Chapter 188: with translation of chapter title

Da Xia imperial palace.

A nameless fire arose in Emperor Yongsheng's heart.

Damn it!

He kept urging, urging, urging.

I don't know what he's urging, what matter is so urgent? Really, can't you let me be a bit more comfortable? Do you have to drive me to death before you're happy? Thinking this, Emperor Yongsheng's inner anger grew even more.

"Grandfather Gu, if Da Xia truly perishes in my hands, don't blame me—it's not my fault; it's mainly that rascal Jian De."

"Later I'll have someone come in; you listen yourself, it's not really related to me. Anyway, once I'm gone, just don't scold me—I'll at most admit this throne isn't fit for me, and I won't accept anything else."

Emperor Yongsheng muttered a few words; during this period he came to the ancestral temple, firstly because his mood was heavy, secondly to communicate with Grandfather Gu.

Although Heaven knows whether the Da Xia founder can hear it, at the very least I should say something, just in case there truly is an underworld rebirth—if my grandfather is waiting below, what would I do? So I first prepare my speech; if Da Xia truly falls, I'll also have justification.

Actually, it's not that Emperor Yongsheng is pessimistic; rather, during this period he himself has been seriously analyzing.

If Jiangzhong Commandery falls into chaos, the Da Xia dynasty will truly be in turmoil.

To be frank, Emperor Yongsheng knows what the Prince of Ning thinks, what the various feudal lords think, but what he knows even more is...

These people are all idiots.

They hope the Da Xia dynasty falls into chaos, so they can take this opportunity to learn from me and rebel to seize the throne.

But the problem with these people is that, once Da Xia falls into chaos, can they really control it? The Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty—would these two great dynasties do nothing? Would they not take advantage of the fire? The Zhongzhou dynasty would also come to get a share.

When that happens, if the rebellion succeeds, there will be all kinds of territorial concessions and indemnities, beautified as being for peace, but in reality it's just selling land for glory.

And the great disaster in Jiangzhong Commandery left one hundred million plus forty million people displaced, becoming refugees, affecting the whole country; even if the succession succeeded, what then? A pile of matters lie before us—how to handle them?

To ignore it? That's nothing but a foolish ruler; Da Xia will surely perish.

But Emperor Yongsheng also understands that everyone views things differently; their goal is just the land, the throne.

It's impossible to view these matters from his own perspective.

So Emperor Yongsheng also made several preparations.

If it truly falls into chaos, no matter what, he will first destroy the Xiongnu state, plus the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty, staking his last breath; at worst he abandons the interior and marches outward directly.

This Da Xia realm, I'll leave it to the Li family; I'll do one last thing for the people of Da Xia.

As for the throne, never mind; Heaven's Mandate is predetermined.

So, once Jiangzhong Commandery falls into chaos, he will begin preparing to launch this plan.

He doesn't know exactly what this Da Xia heavenly disaster entails, nor does he know who is behind it pulling strings.

But he will certainly not let these people have an easy time.

Since the Eastern Wilderness doesn't need Da Xia, then Da Xia doesn't need the Eastern Wilderness.

Yes, including killing the immortal sects and Buddhist sects together.

Even killing just one would be a gain.

Don't even think about living good lives.

This is Emperor Yongsheng's final plan: to annihilate them all together.

"Your Majesty!"

However, at that very moment, a figure appeared—it was Gu Ningya's figure.

He walked into the main hall.

Gu Ningya beamed with joy; compared to Emperor Yongsheng's silent solemnity, he looked like he deserved a good smack.

However, Emperor Yongsheng didn't look at Gu Ningya; instead, he turned his back to him, waiting for news.

"Speak."

"What happened?"

"Has Jiangzhong Commandery completely erupted into chaos?"

Emperor Yongsheng opened his mouth; his tone was calm, but it was just an act.

"Your Majesty."

Gu Ningya had just opened his mouth, wanting to deliver good news, but the next moment Emperor Yongsheng's voice sounded.

"Alas!"

"Enough, enough; the disaster in Jiangzhong Commandery is a heavenly calamity. Although Jinian has some means, after all a sudden great drought—obviously there's a problem."

"Someone is using the power of heaven and earth against the Da Xia dynasty; this isn't Jinian's fault—he's already done quite well."

"Go tell Jinian to do whatever he thinks best, but still try not to hurt the people too much."

"If you can give the people a bite to eat, give them a bite to eat; the rest I will handle."

"Let me bear all the blame; let Jinian devote himself to study—Confucianism is his best path."

"If he keeps going this way, he'll be far better than his uncle."

Emperor Yongsheng's sorrowful voice sounded.

It cut off Gu Ningya's words.

"Your Majesty, no."

And Gu Ningya was a bit dazed—I'd come to report good news, not bad news; what are you doing?

"What do you mean, 'not'?"

"Gu Lao Liu, at this point, how can you still be grinning all day?"

"Gu Lao Liu, I still have a few things to say to you; if I don't say them, I'll feel uneasy."

"You brat, although smart and capable of great deeds, in my eyes your tricks are just petty ploys."

"To be frank, if it weren't for Grandfather Gu's sake, someone like you wouldn't even dream of becoming Commander-in-Chief of the Suspension Lamp Office; you'd be lucky to be a commander of a thousand."

"Lao Liu, hear me out a few words: someone like you, who falls short of success and exceeds in failure, just settle down later as an honest wealthy householder; you always look down on your elder brother, but at the very least your elder brother is far superior to you."

Recently I heard you wanted to be a marquis? Never mind that, Old Six, do you deserve it? With you like this, do you deserve it?

I have three sons; although they aren't very promising, compared to Gu Jin Nian they definitely fall short, but compared to you few brothers, they still have plenty to spare.

Putting it bluntly, it's not just because your eldest son gave birth to Gu Jin Nian and you also have a duke elder; with just you few good-for-nothings, the whole court of civil and military officials saying anything would have me guard against your Gu Family a bit or two.

Do you know what I'm thinking? Guarding against you few? That's looking down on people too much.

Don't think it's harsh; this is the truth, old one, you're always out there bragging, 'Gu Jin Nian and you studied together from childhood,' do you have no shame? At most I just skim off Gu Jin Nian's glory, you really have no shame at all.

What's wrong? Turned mute? Not speaking?

Was it because I hit a sore spot? Feeling upset?

The Yongsheng Great Emperor opened his mouth; as an emperor, to his subjects he cannot speak sincerely, because sincere words hurt feelings; although Gu Ningya could be considered half one of his own, the Yongsheng Great Emperor would not belittle Gu Ningya.

Afraid of hurting self-esteem.

But now it's different; at this point, keeping some things unsaid really feels awful.

I don't know why, after saying those words, the Yongsheng Great Emperor's mood improved a lot.

Very comfortable.

Quite comfortable.

A person's life can sometimes be truly exhausting, especially after becoming emperor, having to attend to officials' moods, decide on Da Xia's state policies, consider the heir apparent's affairs, and also some concubines' matters.

Honestly speaking, it's really exhausting.

But now, after letting go of inner burdens, it's truly relaxed; say what you want, do what you want.

Whether you're happy or not, as long as I'm happy that's fine.

Indeed.

The Yongsheng Great Emperor's words, every phrase a gem, every sentence like a dagger, pierced Gu Ningya's heart.

He originally thought that, in the Yongsheng Great Emperor's heart, although he wasn't a top-tier minister, he at least counted as a capable one; not measuring up to Gu Jin Nian is reasonable, who could compare to Gu Jin Nian?

But among the whole court of civil and military officials, ranking myself in the top three wouldn't be excessive, would it?

But who would have thought that, in the Yongsheng Great Emperor's heart, I'm actually this sort of goods?

This really hits home, damn it.

Seeing Gu Ningya looking like he's about to die, the Yongsheng Great Emperor inwardly feels quite comfortable.

You like to push, huh? Enjoy pushing? Happy? Stimulating? Unbearable? "Look at your cowardly self, saying just two sentences to you makes you like this, you can't take anything."

The Yongsheng Great Emperor spoke sarcastically.

Anyway, as long as I'm happy, I don't care about much else now.

Gu Ningya didn't speak.

The Yongsheng Great Emperor sighed, looked at Gu Ningya, and said.

Alright, what exactly needs to be said? What trouble has arisen again in Jiangzhong Commandery?

The Yongsheng Great Emperor spoke up; having scolded and feeling refreshed, it's time to ask what exactly happened.

Your Majesty.

Gu Ningya looked somewhat distressed; before he was all smiles, now indeed his face is full of dejection.

We Da Xia have money now.

Gu Ningya spoke up; clearly it's a happy matter, but the feeling of saying it out feels like a bad thing.

Huh?

What nonsense are you saying again?

The Yongsheng Great Emperor didn't quite hear clearly.

What is Gu Ningya saying again?

Da Xia has money? What kind of money?

Good news.

Gu Jin Nian said, there's some strange thing underground in Jiangzhong Commandery; anyway I don't know either, this thing can make Da Xia Dragon Ear grow more vigorously, and it doesn't need water.

I roughly don't remember, but Gu Jin Nian's meaning is that in the future, the wheat seed of Jiangzhong Commandery can be harvested three times; harvesting once would let all Da Xia's people eat for a year.

That's probably what it means.

Gu Ningya's speech is always weak and lacking energy.

Can't help it; I was originally quite happy, but I never expected that the Majesty I respect most would say such things.

Even if they belittle me to utter ruin, that's fine.

Every sentence like a dagger, stuck in my heart—who could be happy?

What?

This time the Yongsheng Great Emperor jumped straight up from the futon.

He was extremely fast, directly came before Gu Ningya, on the spot lifted Gu Ningya, his expression somewhat dazed.

Regarding Jiangzhong Commandery, the Yongsheng Great Emperor knows that Gu Jin Nian holds Da Xia Dragon Ear, which has drought resistance; he knows that too, but the problem is drought resistance doesn't mean no need for water.

The water source issue remains Jiangzhong Commandery's biggest problem.

The Yongsheng Emperor also has an expectation in his heart: without relying on a large water source, the dragon rice grown might be much poorer in quality, roughly like ordinary folk's rations.

Of course, this is his best expected outcome.

But the problem is still this.

How to solve the water source?

Surely we can't give not a single drop of water, right?

How could you possibly grow crops like that? So when Gu Jin Nian mobilized five hundred thousand troops, the Yongsheng Great Emperor actually understood in his heart; probably something big happened, otherwise why would Gu Jin Nian mobilize five hundred thousand troops? And he had long known the news from Jiangzhong Commandery.

Many seeds were simply destroyed.

Furthermore, with Gu Ningya's solemn expression, Gu Jin Nian wrote another sentence: something has happened.

Who wouldn't think there's a big problem? But what's unexpected is that Gu Ningya actually said Jiangzhong Commandery has no problem at all, but rather a tremendous joy? Harvest three times a year.

One time could feed and fill all the people of the Da Xia Dynasty? This is damn.

Are you trying to scare me? 'What exactly is the situation? Tell me clearly, why do you speak so weakly?'

Beloved Minister Ningya.

The Yong Sheng Great Emperor shook Gu Ningya; this Gu Ningya spoke so weakly, he truly didn't believe it.

'Your Majesty, the matter is just this; other ministers don't know, after all I am like this, I don't have much ability.'

Gu Ningya remained weak-spoken.

Speak directly, my heart turned cold.

Upon hearing this, the Yong Sheng Great Emperor felt a bit embarrassed; although what he just said was true, it was indeed hard to hear.

But there's no way; who let this Gu Ningya keep urging, causing me to lose composure.

'Beloved Minister Ningya, just now I spoke a bit directly, oh, no, it's that I was in a bad mood, so I blamed you a couple of sentences.'

'Don't take it to heart; let's discuss this matter properly, and I will reward you handsomely later.'

The Yong Sheng Great Emperor's tone was extremely kind, repeatedly saying 'Beloved Minister Ningya'.

But Gu Ningya isn't stupid; just now it was clearly sincere, anyway his heart turned cold.

Seeing Gu Ningya's look of a dead pig not fearing boiling water, the Yong Sheng Great Emperor felt uneasy in his heart; if it weren't for wanting to hear some good news, he really wanted to have someone beat him.

'Beloved Minister Ningya, I just said those words actually to give you a reminder, to give you a good warning; I originally planned to grant you a marquisate, but seeing you like this, I am truly disappointed.'

Since kind words didn't work, the Yong Sheng Great Emperor could only use this method.

'What?'

'A marquisate?'

Upon hearing the two words "marquisate", Gu Ningya instantly became spirited, gazing at the Yong Sheng Great Emperor, his expression utterly astonished.

'Mm.'

'This great disaster in Da Xia is unprecedented; Ningya, beloved minister, you have also exerted much effort; I still plan to grant you a marquisate after the disaster subsides; those words I just said were actually to warn you.'

'To make you remember, to restrain you a bit, lest you run amok all day; now as a Commander, causing a little trouble is fine, but if you truly become a marquis and still act like that, wouldn't you become a laughingstock?'

The Yong Sheng Great Emperor's imperial tactics are superb.

A simple sentence directly made Gu Ningya completely excited.

'Your Majesty, are you serious?'

Gu Ningya was overjoyed; previously lethargic, now he is full of vigor, showing no trace of weakness.

'The sovereign does not jest.'

'Hurry up and tell me about Jiangzhong Commandery; if you keep dawdling, don't talk about a marquisate, I'll demote you to the border.'

The Yong Sheng Great Emperor cursed.

He is truly anxious.

'Okay, okay, okay.'

'Your Majesty, great joy, great joy.'

'Jiangzhong Commandery has no crisis at all; on the contrary, it is a great joy, for beneath Jiangzhong Commandery lies a treasure that can let the Da Xia dragon ear absorb energy, growing dragon rice that is no inferior to the dragon rice Gu Jin Nian currently holds.'

'Gu Jin Nian calculated that Jiangzhong Commandery's farmland, excluding the top-quality fields, all other land including wasteland, if used together, one harvest can yield sixteen million dan of grain.'

'And it's all dragon rice; the people need only two liang per day to be full, and it also strengthens muscles and bones, stabilizes foundations.'

At this moment, Gu Ningya was overjoyed, his brows dancing with delight, he relayed to the Yong Sheng Great Emperor the news he had heard from Gu Jin Nian.

Hiss! Hiss! Hiss! After hearing clearly what happened, the Yong Sheng Great Emperor could no longer sit still; he released his hand, stood rooted, numb all over.

Shocked.

Shocked.

At this moment, the Yong Sheng Great Emperor trembled all over, his eyes filled with astonishment, his expression stiff as if struck by lightning.

I thought Jiangzhong Commandery would face a major incident, but I never expected it to be this.

No, this also counts as a major incident.

'I fuck your mother.'

'Gu Jin Nian, you little turtle bastard, you scared the hell out of me.'

After regaining his senses, the Yong Sheng Great Emperor truly wanted to cry; Gu Jin Nian really scared the hell out of me.

Say nothing, give no explanation; outside is full of rumors, and then they even send Gu Ningya back with a letter, without a word of explanation—it's a sign that something big is happening.

'Your Majesty, your words are a bit unpleasant to hear; Gu Jin Nian's mother is your sister; if the Censorate Great Scholar hears this, they will surely scold you for three days and three nights, and this group of Great Scholars will never let it rest.'

Gu Ningya spoke earnestly.

"Your Majesty, your words are a bit harsh; Jinian's mother is your sister. If the Imperial Censor Great Scholar hears this, they'll scold you for three days and three nights, and these Great Scholars will never stop."

'I ask you, clearly it is a great joy, why didn't Gu Jin Nian tell you anything?'

'And you, coming with a solemn face to find me, what exactly do you want me to do in the court?'

The Yong Sheng Great Emperor spoke angrily.

'Your Majesty, Gu Jin Nian said he did this on purpose; he wanted everyone to mistakenly think Jiangzhong Commandery would face a major incident; this farming matter still needs time; if we appear overly happy, wouldn't we be inviting trouble?'

Gu Ningya spoke up, giving his explanation.

"Your Majesty, Jinian says he did it on purpose; he wants everyone to mistakenly think Jiangzhong Commandery is about to have a big incident. Such matters take time—if we act overly cheerful, wouldn't that be courting trouble?"

Indeed, this reasoning is correct.

As soon as he said that, the Yongsheng Great Emperor nodded.

The principle really is this principle.

Indeed, these are turbulent times now; if good news arrives, all the major powers will surely act.

Indeed, Jinian is truly thorough in his actions.

"What about that half‑million army?"

Emperor Yong Sheng continued to ask.

"Oh, Your Majesty, Jinian means that Jiangzhong Commandery will become the Da Xia Dynasty's granary in the future; this place is of utmost importance, so dispatching a half‑million troops is to secure Jiangzhong Commandery."

Gu Ningya explained.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yong Sheng understood completely.

Jiangzhong Commandery hides a treasure that allows the Da Xia Dragon Spike to grow perfectly, so it truly requires a heavy garrison; without it, future trouble would arise.

And now is the most opportune moment to send troops.

To put it bluntly, sending troops later would easily draw attention; sending them at this critical juncture is just perfect.

It's not just suitable; it can also cause the major powers to misjudge.

Truly clever.

Fortunately I am clever enough; otherwise I would have been duped.

Emperor Yong Sheng thought to himself.

"So, the matter of Jiangzhong Commandery has already been decided by Jinian?"

Emperor Yong Sheng asked the latter.

"Yes."

"Jinian says that, barring any mishap with the Da Xia Dragon Spike, some fertile fields will produce rice a month from now."

"He will use this chance to uplift the people of Jiangzhong Commandery, then have the old lord garrison the commandery; essentially nothing else needs handling, only farming."

"A month later, Jiangzhong Commandery will be safe; three months later it can harvest the first wave of grain. Your Majesty, according to Jinian, the commandery need not be tax‑exempt; whatever the method of tribute, that is how it should be submitted."

"He intends to use a new policy to pay the grain tax; as for the specifics of the new policy, Jinian says he will explain to Your Majesty in due time."

Gu Ningya replied, noting that there are two important pieces of information in this statement.

First, a month later Jiangzhong Commandery will be completely safe.

Second, the new policy will be promoted, collecting grain tax.

Emperor Yong Sheng still has some doubts about what this new policy entails.

That's indeed good; we can test the new policy here, while the grain tax is already abundant, and with the policy settled, the Da Xia Dynasty cannot fail to prosper.

Even without the new policy, calculations show an annual output of 1.6 billion shi of grain, with the local share ten‑to‑two, the court ten‑to‑one, three times a year.

That amounts to 4.8 billion shi of grain per year, even if Da Xia Dragon Rice remains priced at six liang of silver per shi.

That is nearly 300 million liang of silver in revenue; of course the Ministry of War will need a lot of grain, plus regional aid, official salaries, and other expenses, yet even so the court will still receive about 70–80 million liang of silver annually.

This is only Jiangzhong Commandery; gathering another 30 million liang from other regions is no problem. With such annual income, what could be done? Emperor Yong Sheng dares not even imagine.

"Did Jinian say anything else?"

Emperor Yong Sheng swallowed saliva and continued to ask.

"Anything else?"

Gu Ningya frowned, thought for a moment, then slapped his head and said.

"Your Majesty, Jinian also gave a few instructions."

"Make Your Majesty work a bit, plan Da Xia's future, record all regional grain‑storage issues, eliminate a batch of people, and soon begin expanding official granaries; later, the official granaries everywhere will likely be full, so expansion is unavoidable."

"There is also the matter of expanding the Ministry of War's forces, which Your Majesty must consider, plus horse breeding, weapon forging—basically a host of matters; I truly am not clear on the specifics."

"In short, Da Xia now has money, so we can go all out on construction; why be stingy and scrimp? How can we display the grandeur of a great nation otherwise?"

Gu Ningya said earnestly.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yong Sheng burst into laughter.

"Hahaha, it's Jinian who knows me; Jinian truly is my good nephew."

Emperor Yong Sheng laughed out loud.

If a year truly yields that much grain, and the new policy is spread, the revenue would explode; indeed we could expand the Ministry of War.

The thought makes his scalp tingle.

The Da Xia Dynasty's court debates daily—what for? Is it not for silver? For grain issues? Now the Da Xia Dynasty has five major military camps with four million soldiers; after Jiangzhong Commandery stabilizes for a year, we'll directly expand by four million, increasing to ten camps, then diversify troops and raise a damn million heavy cavalry.

One million heavy cavalry, seven million infantry.

Just imagine how massive that is.

And as grain increases, Da Xia's population will grow, commerce will flourish, and there will be no destitute places.

We will build roads, bridges, construct dragon‑boat treasure ships; the people will be well fed, everyone will practice martial arts, those who wish to cultivate will do so, those who wish to study will study—365 trades, each can produce a top scholar.

What? You want to worship Buddha? No.

Why not? Because my nephew dislikes Buddhist disciples.

Huh? Brother Ning Wang, you're plotting rebellion?

Fine, send two million soldiers over, no fighting with you, just set up camp, eat, surround your territory, do nothing else, eat, drink, relieve themselves, and the army can conduct drills.

You want to start a fight? No problem—half a million heavy cavalry will charge. Don't bring up technique with me; one force can crush ten. Half a million heavy cavalry charge, two million soldiers wave flags and shout; if we don't beat your crap out, consider it…

The Xiongnu State? At this point, does the Xiongnu even still exist?

Erase all of you scum completely.

Jinian really has foresight.

Emperor Yong Sheng has already begun imagining himself leading troops and horses against the Xiongnu.

Huh? Why isn't the Lord of the Capital leading the troops?

He's old.

To enjoy a long life, right? As the emperor of Da Xia, as the ruler of Da Xia, you should let your meritorious officials be happy and comfortable, living good days, right? Such burdens should be handled by me, the emperor; Grandfather Gu, just rest well at home and wait for my good news.

Delightful, so delightful.

Emperor Yong Sheng's face turned red, laughing especially happily, but in Gu Ningya's eyes it seemed especially that something.

"Oh, by the way, Your Majesty, Jin Nian also mentioned something."

At this moment, Gu Ningya thought of another matter.

"What matter, what matter, quickly tell me."

Emperor Yong Sheng wore a full smile.

"Jin Nian said, for this matter, he contributed eighty percent, I contributed twenty percent. Jin Nian doesn't want the credit, lest more people target him; better let me take the credit. Your Majesty, you know me—Gu Lao Liu has never liked to ride on others' merits."

"I'll only take the credit that belongs to me, twenty percent is enough; you handle the rest as you see fit."

Gu Ningya said with a grin.

The Emperor was so happy that he casually added another remark, reinforcing Emperor Yong Sheng's promise to grant me a marquisate.

But the next moment, Emperor Yong Sheng's expression changed.

He then kicked forward.

"Get out."

"All you ever do is chase credit, scram."

Emperor Yong Sheng was too lazy to bother with Gu Ningya; this fellow had no more use, so he could be dismissed.

As for whether he's hurt or not, what does it matter?

It really hurts to go and cry alone.

"Your Majesty, are you using this trick?"

Gu Ningya was stunned; although the line was his own invention, after using me, he kicked me away?

That's a bit over the line, isn't it?

"Properly handle the matters of Jiangzhong Commandery."

"The matter is settled; I'll grant you a marquisate."

Of course, Emperor Yong Sheng wasn't truly heartless; this truly was a momentous joy, and he kept his promise, granting Gu Ningya a marquisate.

Being made a marquis carries great significance.

It's not something that can be granted arbitrarily; in theory it should go to Gu Jin Nian, but Gu Ningya was right—Jin Nian's reputation is too great, he needs protection, and we can't lavish benefits indiscriminately just because we like him.

First, officials at court would target him.

Second, it would cause more people to see Gu Jin Nian as a major enemy.

Gu Ningya is clever; granting him a marquisate lets Gu Ningya draw some fire at Gu Jin Nian, which is quite good.

Marquises in Da Xia are indeed precious, but whether to grant one or not is just a word from me, right? Hearing this, Gu Ningya laughed, laughing especially happily.

And inside the Grand Ancestral Temple.

Emperor Yong Sheng also laughed.

After a short while, Emperor Yong Sheng went straight to the portrait of the Great Ancestor, hands on his hips, sweeping away the decadence.

"Old man."

"Do you see? Do you see?"

"I told you, I am the true Heaven's Mandate; you handed this empire to me—am I wrong? Tell me if I'm wrong?"

"This throne should be mine; I passed it to Jiande, I passed it to Jiande—does that kid have my caliber?"

"If it's Jiande, could he accommodate a talent like Jin Nian?"

"Old man, putting aside other things, once I unify the Eastern Wilderness, after I descend, if you dare insult me, don't blame me for being an unfilial son."

"Look, look who the real emperor is."

"Tsk tsk, the things you can't accomplish, I, your son, will accomplish; this Da Xia empire will one day soar in my hands."

"Hey!"

Emperor Yong Sheng's laugh was hearty; he pointed at the portrait, exuding confidence, a complete transformation from his previously half‑dead demeanor.

After a while, Emperor Yong Sheng gradually calmed down.

After a long exhale, Emperor Yong Sheng let out a cold snort.

"Jin Nian, Jin Nian, you even deceived me; you almost scared me to death."

"After this Da Xia heavenly disaster ends, you'll see whether I punish you."

Emperor Yong Sheng was a bit irritated; these past days he almost got scared to death.

Now receiving this news, he could finally breathe a sigh of relief.

But soon, Emperor Yong Sheng laughed out loud again.

Outside the gate, Wei Xian's expression was complicated; he looked at Liu Yan beside him, who nodded.

The two instantly understood: the Emperor had gone mad.

Only after a while did Emperor Yong Sheng's voice echo in their ears.

"Send out the news."

"Report that Gu Ningya rushed into the palace, and half an hour later I fainted inside the Grand Ancestral Temple."

"Summon the imperial physician."

A cold voice sounded in their ears.

"As you command."

The two immediately responded.

Although they didn't know what had happened, half an hour later a piece of news spread from the palace.

Gu Ningya rushed to the palace with a hundred‑thousand urgent haste, not knowing what he negotiated with Emperor Yongsheng.

Half an hour later, Emperor Yongsheng fainted inside the Grand Temple; the imperial physicians arrived, examined for half an hour, could not determine the illness, and finally diagnosed him with an anxious heart.

It seemed like a trivial matter, but to many, the incident sparked countless speculations.

In an instant, numerous versions emerged.

Some say the Jiangzhong County unrest has already begun, and a half‑million army has started to suppress and slaughter the civilians.

Others claim that the half‑million troops, together with Gu Jin Nian's hundred‑thousand iron cavalry, have seized the four major commanderies near Jiangzhong County, intend to proclaim themselves king, and sent Gu Ningya to negotiate with Emperor Yongsheng, demanding that Emperor Yongsheng grant Gu Jin Nian the title of a non‑clan king.

Having amassed troops for self‑importance, Emperor Yongsheng became irate and fainted outright.

There were also rumors spreading within the palace that Emperor Yongsheng raged at Gu Ningya, thundered angrily; the exact words are unclear, but many inside the palace knew of it.

In short, it must be bad news.

Emperor Yongsheng truly faced a great calamity; the Da Xia Dynasty was on the brink of collapse.

Such news was abundant, almost all negative, causing many factions to become overly hopeful; not only Prince Ning, but some vassal kings also seized the chance, drafting memorials to be sent to the capital, demanding grain and supplies, and raising unreasonable conditions.

The next day.

The Great Jin Dynasty's Minister of Rites set out for the Da Xia Dynasty, citing allied trade as a pretext, visiting Da Xia, publicly claiming they wish to engage in allied trade with Da Xia, aid Da Xia, provide disaster relief, and stabilize internal unrest.

The Fuyu Dynasty responded immediately, also dispatching its Minister of Rites with a delegation to Da Xia.

As for Jiangzhong County, the half‑million army plus the hundred‑thousand iron cavalry, together with the county's own three‑hundred‑thousand soldiers, total near a million, sealing off the entire outside of Jiangzhong County.

The official roads were strictly guarded, sealing the interior and exterior.

This behavior indeed provoked some resentment among the populace, but only a tiny fraction, as most were busy farming; who has time to wander? Moreover, the nineteen clan elders of Jiangzhong County each sat at the city gates, questioning anyone who left about where and why they went, in great detail.

Not only were the questions precise, but the elders also spoke extremely sharply.

Some soldiers even bluntly said the elders were still sharp as ever.

When someone tried to leave, seven or eight elders blocked them.

What are you going out for? Visiting relatives? You have no food to eat, yet you still go to see relatives; your relatives will be annoyed by you. Hurry back and go farm.

And what else are you going out for? Want to go out to relax?

Do you think you deserve to go out and relax? Others find you disgusting; get back to farming.

What? You're sick? Going to see a doctor?

Eating such fine rice, you still get sick? Someone, push this person down; he's never been a good sort; investigate thoroughly, see if he's a lecher.

Such is the dialogue; after these elders ate dragon rice, they were invigorated, yet still struggled to farm, so they were stationed at the city gate or village entrance, backed by dozens of soldiers.

Inside and out, who dares to act recklessly? Any trouble, the village elders don't know? Who are you, the village elders don't understand?

Gu Jin Nian's move was simply unparalleled.

Thus, no one knows what truly happened in Jiangzhong County; outsiders don't know the inside, and the inside doesn't know the outside.

Even if some experts try to infiltrate, they're unfamiliar with the terrain, know nothing, and the people now trust Gu Jin Nian unconditionally.

Spotting unfamiliar faces, they immediately report to the county office.

The Prince of the State brought dozens of generals; who isn't strong? Unless you're a Six Realm master, don't even think of entering Jiangzhong County.

If it truly were a Six Realm master, Gu Jin Nian would notice.

Jiangzhong County is as solid as a golden fortress.

Moreover, the more this is the case, the more outwardly it confirms that Jiangzhong County has become uncontrollable; otherwise, why act so? Prevent what? Was planting rice not guarded before?

The rice ears taking root and sprouting, not guarded?

Furthermore, such rooting and sprouting should, in principle, be proclaimed to the world to boost morale, yet Da Xia did not do so?

Why? Because they have good things they refuse to reveal, fearing the whole nation would laugh? Do you believe it? Anyway, Prince Ning, the Great Jin Dynasty, the Fuyu Dynasty, the Central Plains Dynasty, the Xiongnu State, and all the vassal kings all expressed disbelief.

But it must be said that

the overall wind direction of the Da Xia Dynasty has changed.

Yes, it has changed.

Across the nation, every region echoed the same voice.

Believe in Jiangzhong County.

Believe in Heaven's Mandate's herald Gu Jin Nian.

Believe in the Da Xia court.

To speak frankly, this is clearly orchestrated by someone, and not by court officials.

As for who exactly, no one knows.

But it is evident that someone is stirring things up, boosting the people's confidence, making them hold huge expectations for Jiangzhong County.

As long as Jiangzhong County truly endures, morale will soar.

But if Jiangzhong County cannot hold, or any issue arises, that massive expectation will instantly turn into terrifying popular resentment, striking back at the Da Xia Dynasty.

This move is truly supreme.

It almost forces the Da Xia Dynasty to death.

Leaving the Da Xia Dynasty no margin for error.

If Jiangzhong County falls, Da Xia will truly fall.

Within the army's main camp,

Gu Jin Nian, after learning of this, did not know what to say.

Indeed.

【398】 It seems we must continue to block the news.

Looks like we still need to continue blocking the news.

"If nothing unexpected occurs, the results can be examined next month."

Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath.

Thus, time passed bit by bit.

The disaster situation in Longxi Commandery has been stabilized and brought under control; the Crown Prince's prestige is indeed effective, and with everyone united, relief efforts have been completed. Now the focus is on two points.

One is food logistics.

One is post-disaster reconstruction.

These two problems are what Longxi Commandery needs to handle, but at least there are no other major issues.

The fire in Donglin Commandery remains unfavorable; the blaze is too fierce, already affecting the entire eastern half of the region, the sky is blood-red, ash rolls in waves, and there is a severe shortage of rain-prayer talismans.

Relief efforts in Nanyue Commandery are slow, but at least they are much better than in Donglin Commandery; however, the ice and snow have begun to show signs of melting.

However, everyone's attention is entirely focused on Jiangzhong Commandery.

After all, everyone knows this is the most important place.

If Jiangzhong Commandery erupts in trouble, then it will truly be gone.

The Da Xia imperial court.

Finally, some voices rose up.

Strong criticism was directed at Gu Jin Nian's relief efforts.

They deployed five hundred thousand troops, blockaded inside and outside information, and besides, no one knows what the situation in Jiangzhong Commandery really is.

Some rumors also spread.

There were not a few memorials submitted by Gu Jin Nian; inside the court there were not many, but many were from various regional feudal princes and officials.

The news blockade on Jiangzhong Commandery is overly strict.

Hardly any news can be heard.

All of this makes people uneasy and has become a means for some to attack Gu Jin Nian.

Not only that.

Feudal princes from various regions periodically submit memorials to request grain and fodder; everyone knows what they are after.

There are also some other matters.

Grain stores in many places have decreased; previously the Office of the Suspended Lamp intervened, and many places have honestly made up the shortfall—regardless of the method, at least the grain supplies have been replenished.

But as some right-and-wrong about Jiangzhong Commandery spread, many places simply stopped making up the shortfall, killed two officials, casually wrote a memorial, and just wanted to wrap things up.

Especially in the Jiangnan region, facing this disaster, donations and grain reserves were the lowest, and they killed four seventh-rank officials just to close the case.

This is really formidable.

It is quite obvious that these people think Da Xia is about to fall into internal chaos, so they simply go through the motions.

And it's not just one family.

It is many places.

These people probably have joined forces, and behind them who knows how many other forces are supporting them.

Aristocratic clans!

Feudal princes!

How formidable!

Inside the court, Emperor Yongsheng listened to He Yan's report, remaining silent.

He kept all of this in mind.

Wait until the heavenly disaster in Da Xia ends.

He will really draw the knife.

Then, blood will flow like rivers.

"Your Majesty, local officials report that the relief supplies sent to Donglin Commandery appear to be lacking a great deal."

At this moment, He Yan's voice rang out.

He revealed the final matter.

At this moment, the entire court of civil and military officials was moved.

The relief supplies are short? At this critical juncture, they dare to tamper with relief supplies?

How arrogant have they become? Is this truly rebellion?

However, the officials were moved, while Emperor Yongsheng merely spoke lightly.

"Let someone investigate and make it clear."

He was not angry, just a simple sentence.

This left the officials momentarily unsure what to say.

This kind of thing is, after all, a major affair; Emperor Yongsheng's demeanor is too strange—could it be that something really is going to happen?

Thus.

Today's news from the court was spread again, and Emperor Yongsheng's response and demeanor were also disseminated.

This made many forces even more convinced that Jiangzhong Commandery would see major events.

And it will happen soon.

Within the next one or two months, it will be about that time.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye, more than twenty days have passed.

(End of chapter)