Chapter 120: Gu Jin Nian Requests the Holy Ruler, Cutting Down the Great Scholar's Talent [Seeking Subscription]

He had been busy for three days.

Forty chips; twenty have already been taken out, leaving twenty chips that Gu Jin Nian also does not plan to take out.

Let's see later.

The current silver is more than enough for the initial operations; frankly, once operations get underway and real silver is earned, who would worry about no one buying in? At that point, even those of high status would have to chip in, and it definitely wouldn't be just one tael of gold per chip—three taels, five taels, or even ten taels per chip are all possible.

Holding this thought.

Gu Jin Nian and Su Huaiyu left the restaurant.

After disappearing for three days, Gu Jin Nian planned to return to the Da Xia Academy; as for the Kong family, we'll see how things go then.

But as soon as he stepped out of the restaurant, Jiang Yezhou grabbed him.

"Brother Gu."

"The academy is already in an uproar."

Jiang Yezhou was anxious, his face full of worry, and he directly pulled Gu Jin Nian to speak.

"What do you mean?"

Seeing Jiang Yezhou suddenly appear, Gu Jin Nian felt a bit curious.

"Three days ago, the Kong family brought some Great Scholars to the academy, saying they wanted to find you, but after waiting three days, they still didn't see you."

"Now several Great Scholars have started causing a ruckus in the academy, and it can't be contained."

Jiang Yezhou spoke up, explaining the reason.

"It's causing a ruckus?"

"Are they Great Scholars from the Kong family?"

"Has Mr. Wen Jing stepped forward?"

Gu Jin Nian followed Jiang Yezhou, and the three of them hurried toward the academy.

"They're not Great Scholars from the Kong family; they're Great Scholars from elsewhere."

"They now say you have no respect for your elders; Mr. Wen Jing has stepped forward, but an old senior directly rebuked Mr. Wen Jing."

"That senior is very venerable; the Kong family invited him, probably precisely to prevent this from happening."

"Now even Mr. Wen Jing finds it hard to say anything."

"Brother Gu, the Kong family has truly learned to be clever this time; they didn't get angry, but instead invited these old scholars to stir up trouble."

"However, Brother Gu, you must not act on impulse; the Great Scholars invited by the Kong family are all elderly, renowned figures from various regions, and offending them would not be good—Mr. Wen Jing specifically asked me to pass this along."

Jiang Yezhou spoke up, also feeling deep disgust toward the Kong family.

The Kong family knows Gu Jin Nian certainly won't meet them directly, so they deliberately invited a batch of Great Scholars—to put on a show and to prevent this from happening.

That makes sense.

This group of Great Scholars, whose combined age is three to four thousand years, came to see Gu Jin Nian and stubbornly waited for three days.

They also notified many others.

As a result, Gu Jin Nian gave them no face at all—anyone would be angry.

If it were just the Kong family, there wouldn't be much issue, after all everyone knows the Gu and Kong families are enemies, and Gu Jin Nian also has a grudge against the Kong family.

Inviting such a group is purely to target Gu Jin Nian.

Such tactics.

Quite scheming.

Gu Jin Nian frowned; his reason for giving the Kong family the cold shoulder wasn't simply to disgust them.

He indeed needs to get things done.

The matter of Da Xia Sleepless City is what he currently prioritizes above all.

Oh, just because the Kong family sent people over, does he have to go over politely? Even if they bring a crowd of Great Scholars, does he absolutely have to meet them?

Why should he? If he has nothing to do and doesn't want to see them, what can be done?

Besides, he currently has things to attend to.

Thinking this, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but chuckle coldly.

But just then.

Su Huaiyu's voice rang out.

"Your Highness."

Su Huaiyu followed behind and suddenly spoke.

"How come? Are you also advising me to keep a low profile?"

Gu Jin Nian inquired.

"No."

"These three days following Your Highness, I've gradually come to understand this business."

"Your Highness, can I buy in for two chips?"

Su Huaiyu wasn't advising Gu Jin Nian; he was merely bringing up this business.

These three days following Gu Jin Nian back and forth, after pondering for a while, he also realized Gu Jin Nian's business could make money.

So this time he spoke up, wanting to buy in for two chips.

"Do you have silver?"

Gu Jin Nian was a bit curious.

"I really don't have any silver."

"But once I finish my affairs, twenty thousand taels of gold won't be a problem."

"At most three months."

"If His Highness the Crown Prince is worried, I can pawn my Heaven's Mandate."

Su Huaiyu was very serious.

And Jiang Ye Zhou, who was hurrying alongside, couldn't help but be stunned.

Good fellow, for a mere twenty thousand taels of gold, you pawn your Heaven's Mandate? I'll give you forty thousand taels of gold; give me your Heaven's Mandate, okay?

That was Jiang Ye Zhou's inner thought, but he certainly wouldn't say it aloud.

"Fine, but no need to pawn it."

"In three months, just give me a silver note."

Gu Jin Nian didn't care how Su Huaiyu produced the gold; as long as it was given, that was fine.

"Thank you, His Highness the Crown Prince."

Having received the reply, Su Huaiyu showed a rare smile.

Gu Jin Nian, however, was indifferent and headed straight for Da Xia Academy.

But halfway there, someone came—a eunuch waiting on the unavoidable path.

Upon seeing Gu Jin Nian, he immediately relayed Emperor Yongsheng's words.

Having received Emperor Yongsheng's decree, Gu Jin Nian felt reassured.

He continued hurrying toward Da Xia Academy.

The three, all martial practitioners, quickened their pace and, in less than a quarter of an hour, ran back to the academy.

"Brother Gu, something's happened."

"Brother Gu, when you go in later, don't be too earnest; there are two very influential people, Great Scholars from the Shu region, and even Mr. Su Wenjing must show them threefold respect."

"There's also an elderly dean of Jiangnan Academy, whose status is high; don't be too earnest either."

As Gu Jin Nian appeared.

The other students surged forward, chattering, all saying essentially the same thing.

They were urging Gu Jin Nian to hold back a bit later.

Offending the Kong family or not doesn't matter; the two have very high status.

To be precise, they are very old.

They could be considered elders of Su Wenjing.

"Alright."

Gu Jin Nian quickened his steps, nodded to the crowd, and headed straight for the academy's great hall.

At this moment.

Outside the great hall.

Before Gu Jin Nian could step inside, a thunderous shout already rang out from within the hall.

"Three days."

"I have waited here for three days."

"He Gu Jin Nian hasn't even seen me once; are there still such arrogant scholars in the world?"

"Su Wenjing, let me ask you, regarding benevolence, righteousness, propriety, and wisdom, what have you taught him?"

"I had thought you, as a pure Confucian‑Daoist, secluded in the mountains for decades, would have unique insights; now you emerge to spread teachings, yet you haven't even taught your disciple the most basic benevolence, righteousness, propriety, or wisdom."

"Truly, you have disgraced Jiangnan Academy."

"Now, bring Gu Jin Nian here quickly; I want to ask him face‑to‑face what gives him such arrogance?"

"Just because he composed a few timeless poems? Wrote a timeless essay? Defended the common folk, can he then disregard his elders? Can he look down on us senior scholars?"

His angry voice kept rising.

It echoed in bursts.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian's expression remained normal, though he felt a slight stir inside.

But considering they had waited three days for him and were extremely aged, he tolerated it a little.

"Sun Ru, His Highness the Crown Prince has arrived."

"Please calm your anger."

At that moment, Jiang Ye Zhou hurried into the great hall, bowed to an elderly man with white hair, and shouted.

With those words spoken,

the great hall fell silent instantly, all eyes turned outward.

Even Su Wenjing, who had been reprimanded, couldn't help glancing outside.

There's no choice; the Kong family uses harsh methods, bringing in several elder Great Scholars. In terms of Confucian‑Daoist cultivation, Su Wenjing fears them not, but regarding age and seniority, he must address them as "old gentleman."

The Confucian‑Daoist path values "li" (ritual) above all.

"Li" is the foundation of Confucian‑Daoism; without it, the path collapses, and the higher the realm, the more respect for ritual is required.

Sometimes Su Wenjing finds himself at a loss.

Meanwhile,

Gu Jin Nian's figure slowly came into everyone's view.

"I, student Gu Jin Nian, have seen all of you, gentlemen."

After entering the great hall,

Gu Jin Nian remained calm; he knew the Kong family's tactics, using others to suppress him.

Since he knew, he wasn't foolish enough to fall for it.

He paid his respects.

Without a hint of overstepping.

As soon as Gu Jin Nian performed the bow, the main hall fell silent.

The Great Scholar who had just been berating Gu Jin Nian now, upon seeing Gu Jin Nian, showed a trace of displeasure in his muddied eyes.

Sun Zhengnan.

He is an elder Great Scholar, of high standing, the former dean of Jiangnan Academy, and Su Wenjing was once his student.

He has more than three thousand disciples, and wherever they go, they are treated as honored guests.

When members of the Confucius family see him, they must call out "Old Sun".

This is Sun Zhengnan's stature.

This time, the Confucius family invited them to come see Gu Jin Nian, also to discuss matters concerning the sacred artifact.

So he came down from the mountains, partly to see Gu Jin Nian, and also because the sacred artifact issue must be discussed.

Unexpectedly, after three days, Gu Jin Nian kept them waiting here for three days.

His old bones almost met ruin here.

How could this not make him angry? He had originally some goodwill toward Gu Jin Nian, now it is completely gone.

Sun Zhengnan simply stared quietly at Gu Jin Nian.

And the others remained silent.

Everyone looked at Gu Jin Nian like that, causing his bow to remain stalled.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but furrow his brows.

Although he had kept this group waiting for three days, the question was, on what grounds did he have to meet them?

Isn't the matter of the Da Xia Nightless City more important than meeting these people?

If it succeeds, the Da Xia Nightless City will become an unparalleled weapon of the Da Xia Dynasty, controlling all information in the world, and with terrifying economic power, enough to let the Da Xia Dynasty dominate the Eastern Wilderness.

With such a huge matter, how could I just ignore it and come see you lot?

I know you're angry; I came over on purpose, so let's be courteous, shall we?

Playing this routine? "Jin Nian, that's being polite."

"Old man will introduce you: this is the former dean of Jiangnan Academy, Sun Zhengnan, Great Scholar Sun Zhengnan."

"This one is the Sichuan‑Shu literary master, Li Yan, Great Scholar."

"This one is …"

Su Wenjing spoke, introducing these people to Gu Jin Nian, and then eased the awkwardness.

"The student Gu Jin Nian has seen all of you Great Scholars."

Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath; his adversary is the Confucius family, and these Great Scholars truly waited three days for him, so being angry is natural. As a junior, showing some forbearance is reasonable.

"Hmm."

"His Highness the Crown Prince, truly a paragon of talent."

"I have met His Highness the Crown Prince."

Some people spoke, and were courteous, smiling at Gu Jin Nian; they harbored little grievance against him, especially since Gu Jin Nian was not overly arrogant—at least after his arrival, he was not too conceited.

However, Sun Zhengnan and Li Yan remained somewhat displeased.

They stood silently at the side.

And Gu Jin Nian straightened his posture, gazing at the crowd, his expression composed.

"Mr. Wenjing."

"Is there any urgent matter?"

"If there is nothing urgent, the student has other matters."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, looking at Su Wenjing.

This is the second time; earlier those two gave me no face, and that was that—just treat it as my apology, I yielded to Su Wenjing's step, which also counts as giving them face.

Now they still act like this.

All are humans; on what grounds must I be so tolerant so many times? To put it bluntly, this is still being courteous; if I were to follow Master Wang Yangming, I would directly practice the unity of knowledge and action, and not give you polite gestures.

Just jump straight to action—what a bunch of nonsense!

"What grand majesty!"

"The Crown Prince lives up to his title, avenging the people, receiving the emperor's grace; a bit of arrogance is natural, but this majesty is a little too great."

"This old man finds it a bit hard to tolerate."

Sun Zhengnan spoke; his anger had not subsided, and now hearing Gu Jin Nian's impatient demeanor made him even more incensed.

Logically, Gu Jin Nian indeed need not overly respect him; after all, it is normal for youths to be proud.

But three days without seeing me? That was intolerable.

After arriving, there was a bit of courtesy, but the moment courtesy ended, his true nature immediately surfaced.

It made him very displeased.

"Mr. Zhengnan."

"The student does not understand why the sir thinks I am arrogant; perhaps there is some misunderstanding."

"Furthermore, the student also has urgent matters to attend to, so I speak; I ask for your forgiveness."

Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath and restrained himself.

He said this to Sun Zhengnan, but this time he did not bow.

"Urgent matter?"

"What urgent matter?"

"The old man sees that your pressing priority now should be to thoroughly review the rites of the Confucian Sage, that is your urgent matter."

"A person, even with the greatest background, the strongest power, the highest talent, if he does not understand etiquette, will eventually fade into obscurity."

Sun Zhengnan slowly spoke, his voice calm yet extremely sharp.

It was nothing more than berating Gu Jin Nian for lacking etiquette.

Yet with that sentence, Gu Jin Nian's eyes instantly flashed coldness.

This is already the third time.

"Enough, enough, Mr. Sun Zhengnan, the Crown Prince is merely youthful and a bit reckless; we were not so when we were young, were we? Why hold a grudge?"

"Crown Prince, I am Kong Cheng, a Great Scholar of the Kong Family. I have come today to apologize to you."

A voice sounded.

Easing the awkwardness a bit, it was an elder who, accompanied by several people, came before Gu Jin Nian and bowed directly.

But once these words were spoken, they carried a different flavor.

A single sentence seemed to smooth things over for Gu Jin Nian, but in reality it cemented his recklessness.

Kong Cheng, with several attendants, approached Gu Jin Nian and feigned a polite bow.

"Crown Prince."

"A few days ago, my holy grandson of the Kong Family, Kong Yu, misspoke, offended you, and even questioned you—this is a grave mistake."

"After Holy Ruler returned, he realized the issue, the Kong Family also punished Kong Yu internally, and learned that someone deliberately tried to sow discord between the Gu Family and the Kong Family."

"Although the two families have grudges, the Lord of the State is a heroic figure of his generation and would never fight with juniors; the Kong Family, a saintly lineage, would never bully the small."

"Therefore, we earnestly ask the Crown Prince to calm his anger, and also to forgive Kong Yu's transgression."

"The Kong Family has prepared a generous gift, hoping the Crown Prince will pardon Kong Yu's actions."

Kong Cheng began speaking; his words were airtight, proactively apologizing to Gu Jin Nian.

Facing Kong Cheng's apology.

Gu Jin Nian could not help but exclaim, what a move—retreating to advance.

"Such grievances I have never kept in my heart."

"Even if it's a gift, a gentleman does not accept unearned rewards."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, appearing calm, and at the same time said the generous gift was unnecessary—what use is this? Though he lacks silver, it's not to the point of needing such silver.

Accepting it would be shameful.

"No, no, no, Crown Prince must accept these generous gifts."

"Otherwise the Kong Family would feel guilty; Crown Prince, this is the banquet invitation from the Kong Family banquet, please accept it."

Kong Cheng continued, insisting that Gu Jin Nian take the generous gift.

"No need."

"You are being courteous."

Gu Jin Nian took the banquet invitation, but still refused the gift.

As for the young scholars around, looking at the invitation, their eyes widened.

A Kong Family banquet is not open to just anyone; those invited are usually great scholars from across the lands or people of notable reputation.

The younger generation rarely receives such invitations, unless their clan has an extraordinary person to accompany them.

"Crown Prince, you must accept the generous gift."

"This is a token of goodwill; if the Crown Prince does not accept, it proves he has not forgiven Kong Yu."

"The Kong Family feels remorse."

Kong Cheng kept speaking.

Impressive, the moral blackmail begins.

"Your attitude, this Crown Prince understands; rest assured, this Crown Prince holds no grudge."

"But this gift, this Crown Prince resolutely refuses; if the Kong Family values it, lend this Crown Prince two and a half Half Saint Manuals, and this Crown Prince would be immensely grateful."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

In short, the generous gift cannot be taken; taking it would make it impossible to explain to others.

Better to ask for a Half Saint Manual; such a thing would instead show one's thirst for learning without much impact.

Upon saying this, Kong Cheng smiled.

"Crown Prince, rest assured, even if not the Half Saint Manual, the Saint Manual will be lent to you for a read."

"However, this gift still must be accepted."

Kong Cheng persisted in making Gu Jin Nian accept the gift.

"No."

Gu Jin Nian still shook his head.

The two sides went back and forth for so long, Sun Zhengnan's voice rang out.

"Enough."

"Since the Crown Prince does not want the Kong Family's gift, why force it upon him?"

"It looks just like everything else."

Sun Zhengnan spoke, a bit irritated.

Yet his anger was again aimed at Gu Jin Nian.

The reason was simple: a poor first impression, so in his view, Gu Jin Nian refusing the gift meant he was not giving face.

He subconsciously thought the Kong Family sincerely wanted to apologize and hoped for Gu Jin Nian's forgiveness.

But Gu Jin Nian's stubborn refusal meant he simply did not want to forgive the Kong Family—this is prejudice.

Prejudice in the human heart is like a great mountain.

Right now it serves as a perfect testimony.

Sun Zhengnan had a poor first impression of Gu Jin Nian; therefore, as long as Gu Jin Nian did anything that displeased him, he would subconsciously treat Gu Jin Nian as a villain.

Even if Gu Jin Nian refuses gifts, he truly does not want to take advantage, nor does he simply want to forgive the Kong family.

But these all have reasons.

The Kong family has come this time; doesn't everyone have a sense of it? Moreover, the grudges between the Gu and Kong families didn't accumulate in just a day or two.

Not coming to apologize early, not coming late, but coming now? It's utterly ridiculous.

"Great Scholar Zhengnan, students honor you as a Great Scholar, yielding three points; I also hope you can show some respect to Gu."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He did not get angry, but neither did he remain silent.

"Where have I not shown respect to Your Highness the Crown Prince?"

"Was it that remark that hurt Your Highness's heart?"

"If I misspoken, please forgive me, Your Highness; my nature is just like this—straightforward. When I once met Emperor Taizu, I was the same; now older, my temper is worse, my character even more blunt."

Sun Zhengnan spoke lightly, even bringing up Taizu: "Alright."

"Mr. Zhengnan, the Crown Prince is merely being polite."

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, the gift must stay regardless; I will not take it away."

"Whether the Crown Prince wants it or not, this is the Kong family's intention."

Kong Cheng spoke up, smoothing things over.

He insisted on keeping the gift.

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian fell silent, continuing to argue over something meaningless.

Seeing Gu Jin Nian silent, Kong Cheng immediately smiled, then glanced at the others.

The person Kong Cheng looked at then spoke up.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"We actually came today to discuss something with you."

He spoke, sounding gentle.

"What matter?"

Gu Jin Nian replied lightly, looking at the other party, though he had already known in his heart.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, it is like this."

"Did you not recently receive our Confucian Sacred Instrument?"

"We congratulate the Holy Son, recognized by Confucius."

"However, the sacred instrument is sentient; we feel that Your Highness the Crown Prince's current Confucian cultivation is low, fearing that villains might come to seize it, causing a crisis among the world's scholars, so we hope Your Highness will place the sacred instrument in a safe location for safekeeping."

"Thus, the scholars of the world will not worry, and Your Highness need not fear being ambushed."

"After Your Highness becomes a Great Scholar, retrieve the sacred instrument to benefit the world's scholars and all living beings."

"May I ask what Your Highness the Crown Prince thinks?"

The other party spoke, his words extremely beautiful.

It sounded as if they were considering Gu Jin Nian, yet also worried the sacred instrument might be seized—has such a thing ever happened in history? Could the sacred instrument be taken?

Furthermore, who would dare to seize the sacred instrument? They're speaking without brains.

They're trying to deceive us like three‑year‑olds.

"Please rest assured."

"This Crown Prince rarely goes out; even when I do, I bring along all kinds of experts."

"Even if there truly is danger, there is no place in the world safer than where this Crown Prince is."

"Sir, I appreciate your goodwill."

Gu Jin Nian also did not break face, but directly refused.

Upon saying that, the other party smiled faintly, as if he had expected it.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, that statement is mistaken."

"Although Your Highness has various forces protecting you, ultimately it is still hard to guard against."

"Proper safekeeping is most important; to say something unpleasant, though Your Highness has confidence we believe, the scholars of the world do not."

"Yes, yes, Your Highness the Crown Prince, the scholars of the world still worry."

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, you must consider the scholars of the world."

"We also hope Your Highness the Crown Prince will consider the scholars of the world."

Having said this, voices rose one after another; they had likely prepared their words beforehand, using the scholars of the world as an excuse.

"Oh?"

"Then may I ask, what counts as proper safekeeping?"

Gu Jin Nian looked at the other party and asked lightly.

Upon hearing this, everyone laughed.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, I have a suggestion: rather than elsewhere, place it in the Kong family, for the Kong family already possesses the Three Sacred Instruments, and petty villains would dare not intrude."

Someone spoke up, without hesitation, directly proposing to place it in the Kong family.

"Yes, placing it in the Kong family is excellent."

"Indeed, if Your Highness the Crown Prince places these sacred instruments in the Kong family, not only can they be properly kept, but the Kong family also has a Holy Pool that nurtures the sacred instruments; when Your Highness becomes a Great Scholar, you will find the sacred instruments have undergone transformation—a triple benefit."

"It would allay the scholars' worries, nurture the sacred instruments, and also deter petty villains—truly a triple gain, good, good."

"This plan is wonderful."

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, you cherish all beings and are the foremost scholar of the age; surely you will consider the scholars of the world."

That's natural; His Highness the Heir isn't that petty.

Voices rose up one after another among the crowd.

You chime in, blowing the Kong family sky-high without end, and moreover you morally blackmail Gu Jin Nian.

Looking at the crowd laughing happily.

Gu Jin Nian also laughed.

What you all say is absolutely right.

I will consider it.

Is there anything else? If not, I'll go back to rest.

Gu Jin Nian spoke up; he also didn't intend to just scold.

There's no need to make a fuss over this.

Especially since there are Kong family members and renowned scholars from various places here; if it were only Kong family members, Gu Jin Nian might have just blown up.

Upon hearing that Gu Jin Nian would consider it, Kong Cheng spoke up directly.

Wanting to strike while the iron is hot.

Your Highness the Heir, no need to consider; placing it with my Kong family will certainly be no problem.

Moreover, Your Highness the Heir can also enter my Kong family academy; the Holy Ruler said that if Your Highness the Heir is willing to place the Holy Artifact with the Kong family,

we can grant Your Highness the Heir a seat in the Holy Sage Pavilion, as well as the Kong family's Holy Realm quota, and the Kong family's full support.

The leader and chief of this generation of scholars shall be in the hands of the Heir.

After all, Your Highness the Heir, who can sacrifice self for others and win the hearts of scholars worldwide, is reasonable and fitting.

Kong Cheng spoke up.

He was very excited, promising a multitude of benefits.

The matter of the Holy Artifact is of great importance; I, Gu, will still go back to consider it carefully.

Gu Jin Nian shook his head, insisting on his own idea.

Go back and consider it.

Of course, how long this consideration will take is unclear.

How long does the Heir intend to consider?

Someone spoke up, asking Gu Jin Nian.

Unclear.

Let's talk about it later.

Alright, if there's nothing else, I, the student, take my leave.

Gu Jin Nian also didn't want to waste time here; with a bunch of problematic people, there's no need to keep chatting.

If we keep talking, we'll really end up arguing.

Wait a moment.

Just then, Sun Zhengnan's voice sounded.

At that moment, everyone involuntarily turned their gaze to Sun Zhengnan.

He stroked his beard and looked at Gu Jin Nian, saying.

Your Highness the Heir.

I feel there's no need to consider anything; placing the Holy Artifact with the Kong family is a good thing: first, it can be properly kept; second, it can nurture the Holy Artifact; third, it can let scholars worldwide set aside their worries.

Achieving three benefits with one action—there's no better choice than this.

If Your Highness the Heir agrees, then we will also admire Your Highness the Heir's magnanimity; from now on, if anyone dares to slander Your Highness the Heir, I will certainly step forward to defend Your Highness the Heir a bit.

Please, Your Highness the Heir, give an answer immediately.

Sun Zhengnan spoke up.

His meaning is simple: let Gu Jin Nian give an answer, no nonsense.

Facing Sun Zhengnan.

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

Alright.

Then the Heir will now give you all an answer.

The Heir does not need others to keep it.

Nor does the Heir need the Kong family to help nurture the Holy Artifact.

As for the scholars' worries, the Heir still hasn't figured out what they are worried about.

Are they worried about losing the Holy Artifact? What does that have to do with them? This object belongs to the Heir; even if it were lost, it would have nothing to do with them.

Is this answer satisfactory, everyone?

Gu Jin Nian spoke up.

He also didn't waste words.

Originally I wanted to avoid breaking faces, to let you have some hope, but you forced me to say this.

Alright then.

Then let's just break faces directly.

Sure enough, as soon as these words were spoken, everyone's expressions changed slightly.

Your Highness the Heir, you speak too seriously; actually we are only thinking of Your Highness the Heir.

Kong Cheng immediately spoke up, still in that amiable manner, with a smiling face.

Thinking of the Heir?

"Is the holy artifact placed here by this Prince getting in your way?"

"Does this Prince need you to consider me?"

"What are you, anyway?"

"Keeps chattering here? In front of all these people, giving you face, I'm being courteous to you—what's the idea of striking the holy artifact? Which tendon is the Kong family missing? You open your mouth like that, have any sense of propriety?"

Gu Jin Nian could no longer hold back.

A horse rider, playing the good guy here?

So pretentious.

Makes one feel sick.

When those words were spoken, Kong Cheng said nothing, but Sun Zhengnan's voice rang out.

"Arrogant."

"Indeed, you've shown your true nature."

"Since the conversation has come this far, I won't beat around the bush with you."

"Your hostility is too strong, your temperament is overbearing; the worry of scholars across the world is that you will act recklessly."

"Hand over the holy artifact, place it with the Kong family, otherwise scholars everywhere will not be satisfied."

"This is why we are demanding the holy artifact from you today."

"Originally I didn't want to get involved, but you are truly arrogant; I have waited here for you three days, sent countless people to inform you, yet you never even glance at us."

"Your arrogance reaches the marrow; today I will definitely intervene in this matter, for if left unchecked, the Confucian way will be trampled underfoot."

Sun Zhengnan stopped pretending.

In fact, at first he also thought it a bit improper, but the Kong family was not wrong, so he decided to come himself to see Gu Jin Nian.

Of course he truly believed the Kong family was right; after all, a holy artifact in Gu Jin Nian's hands is indeed problematic—young and reckless, if he makes a mistake with no one to restrain him, it would be a huge trouble.

When he arrived, he found that Gu Jin Nian was indeed wildly arrogant, and his perception of Gu Jin Nian grew increasingly worse.

Even now, he no longer pretends at all, and just spews outright.

"Sir, Jin Nian is not like that."

At the crucial moment, Mr. Su Wenjing spoke, gazing at Sun Zhengnan, seeming to want to say something, not wishing the situation to deteriorate.

"You shut up."

"You haven't even properly taught a person; what right do you have to converse with me."

Sun Zhengnan rebuked Su Wenjing, relying on his seniority, silencing Su Wenjing.

And the Great Scholar Li Yan beside him also slowly spoke.

"Sun Ru's words do carry some anger, but they are also truthful; Gu Jin Nian, rest assured, when you become a Great Scholar, cultivate yourself, pass the moral test, the holy artifact will be returned to you."

He added, but the meaning was the same.

Hearing this.

Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but sneer.

What a mountain of prejudice.

I was previously being courteous, tolerating everything, letting myself hand over the holy artifact, saying I'd consider it, which was already giving a great amount of face.

But this Sun Zhengnan completely ignored it; I couldn't help but curse, delivering a blunt, face‑slapping insult.

He even forcibly demanded that I hand over the holy artifact.

Impressive.

Impressive.

Is this what a Great Scholar is?

"Old thing."

"Shut up."

Gu Jin Nian roared, his gaze filled with coldness.

The scene instantly stiffened.

"You really are an old thing; this Prince was being courteous to you with a couple of words, do you really think this Prince is easy to bully?"

"I left you waiting for three days; didn't you get the picture? Do you really think this Prince doesn't know your purpose?"

"This holy artifact is a gift from Heaven to this Prince; now you act as if this thing was seized by this Prince? You ask me to hand over the holy artifact? Why don't you let the Kong family give the holy artifact to me?"

"Afraid of losing it, huh? This Prince will place it in the palace; if it's lost, I'll take responsibility, okay?"

"A bunch of dog things."

Gu Jin Nian spoke up.

His remarks made everyone's faces turn extremely sour.

"With such virtue, how can you possess the holy artifact? Gu Jin Nian, if today you do not hand over the holy artifact, I will have scholars across the world pressure you, to see whether you can resist the will of the scholars."

Sun Zhengnan's temper flared.

When has anyone ever called him an old thing like this, over and over?

Calling him a dog thing over and over.

How can someone who is praised daily endure this?

Don't say that a Great Scholar must cultivate oneself; any human, without becoming a saint, will have emotions, the seven emotions and six desires, and thus will have hatred, jealousy, anger.

A Great Scholar is also human; a Great Scholar is not a saint.

Say something unpleasant.

Even saints have emotions.

The saint says, a gentleman repays grievances directly.

These Great Scholars are just like that: lacking virtue, they become Great Scholars only by virtue of the heavens and earth's environment; at certain special times, these people could never become Great Scholars.

"What about the scholars of the world?"

"Then this prince will see just how powerful the scholars of the world truly are."

"This prince asks with a clear conscience; what you all are really saying is that you are jealous because this prince, still young, has already obtained a Sacred Instrument."

"But constrained by status, you use the scholars of the world merely to suppress this prince."

"Today, I'll leave it at that: if I hand over the Holy Ruler, you must also hand over the Kong family's Three Sacred Instruments."

"Otherwise, stop rambling here."

Gu Jin Nian spoke coldly.

Since this group has already banded together, Gu Jin Nian has no reason to remain courteous to them.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"You truly are arrogant."

"Today, I will let you know what proper conduct is."

Sun Zhengnan clenched his fists; in an instant he swept his robe, and behind him the Wen Mansion materialized, five war chariots rumbling.

Talent as vast as the sea turned into a Divine Mountain, intending to suppress Gu Jin Nian.

Terrifying talent spread throughout the great hall.

It directly pressed down on Gu Jin Nian.

"Sun Ru, it is unacceptable; Gu Jin Nian is young and reckless, and indeed says some things out of turn—please, Sun Ru, do not allow it."

Kong Chengli immediately spoke up, once again pretending to be a good person.

"Gu Jin Nian, you are truly spouting nonsense; will you not apologize to Sun Ru?"

"Gu Jin Nian, this time you are too overbearing; Mr. Sun Zhengnan, esteemed and respected, you hurl insults—do you still speak of propriety?"

"You have no sense of etiquette at all; what books have you been reading all these years?"

Accusations against Gu Jin Nian rose one after another.

Voices overlapped, making the great hall exceedingly noisy.

"Fine, then today this prince will show you all just how arrogant Gu Jin Nian truly is."

Feeling Sun Zhengnan's pressure of talent.

Gu Jin Nian said no more.

The Wen Mansion appeared behind him.

Five jade carriages emerged, blazing like the sun; vast righteous qi spread like an ocean, transforming the surroundings.

Boom—boom—boom.

The sound of ten thousand troops rose, a terrifying phenomenon.

The next moment.

Gu Jin Nian's voice fell.

"Holy Ruler, please."

He spoke, expressionless.

"Jin Nian, stop."

Hearing the words "Holy Ruler," Su Wenjing immediately spoke up, trying to dissuade Gu Jin Nian; he knew what Gu Jin Nian intended.

So he tried to stop him at once.

Unfortunately.

Righteous qi from all directions gathered in Gu Jin Nian's hand.

The exquisite Holy Ruler materialized.

Endless light radiated.

"Today, Holy Ruler, cut down the Great Scholar."

Gu Jin Nian raised his hand and swung toward Sun Zhengnan.

At once, an intensely blazing light surged out, forming a Divine Sword that slashed toward Sun Zhengnan.

Soon, the light pierced Sun Zhengnan's Wen Mansion.

In an instant, the war chariots roared as if struck by a massive blow.

The sea of talent within Sun Zhengnan's Wen Mansion instantly diminished.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"How dare you?"

Sun Zhengnan's eyes widened instantly; he hadn't expected Gu Jin Nian to dare use the Holy Ruler to cut his own talent.

Although they knew the effect of the exquisite Holy Ruler, they did not think Gu Jin Nian would dare use it on a Great Scholar.

Especially in such a dispute.

You claim there is a life‑and‑death feud, yet there is nothing to say here.

Just a quarrel, and you cut someone's talent?

It's like killing a parent.

"Cut again."

Gu Jin Nian said nothing more and swung again.

The light instantly turned into a phantom of the Holy Ruler, striking the war chariot directly.

Boom.

A thunderous sound rang out.

Sun Zhengnan's five war chariots instantly shattered, about to be destroyed.

"Gu Jin Nian, don't act foolishly, stop."

"Don't cut any more; you cannot bear the consequences."

"Gu Jin Nian, you must not."

The other Great Scholars widened their eyes, their faces full of terror.

"Please, Holy Ruler, three cuts on the Great Scholar."

Gu Jin Nian paid them no mind, gathered the talent within his body, and cut again.

Boom—

The next moment.

The five war chariots in Sun Zhengnan's Wen Mansion shattered outright, and the talent that had been like a sea instantly dried up.

Puff—

Sun Zhengnan spat out a mouthful of fresh blood.

He fell from the Great Scholar realm on the spot.

Everyone stared dumbfounded.

They could not believe it.

But the next moment, Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded again.

"Cut again."

He did not stop.

Today, we will cut Sun Zhengnan down to an ordinary person.

Let's see if he still dares to make a fuss.