Chapter 203: Immortal Words, Jixia Academy, Da Xia's Calamity, the Deposed King's Scheme

The people didn't know what to say.

It already surpassed their imagination; the blessings bestowed again and again, the benefits granted, made people enviously go mad.

The Great Dao Sainthood Diagram!

This is an ancient diagram formed from the will of Heaven and Earth; possessing such a diagram can let one comprehend the Saintly Dao, and according to legend, such a thing can enable a person to become a saint on the spot.

Of course, this is something from legend.

Exactly how it works, no one knows.

"Possessing this diagram allows one to perceive the Way of the Saint, to personally experience the path of a saint's ascension; even if one cannot become a saint, it still lays an unparalleled foundation,"

"Moreover, according to legend, this Great Dao Sainthood Diagram, if one's talent is extraordinary, can enable dialogue with a saint, allowing one to convey one's doubts and misunderstandings to the saint, who then provides answers,"

These voices rang out.

They no longer knew how to describe this blessing.

The Five Great Blessings perhaps correspond to the Five Great Calamities; they knew of Da Xia's recent heavenly disaster, terrifying beyond measure, yet among the rewards given, there were indeed some unbelievable ones.

To be honest, it was truly excessive; even Su Wenjing thought it was a bit too much.

However.

In the void, Gu Jin Nian stared at this scroll of the Great Dao Sainthood Diagram; he did not hesitate, intending to directly perceive the Saint's Way.

However, as Gu Jin Nian made contact with the Great Dao Sainthood Diagram,

In an instant, a sphere of golden light enveloped Gu Jin Nian.

And just as everyone thought Gu Jin Nian was about to begin comprehending the Saintly Dao, the dazzling golden light at that moment gradually faded, returning into the Great Dao Sainthood Diagram.

Finally, the ancient diagram sealed, merging into Gu Jin Nian's Wen Palace anomaly.

It was strange, leaving many in astonishment, not knowing what had occurred.

"Why didn't the comprehension continue?"

"What is going on?"

"Isn't this the Great Dao Sainthood Diagram? Why is this happening?"

People were perplexed, unclear about what had happened, how it had turned into this.

Not to mention the younger scholars; even the older scholars were, at this moment, very curious and utterly baffled.

Only Gu Jin Nian, atop the Ascension Ladder, knew what the situation was.

It was indeed the Great Dao Sainthood Diagram, but with his current realm, he could not yet perceive the Saint's Way.

One must first reach the Half Saint realm before being able to perceive the Saint's Way.

Otherwise, with a realm too low, even retracing the Saint's path would not guarantee understanding the other's hardships, including the resolve to become a saint.

To truly walk the Saint's path, one must wait until reaching the Half Saint realm.

Thus, the light dispersed.

On the Ascension Ladder.

Gu Jin Nian gazed at the mountains and rivers below.

The Da Xia heavenly disaster had ended; such a massive event was now considered concluded.

Gu Jin Nian sensed that many places would soon face calamities, indeed a blessing from Heaven.

If one endures them, one may receive Heaven's blessings; if one cannot, it's hard to say.

But the Da Xia Dynasty's disaster was different; the problem was substantial and real—someone was acting behind the scenes.

"If I become a saint, perhaps I could divine the heavenly mechanism and learn who is behind the mischief,"

Gu Jin Nian murmured to himself.

The regrettable thing is that the path to sainthood remains somewhat distant; it does not depend on time but on one's own comprehension.

Having crossed into this world for roughly a year and a half, I have already become a Great Scholar of Heaven and Earth; to be honest, that's quite exaggerated.

The Confucian‑Daoist lineage differs from cultivation or martial paths; by means of spiritual qi and medicinal herbs, one can breakthrough.

What is needed is the elevation of thought, the perception, and one's own step‑by‑step transcendence.

One could say that without this Da Xia disaster, I could never have broken through the Heaven and Earth Great Scholar realm; it wasn't due to Heaven's blessings, the core was my own suffering.

Having witnessed many hardships, I gained some insight.

If not for that, even receiving such terrifying blessings would change nothing; I still could not become a Heaven and Earth Great Scholar.

It is not necessarily suffering.

But rather thought.

Confucian‑Daoist thought—people, law, Heaven, nature, various doctrines—establishes the destiny of the people.

Understanding this, Gu Jin Nian also settled his mind.

"I need to truly contemplate the Dao now."

"Temporarily set everything aside, focusing on Dao comprehension."

Reflecting on the past year and a bit, Gu Jin Nian had avenged the people, spoken out for the common folk, acted aggressively without regard for consequences, and upon reaching this point, he had no regrets.

But he knew he should pause, devote some time to contemplate the Dao, to grasp his own path, or rather, to understand the Dao, comprehend nature and all things, and understand his own thoughts.

Also, to understand New Learning.

With that in mind, Gu Jin Nian slowly descended the Ascension Ladder.

He moved like a peerless young master, step by step; after stepping down from the Ascension Ladder, Gu Jin Nian bowed toward Su Wenjing and the others.

"Gentlemen,"

"After this great disaster, the student harbors many thoughts and wishes to go to the Wen Palace to contemplate the Dao,"

"The matters that follow, I trouble you, gentlemen,"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, expressing his intention to pursue Dao comprehension.

Hearing Gu Jin Nian speak like that, Su Wenjing was indeed pleased.

"Well, Jin Nian, you need to truly comprehend the Dao."

"As for the Jixia Academy matter, I, the old master, will press it down for you."

Su Wenjing opened his mouth, smiling faintly.

"Jixia Academy?"

Gu Jin Nian was slightly stunned; he had truly forgotten this matter, for the Da Xia Heavenly Disaster was so terrifying that they fought for every second each day, making it impossible to attend to this issue.

Now that Su Wenjing brought up the Jixia Academy again, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but let out a faint wry smile.

"Mr. Wenjing, let's drop the academy matter; after all, it's already been delayed three months, and further postponement would surely be problematic."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; it wasn't that he didn't understand the benefits of the Jixia Academy, but the academy had already been delayed three months, and the Da Xia Heavenly Disaster had spanned two months as well.

Logically, it should commence next month; if he forced another delay of several months for his own reasons, that would indeed be rather improper.

"No problem."

"Jin Nian, I have decided for you; go to the Wen Palace and truly comprehend the Dao."

"If there's anything you don't understand, you can call me over, and I will clear your doubts and enlighten you."

Su Wenjing waved his hand; Gu Jin Nian must go to the Jixia Academy. He hoped to see Gu Jin Nian utter immortal words there, founding a New Learning for ten thousand generations, though the chance was slim.

But Gu Jin Nian had shattered impossibility time after time, so why couldn't he break this one as well?

Even if he truly couldn't break it, taking a step back, going to the Jixia Academy would at least let him witness the nature of scholarly disputes, which would be of immense help to Gu Jin Nian.

Then that is the benefit.

Therefore, the Jixia Academy must be visited, and it is absolutely necessary.

"Then I trouble you, sir."

Gu Jin Nian could see that the Jixia Academy held great significance; the scholarly contest was indeed important to him, and Mr. Wenjing had spoken so emphatically, leaving Gu Jin Nian with little else to add.

He refused because it had already been delayed three months; letting others continue to postpone would ultimately be bad, a factor he considered. Otherwise, Gu Jin Nian would not be foolish.

Soon, Gu Jin Nian left the Da Xia Academy, his feet stepping on the void as he headed toward the Da Xia Imperial Palace, with a few matters to negotiate with his uncle.

As Gu Jin Nian departed, Su Wenjing couldn't help but, satisfied, stroke his beard and say,

"Look, my disciple is so sensible, always considering others—tsk tsk—having such achievements yet remaining humble, still calling you a sir,"

"If you had such achievements in your youth, your nose would be pointing to the heavens,"

Su Wenjing opened his mouth, unable to restrain his praise.

Upon hearing this, several Great Scholars chuckled, nodding in agreement.

But soon, someone caught on, feeling there were some issues.

"Mr. Wenjing, since when did Gu Jin Nian become your disciple?"

"Indeed, Mr. Wenjing, you're about to become a saint, how have you lost all sense of modesty?"

"I have never heard of Gu Jin Nian taking you as his master,"

A chorus of voices rose.

They found it odd; Su Wenjing truly had no shame, calling Gu Jin Nian his disciple? Hearing this, Su Wenjing felt a bit irritated.

"What did he just call me?"

"He called me 'sir'; what does 'sir' mean? Should I explain?"

"You lot are sour scholars, I'm too lazy to argue with you."

Su Wenjing hummed twice, and the crowd didn't argue with him, lest he become angry and lose composure.

Nevertheless, someone couldn't help but frown and ask,

"Mr. Wenjing."

"Since the Jixia Academy was delayed three months because of the Da Xia Heavenly Disaster, now that the disaster has ended, they should no longer continue to delay, right?"

Someone, curious, looked at Su Wenjing and asked thus.

Su Wenjing had just said to let the Jixia Academy keep postponing; honestly, that possibility wasn't great.

After all, the Jixia Academy wasn't a minor force; Su Wenjing hadn't yet become a saint, but if he did, with the dignity of a sage, he could go to the Jixia Academy and request a further delay of a few months, and perhaps the other side would indeed agree.

But without sainthood, it seemed somewhat improper.

Upon hearing this, Su Wenjing instead appeared calm.

"I understand."

Su Wenjing nodded; he knew the Jixia Academy would not continue to delay.

"Huh?"

"Mr. Wenjing, you know the Jixia Academy won't delay, so why did you agree to Gu Jin Nian?"

The person was curious, truly not understanding Su Wenjing's meaning.

"I have already contacted the Thunderhand Great Scholar, as well as close friends; now, within the Da Xia Academy, aren't there still many of you present?"

"Shall we all go to the Jixia Academy together, block its doors, and prevent it from opening?"

Su Wenjing gave a faint smile.

Upon hearing this, many Great Scholars' faces instantly changed.

"Block the doors?"

"Block the Jixia Academy's doors? Goodness, that's one of the scholars' sacred sites—Kong Family's Main Residence is one, this is the second, and the third is the Central Continent Sacred Institute."

These three places are sacred sites in the hearts of scholars across the world.

Kong Family's Main Residence is revered because Confucius resides there; any scholar actually has the duty to visit the residence to pay homage to the saint. If the Kong family hadn't established a gatekeeping lineage, centuries ago, any scholar who went to the residence would have had to go to the Grand Temple to worship the saint.

Such sacred sites command respect.

And the Jixia Academy is the birthplace of scholarship; one could say that the rise of Confucianism and Daoism to this level largely depends on the Jixia Academy, where myriad ideas bloom and thoughts erupt.

As for the Central Continent Holy Abbey, it is a contested place; only Great Scholars may go to the Abbey to expound principles, thereby sparking debate.

According to rumors, the Central Continent is the center of heaven and earth, with legends of celestial spirits, and the Central Continent Holy Abbey is built between heaven and earth atop the highest mountain, where every word and deed can reach the heavens.

In short, Confucius founded the Confucian‑Daoist lineage; the second saint established the Jixia Academy, where the hundred schools clamored and thought exploded; the third saint opened the Holy Abbey on the Central Continent, letting people contend, for only contention brings progress and prevents any single faction from dominating.

Unfortunately, under dynastic control and the overwhelming prestige of Confucius, the Kong Family's Main Residence produced a batch of prodigies; it's not about how talented these Confucian‑Daoist figures are, but that they perfectly exploited Confucius's image to form a Confucian‑Daoist academic clique.

Otherwise, according to the saints' intentions, Confucian‑Daoism would have continued to flourish.

As for the fourth saint, he also left something behind, but what exactly remains unknown.

Various rumors exist, and some noble families publicly claim to be descendants of the saints.

Of course, these are unverifiable and cannot withstand scrutiny.

The Jixia Academy is a holy site of Confucian‑Daoism; Su Wenjing intends to block its gates, and after hearing this, the Great Scholars turned a ghastly pale.

"Mr. Wenjing, I have other matters and must leave first."

"The Da Xia heavenly disaster has been settled; I must return to handle some affairs."

"My family's calamity is not yet over; I must go back to resolve it."

In an instant, many scholars rose, each looking somewhat panicked; this is not a matter of lacking literary spirit.

It's just chaos.

You, Su Wenjing, are about to become a saint; you can cause a ruckus however you like—no matter what happens at the Jixia Academy, it will not truly offend a future saint.

But they are different; if they get singled out, there will truly be no good days ahead.

Seeing everyone like that, Su Wenjing did not get angry; instead, he spoke calmly.

"Ah."

"You have missed a great opportunity."

Su Wenjing said, sounding somewhat helpless.

Upon hearing the word "opportunity," everyone halted instantly, looking at Su Wenjing with great curiosity.

"What opportunity?"

"Mr. Wenjing, why did you stop mid‑sentence?"

"Blocking the gate is also called an opportunity? Su Wenjing, do you really think we're fools?"

Various voices rose—some curious, some impatient, some outright cursing—but after the outbursts they remained in place, eager to hear what the opportunity was; after all, listening costs nothing.

"You all,"

"Truly short‑sighted,"

"Gu Jin Nian is heading to the Jixia Academy this time; do you really think he's just going to look around?"

Su Wenjing spoke, letting out a cold snort, his gaze full of mockery.

Upon hearing that, the crowd fell into a thorough silence.

"Not just going to look; could it be that we truly need to Establish Speech?"

A Great Scholar, unable to contain curiosity, asked, looking at Su Wenjing.

"That is natural."

"Are you truly foolish or merely pretending? The Jixia Academy, Gu Jin Nian indeed has never been, but how many times have I gone?"

"If Gu Jin Nian were only going to look, would I devise every possible way to stall?"

"Enough, since we're here, I'll no longer conceal—"

"I won't hide any longer; Gu Jin Nian already possesses a peerless New Learning, which I happened upon by chance."

"At that time, Gu Jin Nian had just entered the academy, a bit shy; he had no Confucian‑Daoist attainment nor any titles, so he dared not speak directly to me."

"Yet with my earnest teachings, Gu Jin Nian conveyed this New Learning; to be frank, after hearing his New Learning, I was astonished as if by a celestial being."

"If such a New Learning were taken out,"

Su Wenjing spoke up to this point, then stopped, leaving everyone's appetite whetted.

Su Wenjing stopped there, leaving the crowd hanging.

"What? Mr. Wenjing, speak quickly,"

"Please, hurry up, why do you stop mid‑sentence?"

"I have studied for fifty years and never uttered a profanity; Mr. Wenjing, don't force me,"

"Damn it, you won't speak straight; are you ill? Hurry up, I beg you, say it!"

The crowd was indeed left hanging by Su Wenjing; this guy is so disgusting—if he weren't unbeatable or untouchable, Su Wenjing's fate would surely be terrible.

"If it were revealed, today's anomaly, even amplified tenfold, would be nothing."

Su Wenjing declared solemnly.

As soon as these words were spoken, all the Great Scholars each involuntarily drew a sharp breath of cold air.

At those words, each Great Scholar involuntarily drew a gasp of cold air.

Today's anomaly is evident to all; frankly, it can be called earth‑shaking and spirit‑weeping.

Stronger tenfold than today's anomaly? Must we be so exaggerated? To put it bluntly, even the phenomenon of becoming a saint may not surpass today's, and ten times stronger—what a concept! They cannot imagine; their scope is too small.

"That's not right; in that case, what does it have to do with the opportunity?"

"Indeed, Mr. Wenjing, what does it have to do with the opportunity?"

The crowd, curious, realized after the shock that it had nothing to do with them; hearing this, Su Wenjing sighed.

"Thus you are short‑sighted,"

"In this Da Xia heavenly disaster, who truly turned the tide? It was Gu Jin Nian, right?"

"But have you gained little benefit?"

"Everyone is like a dragon, with majestic righteous aura; you have not been lacking, have you?"

【181】 "This time, if the Jixia Academy opens at the scheduled time, will Gu Jin Nian miss the opportunity?"

If that's the case, then wouldn't it be impossible to establish one's words? After all, the Jixia Academy has Heaven's Mandate's support, plus the two Heaven's Mandates sealed by Confucius.

Under the support of these Heaven's Mandates, only Jin Nian can establish immortal words, successfully found the New Learning, and open an era of peace for all generations.

Such achievements, if you all follow me to the Jixia Academy, block the doors and delay until Jin Nian recovers, and when heaven and earth bestow blessings, what benefits will you have?

Isn't this a tremendous opportunity? Haven't you missed it?

Su Wenjing spoke with reason and evidence.

His words left everyone speechless.

Because you haven't even spoken yet, it's actually quite reasonable.

Although it's somewhat strange, and obviously seems strange, but hearing it sounds truly reasonable.

In other words, if we cooperate with Sir and go to the Jixia Academy to block the doors, can we share the merit?

Someone looked at Su Wenjing and asked in this way.

Mm.

Su Wenjing opened his mouth, nodded, and said.

At that moment, the Great Scholars truly began to hesitate; if they were to go directly block the doors, frankly speaking, they really wouldn't dare, for the prestige of the Jixia Academy stands there; unless Su Wenjing is a sage, he leading the charge.

But now Su Wenjing can only be called a Half Saint; he could become a sage in the future, but he is not yet a saint.

This is just like the crown prince and the emperor; the realm will someday belong to the crown prince, but if you are the crown prince now, there are some things you cannot decide.

But upon hearing of so many benefits, they also feel reluctant, after all they have truly felt this dragon-shaped righteous vigor; if they return to diligently cultivate the Dao for three to five years, they will surely make progress.

Not to mention that everyone could break through to Half Saint; among the hundred Great Scholars present, at least two or three could become Half Saints, right? So they feel torn inside.

However, at this very moment, a Great Scholar opened his eyes, gazing at Su Wenjing with unwavering determination, and said.

"Mr. Wenjing, I have studied less than you; I will say just one sentence: scholars do not deceive scholars. If you simply speak these words, I will follow you."

That Great Scholar opened his mouth, clenched his fists, and looked at Su Wenjing.

He has already made his decision; he only hopes that Su Wenjing does not trap him or deceive him.

"Preposterous, as someone about to become a sage, would I deceive you?"

Hearing this, Su Wenjing couldn't help but frown and couldn't help but say this.

But everyone did not answer; instead, they stared straight at Su Wenjing.

"Alright, alright, scholars do not deceive scholars; truly, this is the heart of a petty person."

Su Wenjing spoke; he also considered himself to have gone all out.

The Jixia Academy contains Heaven's Mandate; I won't say more about other things. No matter what, as long as Gu Jin Nian can gain benefits from it, at worst I will suffer embarrassment once; being scolded is just being scolded.

Anyway, things must be done this way; future matters can be discussed later.

"Indeed."

As soon as these words were spoken, the Great Scholars all expressed their positions.

"Okay, then let's do it."

"Let's go, let's go, to the Jixia Academy."

"Do it; starve the timid, stuff the bold."

"I respect the Jixia Academy, but I hope even more that our Confucian way produces a Heaven's Mandate sage; for this trip, I am not seeking personal gain, but the prosperity of our Confucian path."

"Yes, yes, yes, for the prosperity of our Confucian way."

Some voices sounded, deciding their intentions.

And Su Wenjing also secretly breathed a sigh of relief, after all, if he went to the Jixia Academy alone, frankly speaking, he might not necessarily succeed; bringing these people is a sure profit.

"Later we need to get a few Thousand Mile Escape Talismans from the Immortal Sect; otherwise, if we can't run away, it'll be troublesome."

Looking at the excited and agitated expressions of the crowd, Su Wenjing silently thought to himself.

He is not stupid either; he needs to keep a good backup plan for himself.

At this moment.

The Da Xia Imperial Palace.

Outside the Yangxin Hall.

Following Gu Jin Nian's appearance, Eunuch Wei Xian came to his face at the fastest speed, his face full of flattery, not daring to be negligent in the slightest.

"Marquis."

"Your Majesty is waiting for you in the main hall."

"I, the servant, first congratulate Marquis on achieving the rank of Great Scholar."

Eunuch Wei Xian opened his mouth and said to Gu Jin Nian as follows.

"Eunuch, you're too polite."

Gu Jin Nian's expression was gentle; he nodded and then directly entered the main hall.

However, just as he entered the main hall,

A plaque hung conspicuously above the beams.

The plaque bore four characters.

【Self-improvement without cease】

Ah... this.

Gu Jin Nian didn't expect this; at this time, his maternal uncle actually still behaves this way—truly, the realm is easy to change but nature is hard to alter.

"Hahahaha."

"Great nephew, you've come."

"Look, do you still remember what this is?"

Upon seeing Gu Jin Nian arrive, the Yongsheng Great Emperor instantly broke into a smiling face, his steps light and joyful as he walked toward Gu Jin Nian.

It is countless times more affectionate than before.

"Jin Nian has seen his uncle."

Looking at his uncle's beaming face, Gu Jin Nian remained very polite.

"Why are you being so polite?"

"How did your mother tell you? I am your uncle, your biological uncle, you are my nephew; when a nephew sees his uncle, why be so polite?"

"From now on, you are not allowed to act like this; we are family, say whatever you have, understand?"

The Yongsheng Emperor was somewhat displeased, lecturing Gu Jin Nian, and moreover switched from the imperial 'I' to the plain 'I', showing greater closeness.

"Understood."

Gu Jin Nian felt somewhat helpless, but still nodded; after all, the emperor is supreme, and speaking of relatives, the uncle is also the highest, so there was nothing else to say.

"Jin Nian, take a quick look—does this look familiar to you?"

The Yongsheng Emperor chuckled, pointing at the plaque and said.

"This looks quite familiar, but I just can't recall it right away."

Gu Jin Nian could only feign ignorance.

"Ah, you forgot? When you were six, your mother brought you to the palace to see me; wasn't your uncle practicing calligraphy then?"

"Then you wanted to go play, but I hadn't finished writing; seeing how eager you were to play, I just casually wrote a few characters."

"It's these four characters; your mother can vouch for it—this time it's not your uncle stealing your credit."

"Wei Xian, do you remember this matter?"

The Yongsheng Emperor was very excited.

"I remember, I remember, this old servant remembers."

Wei Xian chuckled.

Because if he claimed not to remember, his head would be forfeit later.

"Hahaha, hear that, Jin Nian?"

"If you really don't believe it, go ask your mother; it's fine, your uncle doesn't mean anything else—he mainly wants to say that although you are an external relative, your bones flow with our Li family's blood."

"Do you know? The Gu family's bloodline are all commoners, lacking any culture; secretly I'll tell you, outside now they all say your mother inherited the wisdom of the High Empress, then passed it to you."

"Do you understand?"

The Yongsheng Emperor lowered his voice, after all, even as an emperor it's improper to say this; the Gu family isn't some small household, and saying this somewhat reflects poorly on them.

"I understand, I understand, so that's how it is."

Gu Jin Nian forced a smile.

And the Yongsheng Emperor was even more pleased, his great nephew is indeed clever.

"Alright, Jin Nian, what business do you have in the palace?"

Having received Gu Jin Nian's answer, the Yongsheng Emperor felt relieved; when he later showed off, at least he had some confidence.

Of course, he also knew that Gu Jin Nian's entry into the palace surely meant he had something to ask him.

"Uncle."

"Since we are family, I won't beat around the bush; I'll state a few matters clearly: in two days I will go to the Wen Palace to secludedly study the Dao and read, regardless of what happens outside, unless it's a cataclysmic disaster, otherwise the nephew likely won't interfere."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He needs to comprehend the Dao, requiring a certain amount of time; it's unclear how long, but definitely not resolvable in three or five days.

And now the Da Xia Dynasty is in a tumultuous autumn; I can only inform my uncle in general, after all the Da Xia Dynasty still has many capable officials.

"Speak."

When discussing state affairs, the Yongsheng Emperor also became solemn.

"First, the Da Xia heavenly disaster must be someone secretly meddling; to attract such a heavenly disaster, immortals, Buddhists, and all major dynasties cannot escape involvement; Uncle, this matter is extremely important, must be investigated immediately, even the slightest clues cannot be overlooked."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; this is the first matter.

How many casualties in the Da Xia heavenly disaster? These casualties must have someone responsible; we must find out who, then mete out thunderous retribution, otherwise the same thing will happen countless times.

"I understand; I have already sent people to investigate covertly, and we have some leads now, but this matter involves Heaven's Mandate, so truly investigating thoroughly is still somewhat difficult; I will find a way to resolve it."

The Yongsheng Emperor nodded.

"Second, after the heavenly disaster, there are many matters to handle; the five great oases need the populace to relocate; Longxi County, Donglin County, and Nan'yue County need to rebuild homes; this is also urgent; Jiangzhong County has no disaster, and if nothing unexpected, in two months the first batch of grain from Jiangzhong County can be harvested, then transported to various places to stabilize the food supply."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; the second matter is post-disaster relief and rebuilding homes, which is very important.

On the dragon throne, the Yongsheng Emperor nodded.

"I plan to let the people of the disaster-stricken areas migrate to the five great oases, with court funding, then issue several edicts, allowing all impoverished people of Da Xia to go to these five great oases, and send farming tools there, so the people can live and work in peace."

The Yongsheng Emperor had already thought this through.

Longxi County suffered an earthquake, Donglin County a fire, Nan'yue County a flood; many disaster victims lost their homes; it would be better to directly migrate to the oasis lands, where someone will look after them along the way; although it's a bit bitter, at least Jiangzhong County will continuously supply grain.

Still able to survive.

Once arrived at the oasis lands, we will step by step rebuild new homes; moreover, there is abundant fertile land to grant these people; for the populace, this is also not a bad thing.

"Your Majesty is wise."

Gu Jin Nian shouted loudly.

"Jin Nian, we are family, no need for empty pleasantries."

"However, if we relocate and rebuild homes, the required manpower, material resources, and silver will be astronomical; the Da Xia treasury cannot bear it; just how much dragon rice does Jiangzhong County have—can you tell me?"

The Yongsheng Emperor spoke.

The plan is good, but every plan requires large amounts of gold and silver to solve; putting it bluntly, without money, you can't take a single step.

According to normal taxation, wanting to complete this terrifying relocation and home reconstruction, the Da Xia Dynasty's ten-year finances cannot achieve it.

"Uncle, given the current disasters everywhere, we must stabilize with grain; adding to this heavenly disaster, the Da Xia soldiers have also suffered; the nephew's meaning is to use Jiangzhong dragon rice to stabilize disaster relief, reward the troops, and also store in granaries, after all, as the people migrate, all regions need to stockpile grain."

So the first batch of harvested grain has great use.

Uncle can issue an imperial edict, borrow silver from Da Xia merchants at a certain interest, and once the second batch of grain is produced in Jiangzhong Commandery, everything will be easy to discuss.

Gu Jin Nian does not plan to use the first batch of Jiangzhong Dragon Rice; he understands Emperor Yong Sheng's intention, wants to sell the rice and exchange it for silver, thereby resolving these matters.

But that is unnecessary; the Jiangzhong Dragon Rice must be used on the blade, to let the people eat their fill and drink enough, thereby settling the populace's hearts.

Otherwise, this relocation matter would be very difficult to handle.

Borrow silver from merchants?

Emperor Yong Sheng was somewhat surprised, but after thinking he had no hesitation and directly agreed.

Third, this meteoric iron from the heavens, uncle, no matter what, you must exhaust every means, even if it means temporarily negotiating with the Immortal Sect, to smelt out ten thousand sets of heavy cavalry armor; we must have ten thousand sets.

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, proposing this matter.

No matter what, we must produce ten thousand sets of armor, and they must be heavy cavalry armor, not light cavalry.

This is not a big problem, but Jin Nian, I also want to ask you, what do you need so much meteoric iron for?

This material is hard to smelt; you just said ten thousand sets, and if the Immortal Sect does not agree, relying solely on the Ministry of Works personnel would take at least five years to smelt ten thousand sets, and that would require the entire Ministry of Works to do nothing else and fully cooperate.

The meteoric iron you have obtained could at least make tens of millions of sets of heavy armor; isn't that somewhat unnecessary?

Emperor Yong Sheng was very curious about this.

Meteoric iron is good.

But roughly that's enough; ten thousand catties would suffice, yet Gu Jin Nian has brought ten million catties—this is exaggerated, completely unnecessary.

Hearing his uncle's doubt, Gu Jin Nian fell silent for a moment.

He did not know how to explain the academic concept of paper money as a measure of value and principal equilibrium.

In the end, Gu Jin Nian could only speak up.

Uncle, these meteoric irons are of great use; thereafter, whether our Da Xia Dynasty gets rich will depend on these things. We need to assign people to guard them, set up a camp around them, fifty thousand will do, strictly guarded, allowing no one to enter or leave.

Gu Jin Nian spoke, and the rest will wait until he attains the Dao before speaking further.

Get rich?

To be frank, it's not that Emperor Yong Sheng doesn't believe in this nephew of his, who is versed in literature and martial arts, a Confucian sage of later generations, a bearer of the Buddhist sect's fortune, an Immortal Sect's spiritual root; even if Gu Jin Nian claimed to be the reincarnation of the Heavenly Emperor, Emperor Yong Sheng would believe him.

But when it comes to getting rich, he truly does not believe.

Before, wasn't Gu Jin Nian pulling this and that person together to do business? How long has it been since then? Probably about half a year.

What about the silver? Anyway, he hasn't heard that these people got rich, and of course he knows what has happened in the Da Xia Dynasty during this period.

But the facts lie before us.

In trade, Gu Jin Nian might have some ideas, but they are wrong.

Getting rich is impossible.

A small loss is about enough.

Therefore, upon hearing about getting rich, Emperor Yong Sheng still does not believe it from the bottom of his heart.

Cough.

Jin Nian, it's not that Uncle is criticizing you; you must remember that the Confucian Dao is your only path. If you truly lack silver and wealth, Uncle will provide them.

From now on, you should stay out of the matter of getting rich and doing business.

Wait a few days, my grand birthday is approaching; I expect various places will present rare treasures. Then I will give you some, you can sell them to settle the Crown Prince's accounts—after all he is the Crown Prince and regards wealth as life. If you really cheat him, once he ascends this position, he will probably have some objections to you.

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke.

This also serves as a reminder, for he knows the Crown Prince's character: the man has fallen into the money eye; scolding him a few sentences won't bother him, but if you take a few coins from him, he will suffer more than anyone.

So we should still avoid creating unfriendly situations.

Sensing his uncle's distrust, Gu Jin Nian did not bother to explain; arguing with the emperor over truth—if you win, the emperor gets slapped in the face, everyone knows the outcome; if you lose, you yourself feel stifled.

It would be better not to speak, just let the emperor be happy on his own, right? 'Uncle, the main matters are just these few; the other matters, you yourself take responsibility for.'

The nephew wishes to take his leave, planning to go home for a visit to see my mother.

Having said this, Gu Jin Nian plans to go home for a visit.

Although there are still many matters, there is no need to mention them; the court naturally has people who can resolve them, it's impossible for everything to fall on oneself.

Okay.

Wei Xian, pick out a batch of tribute items, send them to the Gu Family, and deliver them to Ning Yue.

Draft another imperial edict, bestow upon Ning Yue the title of Longevity Saint.

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke, a simple sentence, yet bestowed supreme honor.

The two characters 'Longevity Saint' represent many things.

It is an unsurpassed title of respect.

The principle of 'mother honored through son' is exactly this.

Thank you, Your Majesty.

Gu Jin Nian gave a word of thanks, then departed.

After Gu Jin Nian left.

Emperor Yong Sheng couldn't help but smile, gazing at Gu Jin Nian's back.

Ning Yue truly has borne a fine son.

Emperor Yong Sheng's face was full of smiles.

Thereafter, he turned his gaze to the jade table above.

On that jade table lay a sheet of xuan paper, and upon it were written a few characters.

【Horse Treads the Xiongnu】

After an hour.

Gu Jin Nian returned to the Gu Family.

At this very moment, the entire Gu Family was already bustling like a market; some of the people who had not yet left or were hurriedly returning to the capital gathered outside the duke's mansion, bringing some gifts to express their gratitude to Gu Jin Nian.

Regarding these gifts, Gu Jin Nian had the servants accept them all; not accepting would only make people feel cold-hearted.

And after returning home.

Gu Jin Nian also immediately went to find his mother.

During this time you were away, Princess Ning Yue worried all day.

After all, is there a mother who doesn't love her own child?

As soon as Gu Jin Nian returned home, he was scolded repeatedly.

"You always like to play the hero; is the Da Xia Dynasty impossible without you?"

"Isn't your uncle the emperor? Aren't your several uncles all capable? Why is everything left to you?"

"Everyone says I gave birth to a good son, a sage, a great hero, but as your mother I don't want a great hero; as long as you are safe and sound, I will be happy."

"Nian'er, remember my words: from now on, no matter what danger you encounter, don't act recklessly; even if the sky falls, there will be taller people to hold it up."

"Understand?"

Princess Ning Yue spoke, scolding and then crying; indeed she had been worried sick.

Gu Jin Nian could only soothe his mother's emotions; after repeatedly assuring her, he finally got her to smile.

Yes, in others' eyes, I am a savior, a future sage, a remarkable marquis.

But in my mother's eyes, I am still a reckless child.

These two days, Gu Jin Nian stayed at home.

After staying with his mother for two days, he then left the duke's mansion.

Afterwards, he went to the Wen Palace.

The experiences of this period gave him various different thoughts and ideas.

He needed to settle and reflect properly.

However, after Gu Jin Nian entered the Wen Palace.

Some things were also being arranged silently.

The far northern lands.

A middle-aged man gazed at the thousand-mile ice sheet and slowly spoke.

"Gu Jin Nian entering the Wen Palace, if spread, can advance the plan to depose the king."

The second day.

An imperial edict was transmitted throughout the Da Xia Dynasty.

Informing the people that the heavenly disaster in Da Xia has been quelled!