Chapter 3: Daxia Academy, Direct Admission Quotas

Gu Jinnian asked curiously

After the old gentleman finished speaking, he joyfully walked towards Gu Jinnian

But I am still somewhat curious

It looks very terrifying

Do not hit anymore, do not hit anymore

Upon seeing the lively Gu Jinnian, Old Master Gu's expression changed instantly. He directly handed the iron whip to the fifth elder standing beside him and patted his shoulder, saying

Especially the Duke's residence

Uncle, I would like to ask you something

This good-for-nothing fellow, his own son is being bullied, yet he doesn't dare to utter a word, and still has the audacity to invite me over

Not far away

Gu Ningya spoke up, he was truly afraid

You should avoid going to such places to listen to books; if your father finds out, you will definitely face dire consequences

including the manner of speaking

Alright, Lao Wu, stop hitting him. Let him hang for a day, and do not allow him to eat today

Gu Ningya's tone was somewhat mysterious

However, Gu Ningya is not one to suffer losses, so after becoming the deputy commander of the Lantern Hanging Division, he would often trouble these few brothers, which resulted in significant personal grievances. Therefore, in the Gu family, whenever someone is reprimanded by the old master, the others would step in to add insult to injury, conveniently spitting a few words of disdain.

Indeed, although there are rumors that one has spoken disrespectfully, regardless of the circumstances, this incident is merely a child's play that nearly resulted in a loss of life, which is certainly not a trivial matter

Unbeknownst to me, I thought the Duke's residence was the imperial palace, and that Old Master Gu was the retired emperor

What kind of place is Daxia Academy? You should know. Make sure to prepare well, and don't say that I didn't remind you.

Gu Jinnian expressed his curiosity

The Daxia Academy is the highest institution of learning in Daxia, where every instructor is a contemporary master, and it even boasts the presence of great scholars.

Nian'er, make sure to keep a close eye on your sixth uncle, and do not let him down. Later, your fifth uncle will buy you some snacks to eat, understood

However, before Uncle Wu could respond, the voice of Old Master Gu sounded.

The one who is the most unfortunate yet the most fortunate is Lao Liu

At that moment, before the grandfather and grandson could finish their warm greetings, the figure of the steward had already approached

Gu Ningya was in so much pain that tears were streaming down his face, but suddenly, he caught sight of Gu Jinnian's figure and immediately shouted in excitement

It is only useful when you speak up this year

Your father made a deal with the Minister of Rites, and once you recover, you will be admitted to the Daxia Academy for studies without the usual qualifications

Inside the residence, Old Master Gu was dressed in a simple outfit, a long robe of blue silk, with a full head of white hair, yet it could not conceal any trace of his majestic demeanor. Standing at a full height of eight feet, he showed no signs of aging whatsoever

However, a familiar figure soon appeared before me

It is not that your uncle is afraid, but mainly because if your father sees me hanging here, your fifth uncle might just whip me a couple of times to vent his frustration

Grandfather, this matter has nothing to do with Uncle Liu.

As a court official, having committed a grave offense, giving you a beating is a lesson for you. Do not always think that just because you are my son, you can act without restraint

There was no way around it. Although Gu Jinnian understood his grandfather's intentions, he still spoke up to defuse the situation

Just afraid of being detected

Aren't you the one who was pushed into the lake by the daughter of the Minister of Rites, almost causing a major incident

The Gu family is now prosperous and influential, with the patriarch being the Duke of the State, and the speaker's father holding the title of Marquis of Linyang. The Ministry of War, the Ministry of Justice, and the Dali Temple of the Great Xia are largely occupied by the Gu family, in addition to several prominent cousins.

After some thought, Gu Jinnian also found it reasonable, but he still decided to clarify the matter first; otherwise, judging by the cowardly demeanor of his sixth uncle, he would probably just run away if left to his own devices

Brother Wu, Brother Wu, I beg you, just let me go, if you hit me again, I will end up defecating from your beating

A white rainbow spans the sun

To speak frankly, as a monarch, there is no reason not to be concerned about the family.

Gu Ningya opened his mouth and spoke about this transaction

Upon hearing this, the old butler nodded, but continued to speak.

What if we truly anger the family, and in the end, both the uncle and the nephew are hanged from a tree, wouldn't that be distressing

It has nothing to do with me; it was Jin Nian who fainted on his own.

Father, please don't hit me anymore

However, Gu Jinnian could see that this fellow simply wanted to shift his own perspective and then help him escape

Uncle Wu approached and gave a special reminder.

Especially your father, he has suffered quite a bit of injustice in the court these days. You know what kind of person your father is; he is heartless. Nephew, as long as you release me, I won't ask for anything else. Next time I return, I will definitely bring you something fun.

This is thanks to Gu Ningya being a martial artist; otherwise, an ordinary person would have died from a single lash.

Under an ancient tree

Upon hearing these words, Gu Jinnian also began to understand a bit.

Go ahead, Fifth Uncle, you can rest assured

Almost every top ten in the imperial examination comes, to varying degrees, from the Daxia Academy, which is a prestigious institution among prestigious institutions, a top university among top universities

After all, there is a special bond between generations.

Gu Ningya replied, while feeling somewhat curious

Ah, stop hitting, stop hitting

Hit

Child, you may play here. If there is anything, just tell the servants directly. Later, when there is time, your grandfather will take you to the market.

This is not a joke at all, nor is there the slightest pretense; the strikes are truly severe, and with a single lash, the skin is torn and flesh is lacerated

What would you like me to do

Uncle, please answer me a few questions first, and once you do, I will let you go

Gu Jinnian forced a smile at his grandfather, and the reason for the forced smile was primarily due to the cruel scene not far away.

Father, I am not joking with you. If you continue to hit me, I will truly lose my life.

An elderly man, wielding an iron whip, was striking Gu Ningya.

"Fifth Uncle, it really has nothing to do with Sixth Uncle; it is because I have taken too many supplements. Please do not hit me anymore."

Upon returning from official duties, one should report back at the earliest opportunity; however, rushing home raises some intriguing questions

However, upon closer inspection, there is not a single significant place; it is merely a matter of physical suffering

Under the tree

Just waiting for you to make a mistake, so this beating from Uncle Liu is not unjustified

He then stood up, glanced at Uncle Wu not far away, who reluctantly put down the iron whip and walked towards Old Master Gu

Grandfather, we have already fought quite a bit, why not just let it go

Moreover, regardless of whether one is a child of a humble family or a person of high status, as long as they pass the examination, they can gain entry

Indeed

Moreover, in military families, there is a hierarchy of family status, where typically the eldest bullies the second, the second bullies the third, the third bullies the fourth, and so on.

To speak frankly, just hearing that heart-wrenching scream made Gu Jinnian feel a bit afraid

Uncle, I can't let go. Didn't Grandpa just say? After you return to Beijing, you won't report back, just go home directly. People outside will definitely gossip. Keeping you in suspense now is just for the sake of those outside.

Old Master Gu pondered for a moment and ultimately nodded his head

Gu Ningya was somewhat anxious

To learn of this news

Father, Jin Nian has said that it has nothing to do with me, so please spare me

"Old Five, it's your turn to draw"

What does it have to do with me

Grandson still has matters to discuss with Uncle Liu, Grandfather, please let Uncle Liu be

The elderly Gu, with a face full of affection, suddenly displayed displeasure

The book states that on this day of extraordinary phenomena, treasures will descend. Sixth Uncle, do you think there will be any treasures coming into the world?

The atmosphere in the Gu family is quite peculiar; while the brothers are united in spirit, they also target one another, with each refusing to yield to the others

No, Grandpa, I am not hungry

Gu Ningya is well aware that if he does not run now, he will definitely face another beating tonight

After a thorough examination, the old gentleman finally breathed a sigh of relief, as there were no significant health issues.

Gu Jinnian felt a bit reluctant; this was too harsh. He really needed to advise them, otherwise someone might get hurt, which was completely unnecessary.

Gu Ningya said with a mournful expression

Master, the young master has mentioned that it concerns the heir's trip to the Daxia Academy

After the two individuals left

The sound of cracking air continued to resonate, as the whip was swung, causing the air to explode.

Uncle, you mentioned earlier that there was a white rainbow spanning the sun in the capital city. Could you elaborate on what that was about?

Gu Ningya really cried, thinking that the old man was ruthless enough, but unexpectedly, his fifth brother was even more ruthless than the old man

At that moment, Old Master Gu paused slightly, then patted Gu Jinnian on the shoulder and said

The latter frowned, turned around, and discovered that Gu Jinnian was indeed walking towards him.

The third generation heir of the Gu family, who dares to provoke?

Child, are you hungry? Grandpa has asked someone to cook for you, preparing some of your favorite dishes

It is the sacred place for scholars around the world

Grandfather, I am fine now. The physician said that I have been taking too many supplements recently, and some of them were excessive.

However, I have heard people say that this is an ominous sign, implying that the court is about to produce treacherous ministers. What is the matter? Why are you asking this?

Gu Jinnian fell silent

With this in mind, Uncle Liu's beating was not in vain

It is indeed true that Gu Ningya is somewhat reckless; the matter at hand is not particularly significant. However, the Gu family is prominent and attracts attention, being part of the military general faction, while the civil official faction in the court is constantly seeking to suppress the interests of the military general faction.

Admissions are held once every three years, allowing outstanding individuals from around the world to come and study for a duration of one year

Gu Jinnian shook his head; he did not have the courage to put Gu Ningya down

However, upon hearing this, Gu Ningya smiled, but soon furrowed her brow again, as it touched upon a wound

Furthermore, that is to say, Uncle Liu cares for you. I will secretly tell you something, and you must be mentally prepared.

"Sir, the eldest young master has requested a discussion. Please accompany the fifth young master to the main hall."

Don't ask me about it for now, you have truly caused me great distress, please let me down quickly

Did I not go to listen to someone telling a story a few days ago

The voice of Old Master Gu sounded somewhat fierce, but upon hearing these words, Gu Jinnian instantly understood why his sixth uncle had been punished

You will only suffer for one day, but rest assured, I will bring you food later. If my nephew has something to eat, you will definitely have a share as well, you can be assured of that

How would I know

Gu Ningya's voice immediately rang out

Coincidentally, the Minister of Rites possesses a direct admission quota

Gu Ningya was hung upside down from a tree, emitting an incredibly mournful scream

Hit to the utmost extent

Old Master Gu spoke up, somewhat irritably

Now giving this quota to Gu Jia can also be seen as an act of atonement

Otherwise, this matter will certainly not be resolved so easily

It would be one thing to be lawless, but you have also caused my grandson to suffer from headaches. If you were not my own flesh and blood, I would have long since beaten you to death

The anger on the face instantly transformed into affection

However, once the words were spoken, Old Master Gu turned to Gu Jinnian, his eyes filled with affection

Hello, how are you?

I also understand why the old master and your father have not sought trouble with the Minister of Rites

A voice tinged with a sobbing tone emerged

As soon as these words were spoken, Gu Ningya was somewhat surprised

Although the royal family and the government officials show themselves great affection, it is essential to distinguish between major and minor matters, especially when politics is involved, and Gu Jinnian is not foolish

Father, please do not hit me yet, I have something to tell you, something very important

Gu Jinnian nodded and then watched the two leave

Without the third generation, Lao Liu is the happiest; however, with the third generation, Lao Liu becomes the most unfortunate. Anyone can come up and slap him, and he cannot say anything in response

Year, my dear nephew, hurry, hurry, come save me

It is quite rare that the old man did not lose his temper, and neither did his father; it turns out it was because of this

Old Master Gu sneered

The latter was immediately taken aback

It's nothing, just asking; isn't this quite curious

Gu Jinnian's fifth uncle is the Left Deputy Minister of the Ministry of Justice, a position that is quite prestigious. The reason for his strong dislike towards the sixth uncle stems from some personal grievances, although they are minor issues. They simply do not see eye to eye, which is typical among brothers.

Gu Jinnian shook his head; in front of his grandfather, he truly did not dare to speak carelessly. After all, he was a time traveler, and if something seemed amiss and was discovered, it would lead to trouble

Between the eyebrows, there is a terrifying aura, even more fearsome than that of my own father

Let him come over to see me himself

I do not know, I have just returned to Kyoto as well, and apart from the Monitoring Heavenly Office, no one else is aware of the situation

It is evident that he is extremely dissatisfied with his eldest son, primarily because he has not helped Gu Jinnian to make a name for himself

As the voice of the old steward sounded

Daxia Town Duke of the State

If this were to be known by those censors and officials, it would truly be a disservice to their status if they did not submit at least two impeachment motions.

Gu Jinnian did not waste any words and directly walked towards Gu Ningya.

Ke Gu Ningya is afraid

Child, when did you wake up? Let grandpa take a look to see if there are any internal injuries

Old Master Gu spoke up, clearly not intending to let Gu Ningya go, which left Gu Ningya feeling somewhat desperate

Gu Ningya is in a state of despair, and he never expected that Gu Jinnian would be suffering from a headache for no reason. Now, everyone is blaming him, and he truly feels wronged

He said so

My fifth uncle wielded the iron whip with even more ferocity than Old Master Gu, striking without the slightest regard for mercy. If one were to say that there were no personal emotions involved, Gu Jinnian would not believe it at all

Gu Jinnian did not dare to speak directly, and could only use this method to probe for hints.

He did not expect Gu Jinnian to think of this level; if it were in the past, just calling out Gu Jinnian's name would have sufficed to let him go

Upon arriving before the elder, Gu Yuan did not utter a word and directly condensed a sphere of true energy, injecting it into his own body to examine the eight extraordinary meridians.

The pain made him question the meaning of life

Good nephew, do not lecture me on grand principles. Just let me go, and I will report back to the Lantern Office directly. They will understand the situation when they see my injuries.

Before Gu Jinnian had walked through the long corridor, he heard the anguished cries of his sixth uncle, along with the sound of the iron whip striking.

"Jinnian, you should stop dreaming. Celestial phenomena are just that, a sign; how could there possibly be treasures?"

Not far away, Gu Ningya also heard what Gu Jinnian said, and immediately convulsed and cried out.

During these fifteen days, Gu Jinnian has not been idle; he has been continuously imitating the lifestyle habits of the original self

Returning from outside Beijing, the first thing you do is not report back to the Lantern Office, but run home instead. Is there no sense of propriety left?

There will absolutely be no exceptions for admissions, not even if you are a prince of the Great Xia. Apart from the academy's president and a few renowned scholars who have direct admission quotas, no one else is eligible.

Gu Jin Nian approached his sixth uncle and directly inquired.

What is it, uncle? Please, go ahead and speak.

Although I am the family pet, if a few uncles were to have another child, I would be finished; it is possible that in the future, the one hanging from the tree would be me

Therefore, the higher the status, the more one must maintain a low profile. The Sixth Uncle is the Deputy Commander of the Lantern Hanging Division, which is directly under the Holy Emperor, and he inherently possesses significant authority in apprehension and interrogation.

Jin Nian? Jin Nian has arrived, old man, Jin Nian has arrived, take a look back.

Old Master Gu's voice sounded very gentle

Upon closer inspection, it became evident that Old Master Gu and Fifth Uncle had indeed been ruthless, their bodies covered in blood, with wounds that were truly horrific

The front courtyard of the national government office

You ask, you ask

It is Master Gu, Gu Yuan

If there were truly treasures, they would not fall to us. Do you think those masters from the inner court are fools? They would have already acted to seize them.

As soon as this was said

However, when facing himself, the old gentleman's gaze is filled with affection and joy