Chapter 50: Su Wenjing's Late‑Night Visit: Is the Crown Prince Being Replaced?

Inside Wanxiang Garden.

The noise was chaotic, a complete mess.

The Duke of Zhen Guo spat saliva everywhere, swaggering arrogantly.

His words left everyone speechless.

But the most saddened was Gu Ningya.

What does "crooked melon, split jujube" mean? Father, it's one thing to say it at home, but you say it even when you're among outsiders?

"Are you really my biological father?" Gu Ningya felt very upset.

His smile was extremely stiff.

But at that moment, everyone's gaze converged entirely on Gu Jin Nian.

"Young one, my dear great‑grandson, you have arrived."

Grandfather Gu's voice rang out as he looked at Gu Jin Nian with a beaming smile.

He even walked straight over, completely ignoring Gu Ningya, and with great affection seized Gu Jin Nian's arm, forcefully pushing him before the crowd.

"You old fellows, hold off on drinking for now."

"My grandson has arrived."

It was evident that Grandfather Gu was genuinely delighted; his smile never faded.

At this moment.

The crowd's eyes inevitably turned toward Gu Jin Nian.

Facing this group of court nobles.

Gu Jin Nian showed no arrogance at all; instead, he bowed respectfully toward everyone.

"Jin Nian bows to you, esteemed uncles."

"Today Grandfather has arranged an impromptu banquet; if any hospitality falls short, I hope you esteemed uncles will forgive it."

Gu Jin Nian was extremely modest, showing no pride whatsoever.

This demeanor instantly won the hall's delight, mainly because Grandfather Gu was so obnoxious; before Gu Jin Nian arrived, they had endured half an hour of Grandfather Gu's scolding.

The good‑natured civil officials bowed their heads in silence.

The ill‑tempered military generals also remained silent.

Why?

First, Grandfather Gu is highly respected; second, Gu Jin Nian is indeed outstanding.

To cause such a world‑shaking phenomenon, who wouldn't be proud? They understand, yet they feel deeply uneasy.

Now that Gu Jin Nian has returned, politely calling everyone "uncles," his courtesy starkly contrasts with Grandfather Gu, a mere commoner; the difference is obvious.

"Look at our nephew Jin Nian, his words are courteous; truly worthy of our generation."

"Alright, alright, nephew Jin Nian, well said."

"Tsk tsk, I tell you, boss, can't you learn from your grandson? Look at you, you have no refinement; those civil officials constantly berate us as commoners, all because you set the example. Now look at our grandson, he's even better than you."

"Honestly, Grandfather Gu, I've finished my three bowls of rice and still can't figure out how you managed to give birth to this qilin child, Jin Nian."

The military generals all spoke up, continuously praising Gu Jin Nian.

"Ha, you lot are just jealous of me."

"Jin Nian, tell us yourself—does Grandfather daily lecture you on saintly principles? Is your achievement thanks to me, Grandfather?"

Grandfather Gu, too lazy to bother the civil officials, looked straight at his beloved grandson.

"Grandfather is right."

"Since I was young, I grew up listening to Grandfather read the saints' classics."

Gu Jin Nian forced a smile and said.

Upon saying that, Grandfather Gu's face flushed even more.

At the same time, another voice slowly sounded.

"Cough cough."

"Jin Nian,?"

Hearing this, Gu Ningya set aside his earlier displeasure, hurried forward, and said earnestly.

But before Gu Jin Nian could speak, the generals spoke first.

"Gu Lao Liu has arrived? How dare you utter the words 'saint and sage'? When you were a child reading, you burned away Master Qi's beard—do you remember? If I hadn't stepped in, your father would have beaten you to death, just you?"

"Gu Lao Liu, stop making a fool of yourself; you even teach Jin Nian the saintly classics? I think you're a burden to our Jin Nian."

"You old six, crooked melon split jujube, come out and make a fool of yourself."

The generals' words were extremely sharp, leaving no kind words at all.

Seeing the generals collectively mock his own younger son, Grandfather Gu felt pained and kicked Gu Ningya aside, his face full of displeasure.

"A disgraceful thing."

He was also puzzled why his own Lao Liu was so ungrateful, always wanting to piggyback; after praising Jin Nian so well, he suddenly came up to embarrass him.

Kicked aside, Gu Ningya felt a bit numb; he glanced at Gu Jin Nian with a pitiful expression.

"Actually Uncle Six has taught me a lot in daily life; esteemed uncles, my Uncle Six is actually quite low‑key."

Gu Jin Nian forced himself to speak.

He defended his Uncle Six.

With that, the crowd praised him again repeatedly.

"Jin Nian truly has a kind heart."

"Look at Jin Nian, now look at Gu Lao Liu—truly a case of people outshining people to death."

Everyone spoke, treating the two with completely different attitudes.

As soon as these words were spoken.

Gu Ningya grew angrier the more he thought, and finally couldn't help but stand up and say.

"Saying that makes it pointless."

"You wouldn't really think I have no talent, would you?"

Gu Ningya was very angry.

"Damn, escorting Gu Jin Nian to the exam—no merit, but at least hard work, right?"

"Besides, although I'm somewhat frivolous, there's no need to hurt people like this, right? Is it fun? Is it fun?"

Upon hearing Gu Ningya speak like that, the banquet fell silent immediately.

The seated Duke An'guo took the lead in speaking, breaking the silence.

"Fine, then you also recite a poem to liven things up, taking the banquet as the theme."

Duke An'guo spoke, looking at Gu Ningya.

Upon hearing this, Gu Ningya fell slightly silent.

"If you let him kill someone, he's absolutely unambiguous; if you let him recite poetry, he feels a bit numb."

But then, suddenly, Gu Ningya thought of something.

"Fine."

"Then I'll make a fool of myself; it might not match Gu Jin Nian's, but it's definitely not bad."

"This poem of mine is still a seven-character verse; listen carefully."

"Ahem."

Gu Ningya actually did think of a poem.

In an instant, everyone fell completely silent, even Grandfather Gu fell silent.

A glint of expectation flashed in his eyes.

After all, this Old Six is his own biological son; he might actually have some talent.

Even Gu Jin Nian became curious.

"What fine work could my sixth uncle possibly recite?"

"Thirty, established; winter comes and goes."

Gu Ningya spoke; the first line actually had some flavor, but the following verses left Gu Jin Nian stunned.

"Gu Jin Nian sharpens his sword; I too sharpen mine."

"Coincidentally, uncles and elders attend the banquet."

"I dare not, but I offer this poem."

"Gu Jin Nian's five characters; my seven characters."

"It makes the whole hall go wow-wow."

"Big brother, second brother, don't laugh."

"I"

Gu Ningya, full of feeling, hadn't finished speaking when he reached the passionate part, and Grandfather Gu kicked him again.

"Get lost."

"You embarrassing thing, old man, get lost."

Grandfather Gu's face turned ashen, his eyes full of regret; he regretted letting Gu Ningya come up and embarrass himself.

This time he really embarrassed himself big time.

"As expected."

The next moment, everyone at the banquet burst into wild laughter, especially the civil officials, each laughing so hard they lowered their heads and couldn't speak, because they really couldn't hold it in.

And at this moment.

Gu Ningya, after receiving two kicks, was completely numb.

"What's wrong with this poem? It fits the occasion and the theme."

"You're suppressing me, right? Playing this game? Fine, you lot wait for me; if you're able, don't fall into my hands. And Father, remember this: when you're old and lying in bed unable to move, I'll recite poems to you every day, and you'll have to listen whether you like it or not."

Gu Ningya felt hurt.

Thoroughly hurt, he gritted his teeth and left, making everyone present remember that he would someday have a chance to take revenge.

Gu Ningya left.

At this moment, Gu Qianzhou slowly rose to his feet.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"You're not bad; you haven't disappointed Father's expectations."

"And you haven't wasted Father's years of upbringing."

"But Father still hopes you'll be more low-key, read more, not become arrogant because of this; in a few days, Father will give you some of his collected books to look over—understand?"

At the crucial moment, Gu Qianzhou stood up.

"His son's popularity isn't something you can just leech off for free."

Faced with Gu Qianzhou's shamelessness, Grandfather Gu wore a look of disdain, but there wasn't much to say, after all, as a father, saying a few words is appropriate.

As for Gu Jin Nian, he nodded and said.

"I understand, child."

"Father, please rest assured."

"However, the reason I am able to achieve this is mainly because His Majesty once instructed me, and I also never leave my mother's daily care."

Of course, Grandfather Gu and my father have helped me greatly; please rest assured, Grandfather and my father, I will certainly not become arrogant.

I will study diligently and serve the country with utmost loyalty.

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

In fact, whether it's Grandfather Gu or my own father, Gu Jin Nian doesn't care.

But when outsiders are present, certain formalities must be spoken, especially mentioning His Majesty; for this great achievement, my uncle must claim credit.

Of course, Mother must not be forgotten either; this way, my mother's status within the clan and within the royal family will both be elevated.

And in the end, the one who enjoys the blessings is still me.

Indeed.

When these words were spoken, the whole hall was astonished; they had just been joking casually, but Gu Jin Nian's remarks were truly spectacular.

He did not offend the face of my father or Grandfather Gu, yet he gave the chief credit to the Emperor, and also raised Princess Ning Yue's status.

This youngster is truly clever.

Gu Qianzhou heard this and was extremely satisfied.

As for Grandfather Gu, a flash of delight passed through his eyes; at this crucial moment, his grandson could actually grasp this principle.

It seems my grandson truly has great prospects.

"Indeed, His Majesty is wise."

"Certainly, nephew Gu Jin Nian's words are correct; His Majesty is wise."

The others also echoed in agreement.

"Grandfather, father, esteemed uncles, after a long journey, I, Jin Nian, will withdraw first and cannot stay; I hope you understand."

However, at this point, Gu Jin Nian did not linger any longer.

He planned to go back and rest.

If he stayed, he would have to drink; two cups are no problem, but looking at these fellows, each seems to want to drink from a vat; if I were to stay, I'd turn around and say, "Elder nephew, are you raising fish?"

Who can endure it?

"Fine."

"Su Ping, quickly take Jin Nian to rest."

"Jin Nian, rest well; Grandfather will have the kitchen prepare something for you, and after you rest, eat something, don't starve."

Grandfather Gu felt concerned and asked Steward Wang to escort Gu Jin Nian to rest.

"Grandfather, rest assured."

"Jin Nian will withdraw first."

Gu Jin Nian smiled, then bowed to those uncles and left.

Such conduct, not only the generals but also the civil officials praised him one after another, even exchanging glances, all thinking the same thing.

This child, being born into the Gu Family, truly is a treasure.

Less than half a quarter hour later.

The banquet continued, filled with laughter and chatter.

Back at his residence, Gu Jin Nian was indeed somewhat tired.

Moreover, after so many events, he needed to review everything carefully.

Thus he suggested returning to rest.

Perhaps because too much talent was released, before he could think, a wave of fatigue struck.

It caused Gu Jin Nian to gradually fall asleep.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye.

It was already deep night, quiet.

According to Grandfather Gu's nature, the feast should have lasted until tomorrow, but after learning that Gu Jin Nian had fallen asleep, Grandfather Gu did not force anyone to stay, letting the mansion be quieter so as not to disturb Gu Jin Nian.

Until the hour of the Ox.

A faint knocking at the door sounded.

"His Highness the Crown Prince."

"There is a guest."

As the knocking continued.

Gu Jin Nian woke from his dream.

He slowly opened his eyes, his spirit appearing a bit listless.

It was probably a lingering effect of the anomaly.

But after a dozen breaths, Gu Jin Nian gradually became clear‑headed.

"Who has arrived?"

Gu Jin Nian was slightly curious.

Looking out the window at the sky, it was already the hour of the Ox; a guest at this hour? "Mr. Su Wenjing."

Steward Wang's voice sounded.

It surprised Gu Jin Nian a bit.

But thinking it over, it was only natural; after displaying such charisma, Su Wenjing could not remain unmoved.

However, Gu Jin Nian did not hold a grudge; he immediately rose, opened the door, and went outside to personally welcome Su Wenjing.

My anger was directed at Cheng Ming.

Not at Su Wenjing.

One is one, two is two, Gu Jin Nian understands this principle.

He came outside.

Sure enough, Su Wenjing stood not far away, looking at himself with a gentle expression.

"Student Gu Jin Nian, I have met Mr. Wenjing."

Gu Jin Nian bowed to Su Wenjing, very humble.

"Your Highness, you are being polite." "Visiting late at night is somewhat presumptuous; I hope Your Highness will not blame this old man."

Su Wenjing laughed lightly.

"Sir, you are too serious."

"Sir, please come in."

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, leading Su Wenjing inside.

Su Wenjing nodded, following Gu Jin Nian into the room.

Then they spoke up directly.

"Your Highness, do you still remember our previous transaction?"

Su Wenjing laughed.

"I remember."

Gu Jin Nian originally thought Su Wenjing had come as a persuader to convince him to go to the Da Xia Academy.

He did not expect it to be this matter.

"I have come today to fulfill the agreement."

Su Wenjing said.

Gu Jin Nian also remained calm, pouring Su Wenjing a cup of hot tea.

He was also curious about what Su Wenjing wanted to say.

"Your Highness, do you know why His Majesty has asked me to temporarily manage the academy this time?"

Su Wenjing spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian.

Upon saying that,

Gu Jin Nian thought for a moment, then spoke.

"It shouldn't be about Heaven's Mandate, right?"

Gu Jin Nian countered.

But as soon as the words fell, Su Wenjing was taken aback.

The hand reaching to receive the cup stiffened slightly.

Oh, guessed correctly.

Seeing the other's reaction, Gu Jin Nian also understood a bit.

"Your Highness is truly clever."

"However, Your Highness, do you know why this Heaven's Mandate is related to the Da Xia Academy?"

Su Wenjing continued to ask.

"It shouldn't be because of Confucian Dao, right?"

Gu Jin Nian replied without hesitation.

Su Wenjing: "."

He was stunned again.

This meant Gu Jin Nian had guessed correctly again.

"Then Your Highness, do you know how to obtain other Heavenly Destiny Luck?"

Su Wenjing continued questioning, seeming somewhat unwilling to believe.

"Um, I think it's probably not obtained at the Da Xia Academy."

After pouring the tea, Gu Jin Nian gave a reply.

Su Wenjing: "."

The room was very quiet.

So quiet as to make one silent.

"Mr. Wenjing?"

"Sir?"

"Why aren't you speaking?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, breaking the silence.

The latter still did not speak.

After a while, Su Wenjing let out a long sigh.

"I never expected that you, little friend, would understand everything."

"I really don't know what to say."

"If so, I will set aside this face."

"Your Highness, you are extraordinarily talented and possess astonishing ability; yesterday's incident was Cheng Ming's fault, and also mine."

"But often, whether I or the Duke, we cannot control it; I cannot make any promises, but the only thing I can guarantee is that, at critical moments, I will unreservedly support Your Highness."

"I also hope Your Highness will let go of your anger, go to the Da Xia Academy, and strive for the Heavenly Destiny Luck for the great Xia's Confucian Dao."

Su Wenjing dropped the pretense.

He originally thought Gu Jin Nian knew nothing, but did not expect Gu Jin Nian to know everything.

This means that Gu Jin Nian chose to leave because he knew what Da Xia Academy meant.

Then all of my explanations are useless.

He still wanted to tell Gu Jin Nian what Da Xia Academy hides, to attract Gu Jin Nian to go to the academy voluntarily.

Now it seems, it won't work.

I can only lower my head.

Mr. Wenjing has misunderstood.

The student indeed does not know.

However, actually today's matter, the student also was somewhat impulsive; the teacher is not at fault; at the crucial moment, the teacher indeed helped the student, which the student keeps in mind.

Gu Jin Nian also couldn't hold back a little.

He was just guessing wildly.

Who knows, he got all his guesses right.

But there's nothing to be done; who let me used to be a professional screenwriter? Such a cliché setting, the screenwriting circle has already played it out, let alone those who mix web novels.

Your Highness the Crown Prince is indeed humble and courteous.

However, regardless of whether Your Highness the Crown Prince knows or not.

I might as well just say it.

This time Heaven's Mandate reveals itself, different from before, there is a shocking secret.

Those who possess Heavenly Destiny Luck must not refrain from contending.

If you do not contend, you will surely die.

If you contend, there is a slim chance of survival.

Su Wenjing said with utmost solemnity.

And after Gu Jin Nian heard these words, his heart felt inexplicably heavy.

Not contending means certain death?

What does this mean? Does the other party know that I hide Heavenly Destiny Luck?

Or is it some other meaning? Gu Jin Nian can't tell, but he didn't show anything.

He looked at Gu Jin Nian, who remained silent.

Su Wenjing continued to speak.

Your Highness the Crown Prince.

Today's visit also disturbed the Duke.

The Duke also said a few words that were not right to me; my student Cheng Ming was also scolded by the Duke; Your Highness the Crown Prince, please don't hold a grudge.

Su Wenjing spoke.

This sentence, Gu Jin Nian instantly understood what it meant.

The old master knew that Su Wenjing had come.

Moreover, they have met.

Furthermore, he knew Su Wenjing's purpose for coming.

That is to say, the old master hopes that I go to Da Xia Academy, but the old master respects my own opinion more.

So he did not come together.

After understanding this.

Gu Jin Nian still did not agree.

But remained silent for a moment.

Mr. Wenjing.

The student has always disliked going back on his words; what he says won't be taken back; please forgive me, sir.

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Still refused, maintaining his original attitude.

This made Su Wenjing somewhat unable to stop wryly smiling.

For a moment.

The scene was quiet.

Just after a moment, Su Wenjing spoke again.

Your Highness the Crown Prince.

I am not trying to make things difficult for you.

However, Your Highness, could we make another deal?

Su Wenjing spoke.

I would like to hear the details.

Upon hearing there is benefit, Gu Jin Nian immediately spoke.

Going is definitely not an option.

But if benefits are given, we can talk.

If Your Highness the Crown Prince can leave Da Xia Academy as first place.

I would like to bestow upon Your Highness a great opportunity.

Su Wenjing spoke, his tone calm.

A great opportunity?

May I ask, sir, what opportunity is this?

Upon hearing that, Gu Jin Nian truly perked up.

This is good.

"Can protect the Gu Family, flourishing for five hundred years."

He spoke.

That sentence made Gu Jin Nian fall silent.

If someone else had said that, Gu Jin Nian would have directly asked them to leave.

But the one before him was different.

He is a contemporary Pre-Half-Saint, further blessed by Heavenly Destiny Luck.

His words carried great weight.

About half a quarter-hour later.

Gu Jin Nian took a deep breath.

He looked at Su Wenjing.

His calm face showed a hint of gentleness.

"Sir, esteemed as a Pre-Half-Saint, a Da Xia Confucian‑Daoist, gracing our residence, the student is moved."

"Given that, the student is willing to enter Da Xia Academy; please rest assured, sir."

Grandfather Gu had already agreed, and even gave himself an opportunity; indeed there was no need to hold a grudge.

There are benefits too; one's own vengeance was avenged, so it's really nothing.

Moreover, going to Da Xia Academy is indeed the best way out.

Especially as it involves Heavenly Destiny Luck.

Received Gu Jin Nian's reply.

Su Wenjing immediately smiled.

Then spoke.

"His Highness the Crown Prince truly has a broad mind."

"Given that, I shall not disturb you any further."

"Three days later, Da Xia Academy officially opens; the Crown Prince may have some rest."

Su Wenjing spoke, his purpose achieved, and he lingered no more.

"Good."

"However, sir, there is something the student wishes to say up front."

"The student, after all, comes from a military family and is rather reckless; if he joins Da Xia Academy and truly breaches any rule, I hope the sir will be lenient."

Going to Da Xia Academy poses no problem.

But the words must be said up front.

With my temperament, if I were to swallow resentment, I wouldn't do it.

"Minor matter."

"I have no particular rules; as long as one does not violate ethics and morals, I will not blame them."

Su Wenjing smiled and nodded.

Then Gu Jin Nian personally escorted him out.

After Su Wenjing left,

Gu Jin Nian slowly returned to his room, pondering some matters.

At this moment,

Outside the Marquis of Zhen Guo's residence.

As Su Wenjing had just stepped out of the Duke's residence,

A voice also reached his ears.

"Mr. Wenjing."

"Since the young man promised to go to Da Xia Academy, I still hope the sir can keep his promise."

The voice sounded.

Su Wenjing paused.

Then, with a calm expression, he walked toward the outside of the residence.

Just so.

In the blink of an eye.

At the third quarter of the Mao hour.

An imperial edict also came out from the palace.

"By the Heaven's mandate, the Emperor decrees:"

"The Crown Prince's minister, with impure intentions and improper supervision, violated Confucian principles; punish him with three months of hard labor and the copying of ten thousand books. The Crown Prince fails to discern people and mismanages the nation, angering the sacred authority; hence the Qin King shall assume the duties of overseeing the nation. So be it."

The edict was issued.

In an instant, it caused a storm of shock in the capital.

Even Gu Jin Nian, upon learning of this, was shocked into silence.

Cheng Ming is the Crown Prince's minister; that is clear—improper supervision, three months of hard labor is nothing; he deserves it.

But what was unexpected was that the Emperor actually removed the Crown Prince's national oversight duties and gave them to the Qin King? What does this mean? Replace the Crown Prince? Meanwhile, as soon as the edict was announced, Grandfather Gu rushed to the palace at once.

This is not a trivial matter.

It is a matter of cosmic significance.

No one could have imagined that such a small matter could cause such big trouble. — A six‑thousand‑word chapter; I moved houses today, so I've been busy and finished writing at 4 a. m.

Indeed, there is no saved draft.

Dear readers, please forgive me.

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Double monthly tickets, I beg you, dear readers.

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Please! Thanks for climbing the mountain to hunt tigers, sweeping the world; you, Wang Ge, 668 Alliance Leader, thank you for the tip!!!!

(End of chapter)