Chapter 48: My nephew, he's just like me—damn, he's exactly like me, hehe

"What are you saying?"

"Is this astonishing heavenly phenomenon written by Nian'er?"

Grandfather Gu's voice boomed.

His face was full of shock.

Standing there, he seemed unable to accept this fact.

"Yes, Grandfather."

"It is indeed the Crown Prince who caused it, according to reports from the three-direction scouts; the Crown Prince was targeted, caused a disturbance in the examination hall, then composed a timeless masterpiece, turned and left; if nothing unexpected happens, the Crown Prince will return soon."

Steward Wang's face was also full of shock.

Having watched the Crown Prince grow up since childhood, his talent is truly astonishing, leaving him utterly shocked.

"Hiss."

At this moment, Grandfather Gu trembled completely.

His whole body shook.

Unable to contain his excitement.

"Ten years to forge a sword, ten years to forge a sword."

"What a fine 'ten years to forge a sword'!"

"My grandson truly has the makings of a sage!"

"Hahahahaha!"

"Hahahaha!"

"My grandson has the makings of a sage!"

"A timeless masterpiece, indeed a timeless masterpiece—Nian'er actually wrote a timeless masterpiece!"

Grandfather Gu could no longer contain himself; when Gu Jin Nian wrote this poem earlier, he had been somewhat shaken, thinking the Gu Family would produce a scholar.

Calling Gu Jin Nian a kirin child is somewhat exaggerated.

But now, learning that this astonishing heavenly phenomenon was also summoned by Gu Jin Nian, how could Grandfather Gu not be shocked?

He was excited.

Unparalleled excitement.

Inside the Duke's mansion, he shouted loudly, completely lacking any semblance of a duke's dignity.

Now, Da Xia is internally stable, with no major external wars, and the status of civil officials will inevitably rise.

The military officers' faction appears peaceful on the surface, simply because these old-timers are still around.

But surely they won't be around forever?

So don't be fooled by appearances; these military officers don't care at all about these scholars, but in private they go to great lengths to invite this great scholar, that great scholar, to educate their descendants.

Back on the battlefield, when enemy troops scraped their flesh, they never uttered a word of submission.

But what about now?

Never mind bowing and scraping; as long as they can teach their grandson well, even kneeling is fine.

Thus, at court, some military officers have begun to waver, and in preparation for the future, they have their grandsons become disciples of those scholars.

It seems like they are banding together, but in reality each has their own agenda.

Grandfather Gu also felt worried about this, but he also understood that this is the prevailing trend.

The prevailing trend cannot be reversed.

So he doesn't mind; instead, he hopes his grandson will also achieve something.

To achieve something in the Confucian Dao.

He never expected that the surprise his grandson would bring would be so great.

Especially when thinking of Gu Jin Nian's earlier poems.

Ten years to forge a sword.

This sword is truly peerless in its sharpness, enough to shock the whole world.

"Good."

"Good."

"Good."

Grandfather Gu couldn't help but shout 'good' three more times.

He had never been this happy before; this joy came from the heart.

"This grandson of mine truly takes after me."

Grandfather Gu was overjoyed.

But after glancing at Gu Qianzhou beside him, Grandfather Gu felt a bit displeased.

"Nian'er has achieved so much; why aren't you saying a word? Are you mute?"

"Or are you jealous of my grandson?"

Grandfather Gu was overjoyed, but upon seeing that his son showed no smile, he instantly felt dissatisfied.

"Dad."

"Am I dreaming?"

Upon hearing Grandfather Gu's voice, Gu Qianzhou was still in a dazed state.

He subconsciously thought he was dreaming.

"Smack."

Grandfather Gu slapped Gu Qianzhou on the head.

The latter was stunned, feeling some pain.

"Does it hurt?"

Grandfather Gu opened his mouth, looking at Gu Qianzhou and said.

"It hurts."

The latter nodded.

"Then it's not a dream."

"Alright, you handle it; I, Dad, need to go on calling all those good friends back."

"Hahahaha, Suping, get things ready, the Duke's mansion will hold a banquet, go to the storeroom to take silver, however grand it should be, make it as grand as possible for me, and also call back all those kids outside."

"Our Gu family has produced a Qilin child."

Grandfather Gu was overjoyed, full of energy, striding like a dragon and a tiger, as he walked out of the mansion.

He needed to go notify those friends again, one by one sneaking to their doors, one by one inviting them over.

He wanted the entire capital, from top to bottom, to know that his grandson, Gu Yuan's, had the talent of a sage.

Grandfather Gu left.

Gu Qianzhou also finally came to his senses.

At this moment, Gu Qianzhou's face flushed red, he clenched his fists, and couldn't help but speak out.

"My son has the talent of a sage, hahahaha."

"Not unworthy of being my offspring, the inheritance is good, the inheritance is good."

"Hahaha."

"Madam, madam, great joy, great joy!"

Gu Qianzhou was overexcited, but he still first headed to his own residence.

He would immediately inform his wife of this happy news.

Gu Qianzhou hurried with quick steps, arrived at his residence, without further ado, went straight into the room, and said with an excited face.

"Madam, Year'er has promise, Year'er has promise."

Gu Qianzhou was overjoyed, he directly embraced Madam Li, overwhelmed with emotion.

"What's wrong?"

"What happened?"

Madam Li was a bit dazed; she didn't know what had happened.

This caused the few maids nearby to also be curious, not understanding what was going on.

"Madam, did you see the omen just now?"

"That was summoned by Year'er; he wrote an eternal piece, drawing a shocking omen, our Gu family will produce a Qilin child."

Gu Qianzhou was extremely excited.

He informed Madam Li of this news.

"Is this omen summoned by Year'er?"

Madam Li stared, her eyes full of disbelief.

"Yes."

"Year'er had hidden for ten years; today he revealed his talent, truly giving our Gu family a mighty vent of frustration."

Gu Qianzhou clenched his fists and spoke fiercely.

"A military clan produced an outstanding scholar—how could they not be excited?"

"And how could they not be moved? 'This omen is so terrifying, will Year'er get hurt?'"

Madam Li came to her senses, somewhat happy, but her eyes were full of worry.

"No, no, Madam, rest assured, this omen only brings benefits, no harm."

Gu Qianzhou shook his head, his tone very firm.

"Then good, then good."

"These years, Year'er has indeed suffered, always hiding, for the sake of studying, he hasn't been scolded little by you all."

"I said it, Year'er is very smart, but you've always looked disfavorably at Year'er, right now it's not wrong, is it?"

Having received an affirmative answer, Madam Li couldn't help but speak out, both feeling pity for her son who had been scolded for no reason these years, and feeling pity for Gu Jin Nian who had hidden for ten years, considering the Gu family since childhood, but more so she felt joy.

"Who wouldn't want their son to have promise? 'Right, right, right.'"

"Madam's teachings are correct, Madam's teachings are correct."

"Madam, I'll go out for a bit; Year'er is expected to return tonight, the household needs arrangements, which will keep you busy."

Gu Qianzhou said excitedly.

Grandfather Gu went to invite people; he also wants to invite people.

His son is so promising, not taking him out to publicize, he can't hold back.

"Okay."

"But the household affairs, let Steward Wang handle them."

"I want to go to the palace to report happy news to the Empress Mother."

"Such good news must certainly be reported to the Empress Mother."

Madam Li spoke, deciding to go to the palace for a bit to report happy news.

"Good."

"Then Madam, you must be tired.' 'I'll leave first.'"

Gu Qianzhou nodded, knowing that the Empress Dowager doted greatly on Gu Jin Nian; if the Empress Dowager knew of this, it would also be a good thing for Gu Jin Nian.

Just like that.

Gu Qianzhou left, and the Li family immediately arranged a carriage, heading toward the palace interior.

And the matter of Brook Creek Village also spread thoroughly throughout the capital.

One could say, when the news arrived, the entire capital was shaken and in an uproar.

Who could have imagined that Gu Jin Nian, whom they had always seen as a spoiled young master, could actually write a timeless masterpiece?

This is simply unbelievable.

Soon, someone began reciting the poems and verses that Gu Jin Nian had written before.

Ten years to forge a sword, yet the frosted blade has never been tested.

Today I present this to the lord; who has any grievance?

In a moment, many people suddenly realized that Gu Jin Nian was actually not a spoiled youth, but had all along concealed his talent.

Today, letting go of everything, he composed a timeless masterpiece.

This caused countless commoners to be shocked.

More importantly, Gu Jin Nian's reputation also underwent a complete reversal.

What is Gu Jin Nian's greatest controversy? It is teasing the granddaughter of the Minister of Rites, but this matter itself has been puzzling; now, as Gu Jin Nian's timeless masterpiece is being written,

There is no longer any doubt.

Everyone thought that Yang Hanrou had accidentally pushed Gu Jin Nian into the water, and, fearing retaliation from the Gu family, she shifted the blame onto Gu Jin Nian.

The facts prove it.

When a person is sufficiently outstanding, no matter what he does, countless people will help him explain it.

This is a living example.

A bad reputation can change in an instant, flipping completely in a moment.

The whole capital has already become lively.

But the liveliest are still the various dukes' and marquises' mansions.

Grandfather Gu went alone to those dukes' mansions, entered without a word, clearly explained the recent omen, and then enthusiastically dragged these friends back to their mansions.

Moreover, regardless of whether they agreed or not, not going meant not giving face.

This made countless dukes and marquises, each one, dare to be angry but not speak out.

The main reason is that Grandfather Gu's speech is a bit arrogant.

Earlier it was fine, but later he dropped the act—it wasn't really about inviting them over for drinks; it was clearly just showing off.

"Old Three, don't pretend to be sick in front of me; if you don't come to my manor by noon, I'll personally bring people to tear down your ducal manor."

"Old Five, hurry up and bring your useless grandson; what's the point of him hanging out all day with the grandsons of Old Two and Old Three? If he wants to play, let him play with Jin Nian—who knows, Jin Nian might teach him a couple of things and open his mind."

"Wang Dian, quickly summon those fellows to come to my manor tonight for drinks; afterward, listen carefully to what Jin Nian has to say—you lot of **, so vulgar, you ought to learn more from Jin Nian, understand?"

Arrogant shouts continued without cease.

The Guardian Duke was very overbearing; in the end, he went straight to people's doors, seized them and left, giving them no chance at all.

A group of dukes and marquises was completely subdued, left without any temper.

But the fundamental reason is that they also wanted to see Gu Jin Nian.

They were simply too curious.

As for the interior of the imperial palace,

The Yongsheng Emperor also hurried along.

After finishing his official duties, he rushed anxiously to the Empress Dowager's palace.

He wanted to tell this good news to his own mother, the Empress Dowager.

Nothing else needs to be said.

His own nephew had written a timeless masterpiece; as emperor, how could he not be happy? For the state, Da Xia has gained a pillar of the nation—this is a great blessing.

Privately, this is his own nephew—no matter what, it's a good thing.

As for other matters, we'll set them aside for now; anyway, right now it's a good thing.

"Empress Dowager."

"Empress Dowager,"

The Yongsheng Emperor's face was full of joy; wanting to share the good news, he called out even before arriving.

However, when the Yongsheng Emperor arrived at the Empress Dowager's palace,

he discovered that his own sister, Princess Ningyue, had already come.

At that moment,

the Yongsheng Emperor's expression paused, and he slightly restrained his joy.

As a ruler of a state, one must still restrain oneself a bit.

"Oh, Princess Ningyue has come too?"

Upon seeing his sister, the Yongsheng Emperor spoke, becoming a bit formal.

"Princess Ningyue greets Your Majesty."

Princess Ningyue stood beside the Empress Dowager, paying respects to the Yongsheng Great Emperor.

He nodded.

Immediately, the Empress Dowager's voice sounded.

"Yaner, there is great happy news."

"Your nephew has now become promising; the earlier omen was caused by Nian'er."

"Da Xia has produced a pillar of the nation, and he's still our own family member—how wonderful, how wonderful; it's just a pity that Nian'er isn't here, Mother truly is delighted, really delighted."

"With such an omen, who would still dare say you are unfit to be emperor."

The Empress Dowager was very agitated; she was extremely delighted.

All the people of the world say that my son ascended to the throne illegitimately; whenever the nation suffers any disaster or calamity, they blame my son.

Now that such a great celebration has occurred, it is still the family that upholds the reputation.

How could she not be pleased?

Hearing this, Yongsheng Emperor nodded.

"Mother Empress's words are indeed correct."

"I also feel deeply gratified."

"All the credit still belongs to Princess Ningyue, who bore Jin Nian."

Yongsheng Emperor said so.

The latter shook his head and said,

"Your Majesty, there are things you do not know."

"Jin Nian's talent is like this, but it is actually your credit."

Princess Ningyue spoke, looking at Yongsheng Emperor, and said,

"Why?"

The latter was somewhat curious.

"Jin Nian occasionally tells me that each time he comes to the palace he learns many things, especially the words you, Your Majesty, teach. Though he seems mischievous, he keeps your words in his heart."

Princess Ningyue said with a smile.

At that moment.

Yongsheng Emperor showed a look of surprise.

"Ningyue, are you serious?"

"I just said it's no wonder."

"So all of Jin Nian's learning comes from me, huh?"

"Like me, indeed like me."

At this moment.

Yongsheng Emperor couldn't help laughing a bit.

His heart also received great satisfaction.

Although he knew these words might be mere platitudes, at least half of them were true and half false, right? In other words, with Jin Nian's achievements, as his uncle he could claim at least half the credit without fault. Thinking this, Yongsheng Emperor's face was even more joyful, and he could no longer hide it.

"Ningyue."

"Later I will give you a gold medal; you give it to Jin Nian, so that he can come to the palace whenever he is free."

"These years I have been diligent at court, and I only taught Jin Nian a little, but I didn't expect him to engrave my words in his heart; I am very satisfied."

"From now on let him come more often: first to keep Mother Empress company, second so I can teach him more things."

"Do not let him stay idle at home, hanging with those warriors, especially Gu Jia Lao Liu, who all day corrupts my good nephew."

"Fine."

"Ningyue, I will leave first to handle some matters; you stay in the palace today and properly keep Mother Empress company."

Yongsheng Emperor was very pleased.

However, outwardly he still had to maintain decorum, but these words were sincere.

He must have Gu Jin Nian come to the palace more, and study less of the frivolous things at Gu Family; this nephew is a moldable talent, and he himself must pay more attention.

"I will strictly follow Your Majesty's decree."

"But, Your Majesty, won't you stay a little longer?"

Ningyue, curious, asked.

"No need."

"I still have some matters to handle."

"Jin Nian has suffered a lot of grievances in Xiaoxi Village."

"Usually a few scoldings are enough for those guys, but on major issues they still dare such reckless behavior."

"If I do not intervene, does that mean I let those people ride atop the royal head?"

"I have only you as a sister, and only this one nephew."

Yongsheng Emperor spoke.

His words reddened Princess Ningyue's eyes.

But these words were also Yongsheng Emperor's sincere words.

Of course, there were also some other factors.

And at this moment.

Outside the capital, a hundred li away.

Gu Jin Nian's carriage was also about to return.

However, around the carriage appeared a group of riding Great Scholars.

(End of chapter)