Chapter 127: Ancient and modern records displayed; the premier parallel prose of the ages; a thousand years of radiant youth—who dare

May I ask?

Give the world five hundred years.

Can it surpass?

Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out.

At this moment, everyone fell silent.

【The noble bearing of Commander Yan Gong, halberds looming afar】

【From a thousand miles they come to greet, honored guests fill the seats; the soaring dragon and phoenix rise, the literary tradition of Scholar Meng】

【Layered peaks rise verdant, reaching the high heavens; flying pavilions flow cinnabar, overlooking the abyss】

【The setting sun's glow flies together with a lone duck; autumn waters share one hue with the vast sky】

Everyone marveled; this is parallel prose, its language splendid to the utmost, replete with classical allusions, and moreover it was composed extemporaneously.

They looked at Gu Jin Nian, and for a moment fell silent.

As for that music scholar, at this moment he was already dumbstruck.

Such talent, let alone five hundred years.

He felt that even if he were given a thousand years, he could not surpass it.

Inside the building.

Royal Prince Yu, Kong Ping, Scholar Meng, Yan Gong and the others were utterly astonished, though deep down they had some expectations.

They knew Gu Jin Nian's talent was extraordinarily outstanding.

But they never expected he would casually write a piece of parallel prose like that.

If it were a poem, they would not be so shocked.

The difficulty of parallel prose is ten times that of poetry, and moreover it was composed extemporaneously.

As for Kong Yu, as well as the son-in-law of Royal Prince Yu and others, they were dumbstruck, looking at Gu Jin Nian for a moment, not knowing what to say.

They had prepared everything here, even long in advance, just to make a name for themselves at this moment.

Yet they never expected to be disrupted by a music scholar.

Gu Jin Nian himself said it, over and over a thousand, ten thousand times—he had no preparation.

Whether humble or not, it doesn't matter.

Even if he thought of it later, Gu Jin Nian would be embarrassed to say it again.

So what? You just have to provoke him?

Are you sick? At this moment, most people aren't hostile toward Gu Jin Nian, but toward this music scholar.

Idle after a full meal.

Why don't you just go die?

You just like a certain Great Scholar's saying, and you insist on being foul‑mouthed?

Kong Yu felt awful, and the son‑in‑law of Royal Prince Yu also felt awful.

Their writings, compared to Gu Jin Nian's parallel prose, are utterly trash.

They were too embarrassed to bring them out.

What's the point of bringing them out? To embarrass themselves? But just at this moment.

As Scholar Meng finished writing the last character.

At this moment, at the edge of the sky.

The golden sun trembled.

Boom.

At this moment the evening clouds seemed to burst open, myriad rays of glow illuminating the entire Chu Fu above and below.

Look toward the horizon.

Too beautiful to take in.

On the great river, dragon boats glide, an unparalleled sense of beauty sweeps in; looking again at the heavens, lines of lone ducks fly.

There is a feeling of twilight, yet it is another kind of beauty.

Inside the building, the text trembled.

It rustled softly.

It burst forth with matchless rays of light, gilding the great hall.

"This is of the ages, this is parallel prose of the ages."

Someone exclaimed at this moment, pointing at this parallel prose, uttering a shocking sound.

It was a scholar; he rose to his feet, pointed at the parallel prose, and shouted excitedly.

He bore no semblance of dignity, nor any trace of a great scholar's bearing.

For he had personally witnessed the birth of the foremost parallel prose of the ages.

"Parallel prose of the ages?"

"I never imagined that His Highness the Crown Prince could not only write poetry but also compose parallel prose—parallel prose of the ages; just how fearsome is his talent?"

Everyone marveled; most remained silent, carefully observing this phenomenon.

After all, it is a phenomenon of the ages; truly never seen before.

At the horizon.

The light shone brilliantly, appearing especially splendid.

The evening clouds and lone ducks wove together into the most beautiful picture.

The golden sun's evening clouds shone brilliantly, illuminating all light.

And in the Confucius Temple.

It was also trembling incessantly at this moment.

"How come the Confucius Temple is shaking again?"

"What happened? Why is the Confucius Temple shaking again?"

At this moment, the Kong family exclaimed in alarm; they didn't know what had happened, only sensing that the Confucius Temple was shaking.

And just then.

Inside the Confucius Temple, a blazing burst of light shot out from within.

Inside the Kong Family's Main Residence.

The Holy Ruler furrowed his brows tightly; even the Seventy-Two Sages couldn't help but be shocked, and each Kong family Great Scholar revealed a look of astonishment.

This beam of light came from deep within the Confucius Temple, and deep within the Confucius Temple lay the Three Sacred Instruments.

In an instant.

A heavenly book appeared above the Confucius Temple, radiating countless divine lights.

At this moment, everyone knew what had happened.

"It is the Ancient Chronicles."

The Holy Ruler was utterly shocked in his heart; gazing at the apparition of the sacred instruments, his eyes filled with astonishment.

He had not expected that the Kong family's Ancient Chronicles would be awakened.

"Someone's written work has received the approval of the Ancient Chronicles."

The voice rang out; it was a Kong family Great Scholar.

He spoke up, breaking the silence, and also informed them of what had happened here.

Someone's poetic essay startled the Ancient Chronicles; more precisely, it had received the Ancient Chronicles' approval.

The blazing light flew toward the Royal Prince of Yu's new pavilion.

The heavenly book appeared.

The Ancient Chronicles records everything of past and present.

In the heavens above, divine light shone brilliantly, myriad rays of rosy light flooded the entire Chu Fu.

This portent, like the advent of a prosperous age, left countless common folk staring in awe.

And in the banquet hall, everyone saw this beam of light burst open.

Immediately afterward, six large characters appeared before everyone's eyes.

【The Greatest Parallel Prose of All Ages】

The characters contain holy intent, possessing the mystery of the cosmos and firmament; thousands of strands of holy light cascade down, shocking to behold.

And within the building.

A Great Scholar's voice became utterly hysterical.

"The Greatest Parallel Prose of All Ages?"

"The Greatest of All Ages? This is the Ancient Chronicles; the Ancient Chronicles has sensed it."

This Great Scholar seemed to know something, pointing at these large characters and speaking excitedly.

"The Ancient Chronicles has sensed it?"

"This is actually the Ancient Chronicles?"

"The Greatest of All Ages, the Ancient Chronicles has approved this essay, regarding this parallel prose as the Greatest of All Ages; this means that for the next thousand years, no one will surpass this parallel prose."

"Not only that, 'of all ages' is merely an adjective; it could be two thousand years, even three thousand or four thousand years, and still no one could surpass it."

Voices rang out one after another.

They were completely frenzied, shocked beyond measure.

Gu Jin Nian asked.

This essay, who could surpass it within five hundred years?

This sounds very overbearing; everyone also has nothing to say, because it cannot be written now, so it's indeed hard to comment.

But deep down, they still feel somewhat unwilling to accept it.

After all, you say it cannot be surpassed in five hundred years, so is it truly impossible to surpass in five hundred years?

But in reality, there is no actual evidence at all.

Now it's different; the Ancient Chronicles leaves a name, the Greatest Parallel Prose of All Ages, the Ancient Chronicles is a Confucian Sacred Instrument, capable of recording some major events of past and present.

Writings of all ages cannot leave a name on the Ancient Chronicles.

But the Greatest Parallel Prose of All Ages is qualified to leave a name there.

To be approved by the Ancient Chronicles is truly an unparalleled honor.

Le Ru's complexion grew worse and worse.

At this moment, he realized that he had offended someone he ought not to have offended.

To be precise, he could criticize Gu Jin Nian in any aspect, except that in terms of Confucian talent he could not condemn himself.

Because Gu Jin Nian's Confucian talent is truly unparalleled.

None before him, none after him.

"Le Ru."

"May I ask?"

"This essay, can it be considered a fine work?"

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded again.

Facing Gu Jin Nian's questioning.

Le Ru swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

His pride just now, his arrogance just now, his disdain just now, all collapsed in an instant at this moment.

"All generations, Your Highness the Heir Apparent, I am convinced."

Le Ru took a deep breath, then bowed to Gu Jin Nian.

He lost.

He lost to Gu Jin Nian's unparalleled literary talent, and also marveled at his unmatched parallel prose.

Hearing Le Ru's voice.

Gu Jin Nian showed no joy at all, but slowly opened his mouth to speak.

"Today, I, Gu, have come here to settle some grudges."

"Tomorrow, at the Kong family banquet, I, Gu, will complete my final enlightenment and, as a sage, establish speech."

"After I, Gu, have established speech, you all can then come to clarify the truth, and then come to debate right and wrong."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He is not without blame toward this Le Ru, nor is he without anger, but Gu Jin Nian knows that people like Le Ru are far too many.

The Da Xia Dynasty has too many voices unfavorable to me, and too many rumors unfavorable to me.

So, is it useful to target a Le Ru?

The answer is that it is useless.

This is just one person, cannot represent a group; even if I now give Le Ru a greater punishment, it would be of no avail.

He must become a sage and establish speech.

He must make his inner voice known to the world; that is the final explanation, that is what he must do.

Hearing these words.

Those present couldn't help but erupt in an uproar.

To speak frankly, the emotions Gu Jin Nian has brewed are too intense; actually many people know this matter is absolutely not as simple as imagined.

It also doesn't look that simple.

But some people, for profit and benefit, they slander Gu Jin Nian, they insult Gu Jin Nian, they spread rumors.

And some people, although they clearly know Gu Jin Nian is wronged, and some things are definitely rumors, they remain indifferent, because it doesn't concern them, they keep a distance, they don't want to offend anyone.

Only a portion of people, holding to their conscience, are willing to speak up for Gu Jin Nian, willing to defend him.

Such as Scholar Meng, such as Yan Gong, such as Xu Dongmu, etc., but these people are too few.

This is not to blame Gu Jin Nian, nor to blame the world; this is simply human nature.

There are people behind the scenes suppressing Gu Jin Nian, targeting him; whoever dares to help Gu Jin Nian will face suppression and targeting.

Being able to explain a thing or two for Gu Jin Nian is actually already quite good.

And Gu Jin Nian feels grateful toward these people.

Even those who did not help him, Gu Jin Nian also feels grateful, at least they did not spread rumors, did not become accomplices; not speaking out is not a fault.

But those who speak out with ulterior motives, spread rumors, cause trouble, slander and trample him—these are Gu Jin Nian's enemies.

Not being envied is mediocrity.

"Tomorrow at the Kong family banquet, we await the Heir Apparent's establishment of speech."

Le Ru was somewhat surprised; he didn't expect Gu Jin Nian not to cause him trouble, but rather this.

However, prejudice will not change just because Gu Jin Nian did something.

He admires Gu Jin Nian's talent, respects his literary talent, but regarding Gu Jin Nian's actions, he still cannot stand them.

Thus, Le Ru still left.

He left with dozens of people.

In the hall, it did not become stiff because of Le Ru and others leaving; on the contrary, some voices sounded off one after another.

"What a fine line: 'The lone crane flies with the setting sun, autumn waters share the hue of the vast sky.' Good, good, good, splendid, splendid."

"The finest parallel prose of all ages; I, old man, being able to witness this scene in my lifetime is truly no regret at death."

"The Heir Apparent's talent—within five hundred years no one can surpass it; throughout the ages, no one can exceed it."

Praises sounded off one after another.

They don't care whether Le Ru left or not; in fact, speaking frankly, they even have to thank Le Ru, for if it weren't for his commotion, they wouldn't be able to see this finest parallel prose.

"Heir Apparent, thank you for not being ashamed of your grand words; in this lifetime no one has ever written me into an article, but with this move of yours, I am equivalent to leaving my name for all ages; Heir Apparent, after you reach Suzhou, as long as you utter a sound, I will absolutely attend to you before and behind."

At this moment, General Wang came immediately; he is the Grand Commander of the Suzhou garrison, holding the rank of Second Grade, which for a military officer is basically the peak, because a First Grade official is either a marquis or a duke.

General Wang's status is higher than that of the Wu General of Jiangling Commandery, and he holds great power.

Moreover, this personal favor surpasses Gu Jin Nian relying on his ancestors.

After all, in General Wang's eyes, Gu Jin Nian is the grandson of the Duke who Guards the State; yielding three parts is reasonable, but this is because of Gu Jin Nian's grandfather and father, out of respect for the emperor's face.

As long as Gu Jin Nian does not make excessive demands, everything is fine.

But now it's different; General Wang is thoroughly excited, he, a mere military officer, a rough fellow, has some reputation among military circles, but none among literary circles.

In the eyes of the common folk, he is merely a martial man.

Now Gu Jin Nian's piece of timeless writing is destined to be passed down for ages; not only that, it is the finest parallel prose of all ages, let alone the Da Xia Dynasty.

Even if it were the Fuyu Dynasty, the Great Jin Dynasty, or even Zhongzhou, everyone under heaven will study this parallel prose.

Whether recognized or not, it doesn't matter; at least I have made my name known for ten thousand generations.

Indirectly achieving fame for ten thousand generations—how could he not be delighted, how could he not be excited? He came before Gu Jin Nian and downed three cups of wine in one gulp, expressing his excited heart.

Moreover, he had already planned that upon returning, he would immediately have people copy excerpts and send them to relatives and friends.

Glorifying the clan and honoring the ancestors.

Glory to the ancestors!

Facing General Wang's extremely excited voice, Gu Jin Nian merely gave a humble smile, speaking frankly—this was in the original text, it just so happened that there was a General Wang.

Who would have thought that one could actually receive such a favor; from General Wang's expression it can be seen that this person is genuinely grateful to me.

In the future, if I encounter anything, I can actually turn to General Wang for help.

For a moment, Gu Jin Nian suddenly thought of some things; these poems and essays, he usually doesn't recite them in daily life, but at poetry gatherings reciting a few is about enough.

It's impossible to have a banquet and exchange a hundred poems, right? If so, why not give some poems to others? That way they would owe me a huge favor, which would be a tremendous help to me. Of course, this was just a fleeting thought.

At this very moment, Scholar Meng's voice involuntarily sounded.

"Your Highness the Heir, could you give this piece of writing to this old man?"

"Please be generous, Your Highness the Heir; I have never seen such splendid writing in my life. If you give this piece to me, I would die without regret."

Scholar Meng spoke, he almost cried, clutching the article tightly, treating it as a treasure.

It seemed that if Gu Jin Nian did not agree, Scholar Meng would collapse on the spot.

"Scholar Meng, you are a Great Scholar of the Confucian Dao—how could you be so shameless?"

"Your Highness the Heir, give it to me; I am already seventy-three, and I no longer care about outside gossip."

"I am thick-skinned, fearless."

Yan Gong spoke up, first rebuking Scholar Meng, considering him shameless, and actually demanding Gu Jin Nian's article.

But shortly after, he thick‑skinnedly asked Gu Jin Nian for it.

The two are now utterly Gu Jin Nian's admirers, their eyes full of both admiration and gratitude.

They merely said a couple of words praising Gu Jin Nian, yet they never expected that Gu Jin Nian would directly give them a tremendous gift.

This gift left them feeling honored and startled.

"Yan Gong, you are at least five years older than me, and furthermore, the latter half of this article is written by me—it is my ink treasure."

"You cannot be so shameless."

Scholar Meng became agitated; hearing Yan Gong vie with him for the ink treasure, his face changed color.

"Whether shameless or not, look at this article yourself—Your Highness the Heir placed me first."

"Everyone, help me judge—do you say it's like this?"

"By rights, this ink treasure should be mine."

Yan Gong couldn't care less about the details; to these scholars, the ink treasure is worth a city, surpassing a hundred thousand taels of gold.

How could he bear to give it up? "Gentlemen, must not fight; in that case, I, the junior, will write another piece and give it to both of you."

Gu Jin Nian felt both amused and exasperated.

These two are really like old children, lacking any dignity of a Great Scholar.

Upon hearing this, Yan Gong was overjoyed.

"Your Highness the Heir is indeed generous, Old Meng—this article shall be yours; a gentleman does not take what another loves. Take it, take it."

Yan Gong spoke, and after finishing, he deliberately put on the airs of an upright gentleman.

Scholar Meng glanced at Yan Gong, but said nothing; after all, having his wish fulfilled was enough.

However, the two immediately raised their wine cups, bowed deeply toward the estimated year, and then drank it all in one gulp.

This favor is too great to bear; the article is one thing, more importantly, it lets them leave their names for eternity, and they know it in their hearts.

Gu Jin Nian also understood that these two Great Scholars before him would henceforth be his own people.

Not only that.

The Royal Prince of Yu had already raised his wine cup, come before Gu Jin Nian, and was extremely excited.

Because his name is also written in this article, today really is a good day—the new building's construction is finished, Gu Jin Nian has written the greatest parallel prose of all ages, and from now on, who wouldn't know about his new building?

Even a thousand years later, who would not know of this allusion?

"Nephew Jin Nian!"

"Uncle has long heard that you are extraordinarily talented, famed as the banished immortal of the poetry circle; hearing today, indeed the reputation is not undeserved."

"Come, come, come, Jin Nian, uncle toasts you a cup, uncle toasts you a cup." The Royal Prince of Yu showed exceptional excitement.

This nephew of mine is truly remarkable, giving me face.

Although he originally hoped his son‑in‑law could earn some face, if it's inferior, it's inferior—what's there to say?

Besides, Gu Jin Nian also counts as his nephew; we are one family.

Gu Jin Nian is my nephew.

I am Gu Jin Nian's uncle.

Gu Jin Nian composed the greatest parallel prose of all ages, and he did so in his own mansion.

That amounts to the greatest parallel prose of all ages having a thirty percent connection to me.

In other words, this article has my thirty percent effort, and besides, I left my name on it.

That makes forty percent.

Rounded off, sigh, did I actually write a greatest parallel prose of all ages?

The Royal Prince of Yu grew more excited the more he thought, and more excited the more he thought.

Good nephew, one sip at a time, the wine also cup by cup.

After drinking several cups of wine and still not satisfied, he lowered his voice and spoke directly into Gu Jin Nian's ear.

"Nephew."

"That music scholar is obviously here to cause you trouble; wait for uncle to investigate and see if this guy has someone pulling the strings."

"If someone is indeed pulling the strings, uncle will help you vent this anger; if you can't show yourself, uncle will come—these dirty, tiring tasks, uncle has done plenty before."

The Royal Prince of Yu spoke, lowering his voice, and said into Gu Jin Nian's ear.

The meaning is simple; from now on, you are my nephew, and I have approved of you; from now on, your affairs are my affairs.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but give a wry smile.

"Uncle, it's fine; these right-and-wrong matters, I will handle them myself tomorrow."

He understood that the Royal Prince of Yu before him already held great affection for him, but Gu Jin Nian did not intend to use that affection and favor on this matter.

What's the big deal about dealing with a music scholar? We'll talk about it later if the chance arises.

Upon hearing this, the Royal Prince of Yu couldn't help but feel deeply moved.

"Look, look, look at my nephew; see how broad-minded he is, and then see how petty these pedantic scholars and these corrupt Confucians are."

"Zhang Shi, come over."

"Once you enter the capital, follow my nephew well in your studies; don't look down on his youth—his future achievements will surely surpass countless people."

"Jin Nian, my son-in-law, once you enter the capital, you must look after him well; but if he does something wrong, you should punish him accordingly—don't stand on ceremony with me, your uncle, because we're one family, understand?"

The Royal Prince of Yu spoke, specifically calling Zhang Shi over.

He too was smart; although he had also prepared an essay, now that essay had become a pile of waste paper, but he wasn't upset—at least witnessing such a scene made his life worthwhile.

"I have paid my respects to His Highness the Heir Apparent."

Zhang Shi spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian, and made a respectful bow.

"You're welcome."

"According to seniority, I should still call you brother-in-law."

"We're one family; once we reach the capital, I'll notify my younger brother right away, and my younger brother will surely host a grand feast."

Gu Jin Nian did not act arrogantly.

The Royal Prince of Yu is not that sort of idle prince; he truly holds military power, and his relationship with the Emperor Yongsheng is extremely close.

However, he has only one daughter, which is also somewhat troublesome; this Zhang Shi is clearly someone the Royal Prince of Yu intends to cultivate carefully, a son-in-law who lives in his wife's family.

The Royal Prince of Yu having only one daughter is not because he doesn't want a son; first, he is rather devoted, which many know; second, many also know that the Royal Prince of Yu holds military power in Yuzhang Commandery.

And in Yuzhang Commandery there is the Chu Fu, belonging to the Kong family; everyone knows the Kong family has good relations with the Prince of Yu's mansion.

One is civil, the other military; if they united, would the emperor not be afraid? Hence having a daughter, though it seems unfavorable, is actually quite good.

This Royal Prince of Yu is truly clear-headed; he is certainly not a foolish prince, but very clever.

Princes should actually learn from him, have fewer children to stabilize the family situation; then, when the great reckoning begins, there basically won't be too much trouble.

Of course, if one wants to accuse someone, excuses are never lacking; when faced with an emperor prone to suspicion, things will still be as they are.

"Your Highness the Heir Apparent is truly courteous."

Zhang Shi felt somewhat overwhelmed by the favor; although he is merely a son-in-law who lives in his wife's family, and though he attained the rank of third-place laureate, in terms of status Gu Jin Nian is the Heir Apparent and also a future marquis, while his uncle is the emperor—so to speak bluntly.

He really feels unworthy of the title brother-in-law.

Thus, Zhang Shi felt somewhat overwhelmed by the favor, and toward Gu Jin Nian he felt both admiration and increased affection.

"We've said we're one family; calling you brother-in-law is quite reasonable, Uncle, you'd agree, right?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke with a smile.

The Royal Prince of Yu also didn't expect that Gu Jin Nian would be so modest and unpretentious—truly without any airs.

"Well, Zhang Shi, this counts as your younger brother-in-law; no need for excessive courtesy."

The Royal Prince of Yu nodded.

And the others actually understood in their hearts that the Royal Prince of Yu and Gu Jin Nian had probably established an extremely solid connection.

Zhang Shi is a son-in-law whom the Royal Prince of Yu focuses on cultivating; after going to the capital to serve as an official, although relying on the Prince's name he could get along swimmingly in the capital, the problem is that the capital's nobles and powerful figures are abundant.

If he could connect with Gu Jin Nian's line, Zhang Shi would also be considered to have squeezed into the top echelon of the powerful; then, no matter what Gu Jin Nian does in the future, the Royal Prince of Yu would support him unconditionally.

Because everyone's interests are bound together.

Everyone felt a bit startled, but didn't say much more; it's quite reasonable, for Gu Jin Nian's piece of parallel prose, the finest of all ages, carries such weight.

Not far away, Kong Ping watched all this, appearing somewhat silent, not because of Gu Jin Nian's piece of parallel prose, the finest of all ages.

but because of the tacit understanding between Gu Jin Nian and the Royal Prince of Yu.

One must say, a family is still a family; the Kong family has indeed visited the Prince of Yu many times, and the Prince of Yu also has good relations with the Kong family.

However, this relationship has never been solid; even if the Kong family sought a marriage alliance with the Prince of Yu, the Prince of Yu wants a son-in-law who lives in his wife's family, which the Kong family naturally cannot allow, and that would be embarrassing.

Precisely for this reason, the Prince of Yu sought Zhang Shi, and they also contacted Zhang Shi at the earliest opportunity.

Although this line hasn't been fully set up yet, it now seems unnecessary to do so, because the Prince of Yu has completely placed his bets on Gu Jin Nian.

This is not a good thing for the Kong family.

All these thoughts flashed through his mind, and Kong Ping immediately rose to his feet, leading the dazed and dispirited Kong Yu.

"Your Highness the Heir Apparent, today's essay truly shocks heaven and earth, moves spirits to tears; this old man was stunned for a long time, and in all ages I have never seen such parallel prose. Unfortunately, there are still matters in the clan; otherwise I would certainly linger longer. Your Highness the Prince of Yu, I will take my leave first."

Kong Ping spoke, at the same time raising his wine cup, making a respectful bow to Gu Jin Nian, and then drank this fine wine.

Upon hearing Kong Ping speak, Gu Jin Nian's smile on his face faded somewhat.

"Too kind."

Gu Jin Nian merely said these three simple words.

He didn't even return the courtesy.

Kong Ping smiled faintly, said nothing more, and took Kong Yu away.

As for the Prince of Yu, after nodding he said nothing more; he now must draw a clear line with Kong Ping and the others, lest Gu Jin Nian misunderstand.

If it were before, he would still have personally seen them off, but now it's different.

However, just as Kong Ping was about to leave the banquet, Gu Jin Nian's voice suddenly rang out.

"Mr. Kong."

"Please stay."

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly, his voice drawing everyone's attention in the hall at once.

Upon these words, Kong Ping couldn't help but stop, his gaze slightly curious as he looked at Gu Jin Nian; not only him, everyone was somewhat curious, not knowing what Gu Jin Nian would say.

"Please, Sir, inform the Holy Ruler of this."

"Tonight, urgently reinforce the Confucius Temple."

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly.

One sentence made everyone present fall silent.

What does that mean? Urgently reinforce the Confucius Temple? What's going on? Will there still be an earthquake tomorrow? But soon someone figured out the meaning of Gu Jin Nian's words.

Good fellow.

Will there be a shocking holy article tomorrow? To be so arrogant, so presumptuous? Although it's said that Gu Jin Nian's talent is unparalleled, is a shocking holy article too arrogant?

Moreover, he specifically instructed people to stabilize the Confucius Temple? What if he can't write it? That was everyone's first reaction, but soon they recalled the earlier matter of the greatest parallel prose of all ages, and everyone fell silent involuntarily.

After all, what if he really writes it? Hearing this, Kong Ping couldn't help but laugh loudly.

"Your Highness, please rest assured, the Confucius Temple has a sage presiding over it, and its structure was crafted by artisans from various countries; unless heaven and earth collapse, even if someone writes a shocking holy article, the Confucius Temple will suffer no damage."

Kong Ping said this.

He was very confident about the Confucius Temple, of course mainly as a response, a strong and powerful response.

Although the superiors had ordered not to offend Gu Jin Nian, Gu Jin Nian's arrogance made Kong Ping unable to help retorting.

Shocking holy article, right?

The Confucius Temple will not collapse because of a shocking holy article.

He gave his response.

He believes Gu Jin Nian can write a shocking holy article.

But so what? Can a shocking holy article cause the Confucius Temple to collapse? Who is being insulted?

Gu Jin Nian smiled faintly; he said nothing, but this smile stirred up great waves in everyone's hearts.

Not a shocking holy article?

Then what? An article that shocks heaven and earth?

Or a becoming holy article?

In an instant, everyone became excited; although they didn't know if Gu Jin Nian was boasting or something else, one thing was certain: tomorrow's Kong family banquet would surely be splendid, destined to be famous throughout the ages.

Soon, Kong Ping left.

After leaving the Royal Prince of Yu's new building, Kong Yu behind him couldn't help but speak.

"Uncle, should we send people to reinforce it?"

For some reason, seeing Gu Jin Nian's faint smile, he inexplicably felt that something big would happen tomorrow.

"Reinforce?"

"Yu'er, are you really frightened out of your wits by him?"

"Being able to topple the ancestral temple— even a becoming holy article can't do that, unless Gu Jin Nian truly can write an article that shocks heaven and earth and moves ghosts and gods."

"Such an article has never existed in ancient or modern times."

"You really believe him?"

Kong Ping was a bit angry; it seemed his nephew had truly been frightened out of his wits by Gu Jin Nian.

"Please forgive me, uncle; I am merely worried."

Kong Yu spoke, not knowing what to say.

The latter sighed, said nothing, and just left like that.

But during the banquet, the Royal Prince of Yu also smiled and said.

"Nephew, what is the title of this parallel prose? I intend to name it after the title."

The Royal Prince of Yu asked what the earlier greatest parallel prose of all ages was called.

"Reply to uncle."

"Just call it Royal Prince of Yu Pavilion Preface."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Upon saying this, the Royal Prince of Yu's smile grew tenfold.

"Good, good."

"Good, a fine Royal Prince of Yu Pavilion Preface."

"Look, look, my nephew not only writes well, but also titles are splendidly excellent."

"Come, quickly prepare brush and ink; nephew, write the title for uncle; uncle will immediately have people make the signboard."

The Royal Prince of Yu was very happy; this was the happiest day of his life.

Not long after, Gu Jin Nian wrote the title.

Moreover, several Great Scholars also came forward one after another.

"Your Highness, I am a Great Scholar from the Longnan region; my Huai Ping Academy was founded by me; if Your Highness comes to Longnan, please visit my Huai Ping Academy."

"Your Highness possesses great talent; I am a Great Scholar from the Lu Zhou region, currently the head of the Bolu Academy; this Lu Zhou region is often dry and windy at night; as Your Highness, you cannot endure hardship, so please come to Lu Zhou; I will certainly invite Your Highness to visit."

"Your Highness, I am the head of the Kongming Academy; I speak frankly, unlike them; I will say it directly: Your Highness, when you write articles in the future, could you include my name? As long as Your Highness is willing to add it."

"From now on, under heaven, whoever dares to scold you once, I will certainly not let such a scoundrel off lightly."

One after another, Great Scholars came forward and surrounded Gu Jin Nian.

These people actually had not participated in the earlier quarrel; they were merely onlookers.

Seeing Meng Xueshi and Yan Gong, who had spoken a few words in Gu Jin Nian's favor and then received such benefits, they felt resentful, jealous, and bitter.

Therefore, they naturally could not miss this opportunity to make acquaintances.

In other words.

If Gu Jin Nian is willing to write them a poem, or compose an essay.

Don't even mention anyone scolding Gu Jin Nian; even if a dog on the roadside glances at Gu Jin Nian, it would have to endure two slaps before it can leave.

That is not an exaggeration at all.

What do scholars pursue? When young they desire official positions; when old they wish for a good reputation, so that they can rest peacefully after death.

These days, securing a good reputation is easy, but preserving it for a hundred years, a thousand years—how difficult is that? Hence, a poem or essay can make their names endure for eternity; a thousand years later, people will know who Yan Gong is, and a thousand years later, people will also know who Scholar Meng is.

Such a reputation makes them envious just to think of it.

Moreover, with the proclamation of this timeless first paired prose, the two men's fame has invisibly surged by a great margin.

Originally everyone was a Great Scholar, but Scholar Meng and Yan Gong are different now.

At future gatherings, they would start with, "Are you familiar with the Royal Prince of Yu's Preface?" The crowd nodded.

Then Scholar Meng and Yan Gong, pressing their hands on the heads of the listeners, pointed to the passage in the article that described them and said.

"See? This Scholar Meng and Yan Gong are talking about the two of us."

With an arrogant expression.

No one had anything to say, they could only nod and cheer. How could anyone claim it's not good? It's the timeless first paired prose, endorsed by the Ancient Chronicles; how could anyone say it's not good?

It would guarantee your reputation becomes foul.

Thus each of these Great Scholars became extremely excited.

Facing the wildly enthusiastic gazes of these Great Scholars,

Gu Jin Nian broke into a wry smile in an instant.

"Gentlemen, writing a poem on the spot might be too rushed to produce a good piece,"

"If, in the future, there truly is a chance to visit, the student will certainly write each of you a poem, one per person."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, saying as such.

Upon hearing this, the crowd became completely excited, their eyes reddening instantly.

Their excited breaths quickened.

"Your Highness, are you serious?"

"Your Highness, I have read little; you won't deceive me, will you?"

"Is it truly one poem per person?"

"Hiss, Your Highness, do you mean it seriously?"

The crowd grew excited; their uproar was actually just hoping that one poem from Gu Jin Nian would suffice.

Who would have thought Gu Jin Nian would agree to one per person? It was a tremendous surprise.

"Please, gentlemen, rest assured."

"Since the student has promised, there will be no deception."

"However, the student is uncertain when to go, but within his lifetime he will travel the mountains and rivers once."

"Of course, there is one matter I still hope you gentlemen can assist with."

"During this period, the student is embroiled in controversy; some matters are inconvenient for the student to explain, so he can only entrust them—rumors cease with the wise."

"I still hope, gentlemen, you will lend your support abundantly."

Gu Jin Nian did not waste words and voiced his thoughts.

Writing poems is no problem.

But I must make it clear: I am now in trouble; if you don't help, where is my face?

The crowd instantly became fierce.

"Controversy? Who dares to scold Your Highness?"

"Rumors cease with the wise? Your Highness, I am the wise; after I return from attending the Kong Family Banquet, I will go back, summon all those who spread rumors, and scold them one by one. Rest assured, Your Highness."

"Truly hateful, Your Highness, defending the people, establishing the Establishing Speech, talented and unrivaled, yet tragically framed by dog thieves. I recall just now a group of youngsters were still mocking Your Highness, weren't they?"

"Gentlemen, who is willing to accompany me to punish those little bastards?"

Everyone spoke up, and even a few fierce Great Scholars raised their arms and called out to punish those young men.

"I'll go."

"I will go."

"Come on, come on, come on, I haven't drawn a weapon in twenty years; today I will stretch my muscles."

In an instant, many Great Scholars responded to the call.

But Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but immediately intervene.

"Gentlemen, there's no need for that; what if you get injured?"

Gu Jin Nian hadn't expected everyone to be so fervent, so he hurried to dissuade them, fearing that if something happened it wouldn't be good.

But at that moment, the leading Great Scholar waved his hand, slowly shedding his scholar robe.

In an instant, a body of sinewy muscle appeared.

Although he was somewhat aged, this sinewy flesh looked rather terrifying.

"Your Highness."

"Before I became a Great Scholar, I was known as the Qingzhou Thunderhand; rest assured, no one can harm me."

"Your Highness, in the years we've been Great Scholars, we have not only relied on learning; sometimes we rely on fists."

"Your Highness, we of the older generation of scholars have some martial skill, unlike today's scholars who only study and neglect martial arts; you should take this as a warning, practice more martial arts."

They wore a calm demeanor, their eyes filled with confidence.

Then they departed.

Left behind Gu Jin Nian, who looked somewhat dumbfounded.

And as they departed, sounds came one after another.

"Though poor, we grow more steadfast, not letting our lofty ambitions fall; later, half will go to me, half to you."

The Thunderbolt Hand Great Scholar said this.

"This won't do; you took half, how is the rest enough for us to split?"

"Exactly, exactly, exactly."

The crowd argued.

Because of the dispute over splitting people, some got heated.

Just then, someone spoke up and made a suggestion.

"Then let's grab all of Le Ru's gang, give them a good lesson, and that should be enough to split, right?"

As soon as those words were spoken, that bunch instantly rejoiced.

"Exactly, exactly, grab that old thing Le Ru and give him a beating."

"Now there's enough to split, now there's enough to split."

"One each, later when we strike we must not hold back, but we must follow the rules—no underhanded tactics, come openly and aboveboard."

They discussed heatedly.

Gu Jin Nian also went completely numb.

This bunch of Great Scholars is truly versatile.

However, Gu Jin Nian also realized something: his martial arts really need to be tightened up a bit.

Just then.

The Royal Prince of Yu's voice sounded in his ear.

"Jin Nian, come with your uncle for a trip."

The voice sounded.

Gu Jin Nian didn't waste words, immediately following after.

(End of chapter)