"What are you doing in front of the wardrobe? Are you getting ready to go out?"

"I, I..."

Li Caimei quickly found an excuse, and her smile relaxed a bit: "I just finished practicing and felt a bit hot, so I put my outer clothes back. Your Highness, what about you..."

"Oh! I'm just getting something!"

Zhao Ning asked, "Have you finished copying the draft?!"

Li Caimei's face stiffened, and she quickly said, "Yes, I finished, I finished!"

She hurriedly took out the draft from the drawer and handed it to Zhao Ning, her expression becoming extremely strange. It's a hint to leave after giving it! But it's good that she left. It avoids everyone feeling awkward.

Zhao Ning seemed to hear Li Caimei's thoughts and smiled, saying, "I'm leaving!"

After saying that, he hurriedly left. After all, the reform was the most important matter, and he couldn't waste too much time. Li Caimei felt relieved when she saw that he didn't stay long. But then she thought, did he leave in such a hurry because he knew Ying Wuji was here and wanted to give us some space? It's too obvious, isn't it?

"Creak!" The cabinet door opened.

Ying Wuji asked, "Did he leave?"

"He left!" Li Caimei nodded.

Ying Wuji couldn't help but ask, "It seems like you don't have a good relationship with him?"

They only exchanged a few words, and he couldn't wait to leave.

Li Caimei gave him a disdainful look. Wasn't it just to make room for you? These people from the royal family, each one is so scheming.

She pursed her lips and said, "It's actually not bad, at least he will come back."

"That's true!"

Ying Wuji didn't notice the word "come back" and subconsciously nodded.

It was already good enough for the Crown Prince and the Princess to interact with each other. Moreover, he gave her a jade soap and the draft. The treatment was already quite good. Wait, the draft?

"By the way! What draft did he take?"

"..."

Li Caimei's cheeks felt a little hot. What draft? Don't you know? Looking at his curious expression, as if he really didn't know, the more she looked at him, the angrier she became. This brat is really shameless.

Ying Wuji asked in confusion, "Why is your face a bit red? Are you sick?"

"You're the one who's sick!"

"Why are you cursing at me?"

"..."

Li Caimei rubbed her head and said, "You should go back quickly, or someone will come looking for you and won't be able to find you!"

"Huh?" Ying Wuji was stunned for a moment, and suddenly seemed to think of something. He subconsciously asked, "By the way... that draft, could it be..."

Li Caimei's face instantly turned red to the base of her neck. "Do you really have to make me say it?"

Ying Wuji: "..."

For a while, his face also started to heat up. He clenched his fists tightly on the floor, feeling extremely embarrassed. This is so damn embarrassing! It feels like you were planning to have a sweet romance, but suddenly discovered that the girl you were flirting with had known all along that you were a powerful deity.

"Ah, um..." Ying Wuji stammered, unable to speak for a while. Even if you were a social genius, you wouldn't be able to handle this situation, right?

Li Caimei lightly spat, "Are you still embarrassed?"

"Goodbye!" Ying Wuji couldn't handle it and simply ran away. Invisible, underground, all in one breath.

Li Caimei stood in place for a long time, suddenly burst into laughter. She originally thought Ying Wuji was someone who would do anything to achieve his goals without changing his expression.

But now it seems that his actions must have been out of necessity. He himself... in his own words, turned out to be a coward. Look at how embarrassed he was when he ran away! But a coward is a coward. He's really a bit shameless. It's fine to give hints! But why did he have to involve his own father and the concubine? Maybe... he really hates these two people. He's also a pitiful person...

Sigh!

...

Shangmo Bookstore.

"Brother Ying!"

"Is Brother Ying here?" Zhao Ning stood with his hands behind his back. Although the draft was in the storage treasure, he still felt a bit guilty, as if Ying Wuji couldn't see it when it was behind his back.

"I'm here!" Ying Wuji's voice sounded weak. He opened the back door and glanced at her.

Zhao Ning felt a bit strange being looked at by him, so he subconsciously changed the topic, "Hey! Why do you have so much dirt on you?"

"I was looking for something!"

Ying Wuji's expression was blank.

Zhao Ning joked, "What were you looking for? Is there gold buried in your backyard?"

Ying Wuji pursed his lips, "It's nothing! It's just that I couldn't find the draft I wrote a few days ago. I don't know which stray cat took it away!"

"..."

Zhao Ning awkwardly smiled, "That's indeed quite urgent."

Ying Wuji didn't say much. After all, no matter how much he said, she might find out that he had just gone to find Tang Tang.

He changed the topic, "By the way, Brother Zhao! Why did you come here so late? What are you here for?"

"Oh!" Zhao Ning's expression became more serious. "His Majesty specially ordered me to come and invite you to discuss the matter of reform. If you don't have anything else, you should leave now! The carriage is ready for you outside!"

Saying that, she pointed to the carriage outside the courtyard.

"Really?"

Ying Wuji felt happy. He didn't really want the reform to happen because if there was no reform, the Kingdom of Li should be able to remain stable for many more years, which would be enough time for him to grow. But judging from the appearance of the Zhao father and son, it was obvious that the reform was necessary. Ying Wuji didn't want to participate in the practical part of the reform because it would only attract hatred, and it was a life and death grudge. But participating in the theoretical part had no disadvantages. He didn't expect King Li and the Prime Minister to listen to him completely, but as long as one sentence was adopted, he would gain a solid position, and there was one thing he planned to accomplish using this opportunity.At first, he knew that Zhao Ji would not trust him so easily. But now, it seems that the Crown Prince and Zhao Ling have made their move. When Zhao Ning went to find Tang Tang just now, it should have been to let Zhao Ling deliver a message and return the draft. Great! I'm going to pour a cup now.

Ying Wuji smiled and grabbed Zhao Ning's wrist. "Thank you for not abandoning me. Let's set off now!"

"Hey hey hey!"

Zhao Ning quickly said, "Ying brother, you go first. I still have something to take care of, I'll catch up later!"

Ying Wuji looked her up and down and nodded. "Alright, hurry up! Xin ge, let's go to the palace!"

"Okay!"

Zhao Xin immediately came out of the house and happily got on the carriage with Ying Wuji.

"Take care, Ying brother!"

Zhao Ning waved to him and quickly returned to the courtyard, sneaking towards the study. She patted her chest and reminded herself to be steady in her actions and not do anything reckless because of some perverse interests. Fortunately, Ying brother didn't suspect her. She found the drawer where she took the book that day and quietly put the draft back. Great! After closing the drawer, even if Ying brother suspects in the future, she can deny it.

Closing the drawer and turning around, she saw a face with a smile that wasn't really a smile. Ying Wuji was grinding his teeth. "Zhao brother! What are you doing?"

The murderer has been found! After all, being socially dead is still being dead! Behind him, Zhao Xin helplessly covered his eyes.

Zhao Ning panicked. "This, this, this... I..."

Ying Wuji sneered. "Did Zhao brother just distract me to return the stolen draft?"

"This..." Although Zhao Ning is usually quick-witted, it's difficult for her to not feel embarrassed when caught red-handed.

But she quickly reacted and smiled politely. "Haha, Ying brother, please don't be angry. It's mainly because I'm too obsessed with 'Liaozhai', and when I saw it in the study that day, I couldn't help but want to borrow it. I didn't consider it well, please forgive me, Ying brother!"

After saying these words, she felt a little relieved. After all, borrowing a book is not a heinous act. Ying brother is so magnanimous, he shouldn't hold it against her, right? Unexpectedly...

Ying Wuji looked at her with a strange gaze. "Obsessed with 'Liaozhai'? So you've finished reading it?"

"I've finished reading it, of course!"

Zhao Ning said with a straight face. After speaking, she glanced at Ying Wuji and felt that his gaze was extremely complicated. His eyes were conflicted, and his expression was somewhat fierce. Just like those fools who couldn't solve mathematical problems in front of the bookstore this morning. Ying Wuji is now angry and wants to find a hole to hide in.

Damn it! Both possible marriage partners know that I write explicit stories.

His voice trembled. "After you finished reading it, who did you give it to?"

"No one..."

Ying Wuji's voice was dry. "If you only read it yourself, you could have read it in my study. I would have given you a chance to reorganize your thoughts."

Zhao Ning didn't know why he was so agitated, but it seemed difficult to explain. She could only uncertainly say, "Crown Prince?"

Ying Wuji: "..."

Alright! The investigation results are clear. From Zhao Ling to the Crown Prince, and then through the Crown Prince's hands to Tang Tang. Great! Everyone in my father-in-law's family knows that I'm a big shot on Pornhub.

"Ying brother, are you okay?" Zhao Ning felt a little guilty. Although it's not a big deal, judging from Ying Wuji's reaction, she feels guilty.

Ying Wuji forced a smile. "I'm fine! Let's go to the palace!"

With that, he put his arm around Zhao Ning's neck. The sudden intimate contact made Zhao Ning tense all over, but in her guilty state, she couldn't refuse. She could only follow him like a puppet and get on the carriage.

"Ying, Ying brother! Are you really okay?"

"What could be wrong? We're brothers. Borrowing a book is nothing, right, good brother?"

Ying Wuji chuckled and didn't let go of his arm. He even exhaled some hot air. In your eyes, I'm already a pervert. Then I might as well show you how perverted I can be.

A gust of hot wind blew towards Zhao Ning, and she felt her ears burning and her heart pounding. She didn't understand why just taking some drafts would make her feel so guilty.

"It seems that the drafts are more important to scholars than I imagined."

"I won't do anything stupid next time!"

Zhao Ning clenched her hands, supported her knees, and lamented in her heart. Ying Wuji also felt a bit annoyed seeing her like this. You look like a timid little rabbit, but why do you keep doing more and more outrageous things? It's one thing to read it yourself, but you also brought it back for the Crown Prince to see. In another world, you would be charged with spreading obscene materials. But do you know? The little bear biscuits you stole for the Crown Prince, he gave them to someone else. For a moment, Ying Wuji couldn't figure out which princess the Crown Prince valued more.

Both the Zhaos with the surname Zhao have problems, liking to share explicit stories? But come to think of it, the Yings with the surname Ying also have problems, liking to write explicit stories. Soon, they arrived at the palace.

Ying Wuji didn't continue to trouble her and jumped off the carriage directly. Zhao Ning finally breathed a sigh of relief and tried to calm her restless heartbeat. The two walked side by side, with Zhao Xin following behind, and entered the palace together.

Chongli Palace, side hall.

"Your Majesty!"

"Father!"

Both of them bowed respectfully.

Zhao Ji looked in good spirits and waved at them with a smile. "Come and sit here!"

In front of him was a table of moderate size, filled with fruits and pastries. He was not wearing royal robes, but a short robe commonly worn by wanderers. Seeing the two sitting opposite him.Zhao Ji smiled and poured a cup of wine for Ying Wuji: "Wuji! Speaking of which, your father and I were good friends. I haven't taken care of your life during your time in Jiangcheng. This cup is my apology as your uncle!"

"No! It should be me toasting to my father-in-law!"

Ying Wuji behaved obediently, but he secretly thought that these kings were all so practical. He used to think that he was just a tool to balance the Kingdom of Qian, so why bother taking care of a useless person like him? But he didn't hold any grudges because this world was already very realistic. Zhao Ji was busy with his affairs, and he couldn't expect him to take care of someone who was of no use.

"Ding!"

They clinked their glasses and finished the drink.

Zhao Ji glanced at Ying Wuji's appearance and sighed: "You and your father really look alike, and your experiences in your youth are similar too! My father, the king, appreciated him back then and wanted to make him a son-in-law so that the Great Li could have another talented general. Unfortunately, he refused."

Ying Wuji pursed his lips: "That's because there was no son of Zhuanxu's bloodline awakening in the Kingdom of Qian at that time, otherwise, he would have raised a child here long ago."

"Hahaha!"

Zhao Ji couldn't help but stroke his beard and laugh: "You're quite frank! Speaking of which, I have to thank Ying Wuque. Otherwise, I wouldn't have known where to find such a precious son-in-law."

I also thank Ying Wuque. Ying Wuji silently complained in his heart as he poured another cup of wine for Zhao Ji. The two of them clinked their glasses again. Zhao Ji drank happily and talked a lot. Soon, he started reminiscing about the past like an ordinary elder, with Ying Yue appearing in most of the stories.

Including when he ascended the throne, how Ying Yue helped him. When he was assassinated, how Ying Yue protected him. Even when he pursued the queen, how Ying Yue served as his assistant.

"He knows about this?"

Ying Wuji was somewhat surprised.

Zhao Ji waved his hand and smiled: "Don't underestimate your father. When he was young, he was also skilled in the arts of love. Lin Qing, Ying Wuque's mother, was once one of his many lovers. After your father returned to the Kingdom of Qian, Lin Qing disappeared. I didn't expect that many years later, he would bring back an adult child."

"Cough..."

Ying Wuji choked on his drink. Could it be that Zhao Ji also knew about the explicit texts?

Zhao Ji didn't bother mentioning these gossip news. When Ying Wuji stopped coughing, he asked with a smile that was not a smile: "Wuji! How do you think I compare to your father?"

"Is he even worthy of comparing to you?"

Ying Wuji pursed his lips, one was his real father-in-law, the other was a fake father.

Zhao Ji asked, "Really?"

"Really, couldn't be more real!"

Ying Wuji nodded in agreement: "In my life, the most secure I've felt is in the past two days. That old bastard... the old King of Qian, let's not mention him. His mind is filled with his agricultural and military nation. Let him do whatever he wants!"

Hearing him vent, Zhao Ji finally showed a satisfied smile. On the night he left seclusion, Zhao Ning told him about the Qian Kingdom Embassy. At first, he didn't fully believe it. But today, when he heard Ying Wuji casually mention "old bastard," he completely believed it. He trusted his own judgment and was certain that Ying Wuji's gratitude and disappointment were not an act.

"Good lad!"

Zhao Ji patted his shoulder and laughed heartily: "From now on, you are a member of our Li Kingdom's royal family. You no longer have to endure the frustrations from those despicable things!"

"You're right!"

Ying Wuji poured two more cups of wine: "I toast to you!"

They clinked their glasses again.

Zhao Ji smiled with satisfaction, then sighed deeply.

Ying Wuji knew that the serious matter was about to be discussed: "Father, is there something that worries you?"

"Ah!"

Zhao Ji rubbed his knees and sighed with emotion: "Seeing your father in the Kingdom of Qian, getting fat and strong through reforms, makes me envious! Zhao Ling, explain it to your brother Wu!"

"Yes!"

Zhao Ning remembered his identity as an outstanding member of the royal family and should play a full role in explaining.

After a detailed explanation, he explained the current direction, difficulties, and solutions of the reforms.

Zhao Ji smiled faintly: "Wuji! Ning'er once said that if it weren't for you suggesting the 'imperial examination,' he wouldn't have thought of using the Li Kingdom Academy to support the reforms. Although you haven't been involved in politics, you often come up with insightful ideas. So, why don't you share your thoughts on this reform?"

Ying Wuji smiled: "To be honest with you, I still believe that the Li Kingdom is the least suitable country for reforms. But since you have made up your mind, as a member of the royal family, I should do my best to help!

I think all the problems that Brother Zhao mentioned about the reforms hit the nail on the head.

If we use a domineering strategy, we can indeed find a glimmer of hope in desperate situations."

Zhao Ji's expression turned sour. He himself thought that the success rate was less than 20%. But when it came to Ying Wuji, it became a glimmer of hope in desperate situations.

Ying Wuji asked, "Father! May I ask, if you go all out, how many positions can you free up from the royal family to allow the students of the academy to fully display their talents?"

Zhao Ji thought for a moment and gave a conservative number: "Five hundred!"

If it was just official positions, the number would definitely be higher. But those positions without real power, such as sergeants and corporals, couldn't catch the attention of the scholars, so they shouldn't be counted. Squeezing out five hundred real positions from the royal family was already close to the limit.

Ying Wuji smirked: "Emptying the royal family, it might be fine for one or two years, but in a few years, it will definitely rebound. And to make the scholars wholeheartedly settle in the academy, the number probably needs to be doubled."

One thousand?

Zhao Ji's expression turned unpleasant. Even if he squeezed out all the members of the royal family, he couldn't come up with a thousand real positions.He subconsciously glanced at Zhao Ning and thought to himself that this Ning'er kept saying that Ying Wuji was talented, but he turned out to be just a big talker.

Zhao Ning was also puzzled, not knowing how Wuji came up with this idea.

Wuji seemed to have not noticed the expressions of the two and continued to talk confidently, "In addition, the Zhao clan is indeed the most powerful family in the Great Li, but no matter how powerful they are, they cannot be enemies with all the noble families. I think we should divide and win them over. As long as we tie them to the Zhao clan's ship, even if the Wei and Han families dislike the reforms, they will have to tolerate it."

"Well, how do we divide and win them over?"

Zhao Ji asked cooperatively, but his attitude was somewhat indifferent.

Wuji smiled and said, "In the past, the feudal lords appointed by Duke Wen all became famous noble families. But after conflicts among themselves, except for the royal family, only the Wei, Han, and Li families remained. Among them, the Li family's position relies on marriage alliances, and they don't have much land themselves.

As for the other small clans, their land is much less than the Li family's, and they are trembling in fear between the royal family and the Wei and Han families.

In other words, they are not even secure in their own land.

They definitely wouldn't want to abolish the system of hereditary nobility, but if we promise them benefits, they might offer the management rights of their land to the court."

"Oh? That's interesting. Please explain in detail."

Zhao Ji's eyes lit up slightly, but only slightly.

Wuji smiled and said, "As I mentioned earlier, if we can create a thousand official positions, the Great Li Academy will definitely be established. At that time, the distribution of official positions will be handed over to the examination prepared by the teachers. We will divide the students into ordinary students and direct disciples. In name, the opportunities for official positions will be equal, but everyone knows that the chances for direct disciples to become officials are greater.

We will reserve the quota for direct disciples for those small clans. As long as they offer a vacant official position to the court, they can receive double or even triple the quota for direct disciples. At the same time, we will secretly spread some ideas of Wei and Han being ruthless, and I believe many small clans will be willing to do this.

Not only that, we can even use their geographical location to make them a channel for absorbing refugees from Wei and Han."

"Not bad!"

Zhao Ji's expression eased slightly. The Great Li rarely engaged in external warfare, but the military within the country was not idle. Many small clans had already disappeared under the conflicts among the three major families. Once the credibility of the selection system of the academy officials was established, for them, it was better to exchange their uncertain land for a brighter future. With such promises, there should be many small clans willing to do so, and by serving as officials in a different place, they could quickly integrate their land.

Under the division and win strategy, the pressure faced by the royal family could indeed be minimized.

But... Zhao Ji rubbed his forehead and couldn't help but ask, "So, where do you expect me to get these thousand official positions?"

This was the fundamental question! If Wuji continued to talk about these thousand official positions without any concrete plans, he wasn't sure if he could refrain from hitting him.

Wuji didn't answer, but asked another question, "Father, you previously wanted to implement land reforms in Zhao, in order to attract the refugees from Wei and Han. Is there enough land?"

Zhao Ji frowned slightly, "If iron farming tools are popularized, it won't be enough!"

The ironworking technology of the Great Li was leading among the lords of the world. They had once allowed the use of iron farming tools for a period of time in an attempt to increase food production.

However, it was later discovered that the commoners who obtained iron farming tools did not become more actively engaged in farming. Instead, they tended to reclaim uncultivated land on their own.

This raised the alarm among the nobles, so they quickly imposed a ban on iron tools and suppressed private land.

This also meant that even though the widespread use of iron farming tools could allow one person to cultivate several times more land, they still didn't lift the ban on iron tools because it would weaken the interests of the nobles. This included the Zhao clan.

The reforms in various countries ultimately revolved around the issue of land. Among the Legalist schools of thought, there were different ideas, but the two things that would never change were the abolition of hereditary nobility and the reform of land. Zhao Ji's implementation of land reforms would inevitably provoke dissatisfaction from the royal family, but he was already prepared to kill within the royal family. However, if iron farming tools were popularized, the upper limit of cultivated land would definitely increase several times. If they only relied on the land reforms in Zhao, it would not be enough.

"In that case..."

Wuji finally smiled and pointed to a spot on the map on the table.

"Kingdom Di!"

Zhao Ji exclaimed, his eyes shining brightly.

The Barbarians were in the west, and Kingdom Di was in the north.

Coincidentally, Zhao was located in the northernmost part of Li, and the development focus of the Zhao clan had always been in the north. The horsemanship of the Great Li was also learned from the cavalry of Kingdom Di.

The two countries had fought each other several times, and the Zhao clan had gained some benefits, but most of them were just superficial. They had never thought of immigrating and settling there.

Because the cavalry of Kingdom Di had always been strong, simply guiding refugees to occupy land would be like sending people and food to Kingdom Di. To occupy land, they would have to build at least three cities to guard the strategic areas, but building cities required two conditions: first, to subdue Kingdom Di, and second, it required a huge amount of money.

For the Zhao clan, it was not easy to achieve either of these conditions.

Not to mention the money.

In terms of military strength, if the Zhao clan's army were to be fully mobilized, they could definitely subdue Kingdom Di, but what about the Wei and Han families who were watching closely within the country?

Furthermore, if Kingdom Di was destroyed, the suppression of Kingdom Qian would be reduced by a notch.

But now it was different...

In recent years, both Kingdom Qian and Kingdom Di had been weakened by the wars and it would be difficult for them to recover in a short period of time. It was the perfect time to send troops. And as long as the soap business succeeded, it wouldn't be impossible to build three cities.Ying Wuji smiled and said, "Moreover, once the Great Li Academy is established, we can easily hire a large number of Mo Family craftsmen. The strength and cost of building the city will be even better than expected. By occupying a large area, we can completely free ourselves from the constraints of the aristocratic families and establish the New Li County, attracting refugees to establish private land ownership and directly adopt the reform of Kingdom Qian.

As long as the special administrative region is large enough, there will be no shortage of official positions. In addition to the positions vacated by Zhao Tu, it will be enough to attract the Great Li Academy.

Within ten years, the power of the royal family will increase several times over.

Zhao Ji couldn't help but applaud and laugh. All his prejudices against Ying Wuji had disappeared. Although there were still a few major problems that had not been solved, the feasibility was much better than his own.

【Hint】: Emotion fluctuation value exceeds 90, randomly obtain the special secret technique "Zhuanxu Blood Ignition Technique".

Great! The core technique of the Zhao family has been revealed. It can accelerate cultivation speed during daily blood ignition and double combat power during battles. When the Qian and Ying families split, they were all envious of this secret technique, but they couldn't take it away. This is a big profit!

Zhao Ning's eyes also lit up, but he stole a glance at Zhao Ji, with a hint of hidden worry in his eyes.

If everything goes smoothly for ten years, it would be great. But Zhao Ji's lifespan...

There will definitely be unexpected changes during this period.

But when he thought about it, no matter what, there will always be unexpected changes. What Ying Wuji said was already the best solution.

Zhao Ji felt joyful in his heart, but still asked, "What do you think are the problems with this strategy?"

"There are two points!"

Ying Wuji's expression also became serious. "First, our plan is well thought out, but for the scholars of the Hundred Schools, it's just empty promises. It may be difficult to see the actual benefits in a short period of time. In the early stages, we can only use Zhao Tu's official positions to entice them.

Secondly, although the Jixia Academy was once prosperous, it declined after the Tian family tried to make it a vassal of the clan. All the students of the academy could only serve in Qi. Now, although the Great Li is known as the Holy Land of the Hundred Schools, it is actually just a reputation built on money. There are not many things that truly convince the Hundred Schools.

Therefore, persuading the scholars of the Hundred Schools to settle in the academy is still a big problem."

Zhao Ji nodded in agreement. "What about the second point?"

If it weren't for the decline of the Jixia Academy, the Great Li might not even have the reputation of being the "Holy Land of the Hundred Schools".

Gaining the trust of the scholars of the Hundred Schools is indeed a problem.

"Secondly..."

Ying Wuji's expression also became serious. "First, the Kingdom Di is currently at its weakest. This territorial war cannot be delayed. We must seize strategic locations through lightning-fast battles and build fortresses and defense works before the Kingdom Di recovers! But to win a lightning-fast battle, we will definitely need a considerable number of troops. If we send too few troops, the guerrilla warfare may not succeed. If we send too many troops, Wei Huan and Han Zhe will definitely take action. Both of them have many talented individuals. When they see our troops, they will definitely realize the threat. If they become anxious and launch a joint attack on Zhao Tu, it will be dangerous."

Zhao Ji frowned. "That's right! Do you have a solution?"

Ying Wuji pursed his lips. "I do have one, but it's difficult to implement."

"Tell me!"

"Let Kingdom Qian train troops on the Qian-Li border to deter the Wei Wu Corps."

Zhao Ji looked as if he had expected this. He had the same idea as Ying Wuji, but there was still a worried expression on his face. "If this can be done, it would be the best. If the Great Li can defeat the Kingdom Di in one fell swoop, it would naturally be a good thing for Kingdom Qian. But the Great Li itself is an even greater threat."

Ying Wuji also felt worried. "My father, the King of Qian, is crazy. He believes that as long as he follows the strategy of agriculture and warfare, Kingdom Qian will be invincible. The special administrative region will need at least ten years to develop. If Kingdom Qian cooperates with us in the jade soap business, their national strength may not develop slower than ours. As long as he is crazy enough, it is not impossible for him to help us."

At the end, even he felt a bit uneasy.

He added, "I will try my best to persuade him!"

"I have a close relationship with him and can also try."

Zhao Ji looked at the night outside the hall, his eyes filled with longing.

Try.

It can only be called "try".

For such a major matter, even he was not very confident.

He shook his head. "As for the academy, I can send someone to negotiate!"

Ying Wuji smiled. "Can I go and listen? I heard from Zhao Ling that the Crown Prince has invited many influential scholars because of the academy. I have admired them for a long time and would like to meet them in advance."

"Of course!"

Zhao Ji smiled faintly. "When the time comes, you can accompany Zhao Ling and me. However, the interests involved in this matter are quite complex. You don't have a deep understanding of the internal interests of the Great Li, so you must be cautious."

"Of course!"

Ying Wuji smiled.

He definitely wouldn't interfere with the reform, but he must have a say in the academy's affairs.

If it can be achieved, it will be the core of the Li Kingdom's official appointments for a long time to come, and it may even become the center of the Hundred Schools.

It must not be easily given up.

Moreover... the scholars of the Hundred Schools are not ordinary people, and the students of the Hundred Schools are spread throughout the world. If they don't provoke them, who will they provoke?

After listening to Ying Wuji's reform plan, Zhao Ji felt a sense of relief. He looked at Ying Wuji with increasing satisfaction, but for the time being, he couldn't think of any rewards for him. After thinking for a while, he asked, "Where do you want to build the Marquis Mansion? How big should it be?"

Ying Wuji couldn't help but smile. "As long as it's close to my wife's family, I'm afraid the princess will miss her family if it's too far away. As for the size, it's up to you, Father. As long as the princess can live comfortably!"Zhao Ji: "......"

He choked for a moment, didn't expect this kid to dare to make conditions.

Living close to the maternal family, isn't that right next to the royal palace? This is a place where only top nobles can live.

And he just wants the princess to live comfortably?

He's asking for a lot!

Zhao Ji shook his head and smiled, "You're considerate, always thinking about the princess. Alright! Go back home and wait, I will give you a satisfactory answer within three days!"

"Thank you, Father King!"

Ying Wuji smiled, and he had to admit that his father-in-law was much more generous than his father.

They were both from the older generation, so why was there such a big difference?

Zhao Ji glanced at him with disdain, then said, "Zhao Ling! Take him out of the palace!"

"Yes!"

Zhao Ning nodded and bid farewell to Ying Wuji.

She had always believed that Ying Wuji could come up with amazing ideas, but she didn't expect his plan to be so perfect.

Although the remaining two challenges were still difficult to overcome, it was much better than the previous dangerous adventures.

After leaving the palace and getting on the carriage, she couldn't help but look at Ying Wuji and asked, "Ying Brother! How did you come up with this plan?"

To be honest, she was truly amazed by this elaborate plan.

Although they would still face extremely difficult struggles, they could already see hope.

Ying Wuji smirked, "Do you want to know?"

Zhao Ning nodded, "Yes!"

Ying Wuji looked serious, "It's a long story. How about we have a candlelit conversation tonight and talk until we fall asleep?"

【Essence】+7

【Energy】+7

【Spirit】+6

Zhao Ning looked a bit flustered, "A candlelit conversation is fine, but we don't have to sleep together, right? My place is close to the bookstore, I can just go back and sleep!"

What a coward!

He was so enthusiastic about reading those explicit texts, but now he was scared when it came to the real thing?

Ying Wuji laughed, "So you're not open-minded anymore? Is it because you don't get along well with me?"

"No!"

Zhao Ning shook her head repeatedly, unable to find a reason, so she could only say, "I, I'm not used to sleeping with men."

Ying Wuji wanted to say something else.

But Zhao Ning couldn't take it anymore. Now that she recalled the feeling of Ying Wuji hugging her when they entered the palace, she felt panicked and uncomfortable. She jumped off the carriage directly.

"Ying Brother! I suddenly remembered that I have something to do!"

"Tsk..."

Ying Wuji sneered.

But then he suddenly heard Zhao Xin's voice from beside him, "Lord Husband, I can actually sleep with men."

Ying Wuji: "???"

He looked at the long spear that Zhao Xin carried with him and jumped out of the carriage through the window.

"Xin Ge, I suddenly remembered that I forgot to tell Zhao Ling something. You go back to the bookstore first!"

"..."

Zhao Xin scratched his head, thinking that it was strange for a military man like him to sleep with men.

...

The next morning.

Ying Wuji woke up early, washed up casually, and went to the courtyard.

Last night, the plan for reform was successful. The Great Li's academy also had a chance to intervene. He even obtained a residence close to the royal palace. Waking up this morning, he felt extremely comfortable.

But as soon as he arrived in the courtyard, he saw someone sitting there, and his toes instinctively clenched the ground.

"Zhao Brother, you're here so early?"

Just thinking about his embarrassing situation of being exposed as a pervert, he felt uncomfortable all over.

"Ying Brother, good morning! The Confucian, Mohist, Legalist, and Military scholars who will preside over the Hundred Schools Gathering today have arrived. The welcoming platform has been built outside the city of Jiangcheng. Do you want to watch the ceremony together?"

Huh?

Ying Wuji was a bit surprised because last night he had trouble falling asleep and recalled Zhao Ning's gaze, which didn't seem like she was looking at a pervert.

Her attitude today was also so natural...

Could it be that she didn't actually see the explicit texts?

How strange!

"Then let's watch the ceremony together!"

Ying Wuji nodded, then changed the subject and asked, "By the way, Zhao Brother! I'm not very satisfied with the draft of the new stories from Liao Zhai. Can you give me some suggestions?"

"Huh? Suggestions?"

Zhao Ning was taken aback for a moment, but quickly reacted and said firmly, "Ying Brother, you must be overthinking. The draft of the new stories from Liao Zhai has beautiful language, profound meaning, and deep philosophical thoughts. It is a masterpiece that is no less than the previous volumes. What is there to be unsatisfied about?"

"In that case..."

Ying Wuji finally felt relieved.

So he was just a fake fan!

That's what I thought!

The younger generation of the Zhao family couldn't possibly be as perverted as him.

Perhaps only Tang Tang truly read the explicit texts.

Ying Wuji was quite troubled. Should he stop worrying about it and just focus on Tang Tang?

After all, Zhao Brother was a bit clueless and serious every day.

Tang Tang probably thought he was a pervert now, but she didn't seem to mind.

When they got married in the future, he would let her experience even more perverted things, so she wouldn't think that writing explicit texts was so perverted.

"Ying Brother, what are you thinking?"

"Nothing!"

Ying Wuji glanced at the waiter who was approaching with a tray and smiled as he pressed Zhao Ning onto the stone stool, "Let's have breakfast together!"

"Hey!"

Zhao Ning felt that Ying Wuji seemed more normal today, and she secretly breathed a sigh of relief before sitting down.

Just as they were about to eat, they heard a knock on the door.

"Who is it?"

"It's me! Your brother Jiang!"

"Come in!"

Ying Wuji opened the courtyard door and indeed saw Jiang Taiyuan standing there.

He was dressed in extremely exquisite clothing, which didn't match his rough temperament.

Jiang Taiyuan chuckled, "Ying little brother! Today, both your father-in-law and I are the welcoming officials. But I have one more seat for the ceremony than him. Call me brother, and I'll give you the seat!"

"Brother, you are my real brother!"Ying Wuji had no interest in the ceremonial platform, but he had a good impression of Jiang Taiyuan, so he pulled him over: "Let's go together later, but first, let's have breakfast!"

"Oh! The young master of the Zhao family is here too!"

Jiang Taiyuan curiously looked at Zhao Ning: "I see you have an extraordinary energy, you must be a young talent of the Zhao family. I haven't talked about Zhou Tianzi's nightmares for three hours, do you want to hear it?"

Zhao Ning: "..."

This novel is available on "pawread.com".

To be honest, he was a bit unsure about Jiang Taiyuan, so he politely declined.

However, Jiang Taiyuan was a bit too familiar and was ready to talk anyway.

Zhao Ning was a bit helpless: "Brother Jiang! You are the music director of the Zhou royal court, isn't it inappropriate for you to make up stories about Zhou Tianzi?"

"That's no fun!"

Jiang Taiyuan awkwardly touched his nose, no longer brought up the topic, and started talking about other things.

After breakfast, the three of them took a carriage to the outskirts of Jiaocheng.

The grand ceremonial platform had been built. Although there was still some time before the arrival of the four masters, there were already many scholars from various families waiting here. The outskirts of the city were unusually bustling, even more so than the city itself.

Jiang Taiyuan walked ahead, cheerfully greeting this person and that person, like a social butterfly.

When he met someone of status, he would introduce them to Ying Wuji.

It was unknown how this senior brother of the Yang Zhu school had cultivated his path, but he seemed to know many noble families.

"Tian Wenjing!"

Hearing Jiang Taiyuan's voice, Ying Wuji looked up again. Was he about to introduce someone new?

But this time, there were no pleasantries before the introduction, it was clear that they were acquaintances.

Brother Jiang's friends are my friends.

Ying Wuji was ready to join in the fun.

Then he heard Jiang Taiyuan's loud voice: "Tian Wenjing, my Gan Lin mother!"