Chapter 36: Ten years of sharpening a sword, the frosted blade never tried, an omen appears

Da Xia official road.

The convoy stretched like a long dragon.

The capital itself is the central region of Da Xia, and the merchants coming and going each day are countless.

Especially the matter of Da Xia Academy's admissions.

One could say the usually unobstructed official road is now crowded with people.

Fortunately, Gu Jin Nian's convoy does not need to take the official road.

They are using the express channel.

A channel specially used to escort urgent information.

Such a channel may not be occupied by ordinary people; otherwise, it is a grave offense.

But the Gu family is different; their power and influence are here, and moreover, Gu Jin Nian's father has obtained imperial permission for him, allowing temporary requisition.

Thus.

The horse carriage sped.

Kicking up rolling yellow sand.

A three-hundred-li journey can be reached in three hours with full effort.

And at the city gate.

Two figures slowly appeared.

They were the figures of Gu Qianzhou and Gu Ningfan.

Gu Ningfan is Gu Jin Nian's third uncle.

He was here seeing Gu Jin Nian off.

"I say, elder brother, you care so much for Jin Nian, why not personally see him off?"

"Why hide behind and watch?"

Gu Ningfan spoke, not quite understanding his elder brother.

"What's the point of seeing him off? He's already grown; having the whole family see him off only makes him more spoiled."

Gu Qianzhou spoke, full of an educative tone.

"Fine."

"You're all sharp-tongued but soft-hearted, just like you and the old man; insisting on sending Jin Nian to Da Xia Academy—what's so good about that damned place?"

"I say, Jin Nian just isn't cut out for studying; forcing him to study will surely not work."

Gu Ningfan continued speaking, his heart aching for Jin Nian, unable to hold back.

"Hmph, Jin Nian has talent, it's just not applied in the right place; it's because you all led him astray when he was young."

Gu Qianzhou replied irritably.

"Elder brother, your words are meaningless; if we're being honest, not being study material means not being study material—do you really believe what Mr. Xu said?"

Gu Ningfan also lost his temper and retorted.

"Can't be bothered to talk to you."

"Just wait and see."

Gu Qianzhou flicked his sleeves and left directly; although he wanted to retort a few sentences, after thinking he found nothing to refute, so he simply ignored it and walked away.

Seeing Gu Qianzhou like that, Gu Leng shook his head, his gaze upon Gu Jin Nian looking somewhat pitiful.

He didn't say anything, following Gu Qianzhou away.

Meanwhile.

Inside the jade carriage.

"Jin Nian."

"Don't say Sixth Uncle doesn't care for you; I've roughly figured out the situation in Xiaoxi Village for you."

"In the southeast, northwest, and west, the tests are word riddles, poetry, and martial strength."

"I think we definitely can't handle martial strength and poetry; word riddles are our best bet."

"I've arranged several people here; they will be placed ahead of you at the time, and then I'll arrange a few more behind you. I've had them deliberately delay time, as the exam questions are in order, and among this group there is someone with exceptionally keen eyesight."

"They can help you see the questions in advance; when they guess them, they will tell you."

"If they can't guess, it still buys some time; if you truly can't pass the gate, just hand this token to them."

Gu Ningya spoke, at the same time producing a token.

This is the Da Xia Book Order.

That is the so-called Direct Enrollment Quota.

Inside the jade carriage.

Gu Jin Nian accepted the token, then shook his head and said.

"Sixth Uncle, no need to prepare anything for me; just head south."

He said so.

His tone was calm, yet full of confidence.

"South?"

"Jin Nian, don't act recklessly; the southern test is poetry, a one-in-a-hundred chance, and your poetry skill is not even as good as mine, Sixth Uncle."

"Moreover, I should mention beforehand that this Direct Enrollment Quota is now useless; it only allows you to pass one gate."

"The person in charge of the academy is now Mr. Wen Jing, not Yang Kai."

"So it's best to go guess word riddles; if you don't guess right, use this token; if you guess right, the first gate will be peril-free, and there might even be a second and third gate inside."

"Jin Nian, Sixth Uncle knows your level; don't act recklessly."

Gu Ningya reminded.

"Understood."

Gu Jin Nian nodded, appearing very calm.

As soon as that was said, Gu Ningya was taken aback.

Just this reaction?

"Sixth Uncle, what's the situation to the north?"

Gu Jin Nian didn't dwell on that topic, but asked Gu Ningya what was going on to the north.

"Not clear."

"Those who went in all came out the next day, and after coming out they wouldn't say a word. Uncle arrested two people, but no matter how we interrogated them, it was useless. Moreover, the moment they were arrested, the capital's government office came to take them away, by imperial decree."

"Probably hides a profound mystery."

Gu Ningya said so.

This made Gu Jin Nian even more curious.

"It seems this Mr. Wenjing is indeed somewhat different."

Gazing at the scenery outside the imperial carriage, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but be curious.

But just then.

The carriage suddenly stopped.

"What's going on?"

Feeling the carriage slow down, Gu Ningya's eyes instantly turned cold, and he subconsciously placed his hand on his sword hilt, ready for battle at any moment.

But this is an official road; logically, even if someone wanted to cause trouble for Gu Jin Nian, they wouldn't dare be so blatant. Soon a voice sounded.

"Sixth Master, Young Master, this is Lord Yang's carriage."

As the voice sounded, Gu Ningya couldn't help but become curious, his brows furrowing tightly.

He lifted the curtain, and indeed a carriage not far ahead had slightly blocked the way.

At the same time, Yang Hanrou's figure appeared.

"May I ask if the Young Master is inside the carriage?"

Yang Hanrou's voice sounded, inquiring.

"How?"

Hearing the voice, Gu Ningya went out, looking at Yang Hanrou with not a good expression.

The woman before him was the culprit who pushed Gu Jin Nian into the water, saying, "I and Gu Jin Nian are classmates; I have something to discuss with him—may I get on the carriage?"

Looking at Gu Ningya, Yang Hanrou showed no fear, but spoke loudly.

Upon hearing that, Gu Ningya's brows furrowed even tighter.

But before Gu Ningya could speak, Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded.

"Sixth Uncle, let her come in; I have something to discuss with her."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Immediately, Gu Ningya couldn't help but turn his head to look at Gu Jin Nian, his eyes full of curiosity.

Gu Jin Nian nodded, saying nothing.

Immediately, Gu Ningya understood somewhat, did not stop them, and had someone help Yang Hanrou inside.

As for Gu Ningya, being tactful, he did not stay in the imperial carriage but sat up front with the coachman, driving the carriage for Gu Jin Nian.

He knew that although his nephew was a bit mischievous, he was ultimately reasonable, so doing this must have his own reasons.

"Younger sister Hanrou, greetings, Elder Brother Jin Nian."

Entering the carriage, seeing only Gu Jin Nian inside, Yang Hanrou spoke up directly and then sat openly opposite him.

"What matter?"

Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth, feeling somewhat curious, looking at Yang Hanrou.

"This is a banknote for one thousand taels of gold."

Yang Hanrou was equally direct, taking out a banknote from her sleeve and handing it to Gu Jin Nian.

"You got this so quickly?"

Looking at the banknote, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but feel slightly surprised.

"Good fellow, indeed a sycophant has money."

"One thousand taels of gold, just given like that? It's only been half a month."

"Elder Brother Jin Nian is in a hurry; younger sister can only think of some ways."

"By the way, Elder Brother Jin Nian, are you going to Small Creek Village?"

Yang Hanrou spoke.

"Mm."

"If it's on the way, let's go together."

Just that sentence, Gu Jin Nian immediately understood Yang Hanrou's intention.

Obviously, this person just wants to hitch a ride on the fast track; she is Yang Kai's granddaughter, and although she is a descendant of a court official, she also lacks the authority to occupy this urgent official road.

Now seeing Gu Jin Nian present, she naturally got on the carriage, "Alright."

"But once we arrive, if someone sees you, aren't you afraid of causing gossip?"

Gu Jin Nian asked curiously.

"The Office of the Hanging Lanterns has arrested many people recently."

"Inside the capital, gossip has decreased a lot."

"Heaven's Mandate revealing events to the world is what people care about; now the Da Xia Academy is recruiting, and no one in the capital cares about previous matters."

"Moreover, it was all a misunderstanding; now the younger sister initiates reconciliation, and Brother Gu Jin Nian graciously yields— isn't that fine?"

Yang Hanrou smiled.

Inside the jade carriage.

Gu Jin Nian said nothing.

As for Yang Hanrou, Gu Jin Nian had only one attitude.

He found clues on her, followed the trail, and captured the real mastermind.

In that case, the profit is maximized.

She is merely a minor character; clearing the stigma or severely punishing Yang Hanrou would be of no help.

Instead, it would only scare the snake; only by catching the mastermind can one ensure one's safety.

The carriage raced.

After a while, Yang Hanrou's voice sounded again.

"Brother Gu Jin Nian, are you going east?"

She asked aloud.

"It's not."

Gu Jin Nian answered calmly, while pondering something inside.

"Not going east?"

"Could it be north?"

"Brother Gu Jin Nian, don't blame my sister for not warning you; the north side is mysterious—people who enter stay inexplicably for a day, then come out, without anyone explaining what actually happened."

"Anyway, there must be something fishy."

Yang Hanrou warned Gu Jin Nian, telling him not to go to the north entrance.

"Not going north."

"Going south."

Gu Jin Nian didn't feel like speaking, but Yang Hanrou was talkative, constantly bringing up matters.

"South?"

"Is that true?"

"The south side presents random questions, not fixed ones, and it's a one‑in‑a‑hundred selection, which matters."

Yang Hanrou subconsciously spoke out, mistakenly thinking Gu Jin Nian had tampered, but she stopped midway.

Because of these things, Gu Jin Nian must know.

Listening to Yang Hanrou's words.

Gu Jin Nian looked over, his gaze calm, and said.

"Does Sister Hanrou really think that I, Gu, lack any literary talent at all?"

The voice was calm, carrying a questioning tone.

"Um."

"Do you want to hear the truth?"

Inside the carriage, Yang Hanrou's beautiful face appeared somewhat serious.

Gu Jin Nian ignored her.

The prejudice in people's hearts is a mountain.

There is nothing worth saying.

The carriage raced, and Gu Jin Nian gazed at the scenery outside.

He soon noticed a line of grain transport carts appearing before him.

"Transport carts?"

"Is there a famine in the capital?"

Gu Jin Nian, slightly curious, couldn't help but ask.

"The capital certainly wouldn't."

"This is grain being transported to Jiangning County; didn't Brother Gu Jin Nian know about the great flood of the Two Rivers?"

"Now the court, from top to bottom, is busy with this matter; I heard it involves many people, and mishandling it would be troublesome."

Yang Hanrou, being the Minister of Rites' granddaughter, obtained plenty of information.

"Of course it's not that the Gu Family is incapable, but such information need not be told to a playboy."

"Jiangning flood?"

Gu Jin Nian furrowed his brows; Jiangning County isn't a border region, but it's almost as remote, ten thousand li apart.

The transport of grain is no small matter.

The Da Xia Dynasty does have such food‑transporting flying machines, but they are few, used only for war preparations, and each activation requires massive spirit stones.

Even so, Jiangning County has over ten million people, with two neighboring counties; if a major incident occurs, a chain reaction is likely, and it would become a catastrophe of epic scale.

"Actually, there's no need to worry about anything."

"This huge matter is being watched by the entire court; no serious mistakes can happen."

"My grandfather also said that if a real disaster occurs, Jiangning County has a heavenly storehouse, stockpiling abundant grain."

"I heard those merchants are all buying up supplies."

"At worst, grain prices rise, but at least no one will starve to death."

Yang Hanrou said it rather lightly.

But Gu Jin Nian deeply knew what a flood in the agricultural era meant.

However, Yang Hanrou's words were also not wrong.

Even if the sky falls, there are taller people to hold it up.

Knowing this is useless, the court is full of talent; it shouldn't be unsolvable.

"I'll take a quick nap."

Thinking of this, Gu Jin Nian shouted, then closed his eyes and took a quick nap.

"Oh."

Yang Hanrou nodded, but she still felt a bit unhappy inside.

With her beauty, normally other men would be the ones coaxing her.

But Gu Jin Nian gave her a feeling of being loved yet ignored.

This left her feeling uneasy.

She glanced at Gu Jin Nian; although a little angry, she had to admit his looks were indeed handsome.

It's a pity that.

Such a person can only be a spoiled rich kid.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye, nearly three hours passed.

As the carriage stopped.

Gu Jin Nian also slowly woke up, having taken a short nap, which refreshed his spirit.

"Jin Nian."

"We've arrived."

Sixth Uncle's voice sounded.

He entered the jade carriage, glanced at Yang Hanrou, then turned his gaze to Gu Jin Nian.

"Good."

He stood up.

Gu Jin Nian looked out from the carriage window.

There were not few people south of Little Stream Village; it wasn't as terrifying as imagined, but rather unexpected.

"Wasn't it supposed to be crowded? Why are there only so few people?"

Gu Jin Nian muttered, this was beyond his expectation.

"There were more people before."

But the southern examination is the most difficult, one in a hundred; even if you have talent, if you meet someone more talented, you can only resign yourself to regret.

This examination gives each person only one chance; if you don't pass, you don't pass.

"Older brother Jin Nian, you should have a Da Xia writ, right?"

"Originally, according to Mr. Wen Jing's opinion, this writ should not have been issued; it was only after my grandfather argued forcefully that he agreed to exempt one stage of the examination."

"You must be careful."

Yang Hanrou showed some concern. But the subtext of her words was simply that his grandfather had cared about this; although the direct enrollment quota was gone, it wasn't his grandfather's fault, but the court's rule change.

"Mm."

He nodded, and Gu Jin Nian walked straight out of the jade carriage.

At this moment.

South entrance of Little Stream Village.

Hundreds of desks were set up on the ground, providing examinees a place to take the test.

The chief examiners set the questions.

Within the burning of an incense stick, whether finished or not, the papers are collected directly.

To be admitted, two conditions must be met: first, unanimous approval by the five chief examiners; second, the best poem.

Only one is selected.

It is precisely because of these harsh conditions that the fewest students come to the southern entrance.

Even so, there still feels a bustling crowd.

However, most seem to have come just to watch the excitement.

The actual number of competitors is indeed small.

At this moment, seeing Gu Jin Nian's jade carriage,

Someone immediately came over; it was Sixth Uncle's subordinate, who had been watching here, and now came right away to report something to Gu Ningya.

After a brief moment.

Gu Ningya's voice sounded.

"Jin Nian, the southern gate examination is the hardest, but if you pass, you might gain something."

"Other entrances don't offer that."

"I suspect there's some trick to the southern gate."

"Uncle has an idea: forcibly gather a hundred people to send you in; if you really want to enter the southern gate, perform well and you might get in; if not, using the Da Xia writ will surely bring benefits."

Gu Ningya spoke up, and at the same time gave Gu Jin Nian a bad idea.

"Don't."

"This method is useless; the chief examiners aren't stupid, if they see people being deliberately gathered, they'll reject them all, even if you have a Da Xia writ."

"Mr. Wen Jing mentioned before that in some bad situations, the writ is annulled."

According to my view, just go over and try it; if it doesn't work, simply produce the document order.

If it works, it can also steady the situation.

Yang Hanrou, standing nearby, immediately spoke up, stopping Gu Ningya's idea, and at the same time voiced her own opinion.

You little girl, what you say isn't really problematic.

But how come you suddenly treat my Jin Nian so well?

Gu Ningya nodded, thinking it was a method, but he had no fondness for Yang Hanrou and felt somewhat doubtful.

However.

Just then.

A harsh bronze gong sounded.

Soon, a minor clerk raised his voice and said.

The fifty-sixth poetry contest has ended; the winner is Zhang Yun.

Please remain calm, everyone; the fifty-seventh contest will be set after half an incense stick.

Those who need to register for the examination, please take your seats directly; seating order determines examination order.

The voice sounded.

Everyone's gazes involuntarily turned toward the empty examination hall.

Indeed, Zhang Yun's figure stood tall in the center of the examination hall.

He was full of confidence, his eyes brimming with pride, a smile he could not hide.

As for the others, they each hung their heads in dejection, some even twitching uncontrollably.

One in a hundred.

This made them feel desperate; among them there were also talented people, who perhaps, according to past selections, might not necessarily be chosen.

But it wasn't to the point of losing in this evaluation.

They were very unwilling and also resentful.

But the deed is done; being unwilling is useless.

This is unfair.

Finally, someone roared, raising a questioning voice, deeming it unfair.

Such a voice quickly drew resonance.

But before they could cause a disturbance, dozens of constables stepped forward, directly ejecting all the troublemakers without any leniency.

The methods were very overbearing.

They were also very fierce.

Meanwhile, in the examination hall, Zhang Yun grew increasingly proud and confident.

Toward the people around him shouting about injustice, his heart filled with disgust.

Not being able to pass is considered unfair? That's truly laughable to the extreme.

But unfortunately, this scene was not seen by Yang Hanrou; thinking of this, he also felt a bit upset, having previously invited Yang Hanrou, who refused, saying there were family arrangements, so he came alone.

Not being able to let Hanrou's younger sister witness his such demeanor is truly regrettable.

But for some reason, Zhang Yun's mind conjured the image of Gu Jin Nian.

"The Da Xia Academy has no more direct admission slots; I want to see how this Gu Jin Nian will muddy the waters to get in."

"Hanrou's younger sister, I will definitely help you take revenge."

Zhang Yun silently thought to himself.

But just then.

A voice suddenly sounded, reaching his ears.

"Brother Zhang Yun."

"What a coincidence."

The voice carried a smile and was extremely familiar.

He followed the sound with his gaze.

Zhang Yun's face changed instantly.

It was the figure of Gu Jin Nian.

In that instant, a flicker of disgust flashed in his eyes.

But before his disgust could fade,

a familiar figure instantly left him stunned.

It was Yang Hanrou.

On the jade carriage, Gu Jin Nian wore fine robes, his face gentle, the corners of his mouth smiling, as he greeted him.

And standing beside him was the person he had longed for day and night.

"This is impossible."

"How could Hanrou's younger sister be in his carriage?"

"This."

Almost in an instant, Zhang Yun involuntarily recalled Yang Hanrou's words of refusal.

"It's due to family arrangements."

"Is this the family arrangement? This... this... this."

Zhang Yun stared blankly.

After he came to his senses, a surge of anger rose in his heart instantly; looking at Gu Jin Nian, he directly thought that Gu Jin Nian was threatening Yang Hanrou again.

"Zhang Zhui."

"You have passed the assessment; hurry inside and don't waste the time."

It was at that moment.

The chief examiner slightly frowned, looked at the lingering Zhang Zhui, and called out.

The latter startled awake.

He immediately bowed to the chief examiner, though unwilling, but after receiving a token, he headed toward Xiaoxi Village.

He said nothing.

Yet strands of resentment surged from his body into Gu Jin Nian's.

Everything was conveyed without words.

"The fifty‑seventh poetry assessment begins."

"Everyone, you may take your seats for the assessment."

The junior clerk's voice rang out again.

At once dozens stepped out of the front line, took their seats, their moods slightly uneasy.

"Everyone, you may sit down."

The junior clerk's voice still echoed.

But the crowd had grown accustomed; the South Gate entrance assessment is the toughest, and gathering a hundred people is often impossible.

There were many before, but after a severe beating, many dared not take the risk.

Most of those gathered were there mainly to watch the spectacle.

They waited a short while.

Another twenty‑to‑thirty took seats, yet not even half were filled.

"There are still the last half‑quarter hour."

"After half a quarter hour, the question will be revealed for the exam."

The clerk spoke, seeming indifferent.

And at this moment.

Within the jade carriage.

Gu Jin Nian had already set off.

"Jin Nian, where are you going?"

Gu Ning Ya spoke.

He asked curiously.

"Going to the assessment."

Gu Jin Nian left a carefree silhouette and walked toward the crowd.

With Gu Jin Nian's arrival, some people voluntarily cleared a path.

They didn't know Gu Jin Nian, but out of respect for the jade carriage.

As the crowd split.

At the final moment.

Gu Jin Nian entered the examination hall, casually chose a spot, sat cross‑legged, and the whole process flowed like clouds and water.

"Who is this young master? He looks rather imposing, doesn't he?"

"Indeed, such confident stride—whose son is he?"

In an instant, countless gazes fell on Gu Jin Nian, their eyes full of curiosity.

"He is Gu Jin Nian."

"The great‑grandson of the Duke of Zhen Guo."

Soon, someone recognized Gu Jin Nian's identity and spoke in a hushed tone.

"Gu Jin Nian?"

"It turns out to be him."

"A playboy of the Gu Family?"

"Why is he here too? And daring to come through the South Gate? What's going on?"

Upon learning it was Gu Jin Nian, the discussion intensified.

"Probably he knows passing the South Gate assessment brings benefits, so he came. I heard the Gu Family has direct admission slots; Gu Jin Nian breezing through this first hurdle is almost certain."

"So that's it, I said—"

"Hmph, such a playboy coming here truly…"

Some disapproving voices rose.

This is the downside of a bad reputation; no matter what one does, the result is always criticism.

But at that moment, a voice slowly sounded.

"Come, men."

"Seize all those who were spouting nonsense just now, imprison them in the Hanging Lantern Office jail, for slandering the current duke's grandson; punish them without mercy."

Suddenly.

Gu Ning Ya's voice rang out.

He arrived brandishing a suspended blade, exuding a chilling aura that stunned the entire venue.

With Gu Ning Ya's arrival, dozens were seized on the spot, their faces pallid, eyes filled with regret and terror.

"Silence."

It was just then.

The chief examiner's voice rang out.

He was a scholar, his head full of white hair, and he glanced at Gu Ningya with some displeasure.

He seemed to feel disgust at Gu Ningya's barbarous conduct.

But he had no authority to stop it, so he could only shout, telling Gu Ningya to restrain himself a bit.

And as the old man's voice rang out, more than forty people in the examination hall all showed joy.

Because of Gu Ningya's disturbance, many people lost focus and failed to enter the examination hall at the crucial moment, so this exam had only forty participants, which meant much less competition for them.

At this moment, the old man took out a brocade pouch; upon opening it, a white slip appeared, on which the character for 'sword' was conspicuously written.

"The fifty-seventh examination entry begins."

"This examination's topic is the sword."

At that moment, the over forty examinees each stared blankly.

They could understand if the topic were weather or plants.

But with the sword as the topic,

for a moment they were somewhat at a loss.

And in the examination hall,

Gu Jin Nian also fell silent for a moment.

He quickly searched his mind for poems about swords.

After a brief moment.

A poem suddenly appeared in his mind.

However, Gu Jin Nian did not immediately put brush to paper.

Instead, he closed his eyes.

He immersed his spirit.

He waited until he could enter a state of deep focus before putting brush to paper.

Time passed bit by bit.

Everyone was watching.

To many, Gu Jin Nian's situation seemed quite reasonable and not unexpected.

Everyone assumed that Gu Jin Nian probably intended to use his quota to pass the first round directly.

Even Gu Ningya thought so.

But just then,

A gentle breeze swept by.

It ruffled the xuan paper on the desk.

At this moment.

Gu Jin Nian slowly opened his eyes.

He lifted his brush.

Without any hesitation, he swept brush and ink.

"Ten years to forge a sword, the frosted blade never tested."

"Today I show it to the lord; who has any grievance?"

A five-character poem.

Gu Jin Nian completed it in one breath, without any hindrance.

He poured his inner ambition into it.

He also expressed his feelings.

Whether it was the original self or himself.

He had studied for ten years.

Today, this sword of his would finally reveal its edge.

But just as Gu Jin Nian set down his brush,

In an instant,

The ancient tree within his body trembled inexplicably.

Then,

A scene that even surprised Gu Jin Nian appeared.

On the xuan paper,

Each character emitted a golden light.

In an instant, the light spread, dazzling beyond compare, reflected in everyone's eyes.

Afterward, the xuan paper poured forth golden light like the sun, flooding the surroundings like a deluge.

It was almost instantaneous.

The six chief examiners' faces suddenly changed dramatically.

The surrounding onlookers were also utterly astonished.

But the one whose expression showed the greatest astonishment was Gu Ningya.

He stared blankly at all of this.

His eyes were filled with disbelief.

"An omen."

It is an omen.

This poem actually contains an omen.

Soon.

A sound that blankets the heavens and earth rang out.

The golden light grew more intense, even soaring to a height of ten zhang.

Inside Brook Creek Village.

Everyone saw it.

(End of chapter)