Chapter 114: The People as a Sea, Willing to Die with the Crown Prince

Like the Eternal Night descending.

Da Xia Dynasty.

It almost went dark in an instant.

Within Da Xia Capital, all the common folk were astonished, the civil and military officials, high‑ranking nobles, and even scholars were likewise astonished.

In the past, even a timeless piece of writing would only bring about omens after it was finished.

But now, Gu Jin Nian wrote only a few characters, and instantly summoned such a terrifying celestial phenomenon; this is overly frightening.

Some even think that someone tried to hijack the execution ground, creating such a celestial display.

However, within the Da Xia Dynasty, the directly affected were the Kong family.

Chu Fu.

Kong family.

For the Kong family, each day appears profoundly sacred; the Kong family seems like a single clan, yet its interior is like a small world, with some studying and others making music.

The Kong family is involved in countless affairs; no scholar, farmer, artisan, or merchant is untouched by the Kong family.

But fundamentally, more are devoted to study, especially the younger generation of the Kong family, who must endure an extremely arduous learning process; there are many direct descendants, yet only the truly outstanding can be called direct lineage.

At least in Confucian and Daoist matters, without any achievements one cannot expect significant status; it's merely a flattering title.

However.

And in an instant.

The heavens suddenly darkened.

The bright daytime, at this moment, turned directly into night.

A glance outward, it resembled an eternal night.

Between heaven and earth.

At this moment.

Night descends.

Darkness envelops the earth, as if everything between heaven and earth is devoured, inspiring awe.

"What has happened?"

"How could Chu Fu have such a celestial phenomenon?"

"The heavens are dark; this is an ominous sign."

"What is going on?"

"Who created this celestial display?"

"No, this cannot be man‑made; is this a omen from the heavens?"

Voices rose from the Kong Family's Main Residence, many Great Scholars of the Kong family spoke, they stared in astonishment at everything, the bright daytime turned into night—how could this not be shocking? They exclaimed, not knowing what had happened.

Someone judged that this was an ominous sign.

Others were curious about who brought such a terrifying celestial phenomenon.

But they were immediately refuted, with the claim that this phenomenon was not man‑made but a warning from heaven and earth.

A great event is forthcoming.

Nevertheless, the entire Kong Family's Main Residence was in shock.

From ancient to modern times, they have never witnessed such a miracle.

No, this is no longer a miracle.

This is a divine sign.

A sign like a deity.

At this moment, the great night spreads across the sky.

Heaven and earth undergo great change; within the Kong family, several figures quietly watch this spectacle.

Holy Ruler gazes at it all, his eyes filled with complex emotions.

The seventy‑two sages of the Kong family also look up at the heavens; they gasp, but more so with resentment, not wishing the world to change greatly, and if it does, it must be crafted by the Kong family.

In the ancestral hall, an elder quietly watches everything, standing with his hands behind his back, letting out a long sigh.

But they thought it would stop there.

What happened in the next moment shocked the entire Kong family.

Boom—

Within the Kong Temple.

The statue of the Confucian Sage violently trembles at this moment, beams of Holy Punishment's Light Shooting Upwards surge upwards, piercing the Eternal Night, startling all directions.

The common folk of Chu Fu, watching this moment, felt an incomparable shock; they all knelt together, loudly proclaiming the saint's appearance in the world, their eyes filled with unparalleled awe.

This light shakes heaven and earth.

This light is dazzling to the extreme.

The Kong Temple, a place that enshrines the Confucian Sage, has a history nearing ten thousand years, having received the incense of countless common folk.

It nurtures holy intent.

Only when a great change occurs between heaven and earth will the Kong Temple be stirred.

"This cannot be, this cannot be, someone composed an immortal piece, startling the saint."

Within the Kong Temple, a Great Scholar roared, his tone filled with unparalleled shock, his eyes full of horror.

As that voice rang out, figures within the Kong Family's Main Residence rushed forward swiftly.

At this moment, even the Holy Ruler was moved.

Heaven and earth have dramatically changed; they truly do not know what happened, with many conjectures, but only when the Kong Temple trembled did they fully understand what had occurred.

Great Scholars of the Kong family appear one by one in the Confucius Temple.

The Confucius Temple at this moment has already erupted with unparalleled brilliance, covering the heavens and earth and engulfing all things.

The statue of Confucius trembles continuously; this is sage resonance.

Compared with the previous sage resonance, this time it is even more terrifying.

The last sacred statue resonance occurred because Gu Jin Nian refuted the sage's will, provoking the sage's wrath.

Of course, this is the Kong family's version.

However, that previous statue was nothing special, after all it was not a genuine sacred statue.

But the sacred statue in the Confucius Temple is different; having been worshipped by the world, bearing incense merit, it truly contains a trace of the sage's will.

Thus, if this statue resonates, it would be truly extraordinary, gaining the sage's approval.

This is the honor of scholars across ages, and the pursuit of this generation of Kong family students.

Every three years each dynasty holds an imperial examination, and the Kong family also holds an internal examination every three years, which consists of reciting essays before the sage.

Whoever can elicit resonance from the sacred statue may ascend to great heights.

Yet over more than seventy generations of the Kong family, only a handful—three or five—have truly provoked sage resonance, and even those few could not cause such a commotion.

"Who could this be? Who can compose an immortal essay that even the sage trembles at, causing heaven and earth to react?"

"Why is this person not a descendant of our Kong family? In this age of Heaven's Mandate and prosperity, must a Confucian‑Daoist sage truly emerge?"

"Essays differ from poetry; poetry conveys meaning, essays communicate with the divine. I truly wish to know who can produce such a work, and I want to see what kind of essay can trigger such celestial phenomena."

"The foundation of Confucian‑Daoist thought lies in essays, in depth, in the sage's will. The golden age is coming; we must cease pursuing profit and truly cultivate talent, nurture great sages."

Figures appear one after another, all prominent members of the Kong family; they are inside the Confucius Temple without any overstepping, and kneel outside the temple.

Taking this opportunity, a Kong family Confucian faction speaks, asserting that in the golden age the clan should support scholars, emphasize study, rather than profit.

However, most people ignore the remark, not because it lacks reason, but because they are astonished by the terrifying essay.

They are curious.

What kind of essay can summon such a dreadful phenomenon?

But at that moment—

A thunderously resonant voice rang through heaven and earth, echoing across the entire Da Xia Dynasty.

"I am Gu Jin Nian, today I compose a Song of Righteous Qi."

"To rectify the heart of Confucian‑Daoist practice."

The voice, booming, spread across heaven and earth.

But throughout the Kong family, countless faces changed instantly at this moment.

It is Gu Jin Nian.

Could it really be Gu Jin Nian?

How could it be him? The entire Kong family is astonished; they never expected the author of the immortal essay to be Gu Jin Nian.

Although Gu Jin Nian's poetry and essays are indeed powerful, most are merely affectations; bluntly, what can a poem change? What can an essay prove? Yet this immortal essay is different.

This kind of essay transcends the essence of writing; it possesses the power to educate Confucian‑Daoist scholars.

The reason the Kong family can become a colossal powerhouse.

The cause is that Confucius's thought has taken deep root in the hearts of scholars across the world.

It can be said that ninety‑nine percent of scholars worldwide develop, improve, and transform based on Confucius's thought.

Therefore the essays originally penned by Confucius can be called immortal.

Today, producing another immortal work presents a new challenge for the Kong family; otherwise the elder just now would not have suddenly advocated supporting the Confucian faction.

However, whoever wrote this immortal essay they can all accept, for only a handful of people under heaven can produce such a work.

Their connections are all good.

If it truly were a reclusive master, it would not affect the Kong family; if it were an unknown, they could offer incentives to bring him into the Kong family.

This is a tremendous honor.

But it is precisely Gu Jin Nian, the Kong family's genuine adversary; rather than merely a true enemy, the Gu and Kong families are almost impossible to reconcile.

"How could it be him?"

At this moment, even the Holy Ruler could not help but sigh; this is the voice he least wanted to hear.

But the most outraged mindset belongs to the Kong family's holy descendants.

In the study, when Kong Yu heard Gu Jin Nian's voice, he was utterly frozen on the spot.

Before him lay a mountain of discarded drafts, his prepared poems and essays.

Since seeing Gu Jin Nian, he has striven to surpass him.

But he did not expect that, after merely a short time, Gu Jin Nian would produce an immortal essay.

This is something he cannot accept.

It is also something he cannot bear.

All of this makes him unable to accept it, and shatters his Daoist heart.

However.

The next moment, Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out again.

【I, a prisoner of the Northern Court, sit in a simple earthen room】

【The room is eight chi wide, four chi deep】

【A single door, low and small; the white space short and narrow; the lower part dirty and dim】

The voice sounded.

The entire Kong family listened attentively to this immortal essay.

It was only the recitation of the article that emerged; everyone furrowed their brows, feeling something was slightly off.

Such an article doesn't seem to have anything special, does it?

At most, it's just fitting the occasion.

Why can it become an immortal piece?

They were puzzled, their eyes full of curiosity.

Soon, the voice grew louder, deafening.

【Moreover, the vast and mighty is the righteous qi of Heaven and Earth; compose a Song of Righteous Qi】

As the voice sounded, the entire Kong family focused intently; only then did they understand that this opening was merely a prelude, and the true core lay here.

Song of Righteous Qi.

All scholars became curious, and all Great Scholars were curious as well.

What is righteous qi?

Their eyes were filled with curiosity.

And at that moment.

A sound that shook Heaven and Earth rang out, deafening.

【Heaven and Earth have righteous qi, diversely bestowing flowing forms】

【Below are rivers and mountains; above are the sun and stars】

【For humans it is called vast and mighty, abundant and filling the boundless void】

【The imperial path should be pure and tranquil, containing harmony and exhaling bright court】

【When times are exhausted, integrity appears, each hanging on the painted scroll】

An immeasurably vast voice rang out at this moment, declaring what righteous qi is.

At this point, the entire Kong family fell completely silent.

The Kong family, though having undergone millennia of transformation—from a saintly lineage to today's immortal house—has seen tremendous change, yet what remains unchanged is the Kong family's genuine achievements in the Confucian and Daoist realms.

The Great Scholars of the Kong family occupy one third of the world, making them a colossal presence.

Within the Kong family, there is no shortage of scholars nor of the wise.

Gu Jin Nian's article might be incomprehensible to ordinary people, yet they understand it perfectly, crystal clear.

Between Heaven and Earth there is a dignified, upright qi that grants all things their varied forms; below it becomes mountains and rivers, above it becomes the sun, moon, and stars, and among humans it is called the vast and mighty righteous qi.

It pervades the space between Heaven, Earth, and the universe.

When the nation's fortunes are clear and peaceful, the court is harmonious and bright—a flourishing era.

In times of hardship, a righteous hero emerges, his radiant image hanging upon the painted scroll.

Gu Jin Nian uses fewer than a few hundred characters yet depicts the righteous qi of Heaven and Earth.

He portrays the lifelong pursuit of scholars.

This is a world‑shocking piece, also a work that educates scholars across the realm.

Beyond the Confucius Temple.

One by one, the Great Scholars trembled, as if an epiphany had struck; for years they had struggled to conceive different ideas, but at this moment they seemed to understand completely.

Yet many Great Scholars wore extremely grim expressions.

Because Gu Jin Nian's article will deliver a massive shock to the Confucian and Daoist world.

This article can alter the current changes in Confucianism and Daoism.

It expounds on "talent and spirit", and on "righteous qi".

Its merit will not be weaker than the deeds of Confucius.

This is an achievement in the Confucian and Daoist realms.

Just from this article, even if Gu Jin Nian dies, a thousand years later he will be canonized as a saint, his status second only to Confucius.

If Gu Jin Nian were alive and could accomplish Establishing Speech in the Confucian and Daoist realms, and then achieve moral establishment.

Then Gu Jin Nian could become a saint of the age.

Such a saint is unique, like a great sun, illuminating eternity, ever enduring.

They were moved and shocked.

In an instant, a swirl of complex emotions rose within them, making them extremely distressed.

But at that moment.

Gu Jin Nian's voice still did not cease.

【When it pierces the sun and moon, life and death are not worth discussing】

【The earth's foundation relies on standing, the heavens' pillar relies on reverence】

【The three bonds truly bind fate; Dao and righteousness are its roots】

【Observe this steadfastness, looking up at the floating white clouds】

【My heart drifts sorrowfully, how can the vast heavens have an end】

【The philosopher's days are far gone, the ancient rites remain from early times】

【Wind‑swept eaves display books for reading, the ancient Dao shines upon hues】

The voice rang resonant and powerful, bearing resentment, also a sense of ease, and an attitude of great worldly contest, as he slowly set down his words.

People were stupefied.

At this moment, it was no longer simple for the Kong family to comprehend.

Throughout the Da Xia Dynasty, all scholars were carefully contemplating the meaning of Gu Jin Nian's Song of Righteous Qi.

This vast and mighty qi fills the universe's heavens and earth; justice stands lofty, inviolable, and endures for all ages.

When this righteous qi surges straight to the heavens and penetrates sun and moon, whether alive or dead need not be discussed.

The earth relies on it to stand upright; the heavenly pillars rely on it for support.

Alas, I have encountered injustice, wholeheartedly serving the people, yet was harmed by villains; but unexpectedly, this filthy place has become my happy abode where I can settle and make a living.

Therefore, I have become indifferent to life and death.

Because I have a loyal heart that forever resides in my chest, fame and wealth are to me like floating clouds in the sky.

I only hope that this vast righteous qi can let all people comprehend, and let all scholars gain clear understanding.

The forefathers have all drifted away from me; their examples are etched in my heart.

Under the eaves, I bathe in the clear breeze, unfold a book and read.

The brilliance of the ancients will shine upon me as I walk forward resolutely.

This is Gu Jin Nian's intention.

This is also what Gu Jin Nian wishes to express.

This Song of Righteous Qi, Gu Jin Nian has revised it; using some special backgrounds of this world, he has perfectly replaced it.

Some parts he left unchanged, to serve as metaphor, without violating propriety.

The content of the essay expresses what is in the heart.

This alone is sufficient.

The Kong family fell silent; the deeper one's Confucian-Daoist scholarship, the more they knew what impact Gu Jin Nian's article would bring.

"Truly, this is an immortal essay."

"An essay that can startle a sage truly lives up to its reputation."

"From today onward, the Confucian-Daoist world will change; from now on, vast righteous qi cannot be obtained by Confucian-Daoists alone!"

"A change unseen in a thousand years—just who is this Gu Jin Nian?"

"Ten years to forge a sword, the frosted blade never tested; today I show it to the lord—who will stand against injustice?"

"Excellent, excellent—ten years to forge a sword; this sword, forged, shakes heaven and earth!"

One after another, the Kong family's great scholars were astonished.

They didn't know what to say; even a great scholar couldn't help but speak, reciting the first poem Gu Jin Nian had originally composed.

This poem, placed in the present, is simply fitting.

Forged over ten years.

The sword emerges, shocking heaven and earth.

In contrast, the Kong family's shock.

Da Xia Capital.

That is truly the astonishing scene.

In the capital, countless common folk watched this scene, especially these scholars, who saw it with their own eyes.

Witnessing the moment that will surely be famous for a thousand years.

Upon the stone tablet, the flowing Song of Righteous Qi bursts forth with unparalleled light.

Heaven and earth are dark.

Yet this stone tablet transforms into eternal light, piercing all darkness.

Light falls, showering upon Gu Jin Nian, reflecting his immortal silhouette.

People are astonished.

The scholars' eyes reveal an unparalleled gaze.

They read books and cultivate qi.

Yet they never knew what qi they were cultivating.

They say it is vast righteous qi.

But this is merely self-conceit.

They do not comprehend or understand true vast righteous qi.

They simply feel that reading books lets them understand principles, and that is vast righteous qi.

Now, with Gu Jin Nian's Song of Righteous Qi having appeared, people have gained a new understanding of vast righteous qi.

Under the Eternal Night.

Amidst the raging wind.

Gu Jin Nian, in a single white robe, is blown, making a fluttering sound.

At this moment, fierce light surrounds him.

The Song of Righteous Qi is finished.

Gu Jin Nian takes a long, deep breath.

His heart obtains great satisfaction at this moment.

His spirit obtains great fulfillment at this moment.

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian finally understands why some disregard life and death for the righteous qi in their hearts.

Because between heaven and earth, there is vast righteous qi.

This vast righteous qi is not obtainable solely through reading.

Those with righteous hearts can all nurture vast righteous qi.

Those who encounter injustice can nurture vast righteous qi.

The chivalrous can nurture vast righteous qi.

If everyone possessed vast righteous qi, then heaven and earth would be beautiful.

Crown Prince Wangu.

At this moment, another voice rang out, breaking the silence among the crowd.

But this time, someone saw who it was—it was Su Huaiyu.

However, voices began to shout along as well.

The common folk did not know what exactly had happened, nor did they understand the meaning of this righteous song.

What they did know was that Gu Jin Nian had done another good deed for heaven and earth.

A person, even before death, still thinking of all living beings and the common folk—how could anyone not be moved to tears?

Crown Prince Wangu.

Crown Prince Wangu.

Deafening sounds kept reverberating.

The common people shouted from the heart, loudly proclaiming Crown Prince Wangu.

The cries grew louder and louder, resonating throughout heaven and earth.

But at that moment.

A discordant voice slowly rose.

"The time for execution has arrived,"

"What are you still hesitating about?"

The voice belonged to a prince.

At this critical moment, he could see that the people were about to petition.

So he immediately intervened, demanding that Gu Jin Nian be sent to his death.

Hearing this, the Ministry of Justice officials were startled; they were also somewhat unwilling, but faced the prince's order.

Nevertheless, they gritted their teeth and put Gu Jin Nian onto the prison cart.

Confronted with the scene, Gu Jin Nian said nothing and did not choose to board the cart; instead, he generously walked toward the execution ground.

He feared nothing, even feeling an inexplicable inner transcendence.

He seemed to have touched the true Dao.

The illusion was like a bubble.

Yet at that moment.

A gasp rose again.

"Look, what is this?"

"Quick, look, what is this?"

As the gasps echoed,

a blazing beam of light fell from the heavens.

From the Da Xia Dynasty, rays of light surged from all directions.

They illuminated Gu Jin Nian.

These were saints and sages from everywhere, saints and sages across ages.

These sages, hearing Gu Jin Nian's voice, sensed it and, at this moment, gave their strongest approval.

Outside the great prison of the Ministry of Justice in the capital,

Gu Jin Nian walked with firm steps, his face showing no fear of life or death.

Behind him, however, shone eternally!!! Beneath his feet, Holy Punishment's Light; behind him, a long river emerged.

One by one, venerable ancestors appeared behind him, walking alongside him.

This eternal brilliance rained down, casting Gu Jin Nian as saintly.

People stared dumbfounded at it all.

All of this was inconceivable.

All of this was unparalleled.

In the end, scholars also followed.

The common folk also followed.

A massive crowd marched toward the execution ground.

The surging crowd was an unprecedented sight.

Eternal Night was approaching, yet at this moment, Gu Jin Nian became the sole light, piercing all darkness of heaven and earth.

His expression was fearless.

He regarded life and death lightly.

He held a great righteousness in his heart.

If this death could bring about a surge of righteous Qi, he would not fear.

At this moment, each step of Gu Jin Nian.

was deafening.

Because behind him were countless common folk.

Each step of Gu Jin Nian

was bathed in eternal light beneath his feet.

Sages from across ages stood beside him.

The capital's officials watched all this, deeply moved, and some even followed.

All for the righteousness in their hearts.

The eight princes watched this scene, each with a grim expression; now that matters had reached this point, a prince wanted to withdraw, and he dared not continue the commotion, nor wished to keep it going.

If this continues, something will truly happen.

But a few princes were unusually resolute, causing those princes not to dare withdraw.

Thus.

Gu Jin Nian arrived at the execution ground.

The Minister of Justice sat in the main seat; when Gu Jin Nian appeared, he rose immediately, daring not to lean on his authority.

He bowed deeply toward Gu Jin Nian.

Today Gu Jin Nian, with a righteous song, is enough to earn the respect of all under heaven.

Moreover, Gu Jin Nian died for the people, which made him admire him even more.

Especially, Gu Jin Nian could have entirely refused, yet from beginning to end he never troubled the court nor the Ministry of Justice.

Such magnanimity, such generosity.

It makes him feel inferior, shame unbearable.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Xu Ping bowed deeply toward Gu Jin Nian.

But Gu Jin Nian said nothing, merely watching everything quietly.

"Will you not execute yet? How long must we wait?"

A roar rose again.

It was the prince's urging.

At this moment, in just a quarter hour, Gu Jin Nian's head will fall to the ground.

He does not want any complications beyond the matter.

Now, immediately, behead Gu Jin Nian.

Facing the prince's urging.

Xu Ping's voice also rose.

"I am the Da Xia Minister of Justice; to behead or not, I decide; it is no longer for you, Prince, to urge."

A domineering reply echoed.

Xu Ping also became angry.

Now that it has come to this, Gu Jin Nian's deeds are witnessed by the world, yet they still wish to kill?

"On what grounds? And why?" Upon hearing this, the speaking prince's face instantly turned exceedingly grim,

at that moment.

Xu Ping, facing the palace, knelt directly, clasped his hands and spoke.

"I, Xu Ping, Da Xia Minister of Justice, today wish to plead on behalf of Gu Jin Nian."

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, avenging the Da Xia people: previously Jiangning Commandery faced floods, later a marriage alliance with the Xiongnu, now the White Heron Prefecture crisis—his merits are boundless, making him a pillar of Da Xia."

"If today you ask to behead the Crown Prince, I have no face to be Minister of Justice; it is unacceptable by heavenly principle and by human reason."

"May Your Majesty grant clemency beyond the law, sparing the Crown Prince."

Xu Ping spoke.

No one could have imagined that the dignified Minister of Justice, Da Xia's most unswerving and impartial official, at this moment would plead for Gu Jin Nian.

He even offered to resign as price, to secure a life for Gu Jin Nian.

This is not about influence nor connections; Gu Jin Nian's deeds made Xu Ping fully realize what is justice and what is righteousness.

The Ministry of Justice has always upheld justice.

Failing to act justly when faced with justice is the true fault of the Ministry.

With Xu Ping's kneeling,

In an instant, another figure appeared.

"I, Da Xia Minister of Rites Yang Kai, today wish to plead on behalf of Gu Jin Nian."

"If you ask to behead the Crown Prince, I too have no face to serve as an official."

"Knowing rites but not practicing them, how can one be an officer of the Ministry of Rites?"

The Minister of Rites stepped forward.

He resolutely stepped forward to plead for Gu Jin Nian.

The two Ministers pleading for Gu Jin Nian—truly awe‑inspiring.

The next moment.

A thunderously loud voice rang out.

It was Jiang Yezhou.

He clenched his fist, stepped out of the crowd, and shouted loudly.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince is wholeheartedly for the people, without any fault."

"Those who bear firewood for the masses must not be choked by wind and snow."

"Those who open roads for the common folk must not be trapped by thorns."

"We, the students, earnestly request Your Majesty to grant clemency beyond the law, sparing the Crown Prince."

Jiang Yezhou roared.

His eyes held hot tears.

Clenching his fist tightly, he knew every detail better than anyone; the scenes were vivid in his mind.

Therefore he could not remain silent.

When he finished saying that.

In an instant, all the students of Da Xia Academy stepped forward, raising a long white cloth.

On the cloth lay a blood letter.

Wang Fugui and the others spread out, then knelt on the ground, indicating their stance.

As the students of Da Xia Academy filed out.

One silhouette after another followed, filing out.

They were scholars from within the capital.

They were common folk from within the capital.

They were moved, each stepping forward and kneeling toward the imperial palace.

This scene alone is enough to be recorded for posterity.

"Will you still kill?"

At that moment, Emperor Yongsheng's voice rang out.

From within the imperial palace, it echoed throughout the capital.

He was questioning.

Questioning the Eight Princes.

He also questioned those who were intent on putting Gu Jin Nian to death.

They hid behind, daring not to step forward.

But it did not hinder Emperor Yongsheng's questioning.

Upon hearing Emperor Yongsheng's voice, the Eight Princes' faces all turned somewhat grim.

"Your Majesty."

"The state law must not be disrupted."

The voice of the Eight Princes sounded.

Their attitude remained unchanged.

They still demand execution.

They still demand death.

They intend to put Gu Jin Nian to death.

But at that moment, two figures rushed in on a carriage, appearing at the critical instant.

"Junior General Xu Jin."

"Junior General Wang Peng."

"Today we bring the Shan Kui army, a force of three hundred thousand, to the execution ground with a joint petition."

"All the soldiers of the Shan Kui army are willing to plead for the Crown Prince's life."

"We hope Your Majesty will show mercy."

They were Xu Jin and Wang Peng.

Since learning that Gu Jin Nian was to be subjected to a questioned execution, Xu Jin and Wang Peng mobilized three hundred thousand troops, jointly petitioning for clemency beyond the law.

In the past seven days, they have scarcely rested, racing here to plead for Gu Jin Nian's life.

"No amount of pleading will help."

"Gu Jin Nian has committed an unspeakable crime."

"He must be questioned and executed today, or heaven's order will not tolerate it."

When a prince spoke up, it was truly wishing Gu Jin Nian dead.

But when he finished speaking.

From all directions, silhouettes appeared.

They were common folk.

Ordinary citizens.

They walked toward the execution ground, moving somewhat slowly, yet their gazes were unwavering.

"Are they the people of Jiangning Commandery?"

"They are the people of Jiangning Commandery?"

Someone shouted in surprise, recognizing who they were.

They were the people of Jiangning Commandery.

The citizens who had nearly perished in the flood.

Today.

Their sudden appearance truly astonished many.

To appear in such numbers, there must have been backing from behind; otherwise they could not have come.

The people of Jiangning Commandery walked forward.

They came before Gu Jin Nian and knelt together; they were silent, their faces wet with tears, saying nothing, yet their eyes were resolute.

At this moment, they raised the banner they held.

Pleading for the Crown Prince's life.

Originally, they had suffered a flood, and rice prices were as dear as gold.

In desperation.

It was Gu Jin Nian who solved their trouble.

Amid their weeping.

It was Gu Jin Nian who tended their wounds.

Before they were on the brink of death.

It was Gu Jin Nian who gave them a final helping hand.

No one spoke up for these low‑born commoners.

No one cared about these low‑born commoners either.

In the year of natural disaster, officials and merchants colluded, preying on the people, turning the world into a living hell.

Yet.

Gu Jin Nian acted with unwavering righteousness, not hesitating to offend the so‑called powerful elites.

He stepped forward.

To uphold justice for them.

And today.

The common folk of Jiang Ning Commandery also came to uphold justice for Gu Jin Nian.

"Commoner Li Da, a native of Jiang Ling Commandery, today follows the Crown Prince to his death."

The leading elder spoke; although he had never seen Gu Jin Nian, ever since the flood was quelled, the name Gu Jin Nian could not be erased from his heart.

He knew that without Gu Jin Nian, his entire family would have perished in the flood.

Seven days ago, he learned that Gu Jin Nian was to be publicly executed for avenging the people; his heart burned with urgency, and fortunately someone arrived at Jiang Ning Prefecture and led them to the capital.

Yet his words carried little weight; he knew that whatever he said could not aid Gu Jin Nian.

Therefore, he chose the most generous and also the most extreme way to help Gu Jin Nian.

Rather than pleading for forgiveness.

He would rather die together with him.

He wanted to see whether the court would dare to act like this.

As his voice rang out.

Soon, a deafening roar erupted.

"Commoner Wang Li, a resident of Jiang Ning Commandery, today follows the Crown Prince to his death."

"Commoner Xu Ye, a resident of Jiang Ning Commandery, today follows the Crown Prince to his death."

"Commoner He Zhitang, a resident of Jiang Ning Commandery, today follows the Crown Prince to his death."

Voices rose one after another.

The people of Jiang Ning Commandery came to repay their gratitude.

Gu Jin Nian saved them from fire and water.

Today they return the favor with their lives.

Yesterday, you disregarded life and death for the people.

Today, the people also disregard life and death for you.

This is karma.

The resounding voice echoed throughout Da Xia Capital.

Countless people were moved to tears at this moment.

Da Xia scholars also began to speak at this moment, kneeling before the imperial palace.

"Student Jiang Yezhou, a resident of the capital, today wishes to die together with the Crown Prince."

"Student Wang Fugui, a native of Suzhou, today wishes to die together with the Crown Prince."

"Student Wang Xin Zhi, a resident of the capital, today wishes to die together with the Crown Prince."

The proud spirit of Da Xia scholars manifested at this moment.

After their voices faded,

new voices rose.

"Commoner Li Jing, a resident of Bai Lu Prefecture, today wishes to die together with the Crown Prince."

"Commoner Zhou Lai, a resident of Bai Lu Prefecture, today wishes to die together with the Crown Prince."

They are people from Bai Lu Prefecture.

At a glance, over three thousand Bai Lu Prefecture citizens hurried forward, most of them women, kneeling on the ground, willing to die together with Gu Jin Nian.

What generosity this is!

And what a moving shock to the heart!

One person can cause ten thousand people to die together.

In his lifetime, he would die without regret.

On the execution ground.

Gu Jin Nian wept unabated.

He acted for the people, solely for the justice in his heart.

But the people's gratitude made him regret nothing.

At this moment, he understood many, many truths—truths that are not found in any book.

Noble as a boat.

The people are water.

This vague popular sentiment, like spring sunshine, warmed Gu Jin Nian to his core.

All of this.

Is worth it.

This heart is bright and clear; what more is there to say?

Gazing at all this.

The people of the capital could no longer sit still.

One after another, the capital's people knelt, willing to die alongside the crown prince.

One after another, officials knelt, begging the monarch to show mercy beyond the law.

This moment.

The people's will surged mighty.

Gu Jin Nian, to execute or not to execute?

Within the imperial palace, the Yongsheng Emperor spoke again.

It was still a question.

Execute!

The law must not be disrupted.

Please, Your Majesty, prioritize the foundation of the state.

The Prince of Chu's voice sounded.

He had always advocated execution; even at this moment, he still demanded the Emperor execute Gu Jin Nian.

But at this moment.

The Yongsheng Emperor's thunderous voice rang out.

I did not ask you.

I am asking the people of Da Xia.

What right do you have to point and gesture here?

Accompanied by the thunderous voice.

The faces of the Eight Princes changed instantly.

Because they knew the Yongsheng Emperor was about to change his mind.

Gu Jin Nian, to execute or not to execute?

A loud voice rang out.

It came from the most noble person of Da Xia.

Do not execute.

The roar of the myriad people sounded.

It gave the firmest and most direct answer.

Gu Jin Nian, guilty or not guilty?

The Yongsheng Emperor asked again.

Not guilty.

The deafening sound rang out again.

This is the people's attitude.

After receiving a satisfactory answer.

The Yongsheng Emperor did not rush to speak, but waited quietly.

He waited for the crucial voice.

Soon.

That voice sounded.

Your subject, Gu Yuan, having failed in guidance, leading to my grandson Gu Jin Nian violating the law, I beg to be sent to the frontier to atone for his offense; I implore Your Majesty to show mercy and pardon him.

He is the Guardian Duke.

At the critical moment, the Guardian Duke stepped forward.

The myriad people petitioned.

Gu Jin Nian could escape the death penalty, but severe punishment was inevitable; yet the Yongsheng Emperor fundamentally did not wish to impose any punishment.

This was what he had agreed upon with the Guardian Duke.

The Guardian Duke was originally going to the border to fight the Xiongnu; now, by volunteering, he can silence the court and reassure the people.

After all, Gu Jin Nian indeed violated the law.

This is the first, and must be the last; if anyone else dares to do so, they must prepare, unless they can also make the myriad people petition, make the duke petition.

Otherwise, it is a death sentence.

Having received the Guardian Duke's reply.

The Yongsheng Emperor spoke.

Issue my decree.

The Guardian Duke's grandson, Gu Jin Nian, who sought justice for the people and achieved great merit, yet for violating the law, deserves death ten thousand times.

But considering the myriad people's petition, unprecedented in ancient and modern times, the founding ancestor's precept: the state is the boat, the people the water, cannot be reversed.

Again, the Duke voluntarily petitioned, for defending Da Xia's homeland, for a tremendous achievement; considering all factors, I break the prior precedent and pardon Gu Jin Nian of guilt and fault.

But must keep it in mind; henceforth must not reoffend, or if he does, I will surely execute him.

The Yongsheng Emperor's voice rang out.

When the voice fell.

In an instant, cheers rose up, within the capital.

The entire capital boiled over completely.

This is a victory.

A victory of the people.

A victory of justice.

"Long live His Majesty!"

"Long live His Majesty!"

The loud shouts reached the interior of the Da Xia imperial palace.

In the Hall of Nourishing the Heart.

Listening to the praise of the myriad people, the Yong Sheng Great Emperor's heart also surged with excitement.

But he still took a deep breath, calming his emotions.

His gaze fell upon the execution ground.

"Jin Nian, Jin Nian."

"Uncle, this time I've racked my brains to help you."

"If you don't help your uncle a little, then you're really being unkind."

The Yong Sheng Great Emperor muttered to himself.

This time, Gu Jin Nian has stirred up a monstrous disaster; to speak frankly, the Yong Sheng Great Emperor has done many things.

The people of White Heron Prefecture and Jiangning Commandery could reach the Capital so quickly; without his decree, who could manage it?

Fortunately, the final outcome was good.

Moreover, this nephew of his actually wrote a Song of Righteousness.

This is truly remarkable.

But.

Amidst the cheers of the myriad people.

Outside the Ministry of Justice's Great Prison.

The stone tablet inscribed with the Song of Righteousness suddenly flew up.

Turning into a beam of light.

Appearing above the execution ground.

Then, like a dazzling star.

Sweeping terrifying talent.

Transforming into pure, immense righteous qi, it surged into Gu Jin Nian's body.

And the ancient tree within Gu Jin Nian's body.

At this moment, also underwent a shocking transformation.

The ancient tree was undergoing metamorphosis.

Moreover, not only the righteous qi.

Within every person's body, a ray of light condensed.

This is the people's will.

The people's will, like a sea, gathered within Gu Jin Nian's body.

Such a scene made many people curious. —There is still another update today.

This can be considered the ending of this story.

Now, the thing I fear most upon waking is seeing Wu Ya's private chat.

Every hour they come to supervise me, even suggesting a video call to check if I'm typing.

I am truly impressed by this Old Six.

Then, a friendly reminder: this story has ended; the next story is 'Establishing Speech', the Kong family's Establishing Speech—don't rush off, wonderfulness continues!

Thanks to Alliance Chief Shu Z Lin for the reward! Thanks to the bosses for recent support! Please give some more monthly tickets!!!! I want to get first place in daily monthly tickets; yesterday I was just two hundred votes short of daily first place—can everyone give me a hand today?

Come July, let's write another chapter!!!