Chapter 3: Da Xia Academy, Direct Admission Slots

"Stop hitting, stop hitting."

"Father, please don't hit."

"It's none of my business; it was Gu Jin Nian who fainted on his own."

"What does it have to do with me?"

"Father, I'm not joking; if you keep hitting, I really won't have a life left."

"Father, hold off on hitting; I have something to tell you, something very important."

"Ah, stop hitting, stop hitting."

The front courtyard of the Duke's residence.

Under an ancient tree.

Gu Ningya was hung upside down beneath the tree, emitting an unbearably mournful scream.

An old man, wielding an iron whip, was lashing Gu Ningya.

The sound of the sky tearing rang continuously as he swung the whip, blasting the very air.

It looked terrifying.

This wasn't a joke at all, nor any pretense; the lashes were truly brutal—one strike tore skin and flesh.

It helps that Gu Ningya is a martial practitioner; otherwise a normal person would die from a single lash.

Gu Ningya wailed like a ghost and a wolf; he didn't expect Gu Jin Nian to have a simple headache, and now everyone is shifting the blame onto him—he truly feels aggrieved.

"Gu Jin Nian? Gu Jin Nian is here, Grandfather, Gu Jin Nian is here, turn around and look."

Under the tree.

Gu Ningya was in such pain that snot ran from his nose, but suddenly he saw Gu Jin Nian's figure and shouted excitedly.

The latter frowned, turned his head, and saw that Gu Jin Nian was indeed walking toward him.

At once, the anger on his face instantly turned to affection.

"Nian'er, are you alright?"

Seeing the lively Gu Jin Nian, Grandfather Gu's expression changed instantly; he handed the iron whip to Lao Wu beside him, patted his shoulder and said,

"Lao Wu, you take over."

Grandfather Gu spoke, not intending to spare Gu Ningya, which left Gu Ningya somewhat desperate.

After Grandfather Gu finished speaking, he smiled broadly and walked toward Gu Jin Nian.

Not far away.

Before Gu Jin Nian could cross the long corridor, he heard Liu Shu's wail and the sound of the iron whip lashing.

To be honest, just hearing that heart‑rending wail made Gu Jin Nian feel a bit scared.

Even though I'm the family's pampered child, if a few uncles were to have another child, I'd be doomed; perhaps the next person hung from the tree could be me.

But soon, a familiar figure appeared before his eyes.

It was Grandfather Gu, Gu Yuan.

Da Xia's Duke.

Inside the residence, Grandfather Gu wore a simple outfit, a teal silk robe, his head full of white hair yet none of his heroic bearing was concealed; he stood a full eight chi tall, showing no sign of old age.

Between his brows was a terrifying aura, even more fearsome than my father's.

But when he faced me, Grandfather Gu's gaze was full of affection and delight.

After all, we're a generation apart.

"Nian'er, when did you wake up? Let Grandfather take a look for internal injuries."

Approaching Grandfather Gu, Gu Yuan, without a word, gathered a ball of true Qi, infused it into his own body, and examined the eight extraordinary vessels.

After a careful examination, Grandfather Gu finally breathed a sigh of relief; his body had no serious issues.

"Grandfather, I'm fine; the imperial doctor said I've taken too many supplements lately and over‑nourished myself."

"Grandfather, this has nothing to do with Liu Shu."

Gu Jin Nian forced a strained smile at his grandfather; the forced smile was mainly because the scene not far away was too cruel.

His fifth uncle, wielding the iron whip, was even harsher than Grandfather Gu; each lash left no mercy, and even if he claimed no personal feelings, Gu Jin Nian didn't believe it at all.

And not far away, Gu Ningya also heard what Gu Jin Nian said, and his body convulsed as he cried out.

"Father, Jin Nian says it's not my fault; please spare me."

"Fifth Brother, Fifth Brother, I beg you, just let me go; if you hit again, you'll make my excrement fly out."

Gu Ningya truly wept; he had thought Grandfather Gu was ruthless enough, but didn't expect his Fifth Brother to be even harsher.

The pain made him question his very existence.

"Fifth Uncle, it's truly unrelated to Liu Shu; it's because I ate too many supplements—please stop hitting."

Gu Jin Nian felt a pang of compassion; this was too brutal, he really needed to intervene, otherwise they'd cause injury—completely unnecessary.

But before Fifth Uncle could answer, Grandfather Gu's voice rang out.

"Hit."

"Hit to death."

"Returning from outside the capital, you didn't report to the Lantern Department first, you ran home—do you have any sense of propriety?"

"As a court official, you've already committed a grave crime; beating you is a lesson—don't always think that because you're my son you can act lawlessly."

"Lawlessness aside, you gave my grandson a headache; if you weren't my offspring, I'd have already whipped you to death."

Grandfather Gu's voice sounded fierce, but upon hearing that, Gu Jin Nian instantly understood why Liu Shu had been whipped.

Indeed.

The Gu Family is now vast and powerful; Grandfather Gu is a Duke, my father is the Marquis of Linyang, and the Da Xia Ministry of War, Ministry of Justice, and the Great Judicial Temple are largely occupied by the Gu Family, with several cousins also holding prestigious positions.

Speaking honestly, as a king there's no reason not to worry about the Gu Family.

So the higher the position, the more one must stay low-key; Sixth Uncle is the Deputy Commander of the Xuan Deng Si, which directly answers to the Emperor, and thus holds the heavy authority of apprehension and interrogation.

Having returned from handling affairs outside, one should report back immediately; rushing home instead looks somewhat suspicious.

Especially, this household is still the Duke's Mansion.

Those who don't know might think the Duke's Mansion is the Imperial Palace and Grandfather Gu is the Retired Emperor.

If those censorial officials found out, not impeaching him on two counts would truly be a disservice to their station.

Thinking about it this way, Sixth Uncle's beating wasn't for nothing.

"Grandfather, the beating is about enough; otherwise, let's just forget it."

"Grandson still has something to attend to."

No choice; although he understood his grandfather's intention, Gu Jin Nian still spoke up to mediate.

Upon saying that,

Grandfather Gu thought for a moment, then finally nodded.

"That's because it's useful when you, Nian'er, speak up."

"Alright, Old Fifth, stop the beating; hang him for a day, and today he's not to be given any food."

Grandfather Gu spoke up, somewhat displeased.

However, once the words were finished, Grandfather Gu looked at Gu Jin Nian, his eyes full of affection.

"Nian'er, are you hungry? Grandfather has someone prepare something you like to eat."

"No need, Grandfather, I'm not hungry."

Gu Jin Nian shook his head; in front of his grandfather, he really didn't dare to speak carelessly, after all he was a transmigrator—if something there was off and it was noticed, that would be trouble.

Over these fifteen days, Gu Jin Nian hasn't done nothing; he's been continually imitating the original inhabitant's lifestyle habits and such.

Including his manner of speech.

Just afraid of being noticed.

However, just then, before grandfather and grandson could finish exchanging pleasantries, the steward's figure already came over.

"Sir, the Eldest Young Master says there's a matter to discuss; please go to the main hall with the Fifth Young Master."

As the old steward's voice sounded,

Grandfather Gu's face, full of affection, instantly showed displeasure.

"What do you want me to do?"

"This good-for-nothing fellow—his own son is being bullied, yet he doesn't dare to let out a peep, and still has the nerve to ask me over?"

"Let him come over to see me himself."

Grandfather Gu snorted coldly.

It's clear he is extremely dissatisfied with his eldest son, mainly because he didn't help Gu Jin Nian stand up.

Upon saying that, the old steward nodded, but continued: "Sir, the Eldest Young Master said it concerns the heir apparent's going to the Da Xia Academy."

He said so.

At that moment, Grandfather Gu paused slightly, then patted Gu Jin Nian's shoulder and said,

"Nian'er, while you're playing here, if you have any matter just tell the servants; later, if there's time, Grandfather will take you to the market."

Grandfather Gu's voice sounded very gentle.

Afterwards he rose, glanced at Fifth Uncle not far away, who reluctantly put down the iron whip and walked over to Grandfather Gu.

"Nian'er, keep an eye on your Sixth Uncle; don't let him down, and later Fifth Uncle will buy you some snacks, got it?"

Fifth Uncle came over and specifically gave a series of reminders.

Gu Jin Nian's Fifth Uncle is the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Punishment, a top-ranking post; the reason he hates Sixth Uncle so much is a bit of personal grudge, but it's just petty stuff—mutual dislike, which is normal between brothers.

"Alright, Fifth Uncle, rest assured."

Gu Jin Nian nodded, then watched the two depart.

After the two left,

Gu Ningya's voice immediately rang out.

"Nian, my dear nephew, hurry, hurry, hurry—come quickly to save me."

A voice slightly choked with sobs sounded.

Gu Jin Nian wasted no words, heading straight for Gu Ningya.

Upon closer look, he discovered that Grandfather Gu and Fifth Uncle had really gone all out—covered in blood, skin split and flesh torn, truly horrifying.

However, upon careful examination, none of the injuries were to vital spots—just superficial flesh wounds.

Indeed, upon reflection, Gu Ningya is somewhat reckless; the matter really isn't a big deal, but the Gu Family is prominent and a military clique, while the civil officialdom in court constantly seeks to suppress the military clique's interests.

They've just been waiting for you to slip up, so Sixth Uncle's beating is not unjust.

"Uncle, I have a question for you."

Gu Jin Nian approached Sixth Uncle's side and directly asked.

"Don't ask me anything first—I've really been messed up by you; quickly let me down."

Gu Ningya said with a tearful face.

"Uncle, I can't let you down—didn't Grandfather just say? If you return to the capital without reporting back and go straight home, outsiders will surely gossip; hanging you now is just for them to see."

"You'll just suffer for a day, but don't worry—I'll bring you food later; whatever my nephew eats, you'll definitely get a share, so rest assured."

Gu Jin Nian shook his head; he didn't have the guts to let Gu Ningya down.

Although everyone in the Duke's Mansion dotes on him in every way, one must still distinguish major from minor matters—especially since politics are involved, and Gu Jin Nian is no fool.

If he really angered the family members, then uncle and nephew would both end up hung from a tree—how unpleasant would that be?

But as soon as that was said, Gu Ningya was a bit surprised.

He hadn't expected Gu Jin Nian to think of this level; in the past, just calling his name Gu Jin Nian would have set him free.

But Gu Ningya was scared.

"Good nephew, stop lecturing your uncle. Release me, and I'll go straight to the Hanging Lantern Office to report. When they see my wounds they'll understand what happened."

"It's not that your uncle is scared; the main reason is your father. If your fifth uncle saw me hanging here, he might whip me twice to vent his anger."

"Especially your father, who's been unjustly harassed at court these days. You know what kind of person he is—inhumane. Nephew, if you release me, I won't say anything else, but the next time uncle returns, he'll definitely bring you a treat."

Gu Ningya spoke up; he was truly frightened.

The Gu Family's atmosphere is odd; brothers may be united, yet they also target each other, and no one yields to anyone.

Moreover, in military families hierarchy matters; typically the eldest bullies the second, the second bullies the third, the third bullies the fourth, and so on.

The most unlucky yet also the luckiest is the sixth son.

Without a third generation, the sixth son is happiest; once a third generation appears, the sixth becomes the most unlucky—anyone can slap him, and he can't say anything.

But Gu Ningya isn't one to take losses, so after becoming Deputy Commander of the Hanging Lantern Office, he constantly bothers those older brothers.

The result is huge personal grudges; thus, whenever someone in the Gu Family is reprimanded by the old master, the others step forward to stomp and spit.

Gu Ningya knows that if he doesn't run now, he'll face another beating tonight.

"Uncle, answer a few questions first; after that I'll let you go."

After thinking, Gu Jin Nian agreed it made sense, but still wanted to clarify things; otherwise, given his sixth uncle's cowardice, he'd probably flee once released.

"Ask, ask."

Gu Ningya was a bit impatient.

"Uncle, you previously mentioned a white rainbow piercing the sun in the capital; what exactly is that?"

Gu Jin Nian voiced his curiosity.

The latter was instantly stunned.

White rainbow piercing the sun?

How would I know?

"I don't know; I just returned to the capital, and aside from the Heaven Observation Department, no one knows the situation."

"But I heard it's an ominous sign, implying a treacherous minister will arise. So what? Why ask about it?"

Gu Ningya replied, also somewhat curious.

"Nothing, just asking. Isn't it curious?"

"A few days ago I went to listen to someone's storytelling, didn't I?"

"The book said that when strange phenomena fall from the sky, treasures appear. Sixth uncle, do you think any treasure will descend?"

Gu Jin Nian didn't dare to speak directly, so he used this method to test the waters.

But when that was said, Gu Ningya laughed, then quickly frowned, as it touched a wound.

"Jin Nian, stop daydreaming; celestial phenomena are just omens, they can't produce treasures."

"If there were truly a treasure, it wouldn't be ours; do you think the imperial inner court masters are fools? They'd have taken it already."

"If you're fine, don't go to such places to listen to stories; if your father finds out, you won't get any good outcome."

"Also, since sixth uncle cares for you, I'll quietly tell you something; you must be mentally prepared."

Gu Ningya's tone was somewhat mysterious.

But Gu Jin Nian could see that the fellow simply wanted to shift his perspective and help him escape.

Yet he was still a bit curious.

"What is it, uncle? Speak."

Gu Jin Nian asked curiously.

"Weren't you pushed into the lake by the Minister of Rites' granddaughter, almost causing a disaster?"

"I understand why the old master and your father didn't trouble the Minister of Rites."

"Your father made a deal with the Minister of Rites: after you recover, you'll be admitted to Da Xia Academy by special exemption."

"You should know what Da Xia Academy is; be prepared, and don't say uncle didn't warn you."

Gu Ningya opened his mouth and disclosed the deal.

That remark made Gu Jin Nian somewhat understand.

Indeed, although rumors claim he was insolent, regardless, this matter was a child's reckless play that almost cost a life, and it's no small matter.

The Gu Family's third‑generation sole heir—who dares to provoke him?

Surprisingly, the old master didn't get angry, nor did his own father, because of this.

Da Xia Academy is Da Xia's top university; every instructor is a contemporary master, and great scholars are plentiful.

It enrolls once every three years; outstanding talents from across the world may study there for a year.

Moreover, whether from humble origins or noble families, anyone who passes the exam can enter.

Almost every top ten in each imperial examination cohort comes partly from Da Xia Academy; it's a premier school among premier schools, a top‑tier institution among top‑tier institutions.

It is the holy ground for scholars worldwide.

There is absolutely no rule for special admission, even if you're a Da Xia prince; only the academy's director and a few great scholars have direct slots, everyone else cannot.

Coincidentally, the Minister of Rites holds one direct admission slot.

Now giving this slot to the Gu Family counts as atonement.

Otherwise, this matter would never have been settled so peacefully.

Upon learning this information.

Gu Jin Nian fell silent.

(End of Chapter)