Chapter 45: Flip the Table

Four Directions Tavern.

Accompanied by the ringing of the bell.

Gu Jin Nian also slowly opened his eyes.

After handing over the task of selling the tokens to Wang Fugui, Gu Jin Nian became somewhat idle, and thus took this opportunity to rest well for a night.

If the bell hadn't rung, Gu Jin Nian could have slept another two hours.

"Please, all students, go to the village entrance to participate in the third examination."

The voice sounded again.

It was announced within Small Stream Village.

And just as Gu Jin Nian had finished washing up, Wang Fugui's figure appeared outside the door.

"Brother Gu."

"Are you awake?"

The voice sounded.

"I'm awake, Brother Wang, please wait a moment."

After tidying up his appearance a bit, Gu Jin Nian pushed open the door.

At this moment, Wang Fugui wore a full smile, took out ten silver notes, and handed them to Gu Jin Nian.

"Brother Gu, the total price for selling all the tokens is ten thousand taels of gold."

"Each silver note is worth one thousand taels."

"Please, Brother Gu, verify them."

Wang Fugui said with a full smile.

"Brother Wang, you're being overly courteous; no need to verify."

"Come on, let's go together to the village entrance; after the examination ends, we'll definitely set up a feast to welcome Brother Wang."

Gu Jin Nian took the silver notes without changing expression, then hid them in his sleeve, and afterward walked alongside Wang Fugui openly.

"Brother Gu, you're being polite; if you don't mind, before enrollment you can go to Su Prefecture to have fun."

"It's not me boasting; Su Prefecture is practically a fairyland on earth, whether for eating, drinking, or entertainment, I guarantee it will make Brother Gu reluctant to leave."

"Especially the pleasure boats of Su Prefecture; they are the fairyland among fairylands. Not me boasting—if you go aboard, I guarantee you won't be able to disembark for seven days and seven nights."

Wang Fugui said with a full smile.

He urged Gu Jin Nian to go to Su Prefecture for fun.

But as soon as he said that, Gu Jin Nian's face turned solemn.

"Brother Wang, we scholars cultivate spirit and condense qi, with righteous aura sustaining us—how could we go to such a place?"

Gu Jin Nian said solemnly.

In an instant, Wang Fugui felt somewhat ashamed, lowered his head slightly, and gave an embarrassed smile.

But before Wang Fugui could continue speaking,

Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded again.

"Expensive?"

As the voice sounded,

Wang Fugui blinked in surprise.

but quickly showed a smile and said,

"Not expensive, not expensive; as long as Brother Gu you come, I guarantee I'll arrange everything clearly, I'll book a whole boat for you to enjoy the scenery of Su Prefecture."

Wang Fugui said grandly.

"Good brother."

Gu Jin Nian also showed a smile.

"The future is promising."

Just as the two arrived on the first floor, Su Huaiyu's figure suddenly appeared here.

He had not slept all night, and had already been waiting downstairs.

"Brother Su."

Gu Jin Nian greeted him, and the latter nodded.

The three said nothing and walked toward the village entrance.

Mao hour, quarter past.

The blazing sun hung high in the sky.

At the entrance of Small Stream Village, it was already noisy with voices.

At a glance, there were over a thousand people.

Those who could enter Small Stream Village were not fools; all were talents from various places, whether they passed the poetry exam or otherwise.

And with Gu Jin Nian's arrival,

in an instant, many gazes gathered.

However, most of the gazes were not on Gu Jin Nian, but fell on Wang Fugui.

"It's him, the person who sold the tokens yesterday, it's him."

"How nice, turns out he's this kind of person, truly disgusting."

"The person beside him is Gu Jin Nian, the number one playboy of the capital."

"No wonder, turns out they're rats and snakes in the same den."

"Hmph, collecting tokens with ill intent—Da Xia Academy is the holy land of scholars worldwide, yet they actually sell the checkpoint tokens; truly disgusting."

Voices rang out one after another.

Everyone felt great resentment toward Wang Fugui.

After all, almost everyone present had not obtained a token.

This meant they were very likely to be eliminated.

They came here just to enter the Da Xia Academy; even if they obtained a token, they might not necessarily be able to enter the Da Xia Academy, but it's still better than this situation.

In a moment, resentment rose all around, and they even joined in cursing Gu Jin Nian together.

However, when cursing Gu Jin Nian, they still lowered their voices, not daring to speak loudly.

They were the grandson of the Zhen Guo Gong, whom they could not afford to provoke, but not uttering a sentence or two would leave them feeling uneasy.

However, for Gu Jin Nian,

Strands of resentment surged toward him.

Although not many, the number was really not small.

The ancient tree absorbing these resentments, in Gu Jin Nian's view, was simply an unexpected joy.

"Ah, I forgot about this; if I had known earlier, letting Wang Fugui do the promotion would have been my idea."

Gu Jin Nian felt somewhat regretful.

He needed resentment, and he wasn't afraid of offending these people; it's just that he hadn't thought of it at the time.

However.

Just then, a familiar figure appeared in Gu Jin Nian's sight.

It was Zhang Yun's figure.

Among the crowd, Zhang Yun stood to the southeast, with dozens of people gathered around; although everyone was gathered together, it was obvious that this group had better relations, deliberately avoiding others and forming their own domain.

Seeing Zhang Yun, Gu Jin Nian immediately showed a smile.

"Brother Zhang."

"Brother Zhang."

"How come you're also here?"

"Have you gathered enough tokens?"

Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out; he was very enthusiastic as he greeted Zhang Yun.

Among the crowd.

Zhang Yun was discussing matters with some close friends, which included the matter of Xu Xinyun.

But before he could finish speaking, he heard Gu Jin Nian's voice sound in his ear.

The main thing was, Gu Jin Nian hit the sore point and as soon as he opened his mouth asked whether he had gathered enough tokens.

How could he tolerate this? Looking over, Zhang Yun's eyes were full of disgust, but when he saw Su Huaiyu, his gaze softened slightly.

But just then, a voice sounded in his ear.

"Brother Zhang, Wang Fugui is the person beside him."

"Good, I was wondering why Wang Fugui wouldn't sell the token to us; it turns out it's because of Gu Jin Nian."

"Yes, although Wang Fugui's family is wealthy, even if you gave him ten guts he wouldn't dare offend us."

"I didn't expect it to be Gu Jin Nian backing him up."

"Brother Zhang, Gu Jin Nian is truly arrogant and domineering, riding roughshod over us."

In a moment, when everyone saw Wang Fugui walking side by side with Gu Jin Nian, they suddenly realized.

To say who was the angriest, it was these people; yesterday they were the first to arrive at the inn, but unexpectedly Wang Fugui didn't sell them a token and gave no reason.

Seeing this today, they fully understood.

Hearing the crowd's words.

Zhang Yun could no longer sit still.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"Do you really want to turn hostile?"

He stepped forward, looked at Gu Jin Nian, and spoke directly, without any trace of fear.

He is the son of a great scholar, and fundamentally fears nothing from Gu Jin Nian.

"Brother Zhang, what do you mean by this?"

Looking at Zhang Yun's angry face, Gu Jin Nian feigned confusion and said.

"Don't play dumb."

"Is it you who made Wang Fugui refuse to sell the token to these friends of mine?"

Zhang Yun couldn't be bothered to engage in pleasantries with Gu Jin Nian.

Speak frankly.

He even deliberately amplified his voice, drawing the crowd's attention.

"Right."

"Is there anything wrong?"

"Brother Zhang, you won't be angry, right?"

Gu Jin Nian nodded and gave an honest answer.

Zhang Yun: ".".

He was somewhat dazed.

He really didn't expect Gu Jin Nian to answer so directly, and even deliberately asked if he wouldn't be angry.

I am not your sister.

At this moment, resentment surged, causing the resentment fruit to almost ripen.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"You do not respect Da Xia Academy, you scorn imperial authority, you collect tokens and sell them—do you still have any Confucian Way in your eyes?"

Zhang Yun was somewhat angry; he pointed at Gu Jin Nian and loudly rebuked.

"What a big hat!"

"Brother Zhang, speaking loudly doesn't mean you're right."

"The tokens are collected by me; whether I sell them to you is my freedom."

"If you disagree, you can go to the dean to reason; if the dean won't hear it, you can even go to the emperor."

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly, but also directly admitted that the tokens were collected by him.

Indeed, as soon as he said that.

More resentment surged.

From all directions, hatred arose toward him.

But a faint cold smile flashed in Zhang Yun's eyes; he had been waiting for Gu Jin Nian to say that.

"Studying is meant to revere heaven and earth, to exalt the righteous qi, yet in your hands it has become a business."

"It truly defiles us scholars."

"Gu Jin Nian, you don't need to put on airs here."

"After the examination ends, I will definitely go to Da Xia Academy, representing all today's examinees, to sue you."

Zhang Yun spoke up, not only directly saying he would sue, but also dragging in others; with one sentence claiming to represent all today's examinees, he instantly took the moral high ground.

"Oh."

Gu Jin Nian nodded, indifferent.

In an instant, Zhang Yun felt a bit uncomfortable.

I've said so much, you just say 'oh'? Damn it.

Just then.

A voice suddenly sounded.

"Silence."

The voice sounded, coming from the center of the crowd.

Soon, everyone fell silent.

No one spoke.

They remained silent.

"Those whose names are called, step forward."

The voice sounded again; because there were many examinees, they blocked the front, making it impossible to see who was speaking.

"Su Huaiyu."

"Gu Jin Nian."

"Wang Fugui."

"Zeng Ping."

"Liu Suran."

The voice continued to sound.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian also did not linger, walking into the crowd.

Soon, he passed through the crowd.

At the entrance of Xiao Xi Village, on an extremely open space, rows of desks were set up.

On the desks were the four treasures of the study.

Obviously, the third round examination should be poetry and prose.

And at the center of the examination hall.

A man about twenty-seven or twenty-eight years old, handsome and extraordinary in bearing, wearing a white scholar's robe, with a solemn expression.

He held a roster, calling roll.

The roster was long; it took about the time of burning an incense stick to read it, and all 188 people were lined up in front.

These were all token holders.

"I am Cheng Ming, acting on my master's orders, today I have come to oversee the third round examination."

"Those who are listed shall take the examination seated; those not listed are deemed to have failed the second round and may try again next term."

Cheng Ming spoke, informing everyone of the rules.

But as soon as he said that, it instantly provoked a huge reaction.

"On what basis?"

"This is unfair."

"Why can't we take the exam?"

"May I ask, Master Cheng, where is the second round examination?"

In a moment, various voices sounded.

Most people had come from afar, and now they suddenly failed; naturally they were unwilling.

Facing the clamor, Cheng Ming appeared calm.

"The second round examination is the Heaven-Earth Command Arrow; possessing both the Heaven and Earth arrows counts as passing."

"Within Xiao Xi Village, a total of 188 command arrows have been placed."

Cheng Ming spoke up, opening his mouth to explain.

But after saying that, there were still many who objected.

Among them, someone more radical stepped forward directly, looking at Cheng Ming and said.

"Cheng Ru." "We understand and also accept Jing Sheng's intention, but this is unfair."

"Someone got advance knowledge of the exam questions, collected tokens, then hawked them for resale, making it impossible for us to pass; but that is secondary. Students believe such conduct defiles the examination hall's holy ground, sullying us scholars."

"We implore Scholar Cheng to uphold justice for us; otherwise, the students will not accept it."

Someone spoke up, clenching his fists, looking at Cheng Ming, then his gaze locked dead on Gu Jin Nian and Wang Fugui, the hatred in his eyes utterly unhidden.

"Yes."

"Scholar Cheng, we do not accept this."

"If we lose like this, we will not accept it."

"Someone collected tokens and deliberately sold them to people of ordinary talent, intending to use such tricks to slip through; it is truly disgusting."

"If you lack ability, do not come to take the exam; Da Xia Academy will not tolerate petty people lingering long."

Voices rose one after another.

Zhang Yun simply stepped forward.

He looked toward Cheng Ming and said.

"Scholar Cheng, I am Zhang Yun; today I accuse Gu Jin Nian of reselling tokens, undermining examination fairness, defiling Da Xia's holy ground, and implore Scholar Cheng to uphold justice for us scholars."

Zhang Yun spoke.

No one dared openly accuse Gu Jin Nian, but he dared, he was willing to be the one who sticks his neck out.

The din was extremely loud.

Cheng Ming, however, remained calm; he had long anticipated this.

After all, these people have come from afar; who wouldn't want to enter Da Xia Academy? It's only natural to feel resentful after losing here.

However, Cheng Ming did not rebuke Gu Jin Nian; instead, he looked at Gu Jin Nian and said.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"Is this true?"

He inquired, his expression indifferent.

Upon hearing Cheng Ming's voice, Gu Jin Nian was dismissive.

"Replying to Scholar Cheng, the students admit the first half but deny the second."

Gu Jin Nian nodded and said.

"Why?"

Cheng Ming, curious, directly asked.

"The students do not believe this would affect fairness."

"Furthermore, the students believe this is even more fair: five hundred taels of silver buys a chance to enter the second round; may I ask, is that not enough fairness?"

Gu Jin Nian replied calmly.

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned.

Because upon reflection, it really is.

Five hundred taels of silver to pass a stage is indeed fair; assuming sufficient quantity, everyone would be willing to produce that silver.

"Absurd."

However, Cheng Ming's voice sounded.

He stood in the central area, his eyes slightly cold, his gaze toward Gu Jin Nian unfriendly.

"How could the grand entrance examination of Da Xia Academy be defiled with money?"

"If academy slots are bought with silver, then I must ask you: for these impoverished scholars, is this fair?"

Cheng Ming furrowed his brows tightly.

Originally, for this matter, Gu Jin Nian could have lowered his head, admitted fault, and that would have been enough.

After all, his own teacher was unwilling to intervene, and he himself could not say much.

But who would have thought Gu Jin Nian would have no shred of shame, instead being smug; how could this not anger him? He felt Cheng Ming's fury.

Gu Jin Nian frowned slightly.

"Scholar Cheng, your words are somewhat harsh."

"Those who can enter this place, how many are from impoverished backgrounds? If there truly are impoverished ones who can rush to Da Xia Academy in just a few days, that speed is already quite fast."

"I suspect there is substantial backing from wealthy families behind them; a mere five hundred taels of silver is nothing."

Gu Jin Nian truly did not feel it was unfair.

"What impoverished or not impoverished."

"Throughout history, relying solely on one's impoverished origins, it would be impossible to reach this point."

"What a joke."

"Local renowned scholars, if their families are poor, yet if they have the qualifications to come to Da Xia Academy to take the exam,"

"Let alone anything else, some prominent wealthy families locally would love to stuff silver into their waistbands."

"The authorities would also contact them promptly."

"Without specifying how much silver, at the very least it would not be too little, especially upon reaching the level of Da Xia Academy."

"Do you really treat impoverished scholars as those who can't even keep the pot boiling? Such impoverished people fundamentally have no chance to participate in the exam."

"Nonsensical babble."

However, Cheng Ming directly spoke up, rebuking Gu Jin Nian for spouting nonsense.

"Ah, right, right, right."

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

Originally he had no major objections to Cheng Ming.

After all, his actions seemed somewhat excessive in the eyes of some upright scholars.

But many things require rules and reason; being too idealistic only brings misfortune to oneself.

Now it seems Cheng Ming is clearly that kind of idealistic Confucian scholar, and also carries many personal emotions.

So there's nothing more to say; just "ah, right, right, right" and it's over.

"You."

Cheng Ming was angered by Gu Jin Nian's words.

In an instant, a vast amount of resentment surged, causing the resentment fruit in the ancient tree to fully ripen.

But this also means Cheng Ming has truly become angry.

However.

Cheng Ming did not continue to rebuke Gu Jin Nian.

Instead, he turned his gaze to the crowd and said.

"The dean already knows about this matter."

"Gu Jin Nian's actions are indeed improper, but they are within the rules."

"Therefore, the dean has set up another examination."

"Those without a token may directly enter the third round of the examination."

"But only those ranked in the top fifty can be selected; if they fail to reach the top fifty, their eligibility for next year's admission will be cancelled."

"If you choose to withdraw now, you can come back next year; choose for yourselves."

Cheng Ming suppressed his anger, did not lash out, but instead announced another examination method.

After this plan was spoken.

It once again sparked discussion among the crowd.

But this time it is clearly better than before.

Although it still doesn't satisfy them, it's still better than now, where they would directly lose eligibility.

"Confucian Cheng, the students are willing to take the exam."

At that moment, Zhang Yun's voice sounded.

He walked a few steps forward, came into the ranks, and was willing to participate in the examination.

"Good."

Cheng Ming nodded, but also didn't say much more.

"I am also willing."

"I'll come too."

"As long as it's top fifty, I'm also willing."

"If I don't enter this year and have to wait another three years, I can't wait, so I'll apply anyway."

Voices rang out one after another.

Not long after, a hundred people joined the line.

But many more people remained silent.

They cannot afford to gamble.

After all, if they fail this time and are made to wait another three years, they cannot wait.

Moreover, this time it is overseen by Mr. Wenjing, the whole examination is strange and bizarre, also making them unable to tolerate it.

It would be better to wait for the next session; maybe it will return to normal.

Thus.

After the burning of an incense stick.

The number of people was finally set at three hundred.

Cheng Ming glanced over.

Then he nodded.

"The third round examination of Da Xia Academy is about to begin."

"Except for Gu Jin Nian, all examinees may take their seats freely."

Cheng Ming spoke, but deliberately prevented Gu Jin Nian from taking a seat.

In an instant, many people showed smiles, they understood Cheng Ming was looking for trouble for Gu Jin Nian.

But this is quite normal.

Gu Jin Nian is indeed the grandson of a duke, but one should not offend Confucian scholars under any circumstances.

Especially the students of Su Wenjing.

What these Confucian officials love most is to angrily rebuke the powerful and noble.

Seeing Gu Jin Nian suffer a setback, they naturally take pleasure in it.

Meanwhile, among the crowd, Gu Jin Nian remained silent, while the others took their seats; Zhang Yun looked at Gu Jin Nian with great interest, his eyes full of smugness.

But there were still two people who had not taken their seats.

One was Su Huaiyu, the other was Wang Fugui.

Wang Fugui appeared somewhat hesitant; he wanted to sit but felt conflicted, because once he sat down, his relationship with that heir might grow distant.

But if he didn't sit, he would offend Cheng Ming, leaving him in a dilemma.

"Su Huaiyu, Wang Fugui, aren't you taking your seats yet?"

Cheng Ming's expression was indifferent as he looked at the two and asked directly.

Su Huaiyu said nothing, remaining extremely cold.

As for Wang Fugui, he lowered his head and dared not speak, nervous and tangled.

"May I ask Cheng Ru?"

"Everyone else may sit, why am I left alone?"

Wang Fugui remained silent as Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out.

He heard those words.

Cheng Ming was also straightforward, looking at Gu Jin Nian and saying,

"In the examination hall, to prevent cheating, I have you sit at the front to avoid controversy,"

"Wait until they are seated, then come over alone and sit here."

Cheng Ming was very direct.

The meaning of this sentence is also simple.

You like to take shortcuts in your work; you certainly can't write essays. Fearing you'd cheat or plagiarize, I have you sit in front of me.

Obviously.

This Master Cheng Ming truly bears hostility toward Gu Jin Nian and dislikes his way of acting.

"Understood."

Gu Jin Nian nodded; receiving the reply was enough.

The next moment.

He approached the desk that Cheng Ming had indicated.

Just as everyone thought Gu Jin Nian was about to sit down,

Suddenly,

Boom.

A massive sound erupted.

The desk placed before him was instantly kicked away by Gu Jin Nian.

In an instant,

Everyone was stunned.

Who could have thought Gu Jin Nian would dare this? Isn't that utterly reckless? Even Cheng Ming.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"You are audacious."

Soon, as Cheng Ming recovered, a roar sounded.

This is the examination hall.

Gu Jin Nian kicking the desk away is sheer disrespect, also an affront to Da Xia Academy.

"Shut up."

"You're a dog-like thing."

"What are you in the eyes of this Crown Prince?"

"If I don't unleash my power, do you really think this Crown Prince is easy to bully?"

"Did I even give you face?"

A cold voice rang out.

Gu Jin Nian's expression turned grim; he stared at Cheng Ming, and a powerful aura radiated outward.

Who is he? The top aristocrat of Da Xia.

Grandson of the Duke of Zhen Guo.

Son of the Marquis of Linyang.

During the entrance exam, being courteous and yielding a bit shows respect for Wen Jing Half Saint.

Does he really think he can be bullied? Fine.

You like to disgust people, right? You like to cause trouble, right?

Thinking this, Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath.

Then he spoke slowly.

"Liu Shu."

"Come quickly."

The voice rang out,

in an instant.

A figure appeared beside Gu Jin Nian.

At the same time,

From all directions around, silhouettes emerged, standing on the walls, waist‑tied Thunder‑Bolt Blade, hand‑gripping Divine‑Machine Crossbow, each with a cold stare, targeting everyone in the examination hall.

"Who dares to bully my great nephew?"

The figure materialized.

It was Gu Ningya.

His gaze was icy as he surveyed everyone present.

In an instant, cold air spread throughout the hall, and everyone felt the terrifying chill.

It is killing intent.

Ice-cold killing intent.

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