Chapter 8: Goodness, being scolded at the doorstep

Returning to the master, the student believes that the enhancement of the nation's fortune lies in its foundation

Master Liu furrowed his brows; he would naturally not agree to such a request from Gu Jinnian, even if Gu Jinnian were the grandson of a duke

Only the common people speak when they open their mouths, and remain silent when they close them

Born into a scholarly family, with a father who is a contemporary sage, one would expect him to cultivate his character and maintain composure; however, it is surprising that he lost his demeanor over such matters

He inexplicably discovered that after not seeing Gu Jinnian for a period of time, her eloquence had become much more fluent than before

That is because one is not in the right, but if the family were in the right, would Kyoto be this stable?

This caused him great disappointment, which is why he reprimanded.

In an instant, a stream of black energy surged from Zhang Yun's body. Although it was still not as large as Zhou Ning's, it was already quite impressive.

Unrestrained

The crowd in the academy could not help but cast various glances.

It is evident that I have been caught daydreaming in class

Yang Hanrou is indeed beautiful, exquisitely carved like jade, with a handsome appearance that carries a hint of aloofness. Her black hair flows like clouds, and especially her skin, delicate and as smooth as snowy jade, further highlights the beauty of her youth.

Sit down

Do you not find it amusing

Disgusting others is merely for the ancient tree in one's mind, while also serving as a means of revenge against the two individuals

What does Na'er believe is the way to enhance the national fortune

So this is Yang Hanrou's Achilles' heel, if one can grasp it well, everything will be easy to negotiate

Alright, alright

An inappropriate sound interrupted Master Liu's forthcoming praise

The main issue lies with Zhang Yun. Through the earlier situation, Gu Jinnian discovered that Zhang Yun harbored more resentment towards him.

Yang Hanrou cannot possibly be unaware

"Wu An, Li Ping, go stand outside the hall as punishment"

As the sound echoed, everyone momentarily turned their gaze towards Gu Jinnian

As long as Liu Fuzi is present, he cannot act out; he can only clench his fists and remain silent

Master

It is not that I do not want to answer, but rather that I truly do not know

When the nation's fortune flourishes, the dynasty thrives; when the nation's fortune declines, efforts yield little, revealing both natural disasters and man-made calamities

On the throne

As soon as the words fell, the voices of Wu An and Li Ping immediately rang out

Upon hearing these words, all the students in the hall became curious and lowered their heads in contemplation

ultimately expressed a sense of helplessness

As Liu Fuzi agreed, Yang Hanrou and Zhang Yun immediately spoke up, with Zhang Yun even standing up directly to refuse.

What face do you have to speak of the common people?

Ancient trees absorb resentment and will bear fruit

Indeed, Zhang Yun, you are still young, yet you understand the ways of the common people, which is excellent, truly excellent

This simply means that catching him once is sufficient

Gu Jinnian ignored the resentful expressions of those around him and focused his attention on Master Liu.

This is Zhang Yun's response, which is rather conventional.

If the Master believes that I have ill intentions, then I have no reason to remain in the study. However, when I return home, if my family inquires about the reason, I can only speak the truth.

At this thought, Gu Jinnian could not help but direct his gaze towards Yang Hanrou and Zhang Yun

At this moment, Zhang Yun's brows furrowed even more tightly

I am here discussing the major issues of people's livelihoods, and you are here engaging me in irrelevant matters

Why is Gu Jia silent and not speaking

However, upon hearing this, everyone couldn't help but laugh

I understand your intentions clearly; is that what you call studying? Return to your position and do not act recklessly

The fortune of a dynasty is synonymous with the fortune of the nation

Master Liu was filled with anger; in his view, this group of people were nothing but a bunch of mischievous children. While their usual playfulness could be tolerated, he felt a sense of indignation at their young age yet harboring such peculiar thoughts

The Master’s words are somewhat biased

How many wen is that pound of coarse rice, you should know, right?

Upon hearing these words, Yang Hanrou instantly felt a flush of embarrassment and a surge of anger. At only sixteen years of age, she found it intolerable to hear such remarks, yet she did not know how to retort. She could only lower her head in silence, feeling immensely awkward, and even hoped that Zhang Yun would stop speaking.

Connections and background are not currently useful to me, and family life is not as wonderful as imagined

Only Gu Jinnian remained completely unaware, gazing at Master Liu.

The foundation of the nation lies in its people; therefore, ensuring the prosperity of the populace, providing them with sufficient food and clothing, can enhance the fortune of the country

Master Liu voiced his compromise

Well, what a remarkable fellow indeed

May I ask you, Brother Zhang, do you know how many wen it costs for a pound of salt

Zhang Yun appeared somewhat out of sorts; in his eyes, Yang Hanrou was his childhood sweetheart. Both hailed from scholarly families, a match made in heaven. If nothing unexpected occurred, Yang Hanrou would undoubtedly become Zhang Yun's wife in the future

Zhang Yun responded aloud

He continued to ask

On the throne

You speak of the common people incessantly, yet you are completely unaware of their basic needs for salt, clothing, and coarse rice

Gu Jin Nian spoke calmly

He certainly cannot allow Gu Jinnian to sit together with Yang Hanrou, as the entire capital is discussing Gu Jinnian's matters

Upon hearing Zhang Yun's response, Gu Jinnian could not help but let out a cold laugh

Master

Zhang Yun, I am aware of your close relationship with Yang Hanrou, but a gentleman does not harbor jealousy. Moreover, I am here, would I still turn a blind eye to it?

Zhang Yun was somewhat annoyed

He did not necessarily want to sit next to Yang Hanrou; he simply wished to gather some resentment and see what would happen.

However, this is not the answer he desired

Gu Jinnian, take your things and quickly change your position, do not delay the morning class

What else is there

Everything in the classroom appeared very quiet

Because even he was merely sitting on the right side, with an aisle in between, yet Gu Jinnian directly sat beside him, how could he endure this

Feeling Zhang Yun's gaze, Gu Jinnian also became unreserved

Do not act coy after having gained a benefit

Are you sick?

Feeling somewhat depressed, but at sixty years old, he would not be so petty as to hold a grudge against Gu Jinnian. Instead, he glanced at Yang Hanrou and then at Gu Jinnian.

Zhang Yun, what nonsense are you talking about again

To establish a firm footing, one must ultimately rely on oneself

Gu Jinnian asked for the third time

Zhang Yun furrowed his brow but still provided an answer

Most of the women displayed expressions of admiration, especially Yang Hanrou, whose eyes reflected a sense of respect. The other men also nodded in agreement, but a small group of military generals appeared somewhat disdainful.

Gu Jinnian was deeply contemplating this issue

Do you know how much a piece of coarse hemp costs

At this moment, just as Gu Jinnian was deep in thought, suddenly, the voice of Master Liu rang out, somewhat louder than before

As the sound emerged, Gu Jinnian could not help but awaken from his contemplation. He raised his head to look at Master Liu, who wore a calm expression, yet cast a glance in his direction.

It seems that we need to put in more effort

Zhang Yun glanced at Gu Jinnian. He initially intended not to respond, but after looking at Liu Fuzi, he still replied淡淡.

Your ability to articulate such sacred words indicates that you have indeed put in some effort into your studies. In that case, you may sit beside Yang Hanrou

Master Liu observed everything quietly; he said nothing but opened his books and began his daily lessons.

After pushing oneself into the lake, in order to evade responsibility, to falsely accuse oneself, this matter is not trivial at all

However, Gu Jinnian was delighted and directly moved his belongings next to Yang Hanrou

But it is just that little bit lacking

Zhang Yun spoke up, his attitude resolute

These two individuals harbor grievances against themselves; if they are subjected to further torment, it is likely that their grievances will only intensify

I need to know what these are for

Especially Master Liu

However, Gu Jinnian was well aware that beneath this chill, there lay a sense of fear

The first response was indeed to the point, causing Master Liu to nod repeatedly, and a smile appeared on his aged face.

Feeling the gaze of Master Liu, Zhang Yun displayed confidence and could not help but respond aloud

Especially Liu Fuzhi, whose eyes revealed an even greater expression of surprise

Now, Gu Jinnian is forcefully insisting on sitting with Yang Hanrou, how can he endure this

Within the academy

Originally, he felt that Gu Jinnian's demands were inappropriate, but now he believes there is nothing inappropriate about them

Master Liu did not respond, nor did he reject it, for this could indeed enhance the fortunes of the nation

The elderly Master Liu gazed at the crowd, his eyes filled with anger

However, Master Liu was not inquiring about Gu Jinnian, but rather directing his gaze towards Zhang Yun and the others

I do not know

Moreover, such national fortunes span countless generations

"The sage perceives the hearts of people as sacred, while the beast perceives the hearts of people as beastly"

Feeling Zhang Yun's gaze, Gu Jinnian smiled slightly, which only intensified Zhang Yun's anger

At this moment, the classroom has once again fallen silent

Master Liu on the throne appeared calm and turned to Zhang Yun to continue his inquiry

Gu Jinnian spoke

At such a young age, you speak nonsense one after another; you have not even reached adulthood, yet your minds are filled with wild thoughts

What a government that prioritizes the people

As for Zhang Yun, he wore a beaming smile, appearing quite pleased with himself, and in the end, he did not forget to cast a glance at Gu Jinnian, as if to signify something.

However, I must speak frankly; if any further troubles arise, do not blame me for personally visiting the Duke's residence.

Books and rice paper are arranged in a serious manner

The ancient tree in my mind is essentially the only thing I can rely on at present

To sustain the nation through warfare, reclaim lost territories, and expand the borders, is essential for enhancing national fortune

I just don't know what this fruit is.

What is meant by national fortune

The only drawback is that Yang Hanrou is filled with coldness towards herself

Gu Jinnian did not dare to act recklessly; Master Liu sat in front, and if he were to make any small moves, he would likely face a beating

In an instant, Gu Jinnian felt somewhat bewildered

Hope is a good thing; otherwise, it would be meaningless to create enemies for no reason in the future

A student spoke up, revealing this method, and he is a descendant of a military general

Looking at Zhang Yun, the latter's expression was gloomy, especially as his eyes revealed a strong sense of coldness

It is often seen that two people walk side by side

The great scholar indeed lives up to his reputation as a great scholar, and his words are truly admirable

I do not know

There is no way around it; Gu Jinnian has made his position clear. If one still does not allow it, then it is one's own problem

Upon examining the ancient trees, the fruits are about the size of a fist and appear to be on the verge of ripening

This statement rendered the classroom completely silent

The voices of the two individuals attracted quite a crowd, leading to much commotion.

Certainly, Yang Hanrou is nothing significant

Engaging in military operations and warfare ultimately leads to a temporary enhancement, but cannot be sustained in the long term

In the spotlight, what can Brother Jin Nian do? Do you think everyone is like you? Meeting secretly with Yang Hanrou for no reason?

Especially Zhang Yun

Master, it is not permissible

This is something that everyone in the world knows

Gu Jinnian continued to ask

When Master Liu spoke, it was almost like a hammer striking an anvil, making Zhang Yun's expression even more unpleasant

Thinking of this, Zhang Yun continued to speak

I hope the esteemed scholar will provide his wise judgment

Therefore, Master Liu reproached lightly

As soon as these words were spoken, Master Liu's expression changed.

In an instant, the voice of Master Liu's furious reprimand resounded

However, he did not interrupt anything, but rather listened patiently

Well, I was still contemplating whether to trouble you, and yet you dare to look at me

Gu Jinnian is reckless and has ill intentions; if he were to sit over there, who knows what might happen

Regardless of whether it is true or false, Gu Jinnian and Yang Hanrou must not be allowed to be together; otherwise, it will only lead to more trouble, and he will not have any good outcome.

Of course, this is sour

He truly did not expect that Gu Jinnian could produce the words of sages to refute him

Master Liu spoke up and continued to inquire

However, when viewed up close

Indeed, Zhang Yun and Yang Hanrou have a very good relationship, both in terms of their elder relationship and their personal connection, which can be considered quite favorable