Chapter 68: Public opinion shifts, the populace boils over, post-disaster clashes, the ancient tree transforms

Officials withdrew from court.

Inside the capital.

The news also leaked out in an instant.

In fact, the entire Da Xia Capital was waiting for this scandal to unfold.

Gu Jin Nian violated laws and discipline, slaughtered innocents, and even caused the people of Jiangning Prefecture to be unable to make a living; such a huge crime, if placed on anyone, would be punishable by extermination of nine clans.

Officials held back for four days.

Everyone was waiting to see whether the emperor would punish Gu Jin Nian today.

Some thought that, as the grandson of the Duke Who Guards the Nation, Gu Jin Nian would likely receive only a light punishment and then the matter would be dropped.

Others believed that, since the Gu family was powerful and the imperial court feared them, such an incident would certainly be met with a heavy hand to teach the Gu family a lesson.

Later, the Duke Who Guards the Nation personally went to court; on the way, he was seen by the common people, which also sparked countless debates.

Now everyone is waiting for the court audience to end, then to find out the details.

Plum Blossom Hutong

This is a famous hutong in the capital, big and small hutongs linked together; because the area is large, singers, vendors, children and elders basically gather on this hutong.

Some people were loudly discussing the matter of Gu Jin Nian.

But just then.

A figure hurried over, drenched in sweat.

"The results are out, the results are out!"

"It's all a misunderstanding, it's all just a misunderstanding!"

The messenger was a servant in an official's household, working for the official, and still had some standing among the common folk.

Now, an hour after the court audience ended, the matter had already spread among the aristocratic circles; even the servants and maids had heard about it.

After learning the outcome of the court audience, it was immediately passed on among the common people.

"The flood disaster in Jiangning Prefecture has been quelled; it was Gu Jin Nian who proposed the plan. Now the price of rice in Jiangning Prefecture has dropped to four taels of silver per dan, and the court has bought up all the grain hoarded by merchants and opened the granaries to release grain."

The messenger gasped for breath, unable to catch his breath, and relayed the news he had received to the common people.

As soon as these words were spoken, they immediately caused an uproar.

"What nonsense?"

"Has the rice price in Jiangning Prefecture returned to normal?"

"What the heck, yesterday they were saying a dan of rice had risen to several thousand taels, so how is the price stable today?"

"This can't be right? In our capital, a dan of grain costs five taels and three mace of silver, you say Jiangning Prefecture is four taels? Is that true or false?"

In an instant, the common people were dumbfounded; they were still waiting for the outcome.

Unexpectedly, they heard this news.

"That's correct; this is the result of the court audience, and even the civil and military officials are dumbfounded."

"It was Gu Jin Nian who proposed the plan; the emperor deliberately concealed it, fearing that treacherous ministers would collude with merchants."

"Moreover, those scholars who caused trouble earlier have already confessed and been punished; someone bribed them to cause trouble for Gu Jin Nian, even hoping to harm him."

The latter spoke up, straining to explain, this is firsthand information; he definitely wanted to bring it out to show off how well-informed he is.

"What scheme is this? Making the rice merchants of Jiangning Prefecture honestly lower prices? That's just a trick to pacify children."

"Yeah, where is there such a scheme? If you said the price dropped to several dozen taels per dan, I'd believe it; but four taels per dan? This old man would never believe it even on his deathbed."

"Is the grain price in the famine-stricken lands even cheaper than in our capital? That's not a scam?"

"Yeah, do those rice merchants have such good hearts? If they had such good hearts, what have they been doing all this time?"

The common people simply didn't believe it.

"Don't disbelieve; at first I didn't believe it either, but later I heard from the mansion's steward."

"This Crown Prince is truly extraordinarily clever; do you know how he did it?"

"He first had the governor of Jiangning Commandery secretly cooperate with merchants; on the surface it was collusion, allowing these merchants to raise prices wildly."

"Then he secretly sent people to inflate grain prices within Jiangning Prefecture, and then had himself buy; the grain price rose from 120 taels, all the way up to 200, 300, 400 taels, and even to 600 taels of silver per dan."

"At that point, I ask you: if you were then within about a hundred li of Jiangning Prefecture, what would you do?"

The man's face flushed red; facing the crowd's doubts, he felt indignant, but today he had to convince this bunch.

As he asked the question.

The crowd almost without thinking replied.

"Definitely go sell rice."

"Six hundred taels per dan? I'd go sell rice even at three hundred taels per dan."

"Selling one dan would make me rich."

"Yeah, not just a hundred li; even three hundred li away, rent a few carts, find some strong young fellows, team up, sell ten dan of grain, I'd never want for anything in my life."

The common people answered instinctively; this is a very normal thought.

"Yes."

"What the Crown Prince wants is exactly this effect: all the people in the eighteen prefectures surrounding Jiangning Prefecture will bring out their stored grain, and even some farming households will harvest wheat early and send it to Jiangning Prefecture."

"Once you arrive at Jiangning Prefecture, do you know what happened?"

The man spoke with unusual excitement, at the same time whetting the common people's appetite.

"What happened?"

"Speak quickly, don't dilly-dally here."

The common people spoke up, asking the other party.

"Crown Prince, immediately send thirteen dragon boats racing to Jiangning Prefecture, loaded entirely with grain, and then have the government open the granaries to release grain."

In fact, this granary, including the transported grain, can last less than half a month at most.

But those outsiders who came to sell rice don't know; they only know the grain has arrived, so the suffering common folk no longer need to spend silver to buy food.

Now these outsiders are each getting dizzy with anxiety; they waste a day on all the labor costs, plus lodging, and even have to guard against refugees looting the grain—truly a heart‑rending worry.

So, gritting their teeth, they slash prices wildly; someone leads the cut, and everyone follows, dropping the price from a few hundred taels straight down to a few dozen taels, yet the refugees simply don't buy.

Finally, when it fell to seven or eight taels of silver per stone, people began buying sporadically, but not much; they couldn't afford delays, so it ultimately dropped to four taels of silver per stone.

The man spat four times, as if he were on the scene, speaking with vivid detail.

"Do you know how many outsiders there are? I heard that over four hundred minor roads in Jiang Ning Prefecture are all used by grain‑transporters, all hoping to come here to get rich."

"Thus, the rice merchants in Jiang Ning Prefecture are each suffering unbearably; with the authorities' strict ban on price hikes and the knowledge that a harvest is due in a month, they fear their rice will become stale, so they sign grain contracts with the authorities."

"At four taels per stone, the authorities buy it all; this is a memorial written personally by the Jiang Ning Prefect, delivered to the Emperor's hands yesterday."

"It is said that within Jiang Ning Prefecture, the merchants' grain stock can feed the locals for three months, and with the grain brought by outsiders, another two months are covered."

"Altogether this spans five months; counting the upcoming harvest, they can wait for another bumper crop."

"The Court has already sent envoys to the surrounding nineteen prefectures to reserve grain, and the Ministry of Works has dispatched crews to repair all main roads in Jiang Ning Prefecture; within at most three months they'll be passable, and then the Court can transport grain."

"The people of Jiang Ning Prefecture will no longer worry about food or starve to death. Do you believe it now?"

The man, having said that, took a deep breath; he was so excited he nearly choked.

Sure enough, his words reached this point, and they were so clear and simple.

How could these ordinary folk still not understand?

If they put themselves in the other's shoes, everything would seem obvious.

"Hiss, the Crown Prince is truly clever, using such a tactic—good, good, good."

"Now that you say that, I believe you. If you claimed a sudden price cut, I'd never buy it, but using this scheme I do."

"Alright, first lure the surrounding locals with high prices, have them bring grain, then open the granary and release the food. These outsiders can't stay long in Jiang Ning Prefecture; they're just here for a quick silver deal, and any delay would eat up costs."

"Moreover, we ordinary folk are also law‑abiding; we earn big money when we can, and we don't feel hurt when we don't, unlike those merchants who are all deceitful. Good, good, this scheme is truly excellent."

"He truly deserves to pen immortal essays; the Crown Prince is indeed overflowing with talent and unmatched wisdom."

"With that said, those scholars before really had a problem."

The public's reputation of Gu Jin Nian changed in an instant, with unanimous praise for Gu Jin Nian.

They even grew great suspicion toward those scholars.

"There is indeed a problem; gathering so many people all of a sudden must mean someone is scheming behind the scenes."

"Yes, yes, yes, hearing that I think the same. Have you noticed we know nothing about Jiang Ning Prefecture's situation, yet they seem to know instantly?"

"Exactly, and another point: the rise in Jiang Ning's grain price, given the circumstances then, what does it have to do with Gu Jin Nian?"

"Right, what does Gu Jin Nian have to do with it? They're just going out of their way to trouble Gu Jin Nian; there must be a plot."

In an instant, the people's perception of Gu Jin Nian shifted from flamboyant dandy to a patriotic victim.

And Meihua Alley is merely a microcosm.

All across Da Xia Capital, such voices echo everywhere.

Just saying, the common folk didn't believe it, but for some reason Gu Jin Nian's strategy was made public outright.

In theory such a strategy couldn't be disclosed; even if officials learned it, it shouldn't reach the people's ears.

Someone deliberately spread it; after the scheme was exposed, the people suddenly understood.

Because from any angle, this plan has no flaw whatsoever.

However, the biggest trouble now lies with some scholars in the capital.

They gather in groups at their homes, discussing the matter.

At Zhang's residence.

Thirty to forty scholars gather; Zhang Yun, as the representative, stands among them, delivering a passionate speech.

He plans to incite all scholars to go to the Palace to plead grievances and directly list ten charges against Gu Jin Nian.

To voice the people's grievances and also those of fellow classmates.

But while Zhang Yun is fervently speaking, several figures dash in, relaying all the rumors from outside to the crowd.

In an instant, everyone froze.

"Is this the plan offered by Gu Jin Nian?"

"Hiss, this scheme is truly terrifying—it's a yang plot."

"No wonder Jiang Ning's grain price spiked; there was a hidden mechanism after all."

"Such a scheme is truly ruthless and poisonous, manipulating Jiang Ning's rice merchants at will."

"This plan is unprecedented; I wouldn't even dare to think such a thing—it grasps human hearts too perfectly."

At that moment, all the scholars were dumbfounded.

They dared to gather to call friends to the Palace to plead grievances.

Their main confidence came from the desperate plight of Jiang Ning's people; suffering folk used this as a shield, fearing nothing.

But now the matter is clear: it truly was Gu Jin Nian's proposal; not only did he propose it, he also perfectly solved Jiang Ning's grain disaster.

In total, five days were spent pacifying the unrest in Jiang Ning Prefecture.

It's simply unbelievable; even though they harbored hostility toward Gu Jin Nian, after hearing the plan they couldn't help but admire him.

"So what should we do next?"

"Should we keep causing trouble?"

Someone swallowed saliva and couldn't help asking the crowd.

"Why the hell are we still making a fuss? When I arrived, my father specifically told me never to get involved; the Duke of Zhen Guo thundered on the Court, and the Emperor was raging as well."

"All of the more than 3,400 classmates are likely doomed; indeed someone has been inciting them behind the scenes. They've all confessed, and those who confessed will surely die, while the remaining 3,400 may also face severe punishment."

If we still dare to cause trouble, I don't know how the Emperor will deal with us, but the Gu Family certainly will not let us go.

Do you still dare to cause trouble?

The other party spoke up about this matter, their expression slightly grim.

Sure enough, after those words were spoken, every scholar present couldn't help but swallow a mouthful of saliva.

All who confess and accept punishment are to be executed.

The remaining 3,400 people will all face severe punishment, which is terrifying.

The saying that the law does not hold the masses applies even more to over three thousand scholars; unless something extremely heinous occurs, it will likely be a case of turning a blind eye.

But now the Emperor intends severe punishment, and the Gu Family will also act; one can imagine what lies hidden behind this.

It makes one thing clear: the Da Xia Emperor is about to move against the literati.

"Ahem, Brother Zhang, I have other matters, so I will take my leave now."

"Ah, Brother Li, let's go together; I also have matters to attend to."

"Since this is a misunderstanding, I, the younger brother, will take my leave first."

"It turns out someone was sowing discord; I sensed something was off, so I will return and study the matter carefully."

At that moment, everyone began speaking one after another.

They simply dared not stay here any longer, fearing that someone might come back to investigate, discover their illicit intent, and seize them all—what a loss! "Everyone, there's no need for this; it's not something to fear."

"Everyone, everyone."

"Why have you all left?"

Watching each person depart, Zhang Yun's expression turned rather sour; he had already prepared to impeach Gu Jin Nian, but did not expect the situation to reverse so dramatically.

It caused morale to crumble, and no one dared to challenge Gu Jin Nian any longer.

When the people left, Zhang Yun grew both angry and annoyed, finally slamming a hard punch into a pillar, but the next moment his face involuntarily furrowed.

It hurt a bit.

It was barely two or three hours.

The entire Da Xia Capital fell inexplicably quieter, especially among the scholars, who had previously gathered in groups of three to five, loudly and passionately cursing Gu Jin Nian.

Now all the noise has ceased.

But silence does not mean nothing is happening.

The Lantern Office, the Town Government Office, the Great Justice Temple, the Ministry of Punishments, the Heavenly Feather Army, the Capital Gate Army, and the Black Tortoise Army all launched a citywide manhunt at this moment.

Anyone who participated in this matter, or who had a significant connection to it, was seized for interrogation.

The massive army, in an instant, made people's hearts panic.

This was a search targeting scholars; for the common folk it was tolerable, as it did not disrupt them.

As for the scholars who were arrested, the treatment was not overly harsh, merely a public intimidation.

They would seize a person, verify their identity, then issue a few threats—"Your comrades have already been captured; I advise you to speak clearly yourself, lest you suffer imprisonment."

If they can arrest you, there must be evidence; without evidence they wouldn't.

You cooperate with me, I cooperate with you; you let me rest early, and I won't be too harsh on you.

After saying such things, if you still answer nothing to any question, then go home.

If you actually say something, then you can speak slowly.

Overall, intimidation remains the main approach; taking direct action against these literati is unrealistic, since the matter is minor and participants few, merely ringing a warning bell for them.

Don't spread rumors for no reason; the instigators are despicable, the brainless even more so, and the foolish are certainly more hateful than the wicked.

The bad ones have motives; from their perspective, such actions are justified.

But the foolish are different; if they arrest you, and you claim ignorance, it's clearly being set up.

Saying you're guilty is no problem, but punishing you too harshly is inhumane.

Saying you're innocent is also fine, but not punishing you makes it hard to swallow.

Thus it depends on the Emperor's mood, which can be great or petty.

At this very moment.

Inside the Prime Minister's residence.

Prime Minister Li Shan, Minister of Personnel Hu Yong, and Minister of Rites Yang Kai were gathered here.

Aside from the Prime Minister, Hu Yong and Yang Kai belong to the Crown Prince's faction.

In fact, Li Shan is also half a supporter of the Crown Prince; however, as Prime Minister, he certainly hopes the Crown Prince will ascend, yet when handling affairs he must act impartially and not join any factional struggle.

Otherwise, his tenure as Prime Minister would be over.

Minister of Rites Yang Kai is straightforward; he belongs to the Ministry of Rites, is the current Great Scholar, and firmly upholds seniority, unconditionally supporting the Crown Prince.

The Minister of Personnel rose because the Crown Prince acted as regent, being promoted single‑handedly by the Crown Prince.

The Ministry of Personnel and the Ministry of Rites are the two largest departments.

As for the Ministry of Revenue, the Ministry of Punishments, the Ministry of War, and the Ministry of Works, they have little relation to the Crown Prince.

The Minister of Revenue has an excellent relationship with Prince Qin, as does the Ministry of War, and even Prince Qin's ties with the Gu Family are good.

After all, Prince Qin was originally brought up by Grandfather Gu; during festivals, Prince Qin always goes to the Gu Family to present gifts.

If it weren't for the recent regency, with so many joyous events in the Gu Family, Prince Qin would have visited long ago.

The Ministry of Punishments, however, is closely aligned with the Confucian officials, and its officers cannot be too close to them; throughout the court, both civil and military officials dislike the Ministry of Punishments the most—once it is involved, many matters become troublesome.

Confucian officials are different; they inherently possess censorial authority, which aligns with the Ministry of Punishments, so they stay closely connected.

The Da Xia Court actually consists of three power blocs.

The Crown Prince's faction, Prince Qin's faction, and the faction of powerful ministers.

Above the three major factions stands the supreme imperial authority.

Of course, there is another force.

That is the Prime Minister's authority.

But this matter is understood without being spoken.

"Prime Minister, Gu Jin Nian's plan truly is a miracle; the whole game we had prepared has been completely overturned by his single scheme."

"His Majesty is raging like thunder today; I think things will become troublesome."

Hu Yong spoke, still somewhat immersed in Gu Jin Nian's scheme.

Today, they intend to suppress the military generals' power, weaken the Gu Family's influence, and at the same time have His Majesty open the treasury and send silver to purchase grain.

But everything was completely overturned by Gu Jin Nian's single scheme; it is more than just a disgraceful embarrassment.

More importantly, none of the plans were carried out.

"That is no trouble at all."

"The real trouble lies in His Majesty's upcoming attitude toward the Jiangning Commandery aristocratic families."

Li Shan spoke.

A disgraceful embarrassment is nothing; even if Duke Zhen Guogong scolds him in the court, he does not mind.

It does not affect the overall situation.

But the matters to come, he believes, are the real trouble.

"Prime Minister, what do you mean? Does His Majesty still intend to go after those merchants?"

Hu Yong opened his mouth, unable to hide a frown.

"Not only that."

"Nowadays, in His Majesty's eyes, anyone who impeaches Gu Jin Nian today is suspected of colluding with merchants."

"The Jiangning Commandery affair is extremely suspicious; someone is certainly pulling the strings behind it, and it is highly likely to be the Jiande remnants."

"Within the court, there must also be those with unrepentant treacherous hearts, who wish to restore the throne, advocate opening the treasury, and buying grain to relieve disaster; all are suspect."

"However, His Majesty will not act against us, after all the court still has many matters awaiting our handling."

"But the trend has already shown itself; His Majesty will strike the mountain to rattle the tiger, first eliminating the aristocratic families, then settling us."

"Both of you, please think carefully how to get through this calamity."

Li Shan spoke; he saw through everything and knew exactly what the emperor intended.

But upon saying this, the two's expressions changed slightly.

"Prime Minister, opening the treasury and buying grain to relieve disaster is a natural human response; we are also deeply concerned about the calamity. It seems unlikely that His Majesty would take his anger out on us."

"We have a clear conscience and do not fear this matter."

Hu Yong's and Yang Kai's answers differed markedly.

Li Shan sighed, looked at the two, shook his head, and said,

"Minister Hu, saying that to His Majesty has no effect on me."

"Minister Yang, you claim a clear conscience, but how can His Majesty know whether you truly have one?"

His two sentences left the two silent.

The greatest problem between ruler and minister is suspicion; because of suspicion, many have been demoted, exiled, or killed—throughout history, are such cases few?

Not at all few.

"May I ask, Prime Minister, what should we do now?"

Hu Yong opened his mouth, asking the latter.

Hearing this, Li Shan looked toward Jiangning Prefecture, his voice calm.

"The only solution right now is actually simple."

"Let the Crown Prince step forward, proactively propose severe punishment of the aristocratic families and merchants, and set a decisive stance."

"Now that Prince Qin is acting as regent, regarding the Jiangning Prefecture matter, his suspicion is actually the smallest; a regent could not hope for internal chaos."

"But the Crown Prince carries an additional suspicion, not only widening the rift between him and Prince Qin, but more importantly, His Majesty will become suspicious of the Crown Prince."

"It is understandable for His Majesty to suspect us ministers, but he must not suspect the Crown Prince; the Crown Prince has already been relieved of regency. If he is suspected again, it may truly lead to—"

At this point, Li Shan did not continue.

Instead, he shifted his tone and said directly,

"The Crown Prince must take the initiative, urging His Majesty to severely punish all merchants in Jiangning Prefecture who inflate grain prices."

"In Jiangning Commandery there are three great aristocratic families; if possible, eliminating one family suffices. This would clear suspicion and also win the hearts of millions in Jiangning Commandery."

"Thus, the Crown Prince's position would be as steady as Mount Tai; though the two of you have suspicion, as long as the Crown Prince is stable, no matter how big the issue, it will not be taken out on you."

Li Shan spoke.

He began the post‑disaster work.

Now that the Jiangning Commandery flood is over, this tremendous merit must be taken as a profit.

Gu Jin Nian's scheme can win public support.

But for all the refugees of Jiangning Commandery, who is the most hateful? These merchants are the most hateful.

Once fed, they will thank Gu Jin Nian. But how long can such gratitude last?

Hatred can stay hidden in the heart indefinitely; if at this moment someone steps forward and kills these utterly wicked merchants, the people's allegiance will probably favor that over Gu Jin Nian's plotting.

That is the true direction of the people's hearts.

Gaining the approval of Jiangning Commandery's populace further stabilizes the Crown Prince's position.

Sure enough, after Li Shan finished speaking, Hu Yong and Yang Kai's eyes lit up.

But soon, Hu Yong could not help but frown and say,

"The three great families of Jiangning Commandery—Zheng, Liu, and Xu—are not easy to deal with."

The Zheng family is said to have close ties with Prince Qi Lin and is also the foremost of the three great families; it would not be a good thing if the Crown Prince were to demand their punishment.

The Liu family is also not an option; their ancestors fought alongside the founding emperor and earned great merit, and many officials in Jiang Ning Commandery are members of the Liu family.

As for the Xu family, they are the natal family of Consort Yue, so demanding their punishment would be rather unwise.

Hu Yong frowned.

To become a prestigious clan of a commandery, one must either have connections in the court, have illustrious ancestors, or at least be linked to a feudal prince or a high‑ranking court official.

It's not easy to move anyone.

"At this point, still trying to control this?"

"The Zheng family is indeed hard to deal with, the Xu family need not be offended, and although the Liu family's ancestors were distinguished generals, they have ultimately turned to dust."

"Moreover, they are also of the military official lineage, which fits perfectly."

"What must be done now is to rally the people's hearts, make up for past deeds, and clear any suspicion."

"Moreover, Ministers, if the Liu family does not act this way, will trouble still fall upon them?"

Li Shan spoke coldly.

For a moment, the two fell silent.

Li Shan was right; the fundamental problem is that they erred, but their background is minor and they can be sacrificed.

The other two do not lack the courage to trouble them; rather, troubling them would affect their own interests.

"Then I shall go to the Crown Prince's residence."

Hu Yong opened his mouth and said so.

"Very well."

"It must be done quickly; I fear Prince Qin will not let this opportunity slip by."

Li Shan spoke up.

After saying this, Hu Yong and Yang Kai said no more, rose, and left directly.

After the two departed.

Li Shan drank tea alone, his gaze exceedingly complex.

Meanwhile.

Inside Prince Qin's residence.

Indeed, just as Li Shan described.

A group of strategists were also discussing how to seize credit.

"Your Highness."

"Now that the disaster in Jiang Ning Commandery is resolved, the people's resentment remains unresolved; if at this moment Your Highness were to voluntarily plead before the Emperor and severely punish the great families,"

"first, it would further cement the suspicion that you are unrelated to this matter;"

"second, it would win the people's hearts and elevate you further;"

"third, it would suppress the Crown Prince's influence; today the court, His Majesty is already displeased with the Six Ministries, especially Prime Minister Li Shan, who is also close to the Crown Prince. Seizing this chance to replace the prime minister, once His Majesty removes the prime minister, it would indicate His Majesty intends to change the Crown Prince's position."

The strategist spoke.

The words made Prince Qin's heart blossom with joy.

"The three great families of Jiang Ning Commandery—who shall we trouble?"

Prince Qin frowned; though he felt pleased inside, outwardly he was still hesitant.

"Your Highness, all three families should be involved, but the Xu family should be severely punished; behind the Xu family is Consort Yue, who is said to have a close relationship with the Crown Princess, so this would also diminish the Crown Prince's power—a threefold gain."

"Please, Prince Qin, hurry to the palace so as not to be preempted by the Crown Prince's subordinates."

The strategist had already decided whom to trouble.

Upon hearing this, Prince Qin nodded.

"Very well."

"Now I will go to the palace."

He said, somewhat impatient.

His brother had been removed from the regency; now that such events occur in Jiang Ning Commandery, there are many shadows inside, especially the shadows of the Jian De remnants.

If he could seize this chance to overthrow Prince Yu's forces, it would be a great joy for him.

"Your Highness, you must remember to first plead your own guilt, as the regency is unfavorable, then address the Liu family's guilt; never be too direct, lest His Majesty develop a grudge."

The middle‑aged strategist spoke, and Prince Qin nodded, taking it to heart, then prepared his horse to enter the palace.

The capital was boiling with rumors.

And within the Da Xia Academy.

When the news arrived, the Great Scholars of the academy were each left dumbfounded.

Upon learning of Gu Jin Nian's plan, these Great Scholars quickly gathered to discuss the scheme.

The discussions went on, and the final conclusion was a single sentence.

Gu Jin Nian, his scheming is terrifying.

At the same time they fully understood why Su Wenjing was so excited and agitated that day.

Now, after seeing this plan, they completely understand.

"What a brilliant move, attacking hearts with hearts; Gu Jin Nian, truly a prodigy, a prodigy indeed."

"What prodigy? This is nothing short of a monster; I have lived eighty years and could not conceive such a scheme. I hear Gu Jin Nian thought of this in the time it takes a single incense stick to burn—this is a monster indeed."

"Oh heavens, I never imagined that in my old age I would encounter such a fine disciple."

"Disciple? When did Gu Jin Nian become your student?"

"Indeed, Zhou Ru, with that remark, when did Gu Jin Nian become your disciple?"

Everyone was discussing heatedly, until someone shamelessly claimed that Gu Jin Nian was his disciple, instantly sparking controversy.

"I have long been spiritually connected with him; you don't understand. I will now go find him and take him as my disciple."

Zhou Ru was very excited, and at the same time too lazy to deal with these people; he went straight out to look for Gu Jin Nian.

"Zhou Ru, what are you thinking? Gu Jin Nian is such a heaven‑defying genius—how could he possibly be your disciple?"

"Do you even have the qualifications?"

"He should become my disciple; I can teach him well."

Someone spoke up, directly blocking Zhou Ru.

"Shut your dog‑shit mouth; with that little bit of ink in your gut, you dare teach my disciple? Are you even qualified?"

"Zhou Ru, you disgrace the literati—look at yourself. Back in the Da Xia imperial examinations, on the palace exam, what rank did you get? I was the second place that year."

"So what if I was second place? Back then I simply disdained showing off my literary talent, and yet I too became a Great Scholar."

"Is being second place so impressive?"

Zhou Ru snorted coldly repeatedly.

"Laughable, you still disdain showing off literary talent—do you even have any literary talent?"

"In short, I have decided on Gu Jin Nian—he is destined to be my disciple."

The latter spoke, his expression serious.

"Damn your destiny, I'll see today just how you're supposed to be destined."

"You're the second place, huh? I'll make you see nothing."

Zhou Ru was somewhat angry, and he threw two punches straight at the other's eyes.

"Zhou Ru, you have no martial virtue, you damned sneak attack."

"Fine, give face or don't—I'll fight you to the end today."

The latter gritted his teeth; in an instant his upper garment burst—though old‑aged, his body was full of sinewy muscle, frail yet vigorous, and he immediately grappled with Zhou Ru.

This drew everyone's stunned attention.

"Stop fighting, stop fighting, you guys stop, you guys stop."

"The two of you together are almost two hundred years old—do you have any shame?"

"Give me some face, just let Gu Jin Nian be mine."

"Screw your grandmother's leg."

"Oh wow, you two against one? That's not fair."

Inside the academy, four or five Great Scholars inexplicably started a melee, while some teachers stood at the sides silent.

They wanted to go up and break it up, but the problem was they couldn't restrain them—these Great Scholars train martial arts daily, they're no pushovers; if one went up carelessly and took two punches, the person would go numb.

The farce of the academy's Great Scholars hasn't spread yet.

But the matter in the capital has also spread throughout the ears of all the students at the Da Xia Academy.

Inside Gu Jin Nian's room.

As one figure after another appeared, Gu Jin Nian became somewhat dazed.

"What the hell are you doing?"

Inside the room.

Gu Jin Nian was painstakingly studying the sages' books when suddenly a dozen or so people arrived, leaving him a bit dazed.

Wang Fugui, Xu Ya, Zhao Siqing, Jiang Ye Zhou, Yang Hanrou, plus some students who had gone to the Holy Hall and other students, all appeared outside the door.

"Brother Gu, you really are a damned divine person."

"Jiangning Prefecture is such a huge mess, yet you quelled the chaos in five days—your plan is divine, truly divine."

Wang Fugui spoke first.

He walked straight in, waving his arms and kicking his legs in excitement.

These past days he had been anxious for Gu Jin Nian, but now, as the news arrived, Wang Fugui let out a complete sigh of relief.

He was also utterly shocked by Gu Jin Nian's proposed plan.

As a member of a merchant clan, he understood all the more how terrifying Gu Jin Nian's strategy was.

It laid bare people's hearts in perfect clarity.

Especially the thoughts of merchants—every move—were firmly grasped by Gu Jin Nian.

"What's wrong?"

Hearing Wang Fugui speak, Gu Jin Nian roughly knew what it was, but he still asked curiously.

Wang Fugui didn't beat around the bush, directly telling him everything that had happened outside.

After he finished, Gu Jin Nian showed no excitement or happiness; instead he continued to hold up his book and slowly spoke.

"Is that it?"

"I thought you guys had discovered some good place on your expedition."

"It got my hopes up for nothing."

Gu Jin Nian appeared quite casual.

But inside he also let out a heavy sigh—his scheme had succeeded, meaning that from now on, no one would die in Jiangning Prefecture.

"Huh?"

"What expedition?"

"Brother Gu, you're spouting nonsense again."

Wang Fugui felt a bit embarrassed.

After all, Gu Jin Nian's reaction was really overly calm.

"Brother Wang, in the future such trivial matters need not be shouted about, yet you've drawn so many people here."

"Just quelling the chaos in Jiang Ning Prefecture—what great matter is that? In the eyes of some scholars, they'll probably say it's Master Wenjing's suggestion and shift the credit onto me."

"There's nothing worth celebrating."

Gu Jin Nian said he did not think so.

He was being sarcastic.

Outside the gate a crowd had already gathered; hearing this, they felt inexplicably ashamed and a little embarrassed.

"Brother Gu, you shouldn't say such things."

"This plan, which we have witnessed with our own eyes, belongs to Brother Gu—indeed, it is Brother Gu's."

"Brother Gu's scheme, I, the humble junior, truly admire to the utmost."

"The tens of thousands of people in Jiang Ning Prefecture were saved because of it; Brother Gu's plan will surely spread across the Divine Continent."

Jiang Yezhou walked in, also very pleased: firstly because Jiang Ning Prefecture was completely pacified, and secondly because all the injustices Gu Jin Nian had faced would now vanish like clouds.

He sincerely felt happy for his friend.

"Benefactor Gu, with one plan you saved tens of thousands of people; this is boundless merit. Senior Brother Jue Ming has already drafted a letter, asked the temple abbot to light a Longevity Lamp for Brother Gu, wishing the benefactor a lifespan of three hundred years."

Jue Xin's voice rang out.

He has a lively disposition, unlike Jue Ming's dull and heavy manner.

Yet the listeners felt a tinge of envy; the Longevity Lamp of Xiao Yuan Temple is not merely symbolic, but truly can gather the power of belief and enhance personal fortune.

As for whether it actually grants longevity, that's unknown; in any case, all major powers across the world wish to light a Longevity Lamp in Xiao Yuan Temple.

"No need to be formal."

Gu Jin Nian smiled, but said nothing more.

"Brother Gu, stop the idle talk, let's go, go, go to the dining hall; I've specially had some fine wine delivered, everyone can have a sip."

"After all, Brother Gu is a student of our Da Xia Academy; five days to quell the disaster is the utmost honor. When we go out later, we can spread the word everywhere about having been classmates with Brother Gu."

Wang Fugui stood up, pulling Gu Jin Nian to drink.

The others also smiled in turn, repeatedly echoing.

Unable to contain the crowd's enthusiasm.

He could only follow everyone to the dining hall.

It was just that on the way they heard some strange commotion, seemed like a fight, but they didn't know the details.

After arriving at the dining hall.

Almost all the students were present; anyone who didn't hold a deep grudge against Gu Jin Nian was basically all there.

Wang Fugui was also generous, bringing out vats of fine wine and filling a bowl for each person present.

Except for Jue Ming and the two others, basically everyone had their bowl filled.

Su Huaiyu and Xu Changge also arrived.

The two remained aloof and cool.

Moreover, they often hide in their rooms, doing who knows what, basically not interacting much with others.

But Gu Jin Nian's face must be saved today.

Wang Fugui, coming from a merchant background, had a repertoire of flowery speeches.

"Everyone, today's banquet is first to congratulate Brother Gu, second to celebrate the tens of thousands of people of Jiang Ning County."

"The flood disaster in Jiang Ning County is a wound of our Da Xia."

"Countless casualties, refugees rising, demonic beasts causing chaos, enraging the people."

"But our Brother Gu, Great Summer Zhen Guo Gong's Grandson, son of Lord Linyang, Da Xia Crown Prince Gu Jin Nian, with his own effort, pacified the turmoil of Jiang Ning County."

"This is a sky‑splitting merit, rescuing the people from fire and water; such deeds are a model for us scholars."

"It is also a model for Da Xia Academy."

"Come, everyone, raise the wine in your hands and toast Brother Gu with a bowl."

"I'll go first."

Wang Fugui spoke, his words full of lofty ambition, praising Gu Jin Nian from every angle.

This made Gu Jin Nian inexplicably embarrassed.

Yet the crowd felt no embarrassment, raising their bowls and drinking in one gulp, their eyes full of admiration.

Thus, everyone kept refilling cup after cup, sip after sip.

Drinking until the end.

All the students began to lavish praise on Gu Jin Nian.

Even some who were drunk came up to Gu Jin Nian to apologize, saying they had previously listened to slander and misunderstood Gu Jin Nian.

Now they are deeply remorseful.

A few more aggressive ones came up, clanged two loud knocks on Gu Jin Nian's head, utterly drunk, and repented before Gu Jin Nian.

Actually, originally no one held grudges; it was just that various rumors had corrupted them.

Now they've had some wine, plus Wang Fugui's sharp tongue.

I know some have opinions about Brother Gu, but as classmates we should help each other, not have barriers; now the facts show that the previous group indeed had issues.

But what's past is past; Brother Gu is magnanimous, there is no real conflict, we drink this bowl and henceforth are like one family, study well, follow Brother Gu's teachings, serve the country and the people.

Being classmates is already rare; let's drink this bowl.

Under such heartfelt words, some felt ashamed, then each came forward to apologize.

Making Gu Jin Nian truly embarrassed.

But it must be said, Wang Fugui's gathering today truly reduced the gaps among the people.

The main thing is, there is no conflict of interest.

Indeed, there's no need to scheme against each other. Besides, there's one more point: who is Gu Jin Nian? He's the grandson of the State Duke.

The emperor's nephew.

Now he writes timeless essays, national fortune poems, and even writes such a strategy, pacifying the turmoil in Jiangning Prefecture.

Something that the entire court of civil and military officials couldn't handle, Gu Jin Nian settled it.

In the future he will certainly be one flight to the skies, one flight to the skies, one flight to the skies.

For such a person, why not curry favor?

Not currying favor, yet still offending?

Are you brain‑sick? This banquet, we drank until the hai hour.

Gu Jin Nian also got a bit drunk.

However, he's better than them; the rest need help walking.

Gu Jin Nian can barely walk back on his own.

After returning to his room.

Gu Jin Nian mobilized his martial power to force out the alcohol, then immediately exhaled a long breath.

The calamity in Jiangning Prefecture has been pacified.

But the matter of Jiangning Prefecture hasn't been completely resolved.

He stood by the window, gazing at the moonlight, his thoughts complex.

There are still some things waiting for him to do.

However, Gu Jin Nian is also pondering.

He himself wonders whether he should continue causing trouble.

At this point, even the behind‑the‑scenes mastermind would likely behave a little; causing a disturbance wouldn't affect them much.

And he would only deepen his deadly enmity with them, easily inviting stronger retaliation.

Better not cause trouble.

But his heart feels uneasy.

He feels torn.

Gu Jin Nian also feels hesitant.

The turmoil in Jiangning Commandery, he expected to end within half a month, but now it's over in five days—beyond his expectation—and he also realizes that the behind‑the‑scenes mastermind has chosen not to continue stirring trouble.

Otherwise, it could still hold out a few more days.

This is a signal.

A signal that leaves him indecisive.

However, perhaps he really got drunk to the point of losing control.

Gu Jin Nian feels a bit sleepy.

Lying on the bed.

He slowly fell asleep.

And at this very moment.

When Gu Jin Nian fell asleep.

A terrifying strand of dark qi surged from Jiangning Prefecture into Da Xia Academy.

But no one noticed it.

Not even Half Saint Su Wenjing could detect this thing.

This is resentment energy.

Resentment energy like a flood.

It entered Gu Jin Nian's body.

At that moment, the ancient tree also.

burst forth brilliant light.

(End of chapter)