Chapter 139: A Hundred‑Official Feast, Killing Civilians to Fill Bandit Ranks, Three‑Court Peace Talks, Making the Xiongnu Pay Eighty

Da Xia Capital.

Inside the Purple Sandalwood Pavilion.

This place counts as a high-end liquor house in the capital.

Per capita consumption is ten taels of silver.

Gu Jin Nian is also quite generous; if it followed the normal procedure of the Ministry of Rites, one would usually go to the School of Unified Script for a meal.

Why go to the School of Unified Script?

Because the imperial court pays.

The Ministry of Rites has no silver for reimbursement; moreover, even if reimbursement were possible, it's only two taels per person, and sometimes when reimbursement exceeds that, not to mention whether the Ministry of Revenue would approve it.

In any case, the Ministry of Rites simply refuses to approve it, and may even cause you trouble.

Gu Jin Nian actually understands the reason capital officials are impoverished: mainly because the Founding Emperor was extremely harsh back then.

Even saying it's harsh is insufficient.

Officials who embezzle five taels of silver are exiled to the frontier; those who embezzle more than ten taels are beheaded outright, with no reasoning whatsoever.

Later, after Emperor Yongsheng ascended the throne, he did not change this, for he invariably emulated the Founding Emperor in everything he did.

Thus he was also extremely harsh toward officials.

Of course, this is also because the state treasury lacks silver.

Moreover, officials of the Da Xia Dynasty not only receive meager salaries, but also have no holidays throughout the 365 days of the year, except for the Spring Origin Festival, the birthdays of the Founding Emperor, the emperor, and the empress dowager.

Capital officials lead a miserable life.

Provincial officials live much more comfortably; the better ones secretly make some silver, just from fire losses they can reap a profit, plus the integrity allowance, living quite happily.

The harsher ones simply exploit the people's fat and marrow in every possible way.

Naturally, these provincial officials aren't stupid either; after acquiring silver, they will to some extent present tribute to their superiors, layer upon layer.

The Ministry of Personnel's revenue is easy to guess.

The Ministry of Revenue's income comes from some loss-making purchases, and it's not bad.

As for the Ministry of Punishments' revenue, needless to say— hearing the Ministry of Punishments wail every day about lacking funds for assignments, yet when they actually go out, could the families of prisoners etc. get by without slipping them silver?

And the Ministry of War needs no further mention.

As for the Ministry of Rites and the Ministry of Works, they are indeed miserable; the Ministry of Rites basically consists of scholars, people of prestige and virtue, who are inherently honest, and the Ministry of Rites likes to put on airs.

They also have aristocratic clans backing them; if high consumption were to arise, the clans could afford it.

But the problem is, this lot, on the one hand, refuses to eat food given in contempt and does not rely on the clans; on the other hand, they constantly scheme against each other—for example, if one day a secretary of the Ministry of Rites is seen eating and drinking lavishly, others will immediately criticize him.

The gist is, we all endure hardship, while you go out reveling and feasting, letting others see it— wouldn't they think the Ministry of Rites is corrupt? In any case, we insist on being poor together; we are all stubborn, so the Ministry of Rites remains relatively clean.

Finally, there's the Ministry of Works.

The Ministry of Works actually has many ways to make money, such as building bridges and roads, but unfortunately, in Da Xia the Ministry of Works does not have the final say; any bridge or road construction, palace repairs, or large-scale earthworks

must involve the Office of Hanging Lamps, the Office of Pacifying the Prefecture, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of Rites together.

Put bluntly, if corruption occurs, the spoils are split among a group; but if even a slight mistake happens, they all suffer misfortune, with no one able to escape.

With multiple checks and balances, plus Emperor Yongsheng staring them down, who would dare to be corrupt?

Thus, the Ministry of Works is the worst off; even the artisans' salaries are a bit higher than officials', which is no joke.

Inside the Purple Sandalwood Pavilion.

The inner court has already been reserved by Gu Jin Nian.

The entire Purple Sandalwood Pavilion is not open to the public today.

As Gu Jin Nian entered,

At that moment, some voices sounded involuntarily.

"I never expected the Ministry of Rites to arrange such a place; this subordinate has never seen such a luxurious liquor house before."

"Yes, yes, I never imagined this liquor house could be so luxurious."

"To be honest, just smelling the aroma of the dishes makes one's index finger twitch."

Some voices sounded.

They appeared quite happy.

And as Gu Jin Nian entered the inner court, Li Anzhi, who was responsible for maintaining order, immediately spoke up.

"Please be quiet."

"The Secretary of the Ministry of Rites, Gu Jin Nian, Sir Gu has arrived."

Li Anzhi spoke, and the crowd fell silent.

Yet within the inner court, everyone could not help but erupt in an uproar.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Rites is nothing special.

But the three words 'Gu Jin Nian' are like thunder in their ears.

In this short half‑year period, the person with the greatest reputation in the entire Da Xia Dynasty is none other than this Crown Prince.

They truly never expected that today would be a banquet hosted by the Crown Prince.

And upon stepping into the inner court,

Gu Jin Nian's expression was gentle, but he was also exercising the Grand Aspiration Qi Observation Technique to observe these officials.

A single glance swept over them.

Strands of red qi rose; the highest reached four zhang, which could only be described as passable, roughly equivalent to the rank of a Prefectural Lord.

However, around this red qi there was also a considerable amount of black qi.

This black qi signifies many different meanings; Gu Jin Nian, having mastered the Grand Aspiration Qi Observation Technique and carefully discerned it, roughly knows what the situation is.

A small portion indicates future contact with malign qi, while the majority shows extensive accumulation of wealth.

To put it bluntly, being an official without compassion, they have done some dirty deeds, more or less.

Especially those officials who previously praised the extravagance here, their black aura is thick, clearly they have taken a lot of bribes.

They put on a poor, destitute act here, as if they've never seen the world.

"Lord Gu."

"These are officials of various ranks from the Twenty‑four Commanderies."

Li An Zhi, standing nearby, spoke up and introduced the crowd to Gu Jin Nian.

The officials rose one after another and bowed toward Gu Jin Nian.

"We pay our respects to the Crown Prince."

"We pay our respects to Lord Gu."

They all spoke together; regarding rank, some of them hold positions higher than Gu Jin Nian—being regular fourth‑rank officials—hence they address him as Crown Prince.

Those below the fourth rank address him as Lord; this is protocol, after all Gu Jin Nian not only holds the position of Ministry of Rites clerk but also a commander role, a regular fourth‑rank official.

"You all are being overly courteous."

Gu Jin Nian smiled faintly, saying that although most officials have some issues, he does not deal with them directly; such matters are hard to resolve and must be handled gradually.

There are essentially two types of people.

One type hoards wealth, the other is completely clean.

At a glance, the inner courtyard holds about two to three hundred people, but only five or six officials are truly clean.

"Everyone."

"Today I, as the official host, have invited you all for two matters."

"First, I have just taken up the post of Ministry of Rites clerk, serving the nation; I may be dispatched to various regions later, so meeting today is a chance to become acquainted, and I hope you will look after me in the future."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He spoke without any Crown Prince airs; he does not converse with them as a Crown Prince.

It is also just some formal talk to leave an impression; otherwise, if a situation like the White Heron Manor incident recurs, it would be awkward.

We met today; if we meet again and they dare to play tricks on me, I will have no excuse.

"The second is that on the day of the capital inspection, you have traveled thousands of miles and are weary from the journey, so the Crown Prince has arranged a banquet for everyone to gather and relax."

This is still just formal talk.

In official circles, one must speak formally; the higher the rank, the more one must be tactful, especially with these out‑of‑province officials.

With so many affairs in the Da Xia Dynasty, could one person handle them all?

"It is our honor that you, Lord, have personally hosted the banquet."

"We thank the Crown Prince."

"Your Highness truly empathizes with our hardships; with such a fine Lord as you, what more could we say?"

Everyone spoke up, showering him with praise one after another; after all, they need no silver.

Soon, various dishes were brought out, and Gu Jin Nian sat at the head of the table.

At the head seat were the prefects from various regions; seeing Gu Jin Nian take his seat, they gradually seated themselves, still observing the hierarchy.

After all, Gu Jin Nian is now a favorite in the Emperor's sight, and he is also the grandson of the Duke of the Nation.

Compared to him, these prefects have slightly stronger fortunes; although some have unsavory matters, they are within acceptable limits.

After taking their seats, the prefects began to speak, each first offering compliments to Gu Jin Nian.

After the compliments, they boasted about the Duke of the Nation, all in all just more formal talk.

Banquets like this, Gu Jin Nian has experienced countless times; he handles them deftly, never striking a smiling face.

Halfway through the meal, officials from various regions came to toast, taking turns; Li An Zhi and Zhou Hua stood aside to block the drinks, and Gu Jin Nian only took a sip, as a token gesture.

If someone seemed agreeable, he asked a couple of questions; if they seemed ordinary, he merely offered a polite remark.

When the initial group of pretentious officials arrived, Gu Jin Nian's smile broadened.

Zhou Hua, standing nearby, also introduced them with good sense.

"Lord, these are officials from the various prefectures of Guiyang Commandery."

Zhou Hua introduced them.

Guiyang Commandery? Upon hearing that, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but sigh.

"Guiyang Commandery has suffered years of drought; I wonder how it is lately?"

Looking at the officials, Gu Jin Nian asked curiously.

"Replying, Lord, the Guiyang area is perennially dry; fortunately the court allocated funds and purchased many rain‑prayer talismans, which can solve some problems at critical times, but the remote peasants remain impoverished."

"Indeed, Lord Gu, it always comes down to the people's hardship."

"Lord, you truly empathize with the Guiyang people; I am genuinely moved."

A few of them spoke, each appearing deeply moved.

Gu Jin Nian nodded, offered a few words of diligent encouragement, and then inevitably shifted the topic elsewhere.

"By the way, when I reviewed documents yesterday, I found that Guiyang Commandery has a large number of newly established temples."

"These people are so impoverished; how can they still be building temples on such a scale?"

Gu Jin Nian took a sip of tea and feigned curiosity, asking.

"Temples?"

When this was mentioned, a few fell silent, while others kept their composure.

"Lord, Guiyang Commandery is perennially dry, the people suffer unbearably, so they build temples to pray to the heavens."

"Indeed, with this perpetual drought, not even water is reliably available; the surge in temple building is inevitable."

They explained.

But this is obviously flawed; there's no water, yet you still have the mind to build a temple? You could say it's normal to go to an old temple to burn incense and worship Buddha.

Massive construction, no labor? No materials? Could these materials be cheaper than water? Anyway, Gu Jin Nian knew this clearly in his heart, but he merely nodded on the surface, treating it as if he had been fooled and moved on.

"After the Spring Yuan Festival, I will go see His Majesty, devise some solutions, and allocate some silver to Guiyang County, hoping to resolve some trouble."

"However, I will not approve the establishment of this temple; after all, we must rely on self‑reliance, and praying to gods is merely wishful thinking."

Gu Jin Nian smiled casually, said little, took a sip of wine, and the others nodded and left one by one.

Soon another three or four rounds of toasting took place, and finally a group of upright people arrived.

Twelve people came forward; three of them were upright, but their official rank was low. Judging by their aura, they appeared to be Seventh‑rank County Magistrates.

"We have seen the elder."

The crowd spoke, bowing toward Gu Jin Nian.

"You're welcome."

Gu Jin Nian raised his cup and glanced at Zhou Hua.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, they are officials from Nan Wei County."

Zhou Hua informed.

"Nan Wei County?"

Gu Jin Nian thought for a moment, and some information surfaced in his mind.

Nan Wei County lies to the true south of the Da Xia Dynasty and is famed for its Guilin scenery, renowned as the best under heaven.

However, Nan Wei County had not been peaceful in recent years; bandit troubles were severe, but fortunately they were eventually suppressed.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince."

At that moment, a voice rang out; the speaker's aura was upright.

Just over thirty years old, he suddenly spoke, drawing the crowd's attention.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"This wine is truly delicious; we in Nan Wei County have never tasted such fine wine before."

"Indeed, indeed, if Nan Wei County had such good wine, how wonderful it would be."

But several other voices immediately rose, drowning out his.

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian sensed something fishy.

The latter, after hearing those officials speak, fell silent for a moment.

"What business do you have?"

Gu Jin Nian looked at the other, who appeared very calm.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, he has nothing else; perhaps he is merely marveling at the capital's splendor."

"Indeed, Your Highness the Crown Prince, perhaps seeing you made him overly excited."

The other officials immediately spoke up, each eager to answer.

Gu Jin Nian said nothing.

The latter then slowly spoke.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, I am feeling unwell and wish to take my leave early."

He lowered his head and replied thus.

"Fine, then you may return."

Upon hearing this, how could Gu Jin Nian not understand? He said nothing, yet seemed somewhat displeased; he did this to let the others see.

It was clear that this person had something to tell him, but because the other officials were present, he dared not speak.

Thus Gu Jin Nian pretended to be angry, to calm the group.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, please do not be angry; this man's temper is like that—very eccentric."

"Indeed, Your Highness the Crown Prince, that's how he is; a few days ago you were criticized by scholars, and I fear he also took part."

"Yes, yes, such a person has a corrupted character."

The officials spoke, mercilessly denouncing him.

"Enough, he's only a Seventh‑rank County Magistrate; next time the Crown Prince can just consult a Ministry of Personnel official."

Gu Jin Nian seemed casual, his words as if to suppress the other.

The moment he said that,

the crowd burst into laughter.

Thus the banquet continued for another half‑hour, and Gu Jin Nian left, unable to hold his liquor.

After Gu Jin Nian departed, the group also dispersed individually.

Especially those from Nan Wei County left the fastest.

"This Xu Jian truly knows no sense of life or death."

An official spoke, his expression icy.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince's arrival disrupted our plans; this Xu Jian likely saw you and wanted to say something. Fortunately, Lord Wu restrained him; otherwise trouble would have erupted."

"Indeed, Xu Jian truly isn't afraid of losing his head; the affairs of Nan Wei County are too entangled."

"Regardless, later we'll go warn him and make him shut up."

"Yes, fortunately no dispute arose; Your Highness the Crown Prince despises evil as a personal hatred. If not for this Capital Inspection, someone like Xu Jian would never reach the capital."

"He is a Seventh‑rank official, cannot appear before the saint; go back and find the elder so the elder can handle it."

They whispered their discussion.

Meanwhile, elsewhere, a few officials wore uneasy expressions.

"Gentlemen, do you think the matter the Crown Prince asked today hides any other implications?"

Someone spoke up; they were officials of Guiyang Commandery.

"It should be impossible. Guiyang Commandery is seven thousand li from the Da Xia Dynasty; the court can't even reach us."

"Well, Prince Heir was only asking. He just took up the post of Assistant Director in the Ministry of Rites; when handling documents, taking another look is normal—after all, the scholarly path is the scholarly path, and the official path is the official path."

"It's natural to want some merit; our commandery merely opened a few more temples, not something that would outrage both men and gods."

A few of them kept replying back and forth, clearly having something hidden in their hearts.

And at that moment.

Gu Jin Nian had already returned to the academy.

Zhou Hua and Li Anzhi went back.

After arriving at the academy, Gu Jin Nian went straight to Su Huaiyu.

"Brother Su, I have a matter I need you to run for me."

"Tonight, go to Tongwen Hall and bring Xu Jian of Nanwei Commandery to me."

Gu Jin Nian didn't bother with words and directly sent Su Huaiyu to go in his place.

"Alright."

Su Huaiyu agreed.

Thus.

It stretched until deep night.

Gu Jin Nian stayed in the academy, waiting continuously for news from Su Huaiyu.

Bang—bang—

It was the fifth quarter of the Zi hour.

A knock sounded.

Outside the door, two figures appeared.

Gu Jin Nian rose and opened the room door.

It was Su Huaiyu and Xu Jian.

But Xu Jian was in a state of unconsciousness.

"What's wrong with him?"

Gu Jin Nian asked curiously.

"I feared he wouldn't come, so I knocked him out directly."

Su Huaiyu spoke lightly, and a single sentence left Gu Jin Nian speechless.

That method truly was direct.

"Wake him up."

Gu Jin Nian didn't waste words, closed the door, and then had Su Huaiyu wake the other up.

Soon after, Xu Jian awoke, sitting in the chair.

He was a bit dazed; after waking, his gaze was even more vacant.

"Prince Heir?"

As he came to, Xu Jian was surprised; he hadn't expected to actually see the Prince Heir. "Xu Jian."

"At today's banquet, do you have anything to say?"

Gu Jin Nian looked at him, said nothing superfluous, and asked directly.

Those words made the latter pause, then fall silent.

Seeing this, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but frown.

"If you have anything, you may speak freely. This Prince Heir sees you bear upright spirit, so I will talk with you at length; if you conceal yourself here…"

"Don't blame this Prince Heir for not giving you a chance."

Gu Jin Nian grew a bit cold; if there's something, just say it outright—still hiding at this point truly irritates people.

When the words reached this point, the latter dared not speak further.

He saw the latter kneel on the ground, looking at Gu Jin Nian, his face full of sorrow.

"Prince Heir, please uphold justice for Chen Gou Village, for its 145 innocent villagers."

His face full of grief, he looked at Gu Jin Nian and spoke thus.

Sure enough, there was something.

Gu Jin Nian thought to himself…

"Speak directly, what exactly…"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"May I ask, Prince Heir, whether you are aware of the Da Xia anti‑bandit decree?"

Xu Jian spoke, his face marked with tears.

"I know."

"According to Da Xia law, those who suppress bandits are rewarded per head, a bounty of five hundred taels of silver per person."

Gu Jin Nian knew this law; it was established by the founding emperor.

At the founding, internal and external troubles plagued the realm; banditry was one of Da Xia Dynasty's most troublesome issues, for before the founding, there were not only the founding emperor's rebellion but also many volunteer forces.

After the founding emperor established the dynasty, those volunteer forces were either incorporated or fled, but most turned to banditry; to solve this, the Da Xia Dynasty tried every method.

In the end, they offered a bounty: five hundred taels of silver per bandit.

"Prince Heir."

"In my Nanwei Commandery, banditry, though continuous year after year, at least we can keep it under control, rarely erupting into riots."

"But just half a year ago, a bandit incident occurred, and seven or eight civilians were buried beneath it."

"All prefectural and county offices also immediately united to suppress the bandit incident."

"However, three months ago, in Nanwei County, Weiyang Prefecture, the villagers of Chengou Village suffered a brutal massacre; one hundred forty‑five people were buried at the hands of the anti‑bandit troops."

"Those who took the heads of Chengou villagers as reward had this matter suppressed by the Ministry of War; local officials were threatened and restrained, and no one dared to speak."

"I never expected that this imperial inspection would allow me to see the Crown Prince; I still ask the Crown Prince to uphold justice for the dead civilians."

Xu Jian knelt on the ground, weeping bitterly.

"One hundred forty‑five people buried at the hands of the anti‑bandit troops?" "What are you saying here?"

"Killing civilians to fill the ranks of bandits is a crime punishable by extermination of the entire clan."

Gu Jin Nian swallowed a mouthful of saliva; he could not quite believe it.

After so many years since the founding of the nation, could such a thing still happen? Back then, after the Founding Emperor set a bounty, a similar killing‑civilians‑to‑fill‑bandits incident did occur; later the Founding Emperor, in thunderous anger, executed a large number of officials, involving as many as thirty thousand people.

Thirty thousand heads bought nationwide fear.

Who would have thought that after so many years, such a thing would happen again? "Crown Prince."

"How could I, a lowly official, speak recklessly?"

Xu Jian spoke, his gaze steadfast.

As Xu Jian opened his mouth, Gu Jin Nian fell silent.

In the candlelight, his face was illuminated.

"Killing civilians to fill the bandits is a grave sin."

"What evidence is there?"

After a while, Gu Jin Nian looked at Xu Jian and said thus.

When it came to evidence, Xu Jian's face was full of bitterness.

"Crown Prince, if there were evidence, I would have, upon entering the capital this time, already struck the Kaicheng Drum in the palace to sound the injustice."

Xu Jian was full of bitterness.

Kaicheng Drum.

It is the Kaicheng Drum, a grievance‑drum established by the Founding Emperor outside the main hall of the palace; anyone who strikes it is deemed to have a grave injustice, the Three Courts will review, and the emperor will handle it personally.

Of course, the striker, regardless of the final outcome of the case, is immediately stripped of office and exiled to the frontier.

The reason for establishing it was actually to guard against rogue officials.

If there truly is a grave injustice, in the end it will be openly demoted or covertly promoted, which is more humane.

Naturally, this case must be major; if it is not, it cannot proceed.

It could not possibly be disturbed by trivial matters; a matter like this delays national affairs, and it is not a small issue.

But Gu Jin Nian knew this matter was definitely not a small one.

"Killing civilians to fill the bandits."

It is extremely heinous.

This is not something ordinary people dare to do, nor something ordinary people could do.

He found it hard to believe.

The impact is too great.

"Without evidence, how can you prove everything you say?"

"And how did you come to know it?"

"When such a huge event occurs, who dares to cover it up?"

"Who is the mastermind behind it?"

Gu Jin Nian looked at the other side and asked thus.

"Crown Prince, although there is no evidence, one hundred forty‑five people were killed; could there truly be not a single trace? If we truly investigate, how could we find no trace?"

"The reason I know is that I have a friend who is from Chengou Village; this matter was told to me by that friend."

"At first, I did not believe it, so I went to investigate and found Chengou Village already sealed off by soldiers; publicly it was claimed that civilians were slaughtered by bandits, but in fact Chengou Village is remote and sparsely populated."

"Moreover, because of the bounty, these anti‑bandit troops grew greedy; I even speculate that they may have passed through Chengou Village and, after some careless act, decided to eliminate the villagers without hesitation."

"The local county magistrate reported the matter immediately, but after half a month there was no response; later it was discovered that all the official documents had been intercepted, with a powerful figure stepping in to block them."

"Furthermore, officials who learned of this were threatened and told it was rumor, to suppress such gossip so as not to cause public panic."

"As for the mastermind, I can only say it was someone from the barracks; I cannot verify who exactly."

Xu Jian spoke; he is only a Seventh‑rank County Magistrate, so he naturally lacks authority over many matters.

But for him to speak out about this matter certainly indicates a problem.

It is merely that there is no substantive evidence.

At that moment, the room fell into complete silence.

Gu Jin Nian remained silent.

"Brother Su, what are your thoughts?"

Gu Jin Nian looked at Su Huaiyu and couldn't help asking thus.

"Killing civilians to fill the bandits is a capital crime, punishable by extermination of the entire clan; no one should dare such a thing."

"Yet in recent years, the Ministry of War's grain supplies have indeed been much tighter, but still, killing civilians to fill the bandits is unimaginable."

"I think, Crown Prince, regardless of anything, you must pay close attention."

Su Huaiyu couldn't help frowning.

"Killing civilians to fill the bandits is of an extremely vile nature."

"You say it's impossible, right?"

It indeed exists.

You say it's possible.

This matter is too heinous; no matter how I think about it, I can't understand, and yet in these days someone would still do such a thing.

It's not a chaotic age.

Since the matter has been spoken of, we should still pay attention to it.

"Good."

Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath, and immediately took out three tokens from his bosom.

"This is the Qin King's Order, the Heir's Command Token, and also the Ministry of Rites' Command Token."

"Xu Jian, I, the heir will arrange five hundred elite troops to accompany you in investigating the news."

"However, for a covert operation, do not reveal any trace."

"Remember, whether or not there is news, you must write letters to stay in contact."

"If the final result is that someone has broken the law and disregarded lives, report it to me; I, the heir will handle it seriously, and punish if warranted."

"But if it truly is the case of killing civilians and passing them off as bandits."

"I, the heir will also surely investigate to the end, showing no leniency; do you understand?"

Gu Jin Nian handed the three tokens to the other party.

If I must say, Gu Jin Nian hopes it is merely someone breaking the law and disregarding lives.

Because this represents a single bad person, not a group of bad people.

If it truly is the case of killing civilians and passing them off as bandits.

Then those implicated would not be just one or two.

It's possible that even the Gu family could be implicated.

Then this matter is no small affair.

"Thank you, Your Highness the Heir."

"Please rest assured, Your Highness the Heir; even if I risk my life, I will surely uncover the truth."

"I also thank Your Highness the Heir here; Your Highness the Heir is truly righteous."

Having received the support of a great figure, Xu Jian was instantly overjoyed and also felt great admiration for Gu Jin Nian.

Everyone criticizes the powerful and wealthy.

That's because the powerful and wealthy are unkind despite their wealth; but if every powerful and wealthy person were like Gu Jin Nian, able to redress grievances for the people and think for them.

"Who would still dare to insult the powerful and wealthy? 'Stay alive.'"

"Once the truth comes to light, I, the heir will remember this merit of yours."

Gu Jin Nian patted his shoulder.

Then he had him leave.

Su Huaiyu wasted no words, directly knocking the latter unconscious.

"How did you knock him unconscious again?"

Gu Jin Nian felt somewhat vexed, looking at Su Huaiyu and said this.

"If he's not unconscious, it's not easy to move him."

Su Huaiyu spoke up, then said nothing more, taking the person away.

After the room grew quiet.

Gu Jin Nian furrowed his brows.

Killing civilians and passing them off as bandits.

He could not imagine that if such a thing truly existed, the whole Da Xia would be thrown into turmoil.

"No, I must go ask Sixth Uncle tomorrow."

Gu Jin Nian thought to himself.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye, half an hour later.

Su Huaiyu came back again.

"Your Highness the Heir, the person has already been sent back."

Su Huaiyu walked into the room and said.

"How credible do you think this matter is?"

Gu Jin Nian still couldn't quite understand, and couldn't help asking again.

"The likelihood should be small."

"What I suspect more is that someone went to Chen Gou Village, the villagers provoked that great figure, and the result was that 145 people were killed."

"Then it was made to look like a bandit invasion."

"This possibility is a bit greater."

Su Huaiyu does not believe that such a thing would happen in this day and age.

"Yes."

"But regardless, let's wait and see for now."

"By the way, Brother Su, do you know about Guizhou Prefecture?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, bringing up the second matter.

"I know a little about it."

"What's up?"

Su Huaiyu nodded.

"In Guiyang Commandery, there has been a lot of construction lately; although it has been dry year-round and even getting a drink of water is a problem, temples are surprisingly numerous. I specifically asked people, and in recent years Guiyang Commandery sends a temple-building document every month."

"Do you think there's anything improper about it?"

Gu Jin Nian asked Su Huaiyu.

"I'm not sure."

"There probably isn't anything improper; when the people are poor and suffering, they indeed place their hopes in some impractical things."

"The reason Buddhism can gradually take root in the Da Xia Dynasty is that in impoverished areas, it wins over the people's hearts."

"The poorer the place, the more Buddhist temples there are."

"That's quite normal."

Su Huaiyu did not think so.

"After all, this Buddhism is not a native sect of our Da Xia; it comes from the western borders, spreading Buddhist teachings and converting the people. Logically it should pose some threat to imperial authority, yet with such extensive construction, why does it feel like the court isn't intervening?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, it's not that they don't care, but they can't stop it."

"The court had previously taken action to restrict it, but back then it caused some controversy. In times of popular hardship, Buddhism is indeed ruthless—not only sharing the people's suffering, but sometimes even giving their own food to the people and starving themselves to death."

"Precisely because of this, Buddhism gradually entered Da Xia; later the court realized there was a problem and tried to eradicate it, but they didn't expect to face resistance from the local populace—a desperate, life‑or‑death resistance."

"Therefore, the officials dare not act rashly unless they dispatch a large army to suppress it."

"But the problem is, if they send a large army, the Da Xia Dynasty's reputation as a land of propriety would be completely ruined."

"The court also fears Buddhism; fortunately, after several negotiations, the Ministry of Rites came to oversee Buddhism, and every move of Buddhism must be reported to the Ministry of Rites, including the establishment of temples, etc."

Su Huaiyu explained to Gu Jin Nian.

This time, Gu Jin Nian understood.

"In other words, at first there were few Buddhists, not enough to attract attention, and this small group almost exchanged their lives for the people's approval."

"Afterward, more and more Buddhist disciples infiltrated Da Xia."

"By the time one wanted to resolve the issue, Buddhism had already won over a portion of the people's hearts."

"Therefore, it is difficult to eradicate."

"Moreover, Buddhism has backing forces entangled with many dynasties; forcibly expelling it brings no benefit."

"Buddhism is ultimately a hidden danger."

Gu Jin Nian muttered to himself.

"For a feudal dynasty, a hundred schools may contend, but whatever school it is, it must be under the emperor."

"Imperial authority is supreme."

"This is the core concept."

"Unless this dynasty does not care about power."

"Therefore, Buddhism is ultimately a major hidden danger and must be eliminated."

"Fortunately, although Buddhism has some influence in Da Xia, it has not yet fully developed."

"At the critical moment, just suppress it."

"Alright, get some rest early."

Gu Jin Nian had nothing more to say.

"Whatever the matter, let's first take a look and then talk."

"Okay."

Su Huaiyu got up, but instead of going out, he walked toward the underside of Gu Jin Nian's bed.

"Alright, go back normally."

Gu Jin Nian grabbed Su Huaiyu; this person really has a bit of a problem.

"I'm used to it, Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Su Huaiyu gave an awkward laugh, then walked out through the main gate.

After Su Huaiyu left.

Gu Jin Nian lay down on the bed, his mind also pondering many things.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye, morning arrived.

the third quarter of the mao hour

The sky had just begun to brighten a little.

A voice then sounded outside the door.

It was Zhou Hua's voice.

"Sir Gu."

"I have an important matter to report."

Zhou Hua stood outside the door, his voice slightly hurried.

"What is it?"

Opening the door, Gu Jin Nian curiously looked at Zhou Hua.

"Sir."

"The negotiation results are out."

Zhou Hua's forehead was covered in sweat; he had come running all the way from the Ministry of Rites.

"How so?"

When he heard that the peace talks had concluded, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but be curious.

"Yes, sir."

"Da Xia, Fuyu Dynasty, Great Jin Dynasty—three kingdoms in talks."

"They are willing to facilitate the return and merger of the Twelve Cities, but the Da Xia Dynasty must pay 80 million taels of silver, plus ten Da Xia Dragon Cannons, as well as over a hundred mines near the Twelve Cities, and the Da Xia Dynasty must rewrite the historical records to state that the Xiongnu State never invaded Da Xia. Those are the Xiongnu State's conditions."

Zhou Hua spoke, reciting the terms of the talks.

"Foolish fantasy."

After hearing the terms, Gu Jin Nian didn't even think and said straight away:

"The Xiongnu State wants to eat crap, huh?"

Eighty million taels of silver is nearly two years' tax revenue for the Da Xia Dynasty, and it can't be used for anything.

Add the ten Da Xia Dragon Cannons—those are the Da Xia Dynasty's proudest assets, and the whole dynasty has few of them.

And over a hundred mines—what's the point of the Twelve Cities then? As for the final rewriting of the records?

"Get out."

"What does the Ministry of Rites think?"

Gu Jin Nian asked directly.

"Reply, sir, the Ministry of Rites is holding an internal meeting."

"Actually we have thoughts. Inside the Ministry, the current view is that the 80 million taels of silver is acceptable, the Da Xia Dragon Cannons are not acceptable, the mines are not acceptable, and regarding the historical records, to promote friendly relations between the dynasties we can modify parts."

"But we cannot modify them directly."

Zhou Hua gave the answer.

"Ridiculous."

Gu Jin Nian spoke directly.

These Twelve Cities were clearly taken by force; now that we want them back, we have to pay such a huge price? "Let's go."

Gu Jin Nian, too lazy for idle talk, headed straight for the Ministry of Rites.

A Ministry of Rites official may not be much, but he is Gu Jin Nian, the Da Xia Crown Prince.

He could not possibly stay out of such a matter.

If we agree to this kind of peace.

It would be better not to reclaim the Twelve Cities.

Without further idle talk, Gu Jin Nian left the Da Xia Academy directly.

About half an hour later.

Gu Jin Nian arrived at the Ministry of Rites.

The guards at the Ministry's entrance, upon seeing Gu Jin Nian, each respectfully called out, "Your Highness, Crown Prince."

They waited for him to enter the inner hall of the Ministry.

Some voices kept rising.

"Eighty million taels of silver—how dare they even suggest that?"

"Our Da Xia's annual tax revenue is only about three to four hundred million taels of silver, and after deducting military pay, official salaries, and basic needs, the surplus each year is only seventy to eighty million taels; if a natural disaster or calamity strikes, it might not even cover that."

"Give them those 80 million taels of silver? No way we can agree."

A heated voice rang out, clearly displeased with the three‑kingdom peace talks.

"The price can be negotiated, and there's no need to be so agitated; 80 million taels of silver is indeed a lot."

"It could be reduced to 30–40 million taels of silver, and it could be paid in installments, not necessarily all now."

"Regaining the Twelve Cities now carries even greater significance; it can boost Da Xia's national prestige."

"Territorial restoration raises Da Xia's fortunes; that's a considerable benefit."

"The biggest problem isn't the silver, but the Da Xia Dragon Cannons; they are fixated on that, everything else is easy to discuss."

Another voice, from the rational side, also spoke.

That voice could be heard.

Gu Jin Nian pushed the door open directly.

Regardless of who was inside.

"What 'easy to discuss' and 'hard to discuss'?"

"Better not have this peace talk."

Gu Jin Nian entered, pushing the door open, and immediately saw Yang Kai along with dozens of Ministry of Rites officials.

They were gathered there, discussing the peace terms.

"Jin Nian, you're here."

In the next moment, Yang Kai rose, his face gentle as he looked at Gu Jin Nian.

"I have the honor of meeting Minister Yang."

Hearing Yang Kai's voice, Gu Jin Nian immediately bowed, but then scanned the surroundings with his gaze.

He then spoke in a cold tone.

"The border Twelve Cities—Da Xia harbors a blood feud. Now the Xiongnu State's fortunes have waned, while Da Xia's are flourishing, with strong troops and horses."

"On what grounds do they set conditions?"

"And what gives them the audacity to negotiate terms with Da Xia?"

"Eighty million taels of silver? What are they thinking?"

"Compensating Da Xia with 80 million taels of silver would be about right."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He is not the Rational-Irrational Faction.

Now having the advantage over the Da Xia Dynasty, peace talks are certainly a good thing, at the very least no one will die.

But if we use this kind of price to exchange for the twelve cities.

Gu Jin Nian does not agree.

The first one does not agree.

Brothers, sorry.

This chapter has been revised twice, equivalent to writing twenty thousand words.

Because of the initial groundwork, a major problem arose.

After carefully reading the previous text, the upcoming plot is related to a pit in the previous text.

It amounts to filling the pit, so it has been delayed for a long time.

Sorry!

(End of chapter)