Chapter 58: One Person, One Mentor Too [Ten‑Thousand‑Word Vote Request]

Midnight.

Da Xia Academy.

Su Huaiyu was perfectly punctual and delivered the map.

It must be said that Su Huaiyu not only has extraordinary memory, but also is quite skilled in drawing.

There is not a single problem.

"This is the map I saw three years ago; I suppose it hasn't changed much."

After handing the map to Gu Jin Nian, Su Huaiyu spoke.

"Three years ago?"

Gu Jin Nian was somewhat curious.

"I've been in prison for these three years."

Su Huaiyu answered calmly, and Gu Jin Nian understood at once.

"Sorry."

Gu Jin Nian felt a little embarrassed; he truly hadn't meant it and had really forgotten about it.

"No problem."

He shook his head and was unbothered.

Having received the map, Gu Jin Nian did not look at it directly, but turned to Su Huaiyu and said.

"Brother Su, do you think there's anything strange about this Jiang Ning County flood?"

Gu Jin Nian sat down and poured a cup of tea for Su Huaiyu.

Although Su Huaiyu can be a bit off at times, his reasoning is sharp and might give me some insight.

"Yes."

Su Huaiyu nodded.

"Throughout history, Jiang Ning County does experience floods, but they are usually minor, at most submerging some good fields."

"Now, a sudden flood is itself very odd, especially with demonic interference."

"Within Da Xia, the nation is prosperous and the people at peace; even if demons exist, they dare not cause trouble, and minor mischief is tolerable. A flood of this scale, with casualties in the tens of thousands or even hundreds of thousands, is unprecedented."

"Demons are sentient and not foolish; offending the Da Xia Dynasty would inevitably lead to endless retribution. If Jiang Ning County truly erupts into a massive disaster, the whole court would rise, and even a demon emperor would have to die beneath the iron cavalry."

"This matter cannot be measured by ordinary logic."

That was Su Huaiyu's view, which matched Gu Jin Nian's.

"Then, do you think it could be linked to my drowning incident?"

Gu Jin Nian continued to ask.

In an instant, Su Huaiyu fell silent.

His gaze fell on the candle, as if pondering.

After a while, he answered.

"There is a great possibility."

"If my earlier speculation is correct, someone intends to assassinate the crown prince to spark court turmoil."

"The crown prince luckily survived, and a duke's deterrence made the opponent too afraid to continue harassing the crown prince, which means they must resort to other means to cause internal chaos in Da Xia."

"Jiang Ning County, with a flood erupting and the people in misery, is indeed a good method, and the ultimate beneficiary remains Emperor Jiande."

"If internal turmoil also arises, resentment will soar, and Jiande's remnants could directly rise in rebellion, forming a force that would march on the capital."

Su Huaiyu spoke, speculating.

But Gu Jin Nian shook his head.

"No."

"It's not that severe."

"The Jiang Ning County flood cannot reach that level; if it truly does, the court would spare no expense to provide relief and save the people, thereby reducing the impact."

"Moreover, Jiande's remnants have been hidden for twelve years; using this incident to launch a rebellion would be insufficient, so many other factors must be involved."

"To truly rebel, one must gather favorable timing, terrain, and popular support; none can be lacking."

Gu Jin Nian rejected this possibility.

A flood, no matter how big, can only do so much.

To be blunt, even if Jiang Ning County completely collapses, at worst it just scatters elsewhere.

It's still the same saying: as long as they are given a mouthful of rice, it cannot become a major uproar.

And for a group of overthrown old powers, trying to retake the throne is not a simple matter.

Just because of a Jiang Ning County flood, they want to overturn everything? What are they thinking?

If that were possible, the regional princes wouldn't be stupid either.

Do they eat plain rice?

If they truly intend to purge the court, they'd be the ones doing it, not you.

"The crown prince means to say..."

"This is merely one part of it?"

Su Huaiyu's mind is powerful; in an instant he understood Gu Jin Nian's meaning.

"Possible."

"But the specifics are unclear; many matters are known only to those in power."

Gu Jin Nian sighed.

The reason is simple: the higher the position, the fewer things one can know outside that rank.

The senior officials in the court won't tell me about the major affairs.

If I have to speak, it's only to my own father, and some matters can't even be told to my father.

Court politics is something you either figure out yourself or have someone guide you, but to secure a position you must rely on yourself.

In fact, when you look at the long river of history—not even mentioning the Da Xia Dynasty, even Gu Jin Nian's five‑thousand‑year past—how many rose merely by sucking up and flattering? Those who become officials aren't the very best among people? Flattery is required by circumstance; the real factor is ability.

With sufficient ability, plus understanding of human relations, one can rise higher and higher.

Of course, if you insist on arguing, there is a portion that truly climbs by flattery, but generally when such exists, the higher‑ups are just the same, like the Eternal Prosperous Emperor type.

The emperor on horseback.

With iron‑blooded methods, the ministers produced by such an emperor cannot be lacking.

This matter certainly involves many things behind it, but it's not yet my turn to speculate.

"What does the Crown Prince mean?"

Su Huaiyu was somewhat curious; he didn't understand what Gu Jin Nian was thinking.

"There are many things I can't take part in."

"And I don't want to know."

"But I must protect myself. Thinking positively is just me overthinking; it doesn't cause serious harm."

"But if I think negatively, the other side can't cut me, yet they use the tens of millions of people in Jiang Ning County as pawns; the forces behind that are terrifyingly massive."

"There's no guarantee they won't cut me again someday."

"So my thinking is simple: since we can't identify who they are, let them reveal themselves voluntarily."

"If I'm wrong, it's because I'm being overly cautious."

"If I'm right, it's prevention before it happens."

Gu Jin Nian was rather straightforward.

The incident of his drowning had always stayed in his mind; earlier Su Huaiyu had speculated it might be the work of the remnants of Jiande, trying to stir up court unrest.

Now the flood in Jiang Ning County forced Gu Jin Nian to connect the two in his mind.

After all, cutting tens of millions of people is somewhat exaggerated; comparing to himself, to put it bluntly, if it failed once, would it happen again?

It's just that I'm in the light, the enemy in the dark; unraveling is hard, so it's better to get involved, find details from the big picture, and gradually dig out the truth.

"The Crown Prince is indeed clever."

"But how does the Crown Prince intend to force these behind‑the‑scenes out?"

Su Huaiyu nodded, yet was also curious how Gu Jin Nian would force the other side to reveal themselves.

"Simple."

"They want Jiang Ning County to fall into chaos."

"Then I won't let Jiang Ning County descend into chaos."

"These guys are disgusting to death."

Gu Jin Nian was also confident.

The method is very direct.

"They just want Da Xia to fall into chaos, right? Then I will deliberately prevent Da Xia from falling into chaos."

"Does the Crown Prince have a way to stop the flood?"

This time Su Huaiyu was truly surprised.

The flood in Jiang Ning County is a headache for the court, and Gu Jin Nian actually has a solution? "Not for now."

"But we can ponder it carefully; if we think of a way, we can profit from blood."

"If we can't think of anything, it's fine; the court officials aren't just eating dry rice."

Gu Jin Nian looked at the map and said sincerely.

Su Huaiyu: "..."

"Then I'll leave first."

"If the Crown Prince needs anything, just call me directly."

Su Huaiyu fell silent.

He actually thought Gu Jin Nian could devise a solution.

"Didn't expect just that? 'Fine.'"

"Brother Su, take care."

Gu Jin Nian saw Su Huaiyu off as he left.

He then closed the door and began studying the map of Jiang Ning County.

Jiang Ning County, sustained by the great river, its waters stretch around all prefectures, abundant grain, known as the land of fish and rice.

From the map, front, back, left and right are all divided by waterways, with twelve major roads for trade.

There are also roughly four hundred and seventy small paths.

The latest news says the main roads are all destroyed; Gu Jin Nian picked up a brush and marked an X on each of the twelve locations on the map.

He didn't think those twelve main roads were destroyed by disaster; clearly it was the work of a monster.

"What do they intend to achieve by destroying the roads?"

Gu Jin Nian frowned and couldn't help pondering.

As a screenwriter, Gu Jin Nian has long adhered to a principle: whatever the plot, it must be logically consistent.

If it doesn't fit, force it to fit.

Nothing in the world happens without cause.

Destroying the main roads must have a purpose.

"Stirring up trouble is definitely not the main purpose."

"Such a great demon with spiritual intelligence, daring to do this, either someone promised them an enormous promise, or they bear a deep grudge."

"The chance of a promise is higher; if it were a deep grudge, they would have spoken up long ago. The Da Xia Dynasty and the monster race have no blood feud. If it's the human side that's wrong, they should be punished."

"The opposing side is stirring up trouble, destroying the crucial main road, and purposefully destroying food and dwellings."

"What exactly are they trying to do?"

"Gu Jin Nian fell into contemplation."

"The firelight swayed."

"It illuminated Gu Jin Nian's handsome visage."

"After a moment, a glint of sharpness flashed in Gu Jin Nian's eyes."

"Incite a popular uprising."

"Block the transport of grain and fodder."

"In an instant, Gu Jin Nian thought of it."

"More precisely, he had become more certain of this idea."

"Destroying the main thoroughfare, the only drawback is that the court's grain and fodder cannot be transported into the city."

"Transport can go via side routes, but the problem is the journey is extremely inconvenient."

"Four hundred seventy side roads surround the area; not to mention taking a detour, even if you find a nearby path, what does it mean for an army to march out? Officers and soldiers, fine horses and armored cavalry, grain wagons, supply wagons, and a large number of logistics personnel."

"A day's delay reduces the grain and fodder by a portion."

"If they truly crawl along these side roads slowly, by the time people arrive, the food may already have been eaten by them themselves."

"Moreover, most of these side roads are mountain paths, extremely inconvenient for large armies to traverse; for some small merchants and vendors it's still okay."

"But for court soldiers, it's truly difficult."

"If they were to go out in batches, what if something went wrong? Don't even mention rebels; just say these refugees, starving and hallucinating, upon seeing grain and fodder, would they go mad and loot? In an era of peace and prosperity, if that commander dared to slaughter civilians, he could basically be removed from office."

"\"Damn, I thought they'd use some move. \""

"\"Turns out, that's it? \""

"After figuring this out, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help muttering to himself."

"Making such a big fuss is just to incite a popular uprising."

"Truly laughable."

"Looking at the map, by candlelight, Gu Jin Nian shook his head."

"\"If they chose another prefecture, it would indeed be somewhat troublesome. \""

"\"Choose River Peace Prefecture. \""

"\"Hah. \""

"\"You damn things, just wait to die. \""

"Gu Jin Nian coldly said in his heart."

"Having known the opponent's scheme, Gu Jin Nian felt no fear at all, and had even come up with a countermeasure."

"Of course."

"The premise is that I haven't guessed wrong."

"If I guessed wrong, then there's nothing to be done; I'm not a divine calculator, so I can only let the court's people think of a solution properly."

"But if I guessed right, Gu Jin Nian has a thousand percent confidence in making the opponent suffer."

"However, there is a method, but Gu Jin Nian still needs to check the latest situation."

"First, don't rush to make a move; if I mess up, I'll embarrass myself."

"He placed the map to one side."

"Gu Jin Nian directly lay back on the bed, continuing to loaf around."

"He merely lay back on the bed."

"Gu Jin Nian couldn't sleep."

"During the day he slept for over two hours."

"At night he suffered some insomnia."

"Perhaps it's because he cultivated the Coiling Martial Supreme Technique; anyway, his energy is now abundant."

"At this moment, Gu Jin Nian greatly missed his previous life; usually late at night, he could still watch something to pass the long night."

"\"Wait. \""

"\"I wonder if browsing history will be discovered? \""

"In an instant."

"Gu Jin Nian rose to his feet."

"He suddenly realized something."

"His transmigration happened rather suddenly; there are some things he simply didn't have time to do."

"\"No. \""

"\"I always clear my browsing history. \""

"\"It's fine, it's fine. \""

"Fortunately, after a moment, Gu Jin Nian recalled his habit and involuntarily let out a sigh of relief."

"If he didn't have this habit, he'd probably suffer for a lifetime."

"As the old saying goes:"

"Even if my bones are crushed and my body shattered, I fear not; I wish to keep my integrity in the mortal world."

After lying down at ease.

Gu Jin Nian didn't sleep.

He also didn't know what else to think; after half an hour, he got up and looked at the door, which wasn't locked.

He also looked aside, his eyes full of disappointment.

「Bored to the extreme. 」

He returned to the bed.

Gu Jin Nian was truly bored.

He tried to sleep but couldn't.

It was somewhat annoying.

But suddenly, Gu Jin Nian abruptly recalled something.

「How did I forget this? 」

Gu Jin Nian got up and sat on the bed.

In his hand, a talisman suddenly appeared.

This is a long-distance voice-transmission talisman.

It can imitate others' voices and randomly transmit others' things.

Since it's late at night and there's nothing else, might as well farm some resentment.

Thinking this, Gu Jin Nian involuntarily began to consider whose voice would be best.

It definitely can't be his own.

Otherwise, if discovered later, wouldn't that be trouble?

Nor can he use someone close to him.

You can't screw over anyone, especially not your brothers.

When you're out in the world, it's all about brotherhood.

Then whose voice should we use?

Gu Jin Nian pondered, and then a figure appeared in his mind.

Xu Changge

Correct.

It's this guy's.

Thinking this, Gu Jin Nian didn't waste words, directly plucked a hair and placed it on the talisman.

In an instant, the talisman flashed with light, and then successfully recognized its master.

This is an immortal's magical artifact.

It requires recognition of a master.

After the recognition, the talisman flashed again, and strands of breath surged in from outside the window, entering the talisman.

This talisman is palm-sized, with a flat top and a triangular bottom; the front is engraved with the two characters 'thousand li', and the back with the two characters 'voice transmission'.

As the breaths of many people surged in, individual silhouettes appeared on the talisman, like projections.

Indeed worthy of being an immortal's magical artifact.

Wang Fugui, Su Huaiyu, Juexin, Jueming, Yang Hanrou—familiar silhouettes appeared one by one; even some scholars' breaths appeared, but not the Great Scholar's, still some restrictions.

Finally, Gu Jin Nian saw Xu Changge's silhouette.

After seeing Xu Changge's silhouette, Gu Jin Nian didn't waste words; with a thought, he reduced Xu Changge's silhouette several times and floated it onto the talisman.

Afterward, Gu Jin Nian tentatively opened his mouth.

「Where are you? 」

The sound entered the talisman.

As for where it was transmitted, Gu Jin Nian wasn't sure; he only saw a point of light appear on the talisman, seeming nearby.

After all, voice transmission is random.

However, each transmission leaves a trace, providing long-term contact.

And at this moment.

Xuanzi Number Sixteen

A scholar dressed as a scholar involuntarily furrowed his brows slightly.

He sat in the room, reading by lamplight, when suddenly a voice entered his ear, startling him.

Yet looking around, there was no sound at all, which also made him furrow his brows.

「Is it an illusion? 」

The man frowned, unable to help muttering to himself.

But the next moment, the sound rang out again.

「Where are you? 」

As the sound rang out again, the man immediately stood up and bumped into the stool.

「Who? 」

He instinctively opened his mouth, his body tense, but his eyes showed no fear; instead, he solemnly walked toward the bed and then pulled the covers over his head.

As a scholar, he naturally fears no monsters.

He just felt cold.

Inside Gu Jin Nian's room.

He heard the voice echo.

At this moment, I couldn't help but feel energized.

Do you want to become a sage? Do you want to reach the pinnacle of life?

A low voice sounded.

Asking the other party.

Who are you? Why are you playing tricks? If you have something to say, say it straight to my face.

The latter's voice sounded again.

Full of doubt.

Do you want to become a sage or not?

Gu Jin Nian continued speaking.

The latter fell silent slightly.

But after thinking, he still gave an answer.

This is Da Xia Academy; there definitely are no ghosts or monsters. Perhaps this is the manifestation of an ancient sage, a Great Scholar.

In an instant, he felt somewhat excited and somewhat hopeful.

Want.

The voice fell.

Gu Jin Nian spoke again.

Then good, take your time to think.

Inside Room Xuan-16.

The scholar fell into silence.

Damn day.

You're sick, huh?

At this moment.

A surge of resentment welled up.

It was several times more than the resentment from earlier when he angrily rebuked Zhang Yun.

In a moment, the first stage of the resentment fruit matured.

It really works, damn it.

Inside the room.

Gu Jin Nian was just messing around to pass the time, never expecting to actually earn this much resentment.

This time I've picked up a treasure.

Then do you want to become an immortal or not?

Gu Jin Nian continued speaking.

But the other party remained silent.

No matter what Gu Jin Nian said, the other party simply wouldn't answer, making Gu Jin Nian feel somewhat bored.

Next.

Without any hesitation, Gu Jin Nian directly moved on to the next one.

At the same time, various words came flooding in.

What, do you want to become an immortal or not?

Do you want to become a sage or not?

Do you want to ride on Su Wenjing's head and become Da Xia's foremost scholar?

Even in the end, there were still some miscellaneous nonsense.

Made a group of people uneasy, their hearts trembling.

Also, just after an hour.

A familiar voice sounded.

Senior brother? Is it you?

It was a male voice.

Upon careful thought, it was Xu Ya's voice.

Gu Jin Nian, who was using a long-distance transmission talisman, never expected that this time it would actually reach Xu Ya's ears.

This is really fate.

Junior brother, it's me.

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Inside Room Tian-9.

Xu Ya, who was practicing cultivation, couldn't help but show a curious expression.

He never expected his senior brother to send a transmission in the middle of the night. 'Senior brother, what instructions do you have?'

Xu Ya was full of curiosity, but not the slightest bit panicked; sending a transmission isn't difficult, especially since his senior brother lives not far away, so there's nothing to be alarmed about.

But the following words left Xu Ya stunned.

Junior brother... actually, actually, actually, my senior brother has always hidden a person in his heart.

The voice sounded.

Xu Ya could guarantee that this was definitely his senior brother's voice, absolutely certain.

Upon hearing this, Xu Ya felt somewhat surprised.

Senior brother, is it Senior Sister Bai Yu?

Xu Ya asked curiously?

No.

Gu Jin Nian imitated Xu Changge's voice and gave an answer.

Could it be Junior Sister Si Qing?

Xu Ya still said.

No.

As soon as he said that, Xu Ya frowned.

Not Senior Sister Bai Yu, nor Junior Sister Si Qing—who is it?

He was very curious.

Immediately after, a voice sounded.

Don't you understand?

As this voice sounded,

Xu Ya furrowed his brows tightly.

He really didn't understand.

Forget it, forget it; I hope one day you'll understand.

The voice sounded, then gradually faded away.

This left Xu Ya somewhat bewildered.

He couldn't figure out what his senior brother was talking about.

However, hearing that his senior brother didn't continue speaking.

Xu Ya also didn't continue saying anything.

Continue meditating and cultivating.

But after an hour passed.

Suddenly.

Xu Ya's body suddenly trembled.

He suddenly thought of a possibility.

But he didn't dare to be certain.

His complexion merely grew gradually strange.

In the end, the more Xu Ya thought about it, the more terrifying it became, and the more he thought, the more afraid he felt.

It won't happen.

It won't happen.

It's definitely just me overthinking.

Xu Ya muttered to himself in his heart, and suddenly lost the desire to meditate and cultivate.

Meanwhile, inside the room.

Seeing that Xu Ya had no resentment at all, Gu Jin Nian felt somewhat disappointed.

He was doing this purely for the resentment, not really to disgust people; after saying all that, if there's no resentment, isn't that just working for nothing? In the end, Gu Jin Nian concluded the topic with a sigh.

Afterward, he checked the ancient tree.

The resentment fruit had already ripened.

Just in time.

The fruit ripened.

Gu Jin Nian chose to pick it.

The next moment.

A golden talisman appeared.

Another talisman.

But this talisman looked especially domineering.

【Martial Saint Talisman】

Holy crap, good stuff.

Gu Jin Nian was surprised at first, but then, as the information came in, he felt deflated again.

This talisman lets one constantly possess the mindset of a Martial Saint, brimming with confidence.

That's all.

Mm, yes, possessing the mindset of a Martial Saint.

It feels like an enhanced version of a courage talisman.

But it lacks the power of a Martial Saint.

What the hell use is this? Stick one on yourself, then have the mindset of a Martial Saint, and see everyone as a mere flag-planter selling their heads?

Arrogant and overconfident, when a fight breaks out later, they get directly chopped down by others.

And then, before dying, they utter one more line.

Is that it?

Isn't this sick?

Gu Jin Nian feels that this ancient tree sometimes just likes to do random things, not disgusting himself or making him unhappy? After reading so many books over the years, Gu Jin Nian still hasn't seen any book that would have such a cheat.

Even a vampire old geezer wouldn't be this disgusting, right? Forget it, never mind.

He glanced at the sky.

It's almost bright.

Since he can't sleep, Gu Jin Nian gets up directly and heads toward the Holy Hall.

He steps out of the room.

A faint white light appears at the edge of the sky.

But overall it remains dim.

He walks toward the Holy Hall, and the whole way is very quiet.

After roughly the time one incense stick burns.

Gu Jin Nian arrives at the Holy Hall, but is surprised to find another person inside.

It's Jiang Ye Zhou.

Sitting inside, reading a book.

"Brother, uh—no, Jiang brother, why aren't you going to rest?"

Gu Jin Nian speaks, looking at Jiang Ye Zhou inside, somewhat curious.

Jiang Ye Zhou, who was reading, hears the voice behind him, involuntarily awakens from his book, then stands, sees who has come, and immediately bows.

"Jiang has had the honor of meeting His Highness the Crown Prince."

He is very courteous, without a hint of neglect.

"Jiang brother, you are courteous; we are both Da Xia students, the title Crown Prince feels a bit formal—just call me Jin Nian brother."

Gu Jin Nian still has a slight fondness for Jiang Ye Zhou, whether out of sympathy or other motives, it doesn't matter.

"The Crown Prince truly is gentle as jade."

"Your humble younger brother also does not like to be sleepy; when idle, I come to the academy to read."

"Esteemed brother, why don't you also rest?"

Jiang Ye Zhou smiled faintly, and also asked curiously.

"As a martial practitioner, I also dislike sleeping."

"I intrude suddenly; I hope you, Jiang brother, will not blame me."

Gu Jin Nian's expression is gentle as he says so.

"No, no."

"Gu brother, your words are heavy."

"Gu brother, your writings are timeless; honestly, I, the younger brother, admire you greatly. To be fellow students with you is truly a great fortune; how could I dare such?"

The latter quickly denies, not out of self‑deprecation or flattery, but humility.

"Jiang brother, you flatter me."

Gu Jin Nian shakes his head, then moves to the last row, sits down, and chats casually with the other.

The two chat leisurely, and it is pleasant.

Moreover, when discussing the matter of Jiang Ning County, Jiang Ye Zhou also has some differing opinions.

"Yesterday, hearing what esteemed brother said, I, the humble younger brother, also fully agree."

"Regarding this recent flood in Jiang Ning County, although the local government has granaries, they cannot handle the influx of refugees; local merchants see this as an opportunity and may hoard grain to sell at high prices. If mishandled, trouble will keep arising."

The other speaks, affirming Gu Jin Nian's words from yesterday, also believing that local merchants will hoard grain to sell high.

"Then Jiang brother, what is your view?"

Gu Jin Nian asks.

"Hard to have an opinion; the rice merchants of Jiang Ning County are controlled by the Zheng, Liu, and Xu families. The Minister of Revenue has good relations with the Liu family; the Marquis of Jiyang has close ties with the Xu family; as for the Zheng family, they are especially powerful, having deep connections with the Zhou family of Longyang."

"They are either rich or noble; forcing them to sell grain at low price is almost impossible, unless His Majesty adopts a domineering policy."

"But if so, it would cause huge repercussions; the court is stable now, the imperial authority spans the four seas. Acting tyrannically would contradict Confucian and Daoist thought and be condemned by scholars nationwide—truly a worst‑case strategy."

"We can only hope these merchants have some conscience and not be too ruthless."

Jiang Ye Zhou also has no solution, but can point out the core issue.

Gu Jin Nian nods.

He just doesn't say much more.

Thus, about an hour passes.

Many people continue to arrive in the academy.

The morning lesson is at the hour of Mao.

But now at the hour of Yin, more than ten people have come.

Moreover, each has a sullen expression, and after entering the academy they remain silent.

But these are not the main point.

After about another incense stick's time.

A familiar figure walks over.

It's Xu Ya's figure.

His expression is the worst, and he seems absent‑minded, his thoughts unclear.

"Brother Xu."

"Where is your senior brother?"

Gu Jin Nian speaks amicably, hoping to dispel some resentment; after all, as a Xian Dao disciple, he may harbor much resentment.

But upon hearing the words "senior brother"…

Xu Ya trembles all over, his gaze turning to Gu Jin Nian.

He then shakes his head, looking as if guilty of theft, and doesn't answer at all, directly finding a spot to sit down.

No resentment.

All for nothing.

He sighed, Gu Jin Nian glanced at the sky and roughly guessed that Su Wenjing would arrive soon.

At once, Gu Jin Nian got up, prepared to fetch a broom, clean up, and do a bit of surface work.

But at that moment.

Xu Ya's figure appeared beside him.

"Brother Gu."

His expression remained pallid, and his voice trembled.

"What's the matter?"

Looking at the approaching Xu Ya, Gu Jin Nian felt a bit curious.

"I have a question for you."

"I have a friend, and his friend might—maybe—like my friend."

"But my friend can't accept it. What should he do to avoid hurting his pride while drawing a clear line?"

Xu Ya lowered his voice, pulled Gu Jin Nian aside, and asked the question.

Upon hearing that.

Gu Jin Nian fell silent.

Sure enough, the classic line appeared: I have a friend.

"I don't understand this much."

"However, you'd better not refuse outright; keep normal interaction daily, but when the bottom line is crossed, you must refuse firmly."

"In short, you can't violate the bottom line."

Gu Jin Nian patted Xu Ya's shoulder and said so.

The latter nodded, then immediately shook his head.

"It's not me."

"It's a friend of mine."

He argued vehemently.

"Okay, I understand."

Gu Jin Nian nodded, then picked up the broom and began sweeping as if nothing had happened.

Perhaps because everyone was a bit absent‑minded, they didn't notice Gu Jin Nian sweeping, so no surprise arose.

If one had to mention, it was Jiang Yezhou; surprise flashed in his eyes.

After all, they hadn't expected the dignified heir to be willing to do such menial work.

And at that moment.

Su Wenjing's figure truly appeared.

At the second quarter of the Yin hour.

After arriving at the academy, Su Wenjing was also a bit curious.

The dignified heir actually sweeping?

He said nothing, merely noted it silently and admired the other's conduct in his heart.

He was also curious; at this hour the academy was already filled with a small group of people—truly rare.

"I've met you, Mr. Wenjing."

When Su Wenjing arrived, Gu Jin Nian called out at once, and the others, seeing him, instantly recovered, stood up, and paid their respects.

"Sit down, and don't let me disturb you."

Su Wenjing smiled gently.

He then went to the front seat, lifted a book, and examined it carefully.

The early lesson starts at the first quarter of the Mao hour, so it's not urgent now.

Thus.

A few quarters later.

More and more people arrived.

Jue Ming's three arrived, and Wang Fugui and Su Huaiyu also came.

Finally, Xu Changge also walked in slowly.

As Xu Changge approached, several gazes inevitably fell on him, their eyes full of doubt.

But most people still felt uneasy.

"Junior brother."

"You came early to the academy; why didn't you call us?"

Arriving at the academy.

Xu Changge sat down directly, next to Xu Ya, his gaze full of curiosity.

And at this moment.

Xu Ya stood up directly.

His body trembled slightly.

"Sir, I would like to change seats."

Xu Ya couldn't hold it.

Although he kept telling himself nothing had happened, when Xu Changge appeared, his Dao heart collapsed.

Listening to Xu Ya's voice.

Everyone was doubtful, Xu Changge even more so slightly frowned, and Zhao Siqing and Shangguan Baiyu beside him also couldn't help but have doubtful looks.

Good.

Adjust yourselves.

Su Wenjing was very calm, not asking any questions.

In an instant, Xu Ya went straight to Wang Fugui's side, sat down, and didn't dare to meet Xu Changge's gaze.

As for Xu Changge, he also said nothing, continuing to remain silent.

Alright.

Class.

At this moment, the mao hour arrived.

Su Wenjing rose to his feet.

Everyone also rose and bowed to Su Wenjing.

We have greeted you, sir.

No need for formalities.

Su Wenjing spoke, everyone sat down, a very familiar segment.

Everyone.

Today is my first lesson.

Actually, you all come from noble families; the Four Books and Five Classics are already known inside out, teaching the principles in the books, I suppose you also find it boring and irritable.

So I have made a slight change.

Let each of you take a day to be the teacher, impart your strengths, feel the teacher's role endlessly, and also learn others' strengths, embracing all rivers.

Su Wenjing spoke.

He stated the purpose.

However, the classroom instantly boiled over, and some absent-minded people gradually came to their senses.

One person, one day as teacher? What does that mean? One person acting as a teacher for a day? 'Sir.'

Although we are well versed in the Four Books and Five Classics, letting us teach and receive instruction is really somewhat laughable.

Especially in front of you, it's even more inadequate.

Someone spoke up, thinking this was somewhat difficult.

While the majority nodded in agreement.

However, Su Wenjing smiled slightly, shook his head, and said.

No.

I am not asking you to teach the Four Books and Five Classics, but to display what you love or other strengths.

For example, Xu Changge, as a disciple of the immortal path, can teach you the methods of cultivation; likewise, Wang Fugui can teach everyone the ways of business.

If you are interested, you can study it in depth; if not, just treat it as an experience, which is still better than flipping through ancient books.

Su Wenjing spoke.

In his view, books are something that everyone present has basically read back and forth countless times.

What's the point of saying it over and over?

Rather, it would be better for each person to be a teacher for a day, teaching their own specialties or skills to others.

If you find it good, you can learn it slowly in private; if you find it bad, just treat it as a one-time experience.

It's still better than reading dead books.

This idea, the majority find somewhat strange.

But Gu Jin Nian could feel Su Wenjing's painstaking effort.

A stone from another mountain can polish jade.

A very good idea.

Indeed, it is much better than ordinary teaching.

However, inside the holy hall, most people still dislike it quite a bit; this group is rather traditional, having an instinctive rejection of this new kind of education.

'As a teacher, if one can gain more than half approval, they receive an excellent rating.'

'If not, no punishment is given.'

Seeing that everyone still somewhat reluctant.

Su Wenjing slowly opened his mouth.

In an instant, everyone became energized.

If you say this, then there's no problem.

After all, yesterday many people gave a poor rating.

I have been worrying about how to solve it, never expecting that now there is such a good thing.

If done well, you get an excellent rating, offsetting one.

If done poorly, there is also no punishment, a sure gain with no loss.

In a moment, everyone had no objections, and enthusiasm instantly rose.

Gu Jin Nian seeing this scene couldn't help but praise Su Wenjing's prowess, perfectly expounding the involution system.

It starts with wolf-like competition, then using this to boost students' enthusiasm.

Actually, if you think about it carefully, what is the elimination of excellence and inferiority? It's not something Su Wenjing can't do with a single sentence; moreover, this method is very strong—even if Su Wenjing is not a Pre-Half-Saint, using this method can also make students obediently listen.

The last-place elimination system promotes involution.

Has the potential of a capitalist.

"Then may I ask, sir, we have thirty-three people, but a month is only thirty days—what about the extra three?"

Someone asked again, very curiously.

"No problem, just extend it by three days from now on."

"However, although there is no punishment, the daily substitute can record faults; if someone behaves badly and disrupts order, it counts as a fault, and accumulating five faults earns a demerit."

"Those at fault may report to me; no need to announce it, and we will handle it after the end. Of course, you can rest assured—I also have my own measure in mind to eliminate malicious faults."

Su Wenjing answered directly, and also added a condition.

"This is to prevent anyone from fishing in troubled waters, or disrupting order and disregarding the teacher's authority—wouldn't that become a joke?"

"With this restriction added, the crowd had no strong reaction."

"Sir, then who should start?"

Someone continued speaking, asking the teacher.

"Just draw lots."

Su Wenjing waved his hand, and a wooden box appeared.

Everyone went up on stage in turn to draw lots and pick numbers.

"I'm number seven."

"I'm number thirteen."

"I'm number twenty-five."

"I'm number eight."

"Hey, then I'm number six."

One after another, voices sounded.

When it was Gu Jin Nian's turn, he took out a slip of paper and unfolded it to look.

It was number one.

Ah... this.

With such good luck? Gu Jin Nian furrowed his brows, then glanced at Su Wenjing again.

The latter had a slight smile on his face.

To say it has nothing to do with him, Gu Jin Nian really doesn't believe it.

Soon, everyone finished drawing lots one after another.

Su Wenjing also rose and spoke.

"Starting from number one, the formal lessons begin."

"Gu Jin Nian, you should prepare your lessons well today and think clearly about what to teach tomorrow."

"You all should also think it through clearly."

"I still have some matters to attend to; you may act on your own."

Having said that,

Su Wenjing also went straight out of the schoolhouse.

Not even half an hour passed, either before or after.

Indeed, quite carefree.

But the pressure has now come to me.

Being a teacher? What should I teach?

Teach driving? Or teach car repair? Surely I can't teach them to write novels? For some reason, Gu Jin Nian's head feels swollen.

Meanwhile,

Su Wenjing, walking out of the Da Xia Academy, turned ink into a crane and flew straight toward the Da Xia imperial palace.

Thanks to Tangyuan Daddy and the Love-to-Eat-Chicken Alliance Lord for the reward!

Thanks~(End of chapter)