Chapter 137: with translation of chapter title

Inside the palace.

Emperor Yong Sheng's face was full of joy.

When he heard that Gu Jin Nian entered the palace, his mood was quite good.

Not long after.

Gu Jin Nian's figure walked into the main hall.

"Student Gu Jin Nian, I have seen Your Majesty."

"May Your Majesty live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years."

Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded.

In the Hall of Nurturing the Heart, Emperor Yong Sheng had already withdrawn his smile, and looking at Gu Jin Nian, his expression was calm.

"Since there is no one around, what student are you calling?"

Emperor Yong Sheng opened his mouth and said a sentence.

"Uncle, that nephew will no longer hide from you."

"I have something to discuss with you."

Hearing his own uncle say that, Gu Jin Nian stopped being verbose and got straight to the point.

"Have you ever concealed anything from me?"

Emperor Yong Sheng glanced at Gu Jin Nian.

The latter couldn't help but scoff, then clapped his hands.

At that moment, two eunuchs entered and brought a rolled map.

Before Gu Jin Nian entered, he had briefed Wei Xian on some matters, and now he waited for the emperor to speak.

Emperor Yong Sheng didn't mind; he was merely curious about what Gu Jin Nian intended to do.

Not long after.

When the map was unfolded, Emperor Yong Sheng became even more curious.

"Isn't this a map of the capital?"

"What do you want to do?"

Emperor Yong Sheng asked.

"Uncle."

"In the northwest direction, could you allocate a piece of land, about five hundred qing, but initially only a hundred qing; the rest depends on the situation."

Gu Jin Nian spoke directly, pointing to the northwest corner of the map.

"Five hundred qing?"

"Why do you need so much land?"

This time Emperor Yong Sheng was truly surprised.

Five hundred qing is what concept? Seven thousand five hundred mu.

People often say that a thousand mu of fertile land makes one a local aristocrat, ten thousand mu makes a great tycoon; Gu Jin Nian went straight to the point, saying he wanted seven thousand five hundred mu of land.

And he was demanding it right on the edge of the capital.

Da Xia Capital values every inch of land; the northwest direction is no exception. If calculated in silver, a mu of land costs a hundred thousand taels of white silver, and it cannot be a prime location.

The land Gu Jin Nian requested, though not in the core and without any structures—just an empty plot—if it were to be sold, the price would be astronomical.

The main point is,

the amount of land requested is too much.

Five hundred qing? The occupied area is too large.

Future expansion of the capital would be troublesome; aside from whether I would agree, the civil and military officials would probably not agree either.

You say you want three to five hundred mu; Emperor Yong Sheng could just wave his hand and grant it, but five hundred qing would not escape the officials' eyes; later, when someone asks, how would you explain?

I think my nephew is pitiful; giving him five hundred qing of land shouldn't be excessive, right?

It's not five hundred mu.

It's five hundred qing.

Emperor Yong Sheng could think of it with his toe; the civil and military officials would never agree.

This is completely reckless.

"Uncle, I want to establish a global intelligence network, and I need to use a merchants' association as a cover; would it be proper to just set up a random association?"

"A small shop can build a global intelligence network?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke directly.

"Even if you're building an intelligence network, wanting so much land is unreasonable."

Emperor Yong Sheng waved his hand.

Fifty qing is already enough to be demanding, let alone five hundred qing.

It's fundamentally unreasonable.

"Uncle, aside from other matters, my going to the Kong family can be considered as having earned face for our Da Xia Dynasty, right?"

"I have earned merits for Da Xia; can't you give me a piece of land? You're being too stingy, aren't you?"

Gu Jin Nian felt somewhat depressed.

It's not that I want anything else; not even a piece of land is allowed—so stingy—I'm losing out by supporting this uncle so much.

"It's not that I am stingy; it's that you ask for too much."

"In that case, twenty qing—I will find a way to get you that; five hundred is impossible."

"The officials would not agree, and it would also disrupt the legal system."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke.

It's not that I'm reluctant.

If Gu Jin Nian wants that kind of wasteland a few hundred li away, he'll give him five thousand qing.

Anyway it's something nobody wants; to put it bluntly, Gu Jin Nian has silver, he can rebuild a new city, and I get it for free, feeling pleased.

But the land beside the Capital is reserved for future expansion; as years pass, the population will grow and the Capital will become more prosperous. Now many commoners in the Capital have three or four family members sharing one room.

Expansion is inevitable, but taking so much land is unacceptable.

"Uncle, are you really not giving it?"

Gu Jin Nian looked at Emperor Yongsheng and asked thus.

"Not giving."

"Everything else is negotiable, but 500 qing is too much; my mind is set and will not change."

Emperor Yongsheng nodded.

He said not giving, so not giving.

"Fine."

Gu Jin Nian sighed, then slowly spoke.

"In this Establishing Speech, my nephew received a heavenly gift; among that gift is something that can make the Da Xia Dynasty truly reach its zenith. My nephew originally intended to give it to Your Majesty."

"But I didn't expect Your Majesty not to give me even a piece of land. Never mind, never mind, the nephew withdraws."

Gu Jin Nian sighed.

Yet those words instantly surprised Emperor Yongsheng.

"Make the Da Xia Dynasty reach its zenith?" Emperor Yongsheng looked at Gu Jin Nian, his eyes both curious and a bit worried.

Worried that Gu Jin Nian is trying to fool him.

"Heavenly gift? This is the first time I've heard of it."

"Make my Da Xia Dynasty reach its zenith?"

"Jin Nian, do you think I'm a three‑year‑old child you can fool?"

Emperor Yongsheng wasn't fooled; he wouldn't just accept whatever Gu Jin Nian said as truth.

"A dynasty's rise and fall involves too many factors; it's not something a single thing can change, Uncle."

"Forgive my nephew's rudeness; this is simply something you don't understand."

"My nephew asks you three questions."

"I wonder whether Uncle can answer."

Gu Jin Nian spoke directly, unhurried, after all this uncle is stubborn.

"You speak."

Emperor Yongsheng looked at Gu Jin Nian, genuinely curious.

"First, may I ask, Uncle, why does Da Xia have so much wasteland left untilled? Or is it that a single barren field takes months to clear?"

This is the first question.

"It's simple: there are two reasons for untended land—either a shortage of labor or a shortage of draft oxen; months are needed to clear, essentially due to lack of oxen."

Emperor Yongsheng answered directly.

"Very well, may I ask, Uncle, when the flood struck Jiangning County, the Da Xia Empire had grain reserves; why weren't dragon boats dispatched for relief?"

Gu Jin Nian continued to ask.

"Dragon boats indeed travel fast, but they consume massive amounts of spiritual crystals; the cost of transporting grain could exceed the grain's value by tenfold. Even if all Da Xia dragon boats were used for the Jiangning flood, it would be a drop in the bucket, and the cost is prohibitively high."

"For various reasons, these dragon boats can only be used to transport troops for border campaigns."

Emperor Yongsheng's answer was correct, yet he was also curious why Gu Jin Nian asked questions that ordinary people already know.

"Your Majesty is wise; now the third question: if there were something that could automatically absorb the essence of the sun and moon and empower a dragon boat without using spiritual crystals, could the Da Xia Dynasty reach its zenith?"

"Or, have the Ministry of Works create a farming tool similar to a wooden ox, using dragon‑boat technology so that the ox can till automatically; would that eliminate wasteland in Da Xia?"

"If so, could Da Xia achieve its zenith?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke; this was his third question.

At that moment, Emperor Yongsheng's eyes widened; he instantly understood what Gu Jin Nian meant.

"Jin Nian!"

"Do you have a way to solve the spiritual crystal shortage?"

Emperor Yongsheng wasn't foolish; Gu Jin Nian had gotten this far, so he couldn't not know what Gu Jin Nian wanted to say.

Spiritual crystal.

It is an extremely valuable substance, a hundred times more precious than gold, even gold cannot purchase it, because spiritual crystals contain the essence of heaven and earth, granting dragon boats tremendous power.

A three‑thousand‑li journey can be covered by a dragon boat in a single day; even at any cost, ten thousand li can be traversed in a day.

Da Xia's dragon boats are only suitable for warfare and must be used in emergencies, such as when a border falls and troops must be dispatched immediately; otherwise they are unaffordable.

Within the Da Xia Empire, there are only seven or eight spiritual crystal mountains, and the annual extraction quota is low.

This causes dragon boats to remain idle for long periods.

If the spiritual crystal issue were truly solved, the Da Xia Dynasty could indeed reach its zenith.

The reason is simple: as Gu Jin Nian said, the Ministry of Works could forge a wooden ox to replace draft oxen for clearing land; the common folk would surely take turns tilling, after all it's all about money.

Moreover, this wooden ox is versatile; it could also serve as a vessel for water transport and dragon‑boat transport, greatly boosting commerce.

At this moment, Emperor Yongsheng's breathing became slightly rapid.

Yet he still doubted; many dynasties have been researching spiritual crystals, seeking a substitute, but after years of searching, none have succeeded.

It is rumored that the Zhongzhou Dynasty possesses a secret technique that can perfectly replicate the effect of a spiritual crystal; with the same crystal, Da Xia's dragon boats can only fly a hundred li, whereas Zhongzhou's can fly several hundred li.

There was nothing else that had been heard of.

Now that Gu Jin Nian says this, how could Emperor Yong Sheng not be shocked? "Old Uncle."

"The nephew can not only meet the spirit‑crystal demand, but also free the Da Xia Dynasty from that demand from now on; henceforth Da Xia can freely produce dragon boats without worrying about a shortage of spirit crystals."

"However, there is one problem: spirit‑crystal's maximum acceleration is ten‑thousand li per day, whereas the nephew's method can only make the dragon boat fly steadily at one thousand, two thousand, or three thousand li per day, which needs to be tested."

"Of course, if urgent acceleration is needed, spirit crystals can still be used."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He was very certain.

The only flaw is that while spirit‑crystal acceleration reaches ten‑thousand li per day, his own Ancient Spirit‑Collecting Array absorbs the essence of heaven, earth, sun, and moon, so it cannot match the spirit crystal's ten‑thousand‑li‑per‑day speed.

But it won't be too far off; a thousand li is certainly achievable.

"A thousand li per day?"

"Can it be mass‑produced?"

Emperor Yong Sheng didn't care whether it was a thousand or ten‑thousand li, since a dragon boat, even flying a hundred li, already incurs exorbitant costs.

Moreover, if one truly needed to fly ten‑thousand li urgently, it would mean a major crisis.

At that moment, whether the fleet rushed or not wouldn't matter much; once the border fell, the Da Xia Dynasty would declare war outright, merely a day earlier or later.

But if it could be mass‑produced, even at a thousand li per day.

Boosting trade is the core point.

Goods a thousand li away would arrive within a day, making inter‑regional trade flourish immensely, and the realm would no longer fear natural or man‑made disasters.

Food could be transported directly without transport worries.

"It can be mass‑produced."

"Da Xia can make as many dragon boats as it wants."

Gu Jin Nian swore solemnly.

However, the cost of making dragon boats is not low, but compared to the consumption of spirit crystals, it is negligible.

"Sss."

This time Emperor Yong Sheng could no longer sit still; he rose from the dragon throne, approached Gu Jin Nian, and grabbed his shoulder.

"Jin Nian."

"You must not speak of this recklessly; you cannot deceive your uncle just because you want a piece of land."

"I am not joking with you."

Emperor Yong Sheng was very serious.

After receiving the answer, he was extremely excited.

If such a thing truly existed, not even a five‑hundred‑qing plot—he would even be willing to move the capital.

"Uncle."

"When has the nephew ever deceived you?"

"Since the nephew dares to speak like this, he can accomplish it."

Gu Jin Nian said aloud.

"Evidence."

Emperor Yong Sheng stared intently at Gu Jin Nian; he did not chatter and directly asked for evidence.

Words alone are insufficient.

Produce the evidence.

This time, Gu Jin Nian did not chatter either; he took a sheet of xuan paper from the jade desk, drew the Ancient Spirit‑Collecting Array diagram on it, then condensed the array seal and embedded it into the paper.

Then he tossed it into the air.

What Gu Jin Nian obtained was not just the Ancient Spirit‑Collecting Array diagram, but also the array seal.

A diagram alone is useless; it must be paired with the array seal, which is the most special item—without the seal, even copying the diagram is useless.

Of course, having the seal without the diagram also doesn't work; they complement each other.

As the xuan paper floated in the air, it soon hovered motionlessly, and strands of spiritual energy streamed into it.

Stabilizing the paper.

"Spirit‑Collecting Array?"

Emperor Yong Sheng, well‑versed and knowledgeable, could not possibly not know what this was, yet the next moment he was stunned.

A Spirit‑Collecting Array requires spirit crystals or something with spirit to form the formation.

But this is just an ordinary imperial xuan paper.

Although exquisitely crafted, it is still merely paper and cannot possess spirit; Gu Jin Nian hadn't produced any spirit crystals earlier.

"Sss."

Emperor Yong Sheng was dumbfounded.

He fully understood what Gu Jin Nian meant.

Gu Jin Nian had obtained an extremely special Spirit‑Collecting Array that can automatically absorb the ambient spiritual qi of heaven and earth, providing a continuous energy source.

That is why Gu Jin Nian dared to make such a bold claim.

"Sss."

"Sss."

"Sss."

The air inside the great hall noticeably warmed.

Emperor Yong Sheng, as a ruler, a reigning emperor, has endured countless storms over the years and has witnessed innumerable grand scenes.

Even if Confucius descended, Emperor Yong Sheng did not show such a display.

But now, Emperor Yong Sheng is truly shocked.

It is a shock that comes from the heart.

This thing perfectly replaces the spiritual crystal.

Though not as direct as a spiritual crystal, this thing can be applied to any item.

The main point is, it costs nothing.

No need to spend this or that; it's essentially free.

At this moment, Emperor Yong Sheng's mind was flooded with countless thoughts.

One after another, Da Xia Treasure Ships, needing no manpower, dominate everything in the sea.

One after another, Da Xia Dragon Boats, soaring across the heavens, conducting trade or transporting grain.

And wooden oxen, wooden horses—if all these were completed, the entire Da Xia Dynasty would not just reach prosperity; no, not merely prosperity, it would ascend to a higher level.

Trade would be abundant, transport convenient, and in war or in seeking resources at sea, they would be godlike.

Far surpassing other dynasties by a huge margin.

This is a divine artifact.

This is a divine object.

The nation's divine artifact.

This time Emperor Yong Sheng's body could no longer contain his trembling; he was extremely excited.

"Jin Nian."

"You truly are my good nephew."

"I, I, I."

Emperor Yong Sheng directly embraced Gu Jin Nian; a man close to sixty, yet he seemed unusually excited—if outsiders saw this, they'd surely be stunned.

Emperor Yong Sheng had never behaved so out of control before.

"Uncle."

"Hold on, you're too excited; calm down, calm down."

Gu Jin Nian forced his way out, a bit scared.

He didn't expect Emperor Yong Sheng to be this happy? To lose composure outright?

Fortunately he hadn't produced the True Dragon Rice Spike; otherwise his uncle would truly go mad.

"Hahaha ha ha ha."

"Hahaha ha ha ha, Jin Nian, my good nephew, good nephew, I am too excited, I am too happy."

"You have done me a heaven‑sized favor, you have done the Da Xia Dynasty a heaven‑sized favor."

"Come, Jin Nian, follow me."

Emperor Yong Sheng said no more, and directly pulled Gu Jin Nian outward.

The hall doors opened.

Liu Yan and Wei Xian, not knowing what had happened, only saw Gu Jin Nian being forcibly dragged away by Emperor Yong Sheng, his face full of joy, happier than at his enthronement.

The two immediately followed.

About half a quarter‑hour later.

Emperor Yong Sheng arrived at the Da Xia Ancestral Hall.

Emperor Yong Sheng directly led Gu Jin Nian into the main hall.

In the ancestral hall's main hall, the worshipped figure is the Founding Emperor.

"Father!"

"Look, look."

"Quick, look at this grandson."

"See how strong he truly is."

"When my sister wanted to marry Gu Qianzhou, you opposed; it was I who strongly urged it."

"If it weren't for me, our Li Family could not have produced such an outstanding descendant."

"Back then, you didn't pass the throne to me but to that Jiande; now facts tell you you were wrong, I was not."

"Because of Jin Nian, the Da Xia Dynasty will truly take off."

"Father, beneath Huangquan you can rest in peace."

"When the son goes down later, he can also stand tall and meet you."

"If I hadn't rebelled, hadn't pushed Jiande down, the Gu Family would have been exterminated or exiled a thousand li."

"It was I!"

"It was I!"

"I rebelled; the Gu Family's choice was not wrong, my choice was not wrong."

"The current choice is even more correct."

"Father!"

"Our Da Xia will truly take off."

"Father."

"I am not wrong, I am not wrong."

Gu Jin Nian never imagined that Emperor Yong Sheng would bring him to the ancestral hall, and utter such words.

If these words spread, they would surely cause huge trouble; even an emperor cannot say them.

But these words are all the Yongsheng Emperor's inner thoughts.

He has been suppressed for far too many years.

Back then, when the Crown Prince died, his status was the highest, his ability the most outstanding, and he was the most suitable to become emperor.

What no one expected was that the Grand Ancestor let his great‑grandson ascend the throne, without choosing him, Yongsheng.

Moreover, Emperor Jiande directly committed a righteous purge of his own kin, nearly causing the Yongsheng Emperor's death.

Later, after rebelling, purging the monarch's side, and confronting Jiande's hardships, he became a figure despised by the world.

The rebel emperor.

Great treason.

Violating ancestral rites.

Not a son of humanity.

These accusations he has borne from the moment he rebelled up to now.

Suppressed for over a decade, he turned that suppression into motivation, and he was almost constantly reviewing memorials.

He also almost constantly worked to revitalize the dynasty, yet no matter his efforts, the world still scolded him.

He has become indifferent.

Indifferent to the scorn of the world.

What he now hopes most is to govern the country well, so that after death he can meet his father.

His father told him directly that he did nothing wrong.

But given the current situation, he dares not say so.

He lives in constant fear day and night, fearing a sudden illness, fearing a sudden death, for then he would be unashamed before his father.

Grand Ancestor of Da Xia.

Now, he is no longer afraid.

He truly is no longer afraid.

Gu Jin Nian's Spirit‑Collecting Ancient Array is enough to make the Da Xia Dynasty soar upward, reaching a higher level.

It might even rival the Zhongzhou Dynasty, becoming the strongest dynasty in the Eastern Wilderness. With a bolder ambition, it could become the Eastern Wilderness dynasty, rather than the Da Xia Dynasty.

He is excited.

He is thrilled.

He is happy.

He clenches his fists, gazing at the statue before him, at the Grand Ancestor's statue.

Laughter.

Crying.

And a voice of resentment.

Also a voice of guilt.

This is the Yongsheng Emperor's other side, while Gu Jin Nian stands aside, silent.

All along, Gu Jin Nian knew his uncle bore much, but he never expected his uncle to bear so much.

Nevertheless, venting a bit is also good; at least people's mood improves greatly.

He offers no counsel, merely watches from the side.

And one thing, Gu Jin Nian already understands in his heart.

His uncle.

Is a true emperor.

Regardless of the reason, he is an emperor, a qualified emperor.

About half an hour later.

The Yongsheng Emperor's emotions have been completely vented.

He takes a deep breath.

After wiping the tears from his eyes and striving to calm himself, he cannot help but look at Gu Jin Nian.

"Jin Nian."

"Uncle owes you this favor; this is Uncle's Dragon Talisman."

"Take it."

"From now on, within Da Xia, anyone who dares to provoke you, you may kill them outright, no need to submit a memorial; just kill them."

"Outside Da Xia, if anyone dares to move against you, I, your uncle, will spare no cost to declare war on them."

The Yongsheng Emperor, full of dominance, hands the Da Xia Dragon Talisman to Gu Jin Nian.

This item represents supreme authority; there is only one in the world, capable of mobilizing troops.

It can be said that what Gu Jin Nian presented brought the Yongsheng Emperor immense joy and excitement, even handing over the Da Xia Dragon Talisman.

"Uncle."

"We are family; I don't need this Dragon Talisman, you keep it."

"Since I'm being bullied anyway, Uncle, you won't stand by idly."

Gu Jin Nian did not take the Dragon Talisman; for no other reason, it's best not to take it, and now his uncle is extremely happy.

Do anything.

If he were to ask for a 'One‑Character' Co‑Ruler, his uncle might even consent.

But at that time, as happy as he was, some things are best left unclaimed.

Not taking it is a hundred times better than taking it.

To be blunt, if I truly get into trouble, can my uncle not help? If he doesn't, this dragon talisman is useless.

It's just a piece of scrap iron.

"Stop pretending here."

"Give it to me; whatever you're thinking, how could I not know?"

"It's just that I'm worried it'll be a hot potato."

"Keep this dragon talisman; in ten years I'll take it back, so you won't have to worry."

Emperor Yongsheng understood why Gu Jin Nian refused, so he forced it onto Gu Jin Nian.

There was no other reason; Gu Jin Nian acts impulsively—just like in Jiangling County this time, if the dragon talisman were present, Prince Qi Lin wouldn't dare act rashly.

So he gave Gu Jin Nian the dragon talisman; he wasn't worried, believing Gu Jin Nian would use it properly.

Of course, mainly because he didn't want Gu Jin Nian to be on guard against him.

If a family suspects each other, it's pointless.

"Fine, then."

"Uncle, what about that piece of land?"

Seeing Emperor Yongsheng so serious, Gu Jin Nian didn't stall and accepted it outright.

After receiving the dragon talisman,

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian felt a change; the dragon talisman exuded a terrifying aura—national destiny.

Recalling the dragon talisman Su Huaiyu had produced then,

"Well done."

Su Huaiyu truly is audacious, daring to forge a false order? It's a pity such a person wouldn't go to prison.

"Here you go."

"Any other requests? I'll approve them all."

Emperor Yongsheng was quite generous.

It's just a piece of land, right? Is Emperor Yongsheng that stingy? 500 qing? If that's not enough, add another 500 qing.

Don't let the neighboring dynasty look down on us.

"Forget any other requests."

"Uncle, tomorrow at court should you announce this, or just approve it directly? If you approve outright, it might spark controversy."

"Even though we're family, we still need to make our actions look comfortable to outsiders."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

As long as Emperor Yongsheng is satisfied, that's fine, but it still needs to be announced outwardly; a family is a family, yet rules are rules—if we act recklessly, outsiders will certainly be displeased.

"Alright, Uncle, I understand and will handle it properly."

"Regardless, no one can stop it; I've approved this land for you, Uncle."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, going through the procedure—he understood.

Indeed, Gu Jin Nian thought of that, and he felt gratified.

I must say, Gu Jin Nian truly is different—those who have studied are different. Look at his son, his grandson.

Compared to Gu Jin Nian, they're nothing but a bunch of deadweights.

Not okay, later I'll call them over and give them a scolding.

"Alright, Uncle, I have nothing else. If you're free, I'll take my leave."

Receiving that reply, Gu Jin Nian planned to slip away.

But Emperor Yongsheng grabbed Gu Jin Nian.

"There's something."

"This ancient spirit-collecting array must not be told to anyone—remember, anyone."

"And you must never take it out."

"I will have the Ministry of Works forge a dragon-boat treasure vessel; as for the wooden ox you mentioned, I'll also order the Ministry to quickly produce a batch."

"Then, back in a county near the capital, we'll use it as a pilot; if successful, we'll produce it secretly. For the next year or two, act as if nothing happened."

"We either stay silent, or make a stunning breakthrough—do you understand?"

Emperor Yongsheng said.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian nodded.

He truly understood this.

Bringing this out would absolutely overturn the world; the Da Xia Dynasty would indeed reach its zenith.

The problem is, no wall is airtight.

If it spreads to other dynasties, they'll all study it; if they succeed, fine, but if they fail, disaster will follow.

They'll rush over to negotiate terms—either demand a share of ours or force us to hand over the technology.

Handing over the technology is basically impossible.

After all, the Great Jin Dynasty wouldn't dare to start a war with Da Xia at will.

The issue is, there's also a Zhongzhou Dynasty behind them.

It's a colossal presence.

If they play hardball, won't we lose? So, say nothing, do nothing, and when the time comes, directly promote the entire Da Xia Dynasty.

Even if many events follow, as long as we stall three to five years, Da Xia can first use the ancient spirit-collecting array to generate huge value; sharing a bit of profit is fine.

Anyway, Da Xia gets a big payoff; pulling a few dynasties in to share it is fine.

It's just like nuclear weapons.

If only one country possessed nuclear weapons, that country would not dominate the world; instead, it would be besieged.

But if some countries have them, it can stabilize the situation, as long as you can become the strongest among them.

Even if you were to dominate.

"Don't worry, uncle, I have it figured out."

Gu Jin Nian said firmly.

"Okay."

"Uncle trusts you."

"There are two more things."

"One is, I plan to grant you a marquisate and hold your coming‑of‑age ceremony at the Spring Yuan Festival, and I have chosen the character 'benevolence' for you. What do you think?"

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke.

"No."

Gu Jin Nian directly refused.

Although the character 'benevolence' is good, Gu Jin Nian does not want to set up a persona; otherwise, if something happens later, others will scold him and he will scold them back, and people will say, 'Is that still benevolent?' Not setting up a persona is the best thing.

"Is benevolence not acceptable?"

"Then what do you want?"

Emperor Yong Sheng felt a bit troubled; this bestowed character must match Gu Jin Nian's conduct and cannot be given casually.

He thought for half a day before coming up with it.

"This is fine anyway; I don't want things like benevolence and righteousness. Uncle, I'm actually just an ordinary person who shouts when seeing injustice, but if you say I should be especially benevolent and righteous, I think I can't live up to that."

"Pick something simpler, or something more imposing—either works."

Gu Jin Nian appeared quite casual.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yong Sheng couldn't help but speak.

"Your sixth uncle came up with the character Peng, taken from the great Peng soaring; would you be willing to be called Gu Da Peng?"

He said irritably.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian fell silent.

"Gu Da Peng? Peng your sister!"

"Uncle, I don't mean anything else; I didn't notice before, but now I realize my sixth uncle has a problem—he's probably jealous of me."

"It's not that I'm looking for trouble; people like my sixth uncle, if you don't give him a lesson now, there will be big trouble later."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

This sixth uncle indeed has a problem—he's trying to glom onto credit.

I'll have to do what's right and cut ties with family.

"Don't worry, uncle will take good care of him."

Emperor Yong Sheng said expressionlessly.

He understood Gu Lao Liu very well.

"What's the second matter?"

Gu Jin Nian asked curiously.

"After the coming‑of‑age ceremony, your appointment."

"At first I wanted to send you to the Ministry of Personnel or the Ministry of Justice, but Mr. Wen Jing suggested you go to the Ministry of Rites."

"Mr. Wen Jing meant you should start from the sixth rank, but I mentioned to you a fifth‑rank position, Secretary of the Ministry of Rites."

"Do you think that works? If not, I'll think of a way to have the Lantern Office or Wei Xian investigate the vice‑ministers of the Ministry of Rites to see if there's any impropriety."

"Just remove them and let you take their place."

"If you think that won't work, I'll set up a scheme to send Yang Kai down; although your age being a Minister would still raise some eyebrows, it doesn't really matter—it's up to you."

Emperor Yong Sheng said seriously.

He remembered Gu Jin Nian previously saying he wanted to be a Minister, so he asked directly.

"Uncle, that's unnecessary."

"What Mr. Wen Jing said is correct."

"Anyway, I'll just wait for my seniority; when the time comes I'll take the post. Besides, I'm still young and have a free‑spirited nature—if you really made me a Minister, I wouldn't want to deal with paperwork every day."

"A Secretary is fine, a Secretary is good, but uncle, I have to mention that I might not go to the Ministry of Rites every day; it depends on my mood, so don't blame me later."

Gu Jin Nian really didn't want to be a Minister.

He disliked the clock‑in‑clock‑out work life; otherwise he couldn't have been a screenwriter in his previous life—mainly he just likes a bit more freedom.

"This is a minor matter."

"Then there's nothing else."

"Right."

Emperor Yong Sheng originally had nothing else, but then suddenly thought of another matter.

"What's up?"

Gu Jin Nian looked full of curiosity.

"Regarding your business, I've heard you've brought in many people; I know you need silver, so you've been scheming and defrauding this lot."

"You should keep this in mind yourself—don't gouge them too hard, especially the Crown Prince; he's very stingy, and if you really lose his silver, he'll probably hold it against you forever."

"If you end up losing money later, take some gold from me to repay the principal—understand?"

Emperor Yong Sheng said kindly.

This time Gu Jin Nian was a little unhappy.

You look down on people, right?

But, doing business this thing, you truly can't say it's a sure profit, so Gu Jin Nian still didn't say anything, just nodded.

Alright, go back, the rest of the matter is left to your old uncle.

The Eternal Prosperity Emperor patted Gu Jin Nian on the shoulder, didn't say much more, and let him leave.

Soon, after Gu Jin Nian left.

The Eternal Prosperity Emperor also let out a breath.

The smile on his face came from the heart, impossible to conceal.

Jin Nian, Jin Nian.

You are truly the lucky star of Da Xia.

Anyway, everything's fine, you're just too overconfident; later I really will need to prepare some silver, otherwise if you suffer a loss, it'll be troublesome, and I'll still have to get your uncle to clean up after you, sigh.

Without me, what will you do? It's a headache.

The Eternal Prosperity Emperor sighed.

He had just been thinking, if he himself took out some more silver, to let Gu Jin Nian not bring so many people, so that in the end nobody would be embarrassed.

But upon reflection, the treasury also had no silver, so he just forgot about it; anyway, this business couldn't possibly lose everything at once.

Wait until next year when the treasury has silver, then he'll handle it himself.

Thus.

The Eternal Prosperity Emperor immediately returned, started to make plans regarding Gu Jin Nian's matter, and he had many ideas in his mind.

That night, Liu Yan and Wei Xian, who were guarding outside the Hall of Nurturing Heart, were quite surprised.

Because that night, the Eternal Prosperity Emperor was laughing, from time to time transmitting some hearty laughter, or something.

I am truly clever.

I have thought of all this.

This Jin Nian surely didn't expect it, hahaha, I am extremely clever.

Just like that.

He laughed all night.

The next day arrived.

The Eternal Prosperity Emperor still had a smiling face.

Opened the court assembly.

In the imperial palace hall.

Civil and military officials were outside the hall.

As the eunuch's voice sounded.

Officials entered the court.

Then, after completing the usual procedure, the officials were somewhat surprised.

Because the Eternal Prosperity Emperor's face was full of smiles.

Before, one had never seen the Eternal Prosperity Emperor like this.

The officials were curious, not knowing what was happening, but it wasn't a problem.

The first half was still about state affairs, going back and forth, always the same matter.

Wait until the latter part.

Only then did the Eternal Prosperity Emperor speak.

He mentioned the vacant land to the northwest of the capital.

However, Gu Jin Nian said it was five hundred qing.

The Eternal Prosperity Emperor worried that Gu Jin Nian wouldn't have enough, so he directly increased it to one thousand qing.

After saying that, the entire court of civil and military officials was shocked.

First to jump out was the Minister of Revenue.

He immediately asked what the purpose was.

The Eternal Prosperity Emperor also directly said he gave Gu Jin Nian something to do; as for what exactly, he didn't go into detail.

As soon as that was said, the officials objected.

Your Majesty.

One thousand qing is too large, it will affect future expansion of the capital; I, your subject, do not agree.

The Minister of Revenue spoke up, immediately disagreeing.

Next, the Minister of Personnel, the Minister of Punishments, and the Minister of War all came out to object.

Even many military officials came out to object.

It's impossible that they wouldn't come out to object.

One thousand qing!

Even one thousand mu feels like a lot, let alone one thousand qing.

This is too exaggerated; you could build a new city with that.

Almost seventy percent of officials opposed.

The remaining thirty percent, although not opposing, actually meant much the same.

However, just then.

The voice of Minister of Rites Yang Kai sounded.

Cough cough.

Yang Kai cleared his throat.

To be frank, hearing that it was a thousand qing also shocked him, but after thinking it over, since the emperor had already agreed, what did it matter whether it was reasonable or not?

Just do it myself and it's done.

Blocking my money-making? What do these people want, to eat shit?

"Ridiculous."

The next moment, Yang Kai's voice rang out, a sound of angry rebuke, echoing throughout the entire hall.

Yongsheng Great Emperor frowned slightly.

The others, meanwhile, felt moved in their hearts.

Have to say, Sir Yang is still impressive, Minister of Rites — he's just different, strong, bro.

Each of those officials kneeling on the ground felt admiration in their hearts.

The Minister of War, the Minister of Revenue, the Minister of Personnel, and even the Minister of Justice also gave Yang Kai a thumbs-up in their hearts.

Nothing else to say, in the entire court, Yang Kai is indeed straightforward, daring to defy heaven and earth.

Truly deserving of being the chief of literati.

Truly deserving of being a great scholar.

He ought to be scolded.

Scold this emperor.

Just give a thousand qing when you say so? Isn't that absurd? But just as everyone was praising Yang Kai's noble integrity,

Yang Kai's next words left everyone stunned.

"You all are truly a bunch of beasts."

Yang Kai's voice rang out.

With a righteous expression, his voice booming, he glared at the officials and shouted angrily.

Upon saying that,

Everyone present was stunned.

Huh? What's going on?

Sir Yang? Have you gone mad?

You dare scold His Majesty as a beast? You're committing high treason!

Do you want to die?

Everyone was stunned.

No.

Are you scolding us?

At first, everyone was shocked, thinking Yang Kai had gone mad.

You dare scold the emperor as a beast.

But after they came to their senses, everyone was even more bewildered.

Sir Yang.

You've scolded the wrong person.

The officials were dazed.

And Yang Kai gave a cold laugh, then continued speaking.

He began a long-winded tirade. —Brothers, as of today, the outburst ends.

From now on, daily updates of ten thousand characters.

If I write more, it'll be thirteen or fourteen thousand, fifteen thousand.

Specifically, it depends on the situation.

If I can write, I'll write—anyway, the minimum is ten thousand characters!

If things go well later and it doesn't affect my schedule, I'll still burst out if I can.

Begging for monthly tickets!!!!! Eleven days, twenty-thousand-character burst! earnestly begging for monthly tickets!!!! (End of chapter)