Chapter 164: Exterminate Buddhism

Inside the Imperial Examination Hall.

Gu Jin Nian's eyes were icy.

He never expected that this Eight Resentment Divine Monk would dare say such words.

This was no longer mere provocation and disgust.

These words almost trampled the resentful spirits of the innocent people of the Da Xia Dynasty underfoot.

Set up a longevity tablet for the principal offenders? What kind of person could say such a thing? No, could a person even say that?

"Amitabha."

"Marquis."

"In the eyes of the Buddhist Sect, there is no sin to speak of; each person has their own stance, you all live in the sea of suffering, and to the Xiongnu, they are merely trying to survive."

"But to the people of Da Xia, they may be aggressors."

"But to our Buddhist Sect, they are all countless beings struggling in the sea of suffering."

"Our Buddhist Sect hopes to resolve the grudge between the Da Xia Dynasty and the Xiongnu State, to make offerings to these people and erect longevity tablets for them."

"That way, the Xiongnu State will also let go of the grudge, for the Da Xia has already avenged its blood feud and should now release its obsession."

The Eight Resentment Divine Monk spoke lightly, his words full of righteousness and compassion.

But to Gu Jin Nian's ears, that voice sounded piercingly harsh and nauseating.

"Has the blood feud already been avenged?"

"Truly laughable."

"The twelve cities of my Da Xia, a million lost souls, still stare with open eyes from the heavens."

"You tell this Marquis that the blood feud has already been avenged?"

"Is this how ridiculous you Buddhist Sect are?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his gaze icy, fixed on the other.

"Amitabha."

"Marquis, the past is already past."

"The Xiongnu State has already let go of this matter; why do you, Marquis, remain obstinate?"

"Some things should be forgotten if they ought to be; people live in the present and walk toward the future; past events are obsessions, and picking them up creates karma."

The Eight Resentment Divine Monk clasped his hands together and looked at Gu Jin Nian as he said this.

His voice angered many commoners and scholars, and some soldiers gripped their weapons tightly, eyes flashing with cold intent.

The words of this Eight Resentment Divine Monk are simply not something a person could utter.

"To forget is to commit a second massacre."

"This Marquis does not know why you have come here, and I will absolutely not allow you to take these remains."

"Go tell the Xiongnu State that Da Xia's resolve to annihilate the Xiongnu has never waned; do not think that peace means safety."

Gu Jin Nian's voice was icy.

This was his strongest reply.

Stop wasting time here; one day, the iron cavalry of the Da Xia Dynasty will stride into the Xiongnu royal court.

This is an eternal feud.

Hearing this, the Eight Resentment Divine Monk merely shook his head.

"Amitabha."

"This humble monk has already taken the remains away."

"If nothing unexpected happens, today they will be sent to the Five Lotus Temple, where a Buddhist Sect eminent monk will erect a longevity tablet for them and pray for blessings."

"Marquis, your hostility is too heavy, your heart too steeped in slaughter; someday you will suffer heavenly retribution for that killing."

"If the Marquis is willing, this humble monk can cleanse the Marquis's inner sins, so that the Marquis will no longer suffer karmic suffering in future rebirths."

The Eight Resentment Divine Monk spoke, unconvinced.

"Already taken away?"

"Good!"

"Good!"

"Good."

"The Buddhist Sect's hand can actually reach into my Da Xia's court affairs—how impressive, how impressive, truly impressive."

Gu Jin Nian ignored the Eight Resentment Divine Monk's following words; he was merely astonished that the Buddhist Sect's hand had already reached into Da Xia's court affairs.

Those principal offenders had already been executed by lingchi; Gu Jin Nian had planned to build a temple to suppress their remains, letting commoners spit at them and scholars remember this hatred.

But unexpectedly, they had already taken them away, and if the Eight Resentment Divine Monk had not spoken, one would truly feel as if it happened unknown to gods and unseen by ghosts.

This is where Gu Jin Nian's anger lies.

He knew the Buddhist Sect wielded great power, but he did not expect its power to actually interfere with Da Xia's court affairs.

Able to make the Ministry of Punishments directly hand over the remains.

This is where Gu Jin Nian's anger lies.

"Amitabha."

"Marquis, not everyone within Da Xia loves killing; many actually prefer peace. As the grandson of the Defender of the State Duke and a descendant of generals, what do you truly seek by waging war? Everyone under heaven understands."

"But Marquis, no matter what, you must not let personal desire cause the common people of the world to suffer."

"When will the cycle of vengeance end? Marquis, you yourself once said: to set the heart for Heaven and Earth, to establish destiny for the people, to continue the learning of the sages, to open peace for myriad generations. Upon hearing these four lines, this humble monk also deeply admires you."

"This humble monk does not believe the Marquis is inherently a lover of slaughter; rather, after killing three hundred thousand Xiongnu iron cavalry, he has stained himself with karma, and three hundred thousand resentful spirits entwine him, causing him to step step into demonhood."

"Marquis, you, as the one in the midst, are bewildered."

The Eight Grievances Divine Monk was extremely eloquent; he did not utter a single word insulting Gu Jin Nian, yet every sentence he said was demeaning Gu Jin Nian.

Yet Gu Jin Nian paid no heed to the Eight Grievances Divine Monk's words.

Instead, he stared at the other party, his voice ice‑cold as he said.

"I, the Lord, give you three days to hand over the corpse and bones; otherwise I will personally draft a memorial to petition the eradication of Buddhism."

Gu Jin Nian looked at him and issued a final ultimatum.

Return the corpse and bones within three days; he will not quarrel over this, and now Da Xia Dynasty truly cannot make enemies—peaceful development is the royal way.

Had it not been for this, Gu Jin Nian would already be leading troops to eradicate Buddhism.

When the words "eradicate Buddhism" were spoken, countless people instantly frowned; even the Great Scholar beside Gu Jin Nian could not help but speak up, silently warning Gu Jin Nian.

They hoped Gu Jin Nian would not be provoked into saying something he ought not to say.

They also despise the Buddhist sect and loathe such actions, but the phrase "eradicate Buddhism" truly must not be spoken lightly.

The Buddhist sect is protected by heaven and earth, like scholars, and eradicating Buddhism would inevitably bring ominous consequences, especially since the sect's power is immense.

In the Xiongnu State, Fuyu Dynasty, Great Jin Dynasty, Central Continent Dynasty, essentially every region has been infiltrated by the Buddhist sect.

It is merely a matter of how deep the infiltration is.

Yet Gu Jin Nian did not respond to their admonitions; he only looked at the Eight Grievances Divine Monk.

The other party is a peerless Buddhist master; suppressing him by force is unlikely, so only the court can restrain him.

"Amitabha."

"Lord, your murderous intent is too deep; the Buddhist sect is merely doing what it should, yet you constantly speak of eradicating Buddhism."

"Such murderous intent will eventually harm you, Lord."

The Eight Grievances Divine Monk seemed intent on disgusting Gu Jin Nian, merely to provoke him.

"Silence."

"My (the Lord's) true nature is not for you to judge."

"Stop playing deity here."

"I give you only three days; after three days the imperial examination ends, and if the corpse and bones are not returned, Da Xia will eradicate Buddhism."

Gu Jin Nian was too lazy to babble.

Those were his final words.

After speaking, Gu Jin Nian turned and left, returning to the tribute academy; he did not wish to argue with that Eight Grievances Divine Monk.

It was a complete waste of time.

"Lord."

"Regarding the Ata Temple matter, the Lord has not yet given this old monk an explanation."

However, the Eight Grievances Divine Monk seemed unwilling to let Gu Jin Nian leave, and continued to press about the Ata Temple matter.

Yet as the Eight Grievances Divine Monk opened his mouth,

a voice could not help but sound.

"Regarding the Ata Temple matter, has the Heaven's Mandate Lord not explained it clearly?"

"This matter does not concern the Lord much; it was done by the Heavenly Demon Elder. If your Buddhist sect seeks an explanation, go find the Heavenly Demon Elder yourself."

"Do not demand it within Da Xia's territory."

"Moreover, this is the tribute academy, Da Xia's tribute academy; tomorrow is the day of the imperial examination. You are disturbing the surrounding scholars here—what is your intention?"

"Eight Grievances Divine Monk, do you think that Da Xia has no one who can suppress you?"

The voice sounded.

It was Minister of Rites Yang Kai's voice; he, accompanied by a group of Ministry of Rites officials, appeared outside the tribute academy, his gaze ice‑cold as he looked at the latter.

Seeing Yang Kai appear,

In an instant, the Great Scholar inside the tribute academy all bowed to Yang Kai.

Yet the Eight Grievances Divine Monk clasped his hands, faced Yang Kai, said little, and simply recited "Amitabha."

"Although this matter does not greatly involve the Lord, its origin is not entirely unrelated to the Lord either."

"We ask Minister Yang to step forward and persuade the Lord, hoping the Lord will intervene, pray for our innocent Buddhist monks, resolve the feud, and prevent our sect from harboring prejudice against the Lord."

"The Buddhist monk can explain, but those believers are hard to clarify."

"Minister Yang is the Da Xia Minister of Rites, the head of scholars, discerning and wise; we trouble Minister Yang, indeed."

The Eight Grievances Divine Monk was almost the epitome of shamelessness; even after Gu Jin Nian left, he still wanted Gu Jin Nian to resolve this matter.

Hearing this, the common folk all became angry.

This Eight Grievances Divine Monk seemed to come as a mediator, as if wronged, but in and out of his words he treated Gu Jin Nian as the real culprit; that's one thing, after all there is indeed some connection with Gu Jin Nian.

Taking the corpse and bones back to erect a Longevity Tablet is disgusting; Gu Jin Nian was too lazy to even acknowledge him, yet he persisted here.

In an instant, each commoner frowned, but their humble status prevented them from speaking up.

"Get lost!"

Facing the Eight Grievances Divine Monk, Yang Kai's eyes were full of contempt and disgust as he directly told the monk to get lost.

This fellow, whether he opens his mouth or not, makes people nauseous; he calls things this and that, and his words are all veiled sarcasm.

Yang Kai also despised him to death.

As soon as he said that, the commoners burst into loud laughter, and some scholars even clapped their hands in approval.

Yet the Eight Grievances Divine Monk could not help but be slightly stunned.

He truly did not expect that a dignified Minister of Rites would utter such words.

Gu Jin Nian could accept such words, but Yang Kai, being a Minister of Rites in his sixties, should not have spoken that way, logically.

In an instant, the Eight Grievances Divine Monk didn't know what to say.

Stop being disgusting here.

Do you really think this old man doesn't know the Buddhist sect's methods?

As for returning the bones, this old man will certainly bring it to the Ministry of Punishments.

I tell you, the Prince of State Security hasn't returned; if he returns, would you still dare to bluster here?

Go back to the Western Desert; you think you can let the Buddhist sect enter my Da Xia Dynasty?

Today I leave this warning here: as long as I am on the court, the Buddhist sect shall not think of entering the Da Xia Dynasty.

Yang Kai spoke again, dropping his harsh words; after speaking, he left directly, giving no face to the Eight Grievance Divine Monk, entered the Tribute Hall, and went to find Gu Jin Nian.

But the Eight Grievance Divine Monk's expression remained unchanged outwardly, while his inner brows furrowed.

He fears no one else, but he still does not want to offend Yang Kai directly; after all, Yang Kai is the Minister of Rites, and the Buddhist sect's settlement in Da Xia is under his control. If he truly offended Yang Kai, many matters would indeed be hard to advance.

Amitabha.

Minister Yang, this old monk's obsession has become deep; I still hope you, Minister, will not get angry.

After the Eight Grievance Divine Monk uttered Amitabha, he turned and left, and the common folk along the way gave him cold stares.

But he had no further thoughts, because the goal had already been achieved; next is to wait for Gu Jin Nian to act.

At this moment.

Inside the Tribute Hall.

Yang Kai hurriedly entered the room where Gu Jin Nian was.

Inside the room, Gu Jin Nian was feverishly writing.

Yang Kai said nothing, but stood aside and waited quietly.

After about half an hour, Gu Jin Nian finally lowered his pen slowly.

What did you write?

Yang Kai's voice sounded, directly asking Gu Jin Nian.

Hearing Yang Kai's voice, Gu Jin Nian looked up, then slowly spoke.

The anti‑Buddhist plan.

Gu Jin Nian's voice was very calm, but to Yang Kai's ears it sounded like a thunderclap.

Jin Nian.

The Eight Grievance Divine Monk clearly has an agenda; he seems to deliberately want to provoke you, making you voluntarily pursue the anti‑Buddhist plan.

If nothing unexpected occurs, the Buddhist sect has already set a trap; if you eradicate Buddhism, the sect will surely use that as a pretext to raise troops against you. The Buddhist sect's power is certainly not as simple as we imagine.

You are now a Director of the Ministry of Rites, I am the Minister of Rites; if we truly want to suppress the Buddhist sect, there are many ways, no need to adopt such a drastic anti‑Buddhist measure.

Yang Kai spoke; he is not foolish, and at a glance saw through the Eight Grievance Divine Monk's thoughts.

He wants to deliberately provoke Gu Jin Nian, then use that as a pretext to trouble Gu Jin Nian; this is a trap, a trap laid before us.

Naturally, he does not wish Gu Jin Nian to risk his life.

I understand.

When he said he would give the Xiongnu chief criminal a "Long Life" badge, I understood his thinking.

However, I will eventually show this anti‑Buddhist plan to His Majesty; his coming today is merely to give me an early deadline.

Gu Jin Nian nodded; he is not foolish either, knowing the Eight Grievance Divine Monk wants to provoke him.

As for why he wants to provoke him, Gu Jin Nian cannot guess for now, nor does he wish to guess.

Since you know, why still do this?

This time Yang Kai couldn't help but frown.

However, Gu Jin Nian did not answer, but handed the anti‑Buddhist plan to the other party.

Minister, please take a look first.

Gu Jin Nian was not verbose, and gave the anti‑Buddhist plan to him.

At that moment, Yang Kai picked up the anti‑Buddhist plan and examined it carefully.

After about half an hour.

The more Yang Kai read, the more his heart raced, and his expression grew heavier.

In the end, Yang Kai clenched the anti‑Buddhist plan tightly, looked at Gu Jin Nian and said.

Jin Nian, is what is written in this anti‑Buddhist plan false?

Yang Kai was astonished; he had thought Gu Jin Nian's anti‑Buddhist stance stemmed from hatred of the Buddhist sect, but did not expect that Gu Jin Nian's anti‑Buddhist action had a deeper meaning.

Minister Yang.

An uncontrolled Buddhist sect is a huge tumor for the dynasty.

My policy is written clearly, with no falsehood whatsoever.

Buddhist monks do not pay taxes, do not labor, and siphon Da Xia's gold and silver; this is one reason for eradicating Buddhism.

But the truly terrifying part is ideological control; scholars discern right from wrong, at least their goal is to serve the court, serve the country, receive the ruler's salary, and be loyal.

However, in the Buddhist sect's view, there is no dynasty, no right or wrong; they wield the sword of good and evil, and everything is according to them.

If the Buddhist sect truly grows strong, royal authority would be inferior to Buddhist authority; the emperor's edict would be less powerful than a high monk's word, and then nothing would help.

Eradicating Buddhism would have a huge impact on the Da Xia Dynasty, but if this anti‑Buddhist action succeeds, although it may be short‑term detrimental to the Da Xia Dynasty, it will be beneficial for millennia; at least the Da Xia Dynasty will never be controlled by the Buddhist sect.

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Why does he want to eradicate Buddhism?

It's not because the Buddhist sect is bad.

Nor is it because the Buddhist sect offended him.

But because of the control of the false Buddhists.

True high Buddhist monks, they enlighten all people, urging them to act virtuously; if the Eight Grievance Divine Monk appears today, pleading to spare the principal offenders, Gu Jin Nian would not be angry.

Because the other side is full of compassion, this is reasonable, but I would not agree.

But what does it mean that the Eight Grievance Divine Monk appears today? He has already meddled in state affairs.

Is this a Buddha?

True high monks hope everyone will act virtuously, not meddle in dynastic politics.

These are merely using the Buddhist sect's banner to profit themselves.

Therefore Gu Jin Nian's resolve to eradicate Buddhism wavers not at all.

At this moment, Yang Kai remained silent, continuously staring at this anti‑Buddhist proposal.

After nearly half an hour, Yang Kai couldn't help but take a deep breath.

"Jin Nian, this anti‑Buddhist proposal, I will now hand it to His Majesty for his review, should His Majesty also wish to eradicate Buddhism."

"I will definitely support you."

Yang Kai ultimately handed this matter over to Emperor Yongsheng, letting Emperor Yongsheng decide.

"Very well."

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

He gave the Eight Grievance Divine Monk a chance: return the corpse and bones within three days; he could tolerate this a while longer, but if the bones are not returned within three days—

Once the imperial examination ends, he will certainly not settle peacefully.

"Fine, the imperial examination matters will be entirely your responsibility."

"If the anti‑Buddhist proposal is given to His Majesty, I'm afraid I won't be able to return for the next two days."

Yang Kai forced a bitter smile and then left the place.

After seeing Yang Kai depart.

Gu Jin Nian also fell silent.

Thus.

One hour later.

Inside the palace.

When Emperor Yongsheng finished reading Gu Jin Nian's anti‑Buddhist proposal, he remained silent for a long while.

Yang Kai kept quiet in the Hall of Nurturing the Heart, not uttering a single word.

After a long wait, Emperor Yongsheng finally spoke slowly.

"Minister Yang, what do you think of Jin Nian's treatise, how is it written?"

Emperor Yongsheng looked at Yang Kai, his expression calm, and asked.

"Your Majesty."

"At first I thought the Marquis of Heaven's Mandate merely disliked the Buddhist sect, but after reading this treatise—"

"I believe the Marquis of Heaven's Mandate's words are every gem; not a single sentence is wrong. The hidden danger of the Buddhist sect is far more than just the aristocratic clans, the immortal sects, or the rebel princes' uprisings."

"The aristocratic clans, spread across the lands, care only about profit; give them profit and they cease to be a threat."

"The immortal sects, bound by worldly cause and effect, dare not descend at will; moreover, cultivators need spiritual roots, which are limited in number, so they are not presently a menace."

"As for the rebel princes' uprisings, a strong nation can fundamentally resolve the issue."

"But the Buddhist sect is different; without spiritual roots one can become a monk, shaving one's head frees one from labor and tax, making them like a tumor clinging to the dynasty."

"Yet that is not the real horror; the most terrifying are the followers. May I ask, Emperor, do the Buddhist followers consider the Buddha greater, or consider you, the Emperor, greater?"

Yang Kai kept speaking, and eventually just laid the words bare.

At this point, there is no need for concealment.

Sure enough, as the conversation reached this point, Emperor Yongsheng's expression inevitably changed.

"Is the Buddha greater, or the Emperor greater?"

This question is too profound.

For the Emperor, he despises neither corrupt officials nor unscrupulous merchants, fears neither princes who prey on the people nor hedonistic nobles.

What he fears are ambitious people, those who plot rebellion; all of this stems from fear that someone might divide his power or diminish his authority.

These are Yang Kai's words.

Touching any emperor's reverse scale.

Which is greater, imperial authority or divine authority? Emperor Yongsheng naturally would not compare them,

but he cannot stop some people who, under the banner of divine authority, do whatever they wish.

"Send the Minister of the Six Ministries, Chancellor Li Shan, into the palace."

Finally, Emperor Yongsheng spoke with a composed face.

He realized the greatest problem.

Soon, someone went to give notice, and Emperor Yongsheng looked at Yang Kai and said,

"If we truly eradicate Buddhism."

"Given Da Xia's current situation, can it be accomplished?"

Emperor Yongsheng looked at Yang Kai and asked thus.

"That depends on whether Your Majesty intends to eradicate a part or the whole."

Yang Kai thought for a moment, then asked.

"Complete eradication."

Emperor Yongsheng's expression turned icy as he said.

Upon hearing this, Yang Kai's demeanor also grew solemn.

After a brief moment, he spoke slowly.

"Your Majesty, I think we can annihilate them completely, but we should be prepared for Prince Ning's rebellion," was Yang Kai's reply.

For a moment, Emperor Yongsheng fell silent.

Thus.

With the arrival of the Six Ministers and Prime Minister Li Shan, debate began to rise within the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

As soon as they arrived, Yang Kai immediately had a discussion with Minister of Justice Xu Ping.

Regarding the matter of the bones.

However, Xu Ping argued forcefully, believing that returning the bones would foster friendship between the two nations; taking the bones back would achieve nothing, and he did not know that the Eight Grievances monk intended to use them to establish a Longevity Tablet.

Moreover, he had consulted Li Shan about this matter and received permission.

But regarding this issue, Emperor Yongsheng did not pursue any further; instead, he directly showed them the anti‑Buddhism plan.

After they finished viewing it,

the debate in the Hall of Nurturing the Heart continued.

The Ministry of Personnel, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of Rites fully agreed with Gu Jin Nian's view; especially the Ministry of Revenue, which despised the fact that Buddhist monks did not pay taxes, and the Ministry of Personnel also placed great importance on labor obligations.

The Ministry of War remained neutral on the matter, indifferent to whether Buddhism was eradicated, but contemplated the consequences—whether war would break out again, possibly a civil war—so Minister of War Zhao Yiyang was pondering.

As for the Ministry of Justice, it was also eager to eradicate Buddhism, since Buddhist monks who committed offenses often caused trouble for local authorities; however, because the three ministries ahead had already advocated eradication, Xu Ping made no objection and chose to withdraw.

Lest, in the Emperor's eyes, they appeared to be forming a faction.

The Ministry of Works also supported it, but like the Ministry of Justice, it argued that sending these young men to the army left the dynasty without builders.

Yet Li Shan gave a different answer.

He was not supporting the Buddhist sect; rather, he carefully analyzed how many troubles would arise if Buddhism were eradicated.

"Your Majesty."

"If Buddhism is eradicated, the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty will inevitably seize the opportunity to attack our Da Xia Dynasty, and the Buddhist forces wield immense influence; truly eradicating Buddhism would brew a great calamity."

"If the feudal princes step forward then, there is a high chance of provoking unnecessary trouble."

"I believe the anti‑Buddhism matter can be set aside for now; first we should curb Buddhist expansion, then let the Ministry of Rites enforce strict control."

"That is the best strategy."

Li Shan spoke; this was his thought.

His words silenced the Six Ministers; precisely because of this, although they advocated eradicating Buddhism, they did not fully agree.

They feared exactly this.

Having heard everyone's words,

Emperor Yongsheng was slightly silent.

He was not worried about that; his greatest concern was that the Da Xia Dynasty was about to experience an unprecedented natural disaster.

At this critical juncture, if Buddhism were truly eradicated, that would be the real trouble.

After a long while,

Emperor Yongsheng spoke.

"Very well, I understand. You may withdraw."

Emperor Yongsheng summoned them not to make a decision, but merely to offer some opinions.

Upon hearing this, the crowd glanced at each other, said nothing more, and dispersed.

After the crowd left,

In the Hall of Nurturing the Heart,

Emperor Yongsheng remained silent.

After a brief moment, his voice rang out.

"Attendants, deliver the secret order: have the Duke of the Nation return to the capital swiftly!"

He spoke, his voice cold.

Under the candlelight, his expression was solemn, and his eyes held a hint of coldness.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye.

Two days passed.

Morning.

Before the hour of the Ox.

Outside the Tribute Hall.

A large number of scholars had already gathered; they dared not be late, arriving early, and some even came to the outside of the Tribute Hall before the hour of the Rat.

This is the triennial imperial examination; no one dared to miss it.

From the juvenile exam to the imperial exam, they had endured ten years.

Ten years of arduous study were for this very moment.

Within the Tribute Hall, the soldiers also strictly controlled entry, awaiting the scholars.

Clang.

Hour of the Tiger.

As a bell rang,

At this moment, outside the Tribute Hall, countless scholars surged into the examination hall; the entrance had multiple inspections, with clothes and boots carefully examined to prevent cheating.

It was not that they distrusted the scholars, but they feared a few might attempt cheating; once cheating occurred, a thorough investigation could ensue, and if the trouble was great, the examination results would be voided and the exam reconvened.

And some scholars, if unable to explain clearly, would be implicated.

So be stricter; it is good for oneself and also good for others.

A full hour.

Twelve entrances, and finally all examinees gathered inside the tribute hall.

At the time of the imperial examination, there were still two more hours.

The examinees entered the tribute hall, passed the threshold, then arrived outside the main hall and bowed once to the saints and ancestors on both sides; this is the protocol.

Only after bowing to the saints and ancestors may one enter the interior.

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian was already in the inner courtyard, waiting for this group of scholars.

Not only Gu Jin Nian, but all officials of the Ministry of Rites, great scholars included, were also waiting in the inner courtyard.

Before the examination, as chief examiner, one must speak a few words of diligence to the students to ease their burden.

After about one incense stick's time.

The inner courtyard was filled with examinees, dense as a sea at a glance.

Yet Gu Jin Nian still recognized many acquaintances: fellow students from Da Xia Academy—Wang Fugui, Jiang Yezhou, as well as Yu Yi and He Zhai.

Clang.

Another bell rang.

Accompanying the bell, the scholars all bowed deeply toward Gu Jin Nian and the others.

"Students, we salute you, gentlemen."

The voices of the scholars were loud and full of vigor.

"Gentlemen, no need for formalities."

At this time, Yang Kai's voice rang out.

He then looked at the examinees and said slowly.

"Today is the Da Xia Jia Yi year imperial examination, and the chief examiner is Heaven's Mandate Marquis Gu Jin Nian."

"During the examination, no loud chatter, no favoritism or cheating, no bizarre acts; if discovered, the offender will be expelled on the spot, charged with disrupting the examination, and barred from participating for six years."

"Do you understand?"

Yang Kai spoke; he had said such words many times before.

"Student understands, thank you, sir."

The students spoke again.

Seeing this, Yang Kai nodded, then looked at Gu Jin Nian and said.

"Lord, would you like to say a few words?"

He opened his mouth and asked thus.

"Very well."

Gu Jin Nian clasped his hands; indeed he had a few words to speak.

At once, Gu Jin Nian stepped forward.

Looking at the crowd, the scholars also turned their gaze to Gu Jin Nian, their hearts filled with curiosity about him.

A year ago, they had heard Gu Jin Nian's name here and there, though only bad deeds; but a year later, the three characters Gu Jin Nian resonated like thunder across Da Xia and the Eastern Wilderness.

Especially within the Confucian‑Daoist lineage.

Gu Jin Nian's reputation had reached the pinnacle; the only thing lacking was his age.

At this moment, they were also curious what Gu Jin Nian would say now.

Wang Fugui and the others looked at Gu Jin Nian, their eyes full of curiosity.

Under the scorching sun.

Inside the tribute hall.

Gu Jin Nian looked at the crowd, then slowly spoke.

"Heaven and earth are vast, the universe boundless, Da Xia scholars must stand tall and be self‑reliant!"

His voice rang out.

It was deafening.

Gu Jin Nian's gaze was unwavering; he did not utter any diligent admonitions, but expounded some principles.

"When the sun rises, the scholars of Da Xia shall emerge; that is the duty of Da Xia scholars!"

"Therefore today's responsibility lies not with others, but entirely with us scholars!"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his gaze steadfast, looking at every examinee before him, each a well‑read scholar.

And today, Gu Jin Nian used this essay to inspire and uplift them.

"The crimson sun rises, its path a great radiance; the river emerges from hidden currents, surging into a vast ocean."

"A hidden dragon soars from the abyss, its scales and claws flying; a cub tiger roars in the valley, startling a hundred beasts. Eagles and hawks test their wings, stirring wind and dust."

Gu Jin Nian's voice grew increasingly passionate.

These were spoken by a youth; though Gu Jin Nian edited them slightly, their impact remained.

The rise and fall of Da Xia.

Lies in these scholars, in these young scholars.

They are like the rising sun, just lifted, radiating Holy Punishment's Light; like river water merging into the sea, forming a vast ocean.

Like a hidden dragon, soaring straight to the heavens.

And a cub tiger, seeming weak, yet its roar frightens a hundred beasts.

These sentences, these idioms, inflame the scholars' blood, making them eager to pick up a brush and write ten thousand characters.

In the end, even the Great Scholars and Ministry of Rites officials, after hearing such stirring words...

His breathing quickened involuntarily, feeling the hot blood.

"Everyone."

"Today's imperial examination, regardless of success or failure, this Lord offers you two sentences."

Having finished the article, Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath.

He brewed his emotions.

At that moment.

Everyone pricked up their ears, awaiting Gu Jin Nian's world‑shaking words.

"We who study, after ten years of cold windows, after the imperial examination, those who pass will be overjoyed to the point of tears; those who fail will be sorrowful and desolate."

"However, we scholars cannot judge heroes by a moment's success or failure; we are like the rising sun—dark clouds may cover the day for a time, but cannot cover the sun for a lifetime."

"Know this."

At this point, talent surged around Gu Jin Nian.

Then it transformed into a brush of writing.

In the void above, golden large characters fell.

【The mountain of books has a path; diligence is the road】

【The sea of learning is boundless; hardship is the boat】

Gu Jin Nian slowly set his brush down; these were the words he wanted to say, the meaning he wished to convey.

The path of study has no shortcut, nor a downwind ship to sail.

If one seeks a shortcut, it can only be found within the mountain of books.

To become a true scholar, one must use hardship as a boat in the sea of learning.

Only diligence.

Only perseverance.

Can lead to success.

"These words are greatly virtuous."

"Brilliant."

"Words of the heavens and men; this is indeed such words."

"The mountain of books has a path; diligence is the road, the sea of learning is boundless; hardship is the boat. With just these fourteen characters, they become an eternal exhortation for scholars and Daoists alike."

At this moment, the students were still immersed in these words.

And these Great Scholars, one by one, showed shocked faces, repeatedly praising, appearing greatly uplifted.

These simple fourteen characters encapsulate the core of every scholar.

Even they were shocked by it.

This is an exhortation to study.

Throughout history, countless Great Scholars have written exhortations, but none are a ten‑thousandth as good as this sentence.

Most exhortations are several thousand flowing characters and are hard to sing, though each word is a pearl, wholeheartedly urging study.

Yet they truly cannot match Gu Jin Nian's fourteen characters: "The mountain of books has a path; diligence is the road, the sea of learning is boundless; hardship is the boat."

"Thank you, sir, for your guidance; these are golden words, a student will benefit from them all life."

At this moment, Yu Yi spoke, feeling deep respect, and bowed deeply toward Gu Jin Nian.

Previously, his feeling toward Gu Jin Nian was respect, admiring Gu Jin Nian for establishing destiny for the people; now he is profoundly impressed by Gu Jin Nian.

Completely humbled by Gu Jin Nian's talent.

As Yu Yi spoke, the others also began to speak one after another.

Bowing deeply toward Gu Jin Nian.

And at that very moment.

Above the Examination Hall.

Clusters of Golden Auspicious Clouds appeared, shining upon each student.

"An ancient maxim, this is indeed an ancient maxim."

"When an ancient maxim emerges, talent turns into clouds, bestowing blessings on the examinees; today's deed can be named and passed down through the ages."

"Future saints will be worthy of it without shame."

"We thank the Lord for uttering these fourteen golden words."

All the Great Scholars also spoke in unison, bowing deeply toward Gu Jin Nian.

Gu Jin Nian's fourteen characters will inevitably bring great impact to the Da Xia Dynasty and the entire world.

The awe‑inspiring talent entered Gu Jin Nian's body, and on the Tree of All Beings, a golden fruit also formed.

Clang.

At this moment, another bell rang.

Signifying that the examinees must enter the hall.

"The imperial examination begins."

Upon hearing the bell, Gu Jin Nian appeared exceedingly calm.

He spoke.

The examinees moved about, heading into the hall, reaching their own examination rooms, and began preparing for the imperial examination.

A quarter hour later.

The examiners also each produced their test papers.

Prosperous era.

Theme: Prosperous Era.

At that moment, the examinees began grinding ink and were pondering seriously.

And Gu Jin Nian also came to the back, waiting for the examinees' answer sheets.

The Da Xia imperial examination uses the eight‑section essay format, but because this year's questions differ, only a four‑section essay is required.

It can be concluded in two days and one night.

Gu Jin Nian sat in the rear courtyard, awaiting the answer sheets.

At the same time, he also awaited the choice of the Eight Grievance Divine Monk.

Thus.

It lasted until late night.

The first answer sheet emerged.

Someone, extremely confident, submitted the answer sheet, drawing a few Great Scholars to watch.

There was no name on the answer sheet, to prevent collusion.

However, the calligraphy was exquisite, and the brushstrokes were razor‑sharp.

Gu Jin Nian took the answer sheet, examined it carefully; the daring first submitter naturally had something different.

But, after Gu Jin Nian finished reading the answer sheet,

he could not help but be astonished.

Theme: Prosperous Era.

This first answer sheet unexpectedly addressed the issue of land consolidation.

The gist of the essay was that, based on the peasants' farming conditions, the gap between rich and poor would widen.

Especially now, many peasants, to evade taxes, hand over land to scholars or nobles.

Da Xia's taxes are levied per capita; regardless of how much land you own, you pay according to the number of people in your household.

This is a policy implemented by all major dynasties.

Yet this answer sheet proposed taxation based on land.

Isn't that the "tax‑per‑person per mu" system?

Great talent.

Great talent indeed.

Gu Jin Nian's heart showed great joy.

He understood the tax‑per‑person per mu system, but he preferred someone else to propose it, so the other could implement it while he only needed to fine‑tune the method.

The Da Xia Dynasty cannot thrive on a single individual.

It requires a group of people to make the dynasty flourish.

And this person is one of that group.

Good.

Very good.

Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath and directly stamped a red seal on it.

【A‑top】

This is the highest rating.

When all essays have been scored, if there are multiple A‑top, the Ministry of Rites will determine the final ranking based on other factors.

Highest proportion of appearance.

At this moment.

Gu Jin Nian was full of joy, and the other Great Scholars could not help but praise.

Thus.

After two more double‑hours.

Answer sheets arrived one by one.

Gu Jin Nian examined each carefully.

Perhaps because the first piece was too spectacular, the subsequent ones seemed average to Gu Jin Nian; for these average ones, Gu Jin Nian gave no score, leaving the Great Scholars to evaluate them.

Until the hour of Mao (5 a. m.).

The second essay made Gu Jin Nian's eyes light up.

The first essay proposed the good policy of "tax‑per‑person per mu."

But the second essay sharply pointed out Da Xia's border trade affairs, using economy to strengthen the nation, proposing to lift the sea ban, revitalize border trade, expand national commerce, reclaim merchant taxes, and reduce levies.

It coincided with his own thoughts.

Also a talent.

Gu Jin Nian again gave an A‑top rating.

He was full of joy.

But at that moment.

A figure rushed forward and whispered into Gu Jin Nian's ear.

"Lord Hou, outside there's a person named Su Huaiyu who says he has urgent business for you, very urgent."

The other side spoke.

It made the joyous Gu Jin Nian suddenly become solemn.

The Qingqian Fairy had an incident.

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian guessed what had happened.

(End of chapter)