Chapter 71: Su Huaiyu's Secret, the Hidden Mastermind, Da Xia Poetry Society Approaches

Da Xia Academy.

After Gu Jin Nian returned.

All the Great Scholars, Masters, and students of the academy stood at the academy gate, waiting for Gu Jin Nian.

When they saw Gu Jin Nian, everyone bowed to him in unison.

The bow came from the bottom of their hearts.

Gu Jin Nian redressed the people's grievances, deserving their bow.

Whether students or Great Scholars and Masters, their expressions were resolute.

"We have seen the Crown Prince."

The crowd spoke together, addressing him as Crown Prince.

Gu Jin Nian has no titles or office, so they could only call him Crown Prince.

Facing the crowd's bow, Gu Jin Nian returned a bow.

At this moment, he could feel something different about Da Xia Academy.

"You all speak too highly."

After the ceremony, Gu Jin Nian spoke; he didn't want to make a big deal of it, they were all classmates, and what he did wasn't anything special—wasn't it just redressing the people's grievances? Few have ever accomplished that throughout history.

Is that impressive? Uh, indeed it is quite impressive.

Smiling, Gu Jin Nian walked over; affairs of the court are still court affairs, and once he had done his part, that was enough.

He had done what needed to be done; the old master was right—it's not yet his turn to get involved, and that's about it.

Studying diligently and accumulating knowledge is the true path.

"Brother Gu, I've never admired anyone in my life; today you truly showed me what a scholar's demeanor is."

"I will continue the feast today, and I hope you, Brother Gu, will not decline."

Wang Fugui came forward with a beaming smile; he was completely delighted now.

Joining Da Xia Academy was one thing, but now he had also forged a friendship with the grandson of the Duke of Zhen Guo, and that duke's grandson was far more impressive than imagined.

He was truly a dragon and phoenix among men, a dragon and phoenix among dragons and phoenixes.

Having such a friendship, how could Wang Fugui not be pleased? He was even more grateful that he hadn't chosen to flee, but stood alongside Gu Jin Nian; otherwise he would have missed this connection.

"Want another drink?"

"No more drinks, no more drinks; everyone, rest early. We have school tomorrow; we must not neglect our studies."

Upon hearing about drinking, Gu Jin Nian shook his head; the people who drank yesterday were numb, and drinking again today would indeed be a problem.

If word gets out, Da Xia Academy will be a bunch of drunken fools.

"Crown Prince, I would like to ask you a question: how did you create this 'Thousand-Mile Starving Corpses Diagram'?"

A Great Scholar spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian with curiosity, and said,

"Sir,"

"Sincerity of heart summons spirit,"

Gu Jin Nian could not explain; it was impossible to claim there was an ancient tree inside his mind.

Isn't that courting trouble? Hearing Gu Jin Nian's explanation, the Great Scholars nodded; though curious, they speculated that the diagram was a response from Heaven.

"Since ancient times, omens are Heaven's decree; this diagram must be Heaven's will, perceiving Brother Gu's righteous spirit, thus manifesting,"

"Crown Prince, Xu admires you,"

At this moment, Xu Changge spoke; he was very proud, having only a faint awareness of Gu Jin Nian's identity at first.

He had no particular feeling toward Gu Jin Nian.

But now, Gu Jin Nian's advocacy for the people had won him over.

He is a practitioner of the Immortal Path, believing in saving all beings; Gu Jin Nian's deeds also save the world, earning his respect.

"Everyone need not be like this; just as usual, do as you see fit,"

"If I, Gu, did not step forward today, someone else would; after all, it's just that I acted first—this world has many virtuous people, why would it care about me alone?"

Having gained an advantage, Gu Jin Nian didn't want to act meek.

That's enough; there's no need to brag.

As long as his conscience is clear, that's sufficient.

"Jin Nian, my young friend, truly modest, with genuine scholar-Dao bearing; it seems my scholar-Dao will not take long before another Great Scholar emerges,"

"Indeed, indeed."

"By the way, Jin Nian, my young friend, I just thought of something: I have a granddaughter, graceful and beautiful; I wonder if you are interested in marriage? If you are willing, I will bring her over for you to meet,"

"If you have no objection, my family and the Gu Family could become in-laws; in the future, should you have any doubts, you may ask me, for I will speak all I know and spare no effort,"

A Great Scholar stepped forward, his demeanor ethereal, stroking his beard, smiling at Gu Jin Nian.

But as soon as he said that, the other Great Scholars became displeased.

"Young friend, don't heed his words; his granddaughter is merely average, not as beautiful as mine—marry mine and I guarantee you won't lose,"

"Crown Prince, these two are lying; their granddaughters are ordinary, but my granddaughter is different—well-versed, considerate, and can accept you taking a third or fourth wife; she was taught feminine virtues from childhood and will surely become a worthy consort for the Crown Prince,"

"Go, go, you are all scheming; Jin Nian, my young friend, I have two granddaughters, one older, one younger; if you have no objection, take me as your master and I will bring them right away,"

Voices rose one after another.

These Great Scholars now completely set their sights on Gu Jin Nian, as if they would give all their family assets to him, just hoping Gu Jin Nian would take them as teachers.

A student nearby, seeing this scene, felt inexplicably envious.

Being able to become in-laws with the current Great Scholars is such a wonderful thing, and they even compete to be first.

Why don't they have that?

"Sir, I have no marriage; if you have no objection, I could actually take you as my master."

Hearing those Great Scholars say "you argue, I seize."

At this moment, Wang Fugui couldn't help but speak up, adding a remark.

Although he knew the chance of being rejected was high.

But it was just a casual remark, nothing much—what if? What if some Great Scholar actually considered it?

Wouldn't that be a free gain for oneself? Yet as soon as the words were spoken, many Great Scholars instantly turned their gaze to Wang Fugui.

"You? You think you're worthy? Wang Fugui, how dare you say such a thing?"

"You think you're worthy to marry my granddaughter? Wang Fugui, you don't think that just by standing beside Little Jin Nian you can surpass him by a tenth or a twelfth, do you?"

"Look at you, as fat as a sow, and you still have the nerve to say that—aren't you ashamed?"

At that moment, voices rang out; these Great Scholars truly spoke bluntly.

In a few words, they made Wang Fugui's face turn red.

A blush of shame.

He had only made a casual remark, never expecting to be mocked by the crowd.

He felt a bit angry.

But he didn't dare say anything.

"Gentlemen, isn't this a bit too blunt?"

Gu Jin Nian forced a wry smile, looked at the Great Scholars, and tried to smooth things over.

"Not blunt, not blunt—what's even more blunt is yet to come."

"Little Jin Nian, you really don't get it; this is what we call a scholar's frankness. As Great Scholars, we speak from the heart—what it is, we say as it is, without pretense."

"Indeed, no hypocrisy allowed. Moreover, can Wang Fugui even compare to you? He can't even match a single finger of yours."

"Are you being a bit excessive?"

"Comparing the crown prince to Wang Fugui? Aren't you insulting Little Jin Nian?"

The Great Scholars exchanged remarks, while the master beside them seemed accustomed to it.

These Great Scholars are like that—speaking directly, unafraid to offend, like a bunch of old mischievous children.

Wang Fugui could no longer bear it; he lowered his head and walked back to his lodging, feeling uneasy but unable to say more.

"Gentlemen, I truly haven't considered marriage. Also, it's getting late; everyone should rest early."

Gu Jin Nian also slipped away.

Seeing his stance, staying would likely mean being dragged into a face‑to‑face match‑making.

As Gu Jin Nian left, the Great Scholars tried to chase after him, but some masters pulled them back.

With Gu Jin Nian's departure, everyone scattered and left.

Inside the lodging.

Gu Jin Nian had just entered the room when Jiang Yezhou, Su Huaiyu, Shangguan Baiyu, Zhao Siqing, Xu Ya, Xu Changge and others came in.

Their relationship with Gu Jin Nian was fairly good; now they were essentially fellow students interacting.

"Brother Gu, after this phenomenon ended, did your body undergo any changes?"

Xu Ya spoke up, asking immediately.

"Why ask that? What's up?"

Sitting in the room, Gu Jin Nian was somewhat curious.

"It's not that—someone in the academy said that those who experience the phenomenon are recognized by Heaven and Earth and may receive rewards."

"We were all curious; when the Great Scholars were present we couldn't ask, but now they're gone, so we ask you privately."

Listening as Xu Ya spoke.

Everyone indeed showed curiosity.

Seeing their curiosity, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but nod.

"Well, I can't deny it."

"After the phenomenon ended, a cultivation method appeared in my mind, called the Great Luo Golden Immortal Resolve."

Gu Jin Nian said, his face earnest.

But as soon as he said that, everyone present was taken aback.

"Great Luo Golden Immortal Resolve?"

"Is there such a good thing?"

"Is it real, Brother Gu?"

Everyone, curious, couldn't help but ask.

"It's true, it's true; why would I deceive you?"

"The method is still in my mind; I'll write it down for you."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, then picked up a brush and quickly wrote something on rice paper—essentially a cultivation method.

Only a few hundred characters, not much.

The gist: daily meditation, perceiving Heaven and Earth, condensing the essence of sun and moon, forging Great Luo power.

After writing, Gu Jin Nian handed it to everyone.

Just a glance.

Everyone instantly realized Gu Jin Nian was teasing them.

For a moment, the group fell silent.

Threads of resentment rose from within them.

Which pleased Gu Jin Nian greatly.

Only one person, holding the Great Luo Golden Immortal Decision that Gu Jin Nian wrote, examined it carefully, and then, curious, said.

"Brother Jin Nian, I understand sensing heaven and earth, condensing the essence of sun and moon, but why practice Qi half a quarter‑hour before the sun appears?"

It was Zhao Siqing.

She was the only one who hadn't yet figured it out.

"Sister Siqing, just because of speed, the sunlight we see is actually the sunlight from half a quarter‑hour ago."

"The most crucial point of this Great Luo Golden Immortal Decision lies in the first ray of sunlight between heaven and earth."

"Do you understand?"

Gu Jin Nian said with a serious expression.

A stream of resentment surged again.

Those people fell even more silent.

They could accept nonsense spoken with eyes closed, but they didn't expect Zhao Siqing actually believed it? How could she be so stupid? Xu Ya, Shangguan Baiyu, and Xu Changge all didn't know what to say.

Gu Jin Nian practices Confucian Daoist cultivation, how could he obtain immortal techniques? It's obviously a lie.

"Who will be the master tomorrow?"

Inside the room, Gu Jin Nian spoke, not continuing the previous topic, but asking who would be the master tomorrow.

"The son of the Minister of Works."

Su Huaiyu said.

"The son of the Minister of Works? Then we should rest early, otherwise we'll be listless tomorrow."

"Everyone, it's really getting late, let's sleep, let's sleep."

Gu Jin Nian truly wanted some quiet.

But he could understand everyone's feelings; after all, such a big commotion made everyone want to come and watch the drama.

The problem was, he didn't want to say much himself.

For him, being quiet for a while now was better.

Hearing this, the others understood that Gu Jin Nian needed quiet now.

Thus they did not continue to disturb him.

They exchanged a glance and left the room.

After the others left.

Gu Jin Nian let out a long sigh.

Too many things happened today, making it hard for him to digest them.

He lay on the couch.

In Gu Jin Nian's mind, the scene of refugees kept surfacing; the image was too vivid to forget at once.

But everything was fine.

The final outcome was good.

A grievance has its source, a debt has its owner.

He killed all those swindlers in one go, which also released a burst of vile Qi.

As for the trouble it caused, since grandpa had said that with him there, Gu Jin Nian didn't think further.

Next, he would just go to school properly.

He wouldn't think about the rest.

As for the thirty‑six martial‑path fruits that grew from the ancient tree, Gu Jin Nian planned to open them in two days; for now, he would just study.

About an hour later.

When Gu Jin Nian felt a bit sleepy, abruptly someone arrived.

And it was a woman.

Her steps were very light.

On the couch, Gu Jin Nian slightly opened his eyes.

He felt an inexplicable anticipation.

Bang bang.

As the knocking sounded.

Gu Jin Nian waved his hand, a hidden force surged out, and he opened the door.

What disappointed Gu Jin Nian was that the visitor was not Zhao Siqing, but Yang Hanrou.

"Sister Hanrou, why did you come?"

Looking at Yang Hanrou, Gu Jin Nian was a bit curious.

"Brother Jin Nian."

"I have something I want to tell Brother Jin Nian."

Entering the room, Yang Hanrou slowly closed the door, then whispered softly.

"Come, say it on the bed."

Hearing there was something to discuss, Gu Jin Nian hurriedly squeezed inside, barely making room.

Yang Hanrou: "."

"Brother Jin Nian, you are truly witty; the front foot avenges the people, the back foot becomes like this."

"If we hadn't witnessed Brother Jin Nian's methods, other sisters might truly be fooled."

"But if Brother Jin Nian truly doesn't care, I wouldn't be afraid to go over, only fearing that you wouldn't dare to accept me."

Yang Hanrou smiled faintly.

After saying all that, Gu Jin Nian got up.

Yang Hanrou is not a simpleton; she is very clever.

And the sudden night visit gave Gu Jin Nian some idea.

"Little sister, speak, older brother is listening."

Sitting in front of Yang Hanrou, Gu Jin Nian asked directly.

"Brother Jin Nian, little sister suddenly thought of something yesterday."

"About the incident of Brother Jin Nian falling into the water."

She opened her mouth.

Gu Jin Nian's expression did not change at all.

He guessed why Yang Hanrou came late at night.

It must be about this matter.

Otherwise, would she really have nothing to do late at night and want to come find me to chat about life?

Moreover, Yang Hanrou chose to come over not because of a guilty conscience, but because as her strength grew, she became aware of the danger.

If I were still a frivolous waste, I would fear that Yang Hanrou would remember nothing.

Doing this now is to win my favor and also to resolve the grievance.

"Oh? Little sister, speak plainly."

Gu Jin Nian opened his mouth and looked at Yang Hanrou.

Feeling Gu Jin Nian's gaze, Yang Hanrou did not hesitate and spoke directly.

"Brother Jin Nian, little sister recalled yesterday that before the day you fell into the water, it was not you who provoked first, but someone else who provoked first."

"Moreover, the one who pushed Brother Jin Nian into the water was not me; to be precise, I only gave a light shove, since you were a bit angry then, and I instinctively gave a gentle push."

"But Brother Jin Nian was at least a zhang away from the lake edge, so he could not have drowned."

Yang Hanrou spoke.

She disclosed the truth of that day.

Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but frown as he recalled.

His memory was fragmented; he only remembered that Yang Hanrou and Zhang Yun had spoken rudely to him, he got angry, and a dispute broke out.

There was a shove, but he truly had no memory of who shoved.

"Was it Zhang Yun who pushed?"

Gu Jin Nian looked at Yang Hanrou.

She shook her head.

"Probably not; Zhang Yun did push a little, but not enough to push fully into the water."

"Furthermore, Zhang Yun's constitution is weak, so he could not have pushed Brother Jin Nian into the water."

Yang Hanrou tried to shift the blame to Zhang Yun, but the fact is Zhang Yun indeed did not push him into the water.

"Not you."

"Nor Zhang Yun."

"You mean I fell by myself?"

Gu Jin Nian found it somewhat amusing; coming here in the middle of the night just to say this?

However, Yang Hanrou shook her head, looked at Gu Jin Nian and said.

"No."

"Little sister thinks it is very possible that someone was hidden, using hidden force or something like a stone, to injure Brother Jin Nian, causing him to accidentally fall into the water."

"At that time I was a bit panicked, thinking I had caused trouble."

"Later, after returning to the Wenxin Study, I carefully measured the distance to the water; Brother Jin Nian was a zhang away, and the spot where he fell was not at the lake edge but about two to three zhangs away."

"However, I did not want to create further complications, so I dared not tell the truth. Now my heart is full of uneasy feelings, so I step forward to tell Brother Jin Nian the truth."

Yang Hanrou spoke; she was very clever and cleared herself in a few sentences.

"Someone hidden?"

Hearing this, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but tighten his brows.

He stared at Yang Hanrou, silent.

She met Gu Jin Nian's gaze without any trace of fear.

"You mean that neither you nor Zhang Yun are suspects, but someone else?"

Gu Jin Nian continued to ask.

"No."

"Zhang Yun also has suspicion."

"Little sister remembers clearly that day I planned to leave through the West Gate, but Zhang Yun insisted on pulling me to the East Gate; he must have known something, but I don't know the details."

"Moreover, after this, my grandfather acted unusually. My grandfather is a Great Scholar, with vast righteous Qi inside him. I told him the truth, expecting him to scold me, but he remained silent for a night, as if he had something on his mind."

"So little sister guesses this matter is definitely not as simple as it appears on the surface."

"But I truly do not know the specifics."

"Brother Jin Nian, the falling‑into‑water incident is ultimately somewhat related to me; I feel guilty, and I hope you will be magnanimous. I will remember this kindness in my heart."

As Yang Hanrou spoke, she slowly knelt on the ground, tilted her face slightly upward, exposing a pale, delicate neck, looking as if she were ready to be slaughtered, a pitiful sight, her eyes filled with mist.

He is still as tall as this Yang Hanrou.

He tells the whole story, then voluntarily confesses, minimizing his own impact and shifting the fire onto others.

Impressive.

The rank is truly high.

Inside the room.

Gu Jin Nian extended two fingers, lightly touching Yang Hanrou's face; however, there was not a hint of lewdness in his eyes, replaced instead by calm.

As for Yang Hanrou, her body trembled slightly.

"If this matter is truly as you say, I can avoid causing you trouble."

"Consider it as you have made up for your fault with merit."

"But if I discover that you still have something hidden from me, you should know what the consequences will be."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He then withdrew his hand and looked at Yang Hanrou.

"Brother Jin Nian, rest assured, I absolutely have not told a single lie."

She was very delighted.

Because she had indeed become afraid.

If Gu Jin Nian were truly a spoiled rich kid, she wouldn't be afraid at all, after all, this matter has little to do with her.

But now Gu Jin Nian is becoming increasingly unfathomable, and she grows more fearful, dreading the day he truly wields great power, settles scores later, and then she will inevitably have to bear a huge cost.

She might as well come tonight to find Gu Jin Nian, lay out the facts clearly, and also show her stance.

"Help me do something."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, although he had let Yang Hanrou go, he still needed to use her.

"What is it? Brother Jin Nian."

Upon hearing this, Yang Hanrou's beautiful eyes immediately lit up.

"Get close to Zhang Yun."

"Question him to get some information out."

"Also, let Zhang Yun continue to cause trouble for me."

"Furthermore, look for more; ideally, find fault with me even when there's nothing." Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He had a plan in his mind.

Lure the guest into the urn, or also called luring the snake out of its hole.

"Look for trouble?"

"This"

Yang Hanrou was somewhat puzzled.

"We're both smart people; Sister Hanrou should understand my meaning."

"Let him make a mistake; you don't need to worry about the rest; if you succeed, I'll give you a benefit."

Gu Jin Nian smiled.

Yang Hanrou nodded, and did not continue to pretend anything.

"Alright, Sister Hanrou, do you plan to stay here for the night or go back?"

Having said that, Gu Jin Nian had nothing more to ask.

He rose to his feet and looked at Yang Hanrou.

"Brother Jin Nian, if you don't mind the trouble, let my father go to the Yang family to propose marriage, and I will stay here."

"Otherwise, if the masters see us, they'll likely lecture us."

Yang Hanrou smiled, then slowly left the room, leaving behind a faint fragrance.

Watching Yang Hanrou leave.

Gu Jin Nian felt nothing—not because Yang Hanrou wasn't beautiful, but because this woman's scheming was too heavy, not to his taste.

He still preferred someone more innocent and sweet.

However, just as Gu Jin Nian was about to continue lying down on the bed.

A calm voice sounded.

"Do you believe her words?"

The voice sounded.

It was Su Huaiyu.

I don't know when he appeared in my room; he seems to come and go mysteriously.

"Do you believe it?"

Gu Jin Nian did not answer, but instead turned the question back to Su Huaiyu.

"Believe."

Su Huaiyu was very direct, without any hesitation.

"Why?"

Gu Jin Nian's expression grew somewhat serious; he actually also believed Yang Hanrou, but still retained a hint of doubt, merely not expecting Su Huaiyu to be so trusting.

"Beautiful women don't lie."

Su Huaiyu spoke lightly.

That answer left Gu Jin Nian somewhat silent.

Well, indeed worthy of Su Huaiyu.

According to her meaning, plus our earlier speculation, we can be certain that my drowning was definitely not accidental.

Someone wants to harm me, and that person is hiding in the dark.

Gu Jin Nian spoke, having reasoned it out himself.

However, Su Huaiyu shook his head and said: "It's not necessarily that he's hiding in the dark; it's very possible he's right out in the open, merely not daring to show his face after the matter was exposed."

Su Huaiyu, however, rejected Gu Jin Nian's viewpoint.

Don't demonize all your enemies; for all you know, they could appear openly right beside you.

"Out in the open?"

"You mean, a classmate from the Wenxin Study Hall?"

Gu Jin Nian thought of that immediately.

"That's very possible."

Su Huaiyu nodded.

In an instant, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but ponder: the classmates from the Wenxin Study Hall are few in number, and each one possesses status and background.

They have no need to cause trouble for me, or rather, they lack the guts to do so; killing me would not be a good thing for them.

"The likelihood is low."

"They don't have that courage; mainly, there isn't enough profit to drive them. They're not short of silver, nor of future prospects, and even Zhang Yun and I have no mortal enmity."

"I rather think it's people like the Master—those who hold high positions; my drowning incident, those civil officials in the court, are definitely implicated."

Gu Jin Nian shook his head.

Although Su Huaiyu is the top constable of Da Xia, Gu Jin Nian cannot simply follow someone else's line of thought.

One must have one's own judgment; no matter how good others' opinions are, they're only for reference.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, do you know why I'm always able to solve some strange cases?"

Su Huaiyu didn't bother to explain; he just asked that.

"Why?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"If a case can be solved with conventional thinking, it's not a strange case; the more impossible and bizarre it is, the more we need to consider it with different thinking."

"Even, I suspect the Crown Prince's drowning may be related to the Gu Family."

Su Huaiyu's voice was calm.

But as soon as he said that, Gu Jin Nian fell silent.

"Related to the Gu Family? That's impossible."

He knew what Su Huaiyu was thinking: the Gu Family had him drown, creating a near-death illusion, then weakening the civil officials.

A classic wolf self-blade.

But Gu Jin Nian completely disbelieved it, because the Gu Family had no need to do so, and furthermore, the Gu Family didn't need to do so.

Su Huaiyu thinks people's minds are too malicious, and he also views Grandfather Gu too superficially.

"My grandfather is absolutely not as you imagine."

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly.

He neither directly denied it nor grew angry; instead, he spoke with utter calm.

Upon hearing that, Su Huaiyu could understand Gu Jin Nian's thinking.

"This is merely a suspicion; Your Highness the Crown Prince, don't take it to heart."

"But once we have a clue, it becomes easy to handle."

Su Huaiyu didn't dwell on it, because it was merely his own idea.

That's all.

At that moment, Gu Jin Nian continued speaking.

"Jiangning Prefecture is likely to see a bloodbath today."

He spoke up.

At the same time, he gazed toward the direction of Jiangning Prefecture.

"What do you mean, Your Highness the Crown Prince?"

This time, it was Su Huaiyu's turn to be a little curious.

"The court has issued an edict; the Prefect of Jiangning Prefecture will likely immediately bring all the corrupt merchants under control."

"Barring any mishap, they ought to be thrown into the great prison, and these people also have considerable backing behind them."

"Just think about it—once they know so many secrets, they won't survive until tomorrow."

Gu Jin Nian spoke up, his tone calm.

"Your Highness worries too much; the court has long made preparations—how could such a major criminal possibly be assassinated?"

Su Huaiyu didn't think anything major would happen.

Upon hearing that, Gu Jin Nian disagreed and instead shook his head, saying:

"Brother Su."

"The first time I heard your name was when you let the Jian De remnants go and were imprisoned in the great prison."

"Later, this Crown Prince looked into some of your files, Brother Su; at that time, you weren't only investigating the Jian De remnants, but also another case."

"This case is the Kaiyuan Imperial Historian case."

"It involved sixteen Imperial Historians, implicated over a thousand people in total, and all of them lost their heads."

"So, Brother Su releasing the Jian De remnants wasn't that simple; you wanted to draw the snake out of its hole to investigate the Kaiyuan Imperial Historian case, because you know there is a Jian De remnant within the court, and this person's status and position are extremely high."

"In plotting a major affair, you let the Jian De remnants go because you didn't want to startle the snake, right?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly.

He brought up Su Huaiyu's matter.

When I first learned of Su Huaiyu, I also had my Sixth Uncle fetch his files.

There's no grand purpose, I just want to learn more.

At first there was no feeling, but as I gradually learned about Su Huaiyu, Gu Jin Nian could be certain.

Su Huaiyu is exceptionally intelligent, and acts decisively and straightforwardly; she is certainly not the type to be swayed by feminine charms.

Yet, being the top divine constable, the rising star of the Ministry of Justice, with a bright future, she privately released Jian De Yu Nie; this makes no logical sense at all.

So he is very curious.

After pondering for a long time, he finally grasped the logic.

At that time Su Huaiyu cracked a major case, earning great prestige in the Ministry of Justice, and then took on the Kaiyuan Censorate Case; however, shortly after taking it, Jian De Yu Nie surfaced, and naturally her focus shifted to Jian De Yu Nie.

Yet after capturing Jian De Yu Nie, she risked her life to secretly release Jian De Yu Nie.

That logic is different.

Not only is it different, but more importantly, she privately released Jian De Yu Nie and yet was not executed—a truly unbelievable thing.

The court's attitude toward Jian De Yu Nie is extremely severe: capture on sight, kill once captured, extract information if possible, and never leave a survivor if extraction fails.

Privately releasing Jian De Yu Nie, no matter how many reasons or excuses Su Huaiyu had, would certainly be a death sentence.

But she survived.

This proves that Jian De Yu Nie is merely a front; the real matter must hide another mystery.

And that mystery lies in another case Su Huaiyu is investigating.

【Kaiyuan Censorate Case】

There's too much involved; Gu Jin Nian speculated and formed a vague idea.

That is, within the Da Xia Dynasty, there exists a highly positioned figure: Jian De Yu Nie.

Su Huaiyu wants to capture that guy.

Or perhaps someone made Su Huaiyu investigate to find out who Jian De Yu Nie is.

That's where the story stops.

Su Huaiyu's face remained expressionless.

"Brother Su, why have you fallen silent?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, asking the latter.

Hearing Gu Jin Nian's words, Su Huaiyu lifted her head, gazed at Gu Jin Nian, and said in a solemn tone.

"His Highness the Crown Prince, the plot doesn't unfold that way."

"It's too stiff."

He spoke.

It left Gu Jin Nian silent once again.

Damn, does this person have a brain problem? I'm seriously discussing this with you, and you the hell pull random nonsense?

Are you sick? "His Highness the Crown Prince, if you enjoy research, I can go to the Ministry of Justice and fetch more strange cases for you."

"With His Highness the Crown Prince's peculiar thinking, perhaps we can indeed solve a few cases."

"The court has already awarded His Highness six royal pearls; if a few major cases are solved, according to His Majesty's will, perhaps another six could be granted."

"Collect twelve royal pearls, and His Highness can be ennobled as a marquis, the youngest in Da Xia."

"I believe this is what His Highness should consider: achieving merit, gaining a title, so that later he won't need to rely on others' power when acting."

Su Huaiyu spoke earnestly.

At the same time she shifted the topic.

"No, that's enough."

"First, study properly."

"In a few days, won't the Da Xia Poetry Gathering begin? When the hundred nations gather, taking the top prize might also earn a few royal pearls."

"Solving cases is out of the question; I lack the energy for that."

Gu Jin Nian shook his head.

He knew that what he just said was merely speculation; whether it was true he didn't know, he could only say it was the only possibility he could think of.

But if he truly had to solve a case, Gu Jin Nian was too lazy to do it.

"Alright."

"Since that's the case, His Highness the Crown Prince should rest early; I take my leave."

Su Huaiyu didn't chatter either.

She rose and left.

When Su Huaiyu reached the door, Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded again.

"When you wake tomorrow, if the merchants of Jiang Ning County get into trouble, then, as just said, Brother Su should think carefully."

"Perhaps it will give Brother Su a new insight."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

After saying that, he collapsed onto the bed and fell asleep.

Su Huaiyu, without hesitation, opened the door, then closed it, and vanished silently.

Meanwhile.

Jiang Ning County Prison.

Thousands of elite troops guard the place.

A middle‑aged man, clad in a python robe, sat outside the prison.

The man's expression was cold, his eyes utterly devoid of feeling.

His aura was formidable.

This is the Night Clothes Marquis.

Da Xia's First Marquis.

Compared to Gu Jin Nian's father, the Linyang Marquis's fame is even greater.

After all, the Night Clothes Marquis had an excellent relationship with the Eternal Prosperity Great Emperor; back then he was the emperor's trusted aide.

According to rumor, the Night Clothes Marquis did many things, all done for the Eternal Prosperity Great Emperor.

He is the shadow of the Eternal Prosperity Great Emperor.

He specializes in doing things that cannot see the light of day.

He is stationed here.

His duty is to guard the major criminals, allowing no one to enter the great prison.

But only until the hour of the Ox.

Inside the prison cell.

An elite soldier approached.

He whispered a few words into the Night Clothes Marquis's ear.

In an instant, the Night Clothes Marquis's emotionless eyes flashed a hint of coldness.

Afterward, he quickly entered the prison cell.

All he saw was that inside the pitch‑black prison cell, all the captured corrupt merchants lay on the ground, their bodies convulsing, foaming at the mouth.

They had been poisoned.

Opening the prison door, the Night Clothes Marquis entered without complaint and placed his hand on the other's head.

Soon, strands of blackish gas appeared.

"Chaos God Powder."

The Night Clothes Marquis muttered to himself.

"Truly a heaven‑reaching method."

"I, the marquis, am stationed here, yet I sensed nothing at all."

The Night Clothes Marquis rose, his gaze sweeping the surroundings, his face unusually grim.

Chaos God Powder.

It can muddle one's mind, reducing them to a complete idiot with no intellect; even using Confucian Dao divine abilities or the Heart‑Inquiry Technique, nothing can be drawn out.

It is obvious that someone has taken action.

What's more, the deed was done right before his eyes by a peerless master.

Most importantly, these merchants were arrested by the emperor's own decree, a matter that concerns all of Da Xia.

Yet they still dared to act.

This alone proves that behind these people lies a vast power.

Otherwise, who would have the gall? They even summoned a peerless master.

However, the other side dare not go too far; they did not kill to silence, but destroyed their minds.

If they had killed to silence, it would have been an outright rupture.

"Send word back to the capital and inform His Majesty that a peerless master is lurking, having used Chaos God Powder."

The Night Clothes Marquis spoke, informing his trusted aide to hurry back to the capital and send the message.

"As you command."

The latter acknowledged, then immediately rushed out, riding his warhorse at top speed toward the capital.

With the trusted aide gone,

the Night Clothes Marquis slowly closed his eyes, sensing all of this.

The entire great prison is as solid as gold and bronze; not even a fly can get in.

"Not a martial artist."

"It is an immortal sect."

Soon, the Night Clothes Marquis opened his eyes.

Not a martial artist, but an immortal's method—using some divine abilities to enter the great prison and poison.

As for who,

there is no way to tell.

However, one thing can be proven: those involved have a background that reaches the heavens.

Otherwise, they would not dare act so.

But as for exactly who, he does not know.

Soon.

Commandery Governor Zhang Yang arrived.

Upon hearing the news, he came at once.

"May I ask, Marquis, what has happened?"

Zhang Yang spoke, entered the great prison, first glanced at these corrupt merchants, then looked toward the Night Clothes Marquis.

"They have been affected by Chaos God Powder and are now useless."

"I, the marquis, have already reported this to His Majesty."

"Just wait for His Majesty's reply."

"However, Jiangning Commandery will not rebel; all the pawns have been silenced, so no uprising can arise."

"Governor, please see to the proper governance of Jiangning Commandery."

The Night-clothes Marquis gave a simple answer.

This matter involves too much; it's not something he and Zhang Yang can control.

Better to first put Jiangning Prefecture in order, then talk.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye, several hours passed.

Inside the capital's imperial palace.

Upon receiving the Night-clothes Marquis's message.

Emperor Yongsheng did not fly into a thunderous rage; instead, he appeared very calm.

Convey my imperial decree.

Tomorrow at noon, all corrupt merchants will be beheaded in the streets, their heads hung at the city gates, and notices posted in the nineteen prefectures to serve as a warning.

Inform the Night-clothes Marquis that this matter ends here; no need for further investigation.

Emperor Yongsheng spoke lightly.

It seemed he had already anticipated all of this.

The decree was issued.

Inside the Hall of Nurturing the Heart.

Emperor Yongsheng gazed at the register of officials before him on the desk, silent and speechless.

As for who stands behind Jiangning Prefecture, he does not care.

As long as these people behave, that's enough.

The hidden enemy, if they wish to catch all in one sweep, must have patience.

Moreover, this time the other side also revealed a flaw.

That's enough.

There's still plenty of time.

We can take our time; as long as they are discovered, we can close the net.

Thus.

The next day.

At noon.

North vegetable market of Jiangning Prefecture.

The masses crowded the streets; over 1,400 people were beheaded in shifts, and the authorities dispatched a total of twenty executioners.

As the execution sounds rang out one after another.

Heads fell to the ground one by one.

When the last head hit the ground, it also announced that Jiangning Prefecture was completely pacified.

Confiscated property amounted to over 10,000 plus 50,000,000 taels of silver, with countless grain stores, enough to stabilize the disaster situation for half a year.

The news spread to the capital, also stirring the populace into excited uproar.

However, within the capital, some figures showed complex expressions.

Gu Family, Grandfather Gu.

Prime Minister's Residence, Li Shan.

Crown Prince's Residence, His Highness the Crown Prince.

Garrison Office, His Highness Prince Wei.

Thus.

In the blink of an eye, ten days passed.

Yongsheng Year 12, Month 11, Day 1.

A new matter replaced the Jiangning Prefecture affair, becoming the topic of conversation among the capital's populace, and even among all the people of the Da Xia Dynasty.

Da Xia Poetry Gathering.

(End of chapter)