Chapter 152: Da Xia

Inside Prince Ning's residence.

Li Lengqiu's figure rushed in quickly, but he did not go to find Prince Ning, instead he sought his mother.

Upon seeing his mother, she was crying inside the room.

Her younger son had died, a fatal blow to anyone, and when her elder son appeared, the Princess Consort of Prince Ning cried even more miserably.

Mother and son met, but both were in low spirits; the Princess Consort kept lamenting about Li Lengxin's matter.

"Lengqiu, you must avenge your younger brother."

"That Gu Jin Nian truly is a wretched scoundrel."

"If you do not avenge your brother, mother will never forgive you in this life."

The Princess Consort of Prince Ning cried loudly, demanding that Li Lengqiu avenge his brother.

"Mother."

"Regarding Lengxin's affair, I will certainly keep it in mind, but I have now caused a great disaster; you must inform Father, otherwise I will be in trouble."

Li Lengqiu spoke, also feeling distressed; he had thought that the war between Da Xia and the Xiongnu would be prolonged, and that Gu Jin Nian would inevitably be summoned back to the capital.

Thus he dared to act so recklessly, killing indiscriminately.

He did not expect that this highly anticipated first battle would end in such a way.

Even if Da Xia won, he would not fear; the problem is that Da Xia's victory depends on Gu Jin Nian—obviously Gu Jin Nian's contributions are immeasurable, and His Majesty will surely grant countless rewards.

When that time comes, if Gu Jin Nian discovers his own deeds, to be honest he truly cannot guarantee that his father the king can protect him.

"What disaster have you caused this time?"

The Princess Consort of Prince Ning grew anxious; one of her sons had already died, and if the last son also perished, she would truly die.

Li Lengqiu fell silent for a moment, but still reported his actions to his mother.

However, in his words he made some alterations.

"Mother, it is not my fault; those people provoked me, I only inquired about the situation."

"I asked what Lengxin had actually done; I did not believe Lengxin could commit such a horrific act, but I did not expect the common folk to hurl insults at me; in my anger I caused the disaster, please, Mother, you must save me."

Li Lengqiu's tear‑streaked face spoke out.

He was unabashed because he was spoiled; no matter what he did in the Western Territory, having the Prince Ning's heir as his banner meant someone would always shield him, and since childhood, anything he desired was always within reach.

Describing Li Lengqiu as arrogant and overbearing is merely praising that idiom.

Li Lengqiu's deeds can be called inhumanly cruel; such a person was spoiled from birth, lawless since childhood, and also violent by nature.

This cultivated his lawless nature.

However, many in the palace were puzzled; regarding the actions of Li Lengqiu and Li Lengxin, Prince Ning had never exercised any discipline.

That is strange.

Although the royal family dotes on its offspring, no one has ever indulged them so, especially since Da Xia is Confucian‑oriented, which is baffling.

"These damned lowborns."

"Lengqiu, Mother will now go to your father the king; rest assured, as long as they trouble you first, Mother will certainly protect you."

The Princess Consort of Prince Ning said seriously: she is a consort not only because of Prince Ning, but mainly because she has a massive backing and noble lineage.

"Protect?"

"What will you use to protect?"

"Do you know what cataclysm your son has caused outside?"

A cold voice rang out.

Outside the consort's door, a figure appeared.

It was Prince Ning.

His gaze was icy as he stared at Li Lengqiu, then turned his eyes to his principal wife.

Facing Prince Ning.

The consort showed no fear, nor did she shout, but her face was streaked with tears.

"Regardless of what Lengqiu did, we now have only this son."

"Lengxin has already been killed by that beast Gu Jin Nian; do you intend to end the line?"

The Princess Consort of Prince Ning asked with a sobbing tone.

Upon hearing this, Prince Ning remained unmoved, as if Li Lengqiu's life or death mattered not to him.

"Hmph."

"Truly, a loving mother spoils her child."

"Lengqiu slaughtered the people of two villages, over seven hundred in total; if this reaches His Majesty, do you know how grave the offense would be?"

"And do you think this is the only thing Lengqiu has done?"

"Behind the scenes he has committed countless foolish and evil deeds; to earn silver, he even kills civilians to become a bandit."

"If this matter is uncovered, even I will be implicated; do you understand?"

Prince Ning, suppressing his anger, said this while looking at his principal wife.

"Killing civilians to become a bandit?"

Hearing this, the Princess Consort of Prince Ning was genuinely shocked; she knew her son lacked discipline and often misbehaved.

But she did not expect her son to dare such acts, truly unafraid of death? Looking at Li Lengqiu.

The Princess Consort's eyes were filled with disbelief.

"Mother."

"I was only momentarily confused."

"Father, I was only momentarily confused."

Li Lengqiu knelt on the ground; he hadn't expected his father to know about this matter, and at that moment he kowtowed on the ground.

He dared not tell a lie.

"A moment of confusion?"

"In recent years you've become more and more lawless; every deed you've done has been covered up by someone, if I, the Prince, hadn't investigated thoroughly—"

"I, the Prince, didn't even know you had committed so many heinous acts."

"Do you know that someone has been secretly investigating your crimes of killing civilians and masquerading as a bandit?"

"Moreover, they are about to obtain evidence; once it's sent to the capital, your death will be certain, and it will implicate everyone in the Prince's mansion."

"You truly are a good son of mine."

Prince Ning spoke coldly.

To be frank, he knew his son was lawless, but when all the facts were laid before him, as a Prince he couldn't help but be shocked.

Any of Li Lengqiu's deeds would merit exterminating the entire nine clans.

The number of people who died at Li Lengqiu's hands was certainly not less than several thousand.

Yet he cared about nothing else, but killing civilians and posing as a bandit was intolerable; after learning this, he remained silent for a long time.

Once the killing‑civilians‑as‑bandit charge is proven and presented to the capital, the whole world will condemn Prince Ning's mansion, and no one can help.

"Father."

"Your son knows his mistake."

"Father."

"Save the child, save the child!"

Li Lengqiu was also drenched in sweat; he knelt on the ground, clutching his father's leg, hoping that, for the sake of father‑son affection, the other would intervene to save him.

"Get out."

Prince Ning kicked Li Lengqiu away, his gaze filled with intense disgust.

"Prince."

"No matter what Lengqiu has done, he is still our only heir; if you don't act, the line will end."

Prince Ning's Princess Consort was also deeply shocked, but she cared little about the details, only hoping to save her own son.

As long as Li Lengqiu lives.

Everything will be fine.

"A loving mother often spoils her child."

Prince Ning inhaled deeply; his eyes were full of disgust, yet he truly had to contemplate some matters.

If Li Lengqiu's deeds were exposed, the repercussions would be massive and he would be implicated, so he must protect Li Lengqiu.

"Right now, go straight to Ata Temple."

"Find Master Luo Ze."

"I, the Prince, will suppress this matter; if I cannot, I will claim that you have been taken by Master Luo Ze to cleanse your heart and convert to the Buddhist path."

"For at least the next ten years, you will stay honestly within the Buddhist sect, not go anywhere; if you dare cause trouble again, don't wait for Gu Jin Nian to come looking for you—I'll execute you at once."

"Get out!"

"A dog‑like thing."

At this point, Prince Ning kicked his own biological son away again, showing no trace of pity or compassion.

Those who didn't know would think he was a subordinate, as it hardly seemed like a father‑son relationship.

Especially that sentence, which sounded particularly grating.

"Dog‑like thing."

Li Lengqiu's abdomen throbbed with pain; he clutched his stomach, blood spilling from his mouth corner, and his eyes showed pure hatred.

Deep hatred.

All his life it had been like this; his father never regarded him, and no matter what he did, his father considered it insignificant.

He could never forget that when he was young, after learning to write and receiving the teacher's praise, he handed his work to his father.

His lofty father simply crumpled it into waste paper, tossed it on the ground, and trampled it mercilessly.

He had little interaction with his father, so whatever he did his father never intervened, and thus he didn't strive toward good.

What he cannot obtain, others must not hope to obtain.

Whatever he can obtain, he will get by any means.

That's his mindset.

The grating voice pierced deep into his heart; Li Lengqiu's eyes held both hatred and anger, yet he dared not speak.

Because he truly feared death; offending his own father meant he had no backing.

"Lengqiu."

"Your father, the Prince, is just like that; you must not let it affect you."

"Your mother now arranges a carriage to escort you out of the mansion; go find Master Luo Ze."

"During this period, do not act recklessly; once the uproar subsides, you may return."

"Remember, you are the next generation's Prince; when you become Prince, you can gradually deal with Gu Jin Nian. For now, mother and son can only endure."

"Sooner or later, we will avenge your brother."

Prince Ning's Princess Consort wept, comforting her son.

Hearing the Princess Consort's voice, Li Lengqiu felt no warmth, only indifference.

Nevertheless, fortunately.

As long as he can keep his life, he fears nothing.

As long as one is still alive.

Then nothing is a problem.

Thus.

After a quarter hour, Li Lengqiu directly got onto the carriage and rushed to the northern border of the Eastern Wilderness; to be precise, it is the border area between the Fuyu Dynasty and the Da Xia Dynasty in the north.

Ata Temple.

It is a Buddhist temple, one of the Upper Practice Esoteric Sects.

It is one of the Seventy-Two Esoteric Sects.

Master Luozhe is the abbot; the Buddhist School enjoys extremely high prestige, especially in the Fuyu Dynasty, with a million followers.

Meanwhile, in Prince Ning's study.

Several silhouettes stood before him, each avoiding his gaze, some fearful.

"The matter of Lengqiu killing civilians and branding them as bandits—you few have also participated, right?"

Prince Ning spoke lightly, his expression extremely calm, but his eyes revealed a killing intent.

"Prince, spare my life."

"Prince, spare my life!"

"I am merely a momentary fool, I am merely a momentary fool."

"Prince, it was the Crown Prince who spoke; I merely followed the Crown Prince's orders."

They all knelt on the ground, each trembling.

Killing civilians and branding them as bandits is no small matter; if it gets out, not to mention Prince Ning, even Prince Qin would have to die.

"Come here."

"Confiscate and execute Jiang Ren's entire family."

Prince Ning spoke lightly, his tone calm, and directly issued a royal order.

As this voice sounded,

Immediately, some soldiers came in and directly dragged Jiang Ren away.

"Prince, Prince, it truly isn't my fault; please show mercy, Prince. I have had no merit these years, but also hardship; please spare me, spare my entire family."

Jiang Ren trembled all over, struggling wildly, hoping Prince Ning would let him off.

Unfortunately, Prince Ning showed no hesitation; he was very direct.

The reason is simple.

It's just because Jiang Ren misspoke a moment ago.

"Please calm your anger, Prince; I earnestly beg for your mercy."

Several people knelt on the ground, kowtowing frantically.

"Do you know why only his entire family was killed?"

Prince Ning didn't care about their apologies, but instead questioned several people.

As soon as he said that, the crowd was somewhat puzzled, but soon someone understood and immediately spoke up.

"Prince."

"The matter of killing civilians and branding them as bandits is our momentary folly; all mistakes are mine; please forgive us, Prince."

The person who spoke, in a moment, the others roughly understood what was going on.

The reason Jiang Ren's entire family was exterminated by Prince Ning is simply because he misspoke; what does it mean to be the Crown Prince's problem? It is obvious that Prince Ning wants them to take responsibility voluntarily.

"This matter."

"I am aware of this, but considering you have done much for me, I can forgive you."

"However, I can suppress this matter, but if I cannot, I hope you will step forward and bear all the consequences yourselves."

"I cannot promise you anything, but the only thing I can guarantee is the safety of your families; after you die, your descendants will directly inherit your positions."

"If anyone dares to frame you, I will make you wish you were dead—worse than death, understand?"

Prince Ning spoke coldly.

Now he does not wish to investigate whose fault this is, who bears primary or secondary responsibility; these are irrelevant.

What he wants to do is shift the blame, letting these people take the fall.

No matter how big the scandal, it at most implicates their nine clans; as a prince, at worst I would be scolded, and the Yongsheng Emperor would not dare to do anything to me.

Even if Gu Jin Nian wanted to cause trouble, it would be useless.

But someone must step forward to take the blame.

This is certain.

"I understand, subordinate."

Hearing this, several people nodded, knowing that doing such a thing would lead to a grim fate, but if they could protect the lives of their entire families,

this would also be a great fortune amidst misfortune for them.

To put it bluntly, the deed has been done; regardless of whether Lengqiu instigated it, they have taken plenty of silver, so once the truth comes out, everything makes sense.

"Good."

"During this time, go back and keep your family company."

"Don't get your hopes up too high."

Prince Ning spoke lightly.

He will suppress this matter, though it will be difficult to do so.

Actually, it all comes down to Gu Jin Nian's annihilation of the 300,000-strong Xiongnu army.

If it weren't for Gu Jin Nian turning the tide, none of this would be necessary.

This Gu Jin Nian.

I'm afraid a great affair will be ruined.

Thus.

A few hours later.

A figure rushed forward swiftly.

"Prince."

"A great matter has gone awry."

"The Crown Prince went to Nanwei County and killed Xu Jian."

As the voice sounded.

In the study, Prince Ning couldn't help but frown.

"Why did he go to Nanwei County again?"

"What sort of background does this Xu Jian have?"

Prince Ning's eyes showed genuine disgust; with matters spiraling like this, he hadn't expected Li Lengqiu still showed no remorse.

Went to Nanwei County to kill? "Return, Prince."

"Xu Jian is an official of Weiyang Prefecture; regarding the Chen Gou Village incident, he has been investigating in secret, and this time he returned from the Capital bringing some soldiers of unknown origin."

"It is very likely related to Da Xia Crown Prince Gu Jin Nian."

The latter replied, saying as follows.

"Gu Jin Nian?"

This time Prince Ning could no longer sit still.

"How is it connected to him again?"

"Prince."

"A few days ago during the capital inspection, Xu Jian went to Da Xia Capital, met the Crown Prince, and rumors said he offended Gu Jin Nian."

"But after leaving the Capital, Xu Jian inexplicably acquired a squad of elite soldiers, investigating the murder of villagers in Chen Gou Village in Weiyang Prefecture."

"He even produced a Qin King's decree, but some say that decree was given by the Qin King to Gu Jin Nian, and now Gu Jin Nian handed it to Xu Jian."

The latter's voice grew softer, as Prince Ning's complexion grew increasingly grim.

He dared not say anything.

"Foolish!"

Prince Ning let out a low roar, his face extremely grim.

Bringing a squad of elite soldiers, how could that offend Gu Jin Nian? That's foolish.

But what angered him more was that his own son had killed Xu Jian; wasn't that a blatant message to Gu Jin Nian that this matter involved him?

"Quick!"

"Immediately send people to Weiyang Prefecture, block the news, and dispatch those just now there at once to Weiyang Prefecture to handle the matter."

"Tell the Crown Prince again, if he dares to act recklessly again, I will personally break his legs."

This time Prince Ning could not hold his anger; he knew his son was arrogant and overbearing, yet he hadn't expected him to act so recklessly now.

"Is he really going to act lawlessly?" "The commander obeys the order."

The latter dared not hesitate, rose instantly, and rushed off to report.

Meanwhile.

Tongguan City.

The war drums beat continuously from dawn until noon.

At this very moment.

Hundreds of war criminals also appeared on the training arena.

These war criminals were mostly over thirty, dressed in prison garb, each with a look of despair.

Thirteen years ago, these men breached the border's twelve cities and then slaughtered Da Xia civilians at will.

They never imagined that one day they would come to Da Xia in such a posture.

Three hundred forty‑five of them knelt on the arena; their scapular bones were locked, so even the strongest among them could not move.

Da Xia soldiers stared at them, their eyes filled with hatred.

Each one seemed to want to eat their flesh and drink their blood.

These Xiongnu war criminals bowed their heads in silence; half had been betrayed, the other half came of their own accord.

After all, coming alone is better than having the whole family eradicated.

Though unwilling, though resentful, though feeling oppressed, what could they do?

They have been kneeling here for three hours.

And at that moment, a dragon boat slowly appeared above Tongguan City.

It was Da Xia Minister of Rites Yang Kai, who came by imperial order, holding an edict in his hand.

As the dragon boat came to a halt, Yang Kai unfolded the edict and then spoke slowly.

"By the Mandate of Heaven, the Emperor decrees: Regarding the Battle of Tongguan City, I am deeply pleased. Da Xia Crown Prince Gu Jin Nian, based on Heaven's Mandate, sacrificed a hundred years of life to obtain celestial fire‑stone, killed three hundred thousand enemies, creating the greatest battle of all ages, unprecedented before and after. This is Da Xia's blessing, the Crown Prince's might."

"Now you shall negotiate peace; the Xiongnu Nation shall return the twelve border cities to Da Xia, pay ten million taels of silver, voluntarily surrender three hundred forty‑five war criminals, causing the Xiongnu King to issue a self‑condemnation edict, glorifying Da Xia's prestige. This is a great contribution."

"Therefore, grant Da Xia Crown Prince Gu Jin Nian the title of First Marquis of Da Xia, ennoble him as Heaven's Mandate Marquis, command the Capital's Heavenly Feather Army, appoint him as a First‑rank official, bestow upon him a jade sedan throne, a nine‑horse carriage, a marble marquis statue, and establish marquis pavilions across the lands, to be revered by all people."

"Specifically, order Crown Prince Gu Jin Nian to return to the Capital within three days to receive his marquis title."

"Respectfully noted."

Yang Kai's voice rang out.

He stood on the dragon boat and read out the imperial decree.

To be honest, even Yang Kai himself felt an unprecedented shock.

The Emperor's reward sounds modest—no gold, silver, or jewels—but what is bestowed is truly unprecedented.

First Marquis of Da Xia.

Heaven's Mandate Marquis.

To grant the title with Heaven's Mandate—how dare that dynasty? And who could receive the two characters of Heaven's Mandate?

The Emperor alone is the dynasty's Heaven's Mandate.

Anyone who dares to claim Heaven's Mandate is essentially saying they intend to rebel.

Yet Emperor Yongsheng bestowed the two characters of Heaven's Mandate, proving his magnanimity and his fondness for Gu Jin Nian.

If he didn't love him, he could never grant that title.

Of course there is another factor: Gu Jin Nian has royal blood; Heaven's Mandate ultimately belongs to the royal line. Without such lineage, he wouldn't have a chance.

No matter how great the merit, one cannot be granted the two characters of Heaven's Mandate.

Even without the Heaven's Mandate, commanding the Heavenly Feather Army is an incomparable authority.

The Heavenly Feather Army, one of Da Xia's eight great camps, is stationed in Da Xia Capital with three hundred thousand elite troops, normally responsible for the capital's security.

It was originally Emperor Yongsheng's army, now fully entrusted to Gu Jin Nian, instantly making him a real‑power marquis.

Generally, a marquis may hold military command, but not much—fifty thousand is already the limit, and even during Yongsheng's reign, there were many more marquises.

Almost all the Dragon's Ministers have been ennobled as marquises.

Emperor Yongsheng did not, like the Founding Emperor of Da Xia, slaughter old ministers, so the marquises' command is only twenty to thirty thousand men.

There aren't many more either.

The Heavenly Feather Army's three hundred thousand troops handed directly to Gu Jin Nian is an unparalleled trust and honor.

Yet all of this…

…is nothing compared to the final terrifying one.

Each prefecture set up marquis pavilions, erected statues of Gu Jin Nian, and were revered by the people.

That is true esteem.

Honestly, even the Emperor cannot have a statue made—not out of reservation, but because he lacks the face for it.

The Duke of State is renowned, yet he cannot do this; first, it feels a bit lacking, and second, does the Emperor want his minister to outshine him? If the Duke of State fell in battle, perhaps it would be possible.

Yet Gu Jin Nian is still alive and already enjoys such rewards; truly, this is a vast imperial grace.

Honestly, Yang Kai is truly envious.

He really is envious.

But he only envies; everything else is fine.

"Minister!"

"Gu Jin Nian, thank you for the imperial grace."

Below the camp.

Gu Jin Nian stood among the crowd and bowed deeply toward the Da Xia Imperial Palace.

Regarding these honors, Gu Jin Nian felt little inner turmoil, but he was extremely excited about commanding the Heavenly Feather Army.

Commanding three hundred thousand troops.

From now on he need not sway others; he can directly order the three hundred thousand army into battle.

That's quite exhilarating.

With actual authority in his grasp, he truly fears no future problems; who would dare to resist? The three hundred thousand army would be deployed—who would dare to brag? At that moment.

The dragon boat slowly touched down, Yang Kai stepped out, handed the imperial decree to Gu Jin Nian, his face full of smiles.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, now you truly must be called a marquis."

Yang Kai smiled and spoke.

"Minister Yang, please continue to call me Your Highness the Crown Prince; I'm not used to this new title—it feels rather old."

Gu Jin Nian smiled faintly and said honestly, "Your Highness the Crown Prince sounds youthful, while Marquis sounds rather old."

"I'm clearly only seventeen now."

"Calling a seventeen‑year‑old a marquis—doesn't that seem a bit disrespectful?"

"What? First Marquis of Da Xia? Then it's fine."

"The marquis truly knows how to joke."

Yang Kai laughed aloud, honestly not knowing how to reply, for after all, how many in the Da Xia Dynasty aspire to be ennobled as marquises?

Gu Jin Nian actually thinks the address is inappropriate? If it were anyone else, they'd definitely retort.

Yet Gu Jin Nian doesn't dare to retort—he can't win one; only those who die early could compare with him, others truly can't.

"Minister Yang, how shall these war criminals be dealt with?"

Gu Jin Nian stopped his bragging and looked at Yang Kai, asking how these war criminals should be handled.

Hearing this, Yang Kai nodded.

"His Majesty decrees: half to be sent to the capital, to be executed by lingchi."

"The other half shall be dealt with by Your Highness the Crown Prince."

Yang Kai spoke, glancing at the war criminals; as Minister of Rites, a renowned Confucian‑Daoist, coldness and murderous intent flashed in his eyes.

These Xiongnu are unfit to be human; having slaughtered Da Xia civilians, they now reap the consequences.

"Fine."

Satisfied with the answer, Gu Jin Nian was very pleased.

Half of them will be sent to the capital, for the common folk to see.

The other half will stay here, to let the soldiers vent their fury.

"Come forth."

"Detain half of the war criminals in a prison cart and send them to the capital immediately."

"The remaining half shall be executed by slow slicing; the soldiers, upon hearing the order, may personally carry out the punishment if they wish."

Gu Jin Nian spoke slowly.

At this command, the hundreds of Xiongnu war criminals each showed a look of terror.

Slow slicing execution.

It is the ultimate penalty, cutting off one's own flesh to endure relentless torment.

The next moment.

Hundreds of soldiers rushed forward, giving the Xiongnu no chance to speak; they drew knives and cut flesh from them.

Sizzle! Blood gushed out instantly, and screams erupted completely at that moment.

They were restrained, unable to move, and the intense, piercing pain made their bodies tremble.

Gu Jin Nian watched it all, his eyes utterly cold.

"Lord."

"His Majesty wishes you to return soon; the Ministry of Rites has arranged a grand ennoblement ceremony for you, and the imperial edict has already been proclaimed throughout the realm. This ennoblement may be the most splendid ceremony in Da Xia's history."

Yang Kai spoke, informing Gu Jin Nian of this matter.

"Very well."

"I, the Lord, will return early."

Gu Jin Nian nodded, though he had no intention of returning by dragon boat.

Two matters.

First, he must go to Weiyang Prefecture to find Xu Jian.

Second, he plans to head to Ruins Village to handle the situation and see whether Prince Ning's compensation has arrived.

"Then I shall say no more,"

"Lord, may Li Shan and Li Xiang be released?"

Yang Kai asked.

"Yes."

The peace talks have concluded; Li Shan may now depart.

Upon hearing this, Yang Kai instantly breathed a sigh of relief.

However, finally, Yang Kai continued,

"Lord, the Kong Family is expected to send someone within these two days, wishing to see you."

Yang Kai spoke, mentioning members of the Kong Family.

"Kong Family?"

"What business do they have in seeing the Lord?"

Gu Jin Nian slightly frowned.

Since the Kong Residence passed, Gu Jin Nian had heard little of the Kong Family, never expecting them to seek him out.

"All major dynasties have acted against the Kong Family, except Da Xia Dynasty."

"His Majesty's intention is that you, Lord, take over this matter; whether it is a reward or punishment rests entirely on a word from you."

"But the Kong Family has indeed been more honest lately; I have heard their Qilin heir has emerged from seclusion and wishes to negotiate with you."

"The specifics, I do not know,"

Yang Kai said.

"Kong Family's Qilin heir?"

Gu Jin Nian had some recollection: Kong Yu is a descendant of the Sage, yet Kong Yu has a younger brother who is said to be the true Qilin heir of the Kong Family, merely a matter of age.

Moreover, many within the clan wish to break tradition and make Kong Yu's brother a Sage's descendant; the truth of this remains unclear.

"Yes, his name is Kong Xuan, Lord; I have not met him, but it is said Kong Xuan was born surrounded by a majestic righteous aura and is extremely low‑key."

"He follows the Kong Family sages on tours of the realms, emulating Confucius; now that the Kong Family has caused such a great incident, he has returned to Da Xia, wishing to see you."

Yang Kai spoke.

He recounted Kong Xuan's background.

"Alright then."

"Do as you wish with him."

Gu Jin Nian was indifferent: if he came, let him come; if not, it mattered not.

"Yes, but Kong Xuan has a nickname, Kong Wugeng, which is rather odd."

Yang Kai spoke, indicating a different view of Kong Xuan.

"Kong Wugeng? What does that mean?"

Gu Jin Nian was indeed curious.

"It seems to say that he wagered with a friend to compose five poems before the fifth watch of the night."

"He failed to finish, thus earning the humorous moniker Kong Wugeng."

Yang Kai explained the reason.

"Five poems before the fifth watch? Not completed?"

"How many did he actually write?"

Gu Jin Nian slightly furrowed his brows.

He hasn't written a single poem, but this person is superb at governance and understands Confucian principles; yet writing poetry is not acceptable.

Yang Kai answered in this way, leaving Gu Jin Nian unsure what to say, though it indeed sounded strange.

But his conduct is fine; exactly how, it still depends on the Marquis's own feeling.

Marquis, then I'll take my leave.

Yang Kai said no more, turned and took his leave to find Li Shan.

Minister Yang, walk slowly.

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

And just at this moment.

A loud voice came from the direction of the Xiongnu state.

The king's decree says:

The loud voice rang out, coming from the Xiongnu state; in an instant, everyone stopped and looked toward the Xiongnu state.

This is the Xiongnu king's self-reproach edict.

The voice came bit by bit; the Xiongnu king issued a self-reproach edict, proclaiming his sins to the world, blaming this war on his own fault, and receiving heavenly punishment.

Hearing this voice, the Da Xia soldiers were all excited.

To make a sovereign admit his mistake—what grandeur! Probably only Gu Jin Nian in the whole world could do that.

I deeply feel remorse; from now on I will certainly reform my past mistakes, pacify the people, seek peace, and hope for heavenly compassion.

By this point, the voice had completely ceased.

A self-reproach edict over a thousand characters long was recited for a full half-hour.

When the self-reproach edict was finished.

In an instant.

Heaven and earth changed color.

Above the firmament, Golden Auspicious Clouds appeared, enveloping Tongguan City; above the Da Xia Capital, Golden Auspicious Clouds also appeared.

Within the twelve cities, bursts of light erupted even more.

This is the blessing of national fortune.

Above the capital, golden clouds shed light, sinking into the Da Xia imperial palace.

The national fortune true dragon appeared, swallowing these fortunes.

And beneath Tongguan City.

Streams of fortune fell, pouring into Gu Jin Nian's body, fully restoring the fortune he had lost.

Not only that, the All Beings Tree also at this moment frantically absorbed this terrifying heaven-and-earth fortune.

Everyone silently watched this scene.

Inside the All Beings Tree, moreover, three fruits grew.

But in the end, the imperial edict in Gu Jin Nian's hand suddenly went out of control, hovering above the firmament.

Immediately after, a strand of Heavenly Destiny Luck appeared; this is the Heavenly Destiny Luck within Da Xia's national fortune.

The Da Xia dynasty has three strands of Heavenly Destiny Luck.

One strand appears at the Da Xia poetry gathering.

Now this is the second strand, appearing in the imperial edict, bestowing upon Gu Jin Nian's body at this moment.

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian's body grasps four strands of Heavenly Destiny Luck.

For now, each additional Heavenly Destiny Luck equals mastering a heavenly way divine ability; the only pity is not knowing what the other heavenly way divine abilities are.

But first obtaining it is not a loss.

As for what exactly it is, we'll talk later.

One strand of Heavenly Destiny Luck.

Three fortune fruits.

This also counts as a great harvest.

The Heavenly Destiny Luck fruit on the All Beings Tree is not trivial; the previously obtained Spirit Gathering Ancient Formation Diagram is also a fortune fruit.

Now another three have come.

Just thinking about it makes one full of anticipation.

Grandfather.

Grandson, I'll take my leave first.

Thinking this, Gu Jin Nian spoke up; he wants to go back to rest and also check what these three fortune fruits are.

Good.

Grandfather Gu nodded; the remaining matters, he can completely handle them.

Right now, indeed Gu Jin Nian can be allowed to go back.

Soon.

Gu Jin Nian returned to the military camp.

Afterwards, without any nonsense, he sat cross-legged and plucked the fortune fruit.

The All Beings Tree shone brilliantly.

Three thousand branches, as if representing the three thousand great ways, drooped down strands of divine light, looking extremely dazzling.

No matter how many times one looks at the All Beings Tree, it gives a feeling of unparalleled shock.

Gu Jin Nian is also curious about what exactly this thing's origin is.

But no matter what it is.

Let's open the prize first.

As the thought goes.

The first fortune fruit fell.

Immediately after, a great golden dragon appeared, then entered his body.

No hint or information came.

In an instant.

Gu Jin Nian was stunned.

Just this?

Golden Dragon special effect?

Where's the thing? Where's the reward? Again this trick?

Gu Jin Nian really was stunned; he was full of expectation, thinking there would be something good again, but didn't expect it to be just this.

"Not right."

"It probably isn't that simple."

"It's very likely like the previous immortal spirit root—no information hint, but rather the most precious thing."

Gu Jin Nian silently thought.

He didn't think it was a simple special effect; it should be something very mysterious.

But exactly what it is, is unclear.

Let's not worry about it for now.

Wait until later to talk about it.

Soon, Gu Jin Nian was full of anticipation again and picked the second fortune fruit.

As the second fortune fruit was plucked and fell.

An ancient map appeared.

【Immortal Dao Myriad Phenomena Diagram】

As the ancient map appeared, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but suck in a breath of cold air.

Although I don't know what this thing is.

But just looking at the name feels extraordinary.

Immortal Dao Myriad Phenomena Diagram? The next moment, a vast amount of information flooded Gu Jin Nian's mind.

Ten suns in the sky, the golden crow battles the dragon, sun and moon coexist, giving rise to the thirty-three heavens palace and the moonlit immortal palace.

Various strange terms flooded the mind.

After a moment.

Gu Jin Nian finally understood what this was.

Phenomenon Diagram.

Yes.

Phenomenon Diagram.

Using spiritual qi as a cost, one can condense all phenomena of the immortal dao.

And it's the kind of phenomenon that can be as exaggerated as you want.

But the only drawback is.

These phenomena are merely phenomena.

Yes.

Merely phenomena.

No effect at all.

Even one can contemplate the phenomena oneself.

What use is this?

Use it to scare people? Even Gu Jin Nian noticed that if he injects some fortune into it, it can trigger many phenomenon buffs.

To be honest, it sounds pretty impressive.

But it has no use.

If one lacks phenomena, poetry can completely substitute.

It's a bit tasteless to eat, a pity to discard.

For some reason, it feels a bit uncomfortable.

Both fortune fruits are rather strange, not as good as the first opening.

Now, all hopes rest on the third fortune fruit.

Gazing at the All Beings Tree.

Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath, under his intention.

The third fortune fruit fell.

Then, brilliant golden light, as if there was a feeling of heaven-opening and earth-splitting; even the All Beings Tree trembled uncontrollably.

This is terrifying.

Gu Jin Nian has never seen such a sight.

This third fortune fruit definitely has something.

Good fellow.

Gu Jin Nian's eyes were full of anticipation.

Soon.

A jade palanquin appeared.

The jade palanquin emitted terrifying light, surrounded by the five directional divine beasts: Azure Dragon, Vermilion Bird, White Tiger, Black Tortoise, Qilin.

Like a divine artifact.

And several large characters also appeared before Gu Jin Nian's eyes.

Immortal King Jade Palanquin

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian showed a look of shock.

This name sounds overbearing.

Immortal King Jade Palanquin.

This display is a bit exaggerated.

No, it's not just that simple exaggeration.

Before the jade palanquin, nine-headed dragon horses were pulling it, each dragon horse emitting a powerful aura.

However, these dragon horses are all formed from condensed heavenly and earthly spiritual energy, not real dragon horses.

They are spiritual bodies. —There is still a third update later.

The second update has already been written.

Brothers, we are currently live-streaming a challenge to write fifty thousand characters per day.

So far, we have already completed twenty thousand characters.

Still lacking the final thirty thousand characters!!!!!!! Asking for monthly tickets!!!! Asking for rewards!!!!!! Wuya this wise guy has already gone to sleep, a useless one, don't come urging updates in the future, embarrassing thing.

(End of chapter)