Chapter 37: Talent surges in, the fruit ripens—my nephew has the sage's potential

South Gate of Small Stream Village.

Everyone fell silent.

The crowd gazed at it.

In the examination hall.

Before Gu Jin Nian, the xuan paper burst with golden light.

Although it wasn't earth-shattering, this golden light still drew everyone's attention here.

This is a phenomenon.

A Confucian-Dao phenomenon.

Among those present, how many can see the phenomenon?

Confucian-Dao phenomena can only be condensed by a Great Scholar, and it's not as simple as just being able to condense them.

Only by matching the occasion, the heart, and the topic can there be a chance to condense a phenomenon.

The appearance of a phenomenon directly signifies excellence, beyond doubt.

As for the origin of the phenomenon, scholars throughout the ages have answered that it is the will of Confucianism and Dao.

They believe that scholars possess heroic righteousness, to bring peace to the world under heaven, following the heavenly will, thus they can condense talent.

But the Confucian-Dao lineage has no baptism by sweet dew, nor can it be directly transmitted; one must comprehend it oneself. Thus, after a great master of Confucianism and Dao passes, his essence transforms into heroic righteousness, guarding the heavens and earth.

This is also why killing scholars is a taboo for all dynasties.

Although scholars die, their spirits remain between heaven and earth.

If there are exceptionally outstanding poems and essays, they will gain the approval of the Confucian-Dao will, thereby evolving some phenomena.

The more magnificent the phenomenon, the stronger the Confucian-Dao will that has been obtained.

Even in legend, Confucian-Dao poems and essays can receive heaven and earth's acknowledgment, but this is extremely difficult; only a sage throughout history can achieve it.

At this moment, everyone is paying attention to this phenomenon.

Inside Small Stream Village.

Up and down, no one's gaze fails to fix on this place.

The golden phenomenon surged to a height of ten zhang.

Magnificent and splendid.

More importantly, streams of talent poured in from all directions, entering Gu Jin Nian's body.

In an instant, the talent fruit inside his body changed color, turning pure gold, perfectly matured.

Moreover, a second talent fruit was conceived, only a little shy of maturing to the third stage.

This surprised Gu Jin Nian a little.

Displaying sagehood before people, and yet he could obtain talent?

He was curious, but on the surface he remained completely calm, showing nothing unusual.

At this time.

Da Xia Academy.

In a courtyard.

Su Wenjing, who was writing an essay, felt his heart stir.

He sensed it.

He turned his gaze toward the direction of Small Stream Village.

At this moment, Su Wenjing's eyes flashed with light, and the scene of Small Stream Village instantly appeared before him.

"A Confucian-Dao phenomenon?"

His eyes instantly showed a hint of surprise.

As a quasi Half Saint, he understands phenomena better than ordinary people.

Although this phenomenon is the most ordinary, ordinary scholars struggle to condense it; being able to draw such a phenomenon means that all scholars, past and present, in this county have approved this poem.

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

"Today I present it to you, who has any grievance?"

"Good."

"A good poem."

"What a good poem."

"I never expected the grandson of the National Guardian Duke to hide so deeply."

"Truly interesting."

"I, old man, want to see just how sharp this sword really is."

Su Wenjing looked with interest toward Small Stream Village.

And at the South Gate of Small Stream Village.

Gu Ningya stood there, completely stunned.

He looked at Gu Jin Nian not far away, his eyes filled with disbelief.

For sixteen years.

He has watched this great nephew of his grow up since childhood.

Music, chess, calligraphy, painting—none of them he could do.

Poetry, lyrics, songs, and prose—so bad it's unbearable to look at.

Even martial arts, Gu Jin Nian isn't particularly fond of; if not forced to practice, he probably couldn't manage martial arts either.

And yet, this is such a person.

Today, however, he put on a big show.

"Ten years to sharpen a sword, the frosted blade has never been tried."

"Today I present to the lord—who has any grievances?"

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian's poetry was reflected in his eyes.

Above the examination hall, twenty golden characters appeared, leaving everyone present unable to help but be shocked.

And then, suddenly.

Gu Ningya suddenly realized something.

"Ten years to sharpen a sword, the frosted blade never tried? This nephew of mine."

Hidden for ten years?

This.

This.

This.

Gu Ningya's eyes widened.

He could hardly believe it, yet the facts lay before him.

Ten years of sword sharpening, and he chose to draw the sword at this moment.

What terrifying perseverance, and what terrifying determination!

To be frank, even my several worthless older brothers couldn't do it.

But my great nephew actually did it.

Thinking of this, Gu Ningya trembled all over with excitement, clenched his fists, felt numb throughout, a mix of excitement and agitation.

"My nephew has the talent of a sage."

He longed to shout to the heavens, but he kept these words in his heart and did not speak them out.

Instead, in an instant, he grabbed the subordinate beside him and said:

"Quick."

"Whip the horse to go faster."

"Go to the Duke's mansion and inform the old master."

"Then go and notify each of my brothers individually."

"Do not delay."

"Remember, have them prepare good wine and food—no vagueness allowed."

Gu Ningya was so excited his speech trembled; such a joyous occasion, for the Gu family, is simply a tremendous blessing.

What the Gu family currently lacks most is a scholar-official.

Scholars represent heaven and earth.

The Gu family, vast and prosperous, is watched by countless people, like a sword perpetually hanging over one's head.

Therefore the Gu family needs a scholar-official, not a capable official nor a mere clerk; whether they hold authority is irrelevant.

The key is that Confucian prestige must be high, able to win the hearts of scholars worldwide, and most importantly, to gain heaven and earth's approval.

Thus, even if the Da Xia emperor truly wanted to cause trouble for the Gu family, he would not dare to do so casually.

After all, if one wants to add a crime, excuses are never lacking.

But if Gu Jin Nian truly has talent, the Gu family can turn danger into safety.

At worst, the Gu family will hand over military authority.

Gu Jin Nian's choice to display his strength today is just right, just right.

Beside her, Yang Hanrou's beautiful eyes were also filled with astonishment and disbelief.

She and Gu Jin Nian have been classmates for two years as well.

In her impression, aside from his handsome appearance, Gu Jin Nian had no other merits.

His literary talent is inferior to Zhang Yun's, his martial ability inferior to Wu An's.

Yet who would have thought that Gu Jin Nian's poem today could provoke an omen? 'He has been hiding it all along.'

"Only today does he reveal his talent?"

"This person's scheming is too terrifying."

In an instant, Yang Hanrou swallowed her saliva, feeling inexplicably that Gu Jin Nian on the examination hall had an extremely deep scheming mind.

It is far more terrifying than she imagined.

"Good."

"Good line: 'Ten years to sharpen a sword, the frosted blade never tried.'"

"Good line: 'Today I present to the lord—who has any grievances?'"

"This poem is extremely good, very good."

Suddenly.

The chief examiners at the entrance all spoke up, having awakened from their astonishment, their gazes fell upon the poem.

As scholars, while the omen is indeed shocking, ultimately it is still the poem.

A simple five-character poem, yet Gu Jin Nian expressed all his ambitions within it.

It compelled them to utter a word of praise.

They have been here for a long time.

After fifty-seven examinations, although there have been fine lines, yet no poem has ever made them this excited.

In an instant, the six exchanged a glance, immediately understanding each other's thoughts; the chief examiner then rose and looked at Gu Jin Nian, saying:

In the fifty-seventh poetry examination, Da Xia's Gu Jin Nian won first place.

His voice was extremely loud, and he shouted it out.

Then he personally came down and approached Gu Jin Nian's side, saying.

Gu Jin Nian.

May this poem be submitted to the Da Xia Academy and placed in the Hundred Herbs Hall?

The old man spoke, his voice gentle and his tone exceedingly cautious, afraid that Gu Jin Nian would not hand it over.

But upon hearing this, the people around all changed expression.

Enter the Hundred Herbs Hall?

Such a great honor?

The Hundred Herbs Hall of the Da Xia Academy?

People were astonished and couldn't help but discuss it.

The Hundred Herbs Hall is one of the Da Xia Academy's halls, but this hall is especially special, containing only the poems and essays that students routinely produce.

However, it must gain the approval of many before it can be placed in the Hundred Herbs Hall.

So that later students can view it.

Da Xia scholars consider entering the Da Xia Academy an honor, but the academy's students consider having their poems and essays admitted to the Hundred Herbs Hall an honor.

This means that, whether Gu Jin Nian enters the Da Xia Academy or not, he will leave a deep mark there.

Master, you're being polite.

Since you, Master, have approved, I am willing to submit it to the Da Xia Academy.

Gu Jin Nian spoke gently, appearing modest and courteous.

Good.

Thank you, young friend.

I had heard your name before; seeing you today, I am foolish, having studied for decades yet still fallen for hearsay.

Your talent, young friend, is exceedingly rare; your future is limitless. It's a pity that I am shallow in learning; otherwise I would truly wish to take you as my disciple.

Upon hearing Gu Jin Nian's agreement, the old man beamed, but soon after he showed shame.

He knew Gu Jin Nian, but his impression of him was unfavorable: first, due to the incident involving the Minister of Revenue's granddaughter; second, because Gu Jin Nian's reputation was poor.

But upon seeing him today, Gu Jin Nian is handsome in appearance, refined in manner, modest and courteous, and indeed talented.

From this poem, he can see what Gu Jin Nian's ambition is.

Master, your words are weighty.

After entering the academy, if there is anything you don't understand, please ask the master often.

Gu Jin Nian said respectfully.

Upon hearing that, he immediately became energized.

Good, young friend Gu, I am Prefect Chen, who teaches ritual and Dao at the Da Xia Academy; if you have nothing else, you can certainly come find me, for I have some research in poetry and can help clear up a few doubts for you.

Master Chen said seriously.

The other chief examiners also came down one after another, unable to stay seated; with Gu Jin Nian's talent, he will surely enter the academy, having hidden his light for over a decade—such talent, they could not possibly ignore it.

Thus they came over in droves, just to leave an impression.

Not far away, Gu Ningya remained completely silent.

He never imagined that one day his own grand-nephew would be surrounded by a group of Confucian scholars, all vying to show favor.

The Gu Family is a military lineage; if one says that civil officials are incompatible with them.

And with the Confucian way, they are even more incompatible.

These Confucian officials just love to point fingers, talking about etiquette and rules, and they like to meddle in others' affairs for no reason.

Such a scene is something Gu Ningya could not even dare imagine.

Enough.

What are you all doing crowding around here?

Young friend Jin Nian, this is a pass token; take it, hurry inside, don't delay the time.

Tomorrow at the wei hour, the examination will end; don't hold it up.

Prefect Chen spoke, seeing that several of his colleagues wanted to come over to get a share, he certainly wasn't willing.

He hastily handed the token to Gu Jin Nian, letting him enter, and also reminded Gu Jin Nian that the examination would end tomorrow at the wei hour, in order to show himself.

This left Gu Jin Nian somewhat torn between laughter and tears.

Thank you, Master.

Having taken the token, Gu Jin Nian turned to look at his sixth uncle, said nothing, merely waved, and then walked toward the small stream village.

Grand-nephew.

Remember what your uncle usually teaches you,

Bring back a first place, don't let down your uncle's years of cultivation.

Gu Ningya spoke.

He spoke with righteous and solemn words.

He created the feeling that Gu Jin Nian was his disciple.

Indeed, upon saying that, Master Chen and the others couldn't help but turn their gazes toward Gu Ningya, their eyes inexplicably showing some curiosity.

Could it be that the Gu Family has another talented person?

Feeling the gazes of the crowd, Gu Ningya bared his teeth in a smile, nodded, his face full of 'yes, yes, yes'.

And at the same time.

Carrier pigeons also appeared in the heavens.

The news spread instantly.

(End of chapter)