Chapter 49: Did I ever say my sixth uncle wasn't a rotten fruit?

A hundred li outside the capital.

The Gu Family's carriage sped along the official road.

Around it, dozens of ink‑black fierce horses galloped.

Mounted on the fierce horses were all Great Scholars.

Only Great Scholars can achieve the level of turning talent into horses.

The fierce horses galloped swiftly, continuously chasing Gu Jin Nian's carriage.

And from behind, they emitted various sounds.

"Jin Nian, young friend, I, Xu Mo, am the third‑period imperial examination top scholar of the Da Xia Dynasty, well‑versed in the Eight‑String classics. Jin Nian, young friend, I won't say anything else,"

"Xu Ru, do not here cast misleading words."

"His Highness the Crown Prince, I won't say anything else; is that Cheng Ming bullying you? If you take me as your master, I will now help you regain your standing."

"Zhou Ru, stop joking here; with your frail bones? Still picking a fight with Cheng Ming? Crown Prince, I am already a Great Scholar, but I also practice martial ways. Let me do it; I will slap Cheng Ming to death for you to vent your anger."

"Crown Prince, a thousand‑mile horse is hard to find, and a patron of talents is rare; I am willing to be your patron. Crown Prince, as long as you take me as master, I will give you everything. I have a daughter, graceful and beautiful, a national treasure; we could become in‑laws."

Voices rang out one after another.

Chasing the Gu Family's carriage.

Inside the jade carriage.

Gu Ningya was completely stunned.

He had never seen this kind of scene before.

In his mind, these scholar‑officials, whenever they saw a Gu Family member, would open their mouths and act like warriors; sometimes after spitting in the capital, these fellows would all take it as their own.

He truly never expected that one day these scholar‑officials would grovel and lick the Gu Family.

This really is the turn of fate.

"Had I known, I would have studied properly back then."

"Perhaps they were after me after all."

Inside the jade carriage, Gu Ningya pondered.

But soon, his gaze fell on Gu Jin Nian.

His tone was somewhat curious.

"Great‑nephew."

"Do you really not intend to go to the Da Xia Academy?"

"Uncle can remind you, there are three Heavens' Mandates that entered the Da Xia Academy; Su Wenjing has one. If you don't go, perhaps…"

If it were earlier, Gu Ningya really wouldn't have said anything.

But now it's different; the Da Xia Academy has three Heavens' Mandates, Su Wenjing has one, and the Gu Family has one.

But for a Heaven's Mandate, who would find it insufficient? He didn't know how to acquire more Heavenly Destiny Luck, but at least one must go, so he asked Gu Jin Nian like this.

"If I said I'm not going, then I'm not going."

"A mere Da Xia Academy, what does it amount to?"

Gu Jin Nian appeared very calm.

It's not that he has a youthful temperament; it's mainly these scholars that make him nauseous.

Having lived two lives, Gu Jin Nian knew that many matters are decided by the butt rather than the head, especially scholars who care more about profit.

But at least they should have a bit of scholarly backbone, right?

And the result? Somehow none?

Especially that Cheng Ming, this still takes the other's status into account; otherwise, Gu Jin Nian would have already given him a slap.

"Fine."

"No wonder you're a Gu Family person."

"Damn Da Xia Academy."

Gu Ningya nodded; he supported Gu Jin Nian.

Gu Family members truly cannot stand being offended.

He was very satisfied with Gu Jin Nian's actions.

However, Gu Ningya's voice continued to sound.

"Great‑nephew."

"I support what you say, Sixth Uncle, but there are still some words I must say; whether you like to hear them or not, you must take them in."

"Many things, don't act on a fleeting impulse; it's Sixth Uncle now advising you."

"Rather, I hope you can think clearly, understand fully, before doing each thing."

"Take this case: Cheng Ming offended you, he was at fault first, but if you intend to act against him, you must first understand one thing clearly."

"Kill him, or let it be."

"People in the capital, not a single one is good‑natured, just like the court officials; during court sessions, you and I are friendly, but in daily life there is hardly any real conflict."

"But behind the scenes they collect accusations against each other; once they have evidence enough to cause death, they will mercilessly kill you."

"Unless you are still useful, otherwise, these people, once they act, will take your life."

"Jin Nian, do you understand these words?"

Gu Ningya changed from his usual playful grin to seriousness, also earnest.

Usually, he treated Gu Jin Nian as a child, playful grin was fine, but today Gu Jin Nian displayed his talent, making Gu Ningya realize his great‑nephew is clever and grown up.

Thus he must impart these principles in time, lest Gu Jin Nian suffer losses later.

Listening to his Sixth Uncle's words.

Gu Jin Nian nodded, he understood these words.

The court's struggle.

Either a deadly strike, or just wait like guarding a stump for a rabbit; otherwise, just wait to be killed by someone else.

"It's good that you understand."

"Alright, great nephew, you rest well first."

"I estimate the mansion has already begun making preparations."

"There's one thing you must definitely remember: if Old Master's friends ask why you can write a timeless piece, you should say a few good words about Sixth Uncle, more or less."

"Besides that, Sixth Uncle has taught you the sages' principles since you were little; you must not forget Sixth Uncle, understand?"

Gu Ning Ya smiled as he spoke, returning to that carefree, smiling appearance.

But these words made Gu Jin Nian involuntarily startled.

"The sages' principles?"

"You've taught me plenty of courtesan logic, yet you talk about sages' principles."

"Sixth Uncle, not putting gold on your own face feels uncomfortable, huh?"

Gu Jin Nian did not speak the words in his heart.

Instead, he leaned in the carriage, pondering some matters.

First, to properly understand his Sixth Uncle's words.

Second, to think clearly for his future.

Anyway, having decided not to go to Da Xia Academy, he must seriously consider what to do in the future.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye, about an hour passed.

The carriage returned to the Gu Family.

At this moment, the Gu Family was already extraordinarily lively, with lanterns and decorations strung up throughout the mansion, just like during New Year.

Rolls of firecrackers outside three streets stretched all the way to the State Duke's Manor.

Many people also gathered coming and going.

The capital's commoners also came to watch the excitement.

The Gu Family's servants prepared many sweets and pastries, as well as red packets filled with copper coins, distributing them everywhere to the gathered populace.

Everything was for celebration. Accompanying the carriage's return.

The firecracker sounds instantly exploded, crackling, the liveliness reached its peak.

They waited until the carriage appeared outside the State Duke's Manor.

Only then did the firecracker sounds subside.

In their place came a sharp voice.

"His Majesty has an edict."

"In the twelfth year of Yong Sheng, October seventh, heavenly omens descended, blessing Da Xia; the State Duke's eldest grandson, Gu Jin Nian, composed a timeless essay, exalting Da Xia's national prestige, establishing Da Xia's Confucian-Daoist bearing."

"Specially award one Da Xia gold medal, allowing free entry into the imperial palace, constantly attending the emperor, hearing sacred words; additionally bestow nine Flood Dragon Jade pieces, order the Imperial Wardrobe Bureau to make three sets of Confucian robes, twelve sets of imperial regalia, grant the carriage the merit of one horse, wishing Gu Jin Nian to wholeheartedly study, assist Da Xia, for eternity."

The voice sounded.

This was the edict transmitted by Emperor Yong Sheng Da Di.

As Gu Jin Nian stepped out of the carriage, only then did he proclaim the edict.

"Commoner Gu Jin Nian, thank you, Your Majesty."

"May Your Majesty live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years."

Gu Jin Nian bowed before the edict; since he currently has no achievements, calling himself a commoner poses no problem.

Soon, Gu Jin Nian received the edict; beside him, Gu Ning Ya immediately took out a silver note and silently placed it in the eunuch's hand who was delivering the edict.

He immediately smiled and looked at Gu Jin Nian, saying:

"Heir Apparent."

"Your essay today, although His Majesty has not yet read it, he is already full of joy, and specially allowed you to stroll in the palace when you have nothing to do."

Having received the money, the eunuch was very pleased and specially informed him of this.

"Alright, trouble the eunuch to return to the palace and tell my uncle; in a few days, if I have nothing to do, I might go."

Gu Jin Nian smiled.

And he also nodded.

Afterwards, he bowed toward the State Duke's Manor; this was respect for the State Duke.

Immediately thereafter, he left the place.

After the eunuch left.

The sound of drums and gongs rang out again.

Wang the steward even let out a loud howl, saying:

"Welcome back the Heir Apparent to the mansion."

The voice fell.

Outside the State Duke's Manor, it became even livelier, with another string of firecrackers sounding.

Gu Ning Ya walked ahead with a delighted face, while Gu Jin Nian followed behind.

As for Su Huai Yu, after entering the capital he disappeared, unknown where he went.

After stepping into the State Duke's Manor.

Wang the steward immediately led Gu Jin Nian and Gu Ning Ya inward.

"Sixth Uncle, Crown Prince, Grandfather Gu is setting up a banquet and drinking at Wanxiang Garden; dukes and marquis sons from all over have arrived, just waiting for you two."

Steward Wang smiled and spoke.

"Everyone's here?"

Gu Ningya was somewhat curious.

"Sixth Uncle, everyone we could summon has been called, and many ministers from the court have also arrived."

Steward Wang said so.

"Alright."

Gu Ningya nodded, then looked at Gu Jin Nian and said.

"Jin Nian, remember what Sixth Uncle said: you must credit it to Sixth Uncle's merit, understand?"

Gu Ningya lowered his voice, speaking so Gu Jin Nian would pay attention.

"Don't worry, Sixth Uncle, I will definitely say it."

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

He also felt a bit helpless.

But he couldn't resist Sixth Uncle's request.

And so it was.

Following Steward Wang, they went all the way to Wanxiang Garden.

At this moment, inside Wanxiang Garden, the seats were already filled with soldiers and guests.

Wanxiang Garden wasn't small, but at this moment it was packed with tables; many maids bustled back and forth, serving tea and water, and various dukes, marquis sons, officials of the Ministry of War of all ranks, as well as some scholar‑officials, had all arrived.

At this moment, Grandfather Gu's voice thundered.

"I'm not bragging."

"In the end, it's still my bloodline."

"You don't really think my son Jin Nian is a fool, do you? I've long known Jin Nian's talent; I just keep him restrained in daily life."

"I gave you some face, never thought you lot were all show and no use."

"Look at your grandsons, each a twisted gourd and cracked date; now look at my Jin Nian, and your old seventh. Back then you wouldn't let your grandson play with my Jin Nian—do you regret it now?"

Grandfather Gu was brash, spitting profusely, pointing at the noses of those generals.

His words left many generals silent.

Gu Ningya, not far away, also enjoyed it.

But Gu Jin Nian felt a bit embarrassed; his own grandfather was too overbearing, wasn't he?

Yet at that moment, a general couldn't help but speak up.

"Grandfather, Jin Nian is fine, I have nothing to say."

"But you call our grandsons twisted gourds and cracked dates, yet you don't look at your own sons, especially your old sixth."

"They're not twisted gourds and cracked dates?"

This was a marquis son, once a soldier under Grandfather Gu, hot‑tempered, directly launching a tirade.

As soon as he said that,

Gu Ningya became a bit annoyed.

Nima.

"What do you mean by that?" Before he could finish, Grandfather Gu's voice rang out again.

"Did I ever say Old Sixth wasn't a twisted gourd and cracked date?"

"He is."

"So what?"

"This generation of sons is all useless; aren't we comparing it to the third generation?"

"What about it?"

"Did I say something wrong?"

Grandfather Gu was blunt, admitting that Gu Ningya was a twisted gourd and cracked date.

In an instant,

Gu Ningya was stunned. — There's still the evening, but not until after midnight.

Double monthly tickets, please donate monthly tickets!!! I originally wanted to write a bit more, but adding more would cut into a plot.

I don't want to stall this plot.

So I'll just transition this chapter.

I guess everyone knows which plot this is, right?

(End of chapter)