Chapter 161: Investiture Ceremony, Buddhist Scheme, Eastern Wasteland Demon Lair [End of Main Text!]

Da Xia Imperial Palace.

It was already late at night.

Upon hearing that Minister of Works Wang Qixin requested an audience, Emperor Yongsheng roughly understood something.

When Wang Qixin appeared, Emperor Yongsheng's heart was full of anticipation.

"Your Majesty!"

"I have earth-shattering happy news to report."

Wang Qixin said excitedly.

"Summon."

Emperor Yongsheng rose, looked at Wang Qixin, and had him speak of the happy news.

Wang Qixin didn't beat around the bush, directly informing Emperor Yongsheng of the experimental results of this Da Xia dragon boat, treasure ship, and dragon cannon.

After the data was explained, inside the Hall of Nurturing the Heart, Emperor Yongsheng couldn't help but clench his fists, his eyes betraying undisguised joy.

He had anticipated some of it beforehand, but the final outcome still depended on whether Gu Jin Nian's Spirit-Gathering Ancient Formation actually worked.

Now that the results have appeared, how could Emperor Yongsheng not be pleased? How could he not be excited? "Good."

"It's truly very good."

"Jin Nian has again built an immortal merit for the Da Xia Dynasty."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, visibly excited beyond measure.

He knew very well what benefits the improvements to the dragon boats, treasure ships, and cannons would bring to the dynasty.

Trade issues were not what Emperor Yongsheng cared about most; military warfare was what he cared about most.

What is the core of warfare? Logistical support.

As long as logistical support has no problems, for large-scale war it is a huge advantage; soldiers being able to eat their fill surpasses everything, boosting morale.

Moreover, domestic disaster relief and grain distribution can also be effectively resolved.

Emperor Yongsheng certainly could not think of as many aspects as Gu Jin Nian could.

If military supplies are delivered and disaster relief grain distributed, satisfying these two points would satisfy him.

"Your Majesty."

"Not only that, if Marquis's Spirit-Gathering Formation works, the Ministry of Works has many devices that benefit the country and the people; Your Majesty, do you still remember the agricultural implements?"

Wang Qixin was exhilarated, his mind brimming with too many ideas and plans.

"I remember."

"However, this cannot be widely promoted for now; at this stage we should still focus on dragon boats and treasure ships to maintain internal trade and transport in Da Xia."

"Wang Aiqing, you must speak cautiously about this; besides Me and Gu Jin Nian, I do not want a fourth person to know about the Spirit-Gathering Ancient Formation."

"If any rumors leak out, you should know what crime that entails."

Emperor Yongsheng instantly understood what Wang Qixin meant, but he understood even more that good things must be hidden away, to be useful only at critical moments.

"I understand, please rest assured, Your Majesty; I will guard the secret unto death, and if any rumors arise, please punish me."

Wang Qixin said solemnly, how could he not understand how important this is?

So he voluntarily spoke up, expressing his feelings to Emperor Yongsheng.

"Granted."

"Wang Aiqing's loyalty to the country, I have always understood; I remember his eldest son, who is now twenty-one; in a few days let him enter the capital, the Ministry of Personnel lacks a low-ranking official, which fits perfectly."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke lightly, the words leaving no trace, yet they filled Wang Qixin with surprise and delight.

His son is twenty-one this year; although his father is the Minister of Works, his talent is mediocre; normally, to enter the capital as an official he would have to wait until at least thirty, so this counts as a promotion of one or two ranks.

Moreover, he is favored in the Emperor's heart.

The possibility of becoming a Minister is slim, given his limited ability, but in the future serving as a left or right attendant would be appropriate.

Mainly, if Wang Qixin handles this matter well, then it's truly uncertain what could happen.

This is the emperor's method, combining favor and authority.

Wang Qixin was full of excitement, bowing deeply to Emperor Yongsheng.

"Subject, thank you, Your Majesty."

Wang Qixin exclaimed excitedly.

At the same moment.

Da Xia Academy.

It was already bustling beyond compare.

Gu Jin Nian has returned; the academy's students naturally ought to celebrate properly.

During this period, the academy has also seen many departures; some were eliminated, but more returned home to prepare for the imperial examinations.

If we count carefully, he has also stayed at the Da Xia Academy for about half a year.

If the Da Xia Academy were to fill its quota, it would be a full year, but with the imperial examinations imminent, most people still choose to go home to prepare.

After everyone finished the festivities.

Wang Fugui and Jiang Yezhou chatted with Gu Jin Nian for most of the day.

However, the two also needed to prepare for the imperial examinations, so Gu Jin Nian did not waste much time; after bidding them farewell, he went straight to find Su Wenjing.

On this outing, there were still some things he needed to ask Su Wenjing about.

Such as the discussion of Heaven's Mandate.

In the dean's study, Su Wenjing was still researching the chess position; it seems his competitive drive is very strong.

"Mr. Su Wenjing, the student has returned."

Outside the study, Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded.

"Enter."

As Su Wenjing's voice sounded, Gu Jin Nian also stepped into the study.

"I have met you, Su Wenjing."

Upon seeing Su Wenjing, Gu Jin Nian bowed once toward him, displaying proper etiquette.

"Jin Nian."

"In this Da Xia peace talks, you have truly stolen the limelight."

Su Wenjing smiled, praising Gu Jin Nian.

"It's fine."

"Being able to serve the court is the duty of an official."

Gu Jin Nian responded modestly.

"In this peace talks, your summoning of the Heavenly Fire Stone must be thanks to the Heaven's Mandate Seal."

"However, you cannot overuse this Heaven's Mandate Seal, as it demands a huge price."

Su Wenjing, knowing the origin of the Heavenly Fire Stone, warned Gu Jin Nian to be more cautious.

"The student understands."

"Sir Su Wenjing, the student has several Heaven's Mandate Seals within his body, but does not know what powers these seals possess; may I ask how you would investigate them?"

Gu Jin Nian asked curiously.

He currently has five Heaven's Mandate Seals inside him: one can summon a fire stone, another can rewind the past, and the remaining three are unknown.

"A matter of realms."

"Jin Nian, you are presently only at the stage of Establishing Speech, not yet at the Great Scholar realm; once you become a Great Scholar, you will see clearly."

Su Wenjing gave the answer, and Gu Jin Nian understood.

"Understood."

"Sir, there is another matter I must ask you: what exactly is the Heaven's Mandate Conflict?"

Gu Jin Nian nodded; he had previously guessed the same.

"The Heaven's Mandate Conflict holds great significance; now all major dynasties and various forces are searching for it."

"I, too, am unclear what the Heaven's Mandate Conflict truly is."

"The only thing known is that the Heaven's Mandate Conflict has massive impact; in the future, whoever can dominate it will become the person of Heaven's Mandate."

Su Wenjing spoke lightly.

To be frank, he also does not know what the Heaven's Mandate Conflict is, only that it is extraordinary.

"It's a bit mystic."

"However, it will not be long; at the fastest, in a year, at the slowest, in three years, the Heaven's Mandate Conflict will commence."

"I have deduced the heavenly signs; between heaven and earth, there are few unclaimed Heaven's Mandate Seals left, and the Jixia Academy is of great significance."

"Whoever can obtain the Heaven's Mandate at the Jixia Academy will be able to launch the opening of the Heaven's Mandate Conflict."

Su Wenjing said with resolute expression.

"Jixia Academy, the prelude to the Heaven's Mandate Conflict?"

"Why is that?"

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but feel curious.

"The Jixia Academy harbors two Heaven's Mandates; Confucius originally sealed the two, and whoever can found New Learning will obtain them."

"This time at the Jixia Academy, it will likely be dragons fighting tigers; inevitably, someone will covet the two Heaven's Mandate Seals sealed by Confucius."

"I already knew the Seven Sages of Zhushan have set out; soon they will head to the Jixia Academy."

"These seven individuals are contemporary Great Scholars, with extremely high learning; they have gathered for twenty‑to‑thirty years, set great ambitions to complete the immortal New Learning theory. Just these seven make others far behind; when it comes to statecraft, I cannot compare with them."

Su Wenjing spoke, casually mentioning a name, which immediately added pressure.

"The Seven Sages of Zhushan?"

Gu Jin Nian had heard of this group: seven like‑minded Great Scholars who gather daily to discuss Confucian and Daoist statecraft, or to analyze the world's trends, and so on.

"Regarding the classics, mutual discussion is far better than a lone scholar working behind closed doors."

"Sir, how many people will attend this Jixia Academy event?"

"Also, what are the major forces in this world, exactly?"

Gu Jin Nian was somewhat curious.

People always talk about the world's great trends, yet Gu Jin Nian truly has not encountered any.

Da Xia Dynasty, Xiongnu Nation, Fuyu Dynasty, Great Jin Dynasty, Zhongzhou Dynasty.

These are the few major powers Gu Jin Nian currently knows, but the problem is that they all seem rather ordinary to him.

Perhaps they are too distant, not within the same system, making it hard to gauge each other's strength.

He heard Gu Jin Nian's words.

"It's hard to be precise; the older generation is only a few, but throughout history there has never been a shortage of strong ones—some are modest and resolute, some hide, and some like to appear."

"The world is vast; hiding is still quite easy."

"Moreover, Jin Nian, I ask you, what defines a strong one? Strength of martial ways? Or of Confucian‑Daoist statecraft?"

Su Wenjing spoke.

"Gu Jin Nian's question was simply who the true strong one is."

"But this is hard to explain, because true strong ones hide; take Su Wenjing, before the Kong Family's Main Residence, the world thought him a Pre‑Half‑Saint, yet in fact he had already become a Half Saint."

"Thus it is difficult to state."

"Moreover, how does one judge who is strong? 'Understood.'"

"Alright, sir, I'll head back first; I still need to enter the palace later, and tomorrow there's the investiture ceremony."

Gu Jin Nian said.

"Mm."

"After the investiture ceremony, the imperial examinations will be soon; this year's scholars taking the exams have more or less all come, so if you have nothing else to do, go covertly take a look, observe and learn."

Su Wenjing nodded.

Immediately, Gu Jin Nian left the place.

After returning to his residence, there wasn't much to stay for.

Su Huaiyu, the Jade Pool Fairy, and the Clear Shallow Fairy were not present.

However, it would be reasonable for Su Huaiyu to be absent, but the Jade Pool Fairy and the Clear Shallow Fairy being absent is somewhat problematic, after all they merely went to Guiyang Commandery to investigate Buddhist affairs.

The two of them not being there is indeed rather strange.

But upon reflection, these two are not ordinary people, and they have extremely powerful backing, so they shouldn't encounter any problems.

Gu Jin Nian comforted himself inwardly.

However, in the end he still had someone inquire a bit.

Thus, Gu Jin Nian wholeheartedly threw himself into the Da Xia Sleepless City project.

After the investiture ceremony concluded, the Da Xia Sleepless City could begin construction, and Gu Jin Nian's idea was also simple.

First, get the basic infrastructure in place, at least establish an overall image, then seal it off; there's no rush to start construction slowly.

For now, the most important are still the Da Xia Department Store and the Da Xia Restaurant; these two places are very important.

Once the budget is set, if labor costs are covered by the court, the basic materials and so on will amount to roughly seventy to eighty thousand taels of gold.

Moreover, this is merely Gu Jin Nian's budget; once full-scale construction actually begins, it will certainly not be that simple.

After nearly three hours, Gu Jin Nian had finished designing the Da Xia Department Store: nine stories overall, pagoda-shaped.

The first floor needs at least a hundred mu of space, then each floor reduces in size, after all the first floor focuses on civilian consumption.

Gu Jin Nian's design is also simple and blunt.

The first floor offers firewood, rice, oil, salt, soy sauce, and vinegar, supplying the people's basic goods demand.

The second floor is for silk fabrics and clothing bolts, these items.

The third floor features some ceramics, as well as pots, bowls, and utensils that need to be produced.

Therefore, the demand for goods on the first three floors is extremely high; warehouse storage cannot be lacking, and when sold out, new stock is replenished.

The fourth, fifth, and sixth floors belong to the premium category, which can be understood as high-quality tea, ceramics, clothing, and various strange products from different places, like the white jade fruit mentioned earlier; now dragon boats are available, and they can be transported to the Da Xia Capital within one or two days to meet diverse needs.

However, to go up there one must have a membership system; non-members cannot go up to buy.

The seventh to ninth floors are for high-end goods; for example, high-quality true dragon treasure rice can be sold on the top floor, plainly speaking, branded goods, all of which are good things.

The main purpose of the Da Xia Department Store is to attract foot traffic; as long as there is foot traffic, subsequent ventures can be launched.

Thin profits, high volume.

The Da Xia Restaurant can seize this opportunity to rise; regarding the common people's money, Gu Jin Nian doesn't want to earn much, at least for his own country's populace, he would rather earn less.

There is a saying that goes very well.

A dynasty's strength is determined by its army.

The judgment of a golden age is determined by the people.

To truly make the Da Xia Dynasty a golden age, one should not look at how strong the state is, but at how the common people live; the better their lives, the higher the happiness index, and only then is it a true golden age.

Just like the previous Yuan dynasty, its territory was indeed vast, even boundless, but how did the common people fare? It could be called a strong state, but not a golden age.

Gu Jin Nian naturally hopes for a state that is both strong and a golden age, and thus he presses forward.

However, when it comes to earning money from the rich, Gu Jin Nian does not intend to be lenient.

As for the Da Xia Restaurant, Gu Jin Nian is creating an integrated food, lodging, and travel establishment, also nine stories, but the area is completely different.

The first and second floors are for dining; the first floor is somewhat popular, the second floor consists of refined private rooms, plus a few grand halls, requiring prestige, and naturally the prices go high, after all for the wealthy, eating is not about food but about face.

The third floor is for staff meals and lodging, including storage rooms and some accommodation needs; the fourth, fifth, and sixth floors are guest rooms, all built to luxurious standards, however extravagant desired.

The seventh and eighth floors are for entertainment, offering a full suite of massage and sauna, guaranteeing you stay here comfortably.

With food and drink available, there's also entertainment to enjoy.

As for gambling establishments, Gu Jin Nian firmly opposes them; this thing harms people deeply, and although he understands that those who like gambling, if they don't gamble here, will go elsewhere.

But Gu Jin Nian still does not consider it; he does not want to harm people, even if the rich have plenty of money, he does not want to engage in this.

He cannot coexist with gambling and drugs.

Meanwhile, the pressing issue is that basic infrastructure poses no major problem, but personnel training is very important.

Waitstaff of this sort are not lacking; a simple recruitment yields a batch of people, and after concentrated training, they become effective in about three months.

What is truly lacking, however, are young women.

It's utterly impossible to have the old gentlemen give massages to customers; this thing, Gu Jin Nian can't stand.

"Wait for Su Huaiyu to return, then we'll scout together."

Gu Jin Nian thought to himself.

After settling the trivial matters, Gu Jin Nian rose directly and headed toward the Da Xia Imperial Palace.

Tomorrow is the Shangyuan Festival, also the investiture ceremony; we need to go to the palace to make preparations.

One reason is procedural, the other is identity-related.

If it were someone else being ennobled, there would be no need to go to the palace; preparing in advance at the Ministry of Rites would suffice, but Gu Jin Nian indeed has imperial blood in his veins, so naturally he must follow the imperial rites.

Half an hour later.

Gu Jin Nian arrived at the Imperial Palace.

The Ministry of Rites officials had already been preparing inside the palace, and the palace eunuchs and maids were bustling about.

Wei Xian arrived at once, took out the jade register, and began introducing the marquis conferral ceremony to Gu Jin Nian.

The whole procedure is extremely extravagant.

There are a total of 127 items, big and small—some involve beating drums a few times, others worshipping heaven and earth.

"Lord Marquis, according to the schedule, you should bathe now; after bathing, proceed to the ancestral hall to burn incense. Once the hour of Hai passes, the conferral ceremony will begin."

Wei Xian spoke, smiling obsequiously.

"Very well."

Gu Jin Nian did not dawdle; the procedure must be followed, after all it is a marquis conferral.

At the bathing area, a total of 108 maidservants attended to him from all sides.

From bathing to drying and dressing, someone was always attending.

Such a vile life of the privileged.

But before Gu Jin Nian could say anything, a faint voice sounded.

"Send all these maidservants away."

The voice rang out.

It was familiar.

It was Su Huaiyu's voice.

Inside the hall.

Gu Jin Nian, already ready to strip, was taken aback.

He looked toward the main hall and saw Su Huaiyu's figure appear outside, with a calm expression.

"I have the honor of seeing you, Lord Su."

Seeing Su Huaiyu appear, Wei Xian immediately stepped forward; after all, this person's status was unusual—bearing the Heaven's Mandate seal, having entered the palace many times, and His Majesty regarded him highly.

Wei Xian naturally dared not offend.

"Lord Wei, you are too courteous."

"Send these maidservants away; I have a confidential matter for the Crown Prince."

Su Huaiyu spoke, still addressing him as the Crown Prince.

"The servant obeys."

Wei Xian nodded; since Su Huaiyu could enter the palace, he must have met His Majesty, and with an important matter to discuss, Wei Xian could not object.

At that moment, all the maidservants left with disappointed looks.

Gu Jin Nian, somewhat irritated, stripped off his outer robe, kept his inner shirt, and walked straight into the bath.

Compared to modern standards, this ancient bath was pitiful—tiny, fit for only one person, with nothing inside; merely buckets of hot water poured in, cooled with boiling water, heated with cold water.

Only the elite could enjoy such a thing, and it was essentially meaningless.

"Brother Su, what are you doing here?"

While soaking in the bath, Gu Jin Nian looked at Su Huaiyu with curiosity.

"The Emperor summoned me for a matter, so I entered the palace; I heard the Crown Prince also entered, so I came to find you."

Su Huaiyu replied, his tone calm.

"What matter?"

Gu Jin Nian seemed slightly curious.

"Confidential."

Su Huaiyu said lightly, evidently unwilling to elaborate.

"The matter of Nan Wei County—how is the investigation going?"

Since Su Huaiyu did not wish to elaborate, Gu Jin Nian did not linger and asked directly about Nan Wei County.

"Answering the Crown Prince, the investigation is nearly complete."

"However, I could not prevent it; Xu Jian was killed."

Su Huaiyu spoke, informing Gu Jin Nian that Xu Jian had been killed.

Xu Jian was the one who defended the villagers of Chen Gou Village.

"Who killed him?"

"You couldn't even protect him?"

In the pool, Gu Jin Nian furrowed his brows, looking at Su Huaiyu.

"Answering the Crown Prince."

"The assailant is a subordinate of the Crown Prince of Prince Ning."

"It is not that I could not protect him; after the investigation, I returned to the capital, learned of the incident en route, and turned back."

"I heard that Li Lengqiu was beheaded by the Crown Prince, so I did not act rashly; instead I gave Xu Jian a proper burial and settled his family."

Su Huaiyu answered, saying there was nothing he could do; after all, he could not stay by Xu Jian's side twenty‑four hours a day.

After receiving this answer,

Gu Jin Nian sighed.

He fell silent.

"Crown Prince, you need not blame yourself; you have already avenged him. Xu Jian's counsel had already prepared him for death; on his way, Xu Jian also told me that he had already placed life and death beyond his body."

"All that is needed is for the Crown Prince to bring justice to the people of Chen Gou Village, so that the wrongfully dead may have their anger appeased; he died in his rightful place."

Su Huaiyu spoke, informing Gu Jin Nian of this matter.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian felt no comfort inside.

After a while, Gu Jin Nian spoke.

"Does he have children?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"He has two offspring, one twenty‑two years old, the other thirteen."

Su Huaiyu replied.

"Assign the Ministry of Rites to posthumously honor him as a loyal and heroic minister, grant him a burial befitting a fourth‑rank official, and award 500 taels of gold."

"If his elder son becomes a scholar, have the Ministry of Personnel assign him a county magistrate position; when the younger son is two years older, admit him to Da Xia Academy and give him a word to Master Wenjing."

"Then go to the Duke's Residence, allocate 500 taels of gold to them, and provide 500 mu of farmland for their orphaned widows, ensuring their descendants have no worries."

Gu Jin Nian spoke slowly; this is the only compensation he can offer.

"As you command."

Su Huaiyu nodded.

He then continued to speak.

"His Highness the Crown Prince, the killings and banditry in Nanwei County are likely numerous; my subordinates have investigated along the way, discovering many abandoned villages that cannot be fully tallied, but they are certainly more than imagined."

"However, my subordinates have already reported the matter to His Majesty, who will likely punish severely, and I have heard that Prince Ning's petition of repentance has also been delivered to the palace."

Su Huaiyu informed Gu Jin Nian of these matters.

"\"Petition of repentance? \" \"Hmph, he should bring his own head over; that would be a true repentance. \""

Gu Jin Nian let out a cold snort.

"Massacring civilians and turning to banditry—what a sin! Delivering a petition of repentance and treating it as nothing? \"Prince Ning is certainly no ordinary man. \""

"\"His Highness the Crown Prince, Grandfather Gu has probably already known about this, and His Majesty is well aware; I think if the two of you cooperate, it should be resolved effectively. \""

Su Huaiyu said.

Of course his words carried hidden meaning; essentially he was telling Gu Jin Nian not to get involved yet.

"I understand."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Immediately after, Gu Jin Nian's voice rose again.

"By the way."

"Rumors circulate that someone is impersonating me, going to brothels to cause trouble under my name, without paying any silver."

"Brother Su, do you know this person?"

Gu Jin Nian thought of another matter and looked at Su Huaiyu.

However, Su Huaiyu showed no reaction.

"\"His Highness the Crown Prince should know me; I, Su, have no taste for women, and even if I truly climbed the railings, I would never refuse to pay; what I despise most is freeloading. \""

Su Huaiyu said solemnly.

Although the statement was questionable, his gaze was resolute, not seeming false.

"Really?"

Gu Jin Nian frowned.

"\"I've been out these past days; even if I wanted to use His Highness the Crown Prince's name, I cannot be in two places at once. \""

Su Huaiyu felt slightly aggrieved.

"\"If not you, then who? \""

In the bath, Gu Jin Nian furrowed his brow; he really could not imagine it was that little impish ghost.

After thinking for a while, still unable to figure it out, Gu Jin Nian said nothing more.

"\"Brother Su, there is something that still requires you to go, do you have time? \""

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"\"Your Highness, please speak. \""

The latter replied.

"\"Fairies Yaochi and Qingqian went to Guiyang County and have not returned; I worry they may have encountered trouble. \""

"\"Go and see what happened; if there is any problem, inform me immediately. \""

This matter had lingered in Gu Jin Nian's mind; now that Su Huaiyu has returned, it is a good chance to send him.

"Alright."

"\"After the Lantern Festival, investigate immediately. \""

Su Huaiyu nodded.

"\"Very well, I trouble you, Brother Su. \""

Having said that, Gu Jin Nian said nothing further and peacefully soaked in the bath.

About two quarter‑hours passed.

Gu Jin Nian rose from the bath and stepped out; Su Huaiyu also rose and went to the main hall's exterior, guarding tightly for fear any maid might break in.

To be honest, Gu Jin Nian truly doubted whether this fellow's mind was defective; this area was sealed completely.

Was he a judge of immortals in a past life?

Feeling slightly depressed afterward, Gu Jin Nian wiped his body; many garments were arranged inside the hall.

A jade tray held one item.

A Black Python King robe, a Crimson Water belt, a Kirin jade pendant, gold‑thread flowing‑cloud boots, and a jade crown, among others.

Originally a maid helped, making it fairly quick, but because of Su Huaiyu, Gu Jin Nian spent nearly half an hour putting on this attire.

When everything was ready, standing before the bronze mirror, in an instant a peerless man appeared.

In front of the bronze mirror.

Gu Jin Nian, sword‑eyed and star‑eyed, jade‑like stature against the wind, seven and a half chi tall, face exceedingly handsome, surrounded by a Confucian aura, giving the impression of a modest young master, warm and smooth as jade.

But with the royal robe draped on him, he does not lose majesty; just by appearance, honestly speaking, few can compare.

There is one point that must be said.

Because he is overly outstanding, Gu Jin Nian's looks have been severely underestimated.

After the bath ends, incense is burned.

Gu Jin Nian goes to the ancestral hall to cleanse his heart; when the hour of the Rat arrives, drums will sound in the palace and the investiture ceremony will begin.

The whole Da Xia Capital becomes exceedingly lively; with the arrival of the Shangyuan Festival, the curfew is lifted, taverns blaze with light, and the common folk laugh and cheer.

Thus.

Until the hour of the Rat.

A sound resounds, the war drum.

Dong! With that sound, Da Xia Capital also quiets down.

Dong dong!

The next moment, drums echo from all directions of Da Xia Capital, a response.

The drumming lasts for nine beats.

A thunderously clear voice sounds.

"The investiture ceremony, commence."

Accompanying that voice, fireworks burst into the sky over the capital, dazzling brilliantly across the firmament.

At the same time.

Inside Prince Ning's residence.

Prince Ning stands in the study, expression indifferent.

In the study stand two figures: one is his strategist Hou Jun, the other a monk.

"Your Highness, the penitential edict has been sent to the palace, yet no news has returned; it seems the Emperor is still hesitating on a decision."

Hou Jun's voice rises.

He looks at Prince Ning and states his thoughts.

"Hesitating?"

"He has already made his choice; the penitential edict was delivered to the palace, and he did not strike immediately, which is even more dangerous."

"It seems our plan must be advanced; otherwise, if he strikes first, trouble will follow."

Prince Ning speaks; he seems to have anticipated why Emperor Yongsheng does not punish him.

He perceives the crisis.

"Then, Your Highness, when do you intend to act?"

Hou Jun opens, somewhat curious.

"Six months."

"At most another six months; within six months we must act."

"Strike first to be strong."

Prince Ning calmly says, this is his thought: to launch a rebellion within six months.

But as soon as he says this, Hou Jun's complexion changes.

"Your Highness."

"Six months is too hurried; the Da Xia Dynasty is flourishing, and the army is strong; if we mobilize, it is not advantageous."

Hou Jun speaks; as a strategist he knows the specifics, and whether we can win he judges.

Yet Prince Ning does not heed Hou Jun, but looks at the monk beside him.

"If we mobilize within six months, what do the three great temples think?"

Prince Ning asks, tone even.

"Your Highness."

"Gu Jin Nian killed my Upper Ascending Esoteric Sect senior monk, crossing my Buddhist line; if Your Highness sends troops, the Buddhist sect will spare no effort."

"However, there is one matter I hope Your Highness can intervene in."

The latter speaks, unwaveringly supporting Prince Ning, but with a condition.

"Speak."

Prince Ning gives a reply.

"Our Upper Ascending Esoteric Sect, observing the stars at night, has calculated for several days and sensed that within Da Xia's borders a cataclysmic disaster will occur."

"When it happens countless civilians will die and be wounded; we monks have little influence, now we can only pray for them. Should such a disaster truly arise, we wish to enter Da Xia to liberate these souls."

"However, the Da Xia Crown Prince Gu Jin Nian holds prejudice against us monks, so we also hope Prince Ning can appeal to the Emperor, allowing us monks to rescue the suffering."

He says.

He reveals a secret.

In an instant, Hou Jun's complexion changes, his heart shocked beyond measure.

"A cataclysmic disaster?"

"How great?"

Prince Ning looks at the other; upon hearing this he knows the Buddhist sect is about to cause trouble.

"It is more than ten times the size of Jiang Ning County."

The latter calmly replies.

At that moment, even Prince Ning cannot help but frown.

The disaster in Jiangning County caused many casualties; at least several hundred thousand civilians were buried here, but fortunately it did not continue to worsen, otherwise it would have been truly tragic.

If such an event were to happen again, and on a scale more than ten times that of Jiangning County, it would surely bring about a catastrophe.

At that moment, King Ning fell silent.

He wishes for internal turmoil in Da Xia, but he does not want massive casualties across Da Xia; in that case, it would not be beneficial for him.

The struggle for imperial authority, if it drags innocent civilians into it, is certainly not a good thing.

Watching King Ning's silence.

The high monk glanced at Lord Hou, who instantly understood his meaning and could not help but speak.

"Your Highness."

"I think this matter is feasible."

"After a heavenly calamity occurs, people can covertly attack the emperor, promote petty officials, and also pin this incident on Gu Jin Nian."

"When three hundred thousand Xiongnu soldiers are slaughtered, it will invite the wrath of Heaven; then, Your Highness can introduce the Buddhist sect into Da Xia's territory and gain a good reputation. Though there will be sacrifices, the greater picture matters."

"Your Highness, if this truly happens, we can raise troops and rebel with near certainty."

Lord Hou spoke, analyzing the pros and cons of this matter.

"Your Highness."

"Lord Hou is absolutely right; this heavenly calamity could very well have been caused by Gu Jin Nian. After all, the souls of three hundred thousand soldiers perished; though battles have raged throughout history, such a massive slaughter is exceedingly rare."

"This is both a heavenly disaster and a human tragedy, not Your Highness's fault. We also feel compassion; if it truly occurs, we will do everything we can to save the world, and we hope Your Highness can step forward and say a few words."

The high monk also spoke, fearing that King Ning's heart might waver.

"Those who achieve great deeds do not fuss over trivialities."

"If this truly happens, I, the King, will step forward; the master should prepare to settle in Da Xia."

King Ning spoke, agreeing.

Of course, he understood in his heart what the Buddhist sect was scheming with its wish‑fulfilling abacus.

The Buddhist sect's intention was simply to use this opportunity to establish itself within the Da Xia Dynasty.

As for this heavenly disaster and human tragedy, while it is blamed on Gu Jin Nian, who is truly at fault? He could not be unaware.

Nevertheless, he indeed needed a calamity to press down on the Da Xia Dynasty.

Otherwise, rebelling with the troops he commands would be truly difficult.

"The humble monk is here for all the people of the world; thank you, Your Highness."

"Your Highness's compassionate heart."

The latter rejoiced greatly and bowed once to King Ning.

After a while, he slowly departed.

The hour of the Tiger.

The Buddhist sect of the Western Frontier.

Boundless Buddha Temple.

This is one of the three great temples of the Upper Ascending Esoteric Sect.

Today.

The temple interior appeared especially solemn.

Thirty‑six thousand monks clasped their hands, bowed their heads, and recited the sutras.

In the central area, a massive black Buddha statue emerged.

The statue had three heads and six arms, entirely jet‑black, clutching a coiled dragon wheel; one face was fierce, another cold, and the third compassionate.

Twelve robed monks carried twelve bowls of black blood, pouring it around the statue.

They were performing some bizarre ritual.

In the main hall, several figures also slowly appeared.

"Amitabha."

"Master, King Ning has already agreed to let the Buddhist sect settle here."

As a figure appeared, it was the high monk who had just been in King Ning's residence.

He arrived to report the latest situation.

In an instant, the four monks in the hall all showed delighted expressions.

"Good."

"If King Ning agrees, the Buddhist sect's settlement in Da Xia will be virtually guaranteed."

The speaking monk, just over fifty, wore a robe, had thick brows and large eyes, yet showed no trace of Buddhist compassion; instead, he exuded ferocity.

These four were the four Great Monks of the Upper Ascending Esoteric Sect.

They were respectively Compassion, Universal Salvation, Malice, and Eight Grievances.

The ferocious‑faced man was the Malice Great Monk.

Within the Buddhist sect there are three major temples: the Upper Ascending Esoteric Sect, Great Sound Temple, and Small Affinity Temple, but the true ruler of the sect is the Upper Ascending Esoteric Sect.

Thus, the Upper Ascending Esoteric Sect has one True Buddha, two Buddhas, three Venerables, four Great Monks, five Arhats, six Guardians, seven Vajras, eight Practitioners, and nine Masters.

The hierarchy is strict and cannot be surpassed.

Luo Ze is one of the Masters of the Upper Ascending Esoteric Sect and will at least become a Great Monk in the future.

However, he was slain by the Elder Demon of Heaven.

"This time, we gamble the Buddhist sect's fortune; if successful, the sect will settle in Da Xia, unify the Eastern Wilderness, and then the Upper Ascending True Buddha will complete a deal with the Central Continent. The sect's settlement in the Central Continent will truly spread the Dharma worldwide, achieving an immortal legacy."

"When that moment arrives, in the contest for Heaven's Mandate, our Buddhist sect will undoubtedly claim the top spot and give birth to a True Buddha."

The Universal Salvation Great Monk then spoke, his eyes blazing with zeal.

"Grace."

"However, this formation still needs some time before it can be activated."

"Since Prince Ning has agreed, our settlement in Da Xia should not be difficult. However, to put it bluntly, Gu Jin Nian is the biggest hidden threat to our Buddhist Sect; he beheaded Luo Ze, forging a life‑and‑death feud with our sect, so we must watch him closely."

The Merciful Divine Monk spoke, mentioning Gu Jin Nian.

"When will the cycle of vengeance ever end?"

"I, a humble monk, will go to Da Xia Capital to see Gu Jin Nian and voluntarily resolve the grudges."

The Eight Grievance Divine Monk spoke up, wishing to go to Da Xia Capital to settle the grudges.

"Resolve the grudges? I'm afraid that will be difficult. Gu Jin Nian harbors prejudice against our Buddhist Sect; if we go, he will likely humiliate us in countless ways."

The Malicious Divine Monk frowned, deeming it improper.

But the Eight Grievance Divine Monk shook his head slightly, a smile on his face.

"Isn't that even better?"

"I show compassion to all, while he meets me with malice."

"When the world sees, they will instantly know good from evil."

The Eight Grievance Divine Monk spoke calmly, though everyone understood the implication.

"Amitabha."

"Great Compassion, Great Mercy."

The three divine monks clasped their hands in reverence and bowed deeply toward the Eight Grievance Divine Monk.

"In a few days, I will also set out; the Immortal Sect has planned to destroy the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave."

The Universal Salvation Divine Monk also spoke, mentioning the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave.

"The Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave, though led by the Immortal Sect, can also be a merit shared by our Buddhist Sect—a great good."

A few nodded, then said nothing further.

Meanwhile.

Da Xia Capital.

After completing over a hundred rituals.

Finally, the last item arrived.

Coronation.

Inside the Da Xia Imperial Palace.

Gu Jin Nian's investiture ceremony was unprecedented and the most lavish coronation; Emperor Yong Sheng stood on the palace's main avenue, a red carpet spread beneath him, five hundred eunuchs and palace maids scattered flower petals around Gu Jin Nian.

Deafening drums boomed in succession.

Countless citizens of the capital turned their gazes there.

Moved by witnessing the investiture ceremony with their own eyes.

Entering the palace.

Gu Jin Nian proceeded neither hurriedly nor slowly; after reaching a distance of ten zhang from the Emperor, he stopped.

"Da Xia Crown Prince Gu Jin Nian, avenging the people, rescuing the populace from fire and flood, advance one zhang."

Wei Xian's voice rang out.

This is the final item, counting merits.

Anyone who is granted a title or appointed minister must have meritorious deeds, contributions to the state.

Gu Jin Nian remained ten zhang away.

Each time a matter is mentioned, he may step forward one zhang.

When he reaches Emperor Yong Sheng.

Emperor Yong Sheng lifted the jade crown, gazed at Gu Jin Nian, and began to speak slowly.

"Jin Nian, today's investiture ceremony is also the day of crowning."

"You are Da Xia's Crown Prince, yet you possess a child's pure heart, keep the people in your thoughts, govern with integrity, and are a paragon of Confucian and Daoist virtue; today I bestow upon you the two characters 'Guard the Heart.'"

"I hope that in the future you will act with a guarded heart, act for the people, and act for Da Xia's flourishing age."

Emperor Yong Sheng granted the name.

Although it lacks literary elegance, it already reflects Emperor Yong Sheng's intention.

As Emperor Yong Sheng finished speaking, beams of light entered Gu Jin Nian's body, containing the nation's destiny and the people's will, all merging into the Tree of All Beings.

At this moment.

Emperor Yong Sheng's voice continued to echo.

"Today is the Shangyuan Festival."

"I will improvise a poem."

After the bestowal of the name and crown, Emperor Yong Sheng spoke.

This was the part he most anticipated.

He had already prepared.

"Great winds arise, clouds soar."

"Might spreads across the seas, returning home."

"How to obtain valiant warriors to guard the four directions."

A resonant voice rang out.

It spread throughout the capital.

Although there were no omens, officials, soldiers, and even the common folk of the capital could not help but be astonished.

I didn't expect His Majesty could still compose poetry? "May my emperor live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten ten thousand years."

And it was at that moment.

Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out.

At once, a booming voice followed.

The sound was deafening.

Inside the imperial palace.

Emperor Yong Sheng couldn't help but take a deep breath, his heart soaring with exhilaration.

This was one of his few highlight moments.

So exhilarating.

Truly exhilarating.

Emperor Yong Sheng's heart was immensely stirred.

Just like that.

The investiture ceremony concluded.

As clusters of fireworks blossomed across the heavens, the Shangyuan Festival became fully lively.

Inside the palace was a scene of celebration, and outside the palace was equally festive.

This was one of the few auspicious days.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye.

It arrived at the next day.

The third day of the first lunar month.

Several matters also reached the capital.

First, the Immortal Sect plans to act against the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave, achieving a one‑stroke solution.

Second, the Buddhist high monk Luo Ze was slain by Gu Jin Nian, and no one survived the ancient temple, provoking the Buddhist Sect's great anger.

Third, the Heavenly Surveillance Office reported that celestial phenomena had changed, fearing a major event.

Fourth, rumors among the people claimed that the poems composed by Emperor Yong Sheng for the enfeoffment ceremony were actually written by Gu Jin Nian.

Fifth, Emperor Yong Sheng unilaterally denounced the rumors and declared he would prove his innocence.

Sixth, Emperor Yong Sheng felt a sudden chill and recuperated within the palace.

(End of chapter)