Chapter 2: Mysterious Ancient Tree

It is white light.

Blazing white light.

Fragments of memory reassemble in the mind.

This is the scene before one's transmigration.

As a massive amount of memory reassembles, the pain is despairing, but eventually all memories fully return.

When the memories recover, a gigantic divine tree appears in one's mind.

The tree stands tall within the mind, its branches spreading, surrounded by divine light, with nine branches, appearing exceedingly mysterious.

It contains incomparable energy.

Moreover, each branch gathers a sphere of radiance, as if nurturing something.

Gu Jin Nian fully recalls everything that happened before his transmigration.

In the Wenxin Study.

The original self indeed quarreled with the Minister of Rites' granddaughter, but the cause of the dispute was that those people spoke rudely first.

Later the original self indeed uttered a few harsh words, and the latter pushed the original self into the lake.

A white rainbow piercing the sun happened to streak across the heavens, then vanished, falling into the lake.

That beam of light also entered one's body, causing the original self to fall gravely ill.

Although the academy's guards rescued the original self immediately, no one would know that something entered the body.

The towering tree, evolving the universe, surrounded by divine light, displays extraordinariness.

Gu Jin Nian's consciousness awakens bit by bit; after fully waking, Gu Jin Nian finally shows confusion.

He looks at the mysterious ancient tree in his mind, filled with curiosity.

He does not understand what this thing is.

This is very strange.

"The original self fell gravely ill because of this tree; now that I've transmigrated, will it affect me?"

This is Gu Jin Nian's doubt.

He does not know what this tree is, whether it is good or bad; he simply has no idea.

The only thing he knows is that the original self died because of this tree.

But the specific reason, Gu Jin Nian knows nothing about.

"Sixth Uncle seems to know something; later I'll probe his thoughts, but I must be careful not to be discovered."

Gu Jin Nian thought to himself that he could not analyze anything, so he can only ask Sixth Uncle.

Thinking this, Gu Jin Nian slowly withdraws from his mind, needing only to disperse his mental energy.

Soon, a heavy sense of falling assaults him.

Abruptly.

Gu Jin Nian awakens.

A familiar voice sounds at his ear.

"Nian'er, don't scare mother."

"If something happens to you, mother won't survive."

Crying sounds arise.

Gu Jin Nian slowly opens his eyes.

What meets his eyes is a beautiful woman, dignified and noble, wearing a cloud‑shaped hairpin, a string of pearls around her neck, further exuding elegance.

She is his mother, Li Wan Jing.

Princess Ningyue of Da Xia, the current emperor's sister, not the crown princess but also dearly favored by the founding emperor.

At this moment, Lady Li's face is like pear blossoms in rain, her gaze filled with anguish.

But when Gu Jin Nian wakes, the anguish in her eyes instantly turns to delight.

"Nian'er, you're awake."

"Nian'er, you almost scared mother to death."

Still in a sobbing tone, but the tone is full of surprise.

And as Li's voice sounds, the room instantly becomes lively.

"Mother, what's happening?"

"Where is Sixth Uncle?"

Gu Jin Nian's mind is still a bit hazy; he forces himself a little, sits up slightly, looks at the people in the room, finally directs his gaze to his mother, his eyes full of curiosity.

Inside the room.

Besides Mother Li, Third Uncle and several servants and the palace physician are also present.

Before Li can answer,

Third Uncle's voice rings out.

"Doctor Xu, quickly go see how Jin Nian is doing?"

As Third Uncle's voice sounds, Li immediately rises, summons the physician to diagnose.

After taking a brief pulse, Doctor Xu's expression is uncertain.

This makes Li beside him somewhat anxious.

After the diagnosis, Li's voice sounds.

"Doctor Xu, how is my son?"

"Your Highness, the heir apparent is not seriously ill; on the contrary, his spirit is vigorous, likely because he has taken too many tonics lately, causing bodily discomfort."

During this time, all the young master needs to do is diligently exercise his muscles and bones, release the internal yang qi, and there will be no serious issue.

Physician Xu spoke, giving out a diagnosis plan.

Just saying this, however, surprised everyone, after all no one expected that Gu Jin Nian would faint for no reason, it was because he ate too many tonics.

This is somewhat embarrassing.

While on the bed, Gu Jin Nian gradually returned to normal; he still had doubts and wanted to ask Sixth Uncle, so he looked toward his mother and said.

Mother.

I'm fine now; where is Sixth Uncle?

Gu Jin Nian asked curiously.

Upon hearing this, Third Uncle's displeased voice involuntarily sounded.

Your Sixth Uncle is currently being hung from a tree and whipped by the old master.

This brat, after returning, didn't go to report back, went straight home, and even gave you a headache; the old master said that if he doesn't whip off a layer of his skin today, the old master won't let him off.

Third Uncle replied.

This left Gu Jin Nian somewhat dazed.

How did he end up getting whipped for no reason?

But he quickly came to his senses!

The Gu Family's rule is like this: although everyone in the Gu Family is like a dragon, whether it's one's own father or second and third uncles, if they make a mistake, they get a beating, and a harsh one at that—directly hung from the tree in front of the duke's mansion to be whipped.

The servants see it clearly; sometimes the whipping is so fierce that outsiders can hear the screams.

This is also the Gu Family's unique disciplinary method.

Year'er, it's fine; you don't need to worry about your Sixth Uncle—he's thick-skinned, a beating won't hurt him.

What would you like to eat now? Mother will make it for you.

Li Wan Jing at the bedside spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian with a heartbroken expression, not caring at all about Sixth Uncle's life or death.

Mother, no need, I'm really fine.

This has nothing to do with Sixth Uncle.

I need to go find Grandfather to clarify things.

Gu Jin Nian was still curious about what was in his head; if he didn't stop the old master, Sixth Uncle would probably be whipped into unconsciousness.

Thinking this, Gu Jin Nian involuntarily rose, wanting to go find the old master.

But just then, a displeased voice involuntarily sounded.

What time is it now, still thinking about going to play with your Sixth Uncle?

Look at your peers—they're all educated and refined; you're just like a wild child, playing all day.

I'll tell you: once your injury heals, you'll go study tomorrow; if you don't get into the Da Xia Academy next month, see if I don't beat you to death.

As the displeased voice sounded.

The door was pushed open, and the next moment a middle-aged man pushed the door and entered.

The man had a heroic appearance; although around forty, his brow bore an aura of 'authority' that only those in high positions can possess.

This is Gu Jin Nian's father, Gu Qianzhou, the Marquis of Linyang of Da Xia.

Facing this father, Gu Jin Nian felt an instinctive fear.

Although he is the sole heir, beloved by the family, facing his father he still inevitably feels fear.

Moreover, although the clan dotes on him, that doesn't mean he can do whatever he wants; if he truly does something wrong, he will still be beaten without exception.

However, Li Wan Jing's voice immediately sounded.

What exam are we talking about?

Year'er has just recovered from a serious illness, and you're making him study again?

You can bear it, but I cannot; if it's not possible, I'll take Year'er to live in the palace—seeing you annoys me, you never care about our son while you're out; are you even still a father? Marrying you, I was truly blind.

After so many years with you, enduring so many years of grievance without a word, now you're letting my son suffer grievance—Gu Qianzhou, listen: if you threaten my son again, I'll leave right now; I don't believe I couldn't survive without you.

Year'er, come, Mother will take you to the palace; if anything happens, your uncle will back you up.

Li Wan Jing grew more agitated as she spoke; she has a fiery temperament, regards Gu Jin Nian as her heart's treasure, and seeing him plagued by major and minor illnesses lately already pains her immensely; hearing Gu Qianzhou say such words, she instantly flared up and was about to drag Gu Jin Nian to the palace.

Now the situation became somewhat awkward.

Especially Gu Qianzhou—he is indeed the Marquis of Linyang, but when it comes to status, nothing compares to Gu Jin Nian's mother, Li Wan Jing.

A princess indeed, and the current emperor's own sister—if you truly let her suffer grievance, the Gu Family couldn't bear it.

Elder sister-in-law, elder sister-in-law, please don't be angry.

Jin Nian has just recovered; he cannot move, he cannot move.

My eldest brother is just a simpleton; you'd better not pay him any heed.

Third Uncle beside them hurriedly urged, while also glancing at his elder brother, his eyes also showing some displeasure.

Elder brother, it's not Third Brother saying this about you.

Dragons beget dragons, phoenixes beget phoenixes—our whole family is a nest of martial artists; why do you insist on making Jin Nian study?

Besides, when you studied back then, you weren't as good as Jin Nian—oh, you yourself couldn't do it, yet you want the younger generation to achieve it?

You're being too selfish, aren't you?

The old master already said, if Jin Nian truly can't study well, then forget it—our Gu Family doesn't lack a scholar.

Is that really the case?

Third Uncle was somewhat displeased.

Although the Gu Family holds great power and influence, they have indeed never produced a scholar; it's not that they don't know a single character.

The main reason is that they simply lack any cultural heritage; having them practice martial arts and fight is fine, but making them study is as good as killing them.

They themselves have also experienced this pain, and naturally they don't want the third generation to suffer the same.

Although they hope the Gu family will produce a prodigy, the problem is they can't force it.

Oh, you won't still force yourself to study? Then why don't you go study? Don't you understand leading by example? Indoors.

Gu Qianzhou felt a bit dazed.

He came in just to maintain fatherly strictness; he also couldn't bear to let Gu Jin Nian suffer hardship.

But he also knows the saying that indulgent mothers spoil their children, so he came over to reprimand Gu Jin Nian.

But he didn't expect his wife to explode outright.

Even more infuriating, his third younger brother also started scolding him? In an instant, Gu Qianzhou flared up.

Good grief, you're saying it's not your son, right? You just know how to indulge? Spoiled him, and it's none of your business, right?

Today I must definitely show off my standing in the Gu Qianzhou family.

"Nonsense."

"Indeed, indulgent mothers spoil their children."

"These years I've been too indulgent toward you, causing Jin Nian to become so decadent."

"These days, do you know how people outside are talking about our Gu family?"

"Jin Nian teased the Minister of Rites' granddaughter, spreading rumors all over the city; at such a young age he behaved so disgracefully, saying I failed to educate him well."

"If Jin Nian hadn't fallen seriously ill, could this matter have been settled so easily?"

"Sending him to study is to make him understand reason; could it be that you'd be happy if the Gu family's third generation produced a decadent young master?"

Gu Qianzhou spoke up, scolding.

This matter indeed stirred up considerable controversy, after all, Da Xia governs with Confucianism and values gentlemanly conduct.

Nowadays, everyone in the capital is talking about this matter.

The gist is that Gu Jin Nian, at such a young age, behaved like a ruffian, using vulgar words to tease the Minister of Rites' granddaughter.

In a sense, this is no trivial matter.

At three years old, one's character is set for life.

If one so young is saddled with such infamy, it will be hard to clear their name later.

Especially given Gu Jin Nian's formidable family background, it's easy to attract gossip.

Fortunately, Gu Jin Nian suffered a severe setback; otherwise, the Minister of Rites and those Confucian scholars would definitely not be pushovers.

Since civil and military officials aren't opposed, and they argue daily in court, if such a thing happens and one is careless, it could provoke major trouble.

Holding a high position is like that; every move you make invites trouble.

But I never expected this family to treat it as if nothing happened.

How could he not be angry? At this moment, Gu Qianzhou stood on the moral high ground and rebuked those indoors.

This made Gu Jin Nian feel somewhat depressed.

He never said he wouldn't study, so how did he end up being labeled a street thug?

However, there is a crucial point that Gu Jin Nian keenly grasped.

The Minister of Rites' granddaughter was spreading rumors outside.

Because he has recalled the full sequence of events.

There was an argument.

But the root cause wasn't really him; it was the Minister of Rites' granddaughter and someone else picking a fight with him, and after a quarrel they uttered a few harsh words.

It wasn't teasing; it was just some insults traded between children.

Looking at this, the Minister of Rites' granddaughter, in order to evade responsibility, is framing him.

Good grief, really something.

"Father, I understand; I will go study tomorrow."

"Mother, please don't argue with Father; after this incident, I've become much more sensible."

"But Father, I've recalled the incident; I didn't insult them—it was just a verbal spat, they couldn't win the argument, so they pushed me into the water."

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, stopping the two from continuing their quarrel.

He could see that his mother had a fiery temper; if he didn't say a couple of words, the argument would only get fiercer.

At the same time, he also made the matter clear.

Upon hearing this, everyone was somewhat surprised.

Whether it was Gu Qianzhou, Lady Li, or even the third uncle, or even the Gu family's servants, none expected Gu Jin Nian to be so obedient? Moreover, this matter isn't just outside gossip? "You didn't insult them?"

"Well then, this damned Yang Kai actually dares to spread rumors?"

In an instant, Lady Li exploded, utterly furious.

Her son almost died, and he's also suffered an unjust accusation; how could she stay calm?

But upon hearing this, the Marquis of Linyang couldn't help but furrow his brows and look toward Gu Jin Nian.

"You mean it wasn't you who teased them first?"

He inquired.

"Yes, I didn't tease them."

Gu Jin Nian nodded heavily.

This injustice, he will not accept.

But after he finished speaking, Lady Li became even angrier.

"Gu Qianzhou, why don't you quickly send people to seize Yang Kai? This wretch is utterly unfilial, a renowned Confucian scholar, yet he inverts right and wrong."

Lady Li's face turned ashen from rage, flames practically bursting from her eyes.

Don't cause trouble.

As for this matter, nobody can say clearly what's going on; I certainly believe Gu Jin Nian would not be like this.

But Gu Jin Nian is by nature mischievous—who in the capital doesn't know? Yang Kai is the Minister of Rites, and his granddaughter is famously well-behaved; without evidence, a hundred mouths cannot defend.

But I will investigate this matter thoroughly.

Gu Jin Nian, Father seriously asks you: have you lied? You must not, out of fear of punishment, deliberately tell lies.

The Prince of Linyang also has a headache.

He certainly believes his own son, but the problem is that the matter has already been over half a month, and Gu Jin Nian only now realizes.

Everyone has already spread the rumors until they're accepted as truth, and coupled with Gu Jin Nian's own mischievous nature, the preconceived bias is very strong.

Without evidence, even if you truly suffered injustice, what can you do? You can't argue against them.

Making a fuss is useless; they insist that it was your son who flirted first—what can you do? 'Father, I really didn't lie.'

Gu Jin Nian understands his father's difficulties, but the fact remains as such.

Alright, Father will properly investigate this matter; as for other things, you don't need to worry—just study well.

But rest assured, if it truly is the other party twisting right and wrong, black and white, let alone his being the Minister of Rites, even if he were a high-ranking official, Father would not let him off.

But if the investigation finds you at fault, even if the old gentleman comes, I will have you hung from a tree and beaten for three days and three nights—do you understand?

Gu Qianzhou's voice was stern.

He naturally hopes his son did not do such a thing.

But he also worries that Gu Jin Nian is afraid of punishment and dare not admit fault; then the misunderstanding will grow larger—now the Gu Family is in the right, after all, someone almost died.

But if things blow up and it turns out Gu Jin Nian spoke rudely, that would be troublesome—not only embarrassing but also losing the moral high ground.

What three days and nights of whipping? Are you crazy? You don't even believe your own son, yet you insist on believing outsiders' words.

Gu Qianzhou, you're also a damn bastard, just know how to bully us orphans and widows.

I'll now take Gu Jin Nian to the palace and have my brother come to uphold justice.

Upon hearing Gu Qianzhou's words, Lady Li flew into a rage.

Gu Jin Nian, seeing the situation was unfavorable, turned and left to find his sixth uncle.

(End of chapter)