Chapter 86: The Holy Ruler arrives in person; Gu Jin Nian disgraces the sage

Outside Wenxin Hall.

Four holy statues are installed, each representing one of the four sages; theoretically, any place associated with literati will have holy statues erected.

These holy statues, though made of superb material, actually possess no spiritual communication ability; however, the influence of sages is too great—if there is a contemporary sage, sincerely chanting their name will cause them to sense it.

This is the terror of sages.

Even after death, the holy statues retain a trace of spiritual communication ability.

But this spiritual communication is not an actual appearance; rather, after you write some astonishing articles, they will sense it and give approval.

So close, outside Wenxin Hall.

A holy statue hums and vibrates—it is the sculpture of Confucius.

The holy statue trembling—this is no small matter.

This is enough to shock everyone in the world.

If it trembles due to the classics, then it is an astonishing saint's article.

Beyond the heavens, thunder roars, tearing through the firmament, driving away all darkness.

Rolling like a river, talent surges once more into Gu Jin Nian's body, sinks into the ancient tree, then transforms into the purest righteous qi, entering the Wen Mansion.

And it turns into a sun, towering above the stars—this is a classics-meaning article, no longer poetry.

Its significance is extraordinary.

At the same time, the ancient tree blossoms and bears fruit, instantly condensing thirty-six talent fruits, a bountiful harvest.

Inside and outside the great hall, it trembles once again.

They know Gu Jin Nian's talent is outstanding, his poetry unmatched, yet they never imagined he could write an astonishing saint's article.

Poetry and classics are completely different.

One is a display of skill.

One is Confucian thought.

No matter how good your poetry is, others will only praise you with a single sentence, saying your poetry is not bad.

What use is it? Writing more poetry cannot increase the nation's fortune, cannot bring any benefit to the country, cannot bring any benefit to the people of the world—the answer is nothing.

No matter how excellent the poetry of the ages, at most it serves only as a warning or to evoke feeling; more often, literati write poetry to express their inner dissatisfaction or some emotion.

However, classics-meaning is different—this thing can truly change the world, change literati, change the very existence of this world.

Inside the great hall.

The Holy Ruler also fell completely silent.

Gu Jin Nian today has utterly stolen the spotlight.

Before him are the ancient poems of the ages; after him comes the astonishing saint's article.

He felt shocked in his heart.

But this shock, more so, is not because of the astonishing saint's article, but for two reasons.

The Gu family truly produced a qilin child, one surpassing his eldest son.

A military family producing a peerless literati—what a blow to him? Gu Jin Nian writes poetry well, he doesn't care; that counts for nothing? But Gu Jin Nian understands the core of Confucian doctrine, the classics-meaning—this is the most crucial thing; the Kong family's greatest enemy is the Gu family.

But the Kong family has never regarded the Gu family as a true enemy, for when the next emperor, or the emperor after that, rules, the status of military commanders will be repeatedly reduced.

In chaotic times, military commanders thrive; in peaceful times, civil officials flourish—this is an unchanging truth through the ages. The Kong family only needs to stay quiet for a while, carry on normally, and before long they will again influence everyone under heaven.

What is the Gu family? A fleeting blossom—perhaps the next generation will still have promise, but what about the generation after that?

Without war to fight, the Gu family's status will surely decline; when that time comes, producing another useless descendant can be said to enjoy ten generations of blessings without problem—but if they do not attach themselves to a literati family, do not flatter the Kong family, they will never hope to set foot in the center of power in this lifetime.

This is the reason the Kong family can act with impunity, and also why they do not regard the Gu family as a true enemy.

But now it is different—the Gu family has produced a qilin child, forcing them to take notice of the Gu family.

The second reason is more troublesome: Gu Jin Nian now harbors a rebellious heart, a heart against the sages; this ideology must be eradicated, otherwise, with the Gu family's influence plus Gu Jin Nian's peerless talent.

It is very likely to affect the Kong family, affect Confucius' thought; in that case, for him it would absolutely not be a good thing.

Even for the Kong family, it would absolutely not be a good thing.

"Dare I ask, sir."

"May we debate?"

In a moment, hundreds of thoughts flashed through the Holy Ruler's mind.

But as Gu Jin Nian's voice sounded, the Holy Ruler stopped thinking.

Inside the great hall.

Gu Jin Nian gazed at the Holy Ruler, his expression calm, he slowly spoke.

He wanted to contest superiority with the other party.

Human nature is inherently good—this is the sages' thought, advocated by Confucianism.

But the thought Gu Jin Nian expressed is that of Xunzi; although Xunzi is not a sage, he is nevertheless a grand master-level existence—not a sage because he has not achieved the three immortalities of a sage.

Merely his ideas and thoughts can influence countless people.

Human nature is inherently good—this is the sages' words; although not Confucius' words, it is also an idea produced by the lesser sage based on Confucian doctrine.

The Kong family naturally regards this as Confucius' idea; this is why the Kong family is strong.

Later sages must base themselves on Confucius' thought to become sages; in other words, for literati under heaven who wish to become sages, they must also study Confucius, understand every word of Confucius, and from there expound their own reasoning.

This is the prevailing thought of literati today.

But Gu Jin Nian uses Xunzi's classics-meaning to refute all this, and his argument is thorough.

What is 'human nature is inherently good'?

'Human nature is inherently good' is because, upon birth, there is no thought, no benefit, so one sees everything as open.

But once one grows up and knows what is good, a great change will arise.

It's like giving a toy to two children; will the children immediately yield to each other?

Basically, you fight and I snatch.

Another analogy: your best friend takes the imperial exam with you, you finish last while he fails to make the list; you'd be very upset.

But if you finish last while he tops the list, you'd be even more upset.

All of this denies the notion that humans are born good.

To truly argue, even the Holy Ruler can't—perhaps even a saint appearing in person would find it hard to explain clearly.

Of course.

Gu Jin Nian also has a supreme killing move, but he doesn't wish to reveal it.

Four-Word Teaching.

If this were brought out, it would be a Dimensional Reduction Strike; using Mr. Wang Yangming's School of Mind, it could overturn all current Confucian and Daoist doctrines.

However, Gu Jin Nian will never bring this out—not because he is hiding it.

It's because his current status and position are insufficient.

Only after attaining a certain rank and standing will Gu Jin Nian reveal it to overturn all Confucian and Daoist teachings.

The body is neither good nor disgusting; the movement harbors both good and malicious intent. Knowing good and evil is conscience; acting to cultivate good and eliminate evil is investigation of things.

To speak of this, it's not just shocking the sage; even inviting a saint would be insufficient.

The main hall fell silent.

The crowd truly did not expect Gu Jin Nian to expound such profoundly deep sutra meaning.

Outside the hall, the sky crackled with flashing lightning; each bolt caused the candles inside to flicker, creating an atmosphere of extreme tension.

"Your Highness, Crown Prince."

"Your argument, I do not contest; the sage's words are not something you can refute with a few sentences."

"However, I am deeply impressed; Your Highness, Crown Prince, actually possesses such ambition, contemplating the sage's words and thereby elucidating your own sutra meaning."

"Very good, exceedingly good."

"You are the most talented person I have ever seen; Your Highness, Crown Prince, I can have my son fulfill the promise, but I hope you first calm your anger."

"I wish to take you as a disciple of the Confucius family; this is the saintly orthodoxy. If you are willing, I will escort you to the Confucius Temple to worship the sage, join my saintly lineage, and from now on you may act on behalf of the Confucius family."

"By entering the Confucius Temple, you will enjoy the sage's incense, read the Sacred Scrolls, comprehend the sage's Way, tread the Holy Realm, and walk the sage's path."

"What do you think?"

At this very moment.

The Holy Ruler spoke openly, his gaze steady as he looked at Gu Jin Nian and made this request.

He could have Kong Yu kneel and apologize, fulfill the promise, and erase the hatred in Gu Jin Nian's heart.

But more than that, he developed a love for talent.

He wishes to take Gu Jin Nian as a disciple, making him a sage's disciple; although not a direct lineage, such a disciple still counts as saintly orthodoxy.

However, the Holy Ruler is not being benevolent; his thought is simple: Gu Jin Nian's brilliance is one thing, but his background is terrifying. As the Gu Family heir, as long as Grandfather Gu lives a day, Gu Jin Nian, the heir, can be powerful for that day.

Now, Gu Jin Nian even harbors anti‑saint sentiment; he must be snuffed out in the cradle, and it is impossible to let him develop such thoughts.

They aim to assimilate Gu Jin Nian, making him a faithful follower under the sage.

Obey the sage's words.

And what are these sage's words? Aren't they the words of the Confucius family? In other words, this so‑called talent appreciation is merely assimilation, turning Gu Jin Nian into a dog of the Confucius family.

Of course, if Gu Jin Nian truly possesses unparalleled talent and creates his own thoughts, so what?

As long as he joins the Confucius family, any achievement Gu Jin Nian attains will be credited to the Confucius family, to the sage, further solidifying the authority of the Confucius sage.

If Gu Jin Nian turns hostile? That would be even better; countless scholars would denounce him as ungrateful and treacherous, and such widespread condemnation would affect heaven and earth, making it impossible for him to achieve sainthood even with Heaven's Mandate.

This is still scheming against Gu Jin Nian, though it doesn't rule out that the Holy Ruler indeed harbors a slight intention to recruit Gu Jin Nian.

However, that possibility is slim.

He is the Holy Ruler, the head of the Confucius clan; every action he takes and every word he speaks is for the Confucius family.

Even his appearance today is for the reputation of the Confucius family.

After all, when Kong Yu knelt before Gu Jin Nian, it wasn't Kong Yu's face that was lost, but the face of his Confucius family.

Those words were spoken.

The crowd couldn't help but sigh; "Confucius family disciple, saintly orthodoxy"—those eight characters held great allure for them.

Among them, there is no shortage of Great Scholars; visiting the Confucius family as a guest is fine—the family is hospitable—but becoming a branch member and attaining saintly orthodoxy is impossible.

How many Great Scholars in the world wish to join the Confucius family? Yet each year only a few slots, sometimes none, are available.

Isn't it all for those four characters: "saintly orthodoxy"?

Now such a great divine favor lies before Gu Jin Nian; in their eyes, it is an offer impossible to refuse.

Moreover, entering the Confucius Temple, enjoying the sage's incense, reading the Sacred Scrolls, comprehending the sage's Way, treading the Holy Realm, and walking the sage's path.

These three things are genuine benefits.

To put it plainly, if Gu Jin Nian succeeds now in Establishing Speech, once he enters the Confucius Temple, within three years he will certainly become a Great Scholar; under the sage's incense, becoming anything less than a Great Scholar is impossible.

Reading the Sacred Scrolls and comprehending the sage's Way would raise his Half Saint qualification by about thirty percent, just like Su Wenjing; if he were to read the Sacred Scrolls now, he could likely become a Half Saint of heaven and earth.

However, the Confucius family once invited Su Wenjing, but he declined, because he did not wish to achieve sainthood through this method; he wants to become a saint on his own, between heaven and earth.

He harbors great ambitions.

The final step of treading the Holy Realm allows one to feel the sage's past hardships, thereby giving a certain chance to obtain a saint's heart.

These are all tangible benefits, not empty titles.

Many Great Scholars present were eager, wishing they could immediately accept Gu Jin Nian.

But faced with all these temptations—

Gu Jin Nian remained perfectly still.

"May I ask, sir, can you debate it?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke lightly.

What is entering the Kong Temple, enjoying incense, reading the Sacred Scrolls, comprehending the Sacred Dao, stepping into the Sacred Realm, walking the Sacred Path.

What are those things? To become the Kong Family's dog? Is it my own madness or the Holy Ruler's madness? I am Da Xia's top aristocrat, destined to enter the court; as long as I don't err in my lifetime, at worst I will be a Minister.

Run off to become someone's disciple, then join the Kong Temple? Can't I join the Literary Temple? And read the Sacred Scrolls? In my mind there is a mysterious ancient tree that can condense talent‑fruit; that is the sage's insight—do I still need to read the Sacred Scrolls?

As for stepping into the Sacred Realm? That's even more irrelevant; Gu Jin Nian has his own thoughts, why borrow another's light? As Gu Jin Nian spoke thus.

The Holy Ruler let out a long sigh.

He could see the resolve in Gu Jin Nian's eyes.

"Crown Prince."

"You must consider carefully."

"Your words today already constitute an insult to the sage; I know you bear resentment from an incident, your heart is tangled, hence the reckless talk. I can tolerate all that."

"I cherish talent; you possess saintly gifts, but if you do not walk the righteous path, you may fall into the demonic way."

"Moreover, if this matter is not handled properly, future repercussions will be endless; even if I step forward to help you, scholars of the world will not give me face, and under public anger, no one will shield you."

After Gu Jin Nian expounded the Confucian‑Daoist principles, the Holy Ruler's tone was no longer as fierce, his words turned entirely into persuasion.

Because Gu Jin Nian displayed power, a strength that forced the Holy Ruler to take him seriously.

"To avoid envy is to be mediocre."

"If indeed public fury arises, and scholars worldwide attack me for my words, I can invoke New Learning and abolish all false scholars."

"When autumn comes on the eighth day of the ninth month, after my flower blooms, I will kill all other blossoms."

Gu Jin Nian was simply being obstinate to the end.

In fact, from the start I could have chosen compromise, forgiven Kong Yu, and made a personal favor deal with the Kong Family.

Whether Kong Yu bows or not makes little difference to me; if he bows, I still cannot become a sage; if he doesn't, I care not.

Yet why does Gu Jin Nian persist so stubbornly?

It boils down to two points.

First, Kong Yu's behavior is disgusting; as the Kong Family's heir, he should be a role model for the younger generation, yet he flatters foreign envoys and suppresses Da Xia scholars. What is this called? A sell‑out traitor.

Moreover, he repeatedly troubles me; if I tolerate it, the world would mock me.

Second, and the biggest reason, is that I absolutely cannot settle with the Kong Family at a mere point.

Why? Who stands atop this grand hall?

It is my uncle.

Da Xia Yongsheng Emperor.

The Gu Family's feud with the Kong Family is beneficial to imperial authority; civil and military are not opposed. If one day the Gu Family truly dares to rebel or cause trouble…

With no name to lead, the Kong Family would be the first to launch fierce attacks; thus, if the Gu Family truly rebels, they will inevitably pay a bloody price.

When assisting the Yongsheng Emperor's rebellion, the Kong Family would also vilify the Gu Family to the extreme.

If the Gu Family aids the Crown Prince or anyone else in rebellion, its reputation would be utterly ruined.

What would the new emperor think then? One rebellion might be forgiven, but a second? Coupled with scholars' criticism, the Gu Family will inevitably be eradicated, root and branch, entire clan exterminated.

Yet if I stop at a point, reconcile with the Kong Family, and they show goodwill, what does that mean to the emperor? The Holy Ruler who just appeared only looked at one person—my uncle.

He appears gentle, even smiling, but the dissatisfaction in his eyes, I saw.

The Great Scholar, before him, paid homage to the Holy Ruler.

What does this mean? A sharply pointed question stands before us: is the emperor greater, or the sage greater? Normally one would say the sage is greater; even the emperor acknowledges that—why? Because the sage no longer exists.

He has long passed; the emperor need not contest reputation with a dead man.

Yet in reality, imperial authority is supreme; under the centralized system of the Da Xia Dynasty, the emperor holds the greatest power—anyone who dares challenge it must die.

The Great Scholar's conduct displeased my uncle, but he cannot speak; he must conceal it.

If I reconcile with the Kong Family, both sides benefit, but I can guarantee that my uncle, however magnanimous and ambitious, cannot tolerate a Gu Family that opportunistically seeks advantage from both sides.

The Gu Family is a lineage of generals; having produced a scholar like me is not a good thing. If not for my uncle being an unparalleled emperor, plus I am also half of the Li family.

Honestly, who as emperor would allow the descendants of the top duke to be Confucian‑Daoist talents?

The martial side is also your first.

The literary side will also be your first.

Then what is my role as emperor? Why not you take it? This second reason explains why Gu Jin Nian persists stubbornly.

Between the Gu Family and the Kong Family.

They must never reconcile.

The feud must reach life‑or‑death, whether we tear each other's faces or not; it must become as incompatible as water and fire, you wish my whole family dead, I wish yours dead to that extreme.

Only then will the emperor be at ease and refrain from intervening.

Of course, there is also a certain subjectivity.

That is, Gu Jin Nian despises the Kong Family, a sell‑out traitor, deserving death.

He deserves a thousand cuts.

"Hiss!"

"Gu Jin Nian, you are becoming more arrogant."

"When autumn arrives on the eighth day of the ninth month, after my flower blooms, I will slay all other blossoms. What a 'blossom slaying'! We scholars, in your eyes, have all become false scholars?"

"You call me a false scholar for not heeding your words? I just thought Gu Jin Nian possessed unparalleled talent, never expecting you to think so."

"Fine, after my flower blooms and slays all blossoms, kill one today for me to see."

This time, many Great Scholars were truly angered.

In their view, Gu Jin Nian indeed had the suspicion of defiling the saint, but it could be understood as Gu Jin Nian's youthful impetuosity, a matter of youthful temperament.

But now it's completely different; even such words have been spoken.

What does it mean to discard the world's false scholars with New Learning? Those who don't recognize you are false scholars? You're being far too arrogant, aren't you?

The insults kept coming, and Kong Yu felt extremely delighted; he now hoped Gu Jin Nian would keep making mistakes, the bigger the better.

If it really escalated, even kneeling wouldn't matter; because of that sentence Gu Jin Nian just said, the Kong family could certainly let Gu Jin Nian taste what it's like to be pointed at by thousands.

He was thrilled, extremely happy.

"You all shut up."

At that moment, Grandfather Gu's voice rang out again.

His gaze was like a torch, scanning everyone present.

It forced everyone into silent hush.

"You petty men, what are you shouting about here?"

"When my grandson was humiliated, did any of you ever say a word?"

"When Kong Yu set the question, did any of you ever say it was too difficult?"

"Now my grandson answered perfectly, yet you still excuse the Kong family, not daring to question your conscience, and still claim my grandson is overbearing?"

"You damn dogs, do you really think I'm useless?"

"I've been silent all along, and you think I'm dead?"

"Making noise here?"

"My grandson overturns the holy words with scriptural meaning; if you disagree, you may argue, but if you can't argue, you start to babble and entangle?"

"Believe it or not, today I'll perform a Hundred Flowers Killing."

"I want to see whether it's your stubborn mouths or my swift blade."

Lord Zhen Guo spoke out publicly.

His voice was fierce, scolding the scholars.

Damn it, from start to finish he barely spoke, except at the crucial moment to staunchly support his grandson.

The reason was to see just how much prejudice this group held against the Gu Family.

Now he fully understands.

It's no longer a simple matter of bias; these people simply don't regard the Gu Family as human.

His own grandson suffered humiliation.

No one stepped forward to speak a word of justice.

Others made mistakes.

One by one they rushed out to act as mediators.

Damn it, truly helping kin but not reason? And they consider themselves scholars? All of you, go die.

"Lord Zhen Guo, stop scaring people here; if you dare to kill, kill now for me to see, today I'll let you know what it means to prefer bending over breaking."

"I admire the Crown Prince's talent, but not a single word of this may be spoken; after the flowers bloom comes the Hundred Flowers Killing, so today kill for us to see."

"Scholars, where does such heavy killing sin come from? I thought the Gu Family truly produced a qilin child, but it turned out they're still the same pack of jackals."

A voice rang out.

Some Great Scholars were also angered; at this moment they wouldn't yield, they simply didn't believe Lord Zhen Guo would truly kill.

"Enough."

"Just…"

At this very moment.

A deep, resonant voice sounded.

It was Emperor Yongsheng.

It was the Da Xia Emperor who had never spoken a word, followed by a thunderous shout.

The Great Hall fell instantly into death‑like silence.

Above the Great Hall.

Emperor Yongsheng's gaze turned icy; he was truly angry.

He was genuinely enraged.

"Your Majesty."

"Gu Jin Nian's recent words are treasonous, beyond ordinary men; we hope Your Majesty will punish him."

"Your Majesty, we have studied the sages' books thoroughly; today Gu Jin Nian first insulted the saint, then spoke shamelessly, we hope Your Majesty will punish him."

"Those who disagree are false scholars; those who don't follow their will develop murderous thoughts, such minds are destined to become demons, we hope Your Majesty will act to severely punish them."

In an instant, voices rose, demanding Emperor Yongsheng to punish.

But above the Great Hall.

Emperor Yongsheng directly flung a nearby dragon lantern, which crashed to the ground in pieces.

"I have said enough."

"You still…"

"Shut up."

He almost roared; his voice was so loud that everyone inside and outside the hall heard it crystal clear.

In an instant, Wei Xian and Liu Yan knelt beside him, long‑time companions of the Son of Heaven; they could clearly feel the emperor's fury.

He was truly enraged.

Your Majesty, please quell your anger.

The two knelt on the ground and let out a loud shout.

And Your Highness, everyone felt Emperor Yong Sheng's anger and fell silent.

Then they all bowed together to Emperor Yong Sheng.

Your Majesty, please quell your anger.

At this moment, even the Prince who Guards the State could not help but bow, and the Holy Ruler had no choice but to bow.

Because this person is the true power holder of Da Xia.

Hah.

Ridiculous.

Truly ridiculous.

You all have truly opened my eyes today.

Whether Gu Jin Nian causes a fuss or scolds, these are ultimately just quarrels among the younger generation.

Scholars competing, no matter how great the controversy, is simply a matter of course.

What I did not expect is that you people, especially you Great Scholars, each consider yourselves well-versed in the sages' writings, yet your conduct bears no trace of a Great Scholar's demeanor.

At such a grand gathering, to recklessly criticize here...

These, I will let go.

But I never imagined that your hearts have turned black.

Xu Zhou An, I ask you: who was the first to question Gu Jin Nian's early receipt of the topic?

Emperor Yong Sheng's voice gradually calmed, but the calmer it became, the more one could feel this emperor's anger.

He spoke, asking the Great Scholar who had just been the loudest.

Your Majesty, this matter.

Xu Zhou An still wanted to explain something, but the next moment, Emperor Yong Sheng's voice rose again.

I command you to answer my question; if you dare to be long-winded again, I, by imperial decree, will strip you of your scholar rank and behead you, fulfilling your loyal martyr's name.

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke solemnly; if you dare to blather on and on, it won't be as simple as letting you pack up and leave.

If you don't leave your life here today, you will have to sit on this throne.

Upon hearing this, the latter dared not speak recklessly anymore.

What is his reason for helping the Kong family? Simply that the Kong family owes him a favor, and he may yet have a chance to join the Kong family.

Even if the price is losing power, so what? With the Kong family behind him, he still lives comfortably, and moreover leaves behind a loyal martyr's name.

But if, for this reason, he puts his life on the line here, that would not do.

Your Majesty, it was the Holy Grandson who said so.

Xu Zhou An answered honestly, not daring to play any tricks.

Who is the Holy Grandson? Does he not have a name?

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke again, and this sentence caused a flicker of something unusual in the Holy Ruler's eyes.

And Kong Yu's heart gave a jolt.

Your Majesty, it is Kong Yu.

Xu Zhou An also realized he had misspoken and quickly corrected himself.

Good.

Liu Jing, then I ask you: what did Kong Yu promise when he set the topic to test Jin Nian?

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke again, but this time he asked a Great Scholar.

Your Majesty, Kong Yu promised that if Gu Jin Nian composes another state-protecting poem, he will be convinced, bow three times and kowtow nine times to Gu Jin Nian, performing the great rite to admit his fault.

He answered truthfully, not daring to say more, lest he bring disaster upon himself.

Good.

Then Chen Mao, I ask you: what poem has Jin Nian produced?

He continued to ask.

Your Majesty, a poem for the ages.

The other party also answered in full detail.

Hmm.

Emperor Yong Sheng nodded, then took a deep breath.

Then, his face instantly turned icy cold.

Well then, today I will ask you all.

O Great Scholars.

O you who pride yourselves on being well-read in the sages' books, Great Scholars.

O you who, wherever you go, bear an arrogant gaze, Great Scholars.

O you who look down on heaven and earth, Great Scholars.

Clearly it was Kong Yu who provoked the incident, demanding that Jin Nian answer the question, only asking for another state-protecting poem, while my nephew here has composed a poem for the ages.

Then why!

Tell me why!

Why do you still think it is my nephew who is at fault?

Clearly it is Kong Yu who is at fault.

And yet you still say here that it is my nephew, pressing forward aggressively?

I want to ask, who exactly is being overbearing?

Is this what a Great Scholar is like?

Is this what a Confucian scholar is like?

What about your self-cultivation? What about your Confucian Dao thought?

My nephew may speak a bit sharply, but he hasn't even come of age; even if he struggles to the death, he's still a child—it's just idle talk, yet you won't let it go.

Bullying your own people, you are truly the utmost incompetence under heaven; when you see outsiders, you behave like dogs.

Where is your face?

Where is your backbone?

Today, you won't give me an explanation.

Take them all to the Lantern Office; I want to see whether Da Xia has gone rotten or you lot have rotted to the core.

Or perhaps the Kong family has gone rotten, spreading un-sage words that mislead you.

Twelve years ago I did such a thing; twelve years later, I don't mind doing it again.

The Yongsheng Dadi's soul‑shaking question left eighty percent of the scholars in the hall utterly panicked.

Gu Jin Nian's timeless poetry— they did not panic.

Gu Jin Nian's startling‑sage essay— they did not panic.

Because we can quibble, we can say it—still the same saying: I am not a sage, but I must measure you by a sage's standard; if you are wrong anywhere, even if you have immense merit, you are wrong.

Unless you have nothing wrong at all.

Who among non‑sages can be faultless? So wanting to criticize you is easy—just find fault.

But now they have panicked, utterly panicked.

The emperor flew into a rage.

Flying into a rage, and everyone present—who isn't a sharp‑witted person? These Great Scholars instantly understood where the emperor's anger lay.

The Kong family.

They were too biased toward the Kong family; even to help the Kong family, in the emperor's presence they forcibly suppressed Gu Jin Nian and forcibly defended Kong Yu.

Something clearly Kong Yu's fault, yet in just a few words they turned it into Gu Jin Nian being overbearing.

Such behavior is extremely hateful to anyone taking a neutral stance.

Especially our own faction, which aids the Kong family—descendants of the sage, an existence that influences imperial authority.

How could the emperor not be angry?

Everyone panicked immensely.

Yet not a word was spoken.

"Speak up?"

"Why aren't you speaking?"

"Weren't you just able to talk eloquently?"

"Why aren't you speaking now?"

"It seems you think my nephew is easy to bully, right?"

"Fine, I won't interfere in this matter."

"State‑guarding Duke, this matter is handed to you—handle it however you like, I won't intervene at all."

The Yongsheng Dadi spoke again.

Every word, though not a single vulgarity, made their hearts tremble.

Especially the last sentence.

Hand it over to the State‑guarding Duke to manage? If we do that, wouldn't everyone have to die? Oh, no, not everyone would have to die.

It's a situation where one seeks death but cannot obtain it.

In an instant, someone spoke up.

"Please, Your Majesty, quell your anger; we are at fault, and we beg Your Majesty's forgiveness."

A Great Scholar spoke up, thumped down, knelt on the ground, and begged the emperor for pardon.

At this moment, someone knelt; immediately many of the Great Scholars who had just spoken also knelt down, while some Great Scholars who had not spoken in support of Kong Yu also performed the great ritual—though they did not kneel, the emperor could not possibly be unaware of their thoughts.

Not speaking doesn't that imply tacit approval? Doesn't that mean supporting Kong Yu? It's just that they don't want to offend the Gu family too much.

After all, the matter is simply Kong Yu's fault.

If they do not step forward to uphold justice, they will lose the bearing of Great Scholars.

At this moment.

Inside the great hall.

Gu Jin Nian gazed at all this and deeply understood a principle.

Those who hold power triumph over all.

What portent, what no portent?

What great talent, what no great talent?

What use is sage's talent? Whether they should spray you or spray you, scold you or scold you—no matter how much you say, it's just mutual spraying.

But holding power is different.

If today I were a State Duke, who would dare to spray me like this?

The old sir is ultimately the old sir; I am myself, my status insufficient—whatever I say is useless.

Moreover, there is another matter: the thought of the fourth‑generation sage has truly been twisted to an exaggerated extent.

Confucian learning.

Scholars seek office to bless the myriad people; this is the core concept of Confucianism, the fourth-generation sage hopes scholars should go into office, and indeed strive to go into office, because once you hold office you can bless the common folk.

Otherwise, no matter how good your learning, if you don't go into office to bless the people, it's utterly useless.

But the sage's original intent was correct, yet later people twisted it into: go into office, then just do good deeds.

Holding office comes before doing good deeds.

So for the sake of office, you may use any means, as long as your conscience is clear, there's no problem.

Throwing aside the core of conscience, replacing it with one's own thoughts; various desires drive one to find excuses, to exonerate oneself, for power and profit—where is there a trace of a Great Scholar's bearing? This is also the pseudo-Confucian mentioned in the earlier Half Saint's notes.

With the sage gone, heavenly talent abounds, so many can rely on talent to become Great Scholars; strictly speaking, among those present, hardly anyone deserves the title.

But precisely because of this heavenly talent, they become Great Scholars, yet such Great Scholars are pseudo-Confucians.

"Please, Your Majesty, quell your anger."

"This matter arose entirely because of this old man."

"Kong Yu, kneel and kowtow to admit your fault."

At this moment, the Holy Ruler spoke up, bowing to the Yongsheng Emperor, then looking at Kong Yu, he had him kneel and kowtow to admit his fault.

By this point.

Kong Yu also had no hesitation; having come to this pass, if he continued to dally, trouble would only grow.

Plop.

Kong Yu knelt, kowtowing toward Gu Jin Nian.

Three kowtows, nine bows.

After the rites, Gu Jin Nian merely glanced at him indifferently, saying nothing.

He felt no pity for Kong Yu; his anger remained.

Because Kong Yu's kowtow was not from willingness to accept a bet, but from fear of the emperor's power and fear of his father's reprimand.

At this moment.

In the great hall.

The Yongsheng Emperor's anger still could not be quelled.

His thought was the same as Gu Jin Nian's.

"The Kong family truly lives up to its name—making a mistake and admitting it is harder than heaven."

"If I err, all the civil officials in court must step forward to censure my fault."

"But when Kong Yu errs, he has so many people helping him."

Upon these words, the Holy Ruler could no longer sit still.

"Your Majesty, please quell your anger; this remark is mistaken. All the Great Scholars merely wish not to blow this affair out of proportion, after all, at this grand gathering there are many foreign envoys, fearing loss of face for Da Xia."

This time, the Holy Ruler also panicked.

If others said the Kong family is formidable and he falls short, that would be fine; but if the Da Xia emperor speaks thus, the Kong family would truly be doomed.

When an emperor feels himself inferior to others, everyone knows what fate awaits.

"Hmph."

The Yongsheng Emperor gave a cold snort; having been angered, he could not just let it drop. If he didn't seize this chance to give these people a good thrashing, what then? Moreover, what he said is also true.

As emperor, overseen by all officials, especially these Confucian ministers, today invoking this sage, tomorrow that sage—anyway, he must become a sage himself.

Oh, look back at you lot like this—what right do you have to speak for yourselves?

The emperor is also human, also has a temper; today this fire he really must vent—first, his private resentment; second, governmental reasons; the generals have already been disciplined, now it's time to come down hard on these scholars.

Third, and most importantly, it's to help his own nephew.

Damn it, his own family members are being bullied and he doesn't help? What use is this emperor then? Besides, Gu Jin Nian is blameless, being forced by others to admit fault.

Not helping—heaven cannot tolerate it.

He ignored the Holy Ruler.

The Yongsheng Emperor turned his gaze toward Gu Jin Nian and said.

"Gu Jin Nian, you just said you would establish New Learning and abolish the world's pseudo-Confucians—is that true?"

He spoke, asking thus.

In that moment, most people's faces changed.

"Uncle, New Learning still has some difficulty, but if we study diligently for a few years we should be able to work it out; however, should one day truly reach certain realms, Gu Jin Nian will surely abolish the world's pseudo-Confucians and restore clarity to heaven and earth."

It's better not to speak of New Learning for now, after all it cannot be produced at present.

But abolishing the world's pseudo-Confucians is certain.

Not abolishing them is not an option.

"Good."

"Then study well for your uncle, study earnestly; if you don't understand something, come ask your uncle directly."

"Uncle will wait for you to establish New Learning; then he will have those pseudo-Confucians completely wiped out, eradicated root and branch."

"So as not to produce any turncoats."

The Yongsheng Emperor directly expressed his support.

Study.

Study hard for me.

If you don't understand, come ask your uncle.

After all, you are my nephew.

Not far off, the talents of the Fuyu Dynasty have fallen completely silent.

The emperor stepping forward, they can understand.

But to so strongly support one's own nephew—does that really mean there's no need to avoid suspicion? Still, I must say this: such an outstanding nephew really leaves nothing to be said.

Uncle, Gu Jin Nian will certainly study with dedication.

Gu Jin Nian wore a solemn expression, then gave his answer.

Alright.

Today, Uncle, I've vented this anger for you.

The grand gathering's time has come.

Mr. Su Wenjing, take the students and leave first.

Yang Kai, let the other students depart in an orderly manner.

Today's gathering ends here; the first place goes to Gu Jin Nian.

All remaining scholars, kneel here before Me and reflect deeply.

The Yongsheng Emperor spoke.

He directly ended the gathering; the appointed time had indeed arrived.

We obey Your decree.

Su Wenjing and Yang Kai spoke in unison.

At that moment, the Holy Ruler's voice sounded again.

Your Majesty, I have an important matter to report concerning the Xiongnu.

He spoke, gazing at the Yongsheng Emperor.

As soon as he said that,

The Yongsheng Emperor glanced at him, then spoke.

Holy Ruler, enter the palace.

Having said that, he flicked his sleeves and departed.

It's clear he is truly angry today.

(End of Chapter)