Chapter 65: Kill the Scholars

Da Xia Academy.

Iron cavalry came galloping, raising rolling yellow sand.

The Xuanwu Army is Da Xia's elite iron cavalry, stationed at the capital.

At this moment, Gu Ningfan wore iron armor, his eyes brimming with killing intent, leading a thousand Xuanwu Army troops as they descended.

As the Xuanwu Army arrived, each wore iron armor, their faces obscured; only the eyes within their helmets could be seen.

Each one exuded killing intent.

This is true elite iron cavalry; the killing intent in their eyes proves everything.

"Who dares to bully my great nephew?"

A roar of anger rang out.

With the appearance of the Xuanwu Army, thousands of scholars were completely surrounded.

Gu Ningya, moreover, rode a warhorse, appearing in the midst of the crowd, his gaze first falling on Wang Xuan and the others.

The appearance of the great army.

This caused the scholars' faces to turn pale one by one, their hearts inexplicably timid.

As the old saying goes, a scholar meeting soldiers cannot explain his reasoning.

Moreover, these are not mere soldiers, but commanders, true leaders.

"Jinian, are you injured?"

Gu Ningfan's gaze quickly fell on Gu Jinian, and he directly asked whether Gu Jinian was injured.

"Third Uncle, I'm fine for now."

Gu Jinian gave the answer.

Gu Ningfan nodded at once, then his gaze fell on the group of scholars, his eyes full of coldness.

"Who is the ringleader causing trouble?"

Gu Ningfan spoke, his tone icy, questioning this bunch.

For a moment, the crowd's arrogance was instantly suppressed; each looked at the other, not knowing what to say.

"Sir, we have come today to seek justice; you, as a Vice General of the Xuanwu Army, have brought troops here privately—what is your intention?"

Wang Xuan's voice rang out.

At this critical juncture, he chose to be firm.

But the next moment.

Smack.

Gu Ningfan drew his horsewhip and lashed fiercely at Wang Xuan's face.

As the whip fell, Wang Xuan's handsome, delicate face instantly split open, blood pouring forth.

Accompanied by excruciating pain, Wang Xuan could not help but utter a miserable cry.

"Ah."

A pig-slaughtering howl rang out; who is Gu Ningfan? A Vice General of the Xuanwu Army, a martial man—this whip lashed directly at the face, how painful must it be? Everyone was frightened.

Even the Great Scholar Wang Yun beside him could not help but furrow his brow.

"What nonsense, I ask you who started this, yet you come here spouting irrelevant nonsense to me."

"What business is it of yours how I command my troops? Are you trying to say I brought troops privately, or that I intend to rebel?"

"You want to pin a hat on me? Go seek death."

Gu Ningfan is ferocious; with this whip lashing away, he doesn't care about your excuses—you want to pin a hat on him? Dream on.

Not far away.

Gu Jinian watched all this silently, but he still felt a twinge of annoyance; fortunately this person is his third uncle—if it were an enemy, the unfortunate one would be himself.

In the future, pinning hats still depends on the person; pinning a scholar's hat is fine, but pinning a soldier's requires caution—otherwise, who could endure a whip lashing? "Vice General Sir, this matter is somewhat excessive."

"Although he spoke rashly, he committed no substantive wrong."

Wang Yun spoke, although he also despised these scholars' lawless behavior, but to strike with a whip right away is perhaps excessive? "It has nothing to do with you."

Gu Ningfan glanced at the other party, bearing in mind that he was a Great Scholar, so his tone was not overly ferocious.

But soon, holding the horsewhip, he once again fixed his gaze on these scholars.

"Sir Gu, we have committed no overreach; even if we sought trouble for Gu Jinian, we did not lift a hand, yet you acted directly, which is overly cruel."

"Brother Wang Xuan spoke politely and did nothing excessive; yet you strike so harshly—are you truly the foremost family of Da Xia?"

"We are scholars, disciples of the Son of Heaven; you privately mobilized troops to suppress our loyalty and righteousness—today we shall see whether your Gu family's blade is fiercer or our righteous spirit stronger; do not fear, we number three to four thousand; if you have the ability, kill us all—then let us see whether you dare or not."

Gu Ningfan's appearance suppressed their arrogance, but as someone continued to stir things from the shadows, their emotions surged again in an instant.

Moreover, seeing Wang Xuan's miserable state, they were both panicked and angry at once.

Listening to the people's words.

Gu Ningfan's face was full of a cold smile.

"Xuanwu Army, hear orders."

"Ready the crossbows."

He spoke, his voice icy.

In an instant, the thousand iron cavalry each raised their hand crossbows, the bolts gleaming in the sunlight.

These are refined iron crossbows; when fired, they can pierce a peak fleshly-body warrior within five hundred steps—let alone several thousand scholars, even double that number, a volley of these precision crossbows would basically kill them all.

"Impossible."

"Gu Ningfan, weapons should not kill scholars; they are ultimately scholars, and killing them would bring great trouble."

"The Gu family cannot bear it either; do not act recklessly."

Wang Yun opened his mouth at once, speaking to stop, his eyes filled with panic.

Even though these scholars are all mentally flawed, they truly cannot be killed; killing scholars violates the natural order.

"Hmph, it's precisely because scholars can't be killed that I, Gu Ningfan, today will see whether it's these scholars' words that are powerful, or this iron crossbow."

"A few months ago, my nephew drowned, nearly dying; clearly he was wronged, yet he was subjected to various slanders and false accusations, and it was you scholars spreading rumors behind his back."

"Today, my eldest nephew finally achieved some success, bringing honor to the Gu Family, and we—yet you keep speaking insolently here, slandering."

"Do you really think the Gu Family is a soft persimmon? Do you intend to manipulate us however you like?"

Gu Ningfan's voice exploded.

It spread throughout the Da Xia Academy.

These words aren't just for the scholars; they're for everyone.

Once or twice would be tolerable.

His damn repeated bullying of Gu Family members? Truly damn twisted? "Load the crossbow."

He shouted loudly; in an instant all iron cavalry loaded their crossbows, and with a light press, these thousands of scholars would instantly become corpses.

"Absolutely not."

"Deputy General Gu, must not act rashly."

"This matter can be investigated thoroughly; no need for this."

"Gu Jin Nian, you quickly persuade your uncle."

At this moment, Great Scholars and teachers appeared one after another; they could no longer just watch the drama, and rushed out to intervene.

Because they sensed that Gu Ningfan truly intended to cause trouble.

If they truly killed, the whole capital would likely be unrested, and Gu Ningfan would face massive reproach.

There's no need; neither side benefits.

Thus they all stepped forward to plead, even pulling Gu Jin Nian in to beg for mercy.

But Gu Jin Nian watched silently, never uttering a word from start to finish.

Because his third uncle was right.

He almost drowned, clearly vulnerable, yet these scholars berated him, spread rumors everywhere, painting him as a petty person.

That would be enough, but now he offers counsel; he only needs to think a bit to perceive the underlying mystery, yet he is forcibly pulled into the tempo.

They claim he colluded with merchants to harm the common folk? To prey on the people?

These people are either stupid or wicked.

They deserve to die.

But he knows in his heart that killing so many scholars will surely cause a major incident.

Not killing would only fuel the evil wind.

"Gentlemen, unafraid of authority, if they kill a scholar today, tomorrow the Emperor will severely punish the Gu Family."

"Then let's see whether the Gu Family can truly surpass imperial authority."

"Even if we die, we are for the common people; we are gentlemen."

"Indeed, even if we die, we are for the common people, unafraid of authority."

"Gu Jin Nian may kill us, but cannot silence our mouths; justice resides in people's hearts."

The voice rose again, becoming the backbone for these people, continuing to stir the crowd's emotions.

But only for a moment.

Su Huaiyu acted.

Bang bang bang.

He moved extremely fast, directly pulling dozens of the agitators out of the crowd.

The number wasn't large—thirty people; Su Huaiyu had been watching these covert agitators.

Now that they've all been captured, in an instant their faces changed, fearing trouble.

"Prince, they have been covertly inciting all along."

Su Huaiyu spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian.

"Whether it's incitement or not, we speak from the heart; could we be wrong?"

"We are avenging the people; how did it become incitement in your mouth? Truly laughable."

"Do you want to seize us as an example, then kill a chicken to warn the monkey? You've miscalculated; we study the sages, nurture lofty righteousness, unafraid of authority, and even if we die here today, we are not fearful."

"Compared with the suffering of countless people in Jiang Ning Prefecture, our little pain is nothing; if you have the ability, kill us."

Those captured on the spot showed no fear; instead they continued to shout.

This was clearly unusual.

These people must be death soldiers, whose minds have been completely corrupted, unafraid of life or death.

Sure enough, as their voices rose, they instantly created a feeling of fearlessness toward death and authority.

Thus the crowd's morale rose even higher.

One could say, if they truly killed these people, the situation would indeed become more troublesome.

"You beasts, truly sharp‑tongued; bring them to the Lantern Department; I'll see whether your mouths stay hard there."

Gu Ningfan spoke; the main troublemaker had been found, making matters easier—send them to the Lantern Department; they won't stay silent.

Only.

At that moment, the resentment was almost fully absorbed, coalescing into a single resentment fruit.

And Gu Jin Nian's voice rose along with it.

"Third Uncle."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He then turned his gaze to these thirty-plus people.

He wasted no words and spoke directly.

Instigating strife, corrupting hearts—you all deserve myriad deaths; you shall be killed.

This was Gu Jin Nian's voice.

This was also his meaning and attitude.

But as his words fell, everyone was stunned.

They had thought Gu Jin Nian would step forward to explain a few sentences, or perhaps confront them.

But unexpectedly, Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth to have them executed.

"Then let's see if you dare."

Someone forced themselves to speak, staring hard at Gu Jin Nian, betting he wouldn't dare kill.

But Gu Jin Nian didn't speak; he merely looked at his third uncle.

The latter instantly understood, knowing what Gu Jin Nian meant.

However, Gu Ningfan showed slight hesitation.

He had merely been pretending earlier; actually drawing a blade wasn't from fear, but because the impact would be too great.

"Third Uncle."

"They've bullied us to the Gu family's door—won't you act?"

Seeing his third uncle's hesitation, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but speak.

"Kill."

Hearing Gu Jin Nian's words, Gu Ningfan had nothing more to say this time.

He wasn't timid either.

Mainly he feared bringing bad influence to Gu Jin Nian, but now Gu Jin Nian had spoken like this.

What else did he have to say?

In an instant, the sound of crossbow bolts tearing through the air rang out.

The thirty singled out were directly pierced through the heart, with no miracle occurring.

And their eyes were filled with disbelief.

Because they truly hadn't imagined Gu Jin Nian would dare to kill.

Thud thud thud.

Corpses fell to the ground, clutching their chests, twitching once or twice, then breathed their last.

Some still had a breath left, staring hard at Gu Jin Nian, letting out a dying roar.

"Gu Jin Nian, you are unfilial, ferocious and tyrannical, colluding with officials and merchants—heaven cannot tolerate this!"

He roared, yet spat out a mouthful of blood, then breathed his last, with no breath left.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"How could you be like this?"

"It shouldn't be, it shouldn't be."

"Dean, why haven't you appeared yet?"

At this moment, these great scholars were utterly numb—not from fear of death, but because they hadn't expected Gu Jin Nian to truly dare do this.

Nor had they imagined anyone would dare draw blades or guns within the Da Xia Academy.

As for the students of the Da Xia Academy, they each looked toward Gu Jin Nian, their eyes filled with something strange.

Wang Fugui, Zhao Siqing, Xu Ya—the three were shocked.

Xu Changge was indifferent, his eyes without a ripple; as for the three Juexin, they lowered their heads to chant sutras, unable to participate or dissuade, only able to lower their heads and chant.

But everyone's view of Gu Jin Nian was completely changed.

Originally thought Gu Jin Nian was a spoiled noble, but now it seems he is far more than that—his methods are ruthless, nothing like the simple appearance.

Silence.

Absolute silence.

More than thirty lives fell.

No one dared to stir up trouble anymore; now each stared with shock at Gu Jin Nian.

Let them cause trouble, they weren't afraid.

But now that people are dead, they are afraid.

One by one they kept silent.

Looking at the thirty fallen on the ground, Gu Jin Nian felt some discomfort, but he suppressed it.

Because he knew today's killing was to prevent future killing.

Moreover, he knew that if he didn't now reveal his methods, such incidents would continue endlessly.

Killing this lot would at least serve as a deterrent, so that henceforth neither man nor ghost could ride roughshod over Gu Jin Nian.

Or over the Gu family.

"Ignorant and foolish."

The next moment, Gu Jin Nian looked at these scholars, his voice like thunder, directly rebuking them.

"The flood chaos in Jiangning Prefecture saw myriad people amid water and fire; this prince offered a plan to His Majesty, His Majesty adopted it, naturally with His Majesty's intentions."

"Colluding with officials and merchants, greedily amassing wealth—it's no wonder you could think of such a thing."

"Does the Gu family need to amass wealth? Does this prince need to collude with officials and merchants?"

You really are amassing wealth, really colluding with officials and merchants—Your Majesty, don't you know?

Do you mean to say that the present emperor is ignorant and foolish, having been deceived by this young master? Or are you stupid, or do you think the emperor is stupid?

Gu Jin Nian spoke up; this was him truly speaking.

His words left this group of scholars silent.

Of course, the main reason is the surrounding soldiers glaring tigerishly—anyone who speaks gets knocked to the ground.

Everyone stayed silent, heads bowed.

Just stirring things up like this is foolish enough; gathering thousands, do you think I, Gu Mou, merely a duke's grandson, am easy to bully?

Do you think you stand on moral high ground, fear no power, and will leave your name for eternity?

Do you think that by gathering today at Da Xia Academy, the world will acknowledge you as first-rate scholars?

You don't even realize you're being used—have you read yourselves into a dog's belly?

If you truly have talent, why aren't you going to Jiangning Prefecture to relieve the disaster?

All you know is to bully others here?

You're a bunch of dogs.

Gu Jin Nian unleashed a tirade.

He scolded them until they were utterly battered.

Yes.

If you're capable, go relieve the disaster; why just sit here babbling?

Possibly because Gu Jin Nian scolded too harshly, someone couldn't take it and looked at Gu Jin Nian, saying.

May I ask, young master, is the plan yours?

He spoke up, asking.

Yes.

Gu Jin Nian nodded.

Then, is the grain price in Jiangning Prefecture now a thousand taels per stone, making you responsible?

He continued speaking.

Who told you the grain price in Jiangning Prefecture is a thousand taels per stone?

Gu Jin Nian looked at the latter, his tone icy.

Now everyone says that.

The latter gave an answer.

Oh, since everyone says the grain price is a thousand taels per stone, you think it's true.

Then if everyone says you're not your father's biological son, does that make it true?

Gu Jin Nian spoke up.

You're twisting words to win an argument.

Upon hearing this, the latter instantly flew into a rage, accusing Gu Jin Nian of twisting words.

You also know this is twisting words? I thought you didn't.

Rumors are fiercer than tigers; whatever others say, that's what it is—does his saying a thousand taels per stone make it so?

Gu Jin Nian directly rebuked.

The latter immediately had nothing to say.

Even if it's not a thousand taels of silver per stone, at least a hundred taels of silver per stone is unavoidable.

Should the young master therefore be responsible?

Again someone stood up to refute Gu Jin Nian.

Take responsibility for your mother.

In the next moment, Gu Jin Nian burst out with profanity.

He has read for so many years; honestly he doesn't like to scold people, but the other side is so brainless that not scolding them makes him unable to swallow his anger.

I proposed the plan, the emperor adopted it, but without promptly stabilizing the situation, then I should bear responsibility.

Who will dare to propose plans in the future?

If it's a small matter, that's still easy to say.

For such a big matter, you don't even use your brains? Just to spite? Truly, reading has ruined your mind.

The crisis in Jiangning Prefecture—millions of refugees in dire straits, the six ministries of the court, the whole nation up and down, no one has offered a good plan.

This young master proposed a plan to serve the country; in less than three days, you expect him to pacify the disaster in Jiangning Prefecture?

Is it your brain that's faulty, or this young master's?

With millions of refugees, even one spit each could drown you; even a sage couldn't pacify the chaos in three days—can you?

If you think you can do it, I will now go to the capital, meet the emperor, and strive to get you seven days to pacify the disaster in Jiangning Prefecture.

If you succeed, this young master will not only apologize to you, but accept whatever punishment you deem fit.

Moreover, this young master will recommend you for office; although recommending you as prime minister is a bit exaggerated, recommending you as a minister is fine.

As long as you issue a military order, if you pacify the flood within seven days, otherwise your family will be executed and your clan exterminated; this young master will now go to the palace.

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Dealing with trolls is simple; in front of everyone, let him do it.

If you can, then go ahead.

What's there to argue about?

Indeed.

As soon as those words were spoken, the latter fell silent.

Let him try it; he can give it a try.

But the problem is, to try it while implicating nine families, he doesn't dare.

At that moment, the crowd grew even quieter.

Because Gu Jin Nian's words were indeed without flaw.

Wanting to quell the chaos within three days— isn't that forcing the strong beyond their limits?

Let alone three or seven days.

They can't resolve it even in three months.

"Regardless, the plan was presented by the Crown Prince; with Jiang Ning Prefecture like this, we too are momentarily hot‑blooded, which is why we act thus."

"But the Crown Prince killing people—that's a bit excessive, isn't it?"

Someone else spoke up, beginning to muddle the details.

When reason fails, they start attacking character.

All that boils down to: ignoring the facts, is it that Gu Jin Nian is without fault? Truly contemptible.

"Murder?"

"Are these still humans?" "They deceive minds, incite riots. Da Xia law states that civilians bearing weapons cause disorder, scholars gathering people constitute rebellion. You were misled, ignorant, gathering over three thousand, wreaking havoc in the academy—aren't you being excessive?"

"If you dare trouble me today, can you then trouble His Majesty tomorrow?"

"Will you overthrow Da Xia the day after tomorrow and establish a new state?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke sharply.

A massive hat snapped onto the heads of that group in an instant.

"We dare not; His Highness the Crown Prince speaks too heavily."

"How could we possibly think that? His Highness the Crown Prince is being overly sophistic, isn't he?"

"We merely demand an explanation; how does rebellion and founding a state come into it? This is sheer nonsense."

In an instant, everyone panicked.

If that hat is placed, it spells the fate of implicating nine families.

"Nonsense? Sophistry? Heavy words?"

"Isn't what you are doing now exactly that?"

"You think injustice means the Ministry of Punishments is dead?"

"You think my colluding with officials and merchants makes His Majesty foolish?"

"You cause trouble here, treating the Six Ministries of Da Xia as what? Treating the Da Xia Court as what?"

"The knight breaks prohibitions with force; the scholar disrupts law with literature."

"Guards, seize all these treacherous traitors, lock them in the great prison; this Crown Prince will draft a memorial to present before the Sage."

"If I don't exile you to the frontier, then I am no longer of the Gu surname."

"Third Uncle, seize them."

"Brother Wang, help me grind ink."

Gu Jin Nian's words grew hotter with each sentence.

Beside him, Gu Ningfan's blood boiled; he never expected his elder nephew to be so fierce, debating a crowd of scholars, and with a few words pinning a crime of sowing chaos on the dynasty.

"Good, good, truly good."

The Gu Family is a military clan, hot‑tempered, with the biggest flaw of being tongue‑clumsy, especially when facing these scholars, often getting infuriated to the brink of death.

Now it's different; with Gu Jin Nian, the Gu Family need no longer fear verbal battles.

"Guards, detain them all, send them to the capital's prefectural prisons, guard them tightly; without a holy decree, no release."

"Then go to the Xuan Deng Office, report this matter, have the Deputy Commander interrogate each one personally, and make sure I get a clear answer from every one."

"See who exactly ate the bear's heart and leopard's gall, daring to rebel."

Gu Ningfan is also adept at pinning hats; this time it's not about gathering crowds but investigating for rebellion.

"Disgusting, right? If we don't disgust these scholars to death this time, Gu Ningfan's name would be called backwards."

"Brother Gu, there's no need to go that far; many of these are prominent families of the capital, and many are elite clans from across the lands. Arresting them all would cause huge trouble."

"Brother Gu, most of them are misled; they have faults but not to this extent. The crime of treason tolerates no jokes; it cannot be handled like this."

At this moment, Wang Fugui and Jiang Yezhou hurried over, hoping Gu Jin Nian would calm down.

"Jin Nian, my young friend, punishing them a bit is enough; the people are already dead, what needed has been done. No need to be so ruthless, or trouble will arise."

"Yes, yes, Jin Nian, my young friend, we already know the matter; we'll draft a memorial to inform His Majesty. You now hold the advantage, no need to fear retaliation. Though some were killed, morally and logically it's not a big issue, but if you were to arrest them all—"

"Only fear the repercussions are too great."

The Great Scholar's voice from the academy rang out as well.

They do not wish Gu Jin Nian to become too entrenched.

The whole affair began with these people acting without reason; logically, Gu Jin Nian should step out to clarify, and if the other side doesn't believe, they can intervene, making it much easier.

But Gu Jin Nian killing people is somewhat excessive.

However, those killed were troublemakers with hidden calamities, so morally and logically there's not much issue; at most it draws criticism.

But now it's different.

Gu Jin Nian intends to lock all these three thousand plus people in the great prison, charging them with treason; pinning that hat is certainly no small matter.

Being on the top line, and with the Deputy Commander of the Xuan Deng Office being Gu Jin Nian's sixth uncle, one can imagine how grim their fate will be.

Behind these people are one clan after another, either this capital aristocrat or that capital aristocrat.

If Gu Jin Nian truly does this, it equates to opposing half of Da Xia's aristocratic clans and elite scholars.

A light punishment and a stern warning will do; there's no need for this.

But faced with everyone's persuasion.

Gu Jin Nian's expression did not change.

"If we don't punish severely today, this will happen again."

"I know who is behind them, but so what?"

"Esteemed teachers."

"Gu truly wants to ask: you ask me whether I fear them, why don't you ask whether they fear me?"

"Today, if we don't punish them severely, Gu will never stop."

Gu Jin Nian was truly thunderously angry.

Once, twice, three times.

They keep coming to cause trouble, treating him like a child to bully, right?

The top aristocrat of Da Xia, so lowly?

Can they just be bullied like this? Moreover, my grandfather said, as long as it's reasonable, you can cause trouble however you like.

The main point is, my uncle said three days ago in person, as long as it's justified, it's fine.

Then what's there to fear? Upon saying that,

Everyone fell completely silent; they could see that Gu Jin Nian was determined to deal with this reckless bunch.

"Gu Jin Nian, you cannot act like this; we are only momentarily bewitched. If you imprison us, aren't you afraid of inciting the scholars of the world to curse you?"

"Gu Jin Nian, though you are an aristocrat, you must not abuse your authority; this Da Xia Dynasty belongs to the Li Family, not the Gu Family."

"If you dare imprison me today, I will unite all my friends to impeach the Gu Family."

"I am of the Longxing Royal House; my ancestors include a Half Saint. I come from a saintly lineage; you cannot imprison me."

"Good, good, good, this hat fits perfectly. You claim we intend rebellion; aren't you truly afraid that the entire court of civil officials will impeach the Gu Family?"

Realizing they were about to be dragged into the great prison.

These people instantly could not sit still.

These aristocratic scions, not accustomed to silk and jade, have only ever heard of others being imprisoned; to have them imprisoned?

Who could endure this suffering? Especially bearing the crime of treason?

This makes it even more unbearable for them.

Voices rose one after another.

Filled with dissent.

More of it was anger.

A sky‑high fury.

Only, at this moment.

The rolling yellow sand rose again.

Another thousand iron cavalry appeared, but these were not the Xuanwu Army nor the Hanging Lantern Office; they were the Jingmen Army.

Elite troops tasked with guarding the four gates of the capital.

They share the same duty as the Xuanwu Army, merely divided into two sections.

"Stop."

"Do not harm anyone."

Accompanied by a voice.

At the head was Great Scholar Zhang Yunhai.

He rode a warhorse, swiftly entering the crowd.

And the Jingmen Army immediately surrounded everyone.

"I am Zhang Yunhai, acting on the prime minister's order."

"I have come here to disperse the troublemakers."

Zhang Yunhai's warhorse galloped, his gaze instantly fell on those corpses, then he clenched the imperial edict in his hand.

He came to rescue people.

It must be said, the capital is the capital; even slapping a person makes them a seventh‑rank official. If this were any other prefecture, not even three thousand scholars causing a disturbance would move the prime minister.

"Lord Gu."

"There are doubts about this matter; Xiang Ye is already aware and will begin a thorough investigation."

"Please rest assured, Lord, Xiang Ye will investigate to the end; it's just that to investigate properly we should disperse them, no need for further turmoil."

Looking at Gu Ningfan, Zhang Yunhai spoke directly.

He didn't even glance at Gu Jin Nian, nor discuss with him, but consulted Gu Ningfan.

At this very moment.

Gu Ningfan stared at the imperial edict, his expression icy; how could he not say that Zhang Yunhai came to rescue people?

But pulling out an imperial edict, does he think he can command a retreat? Dream on.

Gu Ningfan said nothing, instead looking at Gu Jin Nian.

The meaning was simple.

Your words don't work; my elder nephew's words are what count.

If the imperial decree were still to be heard, Xiang Ye? Is that impressive? And these thousands of scholars, seeing Zhang Yunhai arrive with the imperial edict, at that moment breathed a sigh of relief.

They felt rescued, and no longer caused trouble, just honestly returning home.

But above the academy.

Looking at Zhang Yunhai, Gu Jin Nian chuckled in his heart.

He didn't come early, didn't come late, but why show up now?

When these scholars were making a fuss, did no one in the capital notice? Doesn't the prime minister know?

Now the situation is in my favor, so you hurry over to scoop up people? What are you thinking?

"Third Uncle, seize them."

Gu Jin Nian continued speaking.

He did not yield in the slightest.

"What are you standing there for? Didn't you hear what my elder nephew said?"

"Seize them."

Having received Gu Jin Nian's answer, Gu Ningfan completely ignored Zhang Yunhai, spoke directly, and ordered his troops to seize them.

In an instant, the thousand elite dismounted, readied their chains, and directly took them away.

Click click click.

In just a moment, the Capital Gate troops all readied their crossbows, aimed at the Black Warrior Army, with icy expressions.

"Sir Gu, this must not be done; this is the prime minister's order, do not make things difficult for me."

At this moment, the Northern Gate commander of the Capital Gate troops immediately spoke, he dismounted, bowed to Gu Ningfan; although both were fourth-rank officials, Gu Ningfan had the Gu Family behind him.

He did not dare to act arrogantly.

"Difficult?"

"Do you dare to act?"

"Black Warrior Army, hear the order: any resisters will be killed without mercy; if the Capital Gate troops make any move, we will strike directly, leaving no survivors."

Gu Ningfan roared angrily.

Trying to scare himself?

Not to mention a thousand Capital Gate troops; even if all of them came, he would not fear.

If they really fought, he could guarantee that this lot would all die.

"Sir Gu."

"It's one thing for a child not to understand, but do you still not understand?"

"This is the prime minister's order."

Zhang Yunhai's face looked a little unpleasant; he deliberately shook the prime minister's token.

He was also a bit puzzled.

The prime minister's order is second only to the imperial edict.

"Are you Gu Family really this arrogant? This overbearing? 'The Gu Family only obeys the imperial edict.'"

"If you have Li Shan come see me in person, perhaps I will give him some face."

"Just a piece of iron, and you want me to listen to him?"

"I still have a Duke of the State's order in my hand; do you want me to show it to you?"

Gu Ningfan is indeed a warrior.

He constantly says "I", lacking any refinement, but his words are not wrong.

The prime minister's order is formidable.

"How about the duke's order—is it formidable? 'You.'"

Zhang Yunhai truly did not expect the Gu Family to be so arrogant and overbearing.

But just then.

Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded.

"The imperial edict is here."

As Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out.

A golden token appeared in his hand.

This is the command arrow given to him by Emperor Yongsheng.

It allows free entry and exit from the palace; otherwise it actually has no use.

But you cannot say it has no use.

Because he represents the emperor.

In a sense, it is not said that this token cannot represent the emperor's meaning.

However, this token cannot mobilize troops, nor can it do anything substantive.

At most it can only represent the emperor—nothing more.

But given the current situation, this golden token is just right.

No matter how precious your prime minister's token is.

Can it compare to the imperial edict?

Even if it were just a pass, it would outweigh the prime minister's authority.

With the appearance of the imperial edict.

For a moment, everyone was stunned.

Gu Ningfan was overjoyed; his nephew really is quick-witted.

"This subordinate pays respects to Your Majesty; may Your Majesty live ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years."

At that moment, Gu Ningfan bowed before the imperial edict.

If it were someone else, Gu Ningfan would surely ignore it.

But this man is his own nephew, Gu Ningfan directly recognized the token as valid.

In an instant, the others—"you look at me, I look at you"—the commander of the Capital Gate Army's North Gate hesitated a moment, then immediately shouted along.

There's no way around it; Gu Ningfan has already paid his respects, he couldn't possibly refuse.

If the Gu Family were to openly show him disrespect, wouldn't that be courting a ghost?

Both generals bowed and gave their approval.

The others dared not say more; they all bowed toward the imperial edict.

No hesitation at all.

Even Zhang Yunhai, whose face turned sour at that moment, had to bow to Gu Jin Nian.

He had calculated everything, yet truly did not expect Gu Jin Nian to use a pass as a royal decree.

"Xuanwu Army, Capital Gate Army, obey the command."

"Seize everyone and imprison them, subject them to harsh interrogation; without a holy decree, no one may be released."

"Those who defy shall be punished together with the same crime."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, still steadfast in his conviction.

"The junior commander hears the order."

"Your servant hears the order."

The two spoke in unison.

At that moment, Gu Ningfan said no more, directly ordered that all these scholars be seized.

No leniency was granted at all.

"Zhang Ru, save me."

"Zhang Ru, I am of Prince Longxing's house."

"Zhang Ru, my ancestors include a Half Saint; I am a descendant of a saintly lineage."

Watching the Xuanwu Army and Capital Gate Army seize people like ferocious tigers, the scholars were utterly terrified.

One by one they began to scream wildly.

But Zhang Yunhai, holding the imperial edict, could only pretend not to see at that moment.

There was no other way.

Gu Jin Nian truly was meticulous in thought, leaving him with no recourse.

"Leave."

Zhang Yunhai took a deep breath, rode off on horseback with a few others; he intended to return and inform Li Shan of what had happened here.

Thus.

The scholars arrived in massive, surging numbers.

In just half an hour, they were all locked up as prisoners.

The farce gradually subsided.

But everyone knew this matter would certainly not end.

Gu Jin Nian's actions would inevitably invite massive trouble.

Only…

Regardless, their perception and sentiment toward Gu Jin Nian changed profoundly.

He is certainly not an ordinary person.

Decisive in battle, ruthless in action, he possesses both the bearing of a general and the substance of a capable minister.

Most importantly, throughout the whole affair, Gu Jin Nian had not a single flaw in logic.

That is the most terrifying.

The Gu Family truly produced an extraordinary prodigy.

Within the Academy, these Great Scholars were deeply shaken.

However, very quickly, in less than a quarter hour,

the Da Xia Academy incident had already spread throughout Da Xia Capital.

Three thousand scholars were imprisoned by Gu Jin Nian.

Over thirty even died at Gu Jin Nian's hands, in addition to his contempt for imperial authority and refusal to heed loyal counsel.

In an instant, Da Xia Capital boiled over completely.

It was thought that for these three thousand scholars, the best outcome of this visit to Da Xia Academy would be Su Wenjing stepping in to quell their anger.

Gu Jin Nian fled home to avoid the vilification.

But what was unexpected was Gu Jin Nian's extreme ferocity—killing and suppressing, then turning the tables.

Now Da Xia Capital didn't know how many scholars began to argue.

After all, those captured had friends and relatives.

Meanwhile,

the officials of the Six Ministries learned the news immediately.

In an instant,

Six Ministry officials were thunderously enraged.

Not because Gu Jin Nian seized people, but because he dared to kill, which incited their fury.

The Minister of Justice was the most outraged, rushing out of the palace at once.

He intended to impeach Gu Jin Nian.

The other five ministry officials also arrived, each glaring angrily in silence.

However, what was beyond their expectations was.

His Majesty refused all audience; those who wanted to see His Majesty must wait until the next court session.

When this news spread.

The officials also erupted.

When such a great incident occurred and His Majesty still did not appear, isn't that an outright cover‑up? And the Gu Family…

Gu Qianzhou rushed over in a blaze of urgency, reporting all the matters, front and back, to Grandfather Gu.

"That Lao San is truly insane, causing a ruckus with Jinian."

"This time Jinian has brought about a great disaster."

Gu Qianzhou spoke, somewhat impatient.

But Grandfather Gu, upon hearing it, could not help but become furious.

"What great disaster did he cause?"

"Did Jinian make a mistake?"

"Gu Qianzhou, you are too cautious; have you lost your nerve in the officialdom all these years?"

"A bunch of corrupt scholars and sour literati—kill them if you want! If I were present, I would wipe out all three thousand scholars. The only mistake the third son made is that he's still timid. Damn it, you're all spineless one after another."

At this moment, Grandfather Gu exuded overwhelming dominance; not only did he not see it as a disaster, he thought it was natural.

"Father, stop saying such things; Jinian killed thirty people and captured three thousand scholars."

"These scholars are almost all descendants of the powerful or of various noble families, and now the officials have gathered outside the palace."

"If this continues, Jinian will truly cause a major incident."

Gu Qianzhou felt somewhat helpless.

His own father's temper is too impulsive.

"All officials gathered outside the palace?"

"Heh."

"So what?"

"You shouldn't meddle in this matter, you cowardly mouse. At the next court session, I, your father, will attend personally and show you how I attained this position."

A public proclamation of the nation.

His gaze was solemn and filled with resolve.

It left Gu Qianzhou, standing aside, completely speechless.

(End of chapter)