Chapter 122: Great Scholar Commits Suicide, Chaos Erupts, Insults Roar Like the Sea, Ten Thousand Gather in the Capital

Boom—boom—boom.

Boom—boom—boom.

Da Xia Academy, dark clouds spread.

The sky had been clear for miles, but suddenly, terrifying clouds gathered, drawing much attention.

What's astonishing is that the clouds fell precisely over the back mountain, not covering the entire Da Xia Academy.

In that back mountain, there is only one person right now: Gu Jin Nian.

Everyone knows this thing is certainly not a good sign.

Within the academy.

Su Wenjing's complexion was extremely grim; he knew what it was.

It is Saint's Punishment.

Only a person despised by scholars across the world would provoke heavenly retribution.

Fortunately, this heavenly retribution has not fully brewed yet; someone is meddling in secret, but if it is not stopped now, trouble will be great.

"Kong family."

"You have gone too far."

Su Wenjing's face turned icy; the next moment he seized a brush, dabbed ink onto xuan paper, intending to clear Gu Jin Nian of this matter.

Gu Jin Nian was meditating in the back mountain; he had neither the time nor the mood to explain these rumors.

But he needed to explain, otherwise it would truly become a settled outcome.

About half an hour later.

Su Wenjing finished the article, intending to have it spread.

But as he prepared to speak, his gaze couldn't help but fall on the dark clouds.

For a moment, Su Wenjing fell silent.

This is a calamity.

But it is also a test.

If he intervenes, it will certainly relieve some pressure on Gu Jin Nian, but doing so would also prevent Gu Jin Nian from undergoing this test.

The path Gu Jin Nian has chosen can be walked only by him; no one else can help him, nor can they.

Help today? Can we help tomorrow?

Thinking this, Su Wenjing fell silent, placing the article aside.

His gaze, however, remained fixed on Gu Jin Nian.

"Jin Nian, you must Establish an immortal statement to break this impasse; if you break it, the scholarly Dao will shine because of you."

Su Wenjing spoke, yet his heart remained hesitant.

He hopes Gu Jin Nian can endure.

But he knows it's extremely difficult; if faced with doubts from scholars worldwide, that's no small matter—not something that disappears just because you ignore it.

Being targeted by scholars across the world is not a good thing.

He was at a loss for what to do.

And in the back mountain.

Regarding the clouds overhead, Gu Jin Nian merely glanced at them, then continued to study earnestly.

He feared not this heavenly retribution.

With a clear conscience, why fear Saint's Punishment? Yet, as Su Wenjing imagined, these voices grew increasingly intense.

There is a saying that rumors end with the wise.

The saying is not wrong.

Many know that this matter is certainly not as the rumors suggest; there must be many things left unsaid.

But the wise understand another matter.

Each clears the snow before their own door.

It has nothing to do with them; they don't want to get involved. This matter is clearly being led by the Kong family, so why would various forces offend the Kong family because of Gu Jin Nian?

Thus, the wise indeed exist, but there is no need to step forward now; whoever steps forward will be the unlucky one.

However, by comparison, Da Xia Capital is far more rational.

Facing these rumors, many scholars in Da Xia Capital stepped forward.

"Sun Zhengnan leans on his age to act old, the Crown Prince shows three points of courtesy, yet Sun Zhengnan also demands the Crown Prince hand over the sacred vessel, pressing aggressively. May I ask, on what grounds should the sacred vessel be handed over? Was the sacred vessel stolen or seized by the Crown Prince?"

A voice rose, a Great Scholar, giving a strong answer, immediately choosing to side with Gu Jin Nian.

This was the first Great Scholar to speak out for Gu Jin Nian.

Soon, many voices responded.

"Is defending the people a political conspiracy? Are they really treating the world as fools? The Crown Prince was placed under soft detention at White Heron Mansion for half a month—another part of the plot? The Crown Prince mobilized two hundred thousand troops to slay corrupt officials—also a plot?"

"You are merely jealous of the Crown Prince, spreading rumors here."

Another voice answered, refuting some rumors.

"Counting carefully, in the first ten years the Crown Prince lived like a playboy, yet he was biding his time, honing a sword for ten years. Since the opening of Da Xia Academy, the Crown Prince has shown his brilliance, up to today, pleading for the people of Jiangning County, pleading for the people of Jiangling County, establishing speech for the Da Xia Dynasty—can these be blackened?"

"These rumors are truly laughable; as for stripping the Great Scholars of their positions, have they even looked at what those Great Scholars said?"

"They gather here merely to demand the sacred vessel, especially with the Kong family leading; the Kong family and the Crown Prince already have grudges, so it's understandable that the Crown Prince doesn't see them."

"Moreover, must the Crown Prince carve out time to meet them? Setting aside his Confucian Dao identity, the Crown Prince is a future marquis, also the Da Xia Dynasty's Inspector Commander, a fourth‑rank official—doesn't he have any official duties?"

"The Crown Prince delayed three days; after meeting Sun Zhengnan and others, he was courteous, but Sun Zhengnan and the others, at the slightest disagreement, scolded, and later forcibly seized the Crown Prince's sacred vessel."

"Is this a Great Scholar? Laughable to the extreme; not to mention stripping these Great Scholars of talent, even if it means erasing three generations of talent, some still find it reasonable."

A voice sounded again, coming from Da Xia Academy; someone spoke up, staunchly supporting Gu Jin Nian and clarifying the facts.

Voices rose one after another from the capital.

It must be said that within the capital, Gu Jin Nian's reputation is excellent, especially among the scholars who originally followed Gu Jin Nian to stop the marriage alliance; they hold him in great admiration.

Hearing this, they naturally refused to accept it and each stepped forward to argue.

Such voices indeed have some effect; at least within the capital, no one dares to criticize Gu Jin Nian.

At the same time, they awakened some rational people, instantly turning the matter into a controversy.

The fear is not the controversy itself, but a one‑sided smear.

Within the Da Xia Dynasty, Jiang Ling County and Jiang Ning County are the same; these two counties, having benefited from Gu Jin Nian's grace, naturally have no such voices.

To be precise, there were such voices at first, but after the populace angrily rebuked them, the voices vanished instantly.

How long has it been since the flood disaster and the child‑trafficking incident? Even the most forgetful people could not forget so quickly.

But the other few county magistrates are different.

The Da Xia Dynasty seemed to be caught in a war of insults; the next day, with the appearance of an article, the topic grew even hotter.

Because this time the one stepping forward is another holy sage family.

In Shen Zhou, there are four Heaven's Mandate saints; the descendants of the second and fourth generations are missing, and it is rumored that the second‑generation saint had no intention of establishing a court. Moreover, his descendants endured several cataclysmic wars, thus the lineage was cut off.

The fourth‑generation saint, i. e., the Heaven's Mandate saint, for unknown reasons withdrew into the mountains, and none of his descendants were ever born.

Otherwise the struggle would be endless; the Confucius family could not dominate alone.

Now the one stepping forward is, after the third‑generation saint, the Eternal Saint; the Zhou family Great Scholar has sent a voice.

In comparison, the importance of the first and second becomes evident.

The ancestors of the Confucius family are the first saint, a timeless exemplar, standing unshaken to this day. As for the Zhou family, although they also enjoy holy favor, compared with the Confucius family they are an entirely different concept; moreover, the Zhou family's main base remains in the Great Jin Dynasty, not in the Da Xia Dynasty.

The Da Xia Dynasty has a branch residence of the Zhou family, but its reputation and power are less than one percent of the Confucius family's.

Now the Zhou family steps forward, speaking under the banner of a holy sage family, drawing massive attention.

Especially, the Zhou family's article is exceedingly sharp.

"Gu Jin Nian's Ten Crimes."

The article is brief yet exceedingly sharp, enumerating Gu Jin Nian's ten transgressions.

First crime: arrogance—Da Xia Academy; a single disagreement leads to a ruckus in the examination hall.

Second crime: overbearing—marriage alliance with the Xiongnu; treating the two nations' protocols with anger.

Third crime: lack of benevolence—Jiang Ning County flood; what seemed a brilliant plan actually allowed profiteering merchants to raise prices, and within days countless villagers starved, showing no sense of humanity.

Fourth crime: slaughter—Jiang Ling County mobilized two hundred thousand troops; brutal and unkind, with light punishments beheading, severe ones wiping out entire families, a heart full of killing.

Fifth crime: hypocrisy—ordering investigations to avenge the people's grievances; it appears he cares for the masses, but in fact it serves the struggle for Heaven's Mandate, and he lacks any true gentlemanly bearing.

Sixth crime: injustice—benefiting from Confucius's grace, wielding a holy artifact, ignoring well‑meaning counsel, disregarding the safety of scholars across the realm, showing no great righteousness, only selfishness.

Seventh crime: disloyalty—openly defying the emperor's decree, seeing no sovereign, treating it as disloyalty; the ruler‑subject relationship becomes as good as trash.

Eighth crime: unfilial— the duke leads troops, fights for Da Xia, establishes military industry, defends the nation; yet as his descendant you neglect the elders' hardships, act recklessly, incite internal chaos—this is unfilial.

Ninth crime: immorality—disrespecting elders, deceiving teachers and annihilating ancestors, violating the core of Confucian Dao, just like a demonic disciple.

Tenth crime: brutality—narrow‑minded, unable to tolerate even a grain of sand; over a few arguments he strips scholars of their positions; in the ensuing strife, the light punishment is demotion, the severe is killing; his brutality is unparalleled—how can he merit a holy artifact?

This is the Zhou family's article.

The ten accusations.

Each point is logical, each stands on the moral high ground to denounce and attack Gu Jin Nian.

Arrogance, overbearing, unkindness, slaughter, hypocrisy, injustice, disloyalty, unfilial, immorality, brutality.

The insults are extremely harsh and extremely vicious.

Indeed, a holy sage family is a holy sage family; once they act, the article is earth‑shattering.

When this article was released, the matter instantly reached a climax.

Originally, there were defenses from the capital, Jiang Ning County, and Jiang Ling County, plus some Great Scholars stepping forward to clarify and explain.

These caused some controversy, leading many to reflect, including some who no longer dared to speak.

But after this article appeared, it was like a revelry.

Even scholars of the Great Jin Dynasty began to join; after all, with a second holy sage family striking, they could not stay silent.

Literati look down on each other, and in their eyes, how young is Gu Jin Nian anyway?

If Gu Jin Nian were another forty years older, this issue wouldn't be like this; blame it on Gu Jin Nian being far too young, and on his being exceptionally talented despite his youth.

"Holy sage family, each word a pearl; under the ten crimes, Gu Jin Nian, do you still dare to argue stubbornly?"

"Among the ten crimes, the word 'injustice' strikes a chord; regardless of how this matter turns out, may I ask Gu Jin Nian, why haven't you handed over the holy artifact? Mr. Zheng Nan, asking you to surrender the holy artifact is not to seize it."

"Rather, we fear thieves covet it and would steal the holy artifact; if it fell into demonic hands, would we not suffer misfortune? This concerns the safety of scholars across the realm, yet you, out of selfishness, become angry and ashamed."

"In this regard, no matter how many good deeds you have done before, they cannot cleanse your selfish actions."

"You are without virtue or righteousness."

The invective rained down from all sides; many latched onto the holy artifact issue.

Having vented their anger at Gu Jin Nian, the next matter becomes important.

Regarding Gu Jin Nian, most people feel jealousy, but a couple of insults are enough; why this time did so many people unanimously resort to outright slander?

It is entirely because of the holy artifact matter.

If Gu Jin Nian were only a brilliant poet whose verses became timeless, even if they cursed him, it would be of no use.

After all, after cursing Gu Jin Nian ten thousand times, he would still write a timeless poem tomorrow, making the censors themselves the biggest joke.

Although the Zhou family wrote the ten crimes, the issue is that most of the content is commendable; one could choose to criticize it, or one could choose not to.

Justice lies in people's hearts; after a few months, this matter simply passed.

But the thing that left them with a sour feeling in their hearts.

It was the sacred instrument.

Gu Jin Nian is only seventeen; his grandfather is the Duke of the Nation, his father is the Marquis of Linyang, he himself is about to be ennobled as a marquis, and the emperor is his uncle.

Now he is also a Confucian Daoist saint, possessing a celestial Daoist spirit root; all the glory is concentrated on him alone, and who wouldn't be envious? Moreover, he has obtained one of the nine legendary Confucian Daoist sacred instruments, which makes scholars across the land extremely resentful.

Especially scholars of the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty feel it is unfair, because they believe their own dynasties also have people more outstanding than Gu Jin Nian.

The younger generation lacks such people, but the older generation does have some who champion the people's grievances; yet why didn't they obtain a sacred instrument? They are dissatisfied, and an imbalance arises in their hearts.

The most bitter are the scholars of the Da Xia Dynasty; after all, they represent a whole dynasty. They don't want to say much now, only hope that Gu Jin Nian will hand over the sacred instrument.

If Gu Jin Nian hands over the sacred instrument, everything would be easy; giving it to the Kong family would please them even more, though they know that once it is with the Kong family, retrieving it would be nearly impossible.

So what? It's not his own thing anyway; he can't have it and doesn't want others to have it—typical of that mindset.

Thus the momentum becomes so grand.

"A sacred instrument may be obtained by the virtuous; if one lacks virtue, how can one deserve it? If Gu Jin Nian believes he has been wronged in this matter, then you should hand over the sacred instrument to the Kong family."

"The Kong family is a saintly lineage, possessing the Three Sacred Instruments; they could never covet your sacred instrument. We are also willing to act as guarantors and bear witness together. If you refuse to hand it over, you are selfish, lacking virtue, and unworthy of a sacred instrument."

"Indeed, and it's this kind of sacred instrument; for us scholars it poses a great threat. If you, Gu Jin Nian, are virtuous, we are unafraid, but we fear you might act recklessly."

"Hand over the sacred instrument, and this matter can end here. We also admire the Crown Prince's boundless merit for considering the scholars of the world; other matters can be dealt with separately."

One voice after another rang out.

The thrust of the accusation instantly pointed at the sacred instrument, demanding that Gu Jin Nian hand it over.

If no one were secretly pulling the strings behind this, no one would believe it.

Faced with such voices, the reaction of the Da Xia Capital scholars was different.

"On what grounds should we hand over the sacred instrument? Did the Crown Prince steal it? That's truly laughable."

It was Wang Fugui's voice; he spoke first, responding, and was so angry he could barely contain himself.

"Hand over the sacred instrument? Does the Kong family deserve it? They already possess the Three Sacred Instruments and still want to claim a fourth? Ridiculous beyond words."

Jiang Ye Zhou's voice also rose; he was even more incensed, directly insulting the Kong family.

However, someone held him back, telling him not to speak recklessly, to keep the Kong family out of it; ever since meeting Gu Jin Nian, his temperament had changed a bit.

Thus he paid no heed and responded.

It can be said that the students of Da Xia Academy, one by one, formed the main force, launching verbal attacks throughout the capital, denouncing external remarks, and giving speeches everywhere.

They feared that malicious individuals might sway their thinking.

"Whether Gu Jin Nian possesses virtue, our words count for nothing, yours count for nothing either; the sacred instrument chose Gu Jin Nian, which means he has virtue."

At the critical moment, a voice rang out, giving the strongest reply.

It was the Minister of Rites of Da Xia.

Yang Kai.

Yes.

No one expected that at the crucial moment, Yang Kai's voice would sound, and that he would choose to aid Gu Jin Nian.

However, Yang Kai's words were sound: whether one has virtue is not decided by others but by the sacred instrument itself, which is sentient; if Gu Jin Nian lacks virtue—

Would the sacred instrument choose Gu Jin Nian?

This is a simple principle; someone has said it before, but the effect was poor due to status issues, and no one cared.

But once Yang Kai spoke, everything changed; his words acted as a powerful force, dramatically turning Gu Jin Nian's reputation.

It must be said that during this period, the entire Da Xia Dynasty was bustling, and all the common folk were watching the drama.

All the dynasties of Eastern Wilderness were also watching this matter, and even within the Central Continent there were observers.

The controversy is enormous.

Above Da Xia Academy, dark clouds gathered, indeed frightening, stirring dread in people's hearts.

At the critical moment, someone spoke, hoping the Kong family would step forward and give an answer.

If the Kong family does not intervene in this matter, achieving an absolute victory would be difficult; after all, Gu Jin Nian had previously defended the people and earned great fame, making it hard to tarnish his reputation.

A truly influential figure must step in; only then can effective criticism be made.

Facing the multitude of scholars' voices.

But the Kong family also responded the next day.

The gist was very simple: upon first hearing the matter, they were reluctant to believe it; the Crown Prince is extraordinarily talented, a Confucian Daoist saint with unparalleled brilliance, and is even more willing to champion the people's grievances.

This is something all junior members of the Kong family wish to learn from, so there must be some misunderstanding; the reason Kong Cheng was stripped of his Confucian rank is also because he erred in certain aspects. They sincerely hope all parties calm down, cool their tempers, and thoughtfully consider this matter.

At the same time, they extended a remote invitation to Gu Jin Nian to attend a Kong family banquet, willing to host eminent scholars from across the lands for a gathering, and the Kong family is ready to mediate the conflicts between them.

If there are any misunderstandings, they can be clarified face‑to‑face.

As for the sacred instrument, the Kong family believes the scholars' concerns are not unfounded, yet they also understand that the Crown Prince is still young, having received the benevolence of the Kong saints, and was granted the sacred instrument.

Naturally he is reluctant to relinquish it, so the Kong family is willing to wait until Gu Jin Nian attends the banquet before negotiating; regardless of the final outcome, they do not wish to damage the harmony.

The Kong family does not want Gu Jin Nian to suffer any loss; after all, he is a Confucian Daoist saint, the future standard‑bearer of the Confucian Dao, and cannot tolerate any slip.

That is what the Kong family means.

One could say this reply almost elevates the Kong family's benevolence and righteousness to the highest realm.

Gu Jin Nian stripped Kong Cheng of his Confucian rank, yet the Kong family repaid the grievance with virtue, showing no anger at all, even willingly stepping forward to mediate, hoping that this incident will not spark conflict.

They invited Gu Jin Nian to go to the Kong family for the banquet.

Whether in words or deeds, the Kong family performed admirably; at least in the eyes of the world, they appear exceedingly magnanimous.

Yet these words, when they reached some ears, drew sneers.

The Kong family speaks eloquently, but in reality they place Gu Jin Nian in an extremely perilous position; if he does not go, it shows cowardice and lack of resolve.

But if Gu Jin Nian does go, this Kong family banquet would inevitably be a trap, a Hongmen feast.

The Kong family treated retreat as advance, leaving Gu Jin Nian in a dilemma.

After the Kong family expressed their stance.

In a moment, the eyes of all scholars across the world focused on the Da Xia Dynasty.

They gathered at the Da Xia Academy.

They awaited Gu Jin Nian's reply.

However, inside the Da Xia Academy, many students grew anxious; the Kong family's remarks left them unsure how to respond.

After all, Gu Jin Nian was in meditation on the Dao; no one dared disturb him, for if they accidentally disrupted his Dao comprehension, it would truly be a crime worthy of death.

But if he did not respond, people would say he was guilty.

In the end, Su Wenjing answered on Gu Jin Nian's behalf.

"His Highness the Crown Prince is deeply immersed in Dao comprehension; attending the Kong family banquet is difficult, so I will go in his stead."

This was Su Wenjing's reply.

He intended to go to the Kong family banquet in Gu Jin Nian's place.

The Kong family banquet would be held next month, but Gu Jin Nian's state of Dao comprehension was still unclear; it was impossible for him to attend the banquet without delaying his Dao comprehension.

However, Su Wenjing's response instantly drew countless echoes: "Do you need to go in his place? This matter was caused by Gu Jin Nian; Mr. Wenjing, are you going this time to plead for him?"

"When grandfather was around, you relied on grandfather; when grandfather is gone, you rely on the teacher? Is this what a Son of the Dao looks like? Truly laughable."

"It's not yet Mr. Wenjing's turn to step forward for Gu Jin Nian; you are not his teacher, merely a teacher."

"What's with this Dao comprehension or not? He has obtained a holy artifact; couldn't he still comprehend the Dao? I see it as merely making excuses—basically, he doesn't dare go to the Kong family banquet, fearing humiliation."

"I used to doubt these things were true, but now Gu Jin Nian acts like a guilty thief, and I finally understand completely."

"If your conscience is clear, why not go yourself? Why ask someone else to go in your place? Utterly ridiculous."

"Dao comprehension? Not early, not late—why now?"

"Do you really think we're fools?"

The responses rose, seeming even more intense than before; this was unusual, as the speaker was Su Wenjing, leader of the pure stream, whose reputation ought to be high.

He spoke, and normally there shouldn't be so many voices, yet there were many voices within the Da Xia Dynasty.

More than before.

Evidently, someone did not want Su Wenjing to go to the Kong family banquet in Gu Jin Nian's place.

What the Kong family wants is the holy artifact.

Not who comes.

Whether Su Wenjing comes or not is irrelevant, but Gu Jin Nian must come; thus these voices are strong, demanding Gu Jin Nian appear in person.

There are many such voices.

But Su Wenjing paid no heed; he knew these people harbored ill intentions, yet he still made a trip to the Gu family and the imperial palace.

He conveyed a message.

Regardless, wait until Gu Jin Nian finishes his Dao comprehension before speaking; do not let this matter disturb his Dao comprehension.

The Gu family agreed and also paid no heed to this matter.

Emperor Yongsheng also agreed to this decision.

Regardless, for now do nothing; let them talk, after all, Dao comprehension is paramount.

Thus, over the next five or six days, the cursing continued, though it was indeed much weaker than before, since Gu Jin Nian was in Dao comprehension and never responded from start to finish.

After Su Wenjing's reply, he said nothing more, leaving outsiders to speculate; not responding was the best solution.

But just as this matter was gradually subsiding.

Then an event occurred that no one expected, completely detonating the matter.

"Mr. Sun Zhengnan has committed suicide."

As the news spread.

The entire Da Xia Dynasty exploded in an uproar.

Especially the Jiangnan Academy.

When all the scholars of the Jiangnan Academy learned of this, they could no longer sit still.

Who could have imagined that, at this time, Sun Zhengnan would commit suicide?

Moreover, after Sun Zhengnan's death, he left behind a suicide note.

Its contents were a fierce denunciation of Gu Jin Nian.

The note ran three or four thousand words, first explaining that his life's deeds were blameless; he only thought he had been too straightforward, offending some, but that was his nature.

Yet he never expected that, in his later years, this very character would bring him immense shame.

As a Great Scholar, with students everywhere, having taught and nurtured people for decades with hard work, he was stripped of his Great Scholar title merely for rebuking Gu Jin Nian a few words.

Reduced to an ordinary person, this filled him with great shame.

Thus, after denouncing Gu Jin Nian at length, he finally declared he did not wish to remain in this world, hoping scholars worldwide would seek justice for him.

He then passed away by suicide.

Sun Zhengnan's death became the detonator of this matter; although it had been about to subside, who could have imagined he would choose suicide? In the meantime, various reports emerged.

Sun Zhengnan had been stripped of his Great Scholar's vitality; his body was frail, and due to internal heat attacking the heart, he showed signs of stroke, even being unable to care for himself.

He was already over eighty, relying on his vitality to sustain his body; now that his vitality was gone, his body deteriorated, and various ailments assailed him, causing him constant suffering.

Finally, in a fit of rage, ashamed to face the world, he hanged himself.

As these reports spread, cursing surged like a tsunami.

"Gu Jin Nian, you will not die well."

"Poor Old Master Sun, a lifetime of fame, serving the country and the people, teaching and nurturing, yet unable to withstand the ruthlessness of the powerful—Gu Jin Nian, are you even human?"

A few words cut off talent and vigor; with such a holy implement in your hands, we scholars find it hard to rest or eat.

A Great Scholar, to meet a bad end in his old age—how tragic, how lamentable! Gu Jin Nian, as the chief culprit, you still refuse to admit fault?

No matter how glorious you are, to drive a Great Scholar to death makes you unworthy of being human.

The curses rose like a tsunami.

The previously calm Da Xia Dynasty erupted completely at this moment.

After all, a person has died, and moreover a venerable Great Scholar of high moral standing.

In the eyes of many, this is Gu Jin Nian driving him to death; Sun Zhengnan, with his own death, seeks justice, seeks justice.

How could this group of scholars not respond?

Taking the moral high ground, they began to fiercely attack Gu Jin Nian.

Moreover, this time it was far more fierce than before.

The reason is simple: previous criticisms never resulted in deaths; it was merely that Gu Jin Nian was a bit too harsh, and nobody could clearly say who was right or wrong in the whole affair.

It's a typical case of each side claiming their own reason.

Now it's different.

Sun Zhengnan has died; people feel sympathy. An old scholar, of high virtue and prestige, who diligently served the people and the state in the first half of his life—later, due to a single dispute, even if he erred, what fault could there be?

Yet he ultimately met an ill end, naturally arousing people's sympathy and pity.

This time, the scholars who had been quiet for days could no longer sit still.

This is a rare opportunity; if we don't make a big fuss now, we will never be able to stir up trouble again.

The curses thundered.

It was reflected within the Da Xia Academy.

On the rear mountain, the dark clouds grew thicker, and even began to thunder with holy punishment's thunder.

This is the Saint's Punishment, a phenomenon produced by the will of scholars everywhere.

Before, there had been a sense of it fading.

But with Sun Zhengnan's death, the dark clouds grew denser, lightning flashed, and moreover sounds began to be transmitted.

It was the sound of scholars' curses from all under heaven.

Such sounds echoed within the Da Xia Academy.

Su Wenjing learned of Sun Zhengnan's suicide and was nonetheless surprised; despite all his calculations, he had not expected Sun Zhengnan to take his own life.

Using his own life as grounds, they sought to make Gu Jin Nian suffer such a penalty.

Immediately, Su Wenjing left the Da Xia Academy to go to the Jiangnan Academy, there to pay respects to Sun Zhengnan and at the same time investigate the situation.

However, when Su Wenjing left the Da Xia Academy,

in the rear mountain,

Gu Jin Nian, who had been immersed in comprehending the Dao, was suddenly interrupted by a chorus of voices.

"Gu Jin Nian, you are not worthy of being human."

"Poor my Sun scholar, to die at the hands of someone like you—truly pitiful! Gu Jin Nian, are you even human?"

"Because of a single selfish thought, you have caused my Sun scholar to be buried here—Gu Jin Nian, you truly deserve to die."

The curses were extremely grating.

This caused Gu Jin Nian to awaken from his state of Dao comprehension.

After waking,

the surroundings were pitch black.

Looking up, the dark clouds covered the sky, and holy punishment's thunder rolled, as if the apocalypse had descended.

The pressure of scholars from all under heaven, at this moment formed a terrifying saint's might, making Gu Jin Nian feel an unprecedented pressure.

He heard voices ringing in his ears.

Gu Jin Nian roughly understood what had happened.

But Gu Jin Nian paid no heed; instead, he took a deep breath and continued to immerse himself in comprehending the Dao.

In the blink of an eye, three days passed.

The matter of Sun Zhengnan caused an uproar; Great Scholars everywhere wrote memorial texts and held rites for him, though some Great Scholars had originally not wished to participate.

Yet, with the death of an old friend, it was inevitable to feel pained, and so they also denounced Gu Jin Nian.

As these formerly neutral Great Scholars stepped forward, in a moment more voices arose.

Many, under the pretext of seeking justice for Sun Zhengnan, loudly condemned Gu Jin Nian.

Meanwhile, within the Da Xia Academy,

Gu Jin Nian, too, truly fell into deep comprehension of the Dao.

He read this Saint's Book back and forth three times.

He understood the Saint's Way.

Yet he had not yet figured it out.

Many principles seemed clear upon hearing them, but to truly comprehend them was extremely difficult.

Knowing the Sage's Establishing Speech.

What is the Saint's intent?

Who speaks the truth? The First Generation Sage, taking human rites as primary—what then is propriety? Should one also treat a villain with propriety?

The Second Generation Sage, taking gentleman's rites as primary—this 'gentleman' is not a ruler but a virtuous person; a gentleman keeps away from villains, should be like flawless jade, unstained by any blemish. Though some also possess righteousness and gentlemanly integrity, merely because of status and such reasons, are they not gentlemen? The Third Generation Sage, taking state rites as primary— a nation possessing dignity, gentlemanly conduct, and great national vigor becomes a dynasty; but if a state is governed peacefully, allowing the people to eat their fill and drink, does such a state not count as a dynasty? The Fourth Generation Sage, taking Confucian learning as primary, holds that to benefit the people one must possess a certain standing and prestige; only then can one's words be known to more.

The starting point is good, but there are scholars who hold no office, yet their hearts are set on the masses; they cannot change the overall situation, yet they can help each person they are able to—does this count as being a Confucian scholar? The Sage's principles are too profound, with many meanings, requiring explanation and elaboration.

Gu Jin Nian now finds himself at the stage of 'knowing'; he must give himself an elaboration.

If it is merely a simple understanding of the sage's principles.

Going on to establish speech is not what he wants.

Only by thoroughly understanding can one establish speech.

Thus, at the critical moment, Gu Jin Nian awakens again from his Dao comprehension.

"Sitting here, I simply cannot comprehend anything."

"Reading ten thousand volumes is not as good as traveling ten thousand li."

"I need comprehension, more comprehension; otherwise, it is useless."

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian realizes he must travel ten thousand li in order to clearly comprehend many principles.

Sitting alone here will bind him.

Thinking of this.

Gu Jin Nian rises and heads straight for the academy.

Yet the dark clouds in the heavens constantly follow him, appearing extremely frightening.

"Brother Gu, have you succeeded in comprehending the Dao?"

"Brother Gu, something major has happened—Sun Zhengnan, the scholar, has committed suicide."

"Brother Gu, during this time you must absolutely not leave the Da Xia Academy; Mr. Wen Jing has given instructions, and if you go out, you will invite trouble."

As Gu Jin Nian walks out of the rear mountain, familiar figures appear one after another, surrounding him.

Wang Fugui, Jiang Ye Zhou, and the others all speak up, deeply concerned for Gu Jin Nian.

"I have not yet succeeded in comprehending the Dao."

"I will travel ten thousand li."

"To comprehend the sage's ultimate truth."

Gu Jin Nian gives his answer, telling everyone what he intends to do, then continues speaking.

"Everyone, do not concern yourselves with this matter."

"I have already foreseen this point; everything stems from the Holy Artifact."

"Your help, I, Gu, am grateful for, but you must not participate in this matter, otherwise it will bring you trouble."

Gu Jin Nian speaks up; although he did not expect Sun Zhengnan to commit suicide, he also anticipated how far this matter would escalate.

The Kong Family is determined to obtain their Holy Artifact and will use any means to seize it.

Even if it causes a city-wide uproar, known throughout the nation, Gu Jin Nian considers it quite normal.

Moreover, he feels no guilt; not to mention Sun Zhengnan's suicide, even if all the scholars of that day had committed suicide, he would still be unafraid.

Dead is dead.

What else can be done?

Old and dim-witted, such people are not worth mourning.

"Brother Gu, this."

Wang Fugui opens his mouth, wanting to say something, but Gu Jin Nian directly cuts him off.

"Do not participate."

"You cannot participate."

"Moreover, it would be hard to help me, and it would likely bring trouble."

Gu Jin Nian speaks up.

His attitude is very firm.

This matter has already escalated to about this extent; if Wang Fugui and the others again join in, the Kong Family might retaliate against them.

If that is indeed the case.

On the contrary, it would be trouble for myself, and I would still have to help them.

It is not that I am unwilling; rather, since I know their intentions, why invite trouble upon myself?

Indeed, as Gu Jin Nian speaks thus, Wang Fugui and Jiang Ye Zhou have nothing more to say.

However.

Just at this moment.

A figure rushes over, appearing panicked.

"Something serious has happened, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"Outside the capital's city gates, tens of thousands of scholars have gathered, having come from Jiangnan Commandery, saying they demand you pay with your life."

As the voice sounds.

Inside the academy, everyone widens their eyes.

"Gathering tens of thousands of people? How dare they?"

"Under the capital, they dare to do this?"

"There must be someone behind this; tens of thousands of scholars could not have come spontaneously."

Everyone frowns, but they also know the matter has completely blown up.

Tens of thousands of scholars gather in the Da Xia capital.

This is certainly not a good thing, and moreover they demand Gu Jin Nian pay with his life; if it erupts, even the emperor would find it hard to resolve.

Suppress these scholars? That would surely cause the Da Xia dynasty to stir up even greater trouble—nobles suppressing, imperial authority ruthless? Better not suppress these scholars.

Let them continue like this, and the situation will only grow worse.

This tactic really is one wave after another.

"Crown Prince, where are you going?"

Just as everyone frowned, they discovered Gu Jin Nian had already walked toward outside the academy.

Go meet them.

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

His expression was calm.

At that moment, everyone looked at each other, then some chose to follow, while others did not.

This matter indeed involves too much.

At the same time.

Within Da Xia Capital, shadows of soldiers appeared, heading toward outside the north gate.

Tens of thousands of scholars, all dressed in mourning attire, stood outside the city gate, holding banners, upon which was written in blood.

They demanded Gu Jin Nian pay with his life.

Such a grand movement also attracted the capital's populace, who gathered to watch.

Gu Jin Nian, return my teacher's life!

Someone shouted loudly.

In an instant, tens of thousands followed with angry roars.

The sound was deafening.

It pierced through the entirety of Da Xia Capital.

It scattered the white clouds above the firmament.

Each of them showed anger, giving the feeling that if Gu Jin Nian were before them, they would tear him apart.

But just then.

Above the capital.

Terrifying dark clouds appeared.

More precisely, it was the terrifying dark clouds moving.

About half a quarter-hour later.

A figure appeared atop the north city wall.

It was Gu Jin Nian's figure.

(End of chapter)