Chapter 124: I go seeking the clear wind; formerly I returned as a transformed dragon; I comprehend the Saint's Way; I attend the fam

Gu Jin Nian's this move of combining kindness and authority caused many officials in the Da Xia Capital to praise him involuntarily.

After all, they had already braced for the consequences of Gu Jin Nian severely punishing these thirty thousand scholars.

But unexpectedly, at the crucial moment, Gu Jin Nian let them off.

This move can be said to be just right; the present issue is not resolved by handling these thirty thousand scholars, but by the world's gossip.

If Gu Jin Nian severely punished these thirty thousand scholars, the consequences would surely be grave and would exacerbate the conflict.

Now it's much better; punish what should be punished, release what should be released, and win people over with virtue.

However, Gu Jin Nian's final words are thought-provoking.

He is going to the banquet.

Everyone knows the Kong family banquet is bound to be a Hongmen banquet; if Gu Jin Nian goes, he will likely not fare well.

Although his talent is unmatched, he cannot withstand the gathering of all kinds of great figures.

A single misspoken word or a mistaken deed will be endlessly magnified.

On the city gate.

Yang Kai, upon hearing that Gu Jin Nian was going to the banquet, couldn't help but speak up.

"Your Highness the Heir Apparent, this Kong family banquet may well be troublesome; Mister Wen Jing has already said that he will go to the banquet in your place, so you, Your Highness, can simply focus on comprehending the Dao; there's no need to rush to the banquet."

Yang Kai gazed at Gu Jin Nian.

The higher one's position, the more one actually knows how terrifying the Kong family is.

Therefore he does not want Gu Jin Nian to go to the Kong family, lest Gu Jin Nian stir up more trouble.

"Regarding this banquet, my mind is made up; I appreciate your good intentions, Mister Yang, but as the Heir Apparent I have already taken it to heart."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, saying he would go to the Kong family banquet; he had already decided.

Go to settle it once and for all.

Having said that, Gu Jin Nian raised his head and glanced at the Saint's Punishment above the firmament.

Then he condensed the Holy Ruler and entered the Saint's Punishment.

At once the dark clouds dissipated, but this was not a resolution of the Saint's Punishment; it was merely a suppression, holding back the phenomenon, though it will eventually fall again.

How to resolve it remains unclear.

The Saint's Punishment vanished, and Gu Jin Nian also left the city walls, walking straight out of the capital.

Over thirty thousand scholars gazed at Gu Jin Nian, each silent.

After walking a while, Gu Jin Nian suddenly stopped, then exhaled a long breath, gazing toward the unknown ahead, and spoke slowly.

"I go seeking the clear wind; in former years I returned as a transformed dragon."

He spoke, expressing his intentions, then immediately activated his Dao arts and rode the wind away.

Gu Jin Nian wanted to travel ten thousand miles, to comprehend the way of Saint's Establishing Speech.

He did not want too many burdens, nor to be surveilled; the Demonic Dao experts gave him three tokens, which would be enough to resolve any danger should it truly arise.

Moreover, since he wields a holy implement, the Kong family also does not wish him to suffer any harm.

Regarding his safety, Gu Jin Nian has not the slightest worry.

And as Gu Jin Nian left,

The capital also gradually grew calm.

Soon.

This matter also spread quickly.

Compared to the thirty thousand scholars gathering in the capital, Gu Jin Nian's redefining the realm of Confucian Dao is what truly concerns scholars worldwide.

Condensing qi with virtue.

It is like a silent slap, fiercely striking the faces of scholars worldwide.

Gu Jin Nian dares to establish the first realm with virtue; if he lacks virtue, he is unfit to study, which amounts to ruining his own prospects.

Although some voices still remain full of resentment.

But most of the voices have indeed disappeared; I don't know if it's because Gu Jin Nian agreed to attend the banquet, but the clamor has indeed lessened greatly.

Three days later.

The entire Da Xia Capital grew quiet.

There were some sounds, but not many.

Moreover, many people are curious; everyone under heaven knows the Kong family banquet, and Gu Jin Nian's trip there will surely provoke a conflict.

Thus, everyone is looking forward to it.

Of course, there is still one matter: Gu Jin Nian's comprehension of the Dao.

Understanding Saint's Establishing Speech may not be a big deal for ordinary scholars, but Gu Jin Nian is a prodigy of Confucian Dao; his understanding of Saint's Establishing Speech will surely be extraordinary.

But exactly how, we still have to wait for Gu Jin Nian's comprehension of the Dao to finish.

At this moment.

In a mountain range.

A figure slowly appeared.

It was Gu Jin Nian's figure.

This place is fifteen hundred li from the capital; in three days' time, Gu Jin Nian walked here.

Over these three days, he gradually felt that the Saint's Punishment was about to fall; even with his Exquisite Holy Ruler, it was hard to suppress.

Regarding this Saint's Punishment, Gu Jin Nian felt no fear, for his conscience was clear and he did not fear this punishment.

And during these three days, Gu Jin Nian also understood the function of the Exquisite Holy Ruler.

After redefining the first realm of Confucian Dao, the Exquisite Holy Ruler gained an additional ability: it can condense a Virtue Ruler; if he later encounters scholars, the Virtue Ruler can cut their talent qi, though if the other party possesses virtue, the effect is minimal.

Can deal with some people harboring ill intentions.

Furthermore, as one's Confucian Dao realm grows stronger, the influence increases; redefining the Confucian Dao realm, future scholars must condense qi through virtue.

But for contemporary scholars, they have already surpassed this realm and are unaffected.

But if Gu Jin Nian becomes a Great Scholar, he can thoroughly influence the entire Da Xia Dynasty; at that time, all scholars in the Da Xia Dynasty, whether Great Scholars or those in the Condensing Qi Realm, must re-cultivate the First Realm.

If they do not re-cultivate, they cannot hope to advance further in this life and may even fall back in realm.

But if one becomes a Half Saint, they can affect the entire Eastern Wilderness; if one becomes a Saint, the whole world will be affected thereby.

However, Gu Jin Nian is not particularly concerned about these matters.

At present, what he needs to focus on is Establishing Speech.

He needs to gain insight, acquire many insights, in order to undertake Establishing Speech.

What to establish in speech, Gu Jin Nian actually already has the answer in mind.

But he needs to undertake Establishing Speech from the heart, receiving a response from the heavens; otherwise it is merely empty shouting of a few slogans with no effect.

How many scholars have there been throughout ancient and modern times? Composing a few high-sounding statements is not easy; but can they gain heaven's approval? Gu Jin Nian's Establishing Speech is the Hengqu Four Sentences.

To establish the heart for heaven and earth, to establish the destiny for the people, to inherit the lost learning of past sages, to open an era of peace for all ages.

These words, shocking ancient and modern times, can overwhelm everything, allowing oneself to transcend above.

But the problem arises.

What does it mean to establish the heart for heaven and earth?

If one cannot establish the heart for heaven and earth, how can the following three sentences be fulfilled? The Hengqu Four Sentences are not a parallel list but a connected statement; only after establishing the heart for heaven and earth can one establish the destiny for the people, then inherit the learning of the Saint, and finally use that learning to create an era of peace for all ages.

Otherwise, it is merely empty shouting of slogans.

On the high mountain, Gu Jin Nian gazed at the green mountains and clear waters, his eyes filled with doubt.

After half an hour.

He carried these doubts, continued forward, mingling with the world.

Two days later.

Gu Jin Nian arrived at a county; the county had three thousand households, not a large population, and was backed by mountains to the north.

There were some horse-drawn cart merchants coming and going, not many, appearing somewhat impoverished.

This is Filial County, close to the Capital by nearly two thousand li.

Gu Jin Nian wore plain clothing, not wanting to be too conspicuous, but his appearance and demeanor also attracted many gazes.

Facing many gazes, Gu Jin Nian remained calm, entered a shop, ordered two dishes and a pot of yellow wine, found a seat and sat down.

"Sir, this is your wine; please enjoy it slowly."

The shopkeeper brought over the side dishes and yellow wine.

Gu Jin Nian nodded, then poured himself a cup of wine and drank it in one gulp.

The wine tasted bitter and astringent, with only a slight sweetness returning quickly; its quality was poor, quite ordinary compared to the fine food and wine of the Capital.

However, Gu Jin Nian also understands that it is not only the brewing technique of the Da Xia Dynasty that is poor; the brewing technique in almost all places of the world is poor.

Of course, compared to some precious fine wines, it is different.

The fine brew in the palace, and the delicacies in the mansions of princes and nobles, are basically top-quality wines; in both taste and flavor, they are not inferior to the fine wines of the previous life.

Put bluntly, nobility has its own justification.

"Once the Ministry of Works finishes the appropriate tools, we can produce good wine; the nobles and aristocrats would likely disdain it, but it would be just right to supply these middle- and lower-class commoners."

Gu Jin Nian took another sip of the yellow wine, thinking to himself thus.

This time out to comprehend the Dao, Gu Jin Nian clearly realizes that the more he thinks about Establishing Speech and comprehending the Dao, the more likely he is to fail to find a reason.

One must use an ordinary mind, treating this outing as a simple journey; there is no need to force it.

Two gulps of wine went down his throat; Gu Jin Nian picked up a bit of side dish and savored it carefully.

Fortunately, the Da Xia Dynasty is not so backward; some condiments are still available, such as soy sauce and chili, which, although not particularly tasty, are not hard to swallow.

But just as Gu Jin Nian was eating the side dish,

A sharp voice suddenly rang out.

"You old thing, wandering outside all day, at your age, you have no shame—get back home!"

The sharp voice rang out, drawing the attention of many onlookers.

Gu Jin Nian also turned his gaze over; not far down the street was an old man with a full head of white hair, appearing to be seventy or eighty years old, leaning on a cane, walking somewhat slowly.

Behind him followed a peasant woman, rather stout, with a fierce face, pointing at the old man and loudly cursing, heedless of the onlookers.

Beside the peasant woman stood a six- or seven-year-old child holding a wooden toy, chubby, also shouting "old thing" along with her.

The crowd looked over, but soon withdrew their gazes; moreover, someone in the shop sighed helplessly.

"The Li family truly has terrible luck, marrying such a daughter-in-law."

"Old Uncle Li also suffers; in his youth he earned some silver, bought some fields, originally he could enjoy his old age peacefully, but unexpectedly in his later years an unfilial son squandered the family property, and to top it off he got such a daughter-in-law, who summons him at will and dismisses him at will."

"I heard Old Li's wife is nearly eighty, often beaten by her daughter-in-law, truly pitiful."

Some people spoke up, explaining the situation.

"There's still such a thing?"

"Do the neighbors not care about this?"

Upon hearing this, some people could not stand it any longer and couldn't help but ask.

"We do manage, how could we not?"

"His neighbors have all gone to report to the officials; the government personnel have come, what more can be done? The officials have also warned them, but what can you do?"

"Arrest those two unfilial sons? Who will take care of these two old people?"

"Even an honest official finds it hard to settle family matters; there's nothing to be done—when people grow old, it's like this; if they encounter a filial descendant, that's still okay, at least the elderly have something to rely on; but if they encounter such descendants, it would be better to dash their heads against a wall."

A few people, each saying a sentence in turn.

Inside the shop, Gu Jin Nian fell silent after hearing them; what these people said made sense—an honest official finds it hard to settle family matters.

Moreover, catching these two people would be useless—the Da Xia Dynasty has no nursing homes, so these elders can only swallow their anger.

What can be done? Neighbors can at most say a couple of sentences; surely we can't possibly take the elderly into our own homes to care for them?

Furthermore, if the neighbors say too much, the other side might only become more abusive toward the elderly.

Such incidents are actually not few, and there are many of them.

"Where do you find someone like you, nibbling away at the old thing—this is your father, not your family's slave."

At this moment.

An outsider with some sense of justice couldn't stand it any longer, stepped forward and rebuked with a sentence.

But it would have been better not to rebuke; the moment they did, it sparked an argument.

"What's it to you? Bored with nothing to do? Pretending to be a good person here?"

"What business is it of yours? Country bumpkin."

The farm woman opened her mouth, full of contempt, and her words were especially unpleasant—like a gunpowder keg that explodes at the slightest spark.

What's more, the child behind her also started shouting, looking fierce and vicious, annoying to behold.

"You're sick."

"With your behavior like this, you will surely meet retribution in the future."

The outsider couldn't be bothered to engage; he just couldn't stand to see it, said a sentence, but he was unwilling to get entangled with a woman here.

The outsider left, but the farm woman continued to nag on and on.

When she couldn't contain her anger, she glared at the elderly person ahead and launched into a tirade.

"You old thing, still shuffling along here—hurry up and get lost, you're making a fool of yourself."

The scolding continued.

The elderly person remained silent, only able to lower his head and move forward.

At this very moment.

Gu Jin Nian tossed a silver ingot onto the table inside the shop—about two taels—then rose and walked outside.

Seeing the silver, the shopkeeper immediately came over, seemingly also knowing what Gu Jin Nian intended to do.

"Sir, don't get involved—this family is just like that, and it's not only them; you can't handle it, and even if you did, you'd just get scolded for nothing. Later, the couple might hold a grudge and take it out on the elderly."

The shopkeeper could see that Gu Jin Nian was clearly displeased and wanted to go over and say a couple of sentences.

He could understand good intentions, but he knew better: this wasn't something Gu Jin Nian could manage.

However, Gu Jin Nian merely shook his head, strode forward, and went straight to the farm woman.

Smack.

He raised his hand and slapped her across the face.

That slap was strong enough to leave her dazed.

The next moment, Gu Jin Nian raised his hand and slapped the child nearby as well.

He reduced the force somewhat, after all, it was a child.

But it was still a hard slap.

In an instant, the child burst into tears, covering his face and wailing.

"You hit me?"

"You dare hit me? I'll kill you."

After taking the slap, the farm woman was in pain; once she came to, her eyes turned red and she lost her reason.

Thud.

Then Gu Jin Nian kicked the farm woman, sending her flying back four or five steps before she fell to the ground.

At this moment, the onlookers were astonished, then felt a surge of satisfaction, yet also couldn't help worrying for Gu Jin Nian.

After all, it felt good, but the consequences would be troublesome.

"As a daughter-in-law, you disrespect your elders, spew filth, and are sharp-tongued—are you even human?"

Gu Jin Nian stared at her.

He could not possibly ignore such a thing, and what the shopkeeper and the others said was also true.

So he would settle this matter cleanly.

The farm woman lay on the ground rolling, tears streaming from the pain, unable to utter a word for a long while.

The shopkeeper immediately stepped forward and pulled Gu Jin Nian aside.

"Sir, you should leave quickly; once the government soldiers arrive, it'll be troublesome—this family is notorious for being difficult, and if you hit her, she'll surely not let it go."

The shopkeeper, out of kindness, reminded Gu Jin Nian to leave.

Moreover, the elderly person who had been walking with his head down also slowly approached, pulling Gu Jin Nian to speak.

"Young master, hurry and leave; later I'll explain to the constables, otherwise it'll be troublesome."

The elderly person understood that Gu Jin Nian was speaking up for him, and therefore did not want Gu Jin Nian to be implicated.

However, Gu Jin Nian shook his head, said nothing, and waited here for the government soldiers to arrive.

Indeed, the Da Xia Dynasty's government handles affairs swiftly; in less than half an incense stick's time, some officials hurried over, led by a constable, the rest being yamen runners.

There weren't many—seven or eight—running over quickly.

"What happened?"

"What's going on?"

"Who's fighting?"

The officials surged forward, shouting and clamoring.

"Sir official, this damned thing is bullying me, a weak woman!"

"Everyone is watching; he injured me and also hurt my son."

The peasant woman rolled for half a minute, saw the officials arriving, and immediately wailed loudly, pointing at Gu Jin Nian and saying.

At that moment, her husband also heard the news and rushed over.

He was a middle‑aged man, looking like a scholar in robes, a respectable figure; when he heard his wife had been beaten, his anger flared instantly.

When he saw Gu Jin Nian, the fury in his eyes lessened a bit—not because he knew Gu Jin Nian, but because Gu Jin Nian's bearing and looks gave him a vague impression.

"Why did you beat my wife?"

The latter opened his mouth, looking at Gu Jin Nian with some anger.

"Those who have children are unfilial, and should be beaten."

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly, looking at the other and saying.

At that moment, a dozen people appeared, standing on the man's sides, holding some carrying poles or forks, clearly his friends, coming to back him up.

"Unfilial? What right do you have to call us unfilial?"

"Is there any law left? You beat people on the street at will; today if you don't give us an answer, don't even think of leaving."

"Sir official, you cannot stand by idly; this kind of person must be locked up in a big prison."

Seeing his friends gather, the man instantly became confident and was not afraid of Gu Jin Nian.

Hearing this, the leading constable couldn't help but frown.

But after seeing Gu Jin Nian, the constable dared not be arrogant.

"Sir, is this person the one you injured?"

He asked.

"Bring the County Magistrate here."

Gu Jin Nian ignored it, directly took out the Qin King's token, too lazy for idle talk.

Seeing the token, the constable, though unsure of its authenticity, immediately changed expression.

"Please forgive me, sir; I will notify the County Magistrate at once."

Qin King's token.

This is no trifle; in Da Xia Capital, this token alone can walk the streets with authority.

Thus the constable set off immediately, while the surrounding onlookers were all astonished; they hadn't expected Gu Jin Nian to be such a big figure, and now they had something to watch.

As for the couple, after seeing the Qin King's token, their faces changed; they realized they had provoked a big figure.

Their relatives and friends each put away their items, hesitant to move.

Half a minute later.

The County Magistrate arrived, rushing in a blaze of urgency; the magistrate of Xiao County, over fifty, hadn't even tidied his clothes before hurrying over.

Upon reaching Gu Jin Nian, the magistrate immediately bowed.

"I, the magistrate of Xiao County, have seen you, sir."

"I do not know who you are; I have failed to receive you properly."

The magistrate spoke; he did not know Gu Jin Nian, so he could only ask like this.

"This is the Qin King's token."

"You need not ask who I am."

"May I ask, this place is called Xiao County, yet there are such unfilial people; as the local magistrate, you do nothing—what crime does that constitute?"

Gu Jin Nian again produced the Qin King's token, glanced at the other, and asked.

"Sir, it is not that I neglect them; the couple are inherently vicious and obstinate. The county office has warned them many times, but an upright official finds it hard to intervene in family matters."

"They repeatedly refuse correction; sometimes they even send the village elders into the county office to be supported by it." "I am also helpless."

The latter said with a mournful face.

At those words, the couple's faces changed instantly; they tried to argue, but Gu Jin Nian's voice had already sounded.

"Since they never change after repeated instruction, they need not be the ones to change."

"Seize them directly, file a case to the Ministry of Justice, and for the great crime of unfiliality, sentence you both to immediate execution."

"I will inform the Ministry of Justice, and approve it directly."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he has that authority, though it was merely to intimidate them.

Sure enough, after those words, the two were stunned.

Because of such matters—immediate execution—how could they argue? At once, the two knelt on the ground, completely lacking their earlier arrogance.

"Sir, spare us, sir; we were only momentarily confused, only momentarily confused."

"Please spare us, sir; the woman was only angry for a moment, that's why she acted so; rest assured, she will never dare again."

The two knelt on the ground, kowtowing repeatedly.

Gu Jin Nian's gaze was full of coldness.

Their behavior was not repentance but fear.

"Being a son, you do not respect your elders, you are unfilial to your parents; people like you deserve death."

Gu Jin Nian kicked the man, his eyes filled with disgust; in his life, he despises such unfilial people the most.

"You married as a woman, yet you do not respect the two elders; you speak without any honorifics, and by example, look at how your son has become."

Gu Jin Nian said coldly.

The two still knelt on the ground, crying and shouting, while their father came before Gu Jin Nian, pleading bitterly for Gu Jin Nian to spare them.

"Sir, though we have been unfilial here, we still support the old; please spare their lives."

The old man knelt on the ground, earnestly pleading with Gu Jin Nian for forgiveness.

Facing the scene, Gu Jin Nian sighed; he wasn't actually determined to kill the two, just to intimidate them a bit.

Now that the elder had given a foothold, Gu Jin Nian took the opportunity to speak.

"Considering your fathers, I will spare you both the death penalty."

"Only the death penalty can be pardoned; the living penalty cannot be avoided."

"From now on, if either of you mistreats the two elders, multiple crimes will be combined and you will be beheaded publicly."

"Neighbors may report to the county office, which will review; if it finds no genuine repentance, legal punishment will follow."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

While gazing at the county magistrate, he continued to speak.

"And you, an upright official, it's true that you can't adjudicate family matters, but if you ignore them you become an accomplice to tyranny. I will return in a few days; if I discover such incidents still happening in this county, …"

"I'll strip you of your official hat; you, county magistrate, will no longer hold that position."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; this method cannot be said to be foolproof, but it can have a deterrent effect.

"Please rest assured, sir; I will certainly keep it in mind."

The latter opened his mouth but dared not say much.

It was only an interlude; Gu Jin Nian nodded, then turned his gaze toward these relatives and friends, his expression indifferent.

"You, holding farming tools, are also a group of quarrelsome people; go to the jail and repent on your own."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

After this matter was resolved, he did not linger; he repeatedly warned that he would return, and if he came back and found any problem, he would not be lenient.

Thus Gu Jin Nian left.

The people of Xiao County began to speculate about who Gu Jin Nian was; they couldn't guess, but they knew in their hearts that he must be a great figure.

Seven days later.

Gu Jin Nian headed toward Chu Fu.

Along the way, Gu Jin Nian saw far too many things.

He saw scholars laboriously seeking knowledge, and also scholars indulging in pleasure.

He saw common folk toiling daily for merely dozens of copper coins.

He also saw wealthy merchants in a tavern, throwing away thousands of gold in a single gamble.

People experience sorrow and joy, partings and reunions; the moon has its waxing and waning.

Most of it is sorrowful; those who enjoy life are ultimately a minority.

This trial was not only for enlightenment, but also to investigate the plans within Da Xia's borders.

The common folk suffer.

How severe the suffering truly is, Gu Jin Nian had never seen.

On this journey out, Gu Jin Nian witnessed many hardships of the people.

In one village, unable to support the elderly, once a person reached seventy, their children would send them to the mountains to begin building a living‑dead tomb, adding a brick each day; after seventy days the tomb would be sealed, then left unattended.

This is extreme, but the facts prove it exists.

Most are just above the subsistence line; the silver they earn each month barely reaches basic needs, and any surplus is impossible.

In a month, at most two or three meals contain meat.

Through this travel, Gu Jin Nian roughly understood.

The Da Xia Dynasty's class structure consists of only two levels.

The poor class and the rich class.

The middle class is almost nonexistent, and those who become rich share a common trait.

Scholars.

Indeed, scholars in county administrations across the land, as long as they hold official titles, can be exempt from grain taxes; thus wealth easily concentrates, and some tenant farmers, to save that tax, hand over their fields to scholars, who then take only a share.

Including prime fields enjoyed by officials and some aristocrats.

These, whether granted as rewards or bought, in short, require no tax payment.

That is still relatively good; at least having food and clothing is, for a feudal dynasty, definitely a positive.

Three meals a day, at least enough to be fed, is something many nations cannot achieve.

Moreover, Gu Jin Nian's location is already five thousand li from the capital, making it quite remote.

However, under these conditions, within a hundred years the Da Xia Dynasty will face a massive threat.

The Matthew Effect.

It may not even take a hundred years; after the Da Xia Dynasty's founding, many aristocrats were ennobled, and later, after the hardships of Jiande, Emperor Yongsheng bestowed many titles, and these nobles spend their time merely producing offspring.

Combined with the scholars' privileges, the Matthew Effect could fully erupt in fifty or sixty years.

By then, not even three meals a day, even one meal a day would be considered acceptable.

The fundamental reasons are twofold: Da Xia Dynasty's agriculture is poor, and aristocratic power is tangled; additionally, after its founding, Da Xia has endured several wars.

Now, the Da Xia Dynasty is preparing a northern campaign; no tax levy has been issued yet, but that is only a matter of time.

War inevitably raises taxes, leading again to widespread suffering.

"You should enter official service early."

In the end, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but feel emotional.

After standing up.

Gu Jin Nian continued onward.

And there were still ten days left before the Kong family banquet.

The place where Gu Jin Nian is, is less than two thousand li from Chu Fu; at his speed, he can certainly arrive.

At this moment.

Within Chu Fu, it has already become bustling; the entire Chu Fu is festooned with lanterns and ribbons.

The Kong Family's banquet is held every three years as a small feast and every seven years as a grand feast.

This year is not a grand feast, but because the circumstances differ, this family banquet draws everyone's attention.

Everyone knows that the Kong Family seeks to obtain the holy artifact.

But the world also knows that Gu Jin Nian is no soft target to be manipulated.

Therefore, regarding what will happen at the Kong Family banquet, they are full of anticipation.

During this period, Chu Fu sees a constant flow of carriages and people, bustling with activity.

Great Scholars, outstanding talents from all regions gather to attend the banquet, and merchants, one after another, travel tirelessly from thousands of li away.

They bring abundant gold, silver, and treasures as congratulatory gifts.

It can be said that for each Kong Family banquet, the gifts alone are priceless.

Within the Kong Family.

One by one, Kong Family scholars step out to greet friends; even before the banquet day, the Kong Family already feels lively.

Outside the main gate, a group of highly respected Great Scholars stands; after arriving at the Kong Family, they are received by designated attendants.

On the side gates, people of lower status come to present gifts: the left gate hosts merchants lined up like a long dragon, while the right gate sees scholars of some reputation from various regions, also bringing gifts.

The hierarchy division is extremely strict.

Inside the Kong Family.

In a secret chamber, several figures gather.

Among them, Kong Xin's figure is present.

"Elder Kong Xin, will Gu Jin Nian not attend this Kong Family banquet?"

A voice sounds up; dressed in a python robe, he is a prince, but not a Da Xia prince.

"No."

"Since he said so, he will certainly come."

Kong Xin appears utterly calm.

He then continues speaking.

"Everyone, with Gu Jin Nian's upcoming arrival, we hope you will lend your full support. Elder Wuyan has already agreed; once the Kong Family obtains the holy artifact, it will be recorded in the Ancient Chronicles for the benefit of those after you."

"To uplift the nation's fortune and pray for favorable winds and rain."

Kong Xin speaks, saying this to the crowd.

Upon hearing this, the crowd instantly feels joy and repeatedly says.

"Elder Wuyan, please rest assured; we have come today to subdue Gu Jin Nian."

"Indeed, Gu Jin Nian's deeds are outrageous; we cannot stand by."

"If he attends the banquet, we will certainly not be satisfied with a peaceful end."

Everyone speaks up; hearing that they can have their names recorded in the Ancient Chronicles, they become excited.

This is indeed a great thing; leaving a name in the Ancient Chronicles can uplift the nation's fortune. As for them, attacking Gu Jin Nian is trivial—whether he is right or wrong, if it concerns their interests, it is deemed wrong.

"Then thank you all."

Kong Xin gives a faint smile.

The matter of the holy artifact outweighs everything; although the methods are somewhat dirty, this is reality.

After all, it is a holy artifact, not an ordinary trifle.

Thus, in the blink of an eye, three more days pass.

There are seven days left until the Kong Family banquet.

Zhang Fu.

On the official road.

Gu Jin Nian walks on foot.

More than twenty days of travel have shown Gu Jin Nian many things.

Compared with the capital's splendor, the farther the place, the greater the wealth gap; in one prefecture, several noble families and power brokers occupy ninety percent of the wealth, while the lower-class peasants are extremely poor, and the upper-class rich are like leeches clinging tightly to the people.

This trial, whether one attains enlightenment or not is no longer the main concern.

Seeing the people's suffering, Gu Jin Nian increasingly understands what he must do.

On the official road, common folk walk on both sides, dragging children and wives, dressed thinly, with patches increasing on their clothes.

These days, he has also witnessed far too many right and wrongs.

There are unfilial sons, schemes for wealth that harm lives, officials protecting each other, oppression of the people, even colleagues poisoning each other for a task; all of it stems from poverty.

Also because of jealousy in people's hearts.

Walking on the road.

The yellow sand rolls.

Gu Jin Nian gazes at it all.

The next day.

Gu Jin Nian steps out of Zhang Fu's area and formally enters Chu Fu's territory.

Entering Chu Fu.

An indescribable feeling washes over him; looking up toward the southeast, violet qi soars—though hundreds of li away, one can still see that extraordinary violet qi.

That is the Kong Family's Main Residence.

The land of the sage.

This area is also where the Confucian Sage proved the Dao.

Stepping onto the roads of Chu Fu, Gu Jin Nian could not help but take a deep breath, his expression unchanged, he pressed on.

After entering Chu Fu, the number of people coming and going increased.

Carriage after carriage rushed toward Chu Fu, each carriage laden with precious goods.

Large boxes piled up like mountains; without guessing, one could tell they were either gold or silver.

At a glance, at least hundreds of convoys were heading to Chu Fu, especially those carriages tied with red ropes.

They are likely all attending the Kong family banquet.

Had it not been for these twenty-plus days of traveling ten thousand li, Gu Jin Nian would not have felt anything; but now, seeing that even Zhang Fu's folk go hungry while the Kong family banquet draws crowds bearing gifts, it's striking.

What a sage clan!

Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but feel a chill in his heart.

He didn't think the Kong family was wrong; a family seeking development is understandable and acceptable to him.

Yet while presenting a dignified facade and claiming to be the descendants of the world's sages, they amass wealth extravagantly—even a single banquet yields such riches, yet they do not use it to benefit the people; truly laughable.

As he pressed on, Gu Jin Nian heard many sounds.

The entire Chu Fu could actually be renamed Kong Fu; the reason is simple: within Chu Fu's borders, one-third of the fertile land belongs directly to the Kong family, and another third is mortgaged to the Kong family by the people.

The remaining third of the fertile land belongs to other scholars and some officials.

Put another way, Chu Fu's annual tax revenue is virtually zero.

This is no different from being a fiefdom.

No, at least a lord of a different surname must still surrender part of the grain tax each year, but Chu Fu need not.

Moreover, no one comes to inspect, for nobody dares to offend the Kong family.

Furthermore, this is merely one of the Kong family's holdings; across the Divine Continent, they have many branch residences.

The next day.

Gu Jin Nian had already arrived twenty li outside Chu Fu.

Standing on a hilltop, one can see the walls of Chu Fu.

However, Gu Jin Nian did not continue forward; instead, outside Chu Fu, he calmly contemplated the Dao.

Gu Jin Nian reconsidered everything he had seen and heard along the way.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye, six days passed.

These six days.

Gu Jin Nian pondered the sage's Way among the mountains and forests.

The people's suffering—its root lies with the dynasty and with the scholars.

He understood a certain truth.

But he did not yet fully comprehend it.

Just as the Kong family banquet was about to begin, Gu Jin Nian awoke from his contemplation and headed straight for the Kong residence.

Twenty li.

Gu Jin Nian walked for a two-hour period.

When he arrived outside Chu Fu's walls.

Someone had already taken notice of him.

Outside Chu Fu, crowds already thronged; moreover, many scholars from various places had gathered, knowing they could not attend the Kong family banquet but willing to come to Chu Fu just to witness the spectacle.

But as soon as Gu Jin Nian appeared, he instantly attracted much attention.

"May I ask, sir, are you the heir apparent?"

A scholar stepped forward, gazed at Gu Jin Nian, and bowed respectfully.

"Yes."

Seeing someone step forward, Gu Jin Nian nodded and did not deny it.

Upon receiving the answer, the crowd exclaimed in surprise.

"I have paid my respects, Your Highness; I am a person from Lu Dong, I have long admired your reputation, and today upon seeing you, it is indeed well-deserved."

The visitor bowed respectfully, his eyes showing excitement.

He was not the only one.

As the news spread, one figure after another appeared, bowing deeply to Gu Jin Nian.

Regardless, Gu Jin Nian's reputation is also top-notch within the Da Xia Dynasty.

Redressing the people's grievances—this is something countless scholars aspire to.

Naturally, they hold Gu Jin Nian in great respect.

Of course, some scholars, upon hearing of Gu Jin Nian's arrival, merely watched from afar and did not approach.

Praise and blame are mixed—this is the best description.

"Please, don't stand on ceremony."

Facing these scholars, Gu Jin Nian returned the courtesy; at that moment, hundreds emerged from the city gate, wearing Confucian robes, their leader being none other than a Kong family scholar.

"We have paid our respects, Your Highness."

"Your Highness has come from afar, bringing glory to our humble Kong residence."

The Kong family scholars appeared, their leader an elderly Confucian who bowed respectfully to Gu Jin Nian.

Upon seeing the Kong family members.

Gu Jin Nian didn't say much, just nodded, and immediately the elderly scholar of the Kong family led the way ahead.

Escorting Gu Jin Nian into the city.

Along the way, many gazes fell upon Gu Jin Nian—some admiring, some surprised—but a large part carried a hint of coldness or disdain.

Over the past month, although the voices of criticism have diminished considerably.

But there are still some.

They have merely been suppressed; now seeing Gu Jin Nian, they naturally have no pleasant expression.

Facing these, Gu Jin Nian appeared extremely calm.

Entering Chu Fu, following the person ahead, they arrived at the lodging, and at the same time informed Gu Jin Nian that the Kong family banquet would be tomorrow.

Meanwhile, tonight the Royal Prince of Yu is holding a banquet at the new tower.

Inviting Gu Jin Nian to attend together.

The Royal Prince of Yu.

He is the ninth son of the Taizu, has a good relationship with the Yongsheng Emperor, and his fiefdom is the Yuzhang region.

Upon hearing the invitation, Gu Jin Nian also nodded and agreed.

Having come, he fears nothing.

The lodging arranged by the Kong family is not bad either; it is a residence that can be considered grand.

After settling in, Gu Jin Nian was about to rest for a while.

Then a servant hurried over, informing Gu Jin Nian that a guest had arrived.

However, this guest is not a member of the Kong family, but rather some talented individuals from various places who wish to visit Gu Jin Nian.

This made Gu Jin Nian somewhat curious.