Chapter 83: Kong Yu Unconvinced, Gu Jin Nian Composes a Poem in Seven Steps, a Lone Piece Overwhelms the High Tang【Seek Monthly Tick

Inside the hall.

Everyone was curious, even the common folk of the capital were curious—what is this for? Though the phenomenon is magnificent, it also looks extremely terrifying.

But the problem is, it has no effect or use at all.

What's the point of just a grand scene? However, a voice slowly sounded in the hall.

"Poetry completed through the ages, the struggle of national fortune."

"This is an attack on the Xiongnu people's national fortune."

The voice sounded; it was Zhao Ru's voice.

He realized what this was doing.

Upon these words, the hall erupted.

"What does that mean?"

"Zhao Ru, do you mean this poem evolves the army spirit and attacks the Xiongnu's national fortune?"

"Hiss, it's truly possible; this army spirit is formed from our Da Xia soldiers, and with countless literary Dao will, like rain, falling within the Twelve Cities, indeed it seems to be attacking the national fortune."

"The struggle of national fortune? Can a single poem have such power?"

"Is this also an ancient poem?"

Voices sounded one after another.

Inside the hall, some didn't believe, but more were shocked.

The Yongsheng Great Emperor was also somewhat curious; he hoped it was true, but he couldn't tell.

"If other ancient poems, they certainly couldn't reach this degree, but it's precisely Gu Jin Nian's poem, bolstered by Heaven's Mandate."

"We really ought to thank the Fuyu Dynasty for sending this heavenly secret to our Da Xia."

At this moment, Su Wenjing's voice sounded.

He also understood what was going on.

"Mr. Wenjing, what does this mean? We don't understand."

"Yes, what does this mean? Mr. Wenjing, we don't understand a bit of what you said."

"How did it get tied to the Fuyu Dynasty again?"

Everyone chatted, and no one in the hall could understand Zhao Ru and Su Wenjing's words.

"Mr. Wenjing took the Twelve Cities as the theme; under the support of Heaven's Mandate, this painting contains the power of Heaven's Mandate."

"It contains the people's resentment; Gu Jin Nian's composed poem fits the scene and also has the essence of literati."

"In that case, receiving Heaven's Mandate's approval, it then evolves myriad cavalry, transforming into army spirit, suppressing the Xiongnu's national fortune."

"The Xiongnu people have stolen our Da Xia's rivers and mountains, strengthening their national fortune; now Heaven's Mandate is upheld in the painting, Gu Jin Nian's poetry transforms the ages, taking back the national fortune and heavily striking the Xiongnu's national fortune."

"If the Fuyu Dynasty had not presented this painting, even if Heaven's Mandate appeared, it would not have drawn such a phenomenon."

"Everything is within cause and effect."

Zhao Ru spoke, revealing the whole truth.

In a moment, everyone suddenly understood completely.

Yet the talents of the Fuyu Dynasty all had grim faces, especially the Shenluo Third Prince.

This painting was sent to humiliate the Da Xia Dynasty, but unexpectedly it helped the Da Xia Dynasty greatly.

National fortune.

This thing is too mystical; you say it exists, yet you can't see it; but if you say it doesn't exist, that's absolutely impossible.

When national fortune thrives, winds are favorable and rains timely, grain yields are abundant year‑round, the people are well‑fed and well‑clothed, all is harmonious.

But when national fortune declines, there are natural and human calamities, unable to resist, just like the flood disaster in Jiangning Commandery, whether natural or man‑made.

If Jiangning Commandery's crops were harvested half a month early or matured, could one perfectly avoid it?

This is the terror of national fortune.

If the Xiongnu's national fortune is damaged, the Da Xia Dynasty can more easily retake lost lands, and possibly even utterly annihilate the Xiongnu, achieving the Great Northern Unification and ushering in a true prosperous age.

In an instant, the Yongsheng Great Emperor could not remain seated in the hall.

What he had long dreamed of was to strike north against the Xiongnu, recover the lost lands; achieving this, he would die without regret.

"If he could annihilate the Xiongnu, achieve the Great Northern Unification, even in the Nine Depths Underworld he would have the confidence to meet his father."

Because his father, the Da Xia Grand Ancestor, also failed to complete the Great Northern Unification before his death.

But he himself accomplished it.

Expanding the territory and opening the borders is the highest achievement of an emperor, without equal.

The Xiongnu's national fortune was weakened.

To him, it was a great joy.

However, he suppressed his excitement.

Suppressing the excitement in his heart.

Regarding the Xiongnu, he had long had ideas, but the present Da Xia cannot act yet; he needs to wait a bit more.

Borderlands.

An expanse of gold.

Countless troops charged heedlessly into the Twelve Cities.

Seven hundred li northward.

On the plains, Xiongnu emerged one by one from their great camp; they gazed at this scene, their eyes full of doubt.

And the Xiongnu court.

A middle‑aged man gazed at this phenomenon, his face extremely grim.

The poem will last for eternity.

Abolish my Xiongnu nation's destiny?

He stood with his arms crossed, his gaze filled with resentment and anger.

This is Heaven's Mandate suppression, not something mortal effort can resolve; even if he wishes to intervene, he is powerless.

At this moment, a figure stepped out of the hall and looked toward the Xiongnu King.

"Your Majesty."

"Da Xia has been nurturing its vigor for twelve years, day and night yearning to retake the twelve cities."

"As Heaven's Mandate now shows, it will not take long before Da Xia's iron cavalry directly seizes those twelve cities."

"Your Majesty, if you still hesitate, when the iron cavalry arrives, Da Xia will not grant you any time to waver."

The figure materialized—a middle‑aged Confucian scholar—who looked at the Xiongnu King and spoke in a beguiling tone.

The Xiongnu King's gaze also solidified at that moment.

"Very well."

"I, the King, agree."

"However, tell those behind you: after the matter is settled, I want the Da Xia Longmen Cannon forging method; nothing else matters."

The Xiongnu King spoke, accepting the other's request while putting forward his own.

But upon hearing this, the latter couldn't help but frown slightly.

"Your Majesty, the Longmen Cannon is the foundation of Da Xia's state; this is somewhat beyond even the strong, but we can grant you ten Longmen Cannons."

He said.

The Longmen Cannon, the cornerstone of Da Xia's founding; when the founding emperor swept the ten kingdoms, it was this artifact that he relied upon.

Otherwise, conquering the ten kingdoms single‑handedly would be nearly impossible.

Moreover, many rumors surround the Longmen Cannon.

Cannons are not rare; the ten kingdoms possessed them long ago, and both the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty have comparable artillery.

They are used to counter cavalry.

However, cannons have obvious drawbacks: they are bulky and extremely heavy, requiring powerful warriors to transport; their projectiles are not exceptionally strong, their range is short, and their deviation is large.

They affect warriors below the Third Realm, but have little effect on those above the Third Realm.

Yet the Da Xia Dynasty's Longmen Cannon is markedly distinct: its projectiles are powerful, even the strongest martial kings cannot overlook them; its range is vast, up to fifty li, with directional error not exceeding two hundred zhang.

This is an exceedingly odd matter.

Fortunately, the Da Xia Dynasty possesses few Longmen Cannons; during Da Xia's internal turmoil, the Fuyu Dynasty borrowed ten, and the Great Jin Dynasty outright purchased twenty.

Even the Central Continent Dynasty requisitioned nearly thirty Longmen Cannons for research.

Cannons, in a war between two nations, cannot serve as a decisive factor, after all this is a world of celestial martial arts.

Yet this weapon has great deterrence; with both sides deploying hundreds of thousands of troops, a volley from the Da Xia Dynasty's cannons can smash several key formations, killing twenty to thirty thousand at the outset, then crippling you, allowing the army to surge forward.

Total annihilation may be an exaggeration; the start is a slight victory, but against a well‑commanded general, a complete triumph is very possible.

After two or three such battles, you are essentially defeated.

"Ten Longmen Cannons?"

"You underestimate me too much."

"Fifty."

"If fewer than fifty, at most the twelve cities will be ceded to the Da Xia Dynasty."

"These twelve cities offer little benefit to my Xiongnu people; we are accustomed to living on the steppe."

"They are not suitable for houses built by Da Xia people."

The latter spoke.

He offered a flat price of fifty Longmen Cannons, and his words were sincere: the twelve cities are merely a defensive line for the Xiongnu, serving a military‑strategic purpose but providing no real economic benefit.

Moreover, the Da Xia inhabitants inside had long been slaughtered, leaving only Xiongnu residents who are unaccustomed to city life.

If not for the backing of the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty, to be frank, they had already negotiated with Da Xia to return the twelve cities in exchange for cattle, sheep, horses, gold, jewels, and Da Xia implements.

Among the three great dynasties of the Eastern Wilderness.

The Da Xia Dynasty is famed for its implements, many of which are strange and wondrous, such as warhorse saddles and agricultural tools.

These ordinary items exist in every nation, yet for some reason Da Xia's are superior and stronger.

Thus nations speculate that the Da Xia Dynasty must possess a forging technique that perfects its artifacts.

Meanwhile, the Great Jin Dynasty holds something everyone covets.

【Dragon Rice】

The Great Jin Dynasty's rice is highly unique; warriors who eat Dragon Rice can strengthen their bodies and nourish their flesh.

Ordinary folk who eat Dragon Rice become immune to illnesses, their qi and blood as fierce as a tiger, strength as great as an ox.

Great Jin Dynasty's Dragon Rice is also cheap, offered in several grades, so common people can afford it.

It can be said that although not everyone in the Great Jin Dynasty is a warrior, its populace is far stronger than that of other dynasties.

This is something all dynasties envy.

Having consumed Dragon Rice for centuries, each generation of the Great Jin Dynasty grows stronger, which is the fundamental reason for its dominance over the Eastern Wilderness.

Although Da Xia has Longmen Cannons, they are few; their power is great, yet even the strongest martial kings are cautious, so in large‑scale wars the Longmen Cannon can grant Da Xia a certain advantage.

For the Great Jin Dynasty, the advantage is not particularly large.

Conversely, the Great Jin Dynasty has a massive population, each person strong and robust.

Five thousand cavalry can overwhelm one hundred thousand infantry; this is common military knowledge.

However, if faced with one hundred thousand Great Jin infantry, the cavalry will inevitably lose.

It doesn't require a hundred thousand; fifty thousand Great Jin infantry can already stand against five thousand cavalry, simply because of their innate strength and the blessing of dragon rice.

The Great Jin Dynasty also exports large quantities of dragon rice each year, but only the lowest‑grade dragon rice; the slightly better ones are quantity‑controlled and bought by the aristocratic families of various nations.

Some premium dragon rice is given as gifts to the royal families of various nations, but its quantity is also controlled.

And the aristocratic royalty of the Great Jin Dynasty consumes exquisite dragon rice, whose effect is ten times that of ordinary dragon rice.

Put simply, a cultivator of the Immortal Path who has eaten dragon rice says it is equivalent to a pill with no side effects at all—yes, a pill without any side effects.

Only its medicinal effect is not that strong, but it can nurture the root, solidify the foundation, and moisturize the flesh.

This is why the Great Jin Dynasty is the foremost.

As for the Fuyu Dynasty, it has no tools nor dragon rice, but it produces two things: one is natural iron ore, which Da Xia desperately needs.

The other is Fusang leaf; when buried in fields, it greatly boosts agricultural output—claiming a doubling is exaggerated, but it can increase yields by roughly fifty percent.

The Da Xia Dynasty values the Fuyu Dynasty's iron ore, while the Great Jin Dynasty covets the Fusang leaf; it is precisely because of these two resources that the Fuyu Dynasty is so prosperous and counted among the three great dynasties.

And these are all things the Xiongnu nation lacks.

Xiongnu generals are warlike and brave, yet they can only become pawns, precisely because they lack crucial items.

Regarding this, they themselves are very frustrated, hating the heavens.

Now the opportunity has arrived; no matter what, he must negotiate favorable terms, otherwise wouldn't it be a risky loss? "Very well."

The middle‑aged Confucian scholar thought for a moment and did not continue haggling, temporarily agreeing.

Having received the other's promise, the Xiongnu King also nodded.

And at that moment.

Across the heavens, a fireball streaked across and fell upon the Xiongnu plains, triggering an earthquake that destroyed countless cattle, sheep, and warhorses.

This scene made the Xiongnu King's complexion turn very grim.

This is the downside of a declining national fortune, though he hadn't expected it to arrive so swiftly.

And this is only the beginning; who knows what will happen later?

"Quickly investigate what has happened."

The Xiongnu King roared, ordering someone to check what had occurred.

Meanwhile.

Within Da Xia Capital.

The fireball cutting across the sky also appeared over Da Xia Capital, and countless citizens witnessed it.

Inside the Da Xia Imperial Palace, a dragon's roar sounded.

It is a symbol of Da Xia's national fortune strengthening.

True dragon roar.

"Very well."

In an instant, Emperor Yongsheng stood up, clenched his fist, and couldn't help exclaiming in admiration.

Civil and military officials alike were thrilled.

The Xiongnu are their greatest enemy; they know Emperor Yongsheng thinks of war day and night, but they also know that Da Xia cannot yet declare war outwardly.

Each generation does its own work; Emperor Yongsheng has done what he must, and now only needs to continue conserving strength, let a benevolent emperor ascend, govern the nation, and again conserve strength.

Thus, fifty years later, Da Xia will rise completely, and then, not only can it confront the Xiongnu, even a war against the Fuyu Dynasty would be undertaken with confidence.

But the Xiongnu occasionally disturb the border, which is a headache; the Ministry of War and generals constantly use this as a pretext to request troops.

It's a real headache.

Now that this has happened, it is a great cause for celebration: the Xiongnu's national fortune is weakened and further battered; in the coming years they won't even think of harassing the border, and the Ministry of War and generals won't have any pretext to act.

"Long live the Emperor, ten thousand years!"

Someone shouted, at the crucial moment proclaiming "Your Majesty, long live!"

At that moment, everyone echoed, except for a few foreign envoys.

Listening to the officials' cheers.

Emperor Yongsheng felt especially exhilarated.

However, he said nothing, but looked at Gu Jin Nian and said,

"Jin Nian."

"Today you composed an immortal poem, weakened the Xiongnu's national fortune, and glorified Da Xia's prestige. Tell me what reward you desire; as long as it isn't excessive, I will grant it."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke.

He was very excited and unusually happy.

Today's events left his heart unsettled.

"Your Majesty."

"I, as a student, believe that glorifying Da Xia's prestige is a scholar's duty; I require no reward."

Gu Jin Nian replied, refusing any reward.

The reason is simple: asking for this or that looks greedy; having nothing is best.

Let the emperor decide what to give.

For such a big matter, if you give too little everyone will notice; if you give too much I can handle it, so decide as you see fit.

And it would also show my proud, unbending spirit.

Sure enough, hearing this, Emperor Yongsheng was very pleased; he thought for a moment, then looked at Gu Jin Nian and said,

"Since that's the case, ordinary gold and silver are of no use to you."

"How about I grant you three king pearls?"

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, bestowing three king pearls upon Gu Jin Nian.

He was magnanimous, opening with three royal pearls, but the civil and military officials' expressions changed.

Gu Jin Nian previously, because of the Jiangning Prefecture affair, had obtained six royal pearls; now adding three more royal pearls makes nine.

Generally, princes lack nine royal pearls; Gu Jin Nian alone has nine, and then casually gives another three; per the Ministry of Rites' system, that certainly merits a marquisate.

For a moment, the officials naturally had many thoughts in their hearts.

The Guardian Duke's line naturally rejoiced, while the civil officials' line furrowed their brows.

Although still lacking the final three, there's no need to rush, but after all they've already gathered nine royal pearls; if this continues, should Gu Jin Nian achieve another great feat, they won't be able to stop him.

For a moment, Yang Kai's voice sounded.

"Your Majesty's holy grace."

"However, the Crown Prince's poem composed today, adding to the ages, makes us deeply admire; the award of three royal pearls seems somewhat empty."

"Your servant observes that the Crown Prince is about to come of age; it would be better to grant him a residence, so that after his coming of age he won't lack a place to choose a mansion."

Yang Kai's voice sounded.

His attitude toward Gu Jin Nian, as usual, is that status determines everything; he is the Minister of Rites, a man of the Crown Prince.

Although Gu Jin Nian has made great contributions to the Da Xia Dynasty, if rewards continue this way, once he is made a marquis, it would not be a good thing for them.

At least until Gu Jin Nian clearly declares his support for the Crown Prince, or the Gu Family clearly supports the Crown Prince, he cannot allow the military commanders' power to keep growing.

Even saying that, even if the Gu Family supports the Crown Prince, frankly he might still say this.

At this point, it's not whether he wishes it, but whether the entire civil officialdom agrees.

When martial prospers, civil declines.

When civil prospers, martial declines.

This is an eternal truth, a natural opposition.

To add an unpleasant remark, if he does not now step forward to suppress, this emperor will also find it strange.

But before the Yong Sheng Emperor could speak.

The Guardian Duke's voice also sounded.

"Master Yang's words are quite correct; my grandson is about to come of age and truly needs a residence."

The Guardian Duke spoke with a smile.

This answer made everyone curious: does the Guardian Duke's mansion still lack the silver to buy a residence?

That is certainly impossible.

This is intentional; the Guardian Duke also does not want Gu Jin Nian to receive too much imperial favor.

Just in the main hall.

The Yong Sheng Emperor, however, remained calm.

"When I bestow rewards before the envoys of all nations, how could there be talk of regret?"

"Three royal pearls."

"Jin Nian, study well; if you can obtain twelve royal pearls, I will personally select a marquis title for you."

The Yong Sheng Emperor spoke.

He remained calm, directly overriding the opinions of the Minister of Rites and the Guardian Duke, still awarding three royal pearls, and even directly promising that obtaining twelve royal pearls would grant a marquis rank.

At this moment, the hall erupted in an uproar.

Marquis.

A rank just below duke.

A Duke of the State cannot be hereditary; throughout history, basically all Dukes of the State are founding ministers, not merely those who served the dragon throne; they must possess great ability.

As for later generations' Dukes of the State, their numbers will only dwindle, often only two or three per dynasty.

In other words, the nine Dukes of the State during the Yong Sheng era earned their titles by following the Yong Sheng Emperor in conquering the realm.

They are now aged; perhaps in another ten or twenty years they will pass away one after another, and by that time there basically will be no new Dukes of the State to succeed them,

but Gu Jin Nian is different: ennobled as a marquis in his youth, backed by the Gu Family, also a great talent of Confucianism and Daoism, entering middle age; if he achieves corresponding political accomplishments, he is very likely to become a new Duke of the State.

Once that happens, it's not a matter of whether he is chief among Dukes of the State, but rather he becomes the foremost minister, for with no other Dukes of the State around, Gu Jin Nian's future path will be smooth sailing, a straight ascent to the clouds.

Changed from aristocratic power to ministerial power.

This is terrifying, enough to affect the court, to affect a nation.

Thus it can be seen how much the Yong Sheng Emperor favors this nephew.

To dare speak so frankly and promise in advance.

At this moment, Yang Kai dares not say anything more; before the envoys of all nations, his earlier tactful remark already counts as bearing great pressure, and if he still dared to say more,

what would come would be thunderous wrath.

Fortunately, Gu Jin Nian only has six royal pearls, so this issue is not serious.

If he already had nine royal pearls, even before the envoys of all nations, Yang Kai would have to speak bluntly.

"Enough."

"The gathering proceeds as usual."

"Do you gentlemen have any new poems?"

The Yong Sheng Emperor spoke again, looking at the talents of all nations, saying thus.

As these words were spoken,

in an instant, everyone fell completely silent.

The earlier omen, as well as the weakening of the Xiongnu state's fortune, drew everyone's attention.

Now hearing the Yong Sheng Emperor speak.

For a moment, everyone only then realized.

Gu Jin Nian has once again produced an eternal poem.

Indeed.

They were initially taken aback; now that they have recovered, they stare at each other, especially the scholars of the Fuyu Dynasty, whose faces are ashen.

All their pride and confidence become a laughing matter before Gu Jin Nian's eternal poem.

An eternal poem.

How many have spanned past and present? Gu Jin Nian is practically a freak: one timeless essay, two eternal poems, plus a nation‑stabilizing poem.

No one knows how to describe it.

The Kong family.

Kong Yu's complexion also turned very grim.

This time, he publicly announced his intention to join the Da Xia Poetry Gathering, aiming to make Gu Jin Nian understand what a holy grandson is, what a descendant of a saintly lineage is.

He did not expect that Gu Jin Nian would open with an eternal poem.

How could he possibly suppress it?

Nevertheless, the reason Gu Jin Nian's poem becomes timeless is mainly the Heaven's Mandate boost—it fits the occasion perfectly.

The odd thing is the Fuyu Dynasty; after a meal they feel compelled to send a map of the twelve border cities. Even if they swapped a map, Gu Jin Nian's poem would at most be a nation‑stabilizing poem.

But with Heaven's Mandate and the people's will, the poem becomes timeless, spawning phenomena that weaken the Xiongnu nation's fortunes.

The greatest trait of an eternal poem is that it tells a story that can be passed down for millennia, fitting any nation.

Take Gu Jin Nian's "Compassion for Farmers" as an example; it is a nation‑stabilizing poem that boosts a country's fortune. The verses can endure, but only after a thousand years; if they truly persist, they will be elevated.

However, an eternal poem can only be born in a momentous occasion and when the circumstances are right.

Why shouldn't a man wield the Wu hook to seize fifty prefectures of the passes and mountains?

Lord, ascend the Lingyan Pavilion for a moment; become a scholar of ten thousand households.

At the Da Xia Poetry Gathering, a poem becomes everlasting, curbing a nation's fortune; today's event will surely be passed down through the ages and become a classic.

This is an eternal poem.

Kong Yu's mind is in turmoil; indeed his mind is chaotic. Today he intends to strike Gu Jin Nian, to make him aware of their disparity, but now, after being hit by Gu Jin Nian, how can he keep his composure? "All the scholars in the hall, does anyone wish to compose another?"

"I look forward to it."

At that moment, Emperor Yong Sheng spoke again, asking the scholars in the hall who was willing to step forward again.

The words sounded especially harsh.

Except for the students of Da Xia Academy, the other scholars felt very uncomfortable.

With an eternal poem already presented, who dares to step forward and disgrace themselves?

Are they truly shameless? Or do they think they have thick skin? "Stay calm."

In the lower right, Kong Ping sensed Kong Yu's inner turbulence; he spoke to suppress it, then transmitted his talent through sound.

"Today's exam question is strange."

"Do not be distracted."

Kong Ping spoke, his gaze calmly fixed on Kong Yu.

The latter frowned upon hearing this.

He did not understand why his uncle said so, but his restless heart gradually steadied.

He then began to reflect.

Soon, Kong Yu's eyes widened; he grasped his uncle's meaning.

Today's question seemed to be set by Su Wenjing, but in fact everyone knows it was issued by the Da Xia Emperor.

When the emperor sets a question, there is actually no big issue.

The crux is that the Fuyu Dynasty presented three gifts to Emperor Yong Sheng, each with a meaning: the first two are the questions, the third is an insult.

The first question was answered by Gu Jin Nian, so Gu Jin Nian was present and knows the origin of this scroll.

That means Gu Jin Nian knew the exam question in advance.

Yes.

Knowing the question beforehand.

While it is undeniable that he produced an eternal poem, the fact that he knew the question beforehand gives rise to many explanations.

If Gu Jin Nian's poem lacked Heaven's Mandate, it would merely be a nation‑stabilizing poem; otherwise, why were there no earth‑shaking phenomena when he wrote it?

Instead, the phenomena were released from the scroll?

A nation‑stabilizing poem is rare, Kong Yu acknowledges.

But Kong Yu does not think he cannot compose a nation‑stabilizing poem; it's merely a matter of time.

It so happens that Gu Jin Nian has ample time, while he has none to prepare.

From learning the question to Gu Jin Nian composing the poem took only about a quarter of an hour.

A quarter of an hour to write a poem—how could one produce a nation‑stabilizing poem? Not even Su Wenjing could manage it.

But if it were ten days or half a month? The Fuyu people have had about ten days; in that span they could certainly devise some verses.

Moreover, the Heaven's Mandate appearing today is certainly not accidental; someone already knows it.

That person is Su Wenjing.

He must have known something, informing Gu Jin Nian; within ten days Gu Jin Nian conceived this poem, thus seizing the opportunity to wrest Heaven's Mandate.

It is a transaction.

A deal between the emperor and the duke, between Su Wenjing and Gu Jin Nian.

They all aid Gu Jin Nian to obtain Heaven's Mandate, while preventing the Kong family from gaining it.

At this thought, Kong Yu's eyes changed; the fury in his heart flared instantly.

Lost.

It's stifling, it's hard to bear, it's unwilling.

But he will accept it.

He lost fair and square—what can be done? But now, upon learning that Gu Jin Nian won by such despicable means, he refuses to accept it, and he is also unwilling.

The most important thing is, it involves the contention for Heaven's Mandate.

If it were merely a contest of reputation, he could let it go; after all, there's still plenty of time, and he could try again tomorrow.

But this contention for Heaven's Mandate has too great an impact.

"Uncle, what should I do?" Kong Yu sent a voice transmission using his talent, asking his uncle.

He had a fire pent up in his heart.

But he was still full of hesitation.

"The Kong clan deserves a Heaven's Mandate."

"Do whatever you want to do; your father is already on his way here."

Kong Ping sent a calm voice transmission.

He sees through everything; right now he just wants Kong Yu to cause a scene.

This concerns the Heaven's Mandate.

He has no choice but to do this, for the stakes are too high; even offending others doesn't matter, even if it means offending the emperor.

The Kong clan still has confidence.

Having received Kong Ping's reply, at this moment Kong Yu drew a deep breath.

"Your Majesty."

"Today's grand gathering is unfair."

He spoke.

He rose to his feet, gazed upon the Eternal Prosperity Great Emperor, and bowed deeply.

Upon saying this,

The hall fell silent.

No one expected that, at the critical moment, Kong Yu would dare to say such words.

The Da Xia Poetry Assembly.

How could it be unfair? This isn't slapping the court's face, is it slapping this emperor's face? But on the upper hall, the Eternal Prosperity Great Emperor showed no emotional fluctuation, his expression calm, yet his gaze fell upon Kong Yu.

"Where is it unfair?"

The Eternal Prosperity Great Emperor questioned.

"Gu Jin Nian received the topic in advance."

"The student believes this is unfair."

Kong Yu spoke loudly.

In an instant, the hall inside and outside boiled over.

"Received the topic in advance?"

"How could that be possible?"

Who says it's impossible? His Majesty just issued the topic, and Gu Jin Nian had it figured out in less than half a quarter-hour; I already sensed something was off, and sure enough, there's something fishy.

Actually, there's nothing unfair about it, right? Even if I were given the topic months in advance, I couldn't compose such poetry.

Not the same.

You are you, the Holy Grandson is the Holy Grandson; if we were to inform the Holy Grandson a month in advance of the topic, and besides tell the Holy Grandson that he has Heaven's Mandate backing, see if the Holy Grandson could compose timeless poetry.

Furthermore, this poem is not actually timeless poetry; it's a state‑protecting poem, but with Heaven's Mandate's support, it becomes timeless.

If the Holy Grandson were to receive the topic in advance, today he could outpace Gu Jin Nian by a step, compose the state‑protecting poem, and it too would become timeless—then this Heaven's Mandate would belong to the Holy Grandson.

There is such a possibility.

Regardless of whether the Holy Grandson can compose the state‑protecting poem, receiving the topic in advance is indeed improper, a loss of fairness.

In an instant, various voices of discussion rose.

Most people were dazed, but upon reflection there really are some issues; after Emperor Yong Sheng finished issuing the topic, Gu Jin Nian immediately answered.

Before and after, there probably wasn't even half a quarter-hour.

Knowing Gu Jin Nian has talent, but this is obviously overconfident, right? "I understand."

"Gu Jin Nian, when we entered the palace to present gifts that day, you had already seen this scroll; His Majesty had already informed Mr. Wen Jing of this topic, and he is your academy's dean—it was Mr. Wen Jing who told you the topic in advance."

"Now I understand; no wonder the Crown Prince could be so composed—it turns out he had already known the topic in advance."

"Such a grand Da Xia Poetry Assembly, yet it has come to this—truly a disgrace to scholars."

At this moment, the Fu Luo scholars finally had a chance to speak.

Gu Jin Nian's poetry becoming timeless truly makes them feel stifled and uneasy.

Now that they have found an opportunity, they naturally criticize at once.

One must not recklessly speculate; Mr. Wen Jing is certainly not such a person.

However, the Crown Prince can compose timeless poetry in half a quarter‑hour, which indeed raises some questions; we hope the Crown Prince can explain a bit.

The Shen Luo Third Prince also spoke up at once, but he immediately suppressed these people, lest they spout nonsense.

But those who ought to be targeted still need to be targeted.

You're full of hot air, Brother Kong's talent overflows, he is a great Confucian‑Daoist scholar—how could he do such a thing?

If you can't bear to lose, just say so; why fabricate lies here?

I have always believed the Kong clan to be a lineage of sages, possessing sage‑like bearing; looking at today, it truly is an insult to the sages.

"Regardless of anything else, the timeless poems—today I give you the topic; can you compose it within ten days?"

At this moment, the students of Da Xia Academy also rose to their feet.

They were already huddled around a fire; seeing the other's provocation and insults, they naturally stood up and joined in the cursing.

Jiang Yezhou and Wang Fugui even led the charge, pointing their spears at Kong Yu.

Below the main hall.

Listening to the crowd's curses at Kong Yu, his gaze turned, his expression resolute.

"May I ask, Crown Prince, when Fu Luo presented the treasure that day, did you already guess the painting scroll as the topic?"

Kong Yu's eyes fell upon Gu Jin Nian.

Since he chose to cause a commotion, he has no intention of covering it up; after all, if he doesn't stir now, Heaven's Mandate will belong to Gu Jin Nian.

Will he be able to let it go?

He can't let it go.

"I don't know."

Gu Jin Nian was indeed frank; he truly didn't know his uncle would choose this as the topic, but to claim he knows nothing at all would be impossible.

It's like an alternate topic, not taken seriously, just a slight thought in his mind.

Because at that time he wanted to write this poem, but Emperor Yongsheng stopped him.

He didn't expect to be waiting for himself here.

"Don't know?"

"Your Highness, Crown Prince, I truly must ask: the Emperor just set the topic, and in less than a quarter hour you have already composed this poem."

"Such talent—perhaps even a reincarnated sage could not achieve it?"

Kong Yu spoke.

He spoke again.

Both inside and outside the words, it was straightforward: he simply refused to acknowledge Gu Jin Nian's prowess.

"Enough."

"Your Majesty will investigate thoroughly; if it is true, the qualification will be revoked; if not, no one may be wronged."

"At today's grand gathering, if any of you talented scholars still have a poem topic, write it down; if not, return tomorrow."

A Great Scholar spoke.

It was Zhou Mao's voice.

Now Heaven's Mandate is about to change hands, passing to Gu Jin Nian; Kong Yu's sudden appearance is simply intolerable, isn't it?

"Zhou Ru."

"This matter must have an explanation today."

"Your Majesty."

"Please forgive the student's fault."

"We scholars nurture lofty righteousness; in conduct and style we should be radiant with integrity. The most abhorrent thing to a student is deceit, especially before scholars of all nations."

"If this spreads, the Da Xia literary world will become a timeless joke."

"Today, Gu Jin Nian must give an explanation; otherwise students, scholars of all nations, and scholars across the world will be aggrieved."

Kong Yu went all out.

He knelt on the ground and bowed to Emperor Yongsheng.

He is a holy grandson.

Descendants of Confucius would not kneel before an emperor.

But kneeling today shows a grievance in his heart; if this matter is not handled properly, it will certainly cause a stir.

Especially Gu Jin Nian—so outstanding, being envied is too normal, and with Kong Yu's slander, if there is no explanation today—

Scholars across the world will erupt in protest.

"Kong Yu."

"What kind of explanation do you want?"

"Do you need this old man to ask his heart?"

At this moment, Su Wenjing's voice rang out.

He looked at Kong Yu and asked thus.

Does one need to ask the heart? This is a Half Saint's method, directly probing the heart, impossible to fake.

Meanwhile, on the throne, Emperor Yongsheng remained silent.

Surprisingly, Grandfather Gu was also completely quiet, not uttering a single word; this puzzled people, and made some petty ruffians even more convinced that something was amiss.

"The mind‑probing art strains body and spirit; a student need not resort to it."

Kong Yu shook his head.

He answered thus.

Because he could not tell whether Gu Jin Nian truly knew or not, but the current clues point to Gu Jin Nian likely having known the topic in advance.

Thus there is no need for the mind probe; if Gu Jin Nian truly didn't know, or only vaguely knew, the outcome would be unsatisfactory.

Another method is needed for verification.

"If not the mind probe, what other method can satisfy you?"

Su Wenjing continued to ask.

"Very simple."

"Since Your Highness, Crown Prince, possesses such talent, the student humbly requests that ten people each contribute one or two characters: Uncle of the student family, Fuluo Talented, Great Gold Talented, Your Majesty, Mr. Wenjing, Zhao Ru, the Tongwen Alliance, the Xu Lin Party, and any two people outside the hall."

"Within one hour, the Crown Prince must compose a poem; we won't claim the poem will become timeless, even if it's a nation‑stabilizing verse, the students will be convinced, and we will not mention a single word of unfairness."

Kong Yu spoke.

That was his thought.

Since Gu Jin Nian was so formidable, he set a challenge: if he could still compose a nation‑stabilizing poem, he would be completely convinced.

If he couldn't, it would prove that he had known the topic in advance.

Although his conditions were harsh, he did not consider them unfair.

"Absurd—ten people each produce ten characters, ten characters form a problem; within one hour, compose a nation‑stabilizing poem, with the Holy Ruler present. Can anyone do it?"

Yang Kai spoke, knowing Kong Yu was dissatisfied, but he hadn't expected Kong Yu to be so shameless—ten people, ten characters.

One hour to write a nation‑stabilizing poem?

This is no longer a test; it's disgusting.

"Well, ten people each produce ten characters, let you speak; not even a nation‑stabilizing poem—any omen will count as your victory today."

Zhou Mao also spoke up.

"Even a test wouldn't be this harsh, right?"

The academy students chimed in.

"Your Majesty, the students think Kong Yu has gone mad; expel him from the main hall so he won't disturb everyone's interests."

Jiang Ye Zhou, standing, bowed to Emperor Yong Sheng and requested Kong Yu's expulsion.

Kong Yu's gaze involuntarily glanced at Jiang Ye Zhou.

His expression was unfriendly.

Above the main hall.

Emperor Yong Sheng also thought the fellow's mind was troubled.

However, he understood even more that Heaven's Mandate had surfaced, making Kong Yu's behavior quite normal.

But ten people ten characters is pure harassment.

Emperor Yong Sheng opened his mouth, about to say something, when Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out.

"Set the problem," he said.

A voice sounded.

At this moment.

The hall fell completely silent.

All eyes inevitably turned to Gu Jin Nian.

Even members of the Kong family couldn't help but frown.

Kong Yu was clearly picking a fight; not to mention great talent, even if he truly were a saint reborn, he probably couldn't compose such verses, could he? "Ten people ten characters as a poem is rather difficult."

"If possible, one character per poem, ten poems all nation‑stabilizing—can that be done?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He put forward such a request.

After all, a ten‑character poem is hard to assemble, but a one‑character poem, or even a two‑character poem, is not that difficult.

In his mind were poems galore; not just ten—if he wanted, he could perform three hundred poems today and still subdue the world.

"Brother Gu, don't fall for it."

"Crown Prince, don't argue with him; that would be absolutely forbidden."

In an instant, many voices rose, thinking Gu Jin Nian was also above them.

Whether ten characters per poem or one character per poem, the difficulty is great.

Especially since Gu Jin Nian claimed ten poems all nation‑stabilizing; that's fundamentally impossible.

But Kong Yu immediately stood, looked at Gu Jin Nian and said,

"Fine."

"If the ten poems all stabilize the nation, Kong will retract his earlier words and apologize to Brother Gu."

Joy and excitement shone in Kong Yu's eyes.

No one could achieve ten nation‑stabilizing poems.

But Gu Jin Nian's next words made his complexion change.

"The Crown Prince does not need your apology."

"If the Crown Prince succeeds, I want you to kneel publicly and kowtow, three prostrations and nine bows."

Gu Jin Nian said lightly.

The smell of gunpowder instantly filled the air.

But Kong Yu's expression turned sour.

He is a holy grandson; if he truly had to kneel publicly, it would be humiliating, and the term 'holy grandson' would become a complete joke.

"That's too severe."

Kong Yu spoke, refusing outright.

"Then you think tarnishing my reputation isn't serious?"

"If you won't agree, shut up, roll back to your seat, and stop babbling here."

Gu Jin Nian said.

This guy comes out claiming unfairness, fine.

Letting himself compose a poem, also fine.

"Oh, then make him pay the price later and pretend to be dead?"

What are you thinking about?

If you lose, just apologize.

If you win, Heaven's Mandate disappears.

On what grounds do you gamble with him?

Mental illness?

Sure enough, when that was said, it provoked a lot of laughter.

Feeling the crowd's laughter, Kong Yu's complexion turned sour.

He glanced his gaze at his own uncle.

The latter's expression was also very solemn.

But in the end, he still gave a slight nod.

In an instant, Kong Yu said no more idle words.

"Fine."

"If you can manage it, then that's that."

"If you can't, you still must kowtow to me and admit your mistake."

Kong Yu spoke.

"That won't do."

"If I lose, I will at most admit that I knew the question in advance."

Gu Jin Nian shook his head.

He doesn't take unprofitable deals.

In a moment, Kong Yu felt a bit uneasy.

But now that it had come to this, Kong Yu took a deep breath, clenched his fist, and said.

"Fine."

"I accept."

Having received Kong Yu's answer.

Gu Jin Nian, in turn, didn't waste words and spoke directly.

"Pose the question then."

A voice rang out.

Kong Ping was the first to speak.

"Let the river be the theme."

The Divine Luo Third Prince also immediately spoke up.

"Make spring the theme."

The Great Gold Twelfth Prince thought for a moment and said.

"Let the bright moon be the theme."

He didn't want to set a too difficult topic; the bright moon was fairly good.

"Make flowers the theme."

Since Gu Jin Nian had agreed, Su Wenjing could only set a question now.

"Let the night scenery be the theme."

Zhao Ru also spoke slowly; it was night, fitting the theme.

"Make the wild goose the theme."

"Let home be the theme."

"Make the Yangtze River the theme; the poem must contain the words 'Yangtze River'."

"Make 'riding the moon' the theme; the poem must also contain the words 'riding the moon'."

One after another, voices rang out.

Especially the two voices from outside the hall; although the topics overlapped, their demands were higher—they required both Yangtze River and riding the moon as themes.

Finally, all eyes fell upon Great Emperor Yongsheng.

"Make love the theme, longing the bone."

Great Emperor Yongsheng also set a question; he seemed to give Gu Jin Nian special attention—love poems and longing, such a type, best to write a poem.

But after Gu Jin Nian heard it.

For some reason, a poem instantly floated into his mind.

He even said that when the questioning first began, Gu Jin Nian had already thought of a poem.

Now, after all the requirements were spoken.

Gu Jin Nian truly felt surprised.

Are these people deliberately flattering? Insisting that he produce this poem himself?

At this moment, looking at the slightly bewildered Gu Jin Nian, many people's hearts tightened, while many others felt great joy.

The talented scholar Fu Luo and the Kong family, naturally, were overjoyed.

"His Highness the Crown Prince, I won't make it hard for you; I can give you two hours to think, but if you can't answer, you must kowtow and admit your mistake. How does that sound?"

Kong Yu spoke, already starting to feel smug.

"Xiao Kong."

"This Crown Prince will raise the stakes: compose a poem in seven steps. If you succeed, thereafter you meet me once and kneel to me once; if you fail, I will meet you once and kneel to you once. How does that sound?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

He said calmly.

Since the offense is already fatal, why not be thorough, utterly crush Kong Yu's literary spirit, so that he will be terrified whenever he hears his own name.

Once those words were spoken, it was no longer as simple as the smell of gunpowder.

Ten topics, ten poems.

Seven steps to compose?

Is this too outrageous? "Fine."

"But just don't make it seven steps over seven hours."

Kong Yu said nothing; he simply didn't believe Gu Jin Nian could do it.

Ten topics; even if you think about it, you can't finish in seven steps.

Seeing Kong Yu agree.

Gu Jin Nian slowly began to speak.

"Paper and brush."

He spoke.

His eyes were full of confidence.

It attracted more people's curiosity.

Even Emperor Yong Sheng's gaze was filled with anticipation and curiosity.

The Lord of Zhen Guo remained silent, but anyone could see he was a bit nervous.

"Prepare ten sheets of xuan paper."

Someone spoke, urging the eunuch to quickly bring the brush, ink, and xuan paper.

Yet Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out again.

"One sheet is enough."

He spoke, exuding unparalleled dominance.

Inside and outside the hall, everyone stood up, their eyes filled with astonishment.

Gu Jin Nian, is this ten topics for one poem?

And so confident.

Truly arousing curiosity.

The xuan paper was placed ahead.

Gu Jin Nian took a step forward.

Then a second step.

A third step.

Everyone thought Gu Jin Nian would stall for time, but they found he had no hesitation at all.

It was only a moment.

Gu Jin Nian completed the seven steps.

Then he grasped a brush.

Dipped it in ink.

He slowly laid the brush on the xuan paper.

【Spring river tide meets the sea level, the bright moon over the sea rises with the tide.】

【The waters ripple for tens of thousands of miles with the waves, where on the spring river is there no bright moon!】

【The river winds around fragrant fields, moonlight on the flower forest looks like sleet;】

【In the void, flowing frost flies unnoticed, the white sand on the shoal is unseen.】

【River and sky share a single hue without speck of dust, a bright solitary moon disc hangs in the empty sky.】

【Who by the river first saw the moon? In what year did the river moon first shine upon people?】

【Life generations endless, the river moon year after year appears similar.】

【Do not know for whom the river moon awaits, only see the Yangtze delivering its flowing water.】

【A lone white cloud drifts leisurely, on Green Maple Shoal the sorrow is unbearable.】

【Whose household tonight has a small boat? Where does longing meet the bright moon tower?】

【Pitifully the moon lingers above the tower, it should illuminate the departing one's dressing mirror.】

【The jade door's curtain cannot be rolled away, the pounding laundry stone's brush returns.】

【At this moment we gaze but do not hear, wishing to chase moonlight's flow to illuminate you.】

【Wild geese fly long, their light does not cross; fish and dragons dive, water forms patterns.】

【Last night the idle pool dreamed of falling blossoms, pitifully spring half gone and not returning home.】

【River water flows spring away, nearly exhausted; the river pool's setting moon again tilts west.】

【The slanting moon sinks, concealed in sea fog; Jieshi and Xiaoxiang stretch into infinite roads.】

【Do not know how many return riding the moon, the setting moon sways emotions filling the river trees.】

Gu Jin Nian's brushstroke seemed divine, without a single pause.

It was completed in one breath.

And this poem was praised as a solitary piece that surpasses the works of the High Tang.

A single poem, surpassing the High Tang, expressing all the comings and goings of a prosperous era.

Modern people do not see the ancient moon, yet this moon once shone upon the ancients.

The poem emerged in an instant.

In an instant, a bell rang.

In a flash.

On this xuan paper, light shone again. —Two things must be said.

First, the entire poem is free of charge; when I posted it, it was twelve thousand characters, without the poem. Later I revised it, adding the poem, and will not charge extra for this poem because it is 228 characters, which are not charged separately, so please don't accuse me of padding the word count to charge extra.

Qi Yue will earn the money it deserves; it will absolutely not be so shameless. If you don't believe me, you can research it yourself. If I overcharge, you can group-chat privately or leave a comment in the book review section, and I will refund tenfold.

Second, someone might again say there's a stalled chapter, but Qi Yue explains: the twelve thousand characters were only finished at half past five in the morning.

Feeling dizzy and eyes swollen, Qi Yue did their utmost to make reading a bit more comfortable, but as long as it can't be written in one go, it will actually make the reading unpleasant—there's nothing to be done about that, so I can only try to write as well as possible.

Thank you for your support.

The afterword is also free of charge; rest assured, it's currently twelve thousand six hundred characters.

After subtracting the 228 characters of the ancient poem and adding the 300-character afterword, the total is neither more nor less, so the price will definitely be twelve thousand characters' worth.

Please rest assured.

Finally, I ask for monthly tickets!

(End of chapter)