Chapter 165: Bestow the Dragon Talisman, Dragon Boat, Treasure Ship, Cannon, and a Half‑Million Army

Inside the Tribute Hall.

Su Huaiyu's figure hurriedly approached.

At this critical moment, Su Huaiyu knew that reviewing the manuscripts inside the Tribute Hall was extremely important; if there were no major issue, he wouldn't be this urgent.

Indeed.

As Su Huaiyu entered.

His expression was exceedingly grave.

"Lord."

"Something's happened."

Su Huaiyu stepped into the room, looked at Gu Jin Nian, whispered into his ear with a solemn face.

"What happened?"

Gu Jin Nian set down the answer sheet in his hand, gave it a B‑level rating, then asked the other party.

"Qingqian Fairy and Yaoci Fairy have been imprisoned by monks of Pu Han Temple."

Su Huaiyu spoke, saying so.

"Why?"

Gu Jin Nian's face remained calm as he looked at Su Huaiyu.

"Mainly it's Qingqian Fairy; the Buddhist sect says that Qingqian Fairy broke into Pu Han Temple late at night and was caught on the spot by a senior monk."

"Furthermore, Qingqian Fairy is of the demon race, so they imprisoned her to forcibly convert her."

Su Huaiyu replied.

"Forcefully convert?"

Gu Jin Nian furrowed his brows.

"What about Yaoci Fairy?"

Gu Jin Nian stared at Su Huaiyu.

"Yaoci Fairy is accused of stealing Buddhist teachings and aiding demons; she is also imprisoned, but nothing is being done to her, since she belongs to Linglong Fairy Palace and is not of the demon race."

Su Huaiyu's expression was serious.

"They must be targeting me."

Gu Jin Nian was silent for a moment, then voiced his thoughts.

"The Buddhist sect wouldn't target Yaoci Fairy; after all, Linglong Fairy Palace. As for Qingqian Fairy, though she is of the demon race, the Qingqiu lineage is not something to be taken lightly."

"As long as the two don't cross the Buddhist sect's bottom line, they won't dare offend them lightly."

"Clearly, this is aimed at us."

"Lord, what should we do next?"

Su Huaiyu spoke, asking Gu Jin Nian what to do next.

"Take my marquis decree and demand someone."

Gu Jin Nian said lightly.

But as soon as those words were spoken, Su Huaiyu couldn't help but frown.

"Lord, I'm not being cynical, but your marquis decree is unlikely to have any effect on them."

Su Huaiyu opened his mouth.

It's not that he's undermining Gu Jin Nian; it's that the Buddhist sect will certainly ignore Gu Jin Nian.

"I understand."

Gu Jin Nian nodded, then his gaze became exceedingly calm as he said.

"Settle both old and new grudges together."

"This is my final chance to them."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; how could he not know that the Buddhist sect would not pay attention to him?

"But everything must have a clear authority."

His resolve to eradicate Buddhism grew ever stronger.

"I understand."

Su Huaiyu instantly grasped Gu Jin Nian's intention.

Soon, Gu Jin Nian handed his marquis decree to Su Huaiyu.

The latter left.

Gu Jin Nian continued the manuscript review.

About two hours passed.

Someone else came to see Gu Jin Nian: Gu Ningya, Gu Jin Nian's sixth uncle.

Inside the Tribute Hall.

Gu Jin Nian set the answer sheet aside.

As Gu Ningya arrived, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but stand up.

"Sixth Uncle."

He called out, Gu Ningya beamed with joy, and walked to Gu Jin Nian's side saying.

"Jin Nian."

"The old master is returning."

Gu Ningya spoke, informing Gu Jin Nian of the good news.

The old master is returning.

"When?"

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian was a bit surprised; he really hadn't expected that at this critical moment, the old master actually returned.

"If nothing unexpected happens, it'll be tomorrow."

"But the old master is coming back alone, an imperial secret order."

Gu Ningya seemed casual.

"Secret order?"

Gu Jin Nian was curious.

"It should be related to the Buddhist sect."

"The old master's return this time is to back you up; aren't you planning to eradicate Buddhism? With the old master here, who in Da Xia territory would dare to nag?"

Gu Ningya looked very pleased.

He immediately knew why the old master was secretly summoned this time.

"Understood."

With Gu Ningya's reminder, Gu Jin Nian instantly understood.

"There's another matter I want to tell you."

"Do you know about the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave?"

Gu Ningya asked.

"I know—hasn't the celestial sect united?"

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

"Yes, the emperor also wants to get involved, after all, such a massive merit—do you know what happened?"

He spoke, his expression somewhat solemn.

"The celestial sect refuses?"

Gu Jin Nian answered.

Upon hearing that, the latter's face changed instantly: "How do you know?"

As Gu Ningya spoke, Gu Jin Nian became slightly silent.

Now that the matter is laid out, who could guess? "The celestial sect indeed refuses; they'd rather ally with the Buddhist sect, and they didn't even call on our Da Xia Dynasty—people from the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty have even joined."

Gu Ningya said so, his face showing some anger.

"Why is that? Da Xia has been benevolent to the celestial sect over the years, hasn't it?"

Gu Jin Nian was a bit surprised; although the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave indeed has little connection to Da Xia, even the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty have agreed.

Refusing Da Xia Dynasty is somewhat disrespectful.

"I'm not quite clear, but I asked your fourth uncle; his meaning seemed to be that the major forces in the Eastern Wilderness realm are all sidelining our Da Xia, and it involves you."

Gu Ningya said so.

"It involves me?"

This time Gu Jin Nian couldn't accept it; why does everything seem related to him?

The inter‑dynasty sidelining all ties back to him.

Are you sick?

"Jin Nian, don't think you're innocent; this matter really concerns you a lot. Right now, the strongest force in the Eastern Wilderness realm is our Da Xia Dynasty."

"Why has our Da Xia Dynasty become so powerful in the past year or two? Don't you see it clearly?"

Gu Ningya spoke, telling Gu Jin Nian not to think he's innocent.

Upon hearing that, Gu Jin Nian fell silent.

"But this isn't a big deal; if we offend them, so be it—what's the big fuss? Does Da Xia Dynasty even fear them?"

Gu Ningya felt it was no big deal, just informing Gu Jin Nian of this matter.

"What does the emperor mean?"

Gu Jin Nian's eyes were a bit curious; he didn't understand the emperor's thoughts.

"The emperor? The emperor was thunderously angry; do you know what the emperor said?"

Mentioning the emperor, Gu Ningya immediately got fired up.

He spoke flamboyantly.

"At that moment, the emperor was incensed, repeatedly shouting 'How could this be? How could this be?' then patting my shoulder and saying, 'Ningya, these people are simply overstepping.'"

"I will certainly not spare these people, but alas, our Da Xia is waning, lacking pillars of the state; Jin Nian is too young, you alone are a pillar, still far insufficient."

"Do you know what Sixth Uncle said back then?"

"Sixth Uncle said, 'This celestial sect gives Da Xia no face; such deceit is intolerable—what can be tolerated, what cannot. I request the emperor to issue an edict to negotiate with the celestial sect, taking only three thousand elite, riding across the rivers and lakes, so the sect can see the Gu family's backbone, Da Xia's backbone.'"

"What a pity, the emperor is reluctant to let me go; otherwise, Uncle would let you see what the second generation of the Gu family is like."

"Jin Nian, do you think I'm awesome?"

Gu Ningya began to spin tall tales.

He never went to the imperial palace; it was merely that the Lantern Department had the intel and knew the celestial sect refused Da Xia Dynasty's participation.

I have to admit.

Our Sixth Uncle truly hasn't changed at all.

A year has passed, and my temperament has shifted a bit, but Sixth Uncle is still Sixth Uncle.

"Awesome."

Gu Jin Nian nodded; faced with his Sixth Uncle's words, he could only nod.

However, Gu Jin Nian's mind also generated many thoughts.

The Buddhist sect's attitude.

The Immortal sect's refusal.

The Eastern Wilderness realm rejects the Da Xia Dynasty.

It seems many more events are about to unfold.

After a while, Gu Ningya rose.

"Jin Nian, Uncle will leave first; I still have some trivial matters at hand."

"If the old master returns tomorrow, you must also go home; the whole family will have a proper reunion dinner."

Gu Ningya spoke.

"Alright."

He nodded, but Gu Jin Nian thought of something and looked at Gu Ningya, saying,

"Uncle, there's something I need to tell you: the capital city gates aren't a massive construction project; they're my business. Keep an eye on them for me. In a few days I may have to leave and won't have time to manage them."

"If you have free time, go check, including the materials and supervision; under no circumstances should any problem arise."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he asked Gu Ningya to handle this matter for him.

The Da Xia Nightless City has already begun construction and is still in the infrastructure phase, but it still needs someone to inspect. I may be heading out soon, so I must leave trustworthy people to supervise.

It's not that I distrust the Ministry of Works, but that I distrust people.

"Alright, you can rest assured about this."

"But Jin Nian, last time I heard you say you wanted to raise funds, Uncle has also contributed some silver here; later I'll give it to you, consider it my two contributions."

Gu Ningya said.

Those words made Gu Jin Nian somewhat surprised.

"Sixth Uncle, you just became a Commander and you're already greedy? Isn't that courting death?"

Gu Jin Nian was indeed surprised; his sixth uncle is a Commander with a monthly salary of 230 taels of silver, plus departmental benefits and some integrity allowance, bringing the monthly salary to 400 taels of silver, even accounting for gray income.

A thousand taels is the ceiling.

Raising funds in two shares requires twenty thousand taels of gold; how can Sixth Uncle produce that?

"Are you saying that?"

"Is Sixth Uncle that kind of person?"

Upon hearing that, Gu Ningya instantly became angry, thinking, "So you really see me as that kind of person?" Seeing Gu Jin Nian's strange look, Gu Ningya no longer held back.

"It's the mansion's silver; didn't your grandfather go out? I also went to the accounting office and withdrew a large sum of silver."

"Don't look at me like that; the Gu Family's silver is just my silver. When the family splits later, what's twenty thousand taels of gold to you?"

"I'm just spending my own silver in advance, and besides, I'm supporting my own family. If it's discovered later, you'll have to come out and speak for your Sixth Uncle."

Gu Ningya replied dismissively.

Gu Jin Nian was left utterly speechless.

Damn it, spending twenty thousand taels of gold? Although the Gu Family is said to be wealthy, in reality a big household spends silver everywhere—so many maidservants, plus basic mansion upkeep and various gifts.

Including regular expenses and other things, this Sixth Uncle has basically stripped the Gu Family of more than half its wealth.

Gu Jin Nian knew that the Gu Family was indeed incorruptible; although the old master is a Duke, he came from a poor background, takes virtually no silver, relying on various land grants and revenues, and accepts no tribute silver from subordinates.

He understood that the people's blood and fat are hard to control, but the old master can keep himself pure, which is why he commands such respect in the army.

"Fine then."

Gu Jin Nian could only nod; there was nothing more to say, after all the one who would be punished later wasn't himself.

And so it was.

Gu Ningya left.

After Gu Ningya departed, Gu Jin Nian remained silent for a while, digesting the information.

Half an hour later.

Gu Jin Nian regained his composure.

Whether the Buddhist sect or the Immortal sect,

the matter at hand is to calmly review the documents.

One must not let these affairs interfere with one's primary duties.

Gu Jin Nian reviewed the documents with great seriousness.

Meanwhile, inside the Da Xia Imperial Palace,

in the Hall of Nurturing the Heart,

a thunderous voice rang out.

It was Emperor Yongsheng's roar.

"How could this be!"

"Indeed, how could this be!"

"Da Xia Dynasty, how could it ever have wronged your Immortal sect over the years?"

"The Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave, the merit of the heavens' upheaval, you all wish to monopolize it. The Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty both sent Great Scholars to suppress it, yet they isolated my Da Xia Dynasty—how hateful, how hateful!"

Inside the hall, Emperor Yongsheng was truly thunderously angry.

It wasn't the rejection that angered him, but the Immortal sect's attitude that made Emperor Yongsheng extremely furious.

The Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave has endured tens of thousands of years; the demons inside are likely long dead.

Now is the final stage, and everyone will share the merit and fortune equally.

Initially, it was indeed the Immortal sect that sealed the Demon Cave, so this time having the Immortal sect seal it again is not improper; other dynasties and major forces taking a small share is also justifiable.

After all, it's mutual assistance.

What was unexpected was that the Immortal Sect agreed with the Buddhist Sect, agreed with the Fuyu Dynasty, agreed with the Great Jin Dynasty, but did not agree with the Da Xia Dynasty.

How could that not anger anyone? Inside the Hall of Nurturing the Heart, the Overseer of Heaven, Xu Taiyi, also remained silent, which was something he had not anticipated.

Logically, the request of Emperor Yongsheng was not especially unreasonable: just send Gu Jin Nian over, let him soak up some merit, and then return.

All were delighted.

From now on, if the Immortal Sect needs Da Xia's assistance within Da Xia territory, Da Xia will help; you're happy, I'm happy, everyone's happy.

"Your Majesty, I think the Immortal Sect fears the Marquis; they know the Marquis's destiny is strong and worry that if he participates, he will snatch their merit and fortune."

"Please, Your Majesty, calm your anger. The Immortal Sect's behavior is not truly bad; first, it reveals the mindset of such Immortal Sect disciples, and second, it shows they fear the Marquis."

"They also fear my Da Xia Dynasty."

Xu Taiyi also hails from the Immortal Sect, but he has an official background; unlike those sects, in his eyes they are merely scattered cultivators.

Thus he naturally had to speak to Emperor Yongsheng.

Xu Taiyi's words did not make Emperor Yongsheng happy.

Even a fool can see it—are they really scared? Gu Jin Nian is indeed the saint of Confucianism and Daoism in later ages, but exorcising demons and monsters is not Gu Jin Nian's business.

In the end, they simply do not want Gu Jin Nian to keep growing stronger, nor do they want the Da Xia Dynasty to keep growing stronger.

However, Xu Taiyi did say something accurate: the major forces in the Eastern Wilderness region are already fearing the Da Xia Dynasty.

More precisely, they are not just fearing the Da Xia Dynasty; they have begun to unite to suppress the Da Xia Dynasty.

The contest for Heaven's Mandate is about to begin.

Everyone knows that whoever can monopolize the top at the start will more easily become the person of Heaven's Mandate.

Since the emergence of Heaven's Mandate, the Da Xia Dynasty has been the most prominent, but the main reason is Gu Jin Nian; one can say Gu Jin Nian has become the enemy in many people's eyes.

Either a rival or an enemy.

Because only one person can grasp Heaven's Mandate, this path is destined to be full of peril and slaughter, just like a struggle for the throne: win or lose, defeat means death.

The Xiongnu Nation, the Fuyu Dynasty, the Great Jin Dynasty, the Immortal Sect, the Buddhist Sect, the Demon Race, the Demonic Path, the Zhongzhou Dynasty, and some hidden factions—all are keeping their eyes on Gu Jin Nian.

It's not that Gu Jin Nian is the strongest, but he is the most in the spotlight and the strongest openly.

Thinking of this, Emperor Yongsheng felt pressure—not for the Da Xia Dynasty, but for Gu Jin Nian; he truly worries that Gu Jin Nian might be suppressed by some means.

"Tell the Immortal Sect that the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave must involve the Da Xia Dynasty; they may share only part of the fortune and merit, but the Da Xia Dynasty's presence must be evident, and Jin Nian must also go to the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave."

"Otherwise."

"Do not blame me for being ruthless."

Emperor Yongsheng, expressionless, said that this matter he must fight for; fighting is an attitude, a stance shown to the world.

Hearing this, Xu Taiyi nodded.

"I, your servant, obey the decree."

He agreed, but deep inside he actually knew that the Immortal Sect no longer cares about the Da Xia Dynasty; now that the contest for Heaven's Mandate has arisen, their greatest enemy, the Confucian‑Daoist path, has already been struck down.

The Immortal Sect's chance of obtaining Heaven's Mandate is great, at least far larger than before.

It's like the principle that if the Crown Prince is not deposed, the other princes, even with royal blood, dare not act rashly.

If the Crown Prince were deposed, how many other princes would become restless? The Immortal Sect and the Buddhist Sect have the greatest ambitions; naturally they do not want Gu Jin Nian to keep growing stronger, for that would be a real danger to them.

Nevertheless, he understood what Emperor Yongsheng said, so he planned to negotiate further.

He hoped to ease the relations between the two sides, lest a major incident arise.

At that moment, Wei Xian entered from outside the hall, silent, standing aside with his head lowered, showing no sign of disturbance.

Seeing Wei Xian appear, Emperor Yongsheng waved his hand, ordering Xu Taiyi to leave.

After Xu Taiyi left, Wei Xian's voice finally sounded.

"Your Majesty."

"The Lord of the State has returned to the capital and is in the palace; shall we summon him?"

Wei Xian spoke, asking Emperor Yongsheng.

"Very well, let the Duke enter."

Emperor Yongsheng nodded.

Immediately, Wei Xian left the main hall; after a short while, a figure entered the hall.

It was the Lord of the State.

"Old minister Gu Yuan, I pay respects to the Sovereign."

Gu Yuan's voice rang out, full of vigor, offering a slight bow to Emperor Yongsheng.

"The Duke need not bow."

"In this border war, the Duke has served the Da Xia Dynasty front and rear, willing to die, and is the Da Xia's foremost pillar of the state."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, looking at the Lord of the State as he said.

However, the Lord of the State shook his head and said.

"Your Majesty, I have watched you grow; your literary flair I can still gauge, so there's no need for such flowery language."

"Don't try to imitate Jin Nian; you won't succeed."

The Lord of the State, with a calm expression, said earnestly.

Emperor Yongsheng: "."

Ah… this.

If it were anyone else, Emperor Yongsheng would have kicked him out long ago, but the person before him is the Grand Duke of Da Xia; back when he was not yet emperor, he even served as a soldier under the Lord of the State.

Honestly, pretending with the Lord of the State is truly pointless.

"Lord of the State, your words are meaningless; as a ruler, one must be all‑embracing. I have been studying diligently these days, and besides, what does it mean to 'learn Jin Nian'? Isn't Jin Nian learning from me?"

Emperor Yongsheng was somewhat irritated.

However, without waiting for Duke Zhen Guo to speak publicly, Emperor Yongsheng abruptly changed the subject, his expression becoming exceedingly solemn as he said.

"The matter of the Eastern Wilderness Demon Cave—Immortal Sect and other forces are resisting the Da Xia Dynasty's involvement. My intention is to have Gu Jin Nian go there to gain merit and fortune, so that when the contest for Heaven's Mandate arrives, it will also give Gu Jin Nian a better chance to vie for the lead."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke up, stating this matter. Upon hearing it, Duke Zhen Guo couldn't help but furrow his brows.

"The Immortal Sect resists?"

He pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "It is highly inappropriate to act against the Immortal Sect now; the Buddhist Sect watches keenly, and if we target the Immortal Sect, the Buddhist Sect will inevitably join forces with them. Neither the Fuyu Dynasty nor the Great Jin Dynasty would stand by idly."

"Moreover, after this recent border triumph, I have also realized that Da Xia still has many deficiencies; we should conserve strength, develop the nation, and indeed stay far from war."

Duke Zhen Guo spoke; he had just been contemplating whether to act against the Immortal Sect, and after weighing the options, gave this reply.

Hearing Duke Zhen Guo's words, Emperor Yongsheng couldn't help but nod.

He was also clear on that point.

"However, the Immortal Sect is hard to strike, while the Buddhist Sect can serve to strike the mountain and shake the tiger."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke again, his tone calm.

In an instant, Duke Zhen Guo understood his meaning.

"Your Majesty truly intends to eradicate the Buddhist Sect?"

Duke Zhen Guo asked aloud.

"Yes."

Emperor Yongsheng's expression was utterly serene.

"I have read Gu Jin Nian's proposal to eradicate the Buddhist Sect; it is exceptionally well written. Whether viewed in the long term or the present, the Buddhist Sect must be destroyed."

"Furthermore, in recent days Da Xia fears a cataclysmic disaster, and I suspect this matter is linked to the Buddhist Sect."

"The White Heron Mansion affair likely also has a huge connection to the Buddhist Sect; the Buddhist Sect has probably been scheming for a long time. If I continue to investigate in secret, following leads, by the time I uncover their plot it will be too late."

"Now, while the Buddhist Sect is provoking the Da Xia Dynasty, I should seize the opportunity and give the Buddhist Sect a harsh, painful lesson."

"This battle can only be won, not lost."

"That is why I urgently summoned the Duke here."

Emperor Yongsheng voiced his thoughts.

Eradicating the Buddhist Sect is not merely because of Gu Jin Nian's proposal; more importantly, it is to strike the mountain and shake the tiger, turning a passive stance into an active one.

In the court, nothing happens without cause; there are always many factors, but even one or two matters cannot be handled recklessly.

"So Your Majesty means you want me to cooperate with Gu Jin Nian and go together to the Buddhist Sect?"

Duke Zhen Guo continued to ask.

"Almost."

"But not entirely."

"Duke, I grant you command of the army; lead five hundred thousand troops against the Buddhist Sect, awaiting Gu Jin Nian's orders."

"The decision rests with Gu Jin Nian; if he issues the order to eradicate the Buddhist Sect, I require you, Duke, to annihilate the Da Xia Buddhist Sect within three days."

"Completely eradicate the Buddhist Sect."

Emperor Yongsheng's voice was somewhat cold; his intention was even greater—to slaughter every Buddhist Sect in Da Xia.

And this task must be carried out by Duke Zhen Guo.

"I understand," the minister said.

Duke Zhen Guo hesitated hardly at all; he could discern Emperor Yongsheng's meaning.

Eradicating the Buddhist Sect will inevitably incur heavenly punishment, and although it appears Gu Jin Nian is leading it, in fact the Da Xia Dynasty and Duke Zhen Guo are directing it.

Gu Jin Nian's orders are merely to display authority.

But all the consequences will be borne by the Da Xia Dynasty and Duke Zhen Guo, who will each use their own methods to share the pressure for Gu Jin Nian.

After this battle, people across the world will loudly denounce the Gu Family, curse Grandfather Gu, criticize the Da Xia Dynasty, and although Gu Jin Nian will also be somewhat implicated.

Regardless, the biggest trouble will fall upon the two of them.

They do not wish for Gu Jin Nian to encounter trouble; Gu Jin Nian is Da Xia's future, and as elders, how could they let the younger generation bear the consequences? "Your Majesty, the task of eradicating the Buddhist Sect is still too great; let this old minister go alone. The Buddhist Sect has unparalleled masters, and if Gu Jin Nian were to act alone, I am concerned,"

Nevertheless, Duke Zhen Guo was still somewhat worried, so he proposed to go alone and bear all the consequences.

But Emperor Yongsheng shook his head and said.

"I have already informed Mr. Eastern; he will seek Gu Jin Nian and protect him from the shadows. Duke Zhen Guo, do not worry."

"Moreover, Gu Jin Nian must step forward; the contest for Heaven's Mandate is imminent, and he must undertake this task. After the Buddhist Sect is eradicated, I will bestow the nation's destiny upon Gu Jin Nian, and then the final Heaven's Mandate of Da Xia will also belong to him."

"As long as Gu Jin Nian obtains more Heaven's Mandate seals at the Jixia Academy, this will be accomplished. Then the Emperor and the Duke can peacefully attend to the affairs of the dynasty, and everything else will be entirely up to Gu Jin Nian himself."

Emperor Yongsheng waved his hand, his expression serious; he was determined to have Gu Jin Nian step forward.

This is also part of his scheme; he wants Gu Jin Nian to obtain the final Heaven's Mandate seal of Da Xia.

He uses the eradication of the Buddhist Sect to cooperate with Gu Jin Nian.

Upon hearing this, Duke Zhen Guo was surprised this time; firstly, Mr. Eastern had indeed been summoned, a peerless master among mortals, the strongest martial presence in Da Xia.

Secondly, after all, Gu Jin Nian is still an in‑law, not Emperor Yongsheng's son.

He did not expect Emperor Yongsheng to place the entire future of Da Xia onto Gu Jin Nian, even granting him the nation's destiny.

This is the utmost favor, and also the utmost trust.

"Your Majesty, old minister"

Duke Zhen Guo opened his mouth, and for a moment he didn't know what to say.

"Grandfather Gu."

"Back then you followed me in launching the Jiande Rebellion; within Da Xia there was not a single soldier who supported me, only you, Grandfather Gu, supported me."

"After the new dynasty, you promptly retired with fame; I know you were helping me, but I also understand that the endless words of the world are an invisible sharp blade."

"I do not know what to say, nor what to do. Now Gu Jin Nian displays his talent; he is my nephew, and I will return all my kindness to Gu Jin Nian."

Within Jinian's veins, royal blood ultimately flows; I trust Grandfather Gu, and I also trust Jinian.

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, voicing his thoughts.

He feared no gossip, nor worried about the Gu Family rebelling; this is a kind of trust, also a display of resolve.

At this point, Grandfather Gu couldn't help but take a deep breath, then bowed deeply toward Emperor Yongsheng.

"Your Majesty is wise."

Hearing this, Emperor Yongsheng replied dismissively.

"It is not my wisdom, but Jinian's excellence."

"However, there is a matter that the Duke of Zhen Guo must acknowledge."

Emperor Yongsheng said this with great solemnity and seriousness.

"Your Majesty, what matter?"

Duke Zhen Guo was somewhat curious.

"First you agree to me, then I will tell you what it is."

Emperor Yongsheng's gaze was full of seriousness.

"If you say Jinian is learning from Your Majesty, then this old minister will not agree."

Duke Zhen Guo thought for a moment, roughly guessed what it was, and thus shook his head.

Emperor Yongsheng: "…"

Emperor Yongsheng felt somewhat helpless; he had made such concessions and spoken so earnestly, and you, my lord, actually refuse even this?

Moreover, is it so hard to acknowledge another's excellence? At the same time—

Guiyang County.

Puhan Temple.

In the main hall, Su Huaiju's figure appeared.

In the Buddhist temple's main hall, hundreds of monks sat on both sides, expressionless, chanting sutras with vacant eyes.

In the hall, an old monk sat cross‑legged on the ground, hands clasped, gazing at Su Huaiju.

"Amitabha."

"Please, benefactor, return and inform Lord Hou: Qingqian is a fox spirit; entering our Buddhist temple is a grave heresy, moreover stealing our sect's treasures, a great sin. I, the old monk, must act for Heaven's Mandate; the Upper Vajrayana has already agreed."

"No one can stop this; Lord Hou possesses benevolent virtue, which I respect, but the Buddhist sect has its own rules; please understand, benefactor."

The old monk spoke, looking at the other and saying thus.

Facing such words, Su Huaiju remained calm.

"What about the Yaochi Fairy?"

Su Huaiju asked.

"The Yaochi Fairy is the same."

The other replied.

"The Yaochi Fairy is not a demon race; why must she be converted?"

Su Huaiju opened, questioning the other.

"Amitabha."

"Yaochi is a disciple of the Linglong Fairy Palace; though of the immortal sect, she has already become tainted, and should be converted; this is a matter of the Buddhist sect."

The old monk continued.

Earlier it was said the Yaochi Fairy would be spared; now it seems another order has been received.

"Fine."

"Indeed, excellent."

"May I ask, does the Buddhist sect truly intend to take this step?"

"Qingqian Fairy and Yaochi Fairy are sent by Lord Hou; you are within Da Xia, truly unafraid that Lord Hou, in a rage, would annihilate the Buddhist sect?"

"With such great cause and effect, are you truly unafraid?"

Su Huaiju spoke, looking at the other and saying thus.

However, the latter, with a calm expression, said.

"Our Buddhist sect's actions fully follow Heaven's Way, with no harm to Heaven or reason; Qingqian and Yaochi bear deep sins, aiding tyrants; the sect has no desire to kill them, only to convert them."

"Just to make them understand right and wrong; it is the benefactor who is being sophistical."

The other spoke lightly, utterly unafraid.

This is also reasonable.

After all, having dared this, why fear a few threats? "Convert?"

"What a conversion; you truly think Su knows nothing, what scheme are you playing?"

"It is merely to enrage Lord Hou, cause the Da Xia Dynasty to destroy Buddhism; for the whole sect, sacrificing a few can garner countless support, and also summon natural disasters upon the Da Xia Dynasty."

"Then all responsibility can be shifted onto Lord Hou, onto the Da Xia Dynasty."

"Using this chance to further suppress the Da Xia Dynasty, allowing the Buddhist sect to take root in Da Xia; this is your plot, right?"

Su Huaiju spoke, his expression calm, looking at them and saying thus.

Upon hearing this, the old monk's face remained expressionless, yet his heart was filled with astonishment.

Because what Su Huaiju mentioned is exactly what their Buddhist sect intends to do.

That is impossible.

Why does Su Huaiju know this? "The benefactor truly makes connections; indeed, those who are with the Marquis of Heaven's Mandate are different—sharp‑tongued, and adept at weaving tales."

The old monk spoke; he did not deny, but answered in another way.

Association?

Heh.

I actually want to see whether your Buddhist sect's plan can succeed.

Su Huaiyu said no more; since the Buddhist sect insists on this path, he had no reason to block it.

Only the voice of the abbot of Pu Han Temple rang out.

"Patron, this old monk sees that you harbor resentment in your heart, a sinful person; please do not leave yet, let this old monk guide you."

The abbot of Pu Han Temple spoke.

He said calmly.

But when those words were spoken, Su Huaiyu showed no fear at all; instead, they stood still, looking at the other calmly and said.

"Please, venerable monk, make a move."

"I, Su, want to see who in this world can guide me."

Su Huaiyu's voice was calm, showing no fear of the other.

When those words were spoken, the abbot of Pu Han Temple slightly frowned; to be honest, he truly could not see through Su Huaiyu.

Moreover, Su Huaiyu's manner of speaking left him feeling uncertain.

After a brief moment, he still did not act, but sighed and said.

"I hope the patron can turn back in time and lay down the slaughter knife."

He spoke, but ultimately did not act, and the reason remains unknown.

"When tomorrow the slaughter knife appears above your head, let's see whether you can remain so calm."

Su Huaiyu spoke, and after saying this, left directly.

After he left Pu Han Temple.

Su Huaiyu let out a long sigh.

It seemed somewhat like a feeling of relief.

"Fortunately I didn't act; otherwise trouble would have truly arisen."

Su Huaiyu muttered to themselves and then left the place.

When Su Huaiyu had left.

Inside Pu Han Temple, a monk opened his eyes and said to the abbot,

"Abbot, why not guide him?"

Someone asked, their gaze full of curiosity.

"He cannot move."

"This person has a huge problem; just now this old monk had an intuition that if we act on him, the entire Buddhist sect would be implicated, a calamity from which it would never recover."

"We need to investigate what background Su Huaiyu truly has."

The abbot of Pu Han Temple spoke.

He indeed had that intuition just now; daring to act on Su Huaiyu would bring a cataclysmic disaster, affecting not Pu Han Temple, nor the Da Xia Buddhist sect, but the Buddhist sects of the entire world.

For a moment, the monks were startled and could not believe it.

One person can affect the Buddhist sects of the whole world?

In fact, the abbot of Pu Han Temple did not want to believe it, yet he truly had that misapprehension just now.

"Go inform the master, the plan is complete; we, monks of the Da Xia Buddhist sect, are ready to face the great calamity."

In the end he said so, then fell silent.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye, the next day arrived.

Inside the Imperial Academy.

The imperial examinations had also completely concluded.

Gu Jin Nian spent two days reviewing the answer sheets, and basically each one was primarily examined by Gu Jin Nian.

He read every answer sheet carefully and thoroughly.

He would not arbitrarily score them just because the writing was poor or the characters were a bit messy.

He took "Prosperous Era" as the theme.

As long as the answer sheet could truly help the nation and develop the dynasty, he would give it a high score.

As for those who merely speak of being common folk but take no concrete action, or write empty grandiose essays, Gu Jin Nian uniformly gave them low scores.

After the review was finished, the papers were handed to other Great Scholars for re‑examination, three checks and three readings, and finally the dossiers were submitted to the emperor.

The emperor selected and read them, and ultimately gave the best batch of answer sheets a final seal.

The whole process required seven days.

After these matters were settled, Gu Jin Nian rose and walked out of the room.

It was already night.

The old master had already returned; because of the reviewing, Gu Jin Nian had not gone back to his residence, planning to wait until the rooster hour, send off the answer sheets, then return to the Gu Family.

But at that moment,

a figure appeared not far away.

It was Su Huaiyu's figure.

He rushed at top speed to Da Xia Capital.

"Lord Hou."

"Pu Han Temple does not intend to release anyone."

Moreover, the Yaochi Fairy has also been detained, to be transformed together.

Su Huaiyu spoke.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian's face remained expressionless, as if he had long anticipated it.

"A calamity is about to strike within Da Xia."

"The Buddhist sect had calculated this, so it uses this opportunity to let me voluntarily step into the trap."

Gu Jin Nian stood with his hands behind his back, gazing at the heavens, and said thus.

He could not possibly fail to guess the Buddhist sect's actions.

"Lord, what are your thoughts?"

Su Huaiyu opened his mouth, asking Gu Jin Nian.

"Su brother, what do you think I should do?"

Gu Jin Nian looked at Su Huaiyu and asked the other.

"Lord, do you want to hear the truth or the lie?"

Su Huaiyu asked.

"You speak the lie first."

Gu Jin Nian looked at the other and asked.

"Kill."

Su Huaiyu's expression turned icy as he said.

"And the truth?"

Gu Jin Nian continued to ask.

"Kill his mother."

Su Huaiyu's eyes were filled with murderous intent.

Gu Jin Nian gave a faint smile at that moment.

He then left the Tribute Courtyard directly.

He headed straight for the Da Xia Imperial Palace.

He was alone.

Wearing a single scholar's robe.

He arrived outside the Da Xia Imperial Palace.

Afterwards.

A voice rang out, echoing throughout the Da Xia Capital.

"I, Gu Jin Nian, have urgent business to report."

"The Ministry of Rites reports that the Buddhist sect is building temples en masse, ignoring the court's protocols, extorting the people's wealth, committing the chief crime against the Xiongnu, erecting the Immortal Banner, and trampling Da Xia's national prestige."

"This is an unforgivable great crime."

"I, today, earnestly petition Your Majesty to muster a great army to annihilate all Buddhist lands within Da Xia."

Outside the palace.

Gu Jin Nian's voice was utterly calm.

Yet it was filled with resolve.

In an instant, many forces in the Da Xia Capital were shocked.

"Permission granted."

"Grant the Da Xia Dragon Talisman to the Marquis of the State, along with 500,000 troops, to seize dragon boats, treasure ships, Da Xia dragon cannons, and campaign against the Buddhist sect."

"Those who dissent shall be killed without mercy."

A moment later.

Deep within the palace.

Emperor Yongsheng's voice rang out, utterly indifferent.

He answered in the affirmative directly.

Eradicate the Buddhists.

It is not only to suppress the Buddhist sect, but chiefly to strike the mountain and rattle the tiger.

"I, obey the decree!"

Outside the palace, Gu Jin Nian bowed once toward Emperor Yongsheng.

He then turned and left, heading to the Gu Family.

A quarter hour later.

Figures hurried into the palace, officials and generals, to counsel the emperor.

Meanwhile,

Outside the capital, warhorses galloped toward the various army camps.

"Assemble!"

"By His Majesty's command, the great army assembles to campaign against the Buddhist sect!"

A voice of immense authority sounded.

It was filled with intensity.

In an instant, all camps began to reorganize, soldiers donned armor, and warhorses surged.

Gather 500,000 troops.

Encircle and crush the Buddhist sect.

This is a huge matter!

(End of chapter)