Chapter 175

"Alright."

"As for the matter of the Jixia Academy, I will take care of it for you; you need not worry or overthink it."

"If three months won't do, I will help you postpone it by six months."

"As the contest for Heaven's Mandate unfolds today, the major schools are actually waiting; they don't want it to start so soon and wish to prepare properly. If I step forward and request a three‑month delay, I think those people will agree."

"Gu Jin Nian, I don't expect you to obtain two Heaven's Mandate seals at the Jixia Academy, but at least one should be secured. Moreover, it's time for you to start learning about the schools."

"If you still don't join a school, you'll suffer heavy losses in the future conflicts."

"It's like your current clash with the Buddhist sect; do you know why no one from the Confucian‑Daoist side comes to your aid?"

"Su Wenjing spoke softly, bringing up the matter."

"Simply because you haven't joined a school?"

"Gu Jin Nian slightly frowned."

"Hmm."

"Gu Jin Nian, as a later saint of the Confucian‑Daoist tradition, this is Confucius's selection, recognized by all under Heaven. Yet that recognition merely acknowledges your talent; many admire you, especially because you are at the Da Xia Academy."

"After the Kong Family's Main Residence, many people will come to visit you in person; it's not to take you as a disciple, but to draw you into these schools."

"The Confucian‑Daoist world actually splits into two realms. For a newly studying scholar, poetry, lyrics, and ornate prose constitute the first type—mere leisure entertainment, a quick way to gain fame."

"The true Confucian‑Daoist aspect is the rivalry among schools, i. e., scholarship; their purpose is singular—to determine the direction of Confucian‑Daoism."

"These individuals are the real big shots of Confucian‑Daoism; beyond their cultivation, their power and lineage matter most. Though they may be in their seventies or eighties, seemingly useless, their disciples are spread across the world."

"In truth, it's because you were too ruthless, summoning Confucius directly from the Kong Family's Main Residence. Otherwise, given the contradictions of the time, you could have truly witnessed the Kong family's methods."

"The Kong family's tactics aren't as simple as scholars just cursing at you; honestly, the Kong family is unlucky, and it's also destiny."

"When Su Wenjing mentioned this matter, he inevitably brought up the Kong Family's Main Residence."

"Nothing else."

"Who is the strongest force in Confucian‑Daoism? Isn't it the Kong Family's Main Residence?"

"So this mighty force was eliminated by a single move of Gu Jin Nian. To put it bluntly, before Gu Jin Nian summoned Confucius, anyone who dared claim they could suppress the Kong family would have been ridiculed by scholars across the realm."

"Because the Kong family is a colossal entity."

"The Da Xia Kong family is the main house, a massive treasure ship, and its branches are linked treasure ships sailing together in the ocean, overwhelmingly powerful."

"A tug on one hair moves the entire body."

"Moreover, every member of the Kong family makes friends, gathers disciples, and the network built over millennia is simply unimaginable."

"Indeed, many people dislike the Kong family and look down on it, but so what?"

"Most people are common folk; how many scholars can withstand the Kong family's recruitment? Suppose you're a low‑born disciple with decent talent and you passed the imperial examination. If at that moment a member of the Kong family asks whether you wish to join their school, what would you choose?"

"Choosing to refuse? To slap the Kong family's face? What you can be sure of is that those examinees ranked below you will go off to become officials across the land, while you remain in the capital, waiting as a substitute, serving as a chronicler in the university hall."

"This position has always been vacant, especially since Emperor Yongsheng is constructing the Grand Yongsheng Ceremony, which lacks personnel. If you object and file a petition, such an over‑stepping complaint will ensure you are never promoted again."

"So even if you possess great talent, they still won't employ you; what can you do?"

"How many chances does one have in life to turn things around?"

"If you choose to accept their school, they'll immediately assign you as a county magistrate. Don't underestimate that role; in a township, you're the boss—whatever you say becomes law."

"You can showcase your abilities, or you may simply lie low, make money and enjoy life. If trouble arises, as long as it's minor, the Kong family will help resolve it."

"If you stay out of trouble and even achieve political merits, the Kong family will promote you, but what's the condition for promotion? It's that you can never escape the Kong family; they can raise you up, and they can also bring you down."

"When you reach your sixtieth year, you become a Vice Minister or a Minister of the Six Ministries; your son, your family, everything about you is deeply linked to the Kong family."

"At that moment, someone offends the Kong family—a person who happens to be the subordinate of your subordinate. What would you do? Dismiss him outright? No."

"If you have a conscience, you'd give him a sinecure, letting him idle through his life."

"If you lack conscience, you assign him an extremely tricky task; if he fails, you justifiably dismiss him, and even present a report to the emperor. In the emperor's eyes, regardless of the process, if you didn't do a good deed, it's your fault."

"If you succeed, it's a pleasant surprise; they take your work as their own merit and later reward you with an extra month's salary."

"Then they promote you half a rank and assign another tricky task; if you handle everything flawlessly, your talent will be unparalleled."

"Then thank you; when he becomes Prime Minister, he'll certainly promote you to Senior Clerk."

"Is that sufficient? What? You have something you didn't finish properly? Then go home."

"Get lost."

"This is the terrifying aspect of the Kong family, or one could say the horror of the Confucian school."

"Where there are people, there is the jianghu; where there is jianghu, there are forces and conflicts."

"Unfortunately, the once‑imperious Kong family was burned to the ground by Gu Jin Nian."

"Thus Su Wenjing knows that in Gu Jin Nian's mind, the Kong family is just that—the strongest force has been wiped out by himself, so what do other Confucian‑Daoist forces matter? In reality, Su Wenjing now wants to remind Gu Jin Nian that the one who destroyed the Kong family wasn't Gu Jin Nian, but Confucius."

"The first sage between Heaven and Earth."

"It is an invincible existence; only such a being could effortlessly eradicate the Kong family—not Gu Jin Nian, nor the Da Xia Dynasty."

"To put it bluntly, even if every force in the Eastern Wilderness united, they might still not affect the Kong family."

"Because the Central Continent Dynasty also needs the Kong family; their value to politics is of treasure‑class."

"Even if, while at the Kong family, Gu Jin Nian summoned a second‑generation saint, it might still not strike the Kong family so severely."

"Only Confucius."

"The ancestors of the Kong family personally suppressed the Kong family, causing it to have no counterforce whatsoever; it cannot have any retaliatory power."

"Sir."

"How many schools of Confucian‑Daoism are there now?"

"Gu Jin Nian asked curiously."

"There were four before; now there are three."

"Su Wenjing gave the answer."

"The Kong family was originally first; the Way of Confucius is supreme, but now you have pushed it down."

"The second is the Zhu School lineage; this school is remarkable, even the Kong family must treat it with caution. The Zhu School's doctrine is to preserve heavenly principle and extinguish human desire, demanding scholars to be harsh with themselves and meticulous in conduct, that every action and every word must emulate the saints; there are many followers of this lineage."

"Previously the Kong family also had many Great Scholars, some of whom admired the Zhu School's way."

Su Wenjing named the first school.

"Putting aside the universally required teachings of Confucius, the Zhu School lineage is undeniably the foremost school today."

"Preserve heavenly principle and extinguish human desire?"

Gu Jin Nian clicked his tongue in surprise; he hadn't expected such a doctrine to exist in this world.

"But on reflection it seemed reasonable; after all, Confucius embodies rites and the Dao, and scholarship is cyclical—over hundreds or thousands of years such thoughts are bound to arise."

"The notion of preserving heavenly principle while extinguishing human desire is especially complex; in the simplest terms, it means emulating saints everywhere, placing moral cultivation first, and whatever one does must follow the saints."

"The idea itself has little flaw, but it cannot withstand abuse; the most common misuse is demanding you study the saints while you yourself have not, yet it still allows people to berate you."

"That is tolerable; they merely criticize you, pick at you, and damage your reputation."

"The worst case is that by constantly studying saints you end up learning merely for the sake of learning, losing your original intent."

"Nevertheless, this school has the most followers, and Gu Jin Nian can probably understand that."

"The reason is simple: when you're out in the world, no matter what you do you can say, 'I am following the saints; I am invincible from the outset.'"

"It is quite possible that the saints never did this; after all, there are five saints—who knows what they actually did in their lives? Moreover, whether or not a saint actually performed an act, when I require a saint to have done that thing, that saint must have done it."

"It resembles that classic maxim, 'I have a friend.'"

"What about the third?"

Gu Jin Nian asked, noting that he had little interest in the Zhu School; he was himself, why emulate the saints? "The third is the Ming School, derived from the teachings of the second saint, demanding scholars to be wise and observe rites. You can forget about that; the Ming School has some opinions about you. They dislike contention and prefer to follow destiny, emphasizing rites, with the main focus on nurturing the body."

Su Wenjing said so.

Gu Jin Nian didn't know the Ming School well, but had heard of it.

"It is the way of rites."

Yang Kai is half a student of the Ming School.

"Sir, wasn't the Ming School mainstream a few years ago?"

Gu Jin Nian recalled something.

"Indeed, two thousand years ago it was mainstream, and scholars across the world revered the Ming School. After the strategists emerged, the Ming School fell into decline."

Su Wenjing nodded.

Gu Jin Nian suddenly realized that this matched his own thoughts.

"Indeed, two thousand years ago the Ming School was the world's mainstream; the wise spoke reason, great nations also argued with reason, placing rites first."

"At that time, when war broke out, envoys of the two states had to show mutual deference on the battlefield, then everyone followed the prescribed procedures; if the opponent suffered heavy losses and sounded the war‑ending gong, the fighting had to cease."

"They would even send supplies over, lest the other side encounter trouble."

"Later, when the strategists appeared, they fought without any rules—pursuing victory, employing deception, ambushes, fire attacks, sieges; essentially any means were used to win."

"Precisely because of this, many nations that upheld the Ming School perished, and over time the monarchs of various states observed."

"This doctrine kills people; it's easy to argue when everyone follows reason, but when you meet someone who doesn't, you can't play."

"And you have no recourse; you rally everyone to condemn him, making him uncomfortable, but to prevent everyone from condemning you, you simply wipe out everyone, so no one can speak against you."

"Thus the Ming School collapsed instantly, but with the arrival of a prosperous era it returned to the mainstream; of course this time it is a reformed Ming School, emphasizing rites among scholars, respecting teachers and the Dao."

"Heaven, earth, ruler, parent, and teacher constitute the core of the Ming School, perfectly matching political needs, so the Ming School was revived. Strategists still ignore it, but they will invoke it when needed and disregard it otherwise."

"What about the fourth?"

Gu Jin Nian continued to ask.

"The fourth is based on the Confucianism of the last saint, called National Studies; entering officialdom to benefit the common people."

Su Wenjing gave an explanation.

Gu Jin Nian understood.

"Currently the mainstream of the major dynasties is this; even if a person's scholarship is great, ability is ultimately limited, mainly determined by status and rank."

"A scholar becoming a teacher, even instructing a hundred students, three years per lesson, exhausting a lifetime of sixty years amounts to only two thousand students."

"And of those two thousand students, most can only reach the stage of literacy."

"At most two hundred can truly grasp reason, and only twenty to thirty can become proper scholars entering the Confucian Dao realm; among those, how many can truly sacrifice themselves to teach and enlighten?"

"Therefore, if one enters official service to solve the court's problems, first one becomes an official—a personal achievement that brings glory to one's clan; second, the higher the rank, a single thought or idea can alter countless lives, which is the true way to benefit the masses."

"National Studies ranking fourth is actually quite reasonable."

"First is the teachings of Confucius, the scholarship of the foremost saint of heaven and earth; all Confucian Dao stems from Confucius, and regardless of later changes, it cannot surpass Confucius' teachings. Even if one truly transcends them, scholars must still practice courtesy and humility."

"The Zhu School and the Ming School are both spiritual disciplines; National Studies inevitably carries a profit motive, so placing it fourth is somewhat reasonable—a balance."

"But Gu Jin Nian knows clearly that National Studies should rank first, because nine out of ten scholars want to become officials—that's human nature."

"Sir, besides these four, are there others?"

Gu Jin Nian asked curiously.

"There are, but the other schools each have various issues; for example, the Zongheng School, the Yin‑Yang School, myriad others, none of which have been recognized by the Jixia Academy."

"Jin Nian, according to my view, it would be better for you to join National Studies; your temperament isn't suited for the Zhu School, you cannot restrain yourself, and the Ming School already has some reservations about you—no need to invite trouble yourself."

"National Studies fits you perfectly; you are already a Great Summer Nobility, so entering National Studies is appropriate."

"Of course, the specifics depend on you."

Su Wenjing offered his thoughts.

"Student, think it over carefully."

Gu Jin Nian nodded, looking somewhat thoughtful.

"The teachings of Confucius serve as an enlightenment, and the Kong family has long held sway, focusing primarily on Confucius' teachings; it is equivalent to joining the Kong family, which Gu Jin Nian does not wish to do."

The Zhu school's teaching, to preserve heavenly principle and extinguish human desire, this thing is even less suitable for me, ah; it only suits those born with high moral character and extremely strong self‑control—such people are terrifying. He believes that if something shouldn't be done, he certainly won't do it.

For example, when eating, if one says not to waste, then not a bit can be wasted; in a sense, it's even harsher than Buddhist ascetic monks.

As for the Ming school, needless to say, the gentleman's way—if one doesn't understand flexibility, that's a fate of being bullied; although it can also show one's high moral character, the problem is that the one who feels wronged is oneself, ah.

National Learning, well, once you join, it inexplicably mixes in many things; politics—this thing—Gu Jin Nian actually doesn't really want to get involved.

His idea is simply to radiate his remaining light a bit, improve the country, help if he can, leave the rest for the dynasty to handle, and rest when he should rest—heading toward retirement while still working.

But Su Wenjing isn't wrong at all; currently, National Learning is indeed the most suitable for me.

Unless I don't join any school, then that wouldn't be good either.

"I need to give this careful thought."

Gu Jin Nian muttered to himself, these he isn't very satisfied with.

If I had to say what I'm most satisfied with, it's actually 'Mind School'; before crossing over, Gu Jin Nian had read Mind School, back then he didn't understand much, but having come to this world for such a long time and encountered so many things,

Gu Jin Nian grew increasingly interested in Mind School.

But there are too many things; there's simply no free time for him to properly contemplate.

Since he now faces a school choice, Gu Jin Nian plans to spend the coming period studying well, and also to calm his mind to comprehend this world's Confucian Way.

Gu Jin Nian feels that he has been too impatient during this period.

One should study, gain a clear understanding of a thing or two, and also reflect thoroughly.

"Mm."

"Go rest well."

Su Wenjing nodded.

Thus Gu Jin Nian took his leave and returned alone to his residence.

After the imperial examinations ended, Da Xia Academy became much quieter; ninety percent of the students returned home, similar to how Wang Fugui and them also went home for a visit.

The remaining people, more or less, also left the academy; aside from a few Great Scholars and Masters, there were no other scholars left in the academy.

Although it's a bit lonely, it's also considered tranquil.

Thus.

Half a month passed in a row.

During this half month, Gu Jin Nian went to bed early and rose early; by day he wrote state policies, by night he was comprehending the Dao, concerning Mind School.

One must say, looking back to understand Shou Ren's Mind School, Gu Jin Nian grew increasingly with countless thoughts.

This Mind School is extremely compatible with Gu Jin Nian's worldview.

Unity of knowledge and action is innate goodness.

Just this one sentence could occupy a lifetime of research.

What is knowledge? What is unity?

How to put into practice? And how to carry it out? These are all profound.

Gu Jin Nian can only slowly comprehend from the four teachings.

In the absence of good and evil in the body, there is movement when good and evil intentions arise.

Utmost good and utmost evil are innate goodness; to do good and eliminate evil is to investigate things.

Without these four sentences, Gu Jin Nian would find it hard to understand.

As for Mind School, Gu Jin Nian had also studied it before; Mind School actually originated from the Lesser Sage Mengzi, and Shou Ren gave Mind School a perfect supplement.

As for Confucian learning, everyone has their own perspective; over this half month, Gu Jin Nian has sometimes been utterly confused.

Even for several days, while sleeping and dreaming, he was thinking about Mind School.

Consequently, his thoughts were hard to connect.

But sometimes he felt he had grasped something, only for it to vanish in an instant.

This feeling is very painful, forcing Gu Jin Nian to forcibly shift his thoughts and focus his energy on state policies.

The reason is nothing else.

If he kept studying Mind School, he would surely run into trouble.

Lack of experience, forcing understanding, easily leads to going down a rabbit hole.

For many things, you don't know if they're right or wrong; today you think it means this, but tomorrow you'll think it means something else—back and forth like this, it's easy to run into big problems.

This time, Gu Jin Nian also came to understand why some old Confucian scholars often spend decades researching a single book.

"The academic saying is truly terrifying; I still need to increase my experience a bit to be able to understand. With my current cognition, forcibly trying to grasp the sage's intent would likely cause big problems."

Below the window, Gu Jin Nian bitterly smiled; to be honest, a few days ago he had also thought about spending some time to properly understand Mind School a bit.

Who knows, if he went to Jixia Academy, he might have originated Mind School, then chanting "unity of knowledge and action" would cause phenomena to burst forth, vying for the Heaven's Mandate Seal.

Now thinking about it, I'm still too young; many things seem understood, but actually I only grasp a little bit.

Only after experiencing some setbacks can one grow.

Therefore, Gu Jin Nian wholeheartedly devoted himself to state policies.

The Da Xia Dynasty remains my base of operations; to be frank, at first I was indeed a bit worried, fearing that my excellence would make my maternal uncle jealous, but later Gu Jin Nian gradually understood a few principles.

This is the Immortal Martial World; ordinary personal strength definitely can't match the dynasty's power, but when personal strength reaches a certain level, life and death are no longer for the dynasty to decide.

Just like me—if I took one more step forward, speaking bluntly, even if a future ruler wanted to kill me, it wouldn't be an easy task.

Moreover, why would a future ruler want to kill me? Simply thinking the dynasty is flourishing, killing two meritorious officials to add difficulty? The logic doesn't hold.

Therefore, the Da Xia Dynasty is my base of operations; Mr. Su Wenjing earlier said all that, urging me to join a school early, which is actually to find me a backer.

But after thinking back and forth during this period, Gu Jin Nian realized one thing: that the Da Xia Dynasty is also my backer, ah.

And it's the strongest backer.

I walk the Confucian Way, I walk the path of individual supremacy, and I have no desire to be emperor; plus, I'm also of the imperial family—if I truly wanted to do something, what reason would the court have to stop me? Moreover, the Confucian Way is born for the people; throughout ancient and modern times, as long as the ruler isn't a fool, what one actually wants is nothing other than national prosperity and people's peace; encountering a few warmongers, that's just expanding territory.

There's no conflict with oneself.

So making the Da Xia Dynasty prosper is not just about hoping my uncle becomes a dragon; more importantly, it's for all the people under heaven.

Letting the common folk live a little better counts as not having come here in vain; everyone has to do something, whether it's a lot or a little.

Of course, it's also mainly because this world is rather dull, so it gives me something to do. However, after some time of statistics and data compilation, Gu Jin Nian found that the Da Xia Dynasty truly has many problems.

Moreover, some problems are far more serious than I imagined.

Simply put, looking across history, any dynasty inevitably revolves around three matters.

【Centralized Imperial Power】

【External Conflicts】

【Grand Livelihood Plan】

Centralized imperial power disregards "division of power between ruler and ministers", "prince rebellions", and "the supremacy of divine authority".

Division of power between ruler and ministers— the prime minister is a typical example, diluting the emperor's authority— but that's acceptable; abolishing it has its advantages, keeping it also has its advantages.

Looking back, Ming Taizu abolished the prime minister system, and imperial power was strengthened like never before; is that a good thing?

On the surface, at least during Ming Taizu's reign it seemed beneficial, because the emperor alone decided, without worrying about this or that, and handling affairs was very efficient.

Later Zhu Yunwen, Zhu Di, Zhu Gaochi, and Zhu Zhanji were also quite fine, because they encountered a wise ruler.

When you have someone like the Ming War God, it's wonderful; without a prime minister's restraint, the emperor does whatever he wishes, and a half‑million army leads to the Tumu Crisis.

As a later saying goes, a pig leading a half‑million army into battle wouldn't lose so miserably.

The Ming War God had a thousand ways not to lose, yet he chose the thousand‑and‑first losing method; the Wala exchange students couldn't clean it up at all.

As for the present Da Xia Dynasty, the ruler‑minister power division issue isn't significant.

Prince rebellions are the Da Xia Dynasty's most serious problem now; the supremacy of divine authority has already been suppressed, at least it can't arise in the short term.

Prince Ning is a massive hidden danger; if Prince Ning isn't dealt with, whether it's "tax redistribution" or suppressing the aristocracy, any action that harms these powerful families' interests will never be implemented.

Once you implement it, these aristocratic families will start to unite in rebellion.

Why did the Jiande Emperor lose? Half the reason is that Emperor Yongsheng was too formidable, and the Gu Family was also too formidable; the other half is that after taking office, the Jiande Emperor continued to harshly suppress the aristocratic families, inheriting the founding emperor's ideas, and also elevated scholars' status, thereby encroaching on the families' interests.

After all, the Jiande Emperor's teacher was a top figure of the Zhu Xueyi faction, who later slit his own throat and died for the country.

On a blank sheet.

Gu Jin Nian slowly wrote "Prince Rebellion".

This is a top‑priority matter.

If this isn't resolved, my uncle will be restless, and my own dream of enjoying a peaceful old age could be shattered.

External conflicts are easy to discuss; the Xiongnu state has become honest, though we know it surely has other intentions.

But at least the Da Xia Dynasty's external conflicts are now almost zero; it used to compete with the Great Jin Dynasty, and now, because of the Dragon Pearl of national destiny, everyone is joining forces to oppose the Zhongzhou Dynasty.

This matter should be handled by the court itself; could the civil and military officials truly be that useless?

And the grand livelihood plan is also the most important point.

Putting aside the prince rebellions, Prince Ning's scourge must be eliminated sooner or later.

Gu Jin Nian, on the contrary, isn't troubled by Prince Ning; he'll have to fight him sooner or later, and after the battle, the outcome is simply loss or win, but regardless, future actions will revolve around the grand livelihood plan.

Whether it's the court or the common folk, the aristocratic families, all forces revolve around one core: "silver".

If you don't believe it, you can attend a court session for a day.

The six ministries' officials submit daily memorials in varying forms, but they all boil down to the same thing.

There is a severe drought within Da Xia, requesting funds.

Officials' salaries are too low, requesting funds.

The Empress Dowager's birthday has arrived, requesting funds.

Envoys from various nations have arrived, requesting funds.

Weapons and warhorses are outdated, requesting funds.

Ministry of Revenue: I won't listen, I won't listen.

That's roughly it.

It's fortunate that Emperor Yongsheng is a career‑oriented ruler; if it were a pleasure‑seeking emperor, the troubles would likely be greater.

And this grand livelihood plan boils down to three things.

Eat well, dress warmly, have saved silver.

Then it also involves building bridges and roads, promoting commerce, adjusting taxes, and a whole series of other matters.

Gu Jin Nian specifically transferred recent years' files from the Ministry of Revenue.

The final conclusion is.

The Da Xia Dynasty is entirely in deficit finance.

First, tax collection is a complete mess; there are many bizarre accounts, but Gu Jin Nian fully believes the Ministry of Revenue could never miscalculate; the only possibility is a half‑old, half‑new system.

Using the founding emperor's method to collect part of the taxes, then establishing new rules to collect the rest.

If the accounts aren't chaotic, something's off.

The Da Xia Dynasty's treasury receives a total of 300 million taels of silver per year.

But its annual expenditure reaches 400 million taels of silver.

How does the extra 100 million taels go? It's used to offset debts; various items are taken out to settle debts. Just the official salt rolls have a deficit of 28 million taels of silver.

In short, the treasury is out of silver; it uses official salt rolls to offset debts. This thing can be exchanged for salt, and you can tinker with it yourself.

As for the other miscellaneous items, it's even messier.

To solve this problem, the best approach is 【Unified Tax Items】 plus 【Fiscal Austerity】.

The Da Xia Dynasty's main tax is the grain tax, so "tax redistribution per mu" can effectively solve this big problem; taxes are levied based on land area, regardless of how many people a family has—one mu of land is taxed as one mu—thereby greatly increasing revenue and effectively cracking down on nominal tax evasion.

Simultaneously cancel all benefits; at least those aristocratic clans must be heavily struck, including scholars, and the imperial relatives and nobles.

Such imperial relatives and nobles, speaking bluntly, are mostly bloodsuckers; each month they draw salaries from the state treasury, then use their status to help tenants avoid taxes and profit from the middleman's spread; this must be heavily suppressed.

If this can be achieved, then a unified tax can be implemented, pressing the price of grain tax down to about one and a half tenths.

Da Xia's tax revenue is three and a half tenths, equivalent to a direct reduction of two tenths; the common folk naturally rejoice, while the unfortunate are only those power holders.

Of course this idea is wonderful, but if one wants to implement it, one cannot avoid the previous topic.

First, issue the grace edict.

Then kill the Prince of Ning.

Strike the mountain to shock the tiger.

Thunderous methods.

Only in this way can it be carried out; otherwise, don't even think about it. The imperial relatives and nobles are the strongest backing of these aristocratic clans; if they are not taken down, universal benefit for the common folk will never be possible.

As for thrift, it's also simple: give what should be given, withhold what shouldn't.

Within the bounds of the rules, just follow the rules.

Outside the bounds of the rules, definitely cannot act recklessly.

Using land to offset debt, using salt rolls to offset debt—this behavior is reckless; although it can solve an immediate urgency, the unfortunate will be the later generations of emperors.

Gu Jin Nian could even imagine that if Li Ji truly managed to ascend the precious hall, this guy wouldn't even dare to show off his might; it's guaranteed that officials would gather at his door every day to demand payment.

One by one, they urged Li Ji to give silver.

At that time, according to Li Ji's character, ninety-nine percent he would choose to give up, simply lie flat, and let the civil and military officials handle it themselves.

How could the civil and military officials handle it? They could only patch the east wall to fix the west wall; even if a capable minister came, it would be useless—the hole is too large, absolutely not something that could be resolved in twenty or thirty years; at least two generations are needed to fill this hole.

Who will fill this hole?

The common folk, who else could it be?

"Regarding this matter of thrift, it must be dealt with as soon as possible; although the Ministry of Revenue doesn't take a single hair, they are nevertheless a bunch of good-for-nothings."

"Silver is not saved by scrimping; it comes from reasonable thrift plus earnings. Being a miser who doesn't spend a single hair is at most a hoarder, with no other effect."

Thinking this, Gu Jin Nian inevitably generated some resentment toward the Ministry of Revenue.

Previously, he still had a somewhat good impression of the Ministry of Revenue, feeling that its ability to pinch silver was not bad.

Now it seems the Ministry of Revenue will only guard this bit of silver.

Thinking this, Gu Jin Nian continued writing on the blank paper.

About three and a half hours passed.

Finally, Gu Jin Nian finished writing the complete plan; this is the most concise state policy.

Worried that his uncle might not understand, Gu Jin Nian especially gave many examples.

But the entire article, no matter how it's said, inevitably revolves around 'killing the Prince of Ning'.

If the Prince of Ning is not killed, nothing can be accomplished.

After finishing the article, Gu Jin Nian rested a bit, and meanwhile took out the River and Mountain Brocade Map.

Calculating, a month has already passed.

Gu Jin Nian intended to check the situation inside the brocade map.

After taking out the brocade map.

Within the map's ten thousand mu of good fields, all the True Dragon rice ears are plump and ready for harvest.

The True Dragon rice ears have fully matured.

Gu Jin Nian harvested a small portion, about a hundred rice stalks; after taking them out, a rich rice fragrance permeated the heart.

Without nonsense, Gu Jin Nian used his magic power to peel the husks, and plump, pearl-like True Dragon treasure rice grains appeared one by one.

Soon, Gu Jin Nian personally went to the kitchen, lit a fire, and cooked rice.

In less than half an hour, the refreshing rice fragrance arrived; the rice in the pot was spotlessly white, like white jade pearls.

He served a bowl, just right, not too much or too little; without any seasoning, the aroma alone made one's index finger move, and he took the first bite.

The rice fragrance filled the air, bringing a clean sweet taste; eating it was quite chewy; after a few bites, the mouth was full of fresh fragrance.

In a short moment, a large bowl of True Dragon treasure rice was eaten by Gu Jin Nian into his stomach.

Soon a warm feeling came from the stomach, then transformed into pure true qi, spreading throughout the body.

After carefully contemplating, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but click his tongue.

"Under the Three Realms of Martial Dao, eating it has effect for anyone."

"Ordinary people eating it can strengthen their physique; not saying they'll be immune to all diseases, but at least they won't catch colds and coughs later."

"It truly is a good thing."

"Moreover, this big bowl of rice can replenish my energy; for ordinary commoners, if the whole family eats one bowl, they won't go hungry for two or three days; for soldiers, eating half a bowl a day can keep them energetic all day."

"Hiss."

Gu Jin Nian was truly shocked.

He is a Martial King powerhouse; eating a bowl of this rice already makes him feel energetic; for ordinary commoners, they certainly cannot consume the nutrition from a bowl of True Dragon treasure rice, unless they become accustomed to eating it and their constitution improves.

Otherwise, that bowl Gu Jin Nian just ate would be enough for a family of five or six to eat for three days.

In other words, it directly equals a threefold increase in yield per mu.

Gu Jin Nian's first step is to hope that the common folk can eat their fill.

It's not that he hopes everyone becomes a martial artist.

Gradual transformation is best; one cannot possibly become fat in one breath.

"Great Golden Dragon rice also has this effect, but Great Golden Dragon rice mainly improves the body; it cannot achieve this effect—both improving the body and being filling."

"However, these are True Dragon rice ears, and moreover they are grown with the help of the River and Mountain Brocade Map, possibly having special bonuses."

Need to try planting in ordinary good fields, after all, the River and Land Brocade Map is only ten thousand mu in size, far insufficient to provide for the people of Da Xia.

Gu Jin Nian also understood the reason why this precious rice is good.

After thinking, he returned to his residence and once again took out the River and Land Brocade Map.

In the rice field, there were a large number of newly sprouted seeds.

Speaking of these seeds collected amounting to about a hundred jin, Gu Jin Nian found a sack to hold them.

Afterwards, he went to see Su Huaiyu once.

Have Su Huaiyu handle this matter; basically, have Su Huaiyu separately find different good fields to conduct planting trials.

Ideally, try several different types of land: top-grade good fields, good fields, ordinary farmland, slightly poorer farmland, and farmland unsuitable for planting, as well as deserts; try them all, even plant by the seaside, irrigate with seawater, and see if grain rice can be grown.

If that is possible.

Then this time we really struck it rich.

Directly solve Da Xia's food crisis.

Moreover, this will also be the leverage for future negotiations with the Great Jin Dynasty.

However, upon hearing that he was to go farm, Su Huaiyu immediately refused.

"Lord Marquis"

"To call you 'Lord Marquis' is the custom of Da Xia; to refer to oneself as a subordinate is to give the old gentleman face."

"You have me run errands, I, Su, have never complained; now you want me to farm? Will you also have me fertilize tomorrow?"

"Please forgive me, Su, for being unable to agree to this."

Su Huaiyu's attitude was very firm.

Directly refused Gu Jin Nian's rude request.

And the reason for choosing Su Huaiyu is entirely because this thing is of great value; one must find a trustworthy and reliable person to test it, and he does not trust others.

It's just that he didn't expect Su Huaiyu to refuse so directly.

"Brother Su."

"Da Xia's Everbright City, whether it can earn a fortune daily, hinges on this sack of rice seedlings."

"If you're unwilling, don't blame me for dragging you into a loss if we lose money."

Since Su Huaiyu refuses, Gu Jin Nian can only resort to this plan.

Upon hearing these words.

Su Huaiyu immediately perked up.

"The people regard food as heaven; although I, Su, am merely a martial man, I also understand patriotic sentiment."

"To be frank, I, Su, have always had a dream: that everyone has food to eat."

"Leave this matter to me."

Upon hearing it involved money, Su Huaiyu became very enthusiastic.

Thus, Su Huaiyu picked up the seeds and left the academy.

Wherever he goes, Gu Jin Nian doesn't care; as long as he's made clear the instructions—confidentiality, safety, and results.

However he messes around, just report the situation back to me later.

Thus.

After Su Huaiyu left, Gu Jin Nian returned to continue pondering the matter.

And thus.

Until late at night.

Figures streamed forth, rushing at breakneck speed toward the Da Xia capital.

"Three-thousand-li urgent dispatch! Make way! Make way! Make way!"

"Five-thousand-li urgent dispatch! Step aside quickly!"

"Eight-thousand-li urgent dispatch! I want to see the sovereign!"

"Ten-thousand-li urgent dispatch! Ten-thousand-fire urgent!"

With the shouts ringing out, the tranquility of the Da Xia capital was broken.

Less than a quarter of an hour.

In the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

Figures appeared, each looking extremely exhausted; they had been running on foot for days and nights without drinking a drop of water; if they were not all Divine Tongue realm martial artists, they probably couldn't have endured.

The ten-thousand-fire urgent dispatches are all delivered by martial artists, because upon reaching the Divine Tongue realm, running is faster than a horse.

It's just tiring.

"Your Majesty! Jiangzhong Commandery suffers a great drought, with no water flow, locusts swarm through, and crops vanish overnight; please request the court allocate relief grain and fodder."

"Your Majesty! Longxi Commandery suddenly experiences an earthquake, all thirteen prefectures are stricken, casualties countless; please request the court dispatch troops for disaster relief."

"Your Majesty! Donglin Commandery experiences a volcanic eruption, with endless flames engulfing the mountains, countless people buried in the sea of fire, and even demonic creatures descend the mountains to wreak havoc on humanity; please request the court's assistance."

"Your Majesty! Nanyue Commandery suddenly encounters a rare heavy snow, mountains and trees freeze, water flow ceases, the disaster area exceeds nine prefectures."

As the voices sounded.

In the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

The visage of Emperor Yongsheng instantly became utterly grim.

He had anticipated, Da Xia faces heavenly calamities.

But he didn't expect that they would all come at once, and moreover, each time a whole commandery suffers disaster; this is practically a great calamity.

Exceeds his own expectations.

However, at this very moment, a figure rushed over swiftly; it was Xu Taiyi's figure.

"Your Majesty."

"Your subject observed the celestial phenomena at night and discovered seventeen fire stones falling toward the interior of Da Xia."

"As Xu Taiyi's voice sounded."

"The Eternal Prosperity Emperor fell completely silent."

"(End of chapter)"