Chapter 153: Kong Xuan Arrives, Grants Heaven's Mandate, Gains a Splendid Map of the Realm, Ten Thousand Miles of Fertile Fields

【Immortal King Jade Carriage】

Four huge characters appeared, accompanied by a terrifying Jade Carriage materializing before his eyes, causing Gu Jin Nian to feel an unparalleled shock.

A flood of information surged into his mind, also letting Gu Jin Nian understand what this thing was.

It is not merely a Jade Carriage; it is a Jade Carriage imbued with a fortune blessing, standing alone within it, protected by Heaven's Mandate, and cannot be shaken by anyone who is not a Sixth Realm strongman.

Its speed is extremely fast, not inferior to a Da Xia Dragon Boat.

Not only does it have a grand display, it also has substantive effects.

Moreover, it can nourish the flesh, carries its own spirit‑gathering effect, making it a good thing indeed.

It is an Immortal Dao divine artifact.

In critical moments, it can protect one's own safety.

This thing is quite good; to be honest, Gu Jin Nian indeed needs something to preserve his life. Though he has King of Warriors strength, having an extra means of survival is certainly beneficial.

At this point, all three Fortune Fruits were harvested.

Except for the first, whose purpose is completely unknown, the other two are still decent.

The second is of the auxiliary type, displaying one's saintliness before others; frightening people should be no issue.

The third is a life‑preserving item.

There is absolutely no major problem.

Pretty good.

Calculating carefully, this trip to the border yielded many benefits.

First, he learned the Heavenly Dao Divine Ability.

Second, his realm advanced to the Divine Ability Realm, Martial Path Fourth Realm.

Third, he obtained a fortune blessing.

Fourth, it is the Fourth Heaven's Mandate, plus these three items.

The harvest is great.

But what truly satisfies Gu Jin Nian is that the Da Xia soldiers suffered no casualties.

If there were casualties, it would not be a good thing for the Da Xia Dynasty, with astronomical compensation funds plus taxes on the populace.

These would cause the Da Xia Dynasty to fall into internal conflicts.

Fortunately, none of that happened, which truly comforts him.

After harvesting the Fortune Fruits, Gu Jin Nian rushed straight to the camp.

He went to find Grandfather Gu to discuss some matters.

At this moment, inside the Commander-in-Chief Camp, Grandfather Gu was negotiating the upcoming takeover with the generals.

Upon hearing that Gu Jin Nian had arrived, he immediately gave the order.

"Grandfather."

"Grandson, I will depart tomorrow."

Entering the camp, Gu Jin Nian spoke directly, stating his intention.

"Tomorrow?"

"Alright."

"In about two months, Grandfather will also return."

Looking at Gu Jin Nian, Grandfather Gu's face was full of pride and joy.

With the peace talks fully concluded, Grandfather Gu finally relaxed his mind, and naturally his face often wore a smile.

"Then when Grandfather returns, Grandson will go home immediately."

Gu Jin Nian nodded; he came here only to say farewell.

"Okay."

"Jin Nian, for this return trip, Grandfather will arrange some people to escort you."

Grandfather Gu spoke, intending to assign extra personnel to escort Gu Jin Nian to Da Xia Capital.

"No need."

"Grandson, just bring a few men and horses; no need for many people."

Gu Jin Nian shook his head; currently he is overseeing twelve border cities, with many tasks to handle. Though manpower is insufficient, there is no need to assign extra guards for himself.

He can go with Xu Jin and the others.

Now, at least he is a Divine Ability warrior, with real strength equivalent to a King of Warriors; why would he still fear any mishap?

If any mishap truly occurs, even if Grandfather Gu assigns three thousand men, it would be of no use.

"Understood."

"If anything happens, send someone immediately to inform me."

Grandfather Gu nodded.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian left.

After exiting the Commander-in-Chief Camp, Gu Jin Nian did not idle.

Now that the border affairs are settled, the next most important matter is the Da Xia Nightless City.

After returning, once the ennoblement ceremony is completed, he can truly start working.

The Da Xia Nightless City is currently the most important matter.

And the first step for the Da Xia Nightless City is to build a Department Store.

That is, a supermarket.

Gu Jin Nian returned to his own camp, immediately ordered paper, brushes, and ink to be brought, and began to devise some plans.

The Department Store, being the core of Da Xia Nightless City, naturally must be studied carefully.

It must be complete in every aspect.

And not a single mistake can be made; this is the beginning—if the Department Store is not done well, then half of this Da Xia Nightless City will be wasted.

Inside the military camp.

Gu Jin Nian wrote a great many things in a flowing style, all of which were his ideas.

He detailed every step; not that it was for others to read, but for himself, so as not to forget.

About two hours later.

Just as Gu Jin Nian became more earnest in his writing, a voice came from outside the camp's tent.

"Lord."

"Someone inside the city wishes to see you, saying they are from the Kong family, named Kong Xuan."

As the voice rang out,

Gu Jin Nian's train of thought was slightly interrupted.

"So quickly?"

Inside the tent, Gu Jin Nian hadn't expected Kong Xuan to arrive so early—he was somewhat surprised.

But soon, Gu Jin Nian slowly spoke, "Tell him to wait."

Gu Jin Nian did not address it directly, choosing to finish what he was writing first.

"As you command."

The latter replied, then went to report.

Gu Jin Nian then resumed his drafting.

He had already written the most important points of the Department Store.

Now a few details still need polishing.

Thus, after another two hours, the sky had grown dim.

Gu Jin Nian also completed the Department Store project in crystal‑clear detail; honestly, he had never been this thorough when writing scripts before.

Having drafted the plan, Gu Jin Nian roughly understood that three key points would make the Department Store truly thrive.

First, the goods must be complete; specialties from every corner of Da Xia need to be obtained.

But doing so would raise canal‑transport costs; however, by nudging prices up a bit, the loss‑making issue isn't serious. Once the ancient Spirit‑Gathering Array is fully operational, costs can be cut dramatically, achieving quality‑at‑low‑price, though initially prices must be modestly higher.

Second, the goods must be new! They must have distinct features!

This is crucial; to put it bluntly, it's about creating spectacles—producing odd, novel items that common folk still need, priced affordably so they'll want to buy, preserving uniqueness, essentially adding highlights.

Gu Jin Nian already has some ideas for this; after returning, he'll see whether the Ministry of Works can produce it.

Third, flagship goods.

These are the competitive core; the flagship product must be something cheap that the populace simply cannot do without.

Gu Jin Nian already has a notion.

True Dragon Treasure Rice, fine salt, and various seasonings.

These are the strongest competitive products of the Da Xia Department Store, effectively preventing other merchants from opening copycat shops.

Gu Jin Nian plans to sell rice at a loss; as for fine salt and seasonings, he won't lose money—he has a method to refine fine salt at very low cost, and the seasonings are even easier to obtain.

Regarding selling fine salt, whether it offends the court, Gu Jin Nian also has a plan: limited sales.

Fine salt is a crucial component of Da Xia's tax revenue; even with his own low production cost, it's honestly hard to shift the market, and the court—especially the Ministry of Revenue—doesn't want it, as it would be like cutting flesh from the ministry.

So he'll simply limit sales to a thousand shi per day; this won't affect the Da Xia Dynasty at all, merely letting Da Xia Capital enjoy the benefit.

When Da Xia's economy gradually recovers, he'll then directly curb the fine‑salt issue.

But other seasonings are different; he can sell those as he wishes, and the Ministry of Revenue can't intervene.

As for True Dragon Treasure Rice, he'll price it lower than the premium rice on the market, using it as the core competitive edge.

For the common folk, who consider food paramount, True Dragon Treasure Rice will be ten times better than premium rice, yet priced cheaper; let's see if they scramble for it.

As long as True Dragon Treasure Rice is sold continuously, foot traffic is guaranteed; with that assured, fresh items can attract the people and spur other consumption.

It's hard not to get rich.

Thinking of this, Gu Jin Nian felt a pleasant thrill in his heart, especially when he recalled his uncle's expression, which made him even happier.

Moreover, recalling how the civil and military officials who had once rejected him were now crying and begging for him, Gu Jin Nian's mood became even more elated.

"Today you ignore me."

"Tomorrow I'll make you unable to reach me."

He put away the items on the table.

Gu Jin Nian stood up, stretched his limbs, and after a while spoke.

"Let Kong Xuan in."

As he said,

In less than half a quarter‑hour, a figure walked in.

It was a fifteen‑ or sixteen‑year‑old youth, bright eyes, jade‑like teeth, a slightly feminine appearance, strikingly handsome, clad in a plain robe that looked as gentle as jade.

Kong Xuan.

He is the true qilin of the Kong family, Kong Yu's younger brother.

"Student Kong Xuan pays his respects, Lord."

Entering the main camp, Kong Xuan was somewhat excited; he looked at Gu Jin Nian with joy in his eyes, then gave a sincere bow, respectful and without any displeasure.

He had stood outside for several hours, yet at this moment Gu Jin Nian observed that he bore no complaint whatsoever.

This surprised Gu Jin Nian.

He deliberately had Kong Xuan stand outside, just to see how this person's character was, whether it was still the same as the previous members of the Kong family.

Then there is nothing left to discuss.

But he did not expect that Kong Xuan had some qualities.

However, these are only superficial; Gu Jin Nian did not hold back, his eyes flickered with a trace of light as he activated the Vast Dao Qi Observation Technique.

He wanted to see how Kong Xuan's qi fortune was.

In an instant, a nine-zhang-high Confucian‑Daoist qi fortune appeared above his head.

The qi fortune was very strong, the strongest Gu Jin Nian had ever seen.

Moreover, the qi fortune bore no other hue, pure white and immaculate; this indicated that Kong Xuan's character was indeed not bad.

Otherwise, it would not be so.

Through the Vast Dao Qi Observation Technique, Gu Jin Nian sensed that the other party truly harbored no resentment and felt an inexplicable reverence toward him.

That actually surprised Gu Jin Nian a bit.

"Young Master Kong Xuan, you are too polite."

"Please sit."

He withdrew his focus; since he knew the other had no malice, Gu Jin Nian was not the type to hold prejudice.

Back when at the Kong Family's Main Residence, the punishments were dealt out, and his feud with the Kong family was considered settled.

As long as the Kong family did not provoke him, Gu Jin Nian would not offend them; originally the two families had no intention of interaction, treating each other as strangers.

"Lord, you are being overly courteous."

"Lord, with your permission, the student has come today with three matters."

"First, due to the Kong family's wrongdoing, we sincerely apologize and ask the Lord to be magnanimous and forgive the Kong family's fault."

Kong Xuan spoke, his expression extremely solemn and earnest; after saying this, he bowed directly to Gu Jin Nian, then knelt on the ground and performed a grand apology.

"Young Master Kong Xuan, you are too polite."

"The Kong family has already received appropriate punishment; I, the Lord, am not a man who clings to righteousness. Let the past be past."

Seeing Kong Xuan kneel and bow, Gu Jin Nian immediately helped support him.

He sensed the other's sincerity.

Politeness where it is due should still be observed.

"No, Lord, although the Holy Ancestor punished the Kong family, the Kong family has not formally apologized to you. Today, Uncle Kong Zheng, the student's uncle, has entrusted me to apologize to the Lord."

"It reflects the Kong family's stance, and we also hope the Lord can completely put this matter behind him. Uncle has said that in the future, the Da Xia Kong family, if there are any other offenses against the Lord, the Lord need not be courteous; the Kong family will certainly give the Lord an explanation."

Kong Xuan said with utmost seriousness.

An apology from the bottom of his heart.

"Very well."

"This matter ends here; I, the Lord, understand."

Gu Jin Nian nodded and agreed.

Hearing this, Kong Xuan also smiled, then slowly rose.

"Lord, the second matter concerns the Kong family; over the years, the Kong family has indeed committed many wrongs."

"The court must punish the Kong family, which is only natural; the Holy Ancestor has manifested, and the punishments have been dealt out. The Kong family, from top to bottom, has sincerely corrected its faults."

"We respectfully ask the Lord to show clemency beyond the law and forgive the Kong family's transgressions; now all the kingdoms are targeting the Kong family branches, causing widespread anxiety."

"Please, Lord, grant mercy."

Kong Xuan explained the second matter, concerning the current situation of the Kong family.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian remained calm; he did not answer immediately but pondered for a moment.

Finally, Gu Jin Nian spoke.

"Wrongdoing warrants punishment; this is inevitable."

"Even though Young Master Kong Xuan is so sincere, the punishable still must be punished."

"How about this: I, Gu, have an idea—if the Kong family members are willing to accept it, then the matter is settled."

All the major kingdoms target the Kong family branches simply because the Kong family's power is too great; using this opportunity to disperse and control them.

Gu Jin Nian understood this point.

However, the Da Xia Dynasty cannot act that way, because the Kong family's main residence lies within the Da Xia Dynasty.

Other kingdoms can do so without causing trouble, since they can present evidence; the Da Xia Dynasty doing so would inevitably have adverse effects.

But saying that nothing should be punished would seem improper.

When a mistake is made, corresponding punishment must follow.

There is nothing more to say.

"Lord, please speak frankly."

Kong Xuan spoke, also curious about what punishment Gu Jin Nian would impose.

"The Kong family will provide a sum of silver to establish academies in impoverished areas, allowing children from mountain villages to learn to read and study."

"I, the Lord, will not impose unreasonable demands; within twenty years, a thousand academies—you may use the Kong family's reputation, however you wish, to invite scholars to teach for free."

"Of course, these academies shall be directly overseen by the Da Xia Ministry of Rites, having no ties to the Kong family, and will serve as atonement."

"How does that sound?"

Gu Jin Nian opened, initially intending to let the Kong family members teach for free, but upon further thought found it unsuitable.

The reason is simple: wouldn't this cheapen the Kong family?

Having them teach students would produce graduates whose thoughts are bound by the Kong family.

"But having the Kong family provide the silver, and then have them find ways to recruit people to teach for free, that is acceptable."

First let the Kong family set up this platform; once it's roughly ready, have the Da Xia Ministry of Rites take over. To put it bluntly, we wait until Da Xia has money, then begin compulsory education.

This is not a trivial matter.

Gu Jin Nian does not dare to act recklessly; he can only create a prototype, which also serves as a punishment to the Kong family and provides the Da Xia Dynasty with tangible benefits.

The words were spoken.

Kong Xuan, without a hint of hesitation, immediately agreed.

"Lord Hou, rest assured; the Kong family will certainly live up to your expectations."

This is a good thing, also a punishment for the Kong family, yet it is a form of atonement, though in the end the Da Xia Ministry of Rites will take everything.

Nevertheless, the Kong family gains some good reputation, making it a win‑win situation.

For a moment, Kong Xuan's admiration for Gu Jin Nian deepened.

"Alright."

"If you can accept it, that's fine. Is it the third matter?"

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

He then asked what the third matter was.

"Answer, Lord Hou."

"This third matter is a private affair."

"The student loves poetry immensely; upon first hearing the sword recital, the student is amazed as if by a celestial being, and recites each of Lord Hou's poems a hundred times over and over."

"He has even compiled a poetry collection, so hopes Lord Hou can give the student a name."

Speaking of the third matter makes Kong Xuan a little embarrassed, but since it's already mentioned, he steels himself and pulls a poetry collection from his chest.

It is a privately commissioned poetry collection.

He places the collection before Gu Jin Nian, his gaze full of anticipation and nervousness.

Good fellow.

So he's actually my little fan.

No wonder he has such immense admiration for me; Gu Jin Nian was initially curious— even though the Kong family holds no ill will toward him, they shouldn't have this kind of attitude.

So that's how it is.

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian felt both amused and exasperated.

It's very strange.

It truly is very strange.

After all, he has such a huge conflict with the Kong family; now a "Kong family qilin child" appears, and by the usual script, he should bear a grudge against him.

On the surface, feigning innocence.

But unexpectedly, he is a loyal fan.

"Lord Hou."

"If it's inconvenient, then never mind; please forgive the student for his earlier rudeness."

Seeing Gu Jin Nian silent, Kong Xuan feels a bit embarrassed, retrieves the poetry collection, showing slight awkwardness.

"There's nothing inconvenient."

"Just a bit surprised."

Gu Jin Nian takes the collection, says no more, picks up his brush to sign, leaving his name on the first page.

Anyway, Kong Xuan is his fan.

The person is quite decent; as for the Kong family's misdeeds, to put it bluntly, with so many members, there are both good and bad people.

He can't condemn an entire family with one stroke.

"Thank you, Lord Hou."

Seeing Gu Jin Nian's signature, Kong Xuan is completely thrilled; he takes the collection back as if it were a priceless treasure, carefully places it in his chest, and his smile becomes exceedingly radiant.

"Young master Kong Xuan, no need to go that far."

"Just call me Jin Nian brother."

Gu Jin Nian is courteous; since the other respects him so much, there's no need to keep distance, and besides, he indeed needs the Kong family's support now.

Although the Kong family is currently suppressed, their power is certainly not to be underestimated; a sunken ship still has three pounds of nails, let alone the Kong family.

Without claiming to control the Kong family, if he can harness their power, it would also be a good thing for him.

"Lord Hou truly is magnanimous, worthy of being the saint chosen by the Holy Ancestor for later generations; the student admires you."

Hearing this, Kong Xuan is genuinely moved.

At the same time, Kong Xuan takes a deep breath, raises his hand, and condenses a seal.

This is the Heaven's Mandate seal.

"Brother Jin Nian."

"Your humble junior feels truly ashamed; during those earlier days traveling the realms, immersed in poetry, I was unaware of internal family matters."

"Thus such events occurred; today, seeing Brother Jin Nian, I never expected you to be so generous—truly a person of Heaven's Mandate."

"Your humble junior is ashamed; this Heaven's Mandate seal, I am truly unworthy of receiving it—please accept it, brother, as my greeting gift."

Kong Xuan's words are tinged with sobbing, and he then directly presents the Heaven's Mandate seal to Gu Jin Nian.

This time Gu Jin Nian is stunned.

Good fellow.

You treat the Heaven's Mandate seal as a greeting gift? This thing isn't some ordinary cabbage.

Good fellow.

Gu Jin Nian can't help but exclaim "Good fellow."

Is this the protagonist's halo?

Honestly, Gu Jin Nian really didn't expect that Kong Xuan would be such a person?

But the Heaven's Mandate seal has already entered his body, leaving no room for Gu Jin Nian to say anything.

With the Heaven's Mandate seal entering the body.

The Tree of Sentient Beings once again bears a Qi Fortune Fruit.

What an unexpected delight.

"Young Master Kong Xuan, this gift is truly too grand."

"Th-this... how can elder brother possibly accept it?"

Gu Jin Nian rose, feeling very embarrassed, but it was just a polite remark—after all, it is the Heaven's Mandate seal.

This thing isn't too much. "Brother Jin Nian, you speak too heavily; compared to your generosity, my humble younger brother's relieved heart unburdens more than ten Heaven's Mandate seals."

"Since I, the humble younger brother, learned that the Kong family offended elder brother, I have suffered daily; I truly love elder brother's poetry, and I have reread each poem hundreds of times."

"If elder brother doubts, take a look—this is the humble younger brother's poetry collection, written especially for you."

He opened his mouth, said that, and then took out another poetry collection, placing it before Gu Jin Nian.

Seeing the collection, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but flip it open.

【July Seventh, reciting Gu Jin Nian's "Full River Red – Fury Hair Crowning Feeling"】

On the seventh day of the seventh month, under the high sun, I read the Crown Prince's "Full River Red".

The words exude domineering spirit, making the Xiongnu tremble in astonishment.

All officials in the palace were shocked; a single poem could sway the nation's fate.

Reciting it a hundred times, I truly wish to return to the capital and raise a cup in joy.

These are poems composed by Kong Xuan.

How should I put it?

"The title 'Qilin Son' should perhaps be dropped."

"Can this be called poetry? I fear even my old master could write something better, huh?"

"Brother Jin Nian."

"How is it written?"

Kong Xuan asked with hopeful anticipation.

"Not bad."

"Just missing some rhyme."

"However, younger brother, you should continue to study governance; that path is your true way."

Gu Jin Nian was rather tactful.

He wanted to say, "Stop writing poetry and go work in a workshop," but unfortunately Da Xia has no workshop yet.

"Brother Jin Nian, you can look at the back; some of the later pieces are decent."

"My uncle also praised them."

Kong Xuan, unwilling to give up, wanted Gu Jin Nian to see the back.

Considering that the other had truly given him a Heaven's Mandate seal, Gu Jin Nian forced himself to glance at the back.

But after a casual flip, Gu Jin Nian's face reddened a bit.

The latter part of the collection is all self‑praise; a couple of lines aren't bad, but the bragging is just too cringeworthy.

It's a bit hard to swallow.

Sure enough, when Heaven opens a window for you, it also closes a door.

"How is it?"

Kong Xuan's face was full of expectation.

"Not bad."

"By the way, younger brother, there's something I really…"

Gu Jin Nian changed the subject.

He thought of another matter.

"Elder brother, please speak."

Kong Xuan was somewhat curious.

"Do you know about the White Heron Residence incident?"

Although it came to mind spontaneously, the matter is important.

"White Heron Residence? I know!"

Kong Xuan nodded.

"This matter, your Kong family is probably also involved."

"Elder brother sees your good character and lofty righteousness, so investigate it thoroughly within the clan."

"Rest assured, even if it involves the Kong family, we will only apprehend the guilty; if no mistake was made, elder brother won't act rashly."

"If the emperor later discovers it, then elder brother will be unable to help your Kong family."

Gu Jin Nian said gravely.

At the time of the White Heron Residence incident, the Kong family clearly participated, but Gu Jin Nian was unclear what role they played.

Now, with Kong Xuan's sincere heart, Gu Jin Nian is not afraid he will act recklessly.

Moreover, this is the truth: now that it is uncovered, whoever erred will suffer misfortune.

If he discovers it himself, or the emperor does, then the entire Kong family will be implicated.

No one can escape.

Nor do I worry that Kong Xuan will conceal and not report.

"This is impossible."

In an instant, Kong Xuan furrowed his brows; this is his instinctive reaction.

The matter of White Egret Prefecture is utterly heinous; although the Kong Family has done some bad things, they wouldn't go this far, would they?

If they really did it, not to mention outsiders, even if he were a member of the Kong Family, it would be unforgivable.

Gu Jin Nian did not speak.

And Kong Xuan gradually calmed down.

"Brother, rest assured."

"Regarding this matter, I, the younger brother, will investigate thoroughly; if I find any clues, I will surely inform the elder brother."

"At that time, death by a thousand cuts would be no regret."

Kong Xuan clenched his fists; he did not believe anyone in the Kong Family would do such a thing, but if he discovered it, he would certainly not show leniency.

"Mm."

"However, keep a low profile; don't be too direct—just get the results, so as not to alert the enemy."

Gu Jin Nian said earnestly, giving a special reminder.

"All right, elder brother, rest assured."

Kong Xuan also nodded earnestly.

"Fine, younger brother, haven't you eaten yet? Come on, elder brother will take you for a drink."

Gu Jin Nian patted Kong Xuan on the shoulder.

Regardless, someone gave me a Heaven's Mandate mark; I should still treat them to a meal.

Could it really be just a free ride? Soon.

Gu Jin Nian was also very courteous, properly entertaining Kong Xuan.

However, at the dinner table, Kong Xuan continually hinted, both openly and subtly, at one thing.

Have him write a poem.

This request isn't too much, but I can't think of any particularly fitting poetry right now.

So I promised to send him a poem in a few days.

The two ate happily; Kong Xuan, perhaps from being too excited, drank quite a lot.

In the end, his face flushed red, his voice grew louder, and he proceeded to criticize various members of the Kong Family.

"This Kong Wuya is just an old dog; if it weren't for him, there wouldn't be so many troubles."

"But it's fine; I went to Thunderstrike Cliff a few days ago to see him—he suffers daily lightning strikes, agony beyond endurance."

"He deserves it!"

"Elder Brother Jin Nian, I still feel that one Heaven's Mandate mark is insufficient to display my sincerity."

"Like this, you wait here; I will now return to the Kong Family, steal the Heaven-Inquiring Mirror for you, as compensation."

Kong Xuan, drunk, kept shouting that he would go back to the Kong Family's Main Residence to steal the Heaven-Inquiring Mirror and give it to himself.

This made Gu Jin Nian very embarrassed.

Accepting the Heaven's Mandate mark is already a bit embarrassing; to also have the Heaven-Inquiring Mirror sent to me would be too ostentatious.

Until late at night.

Kong Xuan drank until he passed out.

Gu Jin Nian had people send him back to be properly settled.

Afterward, he also returned to his residence.

He obtained the Heaven's Mandate mark for free, and additionally gained a Qi Luck Fruit.

This made Gu Jin Nian involuntarily lament that his fortune was like a rainbow.

It seems all good things have been taken by himself.

Returning to his residence, Gu Jin Nian didn't waste words, directly picking that Qi Luck Fruit.

Counting up, this is the fourth Qi Luck Fruit; I don't know what benefit this one will bring.

As the fourth Qi Luck Fruit fell,

An ancient map appeared.

"River and Mountain Brocade Map"

The ancient map appeared.

Accompanied by an influx of information, Gu Jin Nian instantly understood what this was.

Storage Space.

Yes, Storage Space.

This ancient map is a small world, currently close to two hundred li in size, equivalent to one hundred thousand mu of land.

This one hundred thousand mu of land possesses growth‑accelerating and fertilizing effects, allowing various spiritual medicines to be cultivated.

The ancient map automatically absorbs heaven‑and‑earth spiritual qi, speeding up medicinal plant growth, but not by much; relying on the map's own condensed qi, it amounts to an extra day of ripening per ten days.

If one insists there is an effect,

actually the effect is not great—after all, for some precious medicinal materials, it's routinely fifty years or a century to start, and truly precious ones aren't they measured in millennia?

The medicinal ingredients for refining a Martial King's Precious Pill require at least a millennium to mature.

So this thing seems to have little use—grow it for nine hundred twenty years and you get a single stalk of thousand‑year medicinal herb? Even mass‑planting would be pointless.

As for ripening, it requires a large quantity of spiritual crystals.

So the problem arises, with so many spirit crystals, why can't we directly buy thousand-year medicinal herbs, or ten-thousand-year medicinal herbs?

Unless one seeks the utmost, wanting that kind of hundred-thousand-year medicinal herbs, or saying certain special medicinal herbs need to be ripened.

But the meaning isn't particularly significant.

"Why have I been given this kind of thing lately, it's completely useless."

"Moreover, they all have some relation to the immortal Dao."

Gu Jin Nian was somewhat puzzled.

Rather than wanting these things, it would be better to give something substantial; even if given a Martial King Golden Core, which could let him directly break through to become a Martial King, Gu Jin Nian would be satisfied.

What a pity.

None.

Forget it, anyway it's gotten for free.

Gu Jin Nian didn't think much, directly lay down on the bed, preparing to sleep.

He also couldn't be bothered to think more.

On the bed.

Gu Jin Nian was also thinking about Kong Xuan's affairs; whether it's the Vast Righteous Qi-Observation Technique or through some other matters, he felt Kong Xuan was quite good.

He harbors no ill intent, but to be honest, deep down there is still a slight resistance, after all he is a member of the Kong family.

Right.

Gu Jin Nian suddenly thought of a method to verify.

At that moment, he reached out his hand, the cultural ruler appeared, coordinating with Vast Righteous Qi.

Soon, the cultural ruler calmed down, giving feedback.

No problems at all.

Yes.

This Kong Xuan is truly my loyal fan.

Not the slightest problem.

It seems I really do have some resistance inside.

Without thinking much, Gu Jin Nian lay on the bed, closed his eyes, preparing to fall asleep.

About half an hour later.

Suddenly.

Gu Jin Nian opened his eyes.

He thought of something.

But it's not about Kong Xuan, it's about the Rivers and Mountains Brocade Map.

I was led astray in my thinking.

This Rivers and Mountains Brocade Map is used for cultivating medicinal herbs.

Moreover, it wasn't said that one cannot farm fields and grow rice.

Cultivating medicinal herbs, relying solely on the spirit-gathering of the Rivers and Mountains Brocade Map itself, it's hard to hasten maturity, taking more than ten days.

But what if we grow rice?

Thinking this far, Gu Jin Nian didn't waste words, directly took out the Rivers and Mountains Brocade Map.

At that moment, a treasure map appeared before him, a landscape painting, and within the landscape there was a plain.

Gu Jin Nian infused Vast Righteous Qi, directly dividing the plain into sections.

One hundred thousand mu of land.

Gu Jin Nian took out the True Dragon Rice Seedlings; when he first obtained them, there were about a hundred stalks, now all placed into the brocade map.

One stalk per mu of land, let's see the effect.

As the True Dragon Rice Seedlings were inserted into the medicinal field.

In an instant, the True Dragon Rice Seedlings grew at a speed visible to the naked eye.

However, the growth speed remained slow; after Gu Jin Nian felt it for a while, he obtained the most direct effect.

It doubled in speed.

Yes.

It doubled, indeed.

True Dragon Rice Seedlings are three-season rice, meaning they fully mature in four months; but placed within the Rivers and Mountains Brocade Map, they only need two months to mature.

This is without the support of spirit crystals.

If spirit crystals were to support it, it would likely be even faster.

It could grow within one month.

Even less than a month is needed.

"Indeed so."

After reaching the conclusion, Gu Jin Nian's whole person couldn't help but feel excited.

According to the grain count of True Dragon Treasure Rice, one mu of land should be able to mass-produce 1,200 catties of True Dragon Treasure Rice, which is ten shi.

One hundred thousand mu of land equals one million shi of grain.

With spirit crystal acceleration, one million shi of dragon rice per month—what does that mean? The daily ration for a Da Xia commoner might be about half a catty, so this would be enough to eat full and a bit more.

One shi equals 120 catties; one million shi equals 120 million catties of dragon rice, enough to feed 24 million people for a whole day.

In a place like White Egret Prefecture, with a population barely over one million, that would be enough for that prefecture to eat for twenty-four days.

If eating two meals a day, that would be forty-eight days.

This is very extravagant; relying on this ancient map, even without using spirit crystals, it can feed the populace of an entire prefecture.

Terrifying indeed.

But what Gu Jin Nian cares about is not this; he cares more about a single point.

Take it out to sell.

Correct.

It's just taking it out to sell.

One month yields one million shi of dragon rice; divided over thirty days of sales, that is thirty-three thousand plus shi per day, which equals 3.6 million jin of dragon rice.

If taken out to sell, only charge the cost price, or subsidize a bit of silver oneself, not too much.

At ten taels of silver per shi, daily income is over three hundred thousand taels of silver.

The silver earned is used to buy spirit crystals to catalyze dragon rice growth; then this Da Xia department store residence will be completely stable.

Thinking of this, Gu Jin Nian became excited.

Moreover, there is another matter: this Rivers and Mountains Brocade Map can continue to be opened up, but it requires the support of qi fortune, national fortune, or public opinion.

Currently it is only about two hundred li.

What if it were a thousand li of mountains and rivers? Or ten thousand li?

Just think, how extravagant that would be.

Ten thousand li of good farmland could guarantee that all the people of the Da Xia Dynasty never lack food.

However, to transform into ten thousand li of good farmland, the difficulty is estimated to be great.

Don't even dream about this.

First set a small goal: one thousand li of land.

"This time we really picked up a treasure."

"Kong Xuan, Kong Xuan, you really are a mascot."

Gu Jin Nian simply couldn't sleep anymore.

This is practically a good thing delivered to the door.

However, after Gu Jin Nian thought carefully, he felt a possibility: that he had received the support of qi fortune.

Not only did it recover the previous losses, but it also increased considerably.

It is very likely that because his own qi fortune received support, it led Kong Xuan to bestow upon him the Heaven's Mandate mark.

Then he also obtained this thing.

This probability is very high.

Indeed, the matter of qi fortune is no small matter.

Carrying excitement.

Gu Jin Nian passed an hour before gradually falling asleep.

Meanwhile, in the military camp.

Kong Xuan was drunk as mud, lying on the bed, murmuring some sounds.

"Uncle, how could a scholar's act be called theft?"

"I am taking this; I am a member of the Kong family, this thing belongs to the Kong family, which means it is mine."

"You ask who I am giving it to?"

"It is definitely for my elder brother, Gu Jin Nian."

"Who in the world is worthy to wield the sacred artifact? Besides my elder brother Jin Nian, who is?"

"Are you worthy?"

The murmuring sounded, accompanied by Kong Xuan's flailing arms and legs, appearing extremely strange.

Soon.

The next day.

the Chen hour

Gu Jin Nian's sleep time was short, but upon reaching the Divine Ability Realm, he could completely do without sleep.

It's just that Gu Jin Nian is accustomed to sleeping a bit when idle to refresh his spirit, so sleeping more or less makes no difference.

After waking up, Gu Jin Nian immediately went to find Kong Xuan.

He too had already woken, though he had vomited several times; someone in the military sent over hangover soup, after which he felt much better.

After seeing Gu Jin Nian,

Kong Xuan was as excited and enthusiastic as yesterday.

However, Gu Jin Nian also explained his purpose.

He was about to leave, returning to the Da Xia Capital.

Upon learning this, Kong Xuan voluntarily proposed to return together with Gu Jin Nian.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian originally wanted to refuse, but thinking of the surprise Kong Xuan had brought him yesterday,

After some thought, Gu Jin Nian also agreed.

Returning together, it would be nice to have a companion on the road, at least to discuss Confucian-Daoist classics.

Thus, at the fifth moment of the Chen hour.

Xu Jin prepared a jade palanquin, and upon learning that Gu Jin Nian was leaving, the soldiers spontaneously went to see him off at the city gate.

Passing through the crowd.

Gu Jin Nian boarded the jade palanquin.

"Brothers,"

「If you come to the capital, this Marquis will hold a grand banquet to entertain you all, soldiers. 」

「Here, we still need you all, soldiers to stand guard. 」

「Da Xia relies on you all. 」

Gu Jin Nian stood on the jade carriage, he looked at the soldiers, and gave a deep bow.

In the border.

These soldiers gave up everything, defended home and country, and are worthy of his reverence.

Although this war was won by relying on oneself.

But their spirit cannot be obliterated.

「We respectfully see off the Marquis. 」

「The Marquis is mighty! 」

The great army opened their mouths in unison, as if they had agreed beforehand.

Thus.

The jade carriage set off, kicking up rolling yellow sand.

Xu Jin and the others guarded the carriage on both sides.

Boom! Boom! Boom! The war drum sounded at this moment; this is the utmost honor, the heartfelt respect of the soldiers. — Third chapter update sent up!!!!!!!!!! 30,000 words!!!!!!!!!!

Before twelve o'clock, it's estimated there will be one more chapter!!

That would be the fourth chapter!!!!!!!!! However, I don't know if I can keep up with the fifth chapter!!!!!!!! Seek monthly tickets!!!!!!! (End of chapter)