Chapter 50

A hundred miles outside Kyoto.

Gu Jia's carriage sped along the official road.

And surrounding it were dozens of ink-colored fierce horses galloping.

On the fierce horses, all were great scholars.

Only great scholars could achieve the level of transforming their talent into horses.

The fierce horses galloped, not slowing down, always chasing Gu Jinyan's carriage.

And behind them, various voices sounded.

"Little friend Jinyan, I am Xu Mo, the third imperial examination top scholar of the Great Xia Dynasty, well-versed in the Eight Strings of ancient texts. Little friend Jinyan, I won't say anything else, but if you become my disciple, I will surely pass on all my skills to you and help you advance to a great scholar before you turn twenty."

"Xu Ru, don't spread your lies here."

"Your Highness, I won't say anything else, but did Cheng Ming bully you? If you become my disciple, I will immediately help you reclaim your dignity."

"Zhou Ru, don't joke around here. With your physique, you want to trouble Cheng Ming? Your Highness, I am already a great scholar, but I also practice martial arts. Let me handle it, and I will slap Cheng Ming to death for you to vent your anger."

"Your Highness, a thousand-mile horse is hard to find, and so is a wise judge. I am willing to be your wise judge. Your Highness, as long as you become my disciple, I will give you everything. I have a daughter who is graceful and beautiful, and we can become in-laws."

One voice after another sounded.

Chasing Gu Jia's carriage.

Inside the jade carriage.

Gu Ningya was thoroughly flabbergasted.

He had never seen such a scene.

In his memory, these scholars, whenever they saw the Gu family, would call them warriors. Sometimes, if he spat in the capital, these people would report him.

He never thought that one day, these scholars would fawn over the Gu family so much.

This was truly a turn of the tide.

"If I had known, I would have studied hard back then."

"Maybe they would have sought me out."

Inside the jade carriage, Gu Ningya pondered.

But soon, his gaze fell on Gu Jinyan.

His tone was somewhat curious.

"Big nephew."

"Are you really not going to the Great Xia Academy?"

"Uncle reminds you, there are three heavenly mandates in the Great Xia Academy. Su Wenjing has one. If you don't go, who knows..."

If it were before, Gu Ningya wouldn't have said anything.

But now it was different. The Great Xia Academy had three heavenly mandates, and Su Wenjing had one. The Gu family had one.

But who wouldn't want more heavenly mandates?

As for how to obtain more, he didn't know, but at the very least, you should go, right?

That's why he asked Gu Jinyan like this.

"I said I'm not going, so I won't."

"What's so great about the Great Xia Academy?"

Gu Jinyan seemed very calm.

It wasn't that he was being stubborn; it was mainly that these scholars made him feel nauseous.

Having lived two lives, Gu Jinyan understood that many things are determined by one's position, especially for scholars who value their interests.

But at the very least, shouldn't they have a bit of scholarly pride?

But in the end?

None at all?

Especially Cheng Ming, if it weren't for his status, Gu Jinyan would have slapped him long ago.

"Good."

"Truly worthy of our Gu family."

"What a load of nonsense, the Great Xia Academy."

Gu Ningya nodded, supporting Gu Jinyan.

The Gu family couldn't stand being humiliated.

Gu Jinyan's actions and behavior pleased him.

However, Gu Ningya's voice continued.

"Big nephew."

"I support your words, but there are some things I must say, whether you like it or not, you must listen."

"Don't make decisions based on a moment's impulse. I'm not just advising you now."

"But I hope you can think clearly and thoroughly before doing anything."

"For example, this time, Cheng Ming offended you, and he was in the wrong first. But if you want to deal with him, you must think clearly about one thing."

"Kill him or let it go."

"No one in the capital is a pushover. Just like the officials in the court, they act friendly during meetings, but in reality, there are no major conflicts."

"But behind the scenes, they collect evidence against each other. Once they have enough to kill, they will do so without mercy."

"Unless you are still useful, otherwise, these people will not hesitate to take your life."

"Jinyan, do you understand this?"

Gu Ningya changed his usual playful smile to a serious and earnest expression.

In the past, he treated Gu Jinyan like a child, and a playful smile was fine. But today, Gu Jinyan's talent showed that he was very smart and had grown up.

So these principles must be instilled in him in time to prevent him from suffering in the future.

Listening to his sixth uncle's words.

Gu Jinyan nodded, understanding them.

The struggle in the court.

Either strike to kill or wait for the right moment, otherwise, you will be eliminated by others.

"You understand well."

"Alright, big nephew, rest well."

"Estimate that the manor is already preparing."

"There is one thing you must remember. When the old man's friends ask why you can write such a timeless article, you must say a few good words about your sixth uncle."

"Don't say anything else, but your sixth uncle has taught you the principles of the sages since childhood. You must not forget your sixth uncle, understand?"

Gu Ningya smiled, returning to his usual playful demeanor.

But these words made Gu Jinyan pause.

Principles of the sages?

You taught me the principles of the brothel, not the sages.

Sixth Uncle, can't you stop flattering yourself?

Gu Jinyan didn't say what he was thinking.

Instead, he leaned back in the jade carriage, pondering.

First, to fully understand his sixth uncle's words.

Second, to think clearly about his future.

Since he had already decided not to go to the Great Xia Academy, he must think carefully about what to do next.

Thus,

In a moment, about an hour passed.

The jade carriage returned to the Gu family manor.

At this moment, the Gu family manor was already bustling with activity, with lanterns and decorations everywhere, like a festival.

Firecrackers lined the streets, extending from three streets away to the mansion.

Many people gathered, and the citizens of the capital came to watch the festivities.

The Gu family servants distributed various sweets and red envelopes filled with copper coins to the gathered citizens.

Everything was for the celebration.

As the jade carriage returned,

The sound of firecrackers instantly exploded, crackling loudly, creating a festive atmosphere.

When the jade carriage finally appeared outside the mansion,

The sound of firecrackers subsided.

Instead, a sharp voice rang out.

"By the decree of His Majesty."

"In the twelfth year of Yongsheng, on the seventh day of the tenth month, a celestial phenomenon descended, blessing the Great Xia. Gu Jinyan, the eldest grandson of the Marquis of the State, wrote a timeless article, enhancing the prestige of the Great Xia and setting an example for the scholars."

"Special reward: a Great Xia gold medal, allowing free entry to the palace, to accompany the emperor, listen to the sage's words, and nine jade dragons. The Inner Affairs Bureau is to prepare three sets of scholar robes and twelve sets of royal regalia. A jade carriage is also granted, wishing Gu Jinyan to focus on his studies and assist the Great Xia for generations."

The voice echoed.

It was the decree from Emperor Yongsheng.

As Gu Jinyan stepped out of the jade carriage, the decree was announced.

"Commoner Gu Jinyan, thank Your Majesty."

"May Your Majesty live ten thousand years, ten thousand, ten thousand years."

Gu Jinyan bowed to the decree. He currently had no official title, so calling himself a commoner was appropriate.

Soon, Gu Jinyan received the decree, and Gu Ningya immediately took out a silver ticket and quietly placed it in the eunuch's hand.

The eunuch immediately smiled and said to Gu Jinyan,

"Your Highness."

"Although the emperor has not read your article, he is already very pleased and has specially asked you to visit the palace when you have time."

Having received the money, the eunuch was very happy and specially informed him of this.

"Alright, please inform my uncle when you return to the palace. I might visit in a few days."

Gu Jinyan smiled.

The eunuch nodded.

Then he bowed to the mansion, showing respect to the Marquis of the State.

He then left the place.

After the eunuch left,

The sound of drums and gongs resumed.

The steward shouted,

"Welcome the return of His Highness."

As the sound faded,

The mansion became even more lively, with another round of firecrackers.

Gu Ningya walked ahead with a joyful expression, and Gu Jinyan followed behind.

As for Su Huaiyu, he disappeared after entering the capital, and no one knew where he went.

Upon entering the mansion,

The steward immediately led Gu Jinyan and Gu Ningya inside.

"Sixth Master, His Highness, the old master is holding a banquet in the Wuxiang Garden. All the marquises and dukes are here, waiting for you two."

The steward smiled and said.

"Are they all here?"

Gu Ningya was somewhat curious.

"Sixth Master, everyone who could be invited is here, and many officials from the court have also come."

The steward replied.

"Alright."

Gu Ningya nodded and then looked at Gu Jinyan.

"Jinyan, remember what your sixth uncle said. You must say it was your sixth uncle's achievement, understand?"

Gu Ningya lowered his voice, reminding Gu Jinyan to be careful.

"Don't worry, Sixth Uncle, I will."

Gu Jinyan nodded.

He felt a bit helpless but couldn't resist his sixth uncle's request.

Thus,

Following the steward, they arrived at the Wuxiang Garden.

At this moment, the Wuxiang Garden was already filled with guests.

The garden was not small, but it was now filled with tables. Many maidservants were busy serving tea and water. Marquises, dukes, officials from the Ministry of War, and even some scholars were all