Chapter 51

Inside the Wànxiàng Garden.

The noise was chaotic, a cacophony of voices.

The Marquis of Zhen guo spoke with a haughty air, spittle flying from his mouth.

His words left everyone speechless.

But the one most hurt was Gu Ningya.

What does it mean to be a misshapen melon or a cracked jujube?

Father, it’s one thing to say it at home, but you say it in front of outsiders too?

Are you really my father?

Gu Ningya felt terrible.

The smile on his face was stiff and forced.

But at that moment, everyone’s attention turned to Gu Jinnian.

“Nian’er, my good grandson, you’re here.”

The old man’s voice rang out, his face beaming as he looked at Gu Jinnian.

He even walked over directly, completely ignoring Gu Ningya, and affectionately pulled Gu Jinnian’s arm, pushing him in front of everyone.

“You old fellows, don’t drink for now.”

“My grandson is here.”

It was clear that the old man was truly happy, his smile never leaving his face.

At that moment,

Everyone’s gaze also turned to Gu Jinnian.

Facing these high-ranking officials,

Gu Jinnian showed no arrogance, instead, he was extremely respectful, bowing to everyone.

“Jinnian greets all uncles and aunts.”

“Today, Grandfather has set up this banquet on short notice. If there are any shortcomings in the hospitality, I hope all uncles and aunts will forgive me.”

Gu Jinnian was very humble, showing no pride at all.

This performance instantly won him the favor of the crowd, especially since the old man was so detestable. Before Gu Jinnian arrived, they had to listen to the old man scold for half an hour.

The civil officials with good tempers remained silent.

The military officers with bad tempers also kept quiet.

Why?

Firstly, the old man was highly respected, and secondly, Gu Jinnian was indeed outstanding.

Who wouldn’t be proud to attract such a remarkable phenomenon? They understood, but it still made them feel uncomfortable.

Now that Gu Jinnian had returned, he politely called everyone uncles and aunts, showing such respect. In contrast to the old man, the difference was stark.

“Look at our Jinnian, he speaks so humbly. No wonder we raised him.”

“Good, good, Jinnian, well said.”

“Tsk, tsk, Old One, can’t you learn from your grandson? Look at you, you have no grace at all. Those civil officials criticize us every day, and it’s all because of you. Look at our grandson, he’s better than you.”

“To be honest, Old Man Gu, I’ve had three meals, but I can’t figure out why you can have a son like Jinnian.”

The military officers spoke one after another, praising Gu Jinnian nonstop.

“Ha, you people are just jealous of me.”

“Jinnian, you tell me, don’t I teach you the teachings of the sages every day? Isn’t your success due to me?”

The old man ignored the civil officials and looked directly at his precious grandson.

“Grandfather is right.”

“Nian’er has grown up listening to the teachings of the sages from Grandfather.”

Gu Jinnian forced a smile and said.

With these words, the old man’s face glowed even more.

At the same time, a voice slowly sounded.

“Cough, cough.”

“Jinnian, doesn’t Uncle Six also teach you the teachings of the sages?”

Hearing this, Gu Ningya put aside his previous displeasure and hurriedly stepped forward, his face serious.

But before Gu Jinnian could speak, the military officers spoke first.

“Old Six, you still have the nerve to mention the teachings of the sages? Do you remember when you burned off Master Qi’s beard as a child? If it weren’t for me, you would have been beaten to death by your father. You?”

“Old Six, don’t embarrass yourself. You teaching Jinnian the teachings of the sages? I think you’re dragging Jinnian down.”

“You, Old Six, a misshapen melon, come out and embarrass yourself.”

The military officers spoke sharply, leaving no room for praise.

Seeing his younger son being collectively mocked by the military officers, the old man was also pained. He kicked Gu Ningya to the side, his face full of displeasure.

“Embarrassing yourself.”

He was puzzled as to why his sixth son was so blind. Why did he have to butt in on everything?

They were praising Jinnian just fine, but he had to come and embarrass himself.

Gu Ningya, who had been kicked aside, felt a bit numb. He looked at Gu Jinnian, his expression pitiful.

“Actually, Uncle Six has taught me a lot. All uncles and aunts, my Uncle Six is actually very humble.”

Gu Jinnian spoke up, trying to defend his uncle.

These words earned him more praise from everyone.

“What a kind child Jinnian is.”

“Look at Jinnian, and then look at this Old Six. It’s really frustrating to compare people.”

Everyone spoke, treating the two of them with completely different attitudes.

With these words,

Gu Ningya became angrier the more he thought about it, and finally couldn’t hold back, stepping forward.

“Saying this is meaningless.”

“Do you really think I have no talent?”

Gu Ningya was very angry.

Damn, escorting Jinnian to the exam, I deserve some credit, right?

Besides, even though I’m a bit carefree, do you have to be so mean? Is it funny? Is it funny?

Hearing Gu Ningya speak, the banquet fell silent.

The Duke of An, who was seated at the head, spoke first, breaking the silence.

“Alright, then you recite a poem to liven things up. Make it about the banquet.”

The Duke of An looked at Gu Ningya.

Hearing this, Gu Ningya fell silent for a moment.

He would never hesitate to kill, but reciting a poem made him feel a bit numb.

But suddenly, Gu Ningya thought of something.

“Alright.”

“I’ll embarrass myself, but I won’t be as good as Jinnian, but I won’t be bad either.”

“This is a seven-character poem, listen carefully.”

“Cough, cough.”

Gu Ningya really thought of a poem.

Instantly, everyone fell completely silent, even the old man.

A hint of anticipation flashed in his eyes.

After all, this sixth son was his own flesh and blood, and he might have some talent.

Even Gu Jinnian was curious.

What kind of masterpiece could his sixth uncle recite?

“Thirty years of standing, winter comes and goes.”

Gu Ningya spoke, the first line sounded quite good, but the next lines made Gu Jinnian freeze.

“Jinnian sharpens his sword, and so do I.”

“Happily meeting uncles and aunts at the banquet.”

“Boldly reciting a poem, though I’m not talented.”

“Jinnian’s five-character, my seven-character.”

“Silencing the hall with my words.”

“Big brother, second brother, don’t laugh.”

“I......”

Gu Ningya was emotionally charged, but before he could finish, the old man kicked him again.

“Get out.”

“Embarrassing yourself, get out of my sight.”

The old man’s face was ashen, his eyes full of regret. He regretted letting Gu Ningya come and embarrass himself.

This time, he really embarrassed himself.

Sure enough,

The next moment, everyone at the banquet burst into laughter, especially the civil officials, who laughed so hard they couldn’t speak.

At that moment,

Gu Ningya, who had been kicked twice, was completely numb.

What’s wrong with this poem?

It fits the scene and the topic.

Suppressing me, are you?

Playing this game?

Fine, you guys wait, if you fall into my hands, and you, Father, remember this. When you’re old and can’t move, I’ll recite poems to you every day, whether you like it or not.

Gu Ningya was heartbroken.

Completely heartbroken, he left with gritted teeth, remembering everyone present, determined to take revenge someday.

Gu Ningya left.

At that moment, Gu Qianzhou slowly stood up.

“Jinnian.”

“You’ve done well, you haven’t disappointed your father.”

“You haven’t wasted the years of education your father has given you.”

“But your father still hopes you will be more humble, read more books, and not become arrogant. When the time comes, your father will show you some books. Read them well, understand?”

At a critical moment, Gu Qianzhou stood up.

He might as well take advantage of his son’s popularity.

But in the face of Gu Qianzhou’s shamelessness, the old man looked disgusted, but had nothing to say. After all, a father has the right to say a few words.

As for Gu Jinnian, he nodded.

“I understand.”

“Father, rest assured.”

“But my achievements are mainly due to the emperor’s guidance and my mother’s careful care.”

“Of course, Grandfather and Father have also been a great help. Please rest assured, I will not be arrogant. I will read more and serve the country faithfully.”

Gu Jinnian spoke.

Actually, whether it was the old man or his own father, Gu Jinnian didn’t care.

But with outsiders present, some formalities had to be observed, especially mentioning the emperor. This great achievement must be credited to his uncle.

Of course, his mother couldn’t be forgotten. This way, his mother’s status in the clan and the royal family would be higher.

And ultimately, he would benefit.

Indeed,

These words surprised everyone. They had been joking, but Gu Jinnian’s words were truly brilliant.

He didn’t embarrass his father or the old man, but gave the credit to the emperor, and also raised the status of Princess Ningyue.

This kid is truly wise.

Gu Qianzhou was extremely satisfied.

As for the old man, a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes. At a critical moment, his grandson understood this principle.

It seems his grandson is really going to achieve great things.

“Indeed, the emperor is wise.”

“Indeed, Jinnian is right, the emperor is wise.”

Everyone echoed.

“Grandfather, Father, uncles and aunts, after the long journey, I will retire first. I hope you understand.”

But at this point, Gu Jinnian didn’t stay any longer.

He planned to rest.

Staying would mean drinking, and a few cups wouldn’t be a problem, but looking at these people, they drink as if they’re using barrels. If I stay, they’ll say, “Big nephew, are you raising fish?”

Who can handle that?

“Alright.”

“Susu, take Jinnian to rest.”

“Jinnian, rest well. I’ll have the kitchen prepare something for you. Don’t go hungry.”

The old man, concerned, had the steward take Gu Jinnian to rest.

“Grandfather, rest assured.”

“Jinnian will retire first.”

Gu Jinnian smiled, bowed to the uncles and aunts, and then left.

This behavior, not just the military officers, even the civil officials praised him, exchanging glances, a common thought appearing in their minds.

This child is a treasure for the Gu family.

Less than half an hour later,

The banquet continued, filled with laughter and joy.

But Gu Jinnian, back at his residence, was truly tired.

With so much happening, he needed to review everything.

So he proposed to return and rest.

Perhaps because he had released too much talent, a wave of fatigue washed over him, and he gradually fell asleep.

Thus,

In no time,

It was already late at night.

According to the old man’s character, the grand banquet would have lasted until the next day, but upon learning that Gu Jinnian was sleeping, the old man didn’t force anyone to stay, making the mansion quieter to avoid disturbing Gu Jinnian.

Until the hour of the Ox,

A faint knock on the door sounded.

“Prince.”

“A guest has arrived.”

As the knock sounded,

Gu Jinnian woke up from his sleep.

He slowly opened his eyes, looking a bit weary.

It might be a side effect of the phenomenon.

But after a few breaths, Gu Jinnian gradually became more alert.

“Who’s here?”

Gu Jinnian was a bit curious.

Looking out the window, it was the hour of the Ox. Who would visit at this time?

“Mr. Wenjing.”

The steward’s voice sounded.

Gu Jinnian was a bit surprised.

But thinking about it, it made sense. After showing such talent, Su Wenjing couldn’t help but be interested.

But Gu Jinnian didn’t get angry. Instead, he immediately got up, opened the door, and personally welcomed Su Wenjing to the courtyard.

He was angry at Cheng Ming,

Not at Su Wenjing.

One is one, two is two, Gu Jinnian understood this.

In the courtyard,

Sure enough, Su Wenjing stood nearby, looking at him with a gentle expression.

“Student Gu Jinnian, I greet Mr. Wenjing.”

Gu Jinnian bowed, very humbly.

“Prince, you are too polite.”

“Visiting at night is a bit presumptuous, I hope Prince will not be angry.”

Su Wenjing smiled.

“Mr. Wenjing, you are too kind.”

“Please come in.”

Gu Jinnian spoke, leading Su Wenjing inside.

The latter nodded and followed Gu Jinnian into the room.

Then he spoke directly.

“Prince, do you remember our previous agreement?”

Su Wenjing smiled.

“I remember.”

Gu Jinnian thought Su Wenjing was there to persuade him to join the Daxia Academy.

But it turned out to be about this.

“I am here today to fulfill the agreement.”

Su Wenjing said.

Gu Jinnian remained calm, pouring Su Wenjing a cup of hot tea.

He was also curious about what Su Wenjing wanted to say.

“Prince, do you know why the emperor asked me to manage the academy?”

Su Wenjing asked, looking at Gu Jinnian.

With these words,

Gu Jinnian thought for a moment and then spoke.

“It’s not about the Mandate of Heaven, is it?”

Gu Jinnian asked.

But as he spoke, Su Wenjing was taken aback.

His hand, reaching for the cup, froze.

Oh, he guessed right.

Seeing Su Wenjing’s reaction, Gu Jinnian understood.

“