Chapter 77: Gu Jin Nian Solves the Riddle, Emperor Yong Sheng Shows His Domineering Side, the Border Humiliation

The Da Xia imperial palace.

Outside the main hall.

The Third Prince of Shenluo and the great scholars stood quietly outside the hall, watching the officials frown in thought, feeling immensely pleased.

However, as two figures appeared.

Instantly, they drew everyone's gaze.

"Your Highness, Prince Qin?"

"Isn't that Gu Jin Nian?"

"How did they summon him over?"

"It's Gu Jin Nian."

As the name Gu Jin Nian sounded, everyone in the Fuyu Dynasty couldn't help but look.

They were especially sensitive to that name.

Outside the hall.

Emperor Yong Sheng watched Gu Jin Nian approach, an indescribable pleasure in his brow.

"Student Gu Jin Nian greets Your Majesty."

"May Your Majesty live ten thousand, ten thousand, myriad years."

Not far away.

Gu Jin Nian no longer ran quickly; with all the civil and military officials and foreign envoys present, jogging would be undignified. He stepped before Emperor Yong Sheng, full of propriety, performing the student's salute to greet the emperor.

Meanwhile, he glanced at the scepter with his peripheral vision.

"Jin Nian, no need to be so formal with your uncle."

Looking at Gu Jin Nian, Emperor Yong Sheng wore a full smile, then glanced at the Third Prince of Shenluo and the others.

He then turned to Gu Jin Nian and said.

"Jin Nian."

"This object is called the Moonlight Scepter, sealed and fixed by twelve golden iron chains, with a soulless stone set upon it, making it impossible to forcibly extract using true qi or magic."

"Do you have any way to resolve this?"

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke up, asking directly, without bothering with pleasantries.

He placed great hopes in this nephew of his.

But before Gu Jin Nian could speak.

the voice of the Third Prince of Shenluo already sounded.

"Greetings, Your Highness."

"Your Highness, I have long admired your great name."

The Third Prince of Shenluo laughed as he spoke, then pointed at the Moonlight Scepter and said.

"This item is said to be a legendary treasure of my Shenluo, named the Moonlight Scepter; it is not the genuine article but a replica, yet its value is immense."

"Moreover, it involves Shenluo rumors; specifically,"

The Third Prince of Shenluo looked at Gu Jin Nian; although it was their first meeting, he was not overly surprised, but wanted to continue praising the Moonlight Scepter.

But Gu Jin Nian's voice had already sounded.

"Your Highness, no need to explain; Prince Qin already informed me on the way."

Gu Jin Nian cut off his forthcoming long-winded explanation.

Instead, he quietly gazed at the Moonlight Scepter.

Along the way, Li Sui roughly explained the origins and circumstances; he also understood the Fuyu Dynasty's intention.

Wasn't it just to disgust the Da Xia Dynasty?

Looking at this scepter, moonlight above, Da Xia blood stone below, fixed with twelve golden iron chains; to say it carries no such meaning, Gu Jin Nian really wouldn't believe it.

But etiquette is like that; as long as you don't break ties, even if they openly disgust you, you can only endure.

Especially since this uncle of mine is the Da Xia Emperor; saying a couple of harsh words to one's own people is nothing to complain about.

But when dealing with foreign envoys, one must still maintain decorum; otherwise, what's lost is not just the emperor's face, but the nation's.

But Gu Jin Nian is different.

He can act with fewer scruples.

"Oh, so the Your Highness understands."

The Third Prince of Shenluo still spoke with a smile, though it was somewhat stiff.

"Is the Fuyu Emperor curious as to how to draw out this scepter?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, looking at him and asking.

"Yes."

"This has been a puzzle troubling my Fuyu Dynasty for thousands of years; my father said that Da Xia must have sages, so he specially sent me here to seek an answer."

The Third Prince of Shenluo laughed as he spoke.

But at this very moment.

Gu Jin Nian had already come to the scepter's vicinity, and without hesitation gathered his magic power, aiming at the twelve golden iron chains and chopping down.

The scepter has a soulless stone, but these golden iron chains are not soulless stone; even pure gold cannot block magic power.

Bang bang bang bang.

The sound of the twelve iron chains breaking rang out.

In an instant, all the civil and military officials changed color.

And the Third Prince of Shenluo even cried out in shock.

"Impudent!"

"You're destroying our nation's treasure—what are you doing?"

He shouted loudly, somewhat losing his composure.

But as the twelve iron chains were cut, the Moonlight Scepter also trembled slightly; fortunately, there was a Red Blood Gem beneath it, so it did not fall.

At this moment, everyone was somewhat puzzled, looking toward Gu Jin Nian.

Apart from Emperor Yongsheng, whose expression remained calm, even the Crown Prince and Prince Qin looked somewhat unpleasant.

This is a precious gift sent by the Fuyu Dynasty, and Gu Jin Nian destroyed it directly—spreading word of this would certainly not be good.

"Third Prince."

"Do not lose composure."

At that moment, the Tenth Princess of Fusang spoke, looking at the Third Prince as she said:

The latter also realized he had been somewhat indiscreet, so he restrained himself a bit, though his eyes still held some anger as he looked toward Gu Jin Nian.

"His Highness the Heir Apparent."

"I, this prince, respect you as the Heir Apparent of Da Xia; why did you destroy my Fuyu treasure?"

The Third Prince of Shengluo spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian, and asked:

Upon hearing the Third Prince's words, Gu Jin Nian turned around, his gaze calm.

"The Emperor of Fuyu wants to know how the First Emperor of Shengluo extracted the Moonlight Scepter."

"Haven't I already told you that?"

"That's how you take it out."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, appearing quite nonchalant.

Upon hearing this, everyone was stunned.

Because Gu Jin Nian directly destroyed the treasure, they hadn't realized it at first, but now it seems it can be taken out.

Indeed, that's the case.

"You're destroying it—where is the taking?"

The Third Prince spoke, feeling that Gu Jin Nian was making excuses.

However, Gu Jin Nian shook his head and said:

"You're wrong."

"This is the only answer."

"May I ask, Third Prince, has the Moonlight Deity ever said that the golden chains must not be cut?"

"Or has the Emperor of Fuyu ever said that the golden chains must not be cut?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly.

He was questioning the Third Prince.

Upon hearing this, the Third Prince was stunned.

Because there really isn't any.

At that moment, a voice sounded.

"Indeed."

"This is the only answer."

The voice sounded; it was Li Shan's voice. He gazed at the Moonlight Scepter, showing a look of sudden realization.

"Minister Li, He Yan?"

A curious official couldn't help but speak up.

At that moment.

Li Shan took a deep breath, looked at the Moonlight Scepter, then glanced at Gu Jin Nian, and slowly spoke.

"We have all been deceived."

"These twelve golden chains are actually our prejudices, and also our arrogance."

"The Moonlight Scepter shines brilliantly, surpassing all luxury; even the chains are forged of gold, a rare treasure, so upon seeing the Moonlight Scepter, it is an unparalleled treasure."

"But in reality, the question is to take, the answer is also to take; the golden chains lock not only the Moonlight Scepter, but also our wisdom."

But actually, the question is to take, the answer is also to take; the golden chains lock not only the Moonlight Scepter, but also our wisdom.

"Marvelous, marvelous, truly marvelous."

Li Shan spoke.

When Gu Jin Nian cut the golden chains, he inexplicably thought of something; after pondering a while, he suddenly understood.

"Indeed."

As Li Shan spoke, everyone couldn't help but show a look of sudden realization.

Yes, the task is to extract the Moonlight Scepter.

As long as the Moonlight Scepter is fine, isn't that enough?

Although these golden chains are precious, what are they compared to the Moonlight Scepter? Moreover, cutting them causes no loss to the gold.

"Hiss, using gold, such a precious material, to forge chains is actually a trap; if they were ordinary iron chains, cutting them would just be cutting them."

"But gold, cast thus, so precious and sent by a foreign land, we dare not even think along those lines."

"So wisdom lies here."

"Your Highness the Heir Apparent, truly wise, truly wise!"

At this moment, He Yan's voice sounded.

They were rather excited, unable to help praising Gu Jin Nian.

First, it comes from the heart; second, the Shenluo Third Prince explicitly said that as long as it's solved, this thing will be given for free to the Da Xia Dynasty.

Eighty million taels of silver!

This thing, frankly, He Yan thinks it's not worth eighty million taels; the cost is at most thirty million taels, and that's even after adding the Red Blood Stone and the Soulless Stone.

Without this, it couldn't possibly be worth eighty million taels.

The most precious aspects are the symbolism, the craftsmen, the technology, and so on.

However, he doesn't care about this thing; if it were something else, it'd be fine, but this symbol of the Fuyu Dynasty is useless.

Using this to offset eighty million taels of silver? He won't do it.

Freeloading!

He is willing.

So, for some reason, He Yan finds Gu Jin Nian inexplicably pleasing to the eye.

As He Yan and Li Shan explained, everyone suddenly came to a realization.

Even a talented person from the Fuyu Dynasty inexplicably finds it quite reasonable.

"Minister Li's words are absolutely correct."

Gu Jin Nian answered with a smile.

And Emperor Yongsheng was overjoyed; looking at Gu Jin Nian, he found him ever more pleasing.

"Is that so?"

The Shenluo Third Prince glanced at the Tenth Princess beside him and couldn't help but ask curiously.

The Shenluo Third Prince doesn't know the solution, but the Fusang Tenth Princess does.

The two are completely working together: one poses a question, and if Da Xia cannot answer, the Fusang Princess answers.

So, the Shenluo Third Prince now places all his hopes on her.

Gazing at the scepter with its chains severed, the Fusang Tenth Princess, without lying, looked at Gu Jin Nian and said.

"Truly deserving of being Da Xia's foremost sage."

"The Crown Prince wasn't mistaken."

"The Fusang Empress has also studied the Moonlight Scepter; she believes that the Moonlight True God established this object so that people may sever the shackles of their hearts, and only thus can they obtain the scepter, unaffected by worldly bonds."

"This object appears as a whole, but in reality its core is this scepter; gold is indeed precious, but compared to the scepter it's worthless, yet people are always misled by these twelve golden chains."

"These chains bind not only the scepter, but also one's preconceptions, misunderstandings, and obsessions."

The Fusang Tenth Princess spoke slowly, explaining earnestly.

Upon hearing this, the Shenluo Third Prince's face darkened somewhat, and even the scholars of the Fuyu Dynasty fell silent.

Who would have thought that Gu Jin Nian, with just a single glance, could know how to break the situation?

Frankly, if it weren't certain, this being their question, they'd truly think it was a collusion.

After all, since the Moonlight Scepter appeared, they've also been thinking, but for half a day they couldn't devise any way to remove the scepter.

Such wisdom is astonishing.

"Exaggerated; this Crown Prince is not Da Xia's foremost sage."

Gu Jin Nian smiled faintly, saying he's not stupid; the Fusang Tenth Princess appears to be praising him, but in fact she's also digging a pit.

Flattery that brings about one's own downfall.

"Oh? The Crown Prince can solve the Fuyu Dynasty's millennia-old mystery in less than half an hour, and that still doesn't count as the foremost sage?"

"Then may I ask, Your Highness, who is Da Xia's foremost sage?"

The Fusang Tenth Princess spoke, somewhat curious.

This time, not only the Fusang Tenth Princess, but basically everyone is curious.

"Naturally, it's my uncle; I've learned many things from him, and if we're talking about Da Xia's foremost sage, it's definitely my uncle."

Gu Jin Nian said with a serious expression.

Upon saying that, everyone was stunned.

What a guy.

This flattery is completely innate.

In an instant, all gazes involuntarily gathered on Emperor Yongsheng.

Previously, Emperor Yongsheng was also very curious, not knowing whom Gu Jin Nian would name.

But after hearing it, Emperor Yongsheng's heart was also shocked, and he soon became overjoyed.

His own nephew was indeed secretly learning from him.

Hahaha, truly a fine nephew.

"Your Majesty is wise."

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

At that moment, the Minister of Revenue's voice rang out immediately; although he knew Gu Jin Nian was flattering, he didn't mind joining in.

As the Minister of Revenue spoke, the officials all chimed in, praising Emperor Yongsheng.

Faced with such praise, Emperor Yongsheng outwardly remained utterly calm.

"Jin Nian."

"You can learn from me, and I'm gratified, but remember: there are higher peaks beyond the mountain, greater heavens beyond the sky; I too am not the foremost sage, and if we must speak truly, your maternal grandfather is the foremost sage."

"I have only learned seventy or eighty percent from your maternal grandfather, and you have now absorbed about fifty or sixty percent from me; study hard, finish your studies soon, and the future of Da Xia will rely on you young people."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, praising the Grand Ancestor, but mainly praising himself.

However, that last sentence shocked the hearts of all civil and military officials.

The future of Da Xia rests on you young people.

This is clearly laid out to pave the way for Gu Jin Nian.

The prince nearby, as well as His Highness Prince Qin standing beside Gu Jin Nian, felt full of envy.

But they also felt some relief; it's fortunate that Gu Jin Nian is not a prince, for if he were, the two of them would likely have no chance of competing at all.

"Uncle, your words carry weight; there are many things the nephew still needs to learn. I hope Uncle will give more guidance in the future."

Gu Jin Nian smiled and spoke.

Although flattery is somewhat improper, who can blame him when his uncle is the emperor?

If he doesn't seize the chance to flatter now, how will he secure his position later?

"Good, very good. With such an attitude—unhurried and calm—you have truly won my favor."

Emperor Yong Sheng was even more pleased with Gu Jin Nian.

After all, he still carries the Li family bloodline. Not bad, not bad.

The only regret is that Gu Jin Nian is not his own son; had he been, Da Xia would truly have hope.

"Third Prince, may I ask, is this scepter truly being presented to my Da Xia Dynasty?"

"No need to return a gift?"

At that moment, the Left Assistant Minister of Revenue's voice rang out; he looked at the Third Prince of Shenluo and asked.

As soon as he spoke, Minister of Revenue He Yan's voice also began.

"Presumptuous."

"The Fuyu Dynasty has always valued credibility; promises are never broken. How can you speak so?"

"You have no right to speak here; step back."

He Yan spoke.

But any normal person can see that this is a double act.

The Left Assistant Minister dared to speak that way only because He Yan signaled him; now performing a piece is merely to remind the Third Prince of Shenluo of what was just said.

An item worth over thirty million taels of silver.

If they were to return a gift of eighty million taels of silver, the Ministry could not produce it, nor could it possibly.

But taking even a little is no problem.

Although this is somewhat disgusting, it's tens of millions of taels; if it's disgusting, let it be. At worst they'll get a spray.

Sure enough, Emperor Yong Sheng, somewhat irritated, looked at He Yan and said.

"My Da Xia is a nation of propriety; as the saying goes, courtesy demands reciprocity. Since the Fuyu Dynasty has sent such a precious gift, we must reciprocate in some form."

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke.

But the meaning is clear: we will return a gift, and how much is up to me.

Equal exchange? Forget it. You set a tricky question for us, we solved it, yet you still want to profit? Dream on.

With several people speaking back and forth, the Third Prince of Shenluo grew increasingly irritable.

Nevertheless, he forced himself to smile and said.

"Your Majesty's words are weighty."

"Since my father the Emperor has spoken, if it can resolve the doubt, we will present it to Da Xia. Since he spoke, it must be a gift; returning a gift is truly difficult, otherwise rumors will spread that the Fuyu Dynasty is impoverished."

"However, my father also prepared two grand gifts. The time is not late; may Your Majesty also view them together?"

He smiled and spoke.

His words caused a brief silence; they knew the Fuyu Dynasty could not have prepared only one question.

They must have a backup plan.

What they didn't expect was that the Shenluo Dynasty people would be so direct—after one question ended, they immediately asked the second.

That is truly ruthless.

"Agreed."

However, before anyone could speak, Emperor Yong Sheng remained very calm.

Upon hearing this, the Third Prince of Shenluo couldn't help but smile, then clapped his hands, and another carriage appeared.

Only it lacked the grandeur of the Moonlight Scepter.

It was still covered by a huge cloth.

When the carriage arrived before the crowd, the Third Prince of Shenluo gave a glance, and the servants pulled down the massive cloth.

As the cloth fell,

a pure golden sheep appeared.

It stood over three zhang tall and half a zhang wide; the sheep was lifelike. Though its craftsmanship did not surpass the Moonlight Scepter, at a glance it gave a tremendous impact.

A massive sheep forged of pure gold.

What a lavish gesture; at first glance one can tell the golden sheep is worth at least ten million taels of silver.

The Fuyu Dynasty is willing to spend principal.

Ten million taels of silver, sent as a pure gold sheep, could be melted down entirely.

At that moment, Minister of Revenue He Yan's eyes widened.

Looking at the Third Prince of Shenluo, it was as if he saw a massive injustice.

"Your Majesty."

"My Shenluo lies near Da Xia's western border; our ancestors made a living herding sheep, but the western region often suffers natural disasters, causing flocks to scatter, and shepherds toil for years without a penny."

"Therefore my father is curious: if Da Xia also has a tradition of shepherding in the west, would Your Majesty send ten people to guard a thousand sheep, and each earthquake would reduce one person and a hundred sheep?"

"After ten months, how many people and sheep would remain?"

"If this can answer my father's question, this pure gold giant sheep will also count as a gift from the Fuyu Dynasty, demonstrating friendship between the two nations."

The third prince of Shen Luo smiled and spoke.

He raised an extremely simple question.

All the civil and military officials of the court, upon hearing it, were each somewhat surprised.

Does this question need to be asked? Ten people, a thousand sheep; after one month, one fewer person and a hundred fewer sheep—after ten months, there will be nothing left.

Does such a simple question need to be asked? A free gift? Must we be so polite? For a moment, the crowd frowned; even a civil official was about to answer outright, but Li Shan stopped him with a glance.

The Fuyu Dynasty posed this question, surely with intent.

It could never be that simple.

Answering directly would definitely cause trouble; these officials instinctively think it's fine to answer—if correct, they could earn reward; if wrong, it would be a bottomless abyss.

As Li Shan's gaze swept down, all officials fell silent, instantly alert, realizing they could not speak recklessly now.

But all eyes simultaneously fell on Gu Jin Nian.

Not far away.

Hearing the question, Gu Jin Nian slightly frowned, pondering carefully; the question could not be that simple—it had a trap.

But the exact nature of the trap he could not immediately discern; it required word‑by‑word contemplation. At that moment, seeing Gu Jin Nian also deep in thought, the third prince of Shen Luo couldn't help but show a smug smile.

This question is easy to answer.

But whatever answer is given, it will be wrong.

And at that moment, Emperor Yongsheng's voice rang out.

"After ten months, there will still be ten people, zero sheep."

His voice sounded, almost without hesitation, as he gave the answer.

But as soon as those words were spoken, everyone frowned, except Gu Jin Nian; at the instant Emperor Yongsheng answered, he understood everything.

Emperor Yongsheng answered correctly.

"Your Majesty, one fewer person each month, one hundred sheep."

"After ten months, how could there still be ten people? Zero sheep?"

The third prince of Shen Luo frowned; although he did not know the answer, he subconsciously felt the answer was wrong.

But Emperor Yongsheng gave him a glance, and that glance was exceedingly haughty.

"In the western region, there are indeed frequent earth disasters; sheep are animals without intelligence. When a heavenly disaster occurs, they become fearful and flee the pen—that is natural."

"But the soldiers I dispatch will never leave; not even an earth disaster, nor even heavenly fire or divine thunder—without my order, they dare not depart."

"Military orders are like mountains; my command is like thunder."

"I am the sky of Da Xia; my Da Xia generals obey only my command and do not fear destiny."

"Understood?"

Emperor Yongsheng spoke; his expression was calm, yet his words set everyone's blood boiling.

Even Gu Jin Nian, after hearing this, could not help but feel his blood surge.

An emperor in the moment is truly different.

To have such insight is truly overwhelmingly domineering.

At this moment, Gu Jin Nian saw his uncle's difference.

Indeed, emperors who succeed in rebellion are no ordinary people.

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

Now, all ministers spoke from the bottom of their hearts, genuine respect; before it was clearly flattery, but now it is different.

Emperor Yongsheng displayed his own brilliance.

And this answer made the third prince of Shen Luo's complexion change.

He did not know the true answer, but after hearing Emperor Yongsheng, he had an idea.

Especially Princess Ten of Fusang also spoke at this moment.

"Da Xia Sovereign, truly infinitely wise; what the Crown Prince just said is not a bit wrong. Your Majesty, ten thousand years, ten thousand ten thousand years."

Princess Ten of Fusang spoke.

Her words implied that Emperor Yongsheng's answer was correct.

Two questions were solved in succession.

The third prince of Shen Luo's complexion turned somewhat sour.

Before he arrived, court ministers asserted that just the first question would take the Da Xia Dynasty several months to possibly devise a solution.

Solving three questions would take even years.

But unexpectedly, in the blink of an eye, two questions were solved.

If the third question were also solved, the Fuyu Dynasty would become a joke.

"Your Highness the Third Prince, the time is not yet late; why not simply send the third gift, so we may have a good look at it."

At that moment, someone spoke with a smile, saying thus.

Upon hearing this, the officials burst into laughter.

Two questions solved in succession.

They possessed incomparable confidence—one from Gu Jin Nian, the other from Emperor Yongsheng.

That is morale.

Moreover, the three generous gifts from the Fuyu Dynasty were indeed generous—a single sheep worth ten million silver.

That sum of silver could be used for anything; even giving the ministers a small stipend would be a good thing.

"I dare not, I dare not."

The third prince of Shen Luo scoffed, but since the other side had spoken, he did not linger.

He clapped his hands, but this time it wasn't a carriage; instead, a few people bearing a scroll slowly appeared before the prince.

"Your Majesty of Da Xia."

"This third gift is a work of our Fuyu Dynasty, painted with the holy brush."

"I hope Your Majesty likes it."

He smiled as he spoke.

He gave his servant a glance, and the prince's attendants instantly unrolled the scroll.

Soon, when the scroll was unfurled, everyone's expression in the hall changed instantly.

Every face turned exceedingly grim.

Even Emperor Yongsheng's countenance shifted slightly, turning somewhat cold.

The massive painting showed the complete map of the twelve border cities.

This is a provocation.

A blatant provocation!

The whole world knows that Da Xia Dynasty has lost the twelve border cities.

Now they have even been renamed by the Xiongnu as Yan Yun Ancient City, still within Da Xia Dynasty.

Yan Yun was originally named by the former Yan State, and after Da Xia unified it, it was renamed Border City.

The Xiongnu seized them, exploiting Da Xia's internal chaos, and reverted the name to the old one. What does that imply? It means those twelve border cities are not Da Xia's land but formerly Yan's, so Da Xia has no right to demand the Xiongnu return the territory.

Currently this is indeed the case, so Da Xia Dynasty's attempts to recover them are being obstructed by Great Jin Dynasty and Fuyu Dynasty.

Now the Third Prince of Shenluo produces this item as the third gift.

The Fuyu Dynasty's act is almost a blatant provocation, mocking Da Xia Dynasty for losing territory and insulting the emperor for the loss.

Why was it lost? Because you usurped the throne; your claim is illegitimate.

At this moment, the ministers are furious—truly furious.

Your first gift, the Moonlight Scepter, was deliberately set atop a red blood ruby, Da Xia's national stone, indirectly trampling Da Xia Dynasty.

It is further secured with twelve golden chains, which is nothing but an insult to people, an insult to Da Xia Dynasty. It bluntly tells you that the territories you lost are firmly sealed by our Fuyu Dynasty.

Want to take them back? A foolish fantasy.

Then the second substantial gift is actually a trap—any answer is wrong; on the surface it's an addition/subtraction problem, but in fact it probes the willpower of Da Xia's troops.

Unexpectedly, Emperor Yongsheng saw through it.

But these matter not; it's purely to disgust you.

But now it's entirely different—you use Da Xia's suffering as a congratulatory gift?

Do you truly think Da Xia Dynasty has a good temper?

"How audacious."

"What exactly are your intentions? What does the Fuyu Emperor intend? Why present this object? To provoke?"

The Minister of War couldn't help shouting, his face flushed red, his whole body trembling with anger as he pointed at the Third Prince of Shenluo.

"His heart is punishable, his heart is punishable!"

"The twelve border cities are Da Xia's wound; you paint them and present them to Da Xia—what does that mean? What are you trying to do?"

The Minister of Works also spoke, equally furious.

"Again and again, you provoke Da Xia Dynasty; are you truly unafraid of His Majesty's anger?"

Voices rose, the ministers were incensed.

Previously it was merely disgusting, playing some underhanded tricks.

Now it's a slap in the face to everyone; who would still be courteous to you?

If you were of Great Jin Dynasty it would be excusable, but you're merely Fuyu; had it not been Great Jin, Da Xia's iron cavalry would have already trampled Fuyu.

Truly damn arrogant.

At this moment, Emperor Yongsheng's face was expressionless.

However, facing the crowd's anger, the Third Prince of Shenluo showed no fear.

He only pretended to be aggrieved.

"You have truly misunderstood."

"Your Majesty, you are uniquely wise; my father never meant this."

"My father knows Da Xia faces foreign foes; the northern Xiongnu have seized Da Xia's twelve cities, and the Fuyu Dynasty is also deeply angry, yet the situation is settled and the Xiongnu are formidable."

"The Fuyu Dynasty wishes to aid Da Xia but is powerless, therefore it summoned the Fuyu Holy Hand to sketch the twelve cities for Da Xia."

"So that Your Majesty will not dwell on them day and night; it also conveys Fuyu's sentiment. Should the Da Xia Emperor ever reclaim the twelve ancient cities, the Fuyu Dynasty will wholeheartedly support."

"If this causes a misunderstanding, the nephew is willing to apologize to Your Majesty, remove the painting, and offer a different gift."

The Third Prince of Shenluo spoke, his words full of benevolence and righteousness.

But who could be unaware of his thoughts?

He is not afraid, which is natural; he is the Third Prince of Shenluo and an envoy, now in Da Xia to bring participants to a Da Xia poetry gathering.

This poetry gathering may not be world‑renowned, but it's close enough.

Three substantial gifts were presented; the first two were indeed weighty, the third, though utterly disgusting, is nonetheless defensible.

If Da Xia Dynasty truly raged in thunderous anger and punished him, it would be a massive trouble for Da Xia.

The envoy sends gifts because you are insecure, then you kill or beat them? What do you still call a land of etiquette? What do you still claim as a dynasty? What do you still call a saint‑king? To the Fuyu Dynasty, a third prince and a tenth princess, death is just death.

Yet from the moral high ground, the Fuyu Dynasty will make Da Xia understand what a lethal rhythm is.

If you dare to kill, you can sully yourself.

Now that Heaven's Mandate has manifested, Confucianism and Daoism have a strong chance of obtaining Heaven's Mandate; the world's scholars prize ritual.

If the Da Xia emperor dares to act rashly, the price he'd have to pay, I fear, would be immensely great—something that even a hundred Shenluo Third Princes couldn't match.

That's exactly the point he's grasped.

The Shenluo Third Prince isn't afraid, but he won't keep provoking; getting the point across is enough—there's no need to keep stirring trouble.

No need.

Bring it in, take this painting and hang it in my bedchamber. I constantly think of the Twelve Cities day and night; the Fuyu Holy Hand is truly skilled, able to paint the Twelve Cities so lifelike.

Tell your father I really like this painting.

The Da Xia emperor spoke.

He showed no anger or fury, only calm.

He even ordered the painting to be hung in the bedchamber.

This is the emperor's magnanimity.

But at this moment, the Yongsheng Great Emperor continued.

Also, tell your father that the Fuyu Dynasty's generous gift leaves me deeply gratified.

However, I'm never fully satisfied with this painting; in my lifetime I will surely commission a Da Xia master to paint a brand‑new Twelve Cities and send it to your father.

Furthermore, I've heard the Fuyu imperial capital is extremely prosperous; we could also have them paint it and send it to the Fuyu Dual Emperors.

The Yongsheng Great Emperor spoke.

The meaning of these words is simple.

In my lifetime I will surely take the Twelve Cities; if possible, I will trample Fuyu.

Hearing this, the Shenluo Third Prince merely gave a faint smile.

Anyone can speak harshly; he doesn't care.

Your Majesty, your wisdom is clear; I will surely relay this to my father, and I also look forward to that day.

The Third Prince chuckled.

The Fuyu scholars beside him also chimed in, shouting "Sage and bright!"

It's nauseating.

It's also infuriating.

Not far away, Gu Jin Nian gazed at the Twelve Cities of Yan Prefecture, his expression calm.

He harbored some thoughts, or rather, some impulses.

Uncle.

Gu Jin Nian spoke, feeling a surge of anger, but at that moment the Yongsheng Great Emperor's voice sounded slowly, cutting him off: "Jin Nian."

He spoke.

Gu Jin Nian immediately responded.

Nephew is here.

Gu Jin Nian answered loudly.

Remember this well: the Fuyu Dynasty's gift is as weighty as a mountain; the Da Xia Dynasty is a state of propriety, and I will have you repay it tenfold, a hundredfold—do you understand?

The Yongsheng Great Emperor spoke, looking at Gu Jin Nian.

These words aren't meant to make Gu Jin Nian hold a grudge, but to truly teach him something.

One must learn to endure.

He could see the anger in Gu Jin Nian's eyes and knew what he wanted to do, but he stopped him.

Because it's unnecessary.

Rather than trading insults here, it's better to slap them in the face with strength and skill.

Trash talk is meaningless.

Nephew understands.

Please, uncle, rest assured.

Listening to the Yongsheng Great Emperor's words, Gu Jin Nian nodded.

He understood.

The anger in his heart was also held back.

However, he still turned to the Shenluo Third Prince and spoke slowly.

The Fuyu Dynasty sent such a great gift.

Logically, the Ministry of Rites should return the gift.

However, I, the heir apparent, believe such a weighty gift cannot be matched no matter how Da Xia replies.

Therefore I, the heir apparent, will offer the two characters "Confucian Dao Truth" to the Fuyu Dynasty as a humble gift; I don't know if the Third Prince will scorn it.

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Let him endure; he can endure.

But he cannot swallow this breath.

Such provocation, such mockery—my uncle endures it for the greater good, but I cannot.

Oh? The heir apparent is Da Xia's foremost outstanding talent, rumored to have the makings of a Confucian Dao sage; he's giving us characters—we dare not refuse, especially since it's the Confucian Dao Truth.

This prince is indeed curious—what is the Confucian Dao Truth?

The Shenluo Third Prince knows Gu Jin Nian has nothing good to give, but he cannot refuse.

Otherwise they'd accuse him of disrespect, which would be troublesome.

Furthermore, the Da Xia Dynasty has already suffered such a great loss; if I also take a small loss, what can be done?

Bring the brush.

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

In an instant, a eunuch immediately brought brush, ink, and paper.

Gu Jin Nian wasted no words, gathered his talent, and on the fine paper left two large characters.

【Integrity】

The writing appeared.

In that moment, all the Confucian scholars of the Fuyu Dynasty involuntarily had their faces turn somewhat unsightly.

They knew Gu Jin Nian would surely cause trouble.

But unexpectedly, Gu Jin Nian was so direct, directly scolding them for lacking integrity? 'Good.'

"Well written."

"As expected, this is the true essence of Confucian Dao, hahaha, truly worthy of the Crown Prince."

"Truly well written."

In that moment, seeing this, the officials involuntarily burst into praise, not only praising Gu Jin Nian's good calligraphy but also finding it fitting.

The Fuyu Dynasty is just a bunch of shameless things.

The Da Xia Dynasty was already being courteous toward the Fuyu Dynasty, but damn, they've been causing trouble here all along.

Relying on the Great Jin Dynasty's backing, what do they think they are?

"Crown Prince, these two characters are somewhat unsightly, aren't they?"

"Crown Prince, what does this mean?"

"Is this the true essence of Confucian Dao? It seems the Crown Prince lacks the legendary wisdom."

At this moment, the scholars of the Fuyu Dynasty spoke.

One by one, they were somewhat annoyed.

Gu Jin Nian is so direct; how could they endure?

"Whether it is or not, you must comprehend it yourselves."

"Take it."

Gu Jin Nian grabbed the fine paper and then threw it at them.

Everyone naturally showed a cold demeanor, certainly not wanting to catch it.

But the Third Prince of Shenluo involuntarily looked at them, gesturing for them to catch it.

If they don't catch it, it's a loss of face.

Emperor Yongsheng could be watching.

Feeling the gaze of the Third Prince of Shenluo.

In that moment, a scholar directly reached out, wanting to catch the fine paper, though unwilling in heart, but had no choice.

But in an instant, upon touching the fine paper, a huge force surged forth.

This seemingly thin fine paper seemed to weigh a thousand jin, directly causing him to fall to the ground.

"Is this the Fuyu scholar? Can't even catch integrity? Hahaha."

"Just the two words 'integrity,' and you can't even catch them?"

Some voices sounded, filled with mockery.

The Third Prince of Shenluo and others, however, involuntarily frowned, looking at the person who had fallen to the ground.

"Third Prince, this fine paper seems problematic, as if it weighs a thousand jin."

He spoke, not knowing how to answer.

He also felt gloomy.

And the Third Prince of Shenluo furrowed his brows even tighter, looking at Gu Jin Nian.

Feeling the gaze of the Third Prince.

Gu Jin Nian's voice, however, was calm.

"The virtuous are thin as a cicada's wing; the lacking virtue are heavy as a thousand jin; the true essence of Confucian Dao: the writing matches its meaning."

Having said this, Gu Jin Nian looked at Emperor Yongsheng.

"Uncle, nephew will first return, study hard, and prepare for the Da Xia Poetry Gathering."

He spoke thus.

"Good."

"On the day of the poetry gathering, I will personally attend and study diligently."

Emperor Yongsheng was full of smiles.

Afterward, his gaze continually fell upon this scroll of painting.

Thus.

Gu Jin Nian came in a hurried, bustling manner.

He also left in a hurried, bustling manner.

However, on this return, Gu Jin Nian learned something.

At the Da Xia Poetry Gathering, he will make the Fuyu scholars return in tears.

Originally he wanted to mingle with everyone as an ordinary person, no need to cause too much tension, but what he got in return was white eyes.

Alright.

I've laid my cards bare; I'm done pretending.

Fuyu scholars, just wait.

Gu Jin Nian's steps were calm, but his gaze was extraordinarily firm.

Thus.

Three hours later.

Everything that happened in the palace also spread thoroughly throughout the capital.

The first two events brought great joy to many people.

But the last event provoked the capital's populace into violent anger.

They presented a scroll painting of the twelve border cities to the court.

Isn't this just humiliating people? In a moment, officials and commoners alike, as well as all scholars, were furious.

Anyone with a bit of backbone, after hearing this, felt some anger.

Meanwhile, at Da Xia Academy,

all the students, upon learning of this, were also furious.

But soon,

another piece of news filled them with even more rage.

In a few days, the talented Fu Luo will come to Da Xia Academy to stay temporarily.

During these days, resting in the side hall outside the palace is the regular reception by the Ministry of Rites.

After the scholars from other countries arrive, they will all be sent to Da Xia Academy. —Deleted, revised, written until seven in the morning.

I'm going to sleep.

The workload is indeed quite large; I can barely handle it.

I'm asking for a wave of monthly votes.

Then, to answer: each chapter is ten thousand words, so the cost is high; all prices are the same, except that in July each chapter is ten thousand words.

Can't you, seeing my effort of updating twenty thousand words daily, come subscribe on Qidian? Staying up all night to earn money, ten thousand words is only a few cents.

Otherwise, anti-piracy measures are also painful.

The author's note doesn't count toward the price; I deliberately add it after posting, so the price is fixed and won't increase due to extra characters.

Thank you all for your support, thanks! (End of chapter)