Chapter 129: Framed and Scapegoated

During the family banquet.

Lu Yuan's voice wasn't loud, but it somehow let everyone present hear it clearly.

"You look at your father?"

Lu Yuan's gaze was full of contempt.

These Great Scholars, each pretending not to know anything, seemed extremely hypocritical in his eyes.

At that moment, voices rose one after another; even the Kong family members found Lu Yuan's actions hard to stomach.

"Lu Yuan, what do you mean by this?"

"This is the Kong family banquet; Lu Yuan, your vulgarity—does it not disgrace scholarship?"

"Truly, your mouth is full of filth; at such a feast, you actually spew such words?"

The voices sounded, but perhaps because they feared Lu Yuan's strength, they weren't overly harsh, merely offering a simple criticism.

Of course, mainly because Lu Yuan was speaking up for Gu Jin Nian, and it wasn't Gu Jin Nian himself saying these words; if Gu Jin Nian spoke, the crowd wouldn't be so simple.

"Mr. Lu, what do you mean by this?"

Even the Kong family members stepped forward, looking at Lu Yuan and asking thus.

"What do you mean, what do you mean?"

"Didn't you hear clearly?"

"You lot are all hypocrites, each harboring petty thoughts."

"Especially you Kong family, stop playing tricks here; you brought in a coffin and yet act as if you know nothing."

"The Kong family's comings and goings are guarded; a coffin was carried in, and you didn't notice? Yet you pretend to be clueless."

"What are you pretending for? Isn't it just to use this chance to attack the Crown Prince? Who doesn't know what you're up to?"

"And you still call yourselves a sage lineage? I've long disliked the Kong family—you all put on airs of righteousness; without the sage's grace, you'd be nothing."

Lu Yuan spoke, pointing at them and launching straight into a tirade.

He was indeed direct and extremely sharp, exposing the Kong family's tactics and turning the tables.

Such words drew frowns from many; even the Holy Ruler couldn't help but furrow his brow.

Mainly because Lu Yuan's words were too unpleasant to hear.

Hearing the Thunderbolt Hand Great Scholar speak up for him, Gu Jin Nian felt moved yet also worried, for this would offend many; yet Yan Gong beside him patted his shoulder.

He gave Gu Jin Nian a reassuring look, then sent a mental transmission.

"Jin Nian, don't worry; Lu Brother is just like this—rather frank—and don't think that all scholars in the world submit to the Kong family."

"Lower-ranking scholars may admire the Kong family, but becoming a Great Scholar doesn't mean everyone endorses the Kong family."

"Of course, we still revere the sage; we simply dislike some of the Kong family's conduct."

Yan Gong transmitted, informing Gu Jin Nian of the prior cause and effect.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian understood.

Indeed, although the Kong family holds an unrivaled position in the Confucian way, especially for those just beginning their studies, the Kong family is like a holy land to them.

But as scholars grow wiser and gain the ability to discern right from wrong, differing opinions arise.

In other words, the Kong family's greatest strength lies in planting a seed in the hearts of those just starting their studies—doing nothing, managing nothing—and once it takes root and sprouts, they naturally become followers of the Kong family.

If, during this process, the Kong family does something bad, or because of interests makes some people angry, then that seed will vanish, replaced by hostility.

Thus, upon reaching the rank of Great Scholar, or as one ages, one inevitably forms some judgments and opinions about the Kong family.

For example, during this period, those criticizing me are ninety-nine percent ordinary scholars; truly, upon becoming a Great Scholar or reaching forty or fifty years of age, most choose not to take sides, and even those who do take sides have myriad ties to the Kong family.

Therefore, Lu Yuan the Great Scholar speaks not only for himself but also for a portion of people.

"You are being insolent."

At this moment, someone stepped forward, came before Lu Yuan, face full of anger, and rebuked him.

"I'll let your mother have her way."

"When is it your turn, a Kong family lackey, to speak?"

"I'm scolding the Kong family, not you; really, if the master doesn't speak, does the dog come out to bark first?"

Seeing who had come, Lu Yuan launched straight into a tirade.

His fighting spirit is simply off the charts.

"You, you disgrace scholarship."

The latter shouted angrily, trembling with rage.

"Is this disgracing scholarship? Bringing a coffin into this banquet—isn't that disgracing scholarship?"

"You all pretend to be ignorant here; don't you have any sense in your hearts?"

Lu Yuan pointed at the latter and shouted a tirade.

At once, many gathered, each glaring at Lu Yuan; this fellow's speech lacks any decorum, opening his mouth to curse mothers, closing it to curse mothers, and now he's even launching a full-scale barrage.

"You want to fight, right?"

"Before I became a scholar, I relied on Thunderbolt Hand to make my name; I'll give you a chance so you can't say I took advantage, come all together."

Lu Yuan spoke.

He was utterly fearless; as he spoke, Yan Gong, Scholar Meng, and General Wang walked straight forward a few steps, staring at these people, guaranteeing they would act immediately if a fight broke out.

Not only that.

Outside, some figures also approached, and without a word, directly surrounded these people.

These are Lu Yuan's people; they had already agreed beforehand, and upon hearing the commotion, they came running, appearing especially excited.

"Enough."

At that very moment, a voice sounded.

It was Kong Xin's voice.

He had no expression, intimidating the crowd.

"Enough, what enough?"

"Don't scare people here?"

Kong Xin's identity, for other Great Scholars it's indeed useful, but for Lu Yuan it's completely useless.

They clearly intend to go head-to-head with you to the end; what do you have to say?

Hearing Lu Yuan's voice, Kong Xin wasn't angry but looked at him and slowly spoke.

"After all, this is the Kong family, and we're holding a banquet now; your mouth is full of filth, Mr. Lu Yuan, you truly don't take the Kong family seriously, do you?"

Kong Xin spoke.

Actually he didn't want to speak, because earlier they had agreed that for the first two rounds, the Kong family should stay out of it and let these Great Scholars do the scolding.

But unexpectedly, Lu Yuan's combat ability is so strong, and everyone knows he really dares to act.

So the Kong family must step forward.

"Old man, I don't put the Kong family in my eyes? You really like to put hats on people, huh?"

"Then may I ask, these people carrying the coffin in— is it just to give the Kong family face?"

"Kong Xin, you old bastard, have you studied yourself into a coffin? Others bring the coffin over, you stay silent, I scold them two sentences, and you say I'm disturbing the banquet?"

"Why don't you just go die?"

Lu Yuan spoke, his words sharp; at this moment Gu Jin Nian fully understood what it meant to engage in a battle of wits with the scholars.

This thunderbolt-hand Great Scholar is truly worth making friends with.

Having such a figure backing oneself, many things need not be done personally.

"Exactly, Kong Xin, as a descendant of a sage, how can you be so shameless?"

"Absurd to the extreme, the coffins are placed at your Kong family's gate, you Kong family don't find it ominous, but we do; if not for this sentence, Lu Yuan brother merely scolded these people a couple of times, and you're here wailing like ghosts?"

"Really just targeting, right? Is this the Kong family? Do you have any shame?"

For a moment, many Great Scholars spoke up; they are all notable figures from various places, and this speaking caused Kong Xin's expression to indeed change somewhat.

There's no way around it; Lu Yuan, that bastard, though his words are harsh, speaks the truth.

Oh, the students of Sun Zhengnan lifted Sun Zhengnan's coffin over; they themselves indeed didn't say a word, yet they claim Lu Yuan disturbed the banquet, which is indeed their fault.

Thinking of this, Kong Xin took a deep breath and turned his gaze outward.

"How did you lot enter my Kong family's banquet?"

Kong Xin was somewhat annoyed, but not at them, rather at the people handling things below; logically, just bringing the coffin to the gate would suffice, crying out injustice at the gate and having us send people to receive them— isn't that just right?

You just have to put on a show, right?

Upon hearing this, the group of students looked at each other, not knowing what to say for a moment.

However, just then, a figure appeared, a scholar of the Kong family.

"Replying, Elder, I am on very good terms with Scholar Sun; these people I let in, please Elder forgive me."

A voice sounded.

This person also straightforwardly, voluntarily took the blame.

"Absurd."

"Truly absurd; today is our Kong family banquet, your conduct disturbed the banquet— seize him, throw him into the clan prison, and punish him severely."

Kong Xin spoke, appearing flustered, but actually everyone knows this is just an act.

"Elder's instruction is correct."

"But Elder, I and Scholar Sun are old friends; hearing of Scholar Sun's miserable state, my heart feels uneasy; any punishment, I am willing to bear, but please Holy Ruler, please Elder, could you seek justice for these poor people?"

He spoke, kneeling on the ground, and even shed tears.

To have the Holy Ruler and Kong Xin uphold justice for Sun Zhengnan.

"First drag him away, then we'll talk."

Kong Xin gave a cold snort, having no pity at all, directly ordering someone to drag away this scapegoat.

After the person was dragged away, Kong Xin looked at Lu Yuan and said.

"Mr. Lu Yuan, I have already punished this person."

"However, since someone has come to seek redress, the Kong family will certainly not stand by idly."

"What exactly is your grievance? State it clearly, don't disturb the banquet."

Kong Xin was also straightforward; after punishing the person, he directly turned his spear toward Gu Jin Nian.

Everyone knows about Sun Zhengnan's affair; what's the point of asking again? Facing Kong Xin's behavior, Lu Yuan remained calm; although he speaks directly, he also follows protocol.

"Replying Elder, my master Sun Zhengnan, last month went to Da Xia Academy to visit His Highness the Crown Prince Gu Jin Nian, but unexpectedly, merely because of a few disagreements, Gu Jin Nian stripped him of his talent and further humiliated him."

"My master educated people for dozens of years, diligent and modest, never causing trouble, yet in his old age he suffered such humiliation, thus he committed suicide at home."

"Elder, Holy Ruler, it is this Gu Jin Nian who forced my master to death; please both of you seek justice for my master."

The latter knelt on the ground, weeping loudly.

Upon these words, everyone involuntarily turned their gazes to Gu Jin Nian.

And Kong Xin even more so looked at Gu Jin Nian and said.

"May I ask, Your Highness the Crown Prince, is this true?"

He inquired of Gu Jin Nian.

"This matter, I too have heard of it, but it seems some details weren't made clear, right?"

At the crucial moment, Lu Yuan spoke, wanting to continue explaining for Gu Jin Nian.

But unexpectedly, a voice also slowly sounded.

"Lu Yuan."

"Kong Xin is asking about the Crown Prince, not you—could it be that even the dog is starting to bark?"

At the critical moment, the sound of this voice arose, making everyone curious.

After all, everyone could see Lu Yuan's combat prowess—who would dare speak to him like that? But once they saw who had come, everyone understood.

It was Kong Wuya.

Elder Wuya.

An elder ranked among the top ten of the Seventy-Two Sages.

His stature far surpasses Kong Xin's, so Lu Yuan naturally wouldn't dare act rashly.

However, when Lu Yuan tried to speak, Gu Jin Nian stopped him.

"The little dog has left."

"The old dog has come?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, realizing that this was indeed a battle of wits among the scholars, and he fully understood.

Upon saying that.

The entire venue erupted in an uproar; even Lu Yuan's expression changed somewhat.

This is Kong Wuya, after all.

An elder of the Kong family with extremely high status, only half a rank below the Holy Ruler; such a figure's words still need to be weighed.

Who would have thought Gu Jin Nian would be this bold? Facing Gu Jin Nian's remarks, Kong Wuya remained calm, walked over slowly, and looked at Gu Jin Nian as he spoke.

"Verbal disputes are meaningless."

"Your Highness, Crown Prince, what do you think of this matter?"

Kong Wuya spoke up; he wasn't angry—anyway, the matter is laid out here, your evasion won't help.

"How to look? Look with your eyes."

Gu Jin Nian stood with his hands behind his back, looking at the few people outside, his voice calm.

For a moment, everyone frowned.

"Don't frame people here."

"Is Sun Zhengnan's death related to me? I cut off his talent because he lacked virtue."

"He brought it on himself, unable to bear the pressure."

"To put it bluntly, people like him are better off dead."

"Today is the Kong family banquet; my coming here is already giving you face."

"One by one, you're setting traps to cause trouble for me, the Crown Prince?"

"Do you really think I, the Crown Prince, am someone you can push around?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, and he wasn't pretending anymore.

"Explanations, answers—get lost; today he came to the Kong family just to cause a scene."

"He wants to make a big scene, to see if anyone can still casually frame him or dare to cause him trouble in the future."

"Truly arrogant."

"Is this the Crown Prince's attitude?"

"Impressive, impressive—this lets this old man see what power and influence really are."

"Insolent wretch!"

Voices rang out one after another.

These Great Scholars have spoken up; Lu Yuan and the others find it hard to say, and Gu Jin Nian finds it hard to retort.

Actually, these Great Scholars dare to speak like this for just one reason.

Gu Jin Nian's Confucian cultivation is simply not high.

This is the Kong family banquet, not the Da Xia Capital; they acknowledge his status as Crown Prince, but the scholars' circle doesn't care about your outside identity.

So what if you're the Crown Prince?

We scholars even criticize the emperor; what are you, a Crown Prince? Different circles mean different mindsets, so condemning Gu Jin Nian is perfectly normal.

But Gu Jin Nian isn't used to them.

In an instant.

The Wen Mansion appeared, and righteous qi surrounded Gu Jin Nian.

The Linglong Holy Ruler appeared before Gu Jin Nian, his expression blank.

"Gu Jin Nian, what are you trying to do?"

"Do you intend to cut off our talent?"

"Do you dare?"

Voices rang out one after another; they were somewhat wary, but outwardly they forced themselves to shout.

However, Gu Jin Nian locked his gaze onto the Great Scholar who had first berated him, and the Linglong Holy Ruler came down striking.

"You spout arrogance, you speak arrogance—what are you? Do you dare say you know the cause and effect? Unable to discern right from wrong, I will cut off your talent."

Gu Jin Nian whipped the holy ruler; in an instant, the other's inner talent burst forth and scattered, and he fell on the spot from the Great Scholar realm.

The talent bestowed upon Gu Jin Nian by the Supreme Parallel Prose of the Ages is more than enough for him to explode today.

"You ask me—this is my attitude; as the Crown Prince, I tell you, this is my attitude."

"And what are you? As a scholar, you can't tell right from wrong, you only do it for some benefit, here you attack the Crown Prince—talking about the Dao of scholarship, what are you? The Crown Prince's writings endure through the ages, his poems endure through the ages, his name is recorded in the Ancient Chronicles, he establishes speech for the nation, he seeks justice for the people—compared to me, you're not even worth an ant, yet you dare to spout nonsense here—cut."

Righteous qi swirled around Gu Jin Nian, lifting his hair; at this moment he was like a sage, directly cutting off their talent.

The other hadn't even had a chance to speak before the holy ruler cut off his inner talent; he fell on the spot from the Great Scholar realm, his hair instantly turning snow-white, suffering immensely.

"And you, sulking here, finally get to see what is called a power elite? Let me tell you, if this Crown Prince truly used the methods of the power elite, you would have died a thousand times already. You want to know what a power elite is, right?"

"I have memorized your name and appearance; when I return to the capital, you will await death. Today I have said this here, you have become an enemy of the Gu Family; I will go back and inform my father, my uncle, and even my grandfather."

"Within a month, if you do not have your family removed from Da Xia, I, Gu Jin Nian, will behead you."

Gu Jin Nian pointed at the third person and, without hesitation, cut off his talent, while also declaring the opponent's fate with absolute domineering authority.

Power elite?

Whether he opens his mouth or closes it, he calls himself arrogant.

Again, whether he opens his mouth or closes it, he boasts about relying on his power‑elite status?

Fine then, Gu Jin Nian will show him what a power elite is, and what a Da Xia Crown Prince is.

If he truly wields power, with the strength of the Gu Family it would be easy to wipe out these Great Scholars.

So the Kong Family can stand against the Gu Family—what are these Great Scholar lineages anyway? To put it bluntly, as long as Gu Jin Nian doesn't care about reputation, using the Gu Family's power he can push everything aside.

Are the power elites shouting "power elite" here?

Have you really never seen a power elite?

Gu Jin Nian again wielded the Exquisite Holy Ruler; anyway he has abundant talent and fears nothing.

He cuts directly.

"And you, calling me a brat? You dare call me a brat? I am the Da Xia Crown Prince; when you call me a brat, are you insulting the Gu Family? Insulting His Majesty?"

"Your name, this Crown Prince has also memorized; let's see whether you will be the unlucky one or whether I will be the unlucky one."

Gu Jin Nian continued to strike with the Exquisite Holy Ruler, stripping the opponent of his talent.

"And you several, come here to cause trouble for this Crown Prince?"

"Do you really think the Kong Family can protect you?"

"To put it mildly, at worst this Crown Prince would simply abandon the Confucian path; with royal authority in hand, he would slaughter you corrupt scholars as easily as killing chickens or butchering dogs."

"Shout."

"Why aren't you shouting?"

"Shout!"

The Exquisite Holy Ruler hammered wildly; one by after another, the Great Scholars who had just berated Gu Jin Nian had their talent stripped and all fell from the Great Scholar realm.

No one present dared to speak.

This is terrifying.

Whoever dares utter another word sees their realm collapse on the spot, because indeed they berated Gu Jin Nian after the Kong Family had already coordinated, or perhaps they sought to cling to the Kong Family.

Otherwise, this Kong Family banquet could not have so many people; it's not that no one came, but that the Kong Family would not have invited so many.

This is a small banquet, not a grand one.

Today's scale is basically equivalent to a grand banquet.

At this moment, within the family banquet, an utter silence prevailed; everyone dared not speak, each one keeping their mouth shut obediently.

Gu Jin Nian erupted in fury; no one dared to clash with him.

"Fine."

"Fine."

"Fine then."

Finally, at this moment, the Holy Ruler's voice sounded; he looked at Gu Jin Nian, his expression calm, showing no trace of anger.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, there is something I forgot to remind you of."

"The banquet has begun; the Kong Family has already employed the Holy Mirror, projecting all scenes across the Eastern Wilderness."

"If you wish for universal celebration, what you just said, Your Highness, may have been seen by everyone in the world."

"I still hope, Crown Prince, that you will think twice before acting," the Holy Ruler said openly, looking at Gu Jin Nian as he spoke.

With those words, everyone present was stunned.

Projected onto the Eastern Wilderness? Everyone saw it?

Most of those present had no idea the Kong Family would pull such a move.

Yan Gong, Scholar Meng, Mr. Lu Yuan, and General Wang, among others, had their expressions change instantly.

This is outright murder of the heart.

Gu Jin Nian's character is reckless and somewhat headstrong; they all know this, so they had already guessed that Gu Jin Nian would unleash a great thunderstorm.

Moreover, Gu Jin Nian still wields the Exquisite Holy Ruler; under these circumstances, it is very possible he will kill chickens to warn the monkeys.

Therefore, from the start they had already conspired to act on Gu Jin Nian's behalf to resolve these conflicts.

So as to prevent Gu Jin Nian from gaining an unfriendly reputation.

This is also why Lu Yuan and the others acted this way.

What they didn't expect was that the Kong Family's tactics were so insidious, directly using the Holy Mirror to project onto the Eastern Wilderness, reflecting everything that just happened outward.

As a result, Gu Jin Nian would truly be cursed by the world.

Not to mention, Gu Jin Nian's words just now were genuinely arrogant and truly overbearing.

No one would like a person with such a flamboyant, overbearing temperament.

This is the first impression.

The first impression easily breeds prejudice; once prejudice forms, whatever Gu Jin Nian does thereafter will be skewed.

If Gu Jin Nian were now honest and silent, the Eastern Wilderness common folk would think he is scared, that he knows he has been exposed, which is shameful.

But if Gu Jin Nian continues to be overbearing, it's even worse; the people will be even more certain that he is increasingly tyrannical.

This move is a murder of the heart.

This move is truly ruthless.

"Gu Jin Nian, my young friend, let's go. The Kong family has resorted to this tactic, which is detrimental to you; leaving now can minimize the loss."

Lu Yuan transmitted the message; he immediately ordered Gu Jin Nian to leave.

This place is completely unfavorable to them; staying here is extremely bad.

"His Highness the Crown Prince, hurry and leave; this is a larger matter, the Kong family intends to put you to death."

Scholar Meng also transmitted the message.

Yet faced with the persuasion of several Great Scholars, Gu Jin Nian only shook his head, then looked at the Holy Ruler and sneered, saying.

"How can reflecting the world do anything?"

"Did the Crown Prince just now say something wrong?"

"You Kong family learned that the Crown Prince possessed a Holy Artifact, so you allied with a group of Great Scholars and went to the Da Xia Academy, claiming under the pretense of protecting the Holy Artifact for the Crown Prince."

"Yet the Crown Prince repeatedly refused, speaking politely, and you persisted, especially Sun Zhengnan, who directly forced the Crown Prince to hand over the Holy Artifact."

"Your rudeness is one thing, but you even adopted an attitude as if, should the Crown Prince not surrender the Holy Artifact, you would trouble him."

"What would happen if the Crown Prince curtails his talent?"

"What are the Kong family's intentions, assuming the Crown Prince does not know?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, smiling coldly.

But as soon as those words were spoken, some voices sounded again.

"Gu Jin Nian, your own heart may be enough, but the Kong family does not have a heart like yours; what is called a 'union'?"

"This matter was initiated by the family master contacting the Kong family, mainly because he feared you wield the Holy Ruler, would act recklessly, and curb talent; now it seems the master's concerns were indeed justified."

"Now you turn the tables, slandering the Kong family; you truly are not a filial son."

The voice sounded, it was Sun Zhengnan's students outside.

He looked angry, gazing at Gu Jin Nian, defending the Kong family.

Only.

The next moment.

Gu Jin Nian's figure vanished instantly, then appeared before these people, especially the one speaking at the front.

Snap.

With the Holy Ruler in hand, Gu Jin Nian swung a foot of it, striking his cheek, shattering his teeth.

Fresh blood splattered fourfold, staining his mourning robes.

Snap.

Another foot.

Gu Jin Nian was not vague; two feet of the Holy Ruler struck, crushing all his teeth.

Such an act, in the eyes of these people, is a massacre.

"Gu Jin Nian, you're insane!"

"Gu Jin Nian, stop!"

"What are you doing?"

"Arrogant, arrogant, you are truly arrogant; we only said a couple of words to you, and you responded with such lethal force."

Voices rose one after another; they did not expect Gu Jin Nian to be so ferocious.

This was reflected in every corner of the Eastern Wilderness Realm; Gu Jin Nian dared such overbearing behavior, how could they not be angry? Previously, many Great Scholars were indeed intimidated by Gu Jin Nian.

Now it is different; knowing the Holy Mirror has been activated, every scene here reflects the world, they cannot retreat and also have confidence.

This confidence stems from the fact that Gu Jin Nian does not dare act recklessly, unless he abandons his reputation and his life.

Yet Gu Jin Nian's current actions are truly ferocious; even General Wang could only click his tongue in amazement.

The Kong family, however, remained silent at this moment; they simply did not wish to intervene, because the more Gu Jin Nian acts this way, the more it benefits them.

The whole world is watching.

Indeed.

At this moment, Da Xia Capital, Fuluo Capital, Great Gold Capital, Xiongnu State, Vassal States, and Barbarian States.

The entire Eastern Wilderness Realm, every capital of each dynasty and nation under the heavens, reflected Gu Jin Nian's assault, including the sounds, all transmitted synchronously.

Even the three great dynasties—Da Xia, Fuluo, and Great Gold—had important commanderies display the scene; this is the extraordinary nature of the Holy Mirror, which, if fully activated, can reflect the world.

Da Xia Dynasty.

The common people, upon seeing this, fell silent, not knowing what to say.

Within Da Xia Capital.

Emperor Yongsheng also wore a blank expression; he gazed at it, thought for a moment, then slowly spoke.

"Send a secret message to the Royal Prince of Yu, urging him to immediately take Gu Jin Nian away; otherwise, Gu Jin Nian will truly get into trouble."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke; although he unconditionally supports Gu Jin Nian, he also knows that Gu Jin Nian's current deeds have fallen into the enemy's trap.

They intend to make Gu Jin Nian like this, to drive him completely insane, so that in the eyes of the world, Gu Jin Nian appears brutally tyrannical.

If such a situation truly arises, Gu Jin Nian's future political career will be difficult.

It is hard for a person to build a good reputation.

But building a bad reputation is far too easy.

And cleansing a bad reputation is even harder, almost impossible.

No matter how you explain, no matter what you do, if others deem you a villain, then you are a villain.

Even if you lay your heart bare before them, they will merely say, "So you weren't a villain after all?"

That's all.

The power of public opinion works like this; it is a flaw of human nature.

Emperor Yongsheng really gets it.

Because compared with Gu Jin Nian, he endures far more pressure and public scrutiny.

How many scholars in the Da Xia Dynasty have secretly cursed themselves, saying they shouldn't rebel and calling themselves treacherous ministers and thieves?

But how many would say, "I was forced to rebel"? How many would say, "Back then I almost couldn't get out of the capital"?

Even Jiande lifted a knife to kill me; I was merely resisting, yet I was labeled a treacherous minister, a thief, a conspirator plotting rebellion?

And then they accuse me of being unbearably tyrannical, of inciting the Jiande rebellion.

But for a country, what use is it to keep disobedient officials? Let them collude with foreign enemies? Or let them overthrow the throne?

I become a prisoner beneath the steps? Scholars' words decide everything.

No matter how hard I try, no one acknowledges it, no one thinks I'm right; all there is is criticism, endless criticism.

Therefore, Emperor Yongsheng knows why Gu Jin Nian is like this.

Because Gu Jin Nian is holding his breath.

He too is holding his breath.

At this moment, Emperor Yongsheng very much wants to issue an order to crush the Kong family.

But he knows he cannot do that.

Doing so would not only plunge the nation into internal chaos, but more importantly would endanger Gu Jin Nian; truly crushing the Kong family would make Gu Jin Nian the focus of all criticism.

Thus his only option now is to have Gu Jin Nian leave quickly, to depart from the Kong family banquet.

Although it's avoidance, it's at least the best solution right now, without a doubt.

The capital of the Fuyu Dynasty.

Cacophonous shouts of condemnation rose from all directions.

Arrogance, swagger, hubris, decadence, tyranny—various insults spilled from the mouths of the common folk.

Especially some scholars, who leapt up to curse, and some even wrote articles on the spot, denouncing Gu Jin Nian, earning praise from many nearby villagers.

The Great Jin Dynasty was no different.

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian seemed like a public enemy to all.

They had no idea what was happening.

They also had no clue what the problem was.

All they knew was to criticize, as if in a frenzy of revelry.

The Kong family banquet.

Gu Jin Nian had already struck eight times.

His attack was ruthless; the other could not even scream in agony, being lifted by Gu Jin Nian like a chick, his body contorted in pain.

"Tell me, who exactly is directing you to frame this Crown Prince?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke coldly, pausing as he looked at the other's now twisted face, and asked.

The other had all his teeth fallen out, his mourning robes stained red with blood, looking unbearably tragic.

Faced with Gu Jin Nian's question, the other could not utter a single word.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, we can't, Your Highness the Crown Prince, hurry and leave."

"Jin Nian, little friend, we can't do this, we can't do this."

"Crown Prince, if you truly hate him, I'll slaughter him later; for now, don't act rashly."

Scholar Meng, General Wang, Yan Gong and others spoke in turn, transmitting their urgent voices to Gu Jin Nian, not wanting him to continue this.

If this continues, a serious incident will indeed occur.

Although this person was bribed, or colluded with the Kong family to frame Gu Jin Nian here.

But it must not be handled that way.

You can retort, you can confront him, say something harsh, even call his status insufficient.

But looking at Gu Jin Nian's stance, it meant he intended to kill the other.

So the few of them hurried to persuade him down.

Although they might quarrel, they would never kill; if someone dies, nothing can be explained, everything you say is wrong.

Everyone also cannot help you.

The other's consciousness gradually recovered a bit; listening to Gu Jin Nian's voice, his heart was already terrified, it was impossible to say he wasn't scared.

And he also didn't know why the Kong family didn't come to help him, watching him be beaten.

Now, he is terrified, completely terrified.

But just as he was about to speak.

A voice suddenly rang out coldly.

"Gu Jin Nian, don't think you can force a confession; with the Kong family behind you, how dare you act recklessly?"

It was Kong Wuya's voice.

At the crucial moment, he spoke, deliberately saying this merely to tell the person that with the Kong family present, there's no need to worry.

Hearing this, the other seemed to gain confidence; he looked at Gu Jin Nian, wanting to grit his teeth but had none left.

He could only speak haltingly.

"Dog… dog thief."

"It's… you killed… my master."

The other spoke; at the last moment, he still wasn't honest.

He believed that although he was beaten, the Kong family would compensate him.

Now it's just flesh-and-blood pain; after this ends, the Kong family's compensation will be far better than he imagines.

The most important point is.

He also did not think Gu Jin Nian dared to kill him.

So he is not afraid; earlier he wavered a bit, that was from being scared of being beaten; now with Kong Wuya's support, he is not afraid at all.

When his voice fell.

Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath.

At this moment, he had no reservations.

The Holy Ruler was in his hand.

The next moment, Gu Jin Nian swung at his Heavenly Spirit Cover.

"Impossible!"

"Crown Prince, please don't."

"Don't!"

"Crown Prince, you must not do this."

"What do you want to do?"

"Crazy, crazy, crazy."

"Elder, act quickly, this Gu Jin Nian is crazy."

In an instant, voices rose one after another.

And at this moment, a mighty voice sounded.

It was the Royal Prince of Yu's voice.

"Jin Nian, my nephew."

"Impossible!"

The Royal Prince of Yu appeared, the Martial King's power permeated, and he wanted to stop Gu Jin Nian from doing this.

This is just a minor character; if Gu Jin Nian really killed him, then whatever he does afterward would be pointless.

He would be putting himself into a deadly situation.

At the Kong Family banquet, killing a scholar, and doing so in front of so many people, in front of countless commoners of the Eastern Wilderness.

Even if the Emperor Yongsheng came, it would be hard to save Gu Jin Nian.

Therefore he did not hesitate to use the Martial King's power, just to stop Gu Jin Nian.

He did not want Gu Jin Nian to make a big mistake.

However, the Martial King's power surged forth, and the war chariots behind Gu Jin Nian rumbled, blocking this mighty momentum.

In an instant.

The Holy Ruler fell, striking the opponent's Heavenly Spirit Cover.

At that moment, his eyes turned bloodshot, his whole body trembled uncontrollably, and then he went limp.

He was beaten to death by Gu Jin Nian with the Holy Ruler.

Hiss

At this moment, inside the Kong Family Ninefold Palace, everyone gathered and surrounded the place inside and out.

They looked on in shock at all this.

In their eyes was disbelief.

They also could not believe it.

Who would dare believe that Gu Jin Nian killed someone at the Kong Family banquet?

All the Great Scholars stared dumbfounded.

Even some of the Kong Family could not help but be shocked beyond measure.

They knew Gu Jin Nian was fierce, and knew he acted ruthlessly.

Yet they did not expect Gu Jin Nian to be ruthless to this extent.

This is killing someone in front of the whole world.

This time, no one coming would help.

The Royal Prince of Yu who walked out of the Great Achievement Hall fell silent; he was also shocked beyond words.

Yan Gong, Meng Xueshi, General Wang, Lu Yuan, and others were all numb, one more than the other.

Gu Jin Nian was too impulsive.

Too impulsive.

And Kong Wuya, watching all this, couldn't help but sneer repeatedly.

Of course, he was also surprised in his heart.

He really did not expect Gu Jin Nian to be so brainless, daring to act here.

Really not afraid of death? Kong Xin also couldn't help but swallow his saliva, and at the same time felt some emotion, glad he hadn't foolishly stepped forward to angrily oppose Gu Jin Nian.

Otherwise, it would likely be himself who died.

At the main seat.

The Holy Ruler watched all this.

He had no expression, but at this moment Kong Xin's voice sounded.

"Beast."

"Gu Jin Nian, you are truly a beast."

"You forced Sun Ru to death, that's bad enough, but today at the Kong Family banquet you dare to commit violence in public—where do you place the Da Xia laws?"

Kong Xin spoke, pointing at Gu Jin Nian, furious as thunder, his voice full of coldness.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"You are violent by nature; by a fortunate coincidence, you obtained my Kong family's sacred artifact. I originally thought that if you mastered the sacred artifact, you could benefit all scholars under heaven."

"But I never expected that, with the aid of the sacred artifact, you would act recklessly, slaughter innocents indiscriminately; today, the Kong family must reclaim the sacred artifact."

"To prevent you from wreaking havoc upon the world."

Kong Wuya's voice sounded.

He stepped forward, and terrifying talent surrounded his body like a tsunami, pressing down on Gu Jin Nian.

However.

Gu Jin Nian directly tossed the corpse in his hand aside, slowly turned around, and looked at Kong Wuya.

"After all, it's still not for the sacred artifact."

"Good."

"Then today, Gu will diminish the Kong family's Confucian Dao fortune; I want to see whether your talent is greater or mine."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, he couldn't be bothered with all that talk.

He had an absolute trump card.

Confucius Seal.

So he must cause a complete uproar.

Cause a big one! At the critical moment, release the Confucius Seal!