Chapter 82

Kyoto Confucian Mansion.

Kong Yu looked at the letter sent by Gu Jinnian.

His usually calm expression changed at this moment.

The people beside him also looked over.

A large "Get Lost" character was truly glaring.

No.

This was not just glaring.

This was a slap in the face.

He was the heir of the Confucian Mansion, hailed as the Sage's Grandson, and had already reached the fourth realm of the Scholarly Path at the age of twenty. The next step was to become the youngest Great Scholar.

If judged by the standards of a scholar, the Kong family was a family of sages, and he was a descendant of the sage, the Sage's Grandson. Any scholar must respect and revere him, even if there was enmity, they had to be polite on the surface.

This was a privilege and glory he was born with.

If not judged by the standards of a scholar, the Kong Mansion, as an immortal family, was not inferior to any noble, and the nobles of Daxia might not be nobles outside of Daxia. However, the people of the Kong Mansion, when they left Daxia, would be treated with respect by all countries.

Kong Yu had enjoyed countless favors since birth, and apart from the elders of the family, no one dared to treat him like this.

Now, he politely invited Gu Jinnian over, and unexpectedly received this word in return.

Slap.

The note was placed on the table, and Kong Yu did not show any ugly expression. Instead, he looked at everyone and said,

"Ladies and gentlemen."

"It seems Brother Gu is not giving any face at all."

"He doesn't even want any explanation."

"No wonder the people of Daxia call him the first talent of the Scholarly Path. Truly, he is so proud that he doesn't even look at me, the Sage's Grandson."

Kong Yu spoke.

His words were calm, but everyone knew that his heart was already in turmoil.

At this moment, everyone's eyes turned to the note.

The "Get Lost" character was instantly very prominent.

"Prince, I think there is still some issue with this matter, and it needs to be investigated in detail. As for what Gu Jinnian did, it was a matter of youthful indiscretion. I hope the Prince will not take it to heart."

At this moment, Yang Kai's voice sounded.

He spoke up for Gu Jinnian for a reason. The Fulu Dynasty was clearly trying to cause trouble, and he understood Kong Yu's thoughts.

The status of the Kong family in Daxia was deeply rooted and unshakable. After all, the Kong family was in Daxia.

In other dynasties, the Kong family had academies, but their relationship was not as good as in Daxia. If it weren't for the first sage, other countries might not be so polite to the Kong family.

Therefore, the Kong family had always been inclusive, ignoring national boundaries, and very friendly to other countries, treating outsiders as guests.

Whether or not it was directed at Gu Jinnian, Yang Kai did not speculate, but what Kong Yu was doing now was already favoring the Fulu Dynasty.

Naturally, he did not want the matter to be pursued further, as the Daxia Poetry Festival was approaching, and there was no need to cause trouble beforehand.

But to Kong Yu, Yang Kai's words sounded like he was siding with Gu Jinnian.

For a moment, Kong Yu couldn't help but smile slightly.

"Minister Yang, I heard that your granddaughter was teased by Gu Jinnian. Why are you speaking up for him today?"

Kong Yu asked.

With these words, Yang Kai's expression changed slightly.

The incident of Gu Jinnian's fall into the water was known to the Daxia Dynasty, but after some time, everyone did not want to mention it.

To pretend it never happened, but Kong Yu brought it up in front of so many people, wasn't this just asking for trouble?

"This..."

Yang Kai was at a loss for words, but at this moment, Yang Hanrou, who was standing behind him, spoke up.

"Sage's Grandson, Brother Jinnian never teased me, and I never said he did. There is a big misunderstanding, and I have already explained it to Brother Jinnian."

Yang Hanrou's words slightly eased the situation, but Yang Kai couldn't help but look at his granddaughter.

His eyes showed a hint of surprise. He didn't expect his granddaughter to speak up for Gu Jinnian.

This was truly unexpected.

But no matter what his granddaughter was thinking, the matter was over and there was no need to dwell on it.

"Oh?"

"Is that so?"

"I also thought, a great man like Gu Jinnian, the grandson of the Marquis of Zhen Guo, could not be such a shameless, lowly, and despicable person."

"But it seems Brother Gu is also angry, otherwise he wouldn't have done this."

Kong Yu nodded. He had no significant change in expression, showing his deep composure.

But soon, he continued, looking at Liu Ming and others.

"However, anger is one thing, but justice must be served."

"Since Gu Jinnian is unwilling to come, I, as the Sage's Grandson, cannot say much. After all, he is the first noble of Daxia. I hope the Third Prince will understand."

"But these academy students, I, the Sage's Grandson, can handle."

"Since you have injured others, it is against propriety. If strictly calculated, it is a disgrace to the nation and to the scholarly community, and should be severely punished. But considering it was a matter of youthful indiscretion, and the Daxia Poetry Festival is approaching, I will not impose severe punishment. You should now apologize to Liu Ming and others."

"Then receive twenty strokes of the cane, and the matter will be over. What do you think?"

Kong Yu spoke, not nitpicking with Gu Jinnian, but focusing on these students.

The meaning was simple: to let everyone know that those who stand with Gu Jinnian should be prepared for trouble, and if you listen to Gu Jinnian, now I will punish you. Is Gu Jinnian here? Will Gu Jinnian come out to help you?

Apologizing and receiving twenty strokes of the cane were not big deals, not military punishment, just a formality.

But it was enough to establish authority.

Gu Jinnian used a "Get Lost" to embarrass Kong Yu.

Kong Yu used these academy students to embarrass Gu Jinnian.

Following Gu Jinnian's orders, right?

Then suffer.

At these words, many people frowned, and Zhou Mao looked at Kong Yu and said,

"Sage's Grandson, I think there is some misunderstanding here. It is not appropriate to make a final judgment."

Zhou Mao spoke. He brought people here with good intentions, but now the students were being punished, where was his face?

"Sage's Grandson, we are not convinced."

"Yes, we are not convinced."

"Sage's Grandson, you are being partial."

At this moment, the students of the Daxia Academy also spoke up. Apologize? Apologize to these people? They were definitely not convinced.

"Partial?"

"Then may I ask, did you use force?"

"According to your logic, if one day you go to the Fulu Dynasty and make some demands, and if the other party does not agree, you can then use force against them?"

"Is this the conduct of a gentleman? Are you a true scholar?"

"Have you considered that if you use force today, the Daxia scholars in the Fulu Dynasty will also be treated the same way tomorrow?"

"Your ancestors taught you to be polite, not to settle matters with fists. Your actions are neither gentlemanly nor scholarly."

"If you do not apologize today, the consequences will be borne by you. When the impact is too great, don't blame the Kong Mansion for not helping you."

Kong Yu's words stunned everyone.

The students of the Daxia Academy were silent.

After all, they did use force, and it was not gentlemanly. Kong Yu stood on the moral high ground, and they could not refute him.

Silence.

Frustration.

Pain.

These were the feelings of the Daxia Academy students at this moment.

At this moment, even Zhou Mao did not know how to respond.

Using force was using force, and there was no way to explain it.

Kong Yu did not speak, just sitting quietly, while Liu Ming and others looked smug.

In the end, the Daxia Academy students sighed deeply.

"We are willing to accept the punishment."

They spoke, conceding.

Indeed, they conceded.

They also understood that Kong Yu was using them to establish authority. If they did not apologize, it would be fine, but they could start learning a trade, and forget about a career in politics.

A word from the Kong Mansion would ensure countless scholars would criticize them, and any mistake would be fatal.

Moreover, the threat was clear. The Fulu Dynasty would definitely take action, especially Liu Ming and others, who would target Daxia scholars when they returned to the Fulu Dynasty.

When such news spread, the responsibility would be on them.

This was why there were national courtesies.

"This is not punishment, but an admission of fault."

"A gentleman is honest."

Kong Yu added, clearing his responsibility. Accepting punishment and admitting fault were two different concepts.

He had no right to punish them, as he was not a member of the Kong family.

These words made the students even more uncomfortable.

But what could they do?

They could only endure.

Liu Ming and others also stood up at this moment, looking at the Daxia Academy students, their faces full of smugness.

At this moment, they were ecstatic.

The only regret was that Gu Jinnian was not there.

If Gu Jinnian were there, it would be even better.

Liu Ming's eyes were full of smugness and pleasure.

Aren't you arrogant?

Aren't you smug?

Aren't you backed by someone?

Where is that someone? Where is Gu Jinnian?

Now you are all silent? All submissive?

They knew that the Daxia Academy students must be very frustrated, even extremely frustrated, as they were being made to apologize by their own people.

If it were for other reasons, it would be fine, but being targeted by their own people was unbearable.

"Liu Ming, is this result acceptable?"

Kong Yu asked Liu Ming again.

"Sage's Grandson, you are wise. We can accept it."

"But after the Daxia Poetry Festival, we will also go to the Ministry of Rites to continue our complaint, so as not to make the Sage's Grandson difficult."

Liu Ming spoke, expressing his intentions.

They could accept it, but they would not let Gu Jinnian off.

Hearing this, Kong Yu remained calm, even nodding.

"Brother Gu is proud and the first noble of Daxia. I, the Sage's Grandson, cannot say much about him. Moreover, I believe Brother Gu was provoked. A person who can stand up for the people and discern right from wrong should not be so rash."

Kong Yu continued, but his words were still sarcastic.

He had previously said there might be a misunderstanding, but now he directly said Gu Jinnian was provoked.

Wasn't this confirming Gu Jinnian's fault?

"Sage's Grandson, you are right. We also hope Gu Jinnian can give us an explanation."

Liu Ming smiled, though it was not from the heart, it was close enough. There was no need to continue targeting him, otherwise Kong Yu would also be in a difficult position.

"Alright."

"What are you all standing there for?"

Kong Yu did not waste words, looking at the Daxia Academy students and speaking.

Urging them to apologize quickly.

However, at this moment, a voice sounded.

The hall instantly buzzed.

"The grandson of the Marquis of Zhen Guo, the heir of the Lin Yang Marquis, Gu Jinnian, has arrived."

"The Crown Prince, Li Ji, has arrived."

With these words,

For a moment, everyone in the hall was surprised.

Didn't they say Gu Jinnian wouldn't come?

Why did he come now?

Everyone in the hall was curious, even Kong Yu frowned, not knowing what Gu Jinnian was up to.

And he even brought Li Ji.

"Admit him."

Kong Yu spoke, just about to let Gu Jinnian in.

In an instant, Gu Jinnian's figure appeared, not needing Kong Yu's permission, he came in on his own.

Li Ji followed him, looking around, appearing somewhat naive.

Gu Jinnian's arrival made the Daxia Academy students smile.

Honestly, they did not want to apologize, holding their breath, but no one stood up for them.

Now someone had come to stand up for them.

How could they not be happy?

As for Liu Ming and others, they had no fear, on the contrary, they were very happy. Gu Jinnian coming was a good thing?

Let's see how Gu Jinnian handles this.

At this moment,

Outside the door,

Gu Jinnian walked with a confident stride.

He really did not want to come, and had even written a "Get Lost."

But on second thought, he felt he could not not come, because his classmates from the Daxia Academy were all there, and he had been the one to make them act.

It was obvious that Kong Yu would take it out on them. The matter was his fault, and he would not let them bear the responsibility.

This was a matter of principle.

If he did not come and they were humiliated, Gu Jinnian did not care if he would be isolated, but to prevent future trouble, it was better to come now.

This was why Gu Jinnian came.

At this moment, he walked into the hall of the Confucian Mansion.

Gu Jinnian looked around like a king, then his gaze fell on his classmates, seeing them all facing Liu Ming and others.

It was not hard to guess what they were about to do.

"What are you doing?"

Gu Jinnian came in, not even looking at Kong Yu, directly asking his classmates what they were doing.

"Prince, we are apologizing to the Fulu scholars."

Someone spoke, looking at Gu Jinnian and answering directly.

"Apologizing?"

"What are you apologizing for? Don't you have any shame? Apologizing to such people?"

Gu Jinnian spoke directly, not mincing words.

But these words did not make the Daxia Academy students angry at all. They knew Gu Jinnian was deliberately doing this to stand up for them.

"It's the Sage's Grandson's order."

"Prince, we are unwilling, but the Sage's Grandson required it, and we had no choice."

A few people spoke, explaining normally, but a few were already dissatisfied. Now that Gu Jinnian was here, they felt like they had a backbone.

"Prince, we are unwilling, we were forced."

"These Fulu scholars are twisting the facts, accusing us falsely, and crying injustice here."

A few people spoke, looking at Gu Jinnian and saying so.

With these words, the hall instantly fell silent.

Liu Ming and others sneered, but they did not speak, as Kong Yu was there, and they did not need to speak.

"Forced?"

"Who dares to force Daxia scholars?"

"Sage's Grandson? What kind of Sage's Grandson? Daring to make Daxia scholars apologize on Daxia soil?"

"Is there a misunderstanding?"

Gu Jinnian's tone was cold.

His gaze was like a knife, sweeping over everyone present, and a powerful aura spread at this moment.

In the end, his gaze fell on Kong Yu.

And the latter's gaze also became extremely cold at this moment.

He had intended to put on a show with Gu Jinnian, but did not expect Gu Jinnian to come in and immediately confront him.

This was truly domineering.

"It was me."

"There is no misunderstanding."

"Brother Gu, this is Daxia territory, but so what? If you are wrong, you are wrong. Just because this is Daxia, can you not admit your fault?"

Kong Yu spoke, looking at Gu Jinnian,针锋相对.

"Are you the Sage's Grandson?"

Gu Jinnian did not answer his question but asked seriously.

"Indeed."

Kong Yu replied calmly, his eyes full of pride for his identity.

"Huh."

"Rubbish."

"Are you even worthy of calling yourself the Sage's Grandson? Do you have any of the sage's demeanor?"

"You only know how to betray your own people and bully your own. You are the first in that. When you see foreigners, you are as obedient as a dog."

"Is this what