Chapter 115: Confucius's Mark, Dialogue Across Ancient and Modern, Heaven's Mandate Bestowed, Confucian-Dao Sacred Implement [Seeking

The people, like a sea, condensed boundless light.

This is the power of the people's will.

Within Jiang Ning Commandery, rays of light also burst forth, surging toward the Da Xia Capital.

Not only that.

The stone tablet inscribed with the Righteousness Song also condensed vast righteousness qi like a sea, empowering Gu Jin Nian's body.

This is vast righteousness qi, not talent.

The ancient trees absorbed this vast righteousness qi, also undergoing transformation.

Among the ancient trees, there are also thirty-six talent fruits, which were not previously refined and devoured; now it is unknown what exactly is happening.

Just then.

Gu Jin Nian's Wen Mansion appeared; this was not Gu Jin Nian actively condensing the Wen Mansion, but was guided forth by this vast righteousness qi.

When the Wen Mansion appeared.

The Righteousness Song transformed into a great sun, shining upon the Wen Mansion.

At this very moment.

Nine great stars shone upon the firmament.

This represents the myriad ancient writings and poems that Gu Jin Nian has written so far.

As for the stars evolved from the National Peace Poem, they were instead pushed to the side, becoming mere adornments.

Not only that, Gu Jin Nian's five war chariots also underwent transformation at this moment.

Before, the chariots were bathed in golden light all over, golden chariots, dazzling like the sun.

Now the chariots began to transform, turning into a jade palanquin.

The transforming jade palanquin, accompanied by a booming roar, as people looked on, some scholars exclaimed in surprise.

"How could there be the sound of ten thousand horses galloping?"

"Did you just hear it? There is a sound of ten thousand horses galloping."

"How did the Crown Prince's Wen Mansion war chariot begin to transform?"

People were curious, and some scholars were even more bewildered.

Soon, an elder scholar spoke up, seeming to know something.

"This is a Confucian-Dao phenomenon."

"Only the ancient sages can condense such a phenomenon."

The elder scholar spoke, revealing some hidden secrets.

Upon saying this, it further aroused everyone's curiosity.

"Wasn't the Crown Prince previously a Nine-Refined War Chariot? How could there still be changes?"

"Yes, wasn't the Crown Prince previously refining the five great war chariots? How could there now be another transformation?"

Everyone doubted, unable to refrain from asking.

Upon these words, the latter immediately began to explain slowly.

"Between heaven and earth, scholars can condense a Wen Mansion, forge the five chariots; the Crown Prince's Nine-Refined War Chariot is the ultimate transformation."

"But the Confucian-Dao phenomenon is different; only the heavenly and earthly sages can condense such a phenomenon."

"Confucius back then condensed a Confucian-Dao phenomenon."

"Or rather, the four sages each condensed their corresponding phenomena."

"The Crown Prince is also condensing a phenomenon; the future cannot be spoken of."

The elder spoke, elaborating on this matter.

After hearing this, people suddenly understood, looking at Gu Jin Nian's eyes filled with envy.

Inside the Wen Mansion.

The shadow of ten thousand horses had already appeared; behind the jade palanquin, it exuded a mighty aura, especially atop the jade palanquin where five figures stood tall—these were Gu Jin Nian's silhouettes.

"The people's will transforms into ten thousand horses; talent condenses the chariots; vast righteousness qi guards the five directions; one can match ten thousand horses."

"Admirable, admirable."

"Why do I have the illusion that if I simultaneously open a Wen Mansion with him, I would be directly suppressed?"

"Not to mention you; I feel that even a Great Scholar before him would be mercilessly suppressed."

"This is a Confucian-Dao phenomenon, something only the ancient sages possess; the Great Scholar indeed falls short."

People sighed; Gu Jin Nian this time seeking justice for the people is not merely gaining popular support—it brings many benefits.

For example, the Wen Mansion, having been refined anew, moreover transforms the people's will into ten thousand horses, evolving into a Wen Mansion phenomenon, achieving what only the ancient sages could accomplish.

The Righteousness Song turned into a sun; above the Wen Mansion's firmament, nine great stars twinkled, shining upon Gu Jin Nian's Wen Mansion.

Just then.

The vast righteousness qi released from the stone tablet gathered above the Wen Mansion.

The intense light was somewhat blinding; many looked, yet found they could not clearly see what was happening.

A terrifying aura spread forth from Gu Jin Nian's Wen Mansion.

This aura targets only scholars.

Because ordinary folk feel nothing, but scholars experience an indescribable sensation.

Rather than fear, it seems more like an awe arising from within.

"What is this?"

"What is going on again?"

Many scholars, full of curiosity, found the Wen Mansion's transformation already surprising; they did not expect yet another anomaly to appear now.

"This time, I really don't understand."

The old man spoke up; he couldn't possibly know everything.

As for the Confucian-Dao phenomenon, one only understands it after occasionally reading some books; the present situation is indeed somewhat puzzling.

Boom—boom—boom.

The terrifying righteous qi gathered above Gu Jin Nian's Wen Mansion, as if it were nurturing something.

Everyone's eyes were filled with curiosity.

Not only them, even the Eight Princes and the Yongsheng Great Emperor couldn't help but focus their martial divine abilities on it.

They were also very curious, wondering what was being nurtured.

Finally, after a full half-hour, the righteous qi finally dissipated.

What replaced it was a ruler.

Exactly.

It is indeed a ruler.

A three-inch-long jade ruler.

"How can it be a ruler?"

"After nurturing it for so long, it's actually just a ruler?"

People were astonished, some puzzled.

After all, such a terrifying phenomenon ended up producing only a three‑inch jade ruler; however, while most scholars were curious, some old Confucians remained silent, though they too didn't know what it was.

But one can't help feeling that something is off—how could something nurtured by such terrifying righteous qi be mundane? Yet no one knows exactly what it is.

However.

Then, abruptly, a sharp cry rang out, startling everyone.

"This is a Confucian sacred instrument, this is a Confucian sacred instrument!"

"Isn't this just a rumor? I never expected it to actually exist!"

A middle‑aged Confucian scholar pointed at the jade ruler, his voice intensely excited, as if he had seen something unimaginable.

Everyone grew curious, all looking toward him, not understanding what he meant.

Feeling everyone's gaze, the middle‑aged Confucian scholar took a deep breath, tried to calm himself, then continued speaking, though his voice still trembled.

"This is a Confucian sacred instrument; it is said that back then, the Confucian Sage founded the Confucian Dao, sensed something in heaven and earth, condensed nine sacred instruments, and presented them to Confucius."

"But Confucius took only three, returning the remaining six to heaven and earth for later generations; the three he took are called the Spring and Autumn Brush, the Ancient Chronicles, and the Heaven‑Inquiring Mirror."

"With the Spring and Autumn Brush, one can alter a dynasty's fortune; with the Ancient Chronicles, one can judge all nobles and officials; with the Heaven‑Inquiring Mirror, one can comprehend the profound mysteries of heaven and earth."

"That is why Confucius is revered by all dynasties under heaven, while the remaining six sacred instruments have countless rumors—some say later three sages each took two, others say each took one."

"At present, the one in the heir's Wen Mansion is one of them; if I'm not mistaken, it should be the Exquisite Holy Ruler."

The middle‑aged Confucian scholar seems to have read some ancient texts, knowing this secret; he conjectures that the ruler in Gu Jin Nian's Wen Mansion is one of the legendary Nine Sacred Instruments of Confucianism.

Such a thing is terrifying beyond compare.

"Spring and Autumn Brush? Ancient Chronicles? Heaven‑Inquiring Mirror? Our Confucian Dao actually has such divine artifacts?"

"If it's about the Nine Sacred Instruments, I still don't understand, but speaking of the Spring and Autumn Brush, I do know a bit: the Spring and Autumn Brush can alter a dynasty's fortune; I read an ancient text in which Confucius, while traveling the states, discovered a country with corrupt customs, its people like bandits, extorting money from passersby."

"If there were beautiful women, they would be outright seized and taken, not even regarded as human; thus, in his anger, the Confucian Sage wielded the Spring and Autumn Brush to write an article, directly cutting off that country's fortune, and within less than half a year the state perished, and its people also suffered misfortune, being completely erased from history."

Someone spoke up, saying he didn't know the legend of the Nine Sacred Instruments, but he had studied the Spring and Autumn Brush and related some stories.

After hearing this, people exclaimed in amazement, after all, hearing it sounds like the ultimate myth.

However, people could also understand that in the era of the many states, sometimes a state with a hundred thousand people was still a country, so weakening a nation was naturally possible.

As the discussion unfolded, more and more people spoke up.

"The Spring and Autumn Brush is a sacred instrument; it is said to be located within the Kong family."

"Right, I've also heard that the Kong family possesses sage's objects; I suppose these are the Spring and Autumn Brush, the Ancient Chronicles, and the Heaven‑Inquiring Mirror."

"That's possible, but these three sacred objects are likely enshrined in the ancestral temple, forming the foundation of the Kong family; unless something momentous occurs, they would not be brought forth."

"I'm not sure how many sacred objects the Kong family has, but I do know one of them: the Ancient Chronicles. Don't you all remember the heavenly signs when the Founding Emperor ascended the throne?"

People began to discuss heatedly, also speculating about the Kong family's affairs.

But until someone spoke up, firmly stating that the Kong family possesses a sacred object.

That is the Ancient Chronicles.

He even mentioned the Founding Emperor's ascension.

Indeed, when Da Xia was founded and the Founding Emperor ascended the throne, auspicious clouds filled the sky, and moreover a golden dragon appeared, an auspicious omen for all under heaven.

This event took place several decades ago, and within the capital, a few people still retain a very strong impression of it.

After all, back then seeing even a slight omen was quite rare, unlike now when portents appear constantly.

Thus they envy this batch of young people, for in the days to come they may witness even more portents.

"You mean, when the Founding Emperor ascended the throne, the Kong family used the Ancient Chronicles to judge him?"

Someone curious couldn't help but ask.

"Yes."

"There is this possibility: the Ancient Chronicles can evaluate all nobles and officials throughout history; if they leave a good name, it can increase the dynasty's fortune; if they leave a bad name, it will reduce the dynasty's qi, and everyone under heaven will acknowledge it."

The other party replied, considering the possibility very likely.

In that moment, countless people were shocked, and at the same time fully understood why the Kong family's status is so exalted.

It turns out it's not just simple reverence for the sage.

Wielding the Spring and Autumn Brush can cut a dynasty's fortune.

Moreover, with the Ancient Chronicles, one can assess nobles and officials; although the will of heaven and earth leads, human intervention can also exert some influence.

This is a huge killer weapon.

What is the function of that Heaven-Inquiring Mirror?

Someone else asked, very curious.

This is unclear; according to rumor, the Heaven-Inquiring Realm leads to a holy realm where one can comprehend the profound great Dao of heaven and earth. Confucius entered that holy realm long ago, sensed heaven and earth, and thus perfected the Confucian Dao.

Later it also became a huge killer weapon, capable of slaying all monsters and evil spirits. These three holy relics should be in the Kong family.

I see, but why have we never seen it before?

Yes, over all these years we've never seen the Kong family use it—why is that?

Back when demons plagued Jiangning Commandery, why didn't the Kong family use the Heaven-Inquiring Mirror to slay them?

Voices of doubt rose one after another.

Full of curiosity.

Doubts rose one after another, full of curiosity. With holy relics at hand, why not take them out to defeat the enemy? 'This is unclear; perhaps activating these holy relics requires a certain cost, and besides, I can't think of any other possibility.'

Mm, that makes sense.

Is this the reason the Kong family has lasted ten thousand years without falling? It's truly terrifying.

It's not solely relying on holy relics; the will of the sages endures forever.

Yes, yes, yes.

They were discussing, and the topic turned to the Kong family again; someone inadvertently sighed, but immediately realized the issue and hurriedly apologized.

This is the Kong family's standing.

It makes people dare not speak further.

Now we're not talking about the Kong family's affairs; Your Highness the Crown Prince, what is the function of this Exquisite Holy Ruler?

Yes, what is the function of this Exquisite Holy Ruler?

The Spring and Autumn Brush, the Ancient Chronicles, the Heaven-Inquiring Mirror—each is extraordinarily powerful; what use does this Exquisite Holy Ruler have?

Voices sounded one after another.

Many listened, entranced, more marvelous than the bridge storytellers' tales, naturally arousing curiosity.

They wanted to know what function Gu Jin Nian's Exquisite Holy Ruler had.

Let me think; I can't recall it right away.

The middle-aged scholar frowned, straining to think.

Everyone looked at him, full of curiosity and anticipation; after a moment, he slapped his head and spoke somewhat excitedly.

I remember now: the function of this Exquisite Holy Ruler is to diminish others' talent, reducing them to mere mortals.

The middle-aged scholar exclaimed excitedly.

But as soon as he said that, all the scholars fell silent.

Diminish their talent? Reduce them to mortals?

Isn't that too terrifying? For scholars, what matters most?

Official posts are secondary.

What matters most is the Confucian Dao realm and the talent within one's belly.

After all, scholars have their own circles; some officials may hold high rank, but if they go to places where notables gather, those officials really aren't enough to look at.

The influence of Confucianism is strong; don't think that just because some high officials in the court aren't great scholars, in reality much substantive power is controlled by scholars.

Especially those seemingly insignificant powers are tightly gripped by scholars.

Just like the Ministry of Revenue.

When allocating millions of taels of silver, it's definitely the Minister of Revenue who has the final say.

But what about small allocations? This county office needs three thousand taels, that one five thousand, another county office ten thousand; in a prefecture there are often seven or eight such offices, and each year the total of these allocations is countless.

Then who approves these allocations of a few thousand taels?

Would the Minister of Revenue come to approve? Certainly not; it's done by subordinates, but how much profit is there in this? Therefore, scholars value most their talent and the Confucian Dao realm.

If one has attained the Confucian Dao realm, as long as they're not overbearing, finding a teacher as a backing lets them hold office and be respected; wherever they go, people will give them face.

And the Exquisite Holy Ruler in Gu Jin Nian's Wen Mansion can directly diminish others' talent; once their talent is cut, even great scholars fear it.

Becoming a great scholar is no simple matter.

This thing is practically a huge killer weapon, a huge killer weapon in the eyes of scholars.

Possessing this is tantamount to holding the soft spot of all scholars under heaven; whoever dares not obey will have their talent diminished.

With such a divine object, from now on which scholar would dare provoke the Crown Prince?

Someone clicked their tongue, sighing deeply.

It won't come to that.

The Exquisite Holy Ruler can indeed diminish others' talent, but only with justification—if the Holy Ruler acknowledges it, then it will cut their talent.

Otherwise, one must exchange talent for talent: however much talent you cut from the other, you will lose the same amount yourself.

So if your conscience is clear, you need not worry about this.

The middle-aged scholar continued speaking, thinking it wasn't as terrifying as imagined.

But just as he finished speaking,

Vast talent surged into Gu Jin Nian's body; in the Wen Mansion, talent flowed like the sea, seemingly endless.

At that moment, the scholars who had come to watch fell silent.

Don't panic, everyone; this amount of talent can at most cut down a few dozen great scholars—it's nothing.

Besides, we are conscience‑clear and need not worry, and the Crown Prince is certainly not someone who acts recklessly.

Don't panic, don't panic.

The middle-aged scholar continued speaking, telling everyone not to panic.

Actually, the start of his speech was alright, but that final sentence—His Highness the Crown Prince is definitely not that sort of reckless person—made everyone even more silent.

Would someone who doesn't act recklessly dare to mobilize two hundred thousand troops?

Feeling the gazes of the crowd, the middle-aged scholar coughed lightly, then immediately continued speaking.

"Actually, having one's talent cut isn't necessarily a bad thing; it's said that some ancient sages, after dispersing their talent, re-studied Confucianism, refined themselves, and became quasi-sages—this is clearly recorded."

"If you have the courage, you can certainly give it a try; who knows, you might accidentally become a sage."

The middle-aged scholar continued speaking, hoping everyone wouldn't be so pessimistic nor so panicked.

But as soon as he said that, everyone fell even more silent.

Not bad, forcing no loss?

"Why don't you, sir, go up and give it a try? Let us see."

Someone spoke up, looking at this middle-aged scholar and saying that, at first they thought this person was pretty good, explaining a lot of knowledge to everyone.

But unexpectedly, this guy was simply spouting nonsense here.

"I won't try; I, your humble self, have studied for fifteen years and still haven't condensed any talent."

"If you had talent, you could give it a try."

The middle-aged scholar felt somewhat ashamed.

Upon saying that, everyone had even less to say—apparently they hadn't even condensed any talent, yet here they were spouting nonsense.

"May I ask, sir, what is your name?"

"How do you know so much about Confucian matters?"

However, some were also curious about this middle-aged scholar's background; such arcane matters, and yet this middle-aged scholar actually knows them.

Upon hearing that, many people became curious.

After all, what the middle-aged scholar said were secrets within secrets; they truly didn't know.

"I am Xu Qiyue, a person from Yuzhang; I usually enjoy reading ancient miscellaneous gossip. If anyone shares the same interest, they can come to my home to study together."

"Ladies first."

The middle-aged scholar smiled faintly, and finally added a sentence.

No one responded.

But they also noted down the name Xu Qiyue, after all, someone who knows so much certainly isn't as simple as they appear.

This is indeed an arcane secret.

And on the execution ground.

Gu Jin Nian was contemplating some matters.

His Wen Mansion had undergone a new transformation, though the vision of ten thousand troops was still transforming; he sensed that he needed to make his establishing speech before the vision would condense.

As for the ancient tree, it too had undergone a great change.

Vast Righteous Qi surrounded the ancient tree, making it hazy all over, as if it were nurturing something.

For the time being, he didn't know what changes had occurred, but Gu Jin Nian felt that this ancient tree would undergo a tremendous transformation, and perhaps he could also learn some of its secrets.

The only regret was that he hadn't plucked the fruit from the ancient tree, and he didn't know what it would become after the transformation.

But what truly shocked Gu Jin Nian wasn't the transformation of the ancient tree, but a figure standing beneath it.

The figure seemed to span past and present, as if walking out of the river of time, and more like a projection of an ancient sage.

It was Confucius.

Gu Jin Nian observed carefully and finally reached a conclusion.

He had seen a statue of Confucius; comparing the two, they matched perfectly.

And as the Vast Righteous Qi surged in, a large amount of information also sank into his mind.

The Song of Righteous Qi awakened a trace of Confucius's imprint; now this trace can, with the aid of that terrifying Vast Righteous Qi, fully revive.

This is where Gu Jin Nian was truly shocked.

Actually, the Song of Righteous Qi was originally meant to awaken the sage's will, but because of the ancient tree, the sage's will did not appear.

Yet it left behind a brand.

Under the nourishment of the Vast Righteous Qi, this brand will summon the true Confucius.

Across the river of time and space.

To meet with him.

Gu Jin Nian was somewhat shocked; if he relied on the Song of Righteous Qi to awaken the sage's will, that will, being an imprint of heaven and earth, would bring some omens, and after receiving approval, it would be done. But now, he only needs to wait for this brand to awaken, and then he can truly summon the Confucian Sage.

Let's have a conversation across ancient and modern times.

This is no small matter; although the time is short, it is sufficient.

Listening to the sage's way is a good thing for me.

He currently indeed feels somewhat lost, especially feeling lost about establishing speech.

Moreover, if used well, at a critical moment, Confucius will descend, spanning ancient and modern, and can sweep away some troubles for him.

Not only that.

The matter of Confucius's brand is shocking, and there is yet another matter even more shocking.

That is the appearance of the Exquisite Holy Ruler in his Wen Mansion.

This is a Confucian Sacred Instrument, capable of cutting one's talent.

It is exactly the same as what Xu Qiyue said, but there is also another ability that Xu Qiyue does not know.

Using the ruler to correct the Confucians.

The Exquisite Holy Ruler is a holy artifact for measuring the scholars of the world; whoever holds this ruler can correct the Confucians of the world.

Define the realm of Confucian Dao.

Yes.

Define the realm of Confucian Dao.

With this ruler, upon entering any realm, one can redefine that realm.

Just like the first realm of Confucian Dao, called Condensing Qi.

How can one condense Qi?

Is it by reading more sage's books that one can condense Qi?

Or is it about comprehending the sages' meaning? This is established by heaven and earth, but the exquisite holy ruler can alter it, redefine it, and remeasure it.

One only needs to reach the second realm to be able to redefine it.

The only limitation is that one must be capable of doing it and gain heaven and earth's approval.

Otherwise, if one decreed that Qi condensation could only happen after a hundred years, Confucian Dao would simply disappear.

Within a reasonable range, if heaven and earth approve, it will become the standard by which all Confucian scholars measure themselves; those who have already reached the realm need not retrain, but those who have not must follow the path established by Gu Jin Nian.

In other words, this exquisite holy ruler wields tremendous power; diminishing one's talent and Qi is trivial, whereas defining the realm of Confucian Dao is the true major matter.

It is an object feared by the Kong family.

Of course, Gu Jin Nian can also sense it; there is only one opportunity, he can define only once, each realm defined once, and if heaven and earth do not approve, he will also lose his qualification.

I am currently at the second realm of Confucian Dao, so I can define the first realm.

But Gu Jin Nian is not in a hurry; for such a major matter, he must ponder carefully and cannot be influenced by anything.

After all, if one were to define the realm of Confucian Dao on a whim due to momentary anger or joy, that would not be good for the world.

Moreover, even if the definition succeeds, heaven and earth will have a review period; if during that time there is indeed a change, and it is a positive change, then it will be consolidated.

If during that period the change heads in a negative direction, it will be revised again.

Therefore, I must think it through thoroughly, understand it completely, and absolutely cannot be rash.

The gain from this trip is truly great.

The ancient tree undergoes transformation.

Confucius Seal.

Exquisite holy ruler.

Truly a fine thing.

However, Gu Jin Nian also just heard the crowd's discussion, and developed a great interest in the Nine Sacred Instruments of Confucianism.

He also understands why the Kong family can become a colossal existence.

Originally, Gu Jin Nian thought it was due to the protection of sages, aided by their radiance, thus enjoying the blessing of fortune, and being treated with three parts of respect by monarchs of all nations.

He never expected it to actually be because of this thing.

Nine Sacred Instruments of Confucianism.

Indeed impressive, the Spring and Autumn Brush judges a nation's fortune; the Ancient Chronicles judges a ruler's merits and faults; the Heaven-Inquiring Mirror perceives the profound mysteries of heaven and earth.

With these three items, all dynasties under heaven will indeed give the Kong family face; otherwise, wielding the brush, they could slash a nation's fortune, and after your death directly label you a tyrant, possibly causing some controversy in your lifetime.

But after centuries, people may no longer know what you actually did, and moreover, historical records are always written by victors and scholars.

After a thousand years, dynasties change, victors have been replaced by another batch, while scholars can completely smear you; these millennia-old aristocratic families wanting to blacken an emperor—isn't that easy? Emperors aren't sages; they always have some mistakes.

They magnify your mistakes without limit, add embellishments, fabricate outrageous stories; thus it becomes an allusion, and you will forever be nailed to the pillar of shame.

This is something any monarch fears.

"Relying on these three sacred objects, the Kong family is indeed invincible."

Gu Jin Nian felt moved, having a good ancestor in his family is truly a blessing; leaving behind three sacred objects is enough for descendants to enjoy blessings for a thousand years.

But just then.

I had thought everything would end, when suddenly a golden beam of light shot out from the Da Xia imperial palace.

"It is Heaven's Mandate."

"This is Heaven's Mandate."

"Da Xia's Heaven's Mandate?"

People exclaimed, today they were truly shocked; after His Majesty was pardoned, heaven and earth bestowed a gift, both the righteous aura's support, transforming into the exquisite holy ruler, and now also receiving Heaven's Mandate's blessing—what a great harvest!

The golden Heaven's Mandate entered Gu Jin Nian's body.

Including the Heaven's Mandate previously obtained at the Da Xia poetry gathering, Gu Jin Nian's body now contains three strands of Heaven's Mandate.

The three strands of Heaven's Mandate circulating within his body appear quite strange.

What exactly the function of Heaven's Mandate is, Gu Jin Nian is still unclear; for now he only knows that possessing Heaven's Mandate brings heaven and earth's protection.

As long as one does not commit deeds that provoke the wrath of both humans and gods, they cannot be slain.

Similar to today's incident, if the Da Xia dynasty were to execute Gu Jin Nian, it would also suffer a backlash of fortune, but for a dynasty the impact would not be particularly great.

After all, Gu Jin Nian is a subject of Da Xia, and the Heaven's Mandate originates from the Da Xia dynasty, so the impact would be greatly reduced.

Furthermore, if it violates national law, heaven and earth will also sense it, and will not retaliate too fiercely.

But all this is based on the assumption that people believe Gu Jin Nian only has one strand of Heaven's Mandate.

Adding this one makes three.

His Majesty should be aware of this, and Mr. Wenjing should also know.

Therefore, my mistake is not a capital offense, and Gu Jin Nian understands this.

But his actions today are putting himself in a deadly situation to seek rebirth, hoping to thereby comprehend the Dao.

Unfortunately, perhaps because he already has confidence in his heart, he has not reached that kind of sudden enlightenment between life and death.

If he truly experienced a life-and-death epiphany, perhaps his Confucian Dao would truly enter the third realm, Knowing the Sage and Establishing Speech.

And it must be an Establishing Speech that shakes antiquity and dazzles the present.

At this moment, cast aside all distractions.

This instant.

Gu Jin Nian reined in all his brilliance.

Wen Mansion vanished.

The radiance became restrained.

The stone tablet inscribed with the Song of Righteous Qi slowly descended, standing tall in the execution ground.

"Regarding today's affair, Gu thanks you all; I shall engrave this in my heart," Gu said.

"Citizens, Gu cannot put into words nor make promises, but those who helped Gu today, should you encounter injustice in the future, come to the Duke's Residence; Gu will do his utmost to help you seek redress," he continued.

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He bowed deeply toward everyone present.

Regarding the people's kindness, Gu Jin Nian felt he could not repay them with gold and silver, which seemed vulgar, so he made a promise to them.

If any injustice arises in the future, you may come to the Duke's Residence to find him; that will count as repaying this favor.

"Prince Wan Gu."

The crowd rose and bowed deeply toward Gu Jin Nian.

Joy filled their faces.

But it was not because of Gu Jin Nian's promise; they were genuinely delighted that Gu Jin Nian had been pardoned.

"Brother Wang."

"Help settle these commoners; I will cover all expenses."

"Make sure the settlement is proper; if anyone wishes to stay in the Capital for leisure, attend to each of them, and when they return, prepare simple gifts."

After the bow of thanks, Gu Jin Nian left the execution ground, approached Wang Fugui, and whispered,

It wasn't easy for the commoners to come here; I wish to host them properly, but I have other matters, so I cannot spare time and must ask Wang Fugui to handle a portion.

"Brother Gu, rest assured; I will take this matter on myself,"

Wang Fugui nodded, wiped the tear stains from his face, looking full of joy.

Thus.

Gu Jin Nian then approached Xu Ping and Yang Kai.

Gu Jin Nian bowed, expressing gratitude to the two.

"Today I aid you out of our shared conscience, not because of your status nor your talent; should you truly commit a grave crime, I would never assist you,"

Xu Ping opened his mouth and said,

Yang Kai nodded, saying little, apparently sharing Xu Ping's thoughts.

"Thank you, gentlemen."

Gu Jin Nian said little else, but he would keep this favor in his heart.

After the conclusion, a figure hurried forward.

It was Liu Yan.

"His Highness the Crown Prince, Your Majesty requests you to enter the palace for a visit,"

Liu Yan spoke respectfully,

"Enter the palace?"

Gu Jin Nian was slightly startled; he had been thinking of returning home, as his grandfather was preparing to head to the frontier soon, so he hoped to go back early to speak with his grandfather.

He did not expect the Emperor to urgently summon him.

"Very well."

Gu Jin Nian nodded, said nothing more, and followed directly.

Afterwards, the Ministry of Punishments orderly dismissed the commoners to prevent further trouble.

Within the Capital, the major restaurants naturally seized this festive moment.

"Today the Emperor pardoned the Crown Prince; this is Da Xia's blessing. Today restaurants are half price, half-price drinks,"

"The Crown Prince's pardon avenges the people; the innkeeper announced, today restaurants are three‑fold discount, three‑fold drinks,"

"Our place is one‑tenth price, our place is one‑tenth, everyone come drink and celebrate,"

"Nice guys, starting a price war? Our place offers free drinks, just to celebrate,"

All the restaurants were bustling, slashing prices and sharing the joy.

For a moment, the Capital became exceedingly lively; the commoners paid their tabs, gathered in groups to drink, and chatted about today's events.

They were also generous, tipping a few silver coins to the waiters, without being cheap.

Unlike the Capital's merriment,

inside the side hall of the imperial palace.

The eight princes wore strange expressions; Prince Chu's face was the darkest, several looked displeased, while the other four princes seemed helpless.

"I, the Prince, have long said that the Emperor could not kill Gu Jin Nian; he bears Heaven's Mandate, and this matter ultimately serves the people,"

"Now it's settled; the man lives, yet we have been marked with resentment. This Gu Jin Nian will eventually seize great power, and once that happens, we won't have a good life,"

Prince Nanping spoke, the most helpless of them.

In truth, he had not wanted to come, but was forced by these people.

Now it's fine; if the matter fails, that's that.

He himself has been marked with resentment, being singled out by Gu Jin Nian, which is tantamount to being marked by the Duke of the State.

The loss is too great.

"What use is it to say that now?"

"Since we've already offended him, let's offend him to the end. Everyone, don't even think about making peace now; you can see what kind of person Gu Jin Nian is."

"I'm afraid it won't be long before Gu Jin Nian starts trouble for us."

"This feud has already been sealed; none of us should think about running."

Chu King spoke, angrily rebuking Nanping King.

"Sealed? Then how should we handle it? He now possesses Heaven's Mandate, also the Confucian Sacred Instrument, and the people's support; what can we use to fight him?"

"If, this time the Duke of the Nation establishes a war merit on the border, our trouble will be even greater. In my view, perhaps we should go negotiate peace now."

Nanping King said so, appearing helpless.

"Negotiate peace?"

"Nanping King, where has your ambition gone? Though Gu Jin Nian has the people's support and Heaven's Mandate, what can he do to us?"

"We are the kings of Da Xia, the true royal family, direct line of the Li clan; Gu Jin Nian is merely a collateral branch, how could he move us?"

"As for negotiating peace?"

"What peace are we talking about? We have united to make him die, not to impeach him. To put it bluntly, if today the seven of us ask the Emperor to grant you death, and you survive, would you forgive us?"

Lu King spoke, his voice cold.

Upon hearing that, Nanping King fell silent at once.

Because Lu King was right.

"Then what should we do?"

"Could it be that we just sit and wait to be killed?"

Tang King's voice sounded, somewhat helpless.

"Take one step at a time; before I return, I'll make a trip to the Kong Family to see what they mean."

"If there is a new plan, I hope everyone will not retreat; now the eight of us kings share honor and share loss."

Chu King spoke; although he has no way, even if he were to seek peace, he still refuses.

For a moment, the eight kings fell silent together.

Finally, Chen King's voice rose unintentionally.

"Gu Jin Nian is not dead."

"Will they still help us?"

Chen King asked.

A voice sounded, and the other princes perked up.

"We have already done our best, but the outcome is beyond our control."

"I think they will not break their word."

"When I, the king, return, we will exchange secret letters then."

Chu King stood up, and after saying that, left directly.

After Chu King left, the remaining seven kings looked rather strange; several kings' gazes were full of hesitation and complexity.

Meanwhile.

Da Xia Chu Fu.

Kong Family.

Inside Holy Sage Pavilion.

Half of the Seventy-Two Sages gathered, appearing exceedingly solemn; most of the sage elders are still in other nations, unable to return quickly.

Nevertheless, with half the sages gathered, many matters can be decided.

Today's gathering of sages is to discuss today's affairs.

Gu Jin Nian performed the Righteous Qi Song, startling the sages.

But that is not the biggest problem; the biggest problem is that Gu Jin Nian obtained the Confucian Sacred Instrument.

Otherwise, relying only on the Righteous Qi Song, it would not cause the Kong Family to hastily convene a meeting.

"Patriarch, Gu Jin Nian has obtained the Exquisite Holy Ruler; this is a tremendous trouble for the Kong Family."

"The Holy Book records that this Exquisite Holy Ruler can cut a person's talent, and rumors say it may also possess a divine effect that defines the Confucian Daoist system."

"If Gu Jin Nian targets our Kong Family using the Holy Ruler, the Kong Family would face great disaster."

A voice sounded.

His expression was grim.

Inside Holy Sage Pavilion.

All the sage elders showed displeased looks.

Others may not know the Exquisite Holy Ruler, but the Kong Family could not be unaware.

The Kong Family possesses three Confucian Daoist sacred artifacts.

Naturally, they are also well‑versed in the other sacred artifacts, thus feeling immense pressure.

Sacred Artifact.

It is one of the fundamental reasons the Confucian Daoist lineage endures.

Each sacred artifact possesses incomparable power, transcending all.

"May we incorporate Gu Jin Nian into our Kong Family?"

After a moment of silence.

A voice sounded.

Proposing this possibility.

Very difficult.

The Gu Family and the Kong family have a great feud, and Gu Jin Nian also harbors hostility toward our Kong family; asking him to join the Kong family would be as hard as reaching the blue sky.

Soon a voice replied, deeming the plan unlikely.

We can give it a try.

In a few days there will be a Kong family banquet; we can certainly invite him.

Or we could invite him early and explain in detail; Gu Jin Nian's hostility toward the Kong family stems solely from his low Confucian‑Daoist cultivation, and he does not know how strong or deep the Kong family's foundation truly is.

If we let him know, he would likely be moved.

Another voice chimed in with a different opinion.

Unlikely.

Regarding the White Heron Mansion affair, Kong Zhen was involved, and Gu Jin Nian will probably not let Kong Zhen go.

Winning him over is unlikely, but we can try.

If Gu Jin Nian agrees to come, the Holy Sage Pavilion can cede a position, which would be the greatest gift to him.

Another voice.

They even offered a position in the Holy Sage Pavilion as a bargaining chip.

Upon hearing that, everyone instantly nodded; they believed a position in the Holy Sage Pavilion was priceless, and Gu Jin Nian had no reason to refuse.

But inside the pavilion.

Holy Ruler shook his head.

The position in the Holy Sage Pavilion—Gu Jin Nian probably won't like it.

Everyone, think of other methods.

These people have never seen Gu Jin Nian, so they naturally have this misconception.

He has met Gu Jin Nian and knows what kind of person he is.

Letting him join the Kong family? Gu Jin Nian wouldn't agree.

With that said, the Holy Sage Pavilion fell silent.

After a moment, a voice slowly sounded.

It is not necessary to absorb Gu Jin Nian.

This exquisite sacred ruler, theoretically a sage's artifact, could be traded with Gu Jin Nian.

Isn't the Holy Realm about to open? We could let him enter the Holy Realm, grant him a slot, then give him a sage manual in exchange for a holy artifact.

This is the virtue of helping others succeed.

It will become a timeless beautiful story.

A faint voice sounded.

For a moment, the elders of the Holy Sage Pavilion slightly frowned.

What if he refuses?

A voice sounded, asking thus,

(End of chapter)