Chapter 96: I am Gu Jin Nian, today I Establish Speech for the nation, raise the nation

"Establishing Speech for the nation?"

"Does Gu Jin Nian have such great ability?"

"Hiss—did I hear that right? Gu Jin Nian actually wants to Establish Speech for the nation?"

"Throughout history, establishing speech for oneself is common, but Establishing Speech for the nation? What is that supposed to be?"

"Those who establish speech for themselves are saints; those who establish speech for the nation are sages."

As Gu Jin Nian's voice rang out, countless people were utterly shocked.

If today were Gu Jin Nian's Establishing Speech, delivering some passionate, fiery words, they certainly wouldn't say anything, nor would there be such shock, but what Gu Jin Nian is doing now.

He intends to Establish Speech for the nation.

What does that even mean? Not a single civil or military official dares to Establish Speech for the nation; there are so many scholars across the realm, many of high virtue and reputation, right? Who dares to say they will Establish Speech for the nation? They themselves have not established speech, yet they would do it for the nation?

But Gu Jin Nian dares.

Not only does he dare, he also condenses such a terrifying phenomenon.

At Da Xia Academy, Su Wenjing gazed at it all, his eyes full of shock.

A few days ago, he learned that Gu Jin Nian had developed a knot in his heart because of the marriage alliance.

So he went personally to find Gu Jin Nian.

He hoped to help Gu Jin Nian out of the predicament, but in his view, Gu Jin Nian's knot was too deep; untangling it would require time.

He never expected that Gu Jin Nian would not choose to untie the knot, but instead break the rules and live a different life.

That was beyond his imagination.

Facing the marriage alliance, Su Wenjing had no solution at all; he also thought the alliance was improper, yet he could not find a way to resolve it.

He could only remain silent.

The higher one's rank and status, the more matters one must contemplate; fleeting passion and impulse cannot solve these problems.

Especially since he himself was no longer a youth.

But Gu Jin Nian accomplished many things that others wanted to do but dared not.

He broke the rules.

Inside the Prime Minister's residence.

Listening to Gu Jin Nian's voice, Li Shan fell into silence.

Today, Gu Jin Nian is Establishing Speech for the nation; if successful, it will bring massive change to the court.

If this man re‑enters the court, heaven knows what will happen.

He remained silent, calculating countless matters in his mind.

But at this very moment.

Da Xia Capital.

Everyone stared blankly at Gu Jin Nian.

North Gate exit.

The bridal procession no longer beats drums or gongs; the lively scene vanished instantly.

The common folk on the high buildings watched all this with dazed, vacant stares.

The Da Xia Dynasty, this time's marriage alliance, made them feel oppressed and angry.

Just a few Huns taking a Da Xia princess as a wife is itself a disgraceful matter.

But many commoners actually knew that, since the court chose this, there must be a court rationale.

These peasants had little to say—perhaps a few comments, a few curses—and then Gu Jin Nian coined an immortal saying, further undermining the Huns' national destiny, which made them extremely excited.

They thought Da Xia was about to go to war.

But unexpectedly, the Huns seized the opportunity, using the pretext to not only demand a replacement with a genuine princess.

Moreover, they demanded to take two princesses away.

This is an unprecedented humiliation.

A truly unparalleled disgrace.

Only the court agreed, and many rumors spread; the common folk also learned that the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty were intervening.

This made them angry, but more so helpless.

The princess's marriage was for friendly development.

But isn't that just sending a woman as a marriage envoy?

The Da Xia Dynasty's predicament lies here; Emperor Yong Sheng knows that if a marriage alliance proceeds and the people refuse, popular resentment will erupt, and the Da Xia subjects will blame him, deeming the alliance disgraceful.

But if there is no marriage alliance, border unrest will make the people anxious; those living in the capital cannot feel that terror.

Yet the border dwellers know how terrifying it is; each deep night, the sound of hooves makes them shiver, and the whole village dares not sleep soundly.

They fear Hunnic raiders, iron cavalry sweeping through, burning, killing, looting.

Thus, for the people, Emperor Yong Sheng would rather bear infamy; if asked whether he is willing, he is naturally unwilling.

But there is no solution to any of this.

And now.

Gu Jin Nian's appearance broke every deadlock.

Minister of Rites Yang Kai gazed at it all.

In the distance, Gu Jin Nian's Holy Punishment's Light shone; he seemed drunk, yet gave the impression that while all the world is intoxicated, he alone is sober.

The rice paper fluttered.

Gu Jin Nian held the brush; the earlier voice was deafening.

"I am Gu Jin Nian; today at the North Gate of the capital, I Establish Speech for Da Xia."

"With this article, we will raise the prestige of Da Xia, solidify Da Xia's national spirit, and shape Da Xia's national backbone."

"This text reveres Heaven and Earth above, respects the Nine Abyss below, honors the sages of past and present, all the virtuous ancestors."

The voice lingered in his ears, refusing to fade.

It spread to everyone's ears throughout the capital.

At such a critical moment, the marriage delegation had already set out, yet Gu Jin Nian still thought of turning the tide and altering the marriage alliance, leaving Yang Kai at a loss for words.

But he did not wish to stop him; he wanted to see what kind of Establishing Speech Gu Jin Nian would set for the Da Xia Dynasty.

Among the marriage delegation.

Qi Qi Mu's face was exceedingly grim; at this moment, Gu Jin Nian still came out to stir things up, even though the princess was about to be taken away.

Why does Gu Jin Nian still come to stir things up?

He harbored a raging fire of anger, yet he could not vent it.

As for Mu Ha Er standing aside, his expression was unpleasant.

His eyes showed helplessness, but also curiosity—curious about what Gu Jin Nian would do.

Moreover, he fully understood the meaning of Yang Kai's words when they entered the capital.

Do not provoke Gu Jin Nian.

He regretted not having stopped Qi Qi Mu; had he not provoked Gu Jin Nian, the current situation would not have arisen.

The Xiongnu Nation suffered a second reduction of its national fortune.

Gu Jin Nian is now establishing speech for the nation.

If he truly sets such a national proclamation, Da Xia's national fortune will strengthen, and when the enemy grows stronger, it means we become weaker.

In front of the marriage delegation.

Feeling the gazes of the crowd, Gu Jin Nian's heart was as calm as still water.

What he speaks today is both for Da Xia and for the injustice he feels within himself.

A nation.

Even when faced with any problem, it must never be solved through a marriage alliance.

This is not a dispute of sentiment, but a contest of national destiny.

The Da Xia Dynasty does not need marriage alliances, nor does it need to sacrifice women to obtain peace.

The benefit of a marriage alliance is merely border tranquility.

However, after days of contemplation, Gu Jin Nian found a point to break the rule.

Heaven's Mandate contest.

Shape the national soul, forge Da Xia's national backbone.

Before the rice paper.

Gu Jin Nian inhaled deeply, then lifted his brush, but he did not put ink to paper; instead he shouted loudly.

"Da Xia lies in the Eastern Wilderness Central Plains, rising from the Ten Kingdoms, inheriting Great Dry above, opening a flourishing age below. The Founding Ancestor established the nation, rescuing the myriad people from fire and water."

"The soul of Da Xia is indestructible."

"The shame of the borders must not be forgotten."

"Today, I take up the brush, looking to Da Xia's Founding Ancestor, to the Ten Kingdoms' rulers, to the heroic souls of Great Dry, manifesting in this world, forging the soul of our Central Plains."

"Da Xia National Proclamation."

"No marriage alliance!"

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he did not praise the Da Xia Dynasty, but recounted the story of this land.

Countless years ago, there was a Great Dry Dynasty.

Thousands of years ago, the Ten Kingdoms vied for supremacy here.

Seventy‑plus years ago, the Founding Ancestor was born, a commoner who swept the Ten Kingdoms and saved the myriad people from fire and water.

Now, the Da Xia Dynasty actually intends to exchange peace for a marriage alliance? Is that not a disgrace?

A nation has a national backbone; it is the superior nation.

A person with pride is a gentleman; why refuse a marriage alliance? A great nation, the supreme of nations, cannot rely on women's marriage alliances to quell war.

Gu Jin Nian set his brush, writing prolifically, stating that those who pursue marriage alliances are weak nations, while strong nations need no marriage alliances.

Thus shaping the backbone.

When these three characters appeared, at that moment, in the Da Xia Imperial Palace's ancestral temple, a beam of Holy Punishment's Light Shooting Upwards, and the entire ancestral temple trembled.

Countless eyes turned toward it.

At that moment, even the Eternal Prosperous Emperor could not remain seated; he showed astonishment, gazing at the ancestral temple.

Then, above the ancestral temple, dazzling light shone brilliantly, forming a silhouette.

A ruler dressed in plain clothes.

Da Xia Founding Ancestor.

The plain‑clothed ruler.

No luxurious dragon robe, no lofty gaze; everything seemed ordinary, yet this extreme ordinariness saved a nation.

He leveled ten nations.

This is the Da Xia Founding Ancestor.

Kaiyuan Emperor.

"Son, I bow before you, Father Emperor."

At that moment, within the palace, the Eternal Prosperous Emperor knelt directly, bowing to his own father.

When the emperor knelt, everyone inside the palace instantly knelt as well—ministers, concubines, eunuchs, maidservants—all bowed, daring not to meet the Founding Ancestor's eyes.

Gu Jin Nian, with just three simple words, summoned the Founding Emperor of Da Xia; such mighty power, only the Confucian Dao could achieve.

As the Founding Emperor of Da Xia appeared, the people of the capital all knelt in worship, with no one failing to respect this ancestor.

Da Xia has no kneeling ritual.

Yet facing this emperor, people kneel from the heart, for this emperor loves the people as his children, truly placing the populace in his heart.

He hates evil as an enemy.

He once promulgated the law; anyone holding Da Xia's legal code could enter the capital to file a lawsuit, and no official may obstruct.

When commoners did so, they were intercepted by officials, even implicating a prince.

Everyone thought this was like using an egg to strike a stone, trying to defeat a prince—could that be possible?

That is impossible.

In ancient times to the present, such a thing has never happened; it's just a lowly commoner.

But what was the result?

After the Founding Emperor learned of this, he flew into a thunderous rage; all obstructing officials were sentenced to death, and as for the prince who committed the offense, his entire clan was executed.

This is what the Founding Emperor did.

He regarded the people as his children; although some people slandered him, wanting to blacken his name, what was the result?

The people's eyes are clear; they know what the Founding Emperor has done, and they respect him.

When the Founding Emperor passed away, the whole nation mourned; every household hung white cloth, a true expression of love and reverence.

Now, the Founding Emperor appears; although people know this is not the true Founding Emperor, but his spirit.

Yet people still kneel, paying heartfelt respect.

And when the three words 'no marriage alliance' were written down.

Gu Jin Nian put brush to paper again.

"No indemnity!"

The Da Xia Dynasty, having endured over seventy years, even a thousand years ago when the Ten Kingdoms vied for hegemony, never paid indemnities abroad; after defeat they would rest and recuperate, and paying indemnities would be a disgrace.

"No ceding territory!"

This land knows only internal strife; the shame of ceding territory is not the spirit of a supreme state, the twelve borders—this is disgrace, not reclaiming border cities, not being a supreme state.

This is the essence of Gu Jin Nian's spirit within.

"No submission!"

The Da Xia Dynasty is a supreme state; facing any dynasty, from today onward, one must not submit; Da Xia's subjects are above all.

Da Xia's populace, too, is above all.

"The Son of Heaven guards the nation's gate!"

"The monarch would rather die than abandon the state!"

The emperor guards the nation's gate; the monarch would rather die than yield, never living in disgrace.

This is the emperor's will.

Da Xia's will.

Moreover, this is the national will that Gu Jin Nian most admired in his past life.

Starting with a bowl, ending with a rope.

Even if desolate.

But the backbone remains.

Lost to heaven's will, not to the people's hearts.

Gu Jin Nian's brush moves as if divine, he writes down what's in his heart.

Forging the bones for Da Xia.

Forging the bones of the state.

Moving countless commoners.

As soon as the article appeared, it instantly caused an uproar.

Countless soldiers gazed at this scene, their hearts struck by a huge impact.

No marriage alliance! No indemnity! No tribute! The Son of Heaven guards the gate! The monarch would rather die than abandon the state! Civil and military officials alike stared in astonishment at all this.

They never expected that Gu Jin Nian would establish such a national proclamation for Da Xia; this is truly imposing.

Unmatched imposing aura.

In the palace, Emperor Yongsheng repeatedly chewed over these few words, his eyes showing a different light.

No marriage alliance.

No indemnity.

No tribute.

No submission.

The Son of Heaven guards the gate.

The monarch would rather die than abandon the state.

This is truly shocking to the heart.

If a nation can achieve all this, that nation will rise to complete prosperity.

This is the nation's backbone.

The common people will all be moved.

And at the northern gate.

After Gu Jin Nian put brush to paper, each character turned into golden ancient script, hovering in the air.

Such.

A voice of immense strength also rang out.

"I, the Grand Ancestor of Da Xia, today establish the ancestral law; all future monarchs of Da Xia must obey this ancestral law."

"The Da Xia Dynasty: no marriage alliances! No tribute! No ceding land! No reparations! The Son of Heaven guards the nation's gate! The monarch dies for the state!"

"Those who violate it will not win the people's hearts and will not be emperor."

The Grand Ancestor's voice sounded.

Resonant and powerful, it shakes the ears and deafens.

Upon these words being spoken.

The commoners of the capital also boiled over at this moment.

"Long live the emperor, long live, long live ten thousand times!"

The cries of 'long live' continued without cease, and the commoners knelt before the Grand Ancestor.

"Your subject son obeys the decree."

At this moment, within the Da Xia imperial palace, the Eternal Prosperity Great Emperor had not a word to say.

He originally also did not want a marriage alliance.

But forced by circumstances, now that the Grand Ancestor has appeared and established the ancestral law, he could not possibly disagree.

Moreover, since his ascension, he will strictly enforce all the rules set by the Grand Ancestor.

What's more, these are the words spoken personally by the Grand Ancestor?

As the Eternal Prosperity Great Emperor opened his mouth.

The civil and military officials also spoke up.

"We subjects obey the decree."

No one harbored resentment any longer; they dared not defy the Grand Ancestor, nor dare they defy the current popular will.

The commoners were inherently dissatisfied with the marriage alliance; now that the Grand Ancestor has stepped forward, if they still do not comply, their fate will be extremely grim.

But just at this moment.

Yet Qi Qi Mu's voice sounded involuntarily.

He gazed at Gu Jin Nian, his eyes filled with cold intent.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"Do you know what you are doing?"

"By blocking this marriage alliance, Da Xia Dynasty and my Xiongnu State will face war; then corpses will pile like mountains and blood will flow like rivers."

"What is wrong with this marriage alliance? Just because of your personal words, you would doom so many lives—are you still a Confucian scholar?"

Qi Qi Mu roared in anger.

He was truly furious beyond measure.

He had come from afar, arriving to welcome the princess.

The princess is nothing.

But he knows what the princess means to the Xiongnu State.

If the princess does not go to the Xiongnu State, the Xiongnu State will have suffered two consecutive blows to its national fortune, a tremendous loss; but if the princess is taken, the Xiongnu State's fortune will recover.

This is the most important matter, and also what the Xiongnu State cares about most.

Once this matter is settled, his position as imperial prince will be firmly secured.

No one dared to challenge his position anymore, but now Gu Jin Nian, with just a few words, has stopped this marriage alliance.

He refuses to accept it! He is also extremely furious!

Some are hysterical, having lost reason.

However, facing Qi Qi Mu's questioning.

Gu Jin Nian, however, appeared unusually calm; he did not look directly at Qi Qi Mu, but turned his gaze to the left, toward several thousand scholars.

He spoke in a calm tone.

"I dare ask, esteemed scholars of Da Xia, does Da Xia fear war?"

This is the first inquiry.

And these gathered scholars had long been stirred to fervent passion by this situation.

Upon hearing Gu Jin Nian's words.

All answered in unison, their response resolute and decisive.

Among the crowd, a scholar's eyes cracked with rage; he had been parentless since childhood, for his parents died at the border.

They died at the hands of these Xiongnu people.

Therefore he studies to serve the country, hoping that one day he may aid Da Xia and trample the royal court.

Today Gu Jin Nian asks whether they fear war.

He fears not! He knows no fear! Before his eyes lies the great enmity of his parents.

"Not afraid!"

After receiving the answer, Gu Jin Nian turned his gaze to the right, toward the commoners of Da Xia.

"I dare ask, commoners of Da Xia, does Da Xia fear war?"

As the voice sounded.

This group of commoners also showed unyielding resolve.

A merchant clenched his fists, standing at the window, his voice the loudest.

His brothers died at the border.

He hates.

He hates these Xiongnu to death.

Ask me if I fear battle? I do not fear.

He wishes he could eat Xiongnu meat raw.

"Not afraid."

His voice was like thunder, deafening.

In the next moment, Gu Jin Nian's gaze fell upon Qi Qi Mu.

In an instant, his voice like thunder echoed throughout the capital.

"Gu today dares to ask the people of Da Xia:"

"Does Da Xia fear battle?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

This time, his voice spread throughout the entire Da Xia capital, reaching every civilian and every person's ears.

"Not afraid."

A deafening sound rose.

The entire capital, all civilians clenched their fists, regardless of age or gender, everyone spoke in unison.

Their gazes were firm.

When has Da Xia ever feared battle?

Hearing this terrifying sound rise, Qi Qi Mu's expression turned grim.

And Gu Jin Nian spoke again.

"I dare to ask the generals of Da Xia: do you fear battle?"

He asked again.

At this moment, the soldiers surrounding the capital also, at this moment, gathered their strength and roared angrily.

"Not afraid."

Even among the over two thousand elite soldiers maintaining order at the North Gate, their gazes were icy and they issued a unified sound.

Moreover, a soldier revealed the wounds on his body, a scar running from shoulder to abdomen, terrifying beyond measure.

Chilling to the extreme.

This wound was inflicted by the Xiongnu at the border.

His unit of a hundred men, only he survived and returned alive.

This scar is shocking to behold.

So many comrades have died.

He is utterly fearless.

He even hopes to die on the border.

He hopes that it is himself who dies.

Today Gu Jin Nian asks him if he is afraid.

He is not afraid.

He is fearless.

Because he is a soldier of Da Xia.

He is truly elite.

A Da Xia soldier who fears no death.

"Not afraid!"

Da Xia fears not!

What are the mere Xiongnu to fear? The terrifying voice shook the clouds in the heavens.

This is Da Xia's aura.

Invincible aura.

After receiving all the answers,

Gu Jin Nian's voice continued to sound.

"Qi Qi Mu."

"You ask me if I fear when the two nations go to war?"

"Today, this prince will tell you: not to speak of the two nations going to war, even if it is all-out war."

"Da Xia also does not fear."

"Today, the bones of Da Xia have been forged; Da Xia will usher in a millennial transformation, Da Xia's rise beginning from the northern border."

"Remember this."

"If a Xiongnu kills one of my Da Xia people, I will slaughter a hundred Xiongnu."

"You slaughter a village of my Da Xia."

"I will annihilate your Xiongnu nation."

"Without delay, Da Xia's iron cavalry will trample the Xiongnu's court."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, at this moment venting all the resentment in his heart.

What's the point of the Xiongnu?

There is no peace obtained through marriage alliances under heaven.

Dignity lies only on the blade.

Listening to Gu Jin Nian's words, Qi Qi Mu's complexion grew even sicker.

Mu Ha Er immediately spoke up, trying to ease the awkwardness.

"Crown Prince, you must not speak rashly."

"This marriage alliance is for the friendship of the two nations."

"There is no need for that; even if the alliance fails, the two nations remain friendly, and war must never be waged."

Mu Ha Er smiled and began to speak.

If they continue to quarrel now, they might not be able to leave; better to quickly urge peace before things truly erupt.

However, it was fine when Mu Ha Er didn't say that. Once he said it—

Gu Jin Nian let out another cold sneer.

"The marriage alliance is for the two nations' friendship?"

"Do you truly not know? The Emperor knows what you harbor in your hearts."

"Today, everything Gu has done is to awaken my Da Xia Dragon Soul; it was the Emperor's own scheme, intended to expose your true nature."

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his voice ice‑cold.

But as soon as he said that, the officials who came to escort the alliance changed expression.

Some scholars and common folk also couldn't help but be curious.

They didn't understand what Gu Jin Nian meant—let alone Gu himself.

Inside the palace.

Emperor Yong Sheng frowned; he had been watching the matter, and upon hearing Gu Jin Nian's words, he was somewhat puzzled.

What does "single‑handed scheme" mean? Forcibly taking credit for oneself?

That nephew really does keep his uncle in mind.

It wasn't in vain.

"Crown Prince, what are you saying?"

"How can I not understand a single word?"

Mu Ha Er frowned; he didn't know what Gu Jin Nian was saying.

Playing dumb, huh? Gu Jin Nian gave them no face, his voice ice‑cold as he said.

"You Xiongnu, coming to Da Xia for a marriage alliance, aren't you merely trying to steal Da Xia's national fortune?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke; he hesitated not, concealed nothing, for this matter had to be said.

When he previously returned to his residence, he exhausted all his jade artifacts just to ask one question.

That question was whether the Xiongnu came for the national fortune.

The ancient tree's answer was a single character.

"Yes."

Naturally, Gu Jin Nian now spoke with such confidence.

Otherwise forcing Da Xia into this situation would indeed be undesirable.

Thus Gu Jin Nian acted so brazenly.

When those words left his mouth, officials frowned in an instant, and within the palace Emperor Yong Sheng's expression changed.

He did not grasp what Gu Jin Nian meant.

Yet he sensed a different tone.

"Nonsense."

"Crown Prince, I know you despise my Xiongnu because of your grandfather's hatred; nevertheless, you must not speak recklessly, spouting nonsense."

Mu Ha Er's expression remained unchanged; he directly rebuked Gu Jin Nian, deeming his words nonsense.

"Spouting falsehoods?"

"Do you truly think my Da Xia Emperor knows nothing?"

"When you chose the marriage alliance, the Emperor had already guessed what you intended."

"But the Emperor did not alert you; he was investigating the mastermind behind you, who was directing your schemes."

"How dare you meddle with Da Xia's national destiny."

"When you sought the alliance, the Emperor enfeoffed a princess to test your actions."

"Yet you thought it was Da Xia's concession."

"In fact everything was under the Emperor's control; when you demanded a genuine princess, the Emperor had already foreseen your intent to steal Da Xia's national fortune."

"Today, I, the Crown Prince, have been ordered to come and halt the alliance, to forge Da Xia's national backbone."

"Qi Qi Mu, Mu Ha Er, open your eyes and see how prosperous Da Xia's national destiny truly is."

Gu Jin Nian spoke.

Regarding the nation's destiny, he must speak; remaining silent would invite greater trouble.

His stopping the alliance is not a great matter; rather, the Da Xia Dynasty lacks vigilance.

That is the truly terrifying part.

In other words, it may not be a lack of vigilance, but someone is sabotaging from within, lowering officials' alertness—in short, there is a traitor inside.

In such a situation, Gu Jin Nian cannot conceal anything.

He must speak out.

Moreover, he must tell this, for Emperor Yong Sheng already knows and he is acting on orders.

First, it is to quell the people's anger; previously there was an alliance, now there is none, which is a good outcome, but to the people, the lack of alliance appears due to my presence, making the emperor seem weak.

That accusation cannot exist, so Gu Jin Nian would rather forgo this good name, and cannot let his uncle bear the slur; he must clear this injustice.

Secondly, such a huge matter, the emperor actually didn't know? How could he not be angry? How could he not be furious? He said it himself, indeed saved Da Xia from disaster, but on the other hand the emperor actually didn't know—how shameful is that? Does he even have any face left? Gu Jin Nian can be said to have considered it very carefully, thought it through clearly, handling the affair with flawless precision, not a drop leaking.

Indeed.

When the conversation reached this point, in the imperial palace, Emperor Yongsheng appeared calm on the surface, but his heart was already tremendously shaken.

He was shocked by Gu Jin Nian's words.

He had never even considered the theft of the nation's fortune, but now that Gu Jin Nian mentioned it, he thought it might actually be possible.

And the likelihood was great.

Why does the Xiongnu State suddenly seek a marriage alliance?

The purpose of the marriage alliance is peace for both sides; that reason holds water, but the problem is, why wasn't it mentioned before? Why bring it up now?

I have weakened your nation's fortune here, and you come over to propose a marriage alliance? That's a problem.

You say you are afraid? Emperor Yongsheng also knows the Xiongnu; they truly are not afraid.

Moreover, the national fortune that Gu Jin Nian has weakened is not that much, not enough to warrant a marriage alliance.

And the most important point.

The Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty.

Indeed, those two dynasties actually stepped forward to assist the marriage alliance? One should know that, in principle, the Fuyu and Great Jin Dynasties should not consent to Da Xia's marriage alliance with the Xiongnu.

They would love to see Da Xia and the Xiongnu fight.

But now they actually speak up? That's so contrary to common sense.

It's just that, at the time, popular discontent was rising, and this matter gave me a huge headache, especially having to send away my most beloved princess; I was constantly conflicted, so I didn't delve into it much.

Now that Gu Jin Nian has spoken, it made him understand completely.

How bold.

In an instant, Emperor Yongsheng's heart surged like a massive wave.

He was almost roaring inside.

For such a matter, the court actually had not a single person caring? Not a single person caring?

Almost.

Almost, the nation's fortune would have been stolen by the Xiongnu.

If that were true, it's not just a simple embarrassment; losing the nation's fortune would mean Da Xia loses decades of effort.

If that were true, what battles would we fight? Even if Da Xia got another thirty years, it might still not be able to go to war with the Xiongnu.

That's truly insidious.

Truly makes one want to claw one's hair out.

But fortunately, my nephew saved the Da Xia Dynasty once, not only saved it once.

And also saved me once.

If the nation's fortune truly vanished, I, this emperor, would indeed be cursed by the masses.

Rebellion and usurping the throne have become my greatest wound; I strive to govern well, everything I do is to gain recognition, to earn the approval of Da Xia's people.

The marriage alliance affair has brought me scorn.

He can endure.

After all, twenty years later, when Da Xia's soldiers trample the Xiongnu royal court, the people will understand how great everything I have done truly is.

All my sacrifices are worth it.

But if the marriage alliance ends and the nation's fortune is stolen, even if one day I ride into the royal court, I will still be condemned as a timeless incompetent ruler.

And that would be after defeating the Xiongnu.

What if we don't win?

Then I would truly become a sinner, a genuine sinner.

At this moment, Emperor Yongsheng's palms trembled slightly; his hands were hidden within his dragon robe, unnoticed.

But the lingering fear in his heart spread bit by bit.

Fortunately.

Very fortunate.

I have such an extraordinary nephew; it's a great fortune, truly a great fortune.

If not for this nephew, I would truly be finished.

"There is a traitor within the court."

"I must root you out."

"I will tear you to pieces, crush your bones and scatter your ashes."

Emperor Yongsheng roared in his heart.

He truly was grateful, grateful that Gu Jin Nian was there, otherwise a huge disaster would have occurred.

But more importantly, there was hatred.

He does not hate the Xiongnu State for scheming against Da Xia, because that is a reasonable thing; after all they are the enemy.

He hates his own people for actually doing such a thing; that is what he truly despises.

However, Emperor Yongsheng said not a word.

He just watched silently.

He knew that his nephew was helping him; he now needed not say a single word—speaking would be a mistake—everything could be left to Gu Jin Nian.

Yet at this moment, Emperor Yongsheng was filled with affection for Gu Jin Nian.

All the glory for the great feat went entirely to his uncle, not a bit to Gu Jin Nian.

When Gu Jin Nian finished speaking, the Da Xia people would instantly think that everything was under his control, that the marriage alliance was nothing but a scheme.

Not only can it quell the people's grievances, but more importantly, it can make the people think that this emperor holds wisdom like a pearl, is supremely intelligent, and has already seen through the enemy's schemes.

Even the civil and military officials would think so.

Because this possibility exists, and moreover he is the emperor, and Gu Jin Nian, by sheer coincidence, happens to intervene at this moment, the whole logic is completely sound.

Good nephew.

Truly a good nephew.

As expected, he is indeed my own blood nephew.

Grant a marquisate.

It must be a marquisate.

After the celebration, Emperor Yong Sheng was extremely delighted, and he firmly resolved in his heart to grant Gu Jin Nian a marquisate.

After this matter is settled, he will grant Gu Jin Nian a marquisate with a resounding title.

Unfortunately, under Da Xia's ancestral system, only a prince can be made a king; otherwise, Emperor Yong Sheng would truly like to give his nephew a kingship.

After all, we are family.

The North Gate of the Capital.

The civil and military officials gradually came to their senses; they are all sharp people, and without Gu Jin Nian's words, they truly could not have imagined.

Now, with Gu Jin Nian's statement, the officials' gazes changed somewhat in an instant.

Before they were merely displeased, but now they appear strange.

Marrying a princess at most disgusts people; they don't care much, as they have been disgusted before.

But now marrying a princess for the sake of the nation's destiny is a different matter.

This is entirely two different concepts.

No, two concepts of cosmic magnitude.

Especially the officials of the Ministry of Rites, whose faces turned pallid upon hearing this.

Although Gu Jin Nian presented no evidence, once he spoke, they vaguely sensed something amiss.

Even if there is only a one percent chance, once confirmed, a major incident will ensue.

Sending the princess to a marriage alliance, the other side would steal the nation's destiny.

The Ministry of Rites will be the first unlucky.

Since the Ministry of Rites handles the whole affair, when that time comes, whether you truly don't know or are feigning ignorance, you must go to the Suspended Lantern Office.

If you survive, you can investigate slowly later; if you die, you die.

After all, with such a major accident, you will be held responsible.

Fortunately, Gu Jin Nian prevented this crisis.

This potentially occurring crisis.

Although after this matter ends the Ministry of Rites will certainly be held accountable, at least it won't be too terrible; few will be implicated, and it won't be as brutal as a whole‑family extermination.

It can be considered a partial rescue.

But many troubles remain.

"I have no idea what the Crown Prince is saying."

"Whether to steal the nation's destiny or not."

"Can a marriage alliance steal the nation's destiny? Truly a joke."

"The Great Jin Dynasty and the Fuyu Dynasty have also formed marriage alliances; may I ask, Crown Prince, has the Great Jin Dynasty's destiny been stolen by the Fuyu Dynasty?"

"If, for this marriage alliance, the Crown Prince is unwilling, then my Xiongnu Nation will abandon it; there is no need to spill blood and spray people. If the Crown Prince only seeks a baseless accusation to keep us here."

"I could easily die here, but if you intend to frame me, I must refuse."

Mu Hal's expression remained calm.

As for the alleged theft of the nation's destiny, he could never admit it.

Whether it is or isn't.

If he were to admit it, it would no longer be a joke.

Moreover, he believes Gu Jin Nian cannot produce evidence.

Emperor Yong Sheng also cannot produce evidence.

Because stealing the nation's destiny through a marriage alliance is unprecedented; unless the Great Scholar of the Kong family swears it possible, he would not believe it.

"Heh."

Gu Jin Nian sneered, "A dead duck putting up a fight, huh? Then may I ask Mu Hal, do you dare to question your conscience?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke up.

He asked the other party directly.

Since it isn't about stealing the nation's destiny, do you dare to question your conscience? Upon saying this, the latter showed no change in expression, steady as Mount Tai, yet his heart had already been stirred by a tremendous wave.

"What is there not to dare?"

"It's just, why should I question my conscience?"

"What if you're not asking about this matter, but about the military secrets of my Xiongnu Nation?"

"If you truly wish to question conscience, go to the Great Jin Dynasty, invite its Great Scholar, and Da Xia can send someone to supervise."

"In the Da Xia Dynasty, wanting to question my heart? Foolish delusion."

Mu Hal, also silver‑tongued, clearly did not dare, yet he spoke pompously and even demanded to go to the Great Jin Dynasty.

Who doesn't know that the Great Jin Dynasty and the Xiongnu Nation have an excellent relationship?

Even if one truly goes to the Great Jin Dynasty and summons its Great Scholar, they can still fabricate.

"There's no need to go to the Great Jin Dynasty."

"Today we will question the heart here, in front of the people."

"If after the questioning there is no such matter, I, Gu, will never block the marriage alliance; if Mu Xiang feels it's not enough to vent his anger, I, Gu, will today hand over the listed head to the Xiongnu, so as not to be accused of wronging Mu Xiang."

"May I ask Mu Xiang, the heir's listed head is no worse than a mere questioning of conscience, right?"

Gu Jin Nian spoke, his tone pressing and aggressive.

"Now is not the time to conceal any edge; strike when needed, don't stop at a point, hit the enemy's sore spot. If we don't kill them outright, what are we keeping them for? A New Year? 'What do you want with the listed head?'"

"His Highness the Crown Prince, could you please stop causing trouble here."

"Since the marriage alliance is off, we will return to court and report."

"If you forcibly keep us here."

"We cannot guarantee that the king will act directly; when the border runs red with blood, whatever the war's final outcome, those who die now are certainly dead."

Mu Ha'er at this moment also stopped pretending.

Question the heart?

Thinking too much.

If the marriage alliance is rejected, they will leave; if we truly force them to stay, the Xiongnu will definitely launch a direct war, giving Da Xia no chance or time to react.

Then the border will be a slaughter.

No need to discuss the outcome; in any case, Da Xia will inevitably suffer a huge loss first.

Indeed.

When this was said, many fell silent.

This is a stark threat.

And it was at this moment.

A voice rang out from the palace.

It was the voice of Emperor Yongsheng.

"Let them go."

"Let them live."

"I will let them see with their own eyes how Da Xia Iron Cavalry rides to trample the royal court."

"Return and tell your king, as of today Da Xia formally declares war, with the Ministry of Rites drafting the proclamation."

At this moment.

Emperor Yongsheng's voice was supremely domineering.

He is the emperor of Da Xia.

Every word represents Da Xia's will.

Today.

He spoke, intending to declare war.

Then no one can stop it.

Even if the Six Ministries' ministers keep urging, since the Emperor is set on war, it will truly begin.

Not the slightest ambiguous.

And not the slightest careless.

With those words spoken.

The capital was filled with astonishment.

The common folk also did not expect the Emperor to be so resolute.

But once they recovered, deafening cheers erupted.

"Your Majesty is mighty!"

"Long live the Emperor!"

Terrifying voices rose from every corner of Da Xia Capital.

Declare war!

Declare war!

Declare war!

The humiliation of the twelve border cities will truly be settled this year.

This hatred.

Da Xia Dynasty has never forgotten.

It has been recorded for twelve years.

Now, at last, the day has arrived.

The day of Da Xia Dynasty's reckoning has arrived.

Horses trample the royal court.

Lion Awakening.

Northern Gate of the Capital.

Xiongnu Chancellor Mu Ha'er's complexion turned exceedingly grim.

He truly did not expect things to reach this point.

The Xiongnu are not afraid of Da Xia.

But the Xiongnu also do not wish to fight Da Xia; once war starts, although they have assistance from the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty.

So what? Aren't the dead still Xiongnu?

Winning is another matter.

Lost? That's all the Xiongnu—each death makes them fewer.

And even if we win, how much can we win?

Unless we completely occupy Da Xia's northwest region; if we truly occupy it, wouldn't the Fuyu Dynasty and the Great Jin Dynasty each claim a share? To put it bluntly, if we truly seize it, the two great dynasties would surely loot the land.

And the Xiongnu nation is purely working for the two great dynasties.

They aren't stupid.

Unless the timing is ripe, or unless absolutely forced, they will never declare war on Da Xia.

"Your Majesty of Da Xia, there must be a misunderstanding here."

"Please forgive me, Your Majesty; after I return to my country, I will certainly clarify everything."

"This marriage alliance is truly for the friendship of the two nations."

"No other intent."

Mu Ha'er dares not speak recklessly and can only respond in this vein.

But Emperor Yongsheng offers only a single, indifferent word.

"Scram."

That is Emperor Yongsheng's attitude.

Unaware of the theft of national destiny, Emperor Yongsheng would care about the situation between great powers and consider many matters.

But knowing the other side came for national destiny, would Emperor Yongsheng still give them a friendly look? Upon hearing that word.

Mu Ha'er's eyes are filled with helplessness.

But he dares not say anything.

Because if he doesn't leave now, he may truly be unable to leave.

"Leave."

Mu Ha'er speaks, leading the Xiongnu away, but the next moment another voice sounds.

It is Emperor Yongsheng's.

"Only release twenty people."

As the voice sounds, Mu Ha'er's expression darkens.

Only twenty can be released, meaning the remaining Xiongnu must stay in Da Xia.

They can serve as hostages or be used to study tactics.

Loss.

Bloody loss.

Counting the earlier loss of national destiny.

This marriage alliance is such a loss it makes one question life.

"Leave!"

Mu Ha'er says, his expression resolute, leading Qi Qi Mu and other Xiongnu nobles away.

One under a eave must bow one's head.

It's an unavoidable matter.

They depart.

Qi Qi Mu watches it all, his heart like ash; originally, after the marriage alliance ended, he could receive a reward.

But now, he has nothing.

He hates.

Hate.

Qi Qi Mu's gaze falls on Gu Jin Nian; he fears nothing now—whether he returns or stays, both are unlucky.

At this moment, he still cannot control his emotions.

Looking at Gu Jin Nian, he says.

"Gu Jin Nian."

"Someday, we will meet."

He speaks, a sliver of reason restraining him from saying anything too harsh.

Yet this sentence is also full of threat.

Someday we will meet.

He will definitely crush Gu Jin Nian to the bone and scatter his ashes.

Listening to Qi Qi Mu speak, Mu Ha'er truly cannot bear it.

Now that it's come to this, please stop provoking Gu Jin Nian, okay?

I beg you.

But a scene that completely breaks Mu Ha'er occurs.

"Crown Prince."

"I give you the final nine words."

Gu Jin Nian's voice sounds.

At the sound of those words.

The Xiongnu are utterly stunned.

And the Da Xia common folk show an unparalleled look of anticipation.

Curious about what Gu Jin Nian will say next.

"Who offends Da Xia!"

Even if far, they shall be punished!

The voice was not loud.

But their gaze was extremely resolute.

And at this moment.

Above the capital of Da Xia.

Figures appeared one after another.

Standing upon the firmament.

The next moment, a cry of alarm rang out.

This is the emperor of Great Qian, this is the emperor of Great Qian.

The voice sounded again, shocking all directions once more.

Thanks to the alliance leader FFF Gougougou for the reward! Thank you! Extra chapters will be made up later!

(End of chapter)