Chapter 183: Prince Ning

"Your Highness, Your Highness."

"A great joyous event, a great joyous event!"

At this moment.

The sky had not yet brightened.

Lord Hou hurried into Prince Ning's study, looking unusually excited.

"What has happened?"

Prince Ning, slightly curious, looked at Lord Hou, not knowing what good news there was.

"Yes, Your Highness."

"Scouts reported that Gu Jin Nian had just arrived at Jiangzhong County and immediately beheaded the lord of the Nineteenth Manor."

Lord Hou spoke up, saying this was the first matter.

"As expected, his nature is just like that."

Prince Ning did not appear particularly surprised; on the contrary, he found it reasonable and in line with Gu Jin Nian's way of dealing with matters.

"He angrily beheaded the lord of the Nineteenth Manor—what about Wang Wei?"

Prince Ning asked directly.

Upon hearing about Wang Wei, Lord Hou lowered his head and said, "Wang Wei hanged himself before Gu Jin Nian arrived; we have already sent people to verify, he is indeed dead, there is no disguise or feigned death."

Lord Hou replied.

He had specifically ordered an investigation; Wang Wei is dead, truly Wang Wei.

"Wang Wei is dead?"

Prince Ning was somewhat surprised.

"Gu Jin Nian is said to be a saint of later generations, yet his methods are so filthy—truly laughable."

Lord Hou laughed.

Wang Wei's death led Lord Hou to think that Gu Jin Nian's reputation is empty.

"It wasn't Gu Jin Nian's method; he came with Gu Ningya, the Chief Commander of the Suspended Lamp Office. If he weren't ruthless, could he really attain that position?"

Prince Ning did not greatly underestimate Gu Jin Nian.

"Your Highness, you are absolutely right."

"Gu Ningya truly is extraordinary."

Lord Hou nodded.

"I, Prince Ning, am now curious how Gu Jin Nian uncovered this scheme."

"If he had known earlier, could he simply stop, rest for a day, and discover it halfway?"

Prince Ning was very curious how Gu Jin Nian saw through this plot.

"Yes, Your Highness, I heard that someone blocked Gu Jin Nian's jade carriage; perhaps that person clarified the confusion, but the specifics are unclear."

Lord Hou spoke, saying so.

"Oh?"

"Then it seems Jiangzhong County still has talent, indeed great concealment hides in the market, small concealment hides in the fields."

"Thoroughly investigate this person; after this succeeds, see if we can recruit him."

Prince Ning said.

"Yes."

Lord Hou nodded.

"You just mentioned good news—what good news is that?"

Prince Ning continued, asking Lord Hou.

Upon hearing that, Lord Hou immediately spoke, his face showing an unmistakable joy.

"Your Highness, scouts reported that Gu Jin Nian arrived at Jiangzhong County, immediately beheaded the lord of the Nineteenth Manor, then set a pot to cook and hosted a feast for all the county's people."

"However, Gu Jin Nian only gave the people some rice, calling it a kind of military ration, a royal special supply; each person received only two taels of rice, which in a bowl amounted to merely five taels of cooked rice."

"As for the soldiers, they ate delicacies—spicy dishes, large fish and meat, their mouths full of oil; under the stronghand, they oppressed the people, causing the entire Jiangzhong County populace to be outraged."

"Even Gu Jin Nian forced these people to harvest wheat; the rice was insufficient to fill them, yet he compelled them to do such work. Scouts reported that the people were each furious, already harboring popular resentment."

Lord Hou was extremely agitated.

But as soon as he finished speaking, Prince Ning immediately frowned, feeling incredulous.

"How could that be possible?"

"Gu Jin Nian loves the people as his own children, a fact known to all under heaven; how could he oppress the people so?"

"Moreover, even a corrupt official would at least put on a pretense; this could never be something Gu Jin Nian did."

Prince Ning directly frowned; he simply did not believe this was Gu Jin Nian's doing.

"It makes no sense, and it is also unreasonable."

"But the latter bowed his hand."

"Your Highness, I also do not believe it, but after reports from many scouts, the facts are indeed so, with no falsehood at all."

Lord Hou also did not understand, but this truly is the truth.

At this moment, Prince Ning fell completely silent.

Gu Jin Nian's methods, although they have already been figured out, now suddenly doing this again is completely beyond their imagination.

"What other information has not been mentioned?"

"Did the scouts inside the city say anything?"

Prince Ning frowned, asking Lord Hou.

"Your Highness, the scouts inside the city cannot get out at all; they're just ordinary people. Moreover, Gu Jin Nian has sealed the gates, and there is no news."

"Your Highness, at least seventy percent of the grain stored in Jiangzhong County has been burned."

Lord Hou opened his mouth, clarified the matter of the city's scouts, and then reported the destruction of the granary.

After a moment of thought, Lord Hou suddenly had an epiphany.

"Your Highness, I think I now understand what trick Gu Jin Nian is playing."

Lord Hou spoke up, having thought of a possibility.

"Go ahead."

Prince Ning asked the other to analyze.

"Lord Hou, consider whether this possibility exists: given Gu Jin Nian's character, he would never treat the common folk this way, yet after he thought he had solved the matter of Wang Wei, he did not anticipate that we have a backup."

"By burning the granary outright, upon learning this situation, Gu Jin Nian felt great pressure; after all, although the court is transporting grain, how could the court's grain possibly feed all the people of the county?"

"If they truly have to eat, how much can they actually eat?"

"Thus, Gu Jin Nian devised this plan, calling it a grand feast for the people, but in reality each person receives only two taels of rice."

"In this way, at least the people won't starve to death, and we can think of solutions gradually."

"Thus, although the people will have complaints, they will be few; at least they can survive, subsisting on two taels of rice per day, supplemented by the court's grain shipments and the remaining thirty percent of the granary, which can sustain them for half a month."

"Your Highness, how do you think my guess fares?"

Lord Hou expressed his thoughts, and one must admit his reasoning was quite sound.

At least Prince Ning, after hearing it, also thought it seemed to make sense.

"It's possible."

Prince Ning nodded.

"But I think further that Gu Jin Nian will host a banquet for the people with two taels of rice for the next two days, and after a few days will let the people eat to fullness—three days of slight hunger, a full meal every seven days; as long as the people don't die, it counts as a good thing for him."

Prince Ning accepted Lord Hou's words, yet he also had his own opinion.

"Your Highness is absolutely right; this possibility is also great."

Lord Hou immediately nodded in agreement.

"Why is this matter a cause for my joy?"

But soon, Prince Ning looked curiously at Lord Hou, asking why this is a great cause for celebration. Hearing this, Lord Hou replied at once.

"Your Highness, how could this not be a great cause for celebration?"

"We have stockpiled grain for many years; now we only need to dispatch a hundred thousand troops to transport grain to Jiangzhong County."

"First, the people of Jiangzhong County will surely be grateful, securing popular support."

"Second, it will curb Gu Jin Nian's reputation, which will be of great benefit to future plans."

"Third, Your Highness's deployment of a large army can also bolster the standing of the three great families of Jiangzhong County."

"A single move yielding three gains."

Lord Hou spoke, enumerating the three advantages.

Indeed, after hearing it, Prince Ning was somewhat swayed; he cared greatly about the first and third points, while the second was merely average.

Winning the people's hearts and giving the three great families confidence is indeed very good.

However, Prince Ning remained somewhat worried, feeling that this matter was not as simple as imagined.

Gu Jin Nian could not possibly do such a thing; he would trust another person, but he doubts Gu Jin Nian.

"Could such a possibility exist?"

"Is the grain Gu Jin Nian gives the people the great Golden Dragon rice?"

Prince Ning voiced his speculation: Gu Jin Nian feeds the people rice while letting the soldiers feast on big fish and meat; this is not a rare occurrence.

After all, the soldiers' lives are more important, but it wouldn't be so unrestrained, would it? He must put on a show, right?

Moreover, this person is Gu Jin Nian, so it is hard for him to understand.

But after Prince Ning finished speaking, Lord Hou couldn't help but give a wry smile.

"Your Highness, we have great Golden Dragon rice in our household; surely you are not unaware of such a thing?"

"Putting aside how precious great Golden Dragon rice is, even ordinary cultivators find it hard to digest; if common folk ate such dragon rice, their blood vessels would burst and they would die. How could it possibly be great Golden Dragon rice?"

Lord Hou said, this great Golden Dragon rice is divided into three grades: one for the royal family, one for the aristocracy, and one for the wealthy of the Great Jin Dynasty.

Regardless of the grade, only cultivators may consume it; even ordinary cultivators can only sip it with rice soup as a tonic. If eaten directly, the excess qi and blood will cause the body to explode and die.

Upon hearing this, Prince Ning also nodded; indeed, his residence possesses great Golden Dragon rice.

"But I still feel something is amiss; shall we investigate further?"

Prince Ning spoke, feeling something was off.

"Your Highness."

"I will of course follow Your Highness's orders, but if we wait until the court's grain arrives—at least for the first half month—Gu Jin Nian will not lack provisions. Are you planning to wait half a month before gathering public opinion?"

"Half a month isn't long, but what if—what if Gu Jin Nian actually produces something, and it truly resolves Jiangzhong County's difficulty, what then?"

Lord Hou had no other intention; he could wait half a month, but the problem is that during those half months he does not know what methods Gu Jin Nian will employ, fearing that a long night brings many possibilities.

Indeed, after hearing this, Prince Ning also found it reasonable.

After much deliberation, he took a deep breath and said.

"Very well."

"Immediately dispatch a hundred thousand troops, prepare the provisions—chicken, duck, fish, meat, beef, lamb, pork—and have them ready for me, to be sent to Jiangzhong County so the people can feast heartily."

"I only need two meals to earn the praise of Jiangzhong County's people; that's certainly not a loss."

After thinking it over, Prince Ning agreed outright; just two meals to win public favor—this deal is profitable.

Upon hearing this, Lord Hou immediately nodded.

"Prince, you are wise."

After saying that, Lord Hou immediately went to make preparations.

"Very well."

Prince Ning also nodded, feeling deeply satisfied.

Yet just as he stepped out, Lord Hou suddenly turned back, looking at the Prince and saying, "Prince, we have heard that the Da Xia Dynasty is aggressively buying spirit crystals; should we inflate the price?"

Lord Hou spoke up, asking Prince Ning about this matter.

"Buying spirit crystals?"

"It seems the court has no means left, and wants to massively build dragon‑boat treasure ships to resolve this crisis."

"But given the situation now, we have no choice; after all, spirit crystals are inanimate, and it's a pity—if I ascend the throne in the future, I will have wasted a huge amount of spirit crystals."

"The Da Xia Dynasty has accumulated a century's worth of spirit crystals, and they will all be squandered in Emperor Yong Sheng's hands—how detestable."

"Fine, we'll inflate the price but never buy; at this critical moment, buying spirit crystals would demand an enormous price."

Prince Ning spoke; at this time, opportunities to give the Da Xia Dynasty a stumbling block are few, so we must seize each one.

"As you command."

Lord Hou, without further chatter, finished speaking and left the place.

After Lord Hou departed, Prince Ning couldn't help but smile.

"Yong Sheng, Yong Sheng, you sent Gu Jin Nian to provide disaster relief, but you could never have imagined that with just two meals I could win the favor of the people of Jiangzhong County."

Prince Ning muttered to himself, his face full of smiles.

To him, the people of Jiangzhong County must be suffering terribly; Gu Jin Nian alone provides five taels of rice per person—honestly, it can save lives, but only just that.

At first, when outsiders were present, Prince Ning's performance was not notable; after Lord Hou left…

He thought more and more that Gu Jin Nian had already reached his limit.

The court's grain transport was relatively slow.

Jiangzhong County's granaries were also burned down.

The previous policy of concentrating grain will make Jiangzhong County's situation even harsher; now dispatching a hundred‑thousand‑strong army to give the people two meals will cause everyone to only remember Prince Ning's kindness.

And they will not praise Gu Jin Nian's merits.

It serves his future rebellion; even if Gu Jin Nian stabilizes Jiangzhong County, Prince Ning's good name will not diminish.

A win‑win.

A win‑win indeed.

Prince Ning was extremely pleased; in his mind he already pictured massive grain shipments to Jiangzhong County, the people feasting on big fish and meat, praising him as a virtuous king.

Very beautiful.

Truly beautiful.

Meanwhile.

Within Da Xia Capital.

In the court.

A voice rang through the hall.

"Your Majesty."

"I have received a scout's report: Gu Jin Nian went to Jiangzhong County and beheaded the Lord of the Nineteenth Prefecture; his method was straightforward."

"Moreover, to stabilize public sentiment, he held a banquet and invited all the people of Jiangzhong County to eat."

"Lord Hou, this is a virtuous deed."

A voice sounded—it was Yang Kai's, praising Gu Jin Nian.

Hearing this, the officials all nodded, approving Gu Jin Nian's actions—executing corrupt officials, opening granaries, and distributing grain; this is a good thing.

Yet before Emperor Yong Sheng could praise Gu Jin Nian, a dissenting voice sounded.

"Your Majesty."

"I have a matter to report."

It was the voice of the Right Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel.

As the Right Assistant Minister's voice rose, everyone instantly understood that something had occurred.

Emperor Yong Sheng glanced at him, did not stop him, and let the other party speak directly.

"Proceed."

At that moment, the Right Assistant Minister's voice rang out.

"Your Majesty, an official reports that Gu Jin Nian indeed angrily beheaded the Lord of the Nineteenth Prefecture, but not because the lord was corrupt; rather, a fire broke out in Jiangzhong County's granary, and in a rage he slew the lord."

He opened his mouth and said thus.

This was news from below; the details were unclear, for Jiangzhong County lies several thousand li away—who could know what happened? "Granary fire?"

"Then the killing is even more justified."

Upon hearing of the granary fire, Emperor Yong Sheng furrowed his brows, his face full of anger.

At this critical moment, a granary fire? Are you joking here?

It's just that Gu Jin Nian has a way to suppress Jiangzhong County's troubles, so he isn't worried; moreover, he had foreseen such matters.

"Your Majesty's words are spot‑on; I think the same."

"However, an official reports that Lord Hou, in Jiangzhong County, held a grand banquet, steaming rice to aid disaster victims, yet each person's bowl contained less than two taels of rice, and the rice was of extremely poor quality."

"Thus many people took two bites and then stopped eating."

He said so, continuing his report.

When these words were spoken, the entire court of civil and military officials was astonished—disaster relief, one person gets two taels of rice? Who can survive on that? The elderly fare a bit better; ordinary young people, facing famine, know the court's grain supplies are scant.

It can't possibly be that little, can it?

At least let people eat enough to be full, right?

But most people don't believe it, because Gu Jin Nian is not that kind of person.

However, on the dragon throne, Emperor Yongsheng instantly understood what was happening.

What inferior rice is this? It's clearly Da Xia Dragon Rice. Emperor Yongsheng has eaten this Da Xia Dragon Rice, and for the common folk, two liang is indeed a bit much; perhaps one liang would suffice.

The people aren't unwilling to eat; they just can't finish it.

It's just a misunderstanding.

At that moment, Emperor Yongsheng wanted to speak up to explain, but soon he fell silent again.

He thought of something, so he gave no answer.

"That's impossible."

"Lord Hou wouldn't do such a thing; this must be rumor‑mongering."

Yang Kai's voice rang out, and he did not immediately approve.

Because it's impossible.

"Sir Yang, I also hope this is rumor, but it's not just one official reporting it; many officials have reported it."

The other side replied, with a firm attitude.

Now many officials fell silent; even Yang Kai seemed at a loss for words.

After all, the other party is the Right Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel; daring to speak up in the court proves he has sufficient confidence and evidence, otherwise he wouldn't speak so recklessly.

"The granaries were burned, leaving almost no stored grain. Lord Hou, to steady the people's hearts and provide disaster relief, gave each person only two liang of rice; after steaming, it should yield five liang of rice. To be frank, it's not enough to fill the belly, but at least they won't starve."

"Lord Hou's action must be out of consideration for the people, a principle of a steady, modest flow; truly, I admire Lord Hou's talent."

Yang Kai continued, shifting his line of thought, believing that Gu Jin Nian had other arrangements.

When he said that, many officials accepted it, because Gu Jin Nian's character would never harm the common folk, so they unconditionally believed Yang Kai's words.

As for the Right Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel, he immediately spoke.

"At first, I also thought so, but I didn't expect that other officials reported that while the common folk each ate only two liang of rice, the soldiers in the army slaughtered cattle and pigs, preparing lavish dishes on many tables."

"Yet they gave the people not a single oily dish, while they themselves feasted heartily. Sir Yang, how do you explain this?" the other said, bringing up the matter.

When that was said, everyone seemed at a loss for how to answer.

Yang Kai fell slightly silent.

"Is it possible that the people simply don't want to eat too much meat and fish?"

This time, even Yang Kai said it without confidence.

The other officials were even less able to speak.

"Sir Yang, are you joking?"

The Right Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel asked Yang Kai.

He knows Gu Jin Nian and Yang Kai have a good relationship, but it wouldn't be to such an extent, would it?

Just bluffing with his head down? If it doesn't work, it doesn't work; that's reasonable. No one would criticize Gu Jin Nian, and no one would speak ill of him, but if the deed is poor, still to boast? That's a bit excessive.

"How is this a joke?"

"Your Majesty, I have indeed heard that if a person goes without food for several days and then binge‑eats in one breath, they can die on the spot; this is not just a rumor."

"When Your Majesty led troops in battle before, didn't a similar situation occur?"

"In my view, Lord Hou is certainly afraid that the people would eat too much greasy food and their bodies couldn't handle it, hence this; but the soldiers are hard‑working, so a bit of fish and meat wouldn't matter."

Now Minister of Works Wang Qixin also spoke up, considering this possibility.

When he said that, some officials also accepted it.

"Indeed, that's the case."

The Minister of War nodded, confirming the matter; when marching troops in battle, they would encounter food shortages, the soldiers starving to the point of gnawing bark, later rescued, binge‑eating, and indeed several died.

So this possibility exists.

"Fine."

"Even so, officials report that after the people finish two liang of rice—or even less—they go to harvest wheat. May I ask, since you're afraid of the people binge‑eating, why let them harvest wheat?"

"Are you saying Lord Hou fears the people will overeat and suffer indigestion?"

"Gentlemen, these two liang of rice cannot possibly steam into a jin of rice, can it? Even if they ate a jin of rice, it wouldn't necessitate harvesting wheat, would it?"

He spoke, questioning the entire court, especially looking at Yang Kai and Wang Qixin.

Listening to this, the two indeed fell silent; at this point, there truly was nothing left to say.

"Could it be false?"

"Could it be that Lord Hou angrily executed the nineteenth prefect, and these officials fabricated the incident?"

However, the Left Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Justice, Gu Leng, opened his mouth, saying it was false and that someone deliberately wanted to frame Gu Jin Nian.

"Yes, yes, yes, definitely false."

"Lord Hou could never do such a thing; in any case I don't believe it."

"I don't believe it either."

"This is obviously false."

Yang Kai and the others all echoed, insisting it was false; to be frank, they truly didn't believe Gu Jin Nian would act that way.

There must be some unspeakable secret.

Now Gu Jin Nian is handling disaster relief in Jiangzhong County, and they are responsible for maintaining stability in the court; therefore they must speak well of Gu Jin Nian, lest they add to his troubles.

Hearing this, the Right Assistant Minister of the Ministry of Personnel was truly at a loss.

Knowing these people favor Gu Jin Nian, that's understandable, but such favoritism is a bit excessive.

No, it's not just a bit of favoritism; it's way too much.

"I, the subordinate, think the same way."

"So I asked three times."

"The officials of each office in Jiangzhong Commandery wrote blood characters to confirm that this matter is true."

The Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel clearly has a problem; he refuses to relent on this matter, while the other officials say nothing, yet he stubbornly persists here.

When the discussion reached this point, everyone fell completely silent.

The evidence is as solid as a mountain.

Although they do not understand what Gu Jin Nian is thinking.

Providing the common people with only two taels of rice while the soldiers enjoy abundant fish and meat, and still forcing the people to harvest wheat—this cannot be explained in any way.

"The lower officials might not be speaking the truth; perhaps they intend to target Lord Hou?"

"Indeed, we cannot rule out officials targeting Lord Hou. After all, how did the granary in Jiangzhong Commandery suddenly catch fire? If Lord Hou conducts a thorough investigation, it may affect many officials' interests—this must be considered."

"Your Majesty, I believe that regardless of the situation, at this moment we must not heed slander and should still follow Lord Hou."

"Yes, yes, we must trust Lord Hou."

The officials' stance is quite clear: Gu Jin Nian is currently at the height of his influence, the most prominent figure before the emperor, and regarding this great disaster in Jiangzhong Commandery, even aside from other matters, if Gu Jin Nian truly resolves it—

then Gu Jin Nian's return would elevate him to an even higher rank; who would dare to provoke such a figure?

Even if there are factional disputes, no one dares to contend with Gu Jin Nian.

To put it bluntly, if Gu Jin Nian does not resolve the Jiangzhong Commandery crisis, Emperor Yongsheng would be reluctant to execute him; it is merely a crisis confronting the Da Xia Dynasty.

But if Gu Jin Nian does solve the Jiangzhong Commandery crisis, everyone would rejoice; at that point, when Gu Jin Nian learns that someone in the court is targeting him, it would become somewhat problematic.

At least until the matter becomes clear, most officials remain on standby.

They will absolutely not act recklessly.

However, at that moment, Li Shan's voice rose unbidden.

"Your Majesty, I think Lord Hou would not act rashly; there must be some issues involved."

"But since the local officials reported it this way, and I have also heard rumors outside that Lord Hou may have done something improper."

"Given that the matter has reached this stage, I volunteer to go to Jiangzhong Commandery. If this is merely officials smearing Lord Hou, I can punish those officials; if it truly is Lord Hou's actions, I can inquire to find out exactly what happened."

"It would also prevent the court officials from being unsettled; the most feared are the scholars. If this matter reaches scholars of other dynasties, it would be undesirable."

Li Shan's voice sounded again.

The Prime Minister truly lives up to his title; he clearly intended to go investigate Gu Jin Nian, yet he described it as if he were helping Gu Jin Nian.

The Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Personnel certainly dares not actively trouble Gu Jin Nian; someone must be backing him. Throughout the court, everyone knows that Li Shan harbors some resentment toward Gu Jin Nian.

First, Gu Jin Nian has monopolized the limelight, making the Prime Minister seem useless.

Second, Your Majesty's favor toward Gu Jin Nian raises concerns that the emperor might appoint Gu Jin Nian as Prime Minister.

Considering all factors, Li Shan naturally does not hold great favor toward Gu Jin Nian. As for deeper power struggles, most officials neither understand nor wish to get involved.

"Impossible."

At this moment, Minister of Rites Yang Kai, Minister of Works Wang Qixin, and Left Vice Minister of Justice Gu Leng all spoke simultaneously.

"Your Majesty has granted the supreme command to Lord Hou; sending someone to fetch Lord Hou now would imply suspicion toward him. If Lord Hou learns of this, would he be disheartened? I think it is unacceptable."

"Indeed, Your Majesty, if you send Li Xiang, it would certainly unsettle people. Everyone knows you have given power to Lord Hou; if Li Xiang goes, what will the soldiers think? What will the officials think? What will the common folk think? Does it imply that Your Majesty no longer trusts Lord Hou?"

"We believe that Heaven's Mandate Lord will not act rashly; these are merely rumors."

Voices rose one after another.

They firmly disagreed; the reason is simple—Li Shan going over would only add trouble for Gu Jin Nian.

Since it would only cause more trouble, why let him go? Regardless of any factional dispute or who benefits, resolving the Jiangzhong Commandery crisis is the priority.

Li Shan rushed over with no good intentions.

Facing the ministers' rebuttal, Li Shan did not frown nor show displeasure; he calmly spoke.

"I trust Heaven's Mandate Lord, but scholars across the realm do not; even within Da Xia, some scholars are greatly puzzled by this matter."

"I naturally think that Heaven's Mandate Lord is not such a person, yet he cannot escape the rumors."

Li Shan spoke up, using scholars to suppress the crowd.

"These scholars always love to babble; can they truly govern the state? All they do is speak idle talk."

"As long as the Jiangzhong Commandery crisis is resolved, what impact can the scholars' words have?"

Everyone still supported Gu Jin Nian.

However, at that moment, Emperor Yongsheng's voice resonated from the Dragon Throne.

"Are there really many scholars bringing up this matter?"

Emperor Yongsheng looked at Li Shan and asked thus.

"Yes, Your Majesty, it is absolutely certain."

Li Shan nodded.

"Very well."

"I hereby assign you the responsibility of inspection, and not only you—the Twelve Scholars of the Censorate shall also go, selecting a hundred scholars from within Da Xia, from ordinary students up to Great Scholars, to travel to Jiangzhong Commandery and see with their own eyes."

"Observe whether Gu Jin Nian is acting rashly; if so, report back to the capital immediately, and I will make my decision."

"If not, then make them shut their mouths; anyone who dares to slander thereafter will receive a hundred slaps."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, granting Li Shan the inspection authority.

When this was said, some officials' faces changed instantly; it was not a good sign, for Li Shan's involvement would certainly affect Gu Jin Nian.

No one knows what Gu Jin Nian truly intends, but they believe he acts for the good of the Da Xia Dynasty.

Li Shan's going over brings only harm, no benefit.

"Your Majesty, this matter is unacceptable."

"Your Majesty, this is improper; it will chill the Marquis's heart."

"Your Majesty."

Several officials began to speak; Yang Kai was the main force, earnestly pleading that the Yong Sheng Emperor should not act this way.

"For officials, regardless of who they are, even Gu Jin Nian, they must be supervised; since someone raised doubts, supervision is reasonable—what's wrong with that?"

"Gu Jin Nian acts righteously and sits upright; he does not fear supervision."

"However, Li Shan, I must tell you that your authority is limited to investigating whether the people are suffering; other matters are none of your business, understand?"

The Yong Sheng Emperor knew full well; he completely understood what Gu Jin Nian intended to do.

Coincidentally, at this moment someone stepped forward, so they would all send him over to let Gu Jin Nian crush him severely.

"Of course, since the people have such doubts, it might as well let everyone see, to prove certain things, lest Gu Jin Nian labor here to rescue disaster while someone behind the scenes is scheming."

"Your Majesty is wise."

Honestly, Li Shan truly did not expect the Yong Sheng Emperor to act this way, because in his view the emperor would also favor Gu Jin Nian.

"His actions today fully cement the possibility of this matter; if the Yong Sheng Emperor lets him investigate, he will certainly uncover some right and wrong."

If the Yong Sheng Emperor does not allow him to investigate, then Gu Jin Nian's oppression of the people will be confirmed.

"I just didn't expect that he would actually let him investigate."

For a moment he truly didn't know why the Yong Sheng Emperor did this.

"Indeed, it's like accompanying a ruler as if he were a tiger."

"It seems Gu Jin Nian has such prestige; the Yong Sheng Emperor cannot be without suspicion, nor can he avoid wanting to press Gu Jin Nian."

Li Shan could only think about it from this angle.

Upon hearing the Yong Sheng Emperor say that, some officials fell silent, able only to pray for Gu Jin Nian in their hearts.

Thus.

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

No one in the whole Jiangzhong Commandery really knew what had happened.

But Gu Jin Nian's deeds spread throughout the Da Xia Dynasty, including the Fuyu Dynasty, the Great Jin Dynasty, and the Xiongnu Nation.

These powers constantly monitored the Jiangzhong Commandery's troubles, as it involved their interests.

For the three great powers, they naturally hoped Da Xia would fall into full civil war—how could they miss it? When news spread that Gu Jin Nian had beheaded the lords of the Nineteen Prefectures, it sparked considerable controversy.

Killing the Nineteen Prefecture lords isn't a big deal; some corrupt officials die, that's all.

What truly caused controversy was Gu Jin Nian's Grand Banquet, ostensibly called a feast for the people, but in reality the people merely ate while the soldiers and officials feasted on large fish and meat, and after eating they forced the people to harvest wheat.

This matter sparked huge controversy.

Most people actually didn't believe it, thinking Gu Jin Nian a benevolent official who loved the people, but where there's no wind, there's no wave.

Fortunately, the court has already dispatched the current Prime Minister, twelve scholars from the Censorate, and over a hundred literati to Jiangzhong Commandery to investigate.

Thus, although controversy exists, most people still await a result.

But compared to the doubts of the various Da Xia commanderies.

After another night of spreading, the entire Jiangzhong Commandery was completely in an uproar.

"Did you hear? The Marquis gave the imperial special rice to us common folk, and they say this rice, after eating, can extend life and grant longevity."

"Is there such a thing?"

"Is it true?"

"Is it really true? Absolutely, I have a relative who ate a meal yesterday; after finishing, guess what? He ran from Jiangzhong Prefecture City all the way back to my hometown, eighty li in total. Do you know why he ran? After eating, he felt boundless energy throughout his body."

"I know this is true, truly true; I have a sister in the Jiangzhong Commandery office. After she ate, she was full of vigor. My sister had just given birth and was very weak; after eating a few liang of rice, she felt much better and could even get out of bed to work."

"You only just learned about this? My son already went to the Jiangzhong Commandery office, ate, and then ran back, bringing me a small bite; I took that bite, and I felt as if I were injected with chicken blood."

"Look at my complexion; isn't it much better?"

Within the prefecture city, nearly a million people ate Da Xia Dragon Rice; after eating, these citizens didn't know what to do. Some went to harvest wheat, but upon arriving, they found only people everywhere, unable to find any fields to cut.

But brimming with energy and not knowing what to do, they simply ran to other places to spread the story, otherwise they'd feel uneasy keeping it inside.

Thus, one to ten, ten to a hundred, the tale grew more absurd and frightening.

"What about extending life and being immune to all diseases?"

These weren't even exaggerated, until someone—no one knows who—said that the rice Gu Jin Nian brought could enhance virility.

Now the entire Jiangzhong Commandery was in an uproar.

At first, some didn't believe it, thinking it too exaggerated; even if the rice were excellent, it couldn't possibly boost virility.

Especially an old physician, so angry he leapt like thunder, claimed it was all rumor and explained to the people that eating rice could not increase virility.

That argument was very reasonable, but no one knew who added a remark.

If it doesn't boost virility, why does the emperor have so many sons?

Upon hearing that, the old physician fell silent.

Everyone fell silent.

Immediately after, as dawn broke, the old physician lifted his box and left.

When asked what he was doing, the old physician said nothing and headed straight into the city.

After a while, the crowd realized that the old physician was running to the Grand Banquet to wait for the meal.

Thus, under Zhou Man's arrangement, the entire Jiangzhong Commandery's Nineteen Prefectures—prefecture city, county seat, and pavilion—held banquets, with a hundred thousand troops coordinating with Jiangzhong's hundred thousand soldiers, all organized perfectly within six hours.

Moreover, after Da Xia Dragon Rice spread completely, the unserved citizens each eagerly anticipated it, assisting the authorities in arrangements.

The tables were set.

The bowls and chopsticks were also set.

Everything is ready, the pot is fine, the water for cooking rice is fine; anyway, once the common folk get their hands on it, don't let them be too lax.

And the first meal, the time set by Gu Jin Nian was chen hour.

They had to start cooking at mao hour.

Everyone was looking forward to Da Xia Dragon Rice.

They waited until after chen hour.

Finally, the banquet opened; because they had prior experience, the soldiers prepared few side dishes, mainly because they feared the common folk couldn't eat much, so they gave them to eat.

When basin after basin of Da Xia Dragon Rice was served, the common folk actually still harbored doubts deep down.

But after they finished eating.

The entire Jiangzhong Commandery boiled over completely.

From yesterday to today, they had only heard rumors; although such rumors make people firmly believe, deep down they still retained a hint of distrust.

But after the banquet ended.

The common folk of Jiangzhong Commandery were completely convinced.

After a few taels of rice went down, their bodies were filled with hot energy; even if they weren't hungry, from head to toe they were full of strength.

More importantly, this Da Xia Dragon Rice is fragrant when eaten, no worse than big fish and meat.

The grains are plump, the flavor fills the mouth when eaten, and after finishing, one's essence and spirit are full.

Moreover, it prolongs life, cures all ailments, grants a hundred years of life, and most importantly has an aphrodisiac effect—can the common folk withstand it?

Everyone praised Gu Jin Nian as a good official, taking the emperor's specially supplied rice to feed the common folk.

They also understood why the emperor had so many offspring—eating this every day, how could they not have many?

However, Gu Jin Nian originally planned to hold two banquets.

But the effect of Da Xia Dragon Rice was too good; by evening, the common folk didn't come one by one, they were overly full, feeling no hunger at all.

Most of the common folk were reaping wheat in the rice fields, while a portion were queuing.

Another portion really had nothing to do, so they forced themselves to go plow the fields.

One didn't know whether it was a psychological effect or truly effective; anyway, the common folk who returned after plowing the fields.

This further confirmed that Da Xia Dragon Rice has an aphrodisiac effect.

And what happened today in Jiangzhong Commandery also spread abroad.

Pingyang Official Road.

The great army sped onward.

Hou Jun sat in the carriage, hearing the scout's report that Gu Jin Nian was holding a banquet, still two taels of rice per person, and although originally promised two meals, in the end there was only one.

The soldiers still had big fish and meat; after the common folk finished eating, they were still assigned to reap wheat.

This caused the common folk to gather together, whispering unknown things, likely generating great resentment.

After receiving this news.

Hou Jun was extremely excited.

He ordered the army to speed up, marching toward Jiangzhong Commandery, to arrive at its various prefectures before noon tomorrow.

To give the common folk food to eat.

To win popular support.

Thinking of this, Hou Jun's smile became extraordinarily brilliant.

Thinking of this, Hou Jun would hold a banquet, with the common folk rushing to eat, and then look upon himself with gratitude and devotion.

Thinking of this, Hou Jun's smile grew even greater.

Just like that.

The next day.

When chen hour arrived.

The hundred-thousand-strong great army had already reached the Jiangzhong Commandery Office.

At this moment, outside the Jiangzhong Commandery Office, some soldiers were preparing to light the pots and cook rice.

(End of chapter)