Chapter 97

Inside the Celebration Hall.

Everyone stared at the scene in a daze.

Especially the Duke of the State, who sat in the front row. This iron-willed man, at this moment, had tears welling up in his eyes.

Thirteen years ago, he helped Emperor Yongsheng seize the throne, but unexpectedly, the twelve border cities had issues. The Huns launched a surprise attack, seizing territory from the Great Xia.

He was appointed to lead a hundred thousand elite troops to the border to fight against the Huns.

However, the Huns were already well-prepared. After nearly half a year of fierce battles, his best brothers all died in the Hun Dynasty.

He himself almost didn't make it out. Although he managed to break through with his last breath, all his brothers were killed in action.

This was his greatest sorrow.

And his greatest regret.

Day and night.

Night and day.

He hoped that one day, he could return to the Hun country and avenge his brothers, and the countless souls who died for the Great Xia.

Thirty years of fame and glory are but dust and soil, and eight thousand miles of journey are filled with clouds and moon.

Drive the chariot, trample the Helan Mountain.

With great ambition, hunger for the flesh of the barbarians.

Laughing, thirst for the blood of the Huns.

This was what he wanted to do: drive the chariot, lead thousands of troops, and kill all the Huns.

But what he didn't expect was that his grandson had seen everything.

And even wrote this famous poem for him today.

The poem not only expressed his inner ambition but also weakened the fate of the Hun country.

How could he not be excited?

How could he not be moved?

"Good."

"My good grandson."

The Duke of the State spoke, standing up and looking at Gu Jinnian, calling out from the bottom of his heart.

As his voice echoed, everyone gradually came to their senses.

They looked at Gu Jinnian, their eyes filled with shock.

A timeless poem.

A timeless poem.

Gu Jinnian wasn't writing a poem but a ci (a type of verse).

But whether it was a poem or a ci, it no longer mattered.

A timeless ci appeared, weakening the fate of the Hun country, which was astonishing.

To know, a country's fate requires a wise emperor, virtuous ministers, and countless citizens to gather. Especially to gather the fate, it requires completing some extremely difficult tasks.

The emperor's achievements, expanding the territory.

The virtuous minister's achievements, securing the country and the world.

The citizens' achievements, prosperity and flourishing.

Only then can the fate of a country be gathered, and it requires the accumulation of time, the joint efforts of generation after generation, to have the fate of a country.

Initially, the Hun country occupied twelve cities of the Great Xia, gaining a lot of fate.

And now, with one poem and one ci by Gu Jinnian, the fate of the Hun country was weakened twice, equivalent to completely erasing the fate they gained from occupying the twelve cities.

Not only that, but the fate accumulated over the past twelve years was also erased.

It could be said that they were back to the original state.

Twelve years of effort, all in vain.

Back then, to occupy the twelve cities of the Great Xia, the Huns paid a bloody price, not just for the war territory, but more for the fate.

Now, it was erased by Gu Jinnian.

This was a mortal enmity.

"Gu Jinnian."

"You are truly too much."

The eldest prince of the Huns couldn't sit still. As the anomaly ended, he stood up, his body trembling, more out of anger but also fear.

If the news got back, that Gu Jinnian wrote a timeless poem, weakening the fate of the Hun country, because of his provocation, his father would definitely not forgive him.

The eldest prince, though sounding extremely noble, could be appointed or deposed by the Hun king, and even if he wanted to, he could depose ten eldest princes without any problem.

So, at this moment, his first priority was to distance himself from the matter.

"Too much?"

"I said three times that my poem and ci are critical."

"It was your insistence, and besides, this ci is a gift to my grandfather."

"Can I be blamed for weakening the fate?"

"If you're not satisfied, you can also write a poem to weaken the fate of the Great Xia."

Gu Jinnian was straightforward. Since he had weakened the fate, he wouldn't pretend anymore.

If you're not happy, then you write a poem.

Otherwise, don't talk nonsense here.

"You!"

The eldest prince, Qi Qimu, took a deep breath. He pointed at Gu Jinnian, his heart filled with endless anger, but he didn't dare to say anything more.

This was the Great Xia Dynasty, not their Hun country. Emperor Yongsheng was sitting there, and he didn't dare to speak further, or it would bring more trouble.

"Your Majesty, this matter needs to be handled. After all, the two countries have established a marriage alliance, and such an incident is really difficult to handle."

"Could Your Majesty issue an edict to suppress this famous poem? Otherwise, I cannot return to the king and explain."

"Please, Your Majesty, show mercy."

At this moment, Muhar directly knelt on the ground, begging Emperor Yongsheng to show mercy and issue an imperial edict to suppress this timeless poem.

Otherwise, there would be a big problem.

But when these words were spoken, Emperor Yongsheng came to his senses from the poem. Listening to Muhar's words, he found it extremely laughable.

When they seized the twelve cities, plundering the fate of the Great Xia, why didn't they issue an edict to return the fate?

Now, they actually have the nerve to say such things?

"This matter is influenced by Confucianism, it is the will of heaven. Even the imperial power, no matter how strong, cannot surpass the will of heaven."

"I have the heart but not the power."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, refusing with one sentence.

This is the will of heaven, it has nothing to do with me. I know your thoughts, but I can't do anything about it.

When these words were spoken, Muhar's face turned pale.

"Jinnian."

At this moment, Emperor Yongsheng looked at Gu Jinnian, his eyes filled with anticipation and joy.

Unconcealed joy.

"Nephew is here."

Gu Jinnian bowed.

But he didn't know what his uncle wanted to do.

"Jinnian, can you write a poem for me?"

Emperor Yongsheng was very direct.

His eyes were filled with longing.

Everyone present was stunned.

What a guy, truly a guy. You are the emperor of the Great Xia, and you are so shameless?

Shouldn't we be the ones to do this?

All the officials present looked at Gu Jinnian. Honestly, if it weren't for the foreign envoys, they would also want to say, hoping Gu Jinnian would write a poem for them.

"Nephew, writing a poem requires inspiration. I don't know what to write right now."

"Next time."

"Definitely next time."

Gu Jinnian was slightly stunned. It wasn't that he was unwilling to write a poem for his uncle, but his uncle was the emperor, and writing a poem for the emperor required some preparation, right?

If he couldn't create a timeless phenomenon, his uncle might accuse him of holding back, and if he harbored resentment, that would be a huge loss.

He needed to be cautious.

"Alright."

"Jinnian, don't have too much pressure. Just write about my usual behavior."

"Do you remember how your uncle taught you when you were young? Write from the heart, but also with some criticism. Don't just praise, or others might say we are shameless."

Emperor Yongsheng smiled.

Typical, wanting to be praised but also afraid of being called shameless.

Inside the celebration hall.

Many ministers couldn't help but feel helpless. It's just a timeless poem, why be so insistent?

"Your Majesty."

"Prince has such talent. If he writes a poem for you, it will surely be timeless, but we cannot exhaust the prince's talent. My suggestion is simple. Why not let the prince include us all in the poem? This way, it will save the prince some trouble."

A minister spoke, speaking righteously, hoping the emperor would include them.

A timeless poem.

As everyone gradually came to their senses, who wasn't envious?

This poem, once written, would last a thousand years. In other words, a thousand years later, Gu Jinnian's poems would still exist in the world.

And it might last not just a thousand years, but three thousand, five thousand, who knows?

If so, who wouldn't be moved to be included in the poem, indirectly achieving eternal fame?

Scholars pursue two things in their lives.

One is to benefit the people.

The other is to achieve eternal fame.

These are the ultimate goals. Benefiting the people can be done gradually, but achieving eternal fame is different. Benefiting the people doesn't necessarily mean achieving eternal fame.

But indirectly achieving eternal fame is much simpler. Let Gu Jinnian write a poem.

Of course, although it's a bit of a stretch, if you don't take the opportunity, you might as well not.

"Right, right, right, Your Majesty, I agree."

"Your Majesty, I also agree. Since he is writing a poem for you, why not include us all? This way, it will save the prince some trouble in the future."

"Yes, yes, yes, Your Majesty, a wise emperor and virtuous ministers, this is a timeless tale."

Everyone spoke up, this was a time to seek their own benefits. If they didn't speak up, what would be the point?

Hearing this, Emperor Yongsheng was a bit unhappy.

Do you deserve it?

Honestly, a poem praising one person is enough. Adding more people would dilute the praise.

If you all join in, wouldn't you be taking all the credit?

"This matter will be discussed later."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, not directly refusing, but his words carried a hint of that meaning.

As some ministers were about to speak up again.

Suddenly, Emperor Yongsheng continued, interrupting their conversation.

"The grand celebration ends here. Yang Kai, escort the Hun guests back to their residence. I am a bit tired."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke.

He interrupted their conversation, saying he was tired, and then stood up to leave.

"Uncle, I have something to talk to you about."

But Gu Jinnian immediately spoke up, he had something to ask Emperor Yongsheng.

"Alright."

Hearing that Gu Jinnian had something to talk about, Emperor Yongsheng smiled even more.

At that moment,

Everyone stood up and bowed to Emperor Yongsheng.

Even the final dance performance was canceled. With the emperor leaving, the grand celebration was over.

After the meeting,

The Huns looked the most unhappy. The eldest prince, the Hun prime minister, and the Hun nobles all left the scene.

The officials were also very默契, especially the six ministers, who did not return directly but went to another side hall to rest, because they knew that the emperor would definitely find them later.

The fate of the Hun country was weakened twice.

Would they not discuss something? Impossible.

Grandpa Gu walked back to his residence, laughing all the way. At the celebration, he directly invited some friends, regardless of the situation, and took them back to the Duke's residence to continue the celebration.

If he didn't show off the poem his grandson wrote for him, would it be fair to Gu Jinnian?

Imperial Palace.

Yangxin Hall.

After Emperor Yongsheng arrived at the hall, he didn't say a word but held a brush and wrote on the Xuan paper.

Soon, a full river red was written by Emperor Yongsheng.

"Wei Xian, frame this and send it to the Ministry of War, hang it in the most prominent place."

Emperor Yongsheng spoke, his heart was also incredibly surging, and it was only now gradually calming down.

This ci was written so well.

It made him unable to come back to his senses for a long time.

"Jinnian, what do you want to talk to your uncle about?"

Emperor Yongsheng looked at Gu Jinnian, finding him more and more pleasing to the eye.

The Li family really produced a remarkable child.

Good.

Very good.

"Uncle, I have three things to talk about today."

Hearing his uncle call out, Gu Jinnian immediately spoke.

"Speak directly."

Emperor Yongsheng waved his hand, letting Gu Jinnian speak directly.

"Didn't my sixth uncle ask me to help decipher a letter? He said the court would reward me, but I haven't seen any rewards yet. Uncle, did my sixth uncle keep it for himself?"

Gu Jinnian was straightforward.

Helping Gu Ningya decipher the letter, although he didn't decipher the complete content, he at least provided another piece of information, right?

I've spent all my money, and the court doesn't compensate? Want to freeload on me? This is impossible.

"That's not the case. Your sixth uncle doesn't have the nerve. It was your uncle who forgot. Jinnian, what reward do you want?"

"How about another imperial pearl?"

Emperor Yongsheng laughed.

He planned to grant another imperial pearl, making it a total of ten. With two more, he could be enfeoffed as a marquis.

"No."

"Uncle, give me some precious jade, something of great value, and then give me the imperial pearl. The court officials might all kneel at my door."

Gu Jinnian immediately shook his head.

He already had nine imperial pearls. If he were given another one, the officials outside might cause a commotion.

He would rather have some jade, the more precious the better.

"Jade?"

Emperor Yongsheng frowned, not understanding what Gu Jinnian wanted to do with it. Although jade is valuable, it shouldn't be of much use to Gu Jinnian.

But since his nephew asked, Emperor Yongsheng didn't hesitate and looked at Wei Xian.

"Wei Xian, go to the treasure house and fetch a few precious jade pieces. Bring the Nine Dragon琉璃stone to Jinnian."

"Also, bring the Four Directions Seal to my nephew."

Emperor Yongsheng was generous, directly opening the treasure house, which contained precious items from various countries, the cream of the crop.

Each one was priceless.

"Thank you, Uncle."

Hearing his uncle's generosity, Gu Jinnian bowed, his heart filled with joy.

"Unambitious, you're happy with a little jade. If you need it in the future, just come to me."

Emperor Yongsheng said, then continued to look at Gu Jinnian.

"What's the second thing?"

He continued to ask.

"Your Majesty."

"Your student hopes Your Majesty will reconsider the marriage alliance with the Huns."

Mentioning the second thing, Gu Jinnian took a deep breath and bowed to Emperor Yongsheng. This time, he didn't call himself a nephew but a student, meaning he didn't want to resolve this matter as a relative.

The ruler is the ruler.

The minister is the minister.

He wanted to speak from the perspective of the country.

Indeed, as Gu Jinnian spoke, Emperor Yongsheng's expression turned solemn.

Liu Yan's eyes flashed with surprise.

He didn't expect this prince to bring up such a matter.

To know, the marriage alliance was agreed upon by the entire court, beneficial to the country and the people, with no one opposing it, except for the commoners.

But Gu Jinnian actually brought up the refusal of the marriage alliance, which was not good.

Feeling Gu Jinnian's gaze,

Emperor Yongsheng slowly spoke.

"Jinnian."