Chapter 17: This Little Mouth, Smearing Honey?

A human silhouette appears.

He looks over fifty, half his hair white, his expression solemn, yet still somewhat heroic; one can imagine his looks were not unsightly in his youth.

The most striking thing is his aura.

He sits atop the dragon carriage, seated upright, yet exudes a terrifying presence.

This is imperial authority.

Even a mere flicker of his eyelid carries an awe‑inspiring aura.

Yongsheng Emperor.

A man who truly rose from a mountain of corpses, the immediate emperor.

Gu Jin Nian knows a bit about the Yongsheng Emperor, after all he is his uncle.

This Yongsheng Emperor, in his youth, followed the founding emperor to quell rebellions; at seven he was already on battlefields, accompanying a host of famous generals, learning warfare.

He killed enemies at ten, and after coming of age repeatedly achieved extraordinary feats.

Even the crown prince then could not clash with him, but after the founding emperor established the realm, upheld Confucianism, and observed seniority, this Yongsheng Emperor naturally missed the throne.

Unfortunately, fate played tricks; they thought everything was settled, yet did not anticipate the crown prince's sudden fatal illness, dying in his prime.

In the end, the founding emperor overcame all opposition and insisted on enthroning his great‑grandson, who is the Yongsheng Emperor's nephew.

What followed was far simpler: one feared his fourth uncle's rebellion, the other could not swallow his resentment yet knew it was unavoidable; the uncle and nephew then engaged in decades of deadly rivalry.

In the end, the winner was this Yongsheng Emperor.

Now twelve years have passed, yet the world has not forgotten the incident; perhaps because of it, the emperor works diligently, handling everything personally, governing the nation, hoping to prove himself this way.

To prove to the world that his father chose the wrong person.

Of course, this is merely speculation by ordinary people; the exact truth remains unknown.

Divine intent is hard to fathom.

However, when Gu Jin Nian cast his gaze, the ruler of Da Xia also turned his eyes toward him.

The two stared at each other.

With just one glance, Gu Jin Nian felt a little uneasy, and the latter extended a hand, causing the dragon carriage to halt instantly.

And Li Shi, the Da Xia Princess Ningyue, also noticed her own brother.

"Nian'er, make your words sweeter later."

Li Shi reminded him again, then pulled Gu Jin Nian toward the Yongsheng Emperor.

"Princess Ningyue, may I have an audience with Your Majesty."

"Gu Jin Nian has seen uncle."

As the voice rang out, Princess Ningyue had already arrived before the Da Xia Emperor.

"No formalities needed."

The Da Xia Emperor's voice sounded, and the next moment his gaze landed directly on Gu Jin Nian, followed by an involuntary cold snort.

This made Gu Jin Nian feel a bit depressed; aren't uncles supposed to cherish their nephews? Why the cold snort? He dared not speak, yet muttered to himself.

"Princess Ningyue, what brings you to the palace?"

The Da Xia Emperor withdrew his gaze and looked at Princess Ningyue; he knew the answer but asked knowingly.

"Your Majesty."

"My sister comes to the palace: first to bring Gu Jin Nian to see the imperial grandmother, second to seek redress."

Princess Ningyue spoke, not shying away despite the presence of these servants.

"Seek redress? What grievance?"

The Da Xia emperor glanced at his own sister; there was no other emotion on his face, only a hint of displeasure.

"Your Majesty, a few days ago, Nian'er was pushed into the water by Yang Kai's daughter, nearly drowning, and rumors spread that Nian'er had made advances first; now that he has recovered his memory, he recalls the whole cause and effect."

"The whole matter is Yang Kai's daughter spouting nonsense, turning right and wrong upside down."

"Now the whole city is debating, especially the scholars, each sharper‑tongued than the last; if not stopped, it will become settled, and Nian'er will unjustly suffer an undeserved grievance."

Princess Ningyue cared not for her brother's expression; she said whatever she wanted, regardless of whether he liked it.

Sure enough, upon hearing that, the Da Xia emperor's coldness deepened.

"An undeserved grievance?"

"Your son, spoiled by you, not only the outside people but even I in the palace often hear of Gu Jin Nian's misdeeds."

"Just after regaining his vigor, he almost quarreled with a disciple of the Minister of Rites, insulting the Minister as old yet undying."

"Is this the good son you raised?"

The Da Xia emperor's voice lacked malice but carried a hint of anger.

The surrounding eunuchs and maids remained silent, though none appeared especially flustered.

After all, discerning eyes could see the emperor wouldn't truly hold a grudge against his nephew; it was merely a reprimand.

A genuine outburst would not be like this.

Hearing these words, Gu Jin Nian instantly understood.

What a fellow, Zhou Ning, that bastard, actually filed a complaint? And he complained to his own uncle? Good, good.

Gu Jin Nian had thought the other party was an adult; even if displeased, they should resolve matters in an adult manner.

He didn't expect that? Two insults and then a complaint? Damn dog.

Just you wait, old man.

A nameless fury rose in Gu Jin Nian's heart; it's not that he forbids others from complaining, but this matter was clearly the other's fault first—he targets me, I insult him a couple of times, and that's that.

A grudge has been formed; we'll see who has the stronger hand later.

But he didn't expect they'd go straight to filing a complaint? And with this reaching the emperor's ears, it's certainly no trivial matter.

No matter how big the matter, once it reaches the emperor's ears, it will never be too big.

But no matter how small the matter, once it reaches the emperor's ears, it will not be too small.

That's very disgusting.

It indirectly damages the relationship between oneself and one's uncle.

"Is that so?"

Princess Ning Yue truly did not know about this, and she couldn't help but glance at Gu Jin Nian.

Feeling his mother's gaze, Gu Jin Nian did not appear flustered; instead, with a calm expression, he said.

"Mother."

"It was Master Zhou who first caused trouble for the child, and Steward Wang can bear witness."

Gu Jin Nian replied calmly.

Upon hearing this, a trace of gloom flickered in Princess Ning Yue's eyes; after all, her son was now mired in controversy, and if he provoked further trouble, it would be truly hard to escape the mire.

"Master Zhou first caused you trouble?"

"You are just a student; why would he pick a fight with you?"

"Why doesn't he trouble me?"

The Yongsheng Emperor said irritably.

But the next moment, without waiting for Lady Li to speak, Gu Jin Nian spoke first.

"He is somewhat overbearing, but a person isn't foolish; bothering you is courting death, isn't it?"

Gu Jin Nian muttered.

Upon hearing this, the Yongsheng Emperor was taken aback.

He was inexplicably at a loss for words.

Well, this kid really dares, even daring to confront the emperor's mouth?

"Nian'er, you must not speak recklessly."

Princess Ning Yue said a word, but it was merely a remark, for she thought her son was not wrong.

"You are just spoiled."

The Yongsheng Emperor said irritably.

"Uncle, your words are meaningless now."

"You ran away from home at seven, dared to go onto the battlefield and kill enemies; my scolding you with a couple of sour remarks is nothing."

"Moreover, the reasoning lies with me; if you don't believe it, let him come, my nephew dares to confront him."

Gu Jin Nian continued.

Although he knew he should speak cautiously, he also knew the matter had to be clarified; otherwise, looking back, it would leave an impression of rudeness in the emperor's mind, which would be troublesome.

"You kid, how did you suddenly become so slick‑tongued?"

Upon hearing Gu Jin Nian's reply, the Yongsheng Emperor was not angry; rather, he was curious how Gu Jin Nian had suddenly become so eloquent.

After all, what Gu Jin Nian spoke of was not a bad thing; on the contrary, it was something he was proud of.

"Uncle."

"The sage says, a gentleman cherishes virtue, a petty person cherishes profit."

"I don't think this is slick talk; it's merely a normal defense of the imperial family's and Gu Family's honor."

Gu Jin Nian said with a casual expression; he had not yet been crowned, so he could call him uncle, and after being crowned he would have to address him as His Majesty, so calling him uncle repeatedly was also a way to draw closer.

And these words are from the Analects; the meaning is simple: a gentleman thinks of virtue, a petty person thinks of profit.

Zhou Ning caused me trouble because he is a student of the Minister of Rites; he merely wants to curry favor with the Minister of Rites.

Upon hearing this, everyone became somewhat curious.

Even the Yongsheng Emperor couldn't help but show a hint of curiosity.

After all, whether in the Gu Family or the imperial court, Gu Jin Nian was the archetype of a mischievous child; no one expected him today to utter such a reasonable sentence.

It truly is unbelievable.

Compared with his earlier remarks, this statement carries weight, like that of a scholar.

Nevertheless, surprise aside, education still must be given.

"Even so, as a student, how can you utter such treasonous words? And why curse the Minister of Rites?"

The Yongsheng Emperor said.

Gu Jin Nian, however, was unabashed; he sensed that his uncle still had feelings for him, at least not completely favoring the other side.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian continued, "Uncle, my nephew acts this way solely because a gentleman speaks frankly."

"Furthermore, if a child is not taught, it is the father's fault."

"Master Zhou erred first; his teacher is the Minister of Rites, so he is naturally responsible."

Gu Jin Nian spoke again, giving his answer.

This time, the Yongsheng Emperor was thoroughly surprised.

When did my nephew become so articulate?

Speak as a gentleman, stay silent as a gentleman—there's something there; could it be that after a serious illness he had an epiphany?

But as an elder and the Yongsheng Emperor, he naturally could not be so casual.

"Suffering a loss can be a blessing; sometimes a bit of forbearance—what else can it achieve?"

The Yongsheng Emperor said slowly.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian felt somewhat helpless.

Isn't this pure moral blackmail?

"Uncle, that nephew can only wish you blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea."

Gu Jin Nian lowered his head and muttered.

Yongsheng Emperor: "."

All the eunuchs: "."

In an instant, the surging resentment gathered and poured in, seeping into the ancient tree, instantly forming a fruit, several times larger than before.

This made Gu Jin Nian somewhat surprised.

Indeed, the emperor's resentment is worth money.

And Princess Ningyue beside him was also speechless; this unlucky child, how does he speak? "Enough, enough."

"It just so happens that I will soon look for Yang Kai to handle some official duties; I will take care of this matter."

"But there is one thing: no matter what, you must not speak nonsense; Jin Nian, you have not yet come of age, so I won't say much about you."

"But if you continue to rely on your mother's favor and act recklessly, then don't blame me for personally disciplining you."

"Ningyue, take Jin Nian to see the Empress Dowager."

The Yongsheng Emperor spoke up, really being rendered speechless by Gu Jin Nian—does anyone bless like that?

I said suffering is a blessing, and you give me a blessing as vast as the Eastern Sea?

Good fellow, your mouth is smeared with honey.

"Then I won't bother Your Majesty; I, your subject, will take my leave first."

Princess Ningyue bowed again, then took Gu Jin Nian away, also understanding the meaning of the Da Xia Emperor in her heart.

"Nephew, take your leave first; Uncle, don't overexert yourself handling state affairs."

Gu Jin Nian also spoke up obediently, bringing a sense of relief to this Da Xia Emperor.

Although just now it was a bit stern, that's because this nephew of mine loves to play; as an elder, I naturally ought to educate him well.

Moreover, he is an emperor.

After all, Gu Jin Nian is his only nephew, and he still cherishes him from the bottom of his heart.

As Gu Jin Nian and the others walked away.

The Yongsheng Emperor's gaze instantly calmed, his face devoid of any smile.

"Wei Xian."

"Tomorrow, take my edict and make a trip to the Xuan Deng Office; there are indeed some unsavory voices within the capital."

"I don't want to hear such idle gossip again."

"It's perfect; you and Liu Yan will together familiarize yourselves with the Xuan Deng Office, so you won't be unfamiliar with the procedures when handling affairs later."

He opened his mouth, but a single sentence contained various different meanings.

The eunuchs kneeling on both sides instantly showed extreme delight, but they kept their heads lowered, so this joy could not be seen.

Yet their bodies still trembled slightly, showing that the two were extremely excited.

About two quarters of an hour later.

Gu Jin Nian also followed his mother to the Zhai Xin Palace.

This is where the Empress Dowager resides.

Upon Princess Ningyue's arrival, palace maids had long been waiting outside; upon seeing her, they immediately stepped forward to greet her.

Upon entering the palace, the strange flowers and sights left Gu Jin Nian clicking his tongue in amazement.

One must say, the imperial palace is forever the most extravagant building; even a random palace inside cannot compare to the duke's mansion.

After a brief stroll to view the lanterns.

Gu Jin Nian then came to the main hall of the palace.

Stepping into the main hall, one sees a kind‑looking elderly woman holding a sutra, squinting her eyes as she examines it closely.

The elderly woman wore a blue dragon robe, had nine jade hairpins inserted in her head, and wore a string of pearls, looking extremely splendid.

This is the Empress Dowager of the Da Xia Dynasty, Zhou Empress Dowager, who once served the Taizu and is certainly no ordinary person.

At this moment, before Lady Li could speak first, Gu Jin Nian had already run over all the way.

"Jin Nian pays respects to his grand empress."

"May the grand empress have blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea and longevity comparable to the Southern Mountain."

Gu Jin Nian smiled broadly, pure and innocent; as soon as he spoke, he uttered all kinds of nice words, which somewhat surprised Lady Li.

She was not the first time bringing Gu Jin Nian here; although he is relatively affectionate toward his grand empress, he has never behaved like this before.

But this is a good thing; she also likes it in her heart and doesn't care about anything else.

And Gu Jin Nian is very straightforward.

"Just kidding, who is this?"

"The Da Xia Empress Dowager!"

Who in the world doesn't know that the Yongsheng Emperor values filial piety? One could say that throughout Da Xia, he is the living embodiment of the second‑most important figure, and in some matters he is even the foremost.

If one doesn't painstakingly try to please him, is one's brain not sick? "Little Year has come?"

"Oh dear, let the grand empress take a look."

The Zhou Empress Dowager, who had been examining the book, suddenly heard Gu Jin Nian's voice and involuntarily looked over.

Upon seeing Gu Jin Nian, the smile on her face instantly intensified manyfold.

One must say that the reason Gu Jin Nian is so favored in the Gu family, including Princess Ningyue's exalted status there, is...

The main reason is that the current empress dowager especially likes Gu Jin Nian.

No one understands this.

You say that in a generational bond, the crown prince is also the empress dowager's grandson, yet the crown prince is not especially favored before Empress Dowager Zhou.

It might be because he's old.

But there is still an heir apparent, ah.

However, although Empress Dowager Zhou likes the heir apparent, everyone in the Abstain Heart Palace knows that Empress Dowager Zhou dotes most on this maternal grandson.

This is an open secret.

"Ning Yue pays respects to the Empress Dowager."

"May the Empress Dowager enjoy blessings as vast as the Eastern Sea and longevity comparable to the Southern Mountain."

At this moment, Lady Li also stepped forward and paid respects to Empress Dowager Zhou.

"Good, good, good."

Empress Dowager Zhou was extremely delighted, yet she didn't even glance at her own daughter, instead pulling Gu Jin Nian, her face full of concern.

"Oh, my dear grandson, how have you become so thin?"

"Has your illness healed?"

"Is there anywhere that feels uncomfortable? Would you like Grandmother to have the imperial physician take a look?"

Empress Dowager Zhou gazed at Gu Jin Nian with a face full of concern, her aged hand also gripping him, showing extra affection.

"Grandmother, Nian'er is already fine."

"On the contrary, Grandmother, you need to rest properly; on the way here, Mother told me that when Nian'er was seriously ill, Grandmother lost appetite for tea and food, which easily harms the body, so you must take good care of yourself."

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, instead showing concern for his own grandmother.

Sure enough, as soon as he said that, Empress Dowager Zhou almost burst into tears, she stroked Gu Jin Nian's head, her heart full of warmth and emotion.

"Still, my grandson is well-behaved, knowing to care for his grandmother; grandmother is relieved to see you are well."

"Come, come, Nian'er, have some snacks."

"Bai Ying, quickly have the Imperial Kitchen prepare some spirit food."

Empress Dowager Zhou was very kind and directly ordered the nearby eunuch to prepare spirit food.

"Yes."

The eunuch beside him immediately nodded, his face also full of smiles.

"Mother, Nian'er has just recovered; the imperial physician said we must not supplement further, or else trouble will arise."

"Eunuch Bai Ying, just prepare some fruit; no need to prepare spirit food."

Princess Ning Yue spoke up, informing Gu Jin Nian of his condition.

"Fine, fine, fine; we'll do whatever the imperial physician says."

"Nian'er, come, let grandmother take a good look."

Empress Dowager Zhou nodded casually; she didn't care about these things, her heart entirely on Gu Jin Nian.

In the deep courtyards of the imperial palace, even as Empress Dowager, she is often lonely; although many concubines come to pay respects in the harem, all they do is vie for favor and jealousy.

She naturally grew weary, but Gu Jin Nian is different—how could one not be delighted when one's own grandson comes? Yet, just at this moment.

The maid's voice suddenly sounded.

"Empress Dowager."

"The Empress has brought the Heir Apparent."

As the voice sounded, Empress Dowager Zhou's smile obviously diminished somewhat.

(End of chapter)