Chapter 21: Midnight Conversation

Grandson Li Ji's assault on the Minister of Rites instantly sparked a massive uproar in the palace.

From the emperor down to palace maids and eunuchs, not a single person was unmoved.

The dignified second‑rank senior official, a contemporary Great Scholar, a man of high virtue and reputation, the Minister of Rites—had his skull cracked open?

This is no small matter.

Gu Jin Nian originally wanted to stay and observe the situation, but since such a huge incident broke out in the palace, staying was unwise, and he was forcibly taken away by his mother, Princess Ningyue.

After returning to the Gu Family, his mother, Li, went to the main hall to inform Lord Lin Yang of the palace incident.

Gu Jin Nian, meanwhile, returned to his room to rest.

He returned to his room.

Gu Jin Nian skillfully took out paper and pen; the events of today made him understand several principles.

First, his reputation is indeed poor now; not only among the common folk but likely also among officials.

Minister of Rites Yang Kai is a contemporary Great Scholar who also wields real power; if such a person were to twist right and wrong, even the emperor would fear him, let alone Gu Jin Nian.

Reputation depends on status; the higher the status, the more one must care about reputation, especially when one intends to enter the court in the future.

This matter is very important.

He must clear his grievance and restore his innocence; otherwise future trouble will be even greater.

Second, he has now offended the Grandson; although it seemed like a child's prank, he has nonetheless caused trouble, and this must be firmly remembered—if it worsens later, he'll have to consider other measures.

That part is fine; the short‑term impact is minimal.

Third, there is the Da Xia Academy.

The Minister of Rites has already made his point clear: once he reaches the Da Xia Academy, he will have to tidy himself up gradually.

It's obvious even with a toe: Yang Kai has already greeted the people of the Da Xia Academy; if Gu Jin Nian makes a mistake there, he can expect a barrage of scolding.

He might even take action, so this must be watched carefully, just in case.

"It's about twenty days left until the Da Xia Academy begins."

"During these twenty days, one must study diligently and see what good things the ancient tree can bring."

Gu Jin Nian muttered to himself.

He wrote down the problems of his current situation, three main issues.

Actually there was another issue: the drowning incident.

However, there is no clue for now; it might be a misunderstanding, and he had overthought it.

He shook his head.

Gu Jin Nian stopped overthinking, lifted the holy book, and began reading.

At the same time, Gu Jin Nian entered his mind, observed the ancient tree, gazed at the newly sprouted resentful fruit, and moved his thoughts.

The fruit fell immediately.

This resentful fruit came from the Da Xia Emperor, but it was many times larger than before, confirming that the higher the rank or realm, the more resentment is generated.

As the fruit fell, golden light spread, and soon two ancient talismans appeared.

【True Word Parent‑Child Talisman】

Along with the ancient talismans, a message appeared in Gu Jin Nian's mind.

"It's actually this thing?"

Gu Jin Nian clicked his tongue; this talisman was odd, not following the usual rules—sticking it on someone doesn't automatically make them speak the truth.

Instead, after applying this talisman, no matter what the other says, he can instantly sense truth or falsehood, hence the parent and child talismans.

The child talisman is placed on the target, and the parent talisman can detect it.

This thing is neither wholly good nor wholly bad.

If applied to the right person, its value is considerable and can bring great benefit.

Overall, it's a good item.

When he eventually enters politics, whether dealing with superiors or subordinates, a tricky case can be solved by sticking one on, and many matters become clear.

Useful.

However, Gu Jin Nian hopes for something more substantive; after all, aside from his good family background, everything else is rather ordinary.

Thus he isn't that excited.

But it must be said that the emperor's resentment is abundant; a little meddling can yield a reward.

Gu Jin Nian thought to himself.

Just like that.

Time passed bit by bit.

Two hours passed.

All sounds fell silent.

The entire marquis's residence was extremely quiet, even the insects' chirping had dwindled.

Inside the room.

Accompanied by a blue lantern, Gu Jin Nian read earnestly.

Threads of talent surged into his body.

The amount was small, but it persisted.

Gu Jin Nian didn't read for talent; he read each book with utmost seriousness, then comprehended its meaning and extracted principles.

It is precisely because of this that threads of talent flowed into him.

Otherwise, merely reading could not condense talent.

The point is learning.

About the hour of Chou.

Gu Jin Nian felt a bit weary; he set down a book by a Great Scholar and exhaled deeply.

If you count, he hasn't slept for twenty-three double-hours.

After not sleeping for two or three days straight, he is full of weariness.

However, after finishing this book, his gains were not small: he grasped some principles and his talent increased somewhat.

All this talent surged into the ancient tree, about to form a Confucian-Dao fruit. "Sleep."

He rose, stretched, and Gu Jin Nian intended to sleep, but just then a voice suddenly sounded.

"Young one."

The voice sounded.

Gu Jin Nian jumped in surprise, looked over, and saw it was his own grandfather; his whole body went numb.

"Grandfather, what are you doing here?"

Gu Jin Nian was indeed a bit numb; someone suddenly appeared in the room in the middle of the night, and thanks to his little composure, otherwise he would have screamed like a ghost.

"Young one, it seems you've truly awakened, able to study hard into the night; grandfather is truly pleased, far better than your few useless uncles—no wonder I'm proud to be your grandfather."

Gu Yuan spoke, his face full of kindness, his eyes also filled with joy and pride.

He arrived in just one double-hour, only to find Gu Jin Nian studying, so he didn't disturb him.

"That's actually true."

Gu Jin Nian nodded; he very much agreed with his grandfather's words.

Gu Yuan: "."

The latter obviously didn't expect Gu Jin Nian to be so shameless; after praising him a bit, Gu Jin Nian readily accepted without hesitation, and at the same time a faint resentment entered his body.

"Grandfather, you came looking for me so late at night—what's the matter?"

Gu Jin Nian looked at Gu Yuan; coming to find him in the dead of night surely meant there was business, though Gu Jin Nian was curious and didn't know what it was.

"Young one."

"Today the crown prince injured Yang Kai—was it your doing?"

Gu Yuan spoke, his expression calm.

"Ah? No, it's the crown prince's own courage, grandfather—I won't take the blame for this."

Gu Jin Nian said solemnly.

Anyway, the blame will definitely fall on Li Ji; rain, I have no melon.

Upon saying that, Grandfather Gu couldn't help but laugh; not admitting it is fine, although everyone knows this, but it's enough that Gu Jin Nian doesn't admit it.

Good, this grandson of mine is really clever.

However, he still had some things to explain.

"Grandfather didn't come to mobilize troops and accuse."

"You also shouldn't rush to deny."

"Grandfather came today to say a few words to you."

"This behavior has already offended Yang Kai; although our Gu Family isn't afraid, in a few days you'll have to go to the Da Xia Academy."

"Once you're there, even if grandfather wanted to protect you, it would be difficult."

"But you can't not go, so you must become wiser; in whatever you do, you must be careful and cautious, and not give others a handle to attack you."

"If those old fellows really dare to bully you, come back and tell grandfather; grandfather will help you, but no matter what, first be in the right; as long as you're in the right, with grandfather around, you won't suffer any injustice—do you understand?"

Gu Yuan said slowly, earnestly instructing Gu Jin Nian.

Obviously, the Da Xia Academy is far more complicated than I imagined; even a Duke of the Nation cannot interfere, and it's undeniable that the status of scholars in the Da Xia Dynasty is high.

Of course, this is also greatly related to the national situation; not during wartime, the generals' status is indeed not high.

"Grandfather, rest assured; after the drowning incident, your grandson has become sensible and knows how to handle things."

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

Upon receiving this answer, Gu Yuan was also very satisfied.

"Young one, being able to answer like this, grandfather is very relieved."

"Moreover, never blame your father; he bears many burdens, you don't know yet, though he seems strict, no one doesn't love their own descendants."

"Young one, there are some things grandfather also doesn't know how to tell you; you must definitely remember, study hard, absolutely do not neglect your studies; some things should be endured if they must be endured, as long as you achieve success, everything can be discussed."

"Moreover, for this trip to the Da Xia Academy, your sixth uncle has invited someone to help you; he can help you a lot, and if you have any doubts, ask him more."

Gu Yuan spoke earnestly.

These words seemed somewhat bewildering, but Gu Jin Nian nodded anyway.

Indeed, there are many things I don't know, especially the court's situation; the court is deep as the sea, without stepping in, no one knows how it really is.

However, sending someone to help myself has made Gu Jin Nian curious.

But every word my grandfather says is precious advice.

"Grandfather."

"Grandson will certainly remember."

"But who is being sent to help me?"

Gu Jin Nian said, somewhat curious.

"A great talent."

"When the Da Xia Academy admits students, he will come to find you."

"Alright, young one, rest well, don't tire yourself; take this time to rest properly."

Gu Yuan didn't specify who it was, merely telling Gu Jin Nian to rest well.

Having said that, he left the room.

"Grandfather, take care."

After Gu Yuan left.

Gu Jin Nian fell silent for a moment; after a while, he ordered a servant to bring hot water, washed up simply, then lay down on the bed and slept.

At the same time.

Gu Yuan, who had left the room, came alone to the main hall.

At this moment, the silhouette of Gu Jin Nian's sixth uncle, Gu Ningya, appeared here.

(End of chapter)