Chapter 60: Harvesting Wheat, Sudden Draw on Tai Sun, Three Factions Alarmed [Available After Midnight]

Da Xia Capital.

Su Wenjing's act of subduing demons by borrowing the nation's fortune became the day's hottest topic.

Whether the capital's common folk or the academy scholars.

At that moment, all were shocked.

Especially the scholars, who were immensely shocked by Su Wenjing's power.

They yearned for such power.

With the Heavenly Charter in his mouth, a single word could subdue a great demon thousands of li away, removing harm for the people; how could they not envy such divine method? In the academy.

Gu Jin Nian also felt deep shock.

The Pre-Half-Saint's power is already so terrifying; if it were a true Half Saint, how strong would it be?

His heart was shaken, and his conviction in the Confucian‑Daoist lineage grew firmer.

Possessing a mysterious ancient tree and the Confucian‑Daoist line, he must achieve greatness.

He didn't think further.

Gu Jin Nian returned to his quarters, practiced his cultivation normally, then lit a lamp to read.

Perhaps because of Su Wenjing's shock, Gu Jin Nian did not continue to strain himself tonight, but studied earnestly.

The Seven Realms of the Confucianist.

Reading condenses Qi; enlightened intention nurtures Qi.

Gu Jin Nian is now at the complete stage of Reading‑Condensed Qi; to breakthrough to Enlightened‑Intention Nurturing Qi, he must grasp the principle.

The talent fruit granted by the ancient tree gave Gu Jin Nian some insight, but a full breakthrough still requires a period of fermentation.

In fact, Gu Jin Nian understood in his heart.

The key lies in what he truly comprehends.

What the purpose of his studying truly is.

Once he figures that out, he can naturally breakthrough to the second realm.

Moreover, Gu Jin Nian could easily find a reason to set a goal, but he did not.

There was no other reason.

A forcibly twisted melon is not sweet.

Elevating one's realm merely for the sake of elevation is a great taboo.

Furthermore, he is still young; no need to take risks, better to solidify steadily.

Thus.

In the academy, Gu Jin Nian studied earnestly, seeking his own Confucian meaning.

However, within Jiang Ning County.

It remained brightly lit.

Dozens of wealthy nobles sat together in one hall.

In the manor, fine dishes steamed, and the wine cups were filled with moonlight.

Yet the room was unusually quiet.

"Everyone."

"The recent flood in Jiang Ning County has been subdued, and my servants have reported back."

"Beyond the county office, I only fear that hundreds of thousands of refugees will pour in."

"The flood is merciless, yet for these people it caused little loss; they still possess some wealth."

"If we join forces to raise rice prices, we can profit tens of thousands within three months."

A middle-aged man spoke; he wore brocade robes, his double‑hook moustache looked cunning, and his words stirred everyone's hearts.

Inside the room there were over forty people at three tables; the main table seated twelve, all major merchants of Jiang Ning County, each controlling hundreds of rice shops and countless grain stores.

"Brother Zheng, we actually all understand this."

"But now that the flood has erupted, if we loot while the fire burns, after the chaos is settled, will the court strike us?"

Someone spoke; although he agreed with the other, he was more worried about the court.

"Who among us isn't shrewd? With the flood and grain shortage, we can surely sell at a high price."

"But the problem is, if we price too high, the court cannot stand by."

"When the reckoning comes, they'll be the unlucky ones."

Upon hearing this, the latter smiled faintly.

"You all are overthinking."

"I am not letting you loot the fire."

"On the contrary, barring any mishap, in three more hours tens of thousands of refugees will gather again."

"Then we will respond to the court, open warehouses to release grain, but our strength is limited; if the court cannot solve the problem, how can we merchants?"

"But you all have bodhisattva hearts; not only do you open warehouses to release grain, but in the end you cannot bear to see starving corpses fill the city, so you take all your stored grain and sell it to the people."

"The price is a bit higher, but ask yourself honestly, during disaster no amount of silver is pricier than grain."

"In two days, grain can save lives, silver is worthless; we exchange it for silver merely as an equal trade."

"I ask you a question."

"If you have starved for three days and three nights, and without food you will die, would you buy a plate of this dish for a hundred taels of silver?"

The wealthy merchant spoke, only a few words, yet made everyone suddenly enlightened.

Indeed.

I will first bring out a portion of grain as a charitable deed, but the grain is limited; you cannot blame me.

The grain I bring out from behind is all my own surplus; during these years of famine, which household doesn't lack food?

My whole family also needs to be fed.

But I am upright and cannot bear the suffering of the world; I take my surplus grain to sell—ask yourself, even though I sell at a high price.

The problem, however, is what silver does—can silver keep a person from starving? No.

Food can.

Even if I sell at a sky‑high price, I bear the risk; if the court's disaster relief is delayed, I might starve to death myself.

When this reasoning clicks, everyone instantly shows a look of sudden enlightenment, each becoming unusually excited, some even clapping their hands in approval.

"Zheng Gong truly has a bodhisattva's heart."

Someone praises, the others cheer.

Yet a few still wear solemn expressions.

"Although this method is good, I'm still worried the court won't agree."

At this moment, someone stays clear‑headed and asks this.

Though they appear upright, they actually fear the court; faced with such terrifying profit, how many remain unmoved? It's merely the huge risk that makes them hesitant.

"Everyone, rest assured."

"As long as you heed my words, I can guarantee the court will not heavily punish us."

Zheng Gong, very confident, slowly produces a token.

The character 【Qi】 is boldly engraved on it.

"Qi Lin Wang?"

"This is the Qi Lin Wang token?"

"I see."

In an instant, everyone's expression changes, especially the previously wavering merchants, who, upon seeing the Qi Lin Wang token, fully comprehend.

Qi Lin Wang.

The Da Xia Prince; during Yongsheng Emperor's rebellion, Qi Lin Wang contributed both men and strength, even lending his elite Red Lotus White Cavalry to the Yongsheng Emperor.

Thirty‑thousand Red Lotus White Cavalry cut down a hundred‑thousand enemies, earning great merit.

Thus, after Yongsheng Emperor ascended the throne, Qi Lin Wang further held the northwest, worthy even of being called a regional emperor.

Such a presence, if it protects them, truly leaves them fearless of anything.

"Zheng Gong, you speak first; we will follow."

Finally, those who were still wavering completely changed their minds and agreed outright.

"Agreed."

Seeing that everyone now trusts me.

Zheng Gong speaks directly.

"Tomorrow each opens their granaries; our three families each contribute five thousand dan of grain as disaster relief."

"Everyone, look at this; don't be too little, at least three hundred dan."

"After the donation, I will have someone draft a memorial to the palace to silence some officials."

"As for the rest, we will raise the price gradually: twelve taels of silver per shi, selling only one hundred shi per day; any extra will not be sold."

"When the authorities become urgent, we will adjust the price."

Zheng Gong smiles confidently.

The crowd also gradually understands.

"Then may I ask Zheng Gong, what price do you estimate we can sell for?"

Someone, curious, asks.

Zheng Gong speaks, and in an instant everyone swallows their saliva.

Sixty taels per shi? That's ten times the usual price; if it truly sells, their assets will increase greatly.

In that moment, everyone becomes excited.

Seeing the excited crowd, Zheng Gong coughs lightly and says.

"Silver, we can all earn together."

"However, I still hope everyone can keep firm belief and not change sides midway."

He reminds the crowd.

What is the biggest obstacle to rice price growth? It's people selling low on their own; today he invited everyone here precisely to say this.

"Please, Zheng Gong, rest assured; we will never betray our oath."

"Indeed, indeed, Zheng Gong leads us to wealth; we would never dare act otherwise."

"Come, come, a toast to Zheng Gong."

Laughter erupts, making the place extremely lively.

Meanwhile, a hundred li from Jiang Ning Residence.

It is already night.

Figures move like walking corpses, surging toward Jiang Ning Residence.

Someone falls, gazing at the moonlight, swallowing their last breaths.

Someone with hope in their eyes drags family forward step by step; in the distance lies their hope.

Moreover, there are those carrying infants in swaddling blankets, tireless, marching toward Jiang Ning Residence.

Only…

The infant did not cry.

Da Xia Academy.

At the second quarter of the Yin hour.

The sky was not yet fully bright.

Inside the Hall, it was essentially full; outside the Hall it was also overcrowded.

All over two hundred newly admitted students this year have arrived.

Moreover, outstanding youths from various academies came in droves, even some of the Master's Confucian scholars gathered outside the Hall.

There is no other reason.

Su Wenjing appointed a one‑person‑one‑day teacher, arousing much curiosity, and the first class was taught by Gu Jin Nian.

How could they not be drawn together? One who can produce timeless essays is naturally overflowing with talent and erudition.

The name Gu Jin Nian has long been known in Da Xia's literary circles.

Although there were many voices of doubt, the phenomenon of timeless essays cannot be erased.

Thus, they gathered here to see what Gu Jin Nian could teach and to probe his abilities.

Outside the Hall.

Most people came out of curiosity, wanting to see what Gu Jin Nian could teach.

But a small portion came with different intentions.

Among them were several acquaintances of Gu Jin Nian.

Zhang Yun, the imperial grandson Li Ji.

Indeed, the imperial grandson also arrived; this time Da Xia Academy did not select the grandson, but through the Crown Prince's efforts he obtained audit privileges.

In other words, although not a student of Da Xia Academy, he could audit, which is effectively a form of admission.

As for Zhang Yun, he was injured and missed the final assessment; it was understandable, and eventually a Great Scholar took him into the Hall for study.

Their arrival plainly indicated they wanted to trouble Gu Jin Nian.

Zhang Yun, however, has long held a grudge.

Li Ji's case was different; the day he was deceived by Gu Jin Nian and injured the Minister of Rites, he was brutally beaten by his own father and grandfather for three days.

This is a blood feud.

A monumental blood feud.

Upon learning that Gu Jin Nian would teach today, he had already contacted several eminent Confucian and Daoist figures, deliberately coming here to wait for Gu Jin Nian.

There is only one purpose.

To nitpick.

To nitpick mercilessly.

If Gu Jin Nian says a single sentence incorrectly, they will immediately nitpick.

For a moment, the Hall became exceedingly lively.

But at the third quarter of the Yin hour,

Wang Fu Gui's figure appeared.

"Everyone,"

"Master Gu commands, gather at the foot of the Academy Mountain."

Running lightly, sweat beaded on Wang Fu Gui's forehead; he had just received the news and came specifically to inform.

"Gather at the foot of the Academy Mountain?"

"Why gather at the foot again?"

"Aren't we teaching in the lecture hall?"

Upon hearing this, everyone became curious, their eyes filled with doubt.

"This is truly nonsense."

"Exactly, why make us run around instead of teaching properly?"

Some inappropriate voices rose, slightly discontented.

"If you don't wish to attend, just leave; why make noise here?"

"If the Master arranges, we obey; if you can, then you lead?"

Hearing these dissatisfied remarks, Wang Fu Gui and Jiang Yezhou spoke up, and after they did, Xu Ya and others followed.

Gu Jin Nian's arrangement was indeed somewhat mysterious, but not a serious problem.

Can they nitpick this? They're not stupid; it's clear some came solely to cause trouble, and naturally they won't be polite.

Sure enough, after that remark, the previously dissatisfied fell silent.

Then, the people inside the lecture hall rose without complaint and headed straight toward the Academy's exterior.

As for the others, they thought nothing further and each followed.

Some of the Master's Confucian scholars exchanged glances, their eyes also showing doubt.

But there was truly no great issue, so they followed, wanting to see what Gu Jin Nian intended.

Thus.

Three to four hundred people marched grandly toward the Academy's outside.

At the Mao hour.

The sky was fully bright.

In the fertile fields.

Gu Jin Nian quietly gazed at the golden wheat field, his expression calm.

After hearing the repeated footstep sounds.

Immediately, he looked toward the old man responsible for harvesting the fields.

"Old man, my people have arrived; have someone count them."

Gu Jin Nian's expression was gentle, and he called out.

"Alright."

The elder nodded, then turned his gaze.

With just one glance, his complexion instantly changed.

"Young master."

"These people are students of Da Xia Academy?"

The elder spoke, his expression somewhat flustered.

"Old man, you need not worry; leave it to me."

Gu Jin Nian, knowing what the other feared, said a word and then walked toward Wang Fu Gui and the others.

Quickly.

The two sides met.

Hundreds of gazes fell on Gu Jin Nian, who remained exceedingly calm.

"Wang Fu Gui, Su Huai Yu, Xu Ya, Xu Chang Ge, Shangguan Bai Yu, Zhao Si Qing, Yang Han Rou, Jue Xin, Jue Ming, An Ran, Jiang Ye Zhou."

"The above eleven, step forward."

Gu Jin Nian spoke and called out.

Immediately, Wang Fu Gui and several others complied, stepping forward, but their eyes were full of doubt, not knowing what kind of medicine Gu Jin Nian truly had in his gourd.

Among the crowd, Gu Jin Nian also saw two acquaintances.

Zhang Yun, need not be mentioned.

Li Ji was surprisingly also present.

"Ji Er, why did you also come?"

Seeing the great-grandson, Gu Jin Nian was a bit surprised and couldn't help but shout.

Hearing Gu Jin Nian's voice, Li Ji's eyes showed a coldness, but when the name Ji Er was spoken, he felt inexplicably odd.

"Grandfather sent me to attend the lecture."

"Gu Jin Nian, why did you bring us from the Hall of Saints here?"

Li Ji still gave no respect, calling him by name and asking directly.

Looking at this brat, Li Ji, Gu Jin Nian understood his purpose.

"Just right, the laborers that came to the door."

"Everyone."

"Except for those just mentioned, the rest, send me to the fields to harvest wheat; tell me when it's done and when class ends."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, stating his purpose.

But as soon as he said that,

a massive controversy erupted in an instant.

"Harvest wheat?"

"What does that mean?"

"You want us to harvest wheat?"

"Sir, aren't you imposing an undue hardship?"

"We are here to study, not to do farm work; we won't harvest wheat."

In an instant, voices rose one after another.

Who could have thought Gu Jin Nian brought them here to harvest wheat?

To put it bluntly, they wouldn't even eat this wheat, yet he makes them harvest it? Among the three to four hundred present, who isn't a noble? Who lacks rice? "Gu Jin Nian, is there something wrong with you? Making us harvest wheat?"

Finally, Li Ji's voice also rang out.

He was incensed—having his great-grandson harvest wheat? Ridiculous. Watching the endless disputes, Gu Jin Nian did not get angry, but looked at them and said.

"Anyone who doesn't want to harvest wheat, step forward one step."

He spoke.

Immediately, everyone moved almost in unison.

Except for a small minority, everyone else stepped forward, unwilling to harvest wheat.

"Proceed."

"Wang Fu Gui, record all these people's names."

"Give them a uniform poor evaluation."

"Also, many here are not from the Hall of Saints; record their names as well."

"According to Da Xia Academy's rules, disrespecting the master warrants expulsion from the academy."

"Later inform Mr. Wen Jing: if these people remain in the academy, I, Gu, will go to the palace to impeach them."

"Confucian scholars who disrespect their teacher, their conduct akin to deceiving the teacher and annihilating ancestors; publish these names publicly."

Gu Jin Nian's voice grew cold.

His words instantly changed everyone's expression.

"Not harvesting wheat equals deceiving the teacher and annihilating ancestors? This label fits perfectly."

"Gu Jin Nian, you're twisting logic; we only refuse to harvest wheat, how does it become an act of deceiving the teacher and annihilating ancestors in your words?"

There is no such reasoning; you are using a chicken feather as a command arrow.

Masters, look, look—does Gu Jin Nian have any master at all?

In an instant, the crowd grew anxious.

They can't hold this hat; if it truly settles, they're done for this life.

But the masters merely frowned slightly.

"According to the rules, since Mr. Wenjing appointed Gu Jin Nian as a master, there is no fault."

A master spoke, his expression calm, supporting Gu Jin Nian.

"Even so, this is excessive; a trivial matter doesn't need to be handled like this, it's become too aggressive."

"Students enter the academy to study and cultivate Qi; cutting wheat is indeed forcing people beyond their limits."

Another master shook his head, and even beyond his words, still felt Gu Jin Nian had crossed the line.

"May I ask, master, what counts as a trivial matter?"

"If cutting wheat is a trivial matter, then may I ask, master, what do the myriad beings eat daily?"

"The people regard food as heaven; it is the foundation of the dynasty and of all living under heaven. Just because it is manual labor, does that make it lowly?"

"Then let me ask again, master, does your statement imply that the farming populace of the world are all lowly people?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

His words were utterly calm, yet they made several masters' eyelids twitch.

"I dare not."

"Young friend, your words are heavy; I have no such intention," the elder said.

"Your words are too heavy."

Several masters who wanted to explain a few more sentences were this time completely silenced.

Gu Jin Nian's hat‑pinching skill is terrifying; if anyone dares to admit it, they'll be cursed to death tomorrow.

They felt a bit resentful, but they truly dared not speak recklessly on this matter.

Seeing the masters silent.

The students' faces grew increasingly grim, one by one.

And Gu Jin Nian spoke again.

"You, as privileged nobles, born of wealth, holding the scriptures, speak of benevolence and morality with your mouths, yet you close them on the myriad beings."

"Yet you consider even the deeds of the myriad beings as lowly, while you deem yourselves noble; what right do you have to discuss the people's suffering?"

"Today, whoever refuses to cut wheat, I, Gu, can guarantee that no one will find peace."

"In principle, the world's all people will curse."

"Emotionally, I possess a golden edict, which allows me to speak directly to the saint."

"I, Gu, ask once more: who agrees? who opposes?"

Gu Jin Nian's gaze was calm.

But he stared dead‑staring at the group.

Especially the last sentence—'a golden edict, to speak directly to the saint'—was a true killing weapon.

That sentence was practically a massive weapon.

They didn't think that a mere trivial matter could ruin their reputation.

But they couldn't stop Gu Jin Nian from going to the palace to address the saint; if he truly reported this here to the Emperor,

the Emperor would certainly care about the people's livelihood.

Anyone who looks down on farmers would essentially have their official career end before it even begins.

The people regard food as heaven.

The state values its people above all.

Who dares to act rashly?

"Gu Jin Nian, you are just twisting arguments."

Finally, a voice sounded.

It was Li Ji's voice.

At this critical moment, only this little cutie dared to continue being arrogant.

Bang.

The next instant.

A ruler materialized in Gu Jin Nian's hand, which he immediately struck at Li Ji.

The iron ruler was wielded by Gu Jin Nian with extreme speed and domineering force.

A one‑foot swing landed, leaving a definite bruise.

"Ah."

A harrowing scream rang out, and Li Ji went numb.

He hadn't expected Gu Jin Nian to strike him.

He is, after all, the great‑grandson of the Da Xia Dynasty.

Gu Jin Nian went mad? "Stubborn and obtuse."

"Disrespecting etiquette."

"Outside I'm your uncle; inside I'm a master. Considering your seniority, I'll grant you a little leeway."

"You still dare to be so brazen."

"Kneel."

Gu Jin Nian struck again with a ruler.

Li Ji's face twisted in pain as he jumped up, howling like a ghost.

Everyone who saw this scene felt their pupils shake to the core.

Gu Jin Nian even dared to beat the Heir Grandson—how could they continue to act arrogantly?

In a moment, everyone hurriedly got up, took farming tools, and started working.

"Gu Jin Nian, are you crazy?"

"Do you know who I am?" "Gu Jin Nian, aren't you afraid of death?"

The sound of ghostly wails and wolf howls rang out.

Gu Jin Nian struck without mercy—this little bastard, if not properly dealt with, would truly turn things upside down.

"The Heir Grandson is so great? Damn, your father the Crown Prince's position might even be in trouble—what are you? An iron ruler came down wildly."

Li Ji was struck to the point of doubting his life.

He wanted to run to find a teacher, but these teachers had never seen such a scene, so they hurriedly dodged, fearing they'd be struck.

"Uncle, Gu Uncle, please stop hitting, please stop."

"I was wrong, I was wrong, it's my fault, it's my foul mouth."

"Uncle, don't hit me anymore, I really hurt."

In the end, Li Ji had snot and tears streaming, his body trembling, the pain tearing his heart and lungs.

He begged Gu Jin Nian for mercy.

"Brother Su."

"Tie him up, hang him on this tree, and send someone to notify the Crown Prince to bring people."

Gu Jin Nian had also struck enough.

This brat came over today just to cause trouble.

Maybe he came with others, being used as a pawn.

Putting it bluntly, they're all relatives—family squabbling indoors is no big deal, but outdoors they still torment each other.

Isn't this just brainless? If not given a beating, they're waiting for the New Year.

Su Huaiyu was straightforward, directly fetched a hemp rope, hung Li Ji on the tree, completely ignoring his ghostly wails.

Li Ji was hung on the tree.

It shocked everyone.

"Master Gu, we're just from an outside academy; we came to look around—can we leave?"

At this moment, someone with a sneer looked at Gu Jin Nian and said:

"Since we've come, why leave?"

"Do you look down on Da Xia Academy?"

Gu Jin Nian looked over.

The latter immediately shook his head and headed straight for the field.

It wasn't anything else.

A gentleman does not stand beneath a dangerous wall.

Thus, under Gu Jin Nian's such intimidation, three or four hundred people marched into the fields to farm.

"Little Friend Gu, we probably don't need to do farm work, right?"

Several teachers spoke, smiling.

"Several teachers, no need."

Gu Jin Nian smiled.

At this age, doing such work is exhausting—no one wants that.

Thus.

Watching those three or four hundred people reap wheat, Gu Jin Nian gradually showed a smile.

"Brother Gu, aren't you afraid this will cause trouble?"

At this moment, Wang Fugui came over, lowering his voice—first to look at these scholars, second to glance at Li Ji.

"Within the rules, no one can cause me trouble."

Gu Jin Nian, however, appeared quite calm.

Then he patted Wang Fugui's shoulder and said, "Just go supervise them."

"If anything comes up, just call me."

After saying that, Gu Jin Nian turned and left; having read all day yesterday, he now went to catch up on sleep.

Meanwhile.

Several teachers also exchanged glances; someone slipped away to leak the news.

Da Xia Academy.

Inside the Four Seasons Pavilion.

Su Wenjing was pondering the grain disaster in Jiangning Commandery.

Suddenly, a voice sounded.

"Dean."

"Something happened."

As the voice sounded, Su Wenjing put down his brush, rose, and opened the door.

It was a teacher from Da Xia Academy, who at this moment was somewhat out of breath.

"What's wrong?"

Su Wenjing asked.

"Director, Gu Jin Nian gathered all the students at the foot of the mountain, sent them to cut wheat, and even hung the great‑grandson on a tree and beat him."

"Director, you should intervene."

The other party spoke up and reported the situation at the foot of the mountain.

"Cut wheat?"

Su Wenjing slightly frowned.

"Tell me the details."

He continued to ask.

The latter immediately narrated the whole cause and effect to Su Wenjing.

After the matter was explained, Su Wenjing couldn't help but nod.

"Gu Jin Nian is right."

"He opens his mouth to speak of virtue, closes it to the common folk, knows nothing of farming; what kind of scholar is that?"

"I, the elder, agree, and will record this, making cutting wheat for farming a rule of the academy."

Su Wenjing praised.

He did not think Gu Jin Nian was at fault; instead he praised him.

Upon hearing this,

the latter was startled.

He thought it over, but in the end said nothing.

The Director had agreed; what else could he say?

"But what about the great‑grandson's matter?"

The latter continued to ask.

"Outside the academy, he is a great‑grandson."

"Inside the academy, they are all students; is it wrong for the teacher to beat a student?"

Su Wenjing was calm, making it clear he supported Gu Jin Nian.

"Understood."

This time the latter truly had nothing to say and dismissed himself directly.

Looking at the departing teacher.

Su Wenjing couldn't help but smile.

He inexplicably felt that his one‑day stint as a teacher was getting better.

Half an hour later.

Da Xia Capital.

The punishment of great‑grandson Li Ji also reached the Prince's residence.

It alarmed the Princess, and cries immediately rose.

"Your Highness, Prince."

"Your son is about to be beaten to death, and you're still fighting crickets here."

As the cries rose.

Inside the hall.

The Da Xia Prince, Li Gao, who was playing with crickets, was startled.

"What's going on?"

"Why all the shouting?"

Li Gao stood up; he was overly plump and a bit sluggish.

His face was kind, nearly fifty, and his spirit and vigor still seemed especially robust.

"Your Highness, Prince."

"Your precious son is about to be beaten to death, what are you fighting crickets for here,"

The Princess entered, crying out in anguish.

The eunuch who followed beside her recounted the whole chain of events.

After hearing this,

Li Gao couldn't help but frown.

"That Li Ji is truly messing around."

"I told you, he went to Da Xia Academy with ill intent, insisting on troubling Gu Jin Nian."

"Now he's been taught a lesson; good, that's a good thing. Usually you indulge him, and he beats well."

Li Gao, after hearing the whole story, couldn't help but shout a few times.

"Your Highness, even if my son commits a great fault, it shouldn't be punished so harshly."

"Besides, going to the academy is for studying; what does making someone cut wheat mean? Isn't that just deliberately causing trouble?"

"Please go quickly and rescue him."

The Princess didn't care; after all, it's her own son, her beloved child.

"What's wrong with cutting wheat?"

"So cutting wheat is forbidden? The founding emperor himself still had to eat meals back then."

"What fault does Gu Jin Nian have? Scholars speak of the world's common folk, emperors speak of the people's hardships; without experiencing it themselves, how could they know how severe the suffering of the people truly is?"

I think it's correct; it should be punished.

Li Gao spoke, not thinking Gu Jin Nian had done anything wrong at all, but rather feeling that his own son had a serious problem.

He was spoiled to excess.

He should be properly dealt with.

"His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince, His Imperial Grandson is, after all, royalty; such humiliation not only damages royal dignity but also causes physical suffering. Crown Prince, please do not blame, and prioritize rescuing the person first."

A nearby eunuch knelt on the ground, pleading to the Crown Prince.

The latter sighed; although the scolding was justified, he was his own son, so he gritted his teeth and walked toward the outside.

He went to Da Xia Academy.

Quickly.

The news reached Emperor Yong Sheng's ears.

But unlike the Crown Prince's feelings, Emperor Yong Sheng simply did not want to hear about it.

The grain and fodder matters of Jiang Ning Commandery gave him a massive headache.

He had no time at all to deal with such matters.

Yet after thinking it over, he still said nothing in anger.

"Send a decree to Lord Lin Yang at Dao Kou, telling Gu Jin Nian to behave, and also inform the Crown Prince to keep his own son in check."

Obviously the emperor had some grievances against both, but since they were just children playing, he did not pursue the matter further.

Thus.

The news quickly reached the Duke's Residence.

Upon hearing the news.

Grandfather Gu's reaction was very direct.

"What does it matter if we beat them?"

"That Imperial Grandson brat needs to be dealt with. Lao Liu, go to the academy and tell Nian'er, as long as we are justified, no one in the Gu Family fears us."

That was Grandfather Gu's response.

Not to mention beating the Imperial Grandson; even if the Crown Prince does nothing, we could still strike without hesitation.

Of course, that's what they say; sending Gu Ningya to the academy is just to pull a few strings, no need to make it too ugly.

Thus, a full half‑hour passed.

The Crown Prince entered the academy.

He also saw Li Ji hanging from a tree.

"Father, come quickly to save me; Gu Jin Nian this bastard is nothing, he's gone mad."

Seeing his own father arrive, Li Ji became utterly emotional, crying out loudly, completely lacking any royal decorum.

"Silence."

Li Gao spoke, his stomach full of anger; he had just been stripped of regent duties, and now his son caused this farce.

And offending whom would be worse than offending Gu Jin Nian? To put it bluntly, he wouldn't dare offend Gu Jin Nian, since behind Gu Jin Nian is the Gu Family.

Grandfather Gu raised his authority, and even his own father frowned.

Let alone a Crown Prince who is so indecisive.

"Where is Gu Jin Nian?"

Looking at Li Ji's silence, Li Gao asked Wang Fugui and the others,

"Reply to the Crown Prince."

"Master Gu has gone to rest."

"I'll go shout now."

The Crown Prince has arrived, and Wang Fugui's voice trembled a bit.

"No need."

"I'll just wait for him here."

However, Li Gao did not let Wang Fugui go call Gu Jin Nian, but stared silently at the wheat field.

A moment later.

Gu Ningya also appeared.

Seeing Li Gao, he respectfully called out "His Imperial Highness the Crown Prince."

Li Gao gave a slight nod, saying nothing.

Thus, two hours passed.

Su Wenjing also arrived.

It instantly drew everyone's astonishment.

The Crown Prince, Gu Ningya, and Su Wenjing—these three heavyweights all gathered, oddly a bit exaggerated.

The main point was that Gu Jin Nian was nowhere to be found.

That truly pushes the aristocracy to the extreme.

"I have met Mr. Su Wenjing."

Crown Prince Li Gao gave Su Wenjing a slight bow, and the latter immediately returned the courtesy.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince has arrived; I was unprepared, I hope you will forgive me."

Su Wenjing clasped his hands and said.

"Mr. Su Wenjing, you speak too heavily; I came today to plead, and my sudden intrusion is actually my fault."

Li Gao spoke; in front of Su Wenjing, he appeared very modest and courteous.

"Alas, after all, it is still my fault for letting them be teachers for a day, leading to this situation."

Su Wenjing sighed.

But Li Gao shook his head.

"It is not a mistake; I feel it should be so. One day as a teacher, to embrace all rivers—moreover, Gu Jin Nian has made no mistake; what he said is correct. One must not hang the people's hardships on one's lips; one must practice to understand. This is good, indeed excellent. On the contrary, my son has indeed gone too far."

Li Gao spoke up, fully agreeing with Gu Jin Nian.

Hearing this, Su Wenjing gave a slight smile and said nothing more.

Thus.

Three or four hours passed.

The sky gradually grew dark.

And the crops were more or less harvested.

Three or four hundred people were each so tired they doubted life.

It was then that an angry voice finally sounded.

"Student Fang Yong, I have seen Mr. Wenjing, and pay my respects to His Highness the Crown Prince."

The voice sounded.

He was a young man, one of the outstanding scholars of the four great academies of the capital, who had come today to attend a lecture, never expecting to do a day of hard labor.

At this moment, he was seething with anger.

As the voice sounded, everyone fell silent, and Su Wenjing and the Crown Prince also curiously looked at each other.

"What is it?" Li Gao asked, inquiring of the other party.

"Student today, I accuse Gu Jin Nian of wrongdoing, disrupting the academic order, pretending to teach while actually imposing harsh punishment, lacking benevolence, and tarnishing the academy's name."

Fang Yong took a deep breath and poured out all his anger.

"How is it tarnishing the academy's name?"

Su Wenjing looked at him and asked directly.

"Sir, Gu Jin Nian openly ordered us to reap wheat, ostensibly to let us experience it firsthand, and we obeyed."

"If it is teaching, why not lead by example? To have us recall hardship and think of sweetness while you yourself slack off—how can you deserve the title of teacher?"

"Please, Mr. Wenjing, Your Highness the Crown Prince, severely punish Gu Jin Nian, otherwise we cannot swallow this anger."

Fang Yong no longer cared.

He had finished reaping the wheat.

He had finished the task.

The Crown Prince was also there, Su Wenjing was also there, and he didn't bother with anything else, directly filing a complaint.

Indeed, as soon as he said that, most of the students came out one after another and spoke in unison.

What he said is also correct.

Letting everyone recall hardship and think of sweetness is fine.

But as a teacher, shouldn't you lead by example? You damned well went to sleep while we toiled to death? They are not willing to accept it.

All that anger burst out anyway, since someone took the lead.

Indeed.

Amidst this uproar, the Crown Prince and Su Wenjing both fell silent.

However, Gu Ningya's voice sounded.

"A teacher has a teacher's duties; you students just need to listen well. Suing a teacher? Is there any hierarchy left?"

Gu Ningya didn't care about all that; he directly retorted sharply.

"Don't make enemies for Jin Nian."

"Just then the Crown Prince spoke, glanced at Gu Ningya, and really had no other intention; he simply felt that Gu Ningya's doing this was causing trouble for Gu Jin Nian."

The Crown Prince spoke, and Gu Ningya immediately shut up.

Moreover, Wang Fugui had already had Su Huaiyu call Gu Jin Nian.

He knew these people would certainly not be convinced.

"Go summon Gu Jin Nian and let him explain."

Su Wenjing then spoke plainly, ordering someone to call Gu Jin Nian.

"Listen to what Gu Jin Nian has to say."

"But just then, Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded."

"Here I am."

The voice fell.

In an instant, all gazes turned toward him.

Not far away.

Gu Jin Nian was still stretching his waist, his eyes somewhat dazed; at a glance it was clear he had just woken up.

Then compare oneself.

Each person's legs trembled from exhaustion, their whole body covered in mud.

How could one not be angry? "I have seen Mr. Wenjing."

"Yo, Brother Li, you're here too?"

Upon arriving before the crowd, Gu Jin Nian first bowed to Su Wenjing, and upon seeing Li Gao, he involuntarily called out affectionately, "Brother Li!"

In terms of seniority, he is of the same generation as the Crown Prince.

However, normally no one has the cheek for that.

Even the Crown Prince was a little startled; they're over thirty years apart in age, and you just want to butt in?

But after thinking, he had no temper at all, and simply spoke with a smile.

"Brother Jin Nian."

"Long time no see; I've really missed you."

Li Gao's temper is indeed good; his nature is very gentle, with not a hint of anger, and he agreed.

"How much do you miss?"

Gu Jin Nian asked seriously.

Li Gao: "."

The Crown Prince remained silent.

Everyone else also remained silent.

This guy's just disgusting people here, right? In an instant, resentment welled up.

"Jin Nian."

"What were you just doing?"

However, at the crucial moment, Su Wenjing spoke up, asking Gu Jin Nian.

"Sir, seeing them toiling hard, I felt inspired and went back to write a poem."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, giving his answer.

But as soon as he said that, nobody present believed him.

"Write a poem?"

"If Brother Gu washed his face and came out saying that, I might still believe it."

"Isn't it just going back to slack off?"

"Then may I ask, Brother Gu, what astonishing poem did you write? Could you let us have a look?"

Everyone chimed in, one after another.

They simply didn't believe him.

Actually, Gu Jin Nian himself didn't believe that either.

Because he had indeed gone to sleep.

Facing everyone's doubts.

Gu Jin Nian didn't think much of it; instead, he spoke with a gentle expression.

"My poem is somewhat critical; I'm afraid you might not take it, so I'll just forget it."

He spoke, not wanting to cause trouble, after all the Crown Prince and the dean were present, so there was no need to make a scene.

But saying that only made it look more like evasion in everyone's eyes.

In a moment, voices rose again.

"We fear nothing."

"If you can write timeless essays, I, as a student, would actually like to see the Master's poem—critiquing it a bit would also help us remember the lesson."

"Yes, Master Gu speaks frankly; we can bear it."

Everyone spoke up.

Anyway, if you don't give an explanation today, nobody will accept it.

"Sir, what is this?"

Gu Jin Nian turned his gaze toward Su Wenjing.

He, however, smiled faintly and said.

"Since you feel inspired to write a poem, then write it out so we can see; I, as an old man, also want to see whether young Jin Nian's poetry can match his prose."

He spoke with a smile.

Just for the fun of it.

Things have come to this point.

Gu Jin Nian also felt somewhat helpless.

"But we don't have the Four Treasures of the Study."

Gu Jin Nian continued speaking.

"I have them."

Su Wenjing waved his hand, and in an instant the Four Treasures of the Study appeared before Gu Jin Nian, along with a long table, fully equipped.

Now there's nothing left to say.

Gu Jin Nian sighed, then picked up his brush.

Gazing at the wheat field.

Just then, Gu Ningya's voice sounded.

"Jin Nian."

"Don't be nervous."

"Just take out what Sixth Uncle taught you."

The voice rang out.

In an instant, everyone's gaze focused.

The Crown Prince was somewhat silent.

No wonder my father keeps saying that the Gu Family's sixth brother has a problem.

Indeed, there is a problem.

Everything is being mooched.

However, just then, Gu Jin Nian put pen to paper. —One could say, it's not considered a stalled chapter, because the next chapter is going live, which makes sense and is reasonable.

Then it will go live after 12, but because it's set to go live at midnight, a bug might occur, the backend might not be able to enable VIP, this has happened before, so don't rush, at most it will be delayed by about half an hour.

Finally, about the updates after going live.

That day I will update two chapters; I'm writing them on the spot, with no stockpile. If I'm in good shape, I'll add an extra chapter; if not, I won't update. It won't affect quality or pace just because of a burst.

Going forward, I'll update ten thousand words a day; when I hit a satisfying point, I'll burst out, and I won't maliciously stall chapters.

Finally, to say one last thing, the phrase 'Ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years' has been used since the Tang dynasty; some people in the comments insist on talking about the Qing dynasty set, please look it up yourself on Baidu.

OK!

See you at 12.

I won't write a preface for the release; I need to rush the next chapter.

(End of chapter)