Chapter 64: Da Xia Court Assembly, Yongsheng's Anger, Conspiracy Revealed Again, Scholars' Anger

Da Xia Capital.

Inside the main hall.

Officials gathered together.

The whole hall seemed somewhat solemn.

However, for any matter that is not an urgent crisis, the first half of the court session is usually spent discussing major state affairs.

The second half is for discussing matters everyone cares about.

The flood disaster in Jiangning Commandery is a major matter, and it is the pressing issue now, so it is reasonable that it occupies most of the latter half.

Within half an hour, the Six Ministries spoke first, stating some domestic affairs, after which Emperor Yongsheng would decide.

After waiting half an hour.

The scene fell silent again.

Everyone was biding their time, waiting for someone to break the deadlock or for the emperor to speak.

But Emperor Yongsheng remained silent for a long time.

Finally, the Left Vice Minister of Works stood up.

"Your Majesty, I have a report."

"The number of refugees in Jiangning Commandery has exceeded two million, and it increases by over five hundred thousand each day; local memorials report that rice merchants in Jiangning Prefecture are hoisting grain prices, averaging around 120 taels of silver per picul."

"Even just yesterday, rice merchants hoarded wealth extensively, pushing the grain price up to 260 taels of silver per picul—an unprecedented act in this prosperous era."

"I implore Your Majesty to issue an edict punishing the senior officials of Jiangning Commandery and to restrict grain prices; otherwise this situation will cause panic in surrounding prefectures and invite great disaster."

The Left Vice Minister of Works spoke up.

He brought the matter of Jiangning Commandery into the open.

Actually, everyone present already knew this, and Emperor Yongsheng on the Dragon Throne naturally knew as well.

Grain prices have surged, which is understandable given the flood.

But 260 taels per picul is unreasonable, too glaring; how does that fit the words 'prosperous age'?

However, upon hearing this,

Emperor Yongsheng was merely slightly surprised, looking at the officials and saying,

"How could such a thing exist?"

"260 taels of silver per picul of rice?"

He appeared surprised, but the officials all remained silent, obviously unwilling to go along with the act.

"The flood in Jiangning Commandery has left countless refugees; this situation truly goes against heavenly principle."

"However, natural and man-made disasters are unavoidable; Jiangning Commandery is three thousand li from the capital, and local officials will weigh things themselves. I intend to hold a capital inspection next month, at which time I will set up a banquet for officials to investigate thoroughly."

"After all, given such a natural disaster, I believe you, as subjects of Da Xia, would not corruptly break the law; there must be some hardship, but no matter what, as long as the people are safe, I can deal with it leniently."

Seeing the officials not cooperating with his act, Emperor Yongsheng stopped pretending.

The meaning is quite simple: I know the situation, but what can be done? You have no ideas, and the local officials can only do this; it's not like we can make those officials conjure grain out of thin air. Yet this answer is not what some people want to hear.

The fact that grain costs 260 taels of silver per picul is shocking in itself, and it's not a good thing for these people.

The emperor wants face, and the officials want face too.

When such a thing occurs in a prosperous age, what face do these top officials have to claim they serve the country and the people?

Don't look at them now being first-, second-, or third-rank high officials; in the capital they stand at the pinnacle of subjecthood.

But once they step outside, scholars from all over might denounce them in any manner.

The emperor can afford to be lax.

The officials cannot afford to be lax.

"Your Majesty."

"That is mistaken."

At this moment, the Right Vice Minister of Revenue rose, bowed to Emperor Yongsheng, and then presented his memorial, saying,

"Jiangning Prefecture officials have reported."

"Although the refugees are said to be as numerous as the sea, the prefecture's grain reserves are ample; the stockpiles of the major rice merchants alone could relieve the situation for at least three months."

"If we can delay for three months, the main roads will surely be repaired, and the troops dispatched by the court will also be able to deliver grain to Jiangning Commandery."

Furthermore, the harvest season has already begun; various prefectures, counties, and towns have made preparations, so now we only need to stabilize the refugees, and relief efforts will resolve all troubles.

"Therefore I believe that the rice merchants' price hikes are mainly due to local officials' negligence."

"Of course, facing a natural disaster, manpower is insufficient; such reasoning is normal, but nevertheless this should not be allowed to run rampant."

"I have a plan to quell the grain disturbance: if Your Majesty issues an edict to suppress grain prices and sends an imperial envoy posthaste to Jiangning Prefecture to confer with the Jiangning Commandery governor and the local rice merchants,"

"At a reasonable price, purchase grain; this will ensure grain stability and prevent popular unrest, while each side makes concessions, keeping peace. Once the situation is fully stabilized, we can bring this matter into the capital inspection agenda to prevent similar incidents from recurring."

The Right Vice Minister of Revenue gave a lengthy exposition, finally stating his purpose, which was also his idea.

This is the Right Vice Minister of Revenue speaking; in fact, it represents the whole Ministry of Revenue's view.

In other words, the Ministry of Revenue is willing to spend silver.

For a moment, the officials' expressions shifted slightly; the Ministry of Revenue had loosened its stance, making many things indeed easier to handle.

"Aren't the rice merchants just after silver? If the Ministry of Revenue is willing to give it, we can talk, and there's no need for swords and bloodshed; the only cost would be that the treasury loses some silver."

But this is unavoidable; who made us encounter such a matter this year?

"Oh?"

"Let the rice merchants lower prices? That's a good idea, but how many taels of silver should we reduce to?"

Emperor Yongsheng grew somewhat interested; he sat upright on the Dragon Throne, dignified without anger, stroking his beard, a bit curious.

"I believe twelve taels of silver per picul is just right."

The latter spoke up, stating a number.

Twelve taels of silver, which is double the normal grain price; to say it's expensive, it is indeed very expensive.

But given the natural and man-made disasters, it's not really especially expensive; the market price is fine.

However, upon hearing this, the Emperor Yongsheng immediately understood.

He nodded, looked at the Vice Minister of Revenue, and then spoke.

"In Jiangning Prefecture, a dan of grain normally costs six taels of silver; given this harvest, it should actually drop further."

"But now, with natural and man-made disasters, we should double the price for them."

"Tsk tsk, merchants these days really know how to do business—six taels per dan yields at least a forty percent profit."

"Now it's twelve taels per dan; I calculate that, with two to three million refugees wanting to eat their fill, that's over twenty thousand dan per day."

"That means a daily profit of several tens of thousands of taels of silver; if we don't keep increasing it, and if all the refugees in Jiangning Commandery were gathered, it would at least triple, meaning their daily profit would be five hundred thousand taels of silver."

"Counting various miscellaneous expenses for a month, it reaches thirty to forty million taels of silver; for three months, even a hundred million taels might not be enough."

"Good, good, this is truly excellent."

Emperor Yongsheng muttered to himself while calculating.

But once the calculation was finished, everyone involuntarily lowered their heads.

They could feel that Emperor Yongsheng was already very angry.

They could feel that the Yongsheng Emperor was already very angry.

"This is the best plan; it certainly won't—"

The latter steeled himself and continued speaking.

But the next moment, Emperor Yongsheng slapped the arm of the dragon throne, his voice full of chill.

But the next moment, the Yongsheng Emperor slapped the armrest of the dragon throne, his voice filled with coldness.

"What a damn good strategy; I see you're just profiteering—I suspect those Jiangning Prefecture merchants are connected to you."

"Twelve taels of silver per dan—you dare say that?"

"Using the state's silver for disaster relief is fine, but giving it to those merchants would only encourage corrupt practices."

"Take him away, send him to the Office of the Hanging Lantern for a strict investigation to see if he's colluding with those merchants."

"To even think of dipping into the state treasury—have you grown tired of living?"

He roared, the emperor's aura spreading out, and all civil and military officials turned pale at once.

As for the Vice Minister of Revenue, he was as if struck by lightning.

He never imagined that proposing a strategy would cause such trouble; being sent to the Office of the Hanging Lantern—what does that mean? Even if the investigation turns up nothing, he'd still lose half his life, and once the Office starts investigating, it won't just be this matter; they'll investigate everything else as well.

How many officials in the Da Xia Dynasty are clean? If investigated, his career would be ruined and his family implicated—how could he not panic? Before he could speak, Hu Yong stepped forward.

How many officials in the Da Xia Dynasty are clean? If investigated, his career would be over, and his whole family would suffer; how could he not panic? But before he could speak first, Hu Yong stepped out.

"Minister Lin worries for the state, racking his brains to devise this strategy; though flawed, he ultimately serves the court, loyal to the nation and its people."

"Please calm your anger, Your Majesty."

Hu Yong stood up, spoke thus, and pleaded on behalf of the latter.

"In court, there are no real enemies or allies; it's about right and wrong, not people. Even though Hu Yong and He Yan are opposed, everyone agrees on this matter."

"If we stand by and do nothing, or even add insult to injury, no one benefits, and no one will keep bringing this up."

"This is disadvantageous to oneself and to everyone."

"So Hu Yong steps forward to plead for He Yan's people; if one day Hu Yong's people run into trouble, He Yan will also help out, as long as core interests aren't affected, everything else can be discussed."

"We officials beg Your Majesty to calm your anger."

"At this point, basically all civil officials spoke up together, pleading for the Vice Minister of Revenue."

"But most military officials remained silent."

"This matter has little direct relevance to them, nor any benefit; naturally, the civil officials' collective pleading won't provoke them to cause trouble, since it doesn't harm their own interests."

"But expecting them to help is also impossible."

"Faced with this scene."

Emperor Yongsheng gave a cold snort, his eyes full of chill and also revealing ferocity.

"Back when the Founding Emperor rose in revolt, it was due to harsh taxes and greedy merchants, which left my father emperor without allies or kin."

"Yet today, amid the flood disaster, you want me to negotiate with a bunch of merchants? Ha, you really have the gall."

"I tell you today, not even twelve taels of silver, even if it were six or three taels, I would not give."

"Now, with the harvest imminent and the demon beast dead, at most half a month from now, large quantities of grain and fodder will be transported into Jiangning Prefecture."

"Thus, no one will starve to death."

"As for those merchants, they'll merely earn a few days' worth of silver."

"Moreover, a good plan is already in place; I have enacted it, no need for further words."

Emperor Yongsheng was immensely domineering.

These words, in their eyes, conveyed two meanings.

"First, not to negotiate with the merchants."

"Second, the emperor truly intends to take action against these merchants."

"Either way, these are not the outcomes they wished to see."

"However, what surprised everyone was that this remark about already having a good plan sounded strange."

"\"Your Majesty, may I ask where this good plan lies? \""

"\"I have not seen any sign of the flood disaster easing. \""

I have not seen any sign of the flood disaster easing.

At this moment, a Confucian minister spoke up and directly asked about the good strategy.

"The good strategy has already been implemented; it need not be known by many, and in a few days it will become clear."

Emperor Yongsheng gave no explanation, merely telling the officials to wait a few days to learn of it.

But the Confucian minister still spoke directly.

"Your Majesty, may I ask which official presented this good strategy?"

He continued to inquire, pressing the matter to the end.

"It was presented by my nephew, Gu Jin Nian."

"Any other questions?"

"If there are no further questions, then the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue shall be dismissed and investigated."

"Retreat from court."

His final reply left the officials in immediate silence.

It not only solidified the intention but also served as a warning; as for the person who offered the strategy, they saw it merely as a convenient pretext.

But Emperor Yongsheng had already left the court, giving them no chance at all.

For a moment, the officials truly did not know what to say.

Consider the fate of the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue.

Being dismissed and investigated over a single sentence inevitably felt like a rabbit's death causing a fox's sorrow; although serving the ruler is like serving a tiger, it was indeed frightening.

Especially He Yan's expression turned exceedingly grim.

He was his subordinate.

Now being dismissed and investigated outright, his life was utterly bleak, and he would also endure numerous interrogations and tortures, leaving his mind unsettled.

More importantly, the idea had been his own; the emperor's actions—did they strike him again? Did they cast doubt on his collusion with merchants?

If such suspicion existed, that would be truly terrifying.

Soon.

The officials left the court.

He Yan's expression grew solemn, and at that moment Hu Yong's voice sounded from beside him.

"Secretary He, may we go to the small courtyard for a talk?"

He spoke calmly.

"Very well."

He Yan glanced at Hu Yong and then nodded.

Then the group departed.

A little over half an hour later.

The Hu Residence's small courtyard.

Hu Yong and He Yan sat facing each other, with a wine jar placed before them.

He Yan poured a cup, drank it in one gulp, and remained solemn.

"Secretary He, do you know where today's matter went wrong?"

He asked, addressing He Yan.

"Where is the fault?"

He Yan looked at him and asked directly.

Hu Yong had arranged this meeting, surely to convey something, so He Yan was also curious about what Hu Yong intended to say.

"The key point was identified incorrectly."

"We should not have made Jiangning Prefecture the focus."

Hu Yong spoke calmly, pointing out the crucial issue.

"Everyone in the court, civil and military, knows about the Jiangning Prefecture affair; if we know, does the emperor not as well?"

"The emperor's continued silence means he does not wish to raise the matter, after all it involves those merchants."

"Whoever makes a fuss at this critical juncture would be suspected of colluding with merchants."

"Thus, this is the root of the problem."

Hu Yong spoke slowly, highlighting the key point.

"If we do not make Jiangning Commandery the focus, then whose?"

He Yan was somewhat irritated.

The events have already occurred; what meaning is there in saying this now? "A few days ago, wasn't there someone who presented a strategy?"

"Is the current situation of Jiangning Commandery related to that presented strategy?"

"Fixating on the Jiangning officials is pointless."

"Using refugees and merchants as a focus is also meaningless."

"Whose idea it was, whose trouble to seek—that is the crux."

Hu Yong spoke, but his words were very veiled.

The latter frowned involuntarily; in an instant he understood the implication.

Today the emperor publicly declared that the strategy was presented by Gu Jin Nian.

In other words, Hu Yong allowed himself to use Gu Jin Nian as the focus.

He became somewhat wary upon hearing this.

After all, who doesn't know that Gu Jin Nian is merely a front; what strategy could he possibly offer—wasn't it the emperor's own plan? By putting an inconsequential person on top, no one would have to bear responsibility if trouble arose.

"If we make him the focus, it might only invite unnecessary trouble, right?"

He Yan frowned, speaking thus.

No.

Sir He, the Emperor is using Gu Jin Nian as a smokescreen, merely to eliminate influence.

We both know the Emperor's true intent; there's no need to feign ignorance. But we also know that if the Emperor truly orders a massacre, Da Xia will face internal strife.

The Emperor is warlike and decisive in his actions, which is good, but in governing, the killing intent must not be too heavy. Now, if we wish to restrain him, we must let the Emperor know the officials' stance.

Therefore we must certainly make an issue of Gu Jin Nian, for he is a pawn the Emperor uses to test us officials; if we stay silent, this blade will fall on countless necks.

If we launch severe criticism, the Emperor will not let his killing intent grow too strong, and many matters can then unfold gradually.

Furthermore, Sir He, someone will naturally speak up tomorrow; my meaning is simple: at the crucial moment, you need only step forward and say a few words, with no need for us to appear.

Hu Yong took a sip of wine and smiled.

Let's see how this develops.

After hearing Hu Yong's words, He Yan gave no commitment, merely offering a vague reply.

But what Hu Yong said is indeed reasonable.

And Hu Yong did not continue the discussion; he merely smiled and talked about other amusing matters.

However.

Within the Da Xia Capital.

Indeed, quite a few rumors have already spread.

The main cause is still the national fortune poem from a few days ago.

Gu Jin Nian composed the national fortune poem, naturally drawing the attention of these scholars in the capital.

Thus, besides spreading the national fortune poem, other students from the Da Xia Academy also promoted Su Wenjing's great praise of Gu Jin Nian's proposal.

Initially, these scholars each praised Gu Jin Nian's outstanding talent, yet there was no shortage of those envious and jealous.

However, Gu Jin Nian's excellence left them with no excuse to criticize anything.

But as the situation in Jiangning Commandery grew ever more severe, some sour remarks began to surface.

But what truly caught these scholars' attention was after the morning court.

Emperor Yong Sheng himself admitted that all disaster relief plans for Jiangning Commandery followed Gu Jin Nian's proposal.

Some astute officials guessed the reason.

They knew the Emperor was merely using a pawn, for Gu Jin Nian's recent prominence is unmatched—before him, timeless writings; after him, the national fortune poem.

Using him as a front is best; if something goes wrong, at worst it's just that Gu Jin Nian, though talented, is too sharp and needs tempering—I misjudged him.

If nothing happens, Gu Jin Nian will receive credit and rewards.

Furthermore, with so many events in Jiangning Commandery, the military faction hasn't uttered a word, which is also problematic; thus it is widely believed that this all stems from an agreement among the Defender of the State Duke, Su Wenjing, and Emperor Yong Sheng.

As for Gu Jin Nian, he's merely making a cameo.

But what can the officials do? They certainly won't speak of it.

But most scholars are different; youthful and fervent, they love nothing more than to redress grievances for the people, mouthing morality while speaking of the populace. Gu Jin Nian was originally a playboy, yet suddenly became Da Xia's foremost talent—do they accept him? Some do; basically anyone who sees Gu Jin Nian accepts him.

But most people do not accept him.

Why not? Because who stands behind Gu Jin Nian? It's the Defender of the State Duke.

Resentment of wealth is an eternal thing; a playboy suddenly becoming Da Xia's foremost talent.

Especially since this playboy is also among Da Xia's highest nobility, could there be a possibility that someone is boosting Gu Jin Nian's reputation?

The answer is obvious; it's quite possible.

Yet there's no reason to criticize him, for after all, Gu Jin Nian remains a playboy and has done nothing heinous.

Lately his reputation has improved again, so there's little to say.

But now there is a reason? Yes.

Jiangning Commandery has a million refugees, and rumors abound; when they reach the capital they become tales of cannibalism, barren lands for a thousand li, and the people unable to survive.

Although the facts aren't that exaggerated, they're not far off.

Today another report arrived: in Jiangning Prefecture, a dan of grain sold for the astronomical price of 260 taels of silver; as it passed from mouth to mouth, it turned into a dan of grain selling for a thousand taels.

This sent those scholars into an uproar.

You, Gu Jin Nian, aren't you Da Xia's foremost talent? Is this it?

Is this your proposal? To let grain prices spike to a thousand taels of silver per dan?

Even a pig's head directing affairs wouldn't do this, would it?

Moreover, even more outrageous rumors have surfaced.

The Vice Minister of Revenue proposed negotiating with Jiangning Prefecture's grain merchants to suppress prices to market levels, allocating treasury funds to purchase grain, thereby easing the government's burden.

As a result, Marquis Linyang directly vetoed it, accusing the Vice Minister of Revenue of colluding with merchants, and was immediately stripped of office and investigated.

But in fact, Marquis Linyang didn't attend court today.

But do the common people want to hear this? No.

They'd rather hear what they want to hear. Is Jiangning Prefecture flooded with refugees?

Are they all going hungry?

Are grain prices skyrocketing? Yes, that's correct.

Then Gu Jin Nian is a calamity.

"A dan of grain for a thousand taels of silver—unheard of throughout history, across all dynasties—where could such silver-priced grain come from? Is this the idea of Da Xia's foremost talent? Framing the official for colluding with merchants, I think the Gu family simply wants to profit from the chaos, squeezing the people's sweat and blood."

"To preserve their careers, they stop at nothing, making millions of commoners the stepping stone for the Gu family's official path? Truly hateful, truly hateful."

"What damned Da Xia's foremost talent, what damned timeless writings—perhaps someone behind the scenes is guiding him just to smooth Gu Jin Nian's official career; truly disgusting."

"I cannot imagine that the one who wrote 'Who knows the food on the plate, every grain is hard-won' would devise such a strategy, and dare claim the national fortune poem wasn't ghostwritten."

"Walk, go to Da Xia Academy, I want to confront Gu Jin Nian face to face, I want to ask him, what exactly is on his mind? Treating millions of common people as if they were in water and fire, see his heart, is it black?"

Voices rang out one after another.

Inside the capital, it is obvious that someone deliberately slandered Gu Jin Nian, calling him unkind, unjust, unfilial, disloyal.

Such horrifying talk also aroused resentment among the common people.

Some with ill intentions stirred up trouble.

Meanwhile, most scholars blindly followed along; the whole matter only needed a little careful thought to reveal countless loopholes.

But the problem is, when emotions run high, ordinary people are easily led astray.

Hearing wind and thinking it's rain is the norm.

Adding to that, jealousy in their hearts and the group effect made everyone subconsciously feel that Gu Jin Nian was wrong; the refugees of Jiangning Prefecture were numerous, this was Gu Jin Nian's fault, the soaring grain prices were also his fault.

At this time, if you dare say a good word about Gu Jin Nian, all you get is abuse.

And to join the group, you can only follow the crowd; no matter who you spray, anyway, many people mean strength.

I am the light.

The light standing on the moral high ground.

After all, I can't actually do anything.

Even if you let me write a timeless essay, I can't.

But if you let me follow you to cause a scene, to join in the shouting, then it's simple.

In a moment, thousands of scholars rushed toward Da Xia Academy in a mighty throng.

Each with firm gaze and solemn expression, like justiciars going to judge others.

However, some scholars rushed to Da Xia Academy as fast as they could; some were people who had seen Gu Jin Nian a few days earlier.

They immediately realized someone was secretly causing trouble, so they quickly spread the word, fearing something major would happen.

If the crowd were to rise in anger and injure Gu Jin Nian, that would be a huge trouble.

Indeed, someone has already gone to notify the Gu Family.

But regarding this news, the Gu Family didn't pay much heed, as if they had already prepared.

Da Xia Academy.

With deafening footsteps sounding.

Thousands of scholars have already gathered here.

Their eyes filled with anger.

They appeared in a mighty throng at Da Xia Academy, their gazes sharp and terrifying, each one hating evil as if it were an enemy.

"Where is Gu Jin Nian?"

"Come out."

A voice sounded.

Immediately, thousands of people spoke in unison, their voices spreading throughout Da Xia Academy, startling birds and beasts in all directions.

Soon, figures appeared one after another; they were students of Da Xia Academy, unaware of what had happened.

Nevertheless, seeing these people still made them genuinely nervous.

At this moment.

In the dormitory.

In Gu Jin Nian's room, two scholars, out of breath, informed him of the matter.

They were students from other academies; a few days earlier they had come to Da Xia Academy, attended Gu Jin Nian's lecture, and after returning they admired him greatly, so when this happened they came right away to inform him.

"Brother Jin Nian, you'd better flee from the back mountain quickly; this gang has been bewitched and is completely mad."

"A true hero doesn't suffer immediate loss."

The two spoke up, urging Gu Jin Nian to run quickly.

And inside the room.

Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but frown, not because of the thousands of people arriving, but because he was curious about something.

Why did his uncle publicly admit that the strategy was his own offering?

Actually, there's no need to say that.

To others, his uncle seemed to want to kill merchants, but he knows the true inside story.

Therefore, his uncle doesn't need to say all this at all.

Now doing this only needlessly lets others lead him around.

But Gu Jin Nian understands in his heart.

His uncle's actions surely have his own reasons; it's just that he himself doesn't know some things.

"How many people are outside?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"Not sure, but there are definitely at least two or three thousand."

"If there weren't that many, they wouldn't dare come to cause trouble for Brother Gu."

The other party replied.

After all, who would dare cause trouble for one or two people, the grandson of a duke?

But two or three thousand people are different; with many people comes great strength, the law does not punish the many, and besides, they didn't come to kill Gu Jin Nian.

They just wanted to stand on the moral high ground, scold Gu Jin Nian soundly, vent their inner anger, and incidentally raise their own status.

From now on, whenever they meet someone they'll say, 'Do you know the grandson of the Duke who pacifies the state?'

"I've sprayed him, and he doesn't dare talk back."

Fine.

"Thank you, both brothers; this kindness I, the Crown Prince, will keep in my heart."

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

He thanked the two of them.

At that moment, four figures appeared outside the door.

They were Wang Fugui, Xu Changge, Xu Ya, Zhao Siqing, and Shangguan Baiyu.

"Brother Gu, what happened? Why did it suddenly turn out like this?"

Wang Fugui's complexion turned sour as he asked Gu Jin Nian.

"There are at least three or four thousand people outside; we don't know what's happening. But Brother Gu, I will have my senior brother use his sword to escort you out. Whatever it is, leaving first is wise; these people are hostile."

Xu Ya spoke, also hoping Gu Jin Nian would leave quickly, and even suggested a way to escape.

"Right, right, Brother Jin Nian, you should follow my senior brother first; it seems they've already gone to look for the dean."

Zhao Siqing also spoke, not wanting Gu Jin Nian to encounter trouble.

But Gu Jin Nian shook his head, his expression calm, and said,

"My conscience is clear; why should I leave?"

"If I leave, wouldn't that confirm the Crown Prince as a guilty thief?"

"Besides, I want to see who is actually looking to cause me trouble."

Gu Jin Nian showed no hint of fear.

He even stepped out of the room and walked toward the outside.

The others fell silent.

Most stopped trying to persuade, only Wang Fugui kept urging, since the crowd outside was fierce; he truly feared something happening to Gu Jin Nian.

But his temperament could not be restrained.

They followed all the way to the outside of Da Xia Academy.

Sure enough.

Thousands gathered, each with angry faces, while Academy students watched from the sidelines.

At the same time, a surge of resentment flooded into his own body.

It was an unexpected delight.

As for not far away,

Su Huaiyu and Jiang Yezhou stood before them.

Su Huaiyu remained silent.

Jiang Yezhou forced a wry smile, explaining something to the crowd.

"Everyone must have misunderstood,"

"Brother Gu could never have colluded with the Jiang Ningfu merchants,"

"Someone must be acting behind the scenes; you must not act like this,"

Jiang Yezhou spoke, defending Gu Jin Nian.

But no one listened to his words.

Instead, a chorus of insults rose.

"Who are you? Explaining for Gu Jin Nian? Let him come himself,"

"Exactly, have Gu Jin Nian himself appear,"

"What does it have to do with you? We're looking for Gu Jin Nian, not you,"

"Why hasn't he come out? Is he guilty?"

"This man is Jiang Yezhou, son of the Night Robe Marquis, also a noble; no wonder he shields Gu Jin Nian so much—he's a fellow scoundrel."

"I see, get lost,"

"Officials protect each other, nobles collude; Da Xia Academy has become this disgrace because of you,"

Various voices rose; someone recognized Jiang Yezhou and immediately began hurling insults, humiliating him.

But at that moment,

suddenly a voice rang out.

"Look, Gu Jin Nian is coming out,"

"What? Gu Jin Nian is out? Where?"

"Is that Gu Jin Nian? Sure enough, a thief's look,"

"His moral decay is true, but calling him a thief's look is excessive,"

"Say what you will; he's not a good person anyway,"

"Are you Gu Jin Nian's lackey?"

"No, no, I was just speaking offhand, just offhand,"

The voices grew increasingly absurd.

Someone tried to explain, but was met with angry stares.

Thus they quickly changed their words, fearing they'd be seen as a noble's lackey.

Inside the Academy,

Gu Jin Nian watched it all.

He had not faced such a situation for the first time.

In his previous life, when he wrote scripts, he had encountered the same; no matter how good the writing, if you are young and achieve undeserved fame, you can only expect criticism thereafter.

Trolls have existed since ancient times.

Every dynasty has them.

Moreover, their way of thinking is very consistent; simply put,

I am a piece of trash, you should also be a piece of trash; if you are not trash, then you have a problem.

If I can't find what's wrong with you, then your character is problematic; regardless of whether I've met you in person, you definitely have a problem.

If your character is fine, then your actions are problematic; you haven't done this thing perfectly, so you have a problem.

The simplest description is that trolls always stand on high ground to spray you, because they demand you become a sage; if you make a slight mistake, you are worse than beasts.

But if you haven't made a mistake, that's also not acceptable, because you haven't done it right.

However, seeing several thousand real-life trolls is still a first for me.

"Uncle Gu Jin Nian, that one is Yang Boyun, and the one leading in the middle is Wang Xuan; Li Xiang is also inside, the one with the loudest voice."

At this moment, Li Ji suddenly appeared.

Upon hearing such a commotion, he naturally would not miss the excitement.

After seeing so many people, Li Ji first froze, then immediately spotted a few familiar faces in the crowd.

He hurriedly spoke into Gu Jin Nian's ear.

Upon hearing Li Ji's words.

Gu Jin Nian directed his gaze over.

Indeed, these guys were at the forefront, all leading the charge.

"Gu Jin Nian, you are not a proper son."

"Gu Jin Nian, you are oppressing the people."

"Gu Jin Nian, you are disloyal, unfilial, inhumane, and unjust."

The curses thundered.

Chattering like a market, such behavior would make many in the academy frown.

Because their quality is low and they never explain anything clearly, they just keep cursing here.

It's like they're sick.

"Silence."

At the critical moment, a voice rang out, shaking the entire crowd.

It was the voice of a Great Scholar.

In fact, when these scholars gather, all the Great Scholars and teachers of the academy come out, though they simply weren't present here to observe.

But when things have reached this point, someone must step forward.

This is an elderly man.

Wearing a gray scholar's robe, with a solemn countenance, he appeared in the midst of the crowd, causing everyone to fall silent.

"This is Great Scholar Wang Yun."

"Great Scholar Wang Yun has arrived."

"Everyone, please be quiet, no more arguing."

Upon seeing who had come, everyone fell silent one after another, gradually quieting down.

And the Great Scholar called Wang Yun,

glanced at the crowd,

then glanced at Gu Jin Nian,

then slowly spoke.

"This is the Da Xia Academy; you have gathered here—what is your purpose?"

He spoke, questioning this group of assembled scholars.

"Responding to Great Scholar,"

"We have come today to seek justice for the millions of refugees of Jiangning Prefecture."

At this moment, a handsome young man stepped forward.

This is Wang Xuan; although I don't know why he bears a grudge against Gu Jin Nian, he was the first to speak.

"Who are you seeking justice from?"

Great Scholar Wang Yun frowned, looking at the opponent.

"Gu Jin Nian."

Voices rose up, answering in unison.

"Silence."

Great Scholar Wang Yun spoke again, letting the crowd quiet down, still gazing at Wang Xuan.

"Responding to Great Scholar, the Jiangning Commandery suffers a devastating flood; millions of people are displaced, unable to fill their stomachs, turning the realm into a hell on earth."

"Gu Jin Nian proposed relief measures, yet this caused grain prices in Jiangning Prefecture to skyrocket, leading countless refugees to starve outside the city."

"We suspect that Gu Jin Nian colluded with merchants, using the pretext of relief to amass wealth corruptly and break the law."

Wang Xuan spoke, explaining their purpose.

But as soon as these words were spoken, Great Scholar Wang Yun couldn't help but snort coldly.

"Foolish."

"Truly foolish."

"If Gu Jin Nian's relief plan were for corrupt gain, how could the emperor not know?"

"Is this not a forced slander?"

Wang Yun heard this and immediately noticed the loophole, then rebutted.

But Wang Xuan disagreed, having already prepared an argument.

"Scholar Wang, this is Gu Jin Nian's scheming side; his strategy lets His Majesty lower his guard, appearing to quell rebellion but actually to amass wealth."

"Otherwise, the refugee crisis in Jiang Ning Prefecture could be fully funded by the state treasury, buying grain from merchants and donating it to the people—wouldn't that be wonderful?"

"Furthermore, we suspect that Gu Jin Nian's renowned writings and state‑protecting poems were all ghostwritten; this is a conspiracy, a massive conspiracy, to pave his way, then use the pretext of his talent to advise His Majesty, thereby extensively extorting wealth and disregarding lives."

"Otherwise, how could Gu Jin Nian have been useless for over a decade and suddenly possess such talent?"

"Students have reason to suspect there is an even greater conspiracy."

"If Gu Jin Nian cannot give an explanation, we will definitely not leave today."

"We must eliminate harm for the people."

"I have to say, this Wang Xuan really knows how to pick faults."

"He can even link time together—a master of conspiracy theories—and he's also skilled at stirring emotions."

"Nonsense."

"This is the Da Xia Academy—who dares to act recklessly?"

Wang Yun let out a loud shout.

"Although Wang Xuan's words have some merit, he is not stupid and immediately spotted many far‑fetched claims."

"Besides, how could omen‑phenomena be produced by ghostwriting? It's purely looking for trouble."

"But when Scholar Wang spoke like that, a strange voice sounded from the crowd."

"Hmph, I see you've also been bribed by the powerful."

"As a scholar, you don't speak for the people but for the powerful—do you deserve to be a Great Scholar?"

"Everyone, today we must make Gu Jin Nian give an account; he has remained silent, letting the Da Xia Academy people step forward—this shows guilt and fear."

A voice sounded.

One doesn't know where it came from.

But such people are even more malicious.

Once again stirring up the crowd's emotions.

Drawing even more curses.

Even some people's talk has gone mad.

"Come, seize Gu Jin Nian and parade him through the streets."

"Seize him, make him kneel, and kowtow before the dead civilians."

Again, a voice came from nowhere.

Deceiving the crowd, they moved in and seized Gu Jin Nian.

But just then.

Suddenly.

Rolling yellow sand rose up.

The sound of horse hooves rang out repeatedly.

They galloped swiftly toward the Da Xia Academy.

"Who dares to move my nephew?"

A roar of anger exploded.

It was a man.

Clad in armor, he led a thousand elite iron cavalry, his eyes filled with fury and killing intent.

This is Gu Jin Nian's third uncle.

Gu Ning Fan.

Deputy Commander of the Da Xia Xuanwu Army.

(End of chapter)