Chapter 78: You're asking for a beating, huh

Da Xia Academy.

Inside the Viewing Scenery Pavilion.

Almost all the students had gathered here, and voices rose one after another, filled with anger.

"The Fuyu Dynasty really looks down on us, sending us the Twelve Border Maps of Da Xia—this is outright humiliation."

"Although we know the Fuyu Dynasty has always lacked morals, I never expected them to dare provoke us like this."

"They're a bunch of beasts; just thinking about it now makes me tremble all over."

Voices of angry rebuke rose one after another.

The voices were filled with anger, also with repression.

The Da Xia Poetry Meeting was imminent, envoys from various countries arrived, talented scholars gathered—originally this was a good thing.

The Da Xia Dynasty had made all arrangements clearly and thoroughly, with absolutely no negligence.

To be frank, the Da Xia Dynasty truly is a land of propriety, orderly and proper, ensuring everyone's comfort.

By rights, this already counts as the highest standard.

Who would have thought the Fuyu Dynasty would be so disgusting, taking the painting of the Twelve Border Cities as a grand gift—this matter has now caused an uproar throughout the Da Xia Capital.

"Damn it, in my opinion we could just kill these people and be done with it; it's annoying to watch."

"Killing them would be excessive; they're not coming to our academy to cause trouble? Let's give them a lesson—not cripple them, just make them remember."

"Right, when they come we'll make a move; you just watch and later explain things for us."

A group of military officers spoke up; being hot-headed, they had already thought of a solution and wanted to act directly.

"No."

At that moment, in the pavilion, Jiang Ye Zhou, who was sitting beside Gu Jin Nian, stood up.

He immediately tried to stop them, saying helplessly,

"Everyone, please don't have this idea; the Fuyu Dynasty always likes to exaggerate facts, and if you lot strike first, the court will surely be furious."

"Moreover, they will surely spread propaganda, claiming that Da Xia scholars resort to violence, which would put us at a disadvantage in principle, and the Ministry of Rites would have a hard time explaining it."

"Furthermore, those who come will certainly not be only Fuyu scholars; people from the Great Jin Dynasty will also come, along with talents from various countries, and if we behave this rudely, even the Dean will not go easy on us."

"Stay calm."

Jiang Ye Zhou wasn't being cowardly; he was simply stating the facts.

"If we can beat them, would it be their turn to beat us? Does the Da Xia Dynasty have no military officers?" As soon as this was said, everyone's faces turned grim.

The civil officials closed their eyes and stayed silent, but they agreed with this statement.

The military officers, however, looked extremely resentful and stifled.

Some even looked directly at Gu Jin Nian and said,

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, if you speak, I won't listen to him—I'll listen to you. If you say to fight, we'll come; if something happens, we'll just leave."

Someone spoke up, looking at Gu Jin Nian.

Upon hearing this, everyone involuntarily turned their gazes to Gu Jin Nian.

Meanwhile, in the pavilion,

Gu Jin Nian remained silent, here listening to everyone's opinions.

Now that the question was directed at him, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but sigh.

"Brother Jiang's words are correct."

"After all, this is Da Xia; even if we don't lift a hand, if they accidentally get hurt, they'll likely blame us."

"Fighting and killing aside, we are scholars; this is, after all, the Da Xia Academy, a holy land of Confucian Dao."

"Everyone, please calm down; in about ten days the Da Xia Poetry Meeting will begin, and on that day we can properly humiliate them."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He soothed everyone's emotions, while also expressing his own idea.

Let these arrogant people be arrogant for now; we'll deal with them slowly on the day of the Da Xia Poetry Meeting—no rush, we have about ten days.

Indeed.

As Gu Jin Nian spoke, the gloom in everyone's hearts gradually faded.

The entire Da Xia Academy now regards Gu Jin Nian as its mainstay; setting aside his identity, just his conduct during this time has earned their admiration.

Naturally, Gu Jin Nian's words carry conviction.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, if we really need to fight, just call us; rest assured, we'll bear any consequences ourselves and won't implicate you."

"At worst we'll quit the academy."

"We can tolerate being humiliated, but not the humiliation of the Da Xia Dynasty—I won't stand for it."

Someone spoke up, indignant.

Looking at the other party, Gu Jin Nian nodded.

It must be said, having a sense of honor is a good thing; people raised in military officer families ultimately possess that honor.

"Also, don't forget us; although we are descendants of civil officials, we still remember our grudges for family and nation."

"Alright, Your Highness the Crown Prince, if we really need to fight, just give us a call—none of us will back down."

"I'm frail and sickly—I can't fight, but I can certainly keep watch for you, or I could bring some people to find those Great Scholar teachers and detain them."

Everyone spoke up in turn.

Regarding what happened yesterday, everyone genuinely felt angry.

"Everyone, stop talking about it."

"Otherwise it might get out."

"Besides, for now leave this matter alone; if anything comes up, I'll have Brother Wang notify you."

Remember, if you all acknowledge me as your heir apparent, no matter what happens, take endurance as the principle.

Endure first, then speak.

If any situation arises, tell me and I will come to resolve it; if we strike first, sorry, Gu cannot help.

But if they really do something, Gu will absolutely not stay silent.

Is that okay?

Looking at the excited crowd, Gu Jin Nian spoke again, he suppressed their anger.

Having hot blood is good, but one must do the right thing; if one truly relies on a surge of anger, it easily invites trouble.

The Da Xia Poetry Meeting is imminent.

One never knows what underhanded tactics the Fuyu Dynasty will use; if you hurt someone, they'll immediately say, 'Alas, you Da Xia cannot compare in poetry, you've injured our finest talent, preventing us from taking first place.'

Such talk sounds laughable, but it is very effective.

The Great Jin Dynasty will surely support them, while the Tongwen Alliance and the Writing Sage Society will definitely not stand by, especially the Writing Sage Society, which is itself a force of the Great Jin Dynasty.

Taking this opportunity, they will surely criticize the Da Xia Dynasty.

Don't end up doing harm with good intentions.

Of course, the biggest reason is still that these people are different from me; if I cause trouble, my maternal uncle won't blame me too severely, and my grandfather will even shield me.

But if they cause trouble, their parents may not be able to bear it, so don't put yourself at risk.

We respectfully obey the heir apparent's words.

After Gu Jin Nian finished speaking, the crowd had nothing more to say, and they all spoke in unison.

Thank you, everyone.

Gu Jin Nian also returned the courtesy.

Then the crowd gradually dispersed, each going about their business, reading and exchanging ideas; the Da Xia Poetry Meeting is imminent, and they also wanted to take this opportunity to show their faces.

At this moment.

Inside the pavilion.

Gu Jin Nian, Wang Fugui, Su Huaiyu, Jiang Ye Zhou, An Ran, Yaochi Immortal, and Yang Hanrou sat together.

The group of four led by Xu Ya didn't know where they went; anyway, after returning they haven't been seen.

Yaochi Immortal, as always, felt fresh about many things but didn't show it; she was also very quiet, her temperament similar to An Ran's.

Their relationship is also quite good.

However, An Ran's intention was to take her around for a walk.

However, Yaochi Immortal insisted on coming; being here serves no particular purpose, just to be around Gu Jin Nian, likely as instructed by the Linglong Palace Master.

It must be said, among the two, Yang Hanrou is slightly inferior, her appearance a bit lacking, and her demeanor also somewhat lacking.

Of course, normally speaking she is absolutely not lacking; it's just a comparison.

"Brother Jin Nian, I feel that the Fuyu Dynasty's visit this time is so disrespectful to our Da Xia, and I heard from my servants that the Fuyu Dynasty people, by name, are coming to Da Xia Academy."

"The Ministry of Rites here originally arranged for them to stay at Tongwen Hall, and the talks were nearly settled, but they flatly refused."

"I feel that this bunch probably comes with ill intent."

Yang Hanrou spoke.

Da Xia Academy suddenly had a Yaochi Immortal appear; she also felt great pressure, so to demonstrate her ability, she has been relatively active lately.

This might be what they call involution.

"The people of the Fuyu Dynasty surely have ill intentions; however, we too must be cautious, for the Da Xia Poetry Meeting is imminent, and if something goes wrong."

"If we give them a handle, then it will be troublesome."

Jiang Ye Zhou felt somewhat worried, not because he feared the opponent, but because he feared they would use underhanded tactics.

"Yes, especially since Brother Gu previously offended these people; they named names to come, and they will surely seek trouble."

"Fortunately, the court also understands, deliberately keeping them in the imperial palace for seven days to reduce time; otherwise, if a real conflict broke out, that would be bad."

Wang Fugui also appeared somewhat worried.

Not fearing thieves stealing, but fearing thieves taking a liking.

"Don't think too negatively; they've come, so they've come; if they want trouble, we'll accompany them to the end—could it be that we truly fear them?"

Gu Jin Nian shook his head.

Being a bit cautious is right, and not causing trouble is also right.

But can we say that because we worry they'll cause trouble, we must endure everywhere and guard everywhere?

After all, this is the Da Xia Dynasty, the Da Xia Academy.

Could it be that we let outsiders act arrogantly? However, Gu Jin Nian also understands deep down that, after all, the state is simply not strong.

There is a Great Jin pressing down from above.

Otherwise, what is the Fuyu Dynasty? Without the Great Jin Dynasty, today whatever that Shenluo Third Prince did, Gu Jin Nian could have killed him on the spot and it wouldn't have mattered.

Thinking of this, Gu Jin Nian also felt a surge of anger in his chest.

Knowing they are base, but I didn't expect them to be this base.

Scheming to disgust people, I can accept.

Directly rubbing it in one's face, this is no longer a matter of being steady or not, of the big picture or not; it's something no man can tolerate.

Anyone with a bit of hot blood cannot swallow this anger.

However, from this point, Gu Jin Nian can also understand that his maternal uncle is far from being as simple as he appears on the surface.

He bears many burdens.

After all, it's still because the position is not proper that causes harm.

Otherwise, even with the Great Jin Dynasty pressing down, if you humiliate a dynasty like this and don't kill them, it completely defies reason.

At worst, we'll just go to war.

You can't completely be in the right either.

It's quite stifling.

It's truly very stifling.

"Brother Su, what's your opinion?"

Just then, Wang Fugui, looking at the perpetually silent Su Huaiyu, couldn't help but speak up to ask.

At that moment, everyone turned their gaze to Su Huaiyu, even Gu Jin Nian looked over.

Although Su Huaiyu has a mental issue, he is indeed clear-headed in the human world; maybe he really has a solution.

"Simple."

"Since you're sure the Fuyu Dynasty people will come looking for trouble, rather than swallowing your anger, you might as well give them a beating."

"Or poison them; they like coming to the Da Xia Academy, right? Let them have a good taste of it—except don't kill that Third Prince, just let the others come."

"Anyway, we'll eventually be disgusted; better to settle it early, so we won't be disgusted by such petty people."

Su Huaiyu spoke lightly.

The logic is very clear.

"Yeah, we'll eventually be disgusted; might as well disgust them in return—anyway, whatever we do feels wrong, so we might as well give up."

"Brother Su, do you have any methods?"

Gu Jin Nian slightly lowered his voice and asked the other party.

"I have no underhanded tactics; I used to have some poison, but it was all confiscated by the Ministry of Punishment."

"However, I can try to get some for you, but I'll say upfront that I won't take part in this matter."

Su Huaiyu gave the answer.

"Why?"

Wang Fugui inquired.

"Foreign envoys are involved; if we really poison them and something happens, I, Su, cannot bear that responsibility."

"Moreover"

Su Huaiyu said up to this point, then paused slightly.

Everyone couldn't help but look at him, their eyes showing curiosity.

"Prison food tastes bad, no oil."

Su Huaiyu spoke solemnly.

". "

It's obvious that the things Su Huaiyu doesn't dare to do are truly troublesome.

If something really happens to the foreign envoys, it's indeed a headache; even Gu Jin Nian would probably not escape a severe punishment.

However, just as everyone let out a slight sigh.

A faint sound rang out.

It was the Jade Pool Fairy.

She felt around a sachet, took out bottle after bottle; the bottles were crystal clear, containing some pills.

As she placed the bottles one by one, soon the whole table was filled with medicine bottles.

And at that moment, everyone fell silent.

It's hard to imagine.

A fairy who seems harmless to humans and beasts actually carries so much medicine?

"Jade Pool Fairy, what is this?"

Gu Jin Nian was somewhat curious, looking at the other party.

Feeling Gu Jin Nian's gaze, the Jade Pool Fairy slowly spoke.

"I have a martial uncle who specializes in Elixir Dao and has refined many elixirs for me."

"They say the outside world's hearts are complicated; my cultivation is still shallow, so I often run into trouble, thus they prepared these things for me."

"Just now hearing you say you need poison, I took these out."

The Jade Pool Fairy answered seriously.

"Hiss."

In that instant, everyone couldn't help but suck in a breath of cold air.

Good fellow.

Preparing some poison for self-defense is understandable, but you prepared this much?

"Jade Pool Fairy, are these all poison?"

Gu Jin Nian also clicked his tongue, couldn't help but ask.

The latter was a bit embarrassed, but still nodded and said.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince."

"I've never entered the world; hearing my sect's martial uncles and senior sisters say the outside is dangerous, so I act cautiously."

"However, these won't be lethal."

"If Your Highness the Crown Prince needs them, I'll look for more."

The Jade Pool Fairy said seriously.

Everyone felt numb all over upon hearing.

This isn't even lethal poison? How much have you hidden then?

Jade Pool Immortal Maiden, I see these elixirs seem to have no markings; if one day you can't tell them apart, what should we do?

Yang Hanrou beside him couldn't help but speak, her smile slightly stiff.

Actually, they were engraved before.

I just worried that these elixirs might be stolen by thieves.

So I smoothed out all the characters, then added some spices.

Those with fragrance are poison; the stronger the scent, the stronger the poison. I also have a bottle of poison pills—just one can kill anyone below the King Realm.

Do you want to take a look?

The Jade Pool Immortal Maiden asked.

No, no.

No, no.

Hearing this, everyone shook their heads in unison. A poison that can kill below the King Realm? Who could withstand that? Besides, they're not even talking about the King Realm—except for Su Huaiyu, who doesn't know, the highest cultivation among them is merely Gu Jin Nian.

Who can withstand this?

Jade Pool Immortal Maiden, does that mean that if there's no fragrance, there's no poison?

Gu Jin Nian was a little curious.

Mm.

But those without fragrance are all functional elixirs.

The Jade Pool Immortal Maiden nodded.

Functional?

What functions?

Hearing the word 'functions', Gu Jin Nian became a bit energized.

This is Mist Pill; once crushed, it creates a great fog within several li, obscuring vision for those below the Third Realm, and the range can be controlled.

This is Explosion Pill; infusing a wisp of spiritual power produces a huge explosion; within ten zhang, those below the Third Realm are blown to pieces.

This is Substitute Pill; infusing a wisp of spiritual power creates a dummy that, unless struck heavily, lasts for two shichen.

The Jade Pool Immortal Maiden continued to take out a heap of bottles and jars, introducing them as if counting her treasures.

The dazzling array of spiritual elixirs left Gu Jin Nian and the others completely wide-eyed.

Good fellow.

Good fellow.

This guy must be terrified of death, with so many elixirs—explosion pills, mist pills, and substitute pills.

Outside is indeed dangerous.

But it's not as dangerous as you imagine.

Do we really need to be so exaggerated?

Actually, this one is fine.

The most potent is this bottle of pill, called the Immortal Ascension Pill.

After taking this pill, one's body will emit light and then melt away, leaving no trace in the world.

The Jade Pool Immortal Maiden took out a vial containing only a pill the size of a longan.

Isn't this a poison pill? Why give it the name Immortal Ascension Pill?

Yang Hanrou asked.

Dead, isn't that becoming an immortal?

The Jade Pool Immortal Maiden replied lightly.

In an instant, everyone fell silent.

Is there anything that, after taking it, won't kill you, won't greatly affect your body, but definitely has side effects?

Wang Fugui asked, staring at the bottles and jars full of curiosity.

Yes.

This bottle of Wisdom Pill is it.

Just take one, and your spirit will be refreshed and your memory outstanding.

The Jade Pool Immortal Maiden replied.

Outstanding memory? Isn't that a good thing?

Wang Fugui was astonished.

No, taking one such pill will indeed give you outstanding memory, but after a sleep you will often suffer amnesia and become sluggish.

The effect lasts a year.

The Jade Pool Immortal Maiden gave a serious explanation.

Everyone's faces slightly changed.

Forget it.

Jade Pool Immortal Maiden, you'd better keep these things.

We don't need this to deal with them.

Gu Jin Nian gave a wry smile; these things are somewhat scary, mainly, he doesn't really believe the Jade Pool Immortal Maiden can distinguish the elixirs.

If given wrongly, a major incident would occur, and I couldn't bear the responsibility.

However, from this we can see that the Jade Pool Immortal Maiden acts very cautiously and, oddly, is somewhat scheming.

Jade Pool Immortal Maiden, could you give me some poison?

Just then, Su Huaiyu suddenly spoke up, asking the Jade Pool Immortal Maiden for some elixirs.

At that moment, everyone's gaze turned strange.

"When traveling the jianghu, you always need something for self‑defense."

"Back then, the poisons I carried were no fewer than these."

"You haven't gone out; the world outside truly is dangerous."

Su Huaiyu actually seemed very calm.

When that was said, Gu Jin Nian couldn't help but speak up.

"Give me some too."

"For self‑defense."

Since Gu Jin Nian asked, the others didn't hold back, shamelessly demanding a share as well.

After all, this stuff is good.

If real danger comes, it might just save a life.

Yaochi Fairy was generous, giving each person a poison gift pack.

Afterwards, everyone went their separate ways to read.

But as they were leaving, An Ran's voice sounded.

"Tomorrow Master Jue Ming teaches a class; don't forget, Master Jue Ming is well‑versed in Buddhist doctrine and might help you all."

An Ran spoke, informing everyone.

"Jue Ming? Why not Xu Ya and the others?"

"Is he teaching us Buddhist practice?"

Wang Fugui opened his mouth and, while speaking, glanced at Gu Jin Nian.

They had previously taught cultivation; Gu Jin Nian, who possesses a celestial spirit root, is now being taught Buddhist doctrine, which gave them an indescribable feeling.

"Patron Xu Ya has been feeling unwell lately and has applied to the dean, so the class was switched to Master Jue Ming."

"But Master Jue Ming won't teach Buddhist doctrine; Buddhism differs from cultivation—it emphasizes insight, karma, merit, and is very complex, he only imparts some Buddhist principles."

An Ran answered like that.

Everyone nodded, apparently understanding. That's that.

Everyone departed separately.

Gu Jin Nian returned to his dorm and found a massive pile of pills stacked inside.

These were sent by the Gu Family; Gu Jin Nian had written a letter to the family yesterday requesting pills, and Prince Qin also sent many.

Now they are all piled in the room.

Seeing the dazzling array of pills, Gu Jin Nian said nothing, shut the door, and began popping them.

The pills entered his body, activating the Supreme Warrior technique, stripping all impurities and converting them into the purest energy, which merged with the ancient tree.

Thus.

Until late night.

Thousands of pills were all taken by Gu Jin Nian; his pace wasn't fast, but certainly not slow.

Compared to ordinary warriors, consuming so many pills would bring one close to ascension, yet for Gu Jin Nian it had no effect.

Twelve martial‑path fruits were harvested, replaced by twelve Jiao Long Treasure Pills.

All of them were swallowed directly by Gu Jin Nian.

After the ingestion, Gu Jin Nian conceived that to be truly complete he would need about one hundred eight pills.

Still a bit far.

He must keep producing pills, but turning to the family is clearly not ideal—not for lack of supply, but the old master would certainly object.

Having already given so many pills, asking for this many again makes him fear he might eat them recklessly and cause trouble; explaining that later would be a hassle.

He has to turn to his uncle.

During this period, his uncle has been freeloading off him; if he doesn't find a chance to get something back, Gu Jin Nian feels uneasy.

But just as Gu Jin Nian was about to rest,

a rapid set of footsteps approached.

accompanied by Wang Fugui's voice.

"Brother Gu, Brother Gu, something's happened."

Wang Fugui said.

Inside the room.

Gu Jin Nian slightly frowned.

He opened the door, and Wang Fugui came face‑to‑face.

"What's wrong?"

He was a bit curious, looking at Wang Fugui.

"People from the Fuyu Dynasty have already entered the academy."

Wang Fugui wiped the sweat from his forehead, slightly panting, and said.

"Didn't they say it would be after seven days?"

Gu Jin Nian was a bit surprised.

"Yes, but we don't know why; the Fuyu Dynasty scholars arrived first, while the Third Prince hasn't come."

Wang Fugui said.

"They came, so what else happened?"

Gu Jin Nian continued to ask.

If you came early, then you came early; weren't you already early in Da Xia Capital before?

"Brother Gu, they started causing trouble as soon as they arrived."

"Master Xu is arranging lodging for them, but these people are unreasonable and insist on staying here."

"Our place is basically full; Master Xu politely told them that these people keep claiming we disrespect them, saying Da Xia Academy looks down on them and assigns them pigsties—anyway their words are harsh."

"Master Xu doesn't want to provoke them, so he placed them here; Brother Gu, you know this place is nearly full, and there are hardly any vacant rooms in Tian Di Xuan Huang."

"Several masters freed up rooms, just enough for them to stay; do you know what they're doing?"

"They still refuse, saying they traveled from afar to study together, so they must stay in one group."

"To put it bluntly, they want the other academy's students to move out so they can live together."

"This is clearly provocation."

Wang Fu Gui explained, his words tinged with anger.

Hearing that, Gu Jin Nian furrowed his brows.

"Nobody made a move?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

He knew people from the Fuyu Dynasty were coming to cause trouble, but he truly didn't expect these folks to target right away.

Coming over in the dead of night is one thing, but after we arranged lodging for you, you're dissatisfied? Insisting it's a pigsty?

Want to live together with the academy students?

Even after freeing several masters' rooms and scattering the assignments, you're still unhappy? Must you drive others away?

Isn't that taking action?

"Someone wants to act, but the Heavenly Feather Army escorted them here; they can't be beaten."

Wang Fu Gui felt uneasy.

The pressure is on his face; surely someone wants to act. The problem is the court likely sensed it, and the Ministry of Rites dispatched hundreds of elite troops to protect these scholars.

They're just afraid of a clash.

Hearing that, Gu Jin Nian's complexion grew increasingly grim.

"Let's go, first take a look and call Su Huai Yu and the others."

Gu Jin Nian didn't waste words, heading straight toward the courtyard while signaling Wang Fu Gui.

These people truly have no sense of self‑preservation.

They just have to look for trouble, huh?

Gu Jin Nian set off, quickening his pace, and arrived inside the courtyard.

At that moment, the courtyard was already packed with scholars, each wearing a look of anger.

"The Da Xia Dynasty is truly formidable; we traveled from afar, thousands of miles, bringing lavish gifts and famous paintings, just to attend the Da Xia Poetry Gathering."

"Yet we never imagined you wouldn't even yield a place to stay for us."

"Is this the 'Land of Etiquette'? Is this the 'Land of Etiquette'?"

"Yes, yes—everyone says Da Xia scholars are learned and courteous, but we never expected you wouldn't even give up a tiny lodging. What 'Land of Etiquette', what 'learned and courteous'? Does Da Xia no longer have true Confucians? Just a bunch of pseudo‑scholars?"

"We've endured hardship, traveled thousands of miles—are we to receive such treatment? If you continue to target us, gentlemen, we'll sleep on the streets and let envoys from all nations see."

"Da Xia's etiquette—how does Da Xia treat foreign envoys, how does it treat scholars like us?"

Voices rose one after another.

In the crowd, over a hundred people—these are scholars of the Fuyu Dynasty.

They wore blue and green; blue denoted Divine Luo, green denoted Fusang.

The fiercest insults came from the Divine Luo people.

Surrounding them stood hundreds of elite troops of the Heavenly Feather Army, clad in armor, guarding the sides, watching the Da Xia scholars, ready to act at any moment.

After all, the court's order was for them to protect these scholars.

Although they also regarded the Fuyu scholars as somewhat contemptible, they had no choice; they only obeyed military orders.

"Everyone, Da Xia would never intend such a thing."

"Everyone has traveled thousands of miles to our Da Xia; we naturally understand this friendship."

"Only that you arrived unexpectedly; the Ministry of Rites gave no notice, so adjusting accommodations is difficult—please forgive us."

In the crowd, Master Xu spoke, his tone gentle, carefully explaining to the other side.

To be honest, his attitude was already very good; he didn't dare show any anger at all.

"This master, please don't dodge the issue—what do you mean by 'temporary notice'? We arrived yesterday; didn't Gu Jin Nian already know?"

"And the Ministry of Rites didn't inform you; that's the Ministry's matter, not ours."

"Moreover, a prestigious Da Xia Academy surely has places to house people; it's absurd otherwise."

Someone spoke up—a white‑faced scholar, fan in hand, looking at Master Xu with sharp words.

The remark sparked immediate excitement among the crowd.

"What are you saying now?"

"Like a dog's mouth can't spit ivory—didn't we already arrange the Western Garden for you? You won't live there yourself, yet you insist on staying here?"

"Are you despicable?"

The academy students each spoke, eyes wide with anger, faces flushed.

"Shout, keep shouting…"

"Rage, keep raging—Da Xia scholars, is this how you are? Impressive, truly impressive."

"If you can't speak, then don't speak."

"Is this what Da Xia scholars are like? Indeed, the rumors outside were not unfounded; Da Xia's scholars all perished twelve years ago."

"Leave something behind."

Voices rose one after another.

The sounds were grating; each sentence made one's scalp tingle, causing instant brain hemorrhage.

These people are truly formidable, outright braggarts.

Not only sharp‑tongued, but each is clever, clinging to a single point to attack, organized and disciplined—not the mind‑less villains whose profanity achieves nothing.

"Quiet down, the Crown Prince has arrived."

"The Crown Prince is here; everyone be quiet."

"Crown Prince, you must come and judge; these people are truly detestable."

At that moment, someone noticed Gu Jin Nian's arrival and shouted, silencing the crowd.

Seeing Gu Jin Nian approach, the crowd cleared a path, chattering, hoping he would stand up for them.

"Everyone, calm down."

Inside the Academy.

Gu Jin Nian spoke, quieting the crowd.

At the same time, Su Huaiyu, Jiang Yezhou, Wang Fugui and others appeared, standing beside Gu Jin Nian.

The Fuyu scholars, upon seeing Gu Jin Nian, inexplicably restrained themselves a bit.

After all, Gu Jin Nian is the grandson of a duke, and after yesterday's events, they still held some awe for him.

But only a little restraint.

"Behold the top talent of Da Xia."

Staring at Gu Jin Nian, the fair‑skinned scholar bowed to him.

The others also bowed in succession.

They shouted, "Number one talent!"

Obviously, this was not praise but a backhanded kill.

The method was crude.

Gu Jin Nian walked slowly, saying nothing, merely watching the group quietly.

The latter kept bowing; sensing something amiss, they gradually rose.

Normally, after one side bows, the other returns the salute, and everyone stands together.

But Gu Jin Nian simply left them hanging, making them feel oddly unsettled.

"Just a minor matter that disturbed His Highness the Crown Prince; I hope His Highness will forgive it."

The fair‑skinned scholar stood, though displeased inside, he smiled politely outwardly.

"The diplomatic etiquette between two nations is no trivial matter."

"May I ask, sir, what grievances you have?"

Gu Jin Nian replied calmly, looking at the other.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince speaks heavily, yet I have no real grievance; I merely feel the Da Xia Academy looks down on us, chilling our hearts, which is why we said a few words."

"Your Highness should not be angry, right?"

The fair‑skinned scholar, smiling broadly, spoke in a tone much gentler than before.

But as soon as he said that, the crowd couldn't help but snort coldly.

"Oh? A distinguished envoy of the Fuyu Dynasty, how could Da Xia possibly disregard us?"

"May I ask, what hospitality was lacking?"

Gu Jin Nian continued to ask.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince, we came from the palace to reside in the Da Xia Academy, yet we did not expect the academy's masters to assign us a shabby dwelling."

"Not only filthy and chaotic, but also damp; we scholars of the Fuyu Dynasty, unlike other scholars, cannot study in a polluted place—our studies must not be stained by a speck of dust."

"Otherwise our hearts would be impure, we could not comprehend the sages' intent, and would feel we have disgraced the saints."

The fair‑skinned scholar continued.

But his words were extremely sarcastic.

"Oh, I see."

"Do you mean the Da Xia Academy is a polluted place?"

"And the Da Xia Dynasty is also a polluted place."

Gu Jin Nian nodded and replied in kind.

Upon hearing this, the latter immediately frowned.

"Your Highness the Crown Prince must not misconstrue my words; I merely think the Western Garden has long been abandoned and filthy. I never said the Da Xia Academy is a polluted place, let alone the Da Xia Dynasty."

"If the Crown Prince thinks so, that is his own opinion, unrelated to me."

The latter answered coolly.

How could he not realize Gu Jin Nian was labeling him?

"Abandoned for ages? So it's a polluted place?"

"Then, by your logic, the revival of the saint at Pingyang must have occurred in a deserted academy where enlightenment was attained, right?"

"Are you saying the Pingyang Academy is a filthy place?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, citing the classics.

It is well‑known that the saint's revival occurred in a deserted academy where he attained enlightenment.

Gu Jin Nian presented this rebuttal, instantly receiving applause from the hall.

The fair‑skinned scholar, however, smiled faintly and said calmly.

His Highness the Crown Prince laughed, "How could we possibly be qualified to judge a sage? But the Crown Prince also knows this was done by a sage; we are not sages either, and we haven't reached such a high realm."

Furthermore, we've traveled a long distance to come here, and arranging to stay in a deserted residence is somewhat hard to justify, isn't it?

The pale-faced scholar was formidable; he rebutted with a single sentence.

Young friend, the West Garden is not a deserted place; someone cleans it every seven days. I have already sent people to clean it again; in fact, it takes less than half an hour, and you can move in. Please rest assured.

Xu Fuzi also spoke up.

The West Garden is simply not a deserted place; it's just that no one lives there, and the West Garden was originally meant for guests to stay in.

Usually, just a notice and having a boy servant clean it once makes it spotless.

This is purely looking for trouble.

"Cleaning every seven days, and that's not considered deserted?"

"Furthermore, to speak of this is shocking; we are not being excessive—won't you even give us a place to stay? If that's not stinginess, what is?"

"Exactly, why not let them stay in the West Garden? What kind of treatment is this for guests?"

"As for our Fuyu Dynasty, we would never do this; if guests were to come, we would start cleaning a month in advance, every day, without the slightest negligence. You are looking down on us."

As Master Xu's voice fell, this group of Fuyu scholars once again began to shout.

"If the West Garden were deserted, Master has already arranged this place for you; it's just that the locations are scattered—wouldn't that also be unacceptable?"

Gu Jin Nian no longer dwelled on whether it was deserted or not.

The West Garden won't do.

Fine.

"Even if we forcibly vacate rooms for you, it's still not enough? 'Your Highness, you don't know: we come from one place, we usually enjoy discussing the Four Books and Five Classics, and furthermore, many of us don't understand the Da Xia language.'"

"Conducting affairs is extremely inconvenient; we naturally hope to stay together to avoid trouble."

"Actually, in my view, this isn't a big deal; as long as Your Highness lets them vacate rooms for us to move in, it'll be fine."

"After all, we're only staying briefly, not long-term."

"What's a few days?"

"Of course."

"If Your Highness also looks down on us Fuyu scholars like they do, then we have nothing more to say; we'll leave now, and even if we sleep on the streets, we will certainly not disturb you."

"We Fuyu scholars value propriety above all; we would rather suffer ourselves than let others endure hardship."

The pale-faced scholar spoke up.

Those words were truly grating to the ear.

Really, don't even mention it.

The whole matter is indeed not a big deal; it's just a small thing.

They feel the West Garden is somewhat deserted and don't want to stay there.

The visitor is a guest.

Scholars value propriety; it is indeed proper to make guests satisfied.

Furthermore, their reasons are quite sharp.

A group of people has come from afar; some cannot speak the Da Xia language, and they live together to help each other.

There's really nothing wrong with that.

If that truly is the case, Gu Jin Nian would definitely not say a word, and would even proactively make arrangements.

But the problem is, are these people really like that? It's obvious they just want to disgust you.

They just want to cause you trouble.

That is the main reason.

If true friends came, we wouldn't even need to offer guest rooms; we'd squeeze together to make room for you.

"Alas."

Gu Jin Nian let out a long sigh.

Then he looked toward the Heavenly Feather Army.

"Who ordered you to come here?"

Gu Jin Nian asked.

"Your Highness, it was the Left Vice Minister of the Rites Ministry who ordered us to come and escort the Fuyu envoys."

The Chief spoke, giving the answer.

"Alright."

"This is the Qin King's Order; you are now to patrol the academy, strengthen defenses, lest intruders break in and harm these envoys and guests."

Gu Jin Nian produced the Qin King's Order and directed the troops.

Upon seeing the Qin King's Order, the Chief immediately bowed.

"I will obey the order."

The Qin King oversees the state, wielding great power, and can naturally command the Heavenly Feather Army.

"Thank you, Your Highness, for taking our situation into account."

Upon hearing Gu Jin Nian speak, the pale-faced scholar immediately spoke up, laughing heartily.

It was obvious that Gu Jin Nian had backed down.

They all demanded that the Heavenly Feather Army strengthen its defenses and protect them.

How could they not be pleased?

"No problem."

"Since you insist on staying here, then Your Highness also has nothing more to say."

Gu Jin Nian shook his head.

He then looked at everyone.

Everyone's eyes were filled with anger, but it wasn't directed at Gu Jin Nian.

Rather, they were holding in a breath.

They also knew the other party was an envoy, unreasonable and overbearing, yet they couldn't find any fault.

Even if Gu Jin Nian wanted to cause trouble, it would be useless.

It wouldn't hold up logically.

So they didn't blame Gu Jin Nian, they were just angry.

Extremely angry.

Especially this white-faced scholar, who was full of smugness.

「Thank you, Your Highness the Crown Prince. 」

「Indeed, as Da Xia's number one talent, we admire you, bearing the grace of a notable figure. 」

The white-faced scholar smiled and spoke.

But the smugness on his face was truly despicable.

The other Fu Luo scholars laughed even louder, obviously mocking.

Feeling everyone's gazes.

Gu Jin Nian, meanwhile, furrowed his brow slightly.

「What are you looking at me for? 」

「Go ahead and strike. 」

「Why are you still standing there? 」

「If we don't beat this despicable person, are we saving him for the New Year? 」

Gu Jin Nian spoke up.

He was somewhat annoyed.

「We've been damned and humiliated, and you're still standing here? 」

「Come on. 」

Upon saying that,

Everyone was stunned.

The white-faced scholar and his companions were also stunned.

They all felt they had misheard.

「Hit him. 」

「Still hesitating? 」

「If anything happens, I'll take the blame; anyone who doesn't strike won't be welcome in the academy anymore. 」

Gu Jin Nian spoke again.

As his words fell,

In an instant, a figure flew over, kicked sideways, and sent the white-faced scholar flying several meters away.

In a moment.

Everyone's eyes reddened, and they surged forward.

They had been holding in a bellyful of anger.

Seeing someone make a move, who could still hold back now?

「Beat this Crown Prince, beat him to death. 」

The crowd immediately descended into chaos.

But Gu Jin Nian's voice

was unwavering.

left everyone looking stunned.

(End of chapter)