Chapter 87

Inside the Wenxin Hall.

All the great scholars stood up, bowing to Gu Jinnian in reverence of the Sage's Son.

Sage's Son.

He was not a descendant of the Sage.

But rather, a title of praise for a young sage.

Throughout history, how many people have earned the title of Sage's Son?

There was praise, but truly, no one else could command such respect from so many as Gu Jinnian.

It could be said that at today's Daxia Poetry Gathering, Gu Jinnian had won the admiration of everyone present with his prowess.

"This event today will be a timeless tale."

"Of course, it will be a beautiful story."

"Wonderful, wonderful."

Voices echoed, filled with emotion. They felt fortunate to witness such an event.

"I never thought that in my old age, I would see such a grand spectacle."

"Prince, there are some words I'm not sure if I should say."

"Don't think I'm old, for I am still vigorous."

"Do you want to take me as your teacher? Rest assured, I will impart to you a wealth of knowledge, helping you achieve sainthood sooner."

At this moment, Zhao Ru stepped forward, his eyes filled with anticipation, hoping to become Gu Jinnian's teacher.

Upon hearing this, many frowned, especially the great scholars.

What a fellow, seeing Gu Jinnian's talent, you come out to take a disciple?

No way.

I'll step up too.

"Prince, Zhao Ru is old, and what he said just now was nonsense. Your Highness, with your talent, you should find a younger teacher. How about me?"

"Right, right, Zhao Ru is too old to be a teacher. Your Highness, I know astronomy and geography. Though I am just a great scholar, it's not too much for me to be your teacher."

At this moment, all the great scholars stood up, eager to take action.

"Today is the Daxia Poetry Gathering. The matter of taking disciples should wait until Jinnian truly establishes his doctrine."

Seeing everyone's enthusiasm, Su Wenjing immediately intervened to stop them.

This is the Daxia Poetry Gathering.

It's not a disciple-taking ceremony, and there's no need for it, especially with foreign talents present.

What kind of decorum would that be?

Su Wenjing's words were effective.

But Zhao Ru was a bit angry. These fellows, who usually call me 'Zhao Ru' respectfully, how can they change their faces so quickly at a critical moment?

Is there no respect for the elderly and care for the young?

"Jinnian, your poetry is indeed excellent, but for the Confucian tradition, poetry is only an embellishment."

"The true essence of Confucianism is the classics. You have the potential of a sage, but you still need to refine yourself."

"Though I dare not claim to be the best, in the entire Daxia Dynasty, there are few who can surpass me in the classics."

"Jinnian, I truly appreciate your talent, but today is the Daxia Poetry Gathering, and I don't force anything. Consider it for a while and give me your answer, okay?"

Zhao Ru continued.

The core of Confucianism is the classics, not poetry.

Poetry is a side branch for literati, only showcasing your talent, but not representing your Confucian achievements.

Zhao Ru's words made Gu Jinnian feel a bit reluctant to refuse.

In fact, he was clear in his heart that the core of Confucianism is the classics, but he didn't need to learn them now.

To be precise, it's not that he didn't need to learn, but he hadn't yet established his doctrine, reaching the third realm of Confucianism, so he didn't need to learn the classics temporarily.

He didn't expect to open the Literary Mansion so early.

Theoretically, he was still in the student stage, not yet truly on the path of Confucianism.

So, Zhao Ru's words were true, but Gu Jinnian was still resistant to having him as a teacher.

A teacher is like a father. If he weren't a穿越者, it wouldn't matter, but he is a穿越者, with so many classics in his mind, there's no need to take a teacher.

Most importantly, Zhao Ru, have you considered Kong Yu's feelings?

Inside the hall.

Kong Yu's expression became increasingly grim, especially seeing Zhao Ru being so courteous to Gu Jinnian, he felt extremely uncomfortable.

Zhao Ru was someone he invited, and now he was so impressed by Gu Jinnian, it was a complete embarrassment.

He felt very uncomfortable.

Extremely uncomfortable.

At this moment, inside the hall, Gu Jinnian took a deep breath, and six stars appeared above the Literary Mansion, shining brightly, representing one timeless article and five timeless poems.

There was also a dimmer star, the National Stabilizing Poem.

Five golden war chariots were even more dazzling.

But ultimately, all the light converged and entered Gu Jinnian's body.

The extraordinary phenomenon disappeared.

The Wenxin Hall became extremely quiet.

And Gu Jinnian's gaze fell on Kong Yu.

When Gu Jinnian's gaze landed.

Kong Yu's expression changed.

Everyone gradually understood what Gu Jinnian was about to do.

Previously, Gu Jinnian and Kong Yu had made a bet.

Now, not only had Gu Jinnian proven his strength, but he had also forged the Nine-Refined War Chariot, an unprecedented achievement.

Therefore, trouble was coming.

"Brother Kong."

"Do you remember our agreement?"

Gu Jinnian spoke, his tone calm.

Hearing this, Kong Yu's expression turned grim. He lowered his head, unsure of how to respond.

The previous bet was to kneel and kowtow, three kneels and nine kowtows, and every time he saw Gu Jinnian, he would kneel again.

If he really did this, he, the Sage's Grandson, would lose all face, and the Kong family would lose face too.

"Little Friend Jinnian."

"I think this is unnecessary. You have already forged the Nine-Refined War Chariot, an unprecedented achievement, truly remarkable."

At this moment, a voice sounded, a senior scholar, who looked at Gu Jinnian and advised him.

Although Kong Yu was somewhat aggressive, he was the heir of the Kong family and could be called the Sage's Grandson. Others might not represent the Kong family.

But this Sage's Grandson was different, representing the entire Kong family.

If he knelt, it would be a major issue.

So, someone advised, given the significant influence of the Kong family.

As someone spoke, others also chimed in.

"Little Friend Jinnian, you have become the Sage's Son and achieved such remarkable success, truly a cause for celebration. Today, the Sage's Son can be magnanimous and forgive."

"Yes, yes, forgive and forget, leaving a timeless tale."

"The Sage's Son's achievement today is a great event, a joy for Confucianism. Why not let it go?"

Voices sounded, all very kind, hoping Gu Jinnian would be magnanimous.

Kong Yu slightly lowered his head, saying nothing.

He had already lost, and speaking further would be embarrassing.

"Little Friend Jinnian."

"Today, my nephew was rash, and I apologize. The Kong family will remember this kindness."

At this moment, Kong Ping also stepped forward, looking at Gu Jinnian and saying so.

Kong Ping spoke, trying to minimize the issue.

But in response to everyone's advice, Gu Jinnian remained silent, waiting for everyone to finish before his gaze fell on Kong Yu.

"Everyone."

"It's not that I am unreasonable."

"I just want to ask, if I had lost, would you persuade this Sage's Grandson to forgive me?"

Gu Jinnian did not press the issue, but asked a counter-question.

"Of course."

"Yes, the Sage's Grandson should have such magnanimity."

"Right, right, such magnanimity."

Voices sounded, many agreeing.

Who doesn't know how to say nice things?

Many people's thoughts were simple, not wanting the situation to become too tense. For the court, it was unnecessary. After all, the heir of the Kong family coming to the Daxia capital and leaving in disgrace would be difficult to explain.

For individuals, the status of the Kong family was too high, and offending them was not wise. Saying a few kind words now would also be a good deed.

After all, there was no loss either way.

Even Kong Ping joined in.

"I believe the Sage's Grandson will be magnanimous."

Kong Ping said with a gentle expression.

"Fine."

"Since that's the case, let's ask the heart."

"Mr. Wenjing, please ask the heart of the Sage's Grandson. If he can truly be magnanimous, I will remain silent and forgive."

"But if the Sage's Grandson cannot, then why should I?"

Gu Jinnian spoke calmly.

He knew they would try to evade, but it didn't matter. His grandfather and uncle were here, and he wasn't afraid of Kong Yu causing trouble.

Sure enough.

Upon hearing this, everyone was momentarily speechless.

Indeed, they didn't know if Gu Jinnian would forgive, but Kong Yu definitely wouldn't.

After all, Kong Yu was不服Gu Jinnian, partly due to destiny and past grievances.

They could say anything, but it couldn't be held against them.

But asking the heart was different.

If Su Wenjing asked the heart, Kong Yu would have to speak the truth, and the situation would become untenable.

"Little Friend Jinnian, asking the heart is too direct and can affect the mind. In my opinion, this matter should end here, and we should part on good terms."

"Yes, yes, asking the heart is too direct. It's unnecessary. Little Friend, you have received the mandate of Confucianism, a great joy. Let bygones be bygones."

More voices sounded, still trying to excuse Kong Yu.

It had to be said, the descendants of the Sage were different. Even though they were in the wrong, many still came to their defense.

This was the benefit of status and position.

Ordinary people would be punished according to the rules.

But when the powerful were in the wrong, they could delay and negotiate.

"Everyone."

"I respect you as Confucian predecessors and call you Mr."

"But this is a personal matter between me and Kong Yu."

"If I hadn't written that poem, and Kong Yu had been aggressive, making me kneel, would you have pleaded for me?"

"If one is not trustworthy, can they still be a Confucian?"

Gu Jinnian's voice gradually turned cold.

It wasn't that pleading was impossible, but it depended on the situation. Kong Yu was clearly trying to embarrass him.

In front of everyone, he had defamed him, tarnishing his reputation, and even used a difficult question to humiliate him.

Wasn't he trying to ruin him?

If so, why should he let him off?

Just because he is the Sage's Grandson?

But I am also the eldest grandson of the Gu family.

"This..."

Everyone was silent, unsure of what to say.

But at this moment, the voice of the old lord Gu sounded.

"If Jinnian had lost, whether he agreed or not, I would have made him kneel and kowtow."

"Wrong is wrong, and loss is loss. I don't understand Confucian texts or poetry, but I know that a man of his word is a man of his word."

"Of course, if you think the Kong family is greater than my Gu family, that's fine. We will bear this loss."

"First, it is the emperor's grace, which I respect."

"Second, why should the Kong family, with their immense power, look down on me, a national duke?"

"But from now on, don't blame me for being ruthless."

The old lord Gu's voice sounded.

He unconditionally supported Gu Jinnian, took a sip of wine, and made his stance clear.

This matter could be let go today to avoid unpleasantness, but after this, don't blame him for being unscrupulous.

To be honest.

The words of the National Duke made many frown.

This fellow had no moral scruples. If he had the upper hand, the court would not be peaceful, and the Kong family would be prepared for the National Duke's actions.

Even the emperor couldn't handle it.

Moreover, Gu Jinnian was his nephew. If his nephew was bullied, and he didn't help, why should he stop his grandfather from stepping in?

Emotionally, it was unacceptable.

Logically, these rough warriors were good at twisting logic.

If the National Duke started twisting logic, everyone would start wavering.

Come on, let's waver.

"National Duke, your words are too harsh, too harsh. We didn't mean it that way."

"Yes, yes, National Duke, we absolutely didn't mean it that way."

"Right, right."

Many exchanged glances, even the great scholars dared not argue with the National Duke.

After all, his grandson was outstanding.

To put it bluntly, Gu Jinnian was now exceptionally talented, and who knew if he would achieve greatness one day? Who dared to offend him?

Previously, offending him was understandable due to the conflict between civil and military officials, but now, Gu Jinnian had made up for the Gu family's biggest weakness.

It was a good thing.

But it could also be a bad thing.

"Since that's not what you meant, then keep your mouths shut."

"The Kong family's business, what's it to you?"

"Anyone who doesn't know better might think you're part of the Kong family."

The old lord Gu had no patience, not indulging them.

What great scholars? In his eyes, they were just good at talking.

Upon hearing this, many were unhappy but didn't know how to counter.

"Kong Yu."

"Stop pretending. If you are truly magnanimous, then let's ask the heart."

"If you dare not ask the heart, then follow the agreement. A gentleman's word is a promise."

Gu Jinnian spoke, his gaze fixed on Kong Yu.

This fellow was a typical traitor, relying on his status as the Sage's Grandson, looking down on everyone.

Would Gu Jinnian indulge him today?

Hearing Gu Jinnian's words, Kong Yu's expression turned grim. He dared not ask the heart.

The reason was simple. If Gu Jinnian had lost, he would not only have reclaimed the mandate but also made Gu Jinnian kneel and kowtow.

No one could stop him, and he had even prepared a backup plan. If the National Duke intervened, he would use the Kong family's power to attack Gu Jinnian and the Gu family.

He would not be Kong if he didn't ruin the Gu family.

But he never expected Gu Jinnian to win so easily and directly.

Now, he had become a laughingstock.

Faced with Gu Jinnian's words, Kong Yu clenched his fists.

Kneel?

He would never kneel.

He was the Sage's Grandson.

He could not kneel. If he did, how could he face the world?

Sensing Kong Yu's emotional波动, Kong Ping immediately spoke.

"Little Friend Jinnian, let me apologize on Kong Yu's behalf. In a few days, I will fetch three semi-sage notebooks from the Kong family and give them to you."

"Grudges should be resolved, not held. If you can give the Kong family this face, we will remember your kindness."

Kong Ping spoke, still trying to persuade Gu Jinnian.

"Stop rambling."

"Kneel."

Gu Jinnian spoke again, his gaze cold.

He was tired of the nonsense. What semi-sage notebooks, though valuable, he could obtain them himself.

Gu Jinnian's stance was simple.

If he had lost, even his grandfather's desperate pleas would likely not have been accepted.

Oh, I made a mistake, so you can ruin me.

But if you make a mistake, you can be forgiven?

As for the Nine-Refined War Chariot, a remarkable achievement, unprecedented.

Wasn't that achieved through his own efforts?

Was it given by the Kong family?

They really liked to take credit.

At this moment.

A voice sounded.

"Your Majesty, the Sage's Envoy has arrived."

Outside the door, a voice sounded.

Instantly, the hall fell silent.

Many were moved, surprised.

No one expected the Sage's Envoy to come in person?

The Sage's Envoy's status was a hundred times higher than Kong Yu. Though Kong Yu was the heir, the Sage's Envoy had many sons and could easily change the heir if he wished.

Most importantly, it was rumored that the Sage's Envoy had already reached the semi-sage realm, though this was just a rumor. After all, most