Chapter 218: Using the Red Dust as a Training Ground, Observing Thousands of Lives, Enlightening One's Own Learning and Dao!

Inside the Never Night City.

Gu Jin Nian looked at Yu Yi and He Zhai before him; by comparison, He Zhai's emotions were still relatively stable, but Yu Yi's face was already full of displeasure.

He was not displeased with Gu Jin Nian, but rather with the Jiangnan Commandery trip.

"Is this matter true?"

In front of the jade desk, Gu Jin Nian stared at Yu Yi, his tone calm as he questioned him.

After Yu Yi and He Zhai arrived, they immediately vented their grievances; He Zhai managed to say a few things, but Yu Yi, blunt as he was, recounted everything he had seen and heard in Jiangnan Commandery.

The merchants' obstruction was within Gu Jin Nian's expectations, but the sale of inferior medicine that Yu Yi mentioned made Gu Jin Nian especially sensitive.

During the Da Xia Great Disaster, he had heard of this; it was intelligence sent by the Qin King, which mentioned a batch of inferior goods that caused some soldiers in the army to become infected and die.

Later, a series of events, plus the meteor from the heavens, caused Gu Jin Nian to forget it for a while, and the Qin King never brought it up again.

Thus Gu Jin Nian did not think much of it.

Now that Yu Yi has brought up the matter again, Gu Jin Nian naturally pays extra attention.

"Yes, Lord."

"These are some rumors; the student has also investigated, finding a few traces but not many, and cannot fully guarantee their authenticity."

"However, the student specifically studied this case and retrieved some files; the Donglin Commandery fire indeed caused some soldiers to die from severe wounds, but whether it was due to inferior medicine is uncertain."

"But the student personally believes the likelihood is high."

Yu Yi spoke, expressing his view.

"State your thoughts directly; no need to conceal anything."

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he could see that Yu Yi still had unsaid words.

Listening to Gu Jin Nian speak, Yu Yi thought it over and decided not to hide anything.

"Yes, Lord."

"The student believes there is at least an eighty percent chance; a few days ago, Brother He and I went together to Jiangnan Commandery, and regardless of officials or wealthy merchants, they gave us a cold reception and used various means to hinder our implementation of the new policy."

"Later, for reasons unknown, it is said that the Wu family gathered all the merchants together; what exactly was said remains unknown, but since then, He Zhai and I have finally been able to start putting the new policy into practice."

"Although progress is modest, it is much better than before, and that timing happened to be a few days after the Lord resolved the Da Xia Great Disaster."

"There must be an unspeakable secret within this."

Yu Yi spoke up, stating his thoughts.

When that remark was made, Gu Jin Nian did not reply but looked at He Zhai, asking for his opinion.

Feeling Gu Jin Nian's gaze, He Zhai fell silent for a moment, then couldn't help but speak.

"Lord."

"The student speculates that this may be because, after the Da Xia Great Disaster passed safely, these people grew fearful and gathered together."

"Of course, Brother Yu, I concur with what you said; however, dealing with Jiangnan merchants requires caution. The new policy has just begun, and if we cannot produce solid evidence, we should not trouble them."

"It would cause internal turmoil in Jiangnan Commandery and affect the promotion of the new policy."

"He Zhai is steadier than Yu Yi; of course, this steadiness is rooted in his interests. The new policy is of great significance, and he does acknowledge Yu Yi's points, but he feels the new policy is somewhat more important, and dwelling on mistakes is essentially meaningless."

"It would be better to wait until the new policy is fully implemented, then settle accounts gradually."

But Yu Yi, after hearing this, couldn't help but frown and speak up.

"The new policy is the new policy, and the soldiers are the soldiers; if they die defending the nation, I, Yu Yi, would say nothing—there is no choice. But if they die because of these merchants' resale of inferior medicine, causing Da Xia's soldiers to be sacrificed in vain,"

"How can that be tolerated? To abandon these tragically dead soldiers for profit?"

Yu Yi spoke, his voice burning with anger; although he indeed harbored some prejudice against Jiangnan Commandery, he could suppress it, and he fundamentally disagreed with He Zhai's words.

"Brother Yu, I don't mean that; what I mean is that the new policy has just started, and it would be best to slow down a bit."

He Zhai opened his mouth with a hint of bitterness.

But Yu Yi paid no heed.

"Lord, grant me three thousand elite troops, and also issue the Lord's decree to the student; the student is willing to investigate thoroughly and deliver justice."

Yu Yi spoke up; he could not stand this, so he voluntarily stepped forward.

"No need."

Gu Jin Nian could see that Yu Yi was more upright, while He Zhai was milder and handled matters more smoothly; each had their strengths and their own flaws.

However, Gu Jin Nian knew what to do about this matter.

"I, the Lord, will immediately send people to investigate within the army; if the Jiangnan merchants truly committed such acts, they would certainly kill witnesses and erase all traces without a trace."

"From start to finish, over a month has passed; they could not have left any trace for you."

"However, they can bribe many with silver, but they cannot sway the soldiers within the army."

"If we can find eyewitness testimony, it will be much easier to handle."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

"No need to think about it; this matter has been ongoing for nearly a month, and they wouldn't be foolish enough to wait for us—they must have prepared everything."

If Yu Yi were to lead troops there, it would only startle the grass and scare the snakes.

"Lord, you are wise."

Upon hearing Gu Jin Nian's arrangement, Yu Yi breathed a sigh of relief; at first he thought Gu Jin Nian had agreed with He Zhai's suggestion.

"Alright, the two of you rest for a few days and review these two case files: one concerning Da Xia Never Night City, the other about Da Xia's army expansion."

"Yu Yi, you will oversee the army expansion, coordinating with the Ministry of War and the Ministry of Revenue, strictly controlling according to the file contents."

"Go under Lord Zhao's command and train well."

"He Zhai, examine the development of Da Xia Never Night City over the next year and the related progress of the Seventy-two Commanderies; later go to the Ministry of Revenue to assist Lord He. Since you share the same surname, you are like family. Remember to contact Wang Fugui; he is a friend of mine, and you can communicate frequently."

"As for the Jiangnan Commandery matter, I, the Lord, will handle it properly; you two need not worry excessively."

Gu Jin Nian said.

He instructed the two to do these tasks.

"Lord, regarding the Jiangnan Commandery matter, if it is indeed true, the student wishes to personally punish those merchants."

Yu Yi spoke, his gaze steady as he said.

"Fine."

Gu Jin Nian replied outright.

Then Yu Yi and He Zhai left the tavern.

Leaving Gu Jin Nian alone.

"Summon Wang Peng and Xu Jin to come."

After a moment, Gu Jin Nian spoke, calling Wang Peng and Xu Jin forward.

About two quarters of an hour later.

The two arrived before Gu Jin Nian.

"Lord, what orders do you have?"

These two are deputy commanders of the Shan Kui Army; although they have not been promoted in rank by following Gu Jin Nian, their status has risen dramatically, and now their daily duty is to safeguard the safety of the Da Xia Nightless City.

"Xu Jin, investigate whether during this Da Xia Heavenly Disaster, in Longxi Commandery, Nanyue Commandery, and Donglin Commandery, any merchants sold inferior goods or medicines that caused infections and deaths among the troops, or civilian casualties."

"Wang Peng, go into the army and inquire with the Heavenly Feather Army soldiers; if there is any issue, record their statements immediately, but do so discreetly without making a scene."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, ordering the two to investigate the matter.

"As you command."

The two responded without hesitation.

Soon, the two departed.

Gu Jin Nian was left alone again.

He waited here quietly.

Without wasting time, considering his upcoming journey to the Jixia Academy, Gu Jin Nian completed all pending matters before leaving Da Xia Capital.

The next day.

Da Xia Capital.

Inside a manor.

Zhang Yuntian sat upright on the Grand Master's chair, while Li Ruoyu and Lu Chengyan reported some matters.

"Senior brother, the Ministry of Works is expanding; it plans to establish the Heavenly Craft Pavilion nationwide. The court has allocated a tract of land many times larger than the Nightless City to build the Grand Heavenly Craft Hall, apparently to focus on cultivating the Ministry of Works."

"The Da Xia Nightless City, all seventy‑two commanderies are to build new Nightless Cities; it will require massive construction."

The two spoke, relaying some internal secrets to Zhang Yuntian.

"The Ministry of Works is expanding, all seventy‑two commanderies will build Nightless Cities? And the five great oases are also preparing to start construction."

"It seems that after the Da Xia Heavenly Disaster, the Da Xia Dynasty indeed reaped great benefits; with the Nightless City's prosperity, it has earned a huge amount of silver, and the court is eager to undertake massive construction."

Zhang Yuntian remained indifferent; although he was unaware of these details, ever since learning that the Da Xia Nightless City generated profit, he could guess at the situation, for the Da Xia Dynasty gained enormous advantage after ending the Heavenly Disaster.

Putting aside other matters, the five great oases themselves require construction.

Consequently, various manpower and resources are needed.

Now, learning that the Ministry of Works and the Da Xia Nightless City intend to build new Nightless Cities across all seventy‑two commanderies all at once, he was merely surprised.

"Senior brother, Yu Yi and He Zhai returned from Jiangnan Commandery and went to the Nightless City yesterday; we do not know what they discussed."

"However, the Jiangnan Commandery affair has been partially known to Gu Jin Nian; given his nature, he will not ignore it. These merchants should be notified early to prevent trouble at this critical moment."

Li Ruoyu spoke again, mentioning another matter.

"I know that one."

"The notification is necessary, but not to make them restrain themselves; rather, let them seize the chance to earn some silver."

Zhang Yuntian said lightly, voicing his thoughts.

His words caused the two to look somewhat surprised.

Yu Yi and He Zhai did not care; they were merely two subordinates Gu Jin Nian wished to cultivate. What mattered to them was what these two had told Gu Jin Nian.

If it involves the Da Xia Heavenly Disaster, and indeed does, shouldn't the merchants be allowed some stability?

But judging by Zhang Yuntian's tone, he seemed intent on causing trouble.

"Senior brother, we all know Gu Jin Nian's temperament; if he learns that Jiangnan Commandery merchants are selling inferior medicines and even substandard blankets, he will unleash a slaughter. At this moment, shouldn't we keep those merchants in line?"

"Talk about earning silver any more?"

"If Gu Jin Nian does notice even a little, and these merchants act recklessly at this critical juncture, wouldn't they be courting disaster?"

Lu Chengyan frowned, looking at his senior brother, genuinely not understanding what his senior brother intended to do.

"Junior brother Li."

"Whether these merchants live or die is none of our business."

"Do you truly think we aid them to plot their power?"

Zhang Yuntian spoke lightly, his gaze full of contempt and disdain.

Not to mention Jiangnan Commandery merchants; even the entire Da Xia merchant guilds mean nothing to him. Merchants merely earn silver.

So what? Who is he? The Grand Dao Office's Celestial Pride; he schemes for the future Heaven's Mandate. If he obtains the future Heaven's Mandate, silver is trivial—he could turn stone to gold, and silver would be like dirt to him.

The reason he protected those merchants was to leverage their influence for a deal with King Qin; now that the transaction is complete, he no longer cares whether the merchants live or die.

Dead is dead.

"If we're not scheming for their power, then what did you mean by saying we should help them earn silver?"

This time Lu Chengyan was also confused, not understanding what sort of remedy Zhang Yuntian was selling.

"The Da Xia Dynasty's Ministry of Works will build the Heavenly Craft Pavilion, train a multitude of artisans, prepare for future needs; the Ministry of Revenue will construct seventy‑two new Nightless Cities, requiring massive timber, stone, and materials, including new cities in the five great oases."

"Let's not even talk about labor; these supplies naturally yield huge profits."

"Gu Jin Nian now relies on the Da Xia Nevernight City, earning so much silver; don't you think the Da Xia Eight Major Merchants Guilds are truly indifferent?"

"Even though they plan to build seventy‑two new Nevernight Cities, those cities ultimately belong to others; they know that once they join a Nevernight City, they'll have to answer to Gu Jin Nian."

"Thus many merchants have banded together, intending to construct identical Nevernight Cities in other nations."

"Now the Da Xia Dynasty is undertaking massive construction, demanding a great deal of material; ordering so many supplies at once will inevitably drive up prices for timber and stone, allowing them to collude on price hikes—doesn't that perfectly help them earn silver?"

Chang Yuntian spoke up, pointing out the business opportunity.

But the two of them only frowned more as they listened.

"Senior brother, what's the purpose of helping them make silver?"

"Indeed, there is a business chance, but with Gu Jin Nian around, how dare they act recklessly? Are they not afraid of Gu Jin Nian causing trouble for them?"

"Even though it's not like Jiangning Commandery, arbitrary price hikes would still provoke Gu Jin Nian; especially the Jiangnan Commandery merchants—if Gu Jin Nian had even a sliver of evidence, old and new grudges would be settled, and wiping out an entire family wouldn't be excessive."

The two were genuinely confused, not understanding the purpose of Chang Yuntian's scheme—does it disgust Gu Jin Nian?

It could be disgusting, but the problem is Gu Jin Nian also has a solution—just launch a slaughter and it's over.

Is it necessary to be so verbose?

Half a year ago, such tactics might have worked, but the current Gu Jin Nian, in the eyes of the common folk and the court officials alike, has become a top-tier figure; his words carry weight comparable to the emperor's.

Under these circumstances, cutting down a batch of doomed merchants would draw no criticism from anyone.

"Haven't you thought of that?"

"Whether the deal with King Qin is real or not, isn't this a perfect chance to test it a bit?"

The next moment, Chang Yuntian spoke.

At once, the two suddenly understood.

Chang Yuntian wants to use this opportunity to gauge King Qin's attitude.

Indeed.

If Gu Jin Nian learned of the Jiangnan merchants' actions, he would spare no expense in exterminating all of them.

But if King Qin cannot intervene, Chang Yuntian would conclude that King Qin never intended to cooperate; even if King Qin did step in to advise, failing to stop Gu Jin Nian would prove his incapacity.

Regardless of the aspect, Chang Yuntian and his group can reassess the cooperation.

As for the sacrifice, it's merely a group of merchants; if they die, they die, and they don't care about that batch.

"Senior brother, you truly are lofty."

Li Ruoyu spoke up, unable to hide her sigh.

However, Lu Chengyan couldn't help but frown as he said.

"Senior brother, junior brother thinks something's amiss—what if King Qin reaches an understanding with Gu Jin Nian and stages a play, what then?"

"To Gu Jin Nian, for the Jiangnan merchants, what's the difference between dying early or late?"

Lu Chengyan asked, speculating on that possibility.

Upon hearing this, Chang Yuntian appeared completely indifferent.

"Then we'll make sure they can't perform that play."

"The Jiangnan Merchants Guild has already negotiated with the Xiongnu State and the Fuyu Dynasty to replicate the Da Xia Nevernight City."

"If they dare to act, all the gold, silver, and wealth of the Jiangnan Merchants Guild will be divided between those two dynasties."

"At that point, even if Gu Jin Nian wanted to target those merchants, what could he do? They've already left."

"Moreover, before departing, by leveraging the Da Xia Ministry of Works' massive construction, they can seize a sum of silver—any calculation shows it's a loss for Da Xia."

"For us, we only need to watch the fire from the other shore; whatever choice Gu Jin Nian makes, we will win."

Chang Yuntian spoke calmly, appearing supremely self‑assured.

When the conversation reached this point, Lu Chengyan seemed to have an epiphany.

"Alright."

"That's it for now; the most important matter now is the prime ministership—what does Hu Yong intend?"

Chang Yuntian looked at Li Ruoyu and asked curiously.

"Reply, senior brother, Lu and I have mentioned you many times; Lord Hu also wishes to meet you."

The latter spoke.

"Very well, then I trouble the two junior brothers to arrange a meeting with Lord Hu."

Chang Yuntian spoke.

He is confident about this matter; regardless of whatever benefit Hu Yong gains, he firmly believes no one can resist the lure of the prime ministership.

Hu Yong himself is worthy of the prime ministership; saying he has no ambition would be impossible.

Meanwhile.

Inside the Nevernight City.

Xu Jin and Wang Peng had completed their investigation and stood before Gu Jin Nian.

"Sir Marquis,"

"After a thorough investigation, there aren't many clues; this Da Xia Heavenly Disaster also involves more than just the Jiangnan Merchants Guild's trade."

Wang Peng spoke, sounding somewhat subdued, as the task hadn't been completed properly.

Gu Jin Nian remained silent, and Xu Jin continued.

"Marquis, I went to the Heavenly Feather Army but found no results; the soldiers seem to be keeping this matter secret."

"I can tell that someone gave a warning; after all, the Heavenly Feather Army is your force, and I have heard some rumors."

"According to them, this matter mainly needs to be asked of King Qin's subordinates; at least within the Heavenly Feather Army, no one has died from drug infection."

Xu Jin spoke up, relaying this information.

But this still counts as having no substantial clues; everything is just speculation.

"Lord Hou, what should we do next?"

Wang Peng spoke, asking Gu Jin Nian.

"It seems that Yu Yi's words are eight or nine parts out of ten correct."

Gu Jin Nian replied lightly, leaning back in his chair, his eyes flashing with many thoughts.

"It's normal not to find clues; if clues appear, then something's wrong."

"Cleaning up clues itself leaves a clue behind."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, saying that Wang Peng's failure to find any clue was within his expectations; honestly, during the Da Xia Disaster, it is inevitable that these merchants would engage in underhanded deeds.

But now that there is not a single clue, that is abnormal; someone must have erased them.

It's not that Gu Jin Nian is speculating with a petty mindset; rather, people are varied—merchants of Jiangnan Prefecture wouldn't do this, but could other merchants also? This world has a good side, and naturally a bad side.

Clear water has no fish.

Therefore, Gu Jin Nian can be certain that there is another hidden factor behind this.

What makes Gu Jin Nian pause is that the Heaven Feather Army does not dare to reveal the truth; someone must have given a prior warning.

Moreover, those involved are all under the Qin King; to be frank, this is what Gu Jin Nian worries about most.

He worries that the Qin King is now entangled, especially after the recent conflict between the Qin King and His Majesty; the current Qin King essentially has no chance to vie for the Crown Prince, so at this moment, might he keep a fallback? Gu Jin Nian cannot guarantee.

"Let's not continue the investigation for now."

"Wait for this Lord's decision."

At this thought, Gu Jin Nian stood up; if his relationship with the Qin King were strained, this matter would be easier, but because his ties with the Qin King are too good, he is at a loss on how to act.

Nevertheless, he must go find the Qin King.

Soon.

Gu Jin Nian rose and left, having a jade carriage prepared, heading straight for the Capital City.

About half an hour later.

Inside the Qin King's Residence.

Gu Jin Nian needed no notice and walked straight into the Qin King's Residence.

After Gu Jin Nian entered the Qin King's Residence.

Before long, the Qin King's figure appeared.

"Jin Nian."

"How did you find the time to come to my brother's residence?"

Seeing Gu Jin Nian, the Qin King still wore his usual broad smile.

"Brother Qin King."

"I have something to ask you about."

Gu Jin Nian opened with a smile, showing no sign of heavy worries.

At those words,

the Qin King seemed to guess something and immediately invited Gu Jin Nian to the back courtyard.

"Brother, just speak plainly."

The two walked through the long corridor, the Qin King as ever.

"During the Da Xia Disaster, brother sent intel mentioning some merchants committing wrongdoing, trading inferior medicine; is this true?"

Gu Jin Nian looked at the Qin King and, without hesitation, asked directly.

"Yes."

However, the Qin King simply nodded, not lying, and continued.

"But those merchants have already been killed by me, none left."

The Qin King smiled and said.

"Really, none left?"

Gu Jin Nian fell silent for a moment, yet still asked, his gaze fixed on the Qin King.

"Brother, are you doubting your elder?"

The Qin King gave no answer, but looked at Gu Jin Nian and asked.

Feeling the Qin King's stare, Gu Jin Nian shook his head, gazed at the palace's splendid prosperity, remained silent for a stretch, then spoke.

"It's not doubt."

"Just don't want things that shouldn't happen to occur."

"Brother Qin King."

"Some matters are best left to nature; forcing a struggle is not a good thing."

"What is destined will happen; what is not, do not force it," Gu Jin Nian said, not making the words harsh, but speaking from his own perspective to advise the Qin King.

Of course, urging someone to be open-minded is not itself a good thing; one who hasn't experienced something has no right to counsel others to be open.

But this matter is bound to be troublesome.

If the Qin King truly colluded with those merchants, it would invite a series of troubles; should I intervene or not? If I act, the Qin King will inevitably be involved, and many under the Crown Prince are waiting to cause trouble for the Qin King.

At that time, the law would not tolerate it; the Qin King and I are close, he was raised by the old master himself, so saying there is no feeling is impossible.

If I take the wrong path, how could Gu Jin Nian watch the Qin King step into a bottomless abyss with open eyes?

But listening to Gu Jin Nian speak,

the Qin King couldn't help but mutter,

"What is destined will happen; what is not, do not force it."

"That sentence is truly well said."

"But Gu Jin Nian, life in this world is itself a struggle; if you don't struggle, how would you know whether there is or isn't?"

"If the founder hadn't fought back then, would there be Da Xia?"

"If the old master hadn't fought back then, would there be the present era of everlasting prosperity?"

Qin Wang did not refute, but answered in another way.

Indeed.

In life, if one does not contend, many things will be absent; Qin Wang's words conveyed a meaning that Gu Jin Nian could feel—the lingering resentment in his heart.

"Your younger brother has been taught."

The royal family's feud is an extremely cruel struggle; no one wants to bear a bad reputation, yet each person has their own grievances and thoughts, and one must not impose one's own ideas on others—this is the principle of not doing unto others what one does not wish for oneself.

Gu Jin Nian could only answer in this way.

"Jin Nian."

"Brother asks you something."

"If!"

"Brother means 'if', suppose I want to contend, would you help me?"

"Of course, that's the 'if'."

Qin Wang suddenly spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian as he posed such a question.

Upon hearing this, Gu Jin Nian let out a sigh.

In fact, Gu Jin Nian had pondered this before; now the Da Xia Dynasty is at its peak, the conflict between the Crown Prince and Qin Wang is inevitable, and he plays an extremely important role in that struggle.

To put it bluntly, he truly can influence the heir's throne.

Thus, this question has also troubled Gu Jin Nian.

"Emotionally speaking, the bond between us brothers is even stronger."

"Legally speaking, some people are more suitable."

"The Gu Family will not take part in this struggle; regardless of who wins, as long as the three conditions are not violated, I am indifferent."

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, voicing his thoughts.

Qin Wang has his own grievances, the Crown Prince his own ideas; he does not wish to get involved, a few words of admonition suffice. If others insist on contending, what can he do? In terms of mindset, Gu Jin Nian is already quite open.

Sure enough, hearing this, Qin Wang seemed deeply moved.

Because Gu Jin Nian is a saint of the Confucian‑Daoist tradition, from that perspective, regardless of his great achievements, a Confucian cannot support his own ascent, let alone someone of Gu Jin Nian's standing.

Gu Jin Nian chose neither to aid himself nor the Crown Prince; indeed, his words were already quite direct.

He doesn't mind who becomes emperor, as long as the three conditions are not breached.

Such words carry weight and warmed Qin Wang's heart; to be frank, he was already prepared for Gu Jin Nian's admonition or refusal.

Now Gu Jin Nian's stance fills him with immense joy, a joy that comes from the heart.

"What are those three things?"

However, Qin Wang couldn't help but ask what those three things were.

"First, one may contest Heaven's Mandate, but must not harm harmony; your younger brother cannot avoid harming goodwill, yet regardless, he does not wish for fratricidal bloodshed."

"Second, the nation must not be split; no matter what, if anyone, for their own ends, uses unscrupulous means to divide the country or cede territory, I will not consent."

"Third, the common people must not suffer; if the populace cannot make a living, everything must prioritize them. The royal family's conflict should be settled by royal means; if it harms the people, I will not agree."

Gu Jin Nian expressed his thoughts.

Qin Wang wanted the Crown Prince's position; he could understand, for indeed Qin Wang is qualified to contend.

However, contending for the emperor's throne and becoming a traitor to the nation is something Gu Jin Nian firmly opposes; likewise, any harm to the people or damage to the country he resolutely rejects.

Whoever attempts it, he will act.

Upon hearing these three points, Qin Wang couldn't help but sigh deeply.

"Jin Nian."

"Da Xia shines because of you."

Qin Wang hadn't expected that Gu Jin Nian's three demands were still for the people; such magnanimity forced his respect.

Gu Jin Nian gave no reply.

And Qin Wang continued, saying,

"Jin Nian."

"Do not interfere in this matter; your elder brother will resolve it. Many affairs cannot rely solely on you."

"What the royal family must do, the royal family will do itself."

"Rest assured, I, Li Sui, may not have studied much, but I will not stoop to base deeds. I am the Qin Wang of Da Xia; even if the outside world insults me, I will not cast my hatred upon them."

Qin Wang's words were exceedingly domineering.

Gu Jin Nian, after hearing this, bowed even more respectfully.

"If so, then your younger brother understands."

Qin Wang's words dispelled all of Gu Jin Nian's doubts.

Moreover, Qin Wang was right; some matters cannot be handled solely by oneself. The royal family does not merely live on dry rice; even his own uncle, the Crown Prince, Qin Wang, and the court officials—are they all just living on dry rice?

If everything were to be personally overseen, it would indeed be problematic.

So he decided to first settle his own affairs and leave the rest to others.

"What, calling me 'your younger brother' is overly polite."

"Come, let's go drink."

Qin Wang laughed heartily, pulling Gu Jin Nian to go drink.

"Brother, I'm not drinking; I still have business."

Hearing about drinking, Gu Jin Nian immediately spoke up; he plans to go to the academy.

"Don't stall; in a few days you'll be heading to the Jixia Academy, and we don't know when you'll return. We brothers haven't shared a drink in ages."

"This time, don't even think about running."

The Qin King bared his teeth in a grin, then forcibly pulled Gu Jin Nian to stay for a drink.

They drank until evening before finally letting them go.

But, not long after Gu Jin Nian left,

Chang Yun Tian arrived at the Qin King's residence.

Seeing Gu Jin Nian, the Qin King's smile was always gentle; however, upon seeing Chang Yun Tian, his expression turned somewhat cold.

"Student, I have met the Qin King."

Chang Yun Tian was very courteous and bowed to the Qin King.

"Get straight to the matter."

Looking at Chang Yun Tian, the Qin King was displeased; this fellow had just impeached Gu Jin Nian in the court a few days ago. He never liked Chang Yun Tian, and after learning of this, the Qin King became even less inclined to deal with him.

If this fellow weren't of some value to him, he would have driven him away long ago.

"Prince."

"Yu Yi and He Zhai have returned to the capital, met the Heaven's Mandate Marquis, and today the Marquis came to see the Prince; what business is it?"

Chang Yun Tian opened his mouth and asked directly.

Hearing this, the Qin King replied calmly.

"Jin Nian is already investigating the matter; the affair has been handled cleanly, and so far no trouble has arisen, but the troops are hard to suppress."

"I have also told Jin Nian not to intervene, yet I still worry that he will investigate in secret."

"Fortunately, the Jixia Academy is about to open, so even if Jin Nian investigates, he won't have extra time to handle it."

"During this period, I will step forward and resolve these hidden risks."

The Qin King spoke, deceiving Chang Yun Tian with false words; he could not simply claim he had taken care of it, as that would only raise suspicion.

Hearing this, Chang Yun Tian nodded and then smiled.

"When the Prince takes charge, he truly stands out."

"Prince, Da Xia's Never‑sleep City is now famous worldwide, and merchants of Jiangnan Commandery have negotiated cooperation with the Fuyu Dynasty and the Xiongnu State."

"They plan to build five Never‑sleep Cities each in the Xiongnu State and the Fuyu Dynasty; one‑tenth of the profit will belong entirely to the Prince, as a token from Jiangnan's major chambers of commerce. Please accept it graciously."

Chang Yun Tian spoke, stating his purpose.

He doesn't care about Gu Jin Nian's situation, because he doesn't assume the Qin King is an ally; he still needs to test a few things, and this matter is the test.

Hearing this, the Qin King slightly frowned.

But his thoughts shifted, and many things came to mind.

"You want to transfer the family assets to the other two great dynasties, right?"

"There's also the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Works, and the Five Great Oases, all slated for construction; the required building materials will inevitably rise in price. Jiangnan merchants, do you intend to profit from this opportunity?"

The Qin King isn't foolish; after Chang Yun Tian finished speaking, he guessed the other's meaning.

"The Ministry of Revenue and the Ministry of Works are embarking on massive construction; you, student, may not know this, but if they truly launch such a massive building spree, the Jiangnan Chamber of Commerce cannot control the national construction prices."

"Of course, merchants chase profit, and you, student, cannot guarantee it completely."

Chang Yun Tian did not answer directly, but the implication was simple: he was unsure whether he would or wouldn't.

It now depends on the Qin King's intention.

"I don't care what they intend to do."

"I only demand one thing: I take 30% of this deal."

The Qin King spoke calmly; he didn't refuse but stated his intention to take 30%.

Hearing this, Chang Yun Tian couldn't help but frown; he hadn't expected the Qin King to mean this, and to demand 30% in one go was rather excessive.

"Prince, this is not ideal; taking 30% of the profit leaves them with little to earn."

Chang Yun Tian truly hadn't expected the Qin King to be so greedy, demanding a full 30%.

"That's their matter."

"If they don't act, I'm too lazy to intervene; but if they engage in this business, I must take 30%, otherwise, taking such a huge risk yields me no benefit."

"Seventy‑two commanderies are building Never‑sleep Cities, the Five Great Oases are constructing new towns, plus reconstruction of the Three Major Disaster Areas—this business is huge; do you really think I'm unaware?"

"If discovered, the punishment I face won't be a simple reprimand."

"Thirty percent—any less is unacceptable."

"If you're unwilling, then don't do it at all."

The Qin King was decisive; after saying this, he rose and left, leaving a silent Chang Yun Tian.

After the Qin King departed,

Chang Yun Tian grew increasingly silent; it wasn't because the Qin King wanted the 30%, but because he remained skeptical of the Qin King. Logically, since the Qin King knew Jiangnan merchants would cause trouble, he should have handled it with a milder approach.

But he didn't expect the Qin King to demand 30% outright.

Thirty percent is a lot, so much that Jiangnan Chamber members wouldn't agree, but this proves that the Qin King truly wishes to cooperate with them.

He doesn't mind the Qin King's greed; he fears the Qin King isn't greedy.

But for some reason, he still doesn't fully trust the Qin King.

He remained silent for a while.

Chang Yun Tian stood up and left.

He headed straight to his own residence.

Li Ruoyu and Lu Chengyan did not leave; they stayed inside the mansion the whole time.

"Senior brother, what happened? What does Prince Qin mean? Why does senior brother look so troubled?"

Lu Chengyan was somewhat curious and asked Zhang Yuntian.

Zhang Yuntian fell silent.

After we sit down, we will recount everything that happened with Prince Qin.

When the story was finished, the two also fell silent.

"Senior brother, do you still doubt Prince Qin?"

Li Ruoyu spoke up and asked Zhang Yuntian.

"Yes."

"Prince Qin did nothing wrong, but I am still worried."

Zhang Yuntian nodded.

Prince Qin is very important to them; he is an extremely crucial piece, at least within the Da Xia Dynasty, an immensely important piece.

But the problem is that Prince Qin must be on their side; if not, this piece could harm them.

"Senior brother."

"Actually, you're overthinking it."

"The teacher once said that a person's character never changes."

"Actually, junior brother thinks Prince Qin has nothing worth doubting."

"He aims to seize the throne on his own; it's not because of our involvement that he wants the throne, he has always had that ambition."

"Now that senior brother has arrived, what reason does Prince Qin have to refuse?"

Li Ruoyu spoke, voicing his own thoughts.

"If Prince Qin truly wishes to cooperate with us, why does his attitude toward me always feel off?"

Zhang Yuntian frowned and asked.

His biggest doubt is that Prince Qin's attitude toward him seems not collaborative at all, but rather disdainful.

Hearing this, Li Ruoyu continued.

"Senior brother, you truly are blinded as a participant while an observer sees clearly."

"Consider this: you keep guard against Prince Qin, so conversely, why does Prince Qin not become wary of you?"

"He is a Da Xia prince; in everyone's eyes you are a figure with unfathomable background. Why don't you support the Crown Prince and instead support him? What reason does he have to believe you are helping him?"

Li Ruoyu spoke, and that sentence lit up Zhang Yuntian's and Lu Chengyan's eyes.

Because it sounded somewhat interesting.

"But if Prince Qin wants to cooperate with me, why is he so close to Gu Jin Nian? That's unnecessary."

Zhang Yuntian continued to ask.

"It's simple: senior brother, Prince Qin's relationship with Gu Jin Nian is already good; although Gu Jin Nian is unlikely to support him, Prince Qin wouldn't offend Gu Jin Nian either."

"Senior brother, actually let me say this: don't be angry. In junior brother's eyes, the reason senior brother resists Prince Qin is entirely because of Gu Jin Nian."

"During this Da Xia heavenly disaster, senior brother was outpaced by Gu Jin Nian; if you claim there's no lingering resentment, junior brother doesn't believe it."

"It is precisely because senior brother harbors that resentment that he constantly compares himself with Gu Jin Nian. Prince Qin treats Gu Jin Nian very well, but may hold some guard toward senior brother, hence senior brother's resistance to Prince Qin."

"From junior brother's perspective, Prince Qin's actions are flawless; he toiled to repel the Da Xia heavenly disaster, yet was blamed for harming the people, while the Crown Prince did nothing and was instead more beloved by the populace."

"Even a father‑son rift erupted; this cannot be a deception of us. Even if it were, a ruined reputation stays ruined. Prince Qin was already inferior to the Crown Prince; now his reputation is tarnished, so by conventional means he could never become heir."

"Unless Prince Qin harbors no ambition at all, otherwise, as long as he has any, he will certainly try to rely on us, using unconventional means, to become emperor."

"His father seized the throne by rebellion; why can't he?"

"Senior brother, what do you think?"

Li Ruoyu continued speaking.

At this point, Zhang Yuntian fell silent, and Lu Chengyan also spoke up.

"Senior brother, although Brother Li's words sound harsh, the facts are indeed as such. Certainly Brother Li's phrasing may not be precise; senior brother does not compare because of Gu Jin Nian, but because these people are short‑sighted and cause some resentment."

Lu Chengyan spoke; seeing Zhang Yuntian remain silent, he mistakenly thought Zhang Yuntian was displeased.

After all, mentioning Gu Jin Nian, Zhang Yuntian's resentment is understandable.

So he added a few extra points.

However, Zhang Yuntian shook his head and said,

"Junior brother Li is correct; during this period I have indeed acted impulsively and irrationally because of Gu Jin Nian."

"Indeed, that point is not wrong."

"Junior brother Li, your reminder is good."

Zhang Yuntian spoke, directly admitting his mistake, then rose and bowed toward Li Ruoyu.

"Consider that a lesson learned."

Immediately after, Zhang Yuntian took a deep breath and said,

"Given that, let's see whether Prince Qin will actually do so. If Prince Qin truly wishes to shield these merchants, we should fully accept him and let him see our true strength."

"So that Prince Qin doesn't always treat us as ordinary people."

Zhang Yuntian spoke, saying thus.

He also came to understand and stopped worrying about whether Prince Qin harbored ulterior motives.

Meanwhile,

Inside the Da Xia Academy.

Gu Jin Nian looked at Su Wenjing and expounded his views on scholarship.

Su Wenjing, after hearing.

Has been silent up to now.

"Jin Nian."

"Your scholarship is indeed good, more splendid than before, but there is one point: all the scholarship you mentioned is empty talk."

"In other words, it's like an exquisite stone statue that has no spirit within."

"You need to comprehend the Dao."

"Use the mortal world as your training ground."

"Observe a thousand people and a thousand affairs."

"Sense your own learning, and discern the meaning that belongs in your heart."

Su Wenjing spoke, and the scholarship Gu Jin Nian shared with him this time was indeed splendid, yet he still felt something was lacking.

Thus he presented this idea, asking Gu Jin Nian to carry it out.

"Use the mortal world as a training ground?"

Gu Jin Nian fell silent.

He thought repeatedly.

"You bear too many shackles; all matters pile upon you alone. You have forgotten the Confucian beginning of cultivating oneself, where burdens become shackles that block your path forward."

"Jin Nian, set out from Da Xia Capital. In a month, Jixia Academy will open; as long as you can arrive before it opens, you may..."

"During this month, lay down your glory, lay down your status, and with a calm mind, bear witness to everything in this world."

"Whether good or evil, observe people's hearts with an impartial mind; do not try to intervene—just see, listen, and perceive."

"Only in this way."

"Only then can you comprehend the Dao in your heart, and your scholarship can attain enlightenment."

Su Wenjing spoke.

He hopes Gu Jin Nian will go out for a walk, and put everything aside to see.

These glories, statuses, positions, and strengths are, in fact, also a kind of shackles.

Listening to Su Wenjing speak, Gu Jin Nian fell into silence.

"Then when shall we go?"

Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth, asking Su Wenjing.

The latter shook his head, looked at Gu Jin Nian and said, "Don't ask when, don't care about when..."

"Whether tomorrow or today, go out whenever you feel you can."

"Remember, lay down everything; do not think about any matter."

"Do not let the shackles truly bind you."

Su Wenjing rose, patted Gu Jin Nian's shoulder, and then returned to his study.

And in an instant.

Gu Jin Nian grew even more silent.

Indeed, during this period countless matters have become shackles; even while contemplating the Dao in Wen Palace, he is still entangled in many affairs.

He should indeed go out for a walk.

Enlighten the learning within his heart.

After a while, Gu Jin Nian smiled, stood up, and walked toward the academy's exit.

But soon, Su Wenjing emerged holding a poem, his face beaming.

He prepared to let Gu Jin Nian appreciate it.

Yet after stepping out, he found Gu Jin Nian had already left.

(End of chapter)