Chapter 87: When the eighth day of the ninth month after autumn arrives, my blossoms bloom and then slay all other flowers

Yin hour, second ke.

The whole capital still hung lanterns and decorations, but the various clamor gradually settled down.

With the Da Xia poetry gathering concluded, the capital grew a bit quieter.

What happened during the gathering also began to spread.

Gu Jin Nian composed timeless verses and, on top of that, produced a startling Holy Ruler article, instantly sparking a uproar in the capital.

The common folk were shocked by Gu Jin Nian's talent.

Especially some women, upon hearing that Gu Jin Nian could compose a poem in seven steps, instantly admired him.

However, during the gathering, Gu Jin Nian's act of insulting the Holy Ruler also sparked controversy.

Nevertheless, this is the Da Xia poetry gathering, a fellowship of poets; the theme remains poetry, so the disputes are not severe and need time to ferment.

In any case, the first place in the Da Xia poetry gathering has already been confirmed as Gu Jin Nian.

If one cannot claim first place among the four timeless masterpieces, then the gathering itself would be pointless.

Precisely because of this, talented scholars from various nations felt a bit desperate; despite knowing they could not win first in such a grand gathering, the presence of a prodigy like Gu Jin Nian made everyone unwilling to continue competing.

Logically, even if someone today wrote a poem that could stabilize the nation, everyone would still compose a few verses, at least to give a show, and taking second or third place would be fine.

But Gu Jin Nian is like a sun in the poetry world, hanging over the firmament, preventing them from radiating their own brilliance.

No one writes poems, nor wishes to, finding it all meaningless.

The poems they produce aren't even worthy of being praised; they lack the qualification to even fetch Gu Jin Nian's shoes—purely embarrassing.

However, after the grand event ended.

The scholars were satisfied; although they didn't write poems, they at least witnessed a once‑in‑an‑era spectacle, giving them bragging rights later.

Yet, after the ministers and generals, as well as foreign envoys, departed, the court seemed burdened with heavy thoughts.

Too many events occurred today.

The Xiongnu state's fortunes have been weakened.

The Kong and Gu families have completely broken relations.

His Majesty's choice.

These matters are no small matters; as court officials, who isn't sharp? Even this sliver of information can generate countless thoughts.

First, with the Xiongnu weakened, should Da Xia launch an attack? Seize the twelve border cities? From Emperor Yong Sheng's perspective, he would certainly consider dispatching troops, but can Da Xia wage war now? Is it feasible?

These are all questions, and all are huge questions.

They must contemplate whether this war can be fought, if it can, why; what benefits they have; if it cannot, why not; what drawbacks fighting would bring. Without clear reasoning, when the emperor speaks, they will struggle to answer, and an unsatisfactory reply will not sit well with the emperor.

Especially today, the Confucian officials were rebuked by Emperor Yong Sheng; though the scolding was brief, its impact was significant.

If, two days later, at the court meeting, His Majesty proposes sending troops to the border, it is usually the Confucian officials who speak first to halt the war.

But if Emperor Yong Sheng uses today's events as precedent, what can the Confucian officials say? Their own shadows are already skewed, leaving them no right to speak to the emperor.

Moreover, the split between the Kong family and the Gu family will inevitably intensify the civil‑military contradictions.

There's not much to say about that; the relationship was already poor, so strengthening the rift just makes it worse, with mutual disdain.

But the crucial point is His Majesty's attitude.

Today at the poetry gathering, Emperor Yong Sheng appeared to uphold fairness, yet in reality he was still favoring Gu Jin Nian.

One cannot judge anything solely by its surface; what is right or wrong, who is aggrieved or not?

Everything stems from self‑interest; the Confucian officials aid the Kong family because they want to tie themselves to it, caring little about the Gu family's stance.

Gu Jin Nian belongs to a military clique; the big fellows cannot be lumped together, and if they are forced together, they end up killing themselves.

Since the civil‑military opposition has reached an extreme, I certainly champion my own camp.

For example, suppose we are in the barracks now; if Kong Yu dared to claim Gu Jin Nian obtained answers in advance and cheated.

The guarantee is that all commanders, inside and out, would be forced to spray criticism; perhaps encountering a few hot‑tempered men, dragging Kong Yu outside for proper education, then letting him answer again.

It's that simple.

His Majesty's attitude clearly leans toward Gu Jin Nian, a bad sign, using Gu Jin Nian's case to hammer these Confucian officials.

The general meaning can be deduced upon careful thought.

His Majesty harbors intentions to raise troops.

At this very moment.

Da Xia Imperial Palace.

Inside the Yang Xin Hall.

Emperor Yong Sheng stood beneath the candlelight, his back to the Holy Ruler.

"Your Majesty."

"These are military secrets my clan obtained in the Xiongnu state."

"Moreover, my clan discovered that children frequently disappear along the northern border; over the past six months, more than three hundred have vanished."

"Border officials knew of this and did not report it; I hope Your Majesty sees through it."

The Holy Ruler handed up a memorial concerning the Xiongnu's military secrets.

Upon hearing this, Emperor Yong Sheng turned, taking the memorial.

He opened it, read for a while, then slowly spoke.

"It seems that over recent years, Fuluo and Great Jin have not shied away from aiding the Xiongnu; in just three years they added five hundred thousand troops, and secretly trained ten thousand iron cavalry."

"They truly spare no expense."

Emperor Yong Sheng set the memorial aside; the so‑called military secrets were merely the enemy's movements, including some unit data.

Adding five hundred thousand troops is not an exaggeration; the Xiongnu are naturally adept at riding and archery, making ideal soldiers, not merely due to physique, as the Great Jin Dynasty covertly supports them.

The entire Xiongnu nation has roughly ten million people; subtracting the young, old, women and children, about four million robust men remain, who could instantly become soldiers if war erupts.

In other words, if the Da Xia Dynasty goes to war with the Xiongnu, it will face four million troops.

But what's frightening is not that, but the Xiongnu's iron cavalry; that is what the Da Xia Dynasty worries about most.

The cavalry is too strong.

They live on the grasslands, naturally skilled at horseback archery, and cavalry is the Xiongnu's greatest trump card.

If the Da Xia Dynasty did not possess the Dragon Gate Cannon, a divine weapon, the Xiongnu would likely have occupied more than just twelve cities.

The Dragon Gate Cannons are few in number, not because of iron ore issues, but what the specific problem is, nobody knows; this is the greatest secret of the Da Xia imperial family.

Only the cannons of the Da Xia Dynasty can be called Dragon Gate Cannons; their power is several times that of other dynasties' cannons, and they play an enormous role in large-scale warfare.

They naturally break any infantry formation—be it the Phoenix Wing Formation, the Single-File Spear Formation, or the Returning Wind Formation.

These formations are all designed to prevent cavalry charges.

But under cannon bombardment, none of these formations have any effect.

However, the Dragon Gate Cannon is not very effective against cavalry, since the Xiongnu cavalry moves extremely fast, and they would hardly foolishly send cavalry straight in.

Cannons also need a waiting time; they can keep firing regardless of whether it's cavalry or not.

Of course, if Emperor Yongsheng were ruthless, he could directly move all the Dragon Gate Cannons deployed at every border, including those in the capital, to the northern frontier.

Then the chances of victory would be great.

But if he did that, while the north would win a total victory, the other three regions would definitely be overrun.

Would the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty just stand by? Would they tolerate the Da Xia Dynasty retaking those twelve cities right before their eyes? These twelve cities are of great significance, especially for the Great Jin Dynasty, for whom they are extremely significant.

The twelve cities on the northern border were originally a buffer zone against the Xiongnu, but now they have been seized by the Xiongnu and turned into a buffer for the Xiongnu state; if the Da Xia Dynasty sends troops against the Xiongnu.

One must attack from here; otherwise, detouring left or right through high mountains and strange rocks, what originally took two or three days would become a journey of several months.

Never mind whether the troops can hold out; just transporting grain is impossible, and logistical support would be a complete mess.

Therefore, if the twelve cities are not retaken, don't even hope to crush the Xiongnu state.

And once the Xiongnu state is crushed, continuing north leads to a small country, a vassal of the Great Jin Dynasty; in other words, dealing with the Xiongnu.

Then Da Xia and Great Jin could face each other directly.

The military capabilities of the Great Jin Dynasty and the Da Xia Dynasty differ greatly, because the Great Jin Dynasty's supplies are excellent, and the Da Xia Dynasty has just been founded.

In many aspects they fall short of the Great Jin Dynasty; put bluntly, they lack money.

The Great Jin Dynasty claims to have a million cavalry, though there is some exaggeration, but the numbers won't differ too much.

The Great Jin Dynasty's cavalry, although not as strong as the Xiongnu cavalry, has in recent years assimilated some Xiongnu people.

Allowing them to take root and sprout in Great Jin, producing many descendants of Great Jin and Xiongnu, these people have sturdy physiques, and with the support of dragon rice, the two combined have yielded a group second only to the Xiongnu cavalry.

Of course their numbers are few, but they are the elite among the elite.

Given time, the Great Jin Dynasty will certainly be able to raise a considerable number of Xiongnu-style cavalry, and they will still be its own people.

On the battlefield, cavalry is like a divine troop type, basically an unstoppable force.

All the major dynasties are vigorously developing cavalry, but most are willing but unable; simply put, they lack money.

To create a cavalryman, one first needs two top-tier warhorses, one as a spare; next, the soldier must be strong and healthy, far surpassing ordinary people, not only a martial artist but also skilled at horseback archery, for fighting on horseback is completely different from infantry combat.

The emphasis is on the unity of man and horse, to kill the enemy and break formations.

Afterward, armor and the like must be prepared in five sets, because after a battle they need to be repaired, and a fresh set worn; sometimes one fights several battles in a day, so one must always stay at peak condition.

In addition, four infantrymen are needed to put on and take off armor, two grooms, and a cook dedicated to preparing meals for the cavalry.

That makes seven people.

This is the standard equipment; in the army it's relatively fine, but when going out to campaign, none can be missing, since these support personnel could die at any moment.

However, if it's a long-distance expedition, one must calculate according to full strength.

This is why Emperor Yongsheng, upon learning that the enemy was secretly training a hundred thousand iron cavalry, would be somewhat moved.

A hundred thousand iron cavalry—how much silver would that cost?

Maintaining ten thousand iron cavalry for a year requires roughly twenty million taels of silver, covering military equipment, horse tack, blacksmith workers, cavalry rations, horse rations, cavalry stipends, miscellaneous labor stipends, and so on.

The larger the number, the slightly lower the cost, since contracting to some merchants can actually save silver on many items.

But for a hundred thousand iron cavalry, at least 150 million taels of silver per year is unavoidable.

After all, factoring in regional price differences and calculating at the cheapest rate, it's still 150 million taels of silver per year.

The Da Xia Dynasty cannot afford this sum of silver.

But for the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty, this is nothing; moreover, the Xiongnu state would also offer ore as trade goods, and the Xiongnu have countless mountains and many rare treasures, most of which are basically tributary to the Great Jin Dynasty.

In exchange, considering the political needs and strategic demands of all parties, the Great Jin Dynasty's aid to the Xiongnu state is not a loss-making deal.

The Fuyu Dynasty even more needs the Xiongnu's land to grow grain, which is also not a loss-making deal.

As for the Da Xia Dynasty, it is completely isolated; after all, the second son being beaten is unavoidable.

"Your Majesty, this time the Xiongnu state is secretly training a hundred thousand iron cavalry; I believe our Da Xia should also give a certain warning."

"It would be better to deploy fifty Dragon Gate Cannons on the northern border; first as a precaution, second as a warning, and third to always be ready for war."

"This time the Xiongnu, having had their fortune diminished, will certainly not accept it; they will come to Da Xia seeking an explanation, and if not handled properly, war could break out at any moment; Your Majesty must certainly be prepared."

Holy Ruler spoke openly.

He actually proactively demanded preparation for war.

This made Emperor Yongsheng a little curious.

These scholars are always shouting about not fighting, not fighting; how could they suddenly urge themselves to send troops? This is quite rare.

However, regarding Holy Ruler's opinion, Emperor Yongsheng did not adopt it, but instead spoke slowly.

"The Xiongnu have no face to start a war."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke: although the Xiongnu state is secretly training a hundred thousand iron cavalry, what of it?

As long as Da Xia possesses the Dragon Gate Cannon, the Xiongnu state will not dare to launch an offensive; if they really fought, they would suffer more than they gain, and more importantly, don't look at the Xiongnu state now targeting Da Xia.

But in reality? Don't they want to turn the tables and become masters? Aside from that, the Xiongnu common folk are hoping to become the third great dynasty of the Eastern Wilderness, supplanting the Fuyu Dynasty.

Rather than supplanting the Da Xia Dynasty.

The Da Xia Dynasty was born from the unification of ten kingdoms; unless the Xiongnu population explodes by dozens of times, how could ten million people hope to settle in Da Xia?

Better get some sleep early.

As for dispatching fifty Dragon Gate cannons, Emperor Yong Sheng could never agree unless there is an actual war; otherwise, what would they be sent for? What if something goes wrong? This thing loses a single cannon and it's gone.

"Your Majesty, one must not lack vigilance against others."

The Holy Ruler continued to speak.

But Emperor Yong Sheng shook his head and said,

"Fine, I will consider this matter."

"By the way, regarding today's affair, you must return and properly discipline your clan; lately I have indeed received many rumors that your Kong family is becoming increasingly arrogant."

"Out of respect for the sage's reputation, I will not rebuke you, but that does not mean I am unaware of what the Kong family has been doing these years."

"For now, be more obedient; I do not wish to hear any complaints. If the noise becomes too chaotic, I do not mind silencing them completely."

"Do you understand?"

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke, saying that matters of war do not require the Holy Ruler to teach himself here.

Any matters that arise must be explained by oneself.

Otherwise, given the Kong family's nature, unsurprisingly, once the poetry gathering ends, the Kong family will use its influence to have scholars across the realm attack Gu Jin Nian.

Emperor Yong Sheng could guess this tactic with his toes.

Therefore it must be suppressed now—not because of favoritism toward Gu Jin Nian, nor bias, but because he wishes Gu Jin Nian to study properly.

Otherwise, the endless chatter of the world will affect him regardless of Gu Jin Nian's indifference.

The tactic of targeting the heart is the scholars' most practiced art; if they cannot kill you, they will strike your spirit, preventing you from studying peacefully, and in three to five years you will become a waste.

"Your Majesty, I will personally issue a strict order; however, the Crown Prince's words are ultimately somewhat improper, and even if I speak, I fear..."

He wore a serious expression, indicating he would definitely issue a strict command, but the problem arose: Gu Jin Nian's words were problematic, and everyone heard them. Can you hope to silence the world? "I am informing you," he said.

"It is not a negotiation with you."

However, Emperor Yong Sheng's gaze instantly turned cold.

In an instant, the Holy Ruler bowed his head and paid homage to Emperor Yong Sheng.

"I accept the decree."

"Your Majesty, rest assured; I will strictly control matters, and if anyone truly speaks nonsense, I will immediately cooperate with the Ministry of Justice to apprehend them."

The Holy Ruler dared not act rashly any longer.

He honestly promised.

At this critical moment, if anyone still dares to play tricks with this emperor, trouble will truly arise.

However, the Holy Ruler did not expect the emperor to be so partial to Gu Jin Nian, even though he knows he is his nephew.

But the problem is, the emperor has many nephews, and even his own princes are not treated this way; this is indeed puzzling.

"Step down."

Emperor Yong Sheng spoke, his tone calm.

"Yes."

The Holy Ruler ceased his chatter and slowly left the great hall.

After he departed,

Emperor Yong Sheng stared at the candle, lost in thought; after a while, his voice sounded.

"Wei Xian."

"Assign the Ministry of Justice and the Provincial Administration to secretly supervise the Kong family, and have Prince Wei constantly keep an eye on the Xiongnu nation, so that scouts will, at any cost, submit intelligence."

"Also, have the Minister of Rites closely monitor recent Da Xia scholars; anyone who insults my nephew shall be warned, and anyone who leads a disturbance shall be detained by the Department of Detention and Lanterns."

Emperor Yong Sheng slowly spoke.

"Carry out these arrangements."

"Your servant obeys the decree."

Wei Xian spoke, receiving the order.

He then continued.

"Your Majesty, scouts report that, aside from the Minister of War and the Minister of Works, the other four ministers have gathered at the Prime Minister's residence."

Wei Xian continued, speaking slowly.

"Should we enter through the main gate?"

Emperor Yong Sheng asked calmly.

"Your Majesty, we shall enter through the main gate."

Wei Xian replied.

"Let them go."

Upon learning they would use the main gate, Emperor Yong Sheng said little more and let them go on their own.

And at this very moment,

In Da Xia Capital, within the Prime Minister's residence, six or seven people were seated in the hall.

The Minister of Personnel, the Minister of Rites, the Minister of Revenue, and the Minister of Justice, along with two Great Scholars, gathered together in the Prime Minister's residence.

At that moment, as Li Shan appeared, the six people all stood up together.

"Greetings, Prime Minister."

The six spoke, each bowing their hands.

Everyone.

You came late at night; it must be about the Xiongnu matter, right?

Li Shan spoke, then sat down and asked thus.

At that moment the six of them also took their seats, nodding.

Minister.

Gu Jin Nian's poetry will become eternal, undermining the Xiongnu's statehood; His Majesty, at this grand gathering, shows such favoritism toward Gu Jin Nian and suppresses the Confucian officials. I think His Majesty is establishing authority, using it to launch troops against the Xiongnu to assert his power.

I wonder whether the Minister shares this view?

Yang Kai's voice was the first to sound.

He saw today's events with his own eyes; the Kong family indeed behaved improperly, but that is nothing more than a child's quarrel.

And whether it's ancient poetry or ancient classics,

these things have nothing to do with them.

In their duties, they seek their positions.

What they need to do is to secure their own seats and solidify their own interests.

Rather than caring about the squabble between the Gu Family and the Kong Family, what does that amount to? "I, the Minister, do not know."

But Lord Yang's remarks are not impossible.

His Majesty strives for governance; now the Da Xia Dynasty has been resting for a while, so His Majesty's warlike ambition is understandable.

However, do you all think we can start a war at this moment?

Li Shan spoke, asking the others.

We cannot.

The Da Xia treasury is insufficient to sustain a war, especially a northern strike against the Xiongnu to retake the twelve cities; it may not be a good thing, and failing to recapture the twelve cities would cause even greater trouble.

The Xiongnu iron cavalry are not to be taken lightly, and fighting on the steppe consumes even more time, effort, and money; if His Majesty truly intends a northern strike against the Xiongnu, I will not consent.

Minister of Revenue He Yan spoke.

He dislikes war above all; once war starts, money disappears like flowing water, and even before the three armies move, supplies are already consumed.

The Da Xia Dynasty does have silver, but for a realm so large, he wishes every coin to be spent on the cutting edge.

He is willing to spend money to promote trade growth.

He is willing to spend money to strengthen agricultural production.

But if it is war or repairing palaces and the like, he refuses to agree.

It's simply unnecessary; silver is such that spending a single coin reduces it, and he doesn't want to be a sucker.

What He Yan said made everyone nod.

Now the Da Xia Dynasty is still in a period of recuperation; the earlier upheaval cost a lot of silver, not to mention that His Majesty has enfeoffed many princes, dukes, generals and ministers.

Moreover, those regional princes who guard the lands, besides collecting taxes and taking silver, also cry poverty every year, prompting the court to allocate funds and support a bunch of idle men.

All of Da Xia's silver flows to these imperial relatives; if war breaks out, the treasury's silver will be exhausted within a year.

The floods in Jiangning Commandery have not fully stabilized, and the treasury must constantly be ready with money and silver for relief; if Da Xia faces such a situation again, it would be a massive trouble.

"War is not permissible," Yang Kai said, having calculated carefully and standing entirely with He Yan's camp.

Moreover, I have, since last year, continuously raised the issue of official salaries to His Majesty; during the Kaiyuan era, the officials' salaries were extremely low.

Now, in the Yongsheng era, officials' salaries are still based on the previous dynasty's standards; continuing this way will inevitably nurture countless corrupt officials.

Instead of spending silver on war, it is better to raise officials' salaries, thereby benefiting the people; in the long run, it will yield tenfold returns.

Hu Yong also spoke, refusing war and preferring to raise officials' salaries.

Indeed.

During the Taizu period, officials' salaries were extremely low; now, in this year of Yongsheng, they have only increased by twenty to thirty percent.

Can Da Xia officials endure that? They are fine; at least they have reached this position, they are not lacking food; some high officials in various regions are also not lacking, as they have maintenance silver, so they are not short.

But ordinary officials suffer; they have no maintenance silver, receiving only about three taels per month, at best five taels of silver.

Isn't this forcing officials to embezzle? Therefore raising salaries is indeed a major matter.

"The matter of officials' salaries must be considered carefully,"

"However, rather than using it for war, I would rather raise officials' salaries."

He Yan spoke; he actually did not fully agree, for once officials' salaries are raised, it becomes a substantial matter, requiring continual payment and cannot be reduced.

This expenditure is no small amount.

The Da Xia Dynasty has many lower‑level officials; setting aside those outside the scope, such as prison officials, they need not be overseen by the court, as local magistrates handle them.

But the officials who need increased silver represent an astronomical sum, at least a quarter of Da Xia's tax revenue, perhaps even more.

After all, once salaries increase, who wouldn't be tempted? Those with money are tempted, and the court's silver should not be left unused.

The various remarks boiled down to a simple opinion.

They do not want war.

Li Shan seemed to understand.

"Very well."

"Everyone, I have also understood; since none of us wish to go to war, we shall earnestly advise His Majesty to refrain."

"I think His Majesty will understand our sincere intentions."

"It is getting late; everyone, rest now."

"Lord Hu, I have some matters to discuss with you,"

Li Shan spoke directly, saying that since everyone is unwilling, he will also go with them.

However, as he left, he deliberately asked Hu Yong to stay.

"Prime Minister, rest a bit earlier; we will take our leave."

A few of them, without idle chatter, rose up, leaving Hu Yong to whatever; they didn't know what, but it didn't concern them.

After the others left.

Inside the room.

Li Shan took a folded paper from his bosom.

"Minister Hu, the Da Xia Poetry Gathering has ended, and the capital inspection is about to begin; I also have some disciples, and they often send me messages."

"Those on this list each have some issues; Minister Hu must investigate them thoroughly. If there truly are problems, they must not be let go; if there are none, good people must not be wronged."

Li Shan spoke slowly.

Hu Yong took the folded paper, his gaze showing no hint of oddity, but a solemn face as he spoke.

"The subordinate understands; Prime Minister, rest assured, I will investigate diligently, and if there truly is any misconduct, I will see it through to the end."

Hu Yong spoke slowly, then unfolded the paper, revealing hundreds of densely written names from prefectures across Da Xia.

The official positions are modest, yet all are regular posts.

The first on the list is Wang Zhi, magistrate of Yunxiang County.

Not a high‑ranking official, but a regular post, governing a county.

It is clear that Li Shan is placing his own people; disciple or not, it is merely using the capital inspection to purge outsiders and insert his own men.

After all, the Yunxiang magistrate was demoted; who could replace him? The court wouldn't be idle after a meal, dropping a magistrate in from above.

Usually the second‑in‑command fills in, but if someone in the capital is maneuvering, that's different.

But can any operation, however grand, match Prime Minister's list? "Alright, remember, investigate thoroughly; if wrongdoing is found, punish accordingly; if none, do not act recklessly."

"These disciples of mine may not always speak the truth."

Li Shan said earnestly, very solemn, determined not to leave any foothold.

As Prime Minister, he is merely concerned with the capital inspection; that's no big issue, and with many disciples, he has received plenty of information.

If these people seem problematic, let the Ministry of Personnel investigate thoroughly; that's no big issue.

As for any fault? That's not merely a matter for the Ministry of Personnel; if we follow the rules, can they still find a flaw in you?

"Prime Minister, rest assured, I act with strict caution."

Hu Yong spoke earnestly.

The words are true; although Prime Minister said it, I still must investigate personally. If there truly is a problem, I will give Prime Minister a face.

I can also earn favor.

But if someone has no major issue and you still target them, that's unacceptable; though you are my superior, if you make me do this and it blows up, I am the one who dies.

No need to trade a future for a favor.

"Alright."

"Hu Yong, I have always valued you; in a few years I will retire and return home. You are ten years younger than me, so the future looks promising."

Li Shan smiled, then patted Hu Yong's shoulder.

"Alright, I will rest first; you return early, tomorrow we still have a grand event to attend."

Li Shan said no more.

"Prime Minister, your words are weighty."

"The subordinate takes his leave."

Hu Yong said nothing, stepped back slowly, and left the main hall.

And with Hu Yong's departure,

Li Shan stared at his teacup, lost in thought.

At this moment,

Inside the Prince of the State's residence.

The Prince's study.

Gu Qianzhou, Gu Jin Nian's father, stood in the study, looking at Grandfather Gu.

"Inform the Minister of War, prepare to draft the northern expedition."

"After the Da Xia Poetry Gathering ends, immediately submit a memorial, have all military officials co‑sign, using this chance to launch the northern campaign."

Grandfather Gu's voice was very calm.

Under the study's candlelight, his expression was exceedingly solemn.

Upon hearing this, Gu Qianzhou frowned slightly.

"Father, the northern expedition concerns Da Xia's turning point; Jin Nian's poems become timeless, cutting the Xiongnu's fortunes—good indeed, but if we dispatch troops directly, the Da Xia Dynasty's treasury is not abundant."

"Both within and beyond the court, silver is scarce; if war truly breaks out, it is not a good thing."

Gu Qianzhou spoke.

He comes from a line of generals, yet he knows even more that the current situation cannot tolerate war.

Without silver, how can we wage war?

"Whether His Majesty goes to war or not, that is not the point."

"Simply propose it; once the situation is stirred, the enemy will emerge."

Grandfather Gu replied calmly; he does not care about the Da Xia Dynasty going to war.

Rather, he intends to actively stir the situation.

"Father? What do you mean?"

Gu Qianzhou was curious, looking at Grandfather Gu, truly not understanding what this meant.

"Stir the situation?"

What scheme are you stirring?

"The Xiongnu state's fortunes have been cut; Your Majesty's actions today clearly support Jin Nian, and those scholars will inevitably think that Your Majesty may declare war on the Xiongnu."

"But Da Xia's treasury has silver, yet not war silver; if Your Majesty truly wishes to campaign, it's not impossible, just unnecessary."

"Let the Minister of War step forward and raise the issue; after the Da Xia Poetry Society, the court will inevitably revolve around this, arguing endlessly."

Who is arguing the fiercest?

Whoever is, has the biggest problem.

The incident of Jin Nian falling into the water, then the truth will be clear.

Grandfather Gu took a sip of tea, appeared utterly calm, and said.

But to Gu Qianzhou, those words sounded like a thunderclap from the heavens.

Jin Nian falling into the water? The truth revealed? "Father, do you mean that it was our own people who pushed Jin Nian into the water?"

Gu Qianzhou swallowed, looked at his father, and asked thus.

"Yes."

Grandfather Gu nodded.

"How could this be possible?"

"What did they do to Jin Nian?"

Gu Qianzhou furrowed his brows, thinking it utterly impossible; they are all from the military lineage, what benefit would they gain from Jin Nian's death? A duke's fury? A fallout with the emperor? And then? And then? Moreover, the Gu Family wouldn't be so foolish as to confront the emperor directly; they'd instead use other means to make the emperor investigate thoroughly.

Even if Grandfather Gu chose to step back a bit, the Gu Family's position would become even more solid.

In any case, the Gu Family could not rebel.

Then what is the purpose of killing Jin Nian? "It's hard to explain to you."

"Those civil officials could not act against Jin Nian; they wouldn't dare, nor have any need."

"Even if the Gu Family fell, wouldn't there be a second Gu Family?"

"The Da Xia Dynasty, beset by internal and external troubles, could never claim it doesn't need us military generals, so those civil officials have no reason to harm Jin Nian."

"For them, this is a loss outweighing any gain."

"Thus the ones harming Jin Nian are from the military lineage."

Grandfather Gu took another sip of tea and gave a brief explanation.

"Father, why would the military lineage want to harm Jin Nian?"

"Is it Xue Guogong?"

Gu Qianzhou frowned; if the scope must be limited to the military lineage, Xue Guogong is the prime suspect.

After all, he is the largest military force aside from the Gu Family.

"Not him."

"He isn't that foolish; he also has descendants, and if he did this, the unlucky one would be him."

Grandfather Gu shook his head, outright rejecting it.

"Not Xue Guogong? Then who could it be?"

Gu Qianzhou truly could not think of another possibility; after all, Xue Guogong is the biggest suspect, whether other dukes or princes.

What's the point?

If Jin Nian were truly killed, the Gu Family would face thunderous wrath.

Is it necessary?

"That would truly be foolish."

"I really can't understand; with a mind like yours, how could you give rise to… Jin Nian."

"Old Six is right; grandsons inherit from grandfathers, that's correct."

Grandfather Gu cursed once, while also boasting.

"Father, just say it straight; why keep hiding it from your child?"

Gu Qianzhou was also helpless.

"I ask you, if Jin Nian truly drowned, the Gu Family would be thunderously angry; thinking badly, we might fall out with Your Majesty, yet our family has no rebellious intent, only demands that Your Majesty investigate thoroughly."

"But will the investigation be clear? The final result will inevitably scapegoat those civil officials, and at that time, what will Your Majesty make me do?"

Grandfather Gu spoke, questioning Gu Qianzhou.

"What will I do?"

Gu Qianzhou frowned, but the next moment thought of the answer.

"Transfer away from the capital, guard the frontier, or campaign against the Xiongnu."

Gu Qianzhou arrived at the answer.

Having the answer, Grandfather Gu was somewhat satisfied; at least Gu Qianzhou wasn't that foolish.

"But if I were to endure silently, what would Your Majesty do?"

Grandfather Gu continued to ask.

"Still transfer away from the capital; if Jin Nian truly meets misfortune, Father, you certainly wouldn't be satisfied, and Your Majesty, to preserve the overall situation, would still send you to the frontier."

"Moreover, it is likely a northern strike against the Xiongnu; the world knows that you once made an Establishing Speech to exterminate the Xiongnu."

"Thus, Your Majesty won't worry about you amassing troops; naturally, the frontier commanders are Xue Guogong's men, so there's no concern…"

Gu Qianzhou spoke, saying thus.

"There's nothing …"

"Your Majesty will certainly guard …"

"…to quell internal chaos with external threats."

Grandfather Gu's expression remained calm; he did not acknowledge what Gu Qianzhou said.

But Gu Qianzhou suddenly understood.

"Killing Jin Nian is to hope for war in the north."

"Someone wants Da Xia to go to war with the Xiongnu."

"It's a pity that Jin Nian came to no harm, and Father, you weren't overly fervent."

"To thwart their plan, now that the Xiongnu's fortunes have been weakened, he will surely step forward and strongly demand a campaign."

"Whoever is the most fervent is the most suspect."

"Father, I understand."

Gu Qianzhou spoke, and in an instant everything became clear to him.

"Understanding is enough."

"However, what you say isn't necessarily so."

"Anyway, just keep a close watch."

"Alright, go do what was just said quickly."

Grandfather Gu spoke.

Actually, there are still a few logics he hasn't figured out, and proactively raising the matter of war is also helping Gu Jin Nian bear some pressure.

Gu Jin Nian's words today are indeed influential; the scholars of Da Xia will surely latch onto them.

But if war comes, no one will care about this matter; they'll care about the war.

After all, once war breaks out, the Da Xia Dynasty will inevitably fall into panic.

Using a major event to obscure the impact of another matter is also Grandfather Gu's idea.

"Alright then, Father, I take my leave."

Gu Qianzhou didn't waste words; he turned and left.

After Gu Qianzhou left.

Grandfather Gu gazed at the candle flame, his turbid eyes full of contemplation.

"It is because he made a deal with the remnants of Jian De that he dared to harm Jin Nian."

"What kind of deal could make him so bold?"

"It's definitely not money or power."

"He holds a tremendous leverage over the other side."

"It's enough to implicate three clans; otherwise he would absolutely not dare to move against Jin Nian."

"Leverage."

"Fault?"

Grandfather Gu murmured, pondering who was striking from the shadows.

Likewise.

Under the starry sky.

Da Xia Academy.

Along the way, Wang Fugui, Jiang Ye Zhou, and others spoke up, praising Gu Jin Nian's deeds today.

Gu Jin Nian smiled throughout without speaking.

After returning to Da Xia Academy,

Suddenly, Su Wenjing's voice sounded.

"Jin Nian."

"I have some matters to discuss with you."

"Follow me."

As Su Wenjing spoke,

All the students looked toward Gu Jin Nian.

"Good."

Gu Jin Nian didn't waste words; he directly followed Su Wenjing forward.

The others each went their own way; some went to other students' rooms, eager to tell them about today's events.

After all, many didn't go, similar to Xu Ya's four, plus Jue Xin's three, and Yao Chi Immortal Maiden and the like, who weren't interested.

After a quarter hour,

Toward the outside of the holy hall.

Su Wenjing stood beneath a tree, looking at Gu Jin Nian and said.

"Jin Nian, do you still remember our previous wager?"

He spoke.

Breaking the silence.

"Wager?"

Gu Jin Nian furrowed his brows slightly, but in an instant he realized what it was.

The wager made earlier in Xiao Xi Village with Su Wenjing.

"Sir, haven't we already fulfilled the agreement?"

Gu Jin Nian was somewhat curious.

When Su Wenjing originally came to find me, I had already answered.

"Regarding Heaven's Mandate."

That time, (they) did not fully answer.

Today, I will tell you everything.

Su Wenjing spoke lightly.

(End of chapter)