Chapter 43: He Doesn't Think He's That Smart, Does He?

Looking at Gu Jin Nian's gloomy expression.

Su Huaiyu actually gave an explanation.

"I am serious."

"Your uncle promised to cover the meals before inviting me."

"That's my principle."

Su Huaiyu was earnest, as if not trying to disgust Gu Jin Nian on purpose.

"You can rest assured about that."

"I won't shortchange you when it comes to food."

Gu Jin Nian didn't know why this fellow was so obsessed with food, but he went along with the suggestion.

"Thank you, Crown Prince."

Su Huaiyu nodded.

Gu Jin Nian didn't stall; he looked straight at her and said.

"What do you think of the incident where I was pushed into the water?"

Gu Jin Nian got straight to the point, not wasting time.

He remembered that his sixth uncle had invited Su Huaiyu over specifically to investigate this matter.

"Reply, Your Highness, Crown Prince."

"After ten‑plus days of investigation, your drowning case appears far from simple."

"If I'm not mistaken, what happened after the drowning is minor; the key is what occurred before the drowning."

Su Huaiyu's opening line alone made Gu Jin Nian's eyes light up.

Before the drowning?

"What do you mean?"

Gu Jin Nian became intrigued; his focus had always been the drowning, yet he had overlooked this.

"Although the Crown Prince is not a martial artist, he has been pampered with fine clothes and lavish food since childhood, taking only potent tonics, making his physique far stronger than an ordinary person."

"Moreover, the Gu Family had the Crown Prince do post‑nailing body‑refining exercises."

"A mere drowning almost caused his death, which means that before the Crown Prince fell into the water, something was already wrong."

"The drowning was just a cover."

"May I ask, Crown Prince, whether you ate or drank anything before the drowning?"

Su Huaiyu analyzed earnestly.

"What did you eat? What did you drink?"

Gu Jin Nian frowned.

He couldn't recall at that moment.

"Do you mean someone poisoned me before I fell into the water?"

Gu Jin Nian asked curiously.

"That possibility exists."

"Otherwise, we can't explain why the Crown Prince almost drowned."

Su Huaiyu nodded.

"Poisoned me?"

"What would be the purpose?"

Gu Jin Nian frowned; he hadn't considered poisoning before, mainly because he couldn't grasp the other's motive. "Actually it's simple—just work backwards."

"The Crown Prince, being the grandson of a Duke and son of a Marquis, is so noble that few in the world would dare to threaten him."

"Killing the Prince would bring what trouble?"

"The Duke would rage, the Gu Family would go mad; then the entire court's civil and military officials couldn't stand it. You are the sole male heir of three generations; if you die, the Gu Family loses half its line."

"At that point, regardless of the cause, Grandfather Gu would slaughter all the court's scholars and officials, even if it incurred heavenly resentment; Grandfather Gu would never cease."

"If that happens, the court's structure would collapse instantly, and His Majesty would have to take drastic measures to restrain Grandfather Gu."

"Either suppress the Gu Family."

"Or grant an enormous compensation."

"His Majesty is benevolent; now Da Xia has just stabilized, so He will surely choose the second option unless the situation becomes extremely severe."

"And what do you think His Majesty's compensation would be, Crown Prince?"

Su Huaiyu's analysis was thorough and insightful, leaving Gu Jin Nian speechless.

"Elevate the Gu Family's status and grant them great authority, but to silence the entire court, they would start a war, letting my grandfather vent his anger abroad, calm down, while using massive benefits to secure the Gu Family."

"After all, although this Crown Prince is important, the Gu Family cannot completely break with His Majesty because of me; the Gu Family still lacks the power to clash with imperial authority."

"Boom."

Gu Jin Nian, viewing the scenario from a third‑person perspective, finally stood up and said to Su Huaiyu.

"The one who killed me wants to start a war?"

Gu Jin Nian suddenly realized.

At first he had been pondering, believing his drowning wasn't caused by anyone behind the scenes; after all, strange phenomena fell from the sky, a white rainbow pierced the sun, and he might have died because of an ancient tree.

But after hearing Su Huaiyu's analysis, Gu Jin Nian inexplicably found it plausible.

"Hmm."

"Someone wants to start a war."

"But I don't know who wants to start a war, nor what the purpose of starting a war would be."

"If it were solely to raise the status of military generals, that is unlikely; even though today is a peaceful age, the generals' status has not been excessively weakened."

"In a sense, as long as the thirteen border cities are not reclaimed for a day, the generals' status will not decline for a day."

"If we forcibly start a war, I truly cannot think of anyone in the whole court—civil or military—who would benefit."

"This puzzles me; I cannot understand it."

"But there is also a suspect in my mind."

Su Huaiyu raised a new question.

What can be confirmed now is that killing Gu Jin Nian would basically trigger internal turmoil; the Gu Family is a lion, and once it goes berserk, the imperial authority can suppress it, but at a great cost.

Pacification is the priority; suppression is secondary.

To pacify the Gu Family is to grant authority, exchanging a child for a child, so that the world may be at peace.

But who could profit from this?

The generals' faction? Other dukes and princes? Obviously impossible; if the Gu Family is not pacified, they will suffer misfortune, and the innocent will be caught in the crossfire.

If the Gu Family is pacified, they will be even more unlucky; then the emperor and the Gu Family will join forces, seeking a thorough investigation, and will resort to any means—sooner or later the truth will emerge.

Therefore, the court officials dare not act that way.

This means that those who wish to kill Gu Jin Nian are no longer the nobles and ministers of the court.

"Who?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

But the next moment, he suddenly thought of a possibility.

"Jian De?"

Gu Jin Nian stared at Su Huaiyu, and whispered the name.

He was the only person he could think of.

He is neither in the court nor wishes Da Xia's internal chaos to arise.

Then only Jian De fits.

Su Huaiyu gave no answer, but also did not deny it.

Because beyond that, he could think of no one else.

As for Gu Jin Nian, he sat on the stool in silence.

He has been singled out by the Jian De Emperor.

That really is a mess.

He was the previous emperor of Da Xia; although the Jian De Emperor has become a bereaved family's dog, even a starved camel is larger than a horse.

What is the Jian De Emperor's greatest advantage? Legitimacy.

He is the emperor appointed by the founding ancestor.

Moreover, Confucianism itself supports primogeniture.

In other words, if Da Xia falls into massive civil war, the Jian De Emperor can raise his banner and shout, and countless people will be willing to join him.

The regional princes need not be mentioned; by helping the Jian De Emperor they can opportunistically demand various benefits—whether they are granted or not is irrelevant, as long as they are promised.

There are also the immortal and martial circles; some sects are not as honest as they appear. After all, becoming a minister of the Dragon and later leveraging Da Xia's power to develop into the foremost immortal sect is not impossible.

In short, the Jian De Emperor can shout loudly without fearing a lack of allies.

But the prerequisite is that Da Xia must fall into chaos.

If Da Xia does not descend into chaos, they will not dare to be the ones to stand out; everyone fears a pointless sacrifice.

Is this the way of balancing power?

Su Huaiyu's reasoning made Gu Jin Nian increasingly feel that the possibility is great.

If I were to die.

My old man would definitely go mad, regardless of the odds; my own father, uncle, cousins—all would likely go berserk.

Which would conveniently serve some people's aims.

"What should we do?"

Gu Jin Nian thought for a moment, looked at Su Huaiyu, his eyes full of curiosity.

"I don't know."

"It involves His Majesty and the Lord of the State; I have no authority to investigate."

"But you need to think over many matters carefully."

"For example, the Crown Prince almost drowned; although no major mistake resulted, the Duke seemed very quiet."

"Even His Majesty was very quiet."

"He said something about direct appointment slots as an apology."

"May I ask, Crown Prince, do you think it's possible?"

Su Huaiyu continued speaking.

Once again, she awakened Gu Jin Nian.

Indeed.

He almost died, yet my grandfather showed no reaction.

That does not conform to common sense.

As for what direct appointment slots are, what kind of thing is that? Does the Gu Family lack them?

They really aren't lacking.

"Crown Prince, remember, many matters cannot be judged by appearances alone; the Lord of the State is exceptionally clever, and His Majesty is also a hero of the world."

"I don't know what lies behind this, Crown Prince; you need not worry too much."

"With those two here, Da Xia can't overturn the world."

Su Huaiyu spoke calmly.

She asked Gu Jin Nian not to overthink.

"Mm."

"I understand."

"Brother Su, your words today have benefited me greatly."

"Please accept my bow."

Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath.

He still thought the matter too simply.

Sure enough, that's the problem with transmigrators: having lived two lifetimes as a human and coming from another civilization gives them an innate sense of superiority, which ends up making them fools.

Su Huaiyu's words today rang like a warning bell, making Gu Jin Nian much more mature.

"No need to thank me."

"I'll take seven and you three, how about it?"

Su Huaiyu asked earnestly.

"That won't do."

Gu Jin Nian shook his head, his attitude resolute.

Asking for money is impossible.

Meanwhile.

Da Xia Academy.

In the main hall.

A voice sounded.

"Dean." "Of the 188 tokens issued, Su Huaiyu took 148, Gu Jin Nian took 22, leaving only 18 in the examinees' hands."

In the main hall, a middle-aged man spoke, looking at Su Wenjing.

"Only eighteen?"

Inside the hall.

Su Wenjing was a bit surprised, but his eyes were full of amusement.

The 188 tokens represent that 188 people can pass the third trial.

He had considered that someone might hoard a few, but didn't expect two people to take them all, which disrupted the assessment plan.

But he felt no anger at all; instead he found it amusing, since the rules were his own, and Gu Jin Nian and Su Huaiyu hadn't broken them.

"Mm."

"Should we remind the two of them?"

"Or should we take out other tokens and place them in the village?"

The latter asked.

"No more additions."

"No reminder needed either."

"As long as it's within the rules, there's no problem."

Su Wenjing shook his head and said.

"But Dean, if that's the case, this year's admission count will not exceed twenty."

The latter frowned.

Da Xia Academy's past enrollments were never huge, but it was impossible to have only twenty; even at its worst, there were about 150.

Twenty is too few; it would cause controversy and trouble.

"No problem, I will meet them personally, and the rest will proceed as planned."

Su Wenjing rose.

Leaving those words, he left the hall, then his qi surged, forming a brush in his hand; he waved it toward the sky, and in an instant a celestial crane appeared, soaring beneath his feet and rushing swiftly toward Xiao Creek Village.

This is a Pre-Half-Saint technique: a marvelous brush that brings things to life; a single stroke can make whatever is drawn become real.

It inspires endless envy.

The next moment.

Inside Xiao Creek Village.

Su Wenjing appeared, and the celestial crane beneath his feet instantly turned into ink, evaporating and dispersing in the heavens.

Meanwhile, in the tavern.

Gu Jin Nian stared at the sky darkening, looking slightly conflicted.

After about an hour passed, front and back.

Logically, Su Wenjing should have known that the tokens were taken by him.

But his delay left Gu Jin Nian a bit puzzled.

Could it be that he really just gave up? Slacked off? The private room was quiet, and Su Huaiyu closed her eyes to rest.

And at that moment.

Su Wenjing's figure appeared.

Somewhat suddenly.

He walked straight into the private room.

"You two youngsters are indeed enjoying refined leisure."

A voice sounded, carrying a hint of amusement.

As Su Wenjing's voice sounded.

Su Huaiyu immediately drew her sword.

Gu Jin Nian was startled, turned his head to look.

Outside the private room's door.

Su Wenjing stood with his hands behind him; at sixty years old yet full of vigor, dressed in a blue scholar robe, with no other notable features.

Instead he gave the impression of an elderly scholar, the kind of illusion where, aside from appearing very vigorous, there was nothing particularly special.

Contained within himself.

"Brother Su, don't act rashly."

Gu Jin Nian immediately seized Su Huaiyu; he didn't know who she was, but from her posture he could guess a little.

"Please excuse me, Mr. Wenjing. I have been ordered to protect the Crown Prince, and I have offended you greatly."

Gu Jin Nian didn't recognize him, but Su Huaiyu did, and she spoke very courteously.

Although he lacked emotional intelligence, he wasn't foolish; a proper Pre‑Half‑Saint he could not provoke, nor could he defeat.

"No problem."

"It is I who was abrupt."

Su Wenjing didn't rebuke him, but smiled faintly.

"I have met Mr. Wenjing."

"May I ask why you have suddenly come to visit?"

Confirming the other was Su Wenjing, Gu Jin Nian felt great joy.

He had been waiting for news of Su Wenjing.

He had expected Su Wenjing to send his men to negotiate, but didn't anticipate it was he himself, which surprised Gu Jin Nian somewhat.

"I, an old man, have come here; you two youngsters should understand."

"Do you need me to explain clearly?"

Su Wenjing gave a light chuckle, very casually, sat down directly, and looked at Gu Jin Nian.

"Mr. Wenjing."

"I, as a junior, am somewhat dull and truly don't grasp it; just speak plainly. Whatever you need the two of us brothers to do, just say the word. I will certainly be at your service, contributing a light to the Da Xia literary world and spreading warmth."

Gu Jin Nian spoke with righteous words.

But it was clearly feigning ignorance while understanding.

"Hehe."

"No wonder you are the grandson of the Duke of Zhen Guo, truly surpassing the master."

"Very well, I will be frank."

"The Heaven and Earth tokens are now all in your two hands."

"What you obtained within the rules, in principle I should not intervene."

"But Da Xia Academy still needs to enroll students, so I intend to make a deal with you, little friends."

"If you are willing to take the excess tokens out, after enrollment I will tell you a secret."

"How about it?"

Su Wenjing was very patient, seemed quite interested in Gu Jin Nian and Su Huaiyu, and not only didn't rebuke them but was willing to trade.

"Secret?"

"May I ask, sir, what secret?"

"Imperial examination answers?"

Gu Jin Nian asked curiously.

"Hehe, Gu little friend, you are truly witty."

"I know nothing about imperial examination answering."

"But this secret is a hundred times more important than imperial examination answering."

"It depends on whether you are interested."

Su Wenjing answered with a smile, without any annoyance.

The Pre‑Half‑Saint's secret must be of great value; this deal is not a loss.

But Gu Jin Nian didn't forget the matter of earning silver.

Having invested capital, he felt uneasy if he didn't recoup it.

"Sir, we are willing to hand over the tokens, but these tokens are something we spent time, effort, and silver to obtain."

"What the junior means is."

"Can we sell them?"

Gu Jin Nian smiled warmly.

Hearing this, Su Wenjing thought briefly, then nodded.

"That is possible."

"But the selling price, not too high—five hundred taels of silver per piece."

Su Wenjing gave a price.

He allowed it, but set a limit on the price.

"Five hundred taels?"

"Sir, we spent a great price on these tokens; five hundred taels is certainly impossible, but I will certainly not set the price too high—five thousand taels of silver per piece. Does that work?"

Gu Jin Nian felt a bit depressed.

He bought it at cost, five hundred taels each, and now he's asked to sell it for five hundred taels?

Isn't that just working for free? From ancient times to now, he's always freeloaded off others; how can he allow others to freeload off him? "There are 170 Heaven‑and‑Earth tokens here, which adds up to over eighty thousand taels of silver."

"The annual expenses of the Duke's manor are barely eighty thousand taels, right?"

Su Wenjing smiled faintly.

He still refused.

"Sir, if you put it that way, I'd rather not sell."

Gu Jin Nian used retreat as advance.

"Fine."

"Since Gu Xiaoyou is like this, I have no choice, old man; I can only make an exception this once."

"Take out all the surplus tokens from the storeroom; it's not much—there are still three to five hundred of them."

"You may continue to participate, consider it a collection."

Su Wenjing still smiled, but his old face was full of confidence.

Obviously, he wasn't afraid of Gu Jin Nian's retreat‑as‑advance tactic at all.

After all, the final right of interpretation lay in his hands.

"Mr. Wenjing."

"I'll sell."

"Five hundred taels is five hundred taels."

"For Da Xia's Confucian and Taoist traditions, this sacrifice from a student is nothing."

"But Mr. Wenjing, after you go to Da Xia Academy, I hope you'll look after me a bit more."

Gu Jin Nian was shrewd about the times.

He never fought against the prevailing trend.

When he got a good deal, he didn't pretend to be obedient.

"Alright."

"Then I'll trouble Gu Xiaoyou; I'll depart now, see you tomorrow."

Su Wenjing chuckled lightly.

"Take care, sir."

Gu Jin Nian stood up.

But at that moment, a voice rang out.

It was Wang Fugui's voice.

"Hey."

"This Mr. Wenjing, I really have no idea what he's thinking."

"He's fussing over the Heaven‑and‑Earth tokens for no reason."

"He's already quite old, yet he's still so odd; he probably doesn't think this is clever."

"When I enter the school, I'll ask him face‑to‑face what the meaning of this practice is."

The voice sounded again.

In an instant, the three in the elegant room fell silent.

Especially Su Wenjing.

He halted his steps, the smile on his face showing a slight hint of stiffness.

Ah… this.

(End of chapter)