Chapter 67: Hundreds of officials present memorials, the State Duke enters court, the old general's might, thunderous force

"Subject Gu Ningya pays his respects to Your Majesty."

Inside the Hall of Nurturing Heart.

Gu Ningya raced all the way to Emperor Yongsheng's presence, his expression unusually excited, joy in his eyes.

"What's the situation?"

Upon seeing Gu Ningya appear, Emperor Yongsheng immediately set aside all his official duties.

He urgently inquired of Gu Ningya.

"Your Majesty, I have not failed your high expectations; in Jiangning Commandery I have earnestly carried out the plan."

Gu Ningya spoke, his expression stern.

"Cut the nonsense, speak directly—what's the situation?"

Emperor Yongsheng slapped Gu Ningya on the head, telling him to cut the nonsense.

"Your Majesty, you see for yourself."

After being slapped, Gu Ningya felt a bit resentful; his way of speaking is just like this—can it even be blamed on himself? He directly handed the memorial to Emperor Yongsheng, letting him feel it himself.

Having taken the memorial, Emperor Yongsheng, without any nonsense, began reading it directly.

After finishing reading the memorial, Emperor Yongsheng couldn't help but be delighted.

"Good, indeed just as Jin Nian said—exactly the same, exactly the same, hahahaha."

"The grain disaster in Jiangning Commandery has been quelled, quelled."

Emperor Yongsheng was extremely pleased.

Originally, following the normal plan, no matter how scrimped and saved, at least twenty million taels of silver would be needed to quell the grain disaster.

Now, following Gu Jin Nian's plan, all told it requires only twenty-odd million taels of silver.

After all, buying rice at high prices from merchants had already cost a great deal.

Not to mention that nine-tenths of the cost remained; more importantly, it suppressed that kind of arrogance.

Twenty million taels of silver he could afford, but the issue was where that money would flow—he knew full well.

If it were the merchants who profited, it wouldn't really be a big problem.

The main point is, if it were hidden enemies who earned that silver, that would not be good for him.

Now twenty-odd million taels of silver can resolve Jiangning Commandery's crisis—how could he not be pleased? Especially since the memorial clearly states that the grain purchased beforehand is enough to last two to three months.

Moreover, two or three large rice firms have not yet taken further action.

Now the situation is settled; those two or three large rice firms will sooner or later honestly sell their grain to the government, or else they can prepare to wait for death.

The imperial court settling accounts after autumn, targeting a group of merchants for trouble might be a bit exaggerated, after all the law does not punish the many.

But targeting just one or two rice merchants for trouble is hardly a difficult task.

Furthermore, with popular resentment rising everywhere, this happens to be an outlet for venting.

The smart ones will know what to do.

The situation is settled.

Emperor Yongsheng let out a long breath, then immediately returned to his dragon throne, picked up his brush, and began to write.

Gu Jin Nian's plan quelled the flood disaster in Jiangning Commandery, but there are still some things he needs to do.

Using labor in lieu of relief.

The grain problem solved, preparations can begin for repairs; the court will allocate funds, but more important is manpower.

With millions of refugees, if they work together, recovery can gradually occur within a year.

Now that the court purchases grain to guarantee the people three meals a day, they need to work, cooperating with the government to rebuild dams and restore homes.

To fully restore Jiangning Commandery's economy, it may take two to three years.

During this period, using grain as wages is just right.

Moreover, a three-year tax exemption is needed; once the main disaster-stricken areas of Jiangning Commandery are exempted from taxes, targeted policies must also be implemented.

For example, merchants' donations and so on.

These are also very important.

These ideas he had all along, but because the flood disaster in Jiangning Commandery was not yet resolved, he hadn't had the mind to consider them.

Now that the trouble is resolved, he has written down everything he had contemplated these days.

All the big and small details, he will have the Six Ministries verify them, find loopholes, and then implement them one by one.

The main matters, such as using labor in lieu of relief, must be carried out now, and must be personally supervised by him as emperor.

So that the officials of the Six Ministries won't again be wrangling over trivialities.

Having written thousands of words in a flowing manner, Emperor Yongsheng almost completed it in one breath.

"Gu Lao Liu."

"Have someone deliver this memorial to the Governor of Jiangning Commandery, to act according to my wishes."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, calling out.

"Subject obeys the edict."

Gu Ningya received the memorial, then looked toward Emperor Yongsheng and said.

"Your Majesty, could you change my nickname? 'Gu Lao Liu' sounds a bit strange."

Having taken the memorial, Gu Ningya felt somewhat resentful, not knowing why he always felt uncomfortable when Emperor Yongsheng called him Gu Lao Liu.

"Calling you Gu Lao Liu is a sign of closeness; if it weren't for Jin Nian's sake, I would have long since exiled you to Beihai Island."

"Moreover, Jin Nian has stirred up some trouble; some shortsighted scholars went to Da Xia Academy to cause him trouble, and now they have all been arrested by your third brother and thrown into jail."

"You go interrogate them, bring some to the Office of the Hanging Lanterns, file charges directly without needing review by the Ministry of Justice and Court of Judicial Review, and before tomorrow's morning audience, clarify the full story."

"Send them to your father's presence; tomorrow I will jointly confront with the State Duke this bunch of damned people."

"Whoever you think it's okay to mess with, daring to touch my nephew—truly a bunch of short‑sighted dog things."

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke.

His gaze was cold, and he simultaneously ordered Gu Ning Ya.

Although his words were not very direct, Gu Ning Ya instantly understood what he meant.

At the same time, Gu Ning Ya couldn't help but grit his teeth.

"Looking for trouble with Gu Jin Nian? These dog things truly know no sense of life or death."

"Your Majesty, I will take my leave now."

Hearing that these people were causing trouble for Gu Jin Nian, Gu Ning Ya could no longer sit still.

Emperor Yong Sheng said no more.

Instead, he kept the memorial in hand, repeatedly reviewing it, his smile unable to be concealed.

"Liu Yan."

At this moment, Emperor Yong Sheng called out, summoning a personal eunuch.

"Your servant is here."

Liu Yan walked over, seeing Emperor Yong Sheng so delighted, and immediately wore a smiling face.

"In two days, deliver some of my calligraphy and paintings to my nephew, so he can study them well."

"Also, instruct the great‑grandson to study well beside Gu Jin Nian; if Gu Jin Nian has any grievance against him, see whether I will have him killed."

Emperor Yong Sheng said so.

The latter immediately nodded.

Thus.

Time passed bit by bit.

At the third quarter of the Ox hour.

Outside the palace gates, the officials had already gathered.

The incident of Gu Jin Nian killing the scholar‑prisoner Wen had been fermenting for three days.

In these three days, the court and the world were in an uproar.

Curses and angry rebukes filled the entire Da Xia Capital.

Among the common folk there were also many remarks.

Deep hatred toward Gu Jin Nian.

The reason was simple: in just three days, someone had published an article that recorded all of Gu Jin Nian's deeds.

The overall content was also simple: a powerful aristocrat, relying on his massive family influence, acted arbitrarily, slaughtered innocents, was overbearing, forcibly took common women, and committed every evil.

The lives of the common folk were already simple, even describable as monotonous; now that such an incident finally arrived, it naturally became the focal point.

The rumors spread by civilian scholars grew increasingly terrifying.

What was surprising was that both the royal family and the Gu Family remained indifferent, offering neither explanation nor suppression.

Instead, it gave the impression of tacit approval.

Thus, these scholars became even more excited; whether motivated by rescue or ulterior motives, in short, the three characters Gu Jin Nian became the hottest topic in Da Xia Capital.

The rumors even spread to other prefectures.

In recent days, the officials were also extremely angry, not only because of Gu Jin Nian's matter; up to yesterday, news from Jiang Ning Prefecture grew increasingly dire.

More and more people died, and rice merchants grew bolder, the price reaching six hundred taels per shi, though less than the previous false claim of a thousand taels per shi.

Yet six hundred taels was still shocking.

As for the latest news, for some reason they had not received it yet, but they were not worried.

In a day, they would not think the Jiang Ning crisis would be resolved.

Yesterday it was still six hundred taels of silver per shi.

Today it returned to the original price—could that be? Definitely impossible.

Thus, over these three days, the officials reached a consensus.

They attacked Gu Jin Nian, forcing the emperor to allocate treasury funds to purchase grain, first solving the famine, and simultaneously suppressing the Duke of the Nation.

Now the four public grievances all stem from Gu Jin Nian; such a once‑in‑a‑thousand‑years opportunity, how could they let it slip? Normally they dare not target the Duke of the Nation, because he is Da Xia's foremost duke, unrivaled in bravery, having contributed great military merit to Da Xia.

He enjoyed great prestige among the people, but now it's different; he has a grandson, a grandson of a pit elder.

They are now genuinely beginning to doubt whether the timeless essay attributed to Gu Jin Nian was truly written by him.

Not only them, but also the common folk and many scholars believe that this article and the national destiny poem were not authored by Gu Jin Nian.

A person capable of writing "Every grain is hard‑earned" yet indifferent to the refugees of Jiang Ning Prefecture and who killed the scholar‑prisoner Wen—could such conduct produce such an article? The answer is obvious: impossible.

But the article is not the main point, merely a suspicion.

Politics is what they truly care about.

"The court session begins."

At that moment, when the hour of the Tiger arrived, the palace gates opened.

Civil and military officials hesitated not, marching toward the inner palace.

Passing the immensely solemn gate, the officials stood properly; on both sides inside the palace, eunuchs were recording the officials' actions.

This is protocol: the officials' attire, appearance, who speaks to whom, who exchanges glances—all must be recorded in the register.

Extremely solemn.

They proceeded to the outer side of the main hall of the palace, where the officials stood still.

The Imperial Guard stepped forward, searching everyone for weapons or the like, including poisons and poisoned needles.

This was not out of fear of assassinating the emperor, but mainly to guard against civil officials who might, at the slightest disagreement, spill blood in the great hall.

Similar incidents had occurred before; the emperor did not agree, so he committed suicide, killing himself in the main hall.

The emperor fears no death; dying for one who opposes him, he would feel even less pity.

But it would dirty the ground, and spreading it would be bad.

Therefore, the inspection was extremely thorough.

After the inspection was completed, only then did a voice sound from the main hall.

"Officials, enter the court."

As the eunuch's voice sounded, officials stood in order and walked toward the main hall.

Upon returning to the main hall, everyone seemed preoccupied and remained silent.

But at this moment.

In the hall.

Emperor Yong Sheng had already taken his seat on the dragon throne, gazing at the officials, silent.

"Long live the emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years."

After the traditional opening.

Emperor Yong Sheng waved his hand and called for everyone to rise.

Only then did the crowd slowly rise.

But before Emperor Yong Sheng could speak, a voice sounded on its own.

"Subject Li Zhengping has a matter to present."

He is a Confucian official.

According to court protocol, the first half is certainly about state affairs; Confucian officials usually remain silent in the first half, and sometimes say nothing throughout the entire audience.

But today it was unusually abnormal; coming forward with a matter to present shows that the officials had been holding back for several days.

"What is it?"

Emperor Yong Sheng, however, was quite calm and directly inquired.

"Subject, I today present the Great Summer Zhen Guo Gong's grandson, Gu Jin Nian."

"Four days ago, a grain disaster erupted in Jiangning Commandery; grain merchants' prices shocked the heavens; the people and students of the capital were enraged, and upon learning that the emperor himself said the Jiangning matter was closely related to Gu Jin Nian, the students gathered and went to the Da Xia Academy to seek an explanation from Gu Jin Nian."

"Yet this Gu Jin Nian is arrogant and overbearing, his fury reaching the heavens; he not only gave no explanation but slaughtered thirty-two scholars, sending their souls to the Yellow Springs."

"Moreover, he forged an imperial decree to imprison three thousand four hundred twenty-five scholars in jail."

"Your Majesty, Da Xia rules by Confucianism, benevolence and righteousness come first; since the state's founding, such a shocking event has never occurred."

"Such actions trample the Confucian way, disrespect heaven's will, and disregard imperial grace; I implore Your Majesty to severely punish Gu Jin Nian and release the three thousand scholars."

Li Zhengping spoke.

He spoke righteously and directly rebuked Gu Jin Nian.

And as he spoke.

At that moment, another person stood up.

"Subject, I have a memorial to present."

A voice sounded.

Emperor Yong Sheng still allowed the memorial.

"Your Majesty, resentment in the capital has arisen everywhere, solely because Gu Jin Nian killed scholars and imprisoned them; even folk rumors say that last month's phenomenon, a white rainbow piercing the sun, foretells a treacherous minister in the Da Xia Dynasty."

"Now the people consider Gu Jin Nian to be that treacherous minister; his actions are even more heinous, horrifying to behold."

"Such conduct is destroying the foundations of Da Xia and extinguishing the scholars' aspirations."

"Just for seeking an explanation, he killed scholars and imprisoned them; if Gu Jin Nian were truly to commit a monumental crime later, could we not even blame him a little?"

He was extremely impassioned, even bringing up the earlier white rainbow piercing the sun.

As he spoke, the officials all fell silent.

Waiting for Emperor Yong Sheng's answer.

"Esteemed officials, any more memorials?"

"Since you want to speak, let's say it all together."

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke.

He showed no anger nor any joy, so calm that one could not see through him.

Although we cannot fathom what Emperor Yong Sheng is thinking, this does not affect the officials' memorials.

"Subject, the Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice has a matter to present."

"Gu Jin Nian, forging an imperial edict, killing scholars and imprisoning them—what is the Ministry of Justice to you? What is the law? Relying on the duke's title, you kill and imprison as you please."

"In that case, is the Da Xia Dynasty the Gu family's? Your Majesty, Gu Jin Nian's conduct has already shaken the foundations of the state; if not severely punished, Da Xia is in grave danger."

The Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice stepped forward to speak, his criticism even more exaggerated, even using the phrase 'shaking the foundations of the state' to describe it.

This is enough to prove that these past few days the officials have been holding back some resentment.

However, the Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Justice did not appear, after all, he is a member of the Gu family, and Grandfather Gu had ordered him not to attend court today.

Otherwise, if he were present, such remarks would already have been raised.

"Your Majesty, I also have a matter to present."

"I do not know what strategy Gu Jin Nian proposed, but in the past three or four days, the flood disaster in Jiangning Prefecture has worsened, the people suffer immensely, refugees pile up like clouds, daily memorials sent to the capital are all grim reports, thousands of people die each day, I feel great heartache."

"Whether Gu Jin Nian colluded with the merchants of Jiangning Prefecture, I do not know, but I believe his strategies are flawed, failing to settle Jiangning's difficulties and unable to resolve the grain disaster; now, merely because others question him a little, he does such heaven-and-earth-enraging acts; I beg Your Majesty to punish him severely."

The Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Revenue also spoke up.

"Gu Jin Nian's actions violate rites, disregard Confucian meaning, do not respect the sovereign, do not heed heaven's will; he is a person lacking loyalty, righteousness, benevolence, and filial piety, intolerable by rites; I beg Your Majesty to punish Gu Jin Nian as a warning."

The Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites also stood up.

The Confucian officials, the Ministry of Justice, the Ministry of Revenue, and the Ministry of Rites all spoke up.

In addition, the rest of the people chattered, and except for the Ministry of War and some military generals, essentially the entire civil officials group stepped forward.

"Your Majesty, I think Gu Jin Nian is indeed a spendthrift, but not to the extent the ministers claim. Please consider judiciously; remembering that the Duke has rendered great merit to our Da Xia Dynasty, a light reprimand should suffice."

In the end, a military officer stepped forward and spoke on behalf of Gu Jin Nian.

But this speaking out was not to help Gu Jin Nian; rather, it harmed him.

What does "light reprimand, severe warning" mean? It simply says Gu Jin Nian is truly at fault and must be punished, yet the Duke's face cannot be ignored, so a token punishment will do.

After all, the civil officials group knows very well that they intend to use this matter to bring down the Duke Zhen Guo?

What are they thinking?

Observing the entire court of civil and military officials, you utter a line, I reply with another.

Emperor Yongsheng still remains silent, seemingly waiting for something.

"Your Majesty, we earnestly request that you severely punish Gu Jin Nian."

At this moment, seventy percent of the officials all spoke together, in unison.

Except for the Ministers of the Six Ministries and Prime Minister Li Shan and a few others, the attitude was essentially uniform.

But at this moment—

Another voice sounded from outside.

"Your Majesty, the Duke Zhen Guo requests an audience outside the Hall of the Marquis Lin Yang."

With that voice echoing,

the entire court suddenly fell silent.

They could anticipate the Duke Zhen Guo's arrival, yet when he actually came, an inexplicable dread lingered in their hearts.

After all, the Duke Zhen Guo is no ordinary person.

The chief of the Dukes.

is truly a great figure.

Nowadays, aside from the Prime Minister, no one can match him in prowess.

"Pass it on."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke directly.

The next moment,

two figures, one after the other, entered the Great Hall.

The Duke Zhen Guo leaned on a dragon‑head staff, a gift from the late emperor; holding the staff, he strode with dragon‑like gait and tiger‑like steps into the Great Hall.

As for the Marquis Lin Yang, though a noble, standing behind the Duke Zhen Guo his aura was clearly suppressed, making him appear ordinary.

"Old minister Gu Yuan, requesting an audience with Your Majesty."

He stepped onto the court.

The Duke Zhen Guo bowed once to Emperor Yongsheng.

Emperor Yongsheng immediately rose, looking at the Duke and said,

"Attendant, grant the Duke a seat."

He spoke.

Being granted a seat in the court is the highest honor.

"Your Majesty, there is no need for that."

"The old minister's health is still robust; no need for a seat, lest anyone say I am exploiting my age."

When the Duke Zhen Guo opened his mouth, his words left the civil and military officials silent.

"Very well."

"The Duke Zhen Guo, in this way, I am very pleased. Whenever I think of having once fought side by side with the Duke, my blood boils with excitement, hoping that one day we can again expand Da Xia together, hahahaha."

Seeing the Duke Zhen Guo, whether in feigned affection or genuine intent, Emperor Yongsheng gave the Duke full face.

"Your Majesty overpraises me."

The Duke Zhen Guo smiled, then turned his gaze toward the civil and military officials in the court.

His gaze was like a knife, sweeping over each person.

Anyone who felt the Duke's stare became inexplicably uneasy, lowering their heads and daring not to speak.

Only some Confucian officials and the Ministers of the Six Ministries remained calm.

"Earlier, I was outside and heard endless disputes within the court."

"Why, when I arrived, the honored gentlemen fell silent?"

"Did I disturb the honored gentlemen?"

The Duke Zhen Guo spoke lightly.

He asked in this manner.

Upon saying this, the officials fell silent again.

Only the main hall of the palace,

the emperor also was present.

They still had some confidence, and at that moment a voice sounded.

"The Duke's words are heavy; how could we think the Duke is intruding?"

"The Duke has not attended court for several years; today's appearance is a bit unfamiliar, hence this."

"Since the Duke has spoken, I shall continue."

"May I ask the Duke, are you aware of your grandson Gu Jin Nian's killing of the Confucian prisoner Wen?"

It's still Li Zhengping.

He spoke first, neither humble nor arrogant, not the slightest bit afraid of the Guardian Duke.

"Kill the Confucian scholars and imprison the literature?"

"When has Jin Nian ever done such a thing?"

The Guardian Duke was a little curious, gazing at the other party.

"Hah, such a big matter, and you, Duke, actually don't know?"

The other party smiled.

It's quite obvious they don't believe the Guardian Duke would be unaware.

"I really don't know; my grandson is very well-behaved—killing Confucian scholars and imprisoning literature? He couldn't possibly do that; killing dogs and imprisoning pigs? That sort of thing, Jin Nian actually did a few days ago."

"If you say this, then I'll understand." The Guardian Duke wasn't feigning ignorance; he was directly mocking those scholars as pigs and dogs.

Just as these words were spoken, the hall erupted in an uproar.

Everyone stared at the Guardian Duke, especially the Confucian officials, each with angry eyes.

They spoke in a gentle tone.

But the Guardian Duke, opening and closing his mouth with nothing but 'pigs and dogs,' treated these scholars as pigs and dogs.

"Gu Yuan, I respect you as the current duke, having earned meritorious service for Da Xia, so I've been polite, but I never expected you to speak like this, calling us scholars pigs and dogs—what do you intend to do?"

A Confucian official spoke up, angrily rebuking the Guardian Duke.

Thud.

Just as Li Zhengping's words fell, the Guardian Duke moved his dragon-headed cane, his gaze terrifying, fixed on him.

In an instant, the hall fell silent.

"I haven't attended court for years; it seems you all truly regard me as a useless person?"

"What are you, daring to call my name directly?"

"Kneel."

The Guardian Duke spoke aloud, his voice booming, mixed with terrifying martial power, his momentum like a mountain suppressing the past; the other party immediately knelt on the ground, his face deathly pale.

However, he wasn't willingly kneeling; he was forced by the martial power, making him extremely uncomfortable.

"Guardian Duke, you're going too far—this is the court, and you're acting so tyrannically?"

"This is excessive—scholars don't kneel before the emperor, yet you make Li Ru kneel?"

"Your Majesty, the Guardian Duke is running amok in the court; please, Your Majesty, restrain him."

"Duke, you're being insolent."

Voices rose one after another instantly.

They knew the Guardian Duke would attend court today and surely cause trouble, but they never expected him to be so arrogant and overbearing.

To make a Confucian official kneel directly? Even the emperor couldn't do that; the Guardian Duke is too arrogant, too overbearing.

"Shut up, all of you."

The Guardian Duke spoke again.

His aura was terrifying; indeed, in the court he was lawless, but the Yongsheng Emperor didn't care, merely sitting on the dragon throne, silently watching all this.

"Li Zhengping."

"I ask you, my grandson Jin Nian didn't kill a dog, did he?"

"They stirred up popular resentment, inciting over three thousand people to go to the Da Xia Academy—even dogs wouldn't do such a thing."

"As for imprisoning pigs? My grandson offered a plan, which had the emperor's consent, yet these people think our Gu family colludes with merchants, waving the banner of justice while doing things worse than pigs and dogs."

"Do they even deserve to be called people? Do they deserve to be called scholars?"

"Then I'll ask you today: do you have any evidence proving the Gu family colludes with officials and merchants of Jiangning Commandery? Even if it's a low-ranking seventh-rank official, as long as you produce evidence today, I'll commit suicide on the spot."

"If you can't produce evidence, I'll make your blood spill three feet today."

The Guardian Duke roared directly, gazing at the other party, his eyes full of killing intent.

Upon these words, the other's face grew even paler, for what the Guardian Duke said was correct—these people were indeed in the wrong first.

"Duke, your words are grave; these people gathering indeed have some issues, but no matter how problematic, Jin Nian killing someone is still wrong—how does the Ministry of Justice view this?"

At this moment, the Vice Minister of Justice spoke.

He came out to smooth things over, while shifting the topic.

This is the simplest diversion of attention: minimize the wrongdoing, exaggerate the right, creating a feeling that, setting aside facts, you couldn't possibly be at fault.

However, what the Vice Minister of Justice said was also not wrong.

Killing someone directly, treating the law as nothing.

However, the Guardian Duke was very direct, throwing out a stack of indictments.

"Go look for yourself."

"These people themselves harbor ill intentions; someone promised them many benefits, urging them to attack my grandson, cause trouble, and even in their confessions it clearly stated that, if necessary, they would assassinate my grandson."

"I'll just ask one question today."

"They already wanted to kill my grandson—could my grandson not kill them?"

"Do you really treat me as rotten wood? Do you really think I have one foot in the coffin?"

The Guardian Duke thundered in anger, directly throwing the indictment onto the Vice Minister of Justice's face.

Saliva droplets flew and splattered on them, appearing extraordinarily terrifying.

This moment.

The main hall indeed quieted down.

The Vice Minister of Justice swallowed a mouthful of saliva.

He glanced at the indictment scattered on the ground; this cannot be faked, a look will make it clear.

If that's the case, then Gu Jin Nian killing people is actually justified, after all these people already have murderous intent; not killing them and waiting for the New Year? "But Da Xia Academy has a Half Saint guardian; they wouldn't dare act rashly, this is just a thought, no action taken."

The Vice Minister of Justice spoke again.

He said, forcing himself.

Pa.

The next moment.

The State-Protecting Duke raised his dragon-headed cane and viciously struck the Vice Minister of Justice's face, knocking out a row of teeth—over ten in an instant—his mouth full of blood, letting out a miserable scream.

"You damn well say that again to me!"

"You dog‑like thing, how dare you say such words!"

"What have you been eating to grow up in the Ministry of Justice?"

"Are you people from the Ministry of Justice raised eating excrement all day?"

The State-Protecting Duke flew into a rage.

"Damn, is that even human speech?"

"Must they stab a knife into my grandson's heart before we can resist?"

And the Minister of Justice's face turned ugly, after all the State-Protecting Duke's scolding was too harsh.

"Your face looks so grim, are you dissatisfied?"

"If you're dissatisfied, speak up; this is the dragon‑headed cane bestowed by the late emperor, capable of killing treacherous officials—if you're not satisfied, then speak, don't just stand here silent."

"Speak."

"Why aren't you speaking?"

"Speak, I'll talk to you again—have you gone mute?"

Sensing the Minister of Justice's changing expression, the State-Protecting Duke paid no heed and smashed his dragon‑headed cane straight into the Minister's face.

The sound was deafening, leaving the Minister of Justice unable to utter a word despite his anguish.

Even a fool knows that speaking now would lead to a fate no better than that of the Vice Minister.

Because the State-Protecting Duke was truly enraged.

"You bunch of civil officials, I haven't attended court for years, not wanting to deal with state affairs, just to live out my remaining years in peace."

"My grandson finally achieved something, and you can't stand it? You find it unpleasant?"

"Without me, could you civil officials stand here so securely? Ministers and vice ministers, do you think I've given you face? Without me, you and your families would already be gathered on the road to the underworld."

"And you still dare to cause trouble for my grandson?"

The State-Protecting Duke pointed at the officials and berated them, without the slightest restraint.

Emperor Yongsheng saw the State-Protecting Duke scolding so fiercely; he had originally wanted to interject a word of advice.

But after thinking, he decided it was best to stay silent for now.

It was a good opportunity to use the State-Protecting Duke to suppress the arrogance of these civil officials.

He is the emperor on horseback; from the emperor's standpoint he can understand these civil officials, but from his own perspective, these officials truly act disgustingly.

"If he doesn't lash out, he really thinks himself a pure stream?"

"Duke."

"You really overstate it."

Just then, Li Shan's voice sounded.

He is the Chancellor of Da Xia, his status not inferior to the State-Protecting Duke.

Moreover, he is a great scholar of the present age.

All the more fearless.

"What have I overstated?"

"Is it your turn to speak here?"

"Li Shan, don't think you're innocent."

"My grandson almost fell to an assassin, yet you not only didn't help, but sent the Capital Gate Army to fish people out—you're really clever."

"I want to ask you today: when my grandson was drowning, why didn't you send anyone to rescue him?"

"Today I lay my words here."

"Regarding Jin Nian's drowning, I have not forgotten it at all; I don't know who is stirring things behind the scenes, but don't let me find any connection between you and this."

"If there is even the slightest connection, I will kill his entire family, make them bury their own, exterminate the nine clans; at worst I will commit suicide to atone."

"Including you."

"Anyone who dares to move against my grandson will make him regret it for life; no one will think of escaping."

The State-Protecting Duke completely lost his temper.

Even his gaze fell upon this group of military officers and generals.

Because he also did not rule out the possibility that they were involved.

Regardless, he follows through on his words; whoever dares to move against Jin Nian even a little, he will kill that person's whole family; as for what comes after, he doesn't care.

At worst, it's just death.

At this very moment.

The court fell completely silent.

They knew the State-Protecting Duke had been holding in his anger about Jin Nian's drowning.

They just didn't expect him to choose this moment to erupt.

The officials remained silent.

They clearly knew that the Prince Who Guards the State was not speaking falsely; he was very serious.

At that moment, the Emperor Yongsheng's voice finally sounded.

"State Duke, please calm your anger."

"Regarding Gu Jin Nian's drowning incident, I have also ordered people to investigate; I believe it will not be long before the truth comes to light."

"Those involved in this matter, I will certainly give the State Duke a satisfactory explanation."

Emperor Yongsheng said thus.

This also counts as smoothing things over.

As Emperor Yongsheng spoke, the Prince Who Guards the State's anger greatly subsided.

Afterwards, he looked toward the officials and slowly spoke.

"Is there anyone else who wishes to impeach my grandson?"

He surveyed the officials and asked in this manner.

The officials kept silent; all their arrogance was suppressed.

Mainly, the Prince Who Guards the State produced substantive evidence.

Preventing them from causing a disturbance.

"Your Majesty, State Duke."

"The matter of the Heir Apparent can be investigated slowly, but the crisis in Jiangning Prefecture remains the pressing issue."

"I still believe that the court should allocate funds, negotiate prices with merchants, and first secure the grain supply."

At this moment, the Minister of Revenue spoke.

Not dwelling on Gu Jin Nian's matter, but continuing to focus on the flood disaster in Jiangning Prefecture.

Seeking trouble for Gu Jin Nian was also for this matter; they merely wanted to suppress the military faction further, but they did not expect the State Duke to resolve it so easily.

Of course, what they found most puzzling was one point.

That is, why the Prince Who Guards the State is so arrogant and domineering, yet the emperor says not a word? This left them greatly puzzled.

However, at this very moment.

Emperor Yongsheng's voice sounded again.

"The calamity in Jiangning Prefecture has already been resolved by Gu Jin Nian on my behalf."

He spoke.

As his voice fell, the court immediately erupted in an uproar.

Everyone's expression changed, even the Chancellor's expression changed.

Even though the Prince Who Guards the State had previously berated him without changing his expression, upon hearing this he immediately changed color.

"The grain crisis in Jiangning Prefecture—grain prices were still astronomically high as of yesterday; now you say it's resolved? With what? Your Majesty, what is this all about?"

The Minister of Revenue, He Yan, could not help but speak up, questioning Emperor Yongsheng.

He, however, did not elaborate further.

The attendant eunuch, Wei Xian, then distributed a thick memorial to each person.

This memorial contained precisely the strategy written by Gu Jin Nian.

The officials, without any idle talk, directly opened it to examine.

After about a quarter of an hour.

Sounds of inhaling rose one after another.

Especially the Minister of Revenue, He Yan, who stood frozen in place.

This strategy is simply perfect; it is a divine plan.

Using people's hearts to attack people's hearts.

Using outsiders' grain to provoke price panic, and at the critical moment, using the court's grain transport to stabilize public sentiment and strike at grain prices.

Link after link, it forced everyone to follow the plan.

This is an open stratagem.

A terrifying open stratagem.

Because this scheme is extremely simple, targeting rice merchants and outside traders, attacking their minds—it is the supreme strategy.

Numbed.

The civil and military officials were completely numbed at this moment.

At the same time.

They also fully understood why Emperor Yongsheng paid no heed to the Prince Who Guards the State's arrogance.

That is because Gu Jin Nian was not at fault.

Not only was he blameless, but he also achieved a tremendous merit, a monumental achievement.

"May I ask, Your Majesty?"

"What is the current situation in Jiangning Prefecture?"

He Yan spoke up, unable to refrain from asking.

"This is a memorial sent overnight by the Jiangning Prefecture governor."

"Grain prices have stabilized at four taels per shi; Jiangning Prefecture has signed all grain contracts, ensuring refugees have food for three months."

"With a bumper harvest imminent, it can be extended another three months; then local officials will be dispatched to purchase and transport grain to Jiangning Prefecture, and this calamity will be quelled."

"This matter shall be jointly handled by the Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Revenue."

"Furthermore, relief through labor shall be provided; those under fourteen or over fifty need not perform labor, and those who are ill or disabled likewise need not do so."

"The Ministry of Justice will launch a thorough investigation; all those who sold grain at inflated prices during this disaster must be fully uncovered, and after the disaster passes, a final decision will be made."

Order the Ministry of Works to mass-produce farming tools and handle agricultural affairs, to prepare for the aftermath of disasters and restore agricultural production.

The Ministry of War shall take action, investigate the whereabouts of the Black Flood Dragon, together with the Lantern Office and the Qilin Army, and must thoroughly investigate to get to the bottom of it.

Minister of Rites Yang Kai, I order you to go to Heavenly Peak Mountain, find the Heavenly Peak King, investigate responsibility for this matter; the demon clan has thrown my Da Xia into chaos. If the Heavenly Peak King cannot give an explanation, hand it over to the Ministry of War for handling.

Beloved Li, Gu Jin Nian's such merits, such rewards—you go weigh them, inform me of the result; if there is no problem, I will affix the seal.

The Yongsheng Emperor said a series of things one after another.

And all the civil and military officials.

Yet they remained stunned in place.

It was mainly Gu Jin Nian's plan, which was simply too divine.

The news received yesterday was still that Jiangning Commandery was in dire straits.

Today we will pacify all the turmoil.

This is practically a divine person.

They were shocked.

They couldn't utter a word.

They had made no preparations at all.

They thought, Your Majesty's methods are nothing but to stir up popular resentment, then kill merchants and release grain, right?

But unexpectedly, he actually quelled the turmoil in this way.

What's more, what shocked them even further was.

This strategy was actually devised by Gu Jin Nian.

This is impossible.

This is impossible!

But regardless of whether Gu Jin Nian wrote it, this strategy is indeed a divine plan.

Anyone able to hold this position is no fool; just one look and they can deduce the outcome in their mind.

No wonder the emperor is so stable.

No wonder the emperor can rest easy.

As it turns out, there is such a scheme.

Putting it all together, many things, they fully understood.

They also finally understood why Su Wenjing was so agitated, because this strategy is simply perfect to the utmost.

"We, your subjects, receive the order."

However, they still subconsciously complied with the emperor's words.

"Moreover."

However, at this point, the emperor's voice sounded again.

Moreover, his gaze turned somewhat icy.

"The matter of Gu Jin Nian killing the Confucian prisoner text is indeed my intention; recently in the Da Xia Capital, rumors often abound, with someone manipulating behind the scenes."

"You actually know nothing about it, and even blindly follow along; the affair in Jiangning Commandery is urgent before our eyes, so I will not severely punish you, but only deduct six months of your salary."

"Each of the Six Ministries' ministers receives a year's salary; Li Shan, as you are the Chancellor, head of all officials, yet you are unaware and uninquiring, I am very disappointed in you; if there is a next time, you shall weigh it yourself."

"As for the three thousand troublemakers, I will investigate thoroughly to the end, not letting a single one go; if there are any accomplices, they will be killed without pardon."

The Yongsheng Emperor's these words.

This further made the civil and military officials feel as if they had fallen into an ice cellar.

Even Li Shan's complexion turned extremely grim.

What the emperor meant by these words, he understood clearly in his heart, and also fully comprehended.

If there is a next time, his position as Chancellor will be at an end.

What's more, what made them feel terrified in their hearts was.

The emperor intends to act against these three thousand four hundred plus scholars.

This is a warning bell.

At this level, it has little to do with Gu Jin Nian; it is the emperor moving to suppress Confucian officials and scholars.

This signal.

Is what truly makes them fearful and afraid.

"Your Majesty is sagacious."

"Long live the emperor, ten thousand years, ten thousand times ten thousand years."

At this moment, a voice sounded.

It was the voice of the Duke of the Nation's Guard.

He bowed once before the Yongsheng Emperor.

He appeared exceptionally delighted.

And Gu Qianzhou, too, was genuinely given a lesson.

His own father figure is truly ferocious.

"Dismiss court."

The Yongsheng Emperor rose and immediately left.

The officials shouted 'long live'.

They also dispersed and left.

Outside the hall.

The State-Protecting Duke's voice sounded again.

Lao Li, go go go, to my place for a drink.

Lao Sun, go on, to my place for a drink.

Zhou Ping, you little bastard, dare to hide?

Damn it, everyone, go to my place for a drink—hahaha—I'll tell you in detail how my grandson came up with his plan.

My grandson alone can match all the civil officials. Look at these officials—they can't think of anything for half a day, while my grandson comes up with a solution in just a moment.

Sigh, why is my grandson so smart? Isn't this a slap in the face of the Six Ministries?

Next time, don't let him be so clever, or else people will get angry—hahaha.

The State-Protecting Duke's arrogant laughter rang out.

Unrestrained and fearless.

Indeed, he doesn't give these people any face at all!

The civil officials and Confucian scholars lowered their heads.

They wanted to say something, but didn't know what to say.

Most of the civil officials and Confucian scholars remained immersed in shock.

Only Prime Minister Li Shan remained calm.

He knew that this matter had not yet been fully resolved.

(End of chapter)