Chapter 62

Daxia Academy.

In the classroom, three or four hundred students, covered in mud, stood before their desks, while Gu Jinnian, holding a brush stained with ink, stood in front of his desk.

In fact, for this class, Gu Jinnian purely wanted them to experience the hardships of farming, without any special meaning, just to let them taste a bit of hardship and avoid idle chatter all day long.

He never expected to attract Su Wenjing and the Crown Prince.

But it didn't matter.

This was a good opportunity to establish his authority.

At that moment,

Gu Jinnian gathered his literary talent and slowly wrote, "Spring sows a single grain, autumn reaps ten thousand seeds."

"Four seas without idle fields, farmers still starve to death."

"Under the midday sun, sweat drips onto the soil."

"Who knows the hardship in every grain on the plate?"

As the ink fell, it coalesced, and everyone turned their gaze, instantly revealing looks of surprise.

At almost the same time, a gentle breeze blew through the wheat fields, and in an instant, threads of golden light emanated from the poem.

"Another anomaly?"

"How can there be another anomaly?"

"Why does he write poetry with anomalies?"

"Poetry showing anomalies, this is incredible."

For a moment, various voices arose, and the over three hundred scholars were directly stunned.

Compared to the anomalies of a child prodigy, the anomalies of poetry were even rarer. After all, articles have many words and can contain numerous principles, but poetry is different, with only a few dozen words, making it difficult to infuse spirit and energy.

But Gu Jinnian's poetry actually produced another anomaly, which was incredible.

But at that moment,

The rice paper trembled, and in an instant, beams of light burst forth from the paper.

The anomaly erupted.

It was ten times more intense than before.

The terrifying light swept through the entire academy, heavy as a mountain, like a true dragon coiling around the academy.

Everyone's clothes were blown askew, and the wind made their long hair dance wildly. In front of the desk,

Gu Jinnian quietly watched this terrifying anomaly.

There was no surprise in his eyes, because this poem itself had been passed down for a thousand years, to show empathy for farmers.

"National fortune poem."

At that moment, in the midst of the strong wind, Su Wenjing's expression changed. Based on this anomaly, he instantly knew what kind of poem it was.

A poem recognized by the national fortune.

At that moment, Su Wenjing was truly shocked. He didn't expect Gu Jinnian to write another national fortune poem.

But as he carefully pondered the poem,

It was fitting for the scene and the heart, with just forty words, it conveyed the suffering of the people and the sincere intention to advise, hoping that people would cherish food and not waste it. If this poem were to be promoted, it would likely resonate with all the people of Daxia.

Good poem.

Truly a good poem.

Not just Su Wenjing,

The Crown Prince was also stunned. He had read national fortune poems, but he never expected to witness the birth of one today. As the current Crown Prince, he understood the meaning of this poem very well.

The line "Four seas without idle fields, farmers still starve to death" was a problem faced by every dynasty, wasn't it?

Moreover, this poem was a sharp critique of extravagance and waste.

In the homes of the nobility, a single banquet might have seventy-two dishes and twelve jugs of wine, but after the meal, each dish would have only a fraction left.

The leftover food would all be thrown into the slop, to be fed to pigs.

"Who knows the hardship in every grain on the plate?"

Truly, it was good.

At that moment, Li Gao's gaze towards Gu Jinnian had changed dramatically.

Before this poem, he thought Gu Jinnian was clever, writing timeless articles, a great talent, but ultimately still a young man with a youthful spirit.

Otherwise, he wouldn't have quarreled with his son.

But now, it was different. Someone who could write such poetry must have the people in their heart; otherwise, how could they write such poetry?

A golden dragon coiled around Daxia Academy.

Then, a dragon's roar echoed, and the capital instantly buzzed with excitement.

"It's a dragon."

"Quick, look, a dragon has appeared at Daxia Academy."

"How can there be a dragon?"

Voices of the people rose, and everyone turned their gaze towards Daxia Academy.

"It's a national fortune poem, a national fortune poem."

Is this a national fortune poem? Who wrote it?

"Is it Mr. Wenjing?"

"How can another national fortune poem appear so soon after the timeless article? Is the Confucian path of Daxia truly rising?"

Numerous voices arose.

In the capital of Daxia,

Emperor Yongsheng, who was still dealing with the flood in Jiangning County, was also startled at that moment.

He sensed something and turned his gaze.

"National fortune poem."

Emperor Yongsheng was somewhat surprised, and his eyes flashed with a sharp light as he focused his gaze.

Soon, he looked somewhat strange.

"Jinnian?"

He was also surprised, not expecting his nephew to write another national fortune poem.

Such poetry could increase the national fortune.

Although not much, for a vast dynasty, even a small increase in national fortune was invaluable. National fortune could influence the development of the dynasty.

With national fortune, there would be favorable weather and no disasters.

Without national fortune, there would be continuous disasters and the people would suffer.

Throughout history, emperors had three great achievements that could be enshrined in the ancestral temple:

Expanding the territory,

Bringing prosperity to the dynasty, and

Achieving national fortune.

Any one of these achievements could be enshrined in the ancestral temple, receiving offerings for generations.

If two were achieved, one could be a great emperor, and if all three were achieved, one could be a timeless emperor. Emperor Yongsheng did not aspire to achieve all three; expanding the territory and bringing prosperity were his goals, but achieving national fortune was something he did not dare to hope for.

But if someone could increase the national fortune for Daxia, it would be a great blessing for him. However, the flood in Jiangning County made him unable to feel truly happy.

If Jiangning County were not handled well, the reduction in national fortune would be more than a hundred times greater than this.

"Summon someone to grant Gu Jinnian twelve jade seals, and have the Ministry of Rites prepare a title for him, draft the title, and report back."

Although he couldn't feel truly happy, the rewards that should be given must still be given. Granting a title was a significant reward.

Although it was a viscount, it was already an unparalleled honor. After all, how many people in Daxia could achieve this without any official rank or reaching the age of majority?

"遵旨." (Comply with the imperial command.)

Wei Xian spoke and immediately set about the task.

The old man looked towards Daxia Academy, his expression somewhat solemn.

"National fortune poem."

"Daxia Academy truly harbors many talents."

Due to the national fortune, he could not see who wrote it, so he spoke with a somewhat solemn expression.

To write a national fortune poem, one must be a great talent of the era. Jinnian has met a worthy opponent.

Beside him, Gu Qianzhou could not help but speak, feeling somewhat heavy-hearted.

They did not think this poem was written by Gu Jinnian. Although Gu Jinnian had written timeless articles, poetry was not his strong suit.

Ten years of honing a sword was, in their view, already the highest standard for Gu Jinnian.

After all, poetry was not the main focus of Confucian studies but a skill. "What kind of opponent is this? Just poetry, what's the big deal? Compared to this year's timeless article, what is this? Just a national fortune poem."

Ran spoke, his expression solemn, feeling that the limelight was not Gu Jinnian's. But such actions that boost others' morale and undermine one's own were not to be encouraged, as his father had taught him. "A mere national fortune poem, nothing much, just a minor branch of Confucian studies."

Qianzhou nodded in agreement, feeling the same way. However, the next moment, the steward appeared quickly. "Congratulations, my lord, the Crown Prince has written a national fortune poem."

As the steward's voice echoed,

The two of them were stunned again.

"You mean this poem was written by Jinnian?"

The old man was stunned and could not help but ask, "Yes, my lord, it was written by the Crown Prince, without a doubt."

The steward nodded excitedly.

Instantly, cheers of joy arose. "Hahahaha, a national fortune poem, good, good, good, Jinnian is truly good."

"To be able to write a national fortune poem, he truly lives up to being my grandson. Quickly, copy it down and hang it in my study."

The old man was extremely excited, his old face beaming with joy. "A national fortune poem."

"Jinnian can write a national fortune poem, it seems he has truly learned all my knowledge."

Gu Qianzhou muttered, his eyes filled with joy. The two of them were overjoyed and left excitedly. They went to invite people for a drink. With such a major event, they had to spread the news. As for Daxia Academy, the golden dragon circled the academy several times and then surged into the capital, transforming into a brilliant golden light that illuminated the sky. The anomaly lasted for about fifteen minutes before finally dissipating. Crack. At that moment, the desk cracked, and the rice paper floated in the air, supported by the anomaly, a testament to the weight of each word. "Words as heavy as a thousand catties." Someone whistled, realizing the situation. At that moment, no one dared to make a sound. Fang Yong and others stood not far away, their faces pale, completely silent. Who knew that Gu Jinnian was really writing poetry, and it was a national fortune poem. In an instant, they became the villains, feeling utterly ashamed. Just then, as the anomaly completely disappeared, Gu Jinnian looked at the students with a calm expression and then at Su Wenjing, speaking calmly. "Mr. Wenjing." "Yesterday, while strolling in the courtyard, I encountered a garbage cart and found twelve wooden buckets, all filled with leftover food." "This time, Jiangning County suffered a flood, and the refugees are in dire straits, with no food to eat. Seeing these leftovers, I felt ashamed." "Coming to this place again, seeing the bountiful harvest of the people, and thinking of the past, I was moved to write this poem." "Today, I gathered all my classmates here to share this story." "Who knows the hardship in every grain on the plate." "We were born into wealth, wearing fine clothes and eating delicacies. If we care about the world and the suffering of the people, we must set an example, understand the hardships of farming, and strive to serve the court." Gu Jinnian spoke. He had no anger or pretense, but spoke from the heart to everyone present. "Good." Instantly, the Crown Prince's voice echoed. He fully endorsed what Gu Jinnian said. "Jinnian." "You truly make me look at you with new eyes." "At such a young age, you understand such profound truths. I am ashamed, truly ashamed." "Jinnian, I came today to plead for my son, Ji. I ask you to forgive him." "But knowing your intentions, I am even more ashamed." "From today, Li Ji will follow you and study diligently. If he oversteps, you may deal with him as you see fit." "Beat him to death if you must." "Li Ji, remember, Gu Jinnian is your senior. If you speak out of turn again, I will not spare you." Li Gao's voice echoed. His body trembled, speaking from the heart. At the same time, he was furious with his son. What was Li Ji doing here? He couldn't have been unaware, right? Wasn't he just looking for trouble with Gu Jinnian? Gu Jinnian was teaching diligently, and he came to cause trouble? After being beaten, he still felt wronged. Gu Jinnian is talented and virtuous; why provoke him? Are you crazy? Besides, who is behind Gu Jinnian? The Gu family. His son was truly spoiled, but anyone with a brain would know not to provoke Gu Jinnian. Thinking of this, Li Gao took out his jade belt and looked at Li Ji, who was hanging from a tree, and started beating him fiercely. Li Ji screamed again, his body numb. Gu Jinnian would hold back when beating him, after all, he was the Crown Prince. But his father beat him without mercy, each strike leaving a bloody mark, truly painful. "Father, stop, stop, I'll listen, I'll listen." "Uncle Jinnian, Uncle Jinnian, Uncle, please, save me." "Uncle Jinnian, I beg you, I promise to listen to you, please save me." Li Ji screamed, his body convulsing, he might defecate. "Your Highness, there's no need for this. Let him follow me from now on." Gu Jinnian was stunned. His father was really ruthless, each strike leaving a bloody mark, it hurt just to look at it. "Jinnian, this has nothing to do with you. If I don't teach him a lesson, he won't learn." "Also, don't call me Your Highness, call me brother." Li Gao spoke, sternly. No one could persuade him; he beat Li Ji mercilessly, wanting to give him a harsh lesson to remember. Everyone was silent. Who would have thought that the usually gentle Crown Prince could be so terrifying? After all, Li Ji was beaten senseless, and Li Gao was still furious. "He fainted, what a useless son." "Bring water to wake him up." Li Gao ordered, even though he was fainted, he still wanted to beat him. But it was just a show of anger; everyone remained silent, who would dare to bring water? It was Su Huaiyu who moved. "I'll get the water." Gu Jinnian immediately stopped Su Huaiyu, this was not the time to be clever. It was unnecessary. "Your Highness, calm down." "The punishment is enough, no need to be angry." At this critical moment, Su Wenjing spoke, giving the Crown Prince a way out. "My son is stubborn, please forgive him." Li Gao spoke, feeling somewhat hurt. After all, compared to Gu Jinnian, his son was truly useless. "Brother Jinnian." "I