Chapter 61: Gu Jin Nian composes poetry, omens arise again, flood disaster, offering sound strategies【seeking monthly tickets】

Da Xia Academy.

Three or four hundred people were covered head to toe in mud.

Gu Jin Nian stood before the desk, his brush tipped with a bit of ink.

Actually, for this lesson, Gu Jin Nian purely wanted them to experience the hardship of farming.

There was no special meaning; just to let them taste some bitterness, so they wouldn't idly wander all day.

He hadn't expected to draw Su Wenjing and the Crown Prince here.

But that didn't matter.

It was a good chance to establish his authority.

In an instant.

Gu Jin Nian gathered his literary talent, then slowly laid down the characters.

"Weeding at noon, sweat drips onto the soil below."

"Who knows that food in the bowl, each grain is hard-won."

The ink-water fell, condensing into characters.

Everyone turned their gaze, and in a moment all showed astonishment.

However, almost at the same time.

In the wheat field, a fresh breeze blew; instantly, strands of golden light burst forth from the poem.

Boom.

"Another omen?"

"How did another omen appear?"

"Why does his poetry always bring omens?"

"Poetry showing omens—this is unbelievable."

In a moment, various sounds rose; the over three hundred scholars immediately showed shock.

Compared to omens from prose, poetic omens are rarer; after all, prose contains many characters and can hold many principles.

But poetry is different—only a few dozen characters, making it hard to infuse one's essence.

Yet Gu Jin Nian's poetry produced an omen again—this is unbelievable.

But, at this moment.

The xuan paper trembled; instantly, bundles of light burst from the paper.

The omen erupted.

It was more than ten times fiercer than before.

Terrifying light swept across the entire Da Xia Academy; strands of literary talent, heavy as mountains, like a true dragon, coiled within the academy.

Everyone's clothes were ruffled by the gale; long hair flew wildly, before the desk.

Gu Jin Nian quietly watched this terrifying omen.

He felt no surprise, for this poem itself has been passed down for ages, to pity the farmers.

"National Fortune Poem."

At this moment, amidst the gale, Su Wenjing's expression changed; according to such an omen, he instantly knew what poem this was.

A poem endorsed by the nation's fortune.

Right now, Su Wenjing was truly shocked; he hadn't expected Gu Jin Nian to compose another National Fortune Poem.

But, carefully contemplating the poem,

It matches the occasion and the heart; in just twenty characters it lays out the people's hardships, also carries sincere advice, hoping the world cherishes food and does not waste it.

If this poem were spread, it would likely draw resonance from all the people of Da Xia.

Good poem.

Truly a good poem.

Not only Su Wenjing,

the Crown Prince beside him also couldn't help but freeze in place.

He had read National Fortune Poems before, but never imagined he could witness one being born today.

Moreover, as the current Crown Prince, he fully understood the poem's meaning.

Furthermore, this poem is exceptionally sharp in targeting extravagance and waste.

In aristocratic homes, a banquet features seventy-two dishes and twelve jugs of wine, yet after a meal, each dish loses only a tenth or twelfth.

The surplus food is all poured into slop, preferably fed to pigs.

"Who knows that food in the bowl, each grain is hard-won."

Good.

Good.

Truly good.

At this moment, Li Gao's gaze toward Gu Jin Nian again has undergone an earth-shattering change.

Before this poem, he thought Gu Jin Nian was merely clever, destined to write timeless essays, a great talent, but ultimately still youthful at heart.

Otherwise he couldn't have quarreled with his own son.

But now it's different; one who can write such poetry must also keep the people in mind, otherwise how could he produce such poetry?

A golden great dragon coiled around Da Xia Academy.

Then, a dragon's roar sounded.

The capital instantly boiled over.

"It's a dragon."

"You all hurry and look, Da Xia Academy has brought forth a dragon."

"How can there be a dragon?"

The voices of the common people rose in a clamor.

Everyone turned their gaze toward the interior of Da Xia Academy.

"It's a national fortune poem, a national fortune poem."

"Is this a national fortune poem? Who composed this national fortune poem?"

"Is it Mr. Wen Jing?"

"How long has it been since the timeless essay? How has a national fortune poem appeared again? Could it be that our Da Xia's Confucian Dao is truly about to rise?"

Countless voices rose.

In Da Xia Capital.

The Yongsheng Emperor, who had been worrying over the flood disaster in Jiangning Prefecture, was also startled at this moment.

He sensed it and turned his gaze in that direction.

"National fortune poem."

The Yongsheng Emperor was somewhat startled; in an instant, a gleam flashed in his eyes as he gazed intently.

Soon he seemed rather strange.

"Jin Nian?"

He was somewhat surprised, never expecting that his nephew would compose another national fortune poem.

Such poetry can increase the national fortune.

Although not much, even for a vast dynasty, a slight increase in national fortune is of immeasurable value.

National fortune can influence a dynasty's development.

With national fortune, there will be favorable weather and no disasters.

Without national fortune, there will be continual disasters and the people will not be able to make a living.

Throughout history, emperors have three great achievements that qualify them for entry into the ancestral temple.

One is expanding the territory, two is achieving a prosperous age, three is having national fortune as solid as a mountain.

Achieving any one of these three qualifies for entry into the ancestral temple and receiving generations of incense.

If two are achieved, one can be considered an unparalleled emperor; if all three are achieved, then one is a sovereign of the ages.

The Yongsheng Emperor did not dare hope to achieve all three; expanding the territory is his goal, a prosperous age is also his goal, as for national fortune as solid as a mountain, he does not dare to hope for it.

But if someone were to increase the national fortune for Da Xia, that would also be a great blessing for him.

However, the matter of the flood disaster in Jiangning Prefecture prevents him from feeling genuine joy.

If Jiangning Prefecture is not handled well, I fear the reduction in national fortune would exceed this by a hundredfold or more.

"Issue an order: bestow upon Gu Jin Nian twelve pieces of literary jade, have the Ministry of Rites prepare a title for Gu Jin Nian, devise the title, and then report back."

Although he cannot feel genuine joy, the rewards that ought to be given must still be bestowed.

His bestowal of a title counts as a great reward.

Although it is only a viscountcy, it is already the highest honor; after all, Gu Jin Nian has neither fame nor has he reached adulthood, yet he is being prepared a title in advance—how many in Da Xia can achieve this?

"As you command."

Wei Xian spoke up and immediately set to work.

The Gu family.

Grandfather Gu looked toward Da Xia Academy.

His expression also became somewhat solemn.

"The national fortune poem."

"Da Xia Academy truly hides tigers and dragons."

Because of the national fortune's influence, he cannot see who composed it, so he spoke with a somewhat solemn expression.

"To be able to compose a national fortune poem, one must be a contemporary talent; Jin Nian has met a worthy opponent."

Gu Qianzhou beside him could not help but speak, feeling somewhat heavy-hearted.

They did not believe this poem was composed by Gu Jin Nian; although Gu Jin Nian had written the timeless essay, poetry is not his forte.

Ten years to forge a sword, in their view this is already Gu Jin Nian's highest standard.

After all, poetry is not the main study of the Confucian Dao but merely a skill.

"What kind of opponent is this? Just poetry—what does it amount to? Compared to this year's timeless essay, what is this? Merely a trivial national fortune poem."

Hearing Gu Qianzhou's words, Grandfather Gu became somewhat displeased.

His expression turned solemn, as he felt this limelight was not Gu Jin Nian's.

But such behavior of boosting others' morale while diminishing one's own prestige ought not to be done.

"Father's instruction is correct."

"A mere national fortune poem amounts to nothing; it is but a lowly pursuit of the Confucian Dao."

Gu Qianzhou also nodded in agreement, together they belittled this poem.

However, the next moment, Steward Wang appeared quickly.

"Congratulations, sir, congratulations, sir, the Crown Prince has composed a national fortune poem."

With Steward Wang's voice sounding.

In an instant, the two were stunned once again.

"You say this poem was composed by Jin Nian?"

Now glossary list.

We need to list each name that appears in these lines.

Let's enumerate:

- Gu Jin Nian (top)

- Grandfather Gu

- Gu Qianzhou

- Da Xia

- Da Xia Capital

- Da Xia Academy

- Gu Family

Emperor Yongsheng

- Wei Xian (person)

- Steward Wang (title+name)

- Jiangning Prefecture (place)

Wen Jing

Crown Prince

Emperor Yongsheng

Check if any other names: "Wen Jing" we covered as Wen Jing. "Steward Wang" we covered as Steward Wang. "Wei Xian" as Wei Xian. "Jiangning Prefecture" as Jiangning Prefecture. "Da Xia Academy" etc.

Now produce JSON list. Order not important but we can list in order of appearance.

Let's craft:

【

Gu Jin Nian

Grandfather Gu

Gu Qianzhou

Da Xia

Da Xia Capital

Da Xia Academy

Gu Family

Emperor Yongsheng

Wei Xian

Steward Wang

Jiangning Prefecture

Wen Jing

Crown Prince

】

Check if any other: "Emperor Yongsheng" we used Emperor Yongsheng. Good.

Now output.

Make sure each translation line is on a single line with 【N】 prefix and a space? The instruction: Output 【N】 for EVERY input line — no exceptions. Keep each translation on a SINGLE output line. So we output like:

【61】 "It's a dragon."

We need to ensure we include the quotes as part of translation. We'll keep them.

Now produce final【61】 "It's a dragon."

【62】 "You all hurry and look, Da Xia Academy has brought forth a dragon."

【63】 "How can there be a dragon?"

【64】 The voices of the common people rose in a clamor.

【65】 Everyone turned their gaze toward the interior of Da Xia Academy.

【66】 "It's a national fortune poem, a national fortune poem."

【67】 "Is this a national fortune poem? Who composed this national fortune poem?"

【68】 "Is it Mr. Wen Jing?"

【69】 "How long has it been since the timeless essay? How has a national fortune poem appeared again? Could it be that our Da Xia's Confucian Dao is truly about to rise?"

【70】 Countless voices rose.

【71】 In Da Xia Capital.

【72】 The Yongsheng Emperor, who had been worrying over the flood disaster in Jiangning Prefecture, was also startled at this moment.

【73】 He sensed it and turned his gaze in that direction.

【74】 "National fortune poem."

【75】 The Yongsheng Emperor was somewhat startled; in an instant, a gleam flashed in his eyes as he gazed intently.

【76】 Soon he seemed rather strange.

【77】 "Jin Nian?"

【78】 He was somewhat surprised, never expecting that his nephew would compose another national fortune poem.

【79】 Such poetry can increase the national fortune.

【80】 Although not much, even for a vast dynasty, a slight increase in national fortune is of immeasurable value.

【81】 National fortune can influence a dynasty's development.

【82】 With national fortune, there will be favorable weather and no disasters.

【83】 Without national fortune, there will be continual disasters and the people will not be able to make a living.

【84】 Throughout history, emperors have three great achievements that qualify them for entry into the ancestral temple.

【85】 One is expanding the territory, two is achieving a prosperous age, three is having national fortune as solid as a mountain.

【86】 Achieving any one of these three qualifies for entry into the ancestral temple and receiving generations of incense.

【87】 If two are achieved, one can be considered an unparalleled emperor; if all three are achieved, then one is a sovereign of the ages.

【88】 The Yongsheng Emperor did not dare hope to achieve all three; expanding the territory is his goal, a prosperous age is also his goal, as for national fortune as solid as a mountain, he does not dare to hope for it.

【89】 But if someone were to increase the national fortune for Da Xia, that would also be a great blessing for him.

【90】 However, the matter of the flood disaster in Jiangning Prefecture prevents him from feeling genuine joy.

【91】 If Jiangning Prefecture is not handled well, I fear the reduction in national fortune would exceed this by a hundredfold or more.

【92】 "Issue an order: bestow upon Gu Jin Nian twelve pieces of literary jade, have the Ministry of Rites prepare a title for Gu Jin Nian, devise the title, and then report back."

【93】 Although he cannot feel genuine joy, the rewards that ought to be given must still be bestowed.

【94】 His bestowal of a title counts as a great reward.

【95】 Although it is only a viscountcy, it is already the highest honor; after all, Gu Jin Nian has neither fame nor has he reached adulthood, yet he is being prepared a title in advance—how many in Da Xia can achieve this?

【96】 "As you command."

【97】 Wei Xian spoke up and immediately set to work.

【98】 The Gu family.

【99】 Grandfather Gu looked toward Da Xia Academy.

【100】 His expression also became somewhat solemn.

【101】 "The national fortune poem."

【102】 "Da Xia Academy truly hides tigers and dragons."

【103】 Because of the national fortune's influence, he cannot see who composed it, so he spoke with a somewhat solemn expression.

【104】 "To be able to compose a national fortune poem, one must be a contemporary talent; Jin Nian has met a worthy opponent."

【105】 Gu Qianzhou beside him could not help but speak, feeling somewhat heavy-hearted.

【106】 They did not believe this poem was composed by Gu Jin Nian; although Gu Jin Nian had written the timeless essay, poetry is not his forte.

【107】 Ten years to forge a sword, in their view this is already Gu Jin Nian's highest standard.

【108】 After all, poetry is not the main study of the Confucian Dao but merely a skill.

【109】 "What kind of opponent is this? Just poetry—what does it amount to? Compared to this year's timeless essay, what is this? Merely a trivial national fortune poem."

【110】 Hearing Gu Qianzhou's words, Grandfather Gu became somewhat displeased.

【111】 His expression turned solemn, as he felt this limelight was not Gu Jin Nian's.

【112】 But such behavior of boosting others' morale while diminishing one's own prestige ought not to be done.

【113】 "Father's instruction is correct."

【114】 "A mere national fortune poem amounts to nothing; it is but a lowly pursuit of the Confucian Dao."

【115】 Gu Qianzhou also nodded in agreement, together they belittled this poem.

【116】 However, the next moment, Steward Wang appeared quickly.

【117】 "Congratulations, sir, congratulations, sir, the Crown Prince has composed a national fortune poem."

【118】 With Steward Wang's voice sounding.

【119】 In an instant, the two were stunned once again.

【120】 "You say this poem was composed by Jin Nian?"

Grandfather Gu was stunned, then involuntarily spoke up to ask.

Replying to Grandfather, it is indeed authored by His Highness the Crown Prince, absolutely true.

Wang Butler nodded excitedly.

In an instant, cries of great joy rang out.

Hahaha, the poem of the nation's fate, good, good, good, Gu Jin Nian this child truly is good.

He actually managed to compose the nation's fate poem; no wonder he's my grandson. Quickly copy it down and hang it in my study.

Grandfather Gu was extremely excited, his old face breaking into a blossoming smile.

The nation's fate poem.

Gu Jin Nian actually managed to compose the nation's fate poem; it seems he truly has taken all my learning.

Gu Qianzhou murmured as he spoke, his eyes unable to hide his joy.

The two were overjoyed, then left excitedly.

Go invite people over for drinks.

Such a major event happened—shouldn't we publicize it? As for inside the Da Xia Academy...

A golden great dragon circled the academy several times, then surged into the Da Xia Capital, turning into brilliant golden light that illuminated the heavens.

The phenomenon lasting about a quarter of an hour finally dissipated.

Crack.

Just then.

The desk shattered, the xuan paper floated in midair, supported by the phenomenon—this is the effect of 'a word weighs a thousand jin'.

A word weighs a thousand jin.

Someone clicked their tongue, realizing what the situation was.

At this very moment, no one was making a fuss.

Fang Yong and the others each had grim faces, standing not far away, utterly silent.

Who knows if Gu Jin Nian really was composing a poem, and moreover it was a nation's fate poem.

In that moment, they instantly became petty people, feeling utterly ashamed.

Just then.

After the phenomenon completely disappeared, Gu Jin Nian calmly looked at those students, then turned to Su Wenjing, speaking in a calm tone.

Mr. Su Wenjing.

Yesterday, while strolling through the student courtyard, I happened upon a slop cart and discovered twelve wooden tubs, each filled with leftover delicacies.

This time, Jiangning Prefecture encountered a flood, refugees suffering, none with full bellies; thus seeing these leftover delicacies, I felt ashamed.

Again coming to this place, seeing the people's abundant harvest, recalling before, I inexplicably felt moved, so I wrote this poem.

Today, having all my classmates come here is precisely to speak of this matter.

Who would know that each grain in the bowl is hard-won.

We, born into wealth and luxury, fine clothes and jade food, yet with our hearts set on the world and mindful of the people's hardships, must lead by example, know the toil of farming, only then can we strive diligently to govern and serve the court.

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He had no anger, nor any pretense.

Rather, he spoke the words from his heart so that everyone present could hear.

Good.

In an instant, the Crown Prince's voice sounded.

The words spoken by Gu Jin Nian, he wholeheartedly approved.

Jin Nian.

You truly have made your elder brother look at you anew.

At such a young age, yet able to understand such reasoning, elder brother feels ashamed, elder brother feels ashamed.

Jin Nian, elder brother has come today to plead for mercy, to let Ji'er off.

Having learned your intentions, elder brother only has the word 'ashamed'.

From today onward, Li Ji will follow by your side, studying diligently; if he shows the slightest overstep, you may deal with him as you see fit.

As long as you don't beat him to death, beat him to the brink of death.

Li Ji, remember for your father: Gu Jin Nian is your elder; if you dare speak nonsense again, relying on your status to be rude, your father will certainly not forgive lightly.

Li Gao's voice sounded.

His body trembled; these were words from the depths of his heart.

At the same time, he was even more indignant toward his own son.

What is Li Ji doing here? He couldn't possibly not know; isn't he just looking for trouble with Gu Jin Nian?

But Gu Jin Nian teaches honestly; you come over to disgust people? After being beaten, you still feel wronged?

Gu Jin Nian has talent and virtue; such a person you dare provoke? Are you not ill? Besides, who stands behind Gu Jin Nian? It's the Gu Family.

His own son truly has been spoiled silly; anyone with a bit of sense knows not to provoke Gu Jin Nian.

Thinking this, Li Gao directly drew his jade belt, looking at Li Ji hung from the tree, and gave him a furious lashing.

Li Ji again wailed like a ghost and howled like a wolf, leaving everyone numb.

Moreover, Gu Jin Nian holds back when fighting, after all he is the Grand Prince.

But his own father, when lashing, shows no mercy at all; a single strike of the jade belt leaves a bloodstain, truly a split flesh and torn skin, agonizing to the core.

Father, stop hitting, stop hitting, I'm listening, I'm listening.

Uncle Jin Nian, Uncle Jin Nian, Uncle Nian, please, please save me.

Gu Jin Nian uncle, I beg you, I promise I will definitely listen to you from now on, please please save me.

Li Ji screamed heart-rendingly, his whole body twitching, he would literally shit himself.

Your Highness the Crown Prince, there's no need for this; from now on just let him follow me.

Gu Jin Nian stared dumbfounded.

His biological father is really harsh—one whip lash leaves a blood stripe, just looking at it hurts.

Gu Jin Nian, this has nothing to do with you; if you don't give him a good beating, he won't remember.

Besides, don't call me Crown Prince, call me brother.

Li Gao spoke up, righteously and solemnly.

Furthermore, no amount of persuasion helps; beating him to death, he wants to give Li Ji a harsh, painful lesson so he remembers it once and for all.

Everyone fell silent, watching.

Who would have thought that the usually mild Crown Prince would be so terrifying? The jade belt lashed repeatedly, Li Ji was truly beaten senseless, but anyone could see the blows landed only on his back; although the bloody stripes looked shocking, they didn't injure his organs or bones—just superficial wounds. The wailing cries rang out.

Su Wenjing, however, did not agree.

A beating isn't really a bad thing.

Gu Jin Nian, how about this poem entering the Hall of Hundred Herbs?

He looked at Gu Jin Nian and asked thus.

Gu Jin Nian was still watching Li Ji get beaten; hearing Su Wenjing's voice, he immediately came to his senses.

It's entirely up to the teacher to decide.

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Whether or not to enter the Hall of Hundred Herbs is trivial; being able to see the Crown Prince's grandson get whipped is what really matters.

Watching Gu Jin Nian be so nonchalant.

Su Wenjing didn't say anything either, but instead looked at Li Ji.

At this moment, everyone couldn't help but look at Li Ji.

A full quarter of an hour.

Li Ji was whipped into unconsciousness.

Li Gao still wore a face full of anger.

He just passed out, completely useless.

Someone, splash him awake.

Li Gao spoke up, even after passing out he still wants to whip him.

But this is just angry talk; everyone remained silent, who would really dare to fetch water?

Only Su Huaiyu moved.

He wanted to go fetch a bucket of water.

Gu Jin Nian immediately grabbed Su Huaiyu; at this critical juncture, there's no point in joking around.

No need.

Your Highness the Crown Prince, please calm your anger.

The punishment has been given; don't get angry.

At the crucial moment, Su Wenjing spoke up, giving the Crown Prince a way out.

Sigh.

My son is unruly; I hope the teacher will forgive him.

Li Gao spoke up, feeling somewhat uneasy, after all comparing others' Gu Jin Nian with his own son.

They're all nobles, also around sixteen or seventeen; my son really is utterly useless.

Gu Jin Nian, worthy younger brother.

I won't say anything else; as the elder brother, I entrust this delinquent son to you—if he has the slightest disobedience, hit him however you like.

If you, worthy younger brother, can teach him well, this kindness, elder brother, I will never forget.

Li Gao's expression was solemn, he spoke extremely earnestly.

He was serious.

As the Crown Prince, he needs to govern the state, consequently he is somewhat lenient toward his own son; plus his mother dotes on him, and his own mother also showers extra affection on this child.

Thus he became lawless and innately unruly.

If he isn't properly educated, he worries that someday his son will cause a major incident.

So his words are sincere.

Please rest assured, elder brother; I, the younger brother, will definitely educate him well.

The beating has already happened, the Crown Prince has said this much; Gu Jin Nian didn't pretend to be dense, he directly agreed.

But if Li Ji truly doesn't listen.

Then all we can do is advise this older brother of ours to start over.

After all, whose family doesn't have a good-for-nothing eldest?

Good.

Li Gao was extremely excited.

At this moment, Su Wenjing looked at the crowd and involuntarily began to speak.

Do you all still have any grievances?

Su Wenjing spoke up, asking thus.

Three hundred plus students at this moment had no grievances left.

Not to mention, Gu Jin Nian's words put him on an unassailable moral high ground.

Just saying the poems Gu Jin Nian composed today already makes them feel utterly ashamed.

Though we are all human, Gu Jin Nian, at his age, is able to compose such poems.

Then look at ourselves.

At this moment, Fang Yong was the first to step forward, look at Gu Jin Nian, and then bow deeply.

Thank you, Master, for your guidance.

I, the student, am ashamed and unable to bear it.

I hope the Master will accept my three bows.

Fang Yong stepped forward, bowed three times to Gu Jin Nian; his eyes showed shame, but even more admiration.

Before, he was angry.

Because Gu Jin Nian had him reap wheat.

Then he discovered that Gu Jin Nian himself had gone off to slack off.

He was very unwilling to accept it.

Feeling resentful, he then went to cause trouble for Gu Jin Nian.

Now, having discovered Gu Jin Nian's character, he feels utterly ashamed, sincerely pays his respects, and hopes to gain Gu Jin Nian's forgiveness.

To know one's faults and be able to correct them is the greatest good.

Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth slightly.

As soon as he said that, it surprised many people again.

This is literally speaking in polished chapters, with excellent phrases flowing naturally.

We beg the Master's forgiveness.

The others also spoke up one after another; even if someone still felt unwilling in his heart, facing this situation, he could not remain unwilling.

However, most people were genuinely convinced.

Seeing this situation.

All of a sudden.

Su Wenjing also became interested.

Since that is the case.

Then I will set a new question.

This can also be considered a test for you all.

Su Wenjing spoke up.

Seeing that everyone now understands the principle, he might as well pose a question for them to answer a couple of points, so as not to let things become too stiff.

Indeed.

As Su Wenjing spoke, the crowd grew curious, turning their gazes toward him, wondering what question he would pose.

The flood disaster in Jiangning Commandery has erupted, the people are displaced and wandering; now within Jiangning Commandery, refugees are everywhere, and the government has little grain.

The main grain transport route has been destroyed; therefore I take this as the topic for you to answer, to see what good strategies you have to resolve this difficulty.

The one who answers best, I can directly send to the palace for the emperor's consideration; after the imperial examinations, he can be recommended for an official post.

Su Wenjing spoke slowly.

He does this not to relieve pressure, but mainly to use this matter to test everyone's abilities.

Studying is just studying dead books.

These people before us will sooner or later enter the court as officials; relying solely on what is in the books, it is impossible to become a good official.

After they finish writing, I will then comment on each one individually, which can also be considered a kind of progress.

However, as soon as these words were spoken.

Everyone present had their eyes light up.

To present a good strategy and have it catch the emperor's eye? That is a tremendous blessing.

You should know that when the court raises an issue, it is natural for officials to offer suggestions, but only a tiny fraction of those plans ever reach the emperor's hands.

If the suggestion is not good, it does no great harm.

But if the suggestion is good, it amounts to leaving an impression in the emperor's mind.

For one's future official career, it is like a fish finding water.

Of course, they also understand clearly that for such a major matter, their own strategy would surely not work; but what if? What if it happened to be chosen?

Wouldn't that be a pure gain? In a moment, everyone became excited.

Only Gu Jin Nian remained calm.

Why?

The reason is very simple.

Su Wenjing wants to get a free ride off me.

Can't you see through that? Swish.

With a wave of Su Wenjing's hand, hundreds of desks appeared in the corridor.

All the Four Treasures of the Study were present.

The students all walked over, each showing great excitement.

As for the discussion of presenting strategies, I will not set a time limit.

You may take your time to devise them.

Su Wenjing spoke, then looked at Gu Jin Nian, seeing that the latter had no intention of picking up his pen at all, and couldn't help but feel a little curious.

"Gu Jin Nian, why aren't you writing?"

He asked.

"Sir Hui, I am but a humble student; my essays and poetry are passable, but my strategies are rather forced."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

No one can freeload off me, not even Su Wenjing.

"The quality matters not; give it your all. If the strategy is poor, consider it a modest effort; if it is excellent, His Majesty will grant many rewards. Gu Jin Nian, you love silver coins; if you truly have talent, I am willing to discuss with His Majesty and exchange gold and silver as a reward for you."

Su Wenjing could see that Gu Jin Nian was simply someone who wouldn't work unless there was benefit.

Moreover, he was somewhat curious: why does the son of a distinguished duke have such a particular fondness for gold and silver? Su Wenjing merely said it offhand.

Of course, if there truly were a good strategy, it would certainly be blood money.

"Exchange gold and silver?"

"Mr. Wenjing, how much can be exchanged?"

When it comes to gold and silver, Gu Jin Nian gets excited; if you talk about promotions or titles, he finds it uninteresting.

Relying on the Gu Family, he could start out as a second-rank official, right?

That's certainly not lacking.

But regarding gold and silver, the Gu Family does have some; however, demanding too much silver would bring unnecessary trouble, so it's better to earn it with one's own hands.

"Write it first, then we'll talk."

Su Wenjing smiled and then looked at Li Gao.

"Your Highness, Crown Prince."

"A brief discussion."

He spoke.

Li Gao immediately nodded and followed Su Wenjing.

Soon.

The two arrived at a distant spot.

Su Wenjing's expression grew slightly solemn.

"May I ask, Crown Prince, how is Jiang Ning Commandery now?"

Su Wenjing spoke, asking the other.

"The prefect sent a report: local rice merchants have already colluded, each donating food to create a façade, yet secretly block the granaries; their intent is obvious."

"They are waiting for the government granaries to be emptied, then sell at high prices."

"Dragon boats have been dispatched, but even if all dragon boats are used, they cannot last long; scouts report that all refugees have gathered at Jiang Ning Commandery's seat."

"Someone is spreading rumors in secret, inciting the people, causing refugees to gather; a massive trouble is looming."

Li Gao spoke, also troubled, especially by the last sentence.

His intention was simple.

It is not Jiang Ning Commandery's trouble.

But the forthcoming imperial decree.

Su Wenjing's expression grew solemn; he understood Li Gao's words.

The Eternal Prosperous Emperor has already clarified his intent.

If the critical moment truly arrives, caught between a rock and a hard place, merchants will be killed and grain released.

And Li Gao also knows this information.

He naturally feels worried.

In a peaceful era, killing merchants and releasing grain is good for the people, but for the Da Xia Dynasty it is not a good thing.

When the time comes, everyone will be drawn into it.

Just the profit involved could involve countless people, and all the discerning know it.

Someone is definitely pulling strings behind this.

Very likely, they are waiting for the order to kill merchants.

The enemy dug a hole.

Clearly they are waiting for you to jump in; how can that not cause worry? "I will go and counsel His Majesty."

"As for the grain issue, I will personally go to Jiang Ning Commandery to see if these people are willing to spare my face."

Su Wenjing spoke.

He could not think of any solution.

The only way is to leverage his Pre-Half-Saint title and play the emotional card.

But upon hearing this, Li Gao let out a long sigh.

It is not a strike against Su Wenjing.

Not to mention Su Wenjing is a Pre-Half-Saint; even if he were a saint, it would probably still be useless.

What does a dynasty and all its myriad affairs revolve around? Nothing but monetary profit.

These merchants are already profit-driven; as long as their interests aren't infringed, Su Wenjing, in the past, was a seat-of-honor guest, and none dared to defy him.

But if their interests are infringed, even if the Da Xia Crown Prince goes, it would likely be a failure.

"You saint."

"You are remarkable."

"You are lofty."

"But what about them? They just want to earn silver; what thin..."

It's just that Su Wenjing had that intention, and Li Gao admired him.

"Your Highness, Crown Prince."

"How many days can Jiangning Commandery hold?"

All of a sudden, Su Wenjing continued to ask.

"At present, the maximum is seven days; if all the refugees gather, even three days cannot be endured."

"Even if the court sends the first batch of grain, it can endure at most five more days."

Li Gao spoke up; this is a desperate number.

However, at that moment.

A voice rang out.

"Sir."

"Finished."

As the voice rang out.

Li Gao and Su Wenjing couldn't help but look over.

It was Gu Jin Nian.

In an instant, everyone was startled.

This is only just beginning.

You've already finished? Do you have to be that quick?

Fortunately, there were no anomalies.

It allowed everyone to completely sigh in relief.

(End of chapter)