Ying Wuji narrowed his eyes: "Do you still remember when I went to the Li family's courtyard a few days ago?"

"Naturally, I remember!"

Zhao Ning nodded. It was not surprising to him that the experts he sent to protect Ying Wuji were discovered: "At that time, the experts sent by His Highness were on high alert the whole time, but they did not find any intention from Li Caitan to harm you, so they did not take action."

Ying Wuji's expression became serious: "Li Caitan is very likely one of my disciples!"

"One of your disciples?"

Zhao Ning's expression turned serious: "How do you know?"

Ying Wuji didn't beat around the bush and directly recounted what happened that day.

Zhao Ning's expression became even more serious: "The first half of the illusion was indeed the action of a demonic cultivator. She is indeed one of my disciples!"

Ying Wuji was a little surprised: "You already knew? Then why did you let her go?"

Zhao Ning waved his hand: "Actually, we had suspicions, but as you know, the Li family has a special status in our Li Kingdom, and... although they caused trouble for my sect, the threat to the Zhao royal family is not significant. Without evidence, we had no reason to take action against Li Caitan."

Ying Wuji twitched his mouth: "You have quite a big heart. Aren't you afraid that I will be affected by the demonic cultivation?"

Zhao Ning smiled: "Officer Wu is a proud disciple of Yang Zhu. She has been keeping an eye on Li Caitan, and she is also close to you, Brother Ying. There is no reason for her not to protect you. Besides... do you know who gave her the jade pendant that can isolate the demonic cultivation?"

"I see!"

Ying Wuji nodded.

Zhao Ning was a little puzzled: "But Brother Ying, why did you suddenly bring up this matter? What impact can Li Caitan, a mere person, have on our Great Li?"

Ying Wuji took out the prepared words: "Brother Zhao may not know, but I am very sensitive to Qi. When I was in the Li family's courtyard, I had a brief confrontation with Li Caitan. Her Qi was very strange, as if it had merged the cultivation techniques of the Wu and Yan royal families. Just now, in the backyard of the Moon Viewing Pavilion, I felt the same energy from that old woman."

"Primordial Qi!"

Zhao Ning was shocked. As the Crown Prince and Li Caitan's brother-in-law, she knew more about Li Caitan than most people in the Li Kingdom. Naturally, she knew that Li Caitan possessed Primordial Qi.

However, Primordial Qi was not something she cared about, but...

The fact that the abandoned daughter of the Li family was one of her disciples, she could accept. But she couldn't accept that there were also disciples of her sect around Luo Yan.

A trace of resentment appeared in her eyes, and her voice became indifferent: "However, Luo Xiang has a strong character and profound cultivation. It won't be easy for the demonic cultivation to influence him."

Damn it!

My future wife looks so handsome when she gets angry.

Ying Wuji's eyes lit up, but he didn't fully agree with this conclusion: "Luo Xiang has a good cultivation? Didn't you see how he almost beat me up earlier?"

Zhao Ning was a little helpless: "Luo Xiang is not usually like that..."

Ying Wuji slapped his thigh: "Then it's even worse! If he's not like that usually, but becomes like that when it comes to his little wife, wouldn't the problem be even bigger?"

Zhao Ning's face turned ugly, and she arched her hand: "Thank you for reminding me. I will report to His Highness the Crown Prince when I go back!"

"No need to be polite. We are all family! Anyway, solve this disciple of mine as soon as possible, so she won't continue to harm Hua Chao."

Ying Wuji smiled and waved his hand.

Family...

Zhao Ning looked at Ying Wuji thoughtfully. It was indeed fortunate to have such a family member. After spending this period of time together, she had already recognized Ying Wuji as a talented person.

She suddenly spoke up: "Brother Ying! I was present during the incident at the Qian Kingdom Embassy. It seems that you are very interested in the Qian Kingdom's official seal?"

Ying Wuji nodded: "Of course!"

He had many ways to make money in his mind. Although he had already decided to marry the Li Kingdom's princess, he would definitely return to the Qian Kingdom.

Whether it was his position in the Li Kingdom or his position after returning to the Qian Kingdom, he needed solid strength to support him.

Forget about influence, a hostage was not worthy of having influence.

Strength could be improved by provoking others.

The only thing left that he could control was wealth.

Zhao Ning smiled: "Now that you have decided to form an alliance through marriage, Brother Ying is already half a person of the Li Kingdom. With this identity, you can directly negotiate with King Qian. Our Qian and Li Kingdoms were originally one family hundreds of years ago. Now, working together to make money would be a great story, wouldn't it?"

Ying Wuji became interested: "Aren't you afraid that with the support of wealth, the Qian Kingdom will become a true tiger and wolf country?"

He was naturally very interested in Zhao Ning's proposal.

After all, he was caught in a dilemma. No matter which country he completely sided with, he might face the risk of being taken advantage of. But if he directly cooperated with both countries, with balanced strength on both sides, he could gain more benefits.

With a proud smile, Zhao Ning said: "The Qian Kingdom does have a strong military, but our Li Kingdom is not to be trifled with! Brother Ying, have you forgotten how badly the Qian Kingdom lost to us in that battle a hundred years ago?"

"Indeed..."

Ying Wuji smacked his lips and did not deny this fact. Although the Li Kingdom rarely initiated wars, their military was indeed formidable.

Up to now, the Qian Kingdom's reform under the guidance of the Commercial Minister was the most successful reform in the world. After the reform, their national strength greatly increased, and their confidence also swelled. However, they were still defeated by the Li army in that battle.

But he was curious again: "But Brother Zhao, do you still want to join us to make money? Could it be... that your Kingdom Li is also short of money? No, your Kingdom Li has always been known for its wealth, how could it be short of money?"

Zhao Ning smiled helplessly: "Our Kingdom Li is naturally not short of money, the Wei family is not short of money, the Han family is not short of money, and our Zhao royal family is not short of money! But... the money that the Crown Prince can directly control is somewhat limited!"

"Oh?"

Ying Wuji raised his eyebrows, waiting for her to continue.

Zhao Ning could feel Ying Wuji's sincerity in forming an alliance, so she no longer concealed it: "To be honest with Brother Ying, the Zhao royal family has a lot of money, but there is a serious animosity between our family and the Wei and Han families. The Wei family's direct descendants, the Wei Wuzhu, are extremely powerful. Although Kingdom Li rarely goes to war, most of the budget within the clan is spent on military training, which must be kept sufficient. The Crown Prince's faction cannot touch it!"

"Internal conflicts?"

"Yes!"

"I see!"

Ying Wuji immediately understood the underlying logic of this matter.

Although the reforms in Kingdom Qian were indeed the most successful, they were not the most successful reforms.

A long time ago, a group of reform talents emerged in Kingdom Li. The military reforms led by the Martial Spirit King and the birth of the Wei Wuzhu were all successful results of the reforms. Otherwise, in the battle a hundred years ago, Kingdom Qian would not have been defeated so badly.

Find the original at "pawread.com".

But due to the internal division in Kingdom Li, the reforms were only reflected in the military. Those reform talents had tried countless times to carry out land reforms, but they faced extremely strong resistance and ultimately ended in failure. Apart from a powerful army, nothing was left behind.

Military training requires money.

Unfortunately, both the Zhao and Wei families spent their money on their armies, so it's not surprising that the Crown Prince has less money to control.

Zhao Ning rubbed her forehead and couldn't help but show a trace of worry: "After the Hundred Families Gathering, the Daoist sect is also preparing for a grand ceremony. Although the latter has been handed over to the Han family, we still need to go to the Qian-Li border to provide disaster relief after winter..."

Ying Wuji couldn't help but laugh: "Brother Zhao, are you so sure that we can make money after we join forces?"

Zhao Ning shrugged: "I'm not sure, but Brother Ying's words and promises from King Qian make me have no doubt about their authenticity! Since we are going to be family, why not give it a try? I need money, and Brother Ying is afraid of being taken advantage of by Kingdom Qian. This way, we both win!"

My future wife is really straightforward, everything is a strategy.

Ying Wuji felt relieved: "Since we've come this far, if I hesitate any longer, it will make me look incompetent as a man! I can earn money, and a lot of it! Rest assured, following Brother Wuji, we can have nine meals a day! But before we start making money, I want to ask one more question. Why are you so eager to make money?"

Zhao Ning smiled and dipped her slender and fair index finger into the wine cup, then wrote a line on the table.

Establish the Great Li Academy, gather the power of the Hundred Families, and pave the way for the imperial examinations!

Ying Wuji: "..."

Even though he never believed that the imperial examinations would succeed, this idea still surprised him.

After the decline of the Jixia Academy, Kingdom Li relied on its inclusive environment and investment to turn Jiangcheng into a holy land for the Hundred Families. This Hundred Families Gathering has an unprecedented momentum. Under the drive of establishing a new religion, the Confucian, Mohist, and Legalist schools are fighting fiercely, and the Daoist sect has sent disciples to serve in the royal court.

It can be said that this is the time when the scholars of the Hundred Families most want to enter officialdom.

If the Great Li Academy established at this time can be successfully built, even the Wei and Han families will have to step back a few steps.

Of course, before the problems of the aristocratic families are resolved, it is absolutely impossible for the imperial examination system to be officially implemented.

But this move can at least snatch one-third of the official positions from the hands of the aristocratic families. And as long as the concept of "the monarch's students" becomes popular, coupled with the expansion of printing technology in education, generation after generation, the power in the hands of the monarch will also become greater and greater.

However, this move will definitely put Kingdom Li in a tense state!

Seeing him frown, Zhao Ning smiled and asked, "Brother Ying, do you think it's not feasible?"

Ying Wuji shook his head: "It's not that I think it's not feasible, but this move will definitely be opposed by the aristocratic families. To succeed, we must win over the Hundred Families. Although they regard Jiangcheng as a holy land for the Hundred Families, they may not wholeheartedly assist in this matter. And... the person in charge of this matter will definitely become the target of everyone's attacks!"

Zhao Ning smiled: "Indeed, that's why this literary gathering will definitely turn into a fierce battle! As for becoming the target... all the reforms in various countries have been achieved through bloodshed. If we can leave behind a benevolent and everlasting academy, what does it matter if I am the one shedding blood?"

"Huh?"

Ying Wuji was taken aback. Although he felt that his wife was being cool at this moment, he still became anxious: "The Crown Prince himself doesn't shed blood, but you want to shed blood. Isn't that too harsh?"

Zhao Ning choked for a moment: "Of course, Crown Prince will shed blood with me... Brother Ying! The establishment of the Great Li Academy will definitely cost a lot. The Crown Prince can afford the first installment, but it won't be easy for the subsequent ones. Our business..."

"Don't worry!"

Ying Wuji smiled: "I will prepare as soon as I go back. I will definitely earn money before the first installment is spent!"

If someone else said this, Zhao Ning would definitely not believe it.

But the person saying this is Ying Wuji. Even though she hasn't seen the specific plan, she feels strangely reliable.

She stood up with a smile: "In that case, I will return to the palace and wait for good news from Brother Ying!"

Ying Wuji reminded her: "Don't forget about the wedding! Don't worry about anything else for now, just set a date and let me meet the princess!"

Zhao Ning felt a headache coming on, and could only vaguely reply, "Rest assured, Brother Ying, I will expedite matters on my end! It's getting late, I need to report back to the Crown Prince, you should also go back and rest!"

With that, he quickly left the elegant room.

This secretive behavior, my wife is shy.

Ying Wuji reminded him from behind, "You better hurry too, if I get impatient waiting, I'll come looking for you in the palace!"

Zhao Ning stumbled and fled in panic.

......

Late at night.

Qing Jia Palace.

The queen sniffed lightly and frowned slightly, "Did you go drinking?"

Zhao Ning honestly replied, "Mother, today Ying Wuji was insistent, so I accompanied him for a few drinks!"

The queen still scolded, "Alcohol is something you should drink less of, don't forget your identity, if you get drunk and cause the fetal transformation to fail, the Kingdom Li will be in chaos!"

Zhao Ning nodded, "Mother, you are right, I will not drink again!"

The queen's expression eased slightly, "Tell me about it!"

"Yes!"

Zhao Ning respectfully nodded, and recounted the day's events in detail.

The queen's expression turned slightly stern, "The audacity of the Spirit Sect, they even reached out to the Prime Minister! Tomorrow, summon Luo Yan to the palace, give him a good grilling, and see what his situation is!"

"Yes!"

Zhao Ning nodded, then asked, "Mother, what do you think about the marriage alliance..."

"Whether it's a marriage alliance or supporting him to return to Qian, the key issue is Ying Wuji's personal talent! Ying Wuji is not lacking in talent, not only can he see through Li Caitan, but he also has strategies for amassing wealth, so a marriage alliance is indeed a better choice. However..."

The queen shook her head helplessly, "But you know the character of your sisters, who can meet Ying Wuji's requirements?"

Zhao Ning also had a headache, "How about this! Choose the most beautiful one, and then ask the king to personally issue a decree to make her the eldest princess, while at the same time controlling some of the royal business wealth?"

"That's the only way, but your father won't be able to leave the retreat for a few days, so you can wait patiently for a few days! It's getting late, I'm going back first!"

The queen stood up and walked to the door, but suddenly stopped and turned back, "Li Caitan is audacious and reckless, it's time for her to disappear. You handle the problem with the Li family, and after it's resolved, kill her! However... Li Caitan is after all Caimei's sister, you should spend more time with her these days, our Zhao family owes her too much!"

Zhao Ning's expression was somewhat complicated, but he could only nod and say, "Yes!"

After the queen left, Zhao Ning paced back and forth at the gate for a long time, but the more he paced, the more worried he became.

Only a few people in the world knew that she was a woman, and they were all insiders. If anyone was most likely to leak the secret, it would be Li Caimei, but over the years, Li Caimei had also kept the secret and had not betrayed it.

The Zhao family always felt that they owed Li Caimei, so they tried their best to make up for it, but they also had to restrict her from leaving the palace.

It's really... the more you make up for it, the more you owe!

She has the title of Crown Princess, but she can't even step out of the palace gate. Other people's Crown Princesses can play palace fights to relieve their boredom, but she doesn't even have the opportunity to play palace fights.

What's even more outrageous is that her husband is a woman.

It was fine in the early years, but as she grows older, she will definitely be criticized by the ministers for being "childless".

But I am a woman, how can I make Caimei pregnant with a dragon seed?

I already owe her too much, and now I'm planning to kill her own sister.

Zhao Ning only felt a heartache, and could only rack his brains to think of how to make her happy, but he had already given all the treasures in and out of the palace, and he couldn't think of what gift to give.

"Wait!"

Zhao Ning's eyes suddenly lit up, and he finally thought of what to give.

He quickly spread out a piece of paper, picked up the brush, and wrote five big characters on the desk: Peacock Flying Southeast!

Brother Ying!

In order to please my wife, I have to borrow flowers to offer Buddha.

Caimei has lived in the deep palace since she was a child, and she is always interested in stories outside the palace, even a broken book like "Shan Hai Gui Tan" can be read with relish.

She naturally likes this poem, Peacock Flying Southeast.

Once I'm done with my things here, I will definitely thank you.

~~~~~~~~

~~~~~~

Starting from the next chapter, the plot before the Hundred Families Banquet will enter the climax, probably for a dozen or twenty chapters, please do not hesitate to follow.

Also, everyone's reading habits are different, what one reader thinks is not toxic, another reader might think is toxic, or what the author thinks is not toxic, the reader might think is toxic.

If you feel uncomfortable with any plot, you can bring it up, as long as it does not affect the main line and character setting, the author will try to change and avoid in the future.

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This book has been on the shelf for seven days, updated 98,000 words, I feel I can shamelessly ask for a wave.

Ying Ying Ying......