within Jiangling Commandery.

Some surrounding commanderies, after hearing of this, also began to take action.

Although not as intense as in Jiangling Commandery, they still had some effect, especially among scholars.

Gu Jin Nian's deeds made the older generation of scholars deeply admire him; some teachers and elderly Confucianists, after hearing this, also jointly submitted memorials.

Their hope was simply to make the emperor change his mind.

And on that day.

A major event also shook the entire capital.

The Eight Princes entered the capital.

Yes, the eight princes of the Da Xia Dynasty entered the capital; these eight princes were all figures who had supported Emperor Yongsheng's rebellion back then.

After Jian De encountered difficulties, they too received appropriate rewards, taking charge of a region, amounting to local emperors in various places.

The Eight Kings entered the capital; this is no small matter, and their arrival this time further demonstrates their stance.

They intend to personally oversee the execution of Gu Jin Nian.

They are also very straightforward, respecting Gu Jin Nian's actions and his devotion to the people; they approve of that, but concerning Gu Jin Nian's breach of national law, they cannot accept it and are unwilling to do so.

Therefore they must personally oversee the execution.

They have spoken many flattering words, but in reality they just want Gu Jin Nian dead.

Everyone understands this point.

If Emperor Yong Sheng had not already issued an edict, we would fear that the Eight Kings would have already entered the palace to appear before the emperor.

At present, the Ministry of Rites is arranging to house the Eight Kings in a side hall of the Imperial Palace.

But everyone knows that in a few days, at the court assembly, the Eight Kings will inevitably act.

They will completely crush Gu Jin Nian.

And at this very moment.

Da Xia Dynasty.

Confucius family.

The Confucius family's holy land spans more than three thousand mu, with numerous pavilions, towering rocks, and boats gliding on the lake, exuding unparalleled grandeur.

This is the Confucius family, imbued with sacred intent.

Originally, the Confucius family's holy institute covered only three hundred mu, but through the efforts of successive generations, it has gradually expanded to three thousand five hundred mu.

Moreover, this is merely the holy institute; within Chu Fu there are also the Confucius family's holy tomb, its academy, and its temple.

The land occupied by these three places is no less than that of the holy institute.

Furthermore, nearly half of Chu Fu's populace bears the surname Kong, yet the class hierarchy is extremely strict; these people have been forcibly renamed as Kong family serfs.

Since the sage attained the Dao, the Confucius family revived, indeed producing three or four generations of remarkable scholars.

They inherit the sage's teachings, spread their lineage, worry for the world, and among them are many with proud spirits who will not bow for a mere five dou of rice.

Yet with the arrival of a prosperous era and great changes in the world, talents began to emerge everywhere; although the Confucius descendants inherit the sacred way, no second sage has ever arisen, and instead others have attained sainthood.

Therefore, the Confucius family began to change.

First, they fear the family's status might shift; second, they do not wish anyone to surpass the sage's name.

Thus they employ a polarizing strategy, a stabilizing measure lasting for thousands of years.

They venerate sacred learning and recruit talent; anyone who studies the way of Confucius may become a guest of honor, and those with talent may receive the family's support, soaring to great heights.

If one does not venerate sacred learning and dares to establish New Learning, the punishment ranges from a light reprimand to isolation; moreover, the Confucius family's methods are extremely formidable—at any sign of dissent they dispatch Great Scholars to suppress it, never taking it lightly.

In this regard, the later members of the Confucius family have performed admirably.

Initially it was fine; they mainly recruited talent, and this healthy competition was the cause.

Consequently, by the thirtieth generation, the Confucius family's disciples were spread across the world; every nation bore the family's influence, having funded countless scholars and aided countless scholars.

Generations of gratitude, combined with this reputation and the legacy of the first sage, have gradually turned the Confucius family into a dominant force of Confucian and Daoist hegemony.

It is said that a thousand‑year‑old lineage is large and unshakable.

The Confucius family is more than just a thousand‑year lineage; throughout the Shenzhou World, the family is everywhere, though its orthodoxy lies within the Da Xia Dynasty.

Since the founding emperor, the Confucius family has sent portions of its orthodoxy to other nations, establishing several quasi‑orthodox branches.

If the Confucius family were truly destroyed, these quasi‑orthodox branches would inherit the Da Xia Confucius family's position, claiming orthodoxy.

Should they be eliminated again, they would once more inherit the orthodox seat, in a perpetual cycle.

It is precisely this tactic that makes the monarchs of various nations both wary of the Confucius family and unwilling to offend it.

An enemy that cannot be eliminated is the most terrifying.

At this very moment.

In the back garden of the Confucius family, an elder quietly gazes at the lake.

Behind him stands Kong Yu, the holy grandson of the Confucius family.

"Teacher."

"With the recent upheaval in the capital, can Gu Jin Nian escape this punishment?"

Kong Yu speaks.

Since returning to the Confucius family, Kong Yu's mind has been restless, thinking of Gu Jin Nian day and night; he despises Gu Jin Nian to death.

As a dignified holy grandson, he has never endured such humiliation, yet Gu Jin Nian steps on him, turning him into a laughingstock of the world.

Although the Confucius family's methods have reduced the impact considerably, Kong Yu cannot forget this matter.

Upon learning today of Gu Jin Nian's deeds at White Heron Mansion, Kong Yu feels even more contemptuous, yet he is more concerned about whether Gu Jin Nian will be granted death.

Thus he deliberately came to ask his teacher.

"Although for the people, it can disrupt the nation's foundation."

"The court will not tolerate it."

"The Eight Kings will not tolerate it."

"All under heaven will not tolerate it; Gu Jin Nian is undoubtedly destined to die."

"If he does not die, Da Xia will surely fall."

The elder standing before him slowly speaks.

He then continues to speak.

"Gu Jin Nian is indeed clever; he thinks that by avenging the people he can use popular support to avoid the death penalty."

"But his mistake lies in being too high‑profile, in offending the Confucius family; had he not offended them, leveraging popular support might indeed have spared his life."

"Having offended the Confucius family, how could it spare him?"

"Kong Yu, your greatest enemy will basically no longer pose any threat to you."

The clan has already spread the news, letting the scholars of Da Xia criticize this matter, so that the common people understand Gu Jin Nian's malicious intent.

What is called seeking justice for the people is merely an attempt to win over the people's hearts.

Ridiculous! Do the people's hearts really belong to someone like him to tamper with?

The old man spoke, his words full of hostility toward Gu Jin Nian.

This is also normal—his most proud disciple was publicly humiliated by Gu Jin Nian, and Gu Jin Nian uttered many disrespectful remarks such as "human nature at birth is evil," which made him feel extremely grating.

He also felt it extremely glaring.

Upon hearing this, Kong Yu couldn't help but be overjoyed.

"What the teacher said is absolutely correct."

He was very happy, but the only regret was that Gu Jin Nian did not die at his hands, or rather, had not been defeated by him before death, which became his greatest regret.

"You don't need to be so happy; a mere Gu Jin Nian is nothing."

"At present, these two matters are your top priority."

The old man continued speaking, somewhat dissatisfied with Kong Yu's performance.

"Please, teacher, instruct me."

Upon hearing this, Kong Yu immediately became respectful, not daring to show too much excitement.

"My Kong family's holy feast is about to begin; the Royal Prince of Yu specially built a pavilion, and at that time you must compose a piece for it. During this period, you should ponder well, strive to be fitting, to achieve the meaning of guarding the state."

"In that case, this can also be considered a happy event."

"But this is not a big deal; the Holy Academy is about to open, and this time you must secure the top place. Your father already has some dissatisfaction with you, but if you can obtain first place in the Holy Academy this time, everything will be fine."

"If you cannot, then prepare to lose the title of Holy Grandson."

The other party spoke, and after saying those words, Kong Yu's face turned pale.

What he prides himself on most is precisely the two words "Holy Grandson."

If that title were taken from him, he could not accept it.

"Teacher, the student will surely exert his utmost effort."

Kong Yu quickly spoke up, expressing his intentions.

"You are only half a step away from becoming a Great Scholar; after a visit to the Holy Academy, if you can take first place, you can become a Great Scholar."

"The weight of these two words 'Holy Grandson' is sufficient."

"Alright, go back and focus on your studies; outside affairs do not require your involvement."

"Gu Jin Nian might also not die, after all the State Protector will use every means; but if Gu Jin Nian does not die, the State Protector will also have to pay a great price."

"For our Kong family, this is a good thing; as long as the State Protector goes to the border, afterwards it will be our Kong family's counterattack."

"Many matters will be settled within the clan; you need not worry. If you are not steady, you cannot accomplish great things."

The other party spoke again.

This also counts as a supplement to what was said before.

Gu Jin Nian may not necessarily die.

But if he does not die, it will be worse than death.

Because the Gu family would have to pay a huge price.

"Student understands, thank you for the teacher's explanation."

Kong Yu nodded, then turned and left.

After Kong Yu left,

The old man continued to gaze silently at the pond, appearing very calm.

About a quarter of an hour later.

A figure slowly appeared.

It was Kong Ping.

"I have seen you, sir."

It is quite evident that this old man's identity is not simple; he is a true high-ranking member of the Kong family.

To outsiders, the greatest authority in the Kong family lies with the Holy Ruler.

But in reality, the Holy Ruler only holds part of the decision-making power; rather than being the head of the Kong family, he is more like the individual with the greatest personal authority.

The real power is concentrated in the Kong family's Sage Academy, composed of the Kong family's Seventy-Two Elders forming the Sage Academy.

These seventy-two elders are called sages within the clan, emulating the seventy-two disciples of Confucius of old.

All major and minor affairs within the clan are decided by these seventy-two elders, equivalent to the Holy Ruler alone possessing one-third of the decision-making ability.

While the Sage Academy possesses two-thirds of the decision-making power.

If the Sage Academy unanimously deems something unacceptable, the Holy Ruler cannot do it either, although such a situation rarely occurs.

Basically, whatever the Holy Ruler says goes; this is due to status and internal matters, with two major factions: one is the Confucian faction, the other is the Holy faction.

The Confucian faction advocates ideological education, recruiting talent, and developing the Kong family's influence through the spiritual realm.

The Holy faction, on the other hand, advocates interest control, gaining the Kong family's benefits through various interests.

The two sides are somewhat opposed, but it must be said that ideological education is clearly weaker than interest control, for people's hearts are fickle, especially in an age of prosperity; people love vanity and greed for enjoyment, and few are willing to truly listen to the sages' teachings.

Therefore, the Holy faction occupies the main power, while the Confucian faction gradually withers; were it not for foundational issues, one fears the Confucian faction might not have a single member left.

And this person is one of the Seventy-Two Sages and a member of the Holy faction.

The Kong family is no longer a simple small clan; its forces are intricate and complex, far from being as simple as it appears on the surface.

"How has the matter of Kong Zhen been handled?"

The old man spoke, hands behind his back.

"Sir, Kong Zhen has already been arranged to leave the country; he should arrive in the Fuyu Dynasty in three days."

Kong Ping opened his mouth and answered in this way.

En.

The Bai Lu Prefecture matter, his appearance will bring trouble to the Kong family; let him go to the Fuyu Dynasty.

Go back and tell the Xiongnu king, the Da Xia Dynasty has already discovered this; the Kong family will no longer participate, let the Xiongnu king resolve it himself.

The Xiongnu, Fuyu, and the Great Jin Dynasty, plus some Da Xia people, are only one step away now; the problem won't be big, merely a matter of cost.

This matter, the Kong family ends here; no one is allowed to be involved any further, destroy all evidence; if discovered, it will bring huge trouble.

Understand?

The elder continued speaking, revealing the Bai Lu Prefecture matter.

The Kong family indeed participated.

Yes.

Kong Ping nodded and answered thus.

Thereafter he continued speaking.

Right, sir, the holy feast is about to begin.

The four merchant guilds have presented three million taels of gold, seeking a place at the holy feast; sir, what do you think?

Kong Ping continued speaking, stating this matter.

A mere three million taels of gold, and they want to attend the holy feast?

What qualifications do these merchants have to join the association?

The latter was utterly contemptuous.

Although he advocated interests, he still held a deep-seated disdain for merchants.

The latter nodded, saying nothing.

Five million taels, give them seats at the outer banquet, but only allow their descendants to attend the feast; they must have official rank, those without rank may not enter.

Also notify the other merchant guilds; if they don't come, it's fine; for those who do not bring generous gifts, note them down, and after bestowing generous gifts, let them have a table at the outer banquet.

He spoke, appearing quite nonchalant.

Yes.

Kong Ping nodded.

Thus, Kong Ping left, and the elder also slowly departed.

In the blink of an eye.

Two days passed.

Until Gu Jin Nian's interrogation and execution, there are still four days.

During these two days, the entire Da Xia Dynasty also experienced many events.

Regarding Gu Jin Nian's interrogation and execution, it became the biggest topic among all the people of the Da Xia Dynasty.

The people supported Gu Jin Nian.

Especially in the first two days, both commoners and scholars everywhere considered Gu Jin Nian innocent.

But on this day, different voices gradually began to arise.

The state has state law, the family has family rules; although Gu Jin Nian sought justice for the people and upheld righteousness, if he is not killed, the state law cannot tolerate it, and thereafter officials everywhere will follow suit, leading to the downfall of Da Xia.

I respect the Crown Prince's heart for the people, but I also respect the sternness of Da Xia's laws; throughout history, a nation that disrupts law ultimately becomes ruins; killing Gu Jin Nian is to preserve the state's foundation.

Fellow commoners, please do not sign petitions; the Crown Prince already has a resolve to die, he does not want to trouble His Majesty, nor does he want Da Xia to fall into lawlessness; he wishes to sacrifice himself for righteousness.

If you sign the petition, you are actually harming the Crown Prince; the Crown Prince would establish immortal merit, and if he is beheaded this time, it is establishing virtue; after his death, a hundred years later, he could become a quasi-sage.

Yes, this is a great honor; you need not do this; if the Crown Prince finds out, he will instead blame you.

For no apparent reason.

Such a voice sounded, seeming quite strange.

Because this speech finds no fault, yet upon careful consideration it feels somewhat strange.

But it must be said, the effect of such rhetoric is indeed useful; some prefecture cities are indeed preparing petitions for Gu Jin Nian.

However, with the emergence of such rhetoric, indeed many commoners have stopped.

Because they feel what is said is correct.

This is the power of speech; the essence of such voices is nothing more than wanting Gu Jin Nian to die.

But they are quite clever; they did not insult Gu Jin Nian, nor refute his merits, instead they praised his benevolence and righteousness, urging him to sacrifice himself for righteousness, and lauding his greatness.

After all, once a person is dead, what good is giving them a fine reputation? If you like it, you can add more.

Such people are the worst.

On the surface they seem to be doing good for you, but in fact they are harming you.

And such voices gradually spread to the capital, affecting the entire Da Xia Dynasty.

Compared to before, when everyone protested injustice for Gu Jin Nian, now it has become much quieter.

And the Da Xia capital.

Inside the imperial palace.

In the main hall, the voices of controversy rang loudly.

The reason is that Minister of Rites Yang Kai brought a ten-thousand-people petition, pleading for Gu Jin Nian.

Under the ten-thousand-people petition, the officials were indeed shocked; though called a ten-thousand-people petition, in reality there are hundreds of copies, at least tens of thousands of people petitioning for Gu Jin Nian.

This is no small matter.

For an official to achieve this is awe-inspiring.

In fact, some officials indeed have the intention to exonerate Gu Jin Nian, after all Gu Jin Nian is extraordinarily talented and will surely become a pillar of Da Xia in the future.

It is also His Majesty's nephew and the Grand Duke's grandson; if they truly demand execution, there is no need to make it so contentious.

Yet before the officials could speak, a voice sounded.

"Your Majesty, the Eight Princes have entered the palace, entering the hall to pay homage."

As that voice rang out,

the main hall fell silent in an instant.

"Permission."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke.

In the next moment, eight figures appeared.

These are the eight feudal princes, each a holder of great power, the top aristocrats of the Da Xia Dynasty.

The Eight Princes appeared.

In an instant, their aura suppressed everyone in the hall.

Their gazes were disdainful, and as they walked, they exuded fierce majesty.

Naturally, after stepping into the hall, they immediately bowed to Emperor Yongsheng.

"We have seen Your Majesty."

The eight spoke, their voices echoing through the hall.

"No need for ceremony."

Emperor Yongsheng rose slowly, inviting the eight to rise.

"Attendants, grant them seats."

He continued, ordering seats to be given.

Soon, eunuchs brought chairs, allowing the eight princes to sit, and immediately another voice rang out.

It was Prince Chen's voice.

"Just now outside the hall, I, the Prince, heard someone intends to bring charges against Gu Jin Nian."

"May I ask who?"

Prince Chen entered the hall, and before the situation could ease, he spoke directly, making the hall instantly utterly quiet.

"Prince, I speak now: this is the citizens' petition register. I think, although Gu Jin Nian has erred by overstepping the law, he ultimately serves the people. He may be severely punished, but execution is unnecessary."

"This reflects the will of the people."

Minister of Rites Yang Kai spoke; he supports Gu Jin Nian not for any gain, but according to the circumstances.

But as soon as he said that, Prince Chen couldn't help but sneer.

"Ridiculous."

"Overstepping the law, yet can one still evade the charge?"

"Does that mean that in the future, if an official comes before me, wants to mobilize three hundred thousand troops, besiege a county or prefecture, kill whomever they wish, must I agree?"

"Gu Jin Nian truly serves the people; I admire him, but the nation has laws. As high officials of the court, don't you know the law cannot be crossed?"

"If Gu Jin Nian does this today, tomorrow there will be Xu Jin Nian, Zhou Jin Nian, Wang Jin Nian doing the same."

Prince Chen spoke again, angrily rebuking Yang Kai.

His words were not wrong.

It left Yang Kai somewhat silent.

"Sir Yang, I also admire Gu Jin Nian, but the law is the law; I suppose Your Majesty thinks the same."

"It's like when I enter the capital, I must report to the Ministry of Rites. If one could bypass the law, would that mean I could go anywhere thereafter without notifying the Ministry of Rites?"

Another prince spoke, the Prince of Lu.

The Eight Princes are the Princes of Shu, Wu, Tang, Chen, Lu, Chu, Nanping, and Qi.

They are based on the former ten‑state territorial divisions of Da Xia.

As for the Prince of Zhou, he is not among the Eight Princes; he is a first‑rank prince, the highest, followed by the Qi Lin King, the only non‑royal prince of Da Xia.

The ten princes, who command military power and have considerable influence, together form an indomitable force that cannot be ignored.

The princes without military command each have a few dozen men stationed across the lands, enjoying earthly bliss.

Fortunately, at the founding of the state, though there were many powerful nobles, the population was still sparse, not yet saturated, allowing these princes to indulge in luxury; after another three or four hundred years, who knows.

These ten princes are not lacking in good relations with Emperor Yongsheng; their coming today is not to oppose him.

They have come in accordance with the law, weighing the matter from the state's perspective, thus arriving together.

The Prince of Lu's words made the officials frown.

It was clearly a blunt threat.

But they could find no real flaw.

If Gu Jin Nian truly is innocent,

then could they also act this way in the future?

After all, as long as the crime doesn't merit death, the cost of rebellion drops considerably. The biggest trouble of rebellion is the whole family being executed, implicating nine generations, right?

If they can avoid death, these feudal princes would have no lack of ambition.

Of course, it doesn't mean that if they're innocent they would immediately rebel; they might not even consider it.

After all, they cannot become emperor themselves; they have food, drink, military power, and status—why rebel? Yet they cannot resist schemers who sow discord.

"Your words are too heavy."

In the end, Yang Kai could only take a deep breath and choose to step back.

"There is no such thing as words being heavy or not."

"Your Majesty."

I am not targeting Gu Jin Nian; I also know that Gu Jin Nian is exceptionally talented, a great talent of our age.

But he has violated the law, indeed violated it; he independently mobilized two hundred thousand troops. I could endure, but those two hundred thousand soldiers were summoned and dismissed at his will, sealing off Jiangling Commandery.

He says kill whomever he wants—does his gaze still contain the court? Does his gaze still contain Your Majesty?

He disregards the king's law; his crime deserves execution.

That aside, King Qilin's hundred thousand iron cavalry was almost wiped out by him, and that is what I cannot tolerate the most.

Because of personal greed, because of a momentary anger, a great mistake was nearly brewed; had King Qilin not swallowed his anger and kept yielding, I fear the hundred thousand troops would already have been executed.

If today Your Majesty does not deal with Gu Jin Nian, the Da Xia throne will be lost, and we will not accept it.

Today, please, Your Majesty, give us an answer.

Finally, King Chu's voice rang out, attacking Gu Jin Nian, intent on making him die.

He gives him no chance of survival.

Moreover, both in words and in tone, his attitude is resolute.

Do not kill Gu Jin Nian.

It is hard to quell the public's anger.

While speaking, the Eight Kings all rose, looking at Emperor Yongsheng, urging him to give an answer.

Listening to the Eight Kings' voices.

Emperor Yongsheng's expression remained calm; after a brief silence, he slowly began to speak.

"Regarding Gu Jin Nian's case, I have no intention of changing it."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke; this was his answer.

But the Eight Kings did not accept it, instead looking at Emperor Yongsheng and saying.

"We still ask Your Majesty to swear in the name of the Grand Ancestor."

Obviously, no one believes the emperor's words; if dust never settles, the emperor can always change them.

"Presumptuous."

At that moment, Emperor Yongsheng rose, staring directly at the Eight Kings, his eyes filled with anger.

Make him swear in the Grand Ancestor's name? That truly gives them audacious nerve; a palace coup is one thing, but to give them no face at all?

"Your Majesty, calm your anger."

"We are only acting for the Da Xia throne; if Your Majesty does not agree, we will not leave."

However, the Eight Kings showed no hesitation.

For a moment, the court became exceedingly quiet.

"Prince, this matter need not be like this."

Someone spoke, trying to smooth things over, but was met only with a cold voice.

"Do you have the right to speak?"

The voice rang out, and all the officials frowned.

Especially the one trying to smooth things over, he shut his mouth and lowered his head in silence.

"I have spoken."

"The seven‑day inquiry and execution will not be altered."

"If you wish to stay here, then stay; the audience is dismissed."

Emperor Yongsheng took a deep breath; after speaking, he turned and left, his heart burning with fury.

Everyone in the world knows Gu Jin Nian is his nephew and that Gu Jin Nian possesses a world‑shaking talent; such talent could not possibly be killed.

But the Eight Kings seized this chance to force a palace coup, directly opposing them.

In an instant, a thought sprouted in his mind.

But he knew it was not yet possible.

Seeing Emperor Yongsheng like that, the Eight Kings said little more, though they failed to force him to swear.

Yet they still achieved their goal.

Meanwhile.

Da Xia Capital.

Su Huaiyu appeared somewhat silent.

Because he had encountered a person.

An old man.

With just one glance, Su Huaiyu knew the other was very powerful.

So he chose not to act rashly, and honestly followed the other away.

In the street.

Inside an empty alley.

Su Huaiyu showed respect, bowing toward the elder.

"Senior, if there is anything the junior can help with, please feel free to speak up."

Su Huaiyu was very honest, with no retort and no resistance.

"You lad is fine; you are the most honest person I've ever seen."

The elder spoke; his hair was like chicken‑skin and crane‑feather, unremarkable, and among the crowd he could easily be ignored.

"Senior, you flatter me."

Su Huaiyu was solemn.

"I, the old man, have a task for you."

The elder opened his mouth, wanting to ask something.

"Please, senior, rest assured; there is certainly none. I, as a junior, used to be in the Ministry of Punishments, the strongest in the Ministry, only reaching the Quasi Martial King Realm. You, senior, can go on a massive slaughter; it's fine."

But before the elder finished, Su Huaiyu spoke directly, putting the other at ease.

However, the latter shook his head.

"Even if there were a peerless strongman, what could be done?"

"I alone can annihilate with a single hand."

"I will have you draw a map of Da Xia Capital; in a few days, I will raid the execution ground to rescue my disciple."

"Having a map is best; it can save some trouble."

The elder was indifferent, caring not at all about Da Xia's peerless masters.

Upon hearing this, Su Huaiyu showed a look exactly as expected; he guessed who the elder was.

A peerless strongman of the Demonic Path.

"Senior, you truly are brave."

"Junior will prepare immediately."

Su Huaiyu was concise and did not ask for details; whatever I am asked to do, I will do.

Not vague at all.

"Fine, once this matter is settled, I will give you a favor."

The latter nodded, also somewhat surprised by Su Huaiyu's performance.

Just… very cooperative.

"No."

"Senior, you not killing the junior is already the greatest favor."

"Junior is not a greedy person; I will take what is good and thank you, senior."

Su Huaiyu quickly shook his head, gauging it just right, daring not to cross the line at all.

"I didn't expect that a tiny Da Xia Capital could have two clever people."

"Unfortunately, you lack the Immortal Spirit Root; otherwise, I would be willing to take you as a disciple."

The elder praised a bit, noting that Su Huaiyu truly matched his temperament.

Hearing this, Su Huaiyu sneered, then couldn't help but ask.

"Senior, have you finished killing the strongmen of both the Immortal and Demonic Paths?"

Su Huaiyu asked curiously.

"Not yet."

"Isn't my beloved disciple about to be executed?"

"I can only first come over to take him away, then later send him to the Forest Demon Ancient Hall for training; I will casually kill all the strongmen of the Immortal and Demonic Paths."

"There are a few that are rather tricky; they have even half a foot stepped into the Seventh Realm. Fortunately, I was a step ahead of them; otherwise, I might not have been able to kill them all."

The other opened his mouth, unintentionally revealing a shocking piece of news.

"Stepped into the Seventh Realm?" Su Huaiyu's eyes showed astonishment.

"It should be noted that even the Duke of State Stabilization is merely a Fifth Realm strongman, yet the person before me has already entered the Seventh Realm? Of course, the other didn't say 'full'; after all it's just a step ahead, it could also be Quasi Seventh Realm."

"But whatever it is."

"It is indeed peerless."

"Senior, you truly are formidable; I will now go draw the map, but how shall I give it to you?"

Su Huaiyu asked.

"I will come find you."

"Give it to me before the execution."

The elder spoke, and after finishing, vanished on the spot.

And Su Huaiyu let out a long sigh.

"That was close."

After sighing in relief, Su Huaiyu said nothing more and immediately set out to draw the map.

It wasn't because of rescuing Gu Jin Nian; rather, this Demonic Path strongman has a bizarre temperament—if I delay and he gets in a bad mood and kills himself, that would be truly unlucky.

If Gu Jin Nian survived but I perished, Su Huaiyu would not accept that.

"Thus."

Late night.

Su Huaiyu finished drawing the map; to add details, he personally inspected it, and after confirming no issues, quietly waited for the senior to arrive.

The outside world was full of clamor, exceedingly noisy.

And in the prison.

Gu Jin Nian had already entered a Realm of Self-Forgetfulness.

For four days.

His mood was calm; he cultivated insight in the cell.

For the first two days he still ate a little, but the next two days he took not even a drop of water; it wasn't because he was deeply immersed in study, but mainly because the secret soy sauce ran out and the rice porridge was hard to swallow.

He felt some regret, but it allowed him to cultivate peacefully.

In recent days, Gu Jin Nian's mind was filled with recollections of the past.

He was reflecting and pondering.

Reflecting on his own mistakes.

He thought about his own shortcomings.

Jiangning Prefecture, Xiongnu marriage alliance, Jiangling Prefecture.

The greatest fault in these three matters lies in my lack of experience; although I am a Great Summer Noble, and though I can be willful, many must bear responsibility for my willfulness.

"I am overly indecisive and still not careful enough in my actions,"

"Brother Wang has disappeared; surely someone has noticed, yet I went to White Heron Residence without hesitation, throwing myself into a trap."

"That woman pleaded with me; I was indecisive and did not act at the crucial moment. Had I returned to that day, I should have slain Xu Ping outright and then mustered troops; that would have been best."

"I tangled in details and did not step forward at the critical moment; though one can mend a fence after a sheep is lost, a mistake remains a mistake."

"If this calamity passes, I must be decisive in killing, not be bound by trivialities; every matter should be handled comprehensively, leaving no gaps."

Gu Jin Nian spoke to himself in his mind.

He earnestly reflected on himself.

The fault lies in his indecisiveness and lack of caution; this is the error he has realized.

And his deficiency lies in power.

"Whether a crown prince,"

"or a noble,"

"In the end, without an official position or power, even if one borrows an imperial edict to cover a temporary lie, it brings trouble to the state and to the court."

"If I had an official position and returned to White Heron Residence, even if faced with countless obstacles, I would have sufficient authority; then I could kill when needed, and no one could stop me."

"Dignity exists only on the edge of a blade."

"Without an official position, even a single step is hard to take."

This is Gu Jin Nian's shortcoming.

Lacking an official position, I naturally fell into passivity from the start; taking troops on my own turned it into initiative, but by then it was already a case of mending the fence after the sheep were lost.

Therefore, I must quickly enter the court as an official, seize power, so that in future similar situations I will not be at a disadvantage.

After reflection and contemplation.

Gu Jin Nian then contemplated another matter.

This matter appears to be officials concealing reports, or someone scheming behind the scenes, yet a force has vanished without a trace.

That force is the Confucian scholars.

Scholars should carry righteousness within them.

Even without official positions, they should see the suffering of the commoners, yet none offers assistance.

There is no other reason.

They do not wish to offend officials lest it affect their own official career.

To ordinary people, this is understandable.

But for scholars, this is wrong.

Mencius said, "I excel at nurturing the vast righteous qi."

This vast righteous qi is a kind of righteousness that exists between heaven and earth.

If scholars lack the vast righteous qi, how can they be called scholars?

If, two years ago, scholars had stepped forward, would the matter have become so severe? The answer is clearly no.

White Heron Residence is merely a small prefectural town, yet this incident reveals the essence of scholars across the world.

After the incident, what use is it for scholars to insult again?

"If one does not uphold it in the heart, how can one be called a scholar? Speak to the commoners."

"Silence the commoners."

"In the end?"

"It is nothing but utter hypocrisy."

Gu Jin Nian pondered this matter for a long time.

Until the seventh day.

This day.

Was the day Gu Jin Nian was to be beheaded.

The prison warden came forward, also feeling incredulous; they had assumed there would be an edict during this process to release Gu Jin Nian.

But they did not expect that, up to this moment, there was no edict at all.

The Ministry of Justice had already sent people to escort Gu Jin Nian to the execution ground.

Nevertheless, even so, the warden showed no delay, courteously inviting Gu Jin Nian out.

Gu Jin Nian was very generous.

He felt no fear at all, and followed the warden out of the Great Prison.

Yet in his heart, Gu Jin Nian kept contemplating this matter.

Stepping out of the Great Prison.

At a glance, many were seeing him off, and many others harbored different thoughts.

The prison cart was not far away.

The Ministry of Justice personnel were extremely respectful, daring not to show any delay.

In the distance, Wang Fugui and others had tears in their eyes; they had not expected the matter to become so serious.

For seven days, the commoners wrote a joint petition, but it was opposed by the Eight Princes.

For seven days, countless factions participated, their purpose being to rescue Gu Jin Nian.

But in the end, the court showed no response.

The Ministry of Punishments also made no revisions.

In a moment, they finally panicked, and finally became afraid.

From the beginning, they thought Gu Jin Nian would certainly be safe and sound.

By now, everyone is panicking.

There are still three shichen left.

Gu Jin Nian is about to be interrogated and executed.

Three shichen, I'm afraid it's already too late.

Yunrou Xianzi and Yaochi Xianzi stood not far away; their faces were calm, but they also had other thoughts in their hearts.

If, at the crucial step, they are still powerless to turn the tide, they will storm the execution ground.

More precisely, it is the people behind them who will come to forcibly storm the execution ground.

But just then.

A voice suddenly rang out.

"Look, that's Eunuch Wei Xian."

"There's an imperial edict, there's an imperial edict."

"The imperial edict has arrived."

Voices rang out one after another; in an instant, the people of the capital involuntarily turned their gazes.

Indeed.

Not far away, Wei Xian came running nonstop, tightly gripping an imperial edict in his hand.

At this moment, all the people laughed.

They thought this must be a pardon edict for Gu Jin Nian.

But when Wei Xian appeared and read the edict, the people fell silent again.

"The Emperor has an edict."

"Gu Jin Nian rescued the people from water and fire; this is heavenly merit, but because he disrupted the state's law, the law admits no mercy, maintaining the interrogation and execution."

"But because of Gu Jin Nian's merit, we wish to build the Wen Palace for him, sculpt a body of merit and virtue, and erect a holy stele."

"Gu Jin Nian will inscribe the stele, thereafter for all the people of the world to look up to."

His voice rang out.

It caused countless people to fall silent.

Afterwards, full of disappointment.

I thought it was a pardon edict, but never expected it to be like this.

Moreover, from the edict one can learn that Gu Jin Nian is truly to be interrogated and executed.

Everything has already been prepared for building the palace and erecting the stele.

Isn't this a certain death?

Soon, the stele was brought over.

Gu Jin Nian will inscribe the text on the stele, for future generations to look up to.

Of course, there's no need to carve directly on the stele; Wei Xian has already prepared paper and brush, and after writing, artisans will engrave it.

At the same time, Wei Xian's voice also reached Gu Jin Nian's ears.

"Your Highness, the Crown Prince."

"This is your last chance."

"The Emperor orders this servant to convey a message to you."

"We have already made thorough plans that can keep the Crown Prince safe."

He transmitted the sound.

Informing Gu Jin Nian of the specific situation.

Upon hearing these words.

Gu Jin Nian's heart had no ripples.

There was no joy.

Nor any happiness.

Instead, he gazed at the stele, silent and speechless.

Everyone was watching, and they were also very curious about what Gu Jin Nian was going to do.

About half a shichen later.

Suddenly.

Gu Jin Nian concentrated his literary talent, transformed it into a brush, and inscribed characters on the stele.

He wrote down his insights from these days, one by one.

【I, imprisoned in the northern court, sit in an earthen cell】

【The room is eight feet wide, deeply carved four fathoms】

The characters appeared, drawing countless onlookers.

This piece looks unremarkable; if speaking of literary talent, ordinary scholars could produce it.

If speaking of emotion, it merely records the circumstances of these days.

Yet everyone still stared straight.

Because they knew.

What Gu Jin Nian writes never disappoints.

Inside the imperial palace, Emperor Yongsheng also appeared extremely tense; although he had made thorough preparations, he still hoped that Gu Jin Nian could rely on himself to be rescued.

Otherwise, new troubles would arise.

Outside the Ministry of Punishments' great prison.

He finished writing three or four hundred words in a flowing manner.

Yet it had no effect, no portent, no light, making people's mood grow ever heavier.

But just then.

Gu Jin Nian was about to write the final passage of the opening slowly.

【Situ Hao ran, he is the righteous qi of heaven and earth, composing a song of righteous qi】

As the final passage of the opening was written,

Gu Jin Nian closed his eyes.

He took a deep breath.

All past encounters, plus the insights gained from understanding the Dao in prison, also burst forth at this moment.

Jiangning Prefecture, too.

The Xiongnu State, too.

As for the White Heron Prefecture, never mind.

There may be natural disasters, but more often it is man-made calamities.

Behind the people, it is not only the imperial court; there should also be some aspiring individuals.

There should also be some true scholars.

And today, he will reshape the backbone of scholars.

"I am Gu Jin Nian."

"Today, I will compose a song of righteous qi."

"To rectify the heart of the Confucian Way."

In an instant.

Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded.

It echoed throughout the capital.

Soon, a line of characters appeared on the stone tablet.

【Heaven and earth possess righteous qi, which manifests in myriad forms】

The text appeared.

In an instant.

Heaven and earth underwent a great change.

The Great Night assaulted, as if Eternal Night descended.

But this time,

it was no longer affecting just the capital.

but the entire Da Xia Dynasty.

Especially Chu Fu.

The tranquil Kong family of Chu Fu.

At this moment,

it began to shake violently.

A Kong family Great Scholar was astonished, and then a shout exploded.

"The statue of Confucius trembled."

"Someone has composed an immortal holy chapter."

A voice sounded.

An uproar ensued.