Chapter 163: Eight Resentful Divine Monks Rush to the Capital to Place a Longevity Sign for the Xiongnu Main Culprit?

At the banquet.

Gu Jin Nian was rather satisfied.

However, throughout the banquet, Gu Jin Nian did not discuss anything about essays or politics.

It was simply meeting the crowd and having a meal.

Even when facing Yu Yi and He Zhai, Gu Jin Nian did not chat much; the imperial examination was imminent, and as a Langzhong of the Ministry of Rites, he did not wish to say anything that might affect their performance.

Even though their fortunes were soaring, Gu Jin Nian still upheld inner fairness.

After the evening banquet.

Gu Jin Nian also took his leave.

The others saw him off one after another.

After Gu Jin Nian left, He Zhai could not help but speak.

"I never thought, Lord, that you would be so courteous to the worthy and humble; indeed you are a saint of later generations."

He Zhai spoke, praising Gu Jin Nian's character.

"One who is favored by Confucius is naturally not lacking; although I am a few years older than you, Lord, I feel that you understand the phrase 'court affairs' more clearly than I do."

Yu Yi spoke up, unable to help but praise Gu Jin Nian.

"Brother Yu, if there is nothing else, shall we two continue to have a light drink?"

He Zhai spoke, proactively inviting Yu Yi to continue drinking.

"Fine."

Yu Yi nodded and agreed.

Thus.

The next day arrived.

The Secretary of the Ministry of Rites, Zhou Hua, and Li Anzhi arrived.

In a few days it would be the day of the imperial examination, and they came to convey two matters.

"Lord, Minister Yang asks you to have the examination questions ready; the exam is only a few days away, it cannot be delayed."

Zhou Hua smiled obsequiously and began, informing Gu Jin Nian of this matter.

"Understood."

"I will go to the Ministry of Rites today to convey the questions to Minister Yang."

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

"Thank you for your trouble, Lord."

"Another matter: did you, Lord, host a banquet yesterday inviting some examinees to gather?"

Zhou Hua spoke; this was the second matter. When mentioning it, his voice was somewhat calm, his head slightly lowered.

"What about it?"

"Someone impeached this Lord?"

Gu Jin Nian asked with slight curiosity.

"Lord, the Censorate has someone impeaching you, claiming that as a Langzhong of the Ministry of Rites you privately meet scholars, which is against regulations; however, Minister Yang has already intervened, explaining that you, as a man of letters favored by Confucius, are a saint of later generations, and meeting scholars is reasonable."

Zhou Hua spoke, informing Gu Jin Nian of this matter.

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian nodded.

However, he also realized something.

After entering officialdom, every move of his is subject to scrutiny.

Gu Jin Nian was not angry at the Censorate's actions; it is their duty to point out issues; if you can explain, that's best, but if you cannot explain clearly, it indicates a problem.

Moreover, the Censorate is not targeting him personally; anyone who enters court service is subject to scrutiny, and supervision is a good thing.

"Understood."

"From now on, I will be more careful."

Gu Jin Nian nodded; indeed the matter was his own fault, and recognizing mistakes and correcting them is the greatest virtue.

"Yes."

Zhou Hua nodded; he had not expected Gu Jin Nian to be unruffled, which eased Zhou Hua's mind a bit, not because he thought too highly of Gu Jin Nian.

After all, as a Lord just entering court politics, being impeached is normal for a seventeen‑year‑old, but Gu Jin Nian's calmness was unexpected and showed some true mettle.

"That must be the breadth of his outlook."

"Lord, your manor began construction earlier; barring any mishap, it should be completed on an auspicious day in August."

Zhou Hua then mentioned another matter, namely Gu Jin Nian's manor.

"Fine, that's a minor issue."

Gu Jin Nian seemed very casual; whether it's a lord's manor or not doesn't matter—there's a study hall to stay in, and if that fails, returning home to live is no big problem.

After a while, Gu Jin Nian and Zhou Hua went together to the Ministry of Rites.

Regarding the question selection, they still need to discuss it properly with Yang Kai.

Half an hour later.

Da Xia Ministry of Rites.

The imperial examination is imminent.

The Ministry of Rites' current top concern is the examination questions.

The questions were indeed selected by Gu Jin Nian, but the Ministry still needs to pick several, from which Gu Jin Nian will choose.

Of course, if Gu Jin Nian can propose better ones, that's fine.

At this moment, the Minister of Rites, the left and right Langzhongs, plus three Great Scholars gathered, discussing the examination questions.

After the exam questions are selected, they must go to the tribute hall to rest, and beyond the Ministry of Rites, soldiers of the Ministry of War also guard strictly.

As long as these people go out, they must be escorted to the tribute hall, with food, drink, clothing and other needs escorted, for fear of leaking the questions.

All major dynasties are extremely strict about the imperial examination; cheating is a grave crime, the light punishment being lifetime disqualification, the severe punishment being exile to the frontier, all officials involved have their entire families exiled, and the principal offender is beheaded.

It is precisely for this reason that Da Xia's imperial examination can gain recognition from people across the world.

"I have the honor of seeing Minister Yang."

Quickly.

The door opened.

Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out.

He walked into the room and bowed once to Yang Kai.

"So it's Jin Nian who has arrived, huh?"

"Jin Nian, we happen to be discussing the imperial examination questions; have you prepared a question?"

Upon seeing Gu Jin Nian, Yang Kai rose, a smile on his face.

"For this round of imperial examination questions, I have an idea, but I wonder what everyone thinks."

Gu Jin Nian entered the room and directly, in front of the desk, wrote two characters.

【Prosperous Era】

At that moment, everyone couldn't help but stand up and look at the question Gu Jin Nian had written.

Using "Prosperous Era" as the topic.

It does fit the current situation.

However, a voice from the Great Scholar inevitably rose.

"Lord Hou, this question itself has no major issue, but it's too broad; I'm afraid the candidates will find it hard to write about."

The Great Scholar spoke, not because he thought the question was flawed, but simply because it was overly broad, making it somewhat difficult.

In the past, questions were basically selected from a passage of the classics, then everyone was asked to write about it.

Gu Jin Nian's simple two characters were somewhat inappropriate.

"Not so."

"Using 'Prosperous Era' as the topic allows us to see what Da Xia's scholars think of court affairs and the nation; this way, we can better understand the world's problems."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He didn't just pick a question casually; when the emperor previously asked him to set a question, Gu Jin Nian also pondered it for a long time.

Using "Prosperous Era" as the topic is absolutely fine, reasonable and logical.

The Xiongnu state has now been suppressed, so there is no external threat for the time being; for the Da Xia Dynasty, two matters are most important.

One is internal strife among the vassal princes, which remains a hidden danger, but it cannot be spoken of openly.

The other is the great livelihood plan; both foreign and domestic affairs are matters of governance, with the common people at the core—only by ensuring they eat and drink well can the foundation be secure; if the people become prosperous, everything else becomes easy.

Da Xia also has enough confidence, not fearing internal chaos, for when everyone is well fed, who would want to rebel? Using "Prosperous Era" as the topic.

No problem at all.

"I, the elder, agree."

"In the past, topics were always drawn from the sages' classic meanings; you can keep talking, but they are ultimately just some lofty principles. What Jin Nian said is indeed good; I agree."

Yang Kai was the first to voice his stance, virtually offering unconditional support to Gu Jin Nian.

Receiving such a response, the others thought it over and eventually all agreed.

First, even the Minister of Rites said so.

Second, Gu Jin Nian's choice was also not wrong.

Moreover, they know that the Eternal Prosperous Emperor has already vested full authority in Gu Jin Nian, so being overly literal makes no sense.

"Alright, since that's the case, let's settle it that way."

"Everyone, go to the tribute hall and rest well first."

Yang Kai spoke, letting them leave first.

Not long after they left, Yang Kai closed the door.

"Jin Nian."

"There's something you should still be wary of: the Buddhist sect has recently formed strong opinions about you; some bad rumors have reached within Da Xia, saying you exterminated everyone at Ata Temple."

"Now the entire Buddhist community knows about this; the Upper Secret Sect together with Xiao Yuan Temple and Da Yin Temple are pressuring Da Xia, hoping you can give a response."

"At present, the Ministry of Rites has suppressed the news, but as I know, some frontier cities have huge disputes concerning you."

Yang Kai spoke, bringing up this matter.

The Ata Temple incident.

All the people of Ata Temple were killed; such an event could not have gone unnoticed, and regarding the Buddhist sect's methods, Gu Jin Nian had already suspected a bit.

"The abbot of Ata Temple was not killed by me; it was the Old Demon of Heaven who killed him, along with the monks of the temple."

"However, if I had the strength, I would also slay them all."

Gu Jin Nian gave his answer; he spoke frankly, yet also conveyed his own meaning.

"Old Demon of Heaven?"

Yang Kai was a bit surprised, but thought it reasonable, for Gu Jin Nian's power should not be able to kill Luo Ze, the abbot.

"Since it wasn't you, that's good."

"I will handle this matter; Jin Nian, you should not interfere, the imperial examination takes precedence."

Yang Kai nodded.

He said so.

"Fine."

"Then I'll go to the Tribute Hall as well."

Since Yang Kai can handle it, Gu Jin Nian doesn't dawdle and plans to head straight to the Tribute Hall.

"Whether you go to the Tribute Hall or not doesn't matter; if you have urgent matters, attend to them first."

Yang Kai shook his head.

Others intend to go to the Tribute Hall, but Gu Jin Nian has no need; his status is already established here.

"Better go once, then."

"Observe some rules, lest the Censorate comes to question me again."

Gu Jin Nian doesn't wish to break protocol; since the test question has been issued, he goes to the Tribute Hall, also avoiding any verbal dispute.

"Agreed."

"But the Censorate questioning you isn't a big deal; I've been questioned before, it's their duty."

Yang Kai nodded; he was pleased with Gu Jin Nian's thinking, yet reminded him once more to prevent any misunderstanding about the Censorate.

"Please rest assured, Sir Yang; I understand."

Gu Jin Nian clasped his hands in a bow, then left the Ministry of Rites and walked toward the Tribute Hall.

After arriving at the Imperial Examination Tribute Hall.

Gu Jin Nian followed the arrangements, doing as instructed without any overstepping.

At this very moment.

Outside Da Xia Capital.

On a river channel, a small boat drifted slowly; aboard stood two figures, two monks.

One was older—the Eight Grievance Divine Monk—who had already entered Da Xia's territory and would reach Da Xia Capital in a few days.

The other was the Abbot of Nanshan Temple, a senior Vajrayana abbot.

"Divine Monk."

"Your coming to the Da Xia Dynasty to trouble the Heaven's Mandate Marquis is rather improper."

The Abbot of Nanshan Temple spoke; having heard the Eight Grievance Divine Monk was arriving, he rushed over at once. Sharing the same boat, after asking the monk's purpose, he couldn't help saying this.

Within the Da Xia Dynasty, there are Buddhist temples, but the closer to the center, the fewer they are; temples like Nanshan Temple exist only because of Ministry of Rites regulation and certain political maneuvers.

Thus the Buddhist sect in Da Xia does face some suppression, whereas the Immortal sect fares better, at least receiving court support.

"What is improper?"

"We merely seek justice; the Heaven's Mandate Marquis is Da Xia's foremost marquis and a saint appointed by Confucius, how could he be unreasonable?"

The Eight Grievance Divine Monk remained expressionless and said lightly.

"No."

"I, too, have heard of the Ata Temple incident; indeed Master Luo Ze was deeply obsessed, and it is said he perished by the fire of karma, not at Gu Jin Nian's hand."

"As for Gu Jin Nian, I know him somewhat; he holds a bias against our Buddhist sect, and his temperament is extreme. This divine monk's eastward journey likely won't yield much benefit."

The Abbot of Nanshan Temple dared not speak too bluntly, offering only an oblique remark.

But the Eight Grievance Divine Monk shook his head, gazing at the verdant waters and hills.

"You're right; Master Luo Ze indeed died by karmic fire, yet he is ultimately linked to Gu Jin Nian. Moreover, this matter bears the shadow of the demonic path's Heavenly Demon Elder; every monk in the temple perished because of the Heavenly Demon Elder."

"The illustrious Heaven's Mandate Marquis is entangled with a demonic giant; merely this affair makes Gu Jin Nian inescapable of blame."

The Eight Grievance Divine Monk spoke, recounting the Heavenly Demon Elder's affairs.

"Related to the Heavenly Demon Elder?"

"That seems unlikely, doesn't it?"

"... indeed we have heard that the Heavenly Demon Elder publicly claims Gu Jin Nian as his disciple, but we all thought it was because Gu Jin Nian has an immortal spirit root, prompting the desire to take a disciple, yet Gu Jin Nian did not"

If this matter truly involves Gu Jin Nian, then indeed we could write an article about it.

"If this matter truly involves Gu Jin Nian, it could indeed be turned into a story."

"However, if Gu Jin Nian truly is connected to the Heavenly Demon Elder, would our actions provoke the Elder's retaliation? He is a strange man, decisive in killing."

The Abbot of Nanshan Temple said so, his words still tinged with caution toward the Heavenly Demon Elder.

"No need to worry; we have already investigated why the Heavenly Demon Elder"

"wants to help Gu Jin Nian."

"He is not Gu Jin Nian's master; rather, he owes Gu Jin Nian a karmic"

"debt, and repays it by intervening."

The Eight Grievance Divine Monk, however, seemed unconvinced.

"Divine Monk, that claim is rather unreliable."

The Abbot of Nanshan Temple found it odd and couldn't help speaking up.

But he should be the one who needs Gu Jin Nian's help, having incurred a karmic debt; the Heavenly Demon Elder, though naturally ferocious, does believe in repaying kindness, so helping Gu Jin Nian once is not a big deal.

"unreliable; think it over carefully."

"Who exactly is the Heavenly Demon Elder? A cultivator of the quasi‑Seventh Realm"

"and his demonic arts are extraordinary; at a crucial moment he can enter the Seventh Realm."

"Such a great figure, even if Gu Jin Nian has an immortal spirit root, what can it achieve? Few geniuses have seen him"

"and how could he be the only one to captivate Gu Jin Nian?"

"But he likely needs Gu Jin Nian's aid, owing a karmic debt; though the Heavenly Demon Elder is ferocious, he does repay favors, so assisting Gu Jin Nian once is no big deal."

"If he truly is Gu Jin Nian's master, why fabricate lies? For what purpose? Deliberately causing trouble for Gu Jin Nian?"

"What does that mean? He wants to kill a person— is that difficult?"

【181】 "That doesn't make sense."

【182】 "Thus the Heavenly Demon Elder will only aid Gu Jin Nian once, perhaps out of old sentiment; if pressed too hard, he'll simply act as a mediator."

【183】 "No need to worry; those of the demonic path may be capricious, but the Heavenly Demon Elder, at his level, keeps his word— if he says he'll help only once, he will indeed help only once."

【184】 "Moreover, if he truly turns hostile, would the Buddhist sect truly fear a demonic cultivator?"

【185】 The Eight Grievance Divine Monk spoke with great confidence; firstly, he believed the Heavenly Demon Elder had no reason to aid Gu Jin Nian twice, and secondly, the Buddhist sect feared not the Elder.

【186】 "Thus victory is assured."

"Indeed, it was the Divine Monk who thought it through."

"But may I ask, Divine Monk, what is your purpose in coming this time? Is it merely to make Gu Jin Nian admit his mistake? Or perhaps to enlighten Gu Jin Nian?"

The Nanshan Temple Abbot asked, also curious about why the Eight Grievances Divine Monk had come: "Two matters."

"First, to announce this matter to the world. It is impossible to enlighten Gu Jin Nian, but the matter cannot simply be dismissed; the world must know Gu Jin Nian's deeds. In that way, we can seize the opportunity to build more temples within Da Xia."

"Second, the Upper Path Esoteric Sect owes the Xiongnu Nation a massive karmic debt. The Xiongnu King asked our Upper Path Esoteric Sect for help, hoping to retrieve the principal offenders' bones from the twelve cities that once invaded Da Xia, erect a Longevity Plaque, and burn incense for them."

The Eight Grievances Divine Monk voiced his intention.

"Erect a Longevity Plaque?"

"Divine Monk, that is absolutely forbidden."

"When Da Xia negotiated peace with the Xiongnu Nation, the Xiongnu only demanded that the Da Xia Dynasty revise the history books. Gu Jin Nian refused; after all, he is the grandson of the Lord of the State, harbors hatred toward the Xiongnu, and all principal offenders have already been torn apart."

"If you, Divine Monk, personally step forward to demand the bones, Gu Jin Nian will never agree."

The Nanshan Temple Abbot said earnestly.

He knows Gu Jin Nian's temperament; after all, within Da Xia he learns many pieces of information instantly.

Gu Jin Nian refused even to amend the history books; he ignored all the conditions offered. Now they want to take those principal offenders' bones and erect Longevity Plaques for them— isn't that courting trouble?

Hearing this, the Eight Grievances Divine Monk's gaze grew even calmer and said,

"There is no matter of agreeing or refusing."

"This time, this old monk dares to come because everything is already prepared."

"Before I entered the capital, I had already contacted several old friends; they will handle this matter for me, whether Gu Jin Nian agrees or not."

The Eight Grievances Divine Monk seemed indifferent, giving the impression that he was not here to negotiate with Gu Jin Nian but merely to inform him.

"Divine Monk, you mean it has already been dealt with covertly?"

The Nanshan Temple Abbot asked curiously.

If so, that's fine; even if discovered, it wouldn't be a big deal.

"Almost."

"But I will personally inform Gu Jin Nian, give him a heads‑up."

The Eight Grievances Divine Monk's next words left the Nanshan Temple Abbot silent.

"Why is that? Divine Monk, are you deliberately trying to anger him?"

This time the Nanshan Temple Abbot was completely baffled; he knew Gu Jin Nian would not agree, yet he insisted on speaking? He couldn't grasp the meaning.

"Exactly, deliberately to anger him."

The Eight Grievances Divine Monk nodded and replied,

"Why is that?"

"Divine Monk, Gu Jin Nian is now the First Marquis of Da Xia, deeply favored by the emperor. If we directly anger him, we will have an even harder time in Da Xia. To put it mildly, Divine Monk, if we truly provoke Gu Jin Nian, he might dare to commit the act of destroying Buddhism."

The Nanshan Temple Abbot knew very well what kind of person Gu Jin Nian is; he had heard that the man dared to defy aristocratic pressure, punish merchants, and even mobilize hundreds of thousands of troops to crush the White Heron Residence.

As a scholar, he dared to attack the Kong family, even went to the Kong Family's Main Residence to summon a saint and strike a blow against scholars across the world?

All these deeds laid out here—who would dare to provoke Gu Jin Nian? Politely, one might call it gentlemanly spirit; bluntly, it's a powder keg—whoever touches it dies.

Was Prince Ning strong or not? The greatest prince in the northwest, yet two of his sons fell at Gu Jin Nian's hands—what can you say? Now, throughout Da Xia, everyone shares the consensus: do not provoke Gu Jin Nian in any matter.

Yet the Eight Grievances Divine Monk still deliberately seeks trouble with Gu Jin Nian; after all, this is within Da Xia. If it were in the Western Desert, the Divine Monk could freely provoke Gu Jin Nian on his own turf—"destroy Buddhism?"

"If he truly dares to destroy Buddhism, the Buddhist Sect will flourish."

The Eight Grievances Divine Monk said lightly, "The Buddhist Sect flourishing?"

"Divine Monk, this—"

The Nanshan Temple Abbot was completely at a loss as to what this meant—how destroying Buddhism could make the Buddhist Sect flourish? "We speculate that in a few days Da Xia will suffer a terrible heavenly disaster. We cannot calculate where or what kind of disaster it will be."

"Today we go to Da Xia Capital to find Gu Jin Nian, solely to make our Buddhist Sect prosper."

"If Gu Jin Nian dares to destroy Buddhism, sacrificing part of the Buddhist Sect's members and awaiting the disaster, that calamity will be entirely his doing."

"Then, as the Buddhist Sect aids the Da Xia Dynasty, transmits souls, back and forth, the Sect's prestige will inevitably reach its peak within the Da Xia Dynasty. At that moment, using this opportunity, the Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty will jointly pressure Da Xia."

"Let Gu Jin Nian bear the consequences; according to Da Xia Dynasty's nature, it will protect Gu Jin Nian, allowing us to seize the chance for the Buddhist Sect to settle."

"This is the rare chance for the Buddhist Sect to settle within the Da Xia Dynasty."

"Once settled in Da Xia Dynasty and leveraging this disaster, the Buddhist Sect will develop rapidly; within three to five years, the faith of the Da Xia populace will be enough for our Buddhist Sect to give birth to a Seventh‑Realm Buddhist Venerable."

"When the struggle for Heaven's Mandate begins, our Buddhist Sect will claim the top spot, obtain Heaven's Mandate, and give rise to a True Buddha."

The Eight Grievances Divine Monk outlined the Buddhist Sect's plan.

Hearing this, the Nanshan Temple Abbot fell silent; he hadn't expected all of this to be the Buddhist Sect's scheme—so meticulous and interlinked.

Using the death of Ata Temple Luo Ze Master as a pretext, they demand justice from Gu Jin Nian, retrieve the principal offenders' bones, erect Longevity Plaques, and deliberately anger Gu Jin Nian.

If Gu Jin Nian chooses to meet force with force, the disaster will be pinned on him; then the Buddhist Sect will transmute souls, rescue the suffering, and at that point the Sect will have ample leeway, with all initiative in its hands.

The only sacrifice will be some Buddhist disciples within Da Xia.

"But if, according to Gu Jin Nian's nature, he wants to eradicate all Buddhist disciples in Da Xia, what then?"

"Having so many people sacrifice… still some—"

The Nanshan Temple Abbot felt some remorse; although it is for the Buddhist Sect's flourishing, many Buddhist monks reside in Da Xia, and sacrificing them all feels rather wrong.

"He wouldn't dare!"

"Do you really think he would dare to destroy Buddhism?"

"Kill a portion of people—he would, I the old monk believe."

"But Da Xia has tens of thousands of temples; would he truly annihilate them all?"

"Wouldn't he fear divine retribution?"

"Even if he dared, would the Da Xia Dynasty dare? Aren't these people unafraid?"

The Eight Grievance Divine Monk looked at the latter, speaking with resolute certainty.

He simply does not believe that Gu Jin Nian would dare to eradicate Buddhism.

Even if Gu Jin Nian dared, so what? Are all the officials of the Da Xia court dead? It's one thing that Gu Jin Nian is impulsive, but are the civil and military officials of Da Xia also impulsive people?

Sure enough, when the conversation reached this point, the Abbot of Nanshan Temple understood.

"But what if Gu Jin Nian has no intention of eradicating Buddhism?"

He continued to ask.

"That would be even better."

"If he bows his head, it would be a good thing for all under heaven, and it would also raise the prestige of our Buddhist sect; then proposing that the sect take residence would be most splendid, wouldn't it?"

"And it would also spare us some trouble."

"In short, from the moment Gu Jin Nian killed Master Luo Ze, his fate was bound to entangle cause and effect."

The Eight Grievance Divine Monk spoke slowly.

Whether advancing,

or retreating,

the Buddhist sect has already understood; otherwise it would not have come directly.

"Amitabha."

Finally, the Abbot of Nanshan Temple clasped his hands and said thus.

And so.

In the blink of an eye, three days passed.

During those three days, one matter spread throughout the Eastern Wilderness.

It was the massacre of all monks at Ata Temple, a matter that involved Gu Jin Nian, and countless rumors spread.

Prince Ning's son Hu, having acted wrongly, converted to Master Luo Ze; Gu Jin Nian championed the wrongfully dead commoners and demanded that Master Luo Ze hand over the Prince Ning heir.

However, Master Luo Ze refused to hand him over, and in the end the entire temple was slaughtered clean by Gu Jin Nian.

That is the general news, but the rumors are what the common folk focus on; some say the Heavenly Demon Elder was behind it, that Gu Jin Nian has countless ties with demonic cultivators.

Other rumors claim that this demonic strongman owed Gu Jin Nian a favor, saw his difficulty, and intervened, but demonic cultivators act ruthlessly, wiping out the temple outright—something Gu Jin Nian had not anticipated.

This rumor was unanimously accepted by the people; they do not believe Gu Jin Nian is a wanton murderer.

Thus they pointed the blame at the Heavenly Demon Elder, berating demonic cultivators for their ruthlessness, in defense of Gu Jin Nian.

Nevertheless, regardless of the rumors, one of the Four Great Buddhist Divine Monks, the Eight Grievance Divine Monk, has already entered the capital, making this the biggest topic in the capital.

The Eight Grievance Divine Monk came this time with the clear intention of troubling Gu Jin Nian.

Therefore, the people are curious about how Gu Jin Nian will resolve it.

However, when the Eight Grievance Divine Monk arrived in the Da Xia Dynasty, he did not immediately seek Gu Jin Nian; instead he visited the Ministry of Rites, and that evening went to see the Lord of Night Robes and several ministers, including the Minister of Justice.

No one knows why the Eight Grievance Divine Monk sought them; the only thing known is that he did not go to trouble Gu Jin Nian.

Year of Yongsheng, Thirteenth Year.

29th day of the second month.

Two days remain until the day of the Imperial Examination.

Within Da Xia Capital, it was very quiet, because the examination was imminent; thus the palace issued an edict strictly prohibiting market chaos and street hawking, especially near the Tribute Institute and around certain taverns, where speech was also forbidden.

They feared noise would disturb the scholars and affect them.

The common folk also cooperated actively, for these scholars would become the future pillars of Da Xia.

However, at noon today,

outside the Da Xia Tribute Institute.

a figure slowly appeared.

It was the Eight Grievance Divine Monk.

He wore a kasaya, his expression calm, hands clasped, walking along the street until he stopped outside the Tribute Institute.

"Amitabha."

"I, an old monk of the Esoteric School, Dharma name Eight Grievance, come today regarding the Ata Temple incident, seeking an audience with Da Xia's Heir of Heaven's Mandate, Gu Jin Nian."

"I hope the Marquis may appear for a meeting and provide an explanation."

As the Eight Grievance Divine Monk's voice rang out, the whole street was disturbed.

His voice was not loud, yet it carried a magical quality that resonated in everyone's ears.

In an instant, figures appeared around the street, and all the common folk gathered; the Eight Grievance Divine Monk's arrival had already caused a citywide uproar in the capital these past days.

Everyone knew the Eight Grievance Divine Monk would certainly come to trouble Gu Jin Nian, but they thought it would be after the examination; they did not expect him to speak out on the eve of the exam.

That is indeed hard to explain.

It is clearly a deliberate provocation.

Inside the Tribute Institute.

Gu Jin Nian, who was quietly reading, was disturbed by that voice.

He set aside his book, his gaze calm, looking outward.

"This is the Da Xia Tribute Institute."

"In two days will be the Da Xia Imperial Examination day; all idle persons must retreat promptly and must not disrupt the Institute's order."

However, before Gu Jin Nian could speak, a Great Scholar's voice rang out.

Directly rebuked.

This place is the Tribute Institute; with the examination only two days away, at this critical moment, regardless of who or what the matter is, these Great Scholars could not stand by idly.

"Amitabha."

Old monk brought the thousands of resentful souls of Ata Temple here, demanding justice from the Lord.

The imperial examination is indeed of utmost importance, but the grievances of us Buddhist monks are equally paramount.

We hope all benefactors can forgive us.

The voice of the Eight Grievance Divine Monk continued to sound, relentless.

He chose this critical moment precisely to stir up trouble, and naturally would not leave just because of someone else's words.

Inside the tribute hall.

Several Great Scholars entered Gu Jin Nian's room; they were calm and said to Gu Jin Nian:

"Lord, you should not involve yourself in this matter; with us here, a mere Buddhist sect still dares such arrogance?"

"Very well, let us handle this."

The Great Scholars stepped forward; although they did not know the specifics, the Eight Grievance Divine Monk showing up now certainly meant trouble.

With the imperial examination imminent, they did not want Gu Jin Nian to cause any incident, so they planned to intervene and make the other party leave.

"Gentlemen, the student has already prepared; let the student handle this matter."

"If the student does not step forward, I'm afraid it will only get bigger."

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian stood up.

Earlier Yang Kai had spoken to him about this, and he had also heard some rumors; naturally, Gu Jin Nian could guess that the Buddhist sect would come looking for trouble, and he had even prepared for the sect to cause trouble on the day of the examination.

Two days early, the Buddhist sect still showed a bit of conscience.

If they dared to cause trouble on the day of the examination, regardless of their intentions, Gu Jin Nian would not be lenient.

"This?"

"Jin Nian, if he dares to come, he must have a perfect plan; if you go out, it won't be good."

"Indeed, Jin Nian, although we are only Great Scholars, we still have some ability; dealing with a Buddhist monk is no difficulty."

Several people spoke up, mainly because the imperial examination was near and they did not want Gu Jin Nian to go out to respond.

They feared the matter would escalate and affect the examination.

Of course they also feared Gu Jin Nian would be at a disadvantage.

"Gentlemen, rest assured."

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly, then walked toward the doorway, and the Great Scholars, without further thought, exchanged glances and followed Gu Jin Nian out.

In front of the tribute hall.

The soldiers frowned, looking at the Eight Grievance Divine Monk; if the monk did not appear unfathomable, they would have already acted.

Outside the tribute hall, many civilians gathered, silent, waiting for the outcome.

Even some scholars couldn't help but come to watch the spectacle.

Soon after.

Gu Jin Nian's figure appeared, but he did not leave the tribute hall; that was the rule.

The two were less than a hundred meters apart, looking at each other.

"This place is the Da Xia tribute hall."

"What business do you have, making noise here?"

Gu Jin Nian appeared, looked at the other, and directly asked the Eight Grievance Divine Monk.

"I, a humble monk, have met the Heaven's Mandate Marquis."

"I have long heard that the Heaven's Mandate Marquis petitions for the people, keeping the populace in his heart; I wish to ask, does a Buddhist monk count as a civilian?"

Seeing Gu Jin Nian step forward, the Eight Grievance Divine Monk remained expressionless but directly asked Gu Jin Nian a question.

Upon hearing this, even the gathered civilians guessed what the Eight Grievance Divine Monk intended to say.

If Gu Jin Nian answered affirmatively, the Eight Grievance Divine Monk would certainly let Gu Jin Nian impartially handle the matter of the Ata Temple monks being killed.

Since this matter also involved Gu Jin Nian, if he did not handle it, it would not be putting the people first; if he did handle it, the situation would become very tricky.

The high monk of the Buddhist sect, as expected, hid a trap in every casual remark.

Only.

Inside the tribute hall.

Gu Jin Nian shook his head.

"If you are only here to ask me this question, then return."

"In my eyes, Buddhist monks do not count as civilians."

Gu Jin Nian said lightly.

He knew the other's intention, so he was naturally not overly courteous.

With those words, the Eight Grievance Divine Monk remained expressionless.

"Monks not counted as civilians? May I ask why?"

He continued to inquire.

He did not care about Gu Jin Nian's attitude.

"Why?"

"Monks, though young, hide in Buddhist temples, reciting sutras, claiming to spread salvation, but in reality..."

"They do not pay taxes, do not give money, have never done a single practical deed for the empire; what meaning is there in copying sutras?"

"If copying sutras could feed the people and bring peace to the world, then everyone would copy sutras."

"Do you think Buddhist monks count as civilians?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke; this was his explanation.

Indeed, the biggest problem of the Buddhist sect is not its doctrine, but that its monks do not pay taxes; they are often very young, perhaps only a dozen years old when they join, then spend their lives copying and chanting scriptures.

Even building a Buddhist sect, letting people come to worship the Buddha statue and donate silver coins—where did those silver coins go?

To put it bluntly, it's one thing not to pay taxes, but it's another to profit from the people's silver.

Is this the Buddhist sect?

Gu Jin Nian's remark drew cheers from many of the townsfolk.

But the Eight Grievance Divine Monk remained noticeably silent.

He asked Gu Jin Nian whether the monks were common folk, which was actually a verbal trap.

He hadn't expected Gu Jin Nian, speaking from the dynasty's perspective, to refute that point.

Yet the Eight Grievance Divine Monk did not stay silent because of that.

"Lord Hou knows nothing of the Buddhist sect; this is an innocent mistake."

"Buddhist monks chant sutras to dispel the karmic forces of heaven and earth, aiming to make the people live better."

"Had my Buddhist monks not acted thus, who knows how many calamities would have befallen the world."

The Eight Grievance Divine Monk spoke up, offering an explanation.

Before Gu Jin Nian could retort, the monk's voice kept resonating.

"Lord Hou."

"Ata Temple, from top to bottom, was slaughtered. My Buddhist sect, using supreme divine powers, discovered that Lord Hou was present. May I ask, Lord Hou, whether this matter concerns you?"

The Eight Grievance Divine Monk continued, getting straight to the point without needless chatter.

"Yes."

"It concerns this Lord."

"However, the person was not killed by this Lord; Master Luo Ze perished by his own karmic flames."

"As for the temple monks, they were slain by the Heavenly Demon Elder."

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly.

"Understood. So, does this mean the matter has no connection to Lord Hou at all?"

The Eight Grievance Divine Monk replied, continuing to ask.

"Not exactly."

"It was this Lord who prompted the Heavenly Demon Elder to act."

Gu Jin Nian said brazenly.

He wasn't afraid at all.

Sure enough, his words provoked a few exclamations.

Logically, even if Gu Jin Nian had indeed acted, he should have shirked responsibility, since killing is wrong, let alone killing monks and razing a temple.

At that moment, the Eight Grievance Divine Monk hadn't expected Gu Jin Nian to answer that way.

It differed from his expectation.

Soon, he understood something.

Gu Jin Nian's view of the Buddhist sect was no longer a bias but an extreme prejudice.

"May I ask, Lord Hou, why so?"

"No matter how the Buddhist sect is, it has never committed any deeds that harm heaven or violate reason. Your actions, Lord Hou, go against natural law—do you harbor resentment toward my Buddhist sect?"

The Eight Grievance Divine Monk sighed.

And said thus.

"I, this Lord, respect the Buddhist sect, but not the false Buddha."

"Fine."

"Stop babbling here."

"Regarding this matter, say whatever you wish, just state your purpose and don't waste time."

Gu Jin Nian was too lazy to babble any further.

Is exchanging empty words any fun?

Just state your purpose directly; what's the point of debating here? It's merely a mutual waste of time.

He only wanted to know what the Eight Grievance Divine Monk intended by coming here—raising an army to prosecute? Or something else? He listened as Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Several Great Scholars were extremely satisfied.

And the Eight Grievance Divine Monk seemed already prepared; he was neither angry nor upset.

"Amitabha."

"Since this matter involves Lord Hou, this humble monk also knows that vengeance begets endless retaliation."

"Lord Hou, could you construct a temple in Da Xia Capital to enshrine Master Luo Ze and others, thereby repaying karma and cleansing your own sins?"

"The Buddhist sect does not wish to trouble Lord Hou, nor to become his enemy; Master Luo Ze's death is also a result of karmic reincarnation."

"His cultivation was insufficient to guide Prince Ning, which was his own karma; but the monks of Ata Temple died in vain, so Lord Hou must also feel guilt."

"Furthermore, this humble monk has another matter to bring up."

"The chief Xiongnu culprit was sent to the capital a few days ago and was torn apart to death; this too is karma's retribution. Though the man is dead, this humble monk hopes the Da Xia Dynasty will return their remains."

"Send them to the Merit Ascension Pool, erect a Longevity Tablet for them, dispel their resentment, and pray for their next lives."

The Eight Grievance Divine Monk spoke calmly.

At the preceding speech, Gu Jin Nian could only sneer.

The Buddhist sect's classic tactic: they always see themselves as righteous, others are at fault, yet they don't argue with you.

Repaying karma, cleansing one's own sins?

It's just disgusting, disgusting people.

But the second half of the sentence made Gu Jin Nian's face turn pale at once.

Hand over the main culprit's corpse? Erect a Long‑life plaque? Pray for blessings?

He was briefly silent.

After a short pause, he finally spoke.

"You mean…."

"To erect a Long‑life plaque and recite sutras for the main culprit who slaughtered my Da Xia people?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

His earlier expression was calm.

But now his expression had become somewhat cold.

(End of chapter)