Chapter 125: Prince Yu's Grand Feast, Eccentric Yin‑Yang, A Single Kick, The Path of the Inner Sage and Outer King

Chu Fu.

Inside the Kong family branch residence.

When he heard that someone was coming to visit him, Gu Jin Nian felt a bit curious.

After a moment's thought, Gu Jin Nian still agreed.

A short while later.

About ten people walked into the residence.

These people were handsome, each with a refined and graceful appearance, and there were three women, all elegant and striking, their looks outstanding, and even their clothing was quite elegant.

"We are students of the Huainan Academy; we have seen the Crown Prince."

The group came before Gu Jin Nian and gave him a deep bow.

Huainan Academy?

Gu Jin Nian nodded; he knew this academy, one of the eight great academies of Da Xia, the most prestigious.

This Huainan Academy also venerates the Fourth Saint.

He just didn't know why they came to see him.

"Gu, I have seen you all."

"I wonder what important business you all have in seeking Gu."

Gu Jin Nian also clasped his hands and bowed.

At this moment, the group looked at Gu Jin Nian, their eyes full of admiration, clearly genuine.

"I am Xu Dongmu, a native of Huainan, disciple of Mr. Li Xue."

"We have long admired your great name; today we dare to disturb you only to see the Crown Prince and also to hear some of his teachings."

Xu Dongmu spoke, stating his background.

"Li Xue? Mr. Wenjing once mentioned Mr. Li Xue; he is his close friend."

Gu Jin Nian was initially curious, but after a moment of thought, he understood who Li Xue was.

"In reply, Crown Prince, my teacher indeed is a close friend of Mr. Wenjing."

"Therefore, this visit is simply to pay respects to the Crown Prince."

The other party smiled and spoke.

Receiving this answer, Gu Jin Nian's smile grew broader.

"I see."

"Please, everyone."

Knowing their true purpose, Gu Jin Nian naturally felt pleased and invited the group inside.

At first he thought they might be troublemakers, but he hadn't expected them to be a group of adoring fans.

After inviting them into the hall, Gu Jin Nian was very courteous, having a servant pour tea for them.

The guests were also a bit flattered and, one by one, introduced themselves.

There were twelve in total, all students of the Huainan Academy, most from scholarly families, with a few from noble lineages.

In short, they were either rich or noble.

"Crown Prince, we have long admired your great name; seeing you today still excites us greatly."

Xu Dongmu spoke, and the others also nodded.

"You flatter us."

"It's just an empty title."

Gu Jin Nian gave a slight smile; it was rare.

"Crown Prince, your words are truly flattering; now the entire Da Xia Dynasty, no, the whole world, who does not know Gu Jin Nian?"

"Indeed, Crown Prince, the Jiang Ning County flood, you defended the common folk; a single phrase lifts the people's suffering, a single phrase condemns the people's suffering, making us tearful; reading this, we feel deep remorse; you are a model for contemporary scholars."

"If in another year I were the Qing Emperor, returning a blossoming peach flower, it would touch our hearts even more; honestly, none of us students of the Huainan Academy fails to revere the Crown Prince."

Each of us spoke one sentence after another, heartfelt and sincere praise for Gu Jin Nian.

Just at this point, Xu Dongmu couldn't help but clench his fist and said coldly.

"Now, Crown Prince, you have obtained a holy artifact, yet some petty people covet it; truly hateful. These days, the Da Xia Dynasty has been filled with criticism; I, Xu, cannot do anything for you, Crown Prince, please forgive me."

Xu Dongmu steered the conversation to this matter.

It provoked the group to voice their grievances.

"Indeed, Crown Prince, you may not know, Brother Xu has written many articles lately attacking those petty people, thereby offending many."

"Alas, these people are essentially jealous of the Crown Prince; we are still merely students, without official posts or achievements, otherwise we would not stay silent."

They discussed, mentioning recent events, each becoming extremely angry.

"Such matters are nothing special."

"Just a war of words."

Gu Jin Nian waved his hand, not caring at all.

"Crown Prince, you have a broad mind."

"Alas, Crown Prince truly is the foremost figure of contemporary literature; such a mind is worthy of our learning."

The group continued to praise.

Putting other things aside, regarding such praise, Gu Jin Nian didn't outwardly feel anything, but his heart was quite pleased.

Moreover, these people were especially pleasing to look at; after all, no one can resist someone who admires you.

"Kindly, a few of you may step back first; we still have some refined matters to discuss."

At that moment, Xu Dongmu spoke, looking at several maids in the hall, and said.

Upon saying this, the maidens glanced at each other, then after thinking they retreated, not daring to disturb everyone's interest.

After the people left.

Xu Dongmu then spoke.

His expression turned somewhat stern.

Crown Prince, you have come to the wrong Kong family banquet.

His first words were especially solemn and serious.

Oh? What do you mean?

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian took a sip of tea and asked curiously.

This Chu Fu is the Kong family's territory; during this time we have been outside participating in the Crown Prince's affairs, and we discovered that someone secretly was clearly speaking nonsense, deliberately causing you trouble.

Crown Prince, please look.

After Xu Dongmu finished speaking, he glanced at the man beside him, and several people immediately took out scrolls from their sleeves.

Then they unfurled them before Gu Jin Nian.

Crown Prince, this is a register of names; since you rose to prominence, we have taken you as our model and wished to learn from you. Upon learning that you have been slandered, we have mobilized like-minded friends to specially gather and list these things.

Please, Crown Prince, take a look.

Xu Dongmu spoke, but did not make his meaning clear.

Gu Jin Nian turned his gaze to the scroll; its contents quickly appeared, recording the various academies above and the individuals below, with their affiliations noted.

The affiliations are those who have insulted him and those who have not; there are many, each scroll represents a commandery, and altogether they produced thirteen scrolls, representing thirteen commanderies.

Hiss.

Gu Jin Nian's heart jolted.

He never expected that Xu Dongmu would actually be an intelligence prodigy.

Those who have offended him have all been registered; although Gu Jin Nian will not act on this information to trouble each person individually, the intelligence is very useful—for instance, showing who has helped him, who has not, and who has not helped him but even stepped on him.

Knowing this, future endeavors can be weighed accordingly.

Besides, I am no saint; if someone has helped me, I treat them courteously; if not, I treat them normally—whatever the case. If I encounter someone who helps only for profit or simply dislikes me,

then I can simply ignore them.

Xu Dongmu is quite good.

Are these all your doing?

Gu Jin Nian looked at the crowd and asked thus.

Replying to the Crown Prince, this is the work of all the students of Huainan Academy; we merely hope the Crown Prince can keep away from petty people.

Xu Dongmu answered thus.

Hearing this answer, Gu Jin Nian rose involuntarily and bowed to the crowd.

I cannot imagine that I, Gu, actually have such honor; here I thank you all.

Gu Jin Nian indeed felt somewhat moved and relieved; frankly, he had thought that this world contained only villains.

Although he knew many attacked him for profit and due to factional disputes,

facing endless criticism, Gu Jin Nian also felt uneasy inside.

But today, all was released.

Crown Prince, you overpraise.

Crown Prince, it is mainly Brother Xu who speaks out for justice; we merely follow his lead.

The crowd also rose and bowed to Gu Jin Nian.

Crown Prince, our conduct has three main points: first, we respect you as a person who, though of noble birth, stands with the common folk to redress grievances; this is why we respect you.

Second, your words and deeds are reasoned and evident, clearly distinguishing good from evil, making you a model for contemporary scholars.

Third, we also have some private motives: we wish to follow you, fearing you might reject us.

Seeing this, Xu Dongmu also voiced the crowd's feelings directly.

They are outstanding talents from various places; speaking frankly, they usually disdain this and that, but Gu Jin Nian's conduct has earned their deep respect and affection.

Gradually they came to want to know him, and as Gu Jin Nian's later deeds unfolded, they respected him ever more.

They no longer merely wished to meet him, but to follow him, to follow Gu Jin Nian.

Now, seeing Gu Jin Nian under attack, they naturally stepped forward at once to seek justice for him, and secretly recorded the remarks of certain people.

They certainly cannot record the words of all under heaven, but among the scholarly circle it is much easier.

Upon hearing the crowd's words.

Gu Jin Nian had actually guessed some of this; now that Xu Dongmu raised it, Gu Jin Nian pondered briefly and then spoke.

Gentlemen, I have established a Kirin Pavilion in the Capital, founded on the principle of mutual support.

Since you have honored me thus, I will stand on ceremony no less; after the Kong family banquet ends, I will arrange for someone to go to Huainan Academy to meet you.

Brother Xu, if you do not disdain it, you shall serve as chief of the Huainan branch of the Kirin Pavilion; thereafter we will jointly support the realm and bring blessings to all under heaven—how does that sound?

Xu Dongmu is a talent; his intelligence-gathering ability alone is impressive, and his decision to follow me surely stems from regard for my status.

However, that is irrelevant; not seeking profit, it is actually a good thing.

Indeed, upon hearing this, Xu Dongmu rejoiced greatly and bowed deeply to Gu Jin Nian.

Thank you, Crown Prince.

He bowed deeply to Gu Jin Nian, and the others were also overjoyed.

They are scholars of the Huainan region, from scholarly families, with some aristocratic clans added, but their numbers remain small.

If they now attach themselves to Gu Jin Nian's line, henceforth they will be unstoppable.

This is the advantage of power and status bolstered by reputation; if they were merely people with power, they might not act thus, otherwise they would be ridiculed for bowing to wealth and power.

But serving Gu Jin Nian is different; Gu Jin Nian enjoys extremely high prestige, although he is now deeply mired in controversy, this is controversial, but it's not that Gu Jin Nian did something deserving death.

Having controversy is not a problem; what's feared is having no controversy.

After putting away the scroll, Gu Jin Nian plans to take it back and have someone secretly investigate a bit; random spot-checks will suffice.

It's not anything else; after all, involving such matters, we still need to investigate seriously, in case Xu Dongmu and others write nonsense, causing me to form bad subjective impressions—that would be terrible.

However, Gu Jin Nian also picked up a scroll to look at, glancing at the names on it.

Some familiar names appeared.

Yan Gong, Meng Xueshi, and others—some spoke well, some remained silent, but most were directed at himself.

After glancing at it roughly, Gu Jin Nian said nothing.

At this moment.

A voice sounded from outside.

"His Highness the Heir Apparent."

"The Royal Prince of Yu has sent someone to pay a visit."

With the maid's voice sounding, Gu Jin Nian rose to his feet, telling everyone to first settle down and not panic.

After walking out the door.

Soon, several figures walked over, the leader being a middle-aged man, the steward of the Royal Prince of Yu.

"I have seen His Highness the Heir Apparent."

The steward of the Royal Prince of Yu opened his mouth, bowed to Gu Jin Nian, with a beaming smile.

"You're welcome."

Gu Jin Nian clasped his hands in salute, whereupon the steward immediately produced an invitation and said.

"His Highness the Heir Apparent, the Royal Prince of Yu learned of your arrival and specially had his subordinate send this invitation to hold a banquet at the new hall of his mansion, and respectfully requests your presence."

He spoke, produced the invitation, and informed Gu Jin Nian of this matter.

"Good."

Gu Jin Nian accepted the invitation; although he didn't know which faction the Royal Prince of Yu belonged to, he could not slight the courtesy.

"Today at noon, we await Your Highness the Heir Apparent."

The other party spoke with a smile.

The banquet day begins at noon and ends at the hour of hai in the evening.

Now it is the hour of si.

In about an hour, we will arrive at the banquet site.

"You're welcome."

Gu Jin Nian smiled, then after seeing the other party off, he went back inside.

After returning to the room, Gu Jin Nian placed the invitation on the table.

"Sure enough, it's the Royal Prince of Yu's invitation."

Someone spoke, as if they had guessed.

"Who is the Royal Prince of Yu?"

Gu Jin Nian looked at Xu Dongmu, who was a bit curious; regarding the Royal Prince of Yu, Gu Jin Nian only knew he was the ninth son of the Founding Emperor, other details unclear.

"Replying to His Highness the Heir Apparent, the Royal Prince of Yu is indeed the ninth son of the Founding Emperor; reckoning that way, you should still call him uncle."

"The Royal Prince of Yu is mild-mannered, and I've heard he honors the virtuous and humble, greatly respects scholars, has a decent relationship with the Kong family, but it's not especially close."

"In this controversy, the Royal Prince of Yu has not come forward to speak."

Xu Dongmu spoke, informing Gu Jin Nian about the Royal Prince of Yu.

Having received this answer, Gu Jin Nian nodded.

Even at the level of a prince, one cannot casually pick sides; even if relations are good, one cannot act recklessly.

After learning the Royal Prince of Yu's character, Gu Jin Nian also nodded inwardly; he doesn't fear this wait-and-see attitude, but fears those who have already chosen a side.

"Alright, then let's all go together later."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, inviting everyone to go together.

"Ah? The Royal Prince of Yu didn't invite us."

"Yes, Your Highness the Heir Apparent, our status hasn't reached that level yet."

Everyone spoke, feeling a bit embarrassed.

"I'll take you there; no invitation needed."

"You all count as Gu Jin Nian's good friends; not to mention the Royal Prince of Yu's banquet, even tomorrow's Kong family feast, you may all follow me."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He appeared very calm, but these words were full of domineering aura.

Indeed.

Given his current status and position, let alone the Royal Prince of Yu's banquet, even if it were the Kong family feast, once he invites, it's an invitation.

Who could say anything? Upon saying this, everyone immediately showed delight.

Their purpose in coming this time was to find Gu Jin Nian, and then to take a look at this banquet, of course just from the outside.

Now Gu Jin Nian directly lets them attend this banquet, naturally making them overjoyed.

After all, this is also a source of bragging rights.

"We thank Your Highness the Heir Apparent."

At this moment, they feel great in their hearts, having a sense of relying on a powerful backer.

And Gu Jin Nian also chatted casually with everyone for a while.

About half a shichen later.

The group set off for the Royal Prince of Yu's new hall.

At the same time.

Inside the Kong household.

"This article is fine; at today's feast it can truly shine."

Kong Ping looked at the article before him, full of joy and admiration.

Kong Yu, standing before him, also smiled, but soon wore a bitter expression and said,

"Uncle, you say Gu Jin Nian is also coming to attend; could he write an article on the spot and outshine his nephew?"

Facing his own uncle, Kong Yu did not conceal anything and voiced his thoughts directly.

"Rest assured, this time the new hall requires a prose piece, not a poem; even Gu Jin Nian, however talented, needs time to compose."

"The banquet cannot give him much time."

"What you should worry about now is not just him, but many others; the Royal Prince of Yu's son‑in‑law is likely prepared, and the various eminent figures have already learned the news."

"However, I think this article of yours is excellent, a masterpiece worth a thousand gold per word."

"But in some places, Uncle, help polish it so that when the piece is presented, it may have some flair; then the Royal Prince of Yu will look upon you with new respect."

Kong Ping spoke, acknowledging Gu Jin Nian's talent, though only acknowledging.

Poetry and prose—there's nothing to say about Gu Jin Nian's skill.

But to produce an article in such a short span, he doubted Gu Jin Nian possessed that ability; at least some time would be needed. Moreover, at this banquet, there would be people trying to disrupt Gu Jin Nian, making it difficult to compose poetry.

"Very well."

"Thank you, Uncle."

Kong Yu smiled; this article was indeed the result of his long contemplation, and he was confident that it would again prove himself.

Thus, after Kong Ping finished polishing the piece, the group set off for the interior of the Royal Prince of Yu's new hall.

In fact, the construction of the Royal Prince of Yu's new hall was already common knowledge, and many eminent figures had indeed made preparations.

After all, if one could compose a poem and earn a good reputation, gaining the Royal Prince of Yu's favor, that would indeed be a good thing.

At this moment.

The Royal Prince of Yu's new hall.

It was already filled with guests; the massive building rose seven stories high, appearing at least forty to fifty zhang in height, looking grand and imposing.

This is the Royal Prince of Yu's newly constructed hall, exceedingly magnificent.

Below the famed hall, many people gathered.

Gu Jin Nian arrived with a dozen or so companions; servants from the Royal Prince of Yu's manor, seeing them from afar, immediately went forward to greet them.

"We have seen His Highness the Crown Prince."

The servant approached and bowed to Gu Jin Nian.

Gu Jin Nian said little, handing the invitation to the other party, who took it, nodded, and then looked toward the people behind Gu Jin Nian and said,

"His Highness the Crown Prince, this invitation only lists you, yet you have these friends."

He stopped there, not continuing further.

The gist was simple: those allowed inside were all high officials and nobles; the people behind Gu Jin Nian were not yet qualified.

"Then inform the Royal Prince of Yu that these are my friends."

Gu Jin Nian said lightly.

If his own people were not allowed in, Gu Jin Nian would not wish to attend the banquet.

Upon hearing this, the other party nodded; just as they were about to report, the Royal Prince of Yu's steward arrived and said, "Step aside."

The steward approached and scolded the servant sharply; he had been attending to other distinguished guests, but upon seeing Gu Jin Nian arrive, he set aside his tasks and hurried over.

Hearing their conversation, the steward's anger rose.

The person before him was the grandson of the Duke of Zhen Guo, a future marquis, a prodigy of Confucianism and Daoism; the Royal Prince of Yu had specially invited Gu Jin Nian, so why object to bringing a few companions? Even if he brought a dozen or twenty more, would there still be no seat? "Please forgive, His Highness the Crown Prince; this person is ignorant and has disturbed you."

The steward spoke, then led Gu Jin Nian forward.

Xu Dongmu and his companions secretly exhaled, also marveling at Gu Jin Nian's impressive stature.

Soon, the party entered the Royal Prince of Yu's new hall.

Guests came and went; upon entering the main hall, it was resplendent with gold and jade, displaying jade and stone antiques, and some precious paintings and calligraphy set into the walls.

Xu Dongmu and his companions were dazzled, unable not to exclaim at the extravagance.

Thus, following the steward upward, they reached the seventh floor.

This banquet began on the third floor; the higher one's rank, the more prestigious the location.

Arriving at the seventh floor.

At the banquet, rows of jade tables were set, yet the Royal Prince of Yu had not arrived for the main feast.

Gu Jin Nian was placed third from the left, while Xu Dongmu and his companions sat toward the back.

Just as they sat down,

an elderly man beside them couldn't help but look at Gu Jin Nian.

"Young friend, are you His Highness the Crown Prince?"

The elder, dressed in blue, gazed at Gu Jin Nian curiously and asked.

"Indeed, may I ask who you are, elder?"

Gu Jin Nian nodded and inquired about the other's identity.

"Hahaha, as expected, His Highness the Crown Prince, I am Yan Zhou, pleased to meet you."

Yan Zhou spoke, and upon confirming it was indeed Gu Jin Nian, gave a slight bow.

"So it's Yan Gong; I, a junior, will be courteous."

Gu Jin Nian also rose and returned a salute.

This Yan Zhou is a contemporary Great Scholar, extremely renowned, called Yan Gong, and in the roster recorded by Xu Dongmu, Yan Gong has spoken on his behalf.

Naturally, Gu Jin Nian felt some respect.

"Your words are weighty, Your Highness the Crown Prince; I have heard of you, and I hold deep admiration for Your Highness."

"The deeds of the Crown Prince make us feel deeply ashamed, and we are embarrassed beyond words; we never expected to meet Your Highness the Crown Prince here, and I am deeply honored."

Yan Gong opened his mouth, full of respect.

The older generation of scholars indeed still possess some depth and cultivation.

Gu Jin Nian also immediately spoke, slowly offering thanks.

"It is Your Highness the Crown Prince, I have long admired you."

Soon, several people around rose; they all held goodwill toward Gu Jin Nian, especially an elder whose age was similar to Yan Gong's, who lifted his wine cup and approached Gu Jin Nian to toast him.

His mouth was full of praise, sincere from the heart.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince is a model for the new generation of scholars, a man of the people, a gentleman; Meng both admires and revere you."

He is Grand Scholar Meng, who earlier served as Left Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Rites; later, as he grew older, he intended to retire, so he lives at home in old age, still a person of great reputation.

Many people came over to toast and praise.

This made Gu Jin Nian smile wryly.

But at that moment, some cold snorts rose unintentionally.

"Truly unlucky, I didn't expect that at this feast they would invite a hypocrite."

The voice came from a young man sitting in the back row opposite; his voice was soft, yet it broke the merriment of the feast.

In an instant, many eyes turned toward him.

Hearing that voice, Gu Jin Nian seemed calm; he had already prepared for this visit.

As for saying that at such a grand feast, no one would be so foolish as to directly curse.

That is purely speculative.

Don't think of people too highly, nor think of them too complicatedly.

Basically everyone is the same; aside from a few exceptions, most people are merely distinguished by good or bad conduct.

At the Royal Prince of Yu's feast, such criticism of oneself may seem to provoke dislike, but in reality?

In fact, some people dissatisfied with Gu Jin Nian would appreciate him; for example, the Kong family—its members think this youngster stands up for justice, though his words are a bit rash, but the point is he's right; it's just a matter of method.

He can be trained a bit.

If the Kong family later appreciates him, can he gain benefits?

Even if the Kong family doesn't appreciate him, and this person insults him a couple of times, can Gu Jin Nian strike him? If he does, Gu Jin Nian loses his status.

If he doesn't strike, the other will brag everywhere; what kind of person is Gu Jin Nian? I directly cursed him at the Royal Prince of Yu's feast, and he wouldn't dare utter a word.

People gain fame because there will always be those who look down on Gu Jin Nian, and also those who are fed up with him.

Is Emperor Yong Sheng formidable? The Da Xia emperor—are there few who dare criticize Emperor Yong Sheng?

The answer: many.

The Crown Prince is merciful, right? Yet there are still people who attack him.

Prince Qin's war achievements are illustrious, right? In fact, each Minister of Rites thinks he is naturally fierce and unsuitable to be emperor.

The saint is powerful, right? Yet there are still those who have criticized the saint.

To be extreme, even the heavens are criticized; what can you say? So this behavior seems foolish, impossible, yet it inevitably occurs in reality.

It's like someone once asked why war eras always produce extremely famous great generals; in fact, many more outstanding generals die accidentally from stray arrows, dying young, never getting the chance to make a name.

Is Chang Yuchun impressive? The founding state's first great general, because he fought a battle, then removed his armor to cool off, and ended up dead.

That's the principle.

However, before Gu Jin Nian could speak, a voice rang out immediately.

"I didn't see the hypocrite himself, but I've seen many sour scholars; what do you all think?"

It was Xu Dongmu's voice.

He responded at once.

"Indeed, it's not just one sour scholar, but several."

"A sour smell; those who don't know might think someone knocked over a vinegar jar."

"Now it seems, Your Highness the Crown Prince redefines the Confucian‑Taoist realm, doing it superbly; he condenses virtue into Qi, and nowadays there are too many scholars lacking virtue."

Several voices rang out at once.

It was Xu Dongmu and others.

That's the benefit of bringing them here; such verbal disputes need not be handled personally.

Sure enough, as soon as Xu Dongmu and the others finished speaking, those people's faces turned sour instantly.

They hoped to provoke Gu Jin Nian, to draw him into a quarrel with them; if Gu Jin Nian started arguing with them.

Even if he can't out‑curse them, he could utter a few harsh words and then walk away, abandoning the feast but gaining great notoriety.

They didn't expect Xu Dongmu and the others to speak up, which made them both uncomfortable and very displeased.

"Alas, wasn't this Royal Prince of Yu's feast supposed to invite only people of reputation? Why invite some scholars?"

"Students of Huainan Academy? You have no achievements or titles; how could you receive such an invitation? Is this place even suitable for you?"

"These words cannot be spoken; they are backed by powerful figures, so they act so brazenly."

"It's downright noisy, chattering incessantly; this doesn't resemble a feast at all, it looks just like a market."

"Don't say any more; just say that the big figures should step in and criticize you."

In an instant, the sound rang again.

The feast hasn't started yet.

These people have already begun to act.

They really are a bit impatient.

Xu Dongmu and the others' faces darkened; just as they were about to speak, Gu Jin Nian extended his hand, stopping them from saying anything further.

He said nothing, but bowed to the Great Scholars on his left and right.

Then he walked over slowly.

Arriving before these people.

"Yo, isn't this the Crown Prince?"

"Why did the Crown Prince come over? Could it be that those words offended the Crown Prince?"

A few of them still didn't realize the seriousness of the issue, continuing to be snide.

Boom.

In the next instant, Gu Jin Nian lifted his foot and kicked the leading snide person away, toppling seven or eight tables, drawing everyone's attention.

No one expected Gu Jin Nian to be so domineering and direct—he went straight for a kick without a word.

Bang bang bang.

Soon, before anyone could react, each of those who had taken part in the sarcasm received a solid kick, trembling in pain.

Gu Jin Nian showed no mercy; a single kick broke several of their ribs, throwing the scene into chaos.

"Gu Jin Nian, what are you doing?"

"This is the Royal Prince of Yu's feast; what are you trying to do?"

"How dare you strike anyone?"

At that moment, seven or eight people of reputation and status rose, standing up to condemn Gu Jin Nian's coarse behavior.

Yan Gong and Scholar Meng immediately came forward and restrained Gu Jin Nian.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, this must not be done."

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, these people are like this; after all, this is the Royal Prince of Yu's feast, we must still give him some face."

A few spoke up, trying to persuade Gu Jin Nian.

"You two need not plead with them."

Gu Jin Nian's expression softened as he said, then he stared at the group with a cold look.

"The Royal Prince of Yu's feast invited this Crown Prince; you all chatter and snide here, disturbing my interest."

"Servants, drag them down for me, and also investigate who let them in and what their family status is."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

If a dog bites itself, Gu Jin Nian certainly wouldn't bite back, but would definitely strike back.

At this moment, Xu Dongmu stepped forward, examined these people carefully, then whispered into Gu Jin Nian's ear.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, the leader here has some connection with Kong Yu; his father is the Governor of Chen Zhou Prefecture, and these people include members of the Liu family of Mingzhou and the Li family of Chuan Prefecture."

Xu Dongmu identified them and informed Gu Jin Nian of their identities.

"Governor of Chen Zhou Prefecture?"

"Xu brother, draft a memorial for me: the Governor of Chen Zhou Prefecture governs poorly, his son is a dandy and naturally overbearing; the son is uneducated, which is the father's fault. The commanding officer suspects the father is wildly corrupt. Send the memorial to the Da Xia Ministry of Personnel and Ministry of Justice, so that officials there can thoroughly investigate whether this Governor of Chen Zhou Prefecture is clean."

"If any wrongdoing is discovered, commence investigation immediately."

"Write another memorial, have the Ministry of Rites check whether these noble families have ever committed crimes such as wanton killing or seizing commoners' land, inform the Ministry of Justice, investigate to the end, allow the populace to report; if none, let it be, but if even one crime is found, prosecute strictly."

"This is the Crown Prince's commanding officer seal; please, Xu brother."

Gu Jin Nian was also straightforward; as long as he knew their background, he didn't care about the details.

He wrote the memorial directly.

Who is he? The Da Xia Inspector General, possessing authority that reaches the heavens; he is an official of the fourth rank.

Although this Inspector General position was a special post created by the emperor, previously nonexistent, the emperor endowed it with power, so it is indeed power.

Gu Jin Nian didn't argue with them; he let the court officials handle the investigation.

He didn't believe a prefectural governor could be truly as incorruptible as a saint; and these noble families—aren't their specialty to oppress the common folk? As long as reports are allowed, there's no fear of finding nothing.

One could say, if the Ministries of Personnel, Justice, and Rites truly investigate them, nothing could remain undiscovered.

That means the fathers of these men are doomed.

Sure enough.

When those words were spoken, many were startled; they had truly overlooked Gu Jin Nian's status.

Da Xia Inspector General.

After all, this is a new position, and in everyone's eyes Gu Jin Nian is just a privileged scholar; who could have guessed he also wielded such power.

The people kicked onto the ground turned pale, one after another.

They regretted it.

They regretted it instantly.

They had originally planned to mock Gu Jin Nian, both to gain attention and boost their fame, but overlooked a fatal point.

That point was that Gu Jin Nian could crush them as easily as crushing an ant.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, forgive me, forgive me."

At that moment, the Royal Prince of Yu's steward, hearing the incident, rushed over, repeatedly apologizing to Gu Jin Nian, and ordered the servants to escort those people away and tidy up.

"Drag them down, don't help them down."

Gu Jin Nian spoke coolly, exuding dominance.

At that moment, the Royal Prince of Yu's steward gave the servants a look, and they obediently led the group away.

"Truly, such great majesty!"

Seeing Gu Jin Nian like that, someone still objected—a senior Great Scholar—but he said nothing, only gave a cold snort.

"If you can't stand it, get lost."

Gu Jin Nian replied firmly; he does not tolerate being indulged.

Why are scholars everywhere criticizing me? In fact, it's just a little thing.

I had been too lenient before.

I always felt that having one more trouble is worse than having fewer, and because of my temperament, I don't want to fight over anything.

But during this period of enlightenment, Gu Jin Nian realized.

If I keep walking strictly in the saint's direction, I will inevitably err.

I must have a set of thoughts suited to me to aid myself.

And this idea was born a few days ago.

Inner sage, outer king.

A righteous spirit resides in the heart.

One acts with method.

Simply put, I don't indulge. If you are courteous to me, I am courteous to you; if you are not courteous, don't blame me for being uncourteous.

"You."

The latter glared angrily, intending to give Gu Jin Nian a couple of lessons.

A voice also sounded at that moment.

"The Royal Prince of Yu has arrived."

As the voice rang out, the latter frowned slightly, then fell silent.

And Gu Jin Nian returned to his seat.

But it must be said that Gu Jin Nian's actions indeed offended some people; after all, in their view, scholars should cultivate themselves, perhaps scold a few words, but there is no need to resort to violence.

It's human subconsciousness; after all, if the knife isn't in one's own body, who would feel pain?

Soon.

The sound of music began.

A figure stepped out from behind.

It was a middle‑aged man, broad‑shouldered, wearing a crown and a python robe, accompanied by several officials.

The Royal Prince of Yu arrived; everyone rose and paid their respects to him.

"We wish to have an audience with the Royal Prince of Yu."

The crowd spoke, all shouting together.

"Your journey of thousands of miles is an honor for me, truly a courtesy."

Stepping before the crowd, the Royal Prince of Yu laughed heartily, looking very pleased, but his peripheral glance swept to the relatively chaotic right side.

It was the spot where Gu Jin Nian had just caused a commotion.

He said nothing, but at once turned his gaze toward Gu Jin Nian.

"Jin Nian, my nephew."

"It's been ten years since we last met."

The Royal Prince of Yu spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian with a smile all over his face.

He is the half‑brother of the Great Emperor Yongsheng, and can be considered Gu Jin Nian's uncle.

"Nephew sees his uncle."

Gu Jin Nian replied.

His expression gentle, he smiled and said.

"Very well."

"Our Li family has produced a scholar‑cultivation prodigy like you; truly a great joy!"

"Even though I, your uncle, am far beyond the heavens, I can still hear of your deeds; very impressive, very impressive, you have brought great honor to our Li family."

The Royal Prince of Yu seemed to take a liking to Gu Jin Nian, offering lavish praise.

"Uncle's compliments are noted; the nephew merely writes a bit more than ordinary people."

Gu Jin Nian was indeed modest.

But there was also another meaning in his words.

The Royal Prince of Yu understood, but did not respond, instead having everyone sit down.

Just as they sat, another voice sounded.

"Great Scholar of the Kong family, Kong Ping, brings his holy grandson to the banquet."

As that voice rang out.

In an instant, many people stood up again to welcome.

Even the Royal Prince of Yu rose slightly, as a sign of respect.

This is the status of the Kong family.

It is also the face of the Kong family.

Clearly the Royal Prince of Yu is the host, yet the Kong family's display and prestige surpass his.

Only after the Royal Prince of Yu arrived did the Kong family members finally trickle in.

Not long after.

Kong Ping and Kong Yu arrived in the hall.

Yet Gu Jin Nian was very composed, sitting on the jade stool, appearing utterly calm.

They met again.

Kong Yu immediately cast a glance at Gu Jin Nian.

The two locked eyes.

Gu Jin Nian's gaze was calm, but Kong Yu's carried a hint of oddness.

He withdrew his gaze, took a deep breath, and followed behind Kong Ping, bowing slightly toward the Royal Prince of Yu.

"Great Scholar Kong Ping arrives, making the feast shine brilliantly; guests, be granted the host's seat."

The Royal Prince of Yu spoke, directly granting the seat.

The two said little, sitting directly on the main seat, fully displaying the Kong family's status.

Thus.

Accompanied by the Royal Prince of Yu's wave, music began, and a line of songstresses stepped forward.

The feast began.

(End of chapter)